NCAA Tourney Thread

[Joneslab]

So lets fast forward 8 years. UK coach Sean Miller is at the podium. "In y 4 years here we have been to 2 Sweet 16's and 2 Elite 8's. I think I am doing a great job. And if you don't think so then to hell with you go root for Louisville." Imagine how well that would be received.

You would hope if Miller--or anybody with the exception of Self, K, Williams--would find it a little easier at Kentucky.

Arizona is an elite job, but look at the Pac-12's television contract and you're still talking light years away from Kentucky.

Have no idea of Miller could be successful here or not, but it's a different deal here. With any of these guys what you hope is that you'd get somebody who could push it forward. Cal was great, but he'd only gone to two Final Fours in 15+ years of coaching. You hope you're getting a coach who's kind of got his foot up to the door and who can use the amenities at UK to kick all the way through.

[Joneslab]

The Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii are hitting some crazy shots right now and THIS FEELS LIKE DESTINY FOR THE TEAM THAT I'VE LOVED SINCE 2:00 THIS AFTERNOON.

[UKtimefor9]

I know Cal and UK wanted Jaylen Brown badly, but he has been really terrible today.

[catfaninin]

That's kinda my point. It is totally different at UK. At Arizona that loss sticks with people for about 3 days then it's back to enjoying the sun. At UK that last loss lingers until the start of the next year. If Miller wilts under the minimal pressure and scrutiny at Arizona I can't imagine what he would do at UK.

[Joneslab]

Oh wow. Middle Tennessee hanging strong, still leading.

[UKtimefor9]

Is MTSU going to pull this off?

[justford]

Yes they are

[UKtimefor9]

Wow, stunning. Is that the biggest upset in NCAA tournament history?

[Matt Dillon]

Will was spot on with his prediction of a lot of upsets in the tourney.

[Wonderstruck]

It eliminates like 90% of them.

These first-round losses happen to everybody. We hired Tubby Smith from Georgia after a first-round loss. Georgia was a #3 seed that year and got beat. (We actually hired Cal off of a second-round loss.)

I'm just not sure what the criticism is, exactly. Arizona didn't have a great team. Last year with Stanley Johnson and those guys, yes, that's a Final Four team. Should've beaten Wisconsin. But Kentucky should've, too.

There's no real criticism. It's just a matter of observation. I want a guy who has been there. And Sean Miller hasn't.

And, not to be snarky, but last year's team wasn't a Final Four team. Because they didn't go to the Final Four. There's a difference in being a Final Four caliber team and a team who experiences the actual deal, and it's the same with a coach. I need a coach who has shown he can get there. Or, like I said, some guy who has an insane upward trajectory.

I don't think it matters in the end. When Cal retires, there's going to be someone who nobody has talked about because he hasn't made his mark yet. Whoever it is, they have about 6-8 years to get a resume together. Miller included.

[TrueblueCATfan]

I watched that entire game and MSTU came out gunning from the start....they were not scared of Michigan State at all

[Pobilly]

WOW. A ton of brackets were busted today!!!!!!!!!!!!

[justford]

In spite of everything they could do to lose, Iowa wins in overtime.

[Joneslab]

Wow, stunning. Is that the biggest upset in NCAA tournament history?

That has to be one of the biggest considering how Michigan St. had been playing.

And the craziest thing wasn't necessarily that they lost. It was that Middle Tennessee never relinquished the lead once. That's crazy.

But if you look at Michigan St., they don't have a lot of NBA talent. Valentine will play in the league but outside of him I'm not sure if they have a single player who will make a roster.

Kansas is in this same boat and it's why they're susceptible to an upset. Outside of probably Carlton Bragg, the only guy they have who's going to play in the league is Selden, and he's probably a bit guy.

This is why you need professional talent. It fireproofs you against a lot of that craziness.

[Joneslab]

Cal State Bakersfield is coached by Rod Barnes.

Two interesting things about Barnes.

One, he used to coach Ole Miss.

And two, he has no neck.