Big Ten Basketball

[Transmogrified Tiger]

This is how I look at it. Illinois before today was in all likelihood a number 2 seed. I wouldn't say they were a lock, but I digress. They lost today. Without putting any extra emphasis that it was the tourney, that hurts their resume, probably just as much as if they had lost on Sunday. Tennessee is now in basically the same boat as Illinois, since both are done, and both had solid claims to a 2 seed prior to the tourneys(IMO, they were the other two #2 seeds with the other 6 teams I mentioned).

 

Now that UT and U of I are finished, other teams have a chance to catch them. UNC beating BC and then Duke to win the ACC tournament improves their resume pretty significantly, wouldn't you agree? Looking at their total resume after that, one could conclude that they are more deserving of a 2 seed than Illinois(the heels already have a better RPI and SOS, this would give them a better record v. the RPI top 50 as well as road/neutral record, plus the same total number of losses). Now U of I is battling the Vols for that last 2 seed. If the committee decides UT's SOS and RPI advantage outweigh U of I's record v. the top 50 and in road/neutral games, then U of I is out of luck. It's not punishing them for losing to Michigan State, it's rewarding UNC for taking advantage of the opportunity to improve their overall resume.

 

So, in your estimation (and I'm playing what if) if Syracuse wins the Big East tourney, what seed did they play themselves into by improving their resume? If they were an 8-9 by beating UConn, how high do you raise them for winning two more games? Or do you? It's a relatively subjective process to begin with and, to me, these four days just makes it even more subjective.

 

I at least like how committees in the past put a lot of emphasis on how you did in the last ten games leading up to the conference tourneys, because as you and I have said before, many teams don't have much to play for and are playing teams on life support.

 

To be honest, I don't know where I'd put Syracuse right now, I haven't looked that deeply into who belongs where, aside from the top, which isn't that difficult. I didn't have them in the tourney before their trip to New York, and only after the UConn win did I consider them in. Beating Georgetown and Pitt is pretty impressive, but to the logic I'm ascribing to, no moreso than if they had done so in the regular season and then lost in the conference tourney. That is, aside from the "most recent performance" part.

[dalgreen]

I think it will be a good and low-scoring game. What's the word out of Iowa City as it relates to Alford and the IU opening?

 

Nothing but speculation really. A couple weeks ago there was a rumor (that had some real steam) that it was a done deal but that fizzled out. The consensus is that IU would have to make him their top and only real candidate and offer him the job without any interview process. In that case I think he would take it, but I just don't think IU is sold on him enough to handle it that way.

 

.

 

This may or may not make you happy, but I was at a meeting with some guys from Indianapolis last week and they seem to believe Randy Wittman will be the next Indiana coach.

[CP_414]

I think it will be a good and low-scoring game. What's the word out of Iowa City as it relates to Alford and the IU opening?

 

Nothing but speculation really. A couple weeks ago there was a rumor (that had some real steam) that it was a done deal but that fizzled out. The consensus is that IU would have to make him their top and only real candidate and offer him the job without any interview process. In that case I think he would take it, but I just don't think IU is sold on him enough to handle it that way.

 

.

 

This may or may not make you happy, but I was at a meeting with some guys from Indianapolis last week and they seem to believe Randy Wittman will be the next Indiana coach.

 

The Randy Wittman bandwagon is gaining steam. I still think it's 50-50 on Alford being the next coach. If not him I suspect Wittman, Crean, Majerus, Dakich, and Keith Smart will be considered heavily.

[dalgreen]

I think it will be a good and low-scoring game. What's the word out of Iowa City as it relates to Alford and the IU opening?

 

Nothing but speculation really. A couple weeks ago there was a rumor (that had some real steam) that it was a done deal but that fizzled out. The consensus is that IU would have to make him their top and only real candidate and offer him the job without any interview process. In that case I think he would take it, but I just don't think IU is sold on him enough to handle it that way.

 

.

 

This may or may not make you happy, but I was at a meeting with some guys from Indianapolis last week and they seem to believe Randy Wittman will be the next Indiana coach.

 

The Randy Wittman bandwagon is gaining steam. I still think it's 50-50 on Alford being the next coach. If not him I suspect Wittman, Crean, Majerus, Dakich, and Keith Smart will be considered heavily.

