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pfrduke
03-15-2015, 05:46 PM
Discuss here.

hurleyfor3
03-15-2015, 06:24 PM
Duke is the #1 and the third-strongest #1. Gonzaga is the #2. No other ACC teams in this region. Possible second-round rendezvous with Steve Fisher. Regionals will be Friday/Sunday in the Houston Texans' stadium.

Winner plays the East (Villanova's) region.

Gamer times are typically announced Monday morning. No one knows when we will play until cbs tells us.

I like this bracket.

NYBri
03-15-2015, 06:26 PM
Love our draw. ND in rear view mirror.

Let's win 6!!!!

Dukehky
03-15-2015, 06:26 PM
Duke is the #1 and the third-strongest #1. Gonzaga is the #2. No other ACC teams in this region. Possible second-round rendezvous with Steve Fisher. Regionals will be Friday/Sunday in the Houston Texans' stadium.

Winner plays the East (Villanova's) region.

Gamer times are typically announced Monday morning. No one knows when we will play until cbs tells us.

I like this bracket.

No screw jobs here, couldn't ask for much more.

Troublemaker
03-15-2015, 06:28 PM
We got the Gonzaga / ISU combo as expected.

North Florida is easily the toughest 16 seed and should've been a 15, maybe a 14. Other than that, I don't have too many complaints with this bracket.

gocanes0506
03-15-2015, 06:28 PM
man the west region must be nasty. Duke has the best bracket so far. Kentucky is 1A.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-15-2015, 06:28 PM
Agree with these sentiments. Fair bracket, in Charlotte, Tar Heels elsewhere.

Let's go win some games.

diablesseblu
03-15-2015, 06:28 PM
Why do I find Clark Kellogg so annoying?

brevity
03-15-2015, 06:28 PM
Anyone else hear the throwaway comment that North Florida is the lone representative of the Sunshine State?

That is how Miami found out their bubble burst.

davekay1971
03-15-2015, 06:28 PM
Not to excited to see St John's again - they gave us a game in the last meeting, and then there's Kedsy's whole revenge game theme and all (given what we did to State on Thursday and ND did to us on Friday). I think I'll be cheering for SDSU in the 8/9 game just so our guys don't have to play a repeat foe early in the tournament.

subzero02
03-15-2015, 06:29 PM
I am very happy with our draw. Iowa State is dangerous... St. John's is without their center. I hear Kentucky fans whining.

gocanes0506
03-15-2015, 06:29 PM
Not to excited to see St John's again - they gave us a game in the last meeting, and then there's Kedsy's whole revenge game theme and all (given what we did to State on Thursday and ND did to us on Friday). I think I'll be cheering for SDSU in the 8/9 game just so our guys don't have to play a repeat foe early in the tournament.

Their big man is suspended. They wont be the same team.

DU82
03-15-2015, 06:29 PM
Duke is the #1 and the third-strongest #1. Gonzaga is the #2. No other ACC teams in this region. Possible second-round rendezvous with Steve Fisher. Regionals will be Friday/Sunday in the Houston Texans' stadium.

Winner plays the East (Villanova's) region.

Gamer times are typically announced Monday morning. No one knows when we will play until cbs tells us.

I like this bracket.

The times were out late Sunday last year so I hope we know sooner than tomorrow.

Tickets online at the TimeWarnerArena website only had upstairs corners available as of last night. Been there (for our game against Michigan a few years ago.) Not a great view from there.

At least the Cheaters won't be there to suck up tickets. OTher than Georgia (and Virginia) in the other pod, there isn't anybody close by.

Les Grossman
03-15-2015, 06:30 PM
If we play well, FF very doable. {knocks on head}

77devil
03-15-2015, 06:31 PM
From the Team No One Wants to See Thread

Troublemaker
"North Florida would be a nightmare 16 seed. They put 5 shooters on the floor and drive. Don't laugh."

MarkD83
"I think you just identified who will play Duke in the first round."

You guys are on the ball.

gocanes0506
03-15-2015, 06:31 PM
Anyone else hear the throwaway comment that North Florida is the lone representative of the Sunshine State?

That is how Miami found out their bubble burst.

Its a travesty in IMO. Texas, Indiana, and UCLA didnt do much towards the end. They went with the big names to sell more tickets.

Listen to Quants
03-15-2015, 06:33 PM
Agree with these sentiments. Fair bracket, in Charlotte, Tar Heels elsewhere.

Let's go win some games.

Pretty good indeed. One seed was not guaranteed, and a beatable 2. Only dark cloud is that Utah (5 seed, sweet sixteen matchup if both teams make it) looks underseeded. Sagarin, KenPom and BPI have Utah as about the 12th or 8th best team in the country.

flyingdutchdevil
03-15-2015, 06:35 PM
I like our 8/9, or 4/5, and our 2. I know I'm in the minority, but I don't buy into high-seed mid-majors. I'm not saying we will always win, but high-seed mid majors do not have a strong track record.

Very excited.

devildeac
03-15-2015, 06:43 PM
No Lehigh, Mercer, VCU, Villanova, Louisville, Arizona:rolleyes:. I'm good. Bring your A games, Blue Devils.

NashvilleDevil
03-15-2015, 06:43 PM
Not to excited to see St John's again - they gave us a game in the last meeting, and then there's Kedsy's whole revenge game theme and all (given what we did to State on Thursday and ND did to us on Friday). I think I'll be cheering for SDSU in the 8/9 game just so our guys don't have to play a repeat foe early in the tournament.

Kedsy's theory is for the second game. If Duke plays St. John's they would blow them out if the theory holds true.

weezie
03-15-2015, 06:49 PM
Feeling pretty good! Especially after the good omen Laettner commercial....

flyingdutchdevil
03-15-2015, 06:50 PM
Kedsy's theory is for the second game. If Duke plays St. John's they would blow them out if the theory holds true.

I hope Kedsy's theory doesn't include meeting a team for a third time. Not a good track record so far.

Tripping William
03-15-2015, 06:50 PM
No complaints here. A pretty good draw.

tbyers11
03-15-2015, 06:50 PM
Anyone else hear the throwaway comment that North Florida is the lone representative of the Sunshine State?

That is how Miami found out their bubble burst.

Yeah I caught that too

Troublemaker
03-15-2015, 06:57 PM
Kenpom has all the tournament teams highlighted right now.

Check out where North Florida is in relation to the 14s, 15s, and 16s

CoachJ10
03-15-2015, 07:01 PM
Has anyone seen North Florida play this season? Looking for eye-test analysis versus just looking at their statistics.

hurleyfor3
03-15-2015, 07:06 PM
Kenpom has all the tournament teams highlighted right now.

Check out where North Florida is in relation to the 14s, 15s, and 16s

If you're gonna play that card, check out where Duke is in relation to the other #1s.

CDu
03-15-2015, 07:11 PM
I hope Kedsy's theory doesn't include meeting a team for a third time. Not a good track record so far.

Well that wouldn't happen until the Final Four at the earliest. So I would be okay with that.

dukelifer
03-15-2015, 07:12 PM
Has anyone seen North Florida play this season? Looking for eye-test analysis versus just looking at their statistics.

Why have they automatically advanced. Don't they have a game to play first?

TKG
03-15-2015, 07:14 PM
What's the over/under on when the Duke-got-a-cakewalk-to-the-Final-Four whining begins? 2010 references will abound.

GGLC
03-15-2015, 07:15 PM
Utah really, really scares me. They are a long, athletic, defensive-minded team with multiple dynamic scorers. I don't think they'll be an easy out at all as our five seed.

brevity
03-15-2015, 07:15 PM
Has anyone seen North Florida play this season? Looking for eye-test analysis versus just looking at their statistics.

You can. ESPN3 (http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index#type/replay/sport/basketball/league/NCAAM/) has the Atlantic Sun championship (USC Upstate vs. North Florida) and the Northeast championship (Robert Morris vs. St Francis NY).

NashvilleDevil
03-15-2015, 07:16 PM
What's the over/under on when the Duke-got-a-cakewalk-to-the-Final-Four whining begins? 2010 references will abound.

Don't think it happens this year because of UK being undefeated. That's the story, not Duke and what could be perceived as an easier region.

Native
03-15-2015, 07:16 PM
Iowa State is not a great matchup for us. Morris has a crazy assist-to-turnover ratio, Niang can match up with anyone in the country a la Winslow, and they have a few bigs they can throw at Jah to keep him on his toes.

Cannot underestimate Utah at the 5-seed position. They're Kenpom's #8 team in the country; we're #7.

Also can't take Gonzaga for granted. Regardless of what people think of their strength of schedule, they're still a very balanced, capable team with a senior leader in Pangos and some good size inside.

We got a good draw, but we need to play our best to win. As all teams do.

Go Devils!

NM Duke Fan
03-15-2015, 07:17 PM
No complaints at all. Duke is in the region I had hoped for, with the number one seed, with a doable bracket if they take care of business! I think they were well rewarded for a tough road game schedule. I like this bracket more than most over the years. In general, this is shaping up to be a great tournament with so many intriguing matches all over the place.

DavidBenAkiva
03-15-2015, 07:18 PM
Things don't get easy for Duke once they get to the Sweet 16. Utah is a highly rated team that is defense oriented. Utah over Georgetown is going to be a popular pick. If we get through that matchup, it's a potential game against Gonzaga or Iowa State. Either of those teams will be tough to beat for different reasons. They both can really score. Still, I think Duke got a fairly favorable draw.

An interesting upset pick could be 7-seed Iowa over 2-seed Gonzaga in the round of 32. Iowa is a very tall team. Aaron White can defend Kyle Wiltjer both on the perimeter and down low. That could set up an epic Iowa-Iowa State game in the Sweet 16.

Chard
03-15-2015, 07:18 PM
Sweet bracket imo. Possible game against SJU isn't too much to worry about since the first game was a battle. Duke will be ready for them.

The team that stands out as a possible problem is Iowa State.

It is about time Duke and Gonzaga met in the dance. That would be a heck of a game.

rsvman
03-15-2015, 07:23 PM
I saw Gonzaga play one game, a home loss to BYU. Wiltjer played terribly. I wasn't that impressed with Pangos. They have two big bruisers inside, but so does North Carolina, and we beat them twice. I probably have a skewed view, based on the fact that I watched Gonzaga on what was probably their worst game of the season, but they don't scare me much.

Much more worried about Iowa State in this bracket.


Then again, if history is any guide, some of the match-ups that we worry about won't even happen.


If we bring our A game, we should be OK.

DesertDevil
03-15-2015, 07:27 PM
Utah really, really scares me. They are a long, athletic, defensive-minded team with multiple dynamic scorers. I don't think they'll be an easy out at all as our five seed.

Living out here in Pac 12 country, Utah's defensive numbers are somwhat misleading. That conference is pretty weak overall. Do I take them lightly? No, but Iowa State is the team to worry about in Duke's bracket.

Duke3517
03-15-2015, 07:28 PM
I don't think Gonzaga can deal with Duke's athleticism.

Duke's problem is what this board has said all year long. Can Duke focus for 6 straight wins? In order for Duke not to make the final four they have to beat themselves.

Duke vs Virginia will be an excellent final four game!

dukelifer
03-15-2015, 07:30 PM
Has anyone seen North Florida play this season? Looking for eye-test analysis versus just looking at their statistics.

Watched a few minutes of one of their games. They like to shoot it but are fairly conventional. Not a lot of great athletes or size. Did see a team that likes to drive but they have decent ball handlers. Duke should handle them.

dukelifer
03-15-2015, 07:31 PM
Living out here in Pac 12 country, Utah's defensive numbers are somwhat misleading. That conference is pretty weak overall. Do I take them lightly? No, but Iowa State is the team to worry about in Duke's bracket.
I agree - they are very good.

GGLC
03-15-2015, 07:36 PM
Living out here in Pac 12 country, Utah's defensive numbers are somwhat misleading. That conference is pretty weak overall. Do I take them lightly? No, but Iowa State is the team to worry about in Duke's bracket.

I'm from Pac 12 country myself. I've watched a few Utah games, including the Utah/Arizona game in Salt Lake City, and I respectfully disagree: I think Utah is an extremely strong defensive team that can give us fits.

hurleyfor3
03-15-2015, 07:40 PM
Iowa State is not a great matchup for us. Morris has a crazy assist-to-turnover ratio, Niang can match up with anyone in the country a la Winslow, and they have a few bigs they can throw at Jah to keep him on his toes.

Cannot underestimate Utah at the 5-seed position. They're Kenpom's #8 team in the country; we're #7

Oh great, the Five Seed That Suddenly Terrifies Me rears its ugly head. Reminds me of looking over LSU's schedule in 2006 and thinking, how the hell they get a five!?

But you don't get to the Final Four without being tested. Bring 'em on. We could have worse problems than the state of Mormons and monuments.

DesertDevil
03-15-2015, 07:42 PM
I'm from Pac 12 country myself. I've watched a few Utah games, including the Utah/Arizona game in Salt Lake City, and I respectfully disagree: I think Utah is an extremely strong defensive team that can give us fits.

Fair enough. Great minds can disagree. LOL Living here in Tucson, I'm really hearing from my U of A friends about the "favoritism" shown with Duke getting the 1 seed. I ask them who their best road win was and then mention Duke beating Wisky and Virginia on the road. That is usually net with the standard dismissal and the "you know they want Duke in the Final Four". SMH

freshmanjs
03-15-2015, 07:43 PM
Reminds me of looking over LSU's schedule in 2006 and thinking, how the hell they get a five!?



they didn't. they got a 4.

hurleyfor3
03-15-2015, 07:44 PM
they didn't. they got a 4.

Fair enough, but 4=5 when we're the 1.

dukelifer
03-15-2015, 07:47 PM
Watched a few minutes of one of their games. They like to shoot it but are fairly conventional. Not a lot of great athletes or size. Did see a team that likes to drive but they have decent ball handlers. Duke should handle them.

