So it comes down to this:
Memphis vs. UCLA
Kansas vs. North Carolina
Strangely, this tournament has not brought in the TV ratings of many in the past. Why do you think that is? Has this been a good tournament in your eyes, especially with the great run by Davidson? Or, was there too many blowouts and too few upsets? That aside, isn't this really a fantasy Final Four? All number ones there at the end battling for the National Championship? Does it get any better than this?
As to the games, ignore your pools and pre-tournament preferences: do the Hawks have a prayer against the Heels? Are the Heels the most dominating force in this tournament in quite some time? Are there any superlatives that accurately describe Tyler Hansbrough? Honestly, who's the last player to this dramatically impact the game of college b-ball?
To game one, isn't this likely to be the better of the two games? The current line is Memphis -2. Do the bookies have it right?
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final four
April 5, 2008 - 11:28 ET by candanceYay, I'm so excited!
Go Heels!
I'll be so glad when this game is over; then we can all stop hearing about Roy being Kansas' old coach.
The low ratings haven't come from lost interest in the games. It's no secret that people hate watching them on CBS and every year it seems they do it worse. They play more commercials than basketball. And now with the internet and automatic score updates, if you don't want to deal with CBS (or if they're not even showing your teams) you can turn them off. I really believe if ESPN got the tournament next year you'd see more people tuning in.
Memphis loses to UCLA. The game might even be so close that free throws make the difference. But at the end of the day, UCLA will have the defense to stop them.
Bad news for Kansas is that UNC has played a lot of close games this year and knows how to find ways to win. If Hansbrough is close enough to sniff a victory he'll explode on the Hawks. Kansas must get a decisive advantage for any hope of winning.
Candance
April 5, 2008 - 12:12 ET by BlondeAnd Rick, and AF, too.
I'm pulling for your team this year, as I said I would. It's causing a little domestic strife, though, Kansas is giving me heartburn.
All the best in your pursuit of another National title...those belt buckles look great with more than one ball on them (and mine has a football & a basketball...can't wait for football season...GO GATORS!). Sorry, I couldn't help that.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
April 5, 2008 - 12:31 ET by GRPruittI have news for you. The Jayhawk faithful will NEVER get over Roy Williams leaving Kansas. It's not enough for Kansas to win today - although that would truly be sweet. Roy must fail - forever.
I personally have embraced my bitterness. It's really not that bad. I won't say I hate Roy Williams. I love the way he coaches. I don't want anything bad to happen to him or his family. I just want the complete collapse of the North Carolina program. Unrealistic? Possibly. But I can dream.
so...
April 5, 2008 - 13:24 ET by candanceBill Self wasn't a traitor when he came to Kansas? It only applies if the Jayhawks are the ones getting burned?
If Roy is such a good coach and you all are still so mad at him for leaving - what makes you think the Heels will fall apart?
The Final Four and Final One
April 5, 2008 - 12:35 ET by JerI would suspect another reason for lower ratings is the number of noncompetitive contests in the later rounds--where one would normally expect some "down-to-the-wire" games. For example, what incentive did the casual fan have to keep watching Memphis totally annihilate Michigan State after a 50-20 first half.
Anyway, I think any of the four could win...just a matter of who gets hot at the right time. [How's that for a bold prediction?] However, from what I've seen, if all four teams play to their maximum ability, Memphis should win--as long as they keep hitting free throws.
Jer
Roy Williams
April 5, 2008 - 12:50 ET by ricklailEverybody seems to forget that Roy was born in Spruce Pine, NC. He attend HS in Asheville. Graduated from UNC. Was on Dean Smith's staff for 10 years. He was never a Kansan at heart.
GO HEELS
If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes.-Lewis Grizzard
Roy Williams
April 5, 2008 - 14:01 ET by GRPruittOnce again North Carolina has to pilfer Kansas to keep its program going. You did it with Dean Smith too. ;-)
I will give you this though. The weather is better in North Carolina.
Seriously though, he would have had buildings named after him at Kansas. Instead he is replacing a legend at North Carolina. I cannot blame you for wanting him though.
Like I said in an earlier post, it's not enough for Kansas to do well. We have little to complain about post Williams. He must also fail.
Candance...It's now
April 5, 2008 - 21:41 ET by JerCandance...It's now 40-12...what time do the Heels start playing?
