What if..................

[KillerNut]

Ohio State would have connected on at least 9-28 or 10-28 instead of 4-28 on three pointers, Greg Oden still dominated the paint, and won the NC game? I know that is still bad shooting but we have been able to hit the three a lot this year until the NC game. We had a lot of open looks that were complete misses and could have completely turned the outcome of the game. Just wondering what you guys think. Really we were pretty damn close to closing the gap but could never cut into Florida's lead because of missed shots.

[gatorunvrsty]

Ohio State would have connected on at least 9-28 or 10-28 instead of 4-28 on three pointers, Greg Oden still dominated the paint, and won the NC game? I know that is still bad shooting but we have been able to hit the three a lot this year until the NC game. We had a lot of open looks that were complete misses and could have completely turned the outcome of the game. Just wondering what you guys think. Really we were pretty damn close to closing the gap but could never cut into Florida's lead because of missed shots.

I think if tOSU had hit a couple more, BD would have made a defensive adjustment before it was a serious threat. You have to remember, BD, like every coach, is making defensive calls and adjustments throughout the game, based on what he sees happening. Bucks hit 2 or 3 in a row, and he changes the defense. One team doesn't change without the other team changing, too. BD is one of the best at strategy planning. He decided to let Oden get his, and make him beat us on his own. We didn't double on him virtually all night.

What I'd like to know is what would have happened had they called the same fouls on Oden that they did on UF's big men. I mean, they called a foul on Richard for having his forearm in the back of Oden; which is something all big men do around the basket, including Oden, throughout this game. Oden mugged Brewer twice, and got no call. If they'd called the game equally, Oden would have fouled out midway through the second period; or he wouldn't have had the stats he did. Either the officials decided to let Oden get the benefit of the doubt nearly every time to make for a competitive game, or they decided to be picky with UF for the same reason. Even the commentators talked about it several times; and, they don't normally comment about foul disparities, unless it's obvious.

[Gator2753]

I hate to say this but we had a TON of calls go our way against UCLA. The Bruin fans were complaining about it after the game. Yeah the refs did call some fouls here and there on UF but they were(for the most part) meaningless. It just made it look a little more even on paper at the end of the game.
Now granted the fouls called on UCLA were actually fouls, the refs didnt even it out enough by matching the number of calls on UF.

On the other side you have Greg Oden who either fouled out or got into foul trouble early and rode the bench most every game of the tourney.

Those two factors are probably why the refs called the game the way they did.

As a gator fan Im glad the game was called that way. Oden got to play and OSU got all the calls and they still couldnt beat Florida. That just makes our championship look that much better IMO.

[PharmDawg87]

The reason the game only got close and OSU could never tie it, was because of Florida's winners mentality and ability to put people away. OSU would make a run and Florida would come down and hit a contested/long range three. Florida wasn't going to lose that game, because of their will alone.

[KillerNut]

The reason the game only got close and OSU could never tie it, was because of Florida's winners mentality and ability to put people away. OSU would make a run and Florida would come down and hit a contested/long range three. Florida wasn't going to lose that game, because of their will alone.

I agree and the best team won but tOSU has played very well without Oden this year just like the Georgetown game and the game with UNC earlier in the year. So maybe even if he fouled out we could have still been good with more of a fast guard offense. Oden and Conley were the only ones really hitting anything and everyone else was cold. I agree that every time that tOSU would get on a run, Florida mainly Brewer or Humperies would come back with a huge shot. BTW, Humperies can hit any shot. Damn, did he even miss? :laugh:

[gatorunvrsty]

I agree with both thoughts, Gator and PharmDawg. They just refused to lose. Nothing would have made a difference. If tOSU did something better, UF would have matched it. And, because the game was called like it was, there are no excuses.

[DELTOR]

Ohio State would have connected on at least 9-28 or 10-28 instead of 4-28 on three pointers, Greg Oden still dominated the paint, and won the NC game? I know that is still bad shooting but we have been able to hit the three a lot this year until the NC game. We had a lot of open looks that were complete misses and could have completely turned the outcome of the game. Just wondering what you guys think. Really we were pretty damn close to closing the gap but could never cut into Florida's lead because of missed shots.

As a Gamecock, I am naturally a master of "what if". Of course, if all your what ifs happened, it would be the Gator fans sporting the Ohio State University National Champion signatures. This leads me to my next statement. And as a Gamecock, I am also naturally a master of. Wait til next year! Take it from experience. :laugh:

[KillerNut]

Here's a pretty good story.

http://www.the-ozone.net/hoops/06-07Mens/NCAA/Atlanta/Florida/postgame/xsandos.htm

[GatorNation]

Ohio State would have connected on at least 9-28 or 10-28 instead of 4-28 on three pointers, Greg Oden still dominated the paint, and won the NC game? I know that is still bad shooting but we have been able to hit the three a lot this year until the NC game. We had a lot of open looks that were complete misses and could have completely turned the outcome of the game. Just wondering what you guys think.


