OPEN SHOT: Early start on tonight's championship game

by Glenn Logan on Apr 7, 2008 2:13 PM EDT in Open Thread

Well, there just isn't one heck of a lot of Wildcat-related news out there today, and I have spouted enough opinion for at least one more day.

Tonight, it's Kansas and Memphis playing for the big prize. That pleases me. Both teams have been very good all season, and both teams defeated very tough competition to get into the final game this year. I really don't care which team wins, myself -- I picked Memphis in my bracket, but even if I get that right, nothing can rescue the debacle that was my 2008 picks.

This should be a very entertaining game with both teams fond of pushing the ball up and down the floor. Derrick Rose has become just amazing right in time for March, much as Ron Mercer did for the 1996 Wildcats. Kansas wore out a very talented UNC team to the surprise of almost everyone. Both teams are talented and deep. I suppose I would give the edge to Memphis because I believe they are slightly more skilled overall, but the difference is very small.

So who will I pull for? I have no idea. Maybe one or the other can win me over, but at this point, either one could win and I would be just fine with it. Both teams have done a great job this year, and both teams are going to lose a whole lot after it's over.

So what are your thoughts?

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Kansas

I will be pulling for Kansas - partly because of Self's friendship with BCG and partly because I, personally, am just not a fan of Calipari in any sense.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Apr 7, 2008 2:36 PM EDT reply actions

Both ...

good reasons, I would say.

by Glenn Logan on Apr 7, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Kansas

Ditto!

by kykat51 on Apr 7, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Kansas

I'm more interested in seeing Kansas win... for some reason, I've always kind of considered them to be a kindred spirit to UK. Not a recipient of east-coast bias... a state without a whole lot else going for it... a rabid fan base... etc.

On ESPN radio today at lunch, there was a discussion between Doug Gottlieb, Eric Koselias, and Michelle Tafoya about the interview topics that will be posed after tonight's big game. The famous Roy Williams response to Bonnie Bernstine was brought up "I don't give a #$@% about Carolina." Gottlieb, Koselias, and Tafoya were talking about what will be asked of Bill Self tonight if they win. CBS does not use sideline reporters they said, so the interview will be done by Packer/Nance. Gottlieb and Koselias said that they'll have to ask about the OSU job as a matter of journalism... Tafoya says they won't ask. Its interesting. I don't know how it'll play out.

by chirop1 on Apr 7, 2008 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

Self

Personally, I hope they DON'T ask Self about the OSU position tonight. If Kansas wins (crossing my fingers here) doesn't the man deserve to enjoy the moment? And what if they lose; he and his team will be devastated for the time being. To heck with journalism, can't it wait a few more hours -- I know journalists all want to be the first one to get the "exclusive", but really can't they just be human and let the team & coach either celebrate their win or grieve their loss. Tomorrow is soon enough IMO to start grilling Bill Self about what he will do with his coaching future. I for one will not think "less" of them as journalists for NOT asking the question, but rather FOR asking it.

If however, the question is asked, which ultimately it will be -- I would hope Self would politely sidestep the issue, no profanity is needed.

by BigSkyCat on Apr 7, 2008 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I second that

Tomorrow is certainly soon enough. They owe it to the school, the fans, the coaches, and the players to hold off a day.

by Acdixon on Apr 7, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

They did ask him about it last night. . .

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney08/news/story?id=3335488

Very wishy washy language considering he just won the NC. Of course, if he is really considering, better to be wishy washy than pull an 'ol Roy I suppose.

by blbskue on Apr 8, 2008 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions

ah, the media

Never one to disappoint. Can't you just hear them now, "If Self goes to OSU, is it possible that Roy would head back to Lawrence?"....Ugh!

by BigSkyCat on Apr 8, 2008 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

If Packer is doing the interview

He'll ask Self if he thinks the ACC should have received more bids, since everyone knows it is the greatest conference EVER!

C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!

by NYCCats on Apr 7, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Kansas

I give the slight edge to Memphis but I am extremely hopeful Kansas will pull it out.

In my fifth bracket at work I actually had Kansas and Memphis in the final game. I am in second place right now and can take the cash with a Kansas win.

ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!!!

DEEETROIT BASKETBALLL!!!

by davw83 on Apr 7, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

Dinners on davw!

by Ken Howlett on Apr 8, 2008 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Couldn't care less

UNC and UCLA are out, and that's enough for me! I may not even watch it.

by Acdixon on Apr 7, 2008 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

Go Kansas

I like their style: hard-nosed defense, and efficiency on offense.

by cthom on Apr 7, 2008 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

I just want an entertaining game

I picked Kansas in my bracket, but I don't really care one way or the other who wins - I just want an entertaining game. I think we'll get that from these teams though, so I'm looking forward to it.

