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pfrduke
03-15-2015, 05:47 PM
Discuss here (note - these threads will be opened once the brackets are announced).

hurleyfor3
03-15-2015, 06:33 PM
Bucky is the #1 and the weakest #1. Arizona is the #2. Regionals are Thursday/Saturday in downtown LA. Winner plays the Midwest (Kentucky's) region.

Unc/Harvard is the 4/13 game. Harvard vs. fake classes, gotta love it.

Dukehky
03-15-2015, 06:37 PM
Carolina has 11 losses and got a 4 seed. Hilarious. Complain away Heels.

duketaylor
03-15-2015, 06:49 PM
I think VCU got a very rough bracket.
UCLA is pitiful, thought Miami deserved bid before them.

gumbomoop
03-15-2015, 06:51 PM
Xavier as a 6-seed?

1999ballboy
03-15-2015, 06:53 PM
Gooooooo Tommy!

rsvman
03-15-2015, 07:29 PM
Go big red! What would be greater than to watch Harvard "school" UNC? :cool:

brevity
03-15-2015, 07:55 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. West 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

gurufrisbee
03-15-2015, 07:58 PM
Wisconsin is cake walking to the final four. Arizona, Baylor, NC, Arkansas, and Xavier are all seeded one to three seeds higher than they deserve.

CR9
03-15-2015, 08:20 PM
Might sound odd but I could see UNC giving Wiscy trouble. Very big team and Brice Johnson playing well. As we saw, Wisconsin aren't the best rebounding team and that's where UNC make their money.

FerryFor50
03-15-2015, 09:11 PM
Carolina has 11 losses and got a 4 seed. Hilarious. Complain away Heels.

They already are - they're complaining about Duke's easy road, forgetting that Duke actually EARNED the easy road. Doesn't beating two of the #2 seeds, a 7 seed and a 4 seed twice count for anything?

I swear - if Duke had a bracket full of Kentucky teams, people would still complain about Duke's "easy road."

Anyway, here's the first round games that I think could be upsets:

Arkansas (5) vs Wofford (12) - None of the analysts on Bracketology think Arkansas loses this. But Wofford played Duke tough at Cameron for a bit before Duke pulled away. And Arkansas played in a weak SEC...

Xavier (6) vs BYU/Ole Miss (11) - If BYU gets by Ole Miss, I think you mark this down as an upset. Ole Miss is more of a toss up.

Baylor (3) vs Georgia St (14) - If Ryan Harrow plays, this upset could happen. RJ Hunter is an NBA draft prospect and Ga State also has Kevin Ware (remember him?). However, Harrow didn't play in the Sun Belt championship and only logged 6 minutes the game prior. If he doesn't play, I don't see an upset happening.

Newton_14
03-15-2015, 09:58 PM
Wisconsin is cake walking to the final four. Arizona, Baylor, NC, Arkansas, and Xavier are all seeded one to three seeds higher than they deserve.
Good luck with that prediction. No one "cakewalks" to a FF these days. Not since 2009 Unc with illegal players anyway.

gurufrisbee
03-15-2015, 10:03 PM
Good luck with that prediction. No one "cakewalks" to a FF these days. Not since 2009 Unc with illegal players anyway.

Florida did last year. And when their bracket came out it looked the exact same - everyone else was overseeded and no one looked like they would seriously be a challenge to them.

jipops
03-15-2015, 11:21 PM
A lot of talking heads picking unc in this one.

Duvall
03-16-2015, 12:38 AM
A lot of talking heads picking unc in this one.

Name names, we could use the laugh. Even if UNC reached the regional final Arizona would smoke them.

jipops
03-17-2015, 02:52 PM
Name names, we could use the laugh. Even if UNC reached the regional final Arizona would smoke them.

Hmm, some of them must have changed their picks since I posted that. Now I just see Len Elmore.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12487775/experts-picks-final-four-national-champion-ncaa-tournament

Bluedog
03-19-2015, 03:51 PM
What a shot by Georgia St to win it!! Pretty terrible play really, but just nailed it from 30 feet. Somehow this thread was on page 3...let's move it up! Ouch for the Big 12...

brevity
03-19-2015, 03:55 PM
Calling it now: any version of "One Shining Moment" that does not include RJ Hunter's shot and Ron Hunter falling off his stool in the background is a complete fail.

jv001
03-19-2015, 03:56 PM
What a shot by Georgia St to win it!! Pretty terrible play really, but just nailed it from 30 feet. Somehow this thread was on page 3...let's move it up! Ouch for the Big 12...

Now that's a Bracket Buster. I should not have listened to the know it all talking media telling me how good Baylor and the Big 12 is. GoDuke!

dukelion
03-19-2015, 03:57 PM
Man....I guess the Big 12 wasn't the best conference this year.:cool:

FerryFor50
03-19-2015, 03:58 PM
They already are - they're complaining about Duke's easy road, forgetting that Duke actually EARNED the easy road. Doesn't beating two of the #2 seeds, a 7 seed and a 4 seed twice count for anything?

I swear - if Duke had a bracket full of Kentucky teams, people would still complain about Duke's "easy road."

Anyway, here's the first round games that I think could be upsets:

Arkansas (5) vs Wofford (12) - None of the analysts on Bracketology think Arkansas loses this. But Wofford played Duke tough at Cameron for a bit before Duke pulled away. And Arkansas played in a weak SEC...

Xavier (6) vs BYU/Ole Miss (11) - If BYU gets by Ole Miss, I think you mark this down as an upset. Ole Miss is more of a toss up.

Baylor (3) vs Georgia St (14) - If Ryan Harrow plays, this upset could happen. RJ Hunter is an NBA draft prospect and Ga State also has Kevin Ware (remember him?). However, Harrow didn't play in the Sun Belt championship and only logged 6 minutes the game prior. If he doesn't play, I don't see an upset happening.

Another one I thought was possible, but only if Harrow played. He didn't play and Ga St still pulled it out. Strange things happen when you have an NBA prospect on your team. :)

uh_no
03-19-2015, 04:05 PM
Good luck with that prediction. No one "cakewalks" to a FF these days. Not since 2009 Unc with illegal players anyway.

shenanigans.

UNC beat a very very good blake griffin lead oklahoma.

tbyers11
03-19-2015, 04:15 PM
What a shot by Georgia St to win it!! Pretty terrible play really, but just nailed it from 30 feet. Somehow this thread was on page 3...let's move it up! Ouch for the Big 12...

Yeah, RJ Hunter's shot was the ultimate "What the @#%^*& are you doing?... ...Great shot, awesome shot" moment. Knocked his dad off his stool.

How does Baylor not throw a much longer pass directly off the inbounds (into the front court a la Laettner, Bryce Drew, Tate George) with only 2.7 secs left? It still might not work but it gives you a much better chance than a player catching the ball 70 feet from the basket and chucking a prayer from half court.

Baylor got outscored 13-0 over the last 3 minutes of the game.

gcashwell
03-19-2015, 04:31 PM
Baylor got outscored 13-0 over the last 3 minutes of the game.
12 of that was RJ Hunter, who had 4 points in the game at the time.

Mal
03-19-2015, 04:35 PM
Florida did last year. And when their bracket came out it looked the exact same - everyone else was overseeded and no one looked like they would seriously be a challenge to them.

Kansas '08, too. Beat the 16, 8, 12 and 10 (which did feature Steph Curry, but he was a sophomore) seeds to reach the FF. They do get credit for winning it all, and more importantly, for stomping UNC and making Billy Packer declare "This game is OVER" 12 minutes into the game. Arguably UConn in '04, too.

But both of those were because of busted brackets, not that it just appeared from the outset that there was really no one in their region who would have more than a 1 in 3 chance at beating them.

Danke Shane
03-19-2015, 05:00 PM
Was it missed front ends of 1-and-1's that did Baylor in?

sagegrouse
03-19-2015, 05:33 PM
Was it missed front ends of 1-and-1's that did Baylor in?

Baylor quit playing offense and tried to nurse its lead. Not a good strategy in the go-for-broke NCAA Tournament.

gotoguy
03-19-2015, 05:38 PM
Was it missed front ends of 1-and-1's that did Baylor in?
We'll be seeing that replay for years to come. Go Panthers! Big excitement here in the ATL. I picked 'em to win this one, Ha! Of course I also picked Iowa State to win three. Ouch...

A quick review of the box score reveals 21 Baylor turnovers to 6 for the Panthers.

Bob Green
03-19-2015, 05:41 PM
Ohio State is clawing its way back against VCU. Score is 28-23. VCU has had a double digit lead in the 1st half.

wilson
03-19-2015, 06:08 PM
...They do get credit for winning it all, and more importantly, for stomping UNC and making Billy Packer declare "This game is OVER" 12 minutes into the game.I was in Charleston, SC for a bachelor party that weekend with a bunch of Duke buddies. We watched the Kansas-unc game in a bar, right next to a bunch of shrieking young carolina grads who were there for a bachelorette party. By halftime, several of them were crying...like, actually crying real tears.
I know that it's ugly of me to take pleasure in others' misfortune, but that was very possibly the most fun I've ever had watching a non-Duke game.

NSDukeFan
03-19-2015, 06:27 PM
I am really enjoying watching Xavier and especially Stainbrook play. I believe they have. Been one of the most successful programs in the last decade or so.

subzero02
03-19-2015, 07:30 PM
Amaker has a great opportunity tonight. UNC is vulnerable on the glass... Keep it close and limit turnovers and fouls away from the basket. Johnson presents a huge challenge for the Crimson. He's been balling lately... It's a shame to see such a pretty game played in a hideous uniform.

dukelifer
03-19-2015, 07:55 PM
Amaker has a great opportunity tonight. UNC is vulnerable on the glass... Keep it close and limit turnovers and fouls away from the basket. Johnson presents a huge challenge for the Crimson. He's been balling lately... It's a shame to see such a pretty game played in a hideous uniform.

Doubt it will happen

Duvall
03-19-2015, 08:01 PM
*Wheat fumes silently about leg kicks*

pfrduke
03-19-2015, 09:04 PM
Amaker has a great opportunity tonight. UNC is vulnerable on the glass... Keep it close and limit turnovers and fouls away from the basket. Johnson presents a huge challenge for the Crimson. He's been balling lately... It's a shame to see such a pretty game played in a hideous uniform.

This statement confuses me. I would describe UNC as vulnerable everywhere except on the glass.

FerryFor50
03-19-2015, 09:06 PM
I have now seen Meeks draw 3 fouls on post contact that is way less than Jah gets on a regular basis. One of the fouls he drew, he actually elbowed the post defender in the chest.

Can we get these refs the rest of the tourny if they're actually going to call post fouls?

subzero02
03-19-2015, 09:11 PM
Doubt it will happen

But you're saying... There's a chance...

subzero02
03-19-2015, 09:14 PM
This statement confuses me. I would describe UNC as vulnerable everywhere except on the glass.

