8 teams, 4 spots, 1 goal, 2 donuts, 1 coffee. Sorry I was trying to do my best announcer guy opening and then I started thinking about my breakfast (chocolate frosted and jelly in case you were wondering) and I got confused. Here are my picks for today's games:
3-Missouri vs 1-UConn
Missouri played their best game all year Thursday night against an overrated Memphis team. Conference USA is awful. If you switched Xavier and Memphis I think Memphis would have a little more trouble in the A-10 which is only marginally better than Conference USA. Missouri is going to try to run up and down the court and play at a fast tempo which makes sense but the thing is that UConn can also play uptempo basketball. That said, UConn can also slow things down and play a half court game while having Hasheem Thabeet do his thing down in the paint and that's where Missouri is going to have trouble. I think it will be close but UConn pulls away in the second half to go to their first Final Four since they won the title in '04.
3- Villanova vs 1- Pitt.
First one to 50 wins this game. It won't be pretty but I think Pitt. wins this one. I know they haven't looked great in the tourney but every game has had the same result and thats all that matters. They remind me of the 2003 New England Patiots - sure they weren't the most exciting team to watch but they always found ways to win and came up with the big play when they needed it. I think the Dejuan Blair vs Dante Cunningham matchup is going to be very important - whoever gets the other one into foul trouble early could swing the game in his team's direction, I lean towards Blair winning this battle and the game.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
A Bunch of Blasts For You
Thursday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-26-2009
Wednesday's Show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-25-2009
Tuesday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-24-2009
Monday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-23-2009
Last Thursday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-19-2009
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-26-2009
Wednesday's Show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-25-2009
Tuesday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-24-2009
Monday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-23-2009
Last Thursday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-19-2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday's Sweet 16 Games
I know I didn't have anything for last nights game but if you were wondering I picked Pitt, Duke, Memphis, and UConn. Here are my picks for tonight's games:
12- Arizona vs 1- Louisville
I have Louisville winning in my bracket but since I threw that out after Duke lost last night I'm going to go with Arizona in a upset . I said it last week - this Arizona team has a lot of talent and you can't look at them like they are a 12 seed from the Horizon league. I think this season will lead to Russ Pennell becoming the full time coach next year.
3- Kansas vs 2- Michigan St.
I think Michigan St. is a team that no one is really talking about but I think has a good chance of winning the championship. I realize they are a 2 seed so it is not as though they are this big sleeper but compared to the other 2 seeds (Memphis, Duke, and Oklahoma) they have been mentioned the least. I think this will be a very close game from the opening tip to the final buzzer and the Spartans will pull it out to continue their march to the Final Four in their backyard.
4- Gonzaga vs 1- UNC
This is the best Gonzaga team in recent memory and I might have put them in the final four if they were seeded in a different region. They have the tough task of going up against the best team in the country who now have their best player Ty Lawson back and looking almost 100% in the their second round win. Lawson should be even better tonight and the Tar Heels will defeat the Bulldogs by double digits.
3- Syracuse vs 2- Oklahoma
I think this will be the best game of the night and I am picking the Sooners to advance to the Elite Eight for this first time since Hollis Price was the man down in Norman. I think people tend to look at Oklahoma and think that it is Blake Griffen playing with 4 Earl Boykins out there, but that is not the case as they have some talent to support the best player in the country. Willie Warren is a real good guard who can knock down shots from anywhere on the court. Austin Johnson and Blake's older brother Taylor Griffen have been solid all year. I think Blake Griffen will struggle early in the first half and then explode in the second half and winds up with 34 points and 20 rebounds.
Should be a great night of hoops so enjoy the games as four teams round out the Elite Eight.
12- Arizona vs 1- Louisville
I have Louisville winning in my bracket but since I threw that out after Duke lost last night I'm going to go with Arizona in a upset . I said it last week - this Arizona team has a lot of talent and you can't look at them like they are a 12 seed from the Horizon league. I think this season will lead to Russ Pennell becoming the full time coach next year.
3- Kansas vs 2- Michigan St.
I think Michigan St. is a team that no one is really talking about but I think has a good chance of winning the championship. I realize they are a 2 seed so it is not as though they are this big sleeper but compared to the other 2 seeds (Memphis, Duke, and Oklahoma) they have been mentioned the least. I think this will be a very close game from the opening tip to the final buzzer and the Spartans will pull it out to continue their march to the Final Four in their backyard.
