JuiceCruz16

QUOTE(knightni @ Feb 27, 2008 -> 12:48 PM) That means nothing. When did a school smaller than 3A, win the whole thing? Plymouth was equal to a 3A school, as was New Albany. Milan's even 2A today. The arguement was that they could not ever compete. If you lose by 2 in the final 4 or your one of the last 8 teams standing in the entire state then you ARE COMPETING! MY school until my senior year was East Chicago Roosevelt it would have been 2A before it consolidated to become EC Central and we could compete every year even though we had not won state since 1970 (at that time we would have been 3A). When you are in the championship game or the final four or even semi-state in one class that counts for much more then a NAIA type laughable 1A /2A crown. It's the hey lets give everyone a trophy for just competeing mentality of today. My kid won state too. C'mon the Indiana 1 class was televised on ESPN, (but Concord with Kemp can't compete with big ole Muncie, hell Concord only beat the smaller school Bishop Noll in the semi finals before losing to Muncie Central in the title game) countless books, big time hollywood movies, etc all were wrong. I guarentee you Noll making the final four and bowing out to the Kemp led Concord trumps any bulls*** 2A title they may have won that year with classes. now it is NOTHING special just one of fifty high school events, but 8 times as many kids claim to be state champs . One class sectionals had more buzz then the state finals do now, and it's not even close. Winning a regional held WAY more weight then a small school state crown.

Mason Plumlee the 6'11 kid from the 2009 class commited to Duke. Solid get for the dookies, his stock shot up over the last summer. I know Carolina gave him a look before the Wear twins & Henson verballed. I think Illinios, ND, also had a visit from him, but when Duke offered not to long ago it didn't take him long to say yes.

QUOTE(Jimbo's Drinker @ Feb 25, 2008 -> 05:13 PM) Tyrone Appleton #3 Juco in the land signs with KU. We now have the number 1 and 3 juco's for next year. translation....were f***ed. The Appleton kid is from Gary Roosevelt, he left after his jr. year to go to a prep school in Cinncy, I think to work on his grades and stay out of trouble. That didn't work out so great since he did not qualify to go to Virginai Tech and had to go the JUCO route anyway. I saw a lot of him up to his senior year playing in the region he is solid on the court, but never knocked my socks off, but that was 3 years ago. The local paper had a nice little article on him today signing with Kansas. He said all the right things and I wish him luck in Lawrence.

QUOTE(Brian @ Feb 26, 2008 -> 09:48 AM) Jack Cooley from Glenbrook South just committed to ND. He's 6'9 now but just a junior. Could reach 6'11. OK , they have zero recruits coming in for next year so I was just wondering.

QUOTE(knightni @ Feb 25, 2008 -> 07:47 PM) I'm real excited that Notre Dame is doing so well this year (21-5). They get some size to help Harrangody next year and they could be a final four team by 2009-2010. All their better guys are sophomores or freshmen and none are NBA-leave-early prospects. Now, if they can only win more on the road and win the Big East tourney... Who is this size coming in?

QUOTE(knightni @ Feb 25, 2008 -> 07:51 PM) I think it's fine how it is. The one class thing was dominated by the 4 and 5A schools. You weren't going to have a Milan/Hickory thing happen any time in the near future anyway. I don't buy that many smaller teams made the final 4 or elite 8 or sweet sixteen. You are competitive if you get to that level. When Gary Velt won with Glen Robinson, they beat a 2A Indy Brebuf with Alan Henderson, and little ole Whitco in the semi final. Merriville followed from the region as a state finalist by beating North judson in the elite. My Roomates in college were from tiny 1A Northfield they lost in the regional final to mighty Marion their Jr. year and then lost in OT to South Bend Riley in the elite 8 their senior year. Their were competitive lower class teams each year somewhere. The state tournament lost it's luster just so more mediocre teams can feel say I'm a state champion. Last year I joked with the Plymoth fans how it was great they supported their team so much showing up to see the JV game. (3A state title game) They sure did ok with Skiles beating Gary Velt for the crown when it was one class.

QUOTE(ChiSox_Sonix @ Feb 25, 2008 -> 01:36 PM) Ya UCONN's backcourt with Price, Dyson, Wiggins, Austrie and Beverly all returning plus the additions of Walker and Haralson wouldnt seem to be a great fit and he would probably lack the exposure at Seton Hall. 'Nova has Scotty Reynolds coming back so he wouldn tbe the premier scorer there. L'Ville may be his best bet to be the go to guy depending on whether CDR comes back next year or not i guess. And i was surprised about your assessment on Riek. From what little i've heard, is he would be at worse like a Thabeet of last year if he went to college for a year. And although unpolished, he was still a defensive presence last year. I am really down on Reik but he is a beast of a man who is almost totally unpolished, so who knows, but I see a lot af a Brian Zubeck with far less skills and just more body. Not very impressive to me at all, but some people have high hopes for him so good luck to him. I have only saw him a couple of times on TV and the like so maybe I am missing something, but I would pass on him all together.

QUOTE(ChiSox_Sonix @ Feb 25, 2008 -> 12:36 PM) Thanks for the info. I dont follow the recruiting process too closely during the current seasons I wouldn't count out 'nova either at this point. He really wants to be a featured scorer in his freshman season to maximize his NBA stock after one year. 'Nova fits, but with Rose departing it seems like Memphis has the inside track for him at the moment. Scotty Hopson who backed out of his Miss. State commit intrigues me the most right now. There is some concern with his work ethic etc, but he is ultra skilled as well and out there to be swooped up.

QUOTE(ChiSox_Sonix @ Feb 25, 2008 -> 09:49 AM) Anyone hear anything new about Tyreke Evans or John Riek? I know Evans is considering UConn, L'Ville, 'Nova, Memphis and the Hall but i havent heard where he is leaning. I'd guess Memphis since Rose will be leaving and Uconn has Kemba Walker coming in. And last i heard about Riek was Uconn was the only school recruiting him becuase the belief is he is gonna skip school and do some AAU type program and go to the NBA the following year. I dont understand it, its some loophole. I do know he'd be great in Storrs replacing Thabeet who's probably gone after this year. I heard Evans was a early slight Louisville lean (after UNC did not offer which was his childhood favorite and very early favorite til they passed on him, due to grade issues and he seems to be 1 and done), but now he looks to be a strong Memphis lean. Riek will be able to enter the NBA draft, since he technically is a grad from last year and I hear he looks to be going that route. He is a project at best in my opinion, I'm not impressed with Riek at all. UCONN & Duke did pursue him hard, but it looks like NBA draft for him.

QUOTE(Rex Hudler @ Feb 24, 2008 -> 04:42 PM) I haven't lived in Indiana since they made the change, but most of what I have heard is not positive. Most people I know would rather go back to the single class, all-in tournament that made Indiana unique for years. ss2k, any others have thoughts?? NO DOUBT!!! one class was the way. I never missed a final four weekend during one class. I went about 25 straight years, last year was the first time I ent since the class system and that was due to my team East Chicago being there. The sectionals & regionals have been the biggest drop of though. Indiana was special during Hossier Hysteria now not so much. GO BACK TO 1 CLASS!!!!!!

Jeff Robinson 6'9 from Indy commits to Purdue for '09. He is pretty athletic I have only saw him in person twice, the latest this year against East Chicago where he struggled and missed the buzzer beater before his Lawrence North squad fell in overtime. He broke his foot I beleive this past summer which hampered his AAU competition. He decided on Purdue after considering offers from Butler & Illinois, although he has long been a solid Purdue lean. With the trouble at IU maybe this will help Purdue with the recruitment of his teammate Van Trese, who knows it can't hurt, although I hear Van Trese is really taking a liking to Kansas at this point. I see now that most say he is much closer with his 2010 teammate the stud Soph. Ferguson, who Purdue is hot and heavy after along with many others after.

I will see how "Gode" does against Blair tonight, as I go th South Bend to see the battle of the beef in the paint. It's been a long while since I went to a game at ND, hope it's a good one.

UNC had added another target for next year. They are hot and heavy after the Tinsley kid from Oregon a 6'3 combo guard with great range. He has reopened his recruiting after Pepperdine released him after a coaching change. His stock has skyrocketed (from the 90's preseason) since his early commit, and Steve Robinson was on hand last night among other coaches to see him. It seems that they are certain Ty will be going the NBA route and maybe Ellington as well, so the lack of a avaliable scholarship is not a concern at this point.

Nice win for IU, too many turnovers but with EJ & DJ they match up with anybody with against anybody. My boy E'twaun shot poorly, as did others but they need E'twaun to knock down a few at least, with Purdue having no real inside threat at all. IU is a tough team to look at they seem to be as tough as anyone in a matchup, but the only two big wins have come this week at home, while dropping one to the other challenge of Wisconsin. The confrence schedule limits their tests on the road, so far only Wisconsin, which they lost, would qualify as a TOUGH road test.

QUOTE(Palehosefan @ Feb 19, 2008 -> 03:00 PM) If it wasn't for Beasley's questionable attitude, and I realize that he's one of the youngest freshmen in the nation, then I could safely state that he's the best NBA prospect since Lebron. He's not missing much if he matures with age. 6'9 with muscle, length, athleticism, shooting touch, defensive ability/desire. The only question skillwise right now is his ballhandling, and it's about average. Great rebounder, very good shooter at 55% FG, 42% 3PT, and 74% FT. Even averages 1.5 steals and 1.6 blocks a game. I'm dying for the Heat to get to draft him. Another frosh PG candidate is Nick Calathes, averaging 15.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 6.1 apg. Beasley does have a bit of an entourage I hear. When he faced off against ND in New York, I know Luke " said he and especially his crew in the front row were by far the biggest s*** talkers he has seen. He had nothing but good things to say about Walker though. Calathes is the real deal as well. The first time I heard him get BIG TIME status praised up was during AAU ball when he torched E'twaun in a game. There may be better guards, but he clearly had the respect of "Schmooge" and has a great all around game which more then a few guys raved about when I saw them that summer.

QUOTE(gbuk @ Feb 19, 2008 -> 02:58 PM) Green signed with Alabama.That's right I just glanced at the name and mixed him up withJ'mison(spelling?) Morgan. My mistake.

QUOTE(fathom @ Feb 19, 2008 -> 01:04 PM) I don't think Garcia made it. Shumpert did make it. Sounds about right. At this point I doubt that Angel will qualify to even play at Memphis next year. He is very up and down depending on his competition and with the strength at power forward there are more deserving guys out there. His best hope was to be seen as a 6'11 small forward which is what he wants to be. Congrats to Iman.

Some leaks for the McDonalds all american team announcements have surfaced, and it looks like all 3 Carolina recruits made it. Davis & Zeller are no surprise, but Drew is a bit of a shock to me to have madeit. I haven't heard anything about Angel Garcia yet I'll probably run over to the high school and see if he got any word yet. Willie Warren (Oklanhoma) & Jamychal Greene (LSU) have also been reported to have been selected at this point.

QUOTE(ChiSox_Sonix @ Feb 19, 2008 -> 11:55 AM) Hard to really argue with that. I'd put Gordon on 1st team over Augustin but everything else i'd agree with. Here is my underrated team (im putting 6 on here) Underrated G A.J. Price G S. Curry G S. Singletary F K. Gransberry F R. Williams F D. James Oh, and PoY would be Beasley for me Stephen (spelling?) Curry from Davidson is a great call for underrated. I forgot about him for a second. I like the big kid from BYU also, Trent Plaistad?

