Georgetown's All-Decade Team
G D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (2012-2016)
G Austin Freeman (2007-2011)
F Otto Porter (2011-2013)
F Marcus Derrickson (2015-2018)
C Jessie Govan (2015-2019)
Honorable mentions:
G Chris Wright (2007-2011)
G Jason Clark (2008-2012)
George Mason's All-Decade Team
G Otis Livingston II (2015-2019)
G Cam Long (2007-2011)
G-F Marquise Morris (2013-2017)
F Luke Hancock (2009-2011)
F Ryan Pearson (2008-2012)
Honorable mentions:
G Sherrod Wright (2009-2014)
C Shevon Thompson (2014-2016)
Showing posts with label George Mason. Show all posts
Showing posts with label George Mason. Show all posts
Friday, December 27, 2019
Monday, April 25, 2011
Bye Bye Larranaga
Jim Larranaga left George Mason last week to become Head Coach at the University of Miami. I was devastated when I heard the news. For all its Nobel Prize winners, he really put the school on the map with his 2006 run to the Final Four.
With Larranaga at the helm, you always had confidence in Mason's team. He would figure it out. He'd press the right buttons. The team would be successful no matter what.
It's just a very sad and uncertain time for Mason's team. It's unfortunate because they have such a talented group returning. Hopefully, the school finds another diamond in the rough.
With Larranaga at the helm, you always had confidence in Mason's team. He would figure it out. He'd press the right buttons. The team would be successful no matter what.
It's just a very sad and uncertain time for Mason's team. It's unfortunate because they have such a talented group returning. Hopefully, the school finds another diamond in the rough.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Vindication for the Colonial
Unfortunately, the NCAA is driven by money. The men's college basketball tournament is no different. It's why the teams from the power conferences on the whole are overrated and the mid-majors on the whole are underrated. It's not about fairness.
Teams should largely be ranked based on wins and losses. There is a thought that a team from a power conference has a tougher schedule than a team from a mid-major by virtue of which conference they play in. But who decides that's the case? You're telling me that beating Georgia Tech is better than beating VCU? Before the tournament, most so-called college basketball experts would've said yes.
If the Colonial had 8 teams in the tournament every year, we'd get a team in the Final Four at least every other year. Especially, if our best teams were given #1 or #2 seeds. George Mason's #8 seed was the second highest seed in the Colonial's tournament history. As it is, the Colonial has had two Final Four teams in the last five years without any of those advantages. Let's look at the Colonial in this tournament. The conference had three teams in. One made it to the Final Four. Another lost to a Final Four team. The third lost to the number one seed in the entire tournament. VCU, which finished 4th in the conference and lost in the conference tournament final, was the Final Four team.
But you'd still have to consider Old Dominion the best team in the conference. They beat VCU in the tournament final. Their NCAA tournament loss was to Butler, a Final Four team. Talent-wise Butler should have been a #1 or #2 seed. ODU should have been a #4 seed. It's a travesty that that was a first round game. I'm a George Mason fan. We won the conference's regular season. But VCU had our number in the conference tournament and beat us easily. Our problem was we peaked too early in the season. Still, we should not have had to play the tournament's #1 seed overall so early. That too is a travesty.
More at large bids for mid-majors! Better seeds for mid-majors! It's a question of justice and fairness.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Recap of the Thrilling 32
It was sad to see George Mason lose. Ohio State just made everything. Mason left the three point shooters open early; they made it. Later, Mason was pasted to the Buckeye shooters; they still made it. Mason got off to the good start with a 11-2 lead. But Ohio State got a few lucky breaks, like the fasted 5 second call in the history of basketball, and never looked back. The loss of Luke Hancock may not have been the difference, but it didn't help. Mason has a young team though. Look for them to be back.
In the meantime, I want to send best wishes to Cam Long and Isaiah Tate. If you look at Long's face, you couldn't tell if he's in heaven or if the place is burning down around him; he exudes calm and composure. It's a wonder to behold. I really hated Tate's game when he first came to Mason. But he has improved every year. This season, whenever he entered the game, I always let out a sigh of relief, "Whew, Isaiah's in. Everything will be alright." He turned into a guy with one of the highest basketball IQs I've seen. It was a truly remarkable transformation. Good luck to both men.
The referees did the right thing in calling two fouls in the last 1.4 seconds of the Butler-Pitt game. The refs haven't done much right during the tournament. There's been more bad officiating than I can remember. But both plays were obvious fouls that needed to be called. The real story was the unbelievably stupid plays made by Shelvin Mack and Nasir Robinson. Both made legendarily dumb plays and all within a second of game time! I did like that Mack asked Gilbert Brown, "Where you from?" before Brown shot the free throws.
It looked like UNC's John Henson tipped Isaiah Thomas's last second shot, which would've been goaltending. Of course, Thomas shot a two instead of a three, so the point is moot. However, potentially rivaling the above paragraph for the two stupid plays in such quick succession award, Venoy Overton hurled a last second shot before it was the last second. Henson tried to catch the ball for some reason, but missed, and the ball rolled out of bounds.
Let's not forget that Scoop Jardin inexplicably jacked up a quick shot at the end of the first half against Marquette, instead of holding for the last shot. Jardine missed and Marquette cam down and scored. Another play involving Jardine occurred at the end of the game. With the contest tied, Dion Waiters threw the ball to Jardine, who caught it in the front court as his foot glided on to the halfcourt line for a backcourt violation with the game tied. Marquette won by 4.
Read the last three paragraphs and then try to tell me the college game is better than the NBA. It's not a purer kind of basketball. The issue is, in the NBA, the players are so good, it can become predictable. College basketball has the element of utter stupidity that gives you some excitement from sheer unpredictability. See above for examples. But the NBA is a purer game. The players know what they're doing. It's also a better game.
In the meantime, I want to send best wishes to Cam Long and Isaiah Tate. If you look at Long's face, you couldn't tell if he's in heaven or if the place is burning down around him; he exudes calm and composure. It's a wonder to behold. I really hated Tate's game when he first came to Mason. But he has improved every year. This season, whenever he entered the game, I always let out a sigh of relief, "Whew, Isaiah's in. Everything will be alright." He turned into a guy with one of the highest basketball IQs I've seen. It was a truly remarkable transformation. Good luck to both men.
The referees did the right thing in calling two fouls in the last 1.4 seconds of the Butler-Pitt game. The refs haven't done much right during the tournament. There's been more bad officiating than I can remember. But both plays were obvious fouls that needed to be called. The real story was the unbelievably stupid plays made by Shelvin Mack and Nasir Robinson. Both made legendarily dumb plays and all within a second of game time! I did like that Mack asked Gilbert Brown, "Where you from?" before Brown shot the free throws.
It looked like UNC's John Henson tipped Isaiah Thomas's last second shot, which would've been goaltending. Of course, Thomas shot a two instead of a three, so the point is moot. However, potentially rivaling the above paragraph for the two stupid plays in such quick succession award, Venoy Overton hurled a last second shot before it was the last second. Henson tried to catch the ball for some reason, but missed, and the ball rolled out of bounds.
Let's not forget that Scoop Jardin inexplicably jacked up a quick shot at the end of the first half against Marquette, instead of holding for the last shot. Jardine missed and Marquette cam down and scored. Another play involving Jardine occurred at the end of the game. With the contest tied, Dion Waiters threw the ball to Jardine, who caught it in the front court as his foot glided on to the halfcourt line for a backcourt violation with the game tied. Marquette won by 4.
