There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!
-------Larry Laker
“Play a Villanova game”
One of the analysts covering the NCAA Tournament stated “the only way Kentucky loses is for somebody to play a Villanova game.” For historical reference Georgetown was 35-3 on a 17 game win streak in 1985. The school was attempting to repeat as champions having won the 1984 NCAA Championship. Another tidbit to consider Villanova was an 8 seed and to date remains the highest ever seed to win a championship. Villanova playing a control game upset the Georgetown Hoyas 66-64. As for the 2015 Kentucky Wildcats they shot a paltry 37% from the floor in it’s game against Cincinnati. They blocked 9 shots and caused Cincinnati to turn the ball over 14 times. These were key to Cincinnati shooting 31.7% from the floor.
Sunflower Showdown
For those unaware the State flower of Kansas is the sunflower. A Missouri legislator once attempted to introduce a bill to declare the sunflower a “noxious weed.” As you can see the border rivalry even extends to the flower. We share a border and the flower sometimes can be seen growing on the western side of Missouri. As I mentioned the two schools less than 200 road miles apart haven’t played one another since 1993. Kansas more specifically Bill Self refuses to schedule Wichita State. Last season Gregg Marshall proposed a home and home series plus a third and deciding game would be played in Kansas City (MO) at Sprint Center a neutral site.
The basis for his refusal might be shared with a former Mizzou coach. Coach Norm Stewart was reported to have the same policy with Division I schools in the State of Missouri. Even more interesting might we suspect the NCAA placed the two Kansas schools in the same bracket realizing the story behind the story? This is written on Saturday prior to the Sunday match, I have no idea who wins. This is one of those occasions I’ll go out on a limb. I predict the winner will come from the State of Kansas. Just kiddin’ let’s say this---Kansas will probably win but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if Wichita State won. Addedum--notice how I played this safe, we know the final outcome Wichita State 78 Kansas 65
A second chance
Marshall University produced guard Hal Greer, his career in the NBA lasted from 1959 to 1973. Greer was one of the early pioneers to exceed 21,000 points. Also playing basketball from the school is a name more familiar to many of today’s fans Mike D’Antoni. Former NFL receiver Randy Moss might be more familiar to most of you. Heat center Hassan Whiteside played his college ball at Marshall. If we succeed every time the first time we might become complacent.
We might believe “this is easy or this is what’s supposed to occur.” Emerging from Marshall the 33rd pick in the second round might led us to believe “he can’t play; he slipped into the 2nd round.” We tend to believe that was the case for Whiteside of the Heat. In addition “if he couldn’t play for the Kings his ability must be limited.” As I’ve mentioned in the past it’s often been stated big men have a tougher time adjusting to NBA play. At 7 foot and 265 pounds Whiteside certainly had the size his skill was certainly called into question.
Sometimes our dreams are deferred and unfulfilled; Whiteside continued to grow his game in the D-League, China and Lebanon. His emergence allowed Chris Bosh to move back to his position of power forward. Since this was written Bosh went down with a season ending illness. The Heat was one point losers against the Wolves however Whiteside’s effort wasn’t the cause in fact it might have been a larger margin if not for his effort. Whiteside had a career high 24 points on 12 for 13 shooting which included 20 rebounds 3 steals and 2 blocked shots.
An NBA TV host indicated “He’d (Whiteside) had come out of nowhere,” he was quickly corrected by another without mentioning his basketball journey. The emergence of Whiteside has been two-fold, his work to improve his skill plus the opportunity to play major minutes thanks to the Heat. The only downside to this point appears to be his maturity, after two altercations he was suspended for a game. After talking to him Dwayne Wade expressed his concerned about the value of Whiteside to the Heat effort.
It’s still a good tourney
There are several 20 win teams in the tourney; I’m referring to the NIT dubbed the Not Invited Tournament. This tournament was given the dubious nickname once the NCAA expanded the number of teams to 68. The NIT first played in 1938 is actually a year older than the NCAA Tournament; the prestigious tourney became faced with hosting “left-over’s.” We can be sure athletes on these teams don’t believe they are second class. I listened to Jay Bilas (whom I respect) discuss several schools that were not invited to the NCAA’s. Colorado State (27-6), Old Dominion (24-7) and Murray State (27-5) are just a few headed to the NIT. These and several others were not invited due to their strength of schedule.
Where is the real power?
This is worth a re-visit; I’d mentioned how many in the local media were extolling the strength of the Big 12. They pointed out the conference RPI proved the point. As of Sunday March 22nd Central Time the ACC is 9-0 in games played. Prior to the beginning of the afternoon games the power Big 12 stands 3-4 hardly what most of the experts believed. I’m not trying to trash the conference I have said to all concerned since January it’s not as strong as advertised. What do you think?
