The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

DavidCarducci Wrote:I remember not being very excited about Greenville, S.C., either ... especially after Boston in 1999 and San Diego in 2001.
I actually ended up really enjoying my time in Greenville, and not just because I got to cover two wins.

Agree with you 100 percent on Greenville; I enjoyed my three-plus days there. The city seemed to embrace the NCAA Tournament. The venue, the BI-LO Center, was nice, and the local newspaper did a fantastic job covering the games. On top of that, the weather was great.

DavidCarducci Wrote:There is a formula to beating Kansas. I'm not sure of what it is, and I don't know that Jim Christian will find it. But he's a heck of a coach, and he has a chance with a group of players who are convinced they can do the impossible.

If Kent and Kansas do advance to the second round, we may witness firsthand why the Flashes scheduled a game against UNC. That experience -- playing a national champion favorite that is part of a storied program, that has superior talent, on the road in a tough environment -- could pay huge dividends in a game against the Jayhawks. That game against Carolina has to help the Flashes on some level with regard to being able to handle the increase in opponent talent, speed of the game, and environment.

Maybe knowing what to expect because of a past experience is the key part in the formula for success in Kent's case. Of course, included in that formula, as always, is to outplay the opposition.

Sure wish I could be in Omaha Thursday. Work requires I cheer on the Flashes from a distance. My heart will be in Omaha.

Good insight in many of these threads. Regarding a few points... Not only with the UNC experience, but all of our starters except for Big Shot have the Duke experience under their belt. As for the other newcomer who will see some time, hopefully Rashad Woods recalls the tougher venues in the BE and his trip to the dance with DePaul. Regarding UNLV or Kansas... we've got nothing to lose. Sporting News has already called us the most over seeded team in the dance. Most teams that play us will be looking to the next game. If we relax and play our game, I like our chances.

There is something about this team. I heard at least 3 contributors talk about the recognition another team mate should get. I've seen the bench more excited than any fan in the stadium. I loved the quote from the interim Miami coach ( his name temporily escapes me) describe the Flashes in the PD today:

Quote:If you get them to the end of the bridge, you better push them. They won't jump.

Some game will be the last game for this team. It will be a last game with everything left on the court. Can we ask for more?

If you can go, you definately should! I was in the band in 1999 (Boston) and 2001 (SD), so when we drew Greenville in 2002, I was a bit let down. But the smaller city loves you like non other. Especially if we win. If we win you are at almost celebrity status. I don't drink, but I was offered free beverages at several places. Omaha might not be the home of a Hard Rock Cafe, but when an NCAA Tournament is in town, they will go all out. Just represent our school well when you are there.

From Sporting News:

MIDWEST


Overseeded: Kent State. The Golden Flashes are by far the least accomplished single-digit seed in the tournament.

Friends, I have come to the grim reality that I will not be able to travel to Omaha for the tournament. However, I sure am going to be in Kent for the game. Ray's will probably be my venue of choice, so I hope to see some of you there. Once again, I'll be the guy in the Kent Tee that says "Chain Gang" on the back. Or maybe I'll dig out my shirt from 2002 with Bobby Hurley's autograph on it. In any event I will be in Omaha in spirit.

For those of you traveling to Omaha...
One of the major bonuses of my last job, was the opportunity to travel a ton. 37 states and 52,000 miles over the last two years really gave me the opportunity to see the country. Omaha was my home for a night on more than one occasion and I used their airport a time or two. Like others have said, the airport is nice and convenient to downtown. The downtown bar/restaurant district is probably about 6-8 blocks from the Qwest Center. While I was in town, I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriot and it was about half way in between the Qwest Center and downtown. On the nights I stayed at the Courtyard, I ventured to Old Chicagos. It's a chain, but has good food and about 100 beers on tap. It would also be a decent gathering place as I remember it being somewhat large on the inside. If you've not ever been to the Plains states, and like regional beers, I suggest either the Boulevard Wheat (w/ a lemon wedge) or Fat Tire (similar to a Killians, but better). In any event, have a safe and fun trip! And, as always, GO FLASHES!!!

There is a watch party at the Kent Stage.

barndog Wrote:

DavidCarducci Wrote:There is a formula to beating Kansas. I'm not sure of what it is, and I don't know that Jim Christian will find it. But he's a heck of a coach, and he has a chance with a group of players who are convinced they can do the impossible.

If Kent and Kansas do advance to the second round, we may witness firsthand why the Flashes scheduled a game against UNC. That experience -- playing a national champion favorite that is part of a storied program, that has superior talent, on the road in a tough environment -- could pay huge dividends in a game against the Jayhawks. That game against Carolina has to help the Flashes on some level with regard to being able to handle the increase in opponent talent, speed of the game, and environment.

Maybe knowing what to expect because of a past experience is the key part in the formula for success in Kent's case. Of course, included in that formula, as always, is to outplay the opposition.

