By PAUL GOTHAM It may be hard to imagine Bo Ryan "feeling all the bumpers," but make no mistake his Wisconsin Badgers can make "the digit counters fall." The University of Wisconsin head coach is known for his dour sideline disposition which suggests curmudgeon, but his players on-the-court abilities and off-the-court antics speak something different. When Wisconsin … [Read more...] about Bo Ryan and the irony of perception
Sam Dekker, Jahlil Okafor and the possibility of legend
Legends and lore find root in the NCAA Tournament. Before Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan reached household-name status via the NBA, college hoops gave them a platform. March has known Pervis Ellison, Jack Givens and Keith Smart - one-hit wonders whose accomplishments in the NCAA Tournament overshadowed their careers that followed. Who will etch their name … [Read more...] about Sam Dekker, Jahlil Okafor and the possibility of legend
Quinn Cook’s leadership started when last season ended
A year ago he played in the shadow of two teammates who later heard their names called in the NBA draft. This season he has three Blue Devils for whom the question might be whether they earn lottery status or not. Despite this if Duke University defeats Wisconsin's Badgers for the national championship, it may come down to the role of Quinn Cook. Duke's lone senior (in an … [Read more...] about Quinn Cook’s leadership started when last season ended
Balanced Badgers tame the ‘Cats
By PAUL GOTHAM Bo Ryan's Wisconsin Badgers know Super Smash Brothers and FIFA World Cup. Saturday night the Badgers showed they can make a simple seesaw go level. Frank Kaminsky led four in double figures as Wisconsin ousted Kentucky 71-64 in the national semi-finals. Known for their offensive prowess (leading the nation scoring 127.5 points/100 possessions per … [Read more...] about Balanced Badgers tame the ‘Cats
Rebounds & Putbacks: Wisconsin 71 Kentucky 64
First thoughts after Wisconsin's semi-final win over Kentucky. By PAUL GOTHAM Turning the tables...errr...boards In last year's national semi-final, UK converted 11 offensive rebounds into a 23-10 advantage in second-chance points on their way to a 74-73 victory. Six of those second-chance opportunities came during a 15-0 Wildcat run early in the second half. Saturday night … [Read more...] about Rebounds & Putbacks: Wisconsin 71 Kentucky 64