Read the last three paragraphs and then try to tell me the college game is better than the NBA. It's not a purer kind of basketball. The issue is, in the NBA, the players are so good, it can become predictable. College basketball has the element of utter stupidity that gives you some excitement from sheer unpredictability. See above for examples. But the NBA is a purer game. The players know what they're doing. It's also a better game.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
More Thoughts on the NCAA Tournament
I was ecstatic after George Mason's close victory over Villanova. Nova was on their game, particularly in the first half. Mason is a second half team, but waited until rather late in the game to turn it on. Once Mason guarded the three and took the ball to the paint, the tide turned.
Ohio State is a good team. Sullinger is going to be difficult to defend. But Mason can make him a liability when the Patriots have the ball. Mason's big guys are adept at driving to the hoop from the elbow. The key for Mason will be defensive rebounding and guarding the three.
During the Mason-Nova game, the thought that VCU was a better team than Nova entered my brain. When VCU went on a three-point shooting tear, they kept it up throughout the game against Mason in the conference tournament. Villanova's defense was effective early, but Mason eventually figured it out. VCU kept switching up its defense against Mason, which was far more effective.
I want to wish Chris Wright, Austin Freeman, and Julian Vaughn well. Georgetown's loss was sad. But VCU is that good. There's been talk that VCU's performance has been a surprise. As a Georgetown fan who watches the Colonial, I was very worried about this game. Some of the ESPN analysts who argued that VCU shouldn't be in the tournament will try and tell you that these wins don't change their initial point, that VCU didn't deserve to get in; once in, sure they are capable of winning.
It's a stupid argument. If they win two games, how can you argue they don't deserve to be in the tournament? It's nonsensical. Guys like Dick Vitale, Digger Phelps, and Jay Bilas should just admit they were wrong. They didn't watch VCU; they should've. They'll do better next year. Maybe they should stop questioning when a #11 seed from the Colonial is selected as an at large bid.
Spero Dedes made so many mistakes, it was embarrassing. I'm not a guy who dumps on announcers. Good announcers make watching the game better and I like most of the guys who do the NCAA Tournament. But Dedes is terrible. He went on and on about Akron's conference tournament final against Iona. I was virtually certain Iona wasn't in the MAC. But he kept talking about this non-existent game. I'm a Miami (Ohio) fan, but I felt the need to look it up (I was devastated after Akron beat Miami in the conference quarters, so I couldn't watch the final).
Of course, Akron beat Kent State in the MAC final. Iona is in the MAAC, which I was sure of as well. They lost to St. Peter's in the conference final. Dedes said that the Aggies were up by 7 when the Seminoles were and later that the Seminoles were up by 5 when they were clearly up by 7. He said that the Georgetown-VCU game had reached the midway point of the first half at the 15:00 mark. His partner, Bob Wenzel, who I like, made the unforgivable mistake of saying Mason made the Final Four in '05. Of course, it was '06.
They should get one of the litany of ESPN broadcasters (except for Brad Nessler, Dave O'Brien, and Mike Patrick) that are good. John Sciambi, Sean McDonough, Dave Pasch, or Dan Shulman would be better, just to name a few.
Wenzel made a great point when he said, "we'll learn about some of these cinderellas in the coming days." It's so true. Broadcasters have no idea about midmajors. It's ridiculous. It's why they thought VCU didn't belong in the tournament. They didn't see them play. How could they know? But they should watch the midmajors and not just Butler and Gonzaga. It's their job to be an expert on college basketball.
It would be like if a kidney doctor only knew some diseases involving the kidney. Or if a southern African specialist couldn't tell you a thing about Namibia. And if these bigwigs won't do it, I'd love to.
Ohio State is a good team. Sullinger is going to be difficult to defend. But Mason can make him a liability when the Patriots have the ball. Mason's big guys are adept at driving to the hoop from the elbow. The key for Mason will be defensive rebounding and guarding the three.
During the Mason-Nova game, the thought that VCU was a better team than Nova entered my brain. When VCU went on a three-point shooting tear, they kept it up throughout the game against Mason in the conference tournament. Villanova's defense was effective early, but Mason eventually figured it out. VCU kept switching up its defense against Mason, which was far more effective.
I want to wish Chris Wright, Austin Freeman, and Julian Vaughn well. Georgetown's loss was sad. But VCU is that good. There's been talk that VCU's performance has been a surprise. As a Georgetown fan who watches the Colonial, I was very worried about this game. Some of the ESPN analysts who argued that VCU shouldn't be in the tournament will try and tell you that these wins don't change their initial point, that VCU didn't deserve to get in; once in, sure they are capable of winning.
It's a stupid argument. If they win two games, how can you argue they don't deserve to be in the tournament? It's nonsensical. Guys like Dick Vitale, Digger Phelps, and Jay Bilas should just admit they were wrong. They didn't watch VCU; they should've. They'll do better next year. Maybe they should stop questioning when a #11 seed from the Colonial is selected as an at large bid.
Spero Dedes made so many mistakes, it was embarrassing. I'm not a guy who dumps on announcers. Good announcers make watching the game better and I like most of the guys who do the NCAA Tournament. But Dedes is terrible. He went on and on about Akron's conference tournament final against Iona. I was virtually certain Iona wasn't in the MAC. But he kept talking about this non-existent game. I'm a Miami (Ohio) fan, but I felt the need to look it up (I was devastated after Akron beat Miami in the conference quarters, so I couldn't watch the final).
Of course, Akron beat Kent State in the MAC final. Iona is in the MAAC, which I was sure of as well. They lost to St. Peter's in the conference final. Dedes said that the Aggies were up by 7 when the Seminoles were and later that the Seminoles were up by 5 when they were clearly up by 7. He said that the Georgetown-VCU game had reached the midway point of the first half at the 15:00 mark. His partner, Bob Wenzel, who I like, made the unforgivable mistake of saying Mason made the Final Four in '05. Of course, it was '06.
They should get one of the litany of ESPN broadcasters (except for Brad Nessler, Dave O'Brien, and Mike Patrick) that are good. John Sciambi, Sean McDonough, Dave Pasch, or Dan Shulman would be better, just to name a few.
Wenzel made a great point when he said, "we'll learn about some of these cinderellas in the coming days." It's so true. Broadcasters have no idea about midmajors. It's ridiculous. It's why they thought VCU didn't belong in the tournament. They didn't see them play. How could they know? But they should watch the midmajors and not just Butler and Gonzaga. It's their job to be an expert on college basketball.
It would be like if a kidney doctor only knew some diseases involving the kidney. Or if a southern African specialist couldn't tell you a thing about Namibia. And if these bigwigs won't do it, I'd love to.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
George Mason
Mason has been a slow starting team in most of their games this season. If the game is close in the first half, there's a good chance that Mason will win easily when the second half comes around. In the quarterfinals of the CAA tournament, Georgia State took a double digit lead in the first and were still blown out. Mason ran out of steam against VCU today in the semis after trailing big early.
While Mason doesn't have a player who would've started on the '06 team, they do have a balanced attack and a deeper bench. Those are two reasons why Mason tends to struggle early and thrive late. It takes time to figure out who has the hot hand. There isn't an obvious go to player on each possession. But the opposing team is worn down having to focus on all five Patriots on the floor. It doesn't help that Mason has a couple of guys on the bench talented enough to start.
Size is a problem. But Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison up front play bigger than they are. Luke Hancock is the Folarin Campbell-type player. He's a good ball-handling forward who also rebounds fairly well. Cam Long is the best player. Andre Cornelius is the spark. I didn't like sixth man Isaiah Tate's game when he first came to the team. He'd constantly make the wrong play at the right time. He's the opposite player now. He's a glue guy who always comes up with a rebound, a steal, or a bucket when the team needs it most.
The team's win streak, the nation's longest, was snapped earlier today. All they need is to start another six game winning streak the rest of the way.
While Mason doesn't have a player who would've started on the '06 team, they do have a balanced attack and a deeper bench. Those are two reasons why Mason tends to struggle early and thrive late. It takes time to figure out who has the hot hand. There isn't an obvious go to player on each possession. But the opposing team is worn down having to focus on all five Patriots on the floor. It doesn't help that Mason has a couple of guys on the bench talented enough to start.
Size is a problem. But Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison up front play bigger than they are. Luke Hancock is the Folarin Campbell-type player. He's a good ball-handling forward who also rebounds fairly well. Cam Long is the best player. Andre Cornelius is the spark. I didn't like sixth man Isaiah Tate's game when he first came to the team. He'd constantly make the wrong play at the right time. He's the opposite player now. He's a glue guy who always comes up with a rebound, a steal, or a bucket when the team needs it most.
The team's win streak, the nation's longest, was snapped earlier today. All they need is to start another six game winning streak the rest of the way.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
It's Over
Darryl Monroe, John Vaughn, Cam Long, and Louis Birdsong didn't show up to 2009 CAA championship game. They were physically there, but their essence was absent. Dre Smith had a big second half and the rest of the Patriots made a valiant effort with 10 minutes to go in the second half, but it wasn't nearly enough.
Maynor had a huge game, which was only topped by Larry Sanders performance. Occasionally, the George Mason offense goes into hibernation and it picked the worst possible moment this time around. The clues were there. GMU played poorly in their first two CAA tournament games. They were fortunate to face weak teams. Mason might have been helped had Northeastern handled their business in the quarterfinals. Northeastern is a much more talented team than GMU's semifinal opponent, Towson. It might have woken the slumbering Patriots before they met VCU.
Who knows what George Mason's postseason hopes are. The system is skewed against the top mid-major teams. If this is the end, it wasn't the way Vaughn, Smith, Monroe, or Chris Fleming wanted to go out. It will be sad to see them go and I wish them the best of luck.
Maynor had a huge game, which was only topped by Larry Sanders performance. Occasionally, the George Mason offense goes into hibernation and it picked the worst possible moment this time around. The clues were there. GMU played poorly in their first two CAA tournament games. They were fortunate to face weak teams. Mason might have been helped had Northeastern handled their business in the quarterfinals. Northeastern is a much more talented team than GMU's semifinal opponent, Towson. It might have woken the slumbering Patriots before they met VCU.
Who knows what George Mason's postseason hopes are. The system is skewed against the top mid-major teams. If this is the end, it wasn't the way Vaughn, Smith, Monroe, or Chris Fleming wanted to go out. It will be sad to see them go and I wish them the best of luck.
Monday, March 09, 2009
One Game Away
Tonight, George Mason faces VCU for the CAA championship. Mason, the two seed, is the underdog. It should be a tough contest. VCU is very good. They have a good team minus their two best payers. Point guard Eric Maynor is a pro prospect. He seems to take the ball to the basket at will and is an excellent finisher. In recent years, he's added NBA three-point range. But his best offensive attribute is his ability to see the floor and run a team. And, oh by the way, he can take over a game defensively, as he did in the 2007 CAA championship. Larry Sanders is an incredible athletic big man, who follows Maynor's lead.
GMU is an excellent defensive team. Opposing teams find themselves in prolonged slumps. Even the easiest shots feel like full-court heaves against Mason. Offensively, Mason has been inconsistent. Cam Long, John Vaughn, or Darryl Monroe are the likeliest players to take over a game. But Dre Smith, who holds the NCAA record for most threes in a game without a miss (10), can also light it up. The Patriots don't have one go-to guy. But they have four who could fulfill that role. GMU's freshmen need to make a few hustle plays and avoid hurting the team.
This won't easy. Mason is going to have show more effort than they did against James Madison and Towson. They will. They should come away with a hard fought victory and a second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
GMU is an excellent defensive team. Opposing teams find themselves in prolonged slumps. Even the easiest shots feel like full-court heaves against Mason. Offensively, Mason has been inconsistent. Cam Long, John Vaughn, or Darryl Monroe are the likeliest players to take over a game. But Dre Smith, who holds the NCAA record for most threes in a game without a miss (10), can also light it up. The Patriots don't have one go-to guy. But they have four who could fulfill that role. GMU's freshmen need to make a few hustle plays and avoid hurting the team.
This won't easy. Mason is going to have show more effort than they did against James Madison and Towson. They will. They should come away with a hard fought victory and a second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Still Getting Fucked With
Jerry Falwell is still fucking me from beyond the grave, although this time it really is just an expression. A while back, he created a college to promote Christian conservative ideas. The name of the school is Liberty University. Apparently, they have a basketball team. I guess when the players are not involved in the mandatory prayer sessions, they're allowed to practice. In any event, Liberty faced off against George Mason Monday night. Well, slap my ass and call me Jesus, Liberty won by 3 in overtime.
I was wondering what new and creative ways G-d would find to fuck with me and there you go. Also, I found a bug in my ginger ale when I woke up in the morning.
I went to the grocery store and that's when everything changed. Some cum face cut me off which allowed him to enter the one way parking lot before me. Sure enough, a car was pulling out right at that moment. 'Dammit it, he cuts me off and now this guy is going to get the one spot left!' I thought.
Then, my life changed. The car in front of me veered in the other direction and parked in the handicap spot. The last spot was all mine! Is this the beginning of a new identity? Will everything go right for me from now on? Is this world not simply a lonely place where everyone tries to manipulate each other to achieve selfish gains? Oh, thank the lord for that guy's handicap!
I was wondering what new and creative ways G-d would find to fuck with me and there you go. Also, I found a bug in my ginger ale when I woke up in the morning.
I went to the grocery store and that's when everything changed. Some cum face cut me off which allowed him to enter the one way parking lot before me. Sure enough, a car was pulling out right at that moment. 'Dammit it, he cuts me off and now this guy is going to get the one spot left!' I thought.
Then, my life changed. The car in front of me veered in the other direction and parked in the handicap spot. The last spot was all mine! Is this the beginning of a new identity? Will everything go right for me from now on? Is this world not simply a lonely place where everyone tries to manipulate each other to achieve selfish gains? Oh, thank the lord for that guy's handicap!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Former George Mason Patriots Update
Tony Skinn played last season with Clermont of the LNB (France's A League). He averaged 15.6 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 30 contests. For the 2008-2009 season, he has signed with Gravelines of in the LNB. Here's his LNB.fr profile and his EuroBasket profile. Here's some of his highlights from last season.
Jai Lewis played for Hapoel Galil-Elyon in Ligat HaAl (Israeli's first division league) last season. He averaged 12.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 22 games. In June 2008, Hapoel Galil-Elyon became Hapoel Gilboa-Galil Elyon, but it is unclear if Lewis will be on the team as of this time. Here's his Safsal profile.
Lamar Butler played last season with Pertevniyal in the Turkish Second League. Here's his EuroBasket profile.
Folarin Campbell has signed with Solsonica Rieti in Italy's Serie A for next season.
Will Thomas has signed with Liege Basket in Belgium for next season. Here's an article and the official site (in French).
Good luck in whatever you do, fellas.
