March Madness

Two great games yesterday, although I only saw the second half of each.

I like GT in the title game, given the Aussie's neutralizing presence in the middle and the bench's depth.

They were both very entertaining although I was sad to see OSU lose. Still Georgia Tech's success will give hope to all the 7ft pale skinny ginners out there that their affliction need not mean a life devoid of sporting excellence.

I'm trying to work out quite why I really like College basketball but find the NBA oddly boring and uninvolving.

Matthew

PS We should probably make MLB Division winners and Wild Card predictions to give Ludders a chance to reclaim some pride

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Originally posted by Matthew Robinson:
I'm trying to work out quite why I really like College basketball but find the NBA oddly boring and uninvolving.

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Let me help. Team defense and offense aren't played in the NBA, and the fans attend games for social purposes and work outings instead of cheering on their team. College hoops is about the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back, and the fans are drunk college kids and alumni going crazy.

quote:

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PS We should probably make MLB Division winners and Wild Card predictions to give Ludders a chance to reclaim some pride

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Yes culturally and as an event its the closest thing you have to the way football (soccer) is in this country. IN fact I was thinking today when we had FA Cup semi-finals on the same weekend as the Final Four that the NCAA Tourney is the US equivalent of the FA Cup -- which is also a knockout competition, has a long storied history that you grow up with, has "Cinderellas" (we call them "Giantkillers"), etc.

I think with the college game as well though there is a sense of the players enjoying the game for the games sake that seems missing in the NBA. They actually look like they are enjoying it in the same way that you or I might enjoy a casual game with a few mates.

Matthew

I just looked at the league standings--talk about blind luck! I figured UConn and Duke would make the Final Four, and I should have put more faith in Oklahoma State. Georgia Tech, though, I never saw coming... But good for them!

"I think with the college game as well though there is a sense of the players enjoying the game for the games sake that seems missing in the NBA. They actually look like they are enjoying it in the same way that you or I might enjoy a casual game with a few mates."

Matthew--I think that is it exactly. I used to be a big NBA fan, but that kind of faded as the league got more and more into the individual game. Now, all that's done is a clear out for the teams best player to break down the defender either off the dribble or a teammate sets a pick so the player can get off a clean shot. I also can't stand S. O'Neal--if the refs would "RTFM" he would foul out of every game in the first quarter. The last great period of the NBA (IMO) was the 1980's when Dr. J finally won, when Bird and Magic were competing, etc. It's been ALL downhill from there....

Best,

Bob

"It's been ALL downhill from there...."

Although there was some guy in Chicago if I recall correctly...

Matthew

It will be interesting to see what impact the yet-to-be-formed NBA minor league will have on the college game (and on desperate kids).

Matthew--

Although I think Jordan was certainly fun to watch, and inarguably one of the very best ever (though I rank him behind Wilt), I think the highwater mark for the NBA was the 1980's when Sixers/Lakers/Celtics were winning titles and Bird/Magic/etc. were running all over the floor and playing the game as it was meant to be played. Even when Jordan was playing, the clutch and grab defensive style was well in hand--thanks to the Pistons of Laimbeer, Joe Dumars, Isaih Thomas, etc.

Best,

Bob

PS--Hoping for a great game tonight!

Had to march 30 clicks in freezin temperatures once at night, stopping would have been madness, cos you lot would never have been able to enjoy my future contributions to this honourable fowum, you don't half find out who yer real mates aren't too in such situations, innit.
Fritz Von 10/'6.