4- Gonzaga vs 1- UNC
This is the best Gonzaga team in recent memory and I might have put them in the final four if they were seeded in a different region. They have the tough task of going up against the best team in the country who now have their best player Ty Lawson back and looking almost 100% in the their second round win. Lawson should be even better tonight and the Tar Heels will defeat the Bulldogs by double digits.
3- Syracuse vs 2- Oklahoma
I think this will be the best game of the night and I am picking the Sooners to advance to the Elite Eight for this first time since Hollis Price was the man down in Norman. I think people tend to look at Oklahoma and think that it is Blake Griffen playing with 4 Earl Boykins out there, but that is not the case as they have some talent to support the best player in the country. Willie Warren is a real good guard who can knock down shots from anywhere on the court. Austin Johnson and Blake's older brother Taylor Griffen have been solid all year. I think Blake Griffen will struggle early in the first half and then explode in the second half and winds up with 34 points and 20 rebounds.
Should be a great night of hoops so enjoy the games as four teams round out the Elite Eight.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday's Second Round Games
I think that the following teams will score more points than their opponents:
Arizona St.
Michigan St.
Pitt.
Arizona
Xavier
Missouri
Louisville
Kansas
Busy day, sorry I don't have more.
Arizona St.
Michigan St.
Pitt.
Arizona
Xavier
Missouri
Louisville
Kansas
Busy day, sorry I don't have more.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday's Second Round Games
Well the first round ended last night with two good overtime games, lets hope today's games are just as exciting.
3-Villanova vs 6- UCLA
I picked UCLA in my bracket and I still feel good about picking them. I think if they stop Dante Cunningham and hit some threes they should get by Nova.
2- Memphis vs 10- Maryland
I think Memphis comes out and plays a full 40 min. like they should, instead of sleepwalking until the second half like in their first game. I think they had a wake up call and realize they are not going to just win because they are Memphis.
1-UConn vs 9- Texas A&M
I think UConn cruises in this one. The Aggies should have trouble with Hasheem Thabeet all game.
4-Washington vs 5-Purdue
These 4 vs 5 games are usually good and I think this one will be the best game of the day. I'm taking Washington in a close one. Isaiah Thomas needs to have a better game shooting the ball which I think he will and will be a big difference in this game. I think Purdue will be a top 10 team next year with Robbie Hummel, E'Twaun Moore, and JaJuan Johnson all coming back as juniors. They could leave for the NBA but I don't see any of them making the jump as they aren't projected as lottery picks and another year in school will do them well.
1- UNC vs 8- LSU
I think LSU will hang with the Tar Heels but in the end my national champ pick will advance to the sweet 16. If Matt Howard had 22 points and 8 rebounds vs LSU in rd. 1 I think Tyler Hansbrough gets 30 and 15 against the Tigers tonight in a W.
2-Oklahoma vs 10- Michigan
I think John Beilein is one of the most underrated coaches in the country. He turned West Virginia into a winner and he is doing the same with Michigan. I think he might be able to come up with a gameplan to keep Blake Griffin in check but I still see the Sooners pulling out a tough win vs the Wolverines.
4-Gonzaga vs 12-Western Kentucky
I like this Gonzaga team more than the Adam Morrison and Dan Dickau teams of years past. I think this Gonzaga team is deeper than those teams because they don't rely on just one guy. Josh Heytvelt has had a good season and seems to have turned himself around after some off court issues with the law he had a great first rd. game with 22 points and 9 rebounds. I think Austin Daye is going to have huge game vs the Hilltoppers who really don't have anyone that can stop him. Gonzaga should win this won by double digits.
2- Duke vs 7- Texas
The Blue Devils defense will win this game. They are going to put pressure on the Longhorns all game and I don't think Texas will be able to handle it. I also don't see A.J. Abrams hitting 8 threes in this game. I don't think it will be a blow out but the Blue Devils should in to go on to the sweet 16 for the first time in three years.
Enjoy the games today.
3-Villanova vs 6- UCLA
I picked UCLA in my bracket and I still feel good about picking them. I think if they stop Dante Cunningham and hit some threes they should get by Nova.
