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The Greene Room Live: Back in Lawrence

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By Ryan Greene

March 23, 2008

5:10 p.m.: Yaaaaaaaaaaaawn.I guess all the games today couldn't be as competitive as the first few. Louisville, UNC and Memphis appear to be in solid shape to be making travel plans for next weekend.That said, I think it's time to call it a day for the blog (barring something wacky happening in the next hour or so). So here's what we've learned today...-Stephen Curry and Davidson took out a two-seed, so why not a three-seed next weekend in Detroit. Also, he may be the best collegiate player in North Carolina. At least that's what the numbers tell us, regardless of competition...-Tennessee got caught sleep-walking through the first weekend a bit, but they survived it, and that's all that matters. Don't forget what Bruce Pearl's team did at Memphis a few weeks ago. When it's all on the line, they've got the goods. I'm still feeling safe with my pick of them making it to the title game...sorta...-No team impressed more in the tournament's opening weekend than North Carolina. No question, as much as people on this site may not want to hear that. While they didn't pull off any upsets like a Davidson or a Western Kentucky, they answered the bell in terms of making a statement. Right now, they're on pace to score in triple digits again, and appear to be on a warpath to the Final Four (but I won't completely concede that, given that I picked Tennessee out of that region)...-UCLA won't, but it should feel guilty that it's even getting a chance to play next weekend (Again, I guarantee you they won't). Now I'm not saying it's a given Donald Sloan would have hit the two free throws late, or that A&M would have won in overtime had it gotten the opportunity. But wouldn't you have loved to have found out? Would have been a much more climactic ending than what we got...-Villanova will give KU a much less stressful time in the Sweet 16 than SIU did a year ago. KU should be set up better than ever for a net-cutting ceremony should it hurdle the Wildcats...-I've really gotta check out Two and a Half Men. Or at least CBS wants me to think that...-KU will play Wisconsin next Sunday. That's a waaay ahead-of-time prediction...Look forward to talking to you all from Detroit all this week, starting Thursday (we get in Wednesday evening). See you then.-------------------------4:18 p.m.: As for that 'Who's the best college player in N. Carolina?' query, here's some numbers for reference.Heading into today...[Hansbrough][1]: 22.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 54.4 FG, 81.1 FT[Curry][2]: 25.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.0 spg, 49.1 FG, 45.0 3PT FG, 88.7 FTAnd don't get me that 'level of competition' stuff. Stats are stats...-------------------------4:08 p.m.: All this talk about who's the best player in the nation between Mike Beasley and Tyler Hansbrough, but how about this one: Who's the best college player in the state of North Carolina, Tyler Hansbrough or Stephen Curry?If you're not sold on this kid by now, you're nuts. Two upsets in one weekend, and in two games, he totaled 70 points.The only way this bracket could open up any more for KU would be if half the Wisconsin team ate some bad cheese this week and wound up bed-ridden.-------------------------3:52 p.m.: Stephen Curry = stone cold.And if Davidson holds on, there's no way you could guarantee that Wisconsin is a lock next Friday. This team is something else.-------------------------3:41 p.m.: Boy, is there any team more easy to accuse this weekend of playing down to its competition than Tennessee? Nothing against American or Butler, since they're in the Tournament for a reason, but I'm comparing this to the energetic group of Vols which gave Memphis its only loss of the season just a few weeks ago...on the road!This could be the classic example of a team that just needs to get out of the Tournament's first weekend before really finding its groove.A.J. Graves is legit, though. I love his game. However, I'd rather not watch Butler next weekend. Nor would my bracket want that.-------------------------3:28 p.m.: Uh, D.J., what was that??-------------------------3:14 p.m.: Texas better hit some free throws down the stretch here. Otherwise, my bracket is wrecked (How is everyone doing, by the way, on their picks? If Texas and Tennessee both win, I've got eight of the Sweet 16 with UNC and Memphis still out there).I don't know what I'm more excited for in the stretch run of this game...being able to circle Texas on my bracket or having the local CBS feed switch to the Tennessee-Butler game.-------------------------2:29 p.m.: Wish I had DirecTV right about now so I could flip over to the G'Town-Davidson game.Should Georgetown win that one, which it looks like they'll do if the Hoyas can continue to shut down Stephen Curry (2 points, 1-of-6 shooting, 0-for-4 from three), KU could be in a very favorable position come Sunday should it get past Villanova on Friday.It almost sets up as the exact opposite of the Jayhawks' second weekend situation a year ago in San Jose.Then, KU played Southern Illinois, who locked the Jayhawks into a physical game which not only beat up the Jayhawks' bodies, but also left some effects which played into KU's sluggish showing against UCLA.The Jayhawks are obviously going to get into a running game with 'Nova, while G'Town and Wisconsin would potentially bring the same thing to the table - winning in a physical fashion. The winner of that possible matchup might have a few more bumps and bruises Sunday than KU. Just a thought.