(12-25-2023 11:10 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-25-2023 10:38 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-24-2023 07:56 PM)Nameless Wrote:  My thoughts on yesterday’s games:

REALLY wanted Butler to pull that one out against Providence. I think PC will be pretty dominant at home again this year, that would’ve been a pretty marquee win had Butler pulled it out, imo. Was thinking Butler went 0-4 over this next 4 game stretch, but think they’ll pull at least one W out now. Hope it isn’t UConn…

St John’s really gave UConn a game. I’m happy the team didn’t roll over and die without Clingan, but I was worried our front court wouldn’t stay out of foul trouble and my fears were warranted. On the plus side, Singare provided better relief than I anticipated, even if he did look lost a couple of times on offense. We can go small ball for a few minutes at a time, but it really exposes Karaban to foul trouble and makes us weaker defensively. Our offense also struggled to get going without a post presence. I’m happy UConn doesn’t have their toughest part of the schedule over the next few weeks (and that there is a week off before games resume) because the team will be much worse without Clingan. Need a couple of freshman to step up.

Expected Xavier to win at home, they did not want to go below .500. But expected a better showing from Seton Hall, thought the UConn game would give them some confidence and they would play well. They played well against UConn but I think this is still probably an NIT team at best once all is said and done. Won’t count Xavier out but I still think they’re going to be inconsistent like Nova was last year.

Nova blew out DePaul, as expected. Good to see their record climb to 9-4, with the couple good wins they got out of conference they are in good shape for a bid thus far.

Merry Christmas to all!

I watched a good bit of the end of regulation of the Butler-Providence game and then stopped watching in OT with Providence got up big. Butler is significantly better than I would have thought seven or eight games ago. Matta has done a strong job.

The loss of Clingan will hurt your Huskies. Tough blow. Three weeks without him?

Big East looking outstanding overall.

https://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2...conference

Merry Christmas, NLess, and to all those on the board.

Bill

Hearing 3-4 weeks without Clingan. I’m more concerned about how he holds up when he comes back though. This is twice since September he’s been out for a month+ with a foot injury. Never good for a big man, just ask Zach Freemantle.


Big East definitely is having a great season overall. Don’t think we catch the SEC being in conference play, but think we have a good shot at holding off the ACC for the 2 spot on Nolan’s rankings when all is said and done. I’m actually shocked the ACC is so highly ranked, but I guess it makes sense with every team save for FSU, ND and UofL having really strong records. Could be a good year for the league, despite all of the external turmoil.

Merry Christmas to you as well Bill! Have a blessed day

It's interesting that Nolan's rankings have the Big 12 at No. 5. That surprised me. I suppose I would have assumed No. 1. But such rankings can be quirky (with all the calculations and factors considered). Regardless, the Big East is enjoying an outstanding year so far (after a somewhat shaky early start). There is potential to be the best overall by season's end.

Good luck getting Clingan back asap.

It was a Merry Christmas, indeed. I trust yours was too, NLess. Let's get ready for 2024!

(12-26-2023 05:48 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-25-2023 11:10 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(12-25-2023 10:38 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-24-2023 07:56 PM)Nameless Wrote:  My thoughts on yesterday’s games:

REALLY wanted Butler to pull that one out against Providence. I think PC will be pretty dominant at home again this year, that would’ve been a pretty marquee win had Butler pulled it out, imo. Was thinking Butler went 0-4 over this next 4 game stretch, but think they’ll pull at least one W out now. Hope it isn’t UConn…

St John’s really gave UConn a game. I’m happy the team didn’t roll over and die without Clingan, but I was worried our front court wouldn’t stay out of foul trouble and my fears were warranted. On the plus side, Singare provided better relief than I anticipated, even if he did look lost a couple of times on offense. We can go small ball for a few minutes at a time, but it really exposes Karaban to foul trouble and makes us weaker defensively. Our offense also struggled to get going without a post presence. I’m happy UConn doesn’t have their toughest part of the schedule over the next few weeks (and that there is a week off before games resume) because the team will be much worse without Clingan. Need a couple of freshman to step up.

Expected Xavier to win at home, they did not want to go below .500. But expected a better showing from Seton Hall, thought the UConn game would give them some confidence and they would play well. They played well against UConn but I think this is still probably an NIT team at best once all is said and done. Won’t count Xavier out but I still think they’re going to be inconsistent like Nova was last year.

Nova blew out DePaul, as expected. Good to see their record climb to 9-4, with the couple good wins they got out of conference they are in good shape for a bid thus far.

Merry Christmas to all!

I watched a good bit of the end of regulation of the Butler-Providence game and then stopped watching in OT with Providence got up big. Butler is significantly better than I would have thought seven or eight games ago. Matta has done a strong job.

The loss of Clingan will hurt your Huskies. Tough blow. Three weeks without him?

Big East looking outstanding overall.

https://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2...conference

Merry Christmas, NLess, and to all those on the board.

Bill

Hearing 3-4 weeks without Clingan. I’m more concerned about how he holds up when he comes back though. This is twice since September he’s been out for a month+ with a foot injury. Never good for a big man, just ask Zach Freemantle.


Big East definitely is having a great season overall. Don’t think we catch the SEC being in conference play, but think we have a good shot at holding off the ACC for the 2 spot on Nolan’s rankings when all is said and done. I’m actually shocked the ACC is so highly ranked, but I guess it makes sense with every team save for FSU, ND and UofL having really strong records. Could be a good year for the league, despite all of the external turmoil.

Merry Christmas to you as well Bill! Have a blessed day

It's interesting that Nolan's rankings have the Big 12 at No. 5. That surprised me. I suppose I would have assumed No. 1. But such rankings can be quirky (with all the calculations and factors considered). Regardless, the Big East is enjoying an outstanding year so far (after a somewhat shaky early start). There is potential to be the best overall by season's end.

Good luck getting Clingan back asap.

It was a Merry Christmas, indeed. I trust yours was too, NLess. Let's get ready for 2024!

Sorry for the delayed response, been visiting with my mother in CT and my father in upstate NY for the past week.

I didn’t even realize Nolan had the B12 at #5. Not sure what the explanation for that is. I would say maybe the new guys are dragging them down, but BYU and Houston have been killing it (#1 and 2 in the NET at time of me writing this), Cincy has done very well and UCF has been solid. Oklahoma was their worst team last year iirc, and they have been very good as well. Weird.

