As of today, every major conference will be underway with their postseason tournament, including the Big XII. Today's action includes #8 Iowa State vs. #9 Oklahoma, #5 Texas Tech vs. #12 Colorado, #7 Oklahoma State vs. #10 Nebraska, and #6 Missouri vs. #11 Baylor. First game (ISU-OU) tips at 11:30 a.m.
Day One in the Big East tournament saw all the favorites advance - Marquette survived St. Johns, West Virginia shot past Providence, Syracuse took care of UConn, and Villanova beat DePaul. Things get interesting in New York City this morning, as Villanova takes on conference champion Georgetown at 11:00 a.m. No bubbles burst just yet, but Syracuse would love another win (though they're almost certainly in now), while West Virginia probably has to upset Louisville to stay relevant.
Mack Brown spoke to the press one more time before spring break. Mack noted that this team lacks the experience of some of his teams from recent years past, but that there's as much, or more, depth than there ever has been. Interesting distinction.
We also learned that the players were required to invite their favorite faculty member to watch practice, after which they'd all join up for a big team/faculty dinner. We probably don't praise Mack Brown enough for the little things like this that he does. Like every coach, he's not perfect, but he does so many good things with the kids that reflect well on the program and university. I think a lot of fans forget that. (Or don't care.)
The awards keep piling up for Kevin Durant, as yesterday the National Association of Basketball Coaches named him to its first team All America selections. I believe the Wooden Award is announced on Selection Sunday, and I won't be surprised when Kevin receives the biggest award of them all.
If you missed it below, it's time to start registering for the BON NCAA Tournament Chalennge. Click through for instructions.
Later today: the Texas Basketball Report.
--PB--