We've been doing that to teams all year. Oregon and a bunch of teams went cold from long range, too.

I think the defense gets into the minds of the players; 1s and 2s have that in the back of their minds when they pull the trigger.

[gatorunvrsty]

We've been doing that to teams all year. Oregon and a bunch of teams went cold from long range, too.

I think the defense gets into the minds of the players; 1s and 2s have that in the back of their minds when they pull the trigger.

Yeah, besides only allowing 62 PPG, I think we had the best 3-point field goal percentage, while allowing the fewest, in the nation.:thumpsup:

[GatorHunter]

It was obvious from the start of the game that the refs were gonna let Oden "play".....the talkin' heads had been repeating it over and over that Oden was being taken out of games by the whistle. However, the Gator BIGS were called on every "ticky-tack" call imaginable...Chris Richards last foul was total BS. Donovan said in a interview with GatorCountry that it was obvious that the refs weren't gonna allow him to defend Oden....which kinda worked into his game plan. He said he knew Oden couldn't beat the Gator by himself, so they went after the perimeter players....great game plan, and it worked.

I can tell you this, though...if OSU had hit more of those 3's and won...there would be some major contravercy surrounding the "lack of" calls on Oden...you have to admit, it kinda got ridiculous.

[KillerNut]

It was obvious from the start of the game that the refs were gonna let Oden "play".....the talkin' heads had been repeating it over and over that Oden was being taken out of games by the whistle. However, the Gator BIGS were called on every "ticky-tack" call imaginable...Chris Richards last foul was total BS. Donovan said in a interview with GatorCountry that it was obvious that the refs weren't gonna allow him to defend Oden....which kinda worked into his game plan. He said he knew Oden couldn't beat the Gator by himself, so they went after the perimeter players....great game plan, and it worked.

I can tell you this, though...if OSU had hit more of those 3's and won...there would be some major contravercy surrounding the "lack of" calls on Oden...you have to admit, it kinda got ridiculous.

Well I agree somewhat but my Buckeye scarlet and grey glasses are confusing my vision. :laugh: Oden still dominated the inside over Noah, Horford, and Richards. If tOSU would have gotten hot.....Well, you know...

[GatorHunter]

Well I agree somewhat but my Buckeye scarlet and grey glasses are confusing my vision. :laugh: Oden still dominated the inside over Noah, Horford, and Richards. If tOSU would have gotten hot.....Well, you know...

Point is, KN...if the refs woulda called the fouls "evenly"...Oden would've been on the bench 10 minutes into the game. He dominated because the Gator BIGS couldn't defend him without being hit with a foul...and because Donovan didn't double him...which, in the end, led to a Gator victory.

IF...the game would've been "evenly called".....I'm afraid the final score would have looked similar to our last meeting...;)

I'm not saying Oden isn't a great player...he is very good and seems to be a classy guy, as do the rest of the OSU players and HC. But you have to consider that UF hadn't received that many "post" fouls in a game this season...and Oden hadn't received that "few" this season....at one point late in the game...UF BIGS had 18 fouls to Oden's 1...makes you go hmmmm.;)

[KillerNut]

So Gator fans, what are your expectations of next year since Horford, Noah, Brewer, and Green are leaving for the NBA? I am hoping that Oden comes back one more year along with Conley were we can finally be the undisputed favorites.

[Gator2753]

So Gator fans, what are your expectations of next year since Horford, Noah, Brewer, and Green are leaving for the NBA? I am hoping that Oden comes back one more year along with Conley were we can finally be the undisputed favorites.

Well Donovan will have a top 10 recruiting class(some say top 3) So I expect him to get back to the tourney next year. I dont expect(at this moment) to have a chance at the final 4. But Donovan is a great coach as well as recruiter. He is the best at making adjustments during the game. All he needs is the right talent to execute his plays next year.

In reality I expect to be favorites in contending for the SEC next year. Tennessee will be strong under Pearl next year and Felton will coach the UGA Bulldogs to 20+ wins and a NCAAT berth. Although they may be rebuilding, UK should be better under Gillispie. So I think the SEC will be more competetive next year. Donovan is going to have to coach his inexperienced team to alot of close wins in the SEC next year.

[GatorNation]

Well Donovan will have a top 10 recruiting class(some say top 3) So I expect him to get back to the tourney next year. I dont expect(at this moment) to have a chance at the final 4. But Donovan is a great coach as well as recruiter. He is the best at making adjustments during the game. All he needs is the right talent to execute his plays next year.

