Aaron Gray

Yes this is still a college basketball blog, but here we are talking about an NBA player. He is Aaron "Augustus Gloop" Gray. Gray was the opposite of what you expected out of a Pitt Big Man. Pitt Big men are supposed to be Jacked beyond belief, intimidate the opponent before stepping on the floor, and bang down low. Now the line extends from Charles Smith to Chevy Troutman to Chris Taft to now Dejuan Blair for jacked Pitt big men. Gray defied all of them by being a Pitt big man, being called fat, soft, and a baby. But suprisingly Gray will probably have the best NBA career so what does that tell us. And if Aaron Gray can find a spot on a NBA roster and be playing significant minutes teams must stop feeding into a one man save a franchise approach. Aaron Gray has paved the way for Luke Harrangody this year at Notre Dame and for Luke playing so good this year we salute you Aaron Gray for defying logic and Pitt bigmen history.

Russell Westbrook dunk against Oregon

Russel Westbrook has my favorite for the Dunk of the year with this one

Teams you can't get a read on

Come the NCAA tournament these are the teams that kill you. The ones you just can't get a read on, one night they play amazingly blow a ranked foe out then come out flat the next night like a bad bottle of seltzer. They burst your bracket and make you cheer against the guy who got extremely lucky and hadn't seen a college basketball game all season but thought there was no way Hampton couldn't beat Iowa St. even as a 15 seed.

This year there are a few teams that completely fit this mold.

Kansas St.: Led by "Crazy Eyed" Frank Martin and the best freshman in the country (possibly best player) in Michael Beasley this team reeks of inexperience. They are a very athletic team and can put points up in a hurry but will then be lackadaisical beyond belief in a game they should finish in the first half. Now they have configured themselves onto the bubble and will likely get in, sure they could make a deep tourney run but it wouldn't be surprising to see them lose in the first round either.
Verdict: Play it safe 2nd round defeat
Washington St.: Honestly as a east coast fan who doesn't stay up into extreme hours of the night i don't see much of the Cougars. I do know that Tony Bennett's squad plays very good d, and is led by D-Low. But they also can't put many points up on the board and that will hurt them. They've lost twice now to Arizona so against very athletic teams it seems as if they don't match up well.
Verdict: undecided must see draw
Any Big East Team: How can Pitt and Nova lose to Rutgers. How can Marquette embarrass anyone on any given night then be so brutally embarrassed the next. Louisville can lose to Cincy (when they weren't good) and Seton Hall. And Georgetown the supposed beast can look so vulnerable in many of their games. Only teams looking good now are Uconn and Notre Dame
Verdict: Depends on team and veteran leaders


Maryland: Beat UNC, lose to Va Tech and Miami, Right when you thought this team was a completely different entity from when it lost to Ohio and American in the early part of the season this team has shown its inconsistency again. They have talent and a great coach in Gary Williams but the team sometimes doesn't click. Grievas tries to do to much, Gist doesn't get off whatever may be but this team needs to regain composure before it finds itself on the outside looking in on selection Sunday.

Recap

Yesterday I went 3-2 pushing my overall record to 4-2.

Some thoughts on what went on yesterday.

-A great day for the MAC conference, after GMU beat Akron they respond with huge wins by Ohio and Kent St.

-Unbelievable move by Bruce Pearl to foul with under 10 seconds left, looks like Tennessee is now #1.

-Bubba Walther a reserve guard on Ohio couldn't miss in the second half he got a steal and did a Reggie Miller fast break only to wet the three.

-Thirty-one fouls were called in the first half of the Georgia Tech Va Tech game, seems like a lot

-The all black Oregon uniform (left) was getting knocked by announcers yesterday but I find it hot.

-K. St. proves why they are the most inconsistent team in the country, they will ruin more than a few brackets

- I have been a critic of Norm Roberts' tenure at St. Johns but yesterday in the first half there was a no charge call (surprisingly they were playing Duke) that was absurd. Went into a 5 pt swing and the game was never close after.

-There were two nasty dunks in the Oregon-UCLA game one by Russel Westbrook and one by Malik Hairston.

-Kent St. now should get in the tourney if they don't win the MAC tourney, yesterdays win @ St. Mary's should assure that.

-Big win for the Drake over Butler

-So Ill sorry I doubted your blowout abilities I eat my words.

Saturday Picks

Overall I am 1-0

Battle of tourney tested midmajors
Nevada @ Southern Illinois(-7)
Without the point spread I would choose So Ill to win but with the spread being -7 and Chris Lowry's team's knack for playing close games for the spread I am going Nevada.
Prediction: So Ill 54 Nevada 50

Battle of new-wave mid-major studs
Drake @ Butler(-5)
This is a battle of the two best mid-majors this year. Each team needs a win to prove themselves to the tourney committee and the winner could be looking at a very high seed. Just as So Ill has tendancies to play close game Butler does too. They enjoy pulling em out at the end and never overpower teams on the way to blowouts. For this with the spread I'm going with Drake.
Prediction: Butler 61 Drake 58

Battle of Big 12 foes
Kansas St. @ Baylor (-1.5)
After under performing on Wednesday night in Lincoln Michael Beasley (yes underperformed even with a double double) and K-State need a win. Baylor has lost plenty of close games this year and also could use one. I have a feeling B-Easy will go for 30-15 and on that I'm taking K-State.
Prediction: Kansas St. 71 Baylor 63

Lesser known battle for possible second bid in each conference
Kent St. @ St. Mary's(-7.5)
This game has a lot riding on it. Kent St. needs a win to make itself be a legitimate bubble consideration if it loses the MAC tourney. They already have reached the 20 win plateau for the ninth straight year and the MAC is looking for its first two bid year since 99. Patty Mills St. Mary's has to prove they haven't fallen since their excellent start.
Prediction: Kent St. 74 St Mary's 71

And the regular season game of the year
Tennessee @ Memphis(-5.5)
I have complete faith in this Tennessee team, the best clutch scorer in college basketball right now in Chris Lofton and a team full of athletes. So what Kenpom says they can't make it far in March because they rely on forcing TO's. Tonight Crews outmuscles Dorsey downlow and Tennessee pulls it out over cross-state foe.
Prediction: Tennessee 83 Memphis 79

Thoughts on Last Nights Game

St. Anthony's pulled it out last night beating American Christian by 13, 64-53.

Some thoughts on the game

-Dominic Cheek went off in the first half for 20 points coming with 3 triples that were splashed in.

-Tyreke Evans seemed to be forcing at times, the boy is very talented and plays a smooth game but couldn't overcome St. Anthony's last night.

-Momo Jones has decommited from Louisville and didn't look that impressive last night to be honest.

-To show how deep St. Anthony is, A.J. Rogers who didn't play at all in the first half and in limited duty in the second half is going on full scholarship to St. Joes of the A10.

-Bob Hurley(Right) has earned a HOF induction and is well on the way to 1000.

-Tony Bergerron coach of American Christian is well on his way for being a slimeball.

Lastly I think that St. Anthony would beat NJIT (the worst D1 college team) and I would like to hear your comments one what you think of this matchup.

Watch Tonight

American Christian(PA) Vs.St. Anthony(NJ)

(Tyreke Evans above left)
(Jio Fontan above right)

There is one game that stands out on tonights schedule and ESPN knows it too

American Christian The Tyreke Evans led American Christian is a very tough team. Aside from the lethal scorer Evans, they also include Momo Jones, a Louisville signee, who transferred from Rice HS just before the season began.

St. Anthony the number one ranked HS team in the country is coached by the legendary Bob Hurley. Hurley's Friars run the Dribble Drive Motion attack that Memphis employs on the college level. They have the best press on the High School level in years and is full of division one signees. Six Seniors are going D1 (3 a piece to the Big East and A10) and junior Dominic Cheek has turned down an offer from North Carolina.

This game will give the nation a chance to see the Friars in action and my prediction for this game is St. Anthony's 74 American Christian 62

Slimeballs

While watching the Kansas St. v. Nebraska game last night Frank Martin appeared especially dirty. This list is of coaches who may be successful but you would never be surprised seeing a violation under their watch. Qualifications for a Slimeball usually include oldschool Pat Riley slick backed hair but can include other qualities. When you see one of these coaches you immediately think greasy or dirty.

And The Slimeballs
"Slick" Rick Pitino- the man is a recruiting beast, beating St. Johns, Pitt, Cuse, Nova for NYC recruiting supremacy. Which brings me back to "Jay-Z was great, Jeter was awesome, but the NBA scouts had me a little worried." No knocking Rick as a coach because the boy wins but he reeks of slime.


John Calipari- The man recruits players for one and done. He seems like a guy who's "word" is as good as the waiter's at the diner who recommended you the Lobster. He has a nice two month break for January and February because he plays in the C-USA in which he can stock up on as much hair gel as needed for the tourney.

"Crazy Eyez" Frank Martin- The new school of slimeball. Unlike the previous two he doesn't have the liberty to do what he wants in games and yesterday was a prime example. He had to show he was the coach the B-Easy in the first half but not playing Bill Walker down the stretch may have cost them the game. He was also rockin' a sweet get up last night.

and lastly for announcing and the former NCAA slimeball coaches out there heres Steve "I need more gel" Lavin- Lavin is the ultimate slimeball. The fact that he now is a major critic of all the coaches night in night out for ESPN is so hypocritcal. It reminds me of when Steve Phillips tries to tell me why GM decisions are good moves, ESPN get some winning coaches not guys who were booted and told not to come back.

McDonald's Breakdown

Yesterday the McDonald's All Americans were finally officially released. Some interesting things about the players selected
East Squad

Tyreke Evans- Along with being one of the elite wing players in the class of '08 and being uncommited he was also the driver in a drive-by shooting this year. He wasn't charged but the people he is hanging with may not be the best influences.

Mike Rosario- Yet another St. Anthony stud. If you haven't yet read Miracle of St. Anthony by Adrian Wojnarowski one of the great books about basketball. An unbelievable signing for Fred Hill at Rutgers trying to make that program relevant this is a great first step.

Kemba Walker (left)- Nicknamed EZ Pass for his great ability to dish the ball he is heading off to UConn next year. Following Russel Robinson and Edgar Sosa in great Rice P.G.'s recently.

Sylven Landesburg- A wing player who's recruitment came down to St. Johns, GA Tech, and UVA. He chose UVA and will likely get immediate time next year in Charlottesville. One of the best pure scorers in the country. Needs to work on his defense.

Elliot Williams- Elliot is the lone Dookie in the game this year. While they have 8 former McDonald's on the present roster this year they are "underrepresented."

Chris Singleton- Yet again Leonard Hamilton brings in a big recruit. From Von Wafer to Jason Rich. If only he could get them to play cohesively they could win.

Ed Davis- The first Tar Heel on the list. Lefty PF and son of an NBA vet, he will have to work to play immediately next year.

Tyler Zeller- The second Tar Heel and ala Sean May another Indianan leaving the state for Tobacco Road. Zeller is 6'11 who will be able to fight for minutes from his arrival.

Al-Farouq Aminu- And the Winner of the McDonald's Slam Dunk Contest 2008 is right here (unless Derozan does something silly). Aminu shut down Greg Monroe this year in there meeting and is headed to Wake. He is a stud.

William Buford- Headed to OSU, a 6'4 wing with great physique.

JaMychal Green- A great Defender going to Gotfried at Alabama, they should be real good when they get Ron Steele back again next year.

Samardo Samuels- Would have been a top ten post player in college basketball this year. The 6'9 Jamaican is a stud at St. Ben's. Slick Rick is real lucky to be getting Samardo down to the 'Ville.

West Squad

Iman Shumpert- A real athlete heading to Paul Hewitt at G.Tech. From Illinois which constitutes as West I guess.

Brandon Jennings- A pure scorer heading to Arizona. Keeping up the legacy of Oak Hill PG's with Strickland, Rondo, Lawson.

Luke Babbit- The reason Nevada will be back next year is Babbit. A lights out shooter is the lone mid major prospect in this game.

Greg Monroe- The Consensus #1 of 2008 his body like Samuels is college ready. Losing Hibbert wont be as bad with Greg Monroe coming in for the Hoyas.

Malcolm Lee- A afterthought to Jrue Holiday on the California basketball scene gets his props now. Will join Jrue at UCLA next year. They just are so consistent.

Willie Warren- A really athletic wing who could surprise people in this game. A great scorer who needs to work on his defense to make a impact in the Big 12.

Jrue Holiday- Pure scorer out of California heading to UCLA will replace Shipp as the premier wing at Poly Pavillion.

Larry Drew- The most controversial decision taking him over Ebanks for this game but donning the Carolina Blue helps I guess. A pg from California leaving state to head to Tobacco Road.

Demar DeRozan(right)- Like Aminu a freak athlete. He will likely be one and done at USC and will hopefully put on a show during the game.

Scotty Hopson- Commited to Miss. St after his Jr summer but is yet to sign the LOI. Would be a major get for the Bulldogs.

B.J. Mullens- Another elite Center from Ohio heading to OSU, haven't we heard this one before.
Michael Dunigan- Has potential to become Amare beastly with his body size and if he continues to hit the weights. Will bring Oregon back into the fold and is the opposite of Luenan.

Top 10 Favorite Coaches

My top ten favorite coaches and college basketball are judged on the criteria of how well they do, whether they are likable, and whether I could see myself playing for them.

The Coaches

10. Todd Lickliter- I first saw him when he coached A.J. Graves, crossover master Mike Green, and crew to the 2006 Preseason NIT Championship. Shouldn't have left for Iowa but I'm sure he'll succeed there.

9.Rick Barnes- A coach who has quietly turned Texas into Point Guard U. Royal Ivey, Boobie Gibson, DJ Augustin and who can forget the buck o' five monster that was Kevin Durant. Also major props for the stretching guy he keeps on staff.

