NCAA Tournament 2026

[JWags85]

As celebrated as Karaban has been, it's hard to believe that the 27 points scored tonight was a career high. All those games over 4 seasons, all those accolades about his shooting, and not one 30-pointer?

It would be kind of fitting for Karaban to be the rainmaker if UCONN goes on another run.  Cause what an odd career so far.  Super dangerous and promising as a freshman, but like Clingan, they didn't need to do a ton cause Newton, Sanogo, and Hawkins were killers.  Still talked about as a potential first round pick already. Has a great sophomore year with Spencer, Newton, and Clingan.  Sniper for 3 again, figured he'd leave for the draft.  Ends up coming back for some reason. Struggles his redcrap Junior as the presumptive first option.  Worst shooting splits of his career.  Looked like a different player in a bad way.  Still second team All-BE but you figured he'd be in the running for BE POY.  Had a good bounce back year this year, but was SUPER inconsistent, especially late in the year.  Was bad in the BE tourney.  Bad in the Marquette loss, TERRIBLE in the loss to Creighton and their near miss at home against Gtown.  But he's been fantastic so far in the NCAA.  Another good game or two and he's a first round pick chatter again.

It's very unfortunate there really isn't anyone to root for.  I suppose there's no reason to hate Iowa, Nebraska, or even Purdue.

Agreed on Iowa and Nebraska.  Iowa was unlikable cause of Purple Faced Fran, but I respect McCollum (even though he's proven me wrong about how successful I thought he'd be, at least early on as a D1 coach).  I can't stand Nebraska football fans, but as someone who enjoyed watching Hoiberg's ISU teams, its been cool to see him not only rebuild his own career after the debacle in Chicago, but steadily build that Nebraska program, especially after early returns were not good at all.

But I will never root for Purdue, short of against Wisconsin, ND, or maybe Dayton, cause I can't stand Painter's late game offensive philosophy.  Yesterday was a prime example...one made FG in the final 6 min, not because Miami locked in defensively, but because Painter/PU is obsessive about shortening the game and using every second of clock after the under 8 TO, but especially under 5 min.   First 12 min of the second half, average possession was 15 seconds, they scored 28 points.  Last 6 min of the game (until Miamia started fouling), average possession balloons to 25 seconds and they scored that single basket.  The only possession under 23 seconds was cause Cluff got fouled posting up.

  And its not just cause of the NCAA stakes, anyone who has watched Purdue in the regular season sees them do it all the time.  I'm not second guessing his strategy, it obviously works.  Painter is an incredible coach and his results don't lie.  Its just incredibly dull to watch and second half of Purdue games, that are beyond a possession or two, absolutely stink.  Sometimes teams fight back and it gets more interesting like Miami did.  But usually its just a drag of missed shots and boring possessions crawling to the final buzzer.  Purdue fans likely don't care, but as an unaffiliated neutral fan, hard pass. 

Barnes and Tennessee do it too.  Where it feels like they hit a certain total that they can defend and focus fully on defending that, if they don't score again the rest of the game that's fine, as long as they aren't giving up points.  But the difference is Tennessee is usually offensively challenged and it feels like an extension of an overall game plan.  Whereas Purdue has a free flowing and powerful offense that just gets shut off.  The Celtics actually do something similar in the 4th quarter in the NBA, but given the pace of the NBA, it ends up looking more just like standing around disinterested then chucking slop.  That's also why they  stink as a neutral ball fan.

[muwarrior69]

It's obvious watching these games the physicality majority these bigs bring to the table.  Obvious need a center, but the wings are just as important.  Both Phillips and Owens are finesse wings with not enough muscle.  Is ALex the answer, but he is a freshman or another wing?  What do you think?

Well is Sheek is going to be that guy, no?

[MuggsyB]

It would be kind of fitting for Karaban to be the rainmaker if UCONN goes on another run.  Cause what an odd career so far.  Super dangerous and promising as a freshman, but like Clingan, they didn't need to do a ton cause Newton, Sanogo, and Hawkins were killers.  Still talked about as a potential first round pick already. Has a great sophomore year with Spencer, Newton, and Clingan.  Sniper for 3 again, figured he'd leave for the draft.  Ends up coming back for some reason. Struggles his redcrap Junior as the presumptive first option.  Worst shooting splits of his career.  Looked like a different player in a bad way.  Still second team All-BE but you figured he'd be in the running for BE POY.  Had a good bounce back year this year, but was SUPER inconsistent, especially late in the year.  Was bad in the BE tourney.  Bad in the Marquette loss, TERRIBLE in the loss to Creighton and their near miss at home against Gtown.  But he's been fantastic so far in the NCAA.  Another good game or two and he's a first round pick chatter again.