Should have been- didn't see a team that likes to drive

brevity
03-15-2015, 07:54 PM
Here (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25109120/ncaa-tournament-selection-committee-releases-1-68-ranking) is the Selection Committee's 1-68 ranking. South Regional teams in bold:

1. Kentucky
2. Villanova
3. Duke
4. Wisconsin

5. Virginia
6. Arizona
7. Gonzaga
8. Kansas

9. Iowa State
10. Baylor
11. Oklahoma
12. Notre Dame

13. North Carolina
14. Maryland
15. Louisville
16. Georgetown

17. Utah
18. Arkansas
19. West Virginia
20. Northern Iowa

21. SMU
22. Providence
23. Butler
24. Xavier

25. Michigan State
26. Wichita State
27. Iowa
28. VCU

29. Cincinnati
30. Oregon
31. NC State
32. San Diego State

33. St. John's
34. Oklahoma State
35. LSU
36. Purdue

37. Indiana
38. Davidson
39. Ohio State
40. Georgia

41. Texas
42. UCLA
43. Ole Miss
44. BYU
45. Boise State
46. Dayton

47. Wyoming
48. Buffalo
49. Wofford
50. Stephen F. Austin

51. Valparaiso
52. Harvard
53. Eastern Washington
54. UC Irvine

55. Georgia State
56. Northeastern
57. UAB
58. Albany

59. New Mexico State
60. Belmont
61. Texas Southern
62. North Dakota State

63. Lafayette
64. Coastal Carolina
65. North Florida
66. Robert Morris
67. Manhattan
68. Hampton

grossbus
03-15-2015, 07:54 PM
"Regionals will be Friday/Sunday in the Houston Texans' stadium."

i wish they would play these games in basketball arenas.

wgl1228
03-15-2015, 07:55 PM
Anyone have an idea of what time we will probably play Friday? Afternoon or evening. I know sometimes you can gauge stuff from schedules and ticket times.

gurufrisbee
03-15-2015, 07:55 PM
HATE this region. The only 8-9 which looks tougher involves NC St, so this is as bad as that could be. It's the toughest #2 seed of the four of them. It's the toughest #3 seed of the four of them. The 4-5 is the one break we got here, but overall this region is nasty.

FerryFor50
03-15-2015, 07:56 PM
I love this kid already
4881

Neals384
03-15-2015, 07:57 PM
I took the 1 thru 8 seeds in all four brackets and compiled head-to-head records. Here's what I got (South bracket in Bold):



Team

Won
Lost
%


Arizona

7
0
1.000


Kentucky
6
0
1.000


Villanova
10
1
0.909


Wisconsin
6
2
0.750


Duke
8
3
0.727


Virginia
7
3
0.700


Notre Dame
7
3
0.700


Concinnati
4
2
0.667


Kansas
9
5
0.643


Iowa State
8
5
0.615


Baylor
6
4
0.600


VCU

3
2
0.600


Xavier
7
5
0.583


Maryland
4
3
0.571


No. Iowa
2
2
0.500


Gonzaga
1
1
0.500


Oklahoma
5
6
0.455


Prov.
5
6
0.455


Butler

4
8
0.333


Oregon
2
4
0.333


Wichita St.
1
2
0.333


San Diego St.
1
2
0.333


W. Virginia
3
7
0.300


NC State
3
7
0.300


UNC

4
10
0.286


Iowa
2
5
0.286


Georgetown
3
9
0.250


Arkansas

1
3
0.250


Louisville
2
7
0.222


Michigan St.
2
7
0.222


Utah
1
6
0.143


SMU
0
4
0.000

GGLC
03-15-2015, 08:05 PM
I love this kid already
4881

That's awesome.

bjornolf
03-15-2015, 08:06 PM
I'm from Pac 12 country myself. I've watched a few Utah games, including the Utah/Arizona game in Salt Lake City, and I respectfully disagree: I think Utah is an extremely strong defensive team that can give us fits.

I admit I know little about Utah. However, the "experts" on CBS seemed to think this was a ripe 5/12 upset pick. Don't know whether they're right or not, of course.

rthomas
03-15-2015, 08:10 PM
Iowa State is a vulnerable team. There MO has been to fall behind, sometimes big, make a run in the second half. All they have to do is play a team that doesn't let them back into the game and they are done.

GGLC
03-15-2015, 08:13 PM
I admit I know little about Utah. However, the "experts" on CBS seemed to think this was a ripe 5/12 upset pick. Don't know whether they're right or not, of course.

Let's hope so! And, failing that, let's hope I'm wrong to be concerned about them! :)

Channing
03-15-2015, 08:15 PM
At the end of the day, while it sucked losing to ND, things seemed to shake out nicely:

Unc didn't win the acc tourney
Our ankles got an extra 24 hrs to recover
We still got a one seed and a good bracket
Our ankles get an extra 24 hrs because we are friday/sunday

Newton_14
03-15-2015, 08:34 PM
Utah really, really scares me. They are a long, athletic, defensive-minded team with multiple dynamic scorers. I don't think they'll be an easy out at all as our five seed.

DOn't sweat it. They are losing to their 12 seed in the first round. 12 seeds are 8-4 in last 3 seasons. :)

I think we got as good of a draw and bracket as possible, other than the committee stacking the deck with the 16 seed in the hopes that Duke becomes the first 1 Seed ever of losing to a 16. But if we can't beat North Florida we don't deserve to be in the tourney to begin with.

I can't remember what Mercer's ranking was last season but Lehigh was I believe #82 in the country the year we played them we was way lower than the next closest 15 seed. Still should not have mattered but it would have been nice playing one of the other 15 seeds that year.

tbyers11
03-15-2015, 08:52 PM
Anyone have an idea of what time we will probably play Friday? Afternoon or evening. I know sometimes you can gauge stuff from schedules and ticket times.

The time will be officially announced later tonight. However, since we play a play-in 16 seed winner we will probably be in the evening session. The committee generally gives the play-in winner an evening slot for it's next game.

subzero02
03-15-2015, 08:54 PM
I saw Gonzaga play one game, a home loss to BYU. Wiltjer played terribly. I wasn't that impressed with Pangos. They have two big bruisers inside, but so does North Carolina, and we beat them twice. I probably have a skewed view, based on the fact that I watched Gonzaga on what was probably their worst game of the season, but they don't scare me much.

Much more worried about Iowa State in this bracket.


Then again, if history is any guide, some of the match-ups that we worry about won't even happen.


If we bring our A game, we should be OK.

If we meet Gonzaga, that bruiser you refer to has as much as staying with Okafor as Okafor has at staying at Duke for a 2nd year.

NashvilleDevil
03-15-2015, 08:54 PM
HATE this region. The only 8-9 which looks tougher involves NC St, so this is as bad as that could be. It's the toughest #2 seed of the four of them. It's the toughest #3 seed of the four of them. The 4-5 is the one break we got here, but overall this region is nasty.

I would say Virginia and Notre Dame are the best 2 and 3 seeds.

NYBri
03-15-2015, 08:55 PM
We can beat anyone when we play focused. I'm not afraid of any other team. I'm only concerned if we lose focus.

We have talent. We have a team. We have everything we need to win it all.

Let's do this.

moonpie23
03-15-2015, 08:55 PM
while i think it's fun to prognosticate, as far as i'm concerned, we've got ONE GAME....FRIDAY.....i don't know who it is, i don't CARE who it is.....


but we've got ONE GAME....

go duke...

FerryFor50
03-15-2015, 08:58 PM
Iowa State is a vulnerable team. There MO has been to fall behind, sometimes big, make a run in the second half. All they have to do is play a team that doesn't let them back into the game and they are done.

Eh... any team that can storm back like that team is going to be tough. They have shooters and a Kenneth Faried clone. They would be a tough matchup for Duke. Hopefully they lose early. ;)

Here's the upsets I could see happening in the first round. There are actually quite a few, as this is a tough first round for most of these teams.

Utah (5) vs SF Austin (12) - SF Austin is #35 in kenpom and #19 in offensive efficiency. Utah had a good year in a weak Pac 12. I think SF Austin could take out Utah, but Utah has been good on both offense and defense.

Georgetown (4) vs E Washington (13) - Georgetown is likely losing in the first weekend. E Washington is a decent offensive team and Georgetown isn't that good this year, IMO.

SMU (6) vs UCLA (11) - While I don't think UCLA deserved to make the tournament (especially as an 11 seed) I do think they could beat SMU. UCLA has the talent and has looked like they might have figured it out late in the season.

Iowa St (3) vs UAB (14) - UAB is one of those pesky pressing teams in the Nolan Richardson-style. Iowa St lives by the 3. Wouldn't be shocked to see ISU go down, if only because they overlooked UAB.

Iowa (7) vs Davidson (10) - Iowa is bigger but hasn't really impressed me this season and is average on defense. And they don't score well. Davidson can score.

Gonzaga (2) vs N Dakota St (15) - I think NDSU at least gives Gonzaga a scare.

MarkD83
03-15-2015, 08:59 PM
while i think it's fun to prognosticate, as far as i'm concerned, we've got ONE GAME....FRIDAY.....i don't know who it is, i don't CARE who it is.....


but we've got ONE GAME....

go duke...

I agree. Let's win the ONE game tournament on Friday.

Troublemaker
03-15-2015, 09:02 PM
Has anyone seen North Florida play this season? Looking for eye-test analysis versus just looking at their statistics.

Yes. They're athletic and can shoot. We basically drew Virginia Tech as our 16th seed.

NashvilleDevil
03-15-2015, 09:13 PM
Yes. They're athletic and can shoot. We basically drew Virginia Tech as our 16th seed.

Let's see what happens with them and Robert Morris first.

FerryFor50
03-15-2015, 09:17 PM
Yes. They're athletic and can shoot. We basically drew Virginia Tech as our 16th seed.

#127 Kenpom - #98 offense, #178 defense

Best wins:
Purdue
Florida Gulf Coast

Destroyed by: Florida State, Northern Iowa, South Carolina, Alabama (all by 20+) and Iowa (by 10)

Decent 3 pt shooting team (39%)

I think VT is a better overall team. But I still hope Duke doesn't overlook them.

gofurman
03-15-2015, 09:28 PM
Their big man is suspended. They wont be the same team.

Glad to hear this. Sju was legit last time

^. After Lehigh and mercer I don't want to see all this looking ahead junk. One opponent at a time. EVERYONE in this thing is good or hot or both

gofurman
03-15-2015, 09:30 PM
Let's see what happens with them and Robert Morris first.

Exactly.

gurufrisbee
03-15-2015, 09:32 PM
I would say Virginia and Notre Dame are the best 2 and 3 seeds.

Virginia with a fully healthy Anderson and I agree. Notre Dame - close, but no.

Newton_14
03-15-2015, 09:33 PM
Yes. They're athletic and can shoot. We basically drew Virginia Tech as our 16th seed.

Going to pile on here. North Florida has a game they have to win first. For all we know they will lose to Robert Morris, or win but be dead tired like NC State last season by all the travel and extra game they have to play.

Like I said earlier, I think it was a conspiracy at work to give North Florida a 16 when they likely should have been a 15 or 14. Same thing happened with Lehigh. Duke losing early sells and sells a lot, but if we can't beat North Florida we should just stay home anyway. What it really means is that rather than getting a likely laugher like every other 1 seed will have if we do play North Florida, our guys will have to focus and bring the verve they did not bring against Notre Dame in order to secure the 20-25 point win. Our guys should and darn well better, do just that. The Notre Dame loss, combined with the Lehigh and Mercer debacles should be all the wake up calls this team needs. They had better bring every ounce of energy, and focus they have in their collective bodies.

Plus, this is a game where Grayson should have an edge. He has reached a level where he can have a real impact against most teams. A 16 seed (or 15 or 14 whatever the heck North Florida should be) is just the type of opponent whereby Grayson can have a strong game on both ends and help this team tremendously off the bench. That gives us a huge lift and weapon off the bench imo. MP3 and Amile should also thrive in that scenario as well. (Amile can be great against any opponent in my opinion)

CDu
03-15-2015, 09:33 PM
I would say Virginia and Notre Dame are the best 2 and 3 seeds.

I agree, and I might take Kansas over Gonzaga too.

gofurman
03-15-2015, 09:33 PM
I don't think Gonzaga can deal with Duke's athleticism.

Duke's problem is what this board has said all year long. Can Duke focus for 6 straight wins? In order for Duke not to make the final four they have to beat themselves.

Duke vs Virginia will be an excellent final four game!

Quotes like this scare me. We haven't been able to beat mercer lately. Final four? Let's get to 32

tbyers11
03-15-2015, 09:54 PM
Duke plays at 7:10 pm Friday night
http://www.ncaa.com/scoreboard/basketball-men/d1/2015/03/20

Channing
03-15-2015, 09:55 PM
I just watched the n Florida vs sc upstate game. N Florida has some horses but they aren't at the skill level of even a TV. A lot of raw athleticism and they can put the ball on the floor. It was hard to tell if they can really dribble drive or if it was the competition. Looks like Winslow will be key as their star looks like the sf.

dukelifer
03-15-2015, 10:07 PM
DOn't sweat it. They are losing to their 12 seed in the first round. 12 seeds are 8-4 in last 3 seasons. :)

I think we got as good of a draw and bracket as possible, other than the committee stacking the deck with the 16 seed in the hopes that Duke becomes the first 1 Seed ever of losing to a 16. But if we can't beat North Florida we don't deserve to be in the tourney to begin with.

I can't remember what Mercer's ranking was last season but Lehigh was I believe #82 in the country the year we played them we was way lower than the next closest 15 seed. Still should not have mattered but it would have been nice playing one of the other 15 seeds that year.
I recall Mercer played a Princeton Offense which is hard for a young team to play- and they were senior heavy and Lehigh had an NBA player and caught Duke without a key player. These two teams look more conventional. Sure they can have the games of their lives but Duke should be okay.

bluenorth
03-15-2015, 10:09 PM
If we meet Gonzaga, that bruiser you refer to has as much as staying with Okafor as Okafor has at staying at Duke for a 2nd year.

