NCAA March Madness thread

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Brackets are now out. Who ya got?

My Final Four is set at:

Virginia vs Michigan
West Virginia vs Kansas

I just have no idea who I'm gonna pick to win and lose in the Final. Right now I have it UVA over WVU. But any result between those 4 teams seems viable to me. I may change it by Tuesday.

History is against WVU, since a #5 has never won the title. But I love Press Virginia and will root for Huggins.

Virginia I heard has maybe the best D ever. Michigan has vets and plays well and balanced. And Kansas is Kansas.

My upset specials are Loyola-Chi getting to the Sweet 16 and Stephen F Austin, NM State, and Arizona State(/Syracuse) all getting to the 2nd round as 11+ seeds.

[FreezingTsmoove]

Arizona !

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Arizona !
Dude, I wanna pick them so bad. Ayton beasted it last night, I was really impressed. And Trier...they could have the best 1-2 punch in the tournament. But in the South, I'm drinking the UVA kool aid. For now.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Starting to re-think my picks. But only b/c of superstition mixed w/ history.

No all-blue jersey Final Four has happened since 1989 it looks like. My Final Four is all-blue (or at least pseudo-all blue...Virginia is arguably more orange-ish).

But not sure what non-blue color team to pick. Mich St? Cincy? Tennessee?

[UK2K]

What will happen in my dreams:

Kentucky
Michigan
Michigan State
Villanova

What will happen in real life:

Virginia
North Carolina
Duke
Villanova

On a side note, if UK gets past Arizona, they're going to the final four.

I just don't see them getting past Arizona.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Ok, I'm going all in on this 1989 repeating itself history-based superstition idiocy. So here's the '89 to '18 comparisons:

[FreezingTsmoove]

Arizona
Missouri
Florida
Michigan State

In my final four

[UK2K]

Put $20 on UK to win at +2300.

Why not?

[Charlie Sheen]

This is about the best Arizona has played all season. Their perimeter defense is active and a problem. One thing stands out, and Bill Walton said as much during the tournament... they don't do a very good job at getting Ayton the ball in the post. That could end up being their undoing against teams that have the personnel to shut it down.

My bold tourney prediction: Cincinnati wins the whole damn thing

[fourkicks44]

Virginia
Gonzaga
Villanova
Michigan State

Arizona could upset Virginia. Don't know what they were thinking giving them the 4 seed.

Villanova has the easiest run to the Final Four.

Xavier is overrated af.

[FreezingTsmoove]

Virginia
Gonzaga
Villanova
Michigan State

Arizona could upset Virginia. Don't know what they were thinking giving them the 4 seed.

Villanova has the easiest run to the Final Four.

Xavier is overrated af.

If it wasn't for my extreme personal hatred towards Xavier I would have picked them to win it all. Winning the big east is no joke

[Charlie Sheen]

Anyone organizing a group for ish brackets or we just using this thread? I could set something up when I get home tonight if there was enough interest

[Wally450]

Anyone organizing a group for ish brackets or we just using this thread? I could set something up when I get home tonight if there was enough interest

I'm down. I was going to ask the same thing. May put it on the NBA forum to try and gauge more interest.

[UK2K]

This is about the best Arizona has played all season. Their perimeter defense is active and a problem. One thing stands out, and Bill Walton said as much during the tournament... they don't do a very good job at getting Ayton the ball in the post. That could end up being their undoing against teams that have the personnel to shut it down.

My bold tourney prediction: Cincinnati wins the whole damn thing

Arizona hasn't played a team with a pulse since early December. That's why their SOS is in the 70's. They've only played (and lost) to one top 25 team all season, and that was Purdue, who steamrolled them. They haven't played a team with an RPI higher than 34 since December 5th.

Kentucky will beat them by 8+

[HenryGarfunkle]

All the hate OU got for making the tourney is gonna work to their favor. Trae Young is built for this tourney

He's bout to make all the haters eat their words

Calling it now, OU is making the final 4

[fourkicks44]

If it wasn't for my extreme personal hatred towards Xavier I would have picked them to win it all. Winning the big east is no joke

Yeah but they didn't even make the Big East Championship game. I know it happens from time to time but how the f#ck you get a 1 seed after that?

[FreezingTsmoove]

Yeah but they didn't even make the Big East Championship game. I know it happens from time to time but how the f#ck you get a 1 seed after that?

Well the big east in the best conference in the NCAA so its not hard to believe.....

The worst team in the Big East gave a beatdown to Duke in the middle of the season

[UK2K]

Well the big east in the best conference in the NCAA so its not hard to believe.....

