Sorry for being MIA the past week or so, was busy moving down to FL from CT.

I'm really thinking Marquette is the class of the conference this year. That offense is so fun to watch. They've shown they can beat anybody, and may be our best shot at a FF team for the league this year. I'm confident UConn can be that team as well... However I'm not confident we will be. Just too inconsistent in conference play for me to trust us the way I have good UConn teams in the past. OOC I thought this was the best UConn team since 2009, but at this point I honestly don't even think this team is as good as they were the past 2 seasons. I'm hoping we see the team from the first 12 games of the season (I think we showed signs of faltering before dropping our first game to X) once the tournament starts.

Really hoping DePaul turns it around too, Bill! However they can't do so against UConn

Do you think Stubblefield is gone if they finish the regular season 0-12?

(02-21-2023 04:05 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Sorry for being MIA the past week or so, was busy moving down to FL from CT.

I'm really thinking Marquette is the class of the conference this year. That offense is so fun to watch. They've shown they can beat anybody, and may be our best shot at a FF team for the league this year. I'm confident UConn can be that team as well... However I'm not confident we will be. Just too inconsistent in conference play for me to trust us the way I have good UConn teams in the past. OOC I thought this was the best UConn team since 2009, but at this point I honestly don't even think this team is as good as they were the past 2 seasons. I'm hoping we see the team from the first 12 games of the season (I think we showed signs of faltering before dropping our first game to X) once the tournament starts.

Really hoping DePaul turns it around too, Bill! However they can't do so against UConn

Do you think Stubblefield is gone if they finish the regular season 0-12?

Doubtful Stubblefield is going anywhere after just two years. They did beat #8 Xavier at home, which is the lone saving grace of the season thus far. With a new AD that just hired him, I think he is guaranteed three seasons. If next year is once again another bottom dweller season, then they need to make a change IMO.

Unless they lose out (and get embarrassed doing so), short of an off-court scandal, I don't see DePaul making a move. If they did, however, my first call would be to Crean, as he would not be as expensive as he was a few years ago, knows Chicago and (at minimum) could pump life and enthusiasm into the program (which has not occurred since the early 2000's IMO).

DePaul Basketball remains a sad state of affairs, and it is really no one's fault but their (former) administration. They neglected the decline for so long that it has unfortunately become the norm.

If UConn can play like they did tonight, they could easily make the Final 4. Wow, what a performance.

Nameless' UConn club with a dominant, 18-point win vs. Providence. Statement win. The Huskies are back after a brief slump and look to be Final Four material (hand on, Nameless). As are GW11's Marquette Warriors. Both UC and MU are prepped for a deep run in the tourney.

DePaul remains in full freefall after a one-point home loss to a so-so Butler team (I did not see as I was watching both the Vanderbilt and Belmont games). The Blue Demons are at risk of not winning another game this season. As to Stubblefield, I agree with GW11 that he deserves another season. If the bottom drops out next season (and it could) and TS is dismissed, I'm not sure whom I would want to see as the next coach (Jerry Wainwright is 76 and retired ... just joking). Tom Crean (as GW11 notes) would be an interesting hire as he knows the Chicago area, coached at both Marquette and Indiana, is experienced, etc. However, I feel he is essentially "washed up." Crean has always been a sore loser and offers a somewhat negative karma. I'm not sure that is what the DePaul program needs. Youthful energy and positivity (like Shaka at Marquette) would be welcomed at DU. I'm intrigued by Drake coach Darian DeVries (have been watching some MVC action this season with Belmont now in the Valley). DeVries is 47 and coached at Creighton under Greg McDermott. He could be a fine choice.

A future DePaul coach notwithstanding, my hope is that Stubblefield rights the ship next season and can have a quality run in Lincoln Park for the next few years. That's my hope. The expectation is very different.

On the Creighton theme, that team has strongly gotten things together. Full props.

(02-22-2023 04:28 PM)GoldenWarrior11 Wrote:  

(02-21-2023 04:05 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Sorry for being MIA the past week or so, was busy moving down to FL from CT.

I'm really thinking Marquette is the class of the conference this year. That offense is so fun to watch. They've shown they can beat anybody, and may be our best shot at a FF team for the league this year. I'm confident UConn can be that team as well... However I'm not confident we will be. Just too inconsistent in conference play for me to trust us the way I have good UConn teams in the past. OOC I thought this was the best UConn team since 2009, but at this point I honestly don't even think this team is as good as they were the past 2 seasons. I'm hoping we see the team from the first 12 games of the season (I think we showed signs of faltering before dropping our first game to X) once the tournament starts.

