Blog # 66- Tournament Games of March 18th

My Beloved 105 Bloggees:

I hope these blogs have enhanced your viewing of March Madness. Writing them has helped me become more aware of a school's personnel, especially teams in the South. It is loke going to a concert by a group and knowing most of their songs....much more enjoyable.

The Gators try to advance to the Sweet Sixteen in their 1:45 CDT matchup with UCLA on CBS. The Bruins are quite large, especially at center with freshman 6' 10  305 lb Josh Smith http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/88/885708.jpg . Some tell me there is no way he is not 350 lbs. I almost got to see him in a 4-team high school tournament at Samford about 15 months ago that featured Winter Park, (FL) High School's Austin Rivers (Doc's son and former Gator commit) and uncommitted Alabama player of the year, Huntsville Butler's Trevor Lacey, but Smith was injured and did not participate with his Kentwood(WA) high school team.

By the way, that was a fantastic holiday tourney with the winner being the number one team in the country, Houston (TX) Yates who averaged over 100 points a game. Great job by bloggee Sean, the "Mr. Sunshine" http://abc.go.com/shows/mr-sunshine  of Samford, for bringing that tournament to the Pete Hanna Center. Sean is too focused on his Tar Heels to accept kudos at this time, I am sure.   NEXT

To watch Billy Donovan's press conference from Friday previewing the UCLA game, click on http://www.gatorvision.tv/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=760950&db_oem_id=6500 . (Bloggee Chip # 1 has pointed out that Billy uses the phrase "very, very" in nearly every press conference.....watch the beginning of this one and you will see it happen a few times). For bloggee Kevin # 1's  insightful article on the tight relationship between the Gators two starting guards, Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton, click on http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20110318/ARTICLES/110319347/1136?Title=Guards-Boynton-Walker-have-become-like-brothers  NEXT

It's time once again for You Make Me Feel Old.  Do you remember the 1996 Chicago Bulls championship team with seldom-used Jack Haley, a reserve blue-collar forward who was best known for being bad-boy Dennis Rodman's  good friend on the team. He is introduced in the following clip at the 1:00 mark  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRjuMhqw_9U

Well, his son, also Jack Haley  http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/haley_jack00.html , is a benchwarmer for Florida's next opponent, UCLA.  Is it safe to say that many of you join me in saying, " Little Jack Haley,  You Make Me Feel Old". NEXT  

It is not easy to see your team lose in the first game of the NCAA tournament. What is difficult is to get blown out by 30. I can see many of our bloggees who are Tennessee fans nodding their heads after the Vols 75 - 45 loss to Michigan  http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103180357 . Scotty Hopson was 1 for 7, Melvin Goins was 0 for 4 and Brian Williams was 1 for 3......a poor shooting performance by this Vols triumvirate....in fact, the entire team shot 32.6 % and were outrebounded 32 - 23. There is talk some players quit on Pearl. 

The bottom line is if you have a college coach guilty of being in a scandal, cut your losses. The distraction doesn't go away. Even if you win, there is a time when you will lose and the questions will once again keep coming. Ask Mike Dubose, former football coach at Alabama, who had a brief reprieve from "secretarygate" when he won the SEC Championship. Don't worry, the next year he was gone.

Even though both Tennessee and Louisville made it to the NCAA's this year, Bruce Pearl (who I have met and like) and Rick Pitino must be let go now. Like I mentioned in the previous blog, recruiting will be affected, as will the performance of their teams. This year's NCAA tournament is good evidence of that. NEXT

Alabama fans must have been squirming watching Georgia (a team they beat twice in a week this month)  lose to Washington 68 - 65  http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103180630 . The Huskies' quick point guard, Isaiah Thomas, put on a clinic with his speed and overall game, going 6 for 14 and a clutch 7 for 7 from the charity stripe for 19 points. In addition, he had some key defensive plays including tipping a desperation pass marring an eventual last-second shot by the Dogs. Tide Nation probably is thinking that they would have been a better matchup against Washington with the Crimson's own speedy point guard, freshman sensation Trevor Releford.

