NCAA Basketball Thread - 2022-3 Season (1 Viewer)

[MAC_32]

I, like most other people, LIKE early round upsets. They're fun to watch and its a big part of what the tournament is about.

But at the end of the day, as a fan, I would like the tournament to crown a deserving champ. You can't really say that a team who wins six in a row ISN'T deserving,(for better or worse, that's the format) but the tournament is so big (lowering the bar to get into it) and the sample size is so small that you can obviously get fluky scenarios. We saw it with UNC last year. They were awful for 80% of the year, got hot for 3 weeks and nearly won the whole thing (blowing a 15 point half time lead in the title game). Then they reverted to what they really were this year (Manek leaving obviously hurt....but the guards are what we thought they were)

Florida Atlantic obviously earned their way to Houston. They beat a decent Memphis team but obviously got lucky with Fairly Dickinson upsetting the # 1 seed (not that Purdue was that great). Then they played their 4 seed (highest possible they could have) and then a 3 seed.

So they ducked the #1 and #2 seeds as well as Duke (who, despite being a 5, was one of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch). But at the end of the day...you can only beat who they put in front of you. They won 4 games and earned their spot.

But I'm not gonna lie....I'm gonna be pretty disappointment if they win the thing. SD State has been a really good program over the past 10 years or so and they were robbed of a chance to make a run in 2020 due to COVID (they were 6th on KENPOM). So I'd rather see them in the final if given the choice.

I hate the UCONN fan base but they were undoubtedly one of the best teams in the country for a huge chunk of the year (basically had 1 bad stretch) and clearly have championship level talent. Miami is an excellent team as well. I wish that was the final.

why do you hate UConn fans?

Because I've been to 4 uconn games at various venues. Worst fan base I've ever seen live. Total clown show

Why are they a clown show?

I mean....sorry if you're one of them....but I've never seen a bigger bunch of jerks at a sporting event.(outside of drunken upper deck behavior at giants stadium)

Just non stop obnoxious behavior. Absurd over the top, profanity laden reactions to every call, getting in the face of opposition fans who are just sitting trying to watch the game, groups of 15+ guys sitting in the front 2 rows who literally don't sit down the entire game (totally blocking the views of people begins them)

Just the worst. I've seen them play games in MSG, Hartford and the Meadowlands and it was the same every time

Sounds like most college sporting events I've attended.

 

[stlrams]

I, like most other people, LIKE early round upsets. They're fun to watch and its a big part of what the tournament is about.

But at the end of the day, as a fan, I would like the tournament to crown a deserving champ. You can't really say that a team who wins six in a row ISN'T deserving,(for better or worse, that's the format) but the tournament is so big (lowering the bar to get into it) and the sample size is so small that you can obviously get fluky scenarios. We saw it with UNC last year. They were awful for 80% of the year, got hot for 3 weeks and nearly won the whole thing (blowing a 15 point half time lead in the title game). Then they reverted to what they really were this year (Manek leaving obviously hurt....but the guards are what we thought they were)

Florida Atlantic obviously earned their way to Houston. They beat a decent Memphis team but obviously got lucky with Fairly Dickinson upsetting the # 1 seed (not that Purdue was that great). Then they played their 4 seed (highest possible they could have) and then a 3 seed.

So they ducked the #1 and #2 seeds as well as Duke (who, despite being a 5, was one of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch). But at the end of the day...you can only beat who they put in front of you. They won 4 games and earned their spot.

But I'm not gonna lie....I'm gonna be pretty disappointment if they win the thing. SD State has been a really good program over the past 10 years or so and they were robbed of a chance to make a run in 2020 due to COVID (they were 6th on KENPOM). So I'd rather see them in the final if given the choice.

I hate the UCONN fan base but they were undoubtedly one of the best teams in the country for a huge chunk of the year (basically had 1 bad stretch) and clearly have championship level talent. Miami is an excellent team as well. I wish that was the final.

why do you hate UConn fans?

Because I've been to 4 uconn games at various venues. Worst fan base I've ever seen live. Total clown show

Why are they a clown show?