Jai Lewis played for Hapoel Galil-Elyon in Ligat HaAl (Israeli's first division league) last season. He averaged 12.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 22 games. In June 2008, Hapoel Galil-Elyon became Hapoel Gilboa-Galil Elyon, but it is unclear if Lewis will be on the team as of this time. Here's his Safsal profile.
Lamar Butler played last season with Pertevniyal in the Turkish Second League. Here's his EuroBasket profile.
Folarin Campbell has signed with Solsonica Rieti in Italy's Serie A for next season.
Will Thomas has signed with Liege Basket in Belgium for next season. Here's an article and the official site (in French).
Good luck in whatever you do, fellas.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Farewell Folarin and Will
I just want to thank Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas for all of their hard work at George Mason University.
Thomas, from Baltimore, put the team on his shoulders in his final game, but it wasn't enough. Campbell, from Silver Spring, played his worst game that I've even seen him play. Both players were integral parts of a historical Final Four team back in 2006. But that is not all I will remember them for. Each gave his heart to the team and for the fans. They carried themselves in a way that represented George Mason better than even the school's namesake could have dreamed. The NBA should give both of these men an opportunity to succeed. Whatever endeavor they decide to pursue, I wish Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas the best of luck.
In these two great players' final game, the Patriots need to defend the three and show patience on offense. They did neither. Thomas didn't have much help. Senior guard Jordan Carter played his finest game in sometime. I wish him well in the future. Freshman Isaiah Tate was a surprising bright spot as well. But both are marginal players. Mason led 7-6 and then gave up a 17-0 run that they never overcame.
Congratulations on a great season fellas. 
Thomas, from Baltimore, put the team on his shoulders in his final game, but it wasn't enough. Campbell, from Silver Spring, played his worst game that I've even seen him play. Both players were integral parts of a historical Final Four team back in 2006. But that is not all I will remember them for. Each gave his heart to the team and for the fans. They carried themselves in a way that represented George Mason better than even the school's namesake could have dreamed. The NBA should give both of these men an opportunity to succeed. Whatever endeavor they decide to pursue, I wish Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas the best of luck.
In these two great players' final game, the Patriots need to defend the three and show patience on offense. They did neither. Thomas didn't have much help. Senior guard Jordan Carter played his finest game in sometime. I wish him well in the future. Freshman Isaiah Tate was a surprising bright spot as well. But both are marginal players. Mason led 7-6 and then gave up a 17-0 run that they never overcame.
Congratulations on a great season fellas.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Reaction to Men's NCAA Tourney Seeds
Yet again it's time to dust off the ole Circumcised Penis Index (CPI) to determine how the committee faired.
Someone hates Butler
The most glaring atrocity is Butler getting a #7 seed. My brother and I spent an hour yelling at each other over this injustice and we agreed! Butler was 29-3 and beat numerous big conference bubble teams. They lost to a very good Drake team and two of their conference's top teams, both on the road. They should have been much higher, maybe even a 4 seed.
Butler, South Alabama, Gonzaga, Davidson = Screwed
It was astounding that after all of the recent mid-major success, the teams in those conferences got screwed royally again. There were only six at large bids awarded to non-major conference teams. Butler's 7 seed is a tragedy, but they have to face a South Alabama team that was also underrated. So both teams are screwed. It doesn't help Butler that the game is in Alabama. Man, that makes me so angry. Gonzaga was also a 7 seed and they face Davidson who is a 10 seed. Both teams are underrated, particularly Davidson who has won 22 in row. There is no way Arkansas (9 seed), Texas A&M (9), Mississippi State (8), or Miami FL (7) would have gone 20-0 in the Southern Conference or 26-6 overall with Davidson's schedule. Three of those loses were to North Carolina (by 4), to Duke (by 6) and to UCLA (by 12). The sad thing for Gonzaga is they play in North Carolina, the home state of opponent Davidson.
Mid-major Blood Bath
There are so many games featuring mid-major teams, it must have been deliberate. I mentioned the two matchups above where I would be content if all teams were two seeds higher. UNLV meets Kent St. in an 8-9, and Drake plays Western Kentucky in a 5-12. If you've watched these teams, you know that they could beat a major conference team of the same seed as their opponent. Instead, the mid-majors will beat themselves up in the first round. I have thought of the possibility that this actually guarantees some mid-majors will be in the second round. But the mid-majors would win against power conference teams anyway. In addition, I'd move up all but Drake, who got a fair seed.
Up and Down
So who would I knock down a few seeds? UCONN down from a 4. Oklahoma down from a 6. Marquette down from a 6. Miami FL down from a 7. Mississippi St. down from an 8. Arkansas down from a 9. Who am I moving up besides those above? West Virginia up from a 7. St. Mary's up from a 10. Cal St. Fullerton up from a 14.
You're Out
There are some teams that I can't believe made it in. Villanova should not have made it. There is no way Arizona should have made it. They were 8-10 in the conference. VCU was 15-3 in their conference. It's true that the top of the Pac 10 is better than the top of the CAA and the bottom of the CAA is worse than the bottom of the Pac 10, but there is far more overlap than the major conferences would like to admit. Winning 7 more conference games than another team should count for something. Oregon also should not have made it. Baylor is the prime example of a team that shouldn't get in. Their only major non-conference win was against Notre Dame. They only beat Kansas State in the conference, stacking up wins against weaker Big 12 opponents. I'm not convinced Kansas St should be in either, but I digress. Baylor was 9-7 in the conference and 21-10 overall with only two wins of note. How is that better than a team with a much better record? The system is fixed against mid majors.
Kentucky has a terrible record but were 12-4 in conference. I can see a case for them to be in. But they should have gotten a worse seed than 11. I don't think there's anything wrong with giving an at large team a 13 or 14 seed if that's what they deserve.
Favorites and Locals
George Mason got a 12 seed and will face Notre Dame. If we can stop their perimeter game, I like our chances. The 12 seed is a bit disappointing, but we're in a good spot in the bracket. Kansas State got an 11 seed and we beat them, but of course that doesn't matter, that would make too much sense. Georgetown got a 2 seed. That's what the Hoyas deserve, but I don't like the potential second round matchup. It's either an underrated Gonzaga team or an underrated Davidson team near their home. I also don't like that DC area teams will face off early. Six area teams made it and Georgetown plays UMBC while Mount St. Mary's faces Coppin State in the opening round game. The other team is American.
Championship Week
Championship week was exciting as usual. I was very impressed by Georgia's run into the tournament. I don't believe teams with such a poor record should have the opportunity to play into the NCAA tournament, but I can't take anything away from Georgia's run, winning two games on Saturday, because of a tornado delay, and winning again today. Miami OH should be very proud of their season. They gave Kent State quite the scare in the MAC semifinal. Tim Pollitz left a little floater just a bit short at the end of the game that would have sent it into overtime. They dictated tempo against a very talented Kent State team and nearly pulled off the upset.
Someone hates Butler
The most glaring atrocity is Butler getting a #7 seed. My brother and I spent an hour yelling at each other over this injustice and we agreed! Butler was 29-3 and beat numerous big conference bubble teams. They lost to a very good Drake team and two of their conference's top teams, both on the road. They should have been much higher, maybe even a 4 seed.