Really hoping DePaul turns it around too, Bill! However they can't do so against UConn

Do you think Stubblefield is gone if they finish the regular season 0-12?

Doubtful Stubblefield is going anywhere after just two years. They did beat #8 Xavier at home, which is the lone saving grace of the season thus far. With a new AD that just hired him, I think he is guaranteed three seasons. If next year is once again another bottom dweller season, then they need to make a change IMO.

Unless they lose out (and get embarrassed doing so), short of an off-court scandal, I don't see DePaul making a move. If they did, however, my first call would be to Crean, as he would not be as expensive as he was a few years ago, knows Chicago and (at minimum) could pump life and enthusiasm into the program (which has not occurred since the early 2000's IMO).

DePaul Basketball remains a sad state of affairs, and it is really no one's fault but their (former) administration. They neglected the decline for so long that it has unfortunately become the norm.

Thanks for adding some context to the Stubblefield situation. Agreed on Crean, would definitely inject life into the program. Turning DePaul around might even revitalize his career. Could be mutually beneficial

(02-22-2023 10:20 PM)stever20 Wrote:  If UConn can play like they did tonight, they could easily make the Final 4. Wow, what a performance.

I wanted to watch but don't currently have access to any of the games. May do a 1 month subscription during March madness, but I don't watch much TV and can't really justify paying for any of the streaming services. I miss when Sling was $25

Was definitely great to see that box score though! We owed it to Providence after last season, lol.

Props to Cooley for taking the heat off his players post game. Dude seems like not only a great coach, but a genuinely great guy

(02-23-2023 09:02 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Nameless' UConn club with a dominant, 18-point win vs. Providence. Statement win. The Huskies are back after a brief slump and look to be Final Four material (hand on, Nameless). As are GW11's Marquette Warriors. Both UC and MU are prepped for a deep run in the tourney.

DePaul remains in full freefall after a one-point home loss to a so-so Butler team (I did not see as I was watching both the Vanderbilt and Belmont games). The Blue Demons are at risk of not winning another game this season. As to Stubblefield, I agree with GW11 that he deserves another season. If the bottom drops out next season (and it could) and TS is dismissed, I'm not sure whom I would want to see as the next coach (Jerry Wainwright is 76 and retired ... just joking). Tom Crean (as GW11 notes) would be an interesting hire as he knows the Chicago area, coached at both Marquette and Indiana, is experienced, etc. However, I feel he is essentially "washed up." Crean has always been a sore loser and offers a somewhat negative karma. I'm not sure that is what the DePaul program needs. Youthful energy and positivity (like Shaka at Marquette) would be welcomed at DU. I'm intrigued by Drake coach Darian DeVries (have been watching some MVC action this season with Belmont now in the Valley). DeVries is 47 and coached at Creighton under Greg McDermott. He could be a fine choice.

A future DePaul coach notwithstanding, my hope is that Stubblefield rights the ship next season and can have a quality run in Lincoln Park for the next few years. That's my hope. The expectation is very different.

On the Creighton theme, that team has strongly gotten things together. Full props.

I agree we are looking to be back on track, and at the right time. Calcaterra shot the lights out against SJ today. Naheim seems to be finally shooting with confidence too. If those 2 dudes are knocking down outside shots, we are a totally different team. Season has been a rollercoaster though, so I'm not holding my breath lol. Just taking it one game at a time and enjoying the Ws when they come.

Stubblefield seems like a good guy, so I hope he gets another year as well. Good point about Crean, he does seem to be a sore loser and I've does come with kind of a negative vibe. Maybe heading back to a school with less expectations for a bit is what he needs though? Think if you get rid of TS, you could still do much worse.

Haven't followed Drake this year, but know they have been very good in recent seasons. Devries could be the guy, as Hurley was for us.

Nova looking dangerous right now. I want UConn to win the BET, obviously, but would not mind them stealing a bid from someone...

(03-03-2023 11:41 AM)Nameless Wrote:  Nova looking dangerous right now. I want UConn to win the BET, obviously, but would not mind them stealing a bid from someone...

Villanova is playing quality ball at this point — and looking Big Dance caliber. However (and as you note), the Wildcat team is ranked No. 79 in the most updated NET, so it will likely need to win the Big East tourney to get an NCAA bid.

