Author Topic: Evilbore NCAA Bracket Office Pool: 2Gonzaga2Duke (Read 17906 times)

Bocsius · « **Reply #120 on:** March 21, 2009, 11:35:34 PM »

I think Duke just might pull off this upset over Texas.

DJ_Tet · « **Reply #121 on:** March 22, 2009, 01:48:56 AM »

upset

Kinda felt like one though. Good game by Dook. I'mma put on my Scheyer-face, he's playing balls out recently.

Bocsius · « **Reply #122 on:** March 22, 2009, 02:02:43 AM »

This might just be me being spoiled, and it seems rather odd to say it about a team that has won 30 games and doesn't play in a mid major conference (well, didn't appear to be one before the tournament), but I just don't think this team is very good. They've got only three real offensive weapons, and while those three are playing exceptionally well right now, they don't really scare you. If anyone else on the team scores 10 points it's almost a breakout game. They can't battle you down low, they can't really defend athletic perimeter players, it's hard for them to create offense off the dribble, and yet somehow they've managed to win a few games this year. Again, I could just be spoiled by Duke teams of the past. We'll see how they fare against Villanova next Thursday.

DJ_Tet · « **Reply #123 on:** March 22, 2009, 02:18:18 AM »

Preaching to the choir here brother. They claim Duke has a ton of shooters, they don't. Paulus barely plays anymore, he was Duke's 'best shooter' last year. Elliot Willams and Nolan Smith are basically disasters from outside. Scheyer and Singler are streaky. Henderson is best at 18 feet and in. So Duke doesn't have any inside players, basically has two legit scorers (three if you count Scheyer who played like shit for half the year.) That said, a lot of teams would like to have Duke's problems. They are slow, but their defense has bee effective barring a couple of games against Wake and Clemson (you can't count UNC cause they have been lighting everyone up.)

Duke fans are spoiled, believe me I know. I remember the 7 Final Fours in 9 years, but those days are over. Duke has had much worse teams in the past than this team, last year's team comes to mind. The year before that too. Of course, there have been teams at Duke a LOT better than this team, but Gerald Henderson seems to be on a mission. If Scheyer and Singler can keep making shots, they might just have enough for another Final Four run.

More realistically they have one of their patented ice cold games and go 5+ minutes without a field goal and go home against Villanova. Still, Sweet 16 is as far as they've gotten since 2004, minor victory for this team.

(shoot me now)

Bocsius · « **Reply #124 on:** March 22, 2009, 02:30:12 AM »

Duke does that 5+ minutes without a field goal thing about twice a game lately.

Made field goals tonight (times per ESPN.com play-by-play):

1st half
-------
19:43 (2)
16:40 (2)
16:27 (2)
15:59 (2)
15:25 (2)
13:49 (3)
12:03 (3)
8:02 (3)
7:16 (2)
5:21 (2)
3:33 (2)
0:48 (2)
0:15 (2)

2nd half
--------
17:56 (2)
16:48 (3)
15:41 (3)
14:05 (2)
13:20 (2)
12:41 (2)
10:57 (3)
9:45 (3)
9:07 (3)
1:20 (2)

Good thing they made free throws tonight.

When they get hot, watch out. When they get cold... watch out.

DJ_Tet · « **Reply #125 on:** March 22, 2009, 03:24:01 AM »

Yeah they made their FTs and Texas missed theirs, otherwise we're talking about another second round loss.

edit:

9:07 (3)
1:20 (2)

Jesus! That must have been that run when they took their second 10 point lead and promptly pissed it away.

Cheebs · « **Reply #126 on:** March 22, 2009, 09:37:43 AM »

29 out of 40 so far. In second place...woo

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #127 on:** March 22, 2009, 09:53:42 AM »

Fuck Duke

Bloodwake · « **Reply #128 on:** March 22, 2009, 03:21:24 PM »

Fuck duke.

Fuck Wisconsin too. Go Xavier.