I mean....sorry if you're one of them....but I've never seen a bigger bunch of jerks at a sporting event.(outside of drunken upper deck behavior at giants stadium)

Just non stop obnoxious behavior. Absurd over the top, profanity laden reactions to every call, getting in the face of opposition fans who are just sitting trying to watch the game, groups of 15+ guys sitting in the front 2 rows who literally don't sit down the entire game (totally blocking the views of people begins them)

Just the worst. I've seen them play games in MSG, Hartford and the Meadowlands and it was the same every time

Like Mac said. This doesn’t happen at other college games? I did graduate from UConn and a huge fan. Been to 5 final fours over the years. I think you’re over the top with UConn hate.

 

[TLEF316]

I, like most other people, LIKE early round upsets. They're fun to watch and its a big part of what the tournament is about.

But at the end of the day, as a fan, I would like the tournament to crown a deserving champ. You can't really say that a team who wins six in a row ISN'T deserving,(for better or worse, that's the format) but the tournament is so big (lowering the bar to get into it) and the sample size is so small that you can obviously get fluky scenarios. We saw it with UNC last year. They were awful for 80% of the year, got hot for 3 weeks and nearly won the whole thing (blowing a 15 point half time lead in the title game). Then they reverted to what they really were this year (Manek leaving obviously hurt....but the guards are what we thought they were)

Florida Atlantic obviously earned their way to Houston. They beat a decent Memphis team but obviously got lucky with Fairly Dickinson upsetting the # 1 seed (not that Purdue was that great). Then they played their 4 seed (highest possible they could have) and then a 3 seed.

So they ducked the #1 and #2 seeds as well as Duke (who, despite being a 5, was one of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch). But at the end of the day...you can only beat who they put in front of you. They won 4 games and earned their spot.

But I'm not gonna lie....I'm gonna be pretty disappointment if they win the thing. SD State has been a really good program over the past 10 years or so and they were robbed of a chance to make a run in 2020 due to COVID (they were 6th on KENPOM). So I'd rather see them in the final if given the choice.

I hate the UCONN fan base but they were undoubtedly one of the best teams in the country for a huge chunk of the year (basically had 1 bad stretch) and clearly have championship level talent. Miami is an excellent team as well. I wish that was the final.

why do you hate UConn fans?

Because I've been to 4 uconn games at various venues. Worst fan base I've ever seen live. Total clown show

Why are they a clown show?

I mean....sorry if you're one of them....but I've never seen a bigger bunch of jerks at a sporting event.(outside of drunken upper deck behavior at giants stadium)

Just non stop obnoxious behavior. Absurd over the top, profanity laden reactions to every call, getting in the face of opposition fans who are just sitting trying to watch the game, groups of 15+ guys sitting in the front 2 rows who literally don't sit down the entire game (totally blocking the views of people begins them)

Just the worst. I've seen them play games in MSG, Hartford and the Meadowlands and it was the same every time

Like Mac said. This doesn’t happen at other college games? I did graduate from UConn and a huge fan. Been to 5 final fours over the years. I think you’re over the top with UConn hate.

I've been to plenty of other games (neutral sites, home arenas, tournaments, etc). As I said....never seen anything like it. Its your team, so you don't see it from the other perspective. And that's fine. We all have our blind spots.

Best of luck this weekend. Your team is excellent and obviously have a huge chance to win. And while I dont like the program/fans I've interacted with at games, I can certainly acknowledge that college basketball is better when UCONN is a power. So I was glad to see them get back to Big East and rebuild the program. Enjoy it.

 

[stlrams]

I, like most other people, LIKE early round upsets. They're fun to watch and its a big part of what the tournament is about.

But at the end of the day, as a fan, I would like the tournament to crown a deserving champ. You can't really say that a team who wins six in a row ISN'T deserving,(for better or worse, that's the format) but the tournament is so big (lowering the bar to get into it) and the sample size is so small that you can obviously get fluky scenarios. We saw it with UNC last year. They were awful for 80% of the year, got hot for 3 weeks and nearly won the whole thing (blowing a 15 point half time lead in the title game). Then they reverted to what they really were this year (Manek leaving obviously hurt....but the guards are what we thought they were)

Florida Atlantic obviously earned their way to Houston. They beat a decent Memphis team but obviously got lucky with Fairly Dickinson upsetting the # 1 seed (not that Purdue was that great). Then they played their 4 seed (highest possible they could have) and then a 3 seed.

