(03-17-2013 08:20 AM)Wolfpack Ram Wrote:  

(03-16-2013 07:24 PM)NJRedMan Wrote:  I think Purnell has them moving in the right direction and being in a conference that isn't as oppressive as the Big East today will help them take that next step.

Do you mean a future conference that doesn't include Syracuse, Pitt, Notre Dame, Louisville, UConn and Cincinnati? He will show progress just by not having to play those schools.

How many of the schools you listed are original Big East schools? People are acting like the Big East has never added schools before. They've done it many times! And virtually every school they have added to the conference has gotten significantly better fairly quickly.

(03-17-2013 06:22 PM)BigBCherney Wrote:  

(03-17-2013 08:20 AM)Wolfpack Ram Wrote:  

(03-16-2013 07:24 PM)NJRedMan Wrote:  I think Purnell has them moving in the right direction and being in a conference that isn't as oppressive as the Big East today will help them take that next step.

Do you mean a future conference that doesn't include Syracuse, Pitt, Notre Dame, Louisville, UConn and Cincinnati? He will show progress just by not having to play those schools.

How many of the schools you listed are original Big East schools? People are acting like the Big East has never added schools before. They've done it many times! And virtually every school they have added to the conference has gotten significantly better fairly quickly.

Syracuse and UConn are the 2 original teams. Consider the teams they are leaving behind compared to those picked up. It was wise to split.

Also back to you Redman, This is Purnells 3rd year and they're "veteran" squad lost to some awful mid majors this year; Gardner Webb, Loyola-Chicago. They also lost to Wichita State and W. Kentucky, both teams are dancing right now.

(03-17-2013 06:47 PM)ivet Wrote:  

(03-17-2013 06:22 PM)BigBCherney Wrote:  

(03-17-2013 08:20 AM)Wolfpack Ram Wrote:  

(03-16-2013 07:24 PM)NJRedMan Wrote:  I think Purnell has them moving in the right direction and being in a conference that isn't as oppressive as the Big East today will help them take that next step.

Do you mean a future conference that doesn't include Syracuse, Pitt, Notre Dame, Louisville, UConn and Cincinnati? He will show progress just by not having to play those schools.

How many of the schools you listed are original Big East schools? People are acting like the Big East has never added schools before. They've done it many times! And virtually every school they have added to the conference has gotten significantly better fairly quickly.

Syracuse and UConn are the 2 original teams. Consider the teams they are leaving behind compared to those picked up. It was wise to split.

Also back to you Redman, This is Purnells 3rd year and they're "veteran" squad lost to some awful mid majors this year; Gardner Webb, Loyola-Chicago. They also lost to Wichita State and W. Kentucky, both teams are dancing right now.

My Johnnies lost to UNC-Ashville and San Francisco. It happens to bad teams. DePaul is improving but they are still bad. Just not as bad as they used to be.

I think best news for you anti-VCU folks- I've heard a few folks actually predicting VCU to make the final 4. We all know what that means---- VCU is going to lose 2nd round to Akron..

Nah seriously VCU did draw a great bracket I think. Akron without their point guard- yipes. Michigan will be tough, but then if they can survive that- they could see Kansas in sweet 16 and then maybe Georgetown in elite 8(both of whom they beat in their final 4 run 2 years ago).

(03-18-2013 07:35 AM)stever20 Wrote:  I think best news for you anti-VCU folks- I've heard a few folks actually predicting VCU to make the final 4. We all know what that means---- VCU is going to lose 2nd round to Akron..

Nah seriously VCU did draw a great bracket I think. Akron without their point guard- yipes. Michigan will be tough, but then if they can survive that- they could see Kansas in sweet 16 and then maybe Georgetown in elite 8(both of whom they beat in their final 4 run 2 years ago).

I really like VCU's draw if they get by Michigan. The top 4 seeds in that region are all very beatable. The main disadvantage for VCU in Round 2 is that Michigan is getting one of the best de facto home court advantages on paper of any team in the tournament by being placed in Auburn Hills. Of course, Michigan State fans are going to be there to, so they'll jump on the bandwagon of anyone playing Michigan, so it's going to be an interesting atmosphere.

