While Marquette doesn't face a difficult opponent until elite 8.....just great, that explains why I threw up when the East was revealed.
I don't get too into the "easy road/hard road" thing. People have inherent biases on which teams they think are good or not so good. Bracketing is not easy to do, because there are so many considerations at play putting teams on certain lines. The committee is never out to "screw" a team.
Each and every game will be difficult. But you only play the team that's on the other side of the court from you each time. Lace 'em up and make your free throws!
Choice how do feel Duke now vs Nov is different?Few thoughts on our bracket:
1. Oral Roberts isn't going to be a cakewalk for Duke. Though Duke has looked tough as of late, this won't be an easy one.
2. Tennessee - I know they lost their starting PG but they are still a good team and could make some noise.
3. Providence could very well knock off Kentucky. They could be a disruptor in that lower half of the bracket.
4. Kansas State has the formula for teams that make deep runs with strong and physical guards.
5. USC & MSU - depending on which version of those teams show up could cause a stir.
6. Marquette - Can Shaka regain that formula in the tourney?
The Duke team we played in Portland isn't the one right now.Choice how do feel Duke now vs Nov is different?
Watched them the other night , much better focus and tighter defense coverage.The Duke team we played in Portland isn't the one right now.
They have won 11 straight and are seemingly meshing better now.
I don't have ability to see how their starting lineup has changed or how their defense/offense numbers have changed. I think a rematch would be interesting especially if we can do what we did to them in Portland.
Interesting tidbit on #3. Bryce Hopkins transferred from Kentucky to Providence last year.Few thoughts on our bracket:
1. Oral Roberts isn't going to be a cakewalk for Duke. Though Duke has looked tough as of late, this won't be an easy one.
2. Tennessee - I know they lost their starting PG but they are still a good team and could make some noise.
3. Providence could very well knock off Kentucky. They could be a disruptor in that lower half of the bracket.
4. Kansas State has the formula for teams that make deep runs with strong and physical guards.
5. USC & MSU - depending on which version of those teams show up could cause a stir.
6. Marquette - Can Shaka regain that formula in the tourney?
Agee. I live in ACC country, and they're getting much stronger. They had some injuries earlier in the year and are back at full strength. That said, the ACC is down a little this year, and I think they took advantage of several teams, including UNC, not meeting expectations.The Duke team we played in Portland isn't the one right now.
They have won 11 straight and are seemingly meshing better now.
I don't have ability to see how their starting lineup has changed or how their defense/offense numbers have changed. I think a rematch would be interesting especially if we can do what we did to them in Portland.
Slight underdogs in both I would guess.Two things jump out at me about Purdue's bracket:
1) There's another tough R32 test looming, similar to Texas last year. My gut tells me it will be Memphis---the exact kind of team that often gives Purdue problems in the tournament.
2) Potential remathes with #5 Duke and #2 Marquette---if Purdue makes it that far. Purdue beat both early on (Marquette at home). Would Purdue be favored against either today?
Heck of lot more who's playing well at the end of the season than what their ranking or overall record is.
You're going to play good teams to win it. Whether that's 2 good teams or 3 doens't really matter.
Never get upset by a tourney draw.
I don't get too into the "easy road/hard road" thing. People have inherent biases on which teams they think are good or not so good. Bracketing is not easy to do, because there are so many considerations at play putting teams on certain lines. The committee is never out to "screw" a team.
Each and every game will be difficult. But you only play the team that's on the other side of the court from you each time. Lace 'em up and make your free throws!
Experience of the young guys.Choice how do feel Duke now vs Nov is different?
Very good Dr.Bonefish , I concur with this fine assessment and yes, totally different team than we played, of course providing we win we will most likely meet this new and improved Duke and pray we have found our lost 3 pt shot again...Experience of the young guys.
When you have the talent Duke has, it just takes it a while to become college ready. They've had 30+ games now, so the freshman are battle tested. And the coach has been there as a player and asst so he's not going to get starry eyed.
Very good Dr.Bonefish , I concur with this fine assessment and yes, totally different team than we played, of course providing we win we will most likely meet this new and improved Duke and pray we have found our lost 3 pt shot again...
