Not that big of a wow, kentucky was an incredibly young team who was not super battle tested going up against a grind you down type of WVU team who easily could have been a #1 seed and has some veteran leadership. I did not believe KU could make it all the way in this, Kansas was the only big shock to me so far.
Originally posted by forumcrew
Not that big of a wow, kentucky was an incredibly young team who was not super battle tested going up against a grind you down type of WVU team who easily could have been a #1 seed and has some veteran leadership. I did not believe KU could make it all the way in this, Kansas was the only big shock to me so far.
If you say so.
Still surprised Kentucky lost.
"If you say so"
What did I say that you disagree with? Did they have secret upperclassmen leadership I did not know about? Did they have a top 20 strength of schedule? Did they play a tough non-conference schedule to prepare? (here are a few of their early games: morehead, miami of OH, Sam Houston St, Rider, Cleveland...)
And they were against WVU who was #5 in the final coaches poll, plays in a much harder conference, and has 2 senior leaders.
anyways
A lot of people said Duke was undeserving of a #1 seed, now they are the only #1 left and 3 of the 2's and all the 3's and 4's could not hack it either. They (duke) also had to play the highest seed possible every round until the elite 8 where they played the 3 (baylor) instead of the 2 (nova) but honestly Nova would have been easier.
Originally posted by forumcrew
"If you say so"What did I say that you disagree with? Did they have secret upperclassmen leadership I did not know about? Did they have a top 20 strength of schedule? Did they play a tough non-conference schedule to prepare? (here are a few of their early games: morehead, miami of OH, Sam Houston St, Rider, Cleveland...)
And they were against WVU who was #5 in the final coaches poll, plays in a much harder conference, and has 2 senior leaders.
anyways
A lot of people said Duke was undeserving of a #1 seed, now they are the only #1 left and 3 of the 2's and all the 3's and 4's could not hack it either. They (duke) also had to play the highest seed possible every round until the elite 8 where they played the 3 (baylor) instead of the 2 (nova) but honestly Nova would have been easier.
What does the toughness of W.VA. have to do with missing wide open uncontested three's (4-32) or missing about half your free throws (16-29)?
And they lost by single digits.
Originally posted by forumcrew
"If you say so"What did I say that you disagree with? Did they have secret upperclassmen leadership I did not know about? Did they have a top 20 strength of schedule? Did they play a tough non-conference schedule to prepare? (here are a few of their early games: morehead, miami of OH, Sam Houston St, Rider, Cleveland...)
And they were against WVU who was #5 in the final coaches poll, plays in a much harder conference, and has 2 senior leaders.
anyways
A lot of people said Duke was undeserving of a #1 seed, now they are the only #1 left and 3 of the 2's and all the 3's and 4's could not hack it either. They (duke) also had to play the highest seed possible every round until the elite 8 where they played the 3 (baylor) instead of the 2 (nova) but honestly Nova would have been easier.
I disagree about Nova being easier. Maybe because they've played terrible for about the last 8 games of the season, but IMO they still matchup better against Duke, and literally dominated them in every aspect last year. I know last year means very little, but still. Duke was definitley deserving of a 1 seed, people were just mad that they got the easiest bracket.(Purdue without Hummel, Nova who people think should be a 3-4 seed, and an unproven Baylor) Plus Duke will get hate no matter what, anyway.
Wow talk about nerve racking. What an incredible championship game that was and a great effort by Butler. When Gordon Hayward gets a little more confidence and starts demanding the ball and taking over games he is going to be crazy. He was a little too laid back in that one I thought and reminded me of how Singler was for a time.
I have to say more than anyone else I am really happy for Brian Zoubek. He was a big joke at Duke for a while between his injuries and clumsiness. It was great seeing him get healthy and put it all together to realize his potential, even if only for half a season of his 4 years at Duke. To be able to be a big factor in a national championship should make him feel much better about the ups and (mostly) downs during his time at Duke. He also probably got himself a job as a big man coming off the bench in the NBA with his play over the last few months.
Most of all though I will be sad to see Scheyer leave. He has become one of my all time favorite Dukies for sure. I love everything about his game and Kyrie Irving has massive shoes to fill coming in to start as a freshman PG next year. I only hope he has Singler there to help him, because the way he played to close out the year he may very well opt to go pro now that he has his title rather than come back and play without Scheyer/Thomas/Zoubek. Nolan has already said he is coming back without a doubt, but Singler has yet to commit one way or the other.
Man, if that half court shot went in, the building would have EXPLODED. With Nova losing Scottie Reynolds, I'm not sure how well they will do. They should still make the tournament(especially if it's 96 teams) but it will be tough.
Butler returns everybody except for Veasley and Jukes. With the way they play defense, they have the ability to beat anybody. Should be fun to watch again next year. I don't think Hayward lacks confidence, just that he is too unselfish, doesn't force much, and as you said doesn't demand the ball.