Category: college basketball 365

NCAA Tourney – Elite Eight

On By @gtmoblueIn college basketball 365Leave a comment

Should be a good one…

Elite Eight matchups…Not holding to form folks!

Well, well, well. What have we here? There are no ‘true Cinderella’s’ left in the tourney. However, The Iowa Hawkeye’s are putting forth their best ballroom dancing interpretations. The Hawks have surprisingly danced their way into the Elite Eight field. Up next on their path to the Final Four is old neighbor, friend, and conference mate Illinois. The teams played once in conference with Ill winning 75-69, back on January 11th.

Now mind you this Iowa team finished 9th in the B1G at 20-11 regular season & 10-10 in conference play. They backed into the dance losing 6 of their last 10, and 3 losses in succession to end the season. The Hawks went 1-1 in the B1G Tournament. Technically, as the #9 team in the B1G they shouldn’t have received a NCAA bid. But, here they are. They are playing their best ball at the correct time of year and have won their way to the Elite Eight! Congrats to the Hawkeyes.

Matchups/Pairings…

Should seedings hold true we can expect to see more traditional matchups in the Elite Eight.

East – Duke v UConn

West – Arizona v Purdue

South – Illinois v Iowa (Surprises abound)

Midwest – Michigan v Tennessee

Potential SS Surprises… in order of importance

However, the upsets are not yet done!

Iowa 9-seed over Illinois 3-seed

Tennessee 5-seed over Michigan 1-seed

This could be one of the most surprising Elite 8’s in the last several years. Quality ‘hot’ P4 teams (not Midmajors) on a winning streak with momentum, in the South (Iowa) & Midwest (Tennessee) regions. High quality, top-seeded teams in the East & West regions. What fun!!

Jim Harvey a.k.a. @gtmoblue

New Challenge – New Energy

On By @gtmoblueIn college basketball 365

Could Coach Mac land @ UNC?

North Carolina fired a very good, middle-aged coach in Hubert Davis. Davis’ near sterling, five year record was 125-54 / 69.8% win rate, & 4 NCAA tourneys. He didn’t win enough, nor enough in the ‘Dance’. He was unceremoniously fired! Davis will be picked up immediately by another program. He’s a winner and has proved it!

The immediate list of North Carolina candidates include 2 pro personalities, and a who’s who of the usual ‘recency bias’ coaching darlings. Most have a high buyout clause. UNC has football issues, football coaches salaries-Bill Belichick & Co., Deandome issues, Davis’ buyout, etc. Mac’s not on that list. He’s a free agent – Salaries only- no buyout clause attached.

Oh the ‘bad blood! The Nof Clickians still grate over that 2012 NCAA game (they won it). Henson shouldn’t have been playing if he was still injured.

Mac is a young 61 y/o, with excellent coaching chops, record, & reputation. There’s still 10 years competitive gas in his tank. The UNC challenge is the proper incentive for a coach of his caliber! Coach McDermott should express his interest in the program.

Just sayin’!

Jim Harvey a.k.a. @gtmoBlue