March Madness-2009 Edition

[iamredbeard]

Now that they have started handing out automatic bids, I guess we should get this thread started. East Tennessee State, Morehead State, Radford Cornell and Northern Iowa have all claimed their automatic bids

[NascarGirl2448]

Wake Forest is gonna be in the NCAA this year, regardless of how the ACC tournament goes. We finished 2nd in the conference this year, so along with UNC, puke, and FSU, we're in, according to the local sportscasters anyway.

[iamredbeard]

Wake Forest is gonna be in the NCAA this year, regardless of how the ACC tournament goes. We finished 2nd in the conference this year, so along with UNC, puke, and FSU, we're in, according to the local sportscasters anyway.

This is a pretty reliable page of who is locks, who should get in and who still has work to do.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch

Then Joe Lunardi does bracketology and his track record better than most in saying who will get in and where they will be seeded.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

[NascarGirl2448]

Well no one mentioned Clemson, but it would not surprise me if they got in. Although last night, they played like they had work to do if they were gonna survive the 1st round. We held Terrence Oglesby to 9 points all night long before he fouled out. Of course Wake won't have to worry about anything if Chas McFarland scores 10 points or more. We're undefeated when that happens!

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Well no one mentioned Clemson, but it would not surprise me if they got in. Although last night, they played like they had work to do if they were gonna survive the 1st round. We held Terrence Oglesby to 9 points all night long before he fouled out. Of course Wake won't have to worry about anything if Chas McFarland scores 10 points or more. We're undefeated when that happens!

Clemson's a lead-pipe cinch lock, as are UNC, Duke, Wake, FSU and (I think) BC in the ACC. Maryland, Virginia Tech and Miami are sitting on the bubble, and will need to get something done (i.e. win two games or more) this week in the ACC tournament to get in to the Dance. Miami and Va. Tech play each other in the 1st round with the loser more than likely done for the NCAA's, and the winner getting to play UNC...a win over the Heels would probably be enough. Maryland gets NC State followed by Duke.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Now that they have started handing out automatic bids, I guess we should get this thread started. East Tennessee State, Morehead State, Radford Cornell and Northern Iowa have all claimed their automatic bids

West Coast (Gonzaga-St. Mary's), Colonial (VCU-George Mason), Southern (Charleston-Chattanooga) and MAAC (Siena-Niagara) determine their champs tonight.

Gonzaga's in regardless. St. Mary's and Siena MIGHT make it (St. Mary's more likely than Siena) even if they lose tonight. VCU's got a VERY outside shot at getting in without beating Mason, while neither SoCon team or Niagara has a shot if they lose.

[NascarGirl2448]

Clemson's a lead-pipe cinch lock, as are UNC, Duke, Wake, FSU and (I think) BC in the ACC. Maryland, Virginia Tech and Miami are sitting on the bubble, and will need to get something done (i.e. win two games or more) this week in the ACC tournament to get in to the Dance. Miami and Va. Tech play each other in the 1st round with the loser more than likely done for the NCAA's, and the winner getting to play UNC...a win over the Heels would probably be enough. Maryland gets NC State followed by Duke.

Actually if Maryland beats NC State, they have to deal with the Demon Deacons next!!!! But I don't know about BC, they haven't looked all that impressive when I've seen them.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Actually if Maryland beats NC State, they have to deal with the Demon Deacons next!!!!

Oops. My bad. :redface:

But I don't know about BC, they haven't looked all that impressive when I've seen them.

Despite the bad losses they have (Harvard, St. Louis, NC State) they DID beat three of the top four in the ACC (all but Wake, and the win against UNC was in Chapel Hill which is no small feat). They also have a win over Providence, who sits on the bubble with the Eagles.

[NascarGirl2448]

Despite the bad losses they have (Harvard, St. Louis, NC State) they DID beat three of the top four in the ACC (all but Wake, and the win against UNC was in Chapel Hill which is no small feat). They also have a win over Providence, who sits on the bubble with the Eagles.

They beat carowhina and turn around and lose to Harvard. Go figure. Either way, we owned BC this year, both there and at the Joel.

[iamredbeard]

Nine bids have been handed out, three more will be handed out tonight. Love this time of year. :mrgreen:

On another note, I think Sparty has a good chance to win it all this year given that the Final 4 is in Detroit. But first they have to get there. Most people have them as a #1 seed. My hope is that they aren't in the same bracket at North Carolina, that teams scares me. I think MSU matches up well against the other teams that are being considered for the #1 seeds. The latest version of Bracketology has the Spartans in the same region with Pitt. I like that. The first trip is to Minneapolis and if they make the Sweet 16, then they go to Indianapolis. I like that to. Not at whole lot of traveling. ;)

[JimGP20]

GO BULLDOGS !!!

http://images.cambridgesoft.com/chemstore/university/Butler_Bulldogs.jpg

:D

[MR. MISTER]

They beat carowhina and turn around and lose to Harvard. Go figure. Either way, we owned BC this year, both there and at the Joel.
So what's your point?
Fake beats Carolina and loses to [last place] Ga Tech.

[iamredbeard]

GO BULLDOGS !!!

http://images.cambridgesoft.com/chemstore/university/Butler_Bulldogs.jpg

:D


Alot of people are going to be rooting for Butler tonight. They are pretty much a lock to get in the tourney, so if they lose tonight then their conference will get two teams in which will make the bubble even tighter. Everyone on the bubble will be rooting for Butler.

[NascarGirl2448]

So what's your point?
Fake beats Carolina and loses to [last place] Ga Tech.