The worst team in the Big East gave a beatdown to Duke in the middle of the season

:biggums:

:oldlol:

https://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology/conference?&_3:col_1=7&_3:col_2=7

[ShawkFactory]

All the hate OU got for making the tourney is gonna work to their favor. Trae Young is built for this tourney

He's bout to make all the haters eat their words

Calling it now, OU is making the final 4
Even if you ignore Rhode Island (you shouldn't), OU would have to potentially beat Duke, Michigan state, and Kansas in consecutive games. They aren't good enough to do that.

The only way the make the final four is if upsets clear the bracket for them.

[Jailblazers7]

I think Gonzaga has a real shot at the Final 4 again in the West bracket. Some solid teams in their bracket but they have the travel advantage and their team is really good. I think Xavier falls to them in the Sweet 16.

Im probably drinking the Ayton kool-aid too much but I'm picking Arizona to win it all. They could have a brutal path going through Kentucky and Virginia but they have the best player in the field and a ton of talent. Plus the FBI shit could actually give them an us against the world attitude that could be a benefit.

[imdaman99]

Arizona
Michigan
Villanova
Michigan State

I'm hoping for Michigan to win it all. They look like they have it all, and their guards are looking good (Simpson and Abdur Rakhman). Not to mention Wagner's toughness and Robinson off the bench. Beilein is great as well.

I know I picked Arizona to go the final 4, but it worries me that everyone is on their wagon.

[HenryGarfunkle]

Even if you ignore Rhode Island (you shouldn't), OU would have to potentially beat Duke, Michigan state, and Kansas in consecutive games. They aren't good enough to do that.

The only way the make the final four is if upsets clear the bracket for them.
They are definitely good enough to do that because Trae is good enough to do that. It's funny what a little momentum can do in the tourney. Them upsetting Duke in the 2nd round will give them that confidence they can win it all. They simply played with a lack of confidence down the stretch .Now nobody really expects them to do anything (just like before the season) which is a situation I see them thriving in. Upsets always happen, and teams make miracle runs. How many guys actually call it though before it happens?

Shit's gonna be crazy when it comes to fruition! I speak with 100 percent confidence, OU will make the final 4!

[FreezingTsmoove]

Anyone going to watch Trae Young university vs Rhode Island at 12

[UK2K]

Anyone going to watch Trae Young university vs Rhode Island at 12

My office takes the day off starting at noon.

I'll be watching all of the games.

[ShawkFactory]

They are definitely good enough to do that because Trae is good enough to do that. It's funny what a little momentum can do in the tourney. Them upsetting Duke in the 2nd round will give them that confidence they can win it all. They simply played with a lack of confidence down the stretch .Now nobody really expects them to do anything (just like before the season) which is a situation I see them thriving in. Upsets always happen, and teams make miracle runs. How many guys actually call it though before it happens?

Shit's gonna be crazy when it comes to fruition! I speak with 100 percent confidence, OU will make the final 4!
They're defense just isn't good enough.

Duke will score 100 on them.

I just don't see it. Hope it happens because I would love to watch Trae as long as possible.

[qrich]

What a start, Rhode Island wins in overtime and Zaga nearly chokes to UNCG.

Penn putting up a fight against Kansas as well

[ShawkFactory]

Well the big east in the best conference in the NCAA so its not hard to believe.....

The worst team in the Big East gave a beatdown to Duke in the middle of the season
Wtf did I just read

[bigkingsfan]

March Madness is on :banana:

[FreezingTsmoove]

Wtf did I just read

Seton Hall just beat Nc State

Im assuming you think acc is the best conference

[imdaman99]

:lol freakin Arizona, getting rekt. About to bust everyone's bracket :facepalm

[ShawkFactory]

Seton Hall just beat Nc State

Im assuming you think acc is the best conference
The ACC and Big 12 are clearly the best. SEC was good too

[UK2K]

Seton Hall just beat Nc State

Im assuming you think acc is the best conference

SEC is 4-0 after day one.

And they have the highest RPI of any conference.

The SEC is the best. ACC second. Big East third.

[Jailblazers7]

Well I'm an idiot for getting sucked into the Arizona hype again. Really bad news for Sean Miller because he couldn't get it done with this much talent and now all of his top recruits are leaving. I wouldn't be that surprised to see Arizona move on from him soon. He's probably just not worth the hassle.

[UK2K]

Well I'm an idiot for getting sucked into the Arizona hype again. Really bad news for Sean Miller because he couldn't get it done with this much talent and now all of his top recruits are leaving. I wouldn't be that surprised to see Arizona move on from him soon. He's probably just not worth the hassle.

Arizona was a two-man pony...

And their defense is terrible. They're simply a product of a cupcake schedule.

[JohnnySic]

Glad I had Arizona losing in the 2nd round.

[Jailblazers7]

Arizona was a two-man pony...

And their defense is terrible. They're simply a product of a cupcake schedule.

I think the team was poorly utilized by Miller but yeah they weren't a deep team. I still expected them to play through Ayton more and let him carry them.