Cheebs · « **Reply #129 on:** March 22, 2009, 03:48:44 PM »

Can't wait to see MSU crush USC today.

Cheebs · « **Reply #130 on:** March 22, 2009, 08:46:49 PM »

MSU pulled it out.

Overall good day for my bracket here. Second place still.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #131 on:** March 26, 2009, 08:40:37 PM »

Thabeet looks so unimpressive. His footwork is meh, decision making...he just tried to dribble in the paint with four people guarding him. His hand work isn't impressive. He's just big

Complete opposite of Blake Griffin, who's got great hands/feet and is just a beast. My dad said he reminds him a bit of Karl Malone. I kinda agree

Bocsius · « **Reply #132 on:** March 26, 2009, 11:34:43 PM »

Can't make 3s.
Can't make 2s.
Duke.

Have a safe trip back to Durham.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #133 on:** March 26, 2009, 11:40:40 PM »

They're hanging in there..

But the refs are letting both teams play. That doesn't benefit Duke imo

Bocsius · « **Reply #134 on:** March 26, 2009, 11:47:03 PM »

They. suck.

Now they're scared to even shoot the daggum ball. Either that, or they simply can't.

Hey, Devils. Villanova is locking you down on halfcourt defense. Play faster, shoot before the defense gets set. You can't shoot any worse.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #135 on:** March 26, 2009, 11:56:42 PM »

Nova is letting Duke stay in this game

Bocsius · « **Reply #136 on:** March 27, 2009, 12:00:40 AM »

Both these teams need to shoot the ball a lot better. Villanova can at least get a shot off, though.

Bocsius · « **Reply #137 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:21:17 AM »

Pathetic. This Duke team isn't going to be any better next year, either. They're not getting athletes.

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #138 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:23:13 AM »

Welp there goes my bracket.

Bocsius · « **Reply #139 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:23:47 AM »

Must have had Memphis, right?

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #140 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:32:10 AM »

Yup.

And I had Duke winning tonight.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #141 on:** March 27, 2009, 03:06:02 AM »

Athletes? Duke? They haven't had an athletic, good group of folks since Boozer/Williams/Dunleavy left. Roy Williams is really starving that program of recruits. Coach K is a great great coach but undersized forwards/centers and un-athletic white guards don't win championships anymore

Memphis lol. They weren't prepared. I had them winning the game, but I'm glad they lost. Makes UConn's path much easier

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #142 on:** March 27, 2009, 07:47:39 AM »

My prize money :'(

Bocsius · « **Reply #143 on:** March 27, 2009, 10:20:48 AM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on March 27, 2009, 03:06:02 AM

Athletes? Duke? They haven't had an athletic, good group of folks since Boozer/Williams/Dunleavy left. Roy Williams is really starving that program of recruits. Coach K is a great great coach but undersized forwards/centers and un-athletic white guards don't win championships anymore

Memphis lol. They weren't prepared. I had them winning the game, but I'm glad they lost. Makes UConn's path much easier

I think I remember hearing that losing Deng after one year and having what's-his-name back out of his commitment to Duke to go straight to the NBA in 2004 really changed Coach K's recruiting strategy. But for whatever reason, you're right, they're not getting the kind of players they used to. From what I've seen, it's not really Carolina that's taking Duke's recruits, unless Carolina is getting them before long before Duke can get to them. I've seen several over the years that have come down to Duke versus somebody else, and the player ends up going with that somebody else.

And I can't fail to mention that Duke has had a lot of recruiting busts over the years. A lot.

Earlier in the week, ESPN's Chad Ford said Gerald Henderson was basically gone this year. They had Kyle Singler at 50/50 to go to the draft, but I don't see that happening. Even if Henderson returned, next year's team will still just be the three players who can score and the 9 who can't.

Bloodwake · « **Reply #144 on:** March 27, 2009, 10:37:29 AM »

Well, two of my final four are gone. Fuck.

