2022-23 NCAA Men's Basketball Thread

[GoldenEagles03]

#5 Baylor leads #8 UCLA 66-60 with 5 and change to play.

Loser goes 0-2 in the Continental Tire Main Event. It would be beneficial for the Golden Eagles to have Baylor hang on.

[MuggsyB]

Houston is on ESPN right now.  They seem to have athletes all over the place. 

[GoldenEagles03]

Houston is on ESPN right now.  They seem to have athletes all over the place.

About a month ago I placed a responsible wager on them to win the National Title this season.

[GoldenEagles03]

Oregon's court is disgusting. Can't even watch the game.

[MuggsyB]

About a month ago I placed a responsible wager on them to win the National Title this season.

They don't have much size.  I still like your bet but there are a bunch of good bigs across the country. 

[GoldenEagles03]

They don't have much size.  I still like your bet but there are a bunch of good bigs across the country.

They handled Illinois last year with Kofi, I just like Sampson and think they have the pieces.

A lot has to go right for anyone to win a title though.

[MuggsyB]

They handled Illinois last year with Kofi, I just like Sampson and think they have the pieces.

A lot has to go right for anyone to win a title though.

A couple of bogus calls against Houston.  Dante on Oregon has been superb protecting the paint. 

[MuggsyB]

Houston is just relentless defensively.    They do a great job attacking on the defensive end and doubling the post. 

[GoldenEagles03]

Houston is just relentless defensively.    The great job attacking on the defensive end and doubling the post.

That's the level I dream of Marquette getting to.  So relentless that other teams don't have fun playing the game they love.

[MuggsyB]

That's the level I dream of Marquette getting to.  So relentless that other teams don't have fun playing the game they love.

Oregon had zero fouls in the 2nd half until 1:19 left in the game.  Sasser is really good.  They're a handful for sure and defense travels.  Marquette is still lacking the combination pf physicality and quickness on the perimeter. 

[GoldenEagles03]

Oregon had zero fouls in the 2nd half until 1:19 left in the game.  Sasser is really good.  They're a handful for sure and defense travels.  Marquette is still lacking the combination pf physicality and quickness on the perimeter.

I think Stevie does an excellent job in both of those departments on the perimeter. They need the others to get on that level.

[MuggsyB]

I think Stevie does an excellent job in both of those departments on the perimeter. They need the others to get on that level.

Stevie gets it but it has to be a collective mindset and relentless work.  Houston rarely gives up downhill drives to the rim because they thwart all dribble penetration.  They don't play a reactionary defense, they attack and truly cause their opponents headaches.  It's hard to play "Havoc" when you don't have the overall personnel.  And it takes a combination of lateral and overall quickness combined with physicality on the perimeter.  Stevie and O-Max have been able to do this at times but we've been susceptible to guys shredding our pressure and help being late or non-existent.  We also haven't played a team with great quickness yet.  Houston snuffs teams out with relentless, attacking, pressure. We're just nowhere near that level to date. 

[tower912]

So relax and enjoy the ride.   

[Uncle Rico]

So relax and enjoy the ride.

😂

[MuggsyB]

So relax and enjoy the ride.

Who says I'm not relaxed?

[Uncle Rico]

Who says I'm not relaxed?

Anyone that reads your posts?

[rgoode57]

It is true that there is a notable talent gap between MU and elite teams (i.e. Gonzaga, Houston, Kentucky, Baylor, NC, Duke, etc.) Shaka is building patiently, and I am perfectly ok with that as long as the team shows improvement from year to year. This year's team looks like a better version of last year with the improvement of Stevie and Oso but also has some obvious flaws. But, you have to agree they are exciting to watch. Eventually, Shaka will be able to attract even better talent.

[tower912]

It is true that there is a notable talent gap between MU and elite teams (i.e. Gonzaga, Houston, Kentucky, Baylor, NC, Duke, etc.) Shaka is building patiently, and I am perfectly ok with that as long as the team shows improvement from year to year. This year's team looks like a better version of last year with the improvement of Stevie and Oso but also has some obvious flaws. But, you have to agree they are exciting to watch. Eventually, Shaka will be able to attract even better talent.

We also need to remember that this is a team of sophomores and juniors.    They are improving, but they still have not reached their ceiling.   

[Newsdreams]

Anyone that reads your posts?

Makes me nervous

[MuggsyB]

Makes me nervous

I'm fine.

[MU82]

This just in: We’re not as good as Houston.

[tower912]

When it comes to Houston, we have a problem.

[MuggsyB]

This just in: We’re not as good as Houston.

We're not but they're an example that prime-time resurgences are possible.  That program was nowhere on anyone's radar for a very, very, long time.  I think we're in a good place with Shaka but it never hurts to reiterate the tools necessary to elevate our program to an elite level once again. 

[panda]

We're not but they're an example that prime-time resurgences are possible.  That program was nowhere on anyone's radar for a very, very, long time.  I think we're in a good place with Shaka but it never hurts to reiterate the tools necessary to elevate our program to an elite level once again.

Honestly a good point - Sampson stressed defensive mindset and players bought in. Now they’re a national power.

More goes into the growth of a program than that, but buy in on the front end is very important. 

[withoutbias]

Kelvin Sampson cheats.  Cheating pays.  And there is a LOT of money in Houston.

If we want to win at Houston's level, we need Shaka to "bend" some rules and for the people who ponied up for Wojo's buyout to pony up for some talented hoopers.