watchtower41

QUOTE(thedoctor @ Mar 14, 2006 -> 07:02 AM) you got me on that one. i looked at the list a bit too quickly. it is fine though. for the record i have no antipathy toward unc. really respect them and their coach. they have done an unbelievable job this year and my intent wasn't to diminish their season. i just felt and still do that illinois deserved a higher seed than them. that's all. good luck to the heels in the tournament. Thats all I was trying to let you and other Illini fans know, how u finish counts for an awful lot. I used the last 9 games as a factor, because it is pretty clear on how the two teams finished out the season in different directions and obviously gets worse for Illinois case if I used more games. Of course Mich St is a better oppenent than Virginia, but this is really where the Illini lost their #3 seed. I already admitted that I like Illinois body of work better, and I don't even know why I am trying to justify UNC's seed to the few blinded Illinois fans. I've had more realistic discussions with diehards that are happy that they didnt fall to a #5. The strength of schedule is not even close. Yes I know Illinois beat UNC, yes the Big Ten is better than the ACC. But like I said before, UNC will get the benefit from the committee in a close situation, UNC coming in peaking at the right time earned them this spot and rightfully so. Illinois can earn that same creditability by going out and beating UConn instead of whining that you have to play them. Was Syracuse #5 seed before they finished the season the way they did??

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Mar 13, 2006 -> 04:42 PM) They're just bad. EDIT: Also considering the Memphis the weakest number 1 like zoom has nothing to do with considering Gonzaga the strongest number 3. Just cause they were in the discussion for a top seed means absolutely nothing. This makes sense, fair enough. I don't treat them like a Final Four threat, but in all honesty though, if Gonzaga was a #2 in any region, would anyone even blink twice?? They certainly deserve a #2 over Tennessee no?? I think Kansas can come out of this region, but I wouldn't consider it a lucky draw for them. They are playing some of the toughest D in the country, and they may have a decent matchup with some of these teams, but I also see a full region of teams that are peaking at the right time.

QUOTE(thedoctor @ Mar 13, 2006 -> 04:05 PM) ok, skip tennessee. what is the plausible explanation for carolina getting a better seed than illinois in the same bracket? This will be the one and only time you will see me defend UNC, but the breakdown between the two is actually pretty easy. -UNC won 8 in a row (including @ #1 Duke) going into the ACC tourney and beat Virginia in the tourney. -Illinois is 5-4 in their last 9 games and looked horrible in their opening round loss to Michigan State. Conference tournaments do count on the resume. I agree that I would favor the Illini's overall body of work opposed to UNC, but how you finish has always been a major factor with the committee, this year was no different. UNC also has also earned an elite reputation with the tournament, they will get the benefit in a close situation.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Mar 13, 2006 -> 04:30 PM) I really don't think they could have got a harder draw for the first weekend, they got a tough 13 and then a real tough 5/12. I also disagree about Memphis being the weakest 1, I believe that's Duke to be honest. Gonzaga blows so I agree there. I also believe UCLA is the strongest 2 but we've had this convo before. That's what makes March so awesome though. That's the way I'm looking at it. Pitt doesnt impress me all too much, that is if they get past the first round. If you consider Memphis the weakest #1, you'd have to consider Gonzaga the strongest #3, and I don't care what people think about that team on this board, they were looked at as a #1 in many discussions, no lower than a #2, yet on this board, they are the weakest #3??

QUOTE(IlliniKrush @ Mar 13, 2006 -> 03:41 PM) LOL, so you are saying everything is ok because of a first round opponent? That's awesome. No, that's not what I'm saying at all.... I'm saying you can only look as far as your first opponent. Experts are basically giving the Illini a bye in the first round, that's more respect than Memphis is getting with Oral Roberts. There is no guarantee what team the Illini will play after that.... Having the tourney favorite in your region does not make this a bad draw, yes, UConn is in this region but who is to say they'll be around all tourney or for an eventual matchup with the Illini?? s***, they struggled with Louisville last week. It was pretty common knowlege that the Illini would drop to a 4 if they didnt fare well in the Big Ten tourney. Its too easy to compare seeds from other regions, but each seed and team has to be looked at seperately. Of course Tenn doesnt deserve a 2 seed, but that doesnt make the Illini more deserving.

I love how all the Illini fans are whining today because of thier seed being in the same region as UConn, yet fail to realize they have the easiest 1st round oppenent outside of 16 seed in the whole tourney. It's March kids, take it one game at a time.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Mar 13, 2006 -> 09:59 AM) Which is why if they go to the FF, I wouldn't be surprised. They have a lot tougher road than people think though. I havent heard anyone say that it would be an "easy" road for Kansas, for them to make it to the Final Four out of that region would be considered an upset. That being said, I think Kansas will absolutely own Pitt. Memphis/Kansas has potenital to be one of the most entertaining games of the tournament with youth and athleticism. They key for Kansas will be their backcourt, and right now, there arent too many teams that are playing up to their level, both offensively and defensively

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 08:40 PM) Worst part is I have them going elite 8. Losing to UCLA?? I really like the Jayhawks draw... I especially can't wait to slap around overrated Pitt.