I'd give an edge to Memphis, what they have done their last 3 games is extraordinary - just dominating a good MSU team, a very good Texas team, and a great UCLA team. Kansas beat the crap out of UNC (which I took great delight in watching) but that was by far their best performance of the tournament. Of course, it came in the most recent game so who the heck knows? That's why the play the game.

Looking for a rock to wind a piece of string around.

by JLeverenz on Apr 7, 2008 3:47 PM EDT reply actions

I delighted as you...

...of course if the Tar Heels would have removed the bricks I placed in their shoes, maybe they would have had a chance to win.

Kansas now owns two of the most dominant Final Four games ever played; they absolutely pasted Marquette 4 years ago (after Marq. had beaten UK), and Saturday night versus Carolina. For 33 minutes they made Carolina seem like a mid-level church league team.

How's that make Billy Packer feel about the rest of the ACC?

by Ken Howlett on Apr 8, 2008 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions

memphis

Memphis wins this fairly easy because of the way they get up and down the floor. Im just happy UNC and UCLA doesnt have a chance to gain another championship on us (UK)! Everyone enjoy the game.

by ukblue20 on Apr 7, 2008 5:24 PM EDT reply actions

I Think Memphis Wins NC

And I hope they do.

by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 7, 2008 6:04 PM EDT reply actions

UK, KU, blue, blue, my world is blue

In keeping with making sure everyone remembers reality, I wore my "In Kentucky, We Don't Play College Basketball - We ARE College Basketball" T-shirt all day today. We may not be playing today, but the Blue is always around somewhere ... and I am sure Joe C will appear in "One Shining Moment" - and if Mr. Wildcat does, too, then that will also remind the rest of the world who's who.
Kansas, of course - the basketball gods will reward those who put the ACC and good ol' boy Roy in their places.
Kansas, of course - because their letters are U and K in reverse.
Kansas, of course - because they wear serious Blue, unlike Dook and UNCle.
Kansas, of course - because Memphis is due for a letdown.
OK to let Kansas win one now and then.
On the other hand, you data-crunchers out there, which one helps our RPI more?
Also, who do you see winning a UCLA-UNC matchup?

by Way2blue4SorryFairWeatherFew on Apr 7, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

Excellent!

by Ken Howlett on Apr 7, 2008 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Neither

RPI doesn't change based upon NCAA or NIT results.

by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 7, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions

Keeping me honest

Thanks, 40, for keeping me honest, as always.
BTW, I still think Tubby was crazy for leaving ... had he stayed, he would now be in a better position to command bigger offers from places like OSU. And he probably would have gotten us to the Elite 8, as was his wont. Somehow, he always did - despite the sorry few who actually rooted against the Cats in the big dance in hopes it would get him fired.
Keep them numbers coming, 40! Perspective is a valuable commodity, and in very short supply in blog land.

by Way2blue4SorryFairWeatherFew on Apr 7, 2008 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I Don't Think So

He's happy, Gillispie's happy. No map points backwards.

by FortyYearCatFan on Apr 8, 2008 6:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Jayhawks>Tigers

Got to be the Jayhawks. I mean have you people ever been to Memphis? It's the Gary, IN of Tennessee.

Surely, I offended someone with that.

by Thomas Hunt Morgan on Apr 7, 2008 8:24 PM EDT reply actions

Memphis?

Never stayed in that city ...always afraid to, lol..just drove through on way back to a safer place, Kentucky!

by kykat51 on Apr 7, 2008 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Awww come on...

that's not right, it's more like the Louisville of Kentucky!

I need a Sea of Blue because I am surrounded by Tennessee orange and Vandy gold!

by sleepytimetea on Apr 8, 2008 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL!.....

...hey, I've been to Gary, IN.......briefly :)

by Ken Howlett on Apr 8, 2008 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

C'mon now

I live in Louisville, my best college friend is from/lives in Memphis. Memphis is a GREAT place to visit, especially with a local. There are a lot of great things to do that don't get you near Beale Street, and in many places it is a beautiful city. Sure, it has very rough areas, but overall I like Memphis. Some parts do remind me a lot of Louisville - one street reminds me exactly of Lexington Road between Grinstead and Shelbybille Rd.

That being said, Louisville is better, and Gary, IN scares me.

Louisville > Memphis > Gary.

by blbskue on Apr 8, 2008 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions

No matter what you hear...

I maintain that Memphis is not the armpit of Tennessee like everyone thinks. It has rough spots and it has beautiful shining spots. Granted, you don't want to find yourself in Orange Mound or on Danny Thomas Blvd, but living there four years in college gives me nothing but great memories of the city.

Now that that's out of the way, I certainly hope Memphis isn't a one shot team and that we can be revived and come back strong again next year. We have risen out of relative obscurity over the last three years or so and I don't want us to be snuffed out just yet.

by BlueInNash on Apr 8, 2008 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Titles

Kansas as 2 titles and Memphis has none. Easy choice. Go Tigers!

by Clandestine on Apr 7, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

Congrats

Sincere congratulations to Bill Self and the Kansas Jayhawks.

I had Memphis losing to Miss. St. in most of my 6 brackets because of their FT shooting and their struggles in the half-court.

Tonight, with 3 missed FT's in the final 30 seconds of regulation, their poor charity stripe results caught up with them. I think they were 10-17 in regulation.

##############-- Is anyone else having trouble accessing the comments section of the "Forgiving Pitino" thread. I am unable to post, or read any comments.

A little help........ :)

by Ken Howlett on Apr 7, 2008 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

I secured those comments ...

It was just getting too contentious in there, and too far afield.

I think enough has been said about that subject for now, so I thought we would all just move on.

by Glenn Logan on Apr 8, 2008 7:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Well...

I finally got to see some good officiating before the season was over. :)

by bluenva on Apr 8, 2008 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions

Understood

by Ken Howlett on Apr 8, 2008 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

wow, what a good game

Memphis has gotta be kicking themselves for letting that get to OT. Glad to see Kansas win. I actually picked them to win in my bracket!!! And trust me, I can't pick a bracket for shit. Mine this year was just as sucky as it is every year (excepting years UK wins it all) but the Jayhawks have redeemed me at least a little bit. If it can't be us to win it all, I'd as soon it's them as anyone. Someone here commented that they see KU as a sort of kindred spirit as far as basketball programs go, and I've always felt the same--proud longtime tradition, huge amount of passionate fans, and not on the East coast with the favorable media coverage bestowed on teams there (I'm looking at you, Atlantic Coast and Big East Conferences). Plus they're a traditional power...but one who we still safely beat as far as number of championships go : )

So, the end of another college basketball season. It's a long way til October. Always a little sad to see it end, since baseball's great, but I'm a Kentuckian and nothing's like college basketball to me. Then again, it is very well-designed since right as the season ends, Spring is hitting it's stride which makes me very happy.

Ken, I don't know what the deal is with the comments on the Pitino post either?? Maybe there's a maximum amount of comments allowed, then it's reset? I don't know, but there were a ton of responses to that.

by blue kentucky girl on Apr 8, 2008 12:29 AM EDT reply actions

my guess

is that things were getting heated. i don't think there is a cap, but i think there is a two week tim period to make comments. it hasn't been 2 weeks, which is why i think it was just to keep things under control.

though i have to admit, i was really enjoying reading all those comments.

GO BIG BLUE!! GO BIG BLUE!!

by UKWildCatFanatic on Apr 8, 2008 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Off topic: BASEBALL

In more important news, the Bat Cats are playing Louisville tomorrow at 6:30!! Who is going there to support them? I will be there for sure, probably out on the center field deck!

Go Cats!

by blueninja on Apr 8, 2008 12:50 AM EDT reply actions

One Shining Moment

Just watched the video...aww, I just love that annual piece of cheesy goodness. There's nothing like a montage set to a mawkish song to make me tear up. So glad to see Mr. Keightley did indeed make the cut.

by blue kentucky girl on Apr 8, 2008 1:17 AM EDT reply actions

One Shining Moment

Big props to CBS for the one last shining moment of Mr. Wildcat - UK's Bill Keightley - a manager for Kentucky men's basketball program for 48 years who recently passed away.

JandPsDad Bleedin' BLUE in NW Indiana

by JandPsDad on Apr 8, 2008 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Off Topic: Pat Riley

Congratulations to Pat Riley for being inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame.

When being questioned by the media after the announcement, he was asked about Adolph Rupp's influence on his coaching. He gave the following response:

"Discipline. Organization. Being a competitor. That's what it is all about, that if you weren't a competitor then the game would bring out the worst in you. And if you're a real competitor, then losing hurts and will make you cry inside some nights, makes you turn everything around. That's what Adolph, and Harry Lancaster and Joe Hall, all of those men when I was there, taught me, that there was another level of competition."

Pat Riley spoke those words, but I'll be damned if they don't read like page 1 of the Billy Gillispie Philosophy on Basketball Handbook.

by Ken Howlett on Apr 8, 2008 2:24 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks Mario.

Quite an enjoyable game to watch last night, especially since we got to see the last 7 minutes or so without Joey Dorsey.

There are two reasons I want to thank Mario Chalmers this morning:

One -- I was so sure we would be forced to hear about that off-kilter absolutely ridiculous shot that Rose made as the "shot of the tournament", or "brilliant" as the duo of Packer/Nantz called it. I'm sorry, yes Rose is good, but that was nothing but luck.

Two -- Now I have money to buy some shiny new UK gear!

Also, Thanks to TrickyD for setting up the ASoB bracket, it sure was fun!

by BigSkyCat on Apr 8, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions