5 are in!! Call your shots!!

[volimhtown]

Congrats to the Hogs on getting in! An immediate chance to beat USCw is nice with the chance to play your biggest nemesis in the 2nd round. Not a bad reward for a decent weekend of basketball!!
Florida the OVERALL number 1 was surprising, but they've got some tough ones in there. Purdue will be tough in the 2nd round and then possibly Maryland, Oregon, Wisconsin.....ouch babe!!
Tough break for Tubby and the Cats....an 8 seed?? OUCH!! I thought 7 at worse! Nova will be TOUGH and then if you get by them, good luck against the Jayhawks!
Vandy got a VERY nice draw...sets up nicely for a deep run if the Doors can get their game straight!
I'm excited about the Vols' chances. Assuming they SHOW UP, but Virginia is very beatable and I'd LOVE another crack at Ohio St since we gave them that game earlier this year! PLUS, they'd play in San Antonio should they make it that far, so I may just have to make the short drive there for that!! All that said, LBS will drill us by 20 :wacko: !! At any rate, should be a good tourney!! Good luck to all of the SEC teams!!
GO VOLS!!!

[woo_pig_sooie]

How 'bout them Hogs!?! We ain't done yet.

[GatorHunter]

Yea...the Gators got a tough draw...but I like it.

Although, the East Bracket looks to be the most difficult.

GO GATORS!!!!

[Chivas]

I couldn't have asked for a better bracket, DIE TEXAS DIE!

[Gamecocks4Ever]

Other than Florida, I don't expect much. Even they have a possibly dangerous second game. The SEC will be back to their early exit ways this year.

[gatorunvrsty]

Congrats to the Hogs on getting in! An immediate chance to beat USCw is nice with the chance to play your biggest nemesis in the 2nd round. Not a bad reward for a decent weekend of basketball!!
Florida the OVERALL number 1 was surprising, but they've got some tough ones in there. Purdue will be tough in the 2nd round and then possibly Maryland, Oregon, Wisconsin.....ouch babe!!
Tough break for Tubby and the Cats....an 8 seed?? OUCH!! I thought 7 at worse! Nova will be TOUGH and then if you get by them, good luck against the Jayhawks!
Vandy got a VERY nice draw...sets up nicely for a deep run if the Doors can get their game straight!
I'm excited about the Vols' chances. Assuming they SHOW UP, but Virginia is very beatable and I'd LOVE another crack at Ohio St since we gave them that game earlier this year! PLUS, they'd play in San Antonio should they make it that far, so I may just have to make the short drive there for that!! All that said, LBS will drill us by 20 :wacko: !! At any rate, should be a good tourney!! Good luck to all of the SEC teams!!
GO VOLS!!!

I don't even think we'll be playing Purdue. I think we'll face Arizona. Neither Maryland nor Oregon worry me; and I think that's who we'll be playing. I don't see any teams that worry me, until Wisconsin. And, I think they don't stand a chance if we're on. They don't match up well with our big guys. Their post players are slow and don't shoot very often. They couldn't handle one big man (Oden) today, much less 6'11" Noah, 6'10" Horford, and 6'9" Brewer; with 6'9" Richard and 6'10" Speights subbing in.

[Gator2753]

Yeah Wisconsin is the only team I consider a threat in our bracket. And we have more momentum then they do as well, winning 4 in a row and the SEC before we start the NCAAT.
I like our chances to reach the final 4

[kinfolk41684]

I got Florida and Memphis in the final

[PharmDawg87]

Memphis and there NBA style of play will be exposed when they play a real team. I have a feeling it will be Florida and Texas in the NC game.

[kinfolk41684]

texas, no way my friend

[PharmDawg87]

They are a very young team, and my putting them in the final four could screw over my bracket completely. But sometimes the youth of players makes them oblivious to the fact that what they are doing shouldn't be done. Veteran leadership is supposed to win in the post season, but sometimes pure talent prevails. And if Durant can get hot, they can win six games easily.

[Gamecocks4Ever]

Durant was hot today, and they lost. That's the reason I can't see them making it too far. I never put too much faith in one-player teams. If they could take out UNC, they'd make my day though.

[gatorunvrsty]

Durant was hot today, and they lost. That's the reason I can't see them making it too far. I never put too much faith in one-player teams. If they could take out UNC, they'd make my day though.

