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Showing posts with label NCAA Basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCAA Basketball. Show all posts
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Basketball Christmas is here!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Thoughts on the NCAA
Hip hop, hooray! Ho! Hey! Ho! Smooth it out now. Coming to you LIVE from la casa de Logical Betting awaiting the first pitch of Phils/Giants. Got the earplugs in just in case this game goes bad for the Phils and the wife starts cursing up a storm, and ARG is upstairs going for her third straight “sleep through the night,” and the fifth in her young career (Ed. Sunday Note: She fell just short, needed another two hours, but 8 ½ was a solid effort. She had it if she went to bed her normal time, but she crashed last night). I, of course, just jinxed that, but won’t have to worry about the wife getting pissed about it cause she doesn’t read the blog. Tonight, we will unofficially be brought to you by Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse, where I have never eaten, but it was the first thing with “Texas” in it I could think of as I watch the end of Game 2 of Ys/Rangers.
Want to chat with you fine people about ye old NCAA, the organization, not the sports. Oh, and fair warning, I haven’t quite started drinking yet, and my posts are generally better as I work my way through a couple bottles. So if you want more ranting and cursing about the NCAA, scroll down. If you want “intelligent” sports talk, proceed.
I grew up in college sports heaven, smack in the middle of Big Ten country, when Michigan football was a national contender, Michigan State basketball was on its way towards a still-going, unprecedented string of Final Four appearances (yes, I do root for Sparty hoops. Not over Michigan, mind you, but way too many friends who went to State and too much respect for Izzo not to. And yes, I know that my Sparty friends would slit their throats before rooting for Michigan. It’s all good). And the metro Detroit area has its share of N**** D*** fans who have no affiliation to the school or the South Bend area, most notably, Fah T. We even had good college hockey in our area.
College sports fandom is different from the pros. It is, without a doubt, 99% passion from the fans and athletes. There is just something a little more special about your college team winning a title than your pro teams. Maybe it’s the odds of winning being so low, the difficulty in “building” a contender, who knows. But it is sports fandom at its most pure.
Then there’s the organization running college sports, which may be the most hypocritical and strangely run successful business in the country. And don’t let them tell you it’s not a business, by the way, cause it is. Like most things in life, if something doesn’t make sense (like many things the NCAA does and says), then someone somewhere with a lot of power is making a lot of jack. Take the new “Super Conferences” in college football. Why do you think all these schools are willing to break years of traditions and rivalries to join a new conference, in many cases way out of their geographic area (e.g., Colorado in the Pac 10, Nebraska in the Big 12, and in college hoops, schools like Marquette and DePaul in the Big East)? Let’s see, the Big Ten has its own TV deal, looks like the Pac 10 will, too, and the Big Ten is host to some of the biggest stadiums in the country. Can you say, payday?
The NCAA does a lot of things I really don’t get, most around football. Big story in Sports Illustrated this week about agents giving college kids cash, to which my first thought was, “and?” By the way, I know it was awhile ago, but how about Reggie Bush giving his Heisman back, then continuing to insist he was innocent and that giving it back was not an admission of guilt. OOOOOOOKAAAAAAAY, Reggie, and Pete Carroll just left because it was time to explore new opportunities. Who cares, dude, just admit it. Sorry… alright, so back to my original thought (beers are open!), time to list the most peculiar and stupid things the NCAA has going for it right now, with the caveat of I love college sports, and just wish they would take it to the next level.
1. The BCS – Yeah, I’m gonna beat down the whipping boy, too. At this point, I think even the NCAA presidents know it’s a bit ridiculous to say this is a good way to determine a champion, but what I really don’t get are their main arguments against changing it: a. Too many days out of class for the student athletes, b. the integrity of the bowl system, and c. importance of the regular season. Let’s break it down one more level…
a. Ummm, didn’t you just expand the NCAA tournament by another 32 teams? Doesn’t that take about 475 kids out of class a little longer? And doesn’t that tournament take place partially during the week, and right towards the end of the spring semester, whereas most important bowls take place during the winter break, and could easily be scheduled on the weekends like football games are now? And don’t a lot of regular season basketball games take place during the week over a longer period of time than college football? How does that make any sense? Oh wait, teams make boo-ku cash for going to meaningless bowls, sponsors make boo-ku cash sponsoring meaningless bowls, and the NCAA makes extra cash from all the TV and sponsorship deals. In other words, the current system works just fine for them and the presidents.
b. The only game that matters anymore is the BCS championship. If you can explain to me how that keeps the bowl system integrified or integral or whatever, I’m all ears.
c. I agree. It’s important that every major school now schedules at least on D-II school, that the University of Florida has not played an out of conference game out of the state of Florida in something like 7 years, and that one loss now pretty much kills your chances of winning the title. The regular season would still mean something, and there would still be debate cause you’d have teams fighting for the last playoff spot. Makes… no… sense. Scrap it. Use the bowls for your playoff. That plus-one idea is f-ing dumb, it’s just adding one more game for us to despise. Play. Off. Playoff. Do it.