2- Memphis vs 10- Maryland
I think Memphis comes out and plays a full 40 min. like they should, instead of sleepwalking until the second half like in their first game. I think they had a wake up call and realize they are not going to just win because they are Memphis.
1-UConn vs 9- Texas A&M
I think UConn cruises in this one. The Aggies should have trouble with Hasheem Thabeet all game.
4-Washington vs 5-Purdue
These 4 vs 5 games are usually good and I think this one will be the best game of the day. I'm taking Washington in a close one. Isaiah Thomas needs to have a better game shooting the ball which I think he will and will be a big difference in this game. I think Purdue will be a top 10 team next year with Robbie Hummel, E'Twaun Moore, and JaJuan Johnson all coming back as juniors. They could leave for the NBA but I don't see any of them making the jump as they aren't projected as lottery picks and another year in school will do them well.
1- UNC vs 8- LSU
I think LSU will hang with the Tar Heels but in the end my national champ pick will advance to the sweet 16. If Matt Howard had 22 points and 8 rebounds vs LSU in rd. 1 I think Tyler Hansbrough gets 30 and 15 against the Tigers tonight in a W.
2-Oklahoma vs 10- Michigan
I think John Beilein is one of the most underrated coaches in the country. He turned West Virginia into a winner and he is doing the same with Michigan. I think he might be able to come up with a gameplan to keep Blake Griffin in check but I still see the Sooners pulling out a tough win vs the Wolverines.
4-Gonzaga vs 12-Western Kentucky
I like this Gonzaga team more than the Adam Morrison and Dan Dickau teams of years past. I think this Gonzaga team is deeper than those teams because they don't rely on just one guy. Josh Heytvelt has had a good season and seems to have turned himself around after some off court issues with the law he had a great first rd. game with 22 points and 9 rebounds. I think Austin Daye is going to have huge game vs the Hilltoppers who really don't have anyone that can stop him. Gonzaga should win this won by double digits.
2- Duke vs 7- Texas
The Blue Devils defense will win this game. They are going to put pressure on the Longhorns all game and I don't think Texas will be able to handle it. I also don't see A.J. Abrams hitting 8 threes in this game. I don't think it will be a blow out but the Blue Devils should in to go on to the sweet 16 for the first time in three years.
Enjoy the games today.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday's Picks
Another 16 games to enjoy today. Here are my picks for the teams that I think will score more points than their opponents.
3-Syracuse vs 14 Stephen F. Austin
I picked Syracuse but I actually thought about taking the Lumberjacks. Cuse should win but if they don't it is fine with me as I have them losing in the second round anyway.
8- Tennessee vs 9- Oklahoma St.
Coin toss to see who gets to lose to Pitt. in the second round. The Vols win the toss so I'll take them.
6- Marquette vs 11- Utah St.
Utah St. is one of my sleepers as this team shot 50% from the floor during the season. That's not a nice 10 game stretch - we are talking 34 games. I think they will slow the pace of the game down and make a lot of threes to upset the Golden Eagles.
3- Kansas vs 14- North Dakota St.
Good job by ND St. making the tourney in their first seasons as a D-1 team. Their reward is a 26 point loss to Kansas.
6- Arizona St. vs 11-Temple
I think Arizona St. is going to ride the back of James Harden pretty far in this tourney.
1- Pitt. vs 16-E. Tennessee St.
Pitt. in a 'big shocker.'
6- West Virginia vs 11- Dayton
I know the Big East is a lot better than the A-10 but it seems like every year the A-10 has a double digit seeded team that pulls off an upset and I think Dayton is that team this year.
3- Missouri vs 14- Cornell
Ivy League teams always seem to make things interesting. I think Cornell will hang with the Tigers but in the end Mizzou has too much talent to lose.
5- Utah vs 12-Arizona
Here is my 12 over a 5 pick as everyone has to have one. I know Arizona didn't deserve to be in over St. Marys but now that they are, I feel as though they could win a game or two. Nic Wise, Chase Budinger, and Jordan Hill were suppose to be doing great things at Zona but thanks to Lute Olson leaving things haven't really worked out as planned. That could change if they pull off and upset or two in the tourney.
1- Louisville vs 16-Morehead St.
Cards by a lot.
7- BC vs 10- USC
USC has been playing really well the last few weeks including winning the Pac 10 tourney and Tim Floyd vs Al Skinner is a big mismatch so take the Trojans.