It's weird that Sean Miller might get fired and I don't want Pitt to hire him. I never thought I'd be saying that in a million years but here we are.

[Charlie Sheen]

Arizona was a two-man pony...

And their defense is terrible. They're simply a product of a cupcake schedule.

I'm not an Arizona fan by any stretch but what an overreaction. ANY TEAM in this tournament would've had their hands full with this Buffalo team shooting 15/30 from deep. The larger problem was coaching and effort. That's why they got blown out. The talent was there. Ristic, Rawle, Cartwright are all players. Ayton was getting faced up and taken to the hoop with no fear. He shoulders his share of responsibility in this loss too. Credit to those Buffalo players.

[UK2K]

I'm not an Arizona fan by any stretch but what an overreaction. ANY TEAM in this tournament would've had their hands full with this Buffalo team shooting 15/30 from deep. The larger problem was coaching and effort. That's why they got blown out. The talent was there. Ristic, Rawle, Cartwright are all players. Ayton was getting faced up and taken to the hoop with no fear. He shoulders his share of responsibility in this loss too. Credit to those Buffalo players.

They shot 15/30 from deep because Arizona is a terrible defensive team.

UK is 4th in college basketball in defending the 3.

Kentucky got outscored from the 3pt line last night 33-0 and still won a relatively easy game.

So, I disagree.

[UK2K]

I think the team was poorly utilized by Miller but yeah they weren't a deep team. I still expected them to play through Ayton more and let him carry them.

It's weird that Sean Miller might get fired and I don't want Pitt to hire him. I never thought I'd be saying that in a million years but here we are.

Notice how Xavier is doing just fine without him.

He's overrated.

[Charlie Sheen]

They shot 15/30 from deep because Arizona is a terrible defensive team.

UK is 4th in college basketball in defending the 3.

Kentucky got outscored from the 3pt line last night 33-0 and still won a relatively easy game.

So, I disagree.

Arizona is not terrible defensively. Inconsistent? Hell yeah. Maybe that's terrible. As much as I've watched them though... it's more frustrating and "Are you serious?" than terrible. I've seen this team play good-great defense for long stretches across games too many times to call them terrible.

I was watching stone cold stephen f austin play tech in that slot, so I can't really say too much about what went on in Davidson vs Kentucky. Still... I'd be cautious at drawing comparisons between that team and the one Buffalo is bringing on Saturday outside of their ability to hit the 3.

[FreezingTsmoove]

SEC is 4-0 after day one.

And they have the highest RPI of any conference.

The SEC is the best. ACC second. Big East third.

Ok we will see today for sure.... two SEC vs Big East games

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

So, now that UK v Ariz won

[Charlie Sheen]

I want to see Wichita play wv this weekend.

[UK2K]

Ok we will see today for sure.... two SEC vs Big East games

The ACC was 1-3 yesterday.

They're a step below.

[UK2K]

Arizona is not terrible defensively. Inconsistent? Hell yeah. Maybe that's terrible. As much as I've watched them though... it's more frustrating and "Are you serious?" than terrible. I've seen this team play good-great defense for long stretches across games too many times to call them terrible.

I was watching stone cold stephen f austin play tech in that slot, so I can't really say too much about what went on in Davidson vs Kentucky. Still... I'd be cautious at drawing comparisons between that team and the one Buffalo is bringing on Saturday outside of their ability to hit the 3.

Arizona is 96th in adjusted defensive efficiency. 62nd out of 68 teams in the tournament.

That's terrible.

And they managed that in, easily, the worst power 5 conference.

[Jailblazers7]

[QUOTE=Dr. Cheesesteak]So, now that UK v Ariz won

[HenryGarfunkle]

They are definitely good enough to do that because Trae is good enough to do that. It's funny what a little momentum can do in the tourney. Them upsetting Duke in the 2nd round will give them that confidence they can win it all. They simply played with a lack of confidence down the stretch .Now nobody really expects them to do anything (just like before the season) which is a situation I see them thriving in. Upsets always happen, and teams make miracle runs. How many guys actually call it though before it happens?

Shit's gonna be crazy when it comes to fruition! I speak with 100 percent confidence, OU will make the final 4!
http://i.imgur.com/1HWQIPa.gif

[Charlie Sheen]

This morning hasn't been good to me so far :lol




My bold tourney prediction: Cincinnati wins the whole damn thing


I want to see Wichita play wv this weekend.

http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/96/9651e121dac222fdac699ca6d962b84f288c75e6ec120f4a06 e3c04f139ee8ec.jpg

[Charlie Sheen]

https://twitter.com/RivalsWoody/status/974727197247361024 :roll:

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

I'd like to see a Gonzaga/UNC rematch from the title game.
Yeah, that'd be a good one. In the same region, OSU v Mich would be a sick Final.