Agreed on Iowa and Nebraska.  Iowa was unlikable cause of Purple Faced Fran, but I respect McCollum (even though he's proven me wrong about how successful I thought he'd be, at least early on as a D1 coach).  I can't stand Nebraska football fans, but as someone who enjoyed watching Hoiberg's ISU teams, its been cool to see him not only rebuild his own career after the debacle in Chicago, but steadily build that Nebraska program, especially after early returns were not good at all.

But I will never root for Purdue, short of against Wisconsin, ND, or maybe Dayton, cause I can't stand Painter's late game offensive philosophy.  Yesterday was a prime example...one made FG in the final 6 min, not because Miami locked in defensively, but because Painter/PU is obsessive about shortening the game and using every second of clock after the under 8 TO, but especially under 5 min.   First 12 min of the second half, average possession was 15 seconds, they scored 28 points.  Last 6 min of the game (until Miamia started fouling), average possession balloons to 25 seconds and they scored that single basket.  The only possession under 23 seconds was cause Cluff got fouled posting up.

  And its not just cause of the NCAA stakes, anyone who has watched Purdue in the regular season sees them do it all the time.  I'm not second guessing his strategy, it obviously works.  Painter is an incredible coach and his results don't lie.  Its just incredibly dull to watch and second half of Purdue games, that are beyond a possession or two, absolutely stink.  Sometimes teams fight back and it gets more interesting like Miami did.  But usually its just a drag of missed shots and boring possessions crawling to the final buzzer.  Purdue fans likely don't care, but as an unaffiliated neutral fan, hard pass. 

Barnes and Tennessee do it too.  Where it feels like they hit a certain total that they can defend and focus fully on defending that, if they don't score again the rest of the game that's fine, as long as they aren't giving up points.  But the difference is Tennessee is usually offensively challenged and it feels like an extension of an overall game plan.  Whereas Purdue has a free flowing and powerful offense that just gets shut off.  The Celtics actually do something similar in the 4th quarter in the NBA, but given the pace of the NBA, it ends up looking more just like standing around disinterested then chucking slop.  That's also why they  stink as a neutral ball fan.

You may force me to change my mind with Purdue.  I just liked the things Painter said about MU 2 years ago.  I also am remembering my experience with Purdue fans at the United Center in the rd of 32 in 2011.  That was against Shaka's VCU squad that absolutely torched them because of 5'8 Joey Rodriguez.    Needlesss to say, Purdue fans there did not impress me JWags.  Lots of entitlement emanating from their expressions and mouths.

[muwarrior69]

It would be kind of fitting for Karaban to be the rainmaker if UCONN goes on another run.  Cause what an odd career so far.  Super dangerous and promising as a freshman, but like Clingan, they didn't need to do a ton cause Newton, Sanogo, and Hawkins were killers.  Still talked about as a potential first round pick already. Has a great sophomore year with Spencer, Newton, and Clingan.  Sniper for 3 again, figured he'd leave for the draft.  Ends up coming back for some reason. Struggles his redcrap Junior as the presumptive first option.  Worst shooting splits of his career.  Looked like a different player in a bad way.  Still second team All-BE but you figured he'd be in the running for BE POY.  Had a good bounce back year this year, but was SUPER inconsistent, especially late in the year.  Was bad in the BE tourney.  Bad in the Marquette loss, TERRIBLE in the loss to Creighton and their near miss at home against Gtown.  But he's been fantastic so far in the NCAA.  Another good game or two and he's a first round pick chatter again.

Agreed on Iowa and Nebraska.  Iowa was unlikable cause of Purple Faced Fran, but I respect McCollum (even though he's proven me wrong about how successful I thought he'd be, at least early on as a D1 coach).  I can't stand Nebraska football fans, but as someone who enjoyed watching Hoiberg's ISU teams, its been cool to see him not only rebuild his own career after the debacle in Chicago, but steadily build that Nebraska program, especially after early returns were not good at all.

But I will never root for Purdue, short of against Wisconsin, ND, or maybe Dayton, cause I can't stand Painter's late game offensive philosophy.  Yesterday was a prime example...one made FG in the final 6 min, not because Miami locked in defensively, but because Painter/PU is obsessive about shortening the game and using every second of clock after the under 8 TO, but especially under 5 min.  First 12 min of the second half, average possession was 15 seconds, they scored 28 points.  Last 6 min of the game (until Miamia started fouling), average possession balloons to 25 seconds and they scored that single basket.  The only possession under 23 seconds was cause Cluff got fouled posting up.

  And its not just cause of the NCAA stakes, anyone who has watched Purdue in the regular season sees them do it all the time.  I'm not second guessing his strategy, it obviously works.  Painter is an incredible coach and his results don't lie.  Its just incredibly dull to watch and second half of Purdue games, that are beyond a possession or two, absolutely stink.  Sometimes teams fight back and it gets more interesting like Miami did.  But usually its just a drag of missed shots and boring possessions crawling to the final buzzer.  Purdue fans likely don't care, but as an unaffiliated neutral fan, hard pass. 