In reality I expect to be favorites in contending for the SEC next year. Tennessee will be strong under Pearl next year and Felton will coach the UGA Bulldogs to 20+ wins and a NCAAT berth. Although they may be rebuilding, UK should be better under Gillispie. So I think the SEC will be more competetive next year. Donovan is going to have to coach his inexperienced team to alot of close wins in the SEC next year.


This is how the 04s started out, too. Unranked, totally under the radar after 80% of out scoring left for the NBA (e.g., Walsh, etc.). Not saying we're going to win back to back titles with Allen and Parsons beginning next year, but you have to love Billy's player development.

i know we go to tOSU next year. That should be a helluva game. Hey, Killer, can you score me some tix??? I'll send ya a check....

I'm totally serious.

:D

[GatorHunter]

GN is right...Horford, Brewer, Green and Noah were new sophomore starters at the beginning of the last season. Now, most Gators knew these guys had potential because of all the "stories" we were hearing about them "smokin" the starters in practice games. Donovan is the key...and we'll have plenty of talent coming in.

As far as Oden...with the classes he is taking...it's pretty obvious that he was doing the bare minimum to be eligible...he's gone. Conley...well, if I had to guess, I'd say he's likely gone as well.....the media has really "boosted" both of them...they would be fools not to take advantage of it. But, you never know...

[gatorunvrsty]

I was reading an article showing the classes Oden will be taking in the upcoming semester, and they're definitely more career-oriented. But, Conley's father has started up his own sports agency believed to be used for Oden and Conley; so, we'll just have to wait and see. I'm fairly certain Conley is gone, but I'm not so sure about Oden. During the post-game interview with him, he said there are still a lot of things he needs to learn. Whether he intends to learn them in college, or from a professional coach, I don't know.

[azamugg]

Ohio State would have connected on at least 9-28 or 10-28 instead of 4-28 on three pointers, Greg Oden still dominated the paint, and won the NC game? I know that is still bad shooting but we have been able to hit the three a lot this year until the NC game. We had a lot of open looks that were complete misses and could have completely turned the outcome of the game. Just wondering what you guys think. Really we were pretty damn close to closing the gap but could never cut into Florida's lead because of missed shots.

the "usual" reason a team fails to win is because of missed shots

sports experts coincidentally have gone back and reviewed the Crimson Tide's season and have determined had they not missed the shots they did they wouldve won the National Championship.............damn!

[azamugg]

Well Donovan will have a top 10 recruiting class(some say top 3) So I expect him to get back to the tourney next year. I dont expect(at this moment) to have a chance at the final 4. But Donovan is a great coach as well as recruiter. He is the best at making adjustments during the game. All he needs is the right talent to execute his plays next year.

In reality I expect to be favorites in contending for the SEC next year. Tennessee will be strong under Pearl next year and Felton will coach the UGA Bulldogs to 20+ wins and a NCAAT berth. Although they may be rebuilding, UK should be better under Gillispie. So I think the SEC will be more competetive next year. Donovan is going to have to coach his inexperienced team to alot of close wins in the SEC next year.

good talent coming in and/or waiting to play but your preseason expectations in this post as far as contending for the SEC are a little homerish........then you say "I dont expect(at this moment) to have a chance at the final 4."
God bless you gator fans...........Congratulations too

[GatorHunter]

good talent coming in and/or waiting to play but your preseason are expectations in this post as far as contending for the SEC are a little homerish........then you say "I dont expect(at this moment) to have a chance at the final 4."
God bless you gator fans...........Congratulations too

After winning two consecutive National Championships...don't we have the right to be "homerish"...:laugh:

[KillerNut]

This is how the 04s started out, too. Unranked, totally under the radar after 80% of out scoring left for the NBA (e.g., Walsh, etc.). Not saying we're going to win back to back titles with Allen and Parsons beginning next year, but you have to love Billy's player development.

i know we go to tOSU next year. That should be a helluva game. Hey, Killer, can you score me some tix??? I'll send ya a check....

I'm totally serious.

:D

I can probably help you out. I am looking for next years schudule which I am having trouble finding. Can you show a link GN? Getting tix to an tOSU event is usually pretty hard unless you buy returned tickets at the ticket office day of the game. But you can always find scalpers around the arena. Scalping is legal in Columbus but you have to be licensed. Trying to order them now would be the safest thing because then you would already have them. If you can but them through the university they will be face value. You can get them through a ticket broker but you'll have to pay their additional fee. I cannot find anywhere right now to buy them through the university for next year. Let me look into this and I will be sure to let you know.