DJ_Tet · « **Reply #145 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:24:47 PM »

If I was an NBA team I wouldn't touch Singler at all. Soft, only a mediocre rebounder in college, and not really a great outside shooter. I don't see where he fits in the NBA, although he's a good college player.

Very disappointing loss last night, but not at all unexpected.

Duke needs a PG worse than anything, but they also need shooters, another athlete, and some horses inside. They overachieved but next year doesn't look good. I don't see Henderson staying around in a very weak draft. If you think Duke was unathletic this year....

Still, how about that slam by Williams in the first half? Can anyone explain why Elliot Williams didn't play until late January?

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #146 on:** March 27, 2009, 01:37:25 PM »

Henderson lol. Good luck in the NBA

I forgot about Deng. The big time athletes don't seem to even consider Duke anymore. I think NC's recruiting is ahead of everyone in the ACC not just because the team has a successful track record, but because Williams basically lets them do whatever they want.

DJ_Tet · « **Reply #147 on:** March 27, 2009, 02:21:38 PM »

If you judge Henderson off of last night you'd be doing yourself a disservice. He'll do just fine in the NBA. Yeah he's no LeBron James but his outside shooting has improved and he's as explosive as anyone except for the top tier NBA talent. I can't wait to see what he does in the Dunk Contest whenever he goes for it.

My

in the NBA is reserved for Stef Curry. I hope to god the Bobcats don't get him, even though his dad was one of my favorite Hornets growing up.

Bloodwake · « **Reply #148 on:** March 27, 2009, 02:26:13 PM »

So, since I am not going to win the pool anyways, I hope Gonzaga renews their "cinderella" status by making the Final Four.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #149 on:** March 27, 2009, 02:30:01 PM »

Watch Jordan select Hansbrough lol

Bloodwake · « **Reply #150 on:** March 27, 2009, 02:34:33 PM »

Oh yeah, and Louisville is still my pic for the Final Four. Michigan State will be a hard game, but they are on a roll in the Big East and I'm confident they will at least get to the championship game if they play Connecticut in the Final Four.

Because, you know, they are going to be Arizona. Either that or Pitino is gong to be legendarily pissed. Sort of like 1995.

Bocsius · « **Reply #151 on:** March 27, 2009, 02:36:55 PM »

I don't think Henderson is that great of a pro prospect. He'll be in your rotation, but he won't be a starter or even your sixth man. He's undersized at either the 2 or the 3 and struggles with his shot more often than not, perhaps because his shot selection is sketchy. What's a guy that will be 8th or 9th on your depth chart worth in the draft? Is that a first rounder?

DJ_Tet · « **Reply #152 on:** March 27, 2009, 03:21:31 PM »

He'll have to play 2 for sure, but he's tough and not that small for a 2. He's got handles, can make a stationary jump shot or a shot off the dribble. He can obviously attack the rim (the lane will be a LOT more wide open in the pros than it was at Duke where everyone collapsed anytime someone came into the paint because Duke didn't really have a lot of shooters.) He's got good handles for a 2 and decent vision.

PD, if Jordan selects Hansblo I'll be livid. I think Singler is a better pro prospect than him, and that isn't saying a lot. Hansblo's upside is around a Mark Madsen, I really don't see him approaching Matt Harpring levels, although to be fair I never thought Harpring could contribute in the league the way he has been able to.

Bocsius · « **Reply #153 on:** March 27, 2009, 03:59:33 PM »

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4021232

Kentucky has apparently called a 4:30 PM presser about the dismissal of Gillispie. Not known is whether they will have someone remind the alumni and fanbase that "Rick Pitino is not walking through that door."

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #154 on:** March 27, 2009, 04:46:24 PM »

Is Billy D gonna take the job? I heard Izzo's name floated on the radio which is lol worthy

DJ_Tet · « **Reply #155 on:** March 27, 2009, 04:49:10 PM »

I wouldn't be surprised to see Billy go this time. People forget that he took the Orlando Magic job, so he's clearly not married to UF.