The point is that its been a crazy year in ACC basketball!!! Also, I know you're quoting the poem some carowhina fan made up, but Wake is NOT "fake"

[MR. MISTER]

The point is that its been a crazy year in ACC basketball!!! Also, I know you're quoting the poem some carowhina fan made up, but Wake is NOT "fake"
"caroWHINA"?

I'm just matching your clever nicknames

Let 'em actually win something before we decide they're not fake.

[NascarGirl2448]

"caroWHINA"?

I'm just matching your clever nicknames

Let 'em actually win something before we decide they're not fake.

Well there's one thing the tarholes have that Wake doesn't. A history of players getting in trouble with the law. Of course the media is so danged hooked on both carowhina and puke that they don't know Wake's greatness when they see it. That's the only reason I can think of that we got gypped yesterday. Coach Gaudio deserved to be Coach of the Year, Al Farouq Aminu deserved to be rookie of the year, and Jeff Teague deserved to be player of the year.

[iamredbeard]

Well there's one thing the tarholes have that Wake doesn't. A history of players getting in trouble with the law. Of course the media is so danged hooked on both carowhina and puke that they don't know Wake's greatness when they see it. That's the only reason I can think of that we got gypped yesterday. Coach Gaudio deserved to be Coach of the Year, Al Farouq Aminu deserved to be rookie of the year, and Jeff Teague deserved to be player of the year.

Girl, take off those homer goggles. ;)

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Well there's one thing the tarholes have that Wake doesn't. A history of players getting in trouble with the law. Of course the media is so danged hooked on both carowhina and puke that they don't know Wake's greatness when they see it. That's the only reason I can think of that we got gypped yesterday. Coach Gaudio deserved to be Coach of the Year, Al Farouq Aminu deserved to be rookie of the year, and Jeff Teague deserved to be player of the year.

Rookie- Landesburgh was pretty good. Aminu has an argument, but there was far less pressure on him with Teague and Johnson around. Landesburg was pretty much alone on a pretty bad UVa team.

Player- Teague started off great but he faded down the stretch. Lawson was the reason UNC won the regular-season title. And it's hard to argue against Toney Douglas too...he led FSU in scoring in every conference game and was 2nd in the league in scoring (all the more impressive when you consider FSU scored 13 fewer points per game than Wake and 23 points less than UNC). Hansbrough led the league in scoring, but I think the only reason he got the votes he did were his reputation and the fact that he's close to being the ACC's all-time leading scorer.

Coach- Could have been Gaudio, but Wake was projected to be 3rd and finished tied for 2nd. Not really EXCEEDING expectations. On the other hand, Leonard Hamilton led a team that was projected to be TENTH and led them to a first-round bye in the conference tournament.

Now...I WILL say I think Teague should have been first-team all-conference over Gerald Henderson.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Girl, take off those homer goggles. ;)

Says the guy who said "most projections have MSU as a #1 seed"... :naughty:

[MR. MISTER]

Well there's one thing the tarholes have that Wake doesn't. A history of players getting in trouble with the law. Of course the media is so danged hooked on both carowhina and puke that they don't know Wake's greatness when they see it. That's the only reason I can think of that we got gypped yesterday. Coach Gaudio deserved to be Coach of the Year, Al Farouq Aminu deserved to be rookie of the year, and Jeff Teague deserved to be player of the year.
heh. . heh... you said "tarholes".... That's SO clever.

There's certainly one thing that Carolina has that fake doesn't - a tradition of championships [both ACC and National].

[NascarGirl2448]

heh. . heh... you said "tarholes".... That's SO clever.

There's certainly one thing that Carolina has that fake doesn't - a tradition of championships [both ACC and National].

Yet Wake athletes actually graduate, which in the long run means MORE than any titles or anything else. Tell me, can carowhina boast a 100% graduation rate in any sport anytime this century?

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Yet Wake athletes actually graduate, which in the long run means MORE than any titles or anything else. Tell me, can carowhina boast a 100% graduation rate in any sport anytime this century?

Considering the NCAA's outdated method for calculating graduation rates (no counting transfers in OR out of the program, or people who graduate after leaving school early), it doesn't matter.

[NascarGirl2448]

Considering the NCAA's outdated method for calculating graduation rates (no counting transfers in OR out of the program, or people who graduate after leaving school early), it doesn't matter.

Still, the fact that Wake athletes actually realize they are at school to get an education first and actually graduate means more in the long run than any NCAA title ever will.

[iamredbeard]

Says the guy who said "most projections have MSU as a #1 seed"... :naughty:

If I said that then it was a typo. Most projections have Sparty as a #2 seed.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

If I said that then it was a typo. Most projections have Sparty as a #2 seed.

I'm messing with you.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Still, the fact that Wake athletes actually realize they are at school to get an education first and actually graduate means more in the long run than any NCAA title ever will.

Sure, but it'd be naive to think that, in this day and age, there aren't athletes that are in school simply because the professional leagues require it. The NFL requires that people's graduating class be three years removed from high school to be eligible, and the NBA requires one year.

As schools get more and more successful in the arena of sport, they will see athletes leave school early and damage their graduation rates. Look at Duke...no one EVER left Duke early until Boozer, now it's happened three or four times since then.

The four-year college athlete, unless their professional aspirations are zero to begin with, is going by the wayside.