(03-18-2013 08:46 AM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 07:35 AM)stever20 Wrote:  I think best news for you anti-VCU folks- I've heard a few folks actually predicting VCU to make the final 4. We all know what that means---- VCU is going to lose 2nd round to Akron..

Nah seriously VCU did draw a great bracket I think. Akron without their point guard- yipes. Michigan will be tough, but then if they can survive that- they could see Kansas in sweet 16 and then maybe Georgetown in elite 8(both of whom they beat in their final 4 run 2 years ago).

I really like VCU's draw if they get by Michigan. The top 4 seeds in that region are all very beatable. The main disadvantage for VCU in Round 2 is that Michigan is getting one of the best de facto home court advantages on paper of any team in the tournament by being placed in Auburn Hills. Of course, Michigan State fans are going to be there to, so they'll jump on the bandwagon of anyone playing Michigan, so it's going to be an interesting atmosphere.

Totally agree. it'll be interesting to see which game is first on Sunday of those 2. The Michigan/VCU game would be better for TV than Michgian St/Memphis/MTSU/St Mary's- by a country mile. If that's the 1st game of the two, could really see a lot of the MSU fans that get there really rooting for VCU.

(03-18-2013 09:01 AM)stever20 Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 08:46 AM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 07:35 AM)stever20 Wrote:  I think best news for you anti-VCU folks- I've heard a few folks actually predicting VCU to make the final 4. We all know what that means---- VCU is going to lose 2nd round to Akron..

Nah seriously VCU did draw a great bracket I think. Akron without their point guard- yipes. Michigan will be tough, but then if they can survive that- they could see Kansas in sweet 16 and then maybe Georgetown in elite 8(both of whom they beat in their final 4 run 2 years ago).

I really like VCU's draw if they get by Michigan. The top 4 seeds in that region are all very beatable. The main disadvantage for VCU in Round 2 is that Michigan is getting one of the best de facto home court advantages on paper of any team in the tournament by being placed in Auburn Hills. Of course, Michigan State fans are going to be there to, so they'll jump on the bandwagon of anyone playing Michigan, so it's going to be an interesting atmosphere.

Totally agree. it'll be interesting to see which game is first on Sunday of those 2. The Michigan/VCU game would be better for TV than Michgian St/Memphis/MTSU/St Mary's- by a country mile. If that's the 1st game of the two, could really see a lot of the MSU fans that get there really rooting for VCU.

I would not be at all surprised if an alum stepped up and had shirts/towels/chant cards for all the Sparty's who want 'em. Auburn Hills isn't NYC, but we travel well ans have some very dedicated and crafty guerilla marketing types among our faithful. Anyone who saw the 3 double decker buses with our band trolling the Today Show and MSG knows what I'm talking about. :)

Michigan will be tough but their guards are young and haven't really had to play against a real press all year. Kansas is very favorable for us.

the thing that I think is funny about VCU- their biggest roadblock quite possibly could be Georgetown.

Michigan will have trouble with SDSU. Veteran team that has seen it all. However, Michigan plays a weird style which lends itself to deep runs in the tourney. Remember WV under JB. His teams regularly overachieved in the NCAAs. Michigan breezed through their non-con schedule this year, too. Unless you play a JB team regularly, it is a very difficult matchup.

(03-18-2013 11:56 AM)MU88 Wrote:  Michigan will have trouble with SDSU. Veteran team that has seen it all. However, Michigan plays a weird style which lends itself to deep runs in the tourney. Remember WV under JB. His teams regularly overachieved in the NCAAs. Michigan breezed through their non-con schedule this year, too. Unless you play a JB team regularly, it is a very difficult matchup.

Yep, good points. SDSU is for real. They could very well upset Michigan.

(03-18-2013 11:42 AM)stever20 Wrote:  the thing that I think is funny about VCU- their biggest roadblock quite possibly could be Georgetown.

One game at a time.

Rams need to bounce back after that SLU loss and get past Akron, who has a stud in Zeke Marshall. The guy is a shot blocking machine and VCU gets a lot of our offense from Treveon Graham and Juvonte Reddic (who like to attack the basket). Gotta get guys back to hitting the three, but certainly...the loss of their starting point guard, Abreu, helps the Rams (hopefully it will be like Butler trying to bring the ball up against VCU...but I doubt it's that easy).