Butler, South Alabama, Gonzaga, Davidson = Screwed
It was astounding that after all of the recent mid-major success, the teams in those conferences got screwed royally again. There were only six at large bids awarded to non-major conference teams. Butler's 7 seed is a tragedy, but they have to face a South Alabama team that was also underrated. So both teams are screwed. It doesn't help Butler that the game is in Alabama. Man, that makes me so angry. Gonzaga was also a 7 seed and they face Davidson who is a 10 seed. Both teams are underrated, particularly Davidson who has won 22 in row. There is no way Arkansas (9 seed), Texas A&M (9), Mississippi State (8), or Miami FL (7) would have gone 20-0 in the Southern Conference or 26-6 overall with Davidson's schedule. Three of those loses were to North Carolina (by 4), to Duke (by 6) and to UCLA (by 12). The sad thing for Gonzaga is they play in North Carolina, the home state of opponent Davidson.
Mid-major Blood Bath
There are so many games featuring mid-major teams, it must have been deliberate. I mentioned the two matchups above where I would be content if all teams were two seeds higher. UNLV meets Kent St. in an 8-9, and Drake plays Western Kentucky in a 5-12. If you've watched these teams, you know that they could beat a major conference team of the same seed as their opponent. Instead, the mid-majors will beat themselves up in the first round. I have thought of the possibility that this actually guarantees some mid-majors will be in the second round. But the mid-majors would win against power conference teams anyway. In addition, I'd move up all but Drake, who got a fair seed.
Up and Down
So who would I knock down a few seeds? UCONN down from a 4. Oklahoma down from a 6. Marquette down from a 6. Miami FL down from a 7. Mississippi St. down from an 8. Arkansas down from a 9. Who am I moving up besides those above? West Virginia up from a 7. St. Mary's up from a 10. Cal St. Fullerton up from a 14.
You're Out
There are some teams that I can't believe made it in. Villanova should not have made it. There is no way Arizona should have made it. They were 8-10 in the conference. VCU was 15-3 in their conference. It's true that the top of the Pac 10 is better than the top of the CAA and the bottom of the CAA is worse than the bottom of the Pac 10, but there is far more overlap than the major conferences would like to admit. Winning 7 more conference games than another team should count for something. Oregon also should not have made it. Baylor is the prime example of a team that shouldn't get in. Their only major non-conference win was against Notre Dame. They only beat Kansas State in the conference, stacking up wins against weaker Big 12 opponents. I'm not convinced Kansas St should be in either, but I digress. Baylor was 9-7 in the conference and 21-10 overall with only two wins of note. How is that better than a team with a much better record? The system is fixed against mid majors.
Kentucky has a terrible record but were 12-4 in conference. I can see a case for them to be in. But they should have gotten a worse seed than 11. I don't think there's anything wrong with giving an at large team a 13 or 14 seed if that's what they deserve.
Favorites and Locals
George Mason got a 12 seed and will face Notre Dame. If we can stop their perimeter game, I like our chances. The 12 seed is a bit disappointing, but we're in a good spot in the bracket. Kansas State got an 11 seed and we beat them, but of course that doesn't matter, that would make too much sense. Georgetown got a 2 seed. That's what the Hoyas deserve, but I don't like the potential second round matchup. It's either an underrated Gonzaga team or an underrated Davidson team near their home. I also don't like that DC area teams will face off early. Six area teams made it and Georgetown plays UMBC while Mount St. Mary's faces Coppin State in the opening round game. The other team is American.
Championship Week
Championship week was exciting as usual. I was very impressed by Georgia's run into the tournament. I don't believe teams with such a poor record should have the opportunity to play into the NCAA tournament, but I can't take anything away from Georgia's run, winning two games on Saturday, because of a tornado delay, and winning again today. Miami OH should be very proud of their season. They gave Kent State quite the scare in the MAC semifinal. Tim Pollitz left a little floater just a bit short at the end of the game that would have sent it into overtime. They dictated tempo against a very talented Kent State team and nearly pulled off the upset.
Monday, March 10, 2008
George Mason, Back at the Dance
To William & Mary fans, THAT just happened!
George Mason easily defeated the Tribe to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006. Every time Mason has played on television since, the announcers always recount that season's Final Four run. It never gets old.
In 2006, Mason got an 11 seed as an at large bid. Last season, VCU won the conference championship and got an 11 seed as well. At worst, GMU should get an 11 seed. A 9 seed might be in order, having won over 20 games, including wins over Michael Beasley and his Kansas State squad, Dayton, Cleveland State, and VCU. All won at least 20 games. The Patriots also beat South Carolina out of the SEC.
VCU should get an at large bid. They were 24-7 including 15-3 in the conference. They won the CAA regular season by 3 games. VCU beat Houston and Akron who have over 20 wins this season and they beat Maryland. I've always believed overall record should count for a lot as opposed to arbitrary evaluations. VCU should get in over every mediocre "big conference" team that hasn't beaten an elite team. Remember, this is a George Mason alum making a case for VCU! So you know they deserve to get in.
The so-called experts are down on Mason again this year. They don't think we have the same talent as we did in 2006. Well, we have two senior leaders with Final Four experience and a Final Four coach, things we didn't have two years ago. The starting five is not as good as that team, but this year's team certainly has more depth. All I'm going to say now is, watch what you say. Do you want to have to eat your words like Jim Nantz and Billy Packer?
George Mason easily defeated the Tribe to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006. Every time Mason has played on television since, the announcers always recount that season's Final Four run. It never gets old.
In 2006, Mason got an 11 seed as an at large bid. Last season, VCU won the conference championship and got an 11 seed as well. At worst, GMU should get an 11 seed. A 9 seed might be in order, having won over 20 games, including wins over Michael Beasley and his Kansas State squad, Dayton, Cleveland State, and VCU. All won at least 20 games. The Patriots also beat South Carolina out of the SEC.
VCU should get an at large bid. They were 24-7 including 15-3 in the conference. They won the CAA regular season by 3 games. VCU beat Houston and Akron who have over 20 wins this season and they beat Maryland. I've always believed overall record should count for a lot as opposed to arbitrary evaluations. VCU should get in over every mediocre "big conference" team that hasn't beaten an elite team. Remember, this is a George Mason alum making a case for VCU! So you know they deserve to get in.
The so-called experts are down on Mason again this year. They don't think we have the same talent as we did in 2006. Well, we have two senior leaders with Final Four experience and a Final Four coach, things we didn't have two years ago. The starting five is not as good as that team, but this year's team certainly has more depth. All I'm going to say now is, watch what you say. Do you want to have to eat your words like Jim Nantz and Billy Packer?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Bill Clinton and Randolph Childress
Bill Clinton strutted out in the main cafeteria on the campus of George Mason earlier in the week. His face was flushed, his voice hoarse. He walked back and forth on the portable stage offering his wife's resume and touting his legacy as president. He sprinkled in a few ideas for the future.
Standing about 25 feet from the former president, my feet fell asleep. I waited for Bill Clinton to establish a connection or present a few oral flourishes. I had heard that he was extremely charismatic and a great orator. But he was tired. And I was tired. In the end, I walked away thinking that he was a pretty good speaker and that was it. Nothing life-affirming or life-changing.
Earlier in the day, my brother saw Barack Obama speak on the campus of the University of Maryland. My brother described the electricity in the air and the candidate’s ability to make it feel like a private conversation with each of the thousands of people present.
The whole episode reminded me of a previous experience, years before, when Tim Duncan and Randolph Childress visited our basketball camp. After the two spoke, we were told that we had to choose which player's autograph we wanted. I chose Randolph Childress'. I always admired the way he played at Wake Forrest. He had the ability to take over a game in the most exciting fashion, chuck threes no matter where he was on the floor or how many defenders surrounded him. I knew Duncan would soon be drafted number 1 in the NBA draft, but I didn't care, I liked Childress.