That would be Karnowski. At 7 feet and 280 pounds, he won't let Okafor back his way to the basket. Okafor will be able to use his spin moves to advantage, but would have to do it quickly before help (Wiltjer or Sabonis) arrives. Karnowski doesn't swat at the ball, but stays straight up and down most of the time. And don't just look at Pangos' stats. He runs that team.

FerryFor50
03-15-2015, 10:10 PM
That would be Karnowski. At 7 feet and 280 pounds, he won't let Okafor back his way to the basket. Okafor will be able to use his spin moves to advantage, but would have to do it quickly before help (Wiltjer or Sabonis) arrives. Karnowski doesn't swat at the ball, but stays straight up and down most of the time. And don't just look at Pangos' stats. He runs that team.

If Okafor had trouble with Joel James, then he might have issues with a guy like Karnowski, who is larger.

Saratoga2
03-15-2015, 10:11 PM
Quotes like this scare me. We haven't been able to beat mercer lately. Final four? Let's get to 32

Notre Dame gave teams a blueprint for beating Duke. One and one on Jahlil. Faceguard Quinn and keep pressure on our three point shooters. Not many teams will have Notre Dames capability, at least early in the tournament. We have to come out and play hard from the outset and Justise has to be animated early on.

I see Duke taking out North Florida and maybe St. John will be beaten due to the lost of a big. In that case I also see Duke taking out either the 8 or 9.. Great to get into the sweet 16. Personally I expect SFA to make it to the sweet 16 and Duke taking them out as well. With Gonzaga being quite strong this year, I expect them to also get through. Most of the ESPN pundits pick Gonzaga in this one, but they are a team Duke can handle as they handled UNC and Wisconsin.

From the east, I expect Villanova to get through to play Michigan State and prevail. I would pick Virginia although I think Anderson will not be up to speed in time to make them a player. Villanova against us is a very tough matchup. They are definitely the type of team that can give us fits. I head tells me Villanova but my bracket will include Duke going forward.

I see Kentucky and Arizona getting through with Arizona knocking of Wisconsin in a close game. My hope is that Arizona can give Kentucky big problems and I will ppick Arizona to get to the championship game against Duke. Can we win the national championship. Yes, but only if we are hitting on all cylinders. What is the probability of that? The pundits have us at 16%.

Go Duke.

FerryFor50
03-15-2015, 10:13 PM
Notre Dame gave teams a blueprint for beating Duke. One and one on Jahlil. Faceguard Quinn and keep pressure on our three point shooters. Not many teams will have Notre Dames capability, at least early in the tournament. We have to come out and play hard from the outset and Justise has to be animated early on.


That's not really a blueprint. That's called playing straight up defense. Other teams tried what ND did and got torched. The only reason it worked out for ND was because of how lackadaisical Duke played in the first half.

That didn't work out as well for them in the 2nd half as Duke almost stormed back.

rsvman
03-15-2015, 10:20 PM
Yes. They're athletic and can shoot. We basically drew Virginia Tech as our 16th seed.
At least. In KemPom, their rating is just one behind Wake Forest. We beat Wake twice, but the first game wasn't exactly easy.

mo.st.dukie
03-15-2015, 11:07 PM
At least. In KemPom, their rating is just one behind Wake Forest. We beat Wake twice, but the first game wasn't exactly easy.

We won't be playing on their home floor on a Wednesday night but rather on a neutral floor on a Friday night after a full week of rest and preparation. Also, while Wake and VT have similar team numbers that doesn't take into account the caliber of the individual players.

gumbomoop
03-15-2015, 11:34 PM
Don't know which thread to post this on, but here's a bracket with TV networks listed for Tues-Fri.

http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/basketball-men/d1

Clay Feet POF
03-15-2015, 11:51 PM
while i think it's fun to prognosticate, as far as i'm concerned, we've got ONE GAME....FRIDAY.....i don't know who it is, i don't CARE who it is.....


but we've got ONE GAME....

go duke...



Now that's FOCUS!

gofurman
03-16-2015, 12:21 AM
At least. In KemPom, their rating is just one behind Wake Forest. We beat Wake twice, but the first game wasn't exactly easy.

Unf is 127 in KenPom. As you said, essentially wake forest. Robert Morris is 173. I want Robert Morris. Shouldn't matter but Lehigh and mercer show otherwise. Both teams are ranked above VTech who coulda beat us. We need to bring our A. Game for 6 games. I hope coach let's Quinn and Amile etc talk to the team about not even thinking of letting up. It's your one shot. Get it done. Beat the crap out of everyone. Tough line but you want to play v hard while playing loose so you don't tighten up shooting threes. Easier said than done but in the first round if we play v hard then we should have a working margin where there isn't pressure to make threes. Attack !

-bdbd
03-16-2015, 01:29 AM
Unf is 127 in KenPom. As you said, essentially wake forest. Robert Morris is 173. I want Robert Morris. Shouldn't matter but Lehigh and mercer show otherwise. Both teams are ranked above VTech who coulda beat us. We need to bring our A. Game for 6 games. I hope coach let's Quinn and Amile etc talk to the team about not even thinking of letting up. It's your one shot. Get it done. Beat the crap out of everyone. Tough line but you want to play v hard while playing loose so you don't tighten up shooting threes. Easier said than done but in the first round if we play v hard then we should have a working margin where there isn't pressure to make threes. Attack !

Am fairly well pleased with our draw. We have drawn MUCH worse than this in other years recently. I don't see us being strongly challenged until the Sweet-16. Duke then should beat Georgetown (a weak 4-seed IMHO) or Utah in Houston. I think we'll certainly get a stiff challenge from either the Zags or Iowa State (don't sleep on these conference champs!). But as far as #2 seeds go, we didn't get the toughest at all - who would you really rather see - UVA? Arizona? KS? Or maybe the would-be #2 seed Badgers from Wisconsin? I also love that we're playing the first 2 rounds in our home state, against teams unlikely to bring many of their own fans to town, and with no other teams in Charlotte to draw boatloads of haters, like we saw a few years ago when NC fans showed up to watch their 'heels and, almost as enthusiastically, root against Duke. I was in Greensboro and just don't see the Wahoo fans behaving that way. (In G'boro, my 13-year-old daughter, while watching the NC-vs-UVA game, made the observation that the UNC fans were "just so totally rude" versus the UVA fans who "behaved well," and "didn't act like a bunch of bullies" (like the 'heel backers did trying to drown out the UVA band and crowd cheers)).

And if we are lucky enough to make the FF, then we likely get someone like UVA or Nova. Certainly beatable.

I like our chances, certainly as far as the Elite-8.... and no reason, if we're playing focused, we can't be in Indy on April 4th/6th!

FireOgilvie
03-16-2015, 03:24 AM
As others have mentioned, North Florida is quite tough for a 16 seed; they're more like a 14 seed based on their KenPom numbers (they're right behind Wake Forest and 61 places ahead of Virginia Tech on that list). I expect them to beat Robert Morris.

Atlantic Sun Conference: North Florida dominated the conference this year, going 14-2 and only losing to S.C. Upstate (twice) before beating them in the tournament final. Mercer won the Atlantic Sun last year, although they lost to North Florida both times they played them last season. Mercer left the Atlantic Sun this season for the Southern Conference. Interestingly, Mercer was a 14 seed last year when they played us, while two years ago, 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast won the Atlantic Sun and went on to the Sweet Sixteen. In a strange move, they now they have the the Atlantic Sun champion as a 16.

Playing style: They rely heavily on the 3 and shoot at a slightly higher percentage than we do (39.1%). All of their top 6 scorers shoot well from behind the arc, and on offense they are comparable to (a better version) of Virginia Tech. They have 4 players that average double figures and 6 that average over 8.9 pts/game. Junior Beau Beech is 6'8" and has made 7 threes in two different games this year, while 6'3" junior Trent Mackey made 6 3s in two different games.

They beat Purdue by 3, but then subsequently lost at Florida State (by 16), Iowa (by 10), and Alabama (by 15).

I expect us to win, but keep in mind that the past two Atlantic Sun champions had success in the NCAA tournament (Mercer and Florida Gulf Coast).

FireOgilvie
03-16-2015, 04:09 AM
As others have mentioned, North Florida is quite tough for a 16 seed; they're more like a 14 seed based on their KenPom numbers (they're right behind Wake Forest and 61 places ahead of Virginia Tech on that list). I expect them to beat Robert Morris.

Atlantic Sun Conference: North Florida dominated the conference this year, going 14-2 and only losing to S.C. Upstate (twice) before beating them in the tournament final. Mercer won the Atlantic Sun last year, although they lost to North Florida both times they played them last season. Mercer left the Atlantic Sun this season for the Southern Conference. Interestingly, Mercer was a 14 seed last year when they played us, while two years ago, 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast won the Atlantic Sun and went on to the Sweet Sixteen. In a strange move, they now they have the the Atlantic Sun champion as a 16.

Playing style: They rely heavily on the 3 and shoot at a slightly higher percentage than we do (39.1%). All of their top 6 scorers shoot well from behind the arc, and on offense they are comparable to (a better version) of Virginia Tech. They have 4 players that average double figures and 6 that average over 8.9 pts/game. Junior Beau Beech is 6'8" and has made 7 threes in two different games this year, while 6'3" junior Trent Mackey made 6 3s in two different games.

They beat Purdue by 3, but then subsequently lost at Florida State (by 16), Iowa (by 10), and Alabama (by 15).

I expect us to win, but keep in mind that the past two Atlantic Sun champions had success in the NCAA tournament (Mercer and Florida Gulf Coast).

Correction - North Florida was 12-2 in their conference.

Devilwin
03-16-2015, 06:20 AM
We can beat anyone when we play focused. I'm not afraid of any other team. I'm only concerned if we lose focus.

We have talent. We have a team. We have everything we need to win it all.

Let's do this.

Every game we lost this year was in fact our fault, in my opinion. The State and Miami games in particular were caused by lack of perimeter defense coupled with those teams just shooting the lights out. We can win this region, and we should. If we play like we are capable of, (ND at Duke game, State in ACC Tourney), we can beat anybody, and that includes UK.
Your comment was simple, yet spoke volumes.

Troublemaker
03-16-2015, 09:26 AM
Video of the team's reaction to the #1 seed: http://www.goduke.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?&db_oem_id=4200&id=3812596

Pretty cool. I had forgotten this is Quinn's first #1 seed. Sounds like the team is ready to play with focus.

Troublemaker
03-16-2015, 09:55 AM
Atlantic Sun Conference: North Florida dominated the conference this year, going 14-2 and only losing to S.C. Upstate (twice) before beating them in the tournament final. Mercer won the Atlantic Sun last year, although they lost to North Florida both times they played them last season. Mercer left the Atlantic Sun this season for the Southern Conference. Interestingly, Mercer was a 14 seed last year when they played us, while two years ago, 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast won the Atlantic Sun and went on to the Sweet Sixteen. In a strange move, they now they have the the Atlantic Sun champion as a 16.

Yeah, this conference has definitely produced a couple of Cinderellas in the past two seasons. Belmont was also part of the Atlantic Sun in 2008 when, as a 15 seed, they nearly knocked off Duke.

Matches
03-16-2015, 10:46 AM
Not excited about a potential rematch with St. Johns. Yea they're missing a player, that's fine. Still - they kicked our butts pretty hard for 30 minutes the first time around. Would much rather see SDSU.

Either Zags or Iowa St. would be tough but that's Elite 8 round - everyone should assume they're playing someone good by that point. Gotta beat good teams at some point in order to win this thing.

After the last few years I hope no one will ever ever ever ever take our first opponent lightly, whether it ends up being NF (seems likely) or RMU. Seriously. Never ever ever.

All in all a pretty fair draw though. Go Duke.

Highlander
03-16-2015, 11:22 AM
I'm trying to figure out why so many people on CBS last night were picking Gonzaga to make the FF or NC game. Who have the Zags beaten that would give people that kind of confidence? They are 1-1 vs. the RPI top 25, with their best wins being SMU, BYU, Georgia, and St. John's. Their losses were in OT vs. Arizona and to BYU, the latter equivalent to NC State. But it just surprises me that everyone is assuming they'll handle us with ease when they haven't beaten (or played) anyone in the top 10 all year. Meanwhile, we have FOUR wins against teams ranked higher than anyone Gonzaga has played all year, and are 11-3 vs. the Top 50. Zags are 6-2.

I was cheering when they were announced as our #2. They are the best draw we could have asked for given this crop of 2's. Iowa State is a tough 3. They scare me more than Gonzaga does. Glad we only have to play one of those two. Anyone could beat us if we don't play our "A" game, but I"d much rather play the Zags than any of UVA, Kansas, or Arizona.

Do people here think Gonzaga is a legit NC game possibility?

FerryFor50
03-16-2015, 11:30 AM
I'm trying to figure out why so many people on CBS last night were picking Gonzaga to make the FF or NC game. Who have the Zags beaten that would give people that kind of confidence? They are 1-1 vs. the RPI top 25, with their best wins being SMU, BYU, Georgia, and St. John's. Their losses were in OT vs. Arizona and to BYU, the latter equivalent to NC State. But it just surprises me that everyone is assuming they'll handle us with ease when they haven't beaten (or played) anyone in the top 10 all year. Meanwhile, we have FOUR wins against teams ranked higher than anyone Gonzaga has played all year, and are 11-3 vs. the Top 50. Zags are 6-2.

I was cheering when they were announced as our #2. They are the best draw we could have asked for given this crop of 2's. Iowa State is a tough 3. They scare me more than Gonzaga does. Glad we only have to play one of those two. Anyone could beat us if we don't play our "A" game, but I"d much rather play the Zags than any of UVA, Kansas, or Arizona.

Do people here think Gonzaga is a legit NC game possibility?

Stranger things have happen. They have size and talent. But you're right - who have they played/beaten?

I think Arizona could beat Duke. Gonzaga nearly beat Arizona. So I think it's possible Gonzaga could beat Duke. But I did like getting them as our two seed, though, honestly, I might have preferred Kansas. I don't think they're all that good this year.

Troublemaker
03-16-2015, 11:47 AM
I'm trying to figure out why so many people on CBS last night were picking Gonzaga to make the FF or NC game. Who have the Zags beaten that would give people that kind of confidence?

