I need to finish the crow. Yeah, I need to publicly acknowledge that Wally picked three of the final four, and I managed only one. I know you’ve been gloatin’ Wally, so here’s your chance to make it public. After the Drew’s Revenge prognostication you were due.
This year’s final four has two #1’s and two #2’s. Does that make this year the year of the obvious? If so does that make Wally Captain Obvious?
Wally says
Very gracious, Paul. But I’m not really feeling too high on my horse just now. My main point before the tourney started is that Florida seemed too complete and talented not to be the strong favorite. That’s what I felt after observing the season, and I will be rooting for them Monday … for 3 reasons: 1) I just don’t like anything Ohio St stands for athletically … they are truly one of the abusive sports factories that doesn’t give a hoot if their players ever open a book. Plus, OSU should’ve lost twice already and were the beneficiaries of two miracles. 2) If Florida wins, maybe Billy D will seriously consider taking on the Kentucky challenge, which I’m hoping for. 3) It’s nice when an “educated gut feel” is confirmed once in a while.
Lots of us were wrong on Texas A&M. I thought UCLA would be strong in playing “at home” out west, plus Bill Self-destruct was coaching Kansas. Georgetown had the talent and means to win yesterday, but for some reason they lacked intensity for most of the game. WHY?? Again, someone let Ohio St off the hook. But, Conley Jr is scarey good!!!!
Wally (aka “Captain Smart about knowing when the Obvious is indeed Obvious”)
Casey says
Yeah – did you read the article about OSU graduating less than 25% of their hoops players for the last ten years? Amazing how that stuff continues to happen.
Green floundered yesterday. It is impressive how the Kentucky situation doesn’t seem to be distracting Donovan and the Gators. I am trying to imagine Florida without Donovan, Brewer, Horford, Noah, and Richard next year.
Speaking of lacking intensity – how about UCLA. Yeah they got in foul trouble, but can you try and do something…anything.
Kel also picked 3 of the four and is in first place for a Sporting News league.
From now on I am steering clear of predictions and instead will discuss who I am supporting/cheering for.
Pete Crossword says
I don’t think my other comment made it. If it did; sorry for repeating. Casey, my tenaciousness as a reseracher pales in comparison to yours. You’ll always be an English teacher, regardless of what else you choose to write. And finally, don’t get lost on the computer.
Additional comment; everyone talks about the national championship rematch of OSU and Fla (football; now basketball), or Fla having both championships at the same time or possibly even in the same school year, but if I am not mistaken, this is the first time ever that we have a #1 v #1 matchup. #1 v #2 is not uncommon, but #1 v#1? OSU was #1 in the last poll; Fla was #1 overall seed in tourney. the only other time that might have occurred is in 1969, when UCLA lost in regular season to Houston and Elvin Hayes (Alcindor/Abdul-Jabbar had an injured eye). I believe Houston was ranked #1 at the end of the regular season, but UCLA was probably seeded #1 in tourney (if they seeded back then). Otherwise, this is the first and very probably the only. It’s stretching it, but what the heck.
Aaron says
Props to Wally and Florida..
I think Greg Oden finally showed what type of player he can be . He was a one man wrecking crew against the 4 players Florida sent at him..Unfortunately, with Ohio State never hitting any 3’s and Conley in early foul trouble, there really wasn’t an opportune time for them to sit him down and get him some rest that he needed at the end of the game.
But Florida was just too strong and I am a little convinced that maybe they coasted a little during the regular season, because no one – outside of Ohio State and Purdue (interesting both Big Ten teams) really gave them a game in the tournament. UCLA better hope they don’t play Florida again anytime soon.. They looked awful again on Saturday.
But the thing that stuck last night. Everytime the Buckeyes got the lead down to 6, Florida always seem to hit a 3 and push that lead right back up. Like a great team, they seem to take Ohio State’s best shots and then respond.
Here is hoping Mike Conley Jr. stays for one more year in college hoops. I agree with Wally, Conley is scary good and I think another year in college would do him some good. He has the potential to be a great NBA point guard. Outside of Humphrey (Steve Kerr ?), will it be 4 first round picks for Florida? Brewer is going to be a very good NBA player. Horford is tough inside. Noah will go first round and maybe Green?
As for Noah – they are projecting a Top 5 pick for Noah? Does anyone agree with that? Yes he is 6’11”, can rebound, play defense and high energy. But he can’t shoot a lick and will never be a threat outside 15 feet away from the basket. Will be a 50% free throw shooter at best (the ugliest form I have seen in a long time). Do you sacrifice a Top 5 pick for that type of player ? I am on the fence, especially since the Celtics are going to be up there this year. Note to Doc and the gang: Stop winning, you are just decreasing the number of ping pong balls in the drawing.
Casey says
Yeah, Oden was a one man wrecking crew – literally. How many over the back calls did they let him get away with. It was as if CBS sat down with the refs and said: “Hey, we don’t want a repeat of Saturday with Oden on the bench plagued with too many fouls. People are tuning in to see him – let him play.
If Conley is crazy good, then what is Brewer? I loved when he manned up on Oden in the post.
I am taking Chris Richard, Al Horford, AND Corey Brewer before I take NOAH in the draft.