Barnes and Tennessee do it too.  Where it feels like they hit a certain total that they can defend and focus fully on defending that, if they don't score again the rest of the game that's fine, as long as they aren't giving up points.  But the difference is Tennessee is usually offensively challenged and it feels like an extension of an overall game plan.  Whereas Purdue has a free flowing and powerful offense that just gets shut off.  The Celtics actually do something similar in the 4th quarter in the NBA, but given the pace of the NBA, it ends up looking more just like standing around disinterested then chucking slop.  That's also why they  stink as a neutral ball fan.

Maybe that is why Mcdermott is retiring. Local competition for recruits may be challenging. Only 51 miles apart.

[brewcity77]

Well is Sheek is going to be that guy, no?

In a year or two, sure, maybe. This year I'm really hoping he's the 12-15 mpg second big behind a legit stud.

[muwarrior69]

In a year or two, sure, maybe. This year I'm really hoping he's the 12-15 mpg second big behind a legit stud.

Thanks Brew. I am just tired of all the overly optimistic claims about the team next season when half the guys have not even played one D1 college game. NJ is the only legit stud and I can envision him giving us a buzzer beating layup in the tournament like Dylan did for the Johnnies last night, but we are going to need a lot more legit studs to play around him. Hope the off season will give us a better picture of where the program is headed.

[Uncle Rico]

Thanks Brew. I am just tired of all the overly optimistic claims about the team next season when half the guys have not even played one D1 college game. NJ is the only legit stud and I can envision him giving us a buzzer beating layup in the tournament like Dylan did for the Johnnies last night, but we are going to need a lot more legit studs to play around him. Hope the off season will give us a better picture of where the program is headed.

🙄

[muwarrior69]

🙄

Welcome Back!

[JWags85]

Maybe that is why Mcdermott is retiring. Local competition for recruits may be challenging. Only 51 miles apart.

This is sarcastic right?  Since he's been at Nebraska, Hoiberg has signed 1 HS player from Nebraska, Frager in the 2024 class, the top recruit in Nebraska, but who was ranked like 190.  Creighton barely recruited him cause he would have been probably the 4th best recruit they had in that class.

In the last 5 years, Nebraska has produced 2 top 100 guys, both left the state.  Sallis went to Gonzaga, then transferred to Wake.  Traudt went to UVA, then transferred back to Creighton.  There had only been 1 other top 150 guy, that bum Hepburn from Wisconsin.  Otherwise, 2 borderline top 200 guys who went to Creighton and then transferred down levels.  The last 2 years has been devoid of any reasonably high level HS players coming out of Nebraska.

If sarcastic, well played.  Otherwise, I can assure you that a losing competition for local talent wasn't on the top 20 reasons for McDermott retiring, maybe not even in the top 50.

[MU82]

Thanks Brew. I am just tired of all the overly optimistic claims about the team next season when half the guys have not even played one D1 college game.

Very few Scoopers are "overly optimistic," eeyore69. Some of us are cautiously optimistic, and frame our optimism around statements such as, "If Shaka uses the portal well ... "

Nobody here is predicting a return to the Final Four. Even optimistic types like me are just thinking a return to the NCAA tournament is possible if things go right this offseason. Meanwhile, it seems that as many (if not more) Scoopers are "overly pessimistic" - predicting that Shaka will fail this offseason and saying he should be on the hot seat.

[muwarrior69]

Very few Scoopers are "overly optimistic," eeyore69. Some of us are cautiously optimistic, and frame our optimism around statements such as, "If Shaka uses the portal well ... "

Nobody here is predicting a return to the Final Four. Even optimistic types like me are just thinking a return to the NCAA tournament is possible if things go right this offseason. Meanwhile, it seems that as many (if not more) Scoopers are "overly pessimistic" - predicting that Shaka will fail this offseason and saying he should be on the hot seat.

The thing with pessimists is that if they're wrong and things turn out well they're not disappointed. If they're right then everyone is disappointed. 

[muwarrior69]

This is sarcastic right?  Since he's been at Nebraska, Hoiberg has signed 1 HS player from Nebraska, Frager in the 2024 class, the top recruit in Nebraska, but who was ranked like 190.  Creighton barely recruited him cause he would have been probably the 4th best recruit they had in that class.

In the last 5 years, Nebraska has produced 2 top 100 guys, both left the state.  Sallis went to Gonzaga, then transferred to Wake.  Traudt went to UVA, then transferred back to Creighton.  There had only been 1 other top 150 guy, that bum Hepburn from Wisconsin.  Otherwise, 2 borderline top 200 guys who went to Creighton and then transferred down levels.  The last 2 years has been devoid of any reasonably high level HS players coming out of Nebraska.