They have given up a lot offensive rebounds in some games this year... UNC is a strong team on the offensive not so great on the defensive glass..

pfrduke
03-19-2015, 09:16 PM
They have given up a lot offensive rebounds in some games this year... UNC is a strong team on the offensive not so great on the defensive glass..

And Harvard is having a decent offensive rebounding game, so fair point.

OldPhiKap
03-19-2015, 09:17 PM
What is the proper not-going-to-jinx-it protocol for the NCAA?

FerryFor50
03-19-2015, 09:17 PM
What is the proper not-going-to-jinx-it protocol for the NCAA?

You don't talk about Fight Club

neuro
03-19-2015, 09:24 PM
Fight Club? What fight club?

P.S. When does the NCAA tournament start, this weekend or next? I've been busy and the calendar sort of sneaked up on me.

Duke79UNLV77
03-19-2015, 09:25 PM
Don't know why college teams don't do it.

FerryFor50
03-19-2015, 09:26 PM
Garbage call at the end there.

Meeks just fell down.

neuro
03-19-2015, 09:27 PM
Really? I mean, REALLY?!??!

Sigh... Great game by Harvard and Amaker.

weezie
03-19-2015, 09:27 PM
Miserable awful holes. Just loathe them to hell.

FerryFor50
03-19-2015, 09:28 PM
Sigh. Terrible sequences down the stretch there. Fast break basket to put UNC ahead and a few forced contested threes. Stinks.

I was so ready to post this GIF:

4891

burnspbesq
03-19-2015, 09:29 PM
Two bad calls at the end.

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-19-2015, 09:31 PM
That was completely my fault. I refused to watch during their comeback. Just checked score. And then decided to watch the last minute when I saw the good guys were up. Just couldn't help myself. Dangit. Why couldn't I just have watched the replay later!?!

subzero02
03-19-2015, 09:32 PM
It would've been nice if Harvard had run some better offensive sets in the last minute...

Billy Dat
03-19-2015, 09:34 PM
They coulda been the Duke of the North, alas...

_Gary
03-19-2015, 09:34 PM
Bad plays by Harvard, combined with a garbage call, and UNC gets a gift win. But that's no surprise. Typical win for the Cheaters.

OldPhiKap
03-19-2015, 09:36 PM
FWIW I thought the calls were correct.

Harvard had some shots but missed. Paige hits big shot. Good game, wrong team won.

rsvman
03-19-2015, 09:36 PM
Wow. That took a sudden turn for the worse, didn't it?

brevity
03-19-2015, 09:37 PM
Amaker has a great opportunity tonight. UNC is vulnerable on the glass...


This statement confuses me. I would describe UNC as vulnerable everywhere except on the glass.

Must be an autocorrect problem. subzero02 meant to type "UNC is vulnerable in the class".

OldPhiKap
03-19-2015, 09:44 PM
From the only Terp I like, Mr. Norman Chad:

@NormanChad: If North Carolina somehow outsmarts Harvard down the stretch here, I assume it will involve academic advisors Roy Williams is unaware of.

https://twitter.com/normanchad/status/578726063280279553

FerryFor50
03-19-2015, 09:44 PM
FWIW I thought the calls were correct.

Harvard had some shots but missed. Paige hits big shot. Good game, wrong team won.

That foul at the end where Meeks just fell down was trash.

OldPhiKap
03-19-2015, 09:51 PM
That foul at the end where Meeks just fell down was trash.

If that is the over the back call at the end, it was a standard call. I would certainly not call that an abhorrent call. Harvard guy clearly bodied from behind. If Meeks sold it too, that doesn't mean it was a bad call. Again, just IMHO.

NYBri
03-19-2015, 09:53 PM
Bad end of game management and execution by Tommy and the students.

Sucks.

Kfanarmy
03-19-2015, 10:10 PM
Bad end of game management and execution by Tommy and the students.

Sucks.

I don't see that. Good game. they had ball with 11 seconds left and a chance to win.

ncexnyc
03-19-2015, 10:12 PM
As much as I hate to admit it, I was pulling for the heels. My bracket's in bad enough shape as it is and a loss by the heels would have been devastating. Cincy lucking out also helped saved my day from being a total bust. Of course the wuffies aren't helping my cause any.

turnandburn55
03-19-2015, 10:23 PM
As much as I hate to admit it, I was pulling for the heels. My bracket's in bad enough shape as it is and a loss by the heels would have been devastating. Cincy lucking out also helped saved my day from being a total bust. Of course the wuffies aren't helping my cause any.

Bah, humbug. Who wants to make money off the Cheaters winning?

I had a different rule for my office bracket. $5 buy-in, $0.50 additional charge for every UNC win predicted.

Tough, but fair.

We'll call it a sociological study on the power of incentives.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-19-2015, 10:24 PM
If that is the over the back call at the end, it was a standard call. I would certainly not call that an abhorrent call. Harvard guy clearly bodied from behind. If Meeks sold it too, that doesn't mean it was a bad call. Again, just IMHO.

Agreed. Called soft fouls throughout.

_Gary
03-19-2015, 10:26 PM
As much as I hate to admit it, I was pulling for the heels. My bracket's in bad enough shape as it is and a loss by the heels would have been devastating. Cincy lucking out also helped saved my day from being a total bust. Of course the wuffies aren't helping my cause any.

What the heck?!!! And you have more sporks than me?

Never, never, never, never will I root for the Heels! Under any circumstances (including against UK this year). Not gonna happen for any reason imaginable or unimaginable.

_Gary
03-19-2015, 10:28 PM
If that is the over the back call at the end, it was a standard call. I would certainly not call that an abhorrent call. Harvard guy clearly bodied from behind. If Meeks sold it too, that doesn't mean it was a bad call. Again, just IMHO.

I disagree, but not vehemently enough to argue about it. But what I saw was two guys equally going for a loose/long rebound. A no-call in that situation. But since it was UNC that was in danger of losing, the refs did what they are always trained to do - pull the Heel's butts out of the fire to fight another day. That's page 17 of the NCAA Official's rulebook. :)

brevity
03-19-2015, 10:31 PM
As much as I hate to admit it, I was pulling for the heels. My bracket's in bad enough shape as it is and a loss by the heels would have been devastating. Cincy lucking out also helped saved my day from being a total bust. Of course the wuffies aren't helping my cause any.

Thanks for the perspective. UNC's win to end Tommy Amaker's season became a lot more acceptable once I realized that it made your personal bracket a little less bad.

-jk
03-19-2015, 11:40 PM
Corey says: "Huh? No T?"

subzero02
03-19-2015, 11:44 PM
Arkansas player has a nice dunk and poses afterwards... Wofford goes down and drills a a poorly guarded 3... Arkansas is very talented but I don't think everyone(qualls) gets it.

Newton_14
03-20-2015, 12:00 AM
Arkansas player has a nice dunk and poses afterwards... Wofford goes down and drills a a poorly guarded 3... Arkansas is very talented but I don't think everyone(qualls) gets it.

Qualls elbowed the crap out of that one kid too and they called the freakin foul on the Wofford kid that got elbowed. Should have been a Flagrant 1 against Qualls. Little guy screwed again.

Come on Wofford! Pull this out! YOu have just as good a chance to beat the cheats as Arkansas does.

Newton_14
03-20-2015, 12:03 AM
omg now they are just making crap up to call on Wofford. Phantom fouls. God I hate college refs.

subzero02
03-20-2015, 12:12 AM
The west region could've been blown up today

Ultrarunner
03-20-2015, 12:14 AM
Qualls elbowed the crap out of that one kid too and they called the freakin foul on the Wofford kid that got elbowed. Should have been a Flagrant 1 against Qualls. Little guy screwed again.

Come on Wofford! Pull this out! YOu have just as good a chance to beat the cheats as Arkansas does.

It's not like that's reviewa--oh, wait, that is. Maybe they only call it on the third shot to the head.

gofurman
03-20-2015, 12:26 AM
See my handle. I live 25 miles from Wofford and some of my extended family went there. Several actually. Great academic school. I was torn. You have to pull for the underdog (Wofford) but I knew from Duke playing them that Wofford couldn't withstand UNCs size. So I was very torn. The smaller academic underdog thing was on display when Qualls dunked and then showboated leaving Wofford to a transition 3. IE, Arkansas more athletic. Wofford smarter and better coached. I was so torn. I want UNC to lose and Arkansas has a better chance to beat cheats though I don't think either Wofford or Arkansas would have beat the cheats.

Go Arkansas. UNC better not win more than one more game. No more than the sweet sixteen. Please

Not big on moral victories but Wofford should be proud. Most of their guys are 6'2 or so. Just unreal how well they play

Mal
03-20-2015, 11:38 AM
Anything can and will happen, of course, but I think all y'all are overly worried about UNC. They would have oversized and outathleted Wofford, and Roy's style is a great matchup against Arkansas' press, so Harvard had the best odds in their pod at beating them (and almost did). No offense to Tommy's team, but that's a pretty easy route to the Sweet 16. Regardless, Wisconsin looms and is not a good matchup for UNC - they won't be able to stop either Kaminski or Decker.

brevity
03-21-2015, 12:37 AM
West Regional games this weekend (all times Eastern).

Saturday

5:15pm, CBS: (10) Ohio State vs. (2) Arizona
6:10pm, TNT: (14) Georgia State vs. (6) Xavier
8:40pm, TNT*: (5) Arkansas vs. (4) UNC

Sunday

7:45pm, TruTV: (8) Oregon vs. (1) Wisconsin

* Also broadcasting on select TV screens in Hell's waiting room, and on the iHell app.

hurleyfor3
03-21-2015, 12:44 AM
* Also broadcasting on select TV screens in Hell's waiting room, and on the iHell app.

No, that's every teevee in hell. You think you have a choice what to watch there?

brevity
03-21-2015, 12:55 AM
* Also broadcasting on select TV screens in Hell's waiting room, and on the iHell app.


No, that's every teevee in hell. You think you have a choice what to watch there?

You lack a proper understanding of Hell.

http://media.giphy.com/media/UJR3QgkMnm7tu/giphy.gif

The waiting rooms are the nicest part. They give you the impression that Hell keeps up on current events. But once you get in, you learn the truth: all Four Corners basketball, all the time.

4895

CR9
03-21-2015, 05:53 PM
Arizona aren't usually this poor offensively, are they? :o

dukelifer
03-21-2015, 05:54 PM
Arizona aren't usually this poor offensively, are they? :o

Let's hope not as I have them beating KY

CR9
03-21-2015, 06:00 PM
Let's hope not as I have them beating KY

As do I. Do they start 4 post players and McConnell? Cause that's what it seems like. I don't think they've attempted a jump shot.

dukelion
03-21-2015, 07:24 PM
Don't get the D'angelo Russell hype.

Good offensive skills but average size and athleticism for the position. Also a bit streaky....seems destined to be a volume scorer in the NBA. First round pick yes but #2 overall?

