Seth Davis Says Stupid Things

I have never really been fond of Seth Davis.  I disagree with most everything he says when it comes to college basketball.  Basically, I think he is an idiot.  Last night he tweeted, ” I know we are all hoping Nerlens Noel is ok. College hoops needs him.”  I do not disagree with the first sentence of that particular tweet.  It sucks the kid went down with a very serious knee injury.  I do
hope he is able to recover and get back to full strength.

My real problem comes with the second sentence.  College hoops needs Nerlens Noel? Why? Doesn’t Noel need college basketball more than college basketball needs him?  I highly doubt Noel was going to come back to Kentucky for a second season.  He is the 2013 version of Andre Drummond, one year in college and done, off to the NBA to make his millions.  What did Andre Drummond do for college basketball?  He auditioned for the NBA with UCONN for 1 season and left the second he had the chance.

These guys aren’t going to school to go to class.  They are going because college basketball is their marketing agency.  Without college basketball, these guys don’t have a venue to promote themselves.

College basketball is always going to be great.  Take last Saturday night’s five overtime Louisville-Notre Dame game for example.  Yes, the first 39 minutes of that game would never be described as beautiful basketball.  But the final 26 minutes were mind blowing.  The kids left everything on the court.  Compare that game to the Celtics-Nuggets triple overtime game.  The Nuggets absolutely gave up at the end of the third overtime.  Andre Miller fired up a three out of a time out that was ill advised and then pretty much handed Jason Terry the ball on the next possession.  Denver quit.  They didn’t want to keep playing.  That is the exact opposite of what happened at Notre Dame.

Saying college basketball needs Nerlens Noel is a problem.  It’s because of statements like this that essentially worship Noel, enabling an 18 year old kid to believe he is more important than he truly is. Kentucky will get its next big recruit and Noel will be forgotten. It is unbelievably unfair to an 18 year old kid.  I will put this in a local perspective.  I don’t think Ricky Ledo will ever step on the court in a Providence Friar uniform.  He is surrounded by people that are telling him how great he is.  Now I am not naive.  Ledo is important to Ed Cooley’s Friars.  But guess what? If Ricky leaves Providence will move on.  They have Brandon Austin and Rodney Bullock as incoming freshman already committed for 2013-2014.  Transfers Carson Desroisers and Tyler Harris will eligible to play as well.  Providence will move on.  They pretty much already have.

College basketball has the best postseason of any sport, yes even hockey.  The tournament is glorious.  Everyone looks forward to filling out their brackets.  Everyone loves it when they pick the big upset and detest it when their team is upset all the same.  The NBA is predictable.  Last year Oklahoma City played Miami in the finals.  LeBron vs. Durant.  Spoiler alert: That will be the case in the 2013 NBA Finals as well.  Upsets don’t happen in the NBA like they do in college basketball.  15 seed Lehigh beat Duke last season.  Charlotte doesn’t beat Miami in the NBA.

Seth Davis is sadly mistaken. College basketball doesn’t need Nerlens Noel.  Noel will never be considered a college basketball great.  Kentucky will move on with or without Nerlens Noel. Georgetown moved on from Mike Sweetney, BYU moved on from Rafael Araujo, and North Carolina moved on from Marvin Williams.

Will Nerlens Noel be able to move on without college basketball?

I can be followed on Twitter @ScottieNTCF

Gambo & Scottie’s 2012 NBA Mock Draft

It’s hard to believe that the NBA Draft is already upon us but tomorrow night it all goes down, starting with the consensus No. 1 pick Anthony Davis. The “unibrow” is that good and proved it, helping Kentucky to a National Championship. This class is stocked with talent as there are potential starters into the 20′s. The Celtics pick back-to-back at 21 & 22 thanks to the trade of

“Fear the Brow”

Kendrick Perkins. GM Danny Ainge has already confirmed they are looking for size but could also be in position to take the best player still on the board with one of the selections if someone slips as this is probably the best draft class since 2003.

Scottie & I broke up the draft going pick-by-pick (of course I get the first; I always win) and gave some insight on each player.

Here, we, go:

1) New Orleans Hornets- Anthony Davis F/C, Kentucky (Gambo)

The only sure-fire pick to go to a team is the Unibrow himself. Davis has the potential to be a Kevin Garnett type player and will help transform a New Orleans team desperate for resurgence. If you didn’t like this kid before, the fact that he has already trademarked “Fear the Brow” and “Raise the Brow” should make you a believer.

2) Charlotte Bobcats- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist G/F, Kentucky (Scottie)

MKG is dropping like a rock on many other mock drafts that I have seen.  I can’t understand why.  I saw a fair share of Kentucky games this season and I saw a kid with boat loads of talent.  The Bobcats need anything and everything to get their franchise going.  In my opinion they should play it safe and go with the closest to a sure thing they can.

3) Washington Wizards- Bradley Beal SG, Florida (Gambo)

I’m with Scottie on the MKG pick, but could understand MJ taking Beal or Robinson there if he doesn’t trade. Beal is a sure-fire pick for the Wiz and makes for an intriguing backcourt combination with John Wall; one that could be a force in the league for years if the mesh well over the first few seasons.

4) Cleveland Cavaliers- Thomas Robinson PF, Kansas (Scottie)

Many people have Robinson going behind Davis in this year’s draft.  The kid does have an incredible skill set and did put Kansas on his back on their way to the National Championship.  Watching him and Kyrie Irving play together just may help those Cleveland fans that are bitter about that someone who left town 2 years ago.

5) Sacramento Kings- Harrison Barnes G/F, North Carolina (Gambo)

The Kings are rumored to be pedaling Tyreke Evans and Barnes could be a perfect replacement for him. Harrison has been stated by numerous media members as being the type of player that is better as a pro than in college and the UNC product has the potential to produce.

6) Portland Trail Blazers- Andre Drummond C, UConn (Scottie)

Drummond was a consensus number 1 pick most of the season.  Then he was everyone saw exactly

Will the “motor” be there in the NBA?

what he was.  He is a freakish athlete but extremely raw when it comes to basketball.  He can jump through the roof, run the floor, and block shots.  After that he is very much a work in progress.