They’re still the best conference imo

Nice W for Marquette last night. I expected them to win that one, but always good to get a win against one of the top teams in your league. I think Creighton may have been a little overrated to start the season (they’ll still probably beat us at least once this year), wondering if they drop out of the top 25 in either poll.

Expected SJU to beat Hofstra by 10+ at home, but they’re a scrappy team that always puts up a fight. Just happy they won!

Always nice to see DePaul pick up a W, especially heading into our matchup with them. Must be a nice little morale boost to beat another team in the city as well. Congrats on the W, Bill

Happy New Years everyone!

(12-31-2023 10:52 AM)Nameless Wrote:  Nice W for Marquette last night. I expected them to win that one, but always good to get a win against one of the top teams in your league. I think Creighton may have been a little overrated to start the season (they’ll still probably beat us at least once this year), wondering if they drop out of the top 25 in either poll.

Expected SJU to beat Hofstra by 10+ at home, but they’re a scrappy team that always puts up a fight. Just happy they won!

Always nice to see DePaul pick up a W, especially heading into our matchup with them. Must be a nice little morale boost to beat another team in the city as well. Congrats on the W, Bill

Happy New Years everyone!

Checking the Big East team stats (via realgm.com) as I type and see that Creighton looks strong in most offensive categories (even outstanding in some). But CU's steals and blocks are mediocre. The team commits only 10.6 fouls per game, which is lowest in the Big East (Creighton, or so it seems, is never particularly physical). Creighton is the Big East's most confounding team this year.

If you're curious, St. John's commits the most fouls per game at 18.3.

Creighton and your UConn club are shooting almost 50 percent from the field. That's outstanding.

Did you see GoldenWarrior11 posted that Marquette drew about 18,000 for its game with Creighton? Impressive, indeed.

Butler is averaging a 83.2 point per game after averaging a mere 62.6 ppg last year. What a turnaround.

DePaul is averaging a league low 66.9 ppg. That will yield lots of losses. But, yes, the win over Chicago State was nice.

Happy New Year, indeed, Nameless!

(01-01-2024 08:54 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-31-2023 10:52 AM)Nameless Wrote:  Nice W for Marquette last night. I expected them to win that one, but always good to get a win against one of the top teams in your league. I think Creighton may have been a little overrated to start the season (they’ll still probably beat us at least once this year), wondering if they drop out of the top 25 in either poll.

Expected SJU to beat Hofstra by 10+ at home, but they’re a scrappy team that always puts up a fight. Just happy they won!

Always nice to see DePaul pick up a W, especially heading into our matchup with them. Must be a nice little morale boost to beat another team in the city as well. Congrats on the W, Bill

Happy New Years everyone!

Checking the Big East team stats (via realgm.com) as I type and see that Creighton looks strong in most offensive categories (even outstanding in some). But CU's steals and blocks are mediocre. The team commits only 10.6 fouls per game, which is lowest in the Big East (Creighton, or so it seems, is never particularly physical). Creighton is the Big East's most confounding team this year.

If you're curious, St. John's commits the most fouls per game at 18.3.

Creighton and your UConn club are shooting almost 50 percent from the field. That's outstanding.

Did you see GoldenWarrior11 posted that Marquette drew about 18,000 for its game with Creighton? Impressive, indeed.

Butler is averaging a 83.2 point per game after averaging a mere 62.6 ppg last year. What a turnaround.

DePaul is averaging a league low 66.9 ppg. That will yield lots of losses. But, yes, the win over Chicago State was nice.

Happy New Year, indeed, Nameless!

Have not seen GW11’s post. Which board was it on, CRA?

Butler averaging 20+ppg more this year is astonishing. Especially considering they lost their 3 best players. Great job by Matta to bring in guys like Telfort. I have a feeling they get us when we go there to play soon, we’re going to miss Clingan’s rim protection.

Creighton is definitely known for being more about finesse than physicality. I actually hadn’t looked up any advanced stats, was just kind of spitballing based on what I know about each team and have seen thus far, so thank you for sharing. Their lack of fouls makes me think they play softer defense than most teams. Probably why they have been inconsistent, you can’t outshoot everyone. I was thinking the loss of Kaluma and Nembhard hurt them more than we all anticipated. Kaluma was their best athlete and in my eyes their best all around player. He was the one guy they had (maybe Trey Alexander as well) that was capable of bringing any physicality to the table. Ashworth is a nice player, but he doesn’t penetrate as well as Nembard. I think, despite their offense being good, it is probably more one dimensional overall. Kaluma and Nembhard could get you a bucket when your offense wasn’t flowing well. Who is that guy this year? Again, Alexander? I’m not saying they don’t have that guy, just that I’m not sure who it is if they do.

One thing I do know, it is shaping up to be quite the season. League is looking to be a crapshoot at this point. No idea who comes out on top

(01-01-2024 09:37 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-01-2024 08:54 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(12-31-2023 10:52 AM)Nameless Wrote:  Nice W for Marquette last night. I expected them to win that one, but always good to get a win against one of the top teams in your league. I think Creighton may have been a little overrated to start the season (they’ll still probably beat us at least once this year), wondering if they drop out of the top 25 in either poll.

Expected SJU to beat Hofstra by 10+ at home, but they’re a scrappy team that always puts up a fight. Just happy they won!

Always nice to see DePaul pick up a W, especially heading into our matchup with them. Must be a nice little morale boost to beat another team in the city as well. Congrats on the W, Bill

Happy New Years everyone!

Checking the Big East team stats (via realgm.com) as I type and see that Creighton looks strong in most offensive categories (even outstanding in some). But CU's steals and blocks are mediocre. The team commits only 10.6 fouls per game, which is lowest in the Big East (Creighton, or so it seems, is never particularly physical). Creighton is the Big East's most confounding team this year.

If you're curious, St. John's commits the most fouls per game at 18.3.

Creighton and your UConn club are shooting almost 50 percent from the field. That's outstanding.

Did you see GoldenWarrior11 posted that Marquette drew about 18,000 for its game with Creighton? Impressive, indeed.

Butler is averaging a 83.2 point per game after averaging a mere 62.6 ppg last year. What a turnaround.

DePaul is averaging a league low 66.9 ppg. That will yield lots of losses. But, yes, the win over Chicago State was nice.

Happy New Year, indeed, Nameless!

Have not seen GW11’s post. Which board was it on, CRA?