So they ducked the #1 and #2 seeds as well as Duke (who, despite being a 5, was one of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch). But at the end of the day...you can only beat who they put in front of you. They won 4 games and earned their spot.

But I'm not gonna lie....I'm gonna be pretty disappointment if they win the thing. SD State has been a really good program over the past 10 years or so and they were robbed of a chance to make a run in 2020 due to COVID (they were 6th on KENPOM). So I'd rather see them in the final if given the choice.

I hate the UCONN fan base but they were undoubtedly one of the best teams in the country for a huge chunk of the year (basically had 1 bad stretch) and clearly have championship level talent. Miami is an excellent team as well. I wish that was the final.

why do you hate UConn fans?

Because I've been to 4 uconn games at various venues. Worst fan base I've ever seen live. Total clown show

Why are they a clown show?

I mean....sorry if you're one of them....but I've never seen a bigger bunch of jerks at a sporting event.(outside of drunken upper deck behavior at giants stadium)

Just non stop obnoxious behavior. Absurd over the top, profanity laden reactions to every call, getting in the face of opposition fans who are just sitting trying to watch the game, groups of 15+ guys sitting in the front 2 rows who literally don't sit down the entire game (totally blocking the views of people begins them)

Just the worst. I've seen them play games in MSG, Hartford and the Meadowlands and it was the same every time

Like Mac said. This doesn’t happen at other college games? I did graduate from UConn and a huge fan. Been to 5 final fours over the years. I think you’re over the top with UConn hate.

I've been to plenty of other games (neutral sites, home arenas, tournaments, etc). As I said....never seen anything like it. Its your team, so you don't see it from the other perspective. And that's fine. We all have our blind spots.

Best of luck this weekend. Your team is excellent and obviously have a huge chance to win. And while I dont like the program/fans I've interacted with at games, I can certainly acknowledge that college basketball is better when UCONN is a power. So I was glad to see them get back to Big East and rebuild the program. Enjoy it.

Thanks, hopefully they can stay very competitive as we have too 5 recruiting class coming in.

 

[MAC_32]

Like Mac said. This doesn’t happen at other college games?

I went to a school where the student section bleachers were within about 5-7' of the court along the entire baseline across from the benches. Sitting at anytime during game action on those bleachers was a rare occurrence and the crowd in 'row 1' (on the floor) was often about 3 deep. The rent-a-cops (nicknamed 'Zero Tolerance") enforcement was you needed a seat or they'd boot you outta row 1. So the guys got the bench and girls sat on our laps during timeouts and we remained 3 deep during game action.

We used to place wagers how many students would get tossed each game. None was rare and a couple of times we lost track, but it was dozens. I was never one of them, but a buddy of mine got the heave ho one time for an 'OOPS DROPPED THE SOAP PLEASE DON'T RAPE ME JAMIE' to an ex con that was inbounding right in front of us. One of the few times a ref intervened and stopped the game until the boot was complete. Jamie got the last laugh too - hit a running 40 footer at the buzzer to win. Mfkr ran over to the student section, ripped his jersey off, taunted all of us (we clearly deserved it), then he got peppered with trash anyway.

Sometimes I wonder how I ever grew up...

 

[stlrams]

Like Mac said. This doesn’t happen at other college games?

I went to a school where the student section bleachers were within about 5-7' of the court along the entire baseline across from the benches. Sitting at anytime during game action on those bleachers was a rare occurrence and the crowd in 'row 1' (on the floor) was often about 3 deep. The rent-a-cops (nicknamed 'Zero Tolerance") enforcement was you needed a seat or they'd boot you outta row 1. So the guys got the bench and girls sat on our laps during timeouts and we remained 3 deep during game action.

We used to place wagers how many students would get tossed each game. None was rare and a couple of times we lost track, but it was dozens. I was never one of them, but a buddy of mine got the heave ho one time for an 'OOPS DROPPED THE SOAP PLEASE DON'T RAPE ME JAMIE' to an ex con that was inbounding right in front of us. One of the few times a ref intervened and stopped the game until the boot was complete. Jamie got the last laugh too - hit a running 40 footer at the buzzer to win. Mfkr ran over to the student section, ripped his jersey off, taunted all of us (we clearly deserved it), then he got peppered with trash anyway.