It probably has as much to do with lack of confidence in Duke as confidence in the Zags.

Basically, this is perhaps Gonzaga's best team ever, and everyone across the country would like them to make a Final Four. Heck, I would be rooting for them if they were in another bracket. And, as much as Duke fans think we lucked out to get Gonzaga as the 2-seed, people rooting for Gonzaga probably feel the same way about them drawing us as the 1-seed. Gonzaga avoided Kentucky, Wisconsin/Arizona, and they don't have to travel all the way to the East Coast to play. Getting Duke as the 1-seed in the South region was probably Gonzaga's best-case scenario once it became obvious that they couldn't beat out Arizona for seeding.

So, best Gonzaga team ever + people generally liking and rooting for Gonzaga + people feeling like Gonzaga got a good bracket for them = predictions that Gonzaga will finally make the Final Four.

Kfanarmy
03-16-2015, 11:54 AM
Notre Dame gave teams a blueprint for beating Duke. .... I beg to differ. DUke wins that game by a dozen if they don't sleep walk through the first half.

Mal
03-16-2015, 12:05 PM
But it just surprises me that everyone is assuming they'll handle us with ease

Totally agree with your general point, that I'm happy to have a 2 seed that's not really proven anything against very good or better teams this season. But I think the above is perhaps a touch hyperbolic. I haven't heard anyone all year say that any team would "handle us with ease." Other than delusional UNC fans, I guess. :)

I'm sure there are plenty of people picking Gonzaga to make the FF, but I would bet a lot of that is driven by (i) the pendulum swinging back toward Gonzaga as a trendy contender - everyone wrote them off after a string of high seed disappointments and now they like the "I was always high on Gonzaga" angle and want to be on the bandwagon when they finally reach a FF, (ii) they're the best 3 point shooting team in the tournament, which could cause trouble in almost any matchup, and people want them to be the ones with a shot at Kentucky so they're letting that desire drive their predictions, and (iii) Duke's flamed out in spectacular fashion 2 of the last 3 years, so until we prove it again, we're not a rock solid bet to come out our region regardless of our seed number.

Olympic Fan
03-16-2015, 12:07 PM
I'm trying to figure out why so many people on CBS last night were picking Gonzaga to make the FF or NC game.

I think it has to do with history. Like Tom Izzo and Michigan State, Gonzaga rises to the occasion every March and makes a deep NCAA run.

At least that's the story line ... doesn't it both anybody that they've reached the sweep 16 exactly twice in the last 14 years -- and never gone beyond that. Yet, every year they get strong seeds (including a No. 1 in 2013 and a second round loss) and go out the first weekend.

Gonzaga's last great tourney run was 1999, when Don Monson was the coach. They made it to the Elite Eight. They reached the Sweet 16 again in 2000 and 2001 under Mark Few. Since then they've made very little noise in the NCAA -- VCU, George Mason, Memphis and Wichita State have all been more successful mid-major teams.

FerryFor50
03-16-2015, 12:09 PM
I think it has to do with history. Like Tom Izzo and Michigan State, Gonzaga rises to the occasion every March and makes a deep NCAA run.

At least that's the story line ... doesn't it both anybody that they've reached the sweep 16 exactly twice in the last 14 years -- and never gone beyond that. Yet, every year they get strong seeds (including a No. 1 in 2013 and a second round loss) and go out the first weekend.

Gonzaga's last great tourney run was 1999, when Don Monson was the coach. They made it to the Elite Eight. They reached the Sweet 16 again in 2000 and 2001 under Mark Few. Since then they've made very little noise in the NCAA -- VCU, George Mason, Memphis and Wichita State have all been more successful mid-major teams.

Yep. They are in the "mid-major darling that's almost always overrated" category. Everyone wants a Cinderella and will concoct their own fairy tales to get one.

Mal
03-16-2015, 12:14 PM
Basically, this is perhaps Gonzaga's best team ever.

Is that true? Better than the Morrison/Turiaf team from whenever, a decade or so ago? I think they've gotten a 1 seed a couple times in fairly recent memory - I haven't actually watched them this year, but is this team better than those past teams that have been on the 1 line?

Troublemaker
03-16-2015, 12:36 PM
Is that true? Better than the Morrison/Turiaf team from whenever, a decade or so ago? I think they've gotten a 1 seed a couple times in fairly recent memory - I haven't actually watched them this year, but is this team better than those past teams that have been on the 1 line?

I don't have an opinion on this myself.

Ernie Kent thinks it's Gonzaga's best team here (and Larry Brown raves about them, too): http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_27210546/is-this-gonzagas-best-team

And another article (http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/111085800/gonzaga-bulldogs-ncaa-tournament-west-coast-conference) has the following quote: Everyone around Spokane -- and the nation -- seems to agree that this is the best team the school has ever had going into March.

Olympic Fan
03-16-2015, 12:43 PM
Is that true? Better than the Morrison/Turiaf team from whenever, a decade or so ago? I think they've gotten a 1 seed a couple times in fairly recent memory - I haven't actually watched them this year, but is this team better than those past teams that have been on the 1 line?

I think it's hard to tell because the conference is weaker than it's ever been and because unlike past years when Gonzaga would play a really strong non-conference schedule, that was not the case this year. They are a good, but not great, 6-2 against teams that are in the NCAA field -- two wins (and a loss) to BYU, a loss to Arizona and wins over Georgia, UCLA, SMU and St. John's -- so sixth seeded SMU was their best win (at home).

They are a balanced and talented team. The difficulty in assessing them is that they have been so overrated so often in the past.

Is this another case of that?

Or is the fact that they are so often overrated blinds us to the fact that this team is as good as the committee thinks they are?

Personally, I have a lot more to worry about at the moment (North Florida and San Diego State this weekend). If Duke winds up in Houston with Gonzaga, then I'll start worrying about the Zags.

Kedsy
03-16-2015, 01:12 PM
Sounds like the team is ready to play with focus.

I hope so. But I wonder if there had been a video after the NC State game in the ACC tournament if the coaches and players would have said the exact same sort of things about the Notre Dame game?

roywhite
03-16-2015, 01:31 PM
I hope so. But I wonder if there had been a video after the NC State game in the ACC tournament if the coaches and players would have said the exact same sort of things about the Notre Dame game?

No, I'd say the opposite is true.

Perhaps the players were over-confident and complacent, which was indeed a problem, but Coach K and his assistants had to recognize the danger involved, with a 12-game winning streak, having beat NC State soundly, and facing a Notre Dame team they had beat by 30 point in their last meeting -- all signs pointing to a potential letdown.

Here's what Coach K said after the Notre Dame game:

Post-game quotes (http://raycomsports.com/sports_labs_docs/m-baskbl/2015_mbb_quotes12.pdf)


We’ve won a lot in a row. I think we had won 12 in a row and playing light’s out basketball, and I don’t know from
last night to tonight we just took that for granted on the necessary components to do that. But for about the first 24
minutes, I’m not sure I don’t know who we were coaching tonight. We weren’t talking. We weren’t doing anything. We
weren’t following instructions and it was like an out of body experience.

Coach K's comments and his very early time-out tell me that he was aware of the danger and anything but confident of how his young team would come out.

Kedsy
03-16-2015, 02:51 PM
No, I'd say the opposite is true.

Perhaps the players were over-confident and complacent, which was indeed a problem, but Coach K and his assistants had to recognize the danger involved, with a 12-game winning streak, having beat NC State soundly, and facing a Notre Dame team they had beat by 30 point in their last meeting -- all signs pointing to a potential letdown.

Here's what Coach K said after the Notre Dame game:

Post-game quotes (http://raycomsports.com/sports_labs_docs/m-baskbl/2015_mbb_quotes12.pdf)



Coach K's comments and his very early time-out tell me that he was aware of the danger and anything but confident of how his young team would come out.

Maybe. It was certainly predictable. I was worried about it before the game and Coach K is a lot smarter than I am.

But my point was more about the players than the coaches. They're saying all the right things now, but I bet they did or would have said all the right things then, too, even if they didn't really feel them.

Saratoga2
03-16-2015, 03:07 PM
I beg to differ. DUke wins that game by a dozen if they don't sleep walk through the first half.

ND is a good team and wound up beating UNC pretty soundlly. They held our guards down to some of the lowest scoring numbers of the year. Where were the extra 22 points coming from?

Kedsy
03-16-2015, 03:13 PM
ND is a good team and wound up beating UNC pretty soundlly. They held our guards down to some of the lowest scoring numbers of the year. Where were the extra 22 points coming from?

We outplayed Notre Dame in the second half, and were down four with the ball on a couple of occasions, so the 10 point final margin was misleading. If we'd played the same way in the first half that we did in the second half, I think Kfanarmy is right and we would have won by a dozen or so.

But we didn't play that way in the first half, and I think that's our biggest danger moving forward.

As for your original point, I hope teams take Notre Dame's strategy as a "blueprint." Give up 30 to Jahlil and hope you can contain our perimeter guys with single-coverage? I guess it worked for Notre Dame, but that's not a recipe too many teams could use to win.

FerryFor50
03-16-2015, 03:16 PM
We outplayed Notre Dame in the second half, and were down four with the ball on a couple of occasions, so the 10 point final margin was misleading. If we'd played the same way in the first half that we did in the second half, I think Kfanarmy is right and we would have won by a dozen or so.

But we didn't play that way in the first half, and I think that's our biggest danger moving forward.

It's like people completely forgot Duke beat ND by 30 at one time.

The focus is definitely the key issue. Hopefully they have it back after ND got their attention.

subzero02
03-16-2015, 03:30 PM
I think it has to do with history. Like Tom Izzo and Michigan State, Gonzaga rises to the occasion every March and makes a deep NCAA run.

At least that's the story line ... doesn't it both anybody that they've reached the sweep 16 exactly twice in the last 14 years -- and never gone beyond that. Yet, every year they get strong seeds (including a No. 1 in 2013 and a second round loss) and go out the first weekend.

Gonzaga's last great tourney run was 1999, when Don Monson was the coach. They made it to the Elite Eight. They reached the Sweet 16 again in 2000 and 2001 under Mark Few. Since then they've made very little noise in the NCAA -- VCU, George Mason, Memphis and Wichita State have all been more successful mid-major teams.

I wouldn't include Memphis in this group. They were competitive on a national level in the early 90's and feature elite level to all world talent every once in a while ( anfernee hardaway, derrick rose, dajaun wagner, elliot williams). The Memphis area is rich with basketball talent. When Arkansas was a consistent final four/ national title contender, Nolan Richardson featured several Memphis area players(Corey Beck and Todd Day). They also play their games in an NBA arena, a huge recruiting advantage.

gofurman
03-16-2015, 03:31 PM
Not excited about a potential rematch with St. Johns. Yea they're missing a player, that's fine. Still - they kicked our butts pretty hard for 30 minutes the first time around. Would much rather see SDSU.

Either Zags or Iowa St. would be tough but that's Elite 8 round - everyone should assume they're playing someone good by that point. Gotta beat good teams at some point in order to win this thing.

After the last few years I hope no one will ever ever ever ever take our first opponent lightly, whether it ends up being NF (seems likely) or RMU. Seriously. Never ever ever.
All in all a pretty fair draw though. Go Duke.



never ever.

dukelifer
03-16-2015, 03:33 PM
I'm trying to figure out why so many people on CBS last night were picking Gonzaga to make the FF or NC game. Who have the Zags beaten that would give people that kind of confidence? They are 1-1 vs. the RPI top 25, with their best wins being SMU, BYU, Georgia, and St. John's. Their losses were in OT vs. Arizona and to BYU, the latter equivalent to NC State. But it just surprises me that everyone is assuming they'll handle us with ease when they haven't beaten (or played) anyone in the top 10 all year. Meanwhile, we have FOUR wins against teams ranked higher than anyone Gonzaga has played all year, and are 11-3 vs. the Top 50. Zags are 6-2.

I was cheering when they were announced as our #2. They are the best draw we could have asked for given this crop of 2's. Iowa State is a tough 3. They scare me more than Gonzaga does. Glad we only have to play one of those two. Anyone could beat us if we don't play our "A" game, but I"d much rather play the Zags than any of UVA, Kansas, or Arizona.

Do people here think Gonzaga is a legit NC game possibility?

If Duke gets the final 8- I expect that means they are playing well. This will be about who is playing better that day- vs they can do something that Duke cannot handle. Duke's challenge is getting through the early rounds. Young teams do not handle the urgency well and Duke teams feel the pressure of the past. Let's see how this team plays in the first few rounds. It is very likely that Gonzaga will not be standing by the time Duke plays them. As you note- Iowa State is a difficult team as well.

sagegrouse
03-16-2015, 03:46 PM
It's like people completely forgot Duke beat ND by 30 at one time.

The focus is definitely the key issue. Hopefully they have it back after ND got their attention.

I'll be happy to take my chances playing Notre Dame yet again in the NCAA Tournament.

Olympic Fan
03-16-2015, 03:58 PM
I wouldn't include Memphis in this group. They were competitive on a national level in the early 90's and feature elite level to all world talent every once in a while ( anfernee hardaway, derrick rose, dajaun wagner, elliot williams). The Memphis area is rich with basketball talent. When Arkansas was a consistent final four/ national title contender, Nolan Richardson featured several Memphis area players(Corey Beck and Todd Day). They also play their games in an NBA arena, a huge recruiting advantage.

I don't understand your point. Sure, Memphis had been around for a long time -- they made the Final Four as far back as 1973.

But they were in the Missouri Valley at that time. They made the Final Four again in 1985 as a member of the Metro. Their most recent Final Four (as well as two other Elite Eights) came in the last decade under John Calipari, when Memphis played in Conference USA.

They are the classic example of a power team dominating a mid-major conference ... just like VCU, Mason, Wichita State and Gonzaga. Just because they're done it longer, doesn't mean they aren't the same kind of team.

PS An actually, Wichita State has done it longer than Memphis -- they made the Final Four in 1965. Doesn't matter. They are still a Big Fish in a mid-major pond.

