College Basketball 2011-2012

[UMFan83]

Obligatory IU post:

 

First, I'm thrilled just to be back in the NCAA Tournament. It's been a very difficult -- self-inflicted -- three/four years prior to this; and this team has already exceeded any realistic expectations. I'm pleased with the 4-seed and the first two pairings. This is tied with 2001 for the highest seed IU has received since 1993 (when they lost in the first round to Kent State . . . ugh). Obviously anything can happen in the tournament, but I feel relatively good about the first game with New Mexico State. Not that it's a "gimme" by any means, but it could have been much worse. The second round matchup will be very difficult whether it's Wichita State or VCU -- and I'll probably pick either one to beat IU -- but it's still a winnable game. It's also nice to avoid a potential matchup with New Mexico and all the hoopla that would have entailed.

 

My issues with the draw are more at a personal level. With so many nearby sites -- Louisville, Columbus, Nashville, Pittsburgh, even Omaha -- I was hoping to be able to easily attend (even though I was expecting to get sent out to one of the two western locales). I'm just not going to be able to travel to Portland, unfortunately. Second, and my biggest complaint, is that IU's upside in the tournament is now losing all bragging rights to Kentucky -- and, my guess would be, humiliatingly so. The UK win was such a pivotal moment for the program -- and probably my favorite moment at Assembly Hall, in 15+ years of attending basically every game -- that it could become somewhat forgotten/less meaningful/whatever. If IU does make it to the Sweet Sixteen, I think UK will be very primed for that game and probably win by 15-20 or more. My first priority for seeding/selection, was avoiding a possible game with UK; that's the team I dislike the most in any sport and I would hate to see IU lose to them after the earlier game (again, IU may never face UK, but still).

 

I honestly don't think UK blowing out IU will change the impact that game had for your program. It was an upset yes, but it proved Indiana was legit and could beat any team in the country. If they lose by 20 in a rematch on a neutral floor, it doesn't erase that moment, nor does it mean IU isn't legit. It just means that the most talented team in the country came in focused and won. I don't think anyone believes that IU is better than UK, so losing that game is not going to change the perception of the program, or erase the fact that IU is good enough to beat UK on some nights.

[Smack]

Obligatory IU post:

 

First, I'm thrilled just to be back in the NCAA Tournament. It's been a very difficult -- self-inflicted -- three/four years prior to this; and this team has already exceeded any realistic expectations. I'm pleased with the 4-seed and the first two pairings. This is tied with 2001 for the highest seed IU has received since 1993 (when they lost in the first round to Kent State . . . ugh). Obviously anything can happen in the tournament, but I feel relatively good about the first game with New Mexico State. Not that it's a "gimme" by any means, but it could have been much worse. The second round matchup will be very difficult whether it's Wichita State or VCU -- and I'll probably pick either one to beat IU -- but it's still a winnable game. It's also nice to avoid a potential matchup with New Mexico and all the hoopla that would have entailed.

 

My issues with the draw are more at a personal level. With so many nearby sites -- Louisville, Columbus, Nashville, Pittsburgh, even Omaha -- I was hoping to be able to easily attend (even though I was expecting to get sent out to one of the two western locales). I'm just not going to be able to travel to Portland, unfortunately. Second, and my biggest complaint, is that IU's upside in the tournament is now losing all bragging rights to Kentucky -- and, my guess would be, humiliatingly so. The UK win was such a pivotal moment for the program -- and probably my favorite moment at Assembly Hall, in 15+ years of attending basically every game -- that it could become somewhat forgotten/less meaningful/whatever. If IU does make it to the Sweet Sixteen, I think UK will be very primed for that game and probably win by 15-20 or more. My first priority for seeding/selection, was avoiding a possible game with UK; that's the team I dislike the most in any sport and I would hate to see IU lose to them after the earlier game (again, IU may never face UK, but still).

 

I think IU got hosed all around. From the 10pm tip time in Portland (3 time zones!) to having to play Wichita St (most likely) in the second round, to Kentucky in the Sweet 16. I didn't see it but I guess Crean was visibly upset when he saw Kentucky was IU's 1 seed.

[Guest]

Sulley missed his chance by not making that comment til morning.

 

no, like a normal human being, i just didn't notice missouri

 

Sorry, your follow ups aren't going to work either. Better luck next time champ.