No way

Troublemaker
03-21-2015, 07:35 PM
Don't get the D'angelo Russell hype.

Good offensive skills but average size and athleticism for the position. Also a bit streaky....seems destined to be a volume scorer in the NBA. First round pick yes but #2 overall?

No way

I wouldn't judge him by this game. Over the season, he's been a great, efficient college player. I don't think he'll be an inefficient volume scorer; on the contrary, he's going to be an efficient combo guard. His ability to play both point and SG will fit in very nicely with the NBA that more and more values positional versatility.

mr. synellinden
03-21-2015, 08:15 PM
Don't get the D'angelo Russell hype.

Good offensive skills but average size and athleticism for the position. Also a bit streaky....seems destined to be a volume scorer in the NBA. First round pick yes but #2 overall?

No way

The star freshmen - Russell and Johnson - went a combined 4-31 in this game. And both will be top 7 picks in the NBA draft.

subzero02
03-21-2015, 08:35 PM
Russell is a superb passer. Go Hogs!!!

OldPhiKap
03-21-2015, 10:16 PM
UNC-Hogs is a special kind of ugly right now.

Duke79UNLV77
03-21-2015, 10:18 PM
UNC-Hogs is a special kind of ugly right now.

I assume you are referring to Ole Roy's sport coat?

pfrduke
03-21-2015, 10:20 PM
4 on Meeks + 3 on Hicks = steady diet of Joel James

subzero02
03-21-2015, 10:22 PM
Yeah, Roy got into Wimp Sanderon's closet this morning

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-21-2015, 10:36 PM
Refs in a whistling contest here in second half

Wheat/"/"/"
03-21-2015, 11:19 PM
Nate Britt just helped his team reach the sweet 16 when his quickness and steady ball handling was needed in a big game.

Call him "mediocre" if you like, I call him a winner.

OldPhiKap
03-21-2015, 11:21 PM
Nate Britt just helped his team reach the sweet 16 when his quickness and steady ball handling was needed in a big game.

Call him "mediocre" if you like, I call him a winner.

Heels played better tonight, they will continue to be a tough out.

Ky rematch will be interesting.

tbyers11
03-21-2015, 11:23 PM
Heels played better tonight, they will continue to be a tough out.

Ky rematch will be interesting.

Man, I hope there is not a UK rematch as that would mean UNC would have made the Final Four. The presumptive next game against Wisconsin will be quite interesting however.

OldPhiKap
03-21-2015, 11:24 PM
Man, I hope there is not a UK rematch as that would mean UNC would have made the Final Four. The presumptive next game against Wisconsin will be quite interesting however.

Yup, brain fart. Thinking UNc was Ky's 4.

Whisky would be a tough game, that could be fun.

tbyers11
03-21-2015, 11:28 PM
Yup, brain fart. Thinking UNc was Ky's 4.

Whisky would be a tough game, that could be fun.

I was wondering if whiskey was responsible for you forgetting Wisky:D

gumbomoop
03-21-2015, 11:41 PM
I don't know a lot about Coach Mike Anderson. And I didn't see the first half of the game, so I don't know whether the play I will describe happened even once then. If it did, all the worse.

Heels are absolutely consistent at O-rebounding strategy on their own FTs, even, it's fair to say, famous for it: the 2 Heels on the line do not try to grab it unless it literally falls right into their hands. Rather, they and their teammates know the drill: rebounders will leap and tip the ball back out toward halfcourt.

In last 10-12 minutes, tight game, they successfully executed this tactic 3 times. Fool me once, fool me twice, etc. The third time, the players and their coach look like fools. Heels got 3 extra possessions.

I'd think a good coach would have his players prepared. The proper FT-line defense against this Heel tactic is: (1) Inside rebounders are prepared, thinking about what Heel rebounders intend to do. (2) Defense places a single defender to block out FT shooter. (3) Other 2 defenders are also prepared, thinking, knowing to a certainty what the Heel strategy will be in this situation, every time; these last 2 defenders are positioned out on each side above the top of key, so that if their blocking-out teammates are incompetent blockheads, they can save the day by intercepting the tap back.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-21-2015, 11:55 PM
UNC did show better toughness tonight fighting through contact and putting some really questionable foul calls behind them and playing on.

Inspired effort defensively from them all game.

And it's nice to have a big time player like Paige on your side.

Johnson has had two games in a row now where his shot is not falling...lots of rim outs...and they have still won. That bodes well to me for the next game, he's due to shoot better and UNC is pretty good when he scores.

I'll also credit Roy for his adjustments throughout this game...and his overall strategy during the year to play guys like Britt and James and then have them ready at tourney time ...He had the confidence to use them when the situation demanded it.

I think we'll see more of James's value soon if they get Wisky.

JBDuke
03-22-2015, 12:48 AM
Any post-game report on Meeks's knee? Getting hit from the side like that can be pretty dangerous. I want Carolina to lose as soon as possible, but I don't want it to be because a key player got hurt.

gofurman
03-22-2015, 12:54 AM
Any post-game report on Meeks's knee? Getting hit from the side like that can be pretty dangerous. I want Carolina to lose as soon as possible, but I don't want it to be because a key player got hurt.

Wiscy. Maybe az. Tough road for UNC.

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-22-2015, 01:06 AM
Any post-game report on Meeks's knee? Getting hit from the side like that can be pretty dangerous. I want Carolina to lose as soon as possible, but I don't want it to be because a key player got hurt.
The initial report after they took him back was a sprain.

brevity
03-22-2015, 01:37 AM
The initial report after they took him back was a sprain.

Here's a link (http://beta.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12535851/kennedy-meeks-north-carolina-tar-heels-sprains-knee-win-arkansas) to an ESPN story, which I may have embellished below.


Coach Roy Williams said after the game Meeks will undergo further testing when the team arrives back in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to confirm the extent of the injury.

"Kennedy has a knee sprain. That's all we're saying right now," Williams said. "We think that's all it is, but we'll get some X-rays or MRIs or both when we get back and find out what it is. I feel bad because it was his turn to pick the restaurant."

I'm terrible, I know. Get well soon.

Newton_14
03-22-2015, 02:08 AM
Don't get the D'angelo Russell hype.

Good offensive skills but average size and athleticism for the position. Also a bit streaky....seems destined to be a volume scorer in the NBA. First round pick yes but #2 overall?

No way


I wouldn't judge him by this game. Over the season, he's been a great, efficient college player. I don't think he'll be an inefficient volume scorer; on the contrary, he's going to be an efficient combo guard. His ability to play both point and SG will fit in very nicely with the NBA that more and more values positional versatility.

Maybe it's me? I have sit down to watch OSU and specifically this kid about 3 times total this season and every time he did nothing. I don't doubt that he is good. Wish I could have seen it in college. I guess tonight was my last chance though. Either way, no way I draft him over Okafor. Towns, maybe, and only because he can defend, run, and jump.. Oak is definitely better on offense.

Heck, maybe Russell does go 2nd because Jah comes back to get in better shape and try to get better defensively. I love him to death but the grind of the 82 game NBA season would put the hurt on him in his current body condition. However, when he molds that body into muscle with less body fat he will destroy guys in the low post.

slower
03-22-2015, 07:21 AM
Call him "mediocre" if you like, I call him a winner.

You can call him macaroni if you like. We're just happy that he brings such joy to your life. And that you share it with us, of course.

Troublemaker
03-22-2015, 09:16 AM
I think we'll see more of James's value soon if they get Wisky.

Really? Wouldn't Kaminsky just face him up and go by?

That said, let's hope Wisconsin gets there.

Congrats on the Sweet 16, Wheat

CDu
03-22-2015, 09:27 AM
Really? Wouldn't Kaminsky just face him up and go by?

That said, let's hope Wisconsin gets there.

Congrats on the Sweet 16, Wheat

Yeah, I get the sense from his post that Wheat hasn't seen any Wisconsin games. That is a terrible matchup for James, as all of Wisconsin's bigs can expose his cement-block feet from the perimeter.

James is best suited when he can bang in the post. It allows him to maximize his strength (his size and physicality) and minimize his weakness (pretty much everything else). But get him away from the paint and you see how slow and awkward/clumsy he is. Wisconsin's bigs love to face up from 3pt range and take you off the dribble. That's a recipe for a lot of blow-by moves by Bucky and/or a lot of reaching fouls by James.

And yes, Britt is still very much mediocre, even though he had a very nice game off the bench yesterday. Having one solid game every five or six games doesn't make you more than mediocre.

I do think that the UNC season ends in their next game.

rocketeli
03-22-2015, 11:48 AM
UNC went small and had more success--seems like we've seen that happen before...in, oh last season? Of course Roy is such a size...aficionado that it took all the big men fouling out and/or getting injured and Hubert Davis apparently begging him to get him to do it.

Troublemaker
03-22-2015, 09:44 PM
Hmmm... hopefully this thread bump jinxes it. I don't want UNC to Duck a strong opponent and don't want Duke fans in NC to be Badgered at work about how the Heels are going to the Elite 8.

CDu
03-22-2015, 10:01 PM
UNC went small and had more success--seems like we've seen that happen before...in, oh last season? Of course Roy is such a size...aficionado that it took all the big men fouling out and/or getting injured and Hubert Davis apparently begging him to get him to do it.

The strange thing is that with Hicks and Tokoto and Jackson he has a lot of options to run an effective smallball lineup. Instea, he insists on trotting out the lumbering, bumbling Joel James, who restricts their defensive and offensive flexibility.

SCMatt33
03-22-2015, 10:34 PM
Bucky has to deal with that dreaded late game Sunday, early game Thursday while travelling 2000 miles turnaround for this game. Good news for them that UNC is travelling 3000 miles even with the extra rest. Don't think Bo Ryan is going to be running any super tough practices this week.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-23-2015, 11:30 AM
The strange thing is that with Hicks and Tokoto and Jackson he has a lot of options to run an effective smallball lineup. Instea, he insists on trotting out the lumbering, bumbling Joel James, who restricts their defensive and offensive flexibility.

Roy must be a great coach to get a team of mediocre, bumbling, lumbering, servicable players to the sweet sixteen, wouldn't you say?

FerryFor50
03-23-2015, 11:31 AM
Roy must be a great coach to get a team of mediocre, bumbling, lumbering, servicable players to the sweet sixteen, wouldn't you say?

lol

Barely got there. And the Arkansas matchup was ideal for UNC. They'd have had more trouble with one of the other 5 seeds.

OldPhiKap
03-23-2015, 11:33 AM
I would say that a healthy Marcus Paige has more to do with Carolina's improved play than coaching.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-23-2015, 01:56 PM
I would say that a healthy Marcus Paige has more to do with Carolina's improved play than coaching.

Good players always make a coach look better....which is sort of my sarcastic point responding to the continued disrespect I see regarding the preceived lack of talent deeper in UNC's depth chart from some posters.

Duvall
03-23-2015, 02:09 PM
I would say that a healthy Marcus Paige has more to do with Carolina's improved play than coaching.