I agree with that completely. UF exposed lots of teams with one superstar... primarily OSU. We don't have a single player averaging 20 ppg., but we have 5 averaging between 10-15. It was the same in football. We didn't have a Heisman Trophy candidate, like Troy Smith, either. What we do have are some great TEAMS. And, those team efforts have been responsible for a whole lot of wins and rings, while making some superstars look awfully average.

[thethird]

Guess Stan Heath isn't on the hot seat no more.

[thethird]

Never has all #1 seeds made it to the final four. Something to remember when filling out your brackets.

[BamaDude06]

Never has all #1 seeds made it to the final four. Something to remember when filling out your brackets.

And for that reason I made sure I didn't pick all 4 #1 seeds....it it happens this year I will be pissed. And I swear...if Kansas loses in the first round and screws up my bracket AGAIN...:brick: :brick:

[Chivas]

It's Kansas, I don't expect them to make it past the second round.

[woo_pig_sooie]

Stan's seat has cooled off a little bit. We could just as easily be sitting at home during the tourney. I think he needs to beat USC for him to feel completely safe.

[gatorunvrsty]

Never has all #1 seeds made it to the final four. Something to remember when filling out your brackets.

Yeah, I really feel bad for tOSU, Kansas, and North Carolina.:laugh:

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

Good luck to all the 5 SEC teams that made it to the Big Dance. Hopefully, the SEC will make a good showing in the NCAAT. :thumpsup:

[Gator2753]

I agree with that completely. UF exposed lots of teams with one superstar... primarily OSU. We don't have a single player averaging 20 ppg., but we have 5 averaging between 10-15. It was the same in football. We didn't have a Heisman Trophy candidate, like Troy Smith, either. What we do have are some great TEAMS. And, those team efforts have been responsible for a whole lot of wins and rings, while making some superstars look awfully average.

You took the words right out of my mouth! I couldnt agree more. I think OSU will be exposed in the sweet 16.:thumpsup:

[thethird]

Of the five that made it, I'd look for Vandy to possibly upset a team or two. I know it sounds crazy but they are a streaky team that quietly got things done this year.

[BamaFanNKy]

SEC goes 3-2 in first round. Next round UF is the only team that makes it on their way to a NC against the Buckeyes.

I have Vandy and Ark as the only teams other than Florida winning the first round games.

[Hawgwild]

you see tenn loosing?

[Gator2753]

My bracket goes like this. I have all the #1 seeds making it to the final 4 except one. I have OSU losing to memphis.

[Hawgwild]

The first one i did last night was kinda crazy, and i prolly wont stick with it but i have maryland,kansas,north carolina, and georgetown in the final 4.

[Gamecocks4Ever]

Uh, if you had UNC and Georgetown in the Final 4, I hope you change it. That's kinda impossible. :laugh:

[BamaFanNKy]

Yes I have Long Beach State beating UT. I just think that LBSU is very athletic and I am cautiously pessimistic about UT after losing to LSU.

My final four is crap. I hate taking high seeds. U have UF, UCLA, Gtown and OSU with Gators beating the Buckeyes in the NC. My elite eight losers are Wisconsin, SIU, Memphis and UNC.

[volimhtown]

What is up with all of this love for Memphis! They are at best a #6 seed in sheeps clothing! They've beaten NOBODY and play in a GARBAGE conference this year! Mark it down....they won't get past the Nevada/Creighton winner (which by the way will be the best opening round game)!
GO VOLS!!!

[KillerNut]

You took the words right out of my mouth! I couldnt agree more. I think OSU will be exposed in the sweet 16.:thumpsup:

tOSU exposed? Just because Oden is a great player doesn't mean we are one dimentional. We have great depth and OSU is getting better and better every game. This is not the "wet behind the ears" team that Florida played earlier this year in December. Remember that that game was within one point at halftime with Florida's experience leading the rout in the second half and which btw, this won't be Oden's first b-ball game and his wrist is fully healed now. I don't think Memphis poses a challenge nor does Tennessee which we pounded earlier this year. The only team that I am worried about in our region is Texas A&M. I have Ohio State, Texas, Florida, and UCLA in the final four. My championship game is Ohio State vs. Florida. I think Michigan State will beat UNC, Purdue will beat Arizona and then get pounded by Florida because lack of a big man. I see Indiana getting to the second round. And maybe, just maybe, my beloved Buckeyes will get sweet revenge againist Florida in the NC game. Go Bucks!!!!