If anything, this "possible" matchup is more important for next year when they make the journey to Lawrence. At least next year, Rush and Chalmers will both be gone. This is the best Kansas team in years. People keep using their past history vs. Bucknell and Bradley in tournaments. This team is better. They have leadership, and 5 players who can score. Their guards are unbelievable. Anyone who thinks this team will slip up is nuts. Sure, can it happen? Of course, anyone can lose. If I am a betting man, I don't bet on it. Next year this team will be down and if anything this will be a nice tune-up for next years game in Lawrence. They will learn from this experience. (assuming we get past UNLV).

kentalum22 Wrote:

barndog Wrote:

DavidCarducci Wrote:There is a formula to beating Kansas. I'm not sure of what it is, and I don't know that Jim Christian will find it. But he's a heck of a coach, and he has a chance with a group of players who are convinced they can do the impossible.

If Kent and Kansas do advance to the second round, we may witness firsthand why the Flashes scheduled a game against UNC. That experience -- playing a national champion favorite that is part of a storied program, that has superior talent, on the road in a tough environment -- could pay huge dividends in a game against the Jayhawks. That game against Carolina has to help the Flashes on some level with regard to being able to handle the increase in opponent talent, speed of the game, and environment.

Maybe knowing what to expect because of a past experience is the key part in the formula for success in Kent's case. Of course, included in that formula, as always, is to outplay the opposition.

If anything, this "possible" matchup is more important for next year when they make the journey to Lawrence. At least next year, Rush and Chalmers will both be gone. This is the best Kansas team in years. People keep using their past history vs. Bucknell and Bradley in tournaments. This team is better. They have leadership, and 5 players who can score. Their guards are unbelievable. Anyone who thinks this team will slip up is nuts. Sure, can it happen? Of course, anyone can lose. If I am a betting man, I don't bet on it. Next year this team will be down and if anything this will be a nice tune-up for next years game in Lawrence. They will learn from this experience. (assuming we get past UNLV).

Yes, yes, Kansas is good. We get it. You like their chances. But, let's get back to focusing on the Flashes and the mission at hand. I am realistic in terms of looking ahead (which is always dangerous to do, especially in the one-and-done scenario of the NCAA Tournament against a comparable opponent) but at this time of year, I'd rather focus on our team.

And instead of looking at what we can do to beat UNLV and Kansas, I like to look at it as "HOW IN THE WORLD ARE THEY GOING TO STOP US?"


/fanning flames
Of course, that's if Kansas even makes it to round two. Portland State is a formidable foe.
/ends fanning flames

kentalum22 Wrote:I'm not happy about the #9 seed, but I feel a lot better playing Kansas than I do playing any of the other #1 seeds.

I disagree. Memphis is the weakest #1 seed in the tournament. There front court is weaker then Kansas. Kansas has superior guard play and athleticism which is our two strongest strengths. I think Kent State got so skrewed here. If we only beat BG, we could of gotten a 6/7 seed. UNLV is a possible win but won't be easy but anyone who thinks they can beat Kansas is dreaming. This was a shaft to Kent. A direct hit. That BG loss hurt us here.
[/quote]

LOL, have you even watched more than one game Memphis played in? Have you wondered why Memphis was seeded as the second 1 seed over UCLA AND Kansas? We are 8-1 against the top 50 RPI, we had the number 3 RPI in the country, rated number 1 unanimously for 4 out of 5 weeks, 4-1 against Top 25 ranked opponents with the number 1 OOC schedule. Our average margin of victory through the WHOLE season was almost 20 points. We were 4 points away from an undefeated season. Man are you in for a surprise. And don't talk about poor free throw shooting. In our conference tourney we shot almost 74%, in our last TWO BACK TO BACK Elite 8's we shot over 70%. We have 3-4 probable NBA players on our roster, 1 a lottery pick IF he doesnt decide to stay. We have a future Hall of Fame coach who is in VERY elite company with Adolph Rupp as one of only 2 coaches to ever have 3 30+ win seasons. Man are you in for a surprise.
LOL our backcourt consists of Derek Rose, Fresheman of the Year contender, Player of the Year contender, Naismith nominee. Chris Douglas Roberts, All American, Naismith nominee and Antonio Anderson, the only player on the team to averagde over 25 minutes a game, who won the game at Texas A+M last year with what? LOL free throws. Our guys are the epitome of athletic. We go 10-11 deep, our bench would whip almost 60-70% of all D1 one players and could probably beat your starters.
TN. prepared so much for us and we didn't show up is the ONLY reason they beat us, it took so much out of them that they played like boneheads for the rest of the season and where did they end up? a 2 seed. Seriously, do your homework, you are in for a rude awakening if you look past us.
Good luck in the tourney.

OOPS, you said frontcourt, we have a solid one of those also...

(Looks like the Memphis Respect Police are out in force this week. This patrolman got assigned the 8/9 Midwest Region beat. Tough gig. )

Well, we're flattered that you think we will have the opportunity to play so that we can look past you.