Butler averaging 20+ppg more this year is astonishing. Especially considering they lost their 3 best players. Great job by Matta to bring in guys like Telfort. I have a feeling they get us when we go there to play soon, we’re going to miss Clingan’s rim protection.

Creighton is definitely known for being more about finesse than physicality. I actually hadn’t looked up any advanced stats, was just kind of spitballing based on what I know about each team and have seen thus far, so thank you for sharing. Their lack of fouls makes me think they play softer defense than most teams. Probably why they have been inconsistent, you can’t outshoot everyone. I was thinking the loss of Kaluma and Nembhard hurt them more than we all anticipated. Kaluma was their best athlete and in my eyes their best all around player. He was the one guy they had (maybe Trey Alexander as well) that was capable of bringing any physicality to the table. Ashworth is a nice player, but he doesn’t penetrate as well as Nembard. I think, despite their offense being good, it is probably more one dimensional overall. Kaluma and Nembhard could get you a bucket when your offense wasn’t flowing well. Who is that guy this year? Again, Alexander? I’m not saying they don’t have that guy, just that I’m not sure who it is if they do.

One thing I do know, it is shaping up to be quite the season. League is looking to be a crapshoot at this point. No idea who comes out on top

GW11's post was on this board. I recall in the thread about "college basketball for the week."

Agree on Creighton (with that "excessive finesse" having, in part, cost the team last year in the loss to San Diego State). More physicality would help that program (which offers strong offense and quality coaching).

Big East is definitely wide open. Very exciting time for the league.

Another big win for Seton Hall tonight. If they can split with most teams in the league and double up DePaul and Georgetown they may finish like 12-8 in conference play, possibly playing themselves into the tourney.

Big loss for Providence in Hopkins. Watched it live and looked like a non contact, torn ACL. Not sure they make the tourney without him.

(01-03-2024 10:08 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Another big win for Seton Hall tonight. If they can split with most teams in the league and double up DePaul and Georgetown they may finish like 12-8 in conference play, possibly playing themselves into the tourney.

Big loss for Providence in Hopkins. Watched it live and looked like a non contact, torn ACL. Not sure they make the tourney without him.

I watched the last five minutes of the tame. Providence took some ill-advised shots and was not sufficiently patient.

Providence Journal reported early this morning the verdict is not in on the Hopkins injury. But even if he can return this season, he will miss some games and be rusty when he does come back.

Seton Hall's The Hall jersey (mainly grey with elements of blue and white) is one of my favorite uniforms among all those of the nation's many programs. Very cool look.

(01-04-2024 09:06 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-03-2024 10:08 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Another big win for Seton Hall tonight. If they can split with most teams in the league and double up DePaul and Georgetown they may finish like 12-8 in conference play, possibly playing themselves into the tourney.

Big loss for Providence in Hopkins. Watched it live and looked like a non contact, torn ACL. Not sure they make the tourney without him.

I watched the last five minutes of the tame. Providence took some ill-advised shots and was not sufficiently patient.

Providence Journal reported early this morning the verdict is not in on the Hopkins injury. But even if he can return this season, he will miss some games and be rusty when he does come back.

Seton Hall's The Hall jersey (mainly grey with elements of blue and white) is one of my favorite uniforms among all those of the nation's many programs. Very cool look.

The verdict is now in and is unfortunately a torn ACL. Not sure what to make of Providence going forward. They will be a solid team, but how much depth do they have in their front court? Will they play smaller and give Floyd and Dual more minutes, as Borzello mentioned in his short piece on ESPN? If they can avoid bad losses and pick up one more Q1 win, as well as 2-3 Q2 wins without Hopkins I think they will be in. But I’m not sure they will be capable of doing all 3 now.

Agreed on the Seton Hall unis. They looked really clean

Good win for UConn last night over Butler. I was worried about this game and they had us in the first half, looked like it may be another Seton Hall type game. But we recovered and won the game, I liked what I saw out of Jaylin Stewart when we got in foul trouble. He is starting to look more comfortable. If he starts knocking down shots and playing with confidence, watch out.

Forgot Seton Hall vs Marquette was on tonight. Pissed I missed the game. Another huge win for Seton Hall. They are rolling!

Big win for St John’s over Nova. League is wide open at the top.

Didn’t think Providence had the firepower to take Creighton on the road. Expected this outcome.

Competitive game between DePaul and Georgetown. Sorry DePaul didn’t pull out the W, Bill!

(01-06-2024 05:27 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Good win for UConn last night over Butler. I was worried about this game and they had us in the first half, looked like it may be another Seton Hall type game. But we recovered and won the game, I liked what I saw out of Jaylin Stewart when we got in foul trouble. He is starting to look more comfortable. If he starts knocking down shots and playing with confidence, watch out.

Forgot Seton Hall vs Marquette was on tonight. Pissed I missed the game. Another huge win for Seton Hall. They are rolling!

Big win for St John’s over Nova. League is wide open at the top.

Didn’t think Providence had the firepower to take Creighton on the road. Expected this outcome.

Competitive game between DePaul and Georgetown. Sorry DePaul didn’t pull out the W, Bill!

UConn may be quickly establishing itself as the clear best of what is an extremely balanced and competitive Big East, NLess. You should be cautiously optimistic.

Georgetown is better than I expected going into the season. At least DePaul hung with the Hoyas.

And what about Seton Hall? Surprise team (though only No. 73 in the latest NET ratings) of the BE this season? The Hall at Georgetown will be interesting.

Cheers!

Bill

(01-08-2024 02:06 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-06-2024 05:27 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Good win for UConn last night over Butler. I was worried about this game and they had us in the first half, looked like it may be another Seton Hall type game. But we recovered and won the game, I liked what I saw out of Jaylin Stewart when we got in foul trouble. He is starting to look more comfortable. If he starts knocking down shots and playing with confidence, watch out.

Forgot Seton Hall vs Marquette was on tonight. Pissed I missed the game. Another huge win for Seton Hall. They are rolling!

Big win for St John’s over Nova. League is wide open at the top.

Didn’t think Providence had the firepower to take Creighton on the road. Expected this outcome.

Competitive game between DePaul and Georgetown. Sorry DePaul didn’t pull out the W, Bill!

UConn may be quickly establishing itself as the clear best of what is an extremely balanced and competitive Big East, NLess. You should be cautiously optimistic.

Georgetown is better than I expected going into the season. At least DePaul hung with the Hoyas.

And what about Seton Hall? Surprise team (though only No. 73 in the latest NET ratings) of the BE this season? The Hall at Georgetown will be interesting.