(03-05-2023 10:32 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-03-2023 11:41 AM)Nameless Wrote:  Nova looking dangerous right now. I want UConn to win the BET, obviously, but would not mind them stealing a bid from someone...

Villanova is playing quality ball at this point — and looking Big Dance caliber. However (and as you note), the Wildcat team is ranked No. 79 in the most updated NET, so it will likely need to win the Big East tourney to get an NCAA bid.

Yeah with the loss yesterday, that took any chance of Nova getting bid w/o BET title.

I was going to wait about another week to get Hulu + live TV for March Madness, it would have allowed me to see the whole tourney with just a one month sub, then I would cancel. But Nova was playing so well I had to watch the game, and bought it early.

Happy I did, was nice to watch us play the way we did to start the season. Being down in FL with no TV package, I had been missing a lot of our great play as of late.

I originally made the comment above thinking a Nova win against us would have forced them into the conversation for an at large bid. With their name cache... Wouldn't have been shocked to see them potentially make it in over a lesser known brand that had a better season, especially since one could just point to their record when fully healthy, and the fact that they had 4 starters from last year's FF team. I agree though, it's BET champs or no tourney for them at this point.

Anyone think they go NIT with a first or second round exit in the BET? Or do they need a deeper run?

(03-06-2023 06:39 AM)Nameless Wrote:  I was going to wait about another week to get Hulu + live TV for March Madness, it would have allowed me to see the whole tourney with just a one month sub, then I would cancel. But Nova was playing so well I had to watch the game, and bought it early.

Happy I did, was nice to watch us play the way we did to start the season. Being down in FL with no TV package, I had been missing a lot of our great play as of late.

I originally made the comment above thinking a Nova win against us would have forced them into the conversation for an at large bid. With their name cache... Wouldn't have been shocked to see them potentially make it in over a lesser known brand that had a better season, especially since one could just point to their record when fully healthy, and the fact that they had 4 starters from last year's FF team. I agree though, it's BET champs or no tourney for them at this point.

Anyone think they go NIT with a first or second round exit in the BET? Or do they need a deeper run?

Congrats on what seemingly (I did not see) was a convincing win on the road against a Nova team that had been playing well.

As to the NIT question, Nameless, if Nova loses its first BE tourney game, it would be 16-16. And that record might not suffice for an NIT invite. Win one and the chances are good. Win two and VU should be NIT bound.

(03-06-2023 09:43 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 06:39 AM)Nameless Wrote:  I was going to wait about another week to get Hulu + live TV for March Madness, it would have allowed me to see the whole tourney with just a one month sub, then I would cancel. But Nova was playing so well I had to watch the game, and bought it early.

Happy I did, was nice to watch us play the way we did to start the season. Being down in FL with no TV package, I had been missing a lot of our great play as of late.

I originally made the comment above thinking a Nova win against us would have forced them into the conversation for an at large bid. With their name cache... Wouldn't have been shocked to see them potentially make it in over a lesser known brand that had a better season, especially since one could just point to their record when fully healthy, and the fact that they had 4 starters from last year's FF team. I agree though, it's BET champs or no tourney for them at this point.

Anyone think they go NIT with a first or second round exit in the BET? Or do they need a deeper run?

Congrats on what seemingly (I did not see) was a convincing win on the road against a Nova team that had been playing well.

As to the NIT question, Nameless, if Nova loses its first BE tourney game, it would be 16-16. And that record might not suffice for an NIT invite. Win one and the chances are good. Win two and VU should be NIT bound.

Was thinking the exact same thing, but was curious if others shared the same viewpoint. Hope you're doing well, Bill!

(03-06-2023 11:37 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 09:43 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 06:39 AM)Nameless Wrote:  I was going to wait about another week to get Hulu + live TV for March Madness, it would have allowed me to see the whole tourney with just a one month sub, then I would cancel. But Nova was playing so well I had to watch the game, and bought it early.

Happy I did, was nice to watch us play the way we did to start the season. Being down in FL with no TV package, I had been missing a lot of our great play as of late.

I originally made the comment above thinking a Nova win against us would have forced them into the conversation for an at large bid. With their name cache... Wouldn't have been shocked to see them potentially make it in over a lesser known brand that had a better season, especially since one could just point to their record when fully healthy, and the fact that they had 4 starters from last year's FF team. I agree though, it's BET champs or no tourney for them at this point.