7) Golden St. Warriors- Jeremy Lamb SG, UConn (Gambo)

The Drummond pick is the first one that I disagree on with Scottie. Portland is rumored to be salivating over Damian Lilliard and should be the pick at six. As for the Warriors, a two-guard to replace Monta Ellis should be on their list. Lamb looked disinterested at times this season, but should get motivated and put up points as a better “Marshon Brooks-type” player.

8) Toronto Raptors- Austin Rivers G, Duke (Scottie)

Most people have Damian Lilliard ahead of Austin Rivers in their drafts.  Toronto needs a point guard and I think Doc’s kid is the best one in the draft.  He has a great basketball pedigree.  He has an uncanny ability to get to the basket and can also bury his jump shots.

9) Detroit Pistons- John Henson PF, North Carolina (Gambo)

With the trade of Ben Gordon the Pistons could target Lamb or Rivers if they fall, but they could still use a shot-blocking and rebounding presence to team with Greg Monroe. Henson was intimidating near the basket and if he can add some size to his frame, Detroit would have an impressive one-two combo down low.

10) New Orleans Hornets- Damian Lilliard PG, Weber State (Scottie)

The Hornets also need a point guard and Lilliard is right behind Rivers in my opinion.  Lilliard comes from Weber St. I am not big on guys coming from small schools at all.  It is probably the wrong prejudice to have but I feel that Rivers has more big game experience and more exposure.

11) Portland Trail Blazers- Dion Waiters G, Syracuse (Gambo)

Depending on what the Blazers do with the first pick getting size or a point guard, they will most likely draft the opposite here, but if a player like Waiters is still on the board they could go after him, especially if they are serious about trading Jamal Crawford. Waiters played off the bench at Cuse, but when he was on the floor he often took over as the most dynamic scorer on the court. He could instantly contribute in the same way this coming season.

12) Milwaukee Bucks- Terrence Ross G, Washington (Scottie)

The Bucks need a 3 to play with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.  Ross handles the ball very well and would be able to find Monta and Jennings on the break.  At 6’7 he would be an oversized 2 that could come off the bench as well.  The Bucks are a team that would like to run and Ross is a terrific rebounder for a guard.

13) Phoenix Suns- Kendall Marshall PG, North Carolina (Gambo)

It’s hard to believe but Steve Nash may not be in a Suns jersey next season. Time for Phoenix to find “who’s next.” Marshall was fantastic for UNC before injuring his wrist and should be back to form in no time. The deft-passing, good-sized point should fill in nicely for the former MVP.

14) Houston Rockets- Tyler Zeller F/C, North Carolina (Scottie)

I once was a Tyler Zeller hater.  That changed this year with each game I saw him play.  I attribute a lot of his success to playing on a stacked team with Henson, Barnes, and Marshall.  But Zeller was no slouch either.  The kid doesn’t miss around the rim and has a deadly hook shot.

15) Philadelphia 76ers- Perry Jones III F, Baylor (Gambo)

Will he realize his potential?

PJ III had a disappointing return season at Baylor but that does not mean he doesn’t have talent. The Sixers would luck out seeing jones slide to 15 and if they do end up trading Iguodala, he could be a key along with Thad Young in replacing his production.

16) Houston Rockets- Meyers Leonard C, Illinois (Scottie)

Let me start this out by saying I think Meyers Leonard is awful.  Every game I saw him play this year he was softer than a baby’s bottom.  He gets frustrated to easily and turns the ball over way too often.  But as the saying goes, “you can’t teach size” and size is something the 7’1 Leonard has.

17) Dallas Mavericks- Terrence Jones F, Kentucky (Gambo)

The Mavs could be in “best player available” mode and taking a National Champ at 17 is definitely not a bad thing. Jones is a player that could contribute immediately off the bench as Dallas looks to surround Dirk with talent and push for a return trip to the Finals.

18) Minnesota Timberwolves- Royce White F, Iowa State (Scottie)

White was very impressive this past season at Iowa State.  If the Timberwolves do in fact take him they just might become the best passing team in the history of basketball with White, Kevin Love, and Ricky Rubio.  I think this kid might be the most intriguing kid in the draft.  There aren’t many 6’8 guys that can handle the ball like he can.

19) Orlando Magic- Arnett Moultrie F/C, Mississippi State (Gambo)

If the Magic end up dealing Dwight they will need some serious size and shot-blocking. Moultrie flew under the radar this season at Mississippi State but scouts love his frame and wingspan. Orlando is facing some tough decisions across the board, but a defensive presence never hurts.

20) Denver Nuggets- Jared Sullinger F, Ohio State (Scottie)

Sullinger was projected to be the #1 overall pick in last year’s draft but decided to stay in school.  He has been red flagged by doctors because of a back injury and he his stock has plummeted.  Some say he can be another Kevin Love.  I disagree.  But the Nuggets need scoring in the paint and if healthy Sullinger could do just that.

21) Boston Celtics- Moe Harkless SF, St. John’s (Gambo)

Hmmmmm, I’m picking for my favorite team and the best player from my Alma Mater since Ron

This man would look good in Green.

Artest is still on the board? MOE BUCKETS! First, I don’t think he lasts past Denver, but Harkless is an athletic talent that played the 4 and 5 last year but is a true 3 in the League. A chance to learn from someone like Paul Pierce could transform Moe into an impressive player.

22) Boston Celtics- Fab Melo C, Syracuse (Scottie)

One thing that was apparent in the playoffs this season was the Celtics had a hard time defending at the rim.  There was nobody other than Garnett that could contest shots in the paint.  I am not a Fab Mello fan by any means but he is the fit for what the Celtics needs down low.

23) Atlanta Hawks- Andrew Nicholson PF, St. Bonaventure (Gambo)

Nicholson was a stretch-4 at St. Bonaventure and while you may not have heard of him, that doesn’t mean his isn’t good. The Hawks have been rumored to be off the Josh Smith bandwagon and if he ends up switching jerseys, Nicholson could have a sizable role in replacing him.

24) Cleveland Cavaliers- Jeffrey Taylor G/F, Vanderbilt (Scottie)

The Cavs need size and perimeter defense. Having Taylor and Varejao on the floor at the same time may limit the Cavs offensively but they would sure be difficult to score on.  The Cavs are a very young team and Taylor is a 4 year college player.  He would be able to provide some experience and compliment Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson pretty well.

25) Memphis Grizzlies- Marquis Teague PG, Kentucky (Gambo)

Memphis has transformed itself into a Western Conference Playoff fixture and is another team that can just go “best player available.” Teague is young but could become an efficient point guard in the league. Jeff’s little brother doesn’t have his size but is a someone who can get up and down the floor and can press the pace with the second unit.

26) Indiana Pacers- Doron Lamb SG, Kentucky (Scottie)

Doron Lamb is the best pure shooter in the draft.  The Pacers’ success revolves around everyone knowing their role and no superstar play.  Lamb fits in perfectly at the 2 alongside Danny Granger and Darren Collison.  Opposing teams would be reluctant to double down on Hibbert leaving Lamb open from the outside.  Lamb could be a steal in this draft.

27) Miami Heat- Quincy Miller F, Baylor (Gambo)

Miller’s injury has pushed him down draft boards but the World Champs would be glad to add an athletic player to their roster who could run with Bron, Wade and Rio. Miller was overshadowed by PJ III and never really found his niche, but could be a solid forward in the NBA for years.

28) Oklahoma City Thunder- Will Barton SG, Memphis (Scottie)

In reality the Thunder really don’t need any additional parts. They really only need to gain experience. Barton is a guy that can come off the bench and give Durant a quick rest.

29) Chicago Bulls- Tony Wroten G, Washington (Gambo)

Wroten could most definitely be gone at this point but with Derrick Rose on the shelf,

It’s a Festivus miracle!

Washington’s 6-foot-6 PG could fill in nicely for the Bulls. Even though his size may throw some people, Wroten is a true point that could run an NBA offense and would fit well with Deng, Boozer an Noah, while also sliding to the two at times once Rose returns.

30) Golden St. Warriors- Festus Ezeli F/C, Vanderbilt

Festivus for the rest of us! Golden State needs a big man to compliment Andrew Bogut, David Lee, and Andris Beidrins.  Plus I just wanted to sneak in a Seinfeld reference, so Ezeli it is.

We can be followed on Twitter @Big3Sports and @ScottieNTCF

Everyone Just Needs to Relax…

Ladies and gentlemen, it feels good to be back!  After a year of grinding through a doctoral program, I figured the best way to spend my summer was to drop some more knowledge on the NTCF faithful.  I realize that due to the lull in new material from NTCF, we may have lost the vast majority of our readers, but for those who stuck with it and for those that have just discovered NTCF, your dedication is appreciated!

Now, to the matter at hand, my beloved Providence College Friars.  There is excitement already building throughout Friar Nation with the news the PC and now second year head coach Ed Cooley have brought in the 6^th ranked recruiting class in the nation to Friartown for the 2012 NCAA Basketball Season.  Along with the incoming frosh, coach Cooley and staff have enticed a few transfers to sign with PC, further propelling the excitement surround PC basketball.  With all of this news and enthusiasm, I find myself being a bit more pessimistic than most.  What is all this excitement really about, and is it even warranted?  Hear me out…

Rumors have been flying (from multiple sources) that both Kris Dunn and Ricardo Ledo won’t even be suiting up for

the black and white this fall.  Dunn injured his shoulder while working out for the USA under 18 squad, which resulted in him obviously not making the team.  Ledo’s academic struggles supposedly continue, therefore putting his eligibility status in question.  My fellow blogger Scottie took to Twitter over the past day or so to air what he had been hearing, and was met by some pretty severe backlash, with the most criticism coming from PC play-by-play man John Rooke!  Whether the rumors are true or not, I can’t say that I’m 100% confident that Dunn and Ledo will be contributors this season until I see them in uniform.

As for the other two recruits, how much were they really expected to contribute?  Word is that Ian Baker has yet to sign an official LOI (Letter of Intent), and even if he jumps aboard, he will be competing for playing time behind Council, Dunn (if he’s still alive), and possibly Kiwi Gardner.  Fortune has the reputation of being able to put the ball in the hoop from anywhere on the court, but the question remaining is how much court time will he actually see?  The 2-guard spot is loaded, with expected starter Bryce Cotton, and incoming freshman Dunn, and Ledo all competing for time there.  It is also expected that with Dunn working at the point, Council would get some time at the 2-guard spot.  If the rumors prove to be true and Ledo and Dunn are out for 2012-2013, then obviously Baker and Fortune will get some more floor time.  Then, you start running into the same issues it seems PC has faced over the last 3-4 years, how productive are freshman really in the Big East?  Yes, I know LaDontae Henton had a huge season last year, but LaDontae’s don’t come around very often.

As for all of the excitement surrounding the incoming transfers, I think it may be a little overblown.  Sidiki Johnson was a big name guy coming out of high school.  He has size (6’9” 230 lbs) and allegedly a decent post-game.  That being said, if the kid was ready to play why did he only log 7 minutes at Arizona!  He was dismissed for a violation of team policy, so maybe it wasn’t his skill level that limited his playing time and it was off the court stuff.  But, even so, why are we trying to build our program around guys that can’t even last a semester at one school?  Tyler Harris is another guy that presents similar issues.  He doesn’t have the off the court baggage that Sidiki brings, but the kid logged 7 minutes a night for NC State.  Yes, he has size and athleticism, but why couldn’t he be a more consistent contributor on a team that wasn’t very deep last season?

The one transfer I do love is Carson Desrosiers.  This kid is big, has experience, and can protect the rim.  Desrosiers was already 4^th all time in Wake Forest history in blocked shots after only 2 seasons!  He will hopefully be someone that Brice Kofane can learn a thing or two from and help improve his game.  The only downside to the Desrosiers commitment is that he can’t play until the 2013-2014 season, along with Harris; while Sidiki can play starting in the second semester this season.