2. Punishing schools for coach’s violations – This really speaks to the unfairness of life. Say you’re an 18 year old kid from the inner city, and you happen to be a star basketball player or football player. Coach Calipari, for example, comes to you and offers you not only the chance for a spot in the Final Four at Memphis, but also the chance to get a full ride degree that all but guarantees you and your family a ticket out of a crappy life. Then, said d-bag coach realizes he’s gonna get caught cheating, which is really shocking since it’s only happened to him a couple times before, then leaves for another school, where he promptly begins cheating (probably), and ditches you and Memphis to deal with years of sanctions and probation. So you lose your shot at the Final Four, and hopefully don’t lose all motivation to continue with school.
This is the same story at USC this year, and countless other places. The simple, oft proposed solution? Punish the coach, not the school. In other words, if you’re Kentucky, and you hire Calipari, you get his probation, sanctions, banishment from tournament play, etc. Any school that hires Pete Carroll, same deal. Makes sense, right? But, wait! What about Kentucky cashing in on all this? What about all the cash the NCAA could make in merchandise and ticket sales? Potential extra sponsorship revenue on the TV side? Well… Mr. Calipari just made a mistake, so I guess he can go to Kentucky. Sorry, not-as-big-a-market-or-school Memphis.
Seriously, this has to stop. It’s not fair. It’s dumb. It makes no sense. You could do it starting tomorrow. But then, the NCAA would have to deal with our final topic…
3. The kids are getting paid – Stunning, I know. There are so many ways for universities to funnel cash to players, it’s almost dumb to investigate it anymore. You have everything from kids “working” at car dealerships to direct payments to family or “friends.” And honestly, what can the NCAA even do about it? For every one they catch, you know there are at least 10, 12, 50, probably hundreds more getting paid. And, other than the fact it’s cheating, there isn’t much drawback for the NCAA itself. It’s better for them to get the best athletes to the biggest schools. But if they really wanted to solve the problem, then do the controversial thing:
Pay the players. Think about how much cash the basketball and football players bring into schools, and how they essentially fund a lot of the smaller sports. There was a great story in a book about the Fab Five where Chris Webber had to give food back at a fast food restaurant because he didn’t have enough cash (though, to counter, he did grow up in a decent family and probably could have had more cash), while the university was profiting hard off him and the rest of the Fab Five. Determine a set amount for each player, regardless of sport or gender, and pay the kids a small stipend.
You could argue that paying the star QB the same amount as a bench women’s volleyball player doesn’t add up, but this would show that the NCAA values all athletes equally, and acknowledges the sacrifice and dedication it takes for any student athlete, regardless of sport, to be able to play at that level. Remember, these kids don’t have time for part time jobs, much less much of a social life. Just a little spending money, with the hopes that this will deter some of that agent money from coming in. Assuming the NCAA wants that to happen. To be honest, I don’t think it will stop the agents from paying players, but at least it’s some sort of effort and rewards the kids who aren’t getting paid.
The NCAA seems to succeed despite itself sometimes, doesn’t it? It’s like MLB under Bud Selig. And just like with MLB, it succeeds because of its fans and its players. In that order. Here’s hoping that Boise, Oklahoma, Auburn, Ohio State, and Oregon all go undefeated, and that they have to explain how the BCS “got the best two schools” in the championship game. (Ed. Sunday Note – F-ing Buckeyes. Let’s go Sparty!) And kids, that scenario is not that far fetched. Say your prayers, and eat your vitamins.
Want to chat with you fine people about ye old NCAA, the organization, not the sports. Oh, and fair warning, I haven’t quite started drinking yet, and my posts are generally better as I work my way through a couple bottles. So if you want more ranting and cursing about the NCAA, scroll down. If you want “intelligent” sports talk, proceed.
I grew up in college sports heaven, smack in the middle of Big Ten country, when Michigan football was a national contender, Michigan State basketball was on its way towards a still-going, unprecedented string of Final Four appearances (yes, I do root for Sparty hoops. Not over Michigan, mind you, but way too many friends who went to State and too much respect for Izzo not to. And yes, I know that my Sparty friends would slit their throats before rooting for Michigan. It’s all good). And the metro Detroit area has its share of N**** D*** fans who have no affiliation to the school or the South Bend area, most notably, Fah T. We even had good college hockey in our area.
College sports fandom is different from the pros. It is, without a doubt, 99% passion from the fans and athletes. There is just something a little more special about your college team winning a title than your pro teams. Maybe it’s the odds of winning being so low, the difficulty in “building” a contender, who knows. But it is sports fandom at its most pure.