Sometimes I wonder how I ever grew up...

I started going to UConn games as a student in 1985. They were playing in the field house which held maybe 5,000. We could get row 1 tickets behind the basket for most games. About 20 of us from our floor would pregame then heckle opposing players who were literally 3 feet away. Our favorite was yelling while opposing player was shooting free throws about the size of their manhood. Not sure how we didn’t get tossed.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

For sure. I dont need the BEST team to win (its rarely cut and dry anyway. There's almost always a group of 4-8 schools that are on a reasonably similar level).

But the idea of a 9 seed from Conference USA winning it doesn't really give me great feelings. Cool story for the casuals but as a college hoops junkie, I want to see a high level team win it....not just a hot team. IMO, UCONN and Miami are both deserving champs in a year where there was no standout favorite.

Maybe the takeaway should be that even the selection committee has a hard time seeding these mid-major/small college teams and just default to the teams in a major conferences. Maybe FAU was actually better than teams like Duke, Indiana, Northwestern, Providence, or Gonzaga that get over-seeded based on their history and standing in what is considered a better Conference.

The NCAA Tournaments is obviously not the ideal way to determine the best team, but it's not like we don't see a top seed win most years and in it's entire history we've only seen one 8 seed win the Tournament - so it's a fairly efficient method in the long run, even if we get a "fluky" year liked this.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

why do you hate UConn fans?

It's not a uncommon position, especially among other Big East fanbases. Some of it is likely jealousy, their fans travel well. Some of it still likely stems from Calhoun among old-timers as he was not a very likable guy.

 

[MAC_32]

For sure. I dont need the BEST team to win (its rarely cut and dry anyway. There's almost always a group of 4-8 schools that are on a reasonably similar level).

But the idea of a 9 seed from Conference USA winning it doesn't really give me great feelings. Cool story for the casuals but as a college hoops junkie, I want to see a high level team win it....not just a hot team. IMO, UCONN and Miami are both deserving champs in a year where there was no standout favorite.

Maybe the takeaway should be that even the selection committee has a hard time seeding these mid-major/small college teams and just default to the teams in a major conferences. Maybe FAU was actually better than teams like Duke, Indiana, Northwestern, Providence, or Gonzaga that get over-seeded based on their history and standing in what is considered a better Conference.

The NCAA Tournaments is obviously not the ideal way to determine the best team, but it's not like we don't see a top seed win most years and in it's entire hostory we've only seen one 8 seed win the Tournament - so it's a fairly efficient method in the long run, even if we get a "fluky" year liked this.

The committee's problem has always been related to good mid-major teams vs average major teams. The 9-12 seeds every year should be peppered with the Florida Atlantic's, George Mason's, and VCU's instead of the Pitt's, Mississippi State's, and NC State's.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

For sure. I dont need the BEST team to win (its rarely cut and dry anyway. There's almost always a group of 4-8 schools that are on a reasonably similar level).

But the idea of a 9 seed from Conference USA winning it doesn't really give me great feelings. Cool story for the casuals but as a college hoops junkie, I want to see a high level team win it....not just a hot team. IMO, UCONN and Miami are both deserving champs in a year where there was no standout favorite.

Maybe the takeaway should be that even the selection committee has a hard time seeding these mid-major/small college teams and just default to the teams in a major conferences. Maybe FAU was actually better than teams like Duke, Indiana, Northwestern, Providence, or Gonzaga that get over-seeded based on their history and standing in what is considered a better Conference.

The NCAA Tournaments is obviously not the ideal way to determine the best team, but it's not like we don't see a top seed win most years and in it's entire hostory we've only seen one 8 seed win the Tournament - so it's a fairly efficient method in the long run, even if we get a "fluky" year liked this.

The committee's problem has always been related to good mid-major teams vs average major teams. The 9-12 seeds every year should be peppered with the Florida Atlantic's, George Mason's, and VCU's instead of the Pitt's, Mississippi State's, and NC State's.

Exactly - the committee defers to mediocre teams (barely over .500) in major conferences while ignoring the fact that it's really hard to go 35-3 even in "weaker" conferences.

 

[Scoresman]

For sure. I dont need the BEST team to win (its rarely cut and dry anyway. There's almost always a group of 4-8 schools that are on a reasonably similar level).