Health, or a streaky shooter now in the better kind of streak.

AIRFORCEDUKIE
03-23-2015, 02:10 PM
Good players always make a coach look better....which is sort of my sarcastic point responding to the continued disrespect I see regarding the preceived lack of talent deeper in UNC's depth chart from some posters.

I posted this in another thread, but Roy has done a fantastic job with this group, they are playing their best ball right now. Getting to the sweet 16 no matter who you play is no easy task. This is just Duke bias when we say we don't like Roy or any of the players ;) I for one am impressed by having All three triangle teams in the sweet 16. Now it doesn't even have to be said that UNC has a gauntlet to go through to make it to the championship game, it could be Wisc, Arizona, and then UK!!! That would rival what Arizona did with Mike Bibby and Miles Simon, but it would actually be more impressive because Arizona played a 10 seed if I remember correctly. I don't think they will beat Wisconsin, but that is why they play the games. On any given day any team can beat the best team.

Now Duke Has a really hard road too, with UTAH and then possibly Gonzaga, I don't get how IC and the tool boxes over there say Duke has a cake walk, but that is also Carolina Bias. We only win if its given to us, just like you guys only win if you cheat lol. Anyway enjoy the tourney Wheat!!! I'd say good luck, but can't bring myself to do it :rolleyes:

davekay1971
03-23-2015, 02:26 PM
Roy must be a great coach to get a team of mediocre, bumbling, lumbering, servicable players to the sweet sixteen, wouldn't you say?

Dangerous to hinge opinion of a coach's greatness on NCAA tournament performance. Roy isn't any better or worse today than he would have been in Harvard's last second 3 had gone in, instead of out. Just as K isn't any better or worse than he would have been if Butler's last second 3 had done the same.

UNC, over the course of the season, has done a good job of winning the games they should win, but they haven't been able to rise up and punch above their weight class (their best wins were home over an overrated Louisville, and in the ACCT against more approriately ranked but undermanned Louisville and UVa squads). Their only bad loss was at Pitt, and an away ACC loss isn't a bad thing, while their home shellacking by NCSU just goes along with NCSU's mojo, this season, of being completely unpredictable. I don't see this UNC team being able to beat a healthy Wisconsin squad on a neutral court. They just haven't showed the ability this season to play significantly above their level. If they beat Wisconsin, however, you'll have to start wondering if they're putting it all together at the right time (God forbid).

CDu
03-23-2015, 02:34 PM
Roy must be a great coach to get a team of mediocre, bumbling, lumbering, servicable players to the sweet sixteen, wouldn't you say?

To be fair, I have only said Britt is mediocre and James is bumbling. And I absolutely stand by those statements. But Paige and Johnson are borderline elite players (Paige was elite last year, this year he hasn't played as well), and Tokoto, Meeks, and (now that he's rounding into form) Jackson are very good players. Hicks, Pinson, and Berry are a clear step down from those guys, but they have promise. I think Roy plays Britt a bit too much and James way too much, but it isn't like they are completely bereft of talent. They don't have enough elite players to be a top-5 or top-10 team, but they have several very good players and are a top-20 team in terms of talent. If they played their top seven guys (Paige, Johnson, Meeks, Tokoto, Jackson, Berry, and Hicks) more and their 8th (Britt), 9th (Pinson), and 10th (James) guys less, they'd be closer to a top-10 team than a back-end-of-the-top-20 team.

Roy has done a solid job this year in getting a top-20 team to the sweet-16, though it's worth noting that he did so by beating a 13 seed and an overseeded Arkansas team. I don't think this group needed a great coach to get them past Harvard and Arkansas. So, no, I wouldn't say that Roy must be a great coach because this team is in the Sweet-16.

Kedsy
03-23-2015, 03:11 PM
That would rival what Arizona did with Mike Bibby and Miles Simon, but it would actually be more impressive because Arizona played a 10 seed if I remember correctly.

Yeah, the 1997 Arizona team played three double-digit seeds (13, 12, and 10) and three #1 seeds.

1 24 90
03-23-2015, 03:45 PM
Maybe it's me? I have sit down to watch OSU and specifically this kid about 3 times total this season and every time he did nothing. I don't doubt that he is good. Wish I could have seen it in college. I guess tonight was my last chance though. Either way, no way I draft him over Okafor. Towns, maybe, and only because he can defend, run, and jump.. Oak is definitely better on offense.

Heck, maybe Russell does go 2nd because Jah comes back to get in better shape and try to get better defensively. I love him to death but the grind of the 82 game NBA season would put the hurt on him in his current body condition. However, when he molds that body into muscle with less body fat he will destroy guys in the low post.

http://http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/3136776/dangelo-russell (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/3136776/dangelo-russell)

Russell feasted on OSU's overall cupcake schedule and struggled in most of the games they played against quality competition. He has talent but I never thought he was in the conversation with Okafor and Kaminsky even though the media gushed about him.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-23-2015, 03:59 PM
I posted this in another thread, but Roy has done a fantastic job with this group, they are playing their best ball right now. Getting to the sweet 16 no matter who you play is no easy task. This is just Duke bias when we say we don't like Roy or any of the players ;) I for one am impressed by having All three triangle teams in the sweet 16. Now it doesn't even have to be said that UNC has a gauntlet to go through to make it to the championship game, it could be Wisc, Arizona, and then UK!!! That would rival what Arizona did with Mike Bibby and Miles Simon, but it would actually be more impressive because Arizona played a 10 seed if I remember correctly. I don't think they will beat Wisconsin, but that is why they play the games. On any given day any team can beat the best team.

Now Duke Has a really hard road too, with UTAH and then possibly Gonzaga, I don't get how IC and the tool boxes over there say Duke has a cake walk, but that is also Carolina Bias. We only win if its given to us, just like you guys only win if you cheat lol. Anyway enjoy the tourney Wheat!!! I'd say good luck, but can't bring myself to do it :rolleyes:

Hrmmm... you don't see a disparity in Wisco/AZ/UK and Utah/Zags/...Wolfpack?

I'd take our road every day of the week and twice on Sundays. To be fair, we don't have to face a #1 seed until the national semi-finals because, well, we are one. UNC has to fight off the widely-acknowledged top #2 and then likely two #1s... just to get to us.

jv001
03-23-2015, 04:09 PM
To be fair, I have only said Britt is mediocre and James is bumbling. And I absolutely stand by those statements. But Paige and Johnson are borderline elite players (Paige was elite last year, this year he hasn't played as well), and Tokoto, Meeks, and (now that he's rounding into form) Jackson are very good players. Hicks, Pinson, and Berry are a clear step down from those guys, but they have promise. I think Roy plays Britt a bit too much and James way too much, but it isn't like they are completely bereft of talent. They don't have enough elite players to be a top-5 or top-10 team, but they have several very good players and are a top-20 team in terms of talent. If they played their top seven guys (Paige, Johnson, Meeks, Tokoto, Jackson, Berry, and Hicks) more and their 8th (Britt), 9th (Pinson), and 10th (James) guys less, they'd be closer to a top-10 team than a back-end-of-the-top-20 team.

Roy has done a solid job this year in getting a top-20 team to the sweet-16, though it's worth noting that he did so by beating a 13 seed and an overseeded Arkansas team. I don't think this group needed a great coach to get them past Harvard and Arkansas. So, no, I wouldn't say that Roy must be a great coach because this team is in the Sweet-16.

After Kentucky, the SEC was a very weak basketball conference this season. Only one elite team and only one average team in Arkansas. GoDuke!

AIRFORCEDUKIE
03-23-2015, 04:18 PM
Hrmmm... you don't see a disparity in Wisco/AZ/UK and Utah/Zags/...Wolfpack?

I'd take our road every day of the week and twice on Sundays. To be fair, we don't have to face a #1 seed until the national semi-finals because, well, we are one. UNC has to fight off the widely-acknowledged top #2 and then likely two #1s... just to get to us.


No I didnt mean it like that, ours is the easier road but we earned that shizz.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-23-2015, 04:26 PM
No I didnt mean it like that, ours is the easier road but we earned that shizz.

Oh, then we totes agree.

AIRFORCEDUKIE
03-23-2015, 04:33 PM
Oh, then we totes agree.

OMG, On a scale from one to even....I can't right now!!

Ok thats the extent of my teenage girl chat capabilities lol

brevity
03-23-2015, 05:06 PM
To be fair, we don't have to face a #1 seed until the national semi-finals...

The championship game, actually. The other #1 seed on Duke's side of the bracket has gone the way of the piccolo.

Tripping William
03-23-2015, 07:22 PM
The championship game, actually. The other #1 seed on Duke's side of the bracket has gone the way of the piccolo.

Correct. In the national semis, we'd face a 3 or a 4 or a 7 or an 8 (having lost once already to the 8, but beaten the 4 at their place).

Duvall
03-23-2015, 07:27 PM
Williams on Meeks: (https://mobile.twitter.com/bretstrelow/status/580148138624856064?p=p)

"It's not good. He did not practice today ... I don't think we'll have him."

Sucks for the kid.

CDu
03-23-2015, 07:55 PM
Correct. In the national semis, we'd face a 3 or a 4 or a 7 or an 8 (having lost once already to the 8, but beaten the 4 at their place).

And having beaten the 8 and the 7 too.

CDu
03-23-2015, 07:57 PM
Williams on Meeks: (https://mobile.twitter.com/bretstrelow/status/580148138624856064?p=p)

"It's not good. He did not practice today ... I don't think we'll have him."

Sucks for the kid.

I hope that this is just another case of UNC sandbagging on injury severity and not that Meeks' injury really is that bad. Having suffered an ACL tear myself, I always cringe with knee injuries.

OldPhiKap
03-23-2015, 08:10 PM
Williams on Meeks: (https://mobile.twitter.com/bretstrelow/status/580148138624856064?p=p)

"It's not good. He did not practice today ... I don't think we'll have him."

Sucks for the kid.

Hoping for a full recovery.

Tripping William
03-23-2015, 08:10 PM
And having beaten the 8 and the 7 too.

Yep. Forgot about the 7. So, basically ABOU (and even then).

Duvall
03-23-2015, 08:10 PM
I hope that this is just another case of UNC sandbagging on injury severity and not that Meeks' injury really is that bad. Having suffered an ACL tear myself, I always cringe with knee injuries.

Williams' full comments were a bit more equivocal, so maybe so. (http://www.fayobserver.com/blogs/sports/acc_basketball/acc-basketball-roy-williams-says-he-doesn-t-think-kennedy/article_63f302f8-d19b-11e4-b010-6bd419c1cb09.html)


On his radio show Monday night, coach Roy Williams said "it's not good" at the start of an answer to a general question about Meeks' situation.
"They're not completely ruling him out, and they're not saying that he can play," Williams said. "Let me say it that way - I don't think we'll have him, but we'll just have to wait and see."