You do have to give Washington credit for their balance, 8 players scored at least 6 points, while Georgia just had 4, with junior Trey Thompkins leading the way with a double-double......26 points on 11 for 14 shooting along with 11 rebounds. Can you say, "will leave early for the NBA". NEXT

FSU, like many teams, made me look bad. Their smothering defense was too much for my pick. Texas A & M  57 - 50 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103180587 . The Seminoles Chris Singleton did  play for the first time since he broke his foot on February 12th. He provided an emotional spark off the bench, but had a tough time getting into the flow with just 5 points and 4 fouls.

However, with FSU's "syrup on waffles" defense, I would be a bit nervous if I were their next opponent, Notre Dame. Bloggee Joe, that is probably good news for you being an Irish fan because my predictions have been worse than awful. I should probably stick to commenting on the past instead of the future in these blogs. NEXT

One thing I did nail was that Georgetown would be one and done. Point guard Chris Wright's return to the Hoyas was ineffective, not surprisingly. He was just 3 for 13 including 0 for 6 deep and had an ill-advised technical foul assessed against him in the 74 - 56 loss to VCU http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recap?gid=201103180229 .

The Rams were led by Brandon Rozzell's hot hand, 8 for 13, including 6 for 10 from the perimeter for 26 points. The big key was the play of point guard, Joey Rodriguez, who had 7 assists and was a perfect 9 for 9 from the free throw line on his way to 17 points (but he did shoot 3 for 9 from the field). Bloggee Howard pointed out to me that Rodriguez was the point guard on the 2006 -2007 state champions, Lake Howell High School  in the Orlando area, that also featured former Gator Nick Calathes and current Gator and SEC player of the year, Chandler Parsons. Watch this old high school clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKFwRXFxUWY .

VCU now must play Purdue. They need to do a better job on the boards to compete with the Boilermakers. Against Georgetown the Rams were beaten on the glass 33 - 23. I did hear as the game was winding down on Friday, the VCU fans were yelling "Jay Bilas" in unison as a result of ESPN's Bilas constantly blasting the Selection Committee's choice of the Rams to participate in March Madness. NEXT

Tu,Tu, Tu. You let me down, all-BB (Barry's Blog) Tu Holloway. Your Xavier Muskateers fell to the Marquette Golden Eagles 66 - 55 and your 1 for 8 shooting with 5 turnovers did not help http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103180682 .  

They might take away my blogger license for hyping you so much, even though you were the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year.

Marquette's defense was impressive. You also have to love their coach, the hoarse and ebullient (there is that Gator education at work) Buzz Williams.  Here is hoarse Buzz after a victory earlier in the season.  http://larrybrownsports.com/college-basketball/buzz-williams-marquette-hoarse-video/55370  THAT'S IT.

Enjoy....don't forget that there are a number of games on Sunday night.... in the past years when the tourney was just on CBS, all play on Sunday would end with 60 Minutes....this blog might catch you right at the intermission of the KY-WVA game for some halftime entertainment,

Barry

Barry

Blog # 65- Tournament Games of March 17th

My Beloved 105 Bloggees:

The Gators were business-like in putting away the Gauchos of UCSB 79 - 51 http://www.gatorzone.com/basketball/men/boxscore.php?gameid=9879 . Chandler Parsons showed why he was the SEC Player of the Year with a double-double, 10 points and 10 assists and also had a team-leading 7 rebounds. When the Gators starting guards, Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker, have good shooting nights like their combined 11 for 17 (5 for 10 from three-land) on Thrusday, they can compete with anyone.  Next game is 1:45 CDT on CBS against UCLA.