[rawaction]

Obligatory IU post:

 

First, I'm thrilled just to be back in the NCAA Tournament. It's been a very difficult -- self-inflicted -- three/four years prior to this; and this team has already exceeded any realistic expectations. I'm pleased with the 4-seed and the first two pairings. This is tied with 2001 for the highest seed IU has received since 1993 (when they lost in the first round to Kent State . . . ugh). Obviously anything can happen in the tournament, but I feel relatively good about the first game with New Mexico State. Not that it's a "gimme" by any means, but it could have been much worse. The second round matchup will be very difficult whether it's Wichita State or VCU -- and I'll probably pick either one to beat IU -- but it's still a winnable game. It's also nice to avoid a potential matchup with New Mexico and all the hoopla that would have entailed.

 

My issues with the draw are more at a personal level. With so many nearby sites -- Louisville, Columbus, Nashville, Pittsburgh, even Omaha -- I was hoping to be able to easily attend (even though I was expecting to get sent out to one of the two western locales). I'm just not going to be able to travel to Portland, unfortunately. Second, and my biggest complaint, is that IU's upside in the tournament is now losing all bragging rights to Kentucky -- and, my guess would be, humiliatingly so. The UK win was such a pivotal moment for the program -- and probably my favorite moment at Assembly Hall, in 15+ years of attending basically every game -- that it could become somewhat forgotten/less meaningful/whatever. If IU does make it to the Sweet Sixteen, I think UK will be very primed for that game and probably win by 15-20 or more. My first priority for seeding/selection, was avoiding a possible game with UK; that's the team I dislike the most in any sport and I would hate to see IU lose to them after the earlier game (again, IU may never face UK, but still).

 

I don't agree. Nothing will take away from the UK win. That's the signature win of the season, not for IU....for anyone. Until yesterday it was the only time UK lost all season. ESPN uses Watford's shot to advertise for ESPN 3. If IU makes it that far and gets blown out, I don't think people the win in December will be less memorable/meaningful. I think it re-established Assembly Hall as one of the tougher places to play.

 

I also disagree that this isn't a good draw for IU. I don't like that they got put in Portland, but once they became a 4-seed, it was the logical place for them to be. 3 of the #4 seeds are playing in either Portland or Alburquerque. And of the teams IU was in contention with for a 4 seed, all pretty much had better resumes, including Wisconsin and Michigan who righfully got to play in Nashville over IU. It actually would have benefitted them to be a 5-seed, as I think they would have been the best of the 5 seeds (over Temple) and gone to Nashville. Especially since New Mexico and Wichita prefer to stay west.

 

As for UK, I like that matchup over any of the others. I don't think we can stay on the same court with UNC or Cuse. Wouldn't think that of UK, but we have and did. I'd rather play UK again than Michigan St, even if that was possible.

[rawaction]

I think IU got hosed all around. From the 10pm tip time in Portland (3 time zones!) to having to play Wichita St (most likely) in the second round, to Kentucky in the Sweet 16. I didn't see it but I guess Crean was visibly upset when he saw Kentucky was IU's 1 seed.

 

You think? Rather be in that bracket than playing New Mexico as the 5 playing in the west. Vandy would be a tough draw at the 5 also. I'd take the Temple 4/5 matchup, but can't justify IU being there instead of Michigan. When in doubt, I'll take the small conference school every time. The tip time isn't a huge issue to me. They recently played a 9pm at home vs. Mich. St. And this isn't much later. I think it's easier to play later away from home. More time to acclimate yourself with the surroundings, I guess.

[CubColtPacer]

As people have said all season, this Indiana team is very reminiscent of both the 2001 and 2002 versions. Both got 4/5 seeds, and one flamed out in the first round while the other made the championship game. Depending on how the dice fall, both are possible for Indiana. But I don't think getting blown out by Kentucky will really hamper Indiana. Maybe in another year it would linger a little longer, but I think the focus would quickly shift to next year and the huge recruiting class if that were to happen. Although it would be tougher if they decide to cancel the series, and Indiana didn't get the chance to get revenge in December.

 

If I had to guess, I would guess that Indiana would get knocked out in the 2nd round, but it's so hard to project with them. They're one of those chameleon teams that can play well against any style, but don't really have a style of their own or players they like to go to when things get rough.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I've never been so excited to say I just bought NIT tickets.

[Exile on Waveland]

Obligatory IU post:

 

First, I'm thrilled just to be back in the NCAA Tournament. It's been a very difficult -- self-inflicted -- three/four years prior to this; and this team has already exceeded any realistic expectations. I'm pleased with the 4-seed and the first two pairings. This is tied with 2001 for the highest seed IU has received since 1993 (when they lost in the first round to Kent State . . . ugh). Obviously anything can happen in the tournament, but I feel relatively good about the first game with New Mexico State. Not that it's a "gimme" by any means, but it could have been much worse. The second round matchup will be very difficult whether it's Wichita State or VCU -- and I'll probably pick either one to beat IU -- but it's still a winnable game. It's also nice to avoid a potential matchup with New Mexico and all the hoopla that would have entailed.

 

My issues with the draw are more at a personal level. With so many nearby sites -- Louisville, Columbus, Nashville, Pittsburgh, even Omaha -- I was hoping to be able to easily attend (even though I was expecting to get sent out to one of the two western locales). I'm just not going to be able to travel to Portland, unfortunately. Second, and my biggest complaint, is that IU's upside in the tournament is now losing all bragging rights to Kentucky -- and, my guess would be, humiliatingly so. The UK win was such a pivotal moment for the program -- and probably my favorite moment at Assembly Hall, in 15+ years of attending basically every game -- that it could become somewhat forgotten/less meaningful/whatever. If IU does make it to the Sweet Sixteen, I think UK will be very primed for that game and probably win by 15-20 or more. My first priority for seeding/selection, was avoiding a possible game with UK; that's the team I dislike the most in any sport and I would hate to see IU lose to them after the earlier game (again, IU may never face UK, but still).

 

I don't agree. Nothing will take away from the UK win. That's the signature win of the season, not for IU....for anyone. Until yesterday it was the only time UK lost all season. ESPN uses Watford's shot to advertise for ESPN 3. If IU makes it that far and gets blown out, I don't think people the win in December will be less memorable/meaningful. I think it re-established Assembly Hall as one of the tougher places to play.

 

I also disagree that this isn't a good draw for IU. I don't like that they got put in Portland, but once they became a 4-seed, it was the logical place for them to be. 3 of the #4 seeds are playing in either Portland or Alburquerque. And of the teams IU was in contention with for a 4 seed, all pretty much had better resumes, including Wisconsin and Michigan who righfully got to play in Nashville over IU. It actually would have benefitted them to be a 5-seed, as I think they would have been the best of the 5 seeds (over Temple) and gone to Nashville. Especially since New Mexico and Wichita prefer to stay west.

 

As for UK, I like that matchup over any of the others. I don't think we can stay on the same court with UNC or Cuse. Wouldn't think that of UK, but we have and did. I'd rather play UK again than Michigan St, even if that was possible.

 

1) I thought I was pretty clear that I thought it was technically a fine draw for IU. My complaints were "personal" which shouldn't be confused as a complaint that IU was "screwed." They weren't, in my opinion; the draw is fair. I think favorable in the first round, about par for the course in the second round, and extremely hard in the third round (but that's expected as a 4/5 seed).

 

2) I'm not saying a possible IU loss to UK erases the first game, it doesn't. It is, and always will be, a signature win. But IU loses bragging rights (hey, a one-point win is great and all, but doesn't compare to a double digit tournament win). Perhaps this is more relevant for me than others on this board -- I'm from southern Indiana and UK is by far the biggest rival down there (I basically did not know any Purdue fans growing up and have never hated them). I may just be more sensitive to the UK thing.

[UMFan83]

I've never been so excited to say I just bought NIT tickets.

 

I was going to bemoan the fall of Iowa basketball but then I remembered your recent NCAA past includes Northwestern State and Pierre Pierce.

[SouthSideRyan]

Welp, the guy who told me Leonard might stay says he's gone. The right call for him, it's a shame he was utilized more while we had him. Edited March 12, 2012 by SouthSideRyan

[Smack]

I think IU got hosed all around. From the 10pm tip time in Portland (3 time zones!) to having to play Wichita St (most likely) in the second round, to Kentucky in the Sweet 16. I didn't see it but I guess Crean was visibly upset when he saw Kentucky was IU's 1 seed.

 

You think? Rather be in that bracket than playing New Mexico as the 5 playing in the west. Vandy would be a tough draw at the 5 also. I'd take the Temple 4/5 matchup, but can't justify IU being there instead of Michigan. When in doubt, I'll take the small conference school every time. The tip time isn't a huge issue to me. They recently played a 9pm at home vs. Mich. St. And this isn't much later. I think it's easier to play later away from home. More time to acclimate yourself with the surroundings, I guess.