Kedsy
03-16-2015, 04:08 PM
They are the classic example of a power team dominating a mid-major conference ... just like VCU, Mason, Wichita State and Gonzaga. Just because they're done it longer, doesn't mean they aren't the same kind of team.

OK, well then George Mason doesn't belong on this list. They never dominated anything. Other than their one, magical year of 2006 (a year in which they didn't even win the CAA tournament), Mason in its history has only made the field in five NCAA tournaments, and has gone 1-5 in tournament games in those five years.

Put another way, George Mason made the Final Four once, which Gonzaga never has, but Mason has never dominated anything for any length of time and hasn't been nearly as successful as Gonzaga overall. Shouldn't even be in the conversation.

FerryFor50
03-16-2015, 04:27 PM
Bleacher Report ranked all 68 teams. 16 seed N Florida was #59. That means they think 9 teams were worse than N Florida, including some 15 seeds and a 14 seed. Robert Morris was #67.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2385172-ncaa-basketball-2015-real-time-team-rankings-going-into-selection-sunday/page/11

Kfanarmy
03-16-2015, 04:57 PM
ND is a good team and wound up beating UNC pretty soundlly. They held our guards down to some of the lowest scoring numbers of the year. Where were the extra 22 points coming from?

The D and the O showing up in half number one. Duke's guards were held down as much by their own lethargy as by ND's energy (Allen excepted). They want to give you the inside, take it; Okafor could have scored 40 in that game if Duke had poured it in the paint early on. Shooters were better guarded on the exterior, but still missed a bunch of open threes. Just no energy. Oh, and if the D wasn't asleep you wouldn't have needed 22 more points. They realistically could have had 15 more and given up 7 less.

anonj
03-16-2015, 05:21 PM
This is as favorable of a draw we've had for a few years in my opinion. Just my gut feeling but I think Utah is the team I'm watching out for more than anyone in the region. Of course, we have to get out of the first weekend to get a shot to play them. They're a real solid team with some experience (8th in KenPom rankings right behind Duke).

Call me crazy, but the Utes scare me more than the prospects of Gonzaga or Iowa St.

RPS
03-16-2015, 05:42 PM
Do people here think Gonzaga is a legit NC game possibility?

I do (and I have even seen them in person twice this season). They have great senior leadership and guard play (Pangos), they have multiple shooters, are long, and have some depth (Sabonis has been brought along slowly but is *really* good). This (obviously) is a one-and-done tournament so anything is possible and I don't think one should discount Gonzaga's issues in the past (even though I think they are overstated), but I think Duke v. Gonzaga would be a terrificly fun match-up with Gonzaga having a real chance to get there and win, even though we should be favored (assuming we get there).

I've also seen SDSU in person (four times) this season. They are very well coached, big, athletic and play absolutely fantastic man-to-man defense, but they shoot poorly, can't create offensive chances and simply have trouble scoring. The offense is often painful to watch. I like our chances if that match-up happens (not that we couldn't lose). I expect SDSU to handle St. John's (on the coaching match-up alone).

Given the recent (post 2010) past, I just want to survive and advance to get to play Gonzaga (or whomever).

gam7
03-16-2015, 06:08 PM
I do (and I have even seen them in person twice this season). They have great senior leadership and guard play (Pangos), they have multiple shooters, are long, and have some depth (Sabonis has been brought along slowly but is *really* good). This (obviously) is a one-and-done tournament so anything is possible and I don't think one should discount Gonzaga's issues in the past (even though I think they are overstated), but I think Duke v. Gonzaga would be a terrificly fun match-up with Gonzaga having a real chance to get there and win, even though we should be favored (assuming we get there).

I've also seen SDSU in person (four times) this season. They are very well coached, big, athletic and play absolutely fantastic man-to-man defense, but they shoot poorly, can't create offensive chances and simply have trouble scoring. The offense is often painful to watch. I like our chances if that match-up happens (not that we couldn't lose). I expect SDSU to handle St. John's (on the coaching match-up alone).

Given the recent (post 2010) past, I just want to survive and advance to get to play Gonzaga (or whomever).

(Impressive prolific use of parentheticals.)

RPS
03-16-2015, 06:14 PM
(Impressive prolific use of parentheticals.)

Thank you (I think).

lotusland
03-16-2015, 06:33 PM
I'm trying to figure out why so many people on CBS last night were picking Gonzaga to make the FF or NC game. Who have the Zags beaten that would give people that kind of confidence? They are 1-1 vs. the RPI top 25, with their best wins being SMU, BYU, Georgia, and St. John's. Their losses were in OT vs. Arizona and to BYU, the latter equivalent to NC State. But it just surprises me that everyone is assuming they'll handle us with ease when they haven't beaten (or played) anyone in the top 10 all year. Meanwhile, we have FOUR wins against teams ranked higher than anyone Gonzaga has played all year, and are 11-3 vs. the Top 50. Zags are 6-2.

I was cheering when they were announced as our #2. They are the best draw we could have asked for given this crop of 2's. Iowa State is a tough 3. They scare me more than Gonzaga does. Glad we only have to play one of those two. Anyone could beat us if we don't play our "A" game, but I"d much rather play the Zags than any of UVA, Kansas, or Arizona.

Do people here think Gonzaga is a legit NC game possibility?

ESPN Likes the Zags too including JWill.

dukelifer
03-16-2015, 07:21 PM
Bleacher Report ranked all 68 teams. 16 seed N Florida was #59. That means they think 9 teams were worse than N Florida, including some 15 seeds and a 14 seed. Robert Morris was #67.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2385172-ncaa-basketball-2015-real-time-team-rankings-going-into-selection-sunday/page/11

N Florida is going to overlook Robert Morris. A classic trap game.

roywhite
03-16-2015, 07:51 PM
N Florida is going to overlook Robert Morris. A classic trap game.

Robert Morris is a tough tournament team. Just two years ago, they eliminated Kentucky.

NSDukeFan
03-16-2015, 08:04 PM
ESPN Likes the Zags too including JWill.

The Zags include JWill? I will have to pick them to come out of the region then? (;

Reilly
03-16-2015, 09:30 PM
At least per the SRS at sports-reference:

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/gonzaga/

[click on the SRS column to order the Gonzaga teams from best to worst]

gurufrisbee
03-16-2015, 09:54 PM
The Zags are legit.

They were the 2 seed I did not want to see (as Iowa St was the 3 I didn't want to see and Georgetown was the 6 I didn't want to see....which is odd because there they are, but they are there as a 4, so I'm not sure if that ends up being a win because it took away a real four seed).

Gonzaga has great size with Karnowski and Sabonis. They will compete on the boards and battle Okafor inside physically and send him often to (yikes!) the free throw line. They have terrific experience with two four year starters in the backcourt in Pangos and Bell, who give great leadership, defense, and solid outside shooting. And they have lots of experience with another senior starter in Wesley and several juniors also starting or in the rotation (Karnoski, Witjer, McClellan, Draginis). They are MUCH deeper than they have ever been (this is possibly the biggest reason people who follow them think this is the best team they ever have had - they usually have two or three guys better than anyone else in the WCC but almost no depth). ANd while they didn't play a lot of top talent this year there are two big factors to remember - they did go into Arizona and take them to overtime - a feat that pretty much only about three teams in the nation could possibly do - AND with all their experience they have guys who have played a lot of big games in their careers. Witjer played in every game with Kentucky when he won a title there. McClellan and Wesley were leading scorers for Vanderbilt and USC respectively before coming in. And Pangos and Bell have each started six NCAA tournament games already - you'd be hard pressed to find another team out there that has two guys who already have that much tournament experience.

I wouldn't go so far as to say I think the Zags will easily beat Duke, but they are very legit threats.

If they can get past Iowa State, whom might be an even bigger threat.

neemizzle
03-16-2015, 11:23 PM
I've also seen SDSU in person (four times) this season. They are very well coached, big, athletic and play absolutely fantastic man-to-man defense, but they shoot poorly, can't create offensive chances and simply have trouble scoring. The offense is often painful to watch. I like our chances if that match-up happens (not that we couldn't lose). I expect SDSU to handle St. John's (on the coaching match-up alone).



So basically what you're saying is, a toned down version of Virginia? ;)

rsvman
03-16-2015, 11:27 PM
Admittedly I have a skewed view, having seen only one Zags game this year, and it must've been their worst game of the year, but here's what I saw:

Pangos, not quite as good as Marcus Paige.
Wiltjer, a total and complete non-factor.
Sarnoski, big, strong, pretty skilled. The real deal.
His back-up, skinny, reasonably skilled, nowhere near as good as Brice Johnson.

This is what else I saw: they had nobody who could slow down Collinsworth at all, and Collinsworth is pretty much Winslow lite. The game I saw was, of course, the game in which BYU beat them at their place. And Haws, BYU's top scorer, had a terrible game. But BYU still won. Collinsworth shredded them.

I don't see how they can contain a guy like Winslow. I really don't. Not from what I saw (and I realize it is a very small sample size). They didn't impress me at all.

I guess is somebody had only watched Duke once, and it was the Miami game in Cameron, they would be similarly unimpressed.

Wander
03-16-2015, 11:34 PM
OK, well then George Mason doesn't belong on this list. They never dominated anything. Other than their one, magical year of 2006 (a year in which they didn't even win the CAA tournament), Mason in its history has only made the field in five NCAA tournaments, and has gone 1-5 in tournament games in those five years.

Put another way, George Mason made the Final Four once, which Gonzaga never has, but Mason has never dominated anything for any length of time and hasn't been nearly as successful as Gonzaga overall. Shouldn't even be in the conversation.

The only teams that really deserve to be on this list are Gonzaga and Memphis. That's it. Wichita State, George Mason, and VCU have in no way "dominated" their conferences.

subzero02
03-17-2015, 12:06 AM
I don't understand your point. Sure, Memphis had been around for a long time -- they made the Final Four as far back as 1973.

But they were in the Missouri Valley at that time. They made the Final Four again in 1985 as a member of the Metro. Their most recent Final Four (as well as two other Elite Eights) came in the last decade under John Calipari, when Memphis played in Conference USA.

They are the classic example of a power team dominating a mid-major conference ... just like VCU, Mason, Wichita State and Gonzaga. Just because they're done it longer, doesn't mean they aren't the same kind of team.

PS An actually, Wichita State has done it longer than Memphis -- they made the Final Four in 1965. Doesn't matter. They are still a Big Fish in a mid-major pond.

I really don't think they are the same type of team because of their recruiting and on court accomplishments when compared to VCU, George Mason, Wichita State and Gonzaga. If we look at the recruitment of Mcdonald's All Americans since 1977, Memphis ranks in the top 20 nationally with 13. Both VCU and Wichita State have 2 over the same time period. If we look at the recruitment of Mcdonald's All Americans since 2000, Memphis has 8. That's more than schools like Maryland, UConn, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Villanova, and Wake Forest. Over that same time period VCU, Wichita State, George Mason and Gonzaga have combined to successfully recruit a total of 0 Mcdonald's All Americans out of high school. Off the top of my head, I know that both Memphis(Elliot Williams) and Gonzaga( Kyle Wiltjer) have featured Mcdonald's All American transfers over this time period.

In terms of all time appearances in the AP poll, Memphis has over 100 more appearances than its closest competitor amongst the schools you listed.( Memphis 295 appearances, Gonzaga 191, Wichita State 128, VCU 31, George Mason 0).

In terms of NCAA tournament accomplishments, Memphis( 27 appearances, 3 final fours, 2 finals) is significantly ahead of Gonzaga ( 18 appearances, 0 final fours, 0 finals), Wichita State ( 12 appearances, 2 final fours, 0 finals) , VCU ( 14 appearances, 1 final four, 0 finals) and George Mason ( 6 appearances, 1 final four, 0 finals).

Memphis might play in a mid-major conference but they are on a different level than the other schools you grouped them with in terms of on court accomplishments and definitely in terms of recruiting.

http://statsheet.com/bhsb/mcplayers_by_college

http://collegepollarchive.com/mbasketball/ap/app_total.cfm#.VQed9xR0zVI

Mal
03-17-2015, 01:37 PM
Gonzaga's issues in the past (even though I think they are overstated)

I don't know that they're overstated. In the past 12 tourneys, they've won 12 games total, while being seeded as a 4 or higher 5 times. In fact, they've not beaten a team seeded better than 6 in that entire span (the 12 wins came against two 6's, an 8, two 9's, a 10, a 12, a 13, two 14's, a 15 and a 16). They've performed to their seed a number of times but have only once beaten a team seeded higher than them (discounting a couple of first round 8/9 "upsets"). That's a pretty bad string.

Should this year's team make it far enough to potentially be playing Duke, all bets are off, though, because they'll have broken the curse of recent results. The key for them is getting past the first weekend, apparently.

Personally, I've reached the point where I pay pretty scant worry to the other half of Duke's bracket, unless and until we win two games first. Mercer/Lehigh; you can only face one of those eight teams; it's as often as not going to be an unexpected one; and by the time you theoretically face them they're by definition playing well and dangerous, and so are we, and the FF is on the line so motivation and fatigue are non-factors. I guess two years ago I was bummed to see Louisville looming because we all knew they were the best team and a sub-ideal matchup for us, but that was a unique situation.

COYS
03-17-2015, 01:53 PM
I don't know that they're overstated. In the past 12 tourneys, they've won 12 games total, while being seeded as a 4 or higher 5 times. In fact, they've not beaten a team seeded better than 6 in that entire span (the 12 wins came against two 6's, an 8, two 9's, a 10, a 12, a 13, two 14's, a 15 and a 16). They've performed to their seed a number of times but have only once beaten a team seeded higher than them (discounting a couple of first round 8/9 "upsets"). That's a pretty bad string.

Should this year's team make it far enough to potentially be playing Duke, all bets are off, though, because they'll have broken the curse of recent results. The key for them is getting past the first weekend, apparently.