-By the way, on Curry, him playing so poorly is pretty disappointing today. I pull for that kid. He wanted to go to one of the big-time programs in North Carolina, but neither would give him the time of day in terms of a scholarship, though now I'm sure they'd change their minds.-And has anyone ever watched this show Two and a Half Men? I keep seeing the commercials (since, honestly, this is the only month out of the year I watch CBS) and I'm sorta impressed. Is it legit?-------------------------1:52 p.m.: Even though UNLV is now in KU's rear-view, [here's an interesting read][3] on Joe Darger. Unique story to say the least.-------------------------1:19 p.m.: Well, there you have it. Looks like KU-'Nova next Friday in Detroit. Looking at [Nova's season statistics][4], I was shocked to see that Corey Stokes is averaging just six points per game this year. That's nuts. He was so solid today.Early prediction: I'm going KU 94, Nova 80. The biggest difference between Villanova and UNLV appears to be on the defensive end. 'Novas guards appear to be even more athletic than the Rebels', but they didn't impress me too much in terms of defensive pressure. That makes me think this will be a flat-out fast break-ridden game. Nothing wrong with that. It'll be entertaining, and KU will again simply have more weapons and a larger variety of options.The crowd today in Tampa looked relatively weak. Then again, how livid would you be if you were one of the UConn, Vandy or Clemson fans who traveled down there and now wanted to pawn off tickets? Even the most casual of casual college hoops fans wouldn't have taken that bait, paying top dollar to watch two 12 v. 13 matchups. Glad it's not my problem.As for Texas... Glad I picked these guys to get to San Antonio. They're just rolling early. I badly want to see Texas and Kansas go at it again on neutral territory (and pleeease don't give me that 'Kansas City was neutral' stuff anymore).-------------------------12:21 p.m: VILLANOVA/SIENA - First HalfThe way Villanova is playing so far is essentially what UNLV could have looked like had Joe Darger shot Saturday the way he did Thursday against Kent State.The one thing that sticks out to me about the Wildcats, though, is that lineup-wise, this team is very reminiscent of the team that KU played up in Philadelphia a few years back. They're again guard-heavy, but they're bigger guards and can all shoot.Scottie Reynolds is one thing, but Stokes and Fisher (both Rivals.com Top-30 recruits from a year ago) each present a 6-foot-5 frame. Both can shoot, both can defend.That said, I still think KU is at the very least bound for the Elite Eight. And like [Keegan said today in his column][5], that's not too shabby.But a game like the one the Wildcats are playing could be interesting in a matchup with KU. They're 6-of-9 from three after the trey Reynolds just dropped in to start the second half. Talk about a team that can spread a defense.By the way... Best pizza in Lawrence that I feel not enough people know about?Glory Days. It's a bit pricier than most college town spots, but it's overall stellar. And they're open on Easter. (Virtual fist bump to the delivery guy) -------------------------11:35 a.m. Morning, everyone. It was a long night of rockin' out to 80's music to stay awake in the car on the way back from Omaha, but here we are. It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon, but my plans include nothing but hoops.That said, I figured why not blog so we can discuss everything that goes on as the day progresses? (Join in below)Just turned on Villanova/Siena, and the Wildcats are just going nuts. Though looking at Villanova on paper, I would think they have about as much chance at topping KU as UNLV did - decent, but a lot of things would have to go their way.Though 'Nova does have one edge on KU should the two meet: The Wildcats are completely battle-tested, playing 18 regular season games in the nation's deepest, roughest super-conference (the Big East).Last night, we wound up leaving the Qwest Center around 11:20 p.m., getting delayed a bit because we had to watch the end of that A&M-UCLA game. I left feeling dirty about having the Bruins advancing in my bracket. Donald Sloan should have had the opportunity to go to the line at the end in my opinion. That non-call just grossed me out, plain and simple.Well, I'll be here all day, so lets have some fun. The game I'm looking forward to the most, personally, is OU-Louisville (4:00 CDT). If OU plays the way it did for the first 30 minutes Friday, a lot of peoples' sexy pick might be headed home.[The Greene Room Live: Day four in Omaha][6][The Greene Room Live: Day three in Omaha][7][The Greene Room Live: Day two in Omaha][8][The Greene Room Live: Day one in Omaha][9][NCAA Home Page][10] [1]: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/players/46495 [2]: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/players/60800 [3]: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/mar/20/big-clan-backs-unlv-forward/ [4]: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/teams/vae/stats;_ylt=Ah1yvKpry39E6wMyBy8z54kI1LYF [5]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2008/mar/23/keegan_self_knows_his_stuff/ [6]: http://www2.kusports.com/blogs/greene_room/2008/mar/22/live_omaha4/ [7]: http://www2.kusports.com/blogs/greene_room/2008/mar/21/live_omaha3/ [8]: http://www2.kusports.com/blogs/greene_room/2008/mar/20/live_omaha2/ [9]: http://www2.kusports.com/blogs/greene_room/2008/mar/19/live_omaha1/ [10]: http://www.ncaasports.com