[MR. MISTER]

Still, the fact that Wake athletes actually realize they are at school to get an education first and actually graduate means more in the long run than any NCAA title ever will.
You can be comforted with that when your team gets bounced in the Sweet 16 (if they make it that far (if they don't get seeded in Greensboro for rounds 1&2))

[Dr. Funkenstein]

You can be comforted with that when your team gets bounced in the Sweet 16 (if they make it that far (if they don't get seeded in Greensboro for rounds 1&2))

Even if they do, they're not going to be playing UNC.

They'll be in their own pod as a 2 or 3 seed. Only chance they'll play UNC before the Elite Eight is if there are 9 ACC teams in the Dance...an unlikely proposition.

[MR. MISTER]

Even if they do, they're not going to be playing UNC.

They'll be in their own pod as a 2 or 3 seed. Only chance they'll play UNC before the Elite Eight is if there are 9 ACC teams in the Dance...an unlikely proposition.
I wasn't implying they would be playing UNC - Greensboro has opening rounds for The South & Midwest Regionals

[Dr. Funkenstein]

I wasn't implying they would be playing UNC - Greensboro has opening rounds for The South & Midwest Regionals

I mis-read. My bad.

But we won't know which regionals end up there until the seeds are set. UNC seems a lock to be there, but it could be either Duke or Wake, and either of them could be in the West or the East.

[MR. MISTER]

I mis-read. My bad.

But we won't know which regionals end up there until the seeds are set. UNC seems a lock to be there, but it could be either Duke or Wake, and either of them could be in the West or the East.
Most pre-tourny brackets have Duke a 2 seed in the Midwest, which would put them in Greensboro.

IF Wake advances further than Duke in the ACC tourn (they're on the same side of the bracket), they'll probably play in Greensboro and they'll ship Duke out.

[alexz2317]

Does Michigan get in?

[iamredbeard]

Does Michigan get in?

Hard to say. They are right on the bubble. Last win of the season really helped them. I think that they need to win tomorrow.

[alexz2317]

Hard to say. They are right on the bubble. Last win of the season really helped them. I think that they need to win tomorrow.
I agree. They need to beat Iowa. Honestly, they could win the Big Ten tournament if the played there A game throughout the tourny. They have been hit or miss throughout the season so it's hard to say which Michigan team shows up.

[iamredbeard]

two more bids got handed out today. 14 of the automatic bids have been handed out, one more will get handed out on Friday, 12 more on Saturday and the final 4 bids will be given out on Sunday.

[iamredbeard]

I agree. They need to beat Iowa. Honestly, they could win the Big Ten tournament if the played there A game throughout the tourny. They have been hit or miss throughout the season so it's hard to say which Michigan team shows up.

They are right on the bubble. Right now it's hard to say if they are in or not. It depends on what everyone else does. I think they pretty much have to win at least one game in the Big Ten Tournament. ESPN's Bubble Watch has ten at large spots left. They have 24 of the 34 spots already gone to teams that they deem as "locks" or "should be in". Of course that number will change if lower seeds when their tournaments. Michigan not only needs to take care of their business but they also will be rooting for the higher seeds in other tournaments. They really need to have Both Xavier and Memphis to win their conference tournaments.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Does Michigan get in?

Probably. They're further from the bubble than Penn State and Minnesota are at this point.

Not losing to Iowa today would be a big help. Also...Minnesota losing to Northwestern and PSU losing to Indiana would pretty much clinch it.

[dannyg79]

Kentucky better pull 4 straight wins out of their ass in the SEC tourney or Billy Clyde's idea of March madness is going to be figuring out where he will be coaching next.

[badkarma]

I predict Robert Morris will win the NCAA tournament.

You heard it here first!

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Kentucky better pull 4 straight wins out of their ass in the SEC tourney or Billy Clyde's idea of March madness is going to be figuring out where he will be coaching next.

He's going to get one more year whether they get to the Dance or not.

[dannyg79]

He's going to get one more year whether they get to the Dance or not.

You are probably right, but they have just been terrible over the last month or so and have absolutely no talent outside of Meeks and Patterson. Next year is going to be hell for him and he might be better off just resigning and looking for a new job.

[iamredbeard]

Kentucky better pull 4 straight wins out of their ass in the SEC tourney or Billy Clyde's idea of March madness is going to be figuring out where he will be coaching next.

It wasn't that long ago that Kentucky fans were all excited about their new coach.

[dannyg79]

It wasn't that long ago that Kentucky fans were all excited about their new coach.

Yep. But when you dont even make the NCAA tournament, that excitement turns to negativity rather fast. Kentucky is the most pressure filled job in college basketball. Not making the tournament simply isnt acceptable. Especially, when the arch rival less than an hour away has built themselves into a consistent top 10 team and are looking at a #1 or #2 seed.

[iamredbeard]

Yep. But when you dont even make the NCAA tournament, that excitement turns to negativity rather fast. Kentucky is the most pressure filled job in college basketball. Not making the tournament simply isnt acceptable. Especially, when the arch rival less than an hour away has built themselves into a consistent top 10 team and are looking at a #1 or #2 seed.

I understand that and I understand that with their winning tradition along with Kansas, UCLA, and to a lesser extent Indiana than fans expect winning to happen every season. I just think it is funny that they got rid of Tubby Smith, were so excited about their new coach and now wanna kick this guy to the curb, and all this in a year where the SEC is really down this year. In is even very likely that they won't even get a team in the Sweet 16 this year.

[dannyg79]

I understand that and I understand that with their winning tradition along with Kansas, UCLA, and to a lesser extent Indiana than fans expect winning to happen every season. I just think it is funny that they got rid of Tubby Smith, were so excited about their new coach and now wanna kick this guy to the curb, and all this in a year where the SEC is really down this year. In is even very likely that they won't even get a team in the Sweet 16 this year.