Big 10 Basketball = SEC Football

[volimhtown]

[QUOTE] I don't think Memphis poses a challenge nor does Tennessee which we pounded earlier this year. [QUOTE]
POUNDED??? DID YOU SAY POUNDED???? :wacko:
I realize that I'm getting older and my memory is not what it once was, but I think you need to get a dictionary and look up the word "pounded"! As I recall, the Vols had that game all but wrapped up (in Columbus no less) but could not hit free throws to ice it.
Maybe in the great state of Ohio, the word pounded has a different meaning and in that case appology accepted!!
To the point, though, I think OSU will be a big force in the tourney. They are playing much better now compared to when the Vols played them. Like Florida, they can beat you inside and outside as well. I have OSU making it to the Final 4.
Don't sell my Vols short, though. We WILL be ready and waiting in San Antonio!!
GO VOLS!!

[Gator2753]

tOSU exposed? Just because Oden is a great player doesn't mean we are one dimentional. We have great depth and OSU is getting better and better every game. This is not the "wet behind the ears" team that Florida played earlier this year in December. Remember that that game was within one point at halftime with Florida's experience leading the rout in the second half and which btw, this won't be Oden's first b-ball game and his wrist is fully healed now. I don't think Memphis poses a challenge nor does Tennessee which we pounded earlier this year. The only team that I am worried about in our region is Texas A&M. I have Ohio State, Texas, Florida, and UCLA in the final four. My championship game is Ohio State vs. Florida. I think Michigan State will beat UNC, Purdue will beat Arizona and then get pounded by Florida because lack of a big man. I see Indiana getting to the second round. And maybe, just maybe, my beloved Buckeyes will get sweet revenge againist Florida in the NC game. Go Bucks!!!!

Big 10 Basketball = SEC Football

I agree with the bold above. Big 10 usually is a power basketball conference only this year does not bear the usual power teams. When I think of good Big ten basketball I think of Illinois & MSU. Both of those teams (although decent) have not lived up to their normal expectations. Instead OSU and Wisconsin have filled their roles.

Other than that I have to say that MSU beating UNC is just not going to happen. Ive only seen MSU play a few games but my opinion of them is that I cant see them hanging more than 60 on UNC. They were lucky to even score 50 on michigan late in the year.

[gatorunvrsty]

tOSU exposed? Just because Oden is a great player doesn't mean we are one dimentional. We have great depth and OSU is getting better and better every game. This is not the "wet behind the ears" team that Florida played earlier this year in December. Remember that that game was within one point at halftime with Florida's experience leading the rout in the second half and which btw, this won't be Oden's first b-ball game and his wrist is fully healed now. I don't think Memphis poses a challenge nor does Tennessee which we pounded earlier this year. The only team that I am worried about in our region is Texas A&M. I have Ohio State, Texas, Florida, and UCLA in the final four. My championship game is Ohio State vs. Florida. I think Michigan State will beat UNC, Purdue will beat Arizona and then get pounded by Florida because lack of a big man. I see Indiana getting to the second round. And maybe, just maybe, my beloved Buckeyes will get sweet revenge againist Florida in the NC game. Go Bucks!!!!

Big 10 Basketball = SEC Football


I think any really good team that can run 'n' gun is going to beat tOSU. tOSU beats the teams that insist on playing the Buckeyes slow-pace style of game. I couldn't figure out, for the life of me, why UW didn't just run, run, and run. By the end of the UF game, Oden couldn't even get back down to the other end of the floor with the rest of his team. He was staying back at the Gators' end to play D, because he was too exhausted to get down for offense. It was pathetic. He's a great player, but I don't think he has the conditioning to keep pace with the really athletic teams. Don't forget, UF wasn't 100%, either. Horford played with an injured ankle, and still ran circles around Oden. I've still got tOSU making the Final Four, along with UF, KU, and UNC. But, by the time they play UNC, they'll be shot out. UT isn't the same team y'all beat earlier in the season, either. They're healthy and explosive. Then you'll face either Memphis or Texas A&M; both of whom can run the floor all night. I don't think tOSU can get by that many fast-paced teams, plus another one in UNC. The Gators will beat the Tar Heels by 7 to repeat as National Champions.

