College Bball Roundtable- 1st Edition

Just a Loss or Cause for Concern

This weekend was an exceptionally exciting weekend in Mens College Basketball, what should have been routine games or "easy wins" for two Top 5 teams didn't go as planned. 4th Ranked Uconn and 1st Ranked UNC both fell into the loss column for the first time this year.

On Friday Uconn lost to Marcus Jordan and UCF in the Battle for Atlantis Tourney. Uconn was up by 17 in the 2nd half before being held scoreless for 7:35 while UCF rallied and then held on to win. UCF did this by switching to a zone, does that mean that the recepie for beating Uconn is to simply switch to a zone?? I don't believe so, Uconn doesn't get a pass for giving up a 17 point lead. They are better than that, should have been able to maintain their focus. This was also the first close game minus last year's "closer" aka Kemba Walker, fortunately for them it happened early in the year. A leader must step up on that team and I believe it will be Shabazz Napier, he rebounded from Friday's poor effort and led them to a victory over FSU on Saturday with some help from freshman Ryan Boatright.

My Take: Just a Loss         Yours??

Last night UNC took on UNLV in the championship game of the Las Vegas Invitational Tournament, I'm sure most of you don't even think this match up warranted watching. To those of you who missed this game, UNLV took it to the #1 Ranked Tarheels. Unlike the Uconn game, UNC's largest lead was 6 which meant they were never really "in control." On the other hand, UNLV went up by as many as 14 on the Tarheels. UNC got beat on the boards again and again by UNLV, I wish I could say I was surprised! Unfortunately, that's one of the things about Carolina that always worried me. I know that Zeller and Henson are tall rangy guys, but I they lack girth. It hurt against UNLV last night as they were routinely bullied for position on both the offensive and defensive glass. UNC perimeter defense got picked a part by drive and dish, they gave up many wide open threes. What may have worried me the MOST...their pick and roll defense is HORRENDOUS!! As athletic as UNC's bigs are, you would think they'd be able to defend the pick and roll pretty well since they are pretty mobile for their size. Instead, they got beat like a drum on EVERY pick and roll. It's only 1 game, this loss means nothing with it coming this early in the year. However, I do think UNLV provided the blueprint for beating the Tarheels. UNC is one of the deepest and most talented teams in the country, but defense wins championships and I really do think it's a cause for concern. Not to mention, All-World SF Harrison Barnes left the arena on crutches.

My Take: Cause for Concern        Yours??


I really want to know what you all think, just leave your comment below and I will respond to you all!!

Off into the SUNSET?? Joe Pa declares this season to be his last!!

I wish I could say I was surprised, in shock, or even flabbergasted. Unfortunately I'm NOT, how do you let someone walk away from such a mess. If this were any other coach in AMERICA, they would be ripped to shreds; instead everyone is acting like this is just an end to a wonderful coach's career. Please don't tell me you truly believe that THIS is the time to go, that prior to this horrible debacle Paterno had planned to leave this season....SERIOUSLY?? This is a horrible shame, where's the NCAA that is always in the middle of every minor recruiting violation and scandal?? THIS is actually something that they need to be a part of, instead they're hiding in the background. I even challenge members of the media, where are you all that were o so persistent during the Pay-for-Play scandal?? You all were the ones who somehow got access to Cam Newton's personal record (which is illegal by the way), why the silence now? It happens to all of us, just because a hero might fall doesn't mean you should be quiet. Hold them accountable, in this NEW era of "character counts," are you truly saying that Paterno showed exceptional character by walking away?? I can't even put into words what my thoughts are, so I will digress until next Tuesday at 7pm. TRUST, I will be ready for war!! What are your thoughts on Joe Pa and Penn St?? What should be done???

Worst Comparison EVER

I usually don't watch much ESPN, choosing to much rather read articles or watch the videos from team sites. (yes, i'm a nerd)

This morning however, I was awaken early and chose to turn on the TV and flip channels. I vaguely remembered stumbling upon ESPN and the analysts ( I don't remember as to who) saying that there haven't been a linebacker duo/combo like Willis and Bowman since Urlacher and Briggs. You could only imagine how offended I was. Not only as a 49ers fan, but as a football fan. There is no way possible you can compare a MLB/OLB duo with 2 MLB's. Not only does it not make any sense, but no disrespect to either Urlacher or Briggs but Willis and Bowman are a much better pair. They are also much faster and more versatile than the 2 Bears.

Take this year for instance: Briggs has 55 tackles, Urlacher has 41 tackles. Now lets look at the 49ers: Bowman with 76 tackles, Willis has 67 tackles. Please tell me how those numbers even REMOTELY resemble each other!!

Not only that, but why can't they (ESPN) just acknowledge the job that Bowman/Willis are doing and go from there. It's rare that a team gets 2 potentially great players at that position in a 3-4, it's a huge piece of the 49ers defense. Both players can run with any RB or TE in the league,  I'm not knocking the Briggs/Urlacher combo but we all know that BOTH of them aren't capable of doing so. Urlacher is one of the game's best MLB's without question, Briggs is an OLB and cannot do the things that Urlacher can. Urlacher will be a Hall of Famer, can't say the same for Briggs. Briggs complements Urlacher, he's not from the same mold. He is limited athletically, that is where my point is. Bowman isn't limited athletically to do the things that Willis can do. If you were to watch them play, it almost appears to be 2 #52's on the field for the 49ers. They move so much alike, that you don't know who made the play until they stand up after the play is over. I am not saying that Bowman is a sure-fire Hall of Famer like I believe Willis is, I'm simply saying his level of play isn't that far behind a Hall of Fame player. Bowman gives the 49ers 2 players of the same mold at MLB, once again I'm not bashing the Bears LB combo....Just saying that this comparison wasn't warranted and was far from accurate!!