College Basketball Thread

“Did Kentucky lose much of their talent after the last season? We lost a couple of great guys, but KU looks like it could be a great team this year.
Which of the teams look like world beaters? Is Puke looking strong this year? Arizona?”

“The lady Vols draw more fans than the men's team does.”

“Bama is playing a 10 game preseason exhibition swing through the Bahammas this summer. Not exactly playing UK or KU, but they are in the Islands”

“What is it with Alabama and going to islands? Why don't they just clean up their program and play on the mainland like everyone else?”

“Kansas State's women pack the house. Their men's team....well....let's put it this way. My wife and I watch the KU-K-State game in Manhattan and we buy our tickets a week ahead of the game. Worst seat we've gotten was on row eleven. They have a nice arena.”

“Well, Fresno State bball will probably suck this year, but at least we're getting a new arena to boost our spirits:

The New Save Mart Center - Fresno State Bulldogs”

“...nearly 10 million fans have flocked into this sunken edifice to see their beloved Lobos play basketball. The exact figure stands at 9,690,166. The Lobos have averaged an astounding 15,782 fans the past 35 years, an amazing 97% of capacity.




The Pit”

“Miss playing against you guys every year Pathman.

The Save Mart Center will seat the same as "The Pit" (18,000) only with state-of-the-art features. I hope it does for us what The Pit has done for you guys. The arena and training facility should at least help us in recruiting...”

“I don't think UK will have the team they had last year, which did better than I ever expected at the beginning of the season. Of course, as a typical UK fan, I was disappointed they couldn't even make it into the final four, much less win the whole dang thing. A true UK fan thinks the season was mediocre if we don't even get to the final four, which obviously is an unrealistic expectation. I'm not sure how our inside game will be, and Bogans was our anchor last year, so someone needs to fill his shoes, but we have a couple with the potential to do so.”

“Well, KU fans are beginning to show signs of being spoiled, also. I wish they could be grateful and supportive, but there are always the overly zealous, I guess.
Like you say, it is extremely difficult even to make it to the Final Four, let alone the tournament each year.”

“Sad times in Lobo Land. A promising JC transfer, by all accounts a great kid, committed this week.”

“Just thought you might like to know that Kansas just signed a 6-11 center from Russia. KU has the 3rd-rated recruiting class in the nation for next year. The town is excited for the season to begin, (not that we aren't enjoying the football victories, also). October 17th at 7PM in Allen Fielhouse, "Late Night in the Phog" begins. If any of you wonder what a big-time basketball program is like, come to Late Night. It's free, but you have to get there early to get a seat. Bring some canned goods to donate at the door.
Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!
Oh and, by the way, it looks like Missouri will be on probation. "When Quinn the Eskimo gets here, everybody's gonna want a dose." -ripped off from Bob Dylan”

“Too bad your missing the KU/UM game at Missouri since you'll be in Alabama that weekend.”

“Bama plays Pitt, Wisconsin, Mercer, Charlotte, Xavier, Oregon, and Providence in addition to the conference schedule.”

“Well, Dayhiker, the ascendancy of Bama's program has been duly noted around the country. Will they be strong again this year?”

“Just to let ya know I live less then an hour from the SU dome. If not for "Mellow" going pro, it would be two in row.
O'well :-(
GO SU !!!”

“Congratulations, Snafu. Your little guard won the game for you with his half-court shots. I like your coach. I am not a Carmello Anthony fan, however.
Anyway, I would love for Kansas to get another shot at SU. It might be a good game.”

“Fear the Turtles.”

“Go Hoosiers!”

“Ladies and gentlemen. I have returned from "Late Night In The Phog" at the venerable Allen Fieldhouse. If you ever, and I mean ever, have the good fortune to see Kansas University play a basketball game in this old limestone building, do not pass up your chance.
Bill Self was introduced to the Jayhawk Faithful amid crescendoes of clapping, cheers, and general noise-making.
Marian Washington received a standing ovation fitting to her great achievements.
The men's and women's teams will be forces to reckon with this year.
The National Championship Team of 1988 was there to be re-introduced to their fans and the appreciation showed to them brought tears to some eyes.
Folks, we love our basketball here.
I know I'm rushing the season a bit, and I don't want to stop enjoying the ride that the football team is on, but this was a great basketball spectacle.
Good luck to everyone and their respective teams this year. Can't wait to see you on the court.”

“Speaking of roundball and rumors...
One of my friends told me that several sports journalists are picking Missouri to win the Big 12 this year. I wonder if they read about the NCAA and FBI investigations? Anyway, I not only hope that everyone ranks Misery ahead of Kansas, I hope they are ranked #1 in the nation when the season starts. This is highly improbable, but it makes it all the sweeter to beat them.
Another rumor has it that UConn will be ranked #1. I don't doubt it, as they were not hit too hard by attrition. Florida will be #3. Duke will be top five. The Big 12 will have the most teams in the top 25.
Rumors, rumors, rumors. Anyone heard any good ones?”

“UNM has gotten a head start. Four games down on a preseason exhibition trip to B.C., they got to start practice weeks early because of it.”

“See, folks? The Lobos cheat! (jk)”

“Bama had a summer swing through the Bahammas. Our incoming freshman couldn't participate, but the rest of the team got some much needed practice. Bama doesn't cheat....in basketball.”

“They took all four games too, Doomadan. Very smart on Richie McKay's part. They've been very weak on the road the past couple of years.”

“I interupt this SEC-Big 12 Basketball Love-Fest/Dream Session to tell that Gary Williams rode a Harley out on to the floor of a packed Comcast Center at the stroke of midnight to start off Midnight Madness.