 

I don't know, it's an hour later and if there is any sort of delay in the earlier game they could well be playing ball after midnight eastern time. I know when I travel to the west coast for work it takes me a couple days to adjust and it's only a 2 hour difference. Obviously different people adjust quicker and slower...

 

I guess I didn't really compare them to the other 4 seeds, it's just a tough set of circumstances they're facing. I know nothing about New Mexico St except that they supposedly have a 360 lb 7' 5" center. That's crazy.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I've never been so excited to say I just bought NIT tickets.

 

I was going to bemoan the fall of Iowa basketball but then I remembered your recent NCAA past includes Northwestern State and Pierre Pierce.

Now you may fear the rise.

[Smack]

Holy crap. NM State also has two guys that are 6' 11" and two guys that are 6' 10". Looks like only two of the five huge guys play much, and the 7' 5" isn't one of them.

[Magnetic Curses]

Sulley missed his chance by not making that comment til morning.

 

no, like a normal human being, i just didn't notice missouri

 

Sorry, your follow ups aren't going to work either. Better luck next time champ.

 

lots of people like andy say things like this about me

[ConstableRabbit]

I've never been so excited to say I just bought NIT tickets.

 

I was going to bemoan the fall of Iowa basketball but then I remembered your recent NCAA past includes Northwestern State and Pierre Pierce.

They saw purple and "Northwestern", so Iowa just had to lose.

[abuck1220]

look at the fan of a team who has never been to the tournament ever in the history of the world talking [expletive].

[Smack]

WSJ Blind Brackets

 

Somehow I got Memphis to the Final 4 (Gonzaga and Murray St. joining them in the Elite 8), with Kansas beating Kentucky in the Championship game....

 

http://projects.wsj.com/blindfold-brackets-2012/

 

It's safe to say that's not how I'm filling out my actual brackets but who knows...

[illiniguy]

Welp, the guy who told me Leonard might stay says he's gone. The right call for him, it's a shame he was utilized more while we had him.

That's ok we will really take advantage of the next 7 footer we get who can run, jump, has great hands, and a soft touch. :banghead:

[ConstableRabbit]

look at the fan of a team who has never been to the tournament ever in the history of the world talking [expletive].

Trolling ain't easy.

[hawkeyecub]

Welp, the guy who told me Leonard might stay says he's gone. The right call for him, it's a shame he was utilized more while we had him.

 

Get used to the view from below, boys...

[hawkeyecub]

I've never been so excited to say I just bought NIT tickets.

 

They had already sold 8,500 a couple of hours ago. My guess is they'll get over 12,000. It's awesomely sad how excited people are for this NIT bid.

 

Should be fun. I remember going to the NIT game vs. Georgia Tech when they had Chris Bosh and B.J. Elder. There were only like 9K people there but it was super loud.

[Guest]

WSJ Blind Brackets

 

Somehow I got Memphis to the Final 4 (Gonzaga and Murray St. joining them in the Elite 8), with Kansas beating Kentucky in the Championship game....

 

http://projects.wsj.com/blindfold-brackets-2012/

 

It's safe to say that's not how I'm filling out my actual brackets but who knows...

 

I had mostly chalk, but Belmont to the Sweet 16 and Indiana (?!) winning the title.

[Smack]

WSJ Blind Brackets

 

Somehow I got Memphis to the Final 4 (Gonzaga and Murray St. joining them in the Elite 8), with Kansas beating Kentucky in the Championship game....

 

http://projects.wsj.com/blindfold-brackets-2012/

 

It's safe to say that's not how I'm filling out my actual brackets but who knows...

 

I had mostly chalk, but Belmont to the Sweet 16 and Indiana (?!) winning the title.

 

Noooooooooooooooooo!

[illiniguy]

Welp, the guy who told me Leonard might stay says he's gone. The right call for him, it's a shame he was utilized more while we had him.

 

Get used to the view from below, boys...

Yeah, you guys are gonna own us.... :roll:

[NonProfitCow]

WSJ Blind Brackets

 

Somehow I got Memphis to the Final 4 (Gonzaga and Murray St. joining them in the Elite 8), with Kansas beating Kentucky in the Championship game....

 

http://projects.wsj.com/blindfold-brackets-2012/

 

It's safe to say that's not how I'm filling out my actual brackets but who knows...

I'd say most people would have Kansas, because they're perfect in everything except 3pt shooting in the infographics.