 

Man, it's amazing to me that people still throw out Majerus' name. Some crazy Mizzou alumni friends of mine want him to be their head coach. I would have to have him go through at minimum 50 physicals before I would even interview him let alone hire him.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I think it will be a good and low-scoring game. What's the word out of Iowa City as it relates to Alford and the IU opening?

 

Nothing but speculation really. A couple weeks ago there was a rumor (that had some real steam) that it was a done deal but that fizzled out. The consensus is that IU would have to make him their top and only real candidate and offer him the job without any interview process. In that case I think he would take it, but I just don't think IU is sold on him enough to handle it that way.

 

.

 

This may or may not make you happy, but I was at a meeting with some guys from Indianapolis last week and they seem to believe Randy Wittman will be the next Indiana coach.

 

The Randy Wittman bandwagon is gaining steam. I still think it's 50-50 on Alford being the next coach. If not him I suspect Wittman, Crean, Majerus, Dakich, and Keith Smart will be considered heavily.

 

Man, it's amazing to me that people still throw out Majerus' name. Some crazy Mizzou alumni friends of mine want him to be their head coach. I would have to have him go through at minimum 50 physicals before I would even interview him let alone hire him.

 

There's also a faction that want Larry Drew as head coach, despite him never being a head coach ever, and never coaching at the college level. If it would work, getting both would be ideal. Majerus, while hampered by his health, could bring the program back as quick as any, and when he no longer can take it physically, Drew will have enough experience to take over. I doubt you see anything like that though.

[CP_414]

I think it will be a good and low-scoring game. What's the word out of Iowa City as it relates to Alford and the IU opening?

 

Nothing but speculation really. A couple weeks ago there was a rumor (that had some real steam) that it was a done deal but that fizzled out. The consensus is that IU would have to make him their top and only real candidate and offer him the job without any interview process. In that case I think he would take it, but I just don't think IU is sold on him enough to handle it that way.

 

.

 

This may or may not make you happy, but I was at a meeting with some guys from Indianapolis last week and they seem to believe Randy Wittman will be the next Indiana coach.

 

The Randy Wittman bandwagon is gaining steam. I still think it's 50-50 on Alford being the next coach. If not him I suspect Wittman, Crean, Majerus, Dakich, and Keith Smart will be considered heavily.

 

Man, it's amazing to me that people still throw out Majerus' name. Some crazy Mizzou alumni friends of mine want him to be their head coach. I would have to have him go through at minimum 50 physicals before I would even interview him let alone hire him.

 

 

His weight is obviously the issue. He is a great basketball coach and a very good recruiter. It would be interesting to see what he could do at a big time program. I think IU needs a coach who can right the ship and get us back to the elite level. We don't necessarily ned a coach who will be at IU for more than 4 or 5 years. We need to hire someone to get us back to the point where it is a top 5 job nationally, and then we can bring in an elite coach to get back to the days of winning National Titles. Majerus might be a perfect fit for IU for the next 4-5 years.

[SouthSideRyan]

Lemme just say if the scenario plays out the way you're talking about it, I'd love it Tiger. (UT/UI fighting for the last 2 seed) With that presumably the loser of the 2 seed would get the 3 seed in the same bracket. As long as Tennessee is the team we're matched up with in our half of the bracket I'll be a very happy panda. They're just not very good.

[hawkeyecub]

Wittman is the hot name right now.

 

I'm kind of indifferent on Alford leaving. I like the guy a lot more than most and I think he's really improved as a coach. The addition of Craig Neal to his staff has really helped to turn things around. Recruiting has gotten better and if he stays, great.

 

If he leaves I can understand why and wouldn't blame him. It's hard to turn down the chance to go home. Not only is it home but it's also a better job with higher potential. I think there are some good candidates available right now and we would have some interesting options.

[hawkeyecub]

Lemme just say if the scenario plays out the way you're talking about it, I'd love it Tiger. (UT/UI fighting for the last 2 seed) With that presumably the loser of the 2 seed would get the 3 seed in the same bracket. As long as Tennessee is the team we're matched up with in our half of the bracket I'll be a very happy panda. They're just not very good.

 

I don't think either has a very good shot at the last 2 seed right now. I think you have UCONN, Duke, Villanova, Memphis, OSU, Texas, Pitt, Gonzaga and UNC in front of them. If any of them aren't I think LSU, UCLA are or could jump in front of them this weekend.