(03-18-2013 01:29 PM)Natty Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 11:42 AM)stever20 Wrote:  the thing that I think is funny about VCU- their biggest roadblock quite possibly could be Georgetown.

One game at a time.

Rams need to bounce back after that SLU loss and get past Akron, who has a stud in Zeke Marshall. The guy is a shot blocking machine and VCU gets a lot of our offense from Treveon Graham and Juvonte Reddic (who like to attack the basket). Gotta get guys back to hitting the three, but certainly...the loss of their starting point guard, Abreu, helps the Rams (hopefully it will be like Butler trying to bring the ball up against VCU...but I doubt it's that easy).

true points. VCU has got to get consistent play. They've had a lot of 1 good game, 1 clunker here recently. I think whether they would admit it or not, they put a lot of emphasis on that game with Butler.

(03-18-2013 11:39 AM)thegalen Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 09:01 AM)stever20 Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 08:46 AM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 07:35 AM)stever20 Wrote:  I think best news for you anti-VCU folks- I've heard a few folks actually predicting VCU to make the final 4. We all know what that means---- VCU is going to lose 2nd round to Akron..

Nah seriously VCU did draw a great bracket I think. Akron without their point guard- yipes. Michigan will be tough, but then if they can survive that- they could see Kansas in sweet 16 and then maybe Georgetown in elite 8(both of whom they beat in their final 4 run 2 years ago).

I really like VCU's draw if they get by Michigan. The top 4 seeds in that region are all very beatable. The main disadvantage for VCU in Round 2 is that Michigan is getting one of the best de facto home court advantages on paper of any team in the tournament by being placed in Auburn Hills. Of course, Michigan State fans are going to be there to, so they'll jump on the bandwagon of anyone playing Michigan, so it's going to be an interesting atmosphere.

Totally agree. it'll be interesting to see which game is first on Sunday of those 2. The Michigan/VCU game would be better for TV than Michgian St/Memphis/MTSU/St Mary's- by a country mile. If that's the 1st game of the two, could really see a lot of the MSU fans that get there really rooting for VCU.

I would not be at all surprised if an alum stepped up and had shirts/towels/chant cards for all the Sparty's who want 'em. Auburn Hills isn't NYC, but we travel well ans have some very dedicated and crafty guerilla marketing types among our faithful. Anyone who saw the 3 double decker buses with our band trolling the Today Show and MSG knows what I'm talking about. :)

Michigan will be tough but their guards are young and haven't really had to play against a real press all year. Kansas is very favorable for us.

State fans might root for UM to lose but they aren't putting on VCU gear. They are STILL State fans. I wouldn't put on Oklahoma gear to root against Cuse. I would just cheer for them.

(03-18-2013 01:50 PM)NJRedMan Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 11:39 AM)thegalen Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 09:01 AM)stever20 Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 08:46 AM)Frank the Tank Wrote:  

(03-18-2013 07:35 AM)stever20 Wrote:  I think best news for you anti-VCU folks- I've heard a few folks actually predicting VCU to make the final 4. We all know what that means---- VCU is going to lose 2nd round to Akron..

Nah seriously VCU did draw a great bracket I think. Akron without their point guard- yipes. Michigan will be tough, but then if they can survive that- they could see Kansas in sweet 16 and then maybe Georgetown in elite 8(both of whom they beat in their final 4 run 2 years ago).

I really like VCU's draw if they get by Michigan. The top 4 seeds in that region are all very beatable. The main disadvantage for VCU in Round 2 is that Michigan is getting one of the best de facto home court advantages on paper of any team in the tournament by being placed in Auburn Hills. Of course, Michigan State fans are going to be there to, so they'll jump on the bandwagon of anyone playing Michigan, so it's going to be an interesting atmosphere.

Totally agree. it'll be interesting to see which game is first on Sunday of those 2. The Michigan/VCU game would be better for TV than Michgian St/Memphis/MTSU/St Mary's- by a country mile. If that's the 1st game of the two, could really see a lot of the MSU fans that get there really rooting for VCU.