CDu
03-23-2015, 08:14 PM
Williams' full comments were a bit more equivocal, so maybe so. (http://www.fayobserver.com/blogs/sports/acc_basketball/acc-basketball-roy-williams-says-he-doesn-t-think-kennedy/article_63f302f8-d19b-11e4-b010-6bd419c1cb09.html)

Yeah now that sounds more like the classic UNC line. Hopefully it rings true and he is able to go against Wisconsin.

arnie
03-23-2015, 08:19 PM
Williams on Meeks: (https://mobile.twitter.com/bretstrelow/status/580148138624856064?p=p)

"It's not good. He did not practice today ... I don't think we'll have him."

Sucks for the kid.

No reason to believe Roy; of course he didn't make a definitive statement re: his injury or his availability. With the game 3 days away, his mumbles don't mean anything. Will not be surprised if Meeks plays 20+.

millerecu
03-23-2015, 08:49 PM
http://northcarolina.247sports.com/Bolt/Meeks-Injury-Update-36365784

I love the fact Ol' Roy pointed out the fact Meeks went to class today.

OldPhiKap
03-23-2015, 09:02 PM
http://northcarolina.247sports.com/Bolt/Meeks-Injury-Update-36365784

I love the fact Ol' Roy pointed out the fact Meeks went to class today.

Wait -- I thought he did not keep track of those things personally . . . .

Wheat/"/"/"
03-23-2015, 09:16 PM
As a UNC fan we've been dealing with injuries/sickness all season, and losing a key player deep into the tournament is nothing new for us...unfortunately. They'll just have to deal with it, it's part of the game.

Lots of talk about how can UNC guard Wiscy, especially Kaminsky, but I think the game will come down to wether Wisky can guard UNC, especially Paige.

If the focused, aggressive UNC shows up and we get the scoring from Johnson inside that he is capable of, the floor will open for Paige, and I get the feeling he's ready for this challenge.

Jackson's improved offensive aggressiveness also should cause Wiscy problems defensively as well.

Tokoto has to watch the TO's and continue to be patient looking for his offense.

I like UNC's offensive rebounding ability, and if Wiscy sends more to the boards to deal with that, I like UNC's transition game.

UNC needs to cut down on the unnecessary fouls and not send Wiscy to the line all game and bail them out if they are successful making them struggle from the field.

Defensively, the key I'm looking at for the game will come down to can Hicks guard Kaminsky and keep him from having a big game? The big game. Kaminsky's gonna score and be a factor, he's too good not to be, but Hicks has strength, quickness and some length. He can move his feet and can limit his driving ability if he plays smart and stays out of foul trouble, forcing Kaminsky to shoot over his close outs. I'd put Tokoto on him, not Johnson, and go small when Hicks rests. Then you just have to hope he struggles to shoot over contested shots.

In a nutshell, I think UNC can adaquately guard Wiscy overall and make them work to score, and I think Wiscy is going to have trouble guarding UNC.

Furniture
03-23-2015, 09:28 PM
I must say a couple of things about UNC.
Firstly I think Justin Jackson is becoming a very good player. Clearly getting better every game.
Secondly and totally unrelated in regards Brice J. I also think that he is a really good player but he has an awful chippy attitude. Quite annoying actually and it can't be doing him any good.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-23-2015, 10:23 PM
.....in regards Brice J. I also think that he is a really good player but he has an awful chippy attitude. Quite annoying actually and it can't be doing him any good.

Actually, getting him to play with some attitude has been the best thing for him. Roy has challenged his toughness all season and he's played better when he's had a "chippy" attitude.

He's not a player that is naturally comfortable with contact, but it's slowly, finally, beginning to sink in that it's something that he will have to accept, if not embrace, if he wants to play at his best and at the next level.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-23-2015, 10:30 PM
No reason to believe Roy; of course he didn't make a definitive statement re: his injury or his availability. With the game 3 days away, his mumbles don't mean anything. Will not be surprised if Meeks plays 20+.

No reason to give Wiscy any info on his status, make them prepare for the possibility he might play, even if they know he won't.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-24-2015, 06:56 AM
As a UNC fan we've been dealing with injuries/sickness all season, and losing a key player deep into the tournament is nothing new for us...unfortunately. They'll just have to deal with it, it's part of the game.

Lots of talk about how can UNC guard Wiscy, especially Kaminsky, but I think the game will come down to wether Wisky can guard UNC, especially Paige.

If the focused, aggressive UNC shows up and we get the scoring from Johnson inside that he is capable of, the floor will open for Paige, and I get the feeling he's ready for this challenge.

Jackson's improved offensive aggressiveness also should cause Wiscy problems defensively as well.

Tokoto has to watch the TO's and continue to be patient looking for his offense.

I like UNC's offensive rebounding ability, and if Wiscy sends more to the boards to deal with that, I like UNC's transition game.

UNC needs to cut down on the unnecessary fouls and not send Wiscy to the line all game and bail them out if they are successful making them struggle from the field.

Defensively, the key I'm looking at for the game will come down to can Hicks guard Kaminsky and keep him from having a big game? The big game. Kaminsky's gonna score and be a factor, he's too good not to be, but Hicks has strength, quickness and some length. He can move his feet and can limit his driving ability if he plays smart and stays out of foul trouble, forcing Kaminsky to shoot over his close outs. I'd put Tokoto on him, not Johnson, and go small when Hicks rests. Then you just have to hope he struggles to shoot over contested shots.

In a nutshell, I think UNC can adaquately guard Wiscy overall and make them work to score, and I think Wiscy is going to have trouble guarding UNC.

I watched a lot of ball last week with MTHN (My Tar Heel Neighbor) and Tokoto just infuriates him. His physical talents are obvious, and his jumo shot seems to be making progress, but he is frequently so careless with the ball, you would think it was pre-season scrimmage rather than late March with lots on the line. In fact, it promoted MTHN and I to start playing a game.... it goes like this:

MtnDevil: Hey Tokoto, can you pass me another beer?

(MTHN drops can on the ground)

You can play too! I call the game "Hey Tokoto." Patent pending...

Additionally, MTHN was quick to say the Meeks' departure from the Arkansas game would possibly lead to a run from UNC (it did). He wasn't playing great, and Joel James represented a bigger advantage for the Heels over Arkansas. Now, if he is out on Thursday, the shorter bench will clearly have an impact.

Something I have learned from this forum and in real life here in Asheville... Duke fans seems to like/appreciate Meeks much more than UNC fans do. Odd phenomenon. I am impressed with the complete overhaul of his physique and think he is probably one of a handful of big men right behind Okafor in terms of passing.

Honestly Wheat, I don't think your team has the horses to knock off Wisco. In fact, according to my bracket, I don't think anyone does. They are so talented and so experienced, I have them running the table.

Also, Joel James has nice footwork, but is he going to guard Frank the Tank? Or does an undersized Tokoto (Hey Tokoto!) draw that duty?

Troublemaker
03-24-2015, 08:56 AM
In a nutshell, I think UNC can adaquately guard Wiscy overall and make them work to score, and I think Wiscy is going to have trouble guarding UNC.

As usual, a very optimistic take on the Heels, Wheat. You're essentially saying UNC is better than Wisconsin and/or matches up really well with Wisconsin. I don't see it. The Heels can win but it'd be an upset; I think Wiscy wins at least 3 out of every 4 games against UNC.



I like UNC's offensive rebounding ability, and if Wiscy sends more to the boards to deal with that, I like UNC's transition game.

This is the main reason why the Badgers are a bad matchup for the Heels. Wiscy is a great defensive rebounding team, ranking 4th in the country. They don't have to "send more to the boards" or do anything different from what they've been doing all season long. The Heels' greatest strength, offensive rebounding, will be sapped.

And UNC's transition game can't counter that. Transition offense is an antidote to the opponent's offensive rebounding, not to their defensive rebounding.



Defensively, the key I'm looking at for the game will come down to can Hicks guard Kaminsky and keep him from having a big game? The big game. Kaminsky's gonna score and be a factor, he's too good not to be, but Hicks has strength, quickness and some length. He can move his feet and can limit his driving ability if he plays smart and stays out of foul trouble, forcing Kaminsky to shoot over his close outs. I'd put Tokoto on him, not Johnson, and go small when Hicks rests. Then you just have to hope he struggles to shoot over contested shots.

Again, very, very optimistic take here.

CDu
03-24-2015, 08:56 AM
In a nutshell, I think UNC can adaquately guard Wiscy overall and make them work to score, and I think Wiscy is going to have trouble guarding UNC.

I would say that UNC can adequately guard Wisconsin as long as they are not shooting well. However, I think you are neglecting how good Hayes and Dekker are. If you put Hicks on Kaminsky (and I agree that Hicks is the best option to guard Kaminsky), that leaves Johnson (or worse, James) to guard Hayes or Dekker. Both are nightmare matchups for any of UNC's bigs not named Hicks (as they can shoot 3s and take you off the dribble).

I do think UNC's guards will be fine defensively against Wisconsin's guards, mainly because Wisconsin's guards are more defense-oriented and floor-spacers than playmakers. What makes Wisconsin tick offensively is the dynamic skill set of their 3 primary frontcourt guys. I think UNC can contain any one or two of those guys, but containing all three is going to be a tall task.

On the other end of the floor, I expect Gasser to get the assignment on Paige. Gasser is a terrific defender, and I think he'll do a good job. They'll probably put Kaminsky on Johnson, and Kaminsky's length can certainly provide challenges for Johnson. Dekker will get Tokoto, and Koenig will get Jackson.

I think for UNC to win, they're going to have to beat Wisconsin's strength: they are going to have to get out in transition. Wisconsin doesn't turn the ball over, doesn't foul, and doesn't let you run. And they're a pretty good rebounding team. Transition points and offensive rebounds are the life-blood of this year's UNC team, so it will be strength against strength. Obviously Paige or Johnson getting hot from the field would help, but I don't think UNC will beat Wisconsin in a half-court game without some amazing shooting or without beating Wisconsin at one of their strengths.

It appears that you may be coming around to the idea that going smaller is better for UNC in this one. I think Wisconsin is a terrible matchup for James and Meeks (even if he is healthy) defensively. Hicks is about the best option UNC has in guarding Kaminsky and Hayes, but there is only one of him and two of them. So one of Johnson, Meeks, and James is going to have to do something out of the ordinary to play well against those guys. Johnson seems the best bet, but as you say he's not a physical guy (which is problematic against both Kaminsky and Hayes). He also doesn't like defending on the perimeter (again, a problem against those two guys). But he's more likely to succeed in defending the perimeter than Meeks or James.

Ultimately, it will likely come down to this for UNC:
- how well can they shoot 3s?
- can they get transition buckets like usual?
- can they get second-chance points like usual?

Furniture
03-24-2015, 12:19 PM
Actually, getting him to play with some attitude has been the best thing for him. Roy has challenged his toughness all season and he's played better when he's had a "chippy" attitude.