Anyone think they go NIT with a first or second round exit in the BET? Or do they need a deeper run?

Congrats on what seemingly (I did not see) was a convincing win on the road against a Nova team that had been playing well.

As to the NIT question, Nameless, if Nova loses its first BE tourney game, it would be 16-16. And that record might not suffice for an NIT invite. Win one and the chances are good. Win two and VU should be NIT bound.

Was thinking the exact same thing, but was curious if others shared the same viewpoint. Hope you're doing well, Bill!

All is well, Nameless. On a disappointing note (and as you might know), Vanderbilt will be without its best player, and one of the SEC's most unusual weapons: senior center Liam Robbins (who can block shots, shoot 3s, hit free throws, make interior passes, etc.). I truly thought we had a chance to win the SEC tourney here in Nashville before Robbins, a class young man, got hurt. A major blow to the Commodores. I feel bad for Robbins and the program.

Best of luck to your UConn Huskies in the Big East Tournament.

(03-07-2023 09:43 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 11:37 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 09:43 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 06:39 AM)Nameless Wrote:  I was going to wait about another week to get Hulu + live TV for March Madness, it would have allowed me to see the whole tourney with just a one month sub, then I would cancel. But Nova was playing so well I had to watch the game, and bought it early.

Happy I did, was nice to watch us play the way we did to start the season. Being down in FL with no TV package, I had been missing a lot of our great play as of late.

I originally made the comment above thinking a Nova win against us would have forced them into the conversation for an at large bid. With their name cache... Wouldn't have been shocked to see them potentially make it in over a lesser known brand that had a better season, especially since one could just point to their record when fully healthy, and the fact that they had 4 starters from last year's FF team. I agree though, it's BET champs or no tourney for them at this point.

Anyone think they go NIT with a first or second round exit in the BET? Or do they need a deeper run?

Congrats on what seemingly (I did not see) was a convincing win on the road against a Nova team that had been playing well.

As to the NIT question, Nameless, if Nova loses its first BE tourney game, it would be 16-16. And that record might not suffice for an NIT invite. Win one and the chances are good. Win two and VU should be NIT bound.

Was thinking the exact same thing, but was curious if others shared the same viewpoint. Hope you're doing well, Bill!

All is well, Nameless. On a disappointing note (and as you might know), Vanderbilt will be without its best player, and one of the SEC's most unusual weapons: senior center Liam Robbins (who can block shots, shoot 3s, hit free throws, make interior passes, etc.). I truly thought we had a chance to win the SEC tourney here in Nashville before Robbins, a class young man, got hurt. A major blow to the Commodores. I feel bad for Robbins and the program.

Best of luck to your UConn Huskies in the Big East Tournament.

I actually had no idea one of Vandy's star players went down. I haven't had a chance to pay attention too much lately as I started a new job. I saw them listed as one of the last teams in somewhere recently and wanted to ask you what you thought of the team, since I know they're one of your Big 3 (DePaul, Vanderbilt and Memphis if I'm not mistaken.) Always sucks when someone gets hurt, but especially when it's a classy dude that goes down. Was it a major injury that will require surgery? Best of luck to him in his recovery.

On a positive note... How about DePaul advancing in the BET?! AND you picked it correctly in the pick 'em

(03-09-2023 08:29 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-07-2023 09:43 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 11:37 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 09:43 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 06:39 AM)Nameless Wrote:  I was going to wait about another week to get Hulu + live TV for March Madness, it would have allowed me to see the whole tourney with just a one month sub, then I would cancel. But Nova was playing so well I had to watch the game, and bought it early.

Happy I did, was nice to watch us play the way we did to start the season. Being down in FL with no TV package, I had been missing a lot of our great play as of late.

I originally made the comment above thinking a Nova win against us would have forced them into the conversation for an at large bid. With their name cache... Wouldn't have been shocked to see them potentially make it in over a lesser known brand that had a better season, especially since one could just point to their record when fully healthy, and the fact that they had 4 starters from last year's FF team. I agree though, it's BET champs or no tourney for them at this point.

Anyone think they go NIT with a first or second round exit in the BET? Or do they need a deeper run?

Congrats on what seemingly (I did not see) was a convincing win on the road against a Nova team that had been playing well.