And come to think of it, I'd also like a variety of semifinal matchups in the South, not just the South Final. Tenn v Cincy for those 2 D's. Tenn v Texas for the battle of the Barnes programs. And Kentucky v UVA b/c it's Kentucky v #1 seed.

Butler v Purdue, the battle of Indiana, should be cool.

But in terms of just talent/renown making the matchup hype, it has to be KU v MSU, imo.

[ShawkFactory]

Texas and Nevada is the game of the tourney so far. Surprisingly.

[Charlie Sheen]

Texas and Nevada is the game of the tourney so far. Surprisingly.

This Andrew Catalon guy fooled me a bunch of times this game had me thinking he was Gus Johnson. I'm a fan

[imdaman99]

Virginia gettin smoked :roll:
Could UBMC make history? :lebronamazed:

[bigkingsfan]

Cavs :lebroncry:

[fourkicks44]

Wow first Arizona, now Virginia?

Still time, tho.

[bigkingsfan]

Lyles looking like prime Mike

[STATUTORY]

UMBC kids styling out there like the harelm globetrotters :biggums:

[fourkicks44]

Lyles looking like prime Mike

Kid is unconscious.

[ROCSteady]

Maryland Squad making HISTORY

Let's fckin go, keep it going.

[ROCSteady]

Dude, I wanna pick them so bad. Ayton beasted it last night, I was really impressed. And Trier...they could have the best 1-2 punch in the tournament. But in the South, I'm drinking the UVA kool aid. For now.


:roll:

Dude was between Arizona & UVA.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

:roll:

Dude was between Arizona & UVA.
What's funny? They were both heavy favorites and rightfully so. Shit happens. Who'd you pick?

[ShawkFactory]

Jesus. My cousin went to UMBC and he's currently blackout celebrating.

What a win for them. And what the fvck just happened to virginia. Embarrassing.

[qrich]

Absolutely stunning

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

At least we got to witness history! :rockon: ...:cry:

[Charlie Sheen]

Dang. After the first round I think Nevada and the Zags are all that's left for the west coast. I'm being generous counting Nevada, but they're still PST :lol

[Charlie Sheen]

https://twitter.com/littlecaesars/status/974858912745902080?s=19

some of these replies :lol

[imdaman99]

Nova absolutely destroying Bama. Can't stop their 3s

[Charlie Sheen]

Nova absolutely destroying Bama. Can't stop their 3s
That game was a story of 2 halves. Bama got dusted once Bridges showed up..

[HenryGarfunkle]

First time watching Duke this season.

How were they not the favorites?

[ShawkFactory]

Kentucky has that feeling. I'd be shocked if they weren't in the final four. Especially if Loyola beats Tennessee

[ShawkFactory]

First time watching Duke this season.

How were they not the favorites?
Very young and very inconsistent.

[Charlie Sheen]

Kentucky has that feeling. I'd be shocked if they weren't in the final four. Especially if Loyola beats Tennessee
What they just did to Buffalo. That was impressive. People always point to the massive talent advantage Kentucky has most years. The job Cal has done gets overlooked. Feels like every year he's got his teams showing marked improvement over the course of a season. You're never gonna get the same Kentucky in the tourney that you played in December.

[fourkicks44]

That Hachimura kid is really exciting.

It will be interesting to see him in the NBA.

[fourkicks44]

Kentucky has that feeling. I'd be shocked if they weren't in the final four. Especially if Loyola beats Tennessee

Wow, General Custer comes through with the goods.

Kentucky peaking just at the right time.

[ShawkFactory]

What they just did to Buffalo. That was impressive. People always point to the massive talent advantage Kentucky has most years. The job Cal has done gets overlooked. Feels like every year he's got his teams showing marked improvement over the course of a season. You're never gonna get the same Kentucky in the tourney that you played in December.
True. He doesn't have that massive talent right now like he sometimes does. But the way they're playing idk if there's 3 teams that can beat them.

[FreezingTsmoove]

True. He doesn't have that massive talent right now like he sometimes does. But the way they're playing idk if there's 3 teams that can beat them.

Dude has 8 5 star prospects on his team right and thats not even counting Shai Giligeous...........

[Charlie Sheen]

My revised final 4 after today :D
Duke
Nova
Kentucky
Zags

[bigkingsfan]

Best March madness ever

[imdaman99]

Wow freshman to hit a 30 footer game winning shot like that :eek:

[ShawkFactory]

Dude has 8 5 star prospects on his team right and thats not even counting Shai Giligeous...........
They're lower end 5 stars though.

He doesn't have an Anthony Davis, KAT, etc. this year. They may not have a lottery pick on the team right now. Perhaps Know but he won't be top 10.

[Charlie Sheen]

They're lower end 5 stars though.

He doesn't have an Anthony Davis, KAT, etc. this year. They may not have a lottery pick on the team right now. Perhaps Know but he won't be top 10.

