College Basketball 2023-24 thread

[chad72]

1 hour ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

I really want to see Purdue make a run. I couldn’t believe my eyes when they lost to Virginia in the elite eight a few years ago. They had that game in the bag and watched it slip out of their hands. They would have been favorites to win the whole thing that year. Carsen Edwards was not going to be slowed down, let alone stopped. 
 

Regardless, what Matt Painter has done at Purdue is incredible. He just needs a final four on his resume. A national championship would be icing on the cake. 

 

I see things going down the same way. Another Elite 8 performance from Purdue at best. When push came to shove versus Ohio State, Purdue wilted. Maybe I saw one of their worst games but it didn't make a positive impression of Purdue at all on me. Michigan State handily handed Michigan, the same way Purdue did, so it told me more about Michigan being unimpressive than Purdue being impressive. Just my two cents.

[ColtStrong2013]

36 minutes ago, chad72 said:

 

I see things going down the same way. Another Elite 8 performance from Purdue at best. When push came to shove versus Ohio State, Purdue wilted. Maybe I saw one of their worst games but it didn't make a positive impression of Purdue at all on me. Michigan State handily handed Michigan, the same way Purdue did, so it told me more about Michigan being unimpressive than Purdue being impressive. Just my two cents.

it comes down to matchups in the tournament. They should have a chip on their shoulder from last season. They are also more complete than last year. Braden Smith is a legit point guard. Guards generally take over in the tournament. Last year it was, shut edey down, and problem solved. I don’t think it’s that simple this year. 
 

the thing I give Purdue credit for is that they are going to get everyone’s best effort. That’s life at the top of the food chain. But then again, they did last year 

[chad72]

1 minute ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

it comes down to matchups in the tournament. They should have a chip on their shoulder from last season. They are also more complete than last year. Braden Smith is a legit point guard. Guards generally take over in the tournament. Last year it was, shut edey down, and problem solved. I don’t think it’s that simple this year. 
 

the thing I give Purdue credit for is that they are going to get everyone’s best effort. That’s life at the top of the food chain. But then again, they did last year 

 

That, I agree. They have been waiting a whole year to get rid of that stench and ridicule. But they are in a "can't win with public perception" state till they make the Final Four. If they do make it, then it becomes house money from that point onwards, IMO.

[2006Coltsbestever]

1 hour ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

I really want to see Purdue make a run. I couldn’t believe my eyes when they lost to Virginia in the elite eight a few years ago. They had that game in the bag and watched it slip out of their hands. They would have been favorites to win the whole thing that year. Carsen Edwards was not going to be slowed down, let alone stopped. 
 

Regardless, what Matt Painter has done at Purdue is incredible. He just needs a final four on his resume. A national championship would be icing on the cake. 

When Purdue lost to Virginia that was a fluke and a shame because I believe if Purdue wins that, they win it all. After Purdue getting bounced in Round 1 last season, they have me not trusting them. Having said that, they should at least make the Final 4 this year, anything less will be a huge disappointment.

[ColtStrong2013]

11 minutes ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

When Purdue lost to Virginia that was a fluke and a shame because I believe if Purdue wins that, they win it all. After Purdue getting bounced in Round 1 last season, they have me not trusting them. Having said that, they should at least make the Final 4 this year, anything less will be a huge disappointment.

expectations are high. That’s for sure 

[Myles]

On 2/26/2024 at 11:42 AM, ColtStrong2013 said:

it comes down to matchups in the tournament. They should have a chip on their shoulder from last season. They are also more complete than last year. Braden Smith is a legit point guard. Guards generally take over in the tournament. Last year it was, shut edey down, and problem solved. I don’t think it’s that simple this year. 
 

the thing I give Purdue credit for is that they are going to get everyone’s best effort. That’s life at the top of the food chain. But then again, they did last year 

You are right.   They get the best of every opponent.  They just need to keep on winning, of course.  I predict they will make the Sweet 16 or Great 8 and lose at that point.  I fear that the selection committee will put a top 3 seed in their bracket (Kentucky).

[Myles]

Purdue beat a tough Illinois team tonight.  Playing on the road against this team was tough.  Smith and Edey played well as did Loyer and Gillis.  

[Myles]

Good to see Dayton win tonight.  They will probably be a 6th seed, maybe 7.  They lost their starting and back up point guard earlier, so we will see if Holmes can carry them to the Sweet sixteen.

[holeymoley99]

Stetson right down the way from me made it for the first time ever, UCF's former coach Donnie Jones doing a great job with that program. 

[Myles]

4 hours ago, holeymoley99 said:

Stetson right down the way from me made it for the first time ever, UCF's former coach Donnie Jones doing a great job with that program. 

It is nice to see that for a small program.   The fan base will be so excited, more so than ever.