As to the NIT question, Nameless, if Nova loses its first BE tourney game, it would be 16-16. And that record might not suffice for an NIT invite. Win one and the chances are good. Win two and VU should be NIT bound.

Was thinking the exact same thing, but was curious if others shared the same viewpoint. Hope you're doing well, Bill!

All is well, Nameless. On a disappointing note (and as you might know), Vanderbilt will be without its best player, and one of the SEC's most unusual weapons: senior center Liam Robbins (who can block shots, shoot 3s, hit free throws, make interior passes, etc.). I truly thought we had a chance to win the SEC tourney here in Nashville before Robbins, a class young man, got hurt. A major blow to the Commodores. I feel bad for Robbins and the program.

Best of luck to your UConn Huskies in the Big East Tournament.

I actually had no idea one of Vandy's star players went down. I haven't had a chance to pay attention too much lately as I started a new job. I saw them listed as one of the last teams in somewhere recently and wanted to ask you what you thought of the team, since I know they're one of your Big 3 (DePaul, Vanderbilt and Memphis if I'm not mistaken.) Always sucks when someone gets hurt, but especially when it's a classy dude that goes down. Was it a major injury that will require surgery? Best of luck to him in his recovery.

On a positive note... How about DePaul advancing in the BET?! AND you picked it correctly in the pick 'em

Thanks for the kind words, NLess. Liam Robbins, the injured Vanderbilt player, had enjoyed an outstanding senior year and was actually getting some looks from NBA scouts. Our chances of the Big Dance are likely over with LR out. Robbins' broken leg required surgery.

As to my Big Three: Vanderbilt/Memphis/North Carolina (with VU overwhelmingly my No. 1). DePaul (a university that represents the good times I had living in Chicago), Indiana and Belmont are in "Tier 2" (though I enjoy following Middle Tennessee State football and Cincinnati basketball, too).

Congrats on the new job and good luck to UConn in the BE tourney.

Bill

(03-09-2023 09:03 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-09-2023 08:29 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-07-2023 09:43 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 11:37 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 09:43 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  Congrats on what seemingly (I did not see) was a convincing win on the road against a Nova team that had been playing well.

As to the NIT question, Nameless, if Nova loses its first BE tourney game, it would be 16-16. And that record might not suffice for an NIT invite. Win one and the chances are good. Win two and VU should be NIT bound.

Was thinking the exact same thing, but was curious if others shared the same viewpoint. Hope you're doing well, Bill!

All is well, Nameless. On a disappointing note (and as you might know), Vanderbilt will be without its best player, and one of the SEC's most unusual weapons: senior center Liam Robbins (who can block shots, shoot 3s, hit free throws, make interior passes, etc.). I truly thought we had a chance to win the SEC tourney here in Nashville before Robbins, a class young man, got hurt. A major blow to the Commodores. I feel bad for Robbins and the program.

Best of luck to your UConn Huskies in the Big East Tournament.

I actually had no idea one of Vandy's star players went down. I haven't had a chance to pay attention too much lately as I started a new job. I saw them listed as one of the last teams in somewhere recently and wanted to ask you what you thought of the team, since I know they're one of your Big 3 (DePaul, Vanderbilt and Memphis if I'm not mistaken.) Always sucks when someone gets hurt, but especially when it's a classy dude that goes down. Was it a major injury that will require surgery? Best of luck to him in his recovery.

On a positive note... How about DePaul advancing in the BET?! AND you picked it correctly in the pick 'em

Thanks for the kind words, NLess. Liam Robbins, the injured Vanderbilt player, had enjoyed an outstanding senior year and was actually getting some looks from NBA scouts. Our chances of the Big Dance are likely over with LR out. Robbins' broken leg required surgery.

As to my Big Three: Vanderbilt/Memphis/North Carolina (with VU overwhelmingly my No. 1). DePaul (a university that represents the good times I had living in Chicago), Indiana and Belmont are in "Tier 2" (though I enjoy following Middle Tennessee State football and Cincinnati basketball, too).

Congrats on the new job and good luck to UConn in the BE tourney.

Bill

Thanks, Bill. It's my first sales position after being in management, so figured I would give it a shot and see how it goes. I'm doing well, but we'll see if it's a long term fit. Figure I extend the money I came down to FL with and gain some skills, so why not.

Really thought DePaul was going to pull off the W against X last night. Couldn't help but think, "are they the 2023 version of 2021 GTown?" Must've been a tough loss, but nice to see them play well