Personally, I've reached the point where I pay pretty scant worry to the other half of Duke's bracket, unless and until we win two games first. Mercer/Lehigh; you can only face one of those eight teams; it's as often as not going to be an unexpected one; and by the time you theoretically face them they're by definition playing well and dangerous, and so are we, and the FF is on the line so motivation and fatigue are non-factors. I guess two years ago I was bummed to see Louisville looming because we all knew they were the best team and a sub-ideal matchup for us, but that was a unique situation.

I had faith in the 2010 team, but I thought the potential matchup against Baylor in Houston was a real tough one for us. That was a tall, agile Baylor squad playing in a semi-home game. In fact, to be quite honest, with the exception of the matchup against Louisville in 2013, I'm not so sure that any of our other recent tournament losses looked so bad to me ahead of time. I thought our 2011 team could handle anyone (and they well could have if Arizona hadn't played out of their minds). The 2009 game against Villanova seemed like a decent matchup as Nova played small ball and I thought we could hang with them. I was concerned about Lehigh but still didn't think we'd lose. And mercer . . . Well.

Anyway, I say all this because basically, I agree about not worrying about potential matchups. We're not in a bracket with UK or Arizona, the two teams that I objectively think might be better than we are even if we play well. Gonzaga could be tough in a potential matchup, but the last time we faced the team that was perfectly constructed to beat us (Baylor in 2010), we won.

rsvman
03-17-2015, 04:31 PM
I still think we had a decent shot of beating Louisville until Ware broke his leg. Counterintuitive, because you might think losing one of your starters would weaken the team and decrease the chances of a win. But in this case I think two things happened: 1) it galvanized their team in a big way; it motivated them even more to win it for him, and 2) his sub just happened to have an outstanding 3-point shooting day. I don't think Ware would've been able to shoot as well as his replacement did.

Oh well, it's all water under the bridge now. All we can do is play each new opponent as well as we possibly can, and hope for the best this year.

gumbomoop
03-17-2015, 08:04 PM
Open practice schedule for Thursday in Charlotte:

http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/2015/03/16/practice-schedule-ncaa-2nd3rd-rounds/24881407/

Troublemaker
03-17-2015, 09:04 PM
Pre-tournament interviews: http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209966302&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Quinn seemed emotional and ready to roll.

Coach K's segment was pretty wide-ranging. Which one of you guys wrote him that letter? Also, the '91 win over UNLV and '99 loss to UConn were discussed. He took the blame for the latter.

OldPhiKap
03-17-2015, 09:08 PM
Pre-tournament interviews: http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209966302&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Quinn seemed emotional and ready to roll.

Coach K's segment was pretty wide-ranging. Which one of you guys wrote him that letter? Also, the '91 win over UNLV and '99 loss to UConn were discussed. He took the blame for the latter.

Just posted on the in-game thread for the opener about the press conferences with K, QC, Tyus and Jah. Worth the 35-40 minutes it takes to watch if all.

Really loved how K lit up when someone asked him about Tommy. And yeah, K still takes 1999 hard and personal.

devildeac
03-17-2015, 10:50 PM
Just posted on the in-game thread for the opener about the press conferences with K, QC, Tyus and Jah. Worth the 35-40 minutes it takes to watch if all.

Really loved how K lit up when someone asked him about Tommy. And yeah, K still takes 1999 hard and personal.

Wonder what he'd say if asked about 2004 (publicly and/or privately). That one still frosts my posterior:mad:.

And, as Jim Sumner once said, "I'd still like a do over on the 2010-11 season.":(

BlueDevilBrowns
03-17-2015, 11:03 PM
Wonder what he'd say if asked about 2004 (publicly and/or privately). That one still frosts my posterior:mad:.

And, as Jim Sumner once said, "I'd still like a do over on the 2010-11 season.":(

Yeah, 1986, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2011(to a lesser extent) were frustratingly "oh so close".

But 1991, 1992, 2001(not as much), and 2010 could have went the other way as well.

So I guess over the years it averages out.

Perhaps 2015 will put a fifth in the positive column for us to even things up.

ice-9
03-17-2015, 11:09 PM
ESPN Likes the Zags too including JWill.

Hopefully this is deja vu for a certain run in 2010 when everyone thought Baylor would kill us...

EDIT: Oops, COYS beat me to it.

NYBri
03-17-2015, 11:17 PM
I know it's all we have at the moment...talking about other teams and match-ups...but I'm really not afraid of other teams or potential match-ups. If I have concern, it's about our own play...our own focus. I know if we play focused and use the talent we have, we will beat anyone.

So if there is a match-up or a seed that concerns me, it's the number 1 seed in the south. Will they show up and play to their potential? If they do they will take it all.

Kedsy
03-18-2015, 01:08 AM
2001(not as much)

Well, we were 22 points down to Maryland in the national semifinal in 2001, so I think that one could have definitely gone the other way. In addition to talent and grit, it takes a bit of luck to come back from 22 down.

pfrduke
03-18-2015, 01:36 AM
Well, we were 22 points down to Maryland in the national semifinal in 2001, so I think that one could have definitely gone the other way. In addition to talent and grit, it takes a bit of luck to come back from 22 down.

I was a sophomore that year, and drove from Durham to Minneapolis for the Final Four with some friends. We left at ~1:00 on Friday and drove overnight to show up for the game. We sleep-watched Arizona-Michigan State in the first game. And then Maryland just blitzed us to start. When it was 39-17, all I could think about was how awful it was going to be to get right back in the car that night to go back to Durham and how extraordinarily long the drive would feel on the way back. I think by the end of the game it was both elation and relief in equal measure.

Kedsy
03-18-2015, 10:45 AM
I was a sophomore that year, and drove from Durham to Minneapolis for the Final Four with some friends. We left at ~1:00 on Friday and drove overnight to show up for the game. We sleep-watched Arizona-Michigan State in the first game. And then Maryland just blitzed us to start. When it was 39-17, all I could think about was how awful it was going to be to get right back in the car that night to go back to Durham and how extraordinarily long the drive would feel on the way back. I think by the end of the game it was both elation and relief in equal measure.

I was there with my family. Someone pickpocketed my Dad's wallet, and he left his seat to talk to the police about it when we were still 20 down. He said, "Don't worry. If we're within 10 by halftime, we win the game." It was down to 9 at halftime when he got back to his seat. He said, "Told you. Now we're going to win."

And he was right.

blUDAYvil
03-18-2015, 10:48 AM
I was there with my family. Someone pickpocketed my Dad's wallet, and he left his seat to talk to the police about it when we were still 20 down. He said, "Don't worry. If we're within 10 by halftime, we win the game." It was down to 9 at halftime when he got back to his seat. He said, "Told you. Now we're going to win."

And he was right.

But did they find the terp that pulled off the (much less impressive) heist?

kAzE
03-18-2015, 10:55 AM
Well, last time we lost to Notre Dame, we won 12 straight. 6 should be a piece of cake :)

Kedsy
03-18-2015, 10:57 AM
But did they find the terp that pulled off the (much less impressive) heist?

Never did. We had to make special arrangements for my Dad to fly home without a driver's license. It happened in line at the concession stand. Some very nice guy offered to pay for my Dad's stuff when he got to the front and realize someone had lifted his wallet.

gam7
03-18-2015, 11:48 AM
Never did. We had to make special arrangements for my Dad to fly home without a driver's license. It happened in line at the concession stand. Some very nice guy offered to pay for my Dad's stuff when he got to the front and realize someone had lifted his wallet.

I can personally attest to the fact that post 9/11, one doesn't need a photo ID to fly domestically at least. I have done it. It sure irritates TSA though! Confirmation here - http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids. Your dad's flight would've been pre-9/11 - no idea what the rules were then but hopefully they didn't hassle him too much.

AIRFORCEDUKIE
03-19-2015, 02:43 PM
And the 3 seed goes down!!!!! UAB takes out Iowa St.

unless theres a miracle

75Crazie
03-19-2015, 02:44 PM
I was among those who thought that we had the toughest #3 seed in our region.

dukelifer
03-19-2015, 02:45 PM
And the 3 seed goes down!!!!! UAB takes out Iowa St.

unless theres a miracle

There goes everyone's favorite team to make a long run. Tourney time is crazy.

burnspbesq
03-19-2015, 02:45 PM
Oh, a couple of million people, I'd guess.

UAB 60, Iowa State 59.

pfrduke
03-19-2015, 02:46 PM
Do we get to start the "Big XII is overrated conversation" now? #HotSportsTakes

peterjswift
03-19-2015, 02:50 PM
I picked a bracket for a co-worker this morning with a few other co-workers. We based it on which mascot could win in a fight. Some were obvious (Crusader vs. Terrapin), some were not (Anteater vs. Cardinal?).

One of the pushes was Blazers (Dragon) vs. Cyclones. In the end, we intended to pick Dragons...and then have them go all the way and win the championship (what mascot could beat a dragon in a fight?). But we got the mascots screwed up and picked the Cyclones all the way (which, when it comes to Dragon vs. Cyclone, seems as reasonable as the Dragon winning - it was kind of a push). We were happier with the mistake, because a #3 winning the championship is better than a #14 winning the championship.

But...alas, the Cyclones were upset, and had we gone with Dragons as we intended...the absent recipient of this bracket could have looked like the smartest person in the room (until the second and third round....Purdue wins until they go against the Longhorns...cows are a train's only enemy!).

devildeac
03-19-2015, 02:50 PM
Oh, a couple of million people, I'd guess.

UAB 60, Iowa State 59.


Do we get to start the "Big XII is overrated conversation" now? #HotSportsTakes

TheDukeCreed and rifraf picked this one.

OldPhiKap
03-19-2015, 02:51 PM
Do we get to start the "Big XII is overrated conversation" now? #HotSportsTakes

i'm waiting until about 9:30 tomorrow night before saying anything to anybody.

UAB has had a hell of a year as an athletic program, disbanding its football program and turning down its last bowl invite due to $$$.

BigZ
03-19-2015, 02:54 PM
I was much more scared of Iowa State than the Zags.

jacone21
03-19-2015, 02:54 PM
There goes everyone's favorite team to make a long run. Tourney time is crazy.

They should come up with a slogan for this craziness.

AIRFORCEDUKIE
03-19-2015, 02:55 PM
I picked a bracket for a co-worker this morning with a few other co-workers. We based it on which mascot could win in a fight. Some were obvious (Crusader vs. Terrapin), some were not (Anteater vs. Cardinal?).

One of the pushes was Blazers (Dragon) vs. Cyclones. In the end, we intended to pick Dragons...and then have them go all the way and win the championship (what mascot could beat a dragon in a fight?). But we got the mascots screwed up and picked the Cyclones all the way (which, when it comes to Dragon vs. Cyclone, seems as reasonable as the Dragon winning - it was kind of a push). We were happier with the mistake, because a #3 winning the championship is better than a #14 winning the championship.

But...alas, the Cyclones were upset, and had we gone with Dragons as we intended...the absent recipient of this bracket could have looked like the smartest person in the room (until the second and third round....Purdue wins until they go against the Longhorns...cows are a train's only enemy!).


Were you guys implying special abilities, such as the Blue Devils ability to summon mythical creatures...such as a Dragon? Or a three headed beast of some sort? Or the ability of the Cyclone to suddenly disappear out of no where?

FerryFor50
03-19-2015, 03:00 PM
Eh... any team that can storm back like that team is going to be tough. They have shooters and a Kenneth Faried clone. They would be a tough matchup for Duke. Hopefully they lose early. ;)

Here's the upsets I could see happening in the first round. There are actually quite a few, as this is a tough first round for most of these teams.

Utah (5) vs SF Austin (12) - SF Austin is #35 in kenpom and #19 in offensive efficiency. Utah had a good year in a weak Pac 12. I think SF Austin could take out Utah, but Utah has been good on both offense and defense.

Georgetown (4) vs E Washington (13) - Georgetown is likely losing in the first weekend. E Washington is a decent offensive team and Georgetown isn't that good this year, IMO.

SMU (6) vs UCLA (11) - While I don't think UCLA deserved to make the tournament (especially as an 11 seed) I do think they could beat SMU. UCLA has the talent and has looked like they might have figured it out late in the season.

Iowa St (3) vs UAB (14) - UAB is one of those pesky pressing teams in the Nolan Richardson-style. Iowa St lives by the 3. Wouldn't be shocked to see ISU go down, if only because they overlooked UAB.

Iowa (7) vs Davidson (10) - Iowa is bigger but hasn't really impressed me this season and is average on defense. And they don't score well. Davidson can score.

Gonzaga (2) vs N Dakota St (15) - I think NDSU at least gives Gonzaga a scare.

Boom. Too bad I didn't believe enough to put them in my bracket. :-P

jv001
03-19-2015, 03:00 PM
Glad to see Iowa State knocked out of the NCAAT. I'm more concerned with Duke winning the Championship than winning the Bracket Buster. Now, someone knock off the Zags and UK. GoDuke!

BigZ
03-19-2015, 03:05 PM
Glad to see Iowa State knocked out of the NCAAT. I'm more concerned with Duke winning the Championship than winning the Bracket Buster. Now, someone knock off the Zags and UK. GoDuke!

Gonzaga is going to lose to the Iowa / Davidson winner. Mark that down !!!

peterjswift
03-19-2015, 03:07 PM
Were you guys implying special abilities, such as the Blue Devils ability to summon mythical creatures...such as a Dragon? Or a three headed beast of some sort? Or the ability of the Cyclone to suddenly disappear out of no where?

If we were, we weren't even close to being consistent with it.

I think I generally went with: "Humans with firearms beat any animal" though we made an exception for a Pack of Wolves...(you're welcome, NC State). Generally we gave priority to the power of flight (you're welcome, JayHawks), and when it came to humans fighting each other, we went with the type of weaponry. Cowboys vs. Rebels came down to a coin flip.

Bears vs. Panthers wasn't easy either.

Purdue did very well though...I can't imagine a train having any trouble with a wildcat...but Texas Longhorns seemed to be the appropriate place for the Train to fail.

I think I spent more time on this bracket than mine.