But the idea of a 9 seed from Conference USA winning it doesn't really give me great feelings. Cool story for the casuals but as a college hoops junkie, I want to see a high level team win it....not just a hot team. IMO, UCONN and Miami are both deserving champs in a year where there was no standout favorite.

Maybe the takeaway should be that even the selection committee has a hard time seeding these mid-major/small college teams and just default to the teams in a major conferences. Maybe FAU was actually better than teams like Duke, Indiana, Northwestern, Providence, or Gonzaga that get over-seeded based on their history and standing in what is considered a better Conference.

The NCAA Tournaments is obviously not the ideal way to determine the best team, but it's not like we don't see a top seed win most years and in it's entire hostory we've only seen one 8 seed win the Tournament - so it's a fairly efficient method in the long run, even if we get a "fluky" year liked this.

The committee's problem has always been related to good mid-major teams vs average major teams. The 9-12 seeds every year should be peppered with the Florida Atlantic's, George Mason's, and VCU's instead of the Pitt's, Mississippi State's, and NC State's.

Exactly - the committee defers to mediocre teams (barely over .500) in major conferences while ignoring the fact that it's really hard to go 35-3 even in "weaker" conferences.

Agree. This is at least partially proven by Gonzaga in that they play to their seed level way more often than not. When you look at how many other top seeds get upset early every year, that doesn't happen to Gonzaga. There's this myth that Gonzaga underachieves in the tournament when in fact the opposite is true.

 

[The Z Machine]

Maybe Gonzaga should just underachieve in the regular season a little, then save up their mojo for a golden season and win it all.

 

[Jayrod]

What is a icp show?

Insane Clown Posse - you know, with Juggalos and whatnot.

 

[The Z Machine]

Insane Clown Posse - you know, with Juggalos and whatnot.

NSFW pic link

 

[massraider]

Miami Hoops and NIL

Before he retired, Jim Boeheim went on a mini tirade about it all. “Pittsburgh bought a team. … Wake Forest bought a team. Miami bought a team,’’ he said. “It’s like, ‘Really, this is where we are?’ That’s really where we are, and it’s only going to get worse.’’

Boeheim caught all sorts of flack for it, and later apologized. The truth? Boeheim only said what lots of his peers whisper beneath their breath, viewing Miami more rules skirting than forward thinking.

Like Ruiz, however, Larranga has no plans on changing. “No one is going to tell me how to run my basketball program,’’ he says. “When you’re coming into the gym, you’re going to play the Miami way. When you work with someone else that’s willing to sponsor you, great. That’s like college basketball coaches who have shoe contracts.’’

The Cavinder twins from the U women's team:

At last count, thanks to the wild new world of Name, Image and Likeness freedom, they’ve executed partnerships with more than 40 brands, from Champs Sports to Campbell Soup, from The Cheesecake Factory to the WWE. Their Boost Mobile deal got them on a billboard in Times Square. In July, Forbes reported the twins had, in sum, $1.7 million worth of NIL deals. They are currently shifting toward more long-term relationships, with an eye to a future that is … well, not even the Cavinders are sure what it looks like.

If the U football team can get serious headway, this will be amazing. Miami is the villain college sports needs.

 

[ChiefD]

Anyone else watching the women final 4? Great first game so far.

 

[The Z Machine]

Anyone else watching the women final 4? Great first game so far.

tell me about it. I want to live bet.

 

[ChiefD]

Anyone else watching the women final 4? Great first game so far.

tell me about it. I want to live bet.

First game is almost over. Nothing to see here for a bet.

 

[ChiefD]

Virginia Tech coach totally gave that away. Dominates once he switched to the zone early in the game but decides to play man to man in the 4th quarter and gets blown out down the stretch.

What the hell.

 

[Penguin]

How was LSU a 3 seed?

 

[Penguin]

Gotta give conference USA some love. FAU in the final 4, North Texas wins the NIT and UAB was the NIT runner up.

ETA: And Charlotte won the CBI

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Gotta give conference USA some love. FAU in the final 4, North Texas wins the NIT and UAB was the NIT runner up.

ETA: And Charlotte won the CBI

USA! USA!

 

[ChiefD]

Clark is just awesome to watch.