That makes it worse. The SEC is terrible, and they have lost 5 out of their last 6 games. They were at one point 16-4 and 5-0 in conference. They ended up 19-12 and 8-8 in conference. There is simply no rhyme or reason to have a collapse like that right before post season, but especially not in a conference with very few, if any, good teams.

If they get beat today, I almost guarantee you will start hearing rumors of Travis Ford to Ky. Though, I kind of agree with Dr. Funk in that I think Gillispi gets one more season.

[iamredbeard]

That makes it worse. The SEC is terrible, and they have lost 5 out of their last 6 games. They were at one point 16-4 and 5-0 in conference. They ended up 19-12 and 8-8 in conference. There is simply no rhyme or reason to have a collapse like that right before post season, but especially not in a conference with very few, if any, good teams.

Can't argue with any of that. I just get a kick out of fans who feel that they are entitled to be winners so they fire one coach and they don't do any better with the next one. It's not just in basketball. I also smile when the Yanks missed the playoffs of and when Notre Dame football has turned into a laughing joke. But having said that I feel your pain. Although Michigan Football didn't fire their coach, last season we say a tradition powerhouse have a simply pathetic season. Cheer up though, Tradition powers like Kentucky won't stay down for long.

[dannyg79]

Can't argue with any of that. I just get a kick out of fans who feel that they are entitled to be winners so they fire one coach and they don't do any better with the next one. It's not just in basketball. I also smile when the Yanks missed the playoffs of and when Notre Dame football has turned into a laughing joke. But having said that I feel your pain. Although Michigan Football didn't fire their coach, last season we say a tradition powerhouse have a simply pathetic season. Cheer up though, Tradition powers like Kentucky won't stay down for long.

For the most part I agree, but KY is a little different this year. I wouldnt be concerned about it if they were beaten in the first or second round of the tournament, that type of thing happens to everyone, but it is honestly unacceptable to not even make it to the tournament at all, even as a 10 or 11 seed. Michigan was still finishing 2nd in the Big 10 and making and winning bowl games, the Yankees almost always make the playoffs, etc etc.

And Im not that hurt. Im more of a Louisville fan than KY fan anyway, and UL has a shot to go far. But it is still almost unimaginable to me to have a tournament without Kentucky in it.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Yep. But when you dont even make the NCAA tournament, that excitement turns to negativity rather fast. Kentucky is the most pressure filled job in college basketball. Not making the tournament simply isnt acceptable. Especially, when the arch rival less than an hour away has built themselves into a consistent top 10 team and are looking at a #1 or #2 seed.

You forgot to mention "with Kentucky's old coach"

[NascarGirl2448]

You can be comforted with that when your team gets bounced in the Sweet 16 (if they make it that far (if they don't get seeded in Greensboro for rounds 1&2))

:rolleyes: You really don't think the DEMON DEACONS are that good?? You can't be serious. Just because people don't give us enough credit (why am I not surprised??) doesn't mean that we aren't gonna go a long way!

[Dr. Funkenstein]

:rolleyes: You really don't think the DEMON DEACONS are that good?? You can't be serious. Just because people don't give us enough credit (why am I not surprised??) doesn't mean that we aren't gonna go a long way!

Well, if you think about it...if Wake gets a three-seed as most are projecting, they'd be SCHEDULED to lose in the Sweet 16 (to the 2-seed in their region, whoever that might be)

[NascarGirl2448]

Well, if you think about it...if Wake gets a three-seed as most are projecting, they'd be SCHEDULED to lose in the Sweet 16 (to the 2-seed in their region, whoever that might be)

Stupid projections don't mean anything anyway. Last year everyone thought carowhina was gonna win it all, and guess what?? They got smacked back to Chapel Hill by Kansas.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Stupid projections don't mean anything anyway. Last year everyone thought carowhina was gonna win it all, and guess what?? They got smacked back to Chapel Hill by Kansas.

Perhaps not, but I'm just saying.

Relax until we see who plays who. Lord knows I'm not making any guesses on FSU or Villanova's fortunes until I see what their road may look like.

For all I know, 'Nova gets stuck with a team in the 2nd round built perfectly to take them out (like Louisville, only not as good)

[JimGP20]

I predict Robert Morris will win the NCAA tournament.

You heard it here first!


What team does he play on ?? :cool:

[Dr. Funkenstein]

What team does he play on ?? :cool:

;)

[iamredbeard]

Michigan just got done dominating Minnesota, I now think they are one of five teams in the Big Ten that have done enough to get into the Big Dance.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Michigan just got done dominating Minnesota, I now think they are one of five teams in the Big Ten that have done enough to get into the Big Dance.

Winning three over a fellow bubble team, along with wins over Duke and UCLA...I have to think Michigan's locked in.

[iamredbeard]

Winning three over a fellow bubble team, along with wins over Duke and UCLA...I have to think Michigan's locked in.

ESPN's Bubble watch only has three Big Ten teams as "locks" and doesn't have any in the category of "should be in", however I think both Michigan and Wisconsin have done enough to get in.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

ESPN's Bubble watch only has three Big Ten teams as "locks" and doesn't have any in the category of "should be in", however I think both Michigan and Wisconsin have done enough to get in.

Well, that's as of yesterday, right?

Michigan didn't have a three-game sweep over Minnesota yesterday.

ETA: And they still don't...Michigan dominated IOWA today. I still think beating Minnesota would clinch it.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Villanova escapes after blowing a 16-point lead to Marquette, moves on to Big East semis.