TKG
03-19-2015, 03:09 PM
Do we get to start the "Big XII is overrated conversation" now? #HotSportsTakes

Somewhere Fran Fraschilla and Mark Packer are crying in their respetive beers.

uh_no
03-19-2015, 03:10 PM
Do we get to start the "Big XII is overrated conversation" now? #HotSportsTakes

we need to watch our words.....ND was almost knocked off as well.

rifraf
03-19-2015, 03:18 PM
TheDukeCreed and rifraf picked this one.

Wha? I didn't make it into the bracket...missed the post.

My ESPN bracket had UAB winning until 8 this morning when I chickened out. Had ISU losing the next one so my bracket is still OK...

AIRFORCEDUKIE
03-19-2015, 03:20 PM
Wha? I didn't make it into the bracket...missed the post.

My ESPN bracket had UAB winning until 8 this morning when I chickened out. Had ISU losing the next one so my bracket is still OK...

haha in the pick the upsets thread....look he didn't even know he voted for it..no longer counts ;)

DukieInKansas
03-19-2015, 03:24 PM
If we were, we weren't even close to being consistent with it.

I think I generally went with: "Humans with firearms beat any animal" though we made an exception for a Pack of Wolves...(you're welcome, NC State). Generally we gave priority to the power of flight (you're welcome, JayHawks), and when it came to humans fighting each other, we went with the type of weaponry. Cowboys vs. Rebels came down to a coin flip.

Bears vs. Panthers wasn't easy either.

Purdue did very well though...I can't imagine a train having any trouble with a wildcat...but Texas Longhorns seemed to be the appropriate place for the Train to fail.

I think I spent more time on this bracket than mine.

I've never seen a Jayhawk fly - or even a picture of one flying. Based on the size ratio of wings to body, it is probably much closer to an Ostrich and not able to fly. I thought trains had cowcatchers just so the cows weren't a problem.

Interesting way to pick a bracket. I've added peterjswift to my list of DBR people I would like to meet someday.

Chicken Little
03-19-2015, 03:24 PM
Some were obvious (Crusader vs. Terrapin), some were not (Anteater vs. Cardinal?).

I can't imagine that a Cardinal is much tougher than a kangaroo:


https://youtu.be/EvU8SMY7ia0

I hope you picked the Anteater.

rifraf
03-19-2015, 03:24 PM
haha in the pick the upsets thread....look he didn't even know he voted for it..no longer counts ;)

Oh right! I went through my post history and thought "where on earth...". As you can see, I didn't stick with my gut and got burned on it.

I blame the haze of flu medicine. The only reason my officemate isn't in serious trouble for getting me sick is that he could not have picked a better week to do it! My boss told me I looked terrible and to work from home. Yes sir!

Troublemaker
03-19-2015, 03:31 PM
It's already a very good day because ISU lost.

If Utah goes down later, it becomes a great day.

If UNC also loses to Harvard, then the day is perfect.

peterjswift
03-19-2015, 03:33 PM
I've never seen a Jayhawk fly - or even a picture of one flying. Based on the size ratio of wings to body, it is probably much closer to an Ostrich and not able to fly. I thought trains had cowcatchers just so the cows weren't a problem.

Interesting way to pick a bracket. I've added peterjswift to my list of DBR people I would like to meet someday.

I clearly didn't do enough research with my mascots.

We thought about the cow-catcher issue, and we imagined that if it was one cow, no problem...but a herd of cows would probably cause a problem for a train.

I still think the most interesting pick was Dragon vs. Cyclone. Too bad we got it wrong.

Mal
03-19-2015, 03:38 PM
Boom. Too bad I didn't believe enough to put them in my bracket. :-P

Credit due, I guess, although going back to your linked post, it kind of read like "It's possible the lower seed wins in any one of the 6 non-1/16 or 8/9 games (where either an upset is virtually unthinkable or doesn't count as any sort of upset), but I'm not actually picking any of them definitively." ;)

Mostly teasing. I certainly didn't see this one coming.

moonpie23
03-19-2015, 03:53 PM
down goes baylor......


CBS just said that 97%of all brackets are out...

Rich
03-19-2015, 03:55 PM
Oh, a couple of million people, I'd guess.

UAB 60, Iowa State 59.

Raises Hand.

Thank goodness at least Notre Dame pulled it out.

FerryFor50
03-19-2015, 03:59 PM
It's already a very good day because ISU lost.

If Utah goes down later, it becomes a great day.

If UNC also loses to Harvard, then the day is perfect.

Also good because Baylor lost. Screw Scott Drew.

75Crazie
03-19-2015, 04:00 PM
Three 3 vs 14 games today ... combined score: 184-182 in favor of 3-seeds.

BigZ
03-19-2015, 04:07 PM
Oklahoma better watch out being a Big 12 team w a 3 seed

pfrduke
03-19-2015, 04:31 PM
we need to watch our words.....ND was almost knocked off as well.

So it was mostly sarcastic (hence the tag) but ACC 3-seeds are 1-0 and Big X(II) 3-seeds are 0-2. Margins don't matter in March.

Bluedog
03-19-2015, 05:18 PM
I'm impressed with SMU's fans. They came out in force and are making a lot of noise in this game. If they make it to Houston, I expect an even larger, more passionate contingent. (But not impressed with that pathetic turnover they just had).

Edit: And they lose....bottom half of the South is opening up!

pfrduke
03-19-2015, 05:23 PM
What an absolutely batty ending to a game. A goal-tended game winning 3.

As an aside, the end-of-game execution in most of these early session contests has been abominable.

brevity
03-19-2015, 05:24 PM
Via Twitter (https://twitter.com/stephenschramm/status/578653294182182913):

Stephen Schramm ‏
@stephenschramm

The Duke team caught the last few minutes of the Iowa State game. Matt Jones said he wasn't all that fired up. Said he knows how ISU feels.

1:24 PM - 19 Mar 2015

BigZ
03-19-2015, 05:25 PM
I didn't know you could goal tend an airball.

tbyers11
03-19-2015, 05:27 PM
What an absolutely batty ending to a game. A goal-tended game winning 3.

As an aside, the end-of-game execution in most of these early session contests has been abominable.

I disagree with Spanarkel on his interpretation of the goaltending call. That ball was already below the level of the rim when the SMU player touched it. In fact, I don't think it ever it the rim. Refs blew that call. Of course, SMU still had plenty of time to come down and make a shot but missed it. Still sucks for a team to lose on what to me appears to be a really bad call. Even a Larry Brown- (who am I not a big fan of) coached team.

jv001
03-19-2015, 05:38 PM
I disagree with Spanarkel on his interpretation of the goaltending call. That ball was already below the level of the rim when the SMU player touched it. In fact, I don't think it ever it the rim. Refs blew that call. Of course, SMU still had plenty of time to come down and make a shot but missed it. Still sucks for a team to lose on what to me appears to be a really bad call. Even a Larry Brown- (who am I not a big fan of) coached team.

I thought Spanarkel disagreed with Verne on the call. Jim said that the ball was going to graze the rim and because of that it was a goal tending violation. I don't know the rule well enough to say one way or the other. When I saw the play live, I thought the ball was wide right, but on the replay it showed the ball was going to touch the right side of the rim. GoDuke!

uh_no
03-19-2015, 05:40 PM
I didn't know you could goal tend an airball.

it wasn't going to be an airball the overhead showed it had a decent chance of catching the back iron. and even if it was, it was still above the rim/cylinder at the time he touched it.

either way...as a played you can't put yourself in a situation where the ref can call that.

jv001
03-19-2015, 05:40 PM
SMU is not the smartest team I've seen this year. They really played unintelligent basketball for most of the game. GoDuke!

tbyers11
03-19-2015, 05:42 PM
I thought Spanarkel disagreed with Verne on the call. Jim said that the ball was going to graze the rim and because of that it was a goal tending violation. I don't know the rule well enough to say one way or the other. When I saw the play live, I thought the ball was wide right, but on the replay it showed the ball was going to touch the right side of the rim. GoDuke!

On replay I thought that it still wasn't going to hit (or in fact had already missed) the rim. The wide angle shot was definitive for me. It was close though. Bad call for SMU but they really lost the game with an awful give-away against the press preceding the goaltend call and by not hitting 2 decent looks at shots afterward.

uh_no
03-19-2015, 05:45 PM
Here is the relavent rule:



Basket interference occurs when a player:
2. Touches the ball while any part of it is within the cylinder that has the
ring as its lower base;


The overhead clearly shows the ball was still partly above the far side of the rim.

This is slighty different from the goaltending rule, which only applies to balls outside the cylinder.

NashvilleDevil
03-19-2015, 05:53 PM
With the losses by SMU and Iowa St it is clear that the team everyone fears, Robert Morris, will be winning this regional.

NSDukeFan
03-19-2015, 06:16 PM
So it was mostly sarcastic (hence the tag) but ACC 3-seeds are 1-0 and Big X(II) 3-seeds are 0-2. Margins don't matter in March.
They do to KenPom. (;

What an absolutely batty ending to a game. A goal-tended game winning 3.

As an aside, the end-of-game execution in most of these early session contests has been abominable.

I thought Georgia St.'s end of game execution was pretty good. (;

dukelifer
03-19-2015, 06:26 PM
General rule about the NCAA tourney - there are many close games within two possessions at the end of games. If that happens - any team can win- it is a coin flip. Doesn't matter how many great players you have on the floor- anyone can get hot - like Alford. Note to Duke- get big separation early. Don't let a team hang around.

Indoor66
03-19-2015, 06:28 PM
If UNC also loses to Harvard, then the day is perfect.

Go Students, Beat the Cheats!

pfrduke
03-19-2015, 06:28 PM
I thought Georgia St.'s end of game execution was pretty good. (;

I mean, sort of. Their last possession was really dumb - they practically walked the ball up the court with 14 seconds to play, did nothing to even try to make the defense move, and then took at 28-footer. It went in, so I guess in that sense their execution was good, but let's just say that was not a high percentage option.

NSDukeFan
03-19-2015, 06:31 PM
I mean, sort of. Their last possession was really dumb - they practically walked the ball up the court with 14 seconds to play, did nothing to even try to make the defense move, and then took at 28-footer. It went in, so I guess in that sense their execution was good, but let's just say that was not a high percentage option.

No disagreement here, but it counts if it goes.

NYBri
03-19-2015, 06:41 PM
Today and tomorrow are the two best days of the year for hoops fans. Every year I'm reminded of that.

uh_no
03-19-2015, 06:50 PM
Today and tomorrow are the two best days of the year for hoops fans. Every year I'm reminded of that.

ehhhhh
I think saturday/sunday are better....it's when the top-ish teams start really playing eachother.

gofurman
03-19-2015, 06:53 PM
They should come up with a slogan for this craziness.

Today should serve notice. No one. Should be taken lightly. No one. Ever. Interesting - I swear the tourney closes the gap though. Duke beats a 12 (wofford) by 20-30 regular season. Let's see how we do tomorrow. Just seems tourney pressure weighs on the favorites. Come out and put the peddle to the metal. Kill the opponent. Hit em early and often. Do. Not. Let. Up. Ever.

ArtVandelay
03-19-2015, 07:16 PM
As an aside, the end-of-game execution in most of these early session contests has been abominable.

This. Multiple leads absolutely pissed away today. Lots of nerves, I guess, but it sure was ugly. Teams couldn't even inbound the ball in crunch time! Even Notre Dame, who held on for dear life, did their best to give it away. Let's hope it doesn't come to that for our boys and, if it does, they handle it with more aplomb.

hurleyfor3
03-19-2015, 07:27 PM
Do we get to start the "Big XII is overrated conversation" now? #HotSportsTakes

Now? It's been a thing since it was called the Big 8.

BTW, we got a gift goaltend against unlv in '91. Brian Davis, five or six minutes left in the game.

Newton_14
03-19-2015, 07:58 PM
And the 3 seed goes down!!!!! UAB takes out Iowa St.

unless theres a miracle
I am so kicking myself! I considered hard picking UAB and Georgia St and chickened out on both. The wife is mad. She was picking UAB and I told her to switch it to Iowa St. That did not go over well!

I went with a couple of the 12 over 5's and Georgetown losing instead. I imagine I will now go 0-3 on those brilliant selections. Gosh darnit!

Neals384
03-19-2015, 07:58 PM
On replay I thought that it still wasn't going to hit (or in fact had already missed) the rim. The wide angle shot was definitive for me. It was close though. Bad call for SMU but they really lost the game with an awful give-away against the press preceding the goaltend call and by not hitting 2 decent looks at shots afterward.

I think Brown had like 4 timeouts left over...coulda used one before that press. He musta been channeling Ol' Roy.

KandG
03-19-2015, 10:27 PM
It's already a very good day because ISU lost.

If Utah goes down later, it becomes a great day.

If UNC also loses to Harvard, then the day is perfect.

The latter happening would have made it perfect for me, but alas.

Utah held off SFA. Frankly, they looked impressive most of the game apart from a drought in the second half, and Poeltl is a load. Won't comment much more since Duke has to take care of who's in front of them first and foremost, but Utes probably scare me more than any other team remaining in this region.

dukelifer
03-19-2015, 11:04 PM
The latter happening would have made it perfect for me, but alas.

Utah held off SFA. Frankly, they looked impressive most of the game apart from a drought in the second half, and Poeltl is a load. Won't comment much more since Duke has to take care of who's in front of them first and foremost, but Utes probably scare me more than any other team remaining in this region.

Right now the Pac12 is looking like the best conference

sagegrouse
03-19-2015, 11:35 PM
Right now the Pac12 is looking like the best conference

Well, the ACC is 3-0.

Duvall
03-19-2015, 11:36 PM
Well, the ACC is 3-0.

By a combined six points, right?

Newton_14
03-19-2015, 11:38 PM
By a combined six points, right?
just win baby?
survive and advance?
scoreboard?

pfrduke
03-19-2015, 11:39 PM
By a combined six points, right?

7. Let's not shortchange us.

W&LHoo
03-19-2015, 11:42 PM
I am so kicking myself! I considered hard picking UAB and Georgia St and chickened out on both. The wife is mad. She was picking UAB and I told her to switch it to Iowa St. That did not go over well!