TigerBlue4Ever Wrote:

kentalum22 Wrote:I disagree. Memphis is the weakest #1 seed in the tournament. There front court is weaker then Kansas. Kansas has superior guard play and athleticism which is our two strongest strengths. I think Kent State got so skrewed here. If we only beat BG, we could of gotten a 6/7 seed. UNLV is a possible win but won't be easy but anyone who thinks they can beat Kansas is dreaming. This was a shaft to Kent. A direct hit. That BG loss hurt us here.

LOL, have you even watched more than one game Memphis played in? Have you wondered why Memphis was seeded as the second 1 seed over UCLA AND Kansas? We are 8-1 against the top 50 RPI, we had the number 3 RPI in the country, rated number 1 unanimously for 4 out of 5 weeks, 4-1 against Top 25 ranked opponents with the number 1 OOC schedule. Our average margin of victory through the WHOLE season was almost 20 points. We were 4 points away from an undefeated season. Man are you in for a surprise. And don't talk about poor free throw shooting. In our conference tourney we shot almost 74%, in our last TWO BACK TO BACK Elite 8's we shot over 70%. We have 3-4 probable NBA players on our roster, 1 a lottery pick IF he doesnt decide to stay. We have a future Hall of Fame coach who is in VERY elite company with Adolph Rupp as one of only 2 coaches to ever have 3 30+ win seasons. Man are you in for a surprise.
LOL our backcourt consists of Derek Rose, Fresheman of the Year contender, Player of the Year contender, Naismith nominee. Chris Douglas Roberts, All American, Naismith nominee and Antonio Anderson, the only player on the team to averagde over 25 minutes a game, who won the game at Texas A+M last year with what? LOL free throws. Our guys are the epitome of athletic. We go 10-11 deep, our bench would whip almost 60-70% of all D1 one players and could probably beat your starters.
TN. prepared so much for us and we didn't show up is the ONLY reason they beat us, it took so much out of them that they played like boneheads for the rest of the season and where did they end up? a 2 seed. Seriously, do your homework, you are in for a rude awakening if you look past us.
Good luck in the tourney.

OOPS, you said frontcourt, we have a solid one of those also...

Wow. Thanks. You're right. I guess when Kent gets the Final 4, they'll still have quite a challenge to win. I'm really going to have to hope my team is hyped up so they can beat with Memphis in the final 4. Kent will defintely need the A game that day.

The Sporting News saying we are the worst single digit seed in the field isn't so bad. The committee said the same thing. We are the worst #9 seed in the field since we would play the worst #1 seed if we got there. I'm sure they didn't mean it that way but the genius reporter was just stating a fact. Anyway I'll take a single digit seed any day even it is one that other people think is not deserved. Tell the truth. Did you ever think you would have seen Kent earn a 9 seed 15 years ago??

Would we have been flattered to be the #1 10 seed?

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourne...cketcaster
This is a simulation of the NCAA's as done by ESPN's bracketcaster.

Sends KSU to the Final four baby, Yeah!!!!!!

22, as out in the country as Omaha is, you have easier time Geographically than most of us back in Ohio. Denver is a little under an 8 hour drive from Denver if i'm correct, so therefore, after the typically day of work Wednesday, you could take a personal day, drive halfway there the first day, then next morning travel the rest of the way, get there around an hour or two before the game, hawk a ticket at a reasonable price, (we've been able to find $40-$75 per session or less on game day) then after the game, get home for work the next day. That sounds like a pretty easy trip to me, and pretty cheap too, cheaper than Ohioans would have to do it, and besides, were there to see the games, not the city.

/Of course, that's if Kansas even makes it to round two. Portland State is a formidable foe. and they beat the zits also, so you got to love them for that.

we need to worry about the rebels first, UNLV is a good team and looks like we match up very well against them. once again Q and Scott need to own the inside as they look smaller on the front line.

http://www.comcast.net/providers/fan/popup.html?

Wonder if we can turn any NE Ohio recruits heads when Rick Pitino calls us for an upset and our coach by his first name.
Does anyone other than his mother call him "Jimmy?"

TigerBlue4Ever Wrote:Posted a bunch of stuff about Memphis.

What the...? Thought I was on the wrong board. I think TigerBlue4Ever missed his turn and went too far north.

axeme Wrote:(Looks like the Memphis Respect Police are out in force this week. This patrolman got assigned the 8/9 Midwest Region beat. Tough gig.

Yeah, the "Detractor Alert" must've gone off in Tiger land seconds after kentalum22 clicked the Post Reply button. Hey, kentalum22, post one of your signature scathing messages about Duke or UNC. I want to see how long it takes their fans to come running with foam in mouth. It shouldn't take long. Those teams' fanbases have their Respect Police (Axeme, Inc.) trolling the forums 24/7.

Akron Zits beat Florida State in OT in the NIT opening round... interesting, too bad they couldn't play that well Saturday.