You can watch a short video discussion  of the UCSB game by bloggee Kevin # 1 at http://video.gatorsports.com/ .  Also you can view the post-game press conference with Billy Donovan and the above three mentioned student-athletes  http://www.gatorvision.tv/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=760784&db_oem_id=6500 . NEXT

Today showed what a difference for Florida to be a 2 seed when they played an overmatched California-Santa Barbara squad compared to being a 4 seed like Kentucky who snuck by Princeton 59 - 57 on a last second layup by Brandon Knight http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/gametracker/boxscore/NCAAB_20110317_PRINCE@KY . By the way, Knight was 0 for 7 before he hit the game-winner. NEXT

Buzzer-beaters can make you look smart or dumb. With me, it was the latter as Butler's Matt Howard came from the weak side to put back a missed shot at the buzzer and advance by defeating my Elite Eight pick, Old Dominion, 60 - 58 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103170067 .

For just the second time this year, ODU was outrebounded, this time 27 - 26. Butler was very cerebral many times tapping rebounds to themselves or to teammates. All-BB Frank "the Tank" Hassell finished with 20 points on 7 for 13 shooting in his last collegiate game. If I were the ODU coach he would have shot about 10 more times, especially when Howard and big man Andrew Smith both were in foul trouble. Tip of the hat to Butler's Garrett Butcher who grabbed 5 critical offensive rebounds in 13 minutes.

This just in....Butler's Brad Stevens can coach. NEXT

After a First Four game, let the kids of the winning team have a good night's sleep and travel the next day. After winning Tuesday night in Dayton, Clemson travelled to Tampa after the game and arrived at the hotel at 5:00 am. They had to play in 31 hours but within that time was the need to get two nights of sleep. Oh yeah, there is practice, team meetings, media obligations, meals, etc.  Of course Clemson tired in the second half and lost to a waiting West Virginia squad 84 - 76 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recap?gid=201103170636 . NEXT

Broadcaster Kevin Harlan on a blocked shot by Temple..."he went inside a torture chamber" ! He is one of the most exciting play-by-play guys in the business http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tag9UmmFfY8&NR=1 . I will take him or Gus Johnson anytime http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/03/14/sports/basketball/2011-johnson-videos.html  .   NEXT

You all know I love all-BB Kenneth Faried. I just couldn't pick Morehead State over Louisville because as I indicated in a previous blog, I didn't think he had a supporting cast. This blogger was dead wrong, when the Eagles Demonte Harper hit a clutch three with four seconds left for the one-point upset over the Cardinals http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recap?gid=201103170314 . On the bright side, I did have Louisville losing in the next round. When a role model for kids behaves like Rick Pitino did, I can't root for him and I feel it is tough for his players to respect him, which has to affect their play.

Another thought on Louisville's coach...any coach who is able to sit in a recruit's living room with the high schooler's mother and ends up losing a recruiting battle to Pitino and Louisville should just get out of the business. NEXT

All-BB Noah Dahlman just missed a double-double for Wofford with 22 points on 6 for 10 shooting and 9 rebounds. However, it was too much Jimmer Fredette who scored 32 points in BYU's 74 - 66 victory      http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103170068 . NEXT

How frustrated must bloggee Henry and other Vandy alumni and hoops supporters must be. A talented Commodore team lost in the first round again, this time to Richmond 69 - 66  http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103170615 . Blog favorite, John Jenkins, had 21 points on 6 for 9  shooting (yes, just 9 shots), 4 for 6 beyond the arc. However, while watching most of the second half, shockingly I did not see the ' Dores setting screens for their star shooter down the stretch. Vanderbilt Coach Kevin Stallings reminds me of a guy who has a great car with four-wheel drive but keeps it in the garage when it snows. NEXT

Enjoy.....my love affair with mid-majors has cost me in the brackets so far....plus three Sweet Sixteen picks already eliminated, MO, ODU and Vandy...ouch....what is much worse is my wife has 5 more correct picks than I do already....yes, I have heard about it a few times...looking forward to a better bracket day,

Barry

Blog # 64- Tournament Games of March 16th

My Beloved 105 Bloggees:

The Gators begin their journey in the tourney this evening at 5:50 CDT on TBS against the Gauchos of UCSB. Interesting story on Orlando Johnson, their leading scorer at 21.1 and rebounder at 6.3 http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20110316/COLUMNISTS/110319502/1044?p=3&tc=pg  .