The entire camp lined up across from Duncan. After awhile I got up and stood in front of a distracted Randolph Childress, who was turned away in his chair from the whole ordeal talking to someone else. Eventually the person he was talking to gestured to Childress about my presence. He signed my piece of paper and then turned back away. My brother got future Hall of Famer, 2-time NBA MVP and 4-time NBA Champion, Tim Duncan's autograph.
But I'm happy I was true to myself. During the day, Duncan looked at Childress with respect, like an older brother. Childress was a senior when Duncan was a freshman at Wake Forrest, if I remember correctly. Plus, it was really unfair of the camp to do that to Childress. It would've been very easy for both of them to sign for each camper, first Duncan and then sliding over to Childress. I'm also glad that I got to see the former president speak. It's something I can tell my grandchildren about. That conversation might go something like this:
"You know I saw president Bill Clinton speak. Then he stole my wallet."
"Alright grandpa, time to take you back to the home so you can take your medicine."
Standing about 25 feet from the former president, my feet fell asleep. I waited for Bill Clinton to establish a connection or present a few oral flourishes. I had heard that he was extremely charismatic and a great orator. But he was tired. And I was tired. In the end, I walked away thinking that he was a pretty good speaker and that was it. Nothing life-affirming or life-changing.
Earlier in the day, my brother saw Barack Obama speak on the campus of the University of Maryland. My brother described the electricity in the air and the candidate’s ability to make it feel like a private conversation with each of the thousands of people present.
The whole episode reminded me of a previous experience, years before, when Tim Duncan and Randolph Childress visited our basketball camp. After the two spoke, we were told that we had to choose which player's autograph we wanted. I chose Randolph Childress'. I always admired the way he played at Wake Forrest. He had the ability to take over a game in the most exciting fashion, chuck threes no matter where he was on the floor or how many defenders surrounded him. I knew Duncan would soon be drafted number 1 in the NBA draft, but I didn't care, I liked Childress.
The entire camp lined up across from Duncan. After awhile I got up and stood in front of a distracted Randolph Childress, who was turned away in his chair from the whole ordeal talking to someone else. Eventually the person he was talking to gestured to Childress about my presence. He signed my piece of paper and then turned back away. My brother got future Hall of Famer, 2-time NBA MVP and 4-time NBA Champion, Tim Duncan's autograph.
But I'm happy I was true to myself. During the day, Duncan looked at Childress with respect, like an older brother. Childress was a senior when Duncan was a freshman at Wake Forrest, if I remember correctly. Plus, it was really unfair of the camp to do that to Childress. It would've been very easy for both of them to sign for each camper, first Duncan and then sliding over to Childress. I'm also glad that I got to see the former president speak. It's something I can tell my grandchildren about. That conversation might go something like this:
"You know I saw president Bill Clinton speak. Then he stole my wallet."
"Alright grandpa, time to take you back to the home so you can take your medicine."
Friday, November 30, 2007
Blowouts
This was going to be a big sports day for me. Both George Mason and the Knicks played on TV.
George Mason faced a 5-1 Drexel team, a very good defensive team, in their first conference game. Campbell, Carter, Thomas, and Vaughan all contributed to the first half domination of Drexel. With Mason comfortably ahead and the starters sitting, Dre Smith simply made everything that he threw up near the basket, extending the lead further. Ultimately, the Patriots won 85-38! If I could tell the Mason players one thing, it would be: It's only one game, a great performance for sure, but it doesn't mean much, you start from scratch next game.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks went to Boston to play the Celtics. The Celtics have three star players and a solid group of role players. The Knicks don't have any of that. The Knicks lost 104-59. The Knicks barely avoided the lowest scoring performance in franchise history when Nate Robinson threw in a three pointer as time ran out in the contest.
The Knicks' starters quit. I've never been so ashamed to root for a sports team. Stephan Marbury is a terrible basketball player. He is the worst player in NBA history compared to his natural talent. Make him go away. India has a new pro league, they have a league in Iran, I don't really care where he goes, get him out of there. Quentin Richardson is a moron. He fired up the Celtics saying they ain't nothing. I wonder if Richardson would even make the DePaul team any better. I'd love to find out, because it would mean he wouldn't be on the Knicks any more.
It is possible that Zach Randolph has never passed the ball in his life. He puts up nice numbers, but he's a loser. Eddy Curry is garbage and ugly, get him out of there too. I've defended Jamal Crawford for a long time. I'm done. Send him to Siberia.
The Knicks should play Nate Robinson, David Lee, Jared Jeffries, Ronaldo Balkman, and Fred Jones. Charles Barkley said it right, they try, they're just not very good. I'd rather root for that kind of team than the one we have now.
Isiah Thomas assembled this team and coached them into the ground. Fire him now! He should have been fired as soon as the sexual hassment decision was handed down. After this humiliating display, there is no excuse, he must go.
I never thought I'd say this but... I miss Dave Checketts.
George Mason faced a 5-1 Drexel team, a very good defensive team, in their first conference game. Campbell, Carter, Thomas, and Vaughan all contributed to the first half domination of Drexel. With Mason comfortably ahead and the starters sitting, Dre Smith simply made everything that he threw up near the basket, extending the lead further. Ultimately, the Patriots won 85-38! If I could tell the Mason players one thing, it would be: It's only one game, a great performance for sure, but it doesn't mean much, you start from scratch next game.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks went to Boston to play the Celtics. The Celtics have three star players and a solid group of role players. The Knicks don't have any of that. The Knicks lost 104-59. The Knicks barely avoided the lowest scoring performance in franchise history when Nate Robinson threw in a three pointer as time ran out in the contest.
The Knicks' starters quit. I've never been so ashamed to root for a sports team. Stephan Marbury is a terrible basketball player. He is the worst player in NBA history compared to his natural talent. Make him go away. India has a new pro league, they have a league in Iran, I don't really care where he goes, get him out of there. Quentin Richardson is a moron. He fired up the Celtics saying they ain't nothing. I wonder if Richardson would even make the DePaul team any better. I'd love to find out, because it would mean he wouldn't be on the Knicks any more.
It is possible that Zach Randolph has never passed the ball in his life. He puts up nice numbers, but he's a loser. Eddy Curry is garbage and ugly, get him out of there too. I've defended Jamal Crawford for a long time. I'm done. Send him to Siberia.
The Knicks should play Nate Robinson, David Lee, Jared Jeffries, Ronaldo Balkman, and Fred Jones. Charles Barkley said it right, they try, they're just not very good. I'd rather root for that kind of team than the one we have now.
Isiah Thomas assembled this team and coached them into the ground. Fire him now! He should have been fired as soon as the sexual hassment decision was handed down. After this humiliating display, there is no excuse, he must go.
I never thought I'd say this but... I miss Dave Checketts.
Monday, November 26, 2007
My Teams on TV
Here's a list of games featuring my teams that I've been able to watch on tv. Keep in mind I don't have your HDs or Tivos or whatever. I got the same good old basic cable that we've had since 1988.
Buffalo Bills 5-6
opponent - result
Pittsburgh - L
NY Jets - W
Dallas - L
Baltimore - W
Cincinnati - W
New England - L
Jacksonville - L
I'm glad I've got to watch so many Bills games this season. It's probably more games than I've been able to see over the last several years combined. They've been an easy team to root for, filled with underdogs and featuring exciting games.