Haha I'm glad you answered this one. Took a shot at replying last night myself, but it was awkward and nowhere near as direct and to the point like you did it here. Said nah and deleted it. :cheers:

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Refs and announcers are retarded. Clearly off Mich St.

After admitting defeat on my integrity bracket, I'll make adjusted Final Four picks when the Sweet 16 is finalized.

[bigkingsfan]

Putting UMBC on TruTV :hammerhead:

[fourkicks44]

Putting UMBC on TruTV :hammerhead:

The f#ck huh?

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

The f#ck huh?
Seriously, dumbass Turner.

Anyway, anyone who complains about NBA refs needs to watch some of these college refs. Embarrassing. I saw at least 2 fouls on that last Cincy drive. Oh well, I like Musselman, grats to him and UNR.

Interesting Sweet 16. Possibly the LEAST Top 4 seeds ever?

[Charlie Sheen]

WHAT A ****ING GAME! CBS didn

[JohnnySic]

I've found that in recent years its become more difficult to predict the tournament with any accuracy. There's just too much parity in college basketball now.

[Charlie Sheen]

Anyone remember who the coach at auburn before Bruce pearl? He hasn

[bigkingsfan]

UMBC shooting 30% and 50% from the line, still in it. :oldlol:

[Jailblazers7]

I kinda want UMBC to win so I can watch Kentucky beat the shit out of them. K-State and Virginia played weak as hell against them. Just get to the rim and kick their ass lol.

[fourkicks44]

UMBC are just too small. Their D is good, but they can't score for shit. All they have Lyles and he was cold af.

They had their chances but they couldn't put it in the hoop.

[HenryGarfunkle]

Kansas St up 50-43


Can't wait for the 2nd half

[fourkicks44]

Kansas St up 50-43


Can't wait for the 2nd half

:roll:

My point exactly.

[ShawkFactory]

Has there ever been this crazy of a first weekend?

Before the sweet 16 we've lost 2 ones, 2 twos, 2 threes, and 3 4s. Less than half of the top 16 seeds remain.

[fourkicks44]

For sure. It has been one crazy weekend. I have never seen anything like it.




Villanova has the easiest run to the Final Four.

Xavier is overrated af.

Good call.

Nova gotta be the undoubted favorite now.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Good call.

Nova gotta be the undoubted favorite now.
I'm sticking to my integrity pick and having WVU beat them!

My adjusted Final Four isn't that much adjusted. I still have 3 teams - Mich, WVU, Kansas - in it, so I'm sticking w/ them.

But that South bracket. Kentucky seems too easy of a pick. Any of the other 3 are tempting to pick. I think if Kentucky beats KSU, they'll beat LUC/UNR. But KSU, as crappy as they are on offense, look nice on D. This just has been a bizarro tourney so far, especially in the South. Do I pick that to continue or do I pick Kentucky to set things right and straighten it all out?

Still debating. But I have til Thurs to figure it out.

[UK2K]

Dude has 8 5 star prospects on his team right and thats not even counting Shai Giligeous...........

He also has the youngest team in NCAA history.

Not just this season.... in history. As in, ever.

[UK2K]

My final four is still intact (Kentucky, Gonzaga, Duke, Villanova).

Looks like, barring some unforeseen incident, your boy here is going to win his bracket pool.

[UK2K]

Has there ever been this crazy of a first weekend?

Before the sweet 16 we've lost 2 ones, 2 twos, 2 threes, and 3 4s. Less than half of the top 16 seeds remain.

First time since the tournament expanded (I think 1975 or 1979) that none of the top 4 seeds in a region made it to the SS.

[Charlie Sheen]

My final four is still intact (Kentucky, Gonzaga, Duke, Villanova).

Looks like, barring some unforeseen incident, your boy here is going to win his bracket pool.

Hey! That looks a lot like my revised final four I made Saturday night!:cheers:

[Jailblazers7]

My final four is still intact (Kentucky, Gonzaga, Duke, Villanova).

Looks like, barring some unforeseen incident, your boy here is going to win his bracket pool.

I have the same final 4 except for Kentucky. I put some money on Gonzaga at +2500 to win it all before the tournament started and I'm feeling pretty good about that bet.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

My final four is still intact (Kentucky, Gonzaga, Duke, Villanova).

Looks like, barring some unforeseen incident, your boy here is going to win his bracket pool.
I like those picks…sentimentally.

But as I stated (at least I think I stated) in a previous post, I’m all about superstitious history. And I had to dig back to 1989 when the last time an all-blue colored Final Four happened. And that was w/ Illinois, which claims orange as its first color. So that may not even count. I kept scrolling to the ‘60s, and just gave up.