I went with a couple of the 12 over 5's and Georgetown losing instead. I imagine I will now go 0-3 on those brilliant selections. Gosh darnit!

I did the same thing. That's what happens when you spend all season being fed an ESPN prepared diet of discussion about how these Big 12 teams are battle tested behemoths.

sagegrouse
03-19-2015, 11:53 PM
I did the same thing. That's what happens when you spend all season being fed an ESPN prepared diet of discussion about how these Big 12 teams are battle tested behemoths.

If my noes are correct, the only Big 12 wins against ranked teams from the other major conferences (Big Five plus Big East) were Kansas over Georgetown (#22) and Utah (#19); Iowa State over Arkansas (#21) and West Virginia over Butler (#24). Yawn.

The only wins against top 15 teams were when the Big 12 teams beat each other.

Saratoga2
03-20-2015, 07:57 AM
If my noes are correct, the only Big 12 wins against ranked teams from the other major conferences (Big Five plus Big East) were Kansas over Georgetown (#22) and Utah (#19); Iowa State over Arkansas (#21) and West Virginia over Butler (#24). Yawn.

The only wins against top 15 teams were when the Big 12 teams beat each other.

The teams from Texas took a good old Lone Star I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this. kicking yesterday as well. Texas, Baylor, SMU, Texas Southern and SF Austin all went down. Must be their best players are recruited away from the state. No Texas products are left in the tourney unless you could the players recruited away from the state. I listened to the pundits and chose Texas and SFA as my upset specials. My mistake.

duke09hms
03-20-2015, 11:14 AM
If my noes are correct, the only Big 12 wins against ranked teams from the other major conferences (Big Five plus Big East) were Kansas over Georgetown (#22) and Utah (#19); Iowa State over Arkansas (#21) and West Virginia over Butler (#24). Yawn.

The only wins against top 15 teams were when the Big 12 teams beat each other.

Interesting, kind of reminds me of how the SEC is always strongly rated in college football. A few marquee OOC wins to support confirmation bias, and then big wins against each other demonstrating "how strong the SEC is."

ns7
03-20-2015, 11:26 AM
Interesting, kind of reminds me of how the SEC is always strongly rated in college football. A few marquee OOC wins to support confirmation bias, and then big wins against each other demonstrating "how strong the SEC is."

The SEC generally has the best record in bowl games despite playing the toughest slate. E.g., the #5 SEC team used to play the #2 ACC team in the Peach Bowl, yet that series was tied. Additionally, SEC teams are usually rated higher before conference play then they are after, indicating that they suffer from taking losses to each other.

Mal
03-20-2015, 11:53 AM
Right now the Pac12 is looking like the best conference

I'd wait until tomorrow morning before really getting into this topic. There's a better than average chance the ACC's 6-0 at that point, with 5 teams seeded as favorites to make the Sweet 16. The conference aggregate margin of victory should be a good bit higher than the current +7 after the first round's complete, too, if our boys do their job tonight.

dukelifer
03-20-2015, 09:23 PM
Davidson getting killed

Marc81
03-20-2015, 09:52 PM
Whose a more favorable matchup in this 8/9 game?

SCMatt33
03-20-2015, 09:52 PM
Who should I root for with this St. John's SDSU game? San Diego is clearly the better team overall with Obekpa out, but St. John's has better guards that can exploit Duke's weaknesses better, plus, we've already played them so they should have a much better idea for what they'd want to do in terms of a game plan. I'm leaning towards rooting St. John's, but not 100%

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-20-2015, 09:54 PM
According to ESPN.com, SDSU has 18 players on the roster and 16 have actually played this season. How is that possible?

BigZ
03-20-2015, 10:03 PM
Living in SD and having a roommate who is SDSU alumn I watch a lot of their games. This squad is not one of their better teams. I would describe them as a poor man's Louisville. Not much offense but physical defense. Play a lot of games in the 50s.

arnie
03-20-2015, 10:05 PM
Who should I root for with this St. John's SDSU game? San Diego is clearly the better team overall with Obekpa out, but St. John's has better guards that can exploit Duke's weaknesses better, plus, we've already played them so they should have a much better idea for what they'd want to do in terms of a game plan. I'm leaning towards rooting St. John's, but not 100%

Well Polee of Sdsu thinks he's the 2nd coming of Beau Beech and Pointer is clearly best ąthlete in tourney. We're doomed.

rsvman
03-20-2015, 10:22 PM
Kenpom says SDSU is the 4th best defensive team in the country (UVA number 2) and has an offense that is actually well worse than Louisville's. They are in the 170s in offensive efficiency on the season.

Granted they don't look like it right now.

gofurman
03-20-2015, 10:47 PM
Kenpom says SDSU is the 4th best defensive team in the country (UVA number 2) and has an offense that is actually well worse than Louisville's. They are in the 170s in offensive efficiency on the season.

Granted they don't look like it right now.

Watching the Game.. Who whould you rather play? I think SDSU. MY reason is that I don't think sdsu can keep shooting 3s like this and pointer on St Johns is a scary driver. I think we can guard 3s better than we guard nasty dribble penetration.

Thoughts?

gumbomoop
03-20-2015, 10:48 PM
If our opponent is SDSU, I'll be surprised if they don't Hackafor. They play lots of guys, and have some size. As one of the TV panels noted, as Duke goes further, Jahlil's FT-shooting is a major issue. I suppose StJ couldn't afford that approach, lacking size and depth.

pfrduke
03-20-2015, 10:53 PM
Watching the Game.. Who whould you rather play? I think SDSU. MY reason is that I don't think sdsu can keep shooting 3s like this and pointer on St Johns is a scary driver. I think we can guard 3s better than we guard nasty dribble penetration.

Thoughts?

I hesitate to take a position under the "be careful what you wish for" line of thinking. That said, in the abstract, I would far prefer to play offensively challenged but defensively strong teams than teams that have offensive skills and also play decent defense. I think our defense is good enough to stop bad offenses but vulnerable to good/decent offenses, and I like our offense against basically any defense.

rsvman
03-20-2015, 10:56 PM
I agree with gofurman, I think. Their season stats say they can't shoot threes this well. They'll revert to the mean at some point. Ideally they shoot jot of their minds for the rest of thus game and then revert on Sunday. That would be ideal.

FerryFor50
03-20-2015, 11:01 PM
I'd rather see St John's. Obekpa is suspended. Jah would have a field day.

Duvall
03-20-2015, 11:11 PM
Duke-San Diego State/St. John's tipping at 2:40 Sunday. (Probably later. Thirty minutes after Michigan State-Virginia at 12:10.)

Duvall
03-20-2015, 11:19 PM
These teams are just...gross.

KandG
03-20-2015, 11:32 PM
I hesitate to take a position under the "be careful what you wish for" line of thinking. That said, in the abstract, I would far prefer to play offensively challenged but defensively strong teams than teams that have offensive skills and also play decent defense. I think our defense is good enough to stop bad offenses but vulnerable to good/decent offenses, and I like our offense against basically any defense.

This tends to be my position as well, but I sure am conflicted watching the actual game. One moment I'm like "SDSU is doing too well! They'll give us fits!", the next moment I see St. John's flying around wildly on a fast break like toddlers on a sugar high, I think "Oh no, a crazy team that will just beat us down the floor non-stop when we lose focus".

Basically, I just want Duke to be ready on Sunday, no matter who it is. (And having watched Coach K's postgame press conference, I'm confident they will be). Figuring out the better matchup is too much stress. :-)

subzero02
03-20-2015, 11:35 PM
I am worried about SDSU... They are patient and athletic and long. We need our bigs to dominate.

grad_devil
03-20-2015, 11:50 PM
SDSU fans chanting "We want Duke" at the 54.3 second mark. Let's hope we give them what they want.

Duvall
03-20-2015, 11:51 PM
SDSU fans chanting "We want Duke" at the 54.3 second mark.

I mean, it's that or go home. That's how the bracket works.

moonpie23
03-20-2015, 11:51 PM
careful what you wish for

gofurman
03-21-2015, 12:09 AM
I hesitate to take a position under the "be careful what you wish for" line of thinking. That said, in the abstract, I would far prefer to play offensively challenged but defensively strong teams than teams that have offensive skills and also play decent defense. I think our defense is good enough to stop bad offenses but vulnerable to good/decent offenses, and I like our offense against basically any defense.

Yep. Someone else made a Louisville comparison. I'll take that analogy - I like playing teams that are 'supposedly' (not tonight( offensively challenged.

gofurman
03-21-2015, 12:11 AM
This tends to be my position as well, but I sure am conflicted watching the actual game. One moment I'm like "SDSU is doing too well! They'll give us fits!", the next moment I see St. John's flying around wildly on a fast break like toddlers on a sugar high, I think "Oh no, a crazy team that will just beat us down the floor non-stop when we lose focus".

Basically, I just want Duke to be ready on Sunday, no matter who it is. (And having watched Coach K's postgame press conference, I'm confident they will be). Figuring out the better matchup is too much stress. :-)

Where can I see the post game press conference? Thanks

brevity
03-21-2015, 12:22 AM
South Regional games this weekend (all times Eastern).

Saturday

12:10pm, CBS: (14) UAB vs. (11) UCLA
7:45pm, CBS: (5) Utah vs. (4) Georgetown

Sunday

2:40pm, CBS: (8) SDSU vs. (1) Duke
7:10pm, TBS: (7) Iowa vs. (2) Gonzaga

juise
03-21-2015, 12:54 PM
Tony Parker off to a great start against UAB. I hope he conserves some energy in the second half for what is likely to be an epic post-game presser (win or lose). ;)

MarkD83
03-21-2015, 12:56 PM
Well Polee of Sdsu thinks he's the 2nd coming of Beau Beech and Pointer is clearly best ąthlete in tourney. We're doomed.
Well since we only beat the team that beat North Fla by 29 and North Fla was clearly the best team in the tournament we are doomed.

DukieInBrasil
03-21-2015, 01:26 PM
Today's UAB vs. UCLA is the only all-upset game in the round of 32, and it's in Duke's branch. Should Duke be able to dispatch SDSU, then either UAB or UCLA will have done us a "favor" by eliminating the higher seed in the 1st round. In fact, no Region had more than 2 upsets in the 1st round, and Kentucky's Region had 0. Seems like Cindarella did not get invited to the Dance, well, outside of the UAB/UCLA game going on now.
I remember some were very worried about ISU, well they're gone. Don't remember anyone being too worried about SMU, but they're also gone. Regardless of who wins, either UAB or UCLA will have to play Iowa/Gonzaga. Should Duke progress that far, we'll get the winner of that game.

InSpades
03-21-2015, 05:45 PM
Can't fault your taste Tony Parker (in bracelets of course...):

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2404615-uclas-tony-parker-compliments-sideline-reporter-allie-laforce-during-interview?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national

KandG
03-21-2015, 10:15 PM
Today's UAB vs. UCLA is the only all-upset game in the round of 32, and it's in Duke's branch. Should Duke be able to dispatch SDSU, then either UAB or UCLA will have done us a "favor" by eliminating the higher seed in the 1st round. In fact, no Region had more than 2 upsets in the 1st round, and Kentucky's Region had 0. Seems like Cindarella did not get invited to the Dance, well, outside of the UAB/UCLA game going on now.
I remember some were very worried about ISU, well they're gone. Don't remember anyone being too worried about SMU, but they're also gone. Regardless of who wins, either UAB or UCLA will have to play Iowa/Gonzaga. Should Duke progress that far, we'll get the winner of that game.

The biggest worry at the time of this writing is San Diego State on Sunday, but assuming Duke is able to win tomorrow, the team fans should really be concerned just won tonight. Utah continues to look very impressive and according to Ken Pom would be pretty much a pick em in a match with Duke.

Good thing is K would have the better part of the week to plan for them if it gets that far. And that's all I'll say for now as I anxiously await the Sunday game. Go Duke!!

anonj
03-21-2015, 10:55 PM
I said it a few days ago but I still think Utah is the biggest obstacle in this bracket. They're a well-coached team who can execute on both ends of the floor as we saw tonight. Gonzaga is good but I thought from the beginning that Utah would be the road block from us getting to the Final Four.

Of course, all is mute is we don't take care of business against SDSU.

Duke3517
03-22-2015, 07:28 AM
I said it a few days ago but I still think Utah is the biggest obstacle in this bracket. They're a well-coached team who can execute on both ends of the floor as we saw tonight. Gonzaga is good but I thought from the beginning that Utah would be the road block from us getting to the Final Four.

Of course, all is mute is we don't take care of business against SDSU.

Utah has the bigs that can handle Okafor inside. Very scary matchup for Duke. It will be the toughest game they will play up to this point.

Anyone who thinks Duke has an easy road to the final four is terribly mistaken.

dukelifer
03-22-2015, 07:51 PM
Zags shooting 70 percent. Tough to beat a team that does not miss. They have talent for sure.

dukelifer
03-22-2015, 07:54 PM
Utah has the bigs that can handle Okafor inside. Very scary matchup for Duke. It will be the toughest game they will play up to this point.

Anyone who thinks Duke has an easy road to the final four is terribly mistaken.

They are all tough at this point in the season. Duke is battle tested. Just needs to play with focus and execute down the stretch.

dukelifer
03-22-2015, 08:49 PM
Zags shooting 70 percent. Tough to beat a team that does not miss. They have talent for sure.

Sabonis is a very good player. Very crafty with a high bball IQ. Played professionally for a while. Not great athletes but they pass and shoot well.

burnspbesq
03-22-2015, 09:18 PM
Gonzaga is very, very good.

dukelifer
03-22-2015, 09:19 PM
Sabonis is a very good player. Very crafty with a high bball IQ. Played professionally for a while. Not great athletes but they pass and shoot well.

Zags are very talented. They killed UCLA earlier in the year. I expect that they will advance. They are a tough out. Certainly capable of shooting lights out and they have good depth. Wiltjer is capable of dominating with his shooting from deep. Sabonis plays like a veteran. Duke needs to get past Utah but the Zags are not over- rated. Not by a long shot.