The last thing I wanted to touch upon was the rumors surround Billy Baron and his transfer to Providence.  Baron would probably be able to play this season if he transferred to PC because his dad was fired as the URI coach while he was there (see Trey Zeigler, Central Michigan).  As I mentioned previously, if everyone that is eligible to play this season does play, the backcourt is loaded (Council, Dunn, Ledo, Gardner, Cotton, Fortune, Baker).  PC’s interest in Baron further fuels the speculation that either Ledo, Dunn, or both could be watching games from the bench this season.

The point of this post wasn’t to eliminate your enthusiasm for the 2012-2013 season.  The point was simply to make you take a step back and examine the moves PC make a little more closely.  I love the direction Ed Cooley is taking this team and am a huge fan of every recruit they have gotten commitments from so far.  That being said, the 2012-2013 season could look a little more like 2011-2012 than we all were expecting.

Ultimate Volvo S60: BIG EAST Edition

So if you haven’t heard yet, I am representing my alma mater (twice over), St. John’s University, in the second annual Volvo “Biggest Fan of the BIG EAST” Contest. As part of the competition, the 16 contestants (each representing one of the conference teams) must write challenge posts on their respective blogs which are then judged by the good folks over at Volvo Cars USA. The objective for blog entry No. 4: Create the Ultimate St. John’s Volvo S60. Fans can also build their own Volvo S60 at VolvoCars.com.

The first step in this process is to create the perfect S60. Of course, you would have to pick the “R-Design.” This model includes a six-speed geartronic automatic transmission, 3.0 liter engine, with 325 horses, dual exhaust and 354 lbs. of torque. Along with the usual Volvo bells & whistles, it also includes HD radio & Sirius XM, a bluetooth handsfree system, USB/IPod function, moonroof and 18-inch Ixion alloy wheels.

Time to go all out as available climate, technology and multimedia packages make this a truly “ultimate” S60. Volvo also offers two accessories that would be perfect for a true St. John’s fan. An integrated navigation system helps you find your way through New York City as Johnnies make their way Madison Square Garden, while a rear seat entertainment system allows friends to keep up on BIG EAST basketball.

Now it may seem like a given that a St. John’s automobile would have to be some shade of red, but since 2009, when the Red Storm introduced their alternate black jerseys, the annual “black-out” game has become a huge success, while the jerseys themselves have been a team favorite. With that in mind, black sapphire metallic is definitely the color for this ultimate VolvoS60.

I really contemplated putting a giant STJ logo on the hood and/or lightning bolts down the side, but a more subtle approach to represent the Red Storm may be appropriate for this machine. Although a vanity plate that says “526″ (the number of wins recorded by legendary head coach Lou Carnesecca) or “Lavinwood” may be in order.

Instead of the excessive paint jobs, after market body kits and custom spoilers all in red & white, this “ultimate St. John’s Volvo” will have several additions to make it a true Johnnie.

Floor mats

Custom Plates

Good tunes

Lou Carnesecca & Steve Lavin (they come with the car right?)

Metta World Peace?

Perfect.

Please continue to vote for me at MyBigEastVolvo.com, and be sure to follow me on Twitter @BIG3Sports.

Also, like the Facebook page.

Top BIG EAST Matchups of 2012

I know it may be hard to believe, but BIG EAST Conference play is just around the corner as PC and St. John’s tip it all off on Tuesday, December 27, at 7 p.m., in Queens, N.Y., at Carnesecca Arena. It will be the start of another brutal schedule for 16 teams that will slug it out to try in finish in the top half of the league. Most squads will be gunning for a top-eight spot as it woud almost guarantee a ticket to the NCAA Tournament. Last season the BIG EAST broke its own record for schools sent to the yearly championship with 11.

This ties in perfectly with Volvo’s “Biggest Fan of the BIG EAST” contest and its third challenge post: “What are the top three BIG EAST road trip towns, and why?”

Well now it would be fairly easy to say that especially during these winter months, USF and Tampa, Fla., would be on the top of the destination list. This could easily be joined by Louisville (in my opinion, one of the best college atmospheres in the BIG EAST) and then another larger city school such as DePaul (Chicago), Georgetown (D.C.), Pittsburgh, St. John’s (NYC) or Villanova (Philadelphia).

But let’s be honest, this is the BIG EAST. This is where basketball comes first, not the nightlife and attractions that go along with it. That said, if you still had to pick three road trips (and with a Volvo S60, it really wouldn’t matter where you were going), why not have it be the top three BIG EAST basketball matchups this season!

To choose my top three games I decided to not pick seeing a team more than once and while the Volvo S60 may be fast, it is not a time machine, so games on the same day had to be weeded out. Also, games toward the end of the schedule were given favor as they will be paramount in deciding seeds in the BIG EAST Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 6-10.

February 25: Syracuse at UConn

A potential matchup of the No. 1 team in the country and the defending National Champions. Two giants will collide when Andre Drummond and Fab Melo battle in the paint while the backcourts of the Orange’s Brandon Triche and Scoop Jardine, and the Huskies Jeremy Lamb and Shabaz Napier will definitely be a good one. The X-factor could end up being Kris Joseph for Syracuse, while homecourt advantage for UConn could help to push the game in Connecticut’s favor.

Syracuse

POINTS	PPG	FG%	FT%	3PT%
K. Joseph	14.4	.444	.784	.396
D. Waiters	12.8	.519	.700	.323
REBOUNDS	REB	OFF	DEF	BPG
K. Joseph	6.0	1.9	4.1	0.4
C. Fair	5.5	1.7	3.7	0.3
ASSISTS	APG	SPG	TO	AST/TO
S. Jardine	4.0	1.9	2.2	1.8
B. Triche	3.2	1.1	1.6	1.9

Connecticut

POINTS	PPG	FG%	FT%	3PT%
J. Lamb	19.0	.482	.857	.375
S. Napier	14.6	.466	.718	.415
REBOUNDS	REB	OFF	DEF	BPG
T. Olander	6.4	2.2	4.2	1.0
A. Drummond	6.2	3.3	2.9	3.0
ASSISTS	APG	SPG	TO	AST/TO
S. Napier	6.9	2.2	3.5	2.0
R. Boatright	3.8	1.0	1.5	2.5

February 26: Pittsburgh at Louisville

Coach Rick Pitino has his squad playing at a high level, but a matchup against Pittsburgh is always a tough task. Louisville is an undefeated 10-0 on the season and stands fourth in the country in the latest coaches poll, while Pitt is not far behind at 10-1 and 13th. BIG EAST Tournament seeding as well as national rankings will definitely be in play here. Preseason league player of the year Ashton Gibbs spearheads the Panther attack, while a team-first mentality of the Cardinals will make this a true BIG EAST battle.