So yeah…based off my own dumb superstition, I don’t think that FF will happen. Need a non-blue team in there! Which is what is making me lean towards KSU or LUC in the South, if I stick w/ my other 3 original picks. Or maybe I betray one of my surviving picks and go w/ Tech or TAMU or Clemson or ‘Cuse, etc…

[UK2K]

I have the same final 4 except for Kentucky. I put some money on Gonzaga at +2500 to win it all before the tournament started and I'm feeling pretty good about that bet.

I put $20 on UK at +2300 to win before the tourney started. :applause:

I always said if they got past Arizona, they were going to the FF.

Plus side is, they didn't even have to face Arizona.

[Jailblazers7]

I put $20 on UK at +2300 to win before the tourney started. :applause:

I always said if they got past Arizona, they were going to the FF.

Plus side is, they didn't even have to face Arizona.

I hope its a Gonzaga/Kentucky Final 4 match-up because those are the two most talented teams left on that side of the bracket. I'd love to see a match-up between Gilgeous-Alexander and Zach Norvell on Gonzaga.

[UK2K]

Ladies and gentlemen....

The records speak for themselves.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYldUcmX0AAoQy9.jpg:large

[HenryGarfunkle]

Who would've thunk the school that has produced by far the most NBA stars since 2010 would also have the best record in march/April

[imdaman99]

Who would've thunk the school that has produced by far the most NBA stars since 2010 would also have the best record in march/April
:roll: I know right. Dude is breaking ground here.

LOOK GUYS, THE TEAM THAT HAS THE MOST TALENT REALLY DOES DA BESSSS

[Charlie Sheen]

Who would've thunk the school that has produced by far the most NBA stars since 2010 would also have the best record in march/April
:lol

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Ok, I've thought about this alot. I'm gonna hedge my bets and have my updated integrity pick, adapted for the loss of UVA, and my adjusted pick, which is who I think will actually go the FF, regardless of staying true to my original picks. I'm still sticking to 1 non-blue team.

Integrity pick (updated)
Kansas State
Michigan
West Virginia
Kansas

Adjusted pick
Kentucky
Michigan
Texas Tech
Kansas

Gonna still pick Michigan to win it all for both.


Ladies and gentlemen....

The records speak for themselves.

Great record, no doubt. But that's a lot of tourneys he got far and didn't win it. Dude still has just 1 ring... :confusedshrug:

[Jailblazers7]

Cal has the same number of championships as Kevin Ollie.

[UK2K]

Who would've thunk the school that has produced by far the most NBA stars since 2010 would also have the best record in march/April

Why did so many experts pick Davidson to upset UK?

Then the experts picked Buffalo to upset UK.

Now all of a sudden, UK is the favorite and anything short of a FF is a disaster.

Its funny how quickly the narrative changes, ain't it?

[UK2K]

Great record, no doubt. But that's a lot of tourneys he got far and didn't win it. Dude still has just 1 ring... :confusedshrug:

And I thought UK fans were demanding...

I'm satisfied with 7 Elite Eights in 9 years. I would think expecting anything more is unreasonable. I don't believe a single other team in college basketball can say the same thing over the last 9 years.

So, I expect them to be in the conversation every year by season's end, and they are. To expect them to win multiple titles is laughable.

[UK2K]

:roll: I know right. Dude is breaking ground here.

LOOK GUYS, THE TEAM THAT HAS THE MOST TALENT REALLY DOES DA BESSSS

I thought these were the best teams...


Seth Greenberg’s Final Four: Virginia, Michigan, Villanova, Michigan State.

Jeff Goodman’s Final Four: Arizona, Xavier, Villanova, Kansas.

Joe Lunardi’s Final Four: Virginia, Michigan State, West Virginia, Gonzaga.

John Thompson III’s Final Four: Arizona, North Carolina, Villanova, Michigan State.

Dick Vitale’s Final Four: Virginia, Gonzaga, Villanova, Michigan State.

Jay Williams’s Final Four: Arizona, Gonzaga, Villanova, Michigan State.

So did they. :oldlol:

So what is it?

They're the best team just none of the 'experts' wanted to pick the best team? Did you pick them going to the Championship game? Of course not, so even you don't think they're the best team.

I wasn't aware UK had this type of pedigree around the country. UK was an 8 seed in 2014, were they the best team then, too? Did the tournament committee just seed them entirely wrong? They were a 4 seed in 2016? Best team or nah?

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

To expect them to win multiple titles is laughable.
Why? It’s Kentucky. And it’s arguably the best recruiter in the history of college bball.

If one-and-done is your retort, please. Even Coach K has won a couple titles in this one-and-done era w/ his teams relying primarily on freshmen. Roy Williams has won multiple titles at UNC relying on less talent.

A year is plenty of time to build synergy w/ a bunch of new players. Cal has already done it. What’s to stop him from doing it again?