 

In fact a lot of bracket predictions had Tennessee as a 3/4 seed before yesterday's loss. Their RPI is great but they've looked terrible down the stretch and have now lost 4 of 6. I think they're a 4.

 

I don't want to be accused of being a homer here so I'll ask for honest opinion. Is it possible that Iowa could jump Illinois for a 3 seed this weekend? If they win today Iowa will be 24-8 while Illinois is 23-6. Iowa would also move in front of Illinois in the RPI up to 13th, possibly higher. Iowa's SOS is 29th while Illinois is 50th. They tied at 11-5 in the conference with each team winning at home. If Iowa wins today they would have the 2nd most wins against top 50 in the country, behind only UCONN. Iowa would also be coming in a little hotter.

The biggest thing Illinois has over Iowa is the road/neutral record and I think that's what will keep them in front. Illinois is 10-5 while Iowa would be 7-8.

[snoodmonger]

If were a program in need of a coach, I'd see what it would take to pry Gilespie from Texas A&M. Excellent recruiter. Good coach. I think he's an excellent candidate.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

If were a program in need of a coach, I'd see what it would take to pry Gilespie from Texas A&M. Excellent recruiter. Good coach. I think he's an excellent candidate.

 

Never coached his own kids though, he's winning right now with what Watkins left him. He may be able to, as he's pulled in some nice classes, but we still don't know for sure.

[hawkeyecub]

If were a program in need of a coach, I'd see what it would take to pry Gilespie from Texas A&M. Excellent recruiter. Good coach. I think he's an excellent candidate.

 

A couple weeks ago the Kansas City paper mentioned discussed him for the Mizzou job. The writer said that it wasn't likely though because it would be too messy to switch from A&M to Mizzou.

The writer said (to many Hawkeye fans surprise) that he was told that Billy would be Bowlsby's top candidate if Alford left and that Gillespie had told sources he wanted to get back in the Big 10.

[hawkeyecub]

If were a program in need of a coach, I'd see what it would take to pry Gilespie from Texas A&M. Excellent recruiter. Good coach. I think he's an excellent candidate.

 

Never coached his own kids though, he's winning right now with what Watkins left him. He may be able to, as he's pulled in some nice classes, but we still don't know for sure.

 

It's pretty amazing the way he's recruiting and turning things around at A&M. They were 0-16 in the Big 12 the year before he came and now have won 8 and 10 conference games, and had back to back 20 win seasons with an NCAA appearance this year.

Plus the job he did at UTEP was very impressive.

I think it's pretty safe to say that the guy can coach. He's been successful everywhere he's been and if he can win with these less talented leftovers, I'm sure he can compete with his own recruits.

 

The biggest concern would be that he's always been able to recruit in Texas and that's where all of next year's class is coming from. I know there was some discussion about it on the Illini board though and they were concerned about him getting the Iowa job and being able to get guys out of Illinois, Chicago especially. Apparently he was one of Self's top recruiters while at Illinois.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

haha, MSU fans calling Trannon "Trannibal Lector". MSU up early on Iowa.

[da bears]

A couple thoughts:

1. Illinois, in my opinion should be a three seed. It might not be all that bad for them.

2. I like Gillespie. What he has done at Texas A M is very impressive.

3. Michigan State has underachieved all season long. This team still could make a very deep run into March.

4. I think MSU is gonna beat Iowa. They seem to be finally understanding they need to play with some urgency now.

[SouthSideRyan]

 

I don't want to be accused of being a homer here so I'll ask for honest opinion. Is it possible that Iowa could jump Illinois for a 3 seed this weekend? If they win today Iowa will be 24-8 while Illinois is 23-6. Iowa would also move in front of Illinois in the RPI up to 13th, possibly higher. Iowa's SOS is 29th while Illinois is 50th. They tied at 11-5 in the conference with each team winning at home. If Iowa wins today they would have the 2nd most wins against top 50 in the country, behind only UCONN. Iowa would also be coming in a little hotter.

The biggest thing Illinois has over Iowa is the road/neutral record and I think that's what will keep them in front. Illinois is 10-5 while Iowa would be 7-8.