Jer
simple
April 5, 2008 - 11:31 ET by paulnashtnthe ratings are down BECAUSE it is going as expected -- no major upsets, no cinderellas -- in other words, GREAT basketball but the results are a bit boring
VOTE REPUBLICAN
Go anybody but UNC,
April 5, 2008 - 12:02 ET by wiwfGo anybody but UNC, preferably Kansas!
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I've never been a fan of
April 5, 2008 - 12:12 ET by balboaI've never been a fan of Calipari. Seems very slimy to me. So I'll take any team but Memphis.
Gasp! Calipari is a local
April 5, 2008 - 12:59 ET by Roger the ShrubberGasp!
Calipari is a local boy! I have to cheer for him. Bummer he's playing againt Ben Howland, who brought Pitt back into prominence before going to UCLA.
I will be watching both games, though!
Calipari
April 5, 2008 - 13:03 ET by candanceJohn Calipari is the biggest whiner ever. He's got about as much class as Coach K.
But he has such pretty hair!
April 5, 2008 - 13:25 ET by Roger the ShrubberBut he has such pretty hair!
Aren't you confusing him with...
April 5, 2008 - 13:39 ET by goldenthroatJohn Edwards - the Breck Girl?
"Yeah! That's the ticket!" - Tommy Flanagan
Instead of blue and white...
April 5, 2008 - 12:42 ET by goldenthroatThe scarlet and gray of THE Ohio State Buckeyes should have been in this tourney instead of playing in the NIT! They manhandled everyone they played and the Buckeye's Kostas Koufus from Canton Glenoak High School was named the MOP of the tourney.
I'll watch the NCAA finals but a tourney championship trophy still heads to Columbus.
Oh well - there is always next year for OSU.
Go Buckeyes!
"Yeah! That's the ticket!" - Tommy Flanagan
I actually felt good for
April 5, 2008 - 12:55 ET by JerI actually felt good for OSU after the soul-crushing pummeling the SEC has been consistently delivering to the Buckeyes in the past few years.
They proved that humiliation can be motivating.
[All kidding aside, OSU is one of my favorite schools--very classy fans.]
Jer
Paul??
April 5, 2008 - 13:01 ET by candanceNo major upsets and no Cinderellas? Davidson beating Georgetown and Wisconsin and then taking Kansas to the buzzer - that wasn't a Cinderella story?
dook losing in the second round wasn't an upset? San Diego beating UConn? Clemson losing to Villanova? The clutch three pointer Rodgers hit to beat Drake?
This tournament has been just as interesting as the ones in times passed.
True, candance...the early
April 5, 2008 - 13:07 ET by JerTrue, candance...the early rounds produced some exciting cliffhangers and upsets. The later round games, aside from Davidson...not so compelling.
Jer
well Jer
April 5, 2008 - 13:21 ET by candanceI think one reason for that was because those early games were so close that a lot of teams got exhausted into the later rounds. Pitt had a meltdown against MSU and then MSU collapsed when they played Memphis. It wasn't always just a better team dominating - it was often a team simply not showing up for the game. Texas and Xavier, both promising teams, both completely fell apart.
Louisville and Davidson were the only teams who knocked off a high seed and then had the strength to show up for the next game.
Candance...Tennessee performed
April 5, 2008 - 13:31 ET by JerCandance...Tennessee performed miserably...again. They had an outstanding season, handed Memphis its only loss [at Memphis] and then went completely flat in the tournament.
The seeding committee didn't do them any favors though. Had to play a great Butler team in the second round...then Louisville, and then your beloved Heels if they had beaten Louisville--which they didn't. Just as well.
Jer
yeah
April 5, 2008 - 13:59 ET by candanceTennessee deserved to be a 2 seed because they'd been so streaky all year. You beat Memphis on the road and then you lose to Vanderbilt and Arkansas?
The trick for a great coach is to have your team peaking in the tournament. Tenn peaked midway through the season.
candance...My problem was
April 5, 2008 - 14:18 ET by Jercandance...My problem was more with the bracket set-up than the #2 seed. Just about all the experts agreed that section of the bracket was by far the toughest.
Contrast it with UCLA which had a cakewalk.
After beating Memphis on its floor, Tennessee had to play an excellent Vanderbilt team at Vandy--one of the toughest places to play in the nation--just a couple of days later. It was not surprising they [barely] lost that game.