I mean, I’m not even a ring-worshipper tool like others are here. And I understand it’s college bball and the amount of top-tier programs is high. But don’t act like Cal is head and shoulders above the rest just b/c he’s won a lot of NCAA tourney games, when he’s always had the most talented teams, but other coaches have won more titles in his time at UK.

I still wanna throw Cal a bone here, tho. I'm not trying to shit on him. Rather than his record, I’d just show off the Final Fours he’s been to instead. Sure the record implies deep runs, therefore Final Fours. But saying he has the most Final Fours during his UK tenure is the most impressive.

edit:


I thought these were the best teams...

So did they.

So what is it?

They're the best team just none of the 'experts' wanted to pick the best team? Did you pick them going to the Championship game? Of course not, so even you don't think they're the best team.

I wasn't aware UK had this type of pedigree around the country. UK was an 8 seed in 2014, were they the best team then, too? Did the tournament committee just seed them entirely wrong? They were a 4 seed in 2016? Best team or nah?
Even if you're being sarcastic, you're also strawmanning. Imdaman was referring to UK talent since 2010. Not 2017-18 UK's playing results or UK from any other year.

And you know seeds are based primarily on results of the whole season, the resume. Not actual talent. You can be the most talented and still not play as the best team during the regular or post seasons. And those "experts" thought UK wasn't going to play the best. Not that they weren't the most talented.

[UK2K]

Why? It’s Kentucky. And it’s arguably the best recruiter in the history of college bball.

If one-and-done is your retort, please. Even Coach K has won a couple titles in this one-and-done era w/ his teams relying primarily on freshmen. Roy Williams has won multiple titles at UNC relying on less talent.

A year is plenty of time to build synergy w/ a bunch of new players. Cal has already done it. What’s to stop him from doing it again?

I mean, I’m not even a ring-worshipper tool like others are here. And I understand it’s college bball and the amount of top-tier programs is high. But don’t act like Cal is head and shoulders above the rest just b/c he’s won a lot of NCAA tourney games, when he’s always had the most talented teams, but other coaches have won more titles in his time at UK.

I still wanna throw Cal a bone here, tho. I'm not trying to shit on him. Rather than his record, I’d just show off the Final Fours he’s been to instead. Sure the record implies deep runs, therefore Final Fours. But saying he has the most Final Fours during his UK tenure is the most impressive.

Oh, he's absolutely not. But his tournament resume (in the SEC and the NCAA) speaks for itself.

Again... 'most talented'? Yeah, I don't think so. Has he had a lot of talent some years? Of course. But for every Anthony Davis or Karl Towns, there's an Archie Goodwin or Daniel Orton.

You likely only watch the final product come March, but if you followed this team year in and year out, you'd be hard pressed to argue they've had 'the most talent' in all but maybe one or two years.


edit:

Even if you're being sarcastic, you're also strawmanning. Imdaman was referring to UK talent since 2010. Not 2017-18 UK's playing results or UK from any other year.

And you know seeds are based primarily on results of the whole season, the resume. Not actual talent. You can be the most talented and still not play as the best team during the regular or post seasons. And those "experts" thought UK wasn't going to play the best. Not that they weren't the most talented.

I didn't know he specified a certain team, or year.

So let me get this straight... you argue UK has 'the most talent' therefore, they should have won more championships.

Then you argue that you can have the most talent but not play the best?

So then you would agree talent doesn't equal success? Me too. Or does that only apply when it's Kentucky?

How many times has Duke flamed out as a 2 seed? Remember Leigh? We just saw North Carolina do the same thing. Do you know how many teams UK has lost to in the tournament to a team seeded more than one line below them? Zero. Cal is (now) 28-0 at UK in the tournament against teams at least two seeds below them. So what's the excuse for the Duke and North Carolina teams being upset nearly every single year?

They've got plenty of talent, right? But they still get upset as 2-seeds?

[imdaman99]

Michigan makin it rain

https://media.giphy.com/media/ZPFQVis9WAAcE/giphy.gif

[imdaman99]

Kentucky gettin rekt :oldlol:

[FreezingTsmoove]

Kentucky 😂

[72-10]

UK is a sham. They stack the team with tall lottery picks. And on top of that, they play extra home games!

[FreezingTsmoove]

There are no winners or losers in this game. The only losers are those who tuned into watch

[imdaman99]

Cal is (now) 28-0 at UK in the tournament against teams at least two seeds below them.
First time for everything :oldlol:

How does it feel to not be able to hit your FTs? How does it feel to lose a 9th seed?

[FreezingTsmoove]

Amazing. The refs literally HAND Kentucky a victory and they still lose :applause:

Sweet Justice but one of the worst games I have ever watched

[Charlie Sheen]

This is about the best Arizona has played all season. Their perimeter defense is active and a problem. One thing stands out, and Bill Walton said as much during the tournament... they don't do a very good job at getting Ayton the ball in the post. That could end up being their undoing against teams that have the personnel to shut it down.