8. John Thompson III- JT3 is young yes, but the boy wins also and for that reason and his charisma he lands here.

7.Jim Christian- Since 1999 Kent St. has won more than 20 games each year. Christian has been the coach for the last six of those meaning the guy flat out wins in a Mid Major Conference for that he deserves a spot on this list.

6. Chris Lowry- And the winner for the coach who's practices must be hell goes to Chris Lowry. The best defensive coach in the country is experiencing hard times right now but he has brought so much to SO Ill that he has multiple years worth of free passes.


5. Tom Crean- Has millions of plays. He looks like a nerd but he gets a lot out of his players. I don't love the present crew there but maybe he can get them to finally play consistently. Just a thought.

4. Andy Kennedy- A guy comes into a terrible situation and what does he do straight up Win. Thats the story of Andy Kennedy, he took a Cincy team after Huggy left that had no business even being competitive and made them a bubble team. Nonetheless he got canned and now at Ole Miss, Ole Miss of all places he makes them good. Nothing but respect for him.

3. Mark Few- A young coach who brings in the best to Spokane. What I like most is that each year non conference he goes out and plays the best at the best.






2. Ben Howland- Toughness is taught, always plays hard and results, yeah hes got em. 3 straight final fours. Not to mention creating that Pitt program.


1. Bruce Pearl- Orange blazers, benching more than anyone on his team, full court press, halfcourt alleyoops Pearl has it all. Hopefully they pull it out over that slimeball Caliparri this weekend.

Centsports

While watching parts of random Iowa-Minnesota games over the course of the season I realize I have no incentive to watch this game. I am not crazy about neither team and the biggest name on both sides is their coach. Well now I can watch this game and have some incentive. Thus I have learned why gambling is addictive. Luckily I have found www.centsports.com .


Centsports is completely funded by advertisers and never costs the player any money. The advertisers fund you ten cents to start and you make your bets. You lose they give you another ten cents. Its very simple.

I have taken the liberty to each night parlay my bets into prayers. Hoping that instead of taking just Xavier +2 I will take Xavier +2 win that and then win four other bets in order to win a dollar. So far I am very unsuccessful.

If you want to use my referral link you may at: this link

My Skewed Views

Alright I will now try to explain who I support and who I am vehemently against.

I Support:
First and foremost I support the University of Buffalo Bulls. The Bulls are in downward spiral this season which is very unfortunate. It will likely lead to Reggie Witherspoon's firing at the end of year and despite being warranted it will be sad to see the architect of the program leave.


My allegiance conference wise would be to the Big East. I have rode the bandwagon of many teams in this now super conference spanning from Wisconsin to Tampa. From cheering on Bootsy Thornton, Reggie Jesse and St. Johns to supporting Chevy to the Levee Troutman, Carl Krauser, and Branden Knight at Pitt, to watching Kyle Lowry magnificently split the double team at Nova, to being a Jonathan Wallace fanboy now at Georgetown.


Announcing Wise: No surprise here I am a Gus Johnsonnette. The passion he brings to any game he does is great and come March any game within 4 in the last two minutes their is no one else i want calling. Ron Lewis anyone?

Other teams I heavily support:
Maryland- I am on the Boom Osby 1969 Cadillac bandwagon and i love the grit Greivis Vasquez brings to each game. Just please pull it out sometimes.

Gonzaga- Matt Bouldin, Jeremy Pargo, and the impeccable free throw maestro Austin Daye whats not to love.

There are more players I really enjoy including Chris Lofton, Devan Downey, Sean Singletary but now its time for my List of Detest.

I am Against:

Like any redblooded college basketball fan I am adamantly against DUKE. I will have more on the subject after I finish the book I just started To Hate Like This Is To Be Happy Forever by Will Blythe. But for now I will just say my hatred grows every time Taylor King raises that towell on the bench does jumping jacks.

I am against the Dook bias all around us but Truthaboutduke.com has that on lockdown so no need for that to be talked about.

I am also against Syracuse. I don't know why because of my affinity for the Big East I would think I would like one of the premier original teams but alas I extremely dislike. That is why I am happy that they have over the last few years pulled their best Florida St. and been bubbling it up come Selection Sunday.

I am against University of Ohio mainly because of Leon Williams' tip in costing Turner Battle a chance at the NCAA tournament.

That is all I can think of for now, I guess this rant is over here but this is a primer for my coverage. I will not try to be too objectionable.

The Beginning

Welcome to the big show. This is Cutting Down The Nets. This blog will focus mainly on College Basketball with our main focus on gearing up to March Madness. So welcome along for the ride.