It's a young team but here come the Terps. Fear the Turtles!”

“University of Memphis has one player suspended.

Nothing serious, he was just indicted in Federal Court on a fraud case. He should be ready to play in three to five years.”

“At least he'll still have eligiblity left since he won't be in school at all. Maybe if he is a good boy in the pen he can be back in a couple of years. Be grateful for small blessings.”

“December 13th, Memphis comes to Assembly Hall and the Illini will get retribution for last year.


Big 10 regular season title prediction:
1. Illinois/Wisconsin (tie)
3. Michigan St.”

“Nice prediction, Hubcap. I think the Illini fans are going to like Webber. He was the real deal in the Mo Valley.
JO, you still haven't apologized to me for your defamation regarding my prediction on the Misery-Husker game, and now you're telling us to take the Twerps seriously??? Get real. =)
Was the criminal a key player, Chili? I've been keeping an eye on Memphis the last two seasons. I hope Calimari can keep his team together, cause they could make some noise over the next two years.
Now, someone tell me some serious gossip about who the heavyweights are this season.”

“Sure I did thin-skin...go back and see. :)

Ya gotta admit we've got a unique mascot and I seem to remember the Terps pounding your Jayhawks in the big dance 2 years ago. Bring it on!”

“Ouch! Jayhawks got mugged by your thugs, I will admit it. Please give them another chance at the Turtles this year, that' all I ask.”

“LOL...the way I see it, our thugs beat your thugs....there's thugs enough for us all. Y'all do have a few farm boys I admit. We've got a kid from Maine and a young team this year.”

“I'm looking forward to seeing what Weber can do with the team. I'm also officially over Bail $elf skipping out. see

Attention Shaun Livingston! 'Zona and Dook are bad choices! Stay in state!”

“Livingston picked Dook. Oh well, now we are just going to have to win the NC without you Shaun.

To take my mind off a laughable Illini football season - BASKETBALL STARTS TONIGHT!!

Not Illinois tonight, but we do get the chance to see Memphis/Wake (21) and Marquette (23)/St. John's matchups. It will be interesting to see how Wake Forest and Marquette look without Josh Howard and Dwayne Wade, respectively.”

“Memphis really needs to win this one.

So far, they have looked impressive in the tune up games.”

“Bama plays Pitt at the Garden tommorrow night.”

“Bama vs Pitt, 6pm CST, ESPN

Last year I made the bold prediction that Bama would be OU in the opening game of the year. Everyone said I was full of $hit. We spanked 'em. Unfortunately, it was the highlight of the entire season except for me taking the basketball crown away from actlite.

I won't be making any such predictions this year. We did sign a good recruiting class yesterday.”

“Go Hoosiers!”

“Bama's recruiting class (not bad):

Top 75 Ronald Steele, 6-2 PG
Top 100 Albert Weber, 6-3 WG
Top 100 Glenn Miles, 6-4 WG/PG
Top 200 JuCo Jean Felix, 6-7 WF


Memphis' recuiting class (better):

No. 16 Shawne Williams, 6-8 WF
No. 25 Darius Washington, 6-0 WG/PG
Top 100 Richard Dorsey, 6-7 PF
Top 150 Robert Dozier, 6-8 PF/WF
Top 200 Kareem Cooper, 6-11 PF/C
Top 200 Andre Allen, 5-10 PG

6 recruits seems like a lot for one year.”

“That's because Memphis players only stay 1 year at a time.”

“Indiana's recruiting class (best yet):

No. 12 D.J. White, 6-8 PF/C
No. 14 Josh Smith, 6-8 WF/PF
Top 75 Robert Vaden, 6-5 WF
Top 75 A.J. Ratliff, 6-2 PG/WG
Top 100 James Hardy, 6-6 WG/WF

I'd be suprised to see all of these guys show up in Hoosier uniforms next year. I bet Smith or White goes NBA.”

“Al Jefferson 6-9 265
No. 3

Steven Hill 6-11 255
No. 39

Charlie Thomas 6-8 235
No. 41

Darian Townes 6-9 235
No. 86

Top notch class rated top 10 and even top 5 by some. Should go nicely with the 2 high school all-americans we signed last year. We really needed Kyle Lowrey. A top 10 point guard from Philly but alas he signed with Villanova this morning.”

“Sadly, Indiana's top recruit is from Tuscaloosa, AL.”

“The Arkansas class is definitely close to the top 5 nationally. That is some serious beef at Stan Heath's disposal. I have tickets to the December 6th Illinois/Arkansas game in Chicago.”

“The Jayhawks have a lot of question marks this season, as far as teamwork is concerned. They have a lot of talent, but you have to be able to work your game plan to beat the big dogs. Michigan State visits next week and that should tell us a lot about this team.
By the way, guys, I don't think you even want to know about the KU recruitment classes. It would just make you jealous.”

“Kansas did good with Kaun. You also have Russell Robinson and Darnell Jackson. Personally, I'll take the recruiting classes from IU, Arkansas, and Memphis. UI landed Pruitt, but missing on Livingston may have cost the Illini a guard they may need if Dee Brown or Deron Williams leaves early for the big leagues.”

“Can anyone name me a more sadistic non-conference schedule than MSU's?

Kansas
Duke
Oklahoma
Kentucky
UCLA
Syracuse”

“Arkansas will be decent this year, but next year could be BIG.”

“The Memphis recruits don't even last a year.

Our last two number one recruits jumped to the NBA after signing with Memphis.”