Big Ten Basketball = Big Ten Football...Slow.

EDIT: The college basketball RPI shows the SEC and ACC tied for the top spot.

[KillerNut]

I agree with the bold above. Big 10 usually is a power basketball conference only this year does not bear the usual power teams. When I think of good Big ten basketball I think of Illinois & MSU. Both of those teams (although decent) have not lived up to their normal expectations. Instead OSU and Wisconsin have filled their roles.

Other than that I have to say that MSU beating UNC is just not going to happen. Ive only seen MSU play a few games but my opinion of them is that I cant see them hanging more than 60 on UNC. They were lucky to even score 50 on michigan late in the year.

Here are my SEC team predictions
I think Florida will cruise until the elite 8 which if they play Wisconsin, will be a good game down to the wire. Wisconsin has 3 guys 6'10" or so, so I think they matchup good together with Florida winning because of more offensive power. Wisconsin only has Tucker now with Brian Butch being out. Tennessee will get to the Sweet 16 and play OSU. I think OSU wins. I think Vandy gets beat by G.W. in the first round. Kentucky will have trouble with Villanova but I think they will pull it out and make it to the second round in which I think Kansas will have their number. Arkansas I think will beat USCw and then go to the second round againist Texas.

[KillerNut]

I don't think tOSU can get by that many fast-paced teams, plus another one in UNC.

We almost beat UNC earlier in the year WITHOUT Oden in a run n gun game. 97-89 was the final score.

[Gator2753]

What ever happens in the tourney this year, its safe to say that there wont be another George Mason. I think the final four will consist of 1 or 2 seeds and nothing higher.
I was so sick of hearing about george mason. How often does ESPN mention who put George Mason out of the tourney? :closedeye

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

We almost beat UNC earlier in the year WITHOUT Oden in a run n gun game. 97-89 was the final score.
Sounds like you got pounded severely by UNC (according to your definition above about the pounding you gave Tennessee). :ohmy:

[volimhtown]

Here are my SEC team predictions
I think Florida will cruise until the elite 8 which if they play Wisconsin, will be a good game down to the wire. Wisconsin has 3 guys 6'10" or so, so I think they matchup good together with Florida winning because of more offensive power. Wisconsin only has Tucker now with Brian Butch being out. Tennessee will get to the Sweet 16 and play OSU. I think OSU wins. I think Vandy gets beat by G.W. in the first round. Kentucky will have trouble with Villanova but I think they will pull it out and make it to the second round in which I think Kansas will have their number. Arkansas I think will beat USCw and then go to the second round againist Texas.

I agree with your SEC predicts whole-heartedly. I actually have Vandy getting past GW, but that was the only difference. I think Wisconsin will give the Gators a good game as well...Oregon will scare them before they get that far, but I do have the Gators going to the Final 4 as well.
Of topic, but I'm curious to hear your true take on Oden. Persoanlly, I feel he is WAY over-hyped. Not that he doesn't have the tools or the ability to dominate....even at the next level, but he is still REALLY raw and frankly plays slow. He has alot of developing left to do. I think everyone gawks at his physical appearance too much. AND to even compare he and Durant is a crime. Durant would be an All-Star in the NBA today....I'm not sure Oden would make the starting roster of half the teams! Thoughts??

[gatorunvrsty]

We almost beat UNC earlier in the year WITHOUT Oden in a run n gun game. 97-89 was the final score.

Losing by 8 is almost beating them? This isn't football. Losing by 8 is about the same as losing by 21 in football. And my point isn't that you can't play that type of game; but that you can't play that type of game 3 times in a row in one week, and win.

[volimhtown]

Sounds like you got pounded severely by UNC (according to your definition above about the pounding you gave Tennessee). :ohmy:

Damnit!!! I hate when I get beat to the punch!! Apparently I rep you too often, but I will make it up when I can!!:thumpsup:

[shanksta13]

I have some interesting pick for my bracket, and I usually have pretty good success. I had 3 of the 4 Final Four teams last year (missed George Mason).

This year my Final Four is: Florida, Pitt, Georgetown and Ohio State
I have Florida over Georgetown by 6 in the Championship.