4-Xavier vs 13- Portland St.
I think this is going to be a real good game with Xavier holding on for a hard earned W.
4-Wake Forest vs 13- Cleveland St.
This is another popular upset pick but I don't see it happening so I'm taking Wake.
8-Ohio St. vs 9- Siena
Buckeyes win with a huge game from Evan Turner.
2- Michigan St. vs 15- Robert Morris
I really like Michigan St. as they are one of my Final Four teams which seems to surprise people even though they are a 2 seed. I would make a joke about that fact they are playing one man but I used that joke in 2006 when the Spartans faced George Mason in the first round and that didn't turn out well for me.
5- Florida St. vs 12- Wisconsin
Florida St. gets overlooked in the ACC because they aren't a traditional basketball school like UNC or Duke. I think Toney Douglas is very underrated, maybe not in ACC country, but I think the rest of America will know his name by the time the sweet 16 rolls around.
Enjoy today's games and I'll have Saturday's second round picks late tonight or tomorrow morning.
3-Syracuse vs 14 Stephen F. Austin
I picked Syracuse but I actually thought about taking the Lumberjacks. Cuse should win but if they don't it is fine with me as I have them losing in the second round anyway.
8- Tennessee vs 9- Oklahoma St.
Coin toss to see who gets to lose to Pitt. in the second round. The Vols win the toss so I'll take them.
6- Marquette vs 11- Utah St.
Utah St. is one of my sleepers as this team shot 50% from the floor during the season. That's not a nice 10 game stretch - we are talking 34 games. I think they will slow the pace of the game down and make a lot of threes to upset the Golden Eagles.
3- Kansas vs 14- North Dakota St.
Good job by ND St. making the tourney in their first seasons as a D-1 team. Their reward is a 26 point loss to Kansas.
6- Arizona St. vs 11-Temple
I think Arizona St. is going to ride the back of James Harden pretty far in this tourney.
1- Pitt. vs 16-E. Tennessee St.
Pitt. in a 'big shocker.'
6- West Virginia vs 11- Dayton
I know the Big East is a lot better than the A-10 but it seems like every year the A-10 has a double digit seeded team that pulls off an upset and I think Dayton is that team this year.
3- Missouri vs 14- Cornell
Ivy League teams always seem to make things interesting. I think Cornell will hang with the Tigers but in the end Mizzou has too much talent to lose.
5- Utah vs 12-Arizona
Here is my 12 over a 5 pick as everyone has to have one. I know Arizona didn't deserve to be in over St. Marys but now that they are, I feel as though they could win a game or two. Nic Wise, Chase Budinger, and Jordan Hill were suppose to be doing great things at Zona but thanks to Lute Olson leaving things haven't really worked out as planned. That could change if they pull off and upset or two in the tourney.
1- Louisville vs 16-Morehead St.
Cards by a lot.
7- BC vs 10- USC
USC has been playing really well the last few weeks including winning the Pac 10 tourney and Tim Floyd vs Al Skinner is a big mismatch so take the Trojans.
4-Xavier vs 13- Portland St.
I think this is going to be a real good game with Xavier holding on for a hard earned W.
4-Wake Forest vs 13- Cleveland St.
This is another popular upset pick but I don't see it happening so I'm taking Wake.
8-Ohio St. vs 9- Siena
Buckeyes win with a huge game from Evan Turner.
2- Michigan St. vs 15- Robert Morris
I really like Michigan St. as they are one of my Final Four teams which seems to surprise people even though they are a 2 seed. I would make a joke about that fact they are playing one man but I used that joke in 2006 when the Spartans faced George Mason in the first round and that didn't turn out well for me.
5- Florida St. vs 12- Wisconsin
Florida St. gets overlooked in the ACC because they aren't a traditional basketball school like UNC or Duke. I think Toney Douglas is very underrated, maybe not in ACC country, but I think the rest of America will know his name by the time the sweet 16 rolls around.
Enjoy today's games and I'll have Saturday's second round picks late tonight or tomorrow morning.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday's Picks
The greatest two days of the year are finally here, so to kick things off here are my picks for Thursday's games.