Louisville

POINTS	PPG	FG%	FT%	3PT%
K. Kuric	12.7	.500	.706	.333
P. Siva	10.6	.369	.833	.259
REBOUNDS	REB	OFF	DEF	BPG
G. Dieng	9.5	4.6	4.9	2.7
C. Behanan	8.1	2.7	5.4	0.8
ASSISTS	APG	SPG	TO	AST/TO
P. Siva	6.8	1.6	3.4	2.0
C. Smith	2.9	1.2	1.0	2.9

Pittsburgh

POINTS	PPG	FG%	FT%	3PT%
A. Gibbs	18.3	.385	.848	.389
T. Woodall	14.1	.524	.850	.457
REBOUNDS	REB	OFF	DEF	BPG
N. Robinson	6.2	2.7	3.5	0.2
D. Taylor	6.0	2.6	3.4	1.3
ASSISTS	APG	SPG	TO	AST/TO
T. Woodall	8.3	0.6	3.6	2.3
L. Patterson	4.3	0.6	1.2	3.5

March 3: Georgetown at Marquette

Marquette has caught some people by surprise this year, but are playing like a top-five team in the BIG EAST this season. Head coach Buzz Williams has the Golden Eagles at 10-0 and ranked 10th in the country in the latest coaches poll. Meanwhile, Georgetown has overcome some huge player losses in the past two seasons, such as Greg Monroe and Austin Freeman, but head coach John Thompson III has the Hoyas at 9-1 and ranked 13 in the nation. This game could decide who gets a first-round bye in the BIG EAST tournament.

Marquette

POINTS	PPG	FG%	FT%	3PT%
D. Johnson-Odom	18.8	.491	.766	.372
J. Crowder	17.6	.556	.714	.412
REBOUNDS	REB	OFF	DEF	BPG
J. Crowder	7.1	1.4	5.7	0.8
C. Otule	4.4	1.6	2.8	1.6
ASSISTS	APG	SPG	TO	AST/TO
J. Cadougan	6.6	0.9	2.3	2.8
V. Blue	3.6	2.1	2.5	1.4

Georgetown

POINTS	PPG	FG%	FT%	3PT%
J. Clark	15.5	.458	.900	.396
H. Thompson	14.7	.535	.826	.500
REBOUNDS	REB	OFF	DEF	BPG
O. Porter	6.1	1.5	4.6	0.9
H. Thompson	5.8	1.3	4.5	0.4
ASSISTS	APG	SPG	TO	AST/TO
H. Sims	3.9	0.7	1.8	2.2
N. Lubick	2.4	0.5	1.0	2.4

There are several other games that could have made this list, including Louisville at Syracuse on March 3, Pittsburgh at UConn on March 3 and Villanova at West Virginia on December 28.

Either way, with a brand new Volvo and some excellent BIG EAST basketball, how can you really go wrong?

Thanks to everyone for reading and let me know what games you want to see this season. Check out the full league schedule here.

Vote for Mike Gambardella in Volvo’s “Biggest Fan of the BIG EAST” Contest.

Join Mike’s Facebook group.

Follow Mike on Twitter.

Mumbles Therapy

Today is only Wednesday and it has already been one of the longest weeks I’ve ever experienced.  The best therapy is for me to just rant about subject matter that I feel I know best: the world of sports.  Beware here comes a slew of unorganized thoughts better classified as Mumbles.

*Chris Paul will be traded before Christmas 2011.  New Orleans does not want to go through the “Melodrama” the Nuggets went through last year.  With all the leaks about the Celtics wanting Paul, it would be in their best interest to acquire the best point guard in the league by any means necessary.  The Celtics current point guard Rajon Rondo is very talented but is beyond emotionally fragile.  He broke down last year when his BFF Kendrick Perkins was traded.  He broke down when he was “dissed” by President Obama.  Now the Celtics are reportedly (by every media outlet) pursuing Paul.  If the Celtics fail at acquiring Paul, they will be in for a very long and very uncomfortable season with Rondo running the show.  Get Paul now, worry about his contract status later.

*The Miami Marlins (have to get use to saying that) have been the biggest players in baseball free agency thus far.  They landed Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, and Mark Buehrle.  They are also in hot pursuit of Albert Pujols.  While this appears to be great news for South Florida, they have alienated their franchise player in Hanley Ramirez.  HanRam has reportedly asked for a trade because does not want to move to third base for Reyes.  If I am the Red Sox, I make a strong play at reacquiring the troubled shortstop.  He comes with baggage. There is no doubt about it.  But at the end of the day he is 27 years old coming off his worst season but entering his prime.  He is under contract until 2014 at a reasonable price (3 years $46 mil left).  He is a clear upgrade over Marco Scutaro or Jed Lowrie.  If I am Ben Cherrington, I offer Lowrie or Scutaro, Xander Bogaerts or Jose Iglesias, Ryan Kalish or Josh Reddick, and Matt Barnes or Anthony Ranuaudo.  Imagine this lineup:

Ellsbury, Crawford, Pedroia, Gonzalez, HRamirez, Youkilis, Ortiz, Saltalamacchia, Kalish/Reddick.