I know there are going to be a few bloggees in attendance rooting for the Orange and Blue. For a preview of the game, check out bloggee Kevin # 1 at http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20110317/ARTICLES/110319498/1136?Title=Gators-ready-for-a-run-.   NEXT

All-BB (Barry's Blog) Tu Holloway and his regular season champs Xavier Muskateers are well-rested after their early exit in the Atlantic 10 tournament. Holloway's 20 points,  5 assists and 5 rebounds should lead Xavier to the Sweet Sixteen. His 87 % free throw shooting percentage down the stretch will be key to them holding on leads late in the game. (He is not Samford's Emily London with her Division I leading 93.4 % among men and women, as she will be leading her Bulldogs against the FSU Lady Seminoles on Sunday at 4:15 CDT on ESPN 2 in first round NCAA action.). NEXT

Chris Singleton is a special player for FSU (their best defender and scorer) but has not played since February 12 because of a fractured foot. There is talk he may play on Friday against Texas A & M. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college_fsu/2011/03/chris-singleton-status-remains-in-doubt-for-florida-state’s-trip-ncaa-tournament.html  Go with the Aggies. Even if Singleton plays, the odds are that he won't be effective immediately. NEXT

Kudos to former Florida assistant Shaka Smart (he looks a bit like Kobe Bryant to me http://image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com/pics/200/RA/RAEDGYICSRYEELK.20090402172220.jpg) for leading the much-maligned VCU Rams to a 69 - 54 victory over USC http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103160609  .  Sorry, I am not the biggest Kevin O'Neill fan as a coach.  His "Billy Martin" interaction with an Arizona supporter last weekend is indicative of why I feel that way. I read a lot about basketball and can't recall seeing much positive written about him. We have a number of Tennessee supporters who are bloggees. I wonder if they echo my sentiments about their former head coach. 

Back to VCU, they are led by 5th year senior and Wake Forest transfer (bloggee John, I found a way to get your alma mater some air time in this tough year for the Demon Deacons) , 6 ' 9  240 lb Jamie Skeen who had 16 points and 9 rebounds against USC last night, just above his season averages. I also like senior point guard Joey Rodriguez who had 5 assists just above his average. Watching him convinces you he has the critical leadership needed at the point.

I understand on Friday Georgetown will have their starting point guard, Chris Wright, back in the starting lineup after sitting out about 3 weeks with a broken hand. But I say, go with the seasoned Rams! NEXT

The last few weeks have had some positives in being a Samford basketball supporter. Of course, the women's team going to the NCAA tournament is a plus. Last night was another. On December 20th, Samford's men's team  traveled to San Antonio and defeated UTSA  74 - 73. Last night the Roadrunners advanced past the First Four with its 70 - 61 win over the Hornets of Alabama State http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103160008 .  Melvin Johnson III scored 29 points, 25 in the first half. Against Samford Johnson only had 13 points (ok, he came off the bench and only played 18 minutes versus the 31 he played last night....but I still like savoring the Bulldogs' road win against an NCAA team).  THAT'S IT.

Enjoy.....we are just a few minutes away from early tipoffs.....may your upsets come through.....will ODU make me a hero?

Barry

I

Blog # 63- Tournament Games of March 15th

My Beloved 105 Bloggees (Welcome David):

 

 

A tip of the hat goes to bloggee Rye, the former hoopster from Columbus State. Yesterday he warned me that Clemson would defeat UAB by at least 14 even though they were only favored by 4 to 5 points. He was right as the ACC's Tigers dominated Conference USA's Blazers in a First Four game 70 - 52 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150034 . It was similar to UAB's January game against another ACC team, Duke. In both games they were down by 20 points in the first half and even though the Blazers made a brief run in both games, cutting it to 14 at Duke and reducing the deficit to 8 last night, they could not get closer in the mismatches.

 

UAB was led by seniors Aaron Johnson and Jamarr Sanders who had 7 assists and 19 points (5 for 9 from deep) respectively, but each committed 6 turnovers leading to their downfall. Also, Clemson dominated the paint, led by Harvey Grant's son (twin Horace Grant's nephew), 6' 8  230 lb Jerai Grant, with his  22 points on 10 for 15 shooting and 7 rebounds.  In fact, the Tigers shot nearly 60 % on its 2-point field goal attempts,  22 for 37. Just on a hunch, I have Clemson defeating # 5 seed West Virginia on Thursday. NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

It was a bad night for Conference USA, as its teams went 0 - 4 in postseason tournaments yesterday.  Besides UAB, Marshall lost at home to Ohio 65 - 64 in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150341&old_bs=1 . UTEP lost in the Pit at New Mexico 69 - 57 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150404 in the NIT.  Finally, East Carolina lost at home to Jacksonville 71 - 66 http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150178  in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (congrats to bloggee Alan, Jacksonville's AD).  NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

Alabama took out its frustration of having to play in the NIT by whipping depleted Coastal Carolina and coach Cliff Ellis 68 - 44  http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150006 . Bama flexed its defensive muscles limiting the Chanticleers to 16 of 48 shooting or just 33 % and had 13 steals.

 

The question  for a young team like Alabama is, do they benefit by playing in the NIT and playing more than one game which also means more practices?  Or is it still better to have the experience of playing in the NCAA tourney, even if it is just a First Four game? I feel the NIT will help Anthony Grant and his almost certain Top 25 team next year. For UAB, the NCAA trip was better because it was a reward for its dedicated seniors, even though it was one and done. NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is now time for our regular feature, Who is that Assistant Coach ?  Alabama's next opponent is New Mexico coached by Indiana favorite son, Steve Alford. His top assistant is a former point guard for Georgia Tech you can see in this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9sAMv8RyMo . Yes, Craig Neal, known as Noodles during his playing days, will be coming to Tuscaloosa for the Lobos next NIT tilt. Don't be surprised if Neal makes a quick detour to Atlanta to interview at his alma mater after Paul Hewitt was recently let go.  NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is always great to see an all-BB (Barry's Blog) player excel on the court. Andrew Goudelock scored 39 points in College of Charleston's 94 - 84 home NIT victory over Dayton http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201103150107 . Goudelock was only 3 for 9 beneath the arc, but he was 8 for 15 beyond it along with 9 for 10 from the gift lane. Andrew also led the Cougars with 8 rebounds. Hello NBA.  NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember reading a magazine article over 25 years ago by former Marquette coach and broadcaster Al McGuire. He was giving tips to coaches going to the Big Dance for the first time. Who did he say should be given first priority when it comes to tickets allocated to a participating school?  The President of the university? The coaches' families? The players' families? Large donors to the university? No, no, no and no. First give tickets to the Pep Band. They are the most important supporters you will have at that game.

 

I miss that guy, especially around this time.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tks-SXUbKok&NR=1 (this 18 second clip is a repeat from an earlier blog but probably McGuire's greatest call in the NCAA tournament....Holy Mackarel....bloggee Kap won't forget this famous buzzer-beater by Georgia Tech's James Forrest.)  NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

Bloggee Martin suggested the following website for sports fans http://www.fanbro.com/ . Evidently they have frequent giveaways during March Madness. NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