[iamredbeard]

Well, that's as of yesterday, right?

Michigan didn't have a three-game sweep over Minnesota yesterday.

ETA: And they still don't...Michigan dominated IOWA today. I still think beating Minnesota would clinch it.

I think your right. As for as Wisconsin goes, they have them still in the group of "work left to do". I think the Badgers have done enough to get into the tournament.

In other news Providence just loss. I think they are off the bubble and going to the NIT. Bubble just got a little smaller.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

I think your right. As for Wisconsin, they have them still in the group of "work left to do". I think the Badgers have done enough to get into the tournament.

In other news Providence just loss. I think they are off the bubble and going to the NIT. Bubble just got a little smaller.

With Cleveland State beating Butler, I don't see a way for Providence to get in...10-8 record in the Big East notwithstanding.

[iamredbeard]

With Ohio State winning this afternoon I think they have done enough to get into the tournament. According to my calculations there are now 6 at large spots left.

[matt1618]

I'm going for my alma Mater University of the Pacific in the semi-finals of the Big West tonight. If they happen to make it to the NCAA's I'll be real happy, I know if they do they will be seeded low & lose, but just happy if they make it. 2004-2006 they made some noise & won some games, but I know this year they'd be pounded if they get there. But to make it to the dance is an achievement. About an hour away from a game against Long Beach State. Paying attention to that for now, before paying attention to Selection Sunday and who's gonna go where in the Tourney.

[content]

I'm an alum of both Univ of Memphis and Univ of Tenn. Good wins by both schools today. Vols won't make a deep run but the Tigers will.

[SUVRon]

Actually if Maryland beats NC State, they have to deal with the Demon Deacons next!!!! But I don't know about BC, they haven't looked all that impressive when I've seen them.

Maryland beat NC State and they dealt with and spanked the Demon Deacons:)

[matt1618]

UOP Tigers beat Long Beach State in a nail-biter, 65-60. Avenge two losses during conference play. Play tomorrow night to go the NCAAs. ESPN 2 tomorrow night. Yes!!

[NascarGirl2448]

Maryland beat NC State and they dealt with and spanked the Demon Deacons:)

And Georgia Tech (worst team in the league) beat the living daylights out of Clemson!! How about BC giving duke a run for their money last night? Or the near upset of carolina by VT??

[Dr. Funkenstein]

With Ohio State winning this afternoon I think they have done enough to get into the tournament. According to my calculations there are now 6 at large spots left.

If you were right before, now it's down to five with Temple and Duquesne fighting for the A-10 title, and possibly four with Baylor in the Big 12 final.

[grapabeaux]

A few thoughts....

-- Kansas State (21-11, 9-7 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/standings), RPI (http://kenpom.com/rate.php) 40), who finished fourth in the Big 12 as the top of four teams with a 9-7 conference record, is likely not to make it in, while the other 9-7 teams below them -- Okie State (22-11, 9-7, RPI 30), Texas (22-11, 9-7, RPI 25), and Texas A&M (23-9, 9-7, RPI 52) -- are going to get in. This has happened to K-State once before in recent years. Maybe that first-round bye wasn't such a blessing; they could have used that game to pad their resume.

-- Texas wandered through most of this season in search of a point guard. They have found one that is decent - not D.J. Augustine decent, but good enough in Dogus Bilbat. It lets A.J. Abrams focus on shooting. Plus, Dexter Pittman is becoming a beast in the frontcourt. This team may be a #6 or #7 seed that could do some damage in the first weekend.

-- The mid-major conferences are thin this year on at-large candidates, which means there could be record number for power conferences, and the less chance of a Davidson story this year.

-- I don't think Duke will make it out of the first weekend. I don't have a whole lot of evidence to back this up, but they don't have a bench and their lineup is lopsided, just like last year. I just don't see it happening.

-- A NCAA tournament without Kentucky, Indiana, and (possibly) Arizona? Talk about weird.

-- All-time wins ranking going into this season:
Kentucky -- 1966
North Carolina -- 1950
Kansas -- 1943
-- All-time wins as of today:
Kentucky -- 1986
North Carolina -- 1978
Kansas -- 1968
If Carolina makes it to 2000 wins before Kentucky does next year, it'll be one sign among many that all will not be well in Lexington.

[iamredbeard]

If you were right before, now it's down to five with Temple and Duquesne fighting for the A-10 title, and possibly four with Baylor in the Big 12 final.

That is correct, it's down to five spots. Here is my breakdown by conference: Big East 7 teams, Big Ten 6 teams, ACC, 6 teams, Big 12 6 teams, Pac 10 4 team, SEC 2 teams, MWC 2 teams, Thats 33 teams subtract, the seven auto bids, that brings us to 26 teams. Then I have Dayton, Butler, and Xavier all getting in, which brings us down to 5 bids left as there are 15 bids to be handed out. That number would shrink even more if Baylor and Tulsa wins their conference tournaments. Utah State and San Diego State both have compelling cases to make as an at large team, both I think both might have to win their tournament to get in. I also think that the SEC will get a third team in.

[iamredbeard]

Two more bids have just been handed out including Memphis which drew a sigh of relief from the bubble teams. 17 bids have been handed out, 10 more today and 4 more tomorrow.

[iamredbeard]

Upon taking a closer look at San Diego State I am very close to saying that they have done enough and that both teams in the MSC Championship game have done enough. But I am holding off on that to see what they do tonight as well as to see what Baylor and Utah State do tonight. If I had to be pressed into a decision right now about who those five teams would be and assuming that Utah State, Missouri, and Utah win. I would give the remaining five spots to San Diego State, Creighton, Auburn, St, Mary's, and Minnesota.