I think they all have Loyeritis except Jenkins....To be successful we are going to need to hit 3s at 30%+ as a team. For that to happen Fletcher is going to have to find himself. Hopefully, Jenkins and Gillis can continue to knock them down at that rate as well. I worry based on our recent struggles.
a really strong case can be made that Loyer has regressed over the last 6 weeks. Smith has been pretty consistent most of the year, but he also doesn't have the ceiling that a 5 star Duke freshman has.Interesting the Duke frosh are better now.....where as Purdue frosh now are?
Oh yeh, Brandon and Fletcher are looking "real" college ready and battle tested......Experience of the young guys.
When you have the talent Duke has, it just takes it a while to become college ready. They've had 30+ games now, so the freshman are battle tested. And the coach has been there as a player and asst so he's not going to get starry eyed.
Yes, he does.a really strong case can be made that Loyer has regressed over the last 6 weeks. Smith has been pretty consistent most of the year, but he also doesn't have the ceiling that a 5 star Duke freshman has.
I don't "think" Fletch is going to right the shooting ship this season. Love to be wrong, but it does seem his legs are gone. When you are a shooter spinning out free throws reguarly you have a shooting problem.To be successful we are going to need to hit 3s at 30%+ as a team. For that to happen Fletcher is going to have to find himself. Hopefully, Jenkins and Gillis can continue to knock them down at that rate as well. I worry based on our recent struggles.
I can understand the concern over Fletch, but I think Braden Smith is doing just fine. He's had a historic freshman season. The guy led Purdue in assists by a mile. He's shooting nearly 40% from 3 and nearly 90% from the foul line. It's true that his shooting numbers have gone up-and-down on a game-by-game basis, but that's true of everyone. Hell, he's Purdue's 3rd leading rebounder despite being the shortest guy on the team.Oh yeh, Brandon and Fletcher are looking "real" college ready and battle tested......
I hope to Hell Dukes freshmen look the same.
Back to betting Bigly again 🤣 let it roll, your to much a big spender , outta my league...just teasing, good comments/thoughts!!!! and that's my 1/2 cent .I can understand the concern over Fletch, but I think Braden Smith is doing just fine. He's had a historic freshman season. The guy led Purdue in assists by a mile. He's shooting nearly 40% from 3 and nearly 90% from the foul line. It's true that his shooting numbers have gone up-and-down on a game-by-game basis, but that's true of everyone. Hell, he's Purdue's 3rd leading rebounder despite being the shortest guy on the team.
This is my $.02 on Braden Smith---and I'm not saying people have to agree with me: the kid is a true gamer. He's grit and toughness. He's productive. He leads as a freshmen. I get that he has physical limitations, but Purdue doesn't win without him. I think we all have to learn to live with that because he's not going to spend much time on the bench over the next three years.
Sorry, but a 6'5 5* recruit is going to have a much higher ceiling than a 5'11 2* recruit.Yes, he does.
everyone was begging for a 1 and we got itWhile Marquette doesn't face a difficult opponent until elite 8.....just great, that explains why I threw up when the East was revealed.
Loyeritis ? was a good LB at osuI think they all have Loyeritis except Jenkins....
said on Sunday night I wouldn't count out FAUWin Friday first and then see what happens. I think that there’s a very good chance that Memphis doesn’t make it to the second round. They are talented, but very inconsistent.
Agreed. Smith needs to stay aggressive offensively and when he does usually good things happen.I can understand the concern over Fletch, but I think Braden Smith is doing just fine. He's had a historic freshman season. The guy led Purdue in assists by a mile. He's shooting nearly 40% from 3 and nearly 90% from the foul line. It's true that his shooting numbers have gone up-and-down on a game-by-game basis, but that's true of everyone. Hell, he's Purdue's 3rd leading rebounder despite being the shortest guy on the team.
This is my $.02 on Braden Smith---and I'm not saying people have to agree with me: the kid is a true gamer. He's grit and toughness. He's productive. He leads as a freshmen. I get that he has physical limitations, but Purdue doesn't win without him. I think we all have to learn to live with that because he's not going to spend much time on the bench over the next three years.
Yep, it is the best chance to win a championship. No complaints from me on the bracket.everyone was begging for a 1 and we got it
The rest of the budget goes to beer and pizza this time of year!Back to betting Bigly again 🤣 let it roll, your to much a big spender , outta my league...just teasing, good comments/thoughts!!!! and that's my 1/2 cent .