For Gator fans, longtime broadcaster Larry Vettel hosts a radio talk show from 2 - 5 CDT Monday through Friday. Usually on Tuesday and Friday, Gator Lady Basketball and Softball Play-by Play guy, Adam Schick, son of bloggee Ken, co-hosts from 2 - 4. You can call toll - free at 877-392-talk. They do talk about topics other than Gator sports, so feel free to call even if you don't wear Orange and Blue. You can listen at http://www.wruf.com/index.php?s=stream-popup . NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of Larry Vettel, he is on a panel with bloggee Kevin # 1 discussing the Journey to the Tourney, in a three-part video that you can see at http://video.gatorsports.com/ . It is not just for Gator fans, giving you insight as you fill out your brackets. After viewing the three videos, I am regretting my choice of Georgia winning against Washington based on their reasoning of no guard defense against Isaiah Thomas, the Huskies hero of last weekend. However, they did confirm my Sweet Sixteen pick of Vanderbilt because both Richmond and likely next round opponent Louisville, play a zone defense.  John Jenkins, is that music to your ears?  THAT'S IT.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy......my Elite Eight is Ohio State vs. North Carolina, Duke vs. SDSU, Kansas vs. Purdue, and ODU vs. FL (and in my alternate bracket, Gonzaga),

 

 

 

 

Barry

 

 

 

Blog # 62- Previewing the NCAA Tournament

My Beloved 104 Bloggees:

 

 

Isn't this the best week of the year for college hoops fans? Conference tournaments are fun to watch, but they are merely hors d'oeuvres with respect to the main course during the next three weeks. Here are some random thoughts about the pairings:

 

 

Traditional powerhouses such as Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, Connecticut and Ohio State all won their conference tournaments. Will they carry that momentum to the Big Waltz?  I say Connecticut will not and won't reach the Sweet Sixteen. The Huskies just finished playing 5 games in a row which should hurt them.  I also almost picked Princeton to upset Kentucky, but I just couldn't pull the trigger. I don't think Kentucky has a deep enough bench to go beyond the Sweet Sixteen. NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

All year I have been praising 13 seed Belmont and 9 seed Old Dominion with all-BB (Barry's Blog) Frank Hassell, and predicting that they will make the Sweet Sixteen. Nothing has changed.  Look for them to meet in a matchup in New Orleans the second weekend after both advance through their first two games (although Old Dominion's first round game against Butler will be a battle). NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

In that same region, Wofford is playing great ball having won their last eight games, including the Southern Conference tournament. They start 4 seniors and have NCAA experience barely losing last year to Wisconsin. Their only shortcoming is they don't start anyone over 6' 6 although Tim Johnson is a physical specimen and all-BB Noah Dahlman is a scoring machine in the paint. Their first round opponent is BYU and Jimmer Fredette, who without suspended Brandon Davies, don't have the physicality to take advantage of Wofford's height challenges. In an upset, I say go with Wofford. NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

I am not buying George Mason. Away from their home they have just been OK. Villanova starts three experienced seniors and will savvy their way to victory. But then that will be it as Ohio State will cruise to the Sweet Sixteen and beyond with their balanced squad. NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgia is well-rested while Washington expended a bunch of energy in winning the Pac-10 tourney at the buzzer. The Bulldogs' frontcourt of Trey Thompkins, Travis Leslie and Jeremy Price should be too much for the Huskies, even with their slippery guard, Isaiah Thomas.   NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

I want to say the nation's leading rebounder, all-BB Kenneth Faried and Morehead State will upset Louisville. But I don't think Faried has enough of a supporting cast to defeat the Cardinals. Louisville will then have a tough time with Vanderbilt and John Jenkins so I will say no to them going to the Sweet Sixteen. NEXT

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, when one's alma mater is a 2 seed you have to take them all the way. Florida is in an easy bracket and if their starting guards, Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton, can play like they did down the stretch, other than in the SEC Championship game, they have a shot. With their experienced frontcourt, seniors Chandler Parsons, Vernon Macklin and Alex Tyus and a little luck....it could be a fun remainder of March and beginning of April. However, I traditionally submit a second bracket that will have a different champion so that if my "heart" and the Gators lose, I can still have a rooting interest in the tourney. That second bracket will have Ohio State cutting down the nets. THAT'S IT

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy.......UAB has motivation to win the first-round game against Clemson tonight, I am sure ESPN's Jay Bilas's picture is in their locker room....Alabama's 12 - 4 record in the SEC should have gotten them in the tourney, however, their ability to have many extra games and practices should help this improving team next year,

 

 

 

Barry