I would not be at all surprised if an alum stepped up and had shirts/towels/chant cards for all the Sparty's who want 'em. Auburn Hills isn't NYC, but we travel well ans have some very dedicated and crafty guerilla marketing types among our faithful. Anyone who saw the 3 double decker buses with our band trolling the Today Show and MSG knows what I'm talking about. :)

Michigan will be tough but their guards are young and haven't really had to play against a real press all year. Kansas is very favorable for us.

State fans might root for UM to lose but they aren't putting on VCU gear. They are STILL State fans. I wouldn't put on Oklahoma gear to root against Cuse. I would just cheer for them.

VCU fans have handed out gear to opposing teams' fans before. The UNC/Duke 2008 game following Duke's 2007 tourney loss to VCU comes to mind. These are students however.

Below:

Luke Winn, Sports Illustrated.

Quote:While I was sitting in the Dean Dome press room on Wednesday night, a couple of hours before tip of Duke-UNC, this hilarious dispatch came over one of the house security walkie-talkies:

"We are trying to find out who is distributing the yellow VCU T-shirts. These are not coming from the university. We need the person to cease and desist."

It seems that a Carolina student had either printed up or obtained VCU gear in hopes of reminding the Dukies of their first-round loss to the Rams last season. UNC security guards must've done a decent job enforcing their "cease and desist" order, as I didn't see many of the shirts by tip-off.

VCU Ramnation's own Matt Shelton had them printed and delivered.

Quote:So I’ve got my new interns, a new feeling of optimism, and hundreds of bright gold VCU shirts I’m now distributing for UNC’s “Blue Out” against Duke on ESPN.
Things are going great. Students hit those shirts like bees to honey. But my head is on a swivel. I’ve got armfuls of VCU shirts, I’m heading up this operation, and I am keeping on the lookout for anyone with a walkie-talkie and a fancy laminate.
In minutes we’re burning through these shirts and the once blue-ed out student line is starting to look like the sidewalks of Harrison St. before a VCU v ODU game.

More students than general fans. But I would put on MSU gear if it was free, in a game against Wisconsin - or even George Mason gear in a game against ODU.

http://www.vcuramnation.com/2012/08/the-...rue-story/

Before we fit VCU for its national championship rings, it might be worth pointing out that its best road win all year was a 4-point squeaker against a team that did not make any postseason tournament (Xavier). The Rams went 0-4 against the other top 3 teams in the A-10. They also had "impressive" road wins against St. Bonaventure (by 7) and Rhode Island (by 6) – both teams that failed to qualify for the A-10 tournament.

I'm not trying to denegrate what VCU is – a solid program with a good fanbase – but this marketing machine has people viewing them a bit irrationally in the past year. Let's see them make a few more tournament runs before we anoint them as challengers to the Miami Heat.

VCU finished with the tied for the 2nd most road conference wins in the A10 this year, 1 game behind SLU. When you are in a strong conference like the A10, it is going to be tough to win on the road.

And love how you are slamming VCU's 4 point win vs Xavier, when SLU, LaSalle, Temple- all tournament teams- all lost to Xavier at their place.

(03-18-2013 09:45 PM)stever20 Wrote:  VCU finished with the tied for the 2nd most road conference wins in the A10 this year, 1 game behind SLU. When you are in a strong conference like the A10, it is going to be tough to win on the road.

And love how you are slamming VCU's 4 point win vs Xavier, when SLU, LaSalle, Temple- all tournament teams- all lost to Xavier at their place.

Not slamming it, just stating a fact. X did not make the postseason. Not exactly a ringing endorsement of a team's road strength.

VCU's road schedule in league play was pretty easy. Three of its five road wins were against teams that didn't even make the A-10 tourney. The other two were X and Charlotte.

Its three road A-10 losses were all by double digits.

I'd say beating a team that in turn beat 3 NCAA teams at home is pretty damn good.

Oh and they lost to Temple by 8. You can't really tell much by the final scores in games with fouling on purpose(when you do it right, as opposed to some teams).

Heck, SLU had 1 good road win all year long, at Butler. In good conferences, it's hard to win on the road.