8-LSU vs 9- Butler
These 8 vs 9 games are really just the flip a coin because most likely you have the winner losing in the second round to the 1 seed. I flipped a coin and it was heads, Butler called heads so I'm going with Butler.
2- Memphis vs 15- Cal State Northridge
Memphis should have no problem taking care of the fighting Tito Santanas.
8- BYU vs 9- Texas A&M
A&M won the toss go with the Aggies.
5- Purdue vs 12- Northern Iowa
The always interesting 12 vs 5 games. I don't see an upset here as I'm taking Purdue behind E'Twaun Moore, Robbie Hummel, and JaJuan Johnson part of that great sophomore class Matt Painter was able to bring in.
1- UNC vs 16- Radford
Well I'm picking UNC to win it all but if there was ever a time that I wouldn't care about winning in a pool it would be seeing Radford pull off the greatest upset of all time.
7- Cal vs 10- Maryland
Jerome Randle will score exactly 29 points to lead the Bears over the Terps.
1- Connecticut vs 16- Chattanooga
UCONN by 31.
4- Washington vs 13- Miss. St.
Some people like this as an upset but I tend to side with a team that was solid all year like the Huskies over a team like Miss. St. that is just like last year's Georgia team who got hot and won the SEC before losing their first game in the tourney.
7-Texas vs 10-Minnesota
I'll take Tubby Smith over Rick Barnes.
7- Clemson vs 10- Michigan
ACC is better than the Big 10. Clemson gets an easy W.
3- Villanova vs 14- American
I'm not as high on Villanova as most people are but they will not lose to the American Eagles.
4- Gonzaga vs 13- Akron
Gonzaga will win a close low scoring game.
2- Oklahoma vs 15- Morgan St.
I think this is close until there's 10 minutes left in the second when the Sooners realize who they are playing and pull away.
2- Duke vs 15- Binghamton
This will not be like last year's 'near defeat' at the hands of Belmont. Duke wins by 20.
6- UCLA vs 11- VCU
This will be the best game of the day. Eric Maynor vs Darren Collinson (if healthy) will be a great match up. I think UCLA pulls this one out in thriller.
5- Illinois vs 12- W. Kentucky
Another game that I think will be close and exciting until the end. I like Illinois and I think too many people are thinking, "well W. Kentucky made the sweet 16 last year as a sleeper why, not this year," and I point to the Orlando Magic roster where you find Courtney Lee now playing.
I'll have tomorrow's picks later tonight or Friday morning. Enjoy today's games.
8-LSU vs 9- Butler
These 8 vs 9 games are really just the flip a coin because most likely you have the winner losing in the second round to the 1 seed. I flipped a coin and it was heads, Butler called heads so I'm going with Butler.
2- Memphis vs 15- Cal State Northridge
Memphis should have no problem taking care of the fighting Tito Santanas.
8- BYU vs 9- Texas A&M
A&M won the toss go with the Aggies.
5- Purdue vs 12- Northern Iowa
The always interesting 12 vs 5 games. I don't see an upset here as I'm taking Purdue behind E'Twaun Moore, Robbie Hummel, and JaJuan Johnson part of that great sophomore class Matt Painter was able to bring in.
1- UNC vs 16- Radford
Well I'm picking UNC to win it all but if there was ever a time that I wouldn't care about winning in a pool it would be seeing Radford pull off the greatest upset of all time.
7- Cal vs 10- Maryland
Jerome Randle will score exactly 29 points to lead the Bears over the Terps.
1- Connecticut vs 16- Chattanooga
UCONN by 31.
4- Washington vs 13- Miss. St.
Some people like this as an upset but I tend to side with a team that was solid all year like the Huskies over a team like Miss. St. that is just like last year's Georgia team who got hot and won the SEC before losing their first game in the tourney.
7-Texas vs 10-Minnesota
I'll take Tubby Smith over Rick Barnes.
7- Clemson vs 10- Michigan
ACC is better than the Big 10. Clemson gets an easy W.
3- Villanova vs 14- American
I'm not as high on Villanova as most people are but they will not lose to the American Eagles.
4- Gonzaga vs 13- Akron
Gonzaga will win a close low scoring game.
2- Oklahoma vs 15- Morgan St.
I think this is close until there's 10 minutes left in the second when the Sooners realize who they are playing and pull away.