QUOTE(chitownsportsfan @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 08:36 PM) Ron Howard helped create Arrested Development. That gets him a spring training look in and of itself. absolutely

QUOTE(ZoomSlowik @ Mar 9, 2006 -> 12:35 PM) What was the spread, 10? I would have taken that in a heartbeat, and I'm not just saying that because Cuse is up 8. UConn has gotten kind of lazy in some of these games of late, and Syracuse is sharper after playing last night. UConn is favored by 11.

QUOTE(southsideirish @ Mar 9, 2006 -> 11:04 AM) I have Cal -4 tonight against USC. Although I bought 3 points so it is actually Cal -1. USC matches up very poorly vs. Cal. USC likes to run a very small team out there and Cal has outrebounded them each time. The last time they played USC took a lot of 3 pointers to try to make up for the size advantage inside and lost by double digits. That is my pick for today. I like that pick, though I don't follow the Pac10 nearly as much as the other conferences. Went 1-1 last night after that joke of a Louisville game. A foul call with 0.7 left before the ball is inbounded?? As it is so in March, expectred a bit more from Ville (especiallty without the clown Padgett) I will say that I cant wait to bet against Pittsburgh again. Krauser has to be the biggest choke artist Ive evr seen on a charity stripe. ORANGE looking real good right now, up 22 with the spread. I'm thinking about laying 10 with Kentucky against Ole Miss, they whipped them by 40 in thier last contest. Another one that I'm pondering, can Purdue cover 14 over Mich State?? Granted, Purdue sucks but Mich St is not in the postion to blow anybody out right now, if theyre up a lot I can see them resting guys for the Illini tomorrow.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Mar 8, 2006 -> 08:21 PM) Also want to remind you that we don't really endorse gambling here so please don't post any links to odds or gambling sites. Apoligies, I really didnt even think twice about it before making the thread. Its usually something that goes hand and hand with March Mandess. People have been betting on the tournament forever and odds are something that can be found in any newspaper or website on any day. Btw, I get the odds for the chicago suntimes website, they post 6 different spreads for the same game. I really don't see what the big deal is, its not like I'm taking bets or posting a link. That being said, just because I dont agree with the rule, does not mean I will not obey it.

come on, I couldnt possibly be the only degenerate gamer on here?? Big East Tourny Nightcap: Rutgers Seton Hall -1.5 Louisville Pittsburgh -4 who does everyone like in the late game?? I like the Cards with the position they are in to make some noise and possibly squeak in without winning on Saturday night.

early games Syracuse Cincy -2.5 Temple Rhode Island 5.5 Notre Dame Georgetown -3 I'm liking Cincy and Notre Dame in the ealry Big East games. Notre Dame lost to Gtown in Double OT a few weeks ago in their only matchup of the season, Gtown has been fading as of late. Syracuse sorely needs this game, but theyve been a mystery lately as to what team shows up. Cincy has been getting hot.

A place to discuss financial endevors in gaming. Post spreads, opinions, inside info..... should be a good source to kick off today, with the Big East tourney just getting underway.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Mar 7, 2006 -> 03:40 PM) Widger may have the best pure power for a backup catcher in the league. Javy Lopez???

well looks like I f'd that up pretty good, anyone know how I can edit out the names and poll options??

Everyone has their own personal opinion on this race, and here is the place to discuss it. Is Morrison the next Bird?? Will JJ Reddick be nothing more than a Steve Kerr in the NBA?? Sure, the media has done its fair share to overhype the s*** out of these two in this up and down college basketball season, but the comparisions and competition have been a good reflection for the college game..... While the Naismith is not defined as an MVP award, considerations for such criteria should be considered. That being said, where would the Zags be without Morrison?? They'd probably be begging for an NIT birth. Reddick is a fine college player and someone an oppenent HAS to contain for a shot at victory, but I just feel that he is more of a thriving product within Duke's system. After watching thier offense over and over on tv and seeing the amount of screens they set to free up JJ, one can easily see with his shooting ability on how Duke's plan is geared for Reddick's success. I look to Morrison as a much more complete player, something he will prove in the United Center next year. Now lets hear your take.

Who's scheduled to pitch today??

QUOTE(Drew @ Mar 7, 2006 -> 03:51 AM) "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes YES. Perfect.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Mar 5, 2006 -> 03:16 PM) Haha A&M with a lock on a first round bye. Tells me all I need to know about the Big 12 this year. And I think that bye actually hurts them.... it certainly wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up another win or two for A&M in the Big XII tourney.

Vukusic should have been a first teamer.

any update, I havent been able to turn it on yet.

QUOTE(Cuck the Fubs @ Mar 1, 2006 -> 01:02 PM) Frank Thomas is the most deserving of all, and frankely, if he isn't invited, he'll just be another player in a long list of players who have been treated like s*** by the Sox organization. LOl yeah, we'd never have that ring without Hurt. I have no idea why Sox fans will continue to stand by Frank, nevermind the fact that he could give two s***s about any fan or the Sox.

QUOTE(Cuck the Fubs @ Mar 1, 2006 -> 10:52 AM) I think the way this debacle b/t Thomas and the Sox is going, I don't even think he's going to get his ring personally delieverd by the Sox. They might just stick it in the mail and hope he gets it. What is Brooks Boyer's email? I want to know if Shingo is going to get a ring or not. PM me if anyone has it. Also, are players like Minoso, Aparcio, etc. going to get rings, like the Red Sox did with Buckner and Fisk Shingo had more saves than Jenks, he will most definitely get a ring.