*The Boston Bruins benched Tyler Seguin last night during a 15 game unbeaten streak due to him missing a team breakfast in Winnipeg.  Now, I may be in the minority but I love that they benched the 19 year old leading scorer.  Nipping any antics that Seguin may be a part of in the bud is essential in his early development.  It’s clear to me that his benching has a lot more to it then missing his team breakfast.  His excuse will also go down as the worst excuse in sports history.  ”My clock was set on Boston time and not Winnipeg time.” Tyler may need a geography/time zone lesson to go along with that benching.  What we all need to remember is that the kid is 19 and he hasn’t had a chance to experience the night life like we all did in college.  I cut him some slack but at the same time applaud the management and coaching decision to discipline him.

* I once hated Tim Tebow with a unparraleled passion.  I think that was because I was an ignorant Longhorns fan that would hear nothing other than Colt McCoy was the best there was.  (In my defense he is the all time winningest quarterback in NCAA history). But after the last two months, how do you not love Tebow? Yes, the whole God squad thing can deter someone but as an athlete? The guy has “it.” Whatever “it” may be Tebow has it.  He wins football games and is exciting to watch.  Yes, I am all aboard the Tebow wagon!

*Unfortunately I don’t have any thoughts on the Patriots.  To me they are the most vanilla franchise in Boston sports.  It may be a reflection of the coach.  They win ball games and move on to the next opponent.  Until the playoffs, there is nothing I can really say about them.

*I love Ed Cooley.  When Providence College first hired him, I was skeptical at best.  My hatred of Keno Davis and his thug culture may have angered me to the point I was blind.  But there truly was no better person to hire for this position then who they landed.  Cooley has demonstrated a willingness to play defense (unthinkable during Keno’s time) and also to discipline players when needed.  (Kadeem Batts is yet to play a game.  Expected back for the URI game 12-23).  I have gone to as many games as I’ve could and have appreciated the development of Bryce Cotton.  I like that Vincent Council is playing under control.  I like that Cooley has Coleman playing defense.  I understand that the Friars may get smoked once the Big East schedule starts.  But I expected that coming into the season.  But because of Cooley, I now know they will play hard for 40 minutes every night.

*I can be followed on Twitter @ ScottieNTCF

Why?

This post is inspired by JadaKiss.

For the past week, when it came to sports, I found myself asking one question numerous times.  Why? Some of these questions I think I have answers to.  Others I am as baffled by them as I once was with Math.  (Once they started putting letters in it, it really screwed me up).  So here are a few things that have been driving me insane.  If you can answer any of these, please, I beg of you answer them!

But first, out of respect:

Why is Glen Davis getting the ball at the end of games?

Why is Glen Davis getting 10-15 shots a game, mostly jumpers at that?

Why did the Celtics trade for Jeff Green if they aren’t going to play him?

Why did the Red Sox sign The Underbite to a 5 year contract?

Why does Tom Brady have his hair in a pony tail?

Why does Louis Murphy need Viagra?

Why can’t the Celtics stay healthy?

Why did I underestimate Butler two years in a row?

Why is Krista married to The Underbite?

Why is Jared Sullinger staying in school?

Why am I confident the Spurs won’t get to the Western Conference Finals?

Why does ESPN think Blake Griffin is better than Kevin Durant?

Why are the Orioles undefeated?

Why are people paying $250 to see a Charlie Sheen stand up?

Why does Evan Longoria own an AK 47?

Why isn’t Tyler Seguin getting more ice time?

Why is Jarrod Saltalamachhia being blamed for the Red Sox pitching staff giving up 11 home runs to Texas in three games?

Why is Glen Davis playing 30 minutes a game?

Why did I like Glen Davis so much in the first half of the season?

 

The Pros and Cons of Ed Cooley

As all of you should know by now, Providence College has hired a new men’s basketball head coach, Ed Cooley.  Cooley, formerly the head coach as Fairfield University, played his high school basketball at Central, and grew up in Providence, RI.  Prior to becoming the head coach at Fairfield, Cooley coached under Al Skinner at the University of Rhode Island and Boston College from 1996-2006.

Even though coach Cooley had a fair amount of success at Fairfield (25-8 in 2010-2011, 92-69 overall), there are both pros and cons to Cooley becoming the head coach at Providence College.

PROS

Basketball Heritage

As I mentioned previously, Cooley played basketball in high school at Central.  Cooley then played for four years at Stonehill College, where he was a captain for three seasons.  To be honest, I have never heard of a player being a captain as a sophomore, so that should say something about Cooley’s leadership ability.  Unlike Keno Davis, Cooley played at a level where he can at least somewhat relate to his players.  That should allow him to better connect with his players and hopefully gain some respect a bit faster.

Rhode Island Roots

Cooley’s Rhode Island roots play in his favor in two ways.  First, recruiting locally should be easier for a coach that grew up and found success in Rhode Island.  Convincing Ricardo Ledo that staying in state to play college ball could be Cooley’s first big move.  Second, Cooley’s Rhode Island roots should help hold him “home” a bit longer than other coaches.  PC has often been regarded as a “stepping stone school.”  Coaches that have big success in Providence often use that as a platform to move on to better jobs.  Being from Rhode Island, Cooley may be more likely to stay at PC if he finds success than other coaches.

Defensive Success

Ed Cooley’s Fairfield team was amongst the best defensive teams in the NCAA last season.  From what I can remember, Fairfield ranked second in the nation in points allowed and held opponents to under 40% shooting on the season.  The Friars biggest Achilles heel for the past few seasons has been their inability to consistently play any sort of defense.  Cooley and his defensive pedigree will hopefully help out PC.  But, it is important to remember that Keno Davis’ Drake team was amongst the best defensive teams in the country before he came to PC.

Passion and Intensity

I have to admit that even though I wasn’t in favor of letting coach Davis go after three seasons, coach Cooley’s press conference after being hired at PC was inspirational.  Cooley’s enthusiasm for coming back home and coaching at Providence makes you believe that he wants to be here for the remainder of his coaching career.  You can tell that Cooley demands his players not only perform on the court, but also in the classroom and in the community.  I can’t help but love that he places a treadmill on the side of the practice court so if players can’t focus on the court than they can focus on the treadmill, that is just priceless.

CONS

Small School Success

As all of us Friar fans know very well, small school success definitely does not always translate to big program success.  I’m not saying that Providence is a huge basketball school, but the Big East is a whole new animal.  Cooley’s ability to find success at Providence will depend on his ability to coach defense, keep his players actually eligible, and recruit very well.