Some of my other interesting picks are:
Oregon over Wisconsin
Texas over UNC
Georgetown over Texas
Pitt over UCLA
Pitt over Kansas
OSU over Memphis

In the SEC Games I have the following
Florida over Jackson State
Villanova over Kentucky
George Washington over Vandy
Arkansas over USC
Tennessee over Long Beach State

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

I have some interesting pick for my bracket, and I usually have pretty good success. I had 3 of the 4 Final Four teams last year (missed George Mason).

This year my Final Four is: Florida, Pitt, Georgetown and Ohio State
I have Florida over Georgetown by 6 in the Championship.

Some of my other interesting picks are:
Oregon over Wisconsin
Texas over UNC
Georgetown over Texas
Pitt over UCLA
Pitt over Kansas
OSU over Memphis

In the SEC Games I have the following
Florida over Jackson State
Villanova over Kentucky
George Washington over Vandy
Arkansas over USC
Tennessee over Long Beach State
Ours are very similar:

I have Florida, UCLA, Georgetown, and Ohio State in the Final Four, with Florida and Georgetown playing in the Championship Game, with Florida taking the Championship.

I also agree with all of your SEC first round games, except I have Vanderbilt winning their game.

[Gator2753]

My biggest upset of the tourney: I can see GaTech taking down Wisconsin in the second round. Tech HC Paul Hewitt is no stranger to the NCAAT and I can see him coaching his boys past Wisconsin.

[shanksta13]

My biggest upset of the tourney: I can see GaTech taking down Wisconsin in the second round. Tech HC Paul Hewitt is no stranger to the NCAAT and I can see him coaching his boys past Wisconsin.

I thought that too at first, but ended up taking GT over UNLV and then losing to Wisconsin second round.

[shanksta13]

I think we ought to have some kind of a pick'em on this board. I think it would be a lot of fun. Just throwing that out there...

[Gator2753]

I think we ought to have some kind of a pick'em on this board. I think it would be a lot of fun. Just throwing that out there...
I thought the same thing! I signed up for the espn bracket challenge yesterday. I filled out one complete bracket but they will let you fill out up to 5 different tourney brackets.

BTW I have all the #1 seeds making it through except for OSU. I have memphis coming out of that region

[KillerNut]

I agree with your SEC predicts whole-heartedly. I actually have Vandy getting past GW, but that was the only difference. I think Wisconsin will give the Gators a good game as well...Oregon will scare them before they get that far, but I do have the Gators going to the Final 4 as well.
Of topic, but I'm curious to hear your true take on Oden. Persoanlly, I feel he is WAY over-hyped. Not that he doesn't have the tools or the ability to dominate....even at the next level, but he is still REALLY raw and frankly plays slow. He has alot of developing left to do. I think everyone gawks at his physical appearance too much. AND to even compare he and Durant is a crime. Durant would be an All-Star in the NBA today....I'm not sure Oden would make the starting roster of half the teams! Thoughts??

I think Oden is a great player and a great big man. He has said himself that he is not NBA ready and I believe that he will be back next year and maybe for all four years. He is extremely smart and carries a 3.9 GPA and has stated that he is focused on getting a degree. Both of his parents are college professors and probably have a lot of persuation with him. Durant is unbelievable and is by far the MVP of College Basketball. That dude is a freak, but I think that he should gain a little weight. Next year we have the top big man in the country coming in. His name is Kosta Koufos and is a 5 star recruit whom is 7 ft. In 2008 we have another 7 ft 5 star big man committed named BJ Mullins. OSU already has the number one projected class this year and next year according to rivals. I don't agree with gatorunvrsty when he says that OSU is a slow team. I think we adjust our play with our opponent. OSU will be fine and has a lot of young offensive weapons that are maturing with every game. I actually think that our point guard conley was the best player out of the "Thad Five" recruiting class of last year. He was Oden's teammate at Lauwerance North HS in Indianapolis. Time will tell what ends up playing out in the big dance but I am still sticking with my prediction that their will be 3 Big 10 teams in the Elite 8. The Big 10 in basketball is equal to the SEC in football when it comes to conference depth. There are 9 legitmate teams in our conference that could beat any other conference opponent in any given game. This is what I meant by being equal to. Just like there are 8 or 9 teams in SEC football that could beat one another. BTW volimhtown, sorry for the pounded reference I used earlier. Just got carried away.