2- Duke vs 15- Binghamton
This will not be like last year's 'near defeat' at the hands of Belmont. Duke wins by 20.
6- UCLA vs 11- VCU
This will be the best game of the day. Eric Maynor vs Darren Collinson (if healthy) will be a great match up. I think UCLA pulls this one out in thriller.
5- Illinois vs 12- W. Kentucky
Another game that I think will be close and exciting until the end. I like Illinois and I think too many people are thinking, "well W. Kentucky made the sweet 16 last year as a sleeper why, not this year," and I point to the Orlando Magic roster where you find Courtney Lee now playing.
I'll have tomorrow's picks later tonight or Friday morning. Enjoy today's games.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sportsblast March 10-12, 2009
Thursday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-12-2009
Wednesday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-11-2009
Tuesday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-10-2009
Monday's show is unavailable due to "technical difficulties."
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-12-2009
Wednesday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-11-2009
Tuesday's show:
http://www.youcastr.com/casts/archive/joeymurr-the-sports-blast-with-joey-murr-march-10-2009
Monday's show is unavailable due to "technical difficulties."
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Conference Tournaments
This week is Championship week so you have a bunch of conference tournament games all week. It's like a little tease before the big dance next week. Below are my picks to win from the major conferences - now I'm not picking the best teams from each one as we have seen in recent years ('06 Syracuse and '08 Georgia) the best teams don't always win. Also, look for the sleepers for each tourney.
Big East: Such a stacked conference with UConn, Pitt, and Louisville at the top of the heap. They all have a chance at getting a 1 seed for the big dance. I think Pitt. might already have one locked up which gives UConn and Louisville a little extra motivation. I'm picking UConn who will have a tough road as they most likely will have to beat Syracuse, Pitt. and Louisville. If they do that they are a lock for a #1 seed.
Sleeper could be Providence. They are a bubble team that has a lot to play for, and they should get by Depaul. This would put them against Louisville who beat them by 18 a few weeks back, but the Friars were actually winning that game with 14 min. left when the Cardinals went on a run. That game was also at Freedom Hall but at MSG Friar fans would only have a short drive to get to there,
while Louisville fans might opt to wait to travel the following week. I think the Friars can pull off an upset or two in this tourney.
Big 12: Even though Kansas won the Big 12, I still think that Oklahoma is the better team, and I think that both of these teams have a shot at a #1 seed. That said, I'm going with Kansas because they look to have the easier road to the finals: most likely Baylor and Kansas State. OU would have to go through Oklahoma State and Mizzou. Also, I think Kansas has been playing all season with a little chip on their shoulder due to the fact that they are defending champs and nobody really thought they would be this good after losing Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush, Darrell Arthur, Russell Robinson, Sasha Kaun, and Darnell Jackson from last years team. You can't really blame people for doubting that they could be a title contender again.
Sleeper - Texas A&M has won 6 in a row which has clinched their spot in the tourney but a good showing here could improve their seed.
Big 10: The only way Michigan State doesn't win this tourney is if they get bored knowing that they have bigger goals this season. I don't see that happening as the Spartans have a shot at a #1 seed. Real quick - I know it seems I've mentioned about 10 teams for four 1 seeds, but I figure UNC and Pitt. have a 1 seed clinched, then you have either UConn or L'ville, whichever team does better in the Big East tourney. This leaves Kansas/Oklahoma, whoever wins the big 12, Michigan State, and Memphis. All of those teams have a shot at a number 1 seed. Which leads me to believe Mich. St. will win this tourney.
Sleeper- Purdue has struggled down the stretch, but I think Matt Painter will have his team ready for the Big 10 tourney and try to generate some momentum for next week.
ACC: UNC is going to get a 1 seed no matter what, even if they lose their first game against either Virginia Tech or Miami. Roy Williams and this whole teams have known all season that they are title contenders and their real season begins next week. With Ty Lawson banged up, I think Roy Williams will take it easy in the ACC tourney. That opens the door for Duke, Wake, Clemson and FSU. All of them are in the tourney already and while people assume I'll take Duke, I'm going with Wake Forest mostly because I feel as though most fans don't realize how good they are. After going through a rough 9 game stretch where they went 4-5, they won their last 4 including a nice win on Sunday against Clemson. If Wake wins this tourney they will lock up a number 2 seed.