Recruiting Questions

Providence College and coach Cooley recently terminated the contract of Chris Driscoll, the only remaining member of coach Davis’ staff left at PC, and a supposed local recruiting guru.  Driscoll was thought to be primarily responsible for both Gerard Coleman and Ron Giplaye signing with the Friars.  Driscoll’s release leaves major concern on the recruiting front for the Friars.  Cooley stated that he will be looking for a big time recruiter with Big East ties, but those guys don’t grow on trees.  Cooley will evaluate the current recruits that the Friars have committed and make moves from there, so we will just have to see that happens.

The more research that I do, the more I seem to like the hiring of Ed Cooley, but that doesn’t mean that he will have instance success.  I expect the Friars to be a pretty good team next season, considering the immense experience that they have coming back.  Cooley should benefit from all of the time that coach Davis gave to guys like Vincent Council, Kadeem Batts, Bilal Dixon, Gerard Coleman, Duke Mondy, etc.  I’m looking forward to the 2011-2012 season, and I’m excited for what the future holds with Ed Cooley at the helm at PC.

A Rant on a Variety of Issues

In honor of The Rock’s return to the WWE…(Wrestlemania April 3,2011)

Finally, The Scott has come back…to NTCF!!!  So I haven’t written anything in 13 days and the five people who come and read this blog on a regular basis have had withdrawals that rival that of a drug addict.  In my defense, I haven’t really had much to write about over the past two weeks as Gambo informed you in his last post.  To be honest I have no excuse for not chipping in a few thoughts here and there on any number of topics over the past 13 days.  I sincerely apologize for not posting as
regularly as I once did and hope that this drought was only a one time thing.  With that being said I have plenty to rant about.  Be warned this post has no real main idea behind it other than to just flat-out rant.  Where it takes me, I have no clue.

Friars Hire Cooley

Today the Providence College Friars held a press conference introducing Ed Cooley as its next head men’s basketball coach.  In his presser, Cooley vowed to have Providence atop the Big East Conference one day. Lofty words for a team that has reached an all time low.  He also looked his players dead in the eye and told them the treadmill is his best friend in practice.  ”If you have trouble focusing in practice, you can focus on the treadmill.”  He also showed good faith in saying that he will by 10 tickets to each game and give them out to students in the Providence Public School system that “do things the right way.”

I think Providence made a good hire here.  I am a bit concerned that there coaching search only had one candidate but Cooley appears to be what the Friars need.  He preaches defense and discipline.  Something Keno Davis knew nothing about.  I expect the fans to return to the Dunk in small doses to see the hometown kid lead the Friars. (Cooley played high school ball at Central High School).  In my eyes, as long as Cooley keeps his players out of jail, he will be a roaring success.

Pants on the ground…Pants on the ground

Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has been banned from the North Park Center Mall for sagging his pants a bit too much.  Bryant has been banned from the mall for 90 days along with a criminal no trespass order in effect.  Bryant has apparently had a few dustups at this mall, most notably the time he cut a rather large line in the Apple store, offering to buy a customers items if he let him cut the line.

Gone are the days of the Cowboys being America’s Team.  Do you think Michael Irving would have ever been hassled in the mall at all? Let alone someone telling him that his pants were showing too much crack?  This is an embarrassing story for Dez, but highly entertaining for the rest of the nation.  Speaking of crack…

Taylor Doesn’t Card

Lawrence Taylor has been sentenced to 6 years probation for his involvement with an underage prostitute stemming from an incident May of 2010. When asked about his involvement with said prostitute Taylor did his best Forest Gump impression saying, “It’s the world of prostitution.  You never know what you are going to get. I don’t card them, I don’t ask for a birth certificate. She is a working girl.” If I was to set an over/under on when Taylor will violate his probation, I’d set it at 3.5 years and take the under.

Uncle Thomas Grant Hill?

Ok so Thomas Hill was Grant Hill’s teammate at Duke but I figured I’d try to integrate  (no pun intended) it all together for this story.  A few weeks ago ESPN aired a documentary on The Fab Five from Michigan.  Jalen Rose made headlines by saying he felt like Duke only recruited black players that were Uncle Tom’s.  Uncle Tom is a phrase used to describe someone who is subservient to white people.  Grant Hill took issue with this statement and wrote an eloquent, well thought out response published in the New York Times.

I understand Jalen said these were his thoughts as an 18-year-old kid, not necessarily now.  He felt Duke would only recruit players from good hard-working families.  My question to Jalen is so what? When did it become bad to recruit good upstanding members of society to play for a basketball team offering a scholarship to someone who would actually make good use of it?  I don’t understand and refuse to understand why it is fashionable to not work hard and study. Why is it the cool thing to act hood and rep the streets?  Can’t the streets be “repped” by being an outstanding member of society?   Just remember Jalen, Grant Hill didn’t cause Duke to have any violations or break any rules while he was there.

Maybe I am jaded because of the recent occurences at Providence College where kids, ahem thugs, are being offered full scholarships to get an education and lay the ground work for having a successful life only to see them throw it all away.  Maybe I am jaded because time and time again kids like you, Jalen, coming from a single parent home, have been given an opportunity to have better lifestyle and set your children up for a better life then you had, and then throw it away.  Don’t blame Duke for recruiting people who are deserving of such an honor.  Believe it or not no one is entitled to anything in this world. So don’t blame Grant Hill for being awarded a scholarship to a prestigious university.

Montreal Police Investigate Chara

By now everyone in both the Boston and Montreal markets know about the hit Zdeno Chara laid on Max Pacioretty resulting in a concussion.  Sure, it was an ugly hit.  The argument can be made that Chara intended to ram Pacioretty into the turnbuckle.  But the bottom line is it was a hit, something allowed in hockey, but can also be penalized.  Montreal police looking into Zdeno Chara because of this incident is beyond ridiculous.  Every sport has its own governing body.  Police have no business inserting its will upon a sport.  If they were to do so, every hockey fight should result in an arrest because it is an assault.  Someone being hit by a pitch in baseball could be considered assault with a dangerous weapon.  Don’t get me started on football.

Montreal police getting involved in this instance is totally absurd.  My disdain for the Canadiens has reached its boiling point with this last saga.  I have tolerated their European soccer style of hockey for the past 3 years, I have bit my lip when the booed the American National Anthem, and I even look the other way when their own players deliver dirty hits.  But this incident has gone beyond, as Felger calls it, “Yahooism.”  It may have actually vaulted the Canadiens ahead of the Lakers in my most hated opposing sports team category.

I will not write about the NFL lockout situation because quite frankly there are 3 other sports going on right now and they do a great job of entertaining me.  I am not going to waste my time worrying about billionaires arguing with millionaires over revenue sharing.  ”And that’s all I got to say about that.”

I once again apologize for my recent hiatus.  I vow to the five followers of this blog that I will not let it happen again.  Please feel free to comment below and let me know if these issues are burning you up as much as they are with me.

I can be followed on Twitter @ScottieNtcf

A Mad March for New England Sports Fans

So its been a while since we posted a new article here at NTCF and there is a good reason for that. There really has been nothing that New England sports fans can get excited about. It has been a mad March for Boston-area sports teams, and as electrifying as March Madness has been for all sports enthusiasts, there is no Northeast team making us clamor for more right now.

Lets take a quick look at the some of our local teams and why perhaps we should have been more wary of the ides of March.

PC – The Friars finished under .500 yet again with a 15-17 record, and despite having the ninth-highest scorer in program history in Marshon Brooks, PC managed to win just four BIG EAST Conference games. Not even a 52-point game from Brooks, who will get a look from NBA teams in the second round, could save former-bench boss Keno Davis. He was fired last week and now Providence must move quickly to find the next leader of the program.

Fairfield’s Ed Cooley has been the most brought-up name as a potential replacement and now that Bruce Pearl has been fired at Tennessee, his name will surely be batted around. Cooley put up an impressive 25-8 record during the 2010-11 season, but there is no guarantee that he can win at the BIG EAST level. Pearl would definitely require the Friars and AD Bob Driscoll to reach into their pockets, something the University can’t really afford to do. Pearl would also likely only be a stop-gap, as he tries to get his career back on track before moving on to another big-time program.

Speaking of the BIG EAST, after getting 11 teams into the NCAA Tourney, only two remain. Now Villanova closed out their year on a six-game losing streak and Georgetown has not done anything in their last three postseason appearances. St. John’s was without leading rebounder and heart-and-soul player, D.J. Kennedy in a blowout loss to Gonzaga. West Virginia played Kentucky tough, but the losses of De’Saun Butler, Devin Ebanks and Wellington Smith from last year’s Final Four team proved to be too much. Louisville was upset by Morehead State. Yes, once again Louisville was upset by Morehead State. Notre Dame could not buy a basket against FSU last night and bowed out as the first No. 2 seed to fall. Pittsburgh gave their game away to Butler on a ridiculous foul and continued their trend of being Tournament goats. Syracuse let fellow leaguemate Marquette advance after failing to execute in crunchtime and even though Boeheim admitted that this was not his best team, more was expected.

The Conference’s hopes now lie in the hands of Kemba Walker and UConn who knocked off Cincinnati to advance to the Sweet 16. The League NEEDS Calhoun’s boys to get past San Diego State, and probably Duke, just to keep from being crucified in publications across the country.

But PC and the BIG EAST weren’t the only college teams to fail to meet expectations. Boston College just missed out on a NCAA appearance and earned a No. 1 seed in the NIT. Despite having some talent with Reggie Williams and Corey Raji, the Eagles lost in second round to Northwestern. URI, who we rarely mention as is, is still alive in the CBI. I know you are probably asking yourself what the CBI is and because of that, I feel no need to write anything further about URI.

Keeping on the basketball track, the Celtics have been less than inspired as of late. The loss of Perkins has definitely affected mental psyche of the team and they need to figure out how to counteract his loss in the next few weeks leading up to the playoffs. There is also obviously something very wrong with Rajon Rondo. He has not played well at all during the past week and while he and Doc Rivers keep saying there is no injury affecting him, his lines as of late would speak to the contrary. Hopefully Rondo can get himself figured out while the bench continues to learn how to play together. This team needs to hit their stride as they chase the No. 1 seed along with Bulls and Heat, while hopefully entering the playoffs on a high note.

The Bruins have also struggled as of late, coming away with two points in just three of their nine games this month. Now just to be honest, I really don’t follow hockey all out untill the playoffs but the previous stat has me very worried about this team. Hopefully they can just rest Tim Thomas down the stretch through these final 11 games and get to the playoffs in decent shape.

UPDATE: Bruins and most NHL fans just got some good news as the league has announced that cheap-shot artist Matt Cooke will be suspended until the second round of the playoffs.

It’s the offseason for the Patriots and thanks to labor dispute, the biggest news this month has involved Brandon Meriweather being accused of shooting two men in the face and Tom Brady growing a pony-tail and showing he not only does not possess the ability to run on the field, but can not dance to save his life either.

To make things even better for Pats fans, rumors swirled today that head coach Bill Belichick is already going to trade picks – woof. The San Diego Union-Tribune notes Chargers GM A.J. Smith’s “history of partnering with Belichick” in draft-weekend trades, and reports that “the idea (of moving to No. 28) is intriguing” to Smith.

By the way, its also MattyO’s fault that he already did a draft preview for the Patriots and we couldn’t rewrite about that this month. Thanks a lot O’Rourke.

The only glimmer of hope for us despondent Boston sports fans is the Red Sox. We are two weeks away from opening day and with the staff announced, lineup seemingly set and pen shaping up, fans are genuinely getting excited for Opening Day. The only bad part is that it does not come in this month, which means we still have 10 more days of Mad March for New England Sports fans.

But again, after three Patriots titles, two Red Sox World Series rings and Celtics championship banner No. 17 in the past 10 years, should I really be that mad I had to put up with a month of futility? Probably not.