He's not a player that is naturally comfortable with contact, but it's slowly, finally, beginning to sink in that it's something that he will have to accept, if not embrace, if he wants to play at his best and at the next level.

You can have a chippy attitude and be tough but I don't think its good to be talking back to the refs in an unsportsmanlike way. So many of these young basketball kids from many teams have such a good attitude when a call goes against them. It's admirable. I can't admire BJ's attitude.

Chicago 1995
03-24-2015, 12:42 PM
In a nutshell, I think UNC can adaquately guard Wiscy overall and make them work to score, and I think Wiscy is going to have trouble guarding UNC.

If it's the UNC that played Pitt, Wisconsin will score on every single possession. Every possession. Duke's really good on offense too, and UNC didn't get enough stops either of those games. And Wisconsin is differently good.

If it's the UNC that played for 30 of the 45 minutes in Cameron, Wisconsin won't score quite that much.

Carolina's a tougher matchup for Wisconsin, but UNC will have to beat them in the half court. And that's not UNC's strength.

_Gary
03-24-2015, 12:44 PM
I have only one thing to say: Dear basketball gods, please don't let UNC advance any further in this tournament. Just the thought of having to read/listen to any more from their coach and fans is making me nauseous to the 'nth degree. They MUST go down Thursday night. Period.

Wander
03-24-2015, 01:24 PM
Nate Britt just helped his team reach the sweet 16 when his quickness and steady ball handling was needed in a big game.

Call him "mediocre" if you like, I call him a winner.

UNC's worst stretch of the season came when Nate Britt was playing the most minutes he's played all year. Now, UNC's best stretch of the season has come with Nate Britt playing the least minutes he's played all year. This is not a coincidence.

I was wrong about Joel James being horrible - he's a decent role player who can contribute defense in the right match-up, although I don't think Wisconsin is the right match-up because of their big's ability to play on the perimeter. But that's balanced by Britt being a little worse than I thought at the beginning of the season (though he probably had to play due to injuries/youth/lack of shooters on the UNC bench).

devildeac
03-24-2015, 01:59 PM
I'm getting a craving for cheese (no whine) and some New Glarus hand crafted ales.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-24-2015, 08:30 PM
You can have a chippy attitude and be tough but I don't think its good to be talking back to the refs in an unsportsmanlike way.

I must have missed him ever being "unsportsmanlike". If he talked back like you say he would have gotten a technical somewhere down the line and to my knowledge he has not had a technical all season.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-24-2015, 09:01 PM
I would say that UNC can adequately guard Wisconsin as long as they are not shooting well. However, I think you are neglecting how good Hayes and Dekker are. If you put Hicks on Kaminsky (and I agree that Hicks is the best option to guard Kaminsky), that leaves Johnson (or worse, James) to guard Hayes or Dekker. Both are nightmare matchups for any of UNC's bigs not named Hicks (as they can shoot 3s and take you off the dribble).

I do think UNC's guards will be fine defensively against Wisconsin's guards, mainly because Wisconsin's guards are more defense-oriented and floor-spacers than playmakers. What makes Wisconsin tick offensively is the dynamic skill set of their 3 primary frontcourt guys. I think UNC can contain any one or two of those guys, but containing all three is going to be a tall task.

On the other end of the floor, I expect Gasser to get the assignment on Paige. Gasser is a terrific defender, and I think he'll do a good job. They'll probably put Kaminsky on Johnson, and Kaminsky's length can certainly provide challenges for Johnson. Dekker will get Tokoto, and Koenig will get Jackson.

I think for UNC to win, they're going to have to beat Wisconsin's strength: they are going to have to get out in transition. Wisconsin doesn't turn the ball over, doesn't foul, and doesn't let you run. And they're a pretty good rebounding team. Transition points and offensive rebounds are the life-blood of this year's UNC team, so it will be strength against strength. Obviously Paige or Johnson getting hot from the field would help, but I don't think UNC will beat Wisconsin in a half-court game without some amazing shooting or without beating Wisconsin at one of their strengths.

It appears that you may be coming around to the idea that going smaller is better for UNC in this one. I think Wisconsin is a terrible matchup for James and Meeks (even if he is healthy) defensively. Hicks is about the best option UNC has in guarding Kaminsky and Hayes, but there is only one of him and two of them. So one of Johnson, Meeks, and James is going to have to do something out of the ordinary to play well against those guys. Johnson seems the best bet, but as you say he's not a physical guy (which is problematic against both Kaminsky and Hayes). He also doesn't like defending on the perimeter (again, a problem against those two guys). But he's more likely to succeed in defending the perimeter than Meeks or James.

Ultimately, it will likely come down to this for UNC:
- how well can they shoot 3s?
- can they get transition buckets like usual?
- can they get second-chance points like usual?

James moves his feet better than many give him credit for, but when he's in I think UNC will go 1-3-1 zone to cover his inability to check Kamenski on the wing.

It's on the offensive end that I think James can provide some spark. He can post up low and score. Kamenski or whoever will have to work to guard him. I bet UNC looks to get him the ball deep in the post when he gets in to see if they can get some scoring from him, force Wiscy to guard him, be aggressive with him, not just use him to buy a few minutes rest.

I think in a man to man defense, Hicks gets Kaminski, Johnson gets Dekker, Tokoto gets Hayes, Jackson gets Koenig, and Paige gets Gasser.

Kaminski is the only clear matchup advantage. I like Johnson slightly over Dekker, Tokoto/Hayes is a tossup and I like Jackson over Koenig, and Paige over Gasser.

I also like what UNC brings from the bench. Britt will be the quickest guy on the floor and will push the pace, and Berry can get to the rim off the dribble. Pinson also has some quickness and Wiscy will have to figure out how to guard that speed when they are in. The will be forced to change their defense when Roy goes small.

Sure, I'm optimistic, I wouldn't be much of a fan if I wasn't, but if UNC protects the ball and plays to their ability they can/should win this game.

Faustus
03-24-2015, 09:23 PM
The ESPN braintrust evidently thinks Wisconsin can adequately guard UNC. They give Carolina a 24% chance of winning. I think that's about the same odds as the Finns got against the USSR in 1939-40. (But to be honest, I'd give them closer to 40%. I think it'll be a game.)

moonpie23
03-24-2015, 09:25 PM
I'm sorry, Roy....what were you lying? (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12547442/north-carolina-expects-kennedy-meeks-sweet-16)

Newton_14
03-24-2015, 09:35 PM
Good players always make a coach look better....which is sort of my sarcastic point responding to the continued disrespect I see regarding the preceived lack of talent deeper in UNC's depth chart from some posters.

UNC has talented players. Most of us just continue to point out that Joel James isn't one of them and were he not on the roster their season would have gone exactly the same as it did with him. Desmond Hubert is a much better player than James and had he not blown out his knee he would have cut into James' minutes, reducing James even further than the 6 to 10 mpg he has played.

The other player is Nate Britt whose minutes have been reduced drastically since Berry has returned, and now they have Pinson back as well. Any guy that shoots jumpshots with one hand and free throws with the other hand is certainly not a high level ACC Player. Britt is just not that good. His bad games far outweigh the handful of good games he has had. Thankfully though, for reasons unknown to any rational person, Roy played Britt and Berry far too much during the critical final 7:50 minutes of the ACC CHampionship rather than playing his 5 starters who had gotten UNC the 9 point lead and who as a unit had played great the entire ACC Tournament. I fully believe that move cost them that game and had he played those 5 starters for all of the final 7:50, UNC would have won that game. Brice Johnson had been pretty much unstoppable all tourney long and he sat for a large portion of that critical stretch. It was incredulous.

Paige, Johnson, and Jackson are very strong, and highly talented players, Meeks is one rung below those 3, and Tokoto is a good complementary player with that group when he plays within himself and does the things he is good at which are defense, rebounding, and drives where he can use his incredible high level athletic ability. Those 5 starters can play with anybody. I still believe Hicks is going to turn into a very good player as well. Kid has talent. But I am biased as he is a local, playing his High School ball 12 miles from where I live.

Berry or Pinson, I think, could go either way as their career's proceed. I don't have a good read on either yet since both missed so much time. They are not guaranteed to be good/solid/great ACC Players, but they are not guaranteed not to be either.


If UNC plays at a high level Thursday Night they will have a punchers chance to pull the upset, but I don't see it happening. Wisc is both talented and a highly disciplined team and that is exactly the type team that gives UNC trouble. WISC is not going to commit silly fouls like Arkansas and they are certainly not going to turn it over a bunch of times like Arkansas did. There is a reason Harvard almost and should have beaten UNC. They were extremely fortunate to win that game actually.

I suspect Meeks plays, and if he does, Roy needs to shorten the rotation to keep his starters on the floor as many minutes as possible, use timeouts to keep them rested, as the 4 TV timeouts and Halftime are both longer in the tournament, and get the ball inside to Johnson as much as humanly possible. Were I coaching, barring foul trouble, Paige, Johnson, and Jackson would all go the full 40, and I would use Hicks to spell Meeks, but also go small a lot when Meeks is sitting, and play Johnson at the 5, Jackson at the 4, Tokoto at the 3, with Paige and Berry/Britt in the backcourt. Joel James would not see the floor in this game unless foul trouble forced me to use him. Kaminsky will light that kid up.

Furniture
03-24-2015, 09:39 PM
Apparently Meeks practiced today...

moonpie23
03-24-2015, 09:56 PM
I'm sorry, Roy....what were you lying? (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12547442/north-carolina-expects-kennedy-meeks-sweet-16)


Apparently Meeks practiced today...

as i said....

CDu
03-24-2015, 10:13 PM
I'm sorry, Roy....what were you lying? (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12547442/north-carolina-expects-kennedy-meeks-sweet-16)

This all fits the classic UNC pattern regarding injuries: tell anyone who will listen that said player is not likely to play, then he miraculously plays. It is amazing how many miraculous recoveries UNC has had over the years.

Glad to hear that Meeks' injury is apparently not too serious.

NYBri
03-24-2015, 10:34 PM
Once again a thread turns into a Wheat thread. Wheat is an okay guy, but this is the DUKE Basketball Report, and the only reason I see to discuss UNC is when we beat the crap out of them.

Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
03-25-2015, 05:53 AM
Once again a thread turns into a Wheat thread. Wheat is an okay guy, but this is the DUKE Basketball Report, and the only reason I see to discuss UNC is when we beat the crap out of them.

Have you seen the Kentucky threads? Makes our UNC attention look less like a fixation and more like passing interest.

Indoor66
03-25-2015, 08:09 AM
This all fits the classic UNC pattern regarding injuries: tell anyone who will listen that said player is not likely to play, then he miraculously plays. It is amazing how many miraculous recoveries UNC has had over the years.

Glad to hear that Meeks' injury is apparently not too serious.

Almost the same number as they have D- to A+ students! :mad:

Newton_14
03-25-2015, 05:09 PM
Once again a thread turns into a Wheat thread. Wheat is an okay guy, but this is the DUKE Basketball Report, and the only reason I see to discuss UNC is when we beat the crap out of them.