Of course, I'm primarily a Vandy fan...but they were a total bust in the tournament...losing to mediocre Siena in the first round. UGH!
Jer
Final four
April 5, 2008 - 12:27 ET by donsaliman4 Number 1 teams for the first time and if I am not mistaken,all 4 school colors are blue and white.
4 Number 1 teams for the
April 5, 2008 - 12:28 ET by donsaliman4 Number 1 teams for the first time and if I am not mistaken,all 4 school colors are blue and white.
UCLA all the way! (^_^)
I think UCLA's Blue and
April 5, 2008 - 12:38 ET by balboaI think UCLA's Blue and Gold, Kansas Blue and Red, Memphis Blue and Gray
It's on CBS...isn't it?
April 5, 2008 - 13:22 ET by Bacchus'CBS is a Shoddy Operation'
NEVER EVER CROSS KARL ROVE.
:)
The legend continues.
thank you bacchus!
April 5, 2008 - 13:27 ET by candancePeople underestimate the disgust fans feel at the way CBS handles the games. They don't care about the sport. They're just using it as a billboard to sell their other products.
Each year more and more fans get so upset they agree to boycott.
Go Bruins! "Never murder
April 5, 2008 - 14:13 ET by bigtimerGo Bruins!
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Sorry, bt...they're GONE!
April 5, 2008 - 20:27 ET by JerSorry, bt...they're GONE!
UCLA
April 5, 2008 - 14:30 ET by scamoramaI still think we'll be seeing UCLA and UNC in the Final, and it will be a WAR.
Memphis can score, but Howland is the best defensive mind in college. UCLA will shut them down and win by 5.
Kansas has emotion and talent; UNC has emotion and more talent. This one is going to be a barnburner. UNC by 3.
IMPOSTERS!
April 5, 2008 - 20:19 ET by scamoramaWho is that bunch of imposters wearing the UCLA uniforms?
I admit I haven't thought highly of Memphis all year, but after this horror show, all I can say is that whoever wins the next game had better watch out Monday night.
I'm going to go get horizontal now. Sheesh!
Go Heels!
April 5, 2008 - 14:38 ET by Ten7sGo Heels!
"...TV ratings ..."
The NBA stinks and its turned many from the college game as well. CBS plays too many commercials. Too many players go pro early and/or get into trouble.
"... do the Hawks have a prayer against the Heels?..."
Much more than a prayer. Both UNC and Kansas are two of the best teams in years. If both teams show up, it'll be a war. If either makes many mistakes, they'll loose. This is really the National Championship game. Memphis is really good, but as usual they are undisciplined. UCLA is a poser and has struggled against the few better-than-average teams they've played this year. Memphis will wipe the floor with UCLA. Both UNC and Kansas are loaded, and any win will require a total offensive and defensive team effort.
And yes, Tyler Hansbrough is the 'Player of the Year' by any standard. He's by far the most fundamentally sound player in the last 25 years and has a Jordan-esque will to win.
B-Bye, Bruins
April 5, 2008 - 20:19 ET by Noel SheppardTigers All the Way, Baby!!!
Oh My!
April 5, 2008 - 21:35 ET by Noel SheppardKansas Jayhawks! Who saw this coming? Zoinks! ns
Wow. Tarheels are getting
April 5, 2008 - 21:39 ET by balboaWow. Tarheels are getting destroyed. Billy Packer declares "It's over" with 7:30 left in the first house, and five CBS producers just burst into flames.
Monday
April 5, 2008 - 23:17 ET by scamoramaI suspect the same bunch who pretended to be UCLA suited up in UNC uniforms. At least they were found out at halftime.
What a pair of games!
I'm beginning to think Memphis just might pull this off.
Who'd a thunk it?
Rock chalk and then some...
April 5, 2008 - 21:43 ET by AgentAmericanI have never seen this big of a collapse than I have with NC. I am absolutely floored on how my Crimson and Blue has layed the lumber on that giant dork...and it's only the first half. Not getting over confident...a lead can disappear quickly like 28 points...but this is sweet.
The announcers on CBS must be upset...
OK, some decent signs of
April 5, 2008 - 21:56 ET by balboaOK, some decent signs of life now from UNC. 15 points is not insurmountable. Tarheels gotta make some adjustments at the half.
Wow, the Heels are pulling a Greg Norman.