My bold tourney prediction: Cincinnati wins the whole damn thing

I want to see Wichita play wv this weekend.
My revised final 4 after today :D
Duke
Nova
Kentucky
Zags

My apologies to fans of Nova and Duke. :lol

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

My apologies to fans of Nova and Duke. :lol
I got them losing tonight, anyway!

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

FSU's D is looking impressive vs Mich. I think it'll be hard for Loyola Chicago to beat either of these teams. But, who the F knows in this tournament.

[stalkerforlife]

White boys of Loyola to the final 4.

Whites gaining.

[fourkicks44]

White boys of Loyola to the final 4.

Whites gaining.

Crazy. I thought they would be way too small to beat Kansas State.

:applause:

[imdaman99]

Michigan's defense has to be the best in the country

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

I'm super hyped for this FF for a variety of reasons.

- Loyola Chicago (great story) vs Michigan (my pick)
- Nova vs KU/Duke (battle of the bluebloods)

As long as it isn't Duke winning, I'll be happy w/ whatever happens in the FF.

Now the college bball gods just need to do their job and have KU beat Duke right now.

[stalkerforlife]

My boy Allen getting blown by repeatedly.

When did Duke implement a full time zone?

I remember Duke for aggressive man to man D.

Horrible zone.

[stalkerforlife]

So Gary Trent Jr. thinks he's Jordan.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

These f*cking refs. Make that call out of bounds on KU b/c they got that $$ in their pocket for Duke to win. Jesus christ, how can you not call foul on Carter? :facepalm

[FreezingTsmoove]

Duvals going to be a great PG one day

[bigkingsfan]

Both white players, worst on the floor.


They start making plays as I say that. :roll:

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Duke's gonna blow 'em out in OT. Have the size advantage and bodies.

edit:
Carter's such a beta. He's gonna bust in the NBA.

[FreezingTsmoove]

Wendell carter crying on the bench after fouling out :lol

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

knew my reverse jinx would work. F U Duke.

Been a great 3-year streak w/o Duke or Mich St in the Final Four. :rockon:

Welp, my original pick was Mich beating KU in the Final. Guess I'll stick by that still... Tho Nova is obviously really scary.

[stalkerforlife]

Duke got KILLED by the refs on that Carter call.

CLEARLY a charge that ends up fouling him out and giving them points.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Duke got KILLED by the refs on that Carter call.

CLEARLY a charge that ends up fouling him out and giving them points.
nah, he shoulda fouled out earlier in regulation when he pushed Mikuni or McGillicuddy or wtfever his name is out of bounds.

[FreezingTsmoove]

Duke got KILLED by the refs on that Carter call.

CLEARLY a charge that ends up fouling him out and giving them points.

NCAA refs do basketball by the books, and while it wasnt by a lot, Wendell Carter was moving leaning toward the left while trying to take the charge. With a body as big as his he should have just stood his ground and tried not to move....

[72-10]

happy tn see a 16 seed win. Would have much rather had it been Hampton in 15.

[UK2K]

What a tournament.

My fiance is winning our bracket pool right now and she only has one of the final four correct. :lol

[Charlie Sheen]

:lol

Sister Jean and #Loyola player Marques Townes have simultaneous media availabilities at the #FinalFour
https://image.ibb.co/gKOgS7/DZi7n_Oz_Vw_AAp_G5e.png
https://image.ibb.co/cyG1S7/DZi7n_O1_V4_AEkzqr.png

[imdaman99]

Michigan-Loyola in 4 hours, can't wait :rockon:

I must be one of the few ppl rooting for Michigan, besides those that had them in their bracket :oldlol: I had them and Nova in the championship, with them beating Nova

[imdaman99]

Michigan wins :rockon: RIP Sister Jean

Kansas gettin their doors blown off :oldlol: Nova is so damn good, it's scary

[Jailblazers7]

I think I've made all my money this tournament betting big on Villanova every game. They have beat the spread in every game so far and it looks like that will hold tonight too barring a collapse.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

Damn, Mich v Nova should be sick.

I'm especially hyped/anxious b/c of my office bracket pool. If Mich wins, I get $60, if Nova wins, I only lose $10. But still!

[JohnnySic]

Is that Wagner kid an NBA level prospect? Maybe the Celtics should look at him with their first round pick...

[imdaman99]

Is that Wagner kid an NBA level prospect? Maybe the Celtics should look at him with their first round pick...
Late 1st round pick. He's a good stretch 4-5, but he will get murdered on defense. At first I was thinking Dirk... but nah he has been stopped for half the games in the tourney, when he was facing guys just as big as him. I hope he does well though, has a lot of fire and is their best player. We'll find out more on Monday.

[stalkerforlife]

White boy from Villanova wtfffffffffffffff