 

I don't think Iowa deserves it over U of I, but it's close enough that I could see it happening, which is why I'm rooting hardcore for MSU here. That and MSU winning the tourney won't make our loss look as bad. If we get lower than a 3, I'm gonna be pretty outraged. There are not 12 teams out there that deserve a spot above us.

[illiniguy]

 

I don't want to be accused of being a homer here so I'll ask for honest opinion. Is it possible that Iowa could jump Illinois for a 3 seed this weekend? If they win today Iowa will be 24-8 while Illinois is 23-6. Iowa would also move in front of Illinois in the RPI up to 13th, possibly higher. Iowa's SOS is 29th while Illinois is 50th. They tied at 11-5 in the conference with each team winning at home. If Iowa wins today they would have the 2nd most wins against top 50 in the country, behind only UCONN. Iowa would also be coming in a little hotter.

The biggest thing Illinois has over Iowa is the road/neutral record and I think that's what will keep them in front. Illinois is 10-5 while Iowa would be 7-8.

 

I don't think Iowa deserves it over U of I, but it's close enough that I could see it happening, which is why I'm rooting hardcore for MSU here. That and MSU winning the tourney won't make our loss look as bad. If we get lower than a 3, I'm gonna be pretty outraged. There are not 12 teams out there that deserve a spot above us.

Michigan State is great, They do this every year. When it comes to March Izzo decides to become a genius again.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

MSU is absolutely gassed, small miracle to only be down 2 at this point.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

 

I don't want to be accused of being a homer here so I'll ask for honest opinion. Is it possible that Iowa could jump Illinois for a 3 seed this weekend? If they win today Iowa will be 24-8 while Illinois is 23-6. Iowa would also move in front of Illinois in the RPI up to 13th, possibly higher. Iowa's SOS is 29th while Illinois is 50th. They tied at 11-5 in the conference with each team winning at home. If Iowa wins today they would have the 2nd most wins against top 50 in the country, behind only UCONN. Iowa would also be coming in a little hotter.

The biggest thing Illinois has over Iowa is the road/neutral record and I think that's what will keep them in front. Illinois is 10-5 while Iowa would be 7-8.

 

I don't think Iowa deserves it over U of I, but it's close enough that I could see it happening, which is why I'm rooting hardcore for MSU here. That and MSU winning the tourney won't make our loss look as bad. If we get lower than a 3, I'm gonna be pretty outraged. There are not 12 teams out there that deserve a spot above us.

 

I don't really disagree, but U of I is 13 in kenpom's RPI today.

[da bears]

Well I was wrong about the Michigan State game today. I'm kinda surprised its this close. Michigan State, as previously stated, just looks exhausted.

[hawkeyecub]

Big win. Hopefully this is enough to get us a 3. Like I said I think Iowa and Illinois are neck and neck right now for a seed when you compare their resume's. Iowa will have a higher RPI, better SOS, an extra win against the top 50 (2nd most in country) and a better record down the stretch. The big thing for Illinois is their road/neutral record though and that could very well be enough.

 

By the way I know MSU looked gassed and definitely was today, but could Packer have given any credit to our defense? We do have the 2nd ranked defense in the country and part of their struggles today could partially have been due with us not letting them get many open looks or making them work if they did.

I hate when Iowa fans (or any for that matter) complain about announcers disliking us, but Packer has always seemed to go out of his way to not give Iowa any credit.

[fiver]

perhaps Wilmont should have started...8 points off the bench already. 10-8 IU

[Transmogrified Tiger]

If I hear Billy Packer make one more reference to tired or fresh legs I'm going to break my TV.

[stitchface]

this is why I think the tourney schedule sucks. great, so Iowa squeaks by an exhausted MSU. The tourney is meaningless IMO. how many 50-45 games do we want to see?

[hawkeyecub]

Hats off to Izzo he doesn't make any excuses. The first question in his press conference was about fatigue and he kept repeating that it had zero effect on them and that it shouldn't even be written as a possible factor. Just gave credit to our defense and said their offense did a poor job of protecting the lead and settled for too many 3's.

 

Other than the way that I think he's able to bully the refs, there isn't much to dislike about Izzo. He's a class guy, doesn't make excuses (even when he could) and always gives credit to the opponent. There's a reason why his teams are always so physically and mentally tough, especially down the stretch.