 

[parasaurolophus]

The size difference in this game is crazy.

 

[parasaurolophus]

19 points 6 assists so far. Jesus.

 

[ChiefD]

The lack of foul calls on every little piece of contact is refreshing.

 

[ChiefD]

Just a beautiful, smooth flowing game.

 

[Galileo]

Iowa-SC has been a fantastic game. This one should be for the championship.

 

[TripItUp]

Clark has man-range

 

[Penguin]

Iowa was an 11 point dog

 

[Galileo]

Well, the SC girls are winning the eyelash battle. What's the deal with all those spiders on their faces?

 

[scottybo]

Horrible call.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Horrible call.

If you’re talking about the jump ball, I agree. Even if it wasn’t a foul, such a quick whistle

 

[scottybo]

Horrible call.

If you’re talking about the jump ball, I agree. Even if it wasn’t a foul, such a quick whistle

Yep. SC player didn't even touch the ball.

Worked out in the end for Iowa, though.

 

[WDIK2]

First time watching Clark. She is a machine.

 

[Galileo]

Massive upset! great game.

 

[Eephus]

Very entertaining game

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

First time watching Clark. She is a machine.

Her passing is more impressive than her shooting.

 

[Penguin]

Clarke's an unstoppable force but LSU may be the immovable object

 

[Penguin]

UCONN's been rolling but 5 1/2 seems to much. This Miami team can win outright. I've been bouncing back and forth on SD ST & FAU, I have small leans on both sides so I'll just sit back and watch what should be a great Mid Major Final 4 game

 

[ChiefD]

I played a drinking game where I took a drink every time the play by play guy said Caitlyn Clark.

MASSIVE hangover right now.

 

[WDIK2]

First time watching Clark. She is a machine.

Her passing is more impressive than her shooting.

She's just playing at a different speed than everyone else. Very impressive.

 

[tri-man 47]

That Iowa-SC game was incredible to watch ...wow. Caitlin Clark just dominating the court while SC's height differential gave them a massive edge. All three of those bigs for SC were impressive, especially the fluidity of 6'7" Cordoso. Their guard, Cooke, was impressive as well, but she cooled off in the second half. Did Iowa play her differently, maybe? Loved seeing their freshman, Johnson, nailing three big 3's in the second half.
But Clark ...OMG, what a talent. Love her swagger. What's interesting is that in some ways, Clark didn't have a great game - she "only" shot about 50% from the field and less than 30% on her 3s. She also had 8 turnovers. But, still, she dropped 41 points on SC's #1 defense.

Should be a great final. LSU is talented and well-coached. Clark could play even better than she did. Can't wait to see it!

 

[The Z Machine]

My Aztec buddy had bet the money line on the last 3 games, letting it ride and carry on. He's up quite a bit so he took the profits, bought a flight to Houston and a ticket to the F4 game tonight. Straight YOLO and that's why i love the guy.

 

[The Z Machine]

For today I'm on:

SDSU ML -140
SDSU / FAU Total Points O131
UConn -5.5
UConn / Miami Total Points O149

 

[rockaction]

Did that grouch TLEF say something about UCONN fans?

That's the first time I've ever heard that complaint outside of the women's program being too successful and smug about it.

LOLOLOL.

UCONN?

What? Rutgers fan in the house?

UCONN rules. Let's hope for another title tonight.

 

[msudaisy26]

Did that grouch TLEF say something about UCONN fans?

That's the first time I've ever heard that complaint outside of the women's program being too successful and smug about it.

LOLOLOL.

UCONN?

What? Rutgers fan in the house?

UCONN rules. Let's hope for another title tonight.

If they win the title tonight, then a lot of people will start hating on them.

 

[rockaction]

If they win the title tonight, then a lot of people will start hating on them.

We can win Saturday what others only pray for on Monday.

 

[The Z Machine]

From my SDSU buddy in Houston: "Have run into a lot of UConn fans tonight and they are the cockiest fanbase I’ve ever encountered."

He said that unprompted from me. He's a fun loving friendly guy. Not boastful or a trash talker.

 

[rockaction]

Where are GBs Good Posting Judge or @ekbeats be when you need some UCONN solidarity?

The Electric Blues are coming live wire tonight, baby!