April 5, 2008 - 21:49 ET by R D HelmSad, this is.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
Keep an eye on candance
April 5, 2008 - 22:02 ET by JerWill someone make sure candance is on a ground floor?
Jer
Jer, I have to admit that Kansas is a very well balanced team.
April 5, 2008 - 22:07 ET by R D HelmThey have a lot of weapons. That can be hard to defend against.
But, I still think NC will pull it out.
Maybe...
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
R D...I hope they do. But
April 5, 2008 - 22:21 ET by JerR D...I hope they do. But Kansas' early domination was phenomenal and shocking.
Jer
Rooooooock Chaaaaaaaaaaaaalk, Jaaaaaaaaayhaaaaaawk...
April 5, 2008 - 23:18 ET by AgentAmericanKaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
Beware of the Phog
Roy who?
and let me say...WHEW!
Kansas Cheated
April 5, 2008 - 23:32 ET by Gat New YorkTar Heels were supposed to win and Kansas didn't let them. That's cheating (because I have no other answers).
NBers
April 6, 2008 - 00:39 ET by Noel SheppardWow,
I kind of expected Memphis, but Kansas? Think the bookies took a bath tonight?
Although I'm very pleased for the Jayhawks, I think a Tigers-Heels final would have been better. Tigers will walk all over the Hawks Monday, unless I'm very much mistaken. ns
Wow, NS
April 6, 2008 - 00:46 ET by BlondeI know a certain Iguana person who will be insufferable tomorrow.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
B
April 6, 2008 - 00:59 ET by Noel SheppardB,
AC is a Hawk or a Tiger? ns
Noel
April 6, 2008 - 00:57 ET by RESTLESS 1You didn't see this coming? I had Texas (don't laugh) and Kansas in my finals bracket. They have something like 5 McDonald's high school all-americans and 4 first projected first round NBA draft picks. I've seen them play Texas 3 times this year. They don't have the bench that Memphis has, but I am picking them to win.
Perhaps a little wager? ;>)
R
April 6, 2008 - 01:02 ET by Noel SheppardR,
I haven't been impressed with Kansas in this tournament. Just got by Davidson. Looked great tonight, though. Heels were flat. Worst I've seen all year.
Amazing day. Wager? Heck, I don't know anything about this sport right now. :-) ns
And yet if Stephan Curry
April 6, 2008 - 01:03 ET by JerAnd yet if Stephan Curry could have taken the buzzer shot, there's a good chance Davidson would have sent Kansas packing. That's why I thought they might be the most vulnerable of the Final Four.
Jer
Guys
April 6, 2008 - 01:07 ET by RESTLESS 1You are basing your opinions on one game? Davidson proved throughout the tournament that they are a very good team, and perhaps were overlooked by the selection comittee. Beating them would have been a chore for anybody. Kansas did it.
Btw, I'm from Texas, so I have no love for the Jayhawks. Just callin' 'em like I see 'em
R
April 6, 2008 - 01:10 ET by Noel SheppardR,
Well, in my view, the Hawks just beat the best team in the tournament. They are certainly deserving of respect. ns
Well, I have to give Kansas
April 6, 2008 - 01:19 ET by JerWell, I have to give Kansas credit, also. I didn't think I would witness again the utter domination of a very good team such as the one Memphis dealt Michigan State in the first half [50-20]. But the 44-10 run by Kansas over the Heels was even more impressive.
Jer
You could see toward the end
April 6, 2008 - 01:25 ET by RESTLESS 1You could see toward the end of the first half that they were tired. They used a lot of energy in that run. They don't got too far into their bench, so Memphis has an advantage there, but the loss of Andre Allen hurts them. I'm predicting: Kansas 88 Memphis 80.
Make
April 6, 2008 - 12:31 ET by JerMake that 40-12 instead of 44-10. Still impressive though.
Jer
Look at the bright side, Noel...
April 6, 2008 - 02:08 ET by AgentAmericanCBS didn't get their North Carolina/UCLA final....darn!
The Jayhawks, and Kansas City teams have never gotten any love from the national sports media...and this great victory for the Jayhawks has Dukie V and Digger Phelps on Memphis' bandwagon. For once, one of my local teams has a shot at the title.
Bill Self for Governor...
YEAH KU! ROCKCHALK
April 6, 2008 - 12:12 ET by wiwfYEAH KU! ROCKCHALK JAYHAWK!!!
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