Then there’s the organization running college sports, which may be the most hypocritical and strangely run successful business in the country. And don’t let them tell you it’s not a business, by the way, cause it is. Like most things in life, if something doesn’t make sense (like many things the NCAA does and says), then someone somewhere with a lot of power is making a lot of jack. Take the new “Super Conferences” in college football. Why do you think all these schools are willing to break years of traditions and rivalries to join a new conference, in many cases way out of their geographic area (e.g., Colorado in the Pac 10, Nebraska in the Big 12, and in college hoops, schools like Marquette and DePaul in the Big East)? Let’s see, the Big Ten has its own TV deal, looks like the Pac 10 will, too, and the Big Ten is host to some of the biggest stadiums in the country. Can you say, payday?
The NCAA does a lot of things I really don’t get, most around football. Big story in Sports Illustrated this week about agents giving college kids cash, to which my first thought was, “and?” By the way, I know it was awhile ago, but how about Reggie Bush giving his Heisman back, then continuing to insist he was innocent and that giving it back was not an admission of guilt. OOOOOOOKAAAAAAAY, Reggie, and Pete Carroll just left because it was time to explore new opportunities. Who cares, dude, just admit it. Sorry… alright, so back to my original thought (beers are open!), time to list the most peculiar and stupid things the NCAA has going for it right now, with the caveat of I love college sports, and just wish they would take it to the next level.
1. The BCS – Yeah, I’m gonna beat down the whipping boy, too. At this point, I think even the NCAA presidents know it’s a bit ridiculous to say this is a good way to determine a champion, but what I really don’t get are their main arguments against changing it: a. Too many days out of class for the student athletes, b. the integrity of the bowl system, and c. importance of the regular season. Let’s break it down one more level…
a. Ummm, didn’t you just expand the NCAA tournament by another 32 teams? Doesn’t that take about 475 kids out of class a little longer? And doesn’t that tournament take place partially during the week, and right towards the end of the spring semester, whereas most important bowls take place during the winter break, and could easily be scheduled on the weekends like football games are now? And don’t a lot of regular season basketball games take place during the week over a longer period of time than college football? How does that make any sense? Oh wait, teams make boo-ku cash for going to meaningless bowls, sponsors make boo-ku cash sponsoring meaningless bowls, and the NCAA makes extra cash from all the TV and sponsorship deals. In other words, the current system works just fine for them and the presidents.
b. The only game that matters anymore is the BCS championship. If you can explain to me how that keeps the bowl system integrified or integral or whatever, I’m all ears.
c. I agree. It’s important that every major school now schedules at least on D-II school, that the University of Florida has not played an out of conference game out of the state of Florida in something like 7 years, and that one loss now pretty much kills your chances of winning the title. The regular season would still mean something, and there would still be debate cause you’d have teams fighting for the last playoff spot. Makes… no… sense. Scrap it. Use the bowls for your playoff. That plus-one idea is f-ing dumb, it’s just adding one more game for us to despise. Play. Off. Playoff. Do it.
2. Punishing schools for coach’s violations – This really speaks to the unfairness of life. Say you’re an 18 year old kid from the inner city, and you happen to be a star basketball player or football player. Coach Calipari, for example, comes to you and offers you not only the chance for a spot in the Final Four at Memphis, but also the chance to get a full ride degree that all but guarantees you and your family a ticket out of a crappy life. Then, said d-bag coach realizes he’s gonna get caught cheating, which is really shocking since it’s only happened to him a couple times before, then leaves for another school, where he promptly begins cheating (probably), and ditches you and Memphis to deal with years of sanctions and probation. So you lose your shot at the Final Four, and hopefully don’t lose all motivation to continue with school.
This is the same story at USC this year, and countless other places. The simple, oft proposed solution? Punish the coach, not the school. In other words, if you’re Kentucky, and you hire Calipari, you get his probation, sanctions, banishment from tournament play, etc. Any school that hires Pete Carroll, same deal. Makes sense, right? But, wait! What about Kentucky cashing in on all this? What about all the cash the NCAA could make in merchandise and ticket sales? Potential extra sponsorship revenue on the TV side? Well… Mr. Calipari just made a mistake, so I guess he can go to Kentucky. Sorry, not-as-big-a-market-or-school Memphis.
Seriously, this has to stop. It’s not fair. It’s dumb. It makes no sense. You could do it starting tomorrow. But then, the NCAA would have to deal with our final topic…
3. The kids are getting paid – Stunning, I know. There are so many ways for universities to funnel cash to players, it’s almost dumb to investigate it anymore. You have everything from kids “working” at car dealerships to direct payments to family or “friends.” And honestly, what can the NCAA even do about it? For every one they catch, you know there are at least 10, 12, 50, probably hundreds more getting paid. And, other than the fact it’s cheating, there isn’t much drawback for the NCAA itself. It’s better for them to get the best athletes to the biggest schools. But if they really wanted to solve the problem, then do the controversial thing:
Pay the players. Think about how much cash the basketball and football players bring into schools, and how they essentially fund a lot of the smaller sports. There was a great story in a book about the Fab Five where Chris Webber had to give food back at a fast food restaurant because he didn’t have enough cash (though, to counter, he did grow up in a decent family and probably could have had more cash), while the university was profiting hard off him and the rest of the Fab Five. Determine a set amount for each player, regardless of sport or gender, and pay the kids a small stipend.