Sleeper- Miami is on the bubble and if UNC decides to take it easy against Miami and the 'Canes pull of the upset then they are off the bubble. I also think that Jack McClinton could have a Gerry Macnamara type performance as a Senior not wanting to end his career playing in the NIT.
SEC: A down year for the SEC with the top team being LSU who had zero out of conference quality wins. Still they went 25-6 because the SEC was so bad. I'm going with South Carolina to win this tourney, but really anyone can win this. I would not be surprised if Georgia had another miracle run like last year.
Sleeper- I'm tempted to say Georgia just for fun, but I'm going with Kentucky because a great program like that needs to be in the big dance and not the NIT and they know it, so they will be playing with sense of urgency as they do not want to be the first Wildcat team not to make it since 1991.
PAC 10: I'm taking Washington who has quietly put together a nice season. Isaiah Thomas is following in Nate Robinson's footsteps as short player who is a star for the Huskies.
Sleeper- Arizona State. Even though they lost 3 out of their last 4 games, I think they could ride James Harden to win the PAC 10 tourney.
Alright, well this week should have plenty of good games leading up to selection Sunday.
Big East: Such a stacked conference with UConn, Pitt, and Louisville at the top of the heap. They all have a chance at getting a 1 seed for the big dance. I think Pitt. might already have one locked up which gives UConn and Louisville a little extra motivation. I'm picking UConn who will have a tough road as they most likely will have to beat Syracuse, Pitt. and Louisville. If they do that they are a lock for a #1 seed.
Sleeper could be Providence. They are a bubble team that has a lot to play for, and they should get by Depaul. This would put them against Louisville who beat them by 18 a few weeks back, but the Friars were actually winning that game with 14 min. left when the Cardinals went on a run. That game was also at Freedom Hall but at MSG Friar fans would only have a short drive to get to there,
while Louisville fans might opt to wait to travel the following week. I think the Friars can pull off an upset or two in this tourney.
Big 12: Even though Kansas won the Big 12, I still think that Oklahoma is the better team, and I think that both of these teams have a shot at a #1 seed. That said, I'm going with Kansas because they look to have the easier road to the finals: most likely Baylor and Kansas State. OU would have to go through Oklahoma State and Mizzou. Also, I think Kansas has been playing all season with a little chip on their shoulder due to the fact that they are defending champs and nobody really thought they would be this good after losing Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush, Darrell Arthur, Russell Robinson, Sasha Kaun, and Darnell Jackson from last years team. You can't really blame people for doubting that they could be a title contender again.
Sleeper - Texas A&M has won 6 in a row which has clinched their spot in the tourney but a good showing here could improve their seed.
Big 10: The only way Michigan State doesn't win this tourney is if they get bored knowing that they have bigger goals this season. I don't see that happening as the Spartans have a shot at a #1 seed. Real quick - I know it seems I've mentioned about 10 teams for four 1 seeds, but I figure UNC and Pitt. have a 1 seed clinched, then you have either UConn or L'ville, whichever team does better in the Big East tourney. This leaves Kansas/Oklahoma, whoever wins the big 12, Michigan State, and Memphis. All of those teams have a shot at a number 1 seed. Which leads me to believe Mich. St. will win this tourney.
Sleeper- Purdue has struggled down the stretch, but I think Matt Painter will have his team ready for the Big 10 tourney and try to generate some momentum for next week.
ACC: UNC is going to get a 1 seed no matter what, even if they lose their first game against either Virginia Tech or Miami. Roy Williams and this whole teams have known all season that they are title contenders and their real season begins next week. With Ty Lawson banged up, I think Roy Williams will take it easy in the ACC tourney. That opens the door for Duke, Wake, Clemson and FSU. All of them are in the tourney already and while people assume I'll take Duke, I'm going with Wake Forest mostly because I feel as though most fans don't realize how good they are. After going through a rough 9 game stretch where they went 4-5, they won their last 4 including a nice win on Sunday against Clemson. If Wake wins this tourney they will lock up a number 2 seed.
Sleeper- Miami is on the bubble and if UNC decides to take it easy against Miami and the 'Canes pull of the upset then they are off the bubble. I also think that Jack McClinton could have a Gerry Macnamara type performance as a Senior not wanting to end his career playing in the NIT.
