Day: March 29, 2008

Coach Rick Pitino said before the game that it would come down to who makes fewer mistakes (tunrovers). He was right. Unfortunately, for him his Louisville team commited 19 turnovers to 14 by North Carolina. After taking a 12 point lead at halftime, the Cardinals came roaring back to tie the game, but never could get over the hump.

A big three by Ty Lawson with under 4:00 to go and then two jump shots by Tyler Hansborough gave the Tarheels the cushion they needed. Hansborough was fantastic in the second half as he finished with 28 points. All year long I have been thinking who does he remind me of. It finally came to me. He is Dave Cowens. His ability to battle every possession and come away with rebounds in a pack while sending other players sprawling is what will make him a solid NBA player. The fact that he comes out playing aggressive and fouling from the opening tip (just like Cowens) prevents him from getting in foul trouble (officials let him get away with more bumps and whacks than any other college player) and putting up great numbers. I know I may sound like a Louisville fan, but honestly, I am complimenting Hansborough’s rugged style of play.

I can hardly wait for a match-up of North Carolina and Kansas. That could make ol Roy cry before the game. First, Kansas must stop Stephen Curry and Davidson from becoming this year’s George Mason.

For the third year in a row the UCLA Bruins have advanced to the Final Four. A feat that has been accomplished since John Wooden did it (with a little help from Sam Gilbert) in the early 70’s. Ben Howland Bruins are one of the toughest defensive teams in the country and Xavier felt the full brunt of it. They are relentless on the defensive end. Tonight they held Xavier to 36% shooting that included 4-19 from behind the line.

I have talked about Michael Beasley being the best player all year in comparison with Tyler Hansborough. I am dead wrong. I should have been comparing him to Kevin Love. Love’s ability to change the game on both ends of the floor might make him the best player in college basketball. Not only does he score in the post and rebound (19 & 10), but he is a presence whenever someone comes inside on the defensive end. His overall play tonight was spectacular. He made three’s, doled out assists, rebounded and would have sold popcorn during timeouts if he was allowed.

The Bruins are healthy and for the first time in three years are a real threat to win it all. With Love, they are a more complete team than the previous two squads. Teams must be strong down the middle to win in any sport. Think about it. Good catcher, pitcher, centerfielder. Quarterback, linebacker, safety. In basketball, with Love in the middle and Collison at the point the Bruins win every match-up. It will take a tremendous effort to derail the Bruins.

Jim Christian will become the new head coach at TCU. Christian recorded 6 straight 20 win seasons at Kent State. He did a terrific job of keeping the ball rolling after Gary Waters and Stan Heath used the job as a springboard. It is still a springboard as Christian will double his salary at TCU. His new paycheck will be over $500,000.

Also, Tony Bennet appears to be the top candidate at Indiana. His performance with Washington State has been remarkable. However, with his three core players all graduating now might be the best opportunity to move. History shows that a program like Washington State is next to impossible to maintain at the current success level. There are not enough players close by to draw from. At Indiana you have a very fertile recruiting ground.

Indiana officials say they will have a coach in place by the final four.

Also, Jaimie Dixon, Pittsburgh, has said no to Cal.