[Gator2753]

I think Arkansas is one of the hottest teams around and if they didnt get such a tough draw, they would go far in the tourney.
I do think they will beat USCw and give Texas a run for their money.

[KillerNut]

I think Arkansas is one of the hottest teams around and if they didnt get such a tough draw, they would go far in the tourney.
I do think they will beat USCw and give Texas a run for their money.

agreed, I have them beating So Cal and going to the second round.

[Gator2753]

agreed, I have them beating So Cal and going to the second round.

Hawg fans are praying they get a shot at Texas. All they will really want to see is for the razorbacks to commit some hard fouls on Texas.:laugh: All they really want is to see pain inflicted on Texas.

[KillerNut]

I don't think Texas can go through the tournament just relying on Durant. He's a great player, but like Oden, cannot carry his team by himself.

[Hawgwild]

Yeah, we did get a tough draw. But the good thing is we have emotional ties to both games, guru's saying we shouldnt be in and the football team destroyed us for USCw, and every hog fan wants texes when ever and where ever

[gatorunvrsty]

I think Oden is a great player and a great big man. He has said himself that he is not NBA ready and I believe that he will be back next year and maybe for all four years. He is extremely smart and carries a 3.9 GPA and has stated that he is focused on getting a degree. Both of his parents are college professors and probably have a lot of persuation with him. Durant is unbelievable and is by far the MVP of College Basketball. That dude is a freak, but I think that he should gain a little weight. Next year we have the top big man in the country coming in. His name is Kosta Koufos and is a 5 star recruit whom is 7 ft. In 2008 we have another 7 ft 5 star big man committed named BJ Mullins. OSU already has the number one projected class this year and next year according to rivals. I don't agree with gatorunvrsty when he says that OSU is a slow team. I think we adjust our play with our opponent. OSU will be fine and has a lot of young offensive weapons that are maturing with every game. I actually think that our point guard conley was the best player out of the "Thad Five" recruiting class of last year. He was Oden's teammate at Lauwerance North HS in Indianapolis. Time will tell what ends up playing out in the big dance but I am still sticking with my prediction that their will be 3 Big 10 teams in the Elite 8. The Big 10 in basketball is equal to the SEC in football when it comes to conference depth. There are 9 legitmate teams in our conference that could beat any other conference opponent in any given game. This is what I meant by being equal to. Just like there are 8 or 9 teams in SEC football that could beat one another. BTW volimhtown, sorry for the pounded reference I used earlier. Just got carried away.

Gatorunvrsty didn't mean your actual team was slow. He meant your style of play was slow. You guys play a set-up, deliberate style of offense, compared to a team like UNC, who plays an explosive, running, attack-style offense. It makes sense, of course, because first thought is go down to Oden. And, they look great against teams insistent on playing the same way. But, I was mainly referring to tOSU's inability to keep up with UF during their game, when the Gators were running a similar attack-style of offense. The Buckeyes were limping around by the end of that game. That last 10 min. of the game were just very telling for me. Oden's hand healing doesn't affect how well the team runs. To me, they just don't look well conditioned enough to play speed-ball for 3 games and win. Again, I still have tOSU making the Final Four; but, I don't think they get by UNC.

[KillerNut]

Gatorunvrsty didn't mean your actual team was slow. He meant your style of play was slow. You guys play a set-up, deliberate style of offense, compared to a team like UNC, who plays an explosive, running, attack-style offense. It makes sense, of course, because first thought is go down to Oden. And, they look great against teams insistent on playing the same way. But, I was mainly referring to tOSU's inability to keep up with UF during their game, when the Gators were running a similar attack-style of offense. The Buckeyes were limping around by the end of that game. That last 10 min. of the game were just very telling for me. Oden's hand healing doesn't affect how well the team runs. To me, they just don't look well conditioned enough to play speed-ball for 3 games and win. Again, I still have tOSU making the Final Four; but, I don't think they get by UNC.

That's a fair assessment GU, BTW, whats with the thrid person statements at the being of your post?

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

That's a fair assessment GU, BTW, whats with the thrid person statements at the being of your post?
Gamecock_Fan says that sometimes gatoruniversity forgets who he is. :laugh:

[Gator2753]

Me thinks he needs to lay off the crown & coke