By Paul Gotham When it comes to winning a national championship, Bill Self knows there is very little margin for error. In an interview earlier this week, the Kansas coach talked about the difference between winning and losing in March. His conclusion is that it comes down to one possession. That is as small a margin as it can be. The Midwest Region makes the margin … [Read more...] about The Gauntlet Otherwise Known As The Midwest Region
Tom Izzo
Michigan State-Wisconsin: Tale Of The Tape
By Paul Gotham Setting: It's a Big Ten showdown as Tom Izzo brings his No. 5 Michigan State Spartans (19-3, 9-0) to Madison for a tilt with Bo Ryan's No. 16 Wisconsin Badgers (16-5, 6-3). Plot: Michigan State could gain a four-game edge on Wisconsin in the Big Ten standings. The Badgers are currently tied for second with Purdue, Ohio State, and Illinois. Sub-plot: … [Read more...] about Michigan State-Wisconsin: Tale Of The Tape
College Basketball Splinters | January 13, 2009
By Paul Gotham Tough week for the Jayhawks Seven days ago Bill Self's Kansas Jayhawks looked like an unstoppable force. One week later, the Jayhawks' staff might want to spend some time reading the tea leaves. Without a doubt, the Jayhawks will have some say in who wins this year's national title. The degree to which they have that say will depend upon how Self's crew … [Read more...] about College Basketball Splinters | January 13, 2009
College Hoops Countdown | #2 Michigan State
Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin' Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation. '08 - '09 Results: 31 -7 (15 -3 Big Ten) Lost to UNC in the National Title game, 89 -72. Coach: Tom Izzo 336 - 137 (14 years at MSU) Key Returners: Kalin Lucas - 14.7ppg, 2.1rpg Chris Allen - 8.4ppg, 2.2rpg Durrell … [Read more...] about College Hoops Countdown | #2 Michigan State
While Others Recruit, Tom Izzo Continues to Coach
by Patrick 'Rey' Reynell As we approach the 2009 National Championship game for NCAA men's basketball, I feel as if we're watching two totally different programs face off. I can't help but think of the lopsided 35 point game earlier in this season between North Carolina and Michigan State. Surely this topsy-turvy year in college basketball won't leave us with an … [Read more...] about While Others Recruit, Tom Izzo Continues to Coach