QUOTE(fathom @ Feb 19, 2008 -> 11:07 AM) So, here's Fathom's 1st and 2nd team All-Americans so far, as well as Freshman All-American and underrated All-American 1st team AA / 2nd team AA / Frosh AA / Underrated G D.J. Augustin / J. Bayless / Bayless / S. Gaines G C. D-Roberts / E. Gordon / Gordon / D. Downey C T. Hansbrough / K. Love / Love / J. Varnado F R. Anderson / D.J. White / D. Greene / Tyler Smith F M. Beasley / L. Harangody / Beasley / D. James I would say Jamont Gordon is probably an all american let alone getting a mention here, and Gransbury from S. Florida is a beast nobody knows about. I agree with Ryan Anderson getting some props.

QUOTE(sircaffey @ Feb 19, 2008 -> 10:01 AM) It's misleading when you point to some of the losses the Big Ten has had this season particularly Purdue and Indiana. Both of these teams are very young teams, and anyone not expecting them to struggling at times in the early going were fooling themselves. Purdue right now, is a much better team that lost to teams like Iowa St. early in the season. IU's drubbing of MSU without DJ White doesn't necessarily show how much MSU is overrated more than how much IU has progressed. You can see clear improvements in both PU and IU as the season has progressed. These progressions should continue. Very true, especially in Purdues' case. For IU that Mich. St. win is their first good win. I like their team and they look very dangerous (with EJ &DJ 100%), but their non confrence schedule had no big wins, and they didn't beat anybody in league worth a damn to that point before Mich. St. ( got Purdue for the first time tonight, lost to Wis. twice) Feb. is a total differnt animal then Nov./Dec. though. UCONN and Louisville look like totally different teams at this point as well. Like Pitino said after last nights win, you don't cash your tickets at the Kentucky Derby after the first 6 furlongs. It's in Febuary leading to the finish line in March that is important.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Feb 18, 2008 -> 03:48 PM) Which goes entirely against your argument that the Big 10 has no national title contenders. That is exactly my argument by the way, that the Big 10 teams are good and but nothing spectacular. Because they are all good solid teams that play hard defense, they have a legitimate chance because if one of those contenders goes up against Purdue and has an off night, than maybe Purdue beats them... For being the head and shoulders best team, how have they lost to K-State and Texas? Head and shoulders to me means that they dont lose. I agree they are the most talented and have the most potential, but I think they have to prove that they are the best TEAM. That means winning games like Texas and K-State, as they do not play Texas again this year so they might have lost their chance at a Big 12 title. UCLA beat MSU... Both Indiana and Wisconsin have been ranked higher than MSU this season. The reason why MSU was ranked so highly is because the "experts" put Indiana and MSU very high on the rankings to start the season and left Wisconsin completely off. As for it being a "bad thing" no, it just disproves your point that no team in the Big 10 has a chance to win. If MSU, the team that will most likely finish 4th in the Big 10, only lost to a national contender by 6, perhaps the 3 other Big 10 teams may have a shot at beating them... Well thats actually not true. Right now Wisconsin has played 25 games: 13 IC 12 OC Of the IC games: Michigan x2, Iowax2, Ill, PSU, NU, Purdue x2, Indiana, Minnesota You said that Iowa isnt dangerous (strange they beat MSU), but Ill go with your words: So far Wisconsin has only played 7 games against the teams at the bottom. 7/25= 28% Is 28% now the majority? What math are we talking here? What math? 13 in conference games 7 against the bottom. 54% a slight majority. That is why the bottom half being horses*** is a major factor for overall league strength. Any team being able to win on a given night does not go against my argument. I said that the Big 10 have 4 second level teams with a punchers chance to get the crown, they do not have any legit top contenders. Their bottom half are terrible and not dangerous (1 win by the bottom5 against the top 4 all year, wow danger ) In a one and done tournament every team is on the edge nightly. To run through the whole enchilada the top contenders have buch better odds, but no guarentees. I'm a Tarheel fan and if Ty Lawson does not get back 100% they are not a contender for the national title. They will be capable of knocking teams off and have a punchers chance, but a legit title contender, no. Impossible to win and not being a legit threat are different things to me. Villanova and N.C. State were not legit contenders either, but they pulled the Buster Douglass and got the title. It is not impossible, just unlikely. The 4 top Big 10 squads are good and any team can lose to them, none are top notch as the Big 10 is accustomed to having, and that bottom half is as bad as it gets for a top level league. Go Purdue tonight!!!! by the way

I agree that if the point is that they are not over rated then fine, because I don't know more then a couple isolated voices that even claim that the league is any good. The point is that they are a bad league this year, no real powerhouse teams, and a PISS POOR 6 -12 = not much to write home about, and most see that so you would have to be well thought of in the first place to be over rated. Now could IU, Mich. St. get on a run in the tournament sure, but they are not top contenders at this point, they are second level teams with a chance: a punchers chance to win the belt if things break right for them.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Feb 18, 2008 -> 03:11 PM) Well the big 10 has NU, so its some what odd to compare "top to bottom" as the bottom teams arent going to any tournaments, so who cares what there rpi is? Isnt it more important to compare the RPI of teams that will be in the NCAA tournament? Itd be like arguing that the Pac 10 is the worst academic conference because it has Arizona, ASU, and Oregon State. Instead of comparing the schools at the top of the conference, like Stanford, Cal, UCLA... Want to bet on that? Top Big 10 team will get at minimum a 3-4 seed guaranteed with there being no way that the top big 10 team is a 5 seed (barring all of the top 4 teams losing a bunch of upsets). How can the Big 12 have a legit national contender but the Big 10 not? Last I checked the Big 12's top team Texas lost to 2 Big 10 teams. Or if you want to say KU is the best team, they lost to Texas, who lost to 2 Big 10 teams. The top Pac 10 team, UCLA, lost to Texas, and was down 13 to MSU before beating them by 6 points on a neutral court. So if you want to change that to: Only the ACC and Big East have title contenders at the top, go ahead. But to argue that the Big 10 has not proved itself against the Big 12 is some what remarkable. On any given night almost anybody can be beat. How you pick a loss out of the season and say that means team B who beat said team is better then team A is a joke. Because Wofford & Iowa State beat Purdue who leads the Big Ten means everybody in the Big 12 is better then Purdue and whoever Wofford loses to in it's powerhouse league would now rank with the Big Ten squads is ridiculous. Kansas is head and shoulders the best in the Big 12 , and a legit national title contender. UCLA is clearly a national title contender. I guess it's a bad thing that UCLA beat the highest ranked team in the big ten up to this week by 6 on a neutral site. They are a better team the Mich. State, but that does not mean that State can't beat them on a given night, or at least play them close. The bottom part counts because that is who the IU, Wis., Mich. St., & Purdue's play the majority of their games against. If those teams aren't capable of jumping up and beating you every now and then that is a HUGE difference in a conference! Unless you have a jugernaught top few teams which is not the case. Those teams are pitiful this year, only Ohio State and maybe Minn. are somewhat dangerous, that counts big time.

The Big ten from top to bottom is the last of the big leagues and rightfully so. You mention the 4 top 30 teams in RPI, none are top 5 type teams, and the bottom half of the league is woeful. The ACC is weak this year as well, and they spanked the big 10 in the head to head matchups. Ohio State as the 5th team is not going to make the NCAA you watch. Four teams will go with nobody over a 3 seed, maybe nobody over a 4/5 seed. That is not a good year for a "top league." ACC, BIg 12, Pac 10, Big East, all have legit national champion contenders at the top, and the other teams going would fit into the Big 10's represenatives. Pac 10 & Big East are head and shoulders above the rest, but the big 10 is running last in that field!