New York Knicks 3-9
opponent - result
Denver - W
Chicago - W
The only thing that could turn this team around is if I'm able (and willing) to watch them.
college basketball
George Mason Patriots 5-1
opponent - result
Vermont - W
Kansas State - W
Villanova - L
Mason is a team with the talent to make the NCAA tournament and then ruin your bracket again. Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas are the team's best players and both started in the 2006 Final Four. The role players are quite talented as well.
Miami RedHawks 3-1
opponent - results
Southern California - L
Mississippi State - W
Bramos and Tim Pollitz are the two best players for a team that utilizes a methodical style. They have plenty of hardworking role players. With wins over Xavier and Mississippi State, Miami is on their way to creating a strong resume to make the NCAA Tournament, where their style could upset somebody.
Georgetown Hoyas 3-0
I haven't seen Georgetown play yet. Roy Hibbert, Jesse Sapp, DeJuan Sommers, and Jonathan Wallace are the best returning players from last year's Final Four team.
college football
Miami RedHawks 6-6
opponent - result
Akron - W
Couldn't really tell you anything about them. I'm just not a college football fan because of the stupid BCS. All I know it that Akron game was probably the most boring game I've ever watched, despite the combined 4 interceptions in the end zone.
Buffalo Bills 5-6
opponent - result
Pittsburgh - L
NY Jets - W
Dallas - L
Baltimore - W
Cincinnati - W
New England - L
Jacksonville - L
I'm glad I've got to watch so many Bills games this season. It's probably more games than I've been able to see over the last several years combined. They've been an easy team to root for, filled with underdogs and featuring exciting games.
New York Knicks 3-9
opponent - result
Denver - W
Chicago - W
The only thing that could turn this team around is if I'm able (and willing) to watch them.
college basketball
George Mason Patriots 5-1
opponent - result
Vermont - W
Kansas State - W
Villanova - L
Mason is a team with the talent to make the NCAA tournament and then ruin your bracket again. Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas are the team's best players and both started in the 2006 Final Four. The role players are quite talented as well.
Miami RedHawks 3-1
opponent - results
Southern California - L
Mississippi State - W
Bramos and Tim Pollitz are the two best players for a team that utilizes a methodical style. They have plenty of hardworking role players. With wins over Xavier and Mississippi State, Miami is on their way to creating a strong resume to make the NCAA Tournament, where their style could upset somebody.
Georgetown Hoyas 3-0
I haven't seen Georgetown play yet. Roy Hibbert, Jesse Sapp, DeJuan Sommers, and Jonathan Wallace are the best returning players from last year's Final Four team.
college football
Miami RedHawks 6-6
opponent - result
Akron - W
Couldn't really tell you anything about them. I'm just not a college football fan because of the stupid BCS. All I know it that Akron game was probably the most boring game I've ever watched, despite the combined 4 interceptions in the end zone.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Reaction to Men's NCAA Tourny Seeds
It's time to dust off the ole Circumcised Penis Index (CPI) to determine how the committee faired.
Should be in
I'm glad that a number of pundits agree that Drexel should have made it in. The committee claimed that sure, the Dragons played and won a number of non-conference road games, but they didn't take care of business in their conference. They were 13-5 in a confernce with VCU, ODU, and a Final Four team from last year, George Mason. The committee said that reasonable minds can differ, and they can, but unreasonable minds can leave Drexel out of the tournament.
Jim Boeheim convinced me that Syracuse belongs in as well. They were 10-6 in the Big East playing the top teams that conference has to offer. This belief is not influenced by the fact that the left nostril of a college professor of mine reminded me of Jim Boeheim.
Air Force was ranked for almost the entire season and beat some teams that just made it in.
Should be out
Arkansas was 7-9 in the SEC. That is bad. I would argue it is worse than 10-6 in the Big East and 13-5 in the Colonial, and you know what, I would win that argument. Their schedule was ranked 15 toughest (sarcastic clapping), that's great, but try winning some more of those tough contests. Making the SEC tournament final shouldn't be enough to get in.
I remember when Illinois was good and deserved to be in. They didn't win the tough games that they played this year. And I'm really starting to dislike their Amerindian-bashing. I know I need to kick out one more team to make it even, but nobody's paying me for this shit. Eh, how 'bout Stanford. Five big wins, but 12 losses.
Amerindians at Illinois
These teams were treated unfairly. Nevada lost 5 games all year. Other teams of similar ilk (SIU, Butler) got better seeds. Nevada was ranked in the top 10 for much of the year and got a 7 seed. Notre Dame got a 6, which is not a tragedy, but I'll take this time to mention that the Big East was vastly undervalued. Each team was slightly downgraded, but overall the Big East were the Orangemen and Redmen of college basketball. Wright State, named after either the innovative flying brothers or the former San Francisco 49er defensive back (where's my fact checker when I need her), won the Horizon League over Butler. Not just the fluky tournament, they won the regular season too!
Provided sexual favors
Maryland got a 4 seed. Even Maryland alum were anticipating a 6 seed and were ready to be quite pleased. Looks like losing to the worst team in the conference twice helped. Virginia Tech's 5 seed is not as outrageous as Maryland's 4, but the ACC was overrated at the expense of the Big East. Purdue should not be 3 spots better than Illinois (who shouldn't have been in). Vanderbilt got the same seed as the number 2 team in the Big East, Louisville. It pains me to dog a "mid-major" but Butler is a bit too high; move Nevada up instead. Memphis was essentially a "mid-major" conference winner and somehow got a 2 seed.
The pundits
I'm sure Winthrop is a lovely school with lovely people associated with it. But they ain't George Mason. There's only one George Mason and that's George Mason. Every pundit needs to shut-the-hell up and stop acting like you didn't publicly humiliate us at Mason before the tournament started last year. Jay Bilas pulls the same shit every year. He admittedly ignores the RPI in favor of strength of schedule which is determined by... duh, RPI moron! Digger Phelps believe Kansas State should be in because the beat Texas Tech and Texas Tech beat somebody in the tournament. He's clueless. And how come zero pundits are willing to put their balls on the line and actually pick a Final Four sleeper?
My favorite teams
Georgetown got a 2 and will face Belmont. Hopefully the Hoyas can win that derby. Sorry. Miami got a 14 and plays Oregon. The seed is a bit disappointing and Oregon is very talented, but maybe the clash of styles works in the Redhawks favor.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
My Men's College Basketball Teams
Georgetown - The Hoyas are the hometown team and mom teaches at the medical school. if they win the Big East Tournament they should get a #1 seed in the East in the big tournament. Got it? Center Roy Hibbard has something no other player from a contending school has: a 7'2" stature. Throw in the all-around expertise and experience of 6'9" forward Jeff Green, the good play of Jonathan Wallace, and the bench led by the energetic Patrick Ewing Jr. and the Hoyas are my choice for champ.
George Mason - My grad school. The Patriots followed their Final Four trip its worst season in a decade. Gabe Norwood was the only senior who got playing time. He was a nice role player, but it was far from the three senior leaders of last year. Next year Folarin Campbell, Will Thomas, and Monroe will be seniors and the team's record will be much better than 18-15. Jordan Carter and Dre Smith will probably be starters from the beginning and GMU should get off to a good start. Mason will probably get an NIT bid this year.
Miami (OH) - My brother's school. Still could win the MAC tournament. I didn't get to watch the Red Hawks this year, but it seems Charley Coles recruits these very athletic guys and then squanders the strength of their game by playing this slow-down offense. Peavy had a good year from what I understand. I'm just thankful that my brother graduated and I never have to drive down windy Route 27 fearing for my life that one of the local yokels from Hamilton with their red Klan candles in their windows will, well... you know.