Comments

weaglehawk (anonymous) says...

Greene- What were your thoughts on the Techs on Trent Johnson? Think they were fair?

March 23, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

You know, weagle, didn't even see them. Though that last shot by Lopez to win it in OT was grossly reminiscent of David Padgett against Missouri in Columbia...don't you think?

March 23, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

weaglehawk (anonymous) says...

You know it really was... I had the same response... How TF did that go in...

March 23, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

westsidenady (anonymous) says...

Apparently, this is not a foul:

http://media.scout.com/media/image/53...

It was maddening to see UCLA get another win with a help of a questionable call.

March 23, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

Man, westside, I completely agree. There were about 20 of us huddled around a TV watching it in the media workroom and I yelled 'FOUL!' and two guys looked at me like I was an idiot. You're right, there's the proof.

If I were a UCLA player and won the title in two weeks, I still wouldn't feel right about it...but that's just me.

March 23, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

westsidenady (anonymous) says...

Yeah, you have to wonder how Ben Howland sleeps at night.

Wisconsin University: "Promoting stereotypes of white athletes with every game"

Like you, I was surprised by Wisconsin's play. I've been writing off the Big10 all year and generally can't stomach watching any teams in their league.

But, I got to give it to Wisconsin, they have a complete team, that in many ways reminds me of KU.

**IF** KU can get the the Elite 8, would you have a preference of who KU might play? Davidson excluded.

March 23, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

I think both will give KU an equally tough game. KU fans should probably want G'Town, since if it's Wisco, it could very well be a home game for them.

I'd say Wisconsin, though, based on talent. Flowers and Hughes in the back court make it a tough matchup, but KU simply has more guards. As for the front court, KU and Wisco have similar numbers in terms of bodies, but KU's guys are more athletic and offensively skilled. Though Butch's outside shooting could be an equalizer.

G'Town simply wouldn't be nervous, since they've been there (and won there) before. They've got bigger, more physical guards who can all shoot the three.

Wisconsin might be a little nervous. They certainly were yesterday against KSU in the opening minutes since they had choked in the second round a year ago in their own back yard.

I'd say KU fans, ultimately, should want Wisconsin.

March 23, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

didjabuti (anonymous) says...

I don't have a preference. I want to play Wisconsin AND Georgetown. Mostly because my boss is from Wisconsin, and I work in DC. As far as who we match up better against? I'd have to say Georgetown.

March 23, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nnelson (Nick Nelson) says...

Yeah, the refs were awfully favorable towards UCLA last night, especially in the last ten minutes (Stanford scored once in the last eleven). I think UCLA also ended w/10 or 11 blocks (Love had 7?) to Stanford's 3, which tells me a few of those MIGHT have been fouls.

March 23, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nnelson (Nick Nelson) says...

and by stanford, i mean A&M

March 23, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

Agreed, nnelson. By the way, are you watching Texas? This is nuts.

March 23, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chase0557 (anonymous) says...

I've never watched Two and Half Men. I know lots of people that do watch and they think its great. I'm not a big sitcom watcher, but I've been told many times its worth checking out.

March 23, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

westsidenady (anonymous) says...

Abrams reminds me a little of Jeff Boshee, no?

March 23, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

I'd agree with that. Maybe not as good a ball-handler, but has that quick, confident release.