Also, people forget Roy Williams turned down UNC once. UK is not above going back and asking Billy D again.

Bocsius · « **Reply #156 on:** March 27, 2009, 04:50:32 PM »

As I suggested in the thread Bloodwake started, I can only pray someone breaks up the logjam of guards sitting beside Coach K on the Duke bench. Come on, Wildcats, take Chris Collins. Take Wojo. Take 'em both.

Might need to take them both, because next in line on the pine is Chris Carrawell.

Bloodwake · « **Reply #157 on:** March 27, 2009, 05:10:19 PM »

I would say that Billy Donovan is more likely to go to UK now than he was two years ago.

Still, I would expect Calipari and (left field look) maybe even Anthony Grant from VCU to be considered. Travis Ford sounds like a popular suggestion too but I don't see them asking him before they ask at least two coaches with some serious Final Four experience.

Edit: someone's already put Donovan is the coach at UK on his Wikipedia profile page... lol UK fans.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #158 on:** March 27, 2009, 05:13:23 PM »

Donovan is right up Kentucky's alley in terms of shady shit. From what I've heard Gillispie wasn't interesting in playing dirty politics there

DJ_Tet · « **Reply #159 on:** March 27, 2009, 06:52:35 PM »

Quote from: Bocsius on March 27, 2009, 04:50:32 PM

As I suggested in the thread Bloodwake started, I can only pray someone breaks up the logjam of guards sitting beside Coach K on the Duke bench. Come on, Wildcats, take Chris Collins. Take Wojo. Take 'em both.

Might need to take them both, because next in line on the pine is Chris Carrawell.

Really, Carrawell?

That's too funny because I've been having this same discussion on another board. I was talking about how much I'd like to see K bring in some real coaching tallent besides failed Duke players. It would bring in fresh ideas etc. Someone else mentioned that Nate James was added for recruiting purposes, and my mind immediately thought Carrawell might be a better recruiter as a former ACC POY and someone from one of the worst neighborhoods in St Louis.

I'd still rather have a real assistant coach beside K.

Bocsius · « **Reply #160 on:** March 27, 2009, 07:16:29 PM »

Yeah, Carrawell is on staff, don't know what his title is, but it's basically the same position Nate James was in last year before being made a coach when Dawkins left.

huckleberry · « **Reply #161 on:** March 28, 2009, 03:41:45 AM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on March 27, 2009, 05:13:23 PM

Donovan is right up Kentucky's alley in terms of shady shit. From what I've heard Gillispie wasn't interesting in playing dirty politics there

Gillespie wasn't interesting in playing politics with the social elitists in Lexington..

as far as shady shit.....you don't know what you are talking about.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #162 on:** March 28, 2009, 03:56:55 AM »

O'rly. It's a shame Michigan got busted for cheating when Florida, UConn, Kansas, Memphis, etc get away with it every fucking season

wasn't talking about social politics

Kara · « **Reply #163 on:** March 28, 2009, 04:28:22 AM »

u mad

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #164 on:** March 29, 2009, 12:32:53 AM »

I had Nova winning on my GAF bracket, Pitt winning on my EB bracket. jesus fucking christ I wasn't thinking with my EB bracket. Yet I'm still in second place

Cheebs · « **Reply #165 on:** March 29, 2009, 12:38:10 AM »

The 'nova game was crazy.

Even though I had pittsburgh winning I couldn't help be excited for them toppling a #1 seed. Great game too.

All I need now to make me happy is to see state make it to the final 4....

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #166 on:** March 29, 2009, 12:41:55 AM »

I doubt they'll make it but then again...

Izzo is one of the best coaches in terms of preparing for other teams. He's had like a week to prepare for this game so who knows. It'll be an amazing game, great coaching battle

Cheebs · « **Reply #167 on:** March 29, 2009, 05:29:39 PM »

Fuck yes, State's coming home to Michigan!

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #168 on:** March 29, 2009, 05:50:41 PM »

Dickie V/CBS analysts/ESPN annihilated

etiolate · « **Reply #169 on:** March 29, 2009, 09:52:44 PM »

Griffin is a one dimensional player. Why does everyone have him as #1? He looks like a future 6th man to me. Comes off the bench, can score in multitude of ways, but plays no defense and outside of scoring has no impact on the game. He's Antoine Walker.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #170 on:** March 29, 2009, 09:56:24 PM »

Without the dancing skills perhaps?

Griffin is a pure paint dude unlike Walker. He's got the foot work, he's got the hands, he seems smart despite being extremely reckless with his body. I think he can be a good PF especially if he beefs up.

ToxicAdam · « **Reply #171 on:** March 29, 2009, 10:01:06 PM »

Quote from: etiolate on March 29, 2009, 09:52:44 PM

Griffin is a one dimensional player. Why does everyone have him as #1? He looks like a future 6th man to me. Comes off the bench, can score in multitude of ways, but plays no defense and outside of scoring has no impact on the game. He's Antoine Walker.

Because everyone else in college sucks this year.

etiolate · « **Reply #172 on:** March 29, 2009, 10:10:28 PM »

=/

Save me Rubio!

Bocsius · « **Reply #173 on:** March 29, 2009, 10:19:16 PM »

This Final Four sucks.

I need Villanova and Michigan State to win on Saturday. The alternatives... horrible.

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #174 on:** March 29, 2009, 10:32:30 PM »

Quote from: etiolate on March 29, 2009, 10:10:28 PM

=/

Save me Rubio!

People should start to get weary of European players who don't even receive significant playing time for their European club teams.

Kara · « **Reply #175 on:** March 29, 2009, 10:44:57 PM »

'ville annihilated. Spider Silva can still think they're a big time program though!

ferrarimanf355 · « **Reply #176 on:** March 30, 2009, 12:23:41 AM »

My bracket: nuked. :'(

Bloodwake · « **Reply #177 on:** March 30, 2009, 03:58:43 AM »

My bracket is toast.

Anyways, more about UK. It seems like Calipari may be interested in the job, but the media (especially ESPN) wants to push Tom Izzo for the job. Even before tonight's win from Louisville, I read like two or three blogs on ESPN where they were talking about Izzo's name in relation to being the next Kentucky coach.

After tonight, I would have to agree with ESPN. However, Izzo is a fucking pipe dream. There's no way he would leave Michigan State.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

still, sorry Cheebs, I want your team's fucking coach

[close]

Bocsius · « **Reply #178 on:** March 30, 2009, 10:30:02 AM »

Duke gets Stephen Curry's little brother.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4026095

2010-2011 saved!

Cheebs · « **Reply #179 on:** March 30, 2009, 10:39:14 AM »

Quote from: Bloodwake on March 30, 2009, 03:58:43 AM

My bracket is toast.

Anyways, more about UK. It seems like Calipari may be interested in the job, but the media (especially ESPN) wants to push Tom Izzo for the job. Even before tonight's win from Louisville, I read like two or three blogs on ESPN where they were talking about Izzo's name in relation to being the next Kentucky coach.

After tonight, I would have to agree with ESPN. However, Izzo is a fucking pipe dream. There's no way he would leave Michigan State.

spoiler (click to show/hide)
still, sorry Cheebs, I want your team's fucking coach
[close]

Izzo isn't leaving, keep up that dream

. He is from Michigan and really wanted to coach in his home state. Plus he built up State to be one of the best teams consistently every year, who would throw that away. Every single one of his players who has been on his team through senior year has made it to the final four since he started coaching at MSU.

News:

Author Topic: Evilbore NCAA Bracket Office Pool: 2Gonzaga2Duke (Read 17906 times)