Goucher - My college. The Division III Gophers struggled this season. At least it was better than last year. When 7-18 is an improvement, it might be time for a change at coach.
In other news:
The CAA should at least be a 2-bid league. Not only was it a Final Four conference last year, but ODU and Drexel deserve to make it this year. Both have good records which result in good RPIs. ODU beat Georgetown at Georgetown. Drexel has 14 true road wins and has beaten some tournament teams as well.
George Mason - My grad school. The Patriots followed their Final Four trip its worst season in a decade. Gabe Norwood was the only senior who got playing time. He was a nice role player, but it was far from the three senior leaders of last year. Next year Folarin Campbell, Will Thomas, and Monroe will be seniors and the team's record will be much better than 18-15. Jordan Carter and Dre Smith will probably be starters from the beginning and GMU should get off to a good start. Mason will probably get an NIT bid this year.
Miami (OH) - My brother's school. Still could win the MAC tournament. I didn't get to watch the Red Hawks this year, but it seems Charley Coles recruits these very athletic guys and then squanders the strength of their game by playing this slow-down offense. Peavy had a good year from what I understand. I'm just thankful that my brother graduated and I never have to drive down windy Route 27 fearing for my life that one of the local yokels from Hamilton with their red Klan candles in their windows will, well... you know.
Goucher - My college. The Division III Gophers struggled this season. At least it was better than last year. When 7-18 is an improvement, it might be time for a change at coach.
In other news:
The CAA should at least be a 2-bid league. Not only was it a Final Four conference last year, but ODU and Drexel deserve to make it this year. Both have good records which result in good RPIs. ODU beat Georgetown at Georgetown. Drexel has 14 true road wins and has beaten some tournament teams as well.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Conference Championships and More
The Bears defense should not be confused with the Steel Curtain of the 1970s, the 1985 Bears, or the 2000 Ravens. They will have no scoreless streak or string of games allowing only 6 yards of total offense. They're not one of the best defenses of all time. But they are the best defense in the NFC this year and that's what it takes to make the Super Bowl. They create enough turnovers and make enough big stops to earn that moniker this season.
The Bears also have a great special teams. Their offense shows flashes of being good enough. They haven't needed much of Rex Grossman, because of their other areas of strength. Grossman often looked clueless against the Saints, trying to call consecutive timeouts, trying to snap the ball with no time left in the 1st quarter, and whatever that was at the end of the first half. But people haven't realized that that doesn't matter. The Bears are very good on defense and special teams, and can run the ball. That has proved to be enough to make the Super Bowl during its first 41 years and often win it.
The Colts finally beat the Patriots when it counted and finally made the Super Bowl for the first time since moving to Indianapolis. Peyton Manning led his team back from a 21-3 deficit. Then he led his team down the field for the go ahead touchdown with a minute to go. The Colts need to win the next game for this to matter though. Congratulations to Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy, who will be the first two black head coaches to lead their team in a Super Bowl.
George Mason's men's basketball team won easily at home for the second straight Saturday. It's good to see John Vaughan shooting the ball well and Jordan Carter penetrating with greater frequency. The other role players are coming around too. Of course, the team's two leaders, Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas, are the most important ingredients on the floor for Mason. They've been excellent of late.
The Knicks have played really well since the brawl, coming off of a road win against the new-look Indiana Pacers. I'll reiterate: the key- consistency.
The Bears also have a great special teams. Their offense shows flashes of being good enough. They haven't needed much of Rex Grossman, because of their other areas of strength. Grossman often looked clueless against the Saints, trying to call consecutive timeouts, trying to snap the ball with no time left in the 1st quarter, and whatever that was at the end of the first half. But people haven't realized that that doesn't matter. The Bears are very good on defense and special teams, and can run the ball. That has proved to be enough to make the Super Bowl during its first 41 years and often win it.
The Colts finally beat the Patriots when it counted and finally made the Super Bowl for the first time since moving to Indianapolis. Peyton Manning led his team back from a 21-3 deficit. Then he led his team down the field for the go ahead touchdown with a minute to go. The Colts need to win the next game for this to matter though. Congratulations to Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy, who will be the first two black head coaches to lead their team in a Super Bowl.
George Mason's men's basketball team won easily at home for the second straight Saturday. It's good to see John Vaughan shooting the ball well and Jordan Carter penetrating with greater frequency. The other role players are coming around too. Of course, the team's two leaders, Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas, are the most important ingredients on the floor for Mason. They've been excellent of late.
The Knicks have played really well since the brawl, coming off of a road win against the new-look Indiana Pacers. I'll reiterate: the key- consistency.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Dick Corps
I was driving down Route 123 to George Mason yesterday when I saw a giant sign: "Dick Corps" by a construction site. It made me think about the origin of the company's name. Maybe it went something like this:
"So Dick, what’s the name of your new construction company gonna be?" wondered his friend Charlie.
"Dick Smith's," answered Dick Smith.
Charlie looked knowingly, "Yeah, I get it, your name is Dick Smith. But here's the thing, Dick Smith's..."
"What?" Dick interrupted defensively.
"Dick Smith's sounds like you weld dicks. You know like a blacksmith or a goldsmith."
"Wow, I never thought-a that," explained Dick. Dick had grew up in a fairly- how should I put it- backwoods area of Virginia, so his classmates- well- didn’t have the mental capacity to insult Dick Smith in that manner. “Should I choose another name?”
Charlie jumped into action. “Yeah. I think that would be wise. Got one in mind?”
"Yeah, how ‘bout Dick Corps?" replied Dick.
Charlie chuckled for a second until he realized that his friend wasn't kidding. "Dick Corps?"
"Yeah, Dick Corps."
"Hmmm. Um, Dick?"
"Yeah?"
"Dick Corps also means something else," Charlie tried to put it as delicately as possible for a 40-year old male hick.
"What do you mean Charlie?"
"Uh, Dick Corps also means, like, an army of penises."
"Yeah, I know," Dick explained, "I wanted something that would stand out. You know something that some idiot punk would write a story about on his blog."
"That’s pretty stupid," Charlie said bluntly, and then scratched his crotch non-discreetly.
“You’ll see,” Dick Smith said prophetically, "You'll see."
"So Dick, what’s the name of your new construction company gonna be?" wondered his friend Charlie.
"Dick Smith's," answered Dick Smith.
Charlie looked knowingly, "Yeah, I get it, your name is Dick Smith. But here's the thing, Dick Smith's..."
"What?" Dick interrupted defensively.
"Dick Smith's sounds like you weld dicks. You know like a blacksmith or a goldsmith."
"Wow, I never thought-a that," explained Dick. Dick had grew up in a fairly- how should I put it- backwoods area of Virginia, so his classmates- well- didn’t have the mental capacity to insult Dick Smith in that manner. “Should I choose another name?”
Charlie jumped into action. “Yeah. I think that would be wise. Got one in mind?”
"Yeah, how ‘bout Dick Corps?" replied Dick.
Charlie chuckled for a second until he realized that his friend wasn't kidding. "Dick Corps?"
"Yeah, Dick Corps."
"Hmmm. Um, Dick?"
"Yeah?"
"Dick Corps also means something else," Charlie tried to put it as delicately as possible for a 40-year old male hick.
"What do you mean Charlie?"
"Uh, Dick Corps also means, like, an army of penises."
"Yeah, I know," Dick explained, "I wanted something that would stand out. You know something that some idiot punk would write a story about on his blog."
"That’s pretty stupid," Charlie said bluntly, and then scratched his crotch non-discreetly.
“You’ll see,” Dick Smith said prophetically, "You'll see."
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