Cheers!

Bill

Cautiously optimistic is exactly how I’m trying to be, lol. We were the best team in the country last year and still finished 4th in the Big East. The league is too deep to take anything for granted, especially with Clingan out. But I am thrilled to see us winning difficult games without him.

I posted a thread on the AAC board about the NET being a joke. I was referencing Memphis and SMU in that thread, but Seton Hall barely rising after going 3-1 in their last 4 games with a top 10 and top 5 win in there qualifies as BS in my book as well. Couple of posters over there mentioned a correlation between covering the spread and how your NET ranking is impacted positively or negatively as a result. I joked we should call it the “BET” since it’s a better gambling tool than tool for evaluating tournament resumes, but there may be more truth to that than I realized. They came out with the NET like 4 or 5 months after the Supreme Court struck down sports gambling bans at the federal level. I know if UConn fails to cover as 33 point favorites (take the UNH game for example) we tend to fall in the NET, even if we win by 20-25. Could be a coincidence but I think this is something I’ll try to track more deeply if I have the time

(01-08-2024 05:58 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-08-2024 02:06 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-06-2024 05:27 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Good win for UConn last night over Butler. I was worried about this game and they had us in the first half, looked like it may be another Seton Hall type game. But we recovered and won the game, I liked what I saw out of Jaylin Stewart when we got in foul trouble. He is starting to look more comfortable. If he starts knocking down shots and playing with confidence, watch out.

Forgot Seton Hall vs Marquette was on tonight. Pissed I missed the game. Another huge win for Seton Hall. They are rolling!

Big win for St John’s over Nova. League is wide open at the top.

Didn’t think Providence had the firepower to take Creighton on the road. Expected this outcome.

Competitive game between DePaul and Georgetown. Sorry DePaul didn’t pull out the W, Bill!

UConn may be quickly establishing itself as the clear best of what is an extremely balanced and competitive Big East, NLess. You should be cautiously optimistic.

Georgetown is better than I expected going into the season. At least DePaul hung with the Hoyas.

And what about Seton Hall? Surprise team (though only No. 73 in the latest NET ratings) of the BE this season? The Hall at Georgetown will be interesting.

Cheers!

Bill

Cautiously optimistic is exactly how I’m trying to be, lol. We were the best team in the country last year and still finished 4th in the Big East. The league is too deep to take anything for granted, especially with Clingan out. But I am thrilled to see us winning difficult games without him.

I posted a thread on the AAC board about the NET being a joke. I was referencing Memphis and SMU in that thread, but Seton Hall barely rising after going 3-1 in their last 4 games with a top 10 and top 5 win in there qualifies as BS in my book as well. Couple of posters over there mentioned a correlation between covering the spread and how your NET ranking is impacted positively or negatively as a result. I joked we should call it the “BET” since it’s a better gambling tool than tool for evaluating tournament resumes, but there may be more truth to that than I realized. They came out with the NET like 4 or 5 months after the Supreme Court struck down sports gambling bans at the federal level. I know if UConn fails to cover as 33 point favorites (take the UNH game for example) we tend to fall in the NET, even if we win by 20-25. Could be a coincidence but I think this is something I’ll try to track more deeply if I have the time

I did not see your post on the AAC board (which I haven't read in some time, in part, because I've soured on the league with all the defections).

Yes, the NET is a headscratcher at times. Seton Hall should have skyrocketed after those wins (the Hall barely beat Georgetown tonight; I wanted to watch some of that game but missed).

Winning tough games without a key player is often the result, at least in part, of having a top-notch coach. Hurley is starting to look like such a coach. I was skeptical at first. But he has proved me wrong.

(01-09-2024 11:31 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-08-2024 05:58 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-08-2024 02:06 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-06-2024 05:27 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Good win for UConn last night over Butler. I was worried about this game and they had us in the first half, looked like it may be another Seton Hall type game. But we recovered and won the game, I liked what I saw out of Jaylin Stewart when we got in foul trouble. He is starting to look more comfortable. If he starts knocking down shots and playing with confidence, watch out.

Forgot Seton Hall vs Marquette was on tonight. Pissed I missed the game. Another huge win for Seton Hall. They are rolling!

Big win for St John’s over Nova. League is wide open at the top.

Didn’t think Providence had the firepower to take Creighton on the road. Expected this outcome.

Competitive game between DePaul and Georgetown. Sorry DePaul didn’t pull out the W, Bill!

UConn may be quickly establishing itself as the clear best of what is an extremely balanced and competitive Big East, NLess. You should be cautiously optimistic.

Georgetown is better than I expected going into the season. At least DePaul hung with the Hoyas.

And what about Seton Hall? Surprise team (though only No. 73 in the latest NET ratings) of the BE this season? The Hall at Georgetown will be interesting.

Cheers!

Bill

Cautiously optimistic is exactly how I’m trying to be, lol. We were the best team in the country last year and still finished 4th in the Big East. The league is too deep to take anything for granted, especially with Clingan out. But I am thrilled to see us winning difficult games without him.

I posted a thread on the AAC board about the NET being a joke. I was referencing Memphis and SMU in that thread, but Seton Hall barely rising after going 3-1 in their last 4 games with a top 10 and top 5 win in there qualifies as BS in my book as well. Couple of posters over there mentioned a correlation between covering the spread and how your NET ranking is impacted positively or negatively as a result. I joked we should call it the “BET” since it’s a better gambling tool than tool for evaluating tournament resumes, but there may be more truth to that than I realized. They came out with the NET like 4 or 5 months after the Supreme Court struck down sports gambling bans at the federal level. I know if UConn fails to cover as 33 point favorites (take the UNH game for example) we tend to fall in the NET, even if we win by 20-25. Could be a coincidence but I think this is something I’ll try to track more deeply if I have the time

I did not see your post on the AAC board (which I haven't read in some time, in part, because I've soured on the league with all the defections).

Yes, the NET is a headscratcher at times. Seton Hall should have skyrocketed after those wins (the Hall barely beat Georgetown tonight; I wanted to watch some of that game but missed).

Winning tough games without a key player is often the result, at least in part, of having a top-notch coach. Hurley is starting to look like such a coach. I was skeptical at first. But he has proved me wrong.

The AAC isn’t the same for me since the defections either, even the board has a different vibe. Used to be the league was the clear cut “best of the rest” league that got no respect, and the board reflected that. Everyone would band together and bash the trolls that came from other boards, then talk crap to each other in season about who was best. Was a fun board to read more often than not. I still want the league to do well and think there are still some interesting conversations over on that board. But you can tell the league is still kind of finding its identity so it’s not quite the same.

I think the league is deep enough to be a 6 bid league, would’ve said 7 but I don’t think Providence will get the job done without Hopkins. As long as the committee doesn’t screw the Hall or the league because of a “low NET” I’m OK with the ranking at the end of the day. But yeah, definitely a BS ranking for the time being lol.

Agreed on Hurley. After 2 first round tourney exits I was wondering if he was the guy myself. But he’s such a competitor and always working on improving himself in every aspect (even if he struggles in certain areas, like his sideline emotion lol.) I think when one has that attitude success is eventually inevitable. I love Calhoun and it’s tough not to look at him as our GOAT, but I think Hurley has a chance to challenge that legacy when all is said and done. He’s that good.

Will post about last nights games later today

(01-11-2024 11:03 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-09-2024 11:31 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-08-2024 05:58 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-08-2024 02:06 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-06-2024 05:27 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Good win for UConn last night over Butler. I was worried about this game and they had us in the first half, looked like it may be another Seton Hall type game. But we recovered and won the game, I liked what I saw out of Jaylin Stewart when we got in foul trouble. He is starting to look more comfortable. If he starts knocking down shots and playing with confidence, watch out.

Forgot Seton Hall vs Marquette was on tonight. Pissed I missed the game. Another huge win for Seton Hall. They are rolling!

Big win for St John’s over Nova. League is wide open at the top.

Didn’t think Providence had the firepower to take Creighton on the road. Expected this outcome.

Competitive game between DePaul and Georgetown. Sorry DePaul didn’t pull out the W, Bill!

UConn may be quickly establishing itself as the clear best of what is an extremely balanced and competitive Big East, NLess. You should be cautiously optimistic.

Georgetown is better than I expected going into the season. At least DePaul hung with the Hoyas.

And what about Seton Hall? Surprise team (though only No. 73 in the latest NET ratings) of the BE this season? The Hall at Georgetown will be interesting.

Cheers!

Bill

Cautiously optimistic is exactly how I’m trying to be, lol. We were the best team in the country last year and still finished 4th in the Big East. The league is too deep to take anything for granted, especially with Clingan out. But I am thrilled to see us winning difficult games without him.

I posted a thread on the AAC board about the NET being a joke. I was referencing Memphis and SMU in that thread, but Seton Hall barely rising after going 3-1 in their last 4 games with a top 10 and top 5 win in there qualifies as BS in my book as well. Couple of posters over there mentioned a correlation between covering the spread and how your NET ranking is impacted positively or negatively as a result. I joked we should call it the “BET” since it’s a better gambling tool than tool for evaluating tournament resumes, but there may be more truth to that than I realized. They came out with the NET like 4 or 5 months after the Supreme Court struck down sports gambling bans at the federal level. I know if UConn fails to cover as 33 point favorites (take the UNH game for example) we tend to fall in the NET, even if we win by 20-25. Could be a coincidence but I think this is something I’ll try to track more deeply if I have the time

I did not see your post on the AAC board (which I haven't read in some time, in part, because I've soured on the league with all the defections).

Yes, the NET is a headscratcher at times. Seton Hall should have skyrocketed after those wins (the Hall barely beat Georgetown tonight; I wanted to watch some of that game but missed).

Winning tough games without a key player is often the result, at least in part, of having a top-notch coach. Hurley is starting to look like such a coach. I was skeptical at first. But he has proved me wrong.

The AAC isn’t the same for me since the defections either, even the board has a different vibe. Used to be the league was the clear cut “best of the rest” league that got no respect, and the board reflected that. Everyone would band together and bash the trolls that came from other boards, then talk crap to each other in season about who was best. Was a fun board to read more often than not. I still want the league to do well and think there are still some interesting conversations over on that board. But you can tell the league is still kind of finding its identity so it’s not quite the same.

I think the league is deep enough to be a 6 bid league, would’ve said 7 but I don’t think Providence will get the job done without Hopkins. As long as the committee doesn’t screw the Hall or the league because of a “low NET” I’m OK with the ranking at the end of the day. But yeah, definitely a BS ranking for the time being lol.

Agreed on Hurley. After 2 first round tourney exits I was wondering if he was the guy myself. But he’s such a competitor and always working on improving himself in every aspect (even if he struggles in certain areas, like his sideline emotion lol.) I think when one has that attitude success is eventually inevitable. I love Calhoun and it’s tough not to look at him as our GOAT, but I think Hurley has a chance to challenge that legacy when all is said and done. He’s that good.

Will post about last nights games later today

I also want the AAC to do well so as to indirectly benefit Memphis (yes, I realize that is rather selfish). But my interest in the league is modest at best. I never watch an AAC football or men's basketball game unless Memphis is involved. In the past, however, I would watch, for example, Houston play UConn in hoops. Of Temple play Cincy (in part, because my brother attended UC). Those days in the AAC are over.

Even with Providence likely to not make the NCAA tourney, the Big East will still have eight teams with a shot. I feel confident six will make it.

Has Hurley been working to be less of a "you know what"? Seems he may have softened his persona somewhat (for the better, too). If so, that might allude to the "improving himself" theme you reference.

Meant to post about the games on 1/10, typed a whole post up and forgot to submit it, lol.

As far as Wednesday nights games, I’ll start with UConn. Should’ve been a 10+ point road win, I have no idea what we were doing the final 3 minutes. However the fact that every other top 5 team lost heading into Thursday, combined with the ref telling Newton when he was at the line with UConn up 3 at the end of the game, “you’re this close tobgetting a T” makes me thankful we even escaped with a W. Xavier may not be as good this year, but that was still a Q1 road win without Clingan. I’ll take it.

Huge win for Butler over Marquette. Think that was one they had to have not just for their resume, but to keep the team engaged. There are no easy games in the Big East so to lose 4 close games in a row may have killed chemistry. Wanted them to pick up the W against Seton Hall yesterday, but they came up just short there. They currently sit on the outside looking in but are a clear NIT team at worst with a chance to make the dance still.

Providence is fading fast. They were keeping things close in every game since they lost Hopkins, and the AMP is still an incredibly difficult place to play, so I didn’t expect them to get blown out by 20 at home by X, especially after almost beating SJU. Not sure what to make of them now. Definitely think they will miss the tourney, which is unfortunate. They were probably just as good as last year with Hopkins healthy, if not better. English can coach.

Creighton got a much needed home win over SJU yesterday as well. Think SJU may finish in the top 3 of the league this year, would’ve had them in the 5-7 range before the season. Don’t see them dropping any lower than 6th now, and they’re probably more realistically in the 3-5 range. Think UConn will finish ahead of them, probably Creighton, then I’m not so sure. Marquette already has 3 losses but can easily right the ship and finish 15-5 in league play, if not better. Seton Hall is rolling, but I think SJU is the more talented team. I actually think SJU has more depth than Villanova, and Pitino is a better coach than Neptune, so I expect SJU to finish ahead of them in the league standings. However Villanova is a veteran team so I wouldn’t be shocked if they did better than SJU once all is said and done. I’ll guess they finish 4th overall since it’s in the middle of my 3-5 range for them.

Has been a fun season thus far

(01-11-2024 10:57 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-11-2024 11:03 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-09-2024 11:31 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-08-2024 05:58 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-08-2024 02:06 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  UConn may be quickly establishing itself as the clear best of what is an extremely balanced and competitive Big East, NLess. You should be cautiously optimistic.

Georgetown is better than I expected going into the season. At least DePaul hung with the Hoyas.

And what about Seton Hall? Surprise team (though only No. 73 in the latest NET ratings) of the BE this season? The Hall at Georgetown will be interesting.

Cheers!

Bill

Cautiously optimistic is exactly how I’m trying to be, lol. We were the best team in the country last year and still finished 4th in the Big East. The league is too deep to take anything for granted, especially with Clingan out. But I am thrilled to see us winning difficult games without him.

I posted a thread on the AAC board about the NET being a joke. I was referencing Memphis and SMU in that thread, but Seton Hall barely rising after going 3-1 in their last 4 games with a top 10 and top 5 win in there qualifies as BS in my book as well. Couple of posters over there mentioned a correlation between covering the spread and how your NET ranking is impacted positively or negatively as a result. I joked we should call it the “BET” since it’s a better gambling tool than tool for evaluating tournament resumes, but there may be more truth to that than I realized. They came out with the NET like 4 or 5 months after the Supreme Court struck down sports gambling bans at the federal level. I know if UConn fails to cover as 33 point favorites (take the UNH game for example) we tend to fall in the NET, even if we win by 20-25. Could be a coincidence but I think this is something I’ll try to track more deeply if I have the time

I did not see your post on the AAC board (which I haven't read in some time, in part, because I've soured on the league with all the defections).

Yes, the NET is a headscratcher at times. Seton Hall should have skyrocketed after those wins (the Hall barely beat Georgetown tonight; I wanted to watch some of that game but missed).

Winning tough games without a key player is often the result, at least in part, of having a top-notch coach. Hurley is starting to look like such a coach. I was skeptical at first. But he has proved me wrong.

The AAC isn’t the same for me since the defections either, even the board has a different vibe. Used to be the league was the clear cut “best of the rest” league that got no respect, and the board reflected that. Everyone would band together and bash the trolls that came from other boards, then talk crap to each other in season about who was best. Was a fun board to read more often than not. I still want the league to do well and think there are still some interesting conversations over on that board. But you can tell the league is still kind of finding its identity so it’s not quite the same.

I think the league is deep enough to be a 6 bid league, would’ve said 7 but I don’t think Providence will get the job done without Hopkins. As long as the committee doesn’t screw the Hall or the league because of a “low NET” I’m OK with the ranking at the end of the day. But yeah, definitely a BS ranking for the time being lol.

Agreed on Hurley. After 2 first round tourney exits I was wondering if he was the guy myself. But he’s such a competitor and always working on improving himself in every aspect (even if he struggles in certain areas, like his sideline emotion lol.) I think when one has that attitude success is eventually inevitable. I love Calhoun and it’s tough not to look at him as our GOAT, but I think Hurley has a chance to challenge that legacy when all is said and done. He’s that good.

Will post about last nights games later today

I also want the AAC to do well so as to indirectly benefit Memphis (yes, I realize that is rather selfish). But my interest in the league is modest at best. I never watch an AAC football or men's basketball game unless Memphis is involved. In the past, however, I would watch, for example, Houston play UConn in hoops. Of Temple play Cincy (in part, because my brother attended UC). Those days in the AAC are over.

Even with Providence likely to not make the NCAA tourney, the Big East will still have eight teams with a shot. I feel confident six will make it.

Has Hurley been working to be less of a "you know what"? Seems he may have softened his persona somewhat (for the better, too). If so, that might allude to the "improving himself" theme you reference.

My interest in the AAC has waned a bit as well. The 3 departures were some of my favorite teams to root for, and I have no attachment to most of the CUSA-6 (I’ve always like UAB since I was a kid and they had Robert Vaden, so they’re the lone exception.) But I spent so much time rooting for the league to get the respect it deserved I still care about the league’s succes.

I think Hurley has worked to control his emotions, not necessarily be less of an a-hole, lol. He still gets too into it over small calls, but he is at least trying to stay more composed

(01-14-2024 12:41 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-11-2024 10:57 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-11-2024 11:03 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-09-2024 11:31 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-08-2024 05:58 PM)Nameless Wrote:  Cautiously optimistic is exactly how I’m trying to be, lol. We were the best team in the country last year and still finished 4th in the Big East. The league is too deep to take anything for granted, especially with Clingan out. But I am thrilled to see us winning difficult games without him.

I posted a thread on the AAC board about the NET being a joke. I was referencing Memphis and SMU in that thread, but Seton Hall barely rising after going 3-1 in their last 4 games with a top 10 and top 5 win in there qualifies as BS in my book as well. Couple of posters over there mentioned a correlation between covering the spread and how your NET ranking is impacted positively or negatively as a result. I joked we should call it the “BET” since it’s a better gambling tool than tool for evaluating tournament resumes, but there may be more truth to that than I realized. They came out with the NET like 4 or 5 months after the Supreme Court struck down sports gambling bans at the federal level. I know if UConn fails to cover as 33 point favorites (take the UNH game for example) we tend to fall in the NET, even if we win by 20-25. Could be a coincidence but I think this is something I’ll try to track more deeply if I have the time

I did not see your post on the AAC board (which I haven't read in some time, in part, because I've soured on the league with all the defections).