[iamredbeard]

Upon taking a closer look at San Diego State I am very close to saying that they have done enough and that both teams in the MSC Championship game have done enough. But I am holding off on that to see what they do tonight as well as to see what Baylor and Utah State do tonight. If I had to be pressed into a decision right now about who those five teams would be and assuming that Utah State, Missouri, and Utah win. I would give the remaining five spots to San Diego State, Creighton, Auburn, St, Mary's, and Minnesota.

Just looked at Joe Lunardi's latest bracketology. Thge one difference we have in who's in and out is that he Has Maryland in and Auburn out, I have it the other way around. I gotta believe that the SEC will get more than two teams in.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

[iamredbeard]

Ohio State just destroyed Sparty. Ohio State is definitely in now, but I had them in anyways. I think MSU will still be a #2 seed. I hope that they won't be in the same region as North Carolina though. Mississippi State just one another game, so I don't think Auburn is on the bubble anymore. They have to either with the conference tournament or go to the NIT. Son't think the SEC will get 4 teams in. I got 5 spots open and tonight the big games are with USC and Baylor , either of those teams could steal a bid, that's the only way that the are getting into the Big Dance.

[iamredbeard]

Given that both Maryland and Auburn lost today, I am going to go out on a limb and say that San Diego has done enough to get in the tourney. That gives us only 4 spots left on the bubble. I think Creighton, St, Mary's and Minnesota will take three of those 4 spots. If Utah State doesn't win they might be my last team in. Of course if Baylor, USC or Mississippi State win their conference tourney then I would have to rethink things

[content]

Two more bids have just been handed out including Memphis which drew a sigh of relief from the bubble teams. 17 bids have been handed out, 10 more today and 4 more tomorrow.


Teams were worried that Memphis would lose today? No way. 60+ straight conf wins (ok a subpar conf). Memphis is rolling like last year. Only other team with a defense like Memphis is Louisville - they may be better. Let's hope if we get deep we can avoid another big choke....

[iamredbeard]

Temple, Missouri, and USC all have their tickets punched. With USC winning the bubble gets a little bit tighter. According to my calculations there are three spots left on the bubble.

[iamredbeard]

Teams were worried that Memphis would lose today? No way. 60+ straight conf wins (ok a subpar conf). Memphis is rolling like last year. Only other team with a defense like Memphis is Louisville - they may be better. Let's hope if we get deep we can avoid another big choke....

Most people are projecting them as a #2 seed, but I think they'll get a #1 and be put in the West Region.

[iamredbeard]

Utah just edged San Diego State. I still think San Diego State gets in, in fact I have taken them off the bubble. Their RPI and Strength of schedule is just to goo to be left out, they took Utah down to the wire the MWC Championship game. Six bids still to be given out tonight and four to be given out tomorrow.

[grapabeaux]

Most people are projecting them as a #2 seed, but I think they'll get a #1 and be put in the West Region.

I would agree that Memphis should be a #1 seed, and would likely be playing in Kansas City in the first two rounds. If I'm reading this pod system correctly (that's no guarantee), that would mean that based on Lunardi's bracketology....

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

The three teams currently with UConn's #1 seed pod would be playing with Memphis (#1) in Kansas City, and the three teams with Memphis' #2 seed pod would be playing with UConn (#2) in Philadelphia? I still can't figure out this system.

Edit: all other things being the same, of course, for simplicity.

[iamredbeard]

I would agree that Memphis should be a #1 seed, and would likely be playing in Kansas City in the first two rounds. If I'm reading this pod system correctly (that's no guarantee), that would mean that based on Lunardi's bracketology....

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

The three teams currently with UConn's #1 seed pod would be playing with Memphis (#1) in Kansas City, and the three teams with Memphis' #2 seed pod would be playing with UConn (#2) in Philadelphia? I still can't figure out this system.

Edit: all other things being the same, of course, for simplicity.


I really don't understand the pod system either. What I do know is that the first and second round games aren't tied the regions. For instance a team could be placed in the East Region (Boston) and play their first and second round games in Phoenix. I heard them say that they are going to try if possible to keep teams as close as possible, at least for the top three seeds. I guess there is some rule that a top 5 seed can't play against a team in which the opponent would be playing in their own state for the first two rounds. I have read through the guidelines and it's rather complex. Just know that the committee will do as good of a job as they possibly can.

[content]

I would agree that Memphis should be a #1 seed, and would likely be playing in Kansas City in the first two rounds. If I'm reading this pod system correctly (that's no guarantee), that would mean that based on Lunardi's bracketology....

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

The three teams currently with UConn's #1 seed pod would be playing with Memphis (#1) in Kansas City, and the three teams with Memphis' #2 seed pod would be playing with UConn (#2) in Philadelphia? I still can't figure out this system.

Edit: all other things being the same, of course, for simplicity.

Should it get that far I'd rather Memphis match up with UConn than Louisville. I like the Cards chances a lot.

[iamredbeard]

Morgan State and Akron have just claimed their automatic bids, four more bids to be handed out tonight.

In other news on the ticker at the bottom of the screen they showed how Joe Lunardi has San Diego State as the last four out. Looking at their resume I gotta believe that they are in. It also said that their are seven teams on the bubble fight for three spots, but they didn't mention those seven teams.


Ok, I caught it all this time. He has St, Mary's, Creighton, and Maryland as the last three in and San Diego State, Arizona,

[iamredbeard]

Should it get that far I'd rather Memphis match up with UConn than Louisville. I like the Cards chances a lot.

