The Cokes are in the icebox/ The popcorn’s on the table
Sam Cooke got it right. Figuratively speaking.
Actually tis Vernor’s and Dr. Brown’s in the fridge. With a tournament level supply of Black Jewell Slightly Buttered ordered and on the way.
It’s time.
We’re havin’ a party.
Everybody’s swingin’/ We’re dancin’ to the music, yeah
Oh yeah.
Don’t be expecting a significant amount of substance in today’s exercise.
Really just killing time until First Four tips tonight in Dayton.
Where I’m glad fellow ACC member
SMU made it to Dayton. But really hoping insufferable, terminal ingrate Andy Enfield and his Mustangs fall to Miam (Oh). Which RedHawks should have some fans in the gym since it’s 42 miles from campus.
* * * * *
Some more this and that about this and that.
From a guy who hasn’t filled out a bracket in several years. When I was in an office, or at the courthouse, where we could avoid work and chatter about the games and how our choices were already blown, it made sense. No more.
So, excuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me!!!
* * * * *
U of L, as projected, is a #6.
Headed to the Lake Effects freezer of upstate NY to face a formidable league and tourney champion, the South Florida Bulls. Whose coach Bryan Hodgson is Flavor of the Month, a Coaching Carousel wannaget.*
*Providence and Syracuse said to be making the biggest pitches.
The Cardinals are on a lot of bracket’s upset in the first round list.
Love that the tilt is early on Thursday. Impatient I am. Waiting around for my team to play is not my desire.*
*Can you imagine being a fan of Miami (Fla) or Missouri, who don’t battle until late Friday night, after 31 other first round games have already been decided or tipped off.
I’ve a gut feeling — and just that — which tells me Cards move on to the weekend.
I am grateful the Cards are dancing for the second year in a row. Making the tourney is not a birthright.
Ask your Indiana Hoosier pals who they’re feeling these days?
* * * * *
Duke.
Most fascinating of the #1 seeds to me. Overall #1 to boot.
They win.
But they’re hurt.
Center iffy. PG more so.
Which leaves Boozer the Shorter running the point instead of Caleb Foster.
Meaning the Blue Devils’ most important players are the twins, freshmen.
Which generally speaking is not optimal.
Except that it is reported that they have won every title at every level they’ve ever competed in.
Winners win.
We’ll find out.
* * * * *
One of Duke’s hurdles might very well be The Rick.
Pitino’s Johnnies were done no favors by the committee. A #5 seed after winning the Big East and blistering UConn in the tourney championship game.
Have to travel to San Diego for opening round.
You get a chance, track down Mad Dog Russo’s rant about the hand they’ve been dealt.
But, nobody knows how to better barge his way to the Final Four unexpectedly than Rick Pitino. Did it at Providence. A couple of times here at U of L.
His tournament philosophy differs from most. Where schools generally tend to be more cautious this time of year, RP’s squads put the pedal to the metal.
St. John’s making the FF wouldn’t surprise this hoopaholic a bit.
* * * * *
Best post selection quote.
Utah State’s Jerrod Calhoun after his 28-6 Mountain West champion Aggies drew a #9 seed against Villanova.
“Seed was absolutely atrocious.”
* * * * *
A great thing about tourney television.
No Dick Vitale.
No Corey Alexander.
Though twice suspended Bruce Pearl in the studio will have to be navigated around.
* * * * *
Nate Oats can recruit some players with issues.
A couple of years back, his star was peripherally involved in a murder situation.
Yesterday, his second leading scorer (who played last season for Pearl at Auburn) was busted for felonious pot possession.
A pound of weed, and some paraphernalia.
Reads like a personal stash to this former imbiber.
Anyhow, I couldn’t help but smile, when I read Oat’s statement after the arrest. In which he reluctantly admitted the Crimson Tide would probably have to compete henceforth without the kid.
* * * * *
Setting aside for a moment what is absolutely positively Rule #1 (You only play whom you play), here’s what the defending champs might have in store.
Should #1 Florida Gators win their way to the Elite Eight, they might have to face #2 Houston in Houston to advance.
Nice perk.
* * * * *
I’m happy for Nolan Smith and Vince Taylor.
Tennessee State is dancing.
Though their reward is Iowa State.
The Cyclones just might defend their way to the FF.
* * * * *
Is that enough hoops nonsense for you?
Easily digestible. Not much nutrition.
Zero calories.
I hope so.
If I’ve helped you shave off a few minutes in your wait until tipoff, my work is done.
I’m off to the elliptical.
— c d kaplan