SEC: A down year for the SEC with the top team being LSU who had zero out of conference quality wins. Still they went 25-6 because the SEC was so bad. I'm going with South Carolina to win this tourney, but really anyone can win this. I would not be surprised if Georgia had another miracle run like last year.
Sleeper- I'm tempted to say Georgia just for fun, but I'm going with Kentucky because a great program like that needs to be in the big dance and not the NIT and they know it, so they will be playing with sense of urgency as they do not want to be the first Wildcat team not to make it since 1991.
PAC 10: I'm taking Washington who has quietly put together a nice season. Isaiah Thomas is following in Nate Robinson's footsteps as short player who is a star for the Huskies.
Sleeper- Arizona State. Even though they lost 3 out of their last 4 games, I think they could ride James Harden to win the PAC 10 tourney.
Alright, well this week should have plenty of good games leading up to selection Sunday.
Friday, March 6, 2009
B's
I know the Bruins are scuffling right now but I just wanted to touch upon the trades made the other day. Acquiring Mark Recchi and Steve Montador gives the Bruins more depth that teams need once the playoffs begin. These deals work out great when you consider Martins Karsums, Matt Lashoff, and Petteri Nokelainen were not key parts for this years team and going forward were not going to be re-signed as Karsums and Lashoff are both free agents after this season. Thats another good thing about this trade is that Recchi and Montador are both going to be gone at the end of the year so the Bruins are not stuck with a big contract that would effect them signing the key guys this offseason like Phil Kessel, David Krejci and Tim Thomas just to name a few.
Montador is actually having one of his best seasons which is good for him maybe he can cash in on it next year but he gives the Bruins more depth on defense. I know a lot of people wanted Pronger but that would have cost the Bruins a lot more and Pronger is signed for next year which the Bruins would probably flip him in the offseason. Pronger would have been nice but I'm really happy with the top two defenseman the B's have in Zdeno Chara and Dennis Wideman i didn't think they needed a top line guy on D. Thats why I think getting Montador for Nokelainan was a good deal.
Recchi can still be a playmaker as he had 45 points with Tampa. He will give the Bruins more scoring punch especially on the powerplay which recently went 8 games in a row without a pp goal. Recchi has been in this situation before being traded to Carolina in 2006 and that worked out well with the Canes as they hoisted Lord Stanley that June. I know last night they put Recchi with two different lines which we might see these first few games because even though they have been playing poorly this moves were not made so the Bruins can finish the regular season strong and win the Presidents Trophy these were moves to make them better once the playoffs arrive. So we might see some shuffling of different lines over the next few weeks. Add on to Recchi was a 2010 second rd. pick which will be in the low 30s this trade could look even better.
Montador is actually having one of his best seasons which is good for him maybe he can cash in on it next year but he gives the Bruins more depth on defense. I know a lot of people wanted Pronger but that would have cost the Bruins a lot more and Pronger is signed for next year which the Bruins would probably flip him in the offseason. Pronger would have been nice but I'm really happy with the top two defenseman the B's have in Zdeno Chara and Dennis Wideman i didn't think they needed a top line guy on D. Thats why I think getting Montador for Nokelainan was a good deal.
Recchi can still be a playmaker as he had 45 points with Tampa. He will give the Bruins more scoring punch especially on the powerplay which recently went 8 games in a row without a pp goal. Recchi has been in this situation before being traded to Carolina in 2006 and that worked out well with the Canes as they hoisted Lord Stanley that June. I know last night they put Recchi with two different lines which we might see these first few games because even though they have been playing poorly this moves were not made so the Bruins can finish the regular season strong and win the Presidents Trophy these were moves to make them better once the playoffs arrive. So we might see some shuffling of different lines over the next few weeks. Add on to Recchi was a 2010 second rd. pick which will be in the low 30s this trade could look even better.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Cassel
I would still love the Cassel trade even if all the Patriots got for him was a big bag of balls. Even a few weeks ago I wrote about how I don't think Cassel is that good, so getting a high second round pick sounds about right to me. The Pats now have 4 of the top 58 picks in the draft. Knowing the way Bill Belichick likes to play around with draft picks, you can expect them to move a pick or two for future picks in the 2010 draft. The Pats also have $17 million to spend on either locking up players already on the team or signing some free agents. This is a good, forward thinking move for the team.
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