If sarcastic, well played.  Otherwise, I can assure you that a losing competition for local talent wasn't on the top 20 reasons for McDermott retiring, maybe not even in the top 50.

You misunderstood. I meant they now have a local competitor for basketball talent, not in-state basketball talent.

[Viper]

This is sarcastic right?  Since he's been at Nebraska, Hoiberg has signed 1 HS player from Nebraska, Frager in the 2024 class, the top recruit in Nebraska, but who was ranked like 190.  Creighton barely recruited him cause he would have been probably the 4th best recruit they had in that class.

In the last 5 years, Nebraska has produced 2 top 100 guys, both left the state.  Sallis went to Gonzaga, then transferred to Wake.  Traudt went to UVA, then transferred back to Creighton.  There had only been 1 other top 150 guy, that bum Hepburn from Wisconsin.  Otherwise, 2 borderline top 200 guys who went to Creighton and then transferred down levels.  The last 2 years has been devoid of any reasonably high level HS players coming out of Nebraska.

If sarcastic, well played.  Otherwise, I can assure you that a losing competition for local talent wasn't on the top 20 reasons for McDermott retiring, maybe not even in the top 50.

after Kerry Trotter, Nebraska HS talent just doesn't measure up.

[MU82]

The thing with pessimists is that if they're wrong and things turn out well they're not disappointed. If they're right then everyone is disappointed.

"My kids are gonna be drug addicts who are a burden to society. Pessimistic? Sure. But just think how happy I'll be if I'm wrong."

Yup. Great way to go through life.

[muwarrior69]

"My kids are gonna be drug addicts who are a burden to society. Pessimistic? Sure. But just think how happy I'll be if I'm wrong."

Yup. Great way to go through life.

I thought we were talking about the Marquette Basketball Program, not life.

[MU82]

I thought we were talking about the Marquette Basketball Program, not life.

The Marquette basketball program is a big part of my life. Maybe it doesn't really matter that much to you, eeyore69 ... though given the amount you b!tch about it, that seems to be at odds with reality.

[Scoop Snoop]

I thought we were talking about the Marquette Basketball Program, not life.

Your "talking about the Marquette Basketball Program" consists of non-stop bitching, moaning, complaining, scolding, and lecturing. Your comments following the huge upset of UCONN are Exhibit A. No one else here posted that it was a case of a highly ranked road team having a bad game (really? Wow, I never thought about that!), as if we needed your scolding us for celebrating. And no one else snootily stated that if Marquette holds Karaban to two points in the next MU/UCONN game, THEN you will "concede" that the team has improved.           

[muwarrior69]

Your "talking about the Marquette Basketball Program" consists of non-stop bitching, moaning, complaining, scolding, and lecturing. Your comments following the huge upset of UCONN are Exhibit A. No one else here posted that it was a case of a highly ranked road team having a bad game (really? Wow, I never thought about that!), as if we needed your scolding us for celebrating. And no one else snootily stated that if Marquette holds Karaban to two points in the next MU/UCONN game, THEN you will "concede" that the team has improved.           

Glad you got that off your chest. Fell better now.

[Scoop Snoop]

Glad you got that off your chest. Fell better now.

Feel.

Fell is what you have done-as in faceplant- every time you tried to sound like you have something intelligent to say.

[MU82]

Good news out of Iowa State - Joshua Jefferson is "progressing," and he has realistic hope that his ankle will be sound enough for Friday's game vs. Tennessee.

I've been very impressed with ISU so far. Jefferson is an outstanding player, yet his absence didn't prevent ISU from wiping the floor with Kentucky.

[MuggsyB]

Good news out of Iowa State - Joshua Jefferson is "progressing," and he has realistic hope that his ankle will be sound enough for Friday's game vs. Tennessee.

I've been very impressed with ISU so far. Jefferson is an outstanding player, yet his absence didn't prevent ISU from wiping the floor with Kentucky.

They really need that guy.  Tennessee is big. 

[wadesworld]

NCAA Tournament viewership records despite all those people who said they will no longer watch college sports now that players get paid.

[Uncle Rico]

NCAA Tournament viewership records despite all those people who said they will no longer watch college sports now that players get paid.

All the same people that turned off the Super Bowl halftime show.  Sad!

[cheebs09]

NCAA Tournament viewership records despite all those people who said they will no longer watch college sports now that players get paid.

Feels like they should continue to get good ratings with how chalky things have been. Should be some good late round matchups.

[The Sultan]

Of the 8 S16 games, I don't see a bad one on paper. I'm sure it won't end up that way, but they look like 8 compelling games.