Yes, the NET is a headscratcher at times. Seton Hall should have skyrocketed after those wins (the Hall barely beat Georgetown tonight; I wanted to watch some of that game but missed).

Winning tough games without a key player is often the result, at least in part, of having a top-notch coach. Hurley is starting to look like such a coach. I was skeptical at first. But he has proved me wrong.

The AAC isn’t the same for me since the defections either, even the board has a different vibe. Used to be the league was the clear cut “best of the rest” league that got no respect, and the board reflected that. Everyone would band together and bash the trolls that came from other boards, then talk crap to each other in season about who was best. Was a fun board to read more often than not. I still want the league to do well and think there are still some interesting conversations over on that board. But you can tell the league is still kind of finding its identity so it’s not quite the same.

I think the league is deep enough to be a 6 bid league, would’ve said 7 but I don’t think Providence will get the job done without Hopkins. As long as the committee doesn’t screw the Hall or the league because of a “low NET” I’m OK with the ranking at the end of the day. But yeah, definitely a BS ranking for the time being lol.

Agreed on Hurley. After 2 first round tourney exits I was wondering if he was the guy myself. But he’s such a competitor and always working on improving himself in every aspect (even if he struggles in certain areas, like his sideline emotion lol.) I think when one has that attitude success is eventually inevitable. I love Calhoun and it’s tough not to look at him as our GOAT, but I think Hurley has a chance to challenge that legacy when all is said and done. He’s that good.

Will post about last nights games later today

I also want the AAC to do well so as to indirectly benefit Memphis (yes, I realize that is rather selfish). But my interest in the league is modest at best. I never watch an AAC football or men's basketball game unless Memphis is involved. In the past, however, I would watch, for example, Houston play UConn in hoops. Of Temple play Cincy (in part, because my brother attended UC). Those days in the AAC are over.

Even with Providence likely to not make the NCAA tourney, the Big East will still have eight teams with a shot. I feel confident six will make it.

Has Hurley been working to be less of a "you know what"? Seems he may have softened his persona somewhat (for the better, too). If so, that might allude to the "improving himself" theme you reference.

My interest in the AAC has waned a bit as well. The 3 departures were some of my favorite teams to root for, and I have no attachment to most of the CUSA-6 (I’ve always like UAB since I was a kid and they had Robert Vaden, so they’re the lone exception.) But I spent so much time rooting for the league to get the respect it deserved I still care about the league’s succes.

I think Hurley has worked to control his emotions, not necessarily be less of an a-hole, lol. He still gets too into it over small calls, but he is at least trying to stay more composed

If Hurley at least knows he can be a jerk far more so than the average person (and it sure seems he can) ... that's half the battle. Self-awareness is a good thing.

As to UAB, I have always liked that program dating to its founding under the late and semi-legendary "Clean" Gene Bartow. This is likely because when Bartow coached at Memphis State, my father did some — cough, cough — "recruiting" for the Tiger football and basketball programs. He said Gene was great to work with.

UAB was a quality add for the AAC (perfect location/college sports market, football/hoops, academics and shared-league history with Memphis, Tulane, Tulsa, etc.).

UAB or not, however, as a Memphis fan, I simply don't feel very "psychologically invested" in the AAC (and, in particular, basketball) with all the membership changes.

I actually on occasion check box scores of Big East games but rarely do so for AAC hoops contests — and I'm not even a "fan," in the true sense, of the Big East. But because DePaul "feels right" in the BE, I feel slightly psychologically invested in BE hoops. In contrast, Memphis basketball doesn't "feel right" in the AAC and have minimal interest in the league's hoops (other than, say, Temple, UAB and Wichita).

I will say, however, that I do enjoy (to an extent) following AAC football. And the addition of Army will elevate my interest. So that's a positive.

Stay warm, my friend.

(01-15-2024 10:12 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-14-2024 12:41 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-11-2024 10:57 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-11-2024 11:03 AM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-09-2024 11:31 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  I did not see your post on the AAC board (which I haven't read in some time, in part, because I've soured on the league with all the defections).

Yes, the NET is a headscratcher at times. Seton Hall should have skyrocketed after those wins (the Hall barely beat Georgetown tonight; I wanted to watch some of that game but missed).

Winning tough games without a key player is often the result, at least in part, of having a top-notch coach. Hurley is starting to look like such a coach. I was skeptical at first. But he has proved me wrong.

The AAC isn’t the same for me since the defections either, even the board has a different vibe. Used to be the league was the clear cut “best of the rest” league that got no respect, and the board reflected that. Everyone would band together and bash the trolls that came from other boards, then talk crap to each other in season about who was best. Was a fun board to read more often than not. I still want the league to do well and think there are still some interesting conversations over on that board. But you can tell the league is still kind of finding its identity so it’s not quite the same.

I think the league is deep enough to be a 6 bid league, would’ve said 7 but I don’t think Providence will get the job done without Hopkins. As long as the committee doesn’t screw the Hall or the league because of a “low NET” I’m OK with the ranking at the end of the day. But yeah, definitely a BS ranking for the time being lol.

Agreed on Hurley. After 2 first round tourney exits I was wondering if he was the guy myself. But he’s such a competitor and always working on improving himself in every aspect (even if he struggles in certain areas, like his sideline emotion lol.) I think when one has that attitude success is eventually inevitable. I love Calhoun and it’s tough not to look at him as our GOAT, but I think Hurley has a chance to challenge that legacy when all is said and done. He’s that good.

Will post about last nights games later today

I also want the AAC to do well so as to indirectly benefit Memphis (yes, I realize that is rather selfish). But my interest in the league is modest at best. I never watch an AAC football or men's basketball game unless Memphis is involved. In the past, however, I would watch, for example, Houston play UConn in hoops. Of Temple play Cincy (in part, because my brother attended UC). Those days in the AAC are over.

Even with Providence likely to not make the NCAA tourney, the Big East will still have eight teams with a shot. I feel confident six will make it.

Has Hurley been working to be less of a "you know what"? Seems he may have softened his persona somewhat (for the better, too). If so, that might allude to the "improving himself" theme you reference.

My interest in the AAC has waned a bit as well. The 3 departures were some of my favorite teams to root for, and I have no attachment to most of the CUSA-6 (I’ve always like UAB since I was a kid and they had Robert Vaden, so they’re the lone exception.) But I spent so much time rooting for the league to get the respect it deserved I still care about the league’s succes.

I think Hurley has worked to control his emotions, not necessarily be less of an a-hole, lol. He still gets too into it over small calls, but he is at least trying to stay more composed

If Hurley at least knows he can be a jerk far more so than the average person (and it sure seems he can) ... that's half the battle. Self-awareness is a good thing.

As to UAB, I have always liked that program dating to its founding under the late and semi-legendary "Clean" Gene Bartow. This is likely because when Bartow coached at Memphis State, my father did some — cough, cough — "recruiting" for the Tiger football and basketball programs. He said Gene was great to work with.

UAB was a quality add for the AAC (perfect location/college sports market, football/hoops, academics and shared-league history with Memphis, Tulane, Tulsa, etc.).

UAB or not, however, as a Memphis fan, I simply don't feel very "psychologically invested" in the AAC (and, in particular, basketball) with all the membership changes.

I actually on occasion check box scores of Big East games but rarely do so for AAC hoops contests — and I'm not even a "fan," in the true sense, of the Big East. But because DePaul "feels right" in the BE, I feel slightly psychologically invested in BE hoops. In contrast, Memphis basketball doesn't "feel right" in the AAC and have minimal interest in the league's hoops (other than, say, Temple, UAB and Wichita).

I will say, however, that I do enjoy (to an extent) following AAC football. And the addition of Army will elevate my interest. So that's a positive.

Stay warm, my friend.

Yeah, I can relate. I think I have an interest at this point because I liked talking to a lot of posters on the AAC board, and I can relate to being in a league that as you said, “feels right” for your program that is then torn apart and has to start from scratch. The league was always the underdog that punched up and did well for the decade it existed after the Big East split, so I know it pained a lot of them the conference did not perform as well in football this season. I root for the growth of the league so hopefully they can all have a league that both “punches up” and “feels right” again, if that makes sense.

On a different note, UConn is #1 again for the first time in almost 15 years. All is right with the world again, lol.

P.S. While it may be unseasonably cold here in FL at the moment, it is still quite easy for me to stay warm these days having been born in CT… staying cool is a different story

(01-15-2024 07:56 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-15-2024 10:12 AM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-14-2024 12:41 PM)Nameless Wrote:  

(01-11-2024 10:57 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  

(01-11-2024 11:03 AM)Nameless Wrote:  The AAC isn’t the same for me since the defections either, even the board has a different vibe. Used to be the league was the clear cut “best of the rest” league that got no respect, and the board reflected that. Everyone would band together and bash the trolls that came from other boards, then talk crap to each other in season about who was best. Was a fun board to read more often than not. I still want the league to do well and think there are still some interesting conversations over on that board. But you can tell the league is still kind of finding its identity so it’s not quite the same.

I think the league is deep enough to be a 6 bid league, would’ve said 7 but I don’t think Providence will get the job done without Hopkins. As long as the committee doesn’t screw the Hall or the league because of a “low NET” I’m OK with the ranking at the end of the day. But yeah, definitely a BS ranking for the time being lol.

Agreed on Hurley. After 2 first round tourney exits I was wondering if he was the guy myself. But he’s such a competitor and always working on improving himself in every aspect (even if he struggles in certain areas, like his sideline emotion lol.) I think when one has that attitude success is eventually inevitable. I love Calhoun and it’s tough not to look at him as our GOAT, but I think Hurley has a chance to challenge that legacy when all is said and done. He’s that good.

Will post about last nights games later today

I also want the AAC to do well so as to indirectly benefit Memphis (yes, I realize that is rather selfish). But my interest in the league is modest at best. I never watch an AAC football or men's basketball game unless Memphis is involved. In the past, however, I would watch, for example, Houston play UConn in hoops. Of Temple play Cincy (in part, because my brother attended UC). Those days in the AAC are over.

Even with Providence likely to not make the NCAA tourney, the Big East will still have eight teams with a shot. I feel confident six will make it.

Has Hurley been working to be less of a "you know what"? Seems he may have softened his persona somewhat (for the better, too). If so, that might allude to the "improving himself" theme you reference.

My interest in the AAC has waned a bit as well. The 3 departures were some of my favorite teams to root for, and I have no attachment to most of the CUSA-6 (I’ve always like UAB since I was a kid and they had Robert Vaden, so they’re the lone exception.) But I spent so much time rooting for the league to get the respect it deserved I still care about the league’s succes.

I think Hurley has worked to control his emotions, not necessarily be less of an a-hole, lol. He still gets too into it over small calls, but he is at least trying to stay more composed

If Hurley at least knows he can be a jerk far more so than the average person (and it sure seems he can) ... that's half the battle. Self-awareness is a good thing.

As to UAB, I have always liked that program dating to its founding under the late and semi-legendary "Clean" Gene Bartow. This is likely because when Bartow coached at Memphis State, my father did some — cough, cough — "recruiting" for the Tiger football and basketball programs. He said Gene was great to work with.

UAB was a quality add for the AAC (perfect location/college sports market, football/hoops, academics and shared-league history with Memphis, Tulane, Tulsa, etc.).

UAB or not, however, as a Memphis fan, I simply don't feel very "psychologically invested" in the AAC (and, in particular, basketball) with all the membership changes.

I actually on occasion check box scores of Big East games but rarely do so for AAC hoops contests — and I'm not even a "fan," in the true sense, of the Big East. But because DePaul "feels right" in the BE, I feel slightly psychologically invested in BE hoops. In contrast, Memphis basketball doesn't "feel right" in the AAC and have minimal interest in the league's hoops (other than, say, Temple, UAB and Wichita).

I will say, however, that I do enjoy (to an extent) following AAC football. And the addition of Army will elevate my interest. So that's a positive.

Stay warm, my friend.

Yeah, I can relate. I think I have an interest at this point because I liked talking to a lot of posters on the AAC board, and I can relate to being in a league that as you said, “feels right” for your program that is then torn apart and has to start from scratch. The league was always the underdog that punched up and did well for the decade it existed after the Big East split, so I know it pained a lot of them the conference did not perform as well in football this season. I root for the growth of the league so hopefully they can all have a league that both “punches up” and “feels right” again, if that makes sense.

On a different note, UConn is #1 again for the first time in almost 15 years. All is right with the world again, lol.

P.S. While it may be unseasonably cold here in FL at the moment, it is still quite easy for me to stay warm these days having been born in CT… staying cool is a different story

This Memphis fan thanks you for your "AAC positivity," NLess!

Enjoy the warmth in Florida (it's COLD in Nashville) and congrats on the win.