You could argue that paying the star QB the same amount as a bench women’s volleyball player doesn’t add up, but this would show that the NCAA values all athletes equally, and acknowledges the sacrifice and dedication it takes for any student athlete, regardless of sport, to be able to play at that level. Remember, these kids don’t have time for part time jobs, much less much of a social life. Just a little spending money, with the hopes that this will deter some of that agent money from coming in. Assuming the NCAA wants that to happen. To be honest, I don’t think it will stop the agents from paying players, but at least it’s some sort of effort and rewards the kids who aren’t getting paid.
The NCAA seems to succeed despite itself sometimes, doesn’t it? It’s like MLB under Bud Selig. And just like with MLB, it succeeds because of its fans and its players. In that order. Here’s hoping that Boise, Oklahoma, Auburn, Ohio State, and Oregon all go undefeated, and that they have to explain how the BCS “got the best two schools” in the championship game. (Ed. Sunday Note – F-ing Buckeyes. Let’s go Sparty!) And kids, that scenario is not that far fetched. Say your prayers, and eat your vitamins.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Izzo Follow Up
Gotta get the unofficial sponsor out of the way real quick... let's ask the wife since nothing is coming to mind.
Me: Who do you want for the unofficial sponsor of the blog?
Wife: What is it about?
Me: Izzo.
Wife: Can we do Gatorade?
Me: Why Gatorade?
Wife: Because it's new.
Me: Gatorade is new?
Wife: Yeah, there is a before, during, and after Gatorade.
I'm now enlightened enough to know that, aoccording to our unofficial sponsor, I should have brought three different bottles of Gatorade to the gym this morning for the sweat I barely broke.
Izzo announced today that he was staying at Michigan State, which wasn't surprising. I was in Detroit for a wedding last weekend, and a little surprised at how my State friends seemed resigned to his leaving. They were generally bitter about it, but understood why he was going if he went. If he had gone without LeBron, the forgiveness would have been out the door, though. It was pretty cool to see the vigils being held for him up in East Lansing, begging him to stay. You gotta believe that had some influence on his decision.
In the end, it seemed like Izzo was who we thought he was (Dennis Green reference intentional. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_N1OjGhIFc). He comes across as loyal and true to the school, and I liked his statement about being in East Lansing for life. I believe that to be true. Everyone knew/hoped-for-the-love-of-all-things-sacred-in-sport he was only going if LeBron went back to Cleveland. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that just wasn't there. And for the first time in a very long time, it wasn't about the money. And yes, that shiver in the sole of your foot is hell beginning to freeze over.
Don't kid yourself that he would have stayed if LeBron was guaranteed back with the Cavs, though. Izzo himself said as much on Mike and Mike this morning where he admitted he had contact with people in LeBron's camp. That went something like this:
Izzo: Let's cut the B.S. I didn't need all this fancy bull crap, private jets, nice dinner, whatever. I only ordered that $5,000 bottle of red to see how tight Gilbert was. Is LeBron going back to the Cavs?
LeBron rep: Yes, LeBron is going to give up all this media attention and hype so you can decide what to do. Are you f-ing kidding me? We have meetings with Jay-Z, Michael Bloomberg, Halle Berry, and whoever that girl was on the cover of Victoria's Secret last month, all next week. Me and my boys are gonna talk LeBron out of every decision he makes for the next three weeks.
Izzo: I am so loyal to Michigan State.
However he got back to MSU, I'm glad he did. The university and he should be like Dean Smith and UNC, Coach K and Duke. That would have been a tough one to explain to 7-12 year old Spartan fans. Though I'm sure the liquor stores and bars wouldn't have minded that inevitable 247% sales increase the week after he had left.
Me: Who do you want for the unofficial sponsor of the blog?
Wife: What is it about?
Me: Izzo.
Wife: Can we do Gatorade?
Me: Why Gatorade?
Wife: Because it's new.
Me: Gatorade is new?
Wife: Yeah, there is a before, during, and after Gatorade.
I'm now enlightened enough to know that, aoccording to our unofficial sponsor, I should have brought three different bottles of Gatorade to the gym this morning for the sweat I barely broke.
Izzo announced today that he was staying at Michigan State, which wasn't surprising. I was in Detroit for a wedding last weekend, and a little surprised at how my State friends seemed resigned to his leaving. They were generally bitter about it, but understood why he was going if he went. If he had gone without LeBron, the forgiveness would have been out the door, though. It was pretty cool to see the vigils being held for him up in East Lansing, begging him to stay. You gotta believe that had some influence on his decision.
In the end, it seemed like Izzo was who we thought he was (Dennis Green reference intentional. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_N1OjGhIFc). He comes across as loyal and true to the school, and I liked his statement about being in East Lansing for life. I believe that to be true. Everyone knew/hoped-for-the-love-of-all-things-sacred-in-sport he was only going if LeBron went back to Cleveland. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that just wasn't there. And for the first time in a very long time, it wasn't about the money. And yes, that shiver in the sole of your foot is hell beginning to freeze over.
Don't kid yourself that he would have stayed if LeBron was guaranteed back with the Cavs, though. Izzo himself said as much on Mike and Mike this morning where he admitted he had contact with people in LeBron's camp. That went something like this:
Izzo: Let's cut the B.S. I didn't need all this fancy bull crap, private jets, nice dinner, whatever. I only ordered that $5,000 bottle of red to see how tight Gilbert was. Is LeBron going back to the Cavs?
LeBron rep: Yes, LeBron is going to give up all this media attention and hype so you can decide what to do. Are you f-ing kidding me? We have meetings with Jay-Z, Michael Bloomberg, Halle Berry, and whoever that girl was on the cover of Victoria's Secret last month, all next week. Me and my boys are gonna talk LeBron out of every decision he makes for the next three weeks.
Izzo: I am so loyal to Michigan State.
However he got back to MSU, I'm glad he did. The university and he should be like Dean Smith and UNC, Coach K and Duke. That would have been a tough one to explain to 7-12 year old Spartan fans. Though I'm sure the liquor stores and bars wouldn't have minded that inevitable 247% sales increase the week after he had left.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Will Izzo go?
For whatever reason, I feel the urge to write about sports when watching the Cup Finals. 14 minutes to go in the first, no score. Wife is out with a friend, so it's a lot quieter in here than usual for these games. She should be back any minute, though, teaching our soon to be born daughter how to curse out Flyers goalies.
Not surprising report the other day that the Cavs offered or will be offering (depending on who you believe) their head coaching job to Tom Izzo. I immediately contacted Fah T, who happens to be quite knowledgeable about all things basketball. His immediate response: no way Izzo leaves State. I tend to agree. That was my immediate response, too. My next thought was, well, maybe...
Allow me to explain the psyche of head coaches for a moment, especially basketball and football head coaches. These guys LIVE to win. Seriously, it's as essential to life to them as oxygen. Recall Urban Meyer for a moment and his "retirement," then his "temporary leave," which lasted from their bowl game in January until spring practice, or if you want to be realistic, until his next recruiting trip in February. When these guys win a title, they're excited for about 48 hours. After that, they're back to work planning on how their going to win next year and completely forgetting that their town/campus is still hungover from the victory parade.
Think about your absolutely favorite thing in the world, whether it be spending time with your kids, eating Spaghetti-Os (unofficial blog sponsor for today... Hmmm Hmmm Good!), or admiring your hero changing his fantasy team names every week. Then pretend you're doing that on the same day you won a 200 million dollar Mega Millions jackpot. Then pretend that all happens in your favorite vacation spot with your favorite beverage in hand while being served the best meal you've ever had in your life. That is about 1/10 of what winning means to these guys.
Izzo always seemed different, though. I mean, he has the same need to win, but comes across with a great sense of loyalty. (FYI - wife is back, earmuffs). He is the most underrated coach in college hoops, and maybe in all of sports. The guy has been to something like 5 of the last 11 Final Fours. He does nothing but win games and graduate players, and no one ever pays attention. If he stays at State, they'll name the floor after him one day.
You gotta wonder, though, does the lack of recognition get to him at all? Does he have that coach's desire to see if he can make it at the highest level? I don't think that matters all that much to Izzo. But this might... can I take the best player on the planet, and maybe eventually, the best player ever, and get him his titles? (1-0 Blackhawks, a subdued "s**t" from the wife. Reality may be sinking in right now, the Hawks look awfully good right now). If it weren't for that, and the fact he wouldn't have to move far from home, I don't think he would even think about the pros. But to coach LeBron... hmmmm. He's got to think about it, right? Right?
This wouldn't even be a question if it weren't for the whole LeBron fiasco, which in itself is getting a little ridiculous at the moment, though isn't going to make me love him any less. July 1 can't get here soon enough. Ultimately, I think Izzo stays. He's way to classy and knows what he means to Michigan State hoops, the university, and college basketball in general. I can't possibly see him letting all that go. Call it 95/5 he stays. But if he goes, I will definitely have lost some faith in the idea that anyone in sports might actually put loyalty above glory, cash, and fame.
Not surprising report the other day that the Cavs offered or will be offering (depending on who you believe) their head coaching job to Tom Izzo. I immediately contacted Fah T, who happens to be quite knowledgeable about all things basketball. His immediate response: no way Izzo leaves State. I tend to agree. That was my immediate response, too. My next thought was, well, maybe...
Allow me to explain the psyche of head coaches for a moment, especially basketball and football head coaches. These guys LIVE to win. Seriously, it's as essential to life to them as oxygen. Recall Urban Meyer for a moment and his "retirement," then his "temporary leave," which lasted from their bowl game in January until spring practice, or if you want to be realistic, until his next recruiting trip in February. When these guys win a title, they're excited for about 48 hours. After that, they're back to work planning on how their going to win next year and completely forgetting that their town/campus is still hungover from the victory parade.
Think about your absolutely favorite thing in the world, whether it be spending time with your kids, eating Spaghetti-Os (unofficial blog sponsor for today... Hmmm Hmmm Good!), or admiring your hero changing his fantasy team names every week. Then pretend you're doing that on the same day you won a 200 million dollar Mega Millions jackpot. Then pretend that all happens in your favorite vacation spot with your favorite beverage in hand while being served the best meal you've ever had in your life. That is about 1/10 of what winning means to these guys.
Izzo always seemed different, though. I mean, he has the same need to win, but comes across with a great sense of loyalty. (FYI - wife is back, earmuffs). He is the most underrated coach in college hoops, and maybe in all of sports. The guy has been to something like 5 of the last 11 Final Fours. He does nothing but win games and graduate players, and no one ever pays attention. If he stays at State, they'll name the floor after him one day.
You gotta wonder, though, does the lack of recognition get to him at all? Does he have that coach's desire to see if he can make it at the highest level? I don't think that matters all that much to Izzo. But this might... can I take the best player on the planet, and maybe eventually, the best player ever, and get him his titles? (1-0 Blackhawks, a subdued "s**t" from the wife. Reality may be sinking in right now, the Hawks look awfully good right now). If it weren't for that, and the fact he wouldn't have to move far from home, I don't think he would even think about the pros. But to coach LeBron... hmmmm. He's got to think about it, right? Right?
This wouldn't even be a question if it weren't for the whole LeBron fiasco, which in itself is getting a little ridiculous at the moment, though isn't going to make me love him any less. July 1 can't get here soon enough. Ultimately, I think Izzo stays. He's way to classy and knows what he means to Michigan State hoops, the university, and college basketball in general. I can't possibly see him letting all that go. Call it 95/5 he stays. But if he goes, I will definitely have lost some faith in the idea that anyone in sports might actually put loyalty above glory, cash, and fame.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Final Four Picks
Ladies, I love you. The 31 pages of material you gave me for the Ladies Blog post is great. But it is taking me forever to get through that. So in lieu of that for the time being, time to make up for my 1-2 showing in the Elite 8 to get you my Final Four picks. Probably gonna throw up the MLB preview this weekend, too, so be looking for that, the Ladies Blog, and a suggestion from our man Jeremy. Final Four quick picks are brought to you unofficially by People Magazine, which the wife is reading while sitting next to me on the couch.
Butler (-1) v. Michigan State - Wife's prediction on this line: "Sparty by 5." When I told her what it was: "What the F?" Yeah, me, too. Butler hasn't lost since like December 22nd. Sparty is still without their point guard and has won its four tourney games by a total of 13 points. Living on the edge and winning, sign of a veteran team with the most underrated coach in the NCAA, and maybe in sports history. 6 Final Fours in 12 years for Izzo. Unreal. They said on Sportscenter that if you were a four year senior at State in the past 12 years, you were guaranteed to have been to a Final Four. I mean... I really don't know what more to stay about that.
Anyways, that line seems somewhat fishy to me. I think State should be about a 1-2 point favorite, and trust me, I learned from the Butler/K-State game that I will never ignore Logical Betting rules again. When the line seems fishy, stay away or bet the other way. If Butler wins this, and I think they will, it will have me scared s***less the whole time at the bar that my nightmare final comes true. I don't think I have to tell you who I'm NOT pulling for in the next game. Go ahead and bet this one, kids, but not too hard. This is Izzo we're talking about here, remember. The pick: Butler 70, Michigan State 61.
Duke (-2.5) v. West Virginia - In the second game, we have the matchup of the last remaining true #1 seed, West Virginia, against committee darling and pseudo #1 Duke. I really want to see a Sparty v. WVU final. The only worry I have about WVU winning it all is this random story: Back in March, a friend of mine was heading to Vegas and I had her put some cash on future bets for me. I was going between Villanova and WVU to win the tourney. At the time, WVU was kind of cold, and 'Nova was looking good. I went with 'Nova. 'Nova immediately went on that losing streak, and WVU all of the sudden went on a tear. Dammit. I still love them, though, that team is tough as nails.
On the flip side, WVU, like Sparty, is playing without their point guard, though could get him back for the final if they get there. Need we say more about Coach K? I think not. WVU can match up pretty well with the Duke bigs, and Singler better not play like he did against Baylor because Duke is finally playing with the big boys here. That line is right, though the wife thought Duke would be a 5 point favorite... possible baby brain going there, though, sticking with the same line. She didn't think too hard about them because, as she would put it, she has a life. Logical Betting rules say if you really don't know who's gonna win, if you MUST bet, take the points. However, Logical Betting rules state you should never get in a spot where you MUST bet that doesn't involve a gun to your head. Stay away from this one, kids, no cash down. The pick: WVU 65, Duke 63.
Butler v. WVU... probably not the most watched final in history. But I'll be watching for sure. Christmas is almost over... *tears* Fah-T, I need a hug.
Butler (-1) v. Michigan State - Wife's prediction on this line: "Sparty by 5." When I told her what it was: "What the F?" Yeah, me, too. Butler hasn't lost since like December 22nd. Sparty is still without their point guard and has won its four tourney games by a total of 13 points. Living on the edge and winning, sign of a veteran team with the most underrated coach in the NCAA, and maybe in sports history. 6 Final Fours in 12 years for Izzo. Unreal. They said on Sportscenter that if you were a four year senior at State in the past 12 years, you were guaranteed to have been to a Final Four. I mean... I really don't know what more to stay about that.
Anyways, that line seems somewhat fishy to me. I think State should be about a 1-2 point favorite, and trust me, I learned from the Butler/K-State game that I will never ignore Logical Betting rules again. When the line seems fishy, stay away or bet the other way. If Butler wins this, and I think they will, it will have me scared s***less the whole time at the bar that my nightmare final comes true. I don't think I have to tell you who I'm NOT pulling for in the next game. Go ahead and bet this one, kids, but not too hard. This is Izzo we're talking about here, remember. The pick: Butler 70, Michigan State 61.
Duke (-2.5) v. West Virginia - In the second game, we have the matchup of the last remaining true #1 seed, West Virginia, against committee darling and pseudo #1 Duke. I really want to see a Sparty v. WVU final. The only worry I have about WVU winning it all is this random story: Back in March, a friend of mine was heading to Vegas and I had her put some cash on future bets for me. I was going between Villanova and WVU to win the tourney. At the time, WVU was kind of cold, and 'Nova was looking good. I went with 'Nova. 'Nova immediately went on that losing streak, and WVU all of the sudden went on a tear. Dammit. I still love them, though, that team is tough as nails.
On the flip side, WVU, like Sparty, is playing without their point guard, though could get him back for the final if they get there. Need we say more about Coach K? I think not. WVU can match up pretty well with the Duke bigs, and Singler better not play like he did against Baylor because Duke is finally playing with the big boys here. That line is right, though the wife thought Duke would be a 5 point favorite... possible baby brain going there, though, sticking with the same line. She didn't think too hard about them because, as she would put it, she has a life. Logical Betting rules say if you really don't know who's gonna win, if you MUST bet, take the points. However, Logical Betting rules state you should never get in a spot where you MUST bet that doesn't involve a gun to your head. Stay away from this one, kids, no cash down. The pick: WVU 65, Duke 63.
Butler v. WVU... probably not the most watched final in history. But I'll be watching for sure. Christmas is almost over... *tears* Fah-T, I need a hug.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Elite 8
Since Logical Betting brought you a solid 5-1-1 record against the spread in the Sweet 16 (remember, I told you not to play that Duke/Purdue game), how could I deny you the pleasure, the sure utopia that would be reading my thoughts on the Elite 8. Yes, yes, your welcome. Remember, for those of you on my Suicide Pool email, I get 10% commission if you bet my picks, and my apologies if they lose. I'm looking at you, future father-in-law of my daughter. Since the games tip in about 15 minutes, I'm skipping further banter and any editing, so apologies for typos and whatnot. That's for the wife, more than the rest of you. This is unofficially brought to you by Brita, who is filtering my much-needed glass of water.
Midwest
Tennessee (-2) v. Michigan St. - Only in the AYS brackets would you not be surprised to see at 5 v. 6 for a birth in the Final Four. These teams were both underseeded (see, Pitt, 3, New Mexico, 3, Vanderbilt, 4, and Wisconsin, 4, for starters). Not to go on another tangent, but was the committee even watching games this year? The whole world knew Tennessee was better than Vandy, and Sparty better than Wisconsin, and they're in the SAME FREAKING CONFERENCE. Sorry, got it off my chest. Anyways, Tennessee has hung tough since the dismissal of one of its best players, and Sparty looked solid against an underappreciated Northern Iowa squad. I think Tennessee is just too tough and athletic for Sparty to win this without Lucas. Never count out Izzo in the tourney, but I don't see an answer for Wayne Chism down low. I'm all for Sparty in this game, but if I'm betting, and I would, I would lay the points. Pick: Tennessee -2.
West
Butler (+4) v. Kansas State - This is the most confusing line I have seen in a long time. I read it to the wife, and she said, "whaaaaaaa?", ala Borat. I have been thinking about this since I saw it this morning, and am completely stumped. That line is at least 1-2 points short, which screams to take Butler. The only thing I can figure is that K-State must be really bad against the 3, or Vegas is trying to get the pro gamblers to bet Butler to even out the torrid of cash coming in on K-State. K-State has its eyes on the finals at this point, so maybe Vegas is thinking they could get caught looking ahead. Logical Betting rules say when you see a fishy line, bet the other way or stay away. I'm ignoring my own rule here. LB says lay the lumber, good to go... I think... *gulp*. Yeah, just do it. Pick: Kansas State -4. I mean they should win by double digits. Right? RIGHT???
East
Kentucky (-4.5) v. West Virginia - On the flip side of the Butler/K-State game, this line looks a bit high to me. So conversely, LB rules state lay the points. However, LB rules also state never give points to a team you could easily see winning this game. LB can easily see West Virginia, the should-have-been 1 seed in the South, winning this game over Calipari's payroll. No point guard really hurts in a matchup against Wall, but these guys play sick defense and I think they can slow down Kentucky. This is gonna be a thriller. If I were in Vegas, I would run away from this game like Fah T. from a desert house and a fat chick. This one isn't counting against the record, but if I had to pick it... Pick: Kentucky -4.5. Only because I see a Kentucky blow out being more likely than a close Kentucky win. And that line is a point or two high.
South
Duke (-4.5) v. Baylor - Frightening line because it is a slight Duke line, and I really don't want to see the committee's darlings skate to the Final Four. However, I pretty much thought they would skate to the Final Four anyways, and this looks like the final step. I really think Baylor can dominate on the inside, and they shouldn't be afraid of the uniform. They also haven't been tested since the Big 12 tourney, and while Duke hasn't beaten anyone all year (Purdue short-handed doesn't count), I think they'll get by Baylor with their perimeter play, which usually wins out come tourney time. Pardon me while I gag myself with a spoon. Pick: Duke -4.5, and go ahead and bet it. Dammit.
Alrighty, folks, that's all for now. Be looking for the MLB preview soon. J.B. informed me my pick is apparently in line with a lot of experts, but I think I explain that pretty well in the post. Enjoy the best four games in the college basketball year, and talk to you all soon. Hasta.
Midwest
Tennessee (-2) v. Michigan St. - Only in the AYS brackets would you not be surprised to see at 5 v. 6 for a birth in the Final Four. These teams were both underseeded (see, Pitt, 3, New Mexico, 3, Vanderbilt, 4, and Wisconsin, 4, for starters). Not to go on another tangent, but was the committee even watching games this year? The whole world knew Tennessee was better than Vandy, and Sparty better than Wisconsin, and they're in the SAME FREAKING CONFERENCE. Sorry, got it off my chest. Anyways, Tennessee has hung tough since the dismissal of one of its best players, and Sparty looked solid against an underappreciated Northern Iowa squad. I think Tennessee is just too tough and athletic for Sparty to win this without Lucas. Never count out Izzo in the tourney, but I don't see an answer for Wayne Chism down low. I'm all for Sparty in this game, but if I'm betting, and I would, I would lay the points. Pick: Tennessee -2.
West
Butler (+4) v. Kansas State - This is the most confusing line I have seen in a long time. I read it to the wife, and she said, "whaaaaaaa?", ala Borat. I have been thinking about this since I saw it this morning, and am completely stumped. That line is at least 1-2 points short, which screams to take Butler. The only thing I can figure is that K-State must be really bad against the 3, or Vegas is trying to get the pro gamblers to bet Butler to even out the torrid of cash coming in on K-State. K-State has its eyes on the finals at this point, so maybe Vegas is thinking they could get caught looking ahead. Logical Betting rules say when you see a fishy line, bet the other way or stay away. I'm ignoring my own rule here. LB says lay the lumber, good to go... I think... *gulp*. Yeah, just do it. Pick: Kansas State -4. I mean they should win by double digits. Right? RIGHT???
East
Kentucky (-4.5) v. West Virginia - On the flip side of the Butler/K-State game, this line looks a bit high to me. So conversely, LB rules state lay the points. However, LB rules also state never give points to a team you could easily see winning this game. LB can easily see West Virginia, the should-have-been 1 seed in the South, winning this game over Calipari's payroll. No point guard really hurts in a matchup against Wall, but these guys play sick defense and I think they can slow down Kentucky. This is gonna be a thriller. If I were in Vegas, I would run away from this game like Fah T. from a desert house and a fat chick. This one isn't counting against the record, but if I had to pick it... Pick: Kentucky -4.5. Only because I see a Kentucky blow out being more likely than a close Kentucky win. And that line is a point or two high.
South
Duke (-4.5) v. Baylor - Frightening line because it is a slight Duke line, and I really don't want to see the committee's darlings skate to the Final Four. However, I pretty much thought they would skate to the Final Four anyways, and this looks like the final step. I really think Baylor can dominate on the inside, and they shouldn't be afraid of the uniform. They also haven't been tested since the Big 12 tourney, and while Duke hasn't beaten anyone all year (Purdue short-handed doesn't count), I think they'll get by Baylor with their perimeter play, which usually wins out come tourney time. Pardon me while I gag myself with a spoon. Pick: Duke -4.5, and go ahead and bet it. Dammit.
Alrighty, folks, that's all for now. Be looking for the MLB preview soon. J.B. informed me my pick is apparently in line with a lot of experts, but I think I explain that pretty well in the post. Enjoy the best four games in the college basketball year, and talk to you all soon. Hasta.