I root for all the teams from Michigan. So I am quite interested in Sparty. They'll probably get a #2 seed. When the bracket comes out I just hope that they aren't in the same region as North Carolina. Of the six teams being debated for a #1 seed they are the only that I don't think Michigan State matches up well against.

[noelle12]

I'm a U of L fan, but I have to give total respect to Syracuse. What a scrappy team. Their tournament showing has been incredible.

[dannyg79]

Syracuse definately looks like a team that can make a deep tournament run. There was little they could do to beat Louisville tonite. The Cards are too deep and their style of play was bound to eventually wear Syracuse down considering how much Syracuse has had to play over the last few days. In saying all that, Louisville is going to be tough to beat. If they dont at least make the final four I am going to be very disappointed.

[iamredbeard]

Morgan State and Akron have just claimed their automatic bids, four more bids to be handed out tonight.

In other news on the ticker at the bottom of the screen they showed how Joe Lunardi has San Diego State as the last four out. Looking at their resume I gotta believe that they are in. It also said that their are seven teams on the bubble fight for three spots, but they didn't mention those seven teams.


Ok, I caught it all this time. He has St, Mary's, Creighton, and Maryland as the last three in and San Diego State, Arizona,

Ok, I caught it all this time. He has St, Mary's, Creighton, and Maryland as the last three in and San Diego State, Arizona, Penn State and Auburn as the last four out.

I keep looking at San Diego State's resume and I gotta believe it is good enough to get them in. :think:

Meanwhile Louisville and Alabama State have collected their automatic bids.

[iamredbeard]

Syracuse definately looks like a team that can make a deep tournament run. There was little they could do to beat Louisville tonite. The Cards are too deep and their style of play was bound to eventually wear Syracuse down considering how much Syracuse has had to play over the last few days. In saying all that, Louisville is going to be tough to beat. If they dont at least make the final four I am going to be very disappointed.

They should get a #1 seed, it all depends who they draw in their region. It's been a crazy year, no one has been able to stay at #1 for long. I think this year's Tournament is going to be crazy. :razz:

[dannyg79]

I really don't understand the pod system either. What I do know is that the first and second round games aren't tied the regions. For instance a team could be placed in the East Region (Boston) and play their first and second round games in Phoenix. I heard them say that they are going to try if possible to keep teams as close as possible, at least for the top three seeds. I guess there is some rule that a top 5 seed can't play against a team in which the opponent would be playing in their own state for the first two rounds. I have read through the guidelines and it's rather complex. Just know that the committee will do as good of a job as they possibly can.


The POD system is just designed to keep teams closer to home their first 2 games. There are 8 teams per sight during the first 2 rounds, but since it is only 2 rounds, you arent going to play every team that advances at that specific sight, so there is no point in making teams travel unnecessarily. The reason it came about, is because several years ago G'Town and Maryland played each other in the first round, but they were in the west region and had to play in California. It just doesnt make sense to send 2 East coast schools that are really close together all the way across the country to play when it isnt necessary.

[dannyg79]

They should get a #1 seed, it all depends who they draw in their region. It's been a crazy year, no one has been able to stay at #1 for long. I think this year's Tournament is going to be crazy. :razz:

Oh I agree. I think Louisville has a really good shot, but this is also a year I could see a 5 or 6 seed getting hot and winning it. I like Louisville or Memphis though, and also Carolina depending on Ty Lawson's health. But, anything can happen which is what makes this tournament so great.

[iamredbeard]

Ok, I caught it all this time. He has St, Mary's, Creighton, and Maryland as the last three in and San Diego State, Arizona, Penn State and Auburn as the last four out.

I keep looking at San Diego State's resume and I gotta believe it is good enough to get them in. :think:

Meanwhile Louisville and Alabama State have collected their automatic bids.

Also I thought Minnesota was right on the bubble but he has them in.

[iamredbeard]

Oh I agree. I think Louisville has a really good shot, but this is also a year I could see a 5 or 6 seed getting hot and winning it. I like Louisville or Memphis though, and also Carolina depending on Ty Lawson's health. But, anything can happen which is what makes this tournament so great.

I haven't seen either of them play a lot, but I think Sparty can match up good with them. The one team that I don't want to see in the same bracket with Michigan State is North Carolina. I think Michigan State matches up against everyone else pretty well. For the last few years Tom Izzo has been talking about this Final Four because it is in Detroit. He has also said that his greatest memory was not when he won the national title at Indianapolis, but rather when he won the regional final at Auburn Hills, because of the excitement of winning in it from of pretty much a home crowd. Now I am not going to be cocky enough to say that Michigan State is going to win it all, but if they can get to the Final Four, I think that they might just do it. The latest bracketology has Michigan State as the #2 seed in the Midwest (Indianapolis) and playing the first two rounds in Minneapolis with Pitt being the #1 seed in that region. I like the way that region looks for them. We'll just have to see what happens when they are announced.

[iamredbeard]

Utah State made the bubble teams quite happy by winning their tourney. Only 5 automatic bids still out there.

[dannyg79]

I haven't seen either of them play a lot, but I think Sparty can match up good with them. The one team that I don't want to see in the same bracket with Michigan State is North Carolina. I think Michigan State matches up against everyone else pretty well. For the last few years Tom Izzo has been talking about this Final Four because it is in Detroit. He has also said that his greatest memory was not when he won the national title at Indianapolis, but rather when he won the regional final at Auburn Hills, because of the excitement of winning in it from of pretty much a home crowd. Now I am not going to be cocky enough to say that Michigan State is going to win it all, but if they can get to the Final Four, I think that they might just do it. The latest bracketology has Michigan State as the #2 seed in the Midwest (Indianapolis) and playing the first two rounds in Minneapolis with Pitt being the #1 seed in that region. I like the way that region looks for them. We'll just have to see what happens when they are announced.