March 23, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

westsidenady (anonymous) says...

Greene, great point about the other half of the bracket being a little roughed up come Sunday.

I agree, from the looks of it the Nova game will be up and down, which, is the type of game I think we all would prefer.

March 23, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

westsidenady (anonymous) says...

Texas v Stanford

How good does that game sound?

March 23, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

Sounds entertaining. Could come down to who dominates: Stanford's trees or Texas' guards. Each will be working with a mismatch.

March 23, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

D_Puddy (anonymous) says...

My bracket is still looking decent. All Final Four teams still alive, which is always nice. I took Western Kentucky into the Sweet 16. It's turned out to be pretty key, b/c the scoring is seed times round on all picks.

If you were to pick your Final Four as of today, who are you going with?

Kansas, Texas, UCLA (rest of the way there looks pretty cake), and maybe UNC (East region is a tough call)

March 23, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUglow (anonymous) says...

I am glad to be playing 'Nova but not for the match up. I just think playing a "name" team will help KU focus a little more as opposed to playing Sienna.

By the way, I thought the A&M guy was completely butchered on the way to the hoop last night at the end of the UCLA game. Gotta give UCLA credit though, they sure know how to win those kind of games. When does their magic run out though?

March 23, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

Mine are all still alive, too (given Tennessee doesn't choke this away): Texas, Tennessee, KU and UCLA.

Though, like I said earlier, I almost feel dirty with UCLA right now after that crime the Bruins got away with last night.

March 23, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chase0557 (anonymous) says...

Georgetown & Davidson are going to have a solid finish, thank goodness for MMOD.

March 23, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

It'll run out in the Final Four against UCLA, according to my answers...er, picks :)

But yeah, glow. Click on the link higher up in the comments section here to see the photographic evidence of that travesty.

March 23, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chase0557 (anonymous) says...

Wow, Curry sure has picked it up for Davidson after his slow start huh?

March 23, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

jeez i know, right? unreal.

March 23, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

westsidenady (anonymous) says...

Who is that kid, Miles Simon?

March 23, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

D_Puddy (anonymous) says...

Does anyone else worry when an athletic team like Tennessee wins a couple of nail biters in the early rounds, that they are just going to start rolling? I think UNC should worry.

March 23, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

It looks like the #2 in our bracket is gone! Davidson just did us a solid.

March 23, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

westsidenady (anonymous) says...

Wow. 17 points down to Gdub. Thanks??

Now, if the hawks can just stay focused --on game at time, boys.

March 23, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

I agree, Puddy. Tennessee will wake up against Louisville/Oklahoma next weekend, I feel.

What a great day to not leave the couch...

March 23, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUglow (anonymous) says...

Thanks, Greene. I think that photo confirms it, UCLA is the new Duke.

What is the over/under on David vs Goliath headlines this week? That said, Davidson's win keeps KU under the radar screen through Friday as the media will focus on Curry's story. Perfect.

March 23, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

The same could be said for Wisconsin, glow. A team that had two solid wins this weekend, playing in its own backyard, and they'll be the second biggest story heading into Friday's game.

March 23, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

Ryan- 2 and 1/2 men is very legit. That show cracks me up, not as good as Family Guy, but very funny none the the less.

March 23, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

I'm gonna give it a shot, I think.

March 23, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

nnelson (Nick Nelson) says...

Although I picked Tennessee over Butler, I was rooting for Butler there to help out my pick of Louisville to the elite eight (and final four, also). Georgetown probably just screwed a lot of brackets, but Davidson/Wisconsin should be a good one to watch.

March 23, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

Don't think Ryan just do... Its not really a thinking show, more of a crack a beer and kick back show.

March 23, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

Tennessee Ryan? Really? What the.... Tennessee?

March 23, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

Yeah...I still like the Vols. Again, I don't claim to be anywhere near an expert. I just go with my gut.

March 23, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

ryan- what is the prize for winning this bracket contest anyway. Or is there even a prize?

March 23, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rgreene (Ryan Greene) says...

Yeah, there are. I don't know what they are, but I know there are of some sort.

March 23, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

lance1jhawk (anonymous) says...

I was just curious. Not like I am even remotely close to the lead.

What do ya think, Mississippi State gonna pull this off?

March 23, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhawkdan42 (anonymous) says...

Man that Curry kid is unbelievable! I think I would almost rather play Wisconsin then have to face him !

March 23, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )