College Basketball/March Madness Thread

atribecalledrch · Post #1321 » by **atribecalledrch** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 3:04 am

I'm taking UConn v. Kentucky with Kentucky winning in comeback fashion late in the 2nd.

Post #1322 » by **Manhattan Project** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:08 am

The only reason Id give it to Kemba over Knight at the moment is because in the game in which he had both game winners, he played crap until then. Two other games he was completely impressive, Harrellson has been great and Kentucky has been a more balanced attacked compared to Uconn. Kemba has been more consistent in all of his games, has "Carried" the team more than Knight. Granted Lamb has been playing some great basketball, but this goes to Kemba at the moment.

Of course all this will change next game. I can't see Mack ahead of Knight, though it wouldn't piss me off if it did happen.

Jmonty580 · Post #1323 » by **Jmonty580** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:03 pm

LOL @ people comparing Knight to Walker. I like Knight, but at this point in his career he is no Walker, cant do a good numbe rof the things Walker can. I will say he has great poise for a freshman, for a college ball player period, and he can get hot and light it up. I just think Walker brings more to the floor for Uconn than Knight brings to the floor for Kentucky. And thats not knocking Knight, thats just how good Walker has been thus far.

Maybe I'm bais as a Uconn fan, but I'm not confident in a win over Kentucky. Yea we killed them earlier in the year but thats a different team now. My main concern is Harrelson. If Alex can check him and keep him off the boards and Kentucky gets as many shot oppurtunities as they need to make shots, they will win the game. Other than that, Uconn has to play really good defense and force turnovers. Walker has to do his thing. Lamb HAS to continue his play, and someone else needs to step up, hopefully Alex and maybe even Roscoe Smith. Smith's gotta gaurd Jones and keep him in a check. I think these two teams are pretty evenly matched honestly. Both have really good young talent, Uconn's only edge is a seasoned vet in Walker, but Kentucky has good upperclassmen in Josh, Liggins and Miller. This is going to be a real SERIOUS game, and I hope Uconn can pull it out somehow.

Post #1324 » by **Manhattan Project** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:21 pm

I really don't think Walker is that important in the game, like you said the role players need to step up and that goes for Kentucky as well. However it boils down to Lamb essentially for me, I don't see Smith being that second guy. With Kentucky it can be Liggins, Jones [Will he ever have a breakout game?], Harrellson, Miller or Lamb. They have a nice balanced attack, but then again shut down two or three of these role players and it's a toss up.

I'm picking Kentucky in this game because of that depth of guys that can step up.

hobojoe2131 · Post #1325 » by **hobojoe2131** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:27 pm

I'm picking Kentucky too. Just a far more balanced team.

Jmonty580 · Post #1326 » by **Jmonty580** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:45 pm

I dont see how Kentucky can come close to shutting down Walker. He is the huge difference maker. All this talk of Lamb, yes I love Lamb and he is a great prospect but alot of his points come from Walker drawing attention and creating for Lamb. Lamb is also a very good shooter so on occassion he creates his own oppurtunities, by simply jumping up for a jumpshot he can get a shot off against anyone. Other than that Walker makes Uconn tick. The younger guys like Lamb, Napier and Smith are skilled but they play off of Walker, when Walker is on, they play even better because Walker makes the game easier for them.

As for Kentucky's balanced scoring, dont sleep on Uconns D. Lamb is long...Smith is ridiculously long and mobile. You put Smith on Jones and he doesnt do much damage from outside, and if he's froced to go right he wont do much off of the dribble too. Napier is a gritty scrappy annoying defender. Kentucky gives up its fair share of TOs, I can see Napier taking the ball from Knight on a few occassions. Also Lamb plays the passing lanes wonderfully. Last time the two teams met, Alex had his way with Harrellson. Will it happen again? I dont know, Alex shows up sometimes and not others. If Alex gets it going inside though, I dont see how Kentucky counters that unless Harrellson can step up and start scoring on Alex (again the inside game was all Uconn last match up). Uconn has faced much tougher scoring teams than Kentucky imo. Jones seems like he can be handled. Liggins doesnt scare me. The one guy is Knight. Knight is basically their Walker and he is extremely clutch. Imo this is a game of Wills. Whatever team wants it more will win.

My bet is people continue to sleep on Walker, and the rest of the squad. Guys like Lamb are getting credit, but Napier, Smith, even Comb McDaniels are stepping up and making a huge difference on offense and more importantly on defense. They key is Alex Oriakhi. If he shows up ready to play, Kentucky cant win period unless they are hitting three at a crazy clip. Even then Calhoun knows how to adjust the defense, the long huskies can defend the 3 point line well.

Post #1327 » by **Manhattan Project** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 4:58 pm

Anyone sleeping on Walker, a final four team, Naismith candidate, Maui MVP at this point you shouldn't waste time on. Hell ever since Maui people have been riding Walker, not sleeping on IMO. Walker in this game is going to get his regardless, it's who steps up and helps him.

Certainly going to be a great game, hell both games should be.

hobojoe2131 · Post #1328 » by **hobojoe2131** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 5:05 pm

I don't think anyone who has even heard of college basketball is sleeping on Kemba. The problem is other guys stepping up.

Jmonty580 · Post #1329 » by **Jmonty580** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 5:05 pm

Manhattan Project wrote:Anyone sleeping on Walker, a final four team, Naismith candidate, Maui MVP at this point you shouldn't waste time on. Hell ever since Maui people have been riding Walker, not sleeping on IMO. Walker in this game is going to get his regardless, it's who steps up and helps him.

Certainly going to be a great game, hell both games should be.

Very true, and pretty obvious to most. I'm not overly confident but I'm not going in thinking Uconn will lose either. This game is to me is all about smarts, coaching, and desire, and mostly desire. Add a bit of luck and this game should be a really close one and exciting. Either team can win imo. I think Uconn has proven a bit more though personally. Undefeated in out of confrence play, they've played the best of the best and they keep finding ways to win. Not to mention they've already played and beat Kentucky convincingly and they've since become a MUCH better team, ofcourse Kentucky is much better too.

I'm excited. and anxious. If I had to bet money obviously I'm putting my money on Uconn, but at the end of the day i think these teams are evenly matched and its going to come down to what group of guys wants it more. I think uconn is pretty hungry and still feels like it has alot to prove. We'll see on saturday though.

I'll tell you what though, VCU, and Butler, they gotta be more hungry than anyone. VCU is dangerous, neither Uconn nor Kentucky wants to face that team in the championship game. Such an exciting time of year for basketball!!

Post #1330 » by **Manhattan Project** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 5:46 pm

Jmonty580 wrote:I'll tell you what though, VCU, and Butler, they gotta be more hungry than anyone. VCU is dangerous, neither Uconn nor Kentucky wants to face that team in the championship game. Such an exciting time of year for basketball!!

Which is ironic because casual people will watch the Kentucky and UConn game and probably pass on the other game. Though you got two scrappy teams that shouldn't even be here playing against each other and that's gonna be entertaining as hell. Only a few more days before it comes so I'm sure were going to see a wide range of "Analysis" and what not.

I'm also looking forward to see who declares this week.

Smoke24 · Post #1331 » by **Smoke24** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:32 pm

If Butler can stop the threes, then they win. If they can't they lose...

If Uconn can't contain Jones (he's The Cat's x-factor to me) then they'll lose because I know Harrelson is
not going to be contained and Okandu is well...(My mom said of you can't say anything nice...)

Jmonty580 · Post #1332 » by **Jmonty580** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:41 pm

Smoke24 wrote:If Butler can stop the threes, then they win. If they can't they lose...

If Uconn can't contain Jones (he's The Cat's x-factor to me) then they'll lose because I know Harrelson is
not going to be contained and Okandu is well...(My mom said of you can't say anything nice...)

lol Okandu is a bum!! So you dont think Oriakhi stands a chance against Harrelson? I'm not confident but I woldnt be surprised if he plays him very well and crashes the boards just as hard. Okandu wont spend too much time on harrelson unless Alex is in foul trouble.

Smoke24 · Post #1333 » by **Smoke24** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:10 pm

Jmonty580 wrote:
Smoke24 wrote:If Butler can stop the threes, then they win. If they can't they lose...

If Uconn can't contain Jones (he's The Cat's x-factor to me) then they'll lose because I know Harrelson is
not going to be contained and Okandu is well...(My mom said of you can't say anything nice...)

lol Okandu is a bum!! So you dont think Oriakhi stands a chance against Harrelson? I'm not confident but I woldnt be surprised if he plays him very well and crashes the boards just as hard. Okandu wont spend too much time on harrelson unless Alex is in foul trouble.

That's what I'm afraid of, Alex being in foul trouble. If he can stay in the game he can be a difference maker.

hobojoe2131 · Post #1334 » by **hobojoe2131** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:36 pm

Tyler Honeycutt just made himself eligible for the draft. I'd love to get him.

Post #1335 » by **Manhattan Project** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:47 pm

Honeycutt is a damn solid player, reminds me of Dudley a bit when he was at BC. Would pass on him as he doesn't exactly address a need but he is good. I wouldn't even mind his teammate Lee as a late second rounder.

Post #1336 » by **mrpoetryNmotion** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 2:51 am

Honeycutt should stay in college.

Post #1337 » by **Flaming Mo** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:31 am

hobojoe2131 wrote:Tyler Honeycutt just made himself eligible for the draft. I'd love to get him.

I would compare him to a very very poor man's Kevin Martin. A little bigger but not as skilled. Good defender though.

TrueWarrior · Post #1338 » by **TrueWarrior** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:34 am

What do you guys think about Tristan Thompson? Ive been warming up to him lately. Was really impressed with how he completely bodied Keith Benson in the tourney, and set a Texas record with like 6 blocks. He looks strong, physical, athletic, and a good defender. Offense is raw right now and but I like his potential if he declares. Hes only about 6'8/6'9 but he has a 7'2 wingspan. I think he could be a good big off the bench for us. Like a Brandon Bass type with more upside.

I hear hes coming back to school though. Same with Sullinger. Would be a bummer if that happened since the draft is weak as is.

Post #1339 » by **Flaming Mo** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 10:13 am

TrueWarrior wrote:What do you guys think about Tristan Thompson? Ive been warming up to him lately. Was really impressed with how he completely bodied Keith Benson in the tourney, and set a Texas record with like 6 blocks. He looks strong, physical, athletic, and a good defender. Offense is raw right now and but I like his potential if he declares. Hes only about 6'8/6'9 but he has a 7'2 wingspan. I think he could be a good big off the bench for us. Like a Brandon Bass type with more upside.

I hear hes coming back to school though. Same with Sullinger. Would be a bummer if that happened since the draft is weak as is.

I like Thompson a lot. He is propably the best defensive big men in the draft. Now he is not a true center but there arent that many in the NBA anyways and with his wingspan and added bulk he should be fine playing the position. He would certainly be good value around picks #17 - #20. But he as of now he is still a liability on offense and Im really sick and tired of players who arent multi dimensional. Now he's not Jared Jeffries but I would much rather have a Marcus Morris there who can do everything on offense and is much more well rounded.

I_Love_NYK · Post #1340 » by **I_Love_NYK** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 1:01 pm

This draft class is really going to suck. Derrick Williams and Kyrie Irving will be 1 or 2, depending on who wins the draft lottery.

Jared Sullinger and Kawhi Leonard already pulled out of the draft and it looks like Harrison Barnes will pull out of the draft too. I wonder if the Morris twins will pull out of the draft. If Kentucky wins I definitely see Brandon Knight and Terrance Jones declaring for the draft.