I like Izzo a lot, but I havent really seen Michigan state much this year, but what I hear they are really good. Going to be in interesting tournament for sure.

[iamredbeard]

I like Izzo a lot, but I havent really seen Michigan state much this year, but what I hear they are really good. Going to be in interesting tournament for sure.

Living here in Michigan I have seen a lot of them. When they are they are really good, when they are struggling. just about anyone can beat them like when they lost to Northwestern at home. I've been watching the most of the Big East Tournament and I see a lot physical half court basketball, that's Michigan State's game. I kept thinking to my self Sparty can play with any of these teams. The only top notch team that I am not sure that they can play with is North Carolina. Please, pretty please don't put Michigan State and North Carolina in the same region.

[grapabeaux]

This has been a strange year as far as predicting the top tier teams. Either there is a small group of teams that have a legit shot of winning it all (North Carolina, Pitt, UConn, Michigan State, and maybe Louisville and Memphis), or there are a lot of teams (say, 12-15) who could make a run. Judging by the performance of most of the teams in the conference tourney, the separation between the top four and the next eight may not be so large.

I'll be curious if there's an effect with how the games are called. Pitt, UConn, and Michigan State are all physical teams that muscle their opponents around. If the games get called tight, that might play to their disadvantage. Plus, any well-disciplined team with a system offense and zone defense can give a talented and running team like Carolina fits.

[matt1618]

Depressing, my UOP (Pacific) team lost a heartbreaker to Northridge. Fell behind 21-3, fought back to tie it up, couldn't quite get over the hump. Went into overtime, but lost. Bad feeling when your team loses a heartbreaker, and you know there is no 'at large' berth the big conference teams take for granted.

On to rooting for someone else, I guess. I hope St. Mary's makes it, they may not. How someone like Maryland, who goes 7-9 during the regular season, (2-6 on the ACC road) lost to Morgan State at home, is even in consideration, I don't quite get. I like Virginia Commonwealth, the combination of Eric Maynor and Larry Sanders I think will upset somebody. Gonzaga I like I don't think will go deep.

[iamredbeard]

According to ESPN there are 7 teams fighting for 3 spots. I gotta believe that the SEC will get more than two teams in so if Mississippi State win then then we go down to two open spots, if they lose then I think Auburn gets in. As for the other two spots I feel inclined to give them to San Diego State and St. Mary's. Lunardi has St. Mary's, Creighton, and Maryland getting those three spots. More important that all that is that I hope that the committee doesn't put Michigan State and North Carolina is the same bracket. :pray:

[iamredbeard]

Three more bids just got handed out and more importantly the bubble just got a little tighter. According to ESPN, there are now seven teams fighter for two spots. Personally I think they'll go to St. Mary's and San Diego State.

[iamredbeard]

I like the way that the bracket worked out for Michigan State. They start off in Minneapolis, then they are in the Midwest Regional (Indianapolis), plus North Carolina isn't in there region. All in all I think it is very favorable for Sparty.

[grapabeaux]

They put Kansas and MSU as #3 and #2 in the same region, creating a possible sweet 16 matchup. Gee, I wonder where they'll get game film to review?

That seems kinda soon for a rehash of a regular season game.

[content]

Good draw for Memphis. I think we've got a good shot at another final four. If the Vols win one they have Pitt - ouch.

[grapabeaux]

I'll go out on a limb and say that the East bracket will be the first to get tore up with upsets. If Oklahoma State can get past its first round game, I'll be curious how they match up with Pitt. Or, more precisely, how the game will be called. Pitt is a physical team; Oklahoma State lives off of the foul line, with Byron Eton dribble penetrating. If the game is called tight and Pitt players get into foul trouble, you could see an upset.

Plus, Texas has found its groove at the end of the year. I still think Duke is suspect. If it get to that, they're the #2-#7 matchup in this region. I wouldn't be shocked if Texas ate up Duke from the inside.

[MR. MISTER]

Yet Wake athletes actually graduate, which in the long run means MORE than any titles or anything else. Tell me, can carowhina boast a 100% graduation rate in any sport anytime this century?
Looks like [so far] Jeff Teague and James Johnson have declared for the draft.
http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=930947

So much for wake's 100% graduation rate :boohoo:

Doesn't bode too well for next year without Teague; and fake's got no one coming in.
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=14&cfg=bb&yr=2009

[NascarGirl2448]

Looks like [so far] Jeff Teague and James Johnson have declared for the draft.
http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=930947

So much for wake's 100% graduation rate :boohoo:

Doesn't bode too well for next year without Teague; and fake's got no one coming in.
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=14&cfg=bb&yr=2009

Jeff hasn't hired an agent or done anything else that would preclude his coming back to Wake Forest in the fall. James is the only one who is leaving for sure, since Al-Farouq has said he's staying for sure.

Also what's with this nobody coming in garbage?? Does the name CJ Harris ring a bell? I saw this kid play a couple of times this year, and he is AWESOME. Led Mt Tabor high school to the state championship this year, and beat some TOUGH teams along the way. On top of that we've got a kid from Norway, I believe it is, who is something else. Sounds to me like the media once again has no idea what they're talking about.