It's the West Region Thread, and since unc is playing Wisc in a West Region game, I would fully expect that game to be the current hot topic in this thread, which it is. Not sure why that game should not be discussed in this thread?

Newton_14
03-25-2015, 06:29 PM
Yeah now that sounds more like the classic UNC line. Hopefully it rings true and he is able to go against Wisconsin.

The miraculous recovery is just about complete. WRAL just reported from the Staples Center that Meeks practiced this morning in the private practice at USC and this afternoon at the open practice in the Staples Center. They interviewed Meeks and several teammates and all said he is playing. They then cut to Ol Roys presser today where he was saying that they won't know until tomorrow if he can go or not. :)

devildeac
03-25-2015, 06:35 PM
The miraculous recovery is just about complete. WRAL just reported from the Staples Center that Meeks practiced this morning in the private practice at USC and this afternoon at the open practice in the Staples Center. They interviewed Meeks and several teammates and all said he is playing. They then cut to Ol Roys presser today where he was saying that they won't know until tomorrow if he can go or not. :)

Someone call for a wah-mbulance entrance?

4913

slower
03-25-2015, 06:41 PM
James moves his feet better than many give him credit for

Well, if Kaminsky just happens to "accidentally" land on his foot while shooting...

CDu
03-25-2015, 06:45 PM
The miraculous recovery is just about complete. WRAL just reported from the Staples Center that Meeks practiced this morning in the private practice at USC and this afternoon at the open practice in the Staples Center. They interviewed Meeks and several teammates and all said he is playing. They then cut to Ol Roys presser today where he was saying that they won't know until tomorrow if he can go or not. :)

Like sands through the hourglass...

Newton_14
03-25-2015, 06:58 PM
Like sands through the hourglass...
Indeed...

In other news, here are the new shoes the cheats will be rockin in this game. Hideous.
4914

-jk
03-25-2015, 07:42 PM
The miraculous recovery is just about complete. WRAL just reported from the Staples Center that Meeks practiced this morning in the private practice at USC and this afternoon at the open practice in the Staples Center. They interviewed Meeks and several teammates and all said he is playing. They then cut to Ol Roys presser today where he was saying that they won't know until tomorrow if he can go or not. :)

Acting. More James Brown than Willis Reed.

-jk

Duvall
03-25-2015, 07:45 PM
The miraculous recovery is just about complete. WRAL just reported from the Staples Center that Meeks practiced this morning in the private practice at USC and this afternoon at the open practice in the Staples Center. They interviewed Meeks and several teammates and all said he is playing. They then cut to Ol Roys presser today where he was saying that they won't know until tomorrow if he can go or not. :)

Does UNC really think they get an advantage for this kind of low-rent gamesmanship? I guess so.

-jk
03-25-2015, 07:45 PM
Does UNC really think they get an advantage for this kind of low-rent gamesmanship? I guess so.

Decades of history...

-jk

Newton_14
03-25-2015, 07:56 PM
Does UNC really think they get an advantage for this kind of low-rent gamesmanship? I guess so.


Decades of history...

-jk

It's been going on since I was a kid in the 70"s. I have no earthly idea why...

arnie
03-25-2015, 08:00 PM
Does UNC really think they get an advantage for this kind of low-rent gamesmanship? I guess so.

Feinstein had humorous stories today on Heels faking injuries. Said if player has hangnail, they claim out for the year. He had a $1 bet with Deano regarding Bucknall playing in tourney when Dean said doubtful. Claims Deano waved the dollar at Feinstein when Bucknall announced by PA as starter.

OldPhiKap
03-25-2015, 08:01 PM
It's been going on since I was a kid in the 70"s. I have no earthly idea why...

"The Carolina Way"

brevity
03-25-2015, 08:01 PM
Indeed...

In other news, here are the new shoes the cheats will be rockin in this game. Hideous.
4914

"Nice kicks." - Justise Winslow

FerryFor50
03-25-2015, 08:06 PM
Acting. More James Brown than Willis Reed.

-jk

ACTING!

https://vimeo.com/15476780

subzero02
03-25-2015, 08:46 PM
Indeed...

In other news, here are the new shoes the cheats will be rockin in this game. Hideous.
4914

I am no fashion aficionado but those shoes shouldn't even be worn in a land of perpetual darkness.

Newton_14
03-25-2015, 08:53 PM
I am no fashion aficionado but those shoes shouldn't even be worn in a land of perpetual darkness.
They should go well with Roy's jackets and ties though...:cool:

FerryFor50
03-25-2015, 08:58 PM
They should go well with Roy's jackets and ties though...:cool:

The best part about Roy's jacket and those shoes is that NOTHING goes with them. Except fire.

weezie
03-26-2015, 09:21 AM
Wow, this is a fun item to be sending around to pals this morning. I wish they would pair them with the cummberbunds!

And all jump out of a little tiny car!

peterjswift
03-26-2015, 10:00 AM
It isn't like this forum needs any more reasons to root against UNC, but Nigel Hayes has been providing some pretty great off-court reasons to like him and root for him and Wisconsin. I'm sure this has been posted elsewhere on the forum, but if you haven't seen it, his press conference last week was great (link to article (http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/105479/nigel-hayes-and-his-wisconsin-teammates-are-fascinated-by-the-ncaa-stenographer)):


The Moderator: The gentlemen from Wisconsin are with us, Nigel Hayes, Frank Kaminsky and Bronson Koenig are here and ready. We are set for questions.

Q. Nigel, obviously if you look just statistically, you’ve taken quite a leap in the 3-point shooting, to whatever, and in other areas. Can you describe just the steps you took to kind of, you know, raise those parts of your game?

Nigel Hayes: Hello, it works now. Before I answer that question, I would like to say a few words, cattywampus, onomatopoeia, and antidisestablishmentarianism. (Laughs). Now, back to your question. It was just a lot of hard work, teammates giving me great confidence, and when you play with players that are very unselfish like the two next to me who also give you that confidence and involve the team, it’s a lot easier to get things done.

Q. Why did you start off saying those things and then I have to followup.

Nigel Hayes: Well, the wonderful young lady over there, I think her job title is a stenographer, yes, okay. And she does an amazing job of typing words, sometimes if those words are not in her dictionary, maybe if I say soliloquy right now, she may have to work a little bit harder to type that word, or quandary, zephyr, Xylophone, things like that, that makes her job really interesting.


Then his "gaffe" on a hot mic (which I'm pretty sure he did intentionally) was pretty amusing: Link to video. (http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/25/wisconsins-nigel-hayes-has-another-encounter-with-an-ncaa-tournament-stenographer-video/)

And then his excitement at being assigned Kobe Bryant's locker (and gets RT by Kobe himself): http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/3/25/8293327/wisconsin-player-borrows-kobe-bryants-locker-looks-like-he-saw-a-ghost


And last, but not least, searching youtube for "Hayes for Days" provides a significant amount of entertainment from last year's NCAA tournament....


So you don't just have to root against UNC, you can root for Nigel. He certainly makes Wisconsin likeable! Not to mention Kaminsky and an incredibly efficient offense and a well coached team.

UrinalCake
03-26-2015, 10:21 AM
Roy should consider a new career as one of those televangelists who brings a supposedly crippled kid in a wheelchair up on stage and then miraculously cures him, allowing him to stand up and start dancing.

Whatever. He's cried wolf so many times that it's not like Wisconsin was ever fooled into preparing to play against a team without Meeks. And Wisconsin will be the one to dictate the matchups, not vice versa.

devildeac
03-26-2015, 10:24 AM
I've still got this intense craving for cheese and New Glarus beers:o.

AIRFORCEDUKIE
03-26-2015, 10:29 AM
It isn't like this forum needs any more reasons to root against UNC, but Nigel Hayes has been providing some pretty great off-court reasons to like him and root for him and Wisconsin. I'm sure this has been posted elsewhere on the forum, but if you haven't seen it, his press conference last week was great (link to article (http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/105479/nigel-hayes-and-his-wisconsin-teammates-are-fascinated-by-the-ncaa-stenographer)):



Then his "gaffe" on a hot mic (which I'm pretty sure he did intentionally) was pretty amusing: Link to video. (http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/25/wisconsins-nigel-hayes-has-another-encounter-with-an-ncaa-tournament-stenographer-video/)

And then his excitement at being assigned Kobe Bryant's locker (and gets RT by Kobe himself): http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/3/25/8293327/wisconsin-player-borrows-kobe-bryants-locker-looks-like-he-saw-a-ghost


And last, but not least, searching youtube for "Hayes for Days" provides a significant amount of entertainment from last year's NCAA tournament....


So you don't just have to root against UNC, you can root for Nigel. He certainly makes Wisconsin likeable! Not to mention Kaminsky and an incredibly efficient offense and a well coached team.

Ok how could you not like this guy, hes pretty awesome looking forward to having 2 more years of him in college.

peterjswift
03-26-2015, 01:20 PM
Ok how could you not like this guy, hes pretty awesome looking forward to having 2 more years of him in college.

Agreed. Makes me that much more excited to cheer against UNC - I want to see more press conferences with him!

MChambers
03-26-2015, 04:33 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/03/26/nike-unveils-unc-themed-jordans-ahead-of-sweet-16-game-with-wisconsin/?tid=hpModule_a4df998e-86a7-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394

New shoes for UNC.

weezie
03-26-2015, 05:04 PM
:D:D:D "sturgeon-faced Rameses"

So utterly wrong....

cptnflash
03-26-2015, 05:17 PM
Come on buzzcutts... it's time to put this sick dog down, for everyone's sake.

Newton_14
03-26-2015, 07:47 PM
Breaking News! TBS just reported that just a minute ago, UNC Head Coach Roy Williams just made the decision a minute ago that Forward Kennedy Meeks will play, and not only that, will start!!

weezie
03-26-2015, 07:51 PM
Where are the shoes?!

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2015, 07:52 PM
Breaking News! TBS just reported that just a minute ago, UNC Head Coach Roy Williams just made the decision a minute ago that Forward Kennedy Meeks will play, and not only that, will start!!
And he's already regretting it.

mattman91
03-26-2015, 08:18 PM
Random, but the thought of having Frank and Jah on the same team would be insane. They would complement each other so well.

gumbomoop
03-26-2015, 08:23 PM
Exciting game of mini-runs. Brice J is Heels' first-half go-to guy, presumably Paige in second. Dekker's been Wisc's best player, presumably Kaminsky comes alive in second half. Down to wire?

mattman91
03-26-2015, 08:26 PM
Heel's knocking down threes, no bueno.

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2015, 08:28 PM
Pretty uninspired half by wiscy IMO. So methodical they are hurting themselves.

brevity
03-26-2015, 08:28 PM
Random, but the thought of having Frank and Jah on the same team would be insane. They would compliment each other so well.

"Nice spin move, Jahlil."
"Thank you. And that was a great rebound, Frank."
"But what about my kick? I think Kobe's dead!"
"Your kick was the best play of all, Justise."

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 08:31 PM
Wisconsin is learning that you can't avoid commiting fouls when you play agsinst UNC.

Nor are you going to get many fouls on drives.

CDu
03-26-2015, 08:31 PM
Heel's knocking down threes, no bueno.

Yup. One of the keys to the game: UNC being able to hit 3s (57.1% so far), and Wisconsin not making theirs (30%).

Wisconsin had a nice run when Dekker realized nobody could guard him. They have gone away from that.

Roy's hand was finally forced and he went small, and lo and behold the Heels made a big run. If I were coaching the Heels, I'd play as little of Meeks and James as possible the rest of the way.

mattman91
03-26-2015, 08:31 PM
"Nice spin move, Jahlil."
"Thank you. And that was a great rebound, Frank."
"But what about my kick? I think Kobe's dead!"
"Your kick was the best play of all, Justise."

Fixed it ;)

Good eye.

mattman91
03-26-2015, 08:32 PM
Nice play by Dekker at the end.

CDu
03-26-2015, 08:33 PM
At the half, Wisconsin can't seem to make shots right now (missing tons of open looks), and UNC is making tons of shots. That should theoretically change in the second half (UNC is not a 57% 3pt shooting team, and Wisconsin is not a 35.7% fg shooting team).

_Gary
03-26-2015, 08:33 PM
Even with Duke playing well, I can never fully enjoy an NCAA Tournament until the Heels are knocked out. If they win tonight, I'm honestly going to be sick because I could see them getting to the Final Four with relative ease (I think they match up well with Arizona, unfortunately). UNC needs to go down tonight!

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 08:35 PM
Even with Duke playing well, I can never fully enjoy an NCAA Tournament until the Heels are knocked out. If they win tonight, I'm honestly going to be sick because I could see them getting to the Final Four with relative ease (I think they match up well with Arizona, unfortunately). UNC needs to go down tonight!

I think Zona would beat UNC pretty handily. Better D than Wisconsin. Better athletes.

gumbomoop
03-26-2015, 08:41 PM
I assume Kaminsky and Paige will both come alive in second half. Which team has individual defenders and team defense capable of holding those two stars to minimal damage? I'm asking.

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 08:42 PM
I assume Kaminsky and Paige will both come alive in second half. Which team has individual defenders and team defense capable of holding those two stars to minimal damage? I'm asking.

Gasser is holding Paige down nicely.

UNC doesn't have an answer to Kaminsky if he starts hitting.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-26-2015, 08:46 PM
Yup. One of the keys to the game: UNC being able to hit 3s (57.1% so far), and Wisconsin not making theirs (30%).

Wisconsin had a nice run when Dekker realized nobody could guard him. They have gone away from that.

Roy's hand was finally forced and he went small, and lo and behold the Heels made a big run. If I were coaching the Heels, I'd play as little of Meeks and James as possible the rest of the way.

I thought UNC's size bothered Kaminski. James gave UNC some good minutes. His D on Kaminski was good when he was in. He certainly held his own.

Inspired play by both teams. I thought that half was played at a high level by both teams.

With the exception of containing Dekker's drives, UNC played very good defense that half.

Glad to see Tokoto drive to the rim a couple of times.

I'll look for some more screening to free Paige this half from the Heels.

_Gary
03-26-2015, 09:03 PM
I think Zona would beat UNC pretty handily. Better D than Wisconsin. Better athletes.

But worse outside shooting. Much worse. I'm afraid Zona will miss a bunch of chippies and the Heels will win by 8+ in a potential match-up on Saturday.

77devil
03-26-2015, 09:03 PM
I thought UNC's size bothered Kaminski. James gave UNC some good minutes. His D on Kaminski was good when he was in. He certainly held his own.

Inspired play by both teams. I thought that half was played at a high level by both teams.

With the exception of containing Dekker's drives, UNC played very good defense that half.

Glad to see Tokoto drive to the rim a couple of times.

I'll look for some more screening to free Paige this half from the Heels.

Most of Kaminsky's misses were wide open looks.

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:08 PM
UNC can't miss.

Jackson is playing up to his potential.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-26-2015, 09:09 PM
Most of Kaminsky's misses were wide open looks.

I guess you missed the times James denied him a good look and forced him to give the ball up.

gumbomoop
03-26-2015, 09:11 PM
Clutch 3s by Berry. I expect Wisc to go to Kaminsky, basically challenge him to deliver. Maybe they'll go to Hayes, being guarded by 3-foul Johnson.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-26-2015, 09:11 PM
UNC can't miss.

Jackson is playing up to his potential.

Jackson MVP so far.

Berry playing well too.

rsvman
03-26-2015, 09:12 PM
Hoping the shooting revertsto the mean really soon for both teams.

gumbomoop
03-26-2015, 09:14 PM
Heels relentless, a very admirable trait.

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:15 PM
Oh look. Another Heel inadvertantly takes out an opposing team's star center.

Wheat/"/"/"
03-26-2015, 09:16 PM
Heels relentless, a very admirable trait.

Yep, showing some toughness in this one that they lacked for much of the season.

WiJoe
03-26-2015, 09:16 PM
to hell with the damn cheaters

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:19 PM
Wisky making a little run now.

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2015, 09:21 PM
Wisc rebounding is just awful.

hurleyfor3
03-26-2015, 09:24 PM
Down one, eight minutes... time to go grocery shopping

rsvman
03-26-2015, 09:25 PM
Things are getting better.

WiJoe
03-26-2015, 09:25 PM
Wisconsin's problem is shooting ... its and the holes'.

subzero02
03-26-2015, 09:27 PM
Kaminsky needs to demand the ball... Wisconsin needs to stop fouling.

NSDukeFan
03-26-2015, 09:27 PM
I've just got to say how impressed I am to see Meeks playing out there. With the horrific injury he had, to show,the rehab dedication he did and to now have to play in the unbearable pain that he must be suffering and yet still be out there. This is one of the most impressive nights in sports history.

WiJoe
03-26-2015, 09:29 PM
I've just got to say how impressed I am to see Meeks playing out there. With the horrific injury he had, to show,the rehab dedication he did and to now have to play in the unbearable pain that he must be suffering and yet still be out there. This is one of the most impressive nights in sports history.

Dripping sarcasm. I love it. Just in case you needed to be reminded, Wisconsin is in TROUBLE.

subzero02
03-26-2015, 09:31 PM
No timeout by Roy... Surprised?

pfrduke
03-26-2015, 09:31 PM
Reggie Miller: "I'm surprised Roy Williams doesn't call a time out here."
Everyone who's watched Carolina the last decade: "I'm not."

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:31 PM
Lol. Reggie Miller is surprised Roy didn't call a timeout to stop that run.

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2015, 09:31 PM
Whoever just said they are surprised Roy hasn't called a timeout should lose their license as a broadcaster.

gumbomoop
03-26-2015, 09:32 PM
I commented re UNC-Arkansas game how in second half Arkansas allowed Heels 3 O-bounds after FT via tap-back. I thought Bo's guys would know the drill. But they apparently don't.

As I typed that, Badgers on impressive run.

WiJoe
03-26-2015, 09:32 PM
Whoever just said they are surprised Roy hasn't called a timeout should lose their license as a broadcaster.

If only ...

pfrduke
03-26-2015, 09:32 PM
No timeout by Roy... Surprised?


Reggie Miller: "I'm surprised Roy Williams doesn't call a time out here."
Everyone who's watched Carolina the last decade: "I'm not."


Whoever just said they are surprised Roy hasn't called a timeout should lose their license as a broadcaster.


Lol. Reggie Miller is surprised Roy didn't call a timeout to stop that run.

This series of posts makes me happy.

gotoguy
03-26-2015, 09:33 PM
Lol. Reggie Miller is surprised Roy didn't call a timeout to stop that run.

Timeout called one basket to late Roy

pfrduke
03-26-2015, 09:36 PM
Sam Dekker has really been the difference so far for Wisconsin. Carolina can't guard him and he seems to be getting everywhere he needs to be on offense.

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:36 PM
Josh Gasser is like Aaron Craft without the hype.

pfrduke
03-26-2015, 09:37 PM
Josh Gasser is like Aaron Craft without the hype.

And with a better outside shot.

weezie
03-26-2015, 09:37 PM
^^^ sheesh....
And holes stupid pills just kicked in...

Correction: extra strength-stupid pills

NSDukeFan
03-26-2015, 09:37 PM
Josh Gasser is like Aaron Craft without the hype.

That fast break stop on Tokoto was amazing.

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:37 PM
Sam Dekker has really been the difference so far for Wisconsin. Carolina can't guard him and he seems to be getting everywhere he needs to be on offense.

He has been the best player on the floor.

Kaminsky is going to have trouble at the next level if he doesn't get stronger.

Billy Dat
03-26-2015, 09:37 PM
Twitter is also aaking why no TO by Roy.

This has been a very entertaining game. Time for the Heels to go away. I want to watch Wisconsin moving forward.

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2015, 09:38 PM
If Roy successfully recruits this year's team to be next year's team, they will be very good.

Duvall
03-26-2015, 09:38 PM
Sam Dekker has really been the difference so far for Wisconsin. Carolina can't guard him and he seems to be getting everywhere he needs to be on offense.

He has been, as the kids like to say, the Real MVP.

NSDukeFan
03-26-2015, 09:39 PM
Twitter is also aaking why no TO by Roy.

This has been a very entertaining game. Time for the Heels to go away. I want to watch Wisconsin moving forward.

I would love to see a Wisconsin-Atizona game. Mind you, this game has been pretty good as well.

pfrduke
03-26-2015, 09:39 PM
I would love to see a Wisconsin-Atizona game. Mind you, this game has been pretty good as well.

Last year's version of that game was excellent - no reason to think this year's will be any different.

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:40 PM
Moving Dekker off Tokot-no-O and on to Jackson has been an underrated coaching move.

And Paige? Clutch. Hate it.

Billy Dat
03-26-2015, 09:41 PM
Big 3 by Paige, impressed with the Heels fight

pfrduke
03-26-2015, 09:42 PM
How do you take Paige off the court here? Dekker with just a killer move.

NSDukeFan
03-26-2015, 09:43 PM
How do you take Paige off the court here? Dekker with just a killer move.

That was impressive. Is he the guy competing with Jah for player of the year?

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:43 PM
Black and Dekker shop vac can do it all!

Dr. Rosenrosen
03-26-2015, 09:44 PM
Things that make you go, hmm. Wisc with more timeouts than Heels.

Billy Dat
03-26-2015, 09:44 PM
Lefty Paige

_Gary
03-26-2015, 09:44 PM
Unbelievable. I am just sick.

subzero02
03-26-2015, 09:45 PM
Wow... Paige should be guarded or denied the ball... Fuego

FerryFor50
03-26-2015, 09:45 PM
Paige is first team all America (if you only count the last 2 minutes of a close game)