 

Bothe Purdue and IU won today.  Purdue securing a number 1 seed and IU possibly knocking Michigan State out of the tourney.

[HOZER]

[ColtStrong2013]

8 minutes ago, HOZER said:

they are looking solid heading into the big ten tournament. They usually play strong in it, so they are clear favorites to win it as well. 
 

Just have to prepare for life without big ten officiating. All my Purdue friends say it’s final four or another early exit. Just gotta beat that 16 seed this year. Hahah

[2006Coltsbestever]

Purdue has a golden opportunity to win it all this year. How about IU getting in? 4 straight wins now (10-10, 18-13 overall), they looked dead, not so sure now. I think they get in if they win 1 game in the Big 10 tournament.

[Myles]

2 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

Purdue has a golden opportunity to win it all this year. How about IU getting in? 4 straight wins now (10-10, 18-13 overall), they looked dead, not so sure now. I think they get in if they win 1 game in the Big 10 tournament.

I think they need at least 2 wins in the big 10 tourney for a chance to get in.  They are currently 6th in the Big 10 but are 0-6 against ranked teams in both the AP and USA polls.  Iowa and Michigan State are both tied with them in the Big 10.  I think 1 of iowa, Michigan State, IU and Ohio State get in the tourney,  

[2006Coltsbestever]

3 minutes ago, Myles said:

I think they need at least 2 wins in the big 10 tourney for a chance to get in.  They are currently 6th in the Big 10 but are 0-6 against ranked teams in both the AP and USA polls.  Iowa and Michigan State are both tied with them in the Big 10.  I think 1 of iowa, Michigan State, IU and Ohio State get in the tourney,  

Yeah it may take 2 but IU did beat Iowa and just beat Mich St. 

[holeymoley99]

On 1/21/2024 at 10:01 PM, holeymoley99 said:

Samford is playing some very good ball,may be a mid major to advance a few lines on March bracket.  17-2 and have won 17 in a row after 2 straight losses.  Bucky McMillian can coach and Achor Achor will be in the NBA soon. They have scored more points than any team this season avg 90.4 a game only Kentucky comes close.

Samford punches their ticket tonite, move to 29-5 best record in school history.  Achor scored 53 points in semis and finals. They Press full court hard, score a ton of points. Bucky Ball.....will be interesting who they get opening round thinking they get a 14 seed so will have a 3. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

IU just won again over Penn St., 5 in a row now including wins over Wisconsin and Michigan St. during this streak. 11-10 now in conference play, 19-13 overall. They play Nebraska tomorrow. If they beat Nebraska and they have be in, JMO. That would put IU at 20 wins at that point. 

[Myles]

3 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

IU just won again over Penn St., 5 in a row now including wins over Wisconsin and Michigan St. during this streak. 11-10 now in conference play, 19-13 overall. They play Nebraska tomorrow. If they beat Nebraska and they have be in, JMO. That would put IU at 20 wins at that point. 

I think they need to win the Big ten tournament in order to get in.   It could happen.  Nebraska is not a solid team.

[holeymoley99]

8 hours ago, Myles said:

I think they need to win the Big ten tournament in order to get in.   It could happen.  Nebraska is not a solid team.

I actually like Nebraska, Tominaga the next Japanese NBA star IMO and the Danish Power Forward who came over from Bradley Mast is a very solid complement. Always like Fred "Mayor" Hoiberg going back to his college days, he has turned around this struggling program. We will see how far they got in Big 10 and then the Big Dance but I think Round of 32 with a shot at sweet 16 depending whom they get round 2.

[Myles]

Purdue won a tough game against Michigan state today.  Ohio State vs Illinois playing now.  Ohio State may get in the tournament with a win if IU loses.

[holeymoley99]

11 hours ago, holeymoley99 said:

I actually like Nebraska, Tominaga the next Japanese NBA star IMO and the Danish Power Forward who came over from Bradley Mast is a very solid complement. Always like Fred "Mayor" Hoiberg going back to his college days, he has turned around this struggling program. We will see how far they got in Big 10 and then the Big Dance but I think Round of 32 with a shot at sweet 16 depending whom they get round 2.

Tominaga is on fire with 18 in the first half and hitting from deep down town.  Nebraska is the only team from the Power 6 in Basketball without an NCAA win sitting at 0-7. 

[Myles]

I think Nebraska ended IU's chances of a tourney bid with the dominating win.  Ohio State is done as well.  Iowa has a chance.

[2006Coltsbestever]

21 minutes ago, Myles said:

I think Nebraska ended IU's chances of a tourney bid with the dominating win.  Ohio State is done as well.  Iowa has a chance.

Yeah IU is officially done. They had a nice streak going but lost to many games early in the season.

[Myles]

3 hours ago, Myles said:

I think Nebraska ended IU's chances of a tourney bid with the dominating win.  Ohio State is done as well.  Iowa has a chance.

I said Iowa and was wrong.  It was Illinois who beat Ohio State.   I think Purdue, Illinois, Wisconsin and Nebraska will all get in.  Outside of that, in the Big 10, Northwestern and Michigan State have an outside chance.

[holeymoley99]

7 hours ago, Myles said:

I said Iowa and was wrong.  It was Illinois who beat Ohio State.   I think Purdue, Illinois, Wisconsin and Nebraska will all get in.  Outside of that, in the Big 10, Northwestern and Michigan State have an outside chance.

I think Mich state is 3rd on Bubble so fairly safe as only 3 bid stealers are left and all would have to win.

 

I think Oregon is likely over Colorado, UAB and Temple each in semis would need 2 wins to capture America and both have uphill battles vs the 2 Florida powerhouses today in USF and FAU.  Finally NC State with a miracle win yesterday may not have much in the tank vs the Tar Heels but we shall see.

 

My Bubble

 

1)Virginia- It bursts

2)St Johns-Sweating it but make it

3)Mich St- Sweating it but make it

 

A lot of good games today, Ill likely be watching that Atlantic 10 mess sort itself out,  Nebraska vs Illini,Marquette vs Uconn and Oregon vs Colorado while flipping for stretches.  As a college hoops fan nothing like these 2 weeks.

[Myles]

30 minutes ago, holeymoley99 said:

I think Mich state is 3rd on Bubble so fairly safe as only 3 bid stealers are left and all would have to win.

 

I think Oregon is likely over Colorado, UAB and Temple each in semis would need 2 wins to capture America and both have uphill battles vs the 2 Florida powerhouses today in USF and FAU.  Finally NC State with a miracle win yesterday may not have much in the tank vs the Tar Heels but we shall see.

 

My Bubble

 

1)Virginia- It bursts

2)St Johns-Sweating it but make it

3)Mich St- Sweating it but make it

 

A lot of good games today, Ill likely be watching that Atlantic 10 mess sort itself out,  Nebraska vs Illini,Marquette vs Uconn and Oregon vs Colorado while flipping for stretches.  As a college hoops fan nothing like these 2 weeks.

Usually the Big 10 gets 6-9 teams in the tournament, but this season it may be only be 5-6.

[holeymoley99]

3 minutes ago, Myles said:

Usually the Big 10 gets 6-9 teams in the tournament, but this season it may be only be 5-6.

Mountain West stealing them all

[2006Coltsbestever]

#1 seeds:

Houston

UConn

Purdue

North Carolina

 

-Pretty much a lock.

 

ESPN just said Purdue will get the #1 overall seed if they win their tournament but yet Houston and UConn are ranked ahead of them, Purdue is 3rd in the AP Poll. College basketball confuses me. What if Houston and UConn win their tournament? What is the difference? NC can even lose, and they will still be a #1 seed at 4th best team at worse, what a luxury to have.

[Myles]

5 minutes ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

#1 seeds:

Houston

UConn

Purdue

North Carolina

 

-Pretty much a lock.

 

ESPN just said Purdue will get the #1 overall seed if they win their tournament but yet Houston and UConn are ranked ahead of them, Purdue is 3rd in the AP Poll. College basketball confuses me. What if Houston and UConn win their tournament? What is the difference? NC can even lose, and they will still be a #1 seed at 4th best team at worse, what a luxury to have.

Wouldn't a new ranking be out on Monday if the season wasn't over?  I suppose they are saying that Michigan State/Wisconsin/Illinois is a tougher 3 games than TCU/Texas Tech/Iowa State or Xavier/St. Johns/Marquette.   

I'm hoping NC loses today so that there will be other candidates for the 4th spot.   

[2006Coltsbestever]

3 hours ago, Myles said:

Wouldn't a new ranking be out on Monday if the season wasn't over?  I suppose they are saying that Michigan State/Wisconsin/Illinois is a tougher 3 games than TCU/Texas Tech/Iowa State or Xavier/St. Johns/Marquette.   

I'm hoping NC loses today so that there will be other candidates for the 4th spot.   

ESPN was saying even if NC loses, they would still get a #1. The other teams that were rated high with them all lost.

[Chrisaaron1023]

4 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

ESPN just said Purdue will get the #1 overall seed if they win their tournament but yet Houston and UConn are ranked ahead of them, Purdue is 3rd in the AP Poll. College basketball confuses me.

Same.. they'll just keep Houston #1 just for fun.. we all know who #1 overall is lol. I'm just gonna call 2024 the year of the repeat..

Chiefs

UConn

Nuggets 

[2006Coltsbestever]

8 hours ago, Chrisaaron1023 said:

Same.. they'll just keep Houston #1 just for fun.. we all know who #1 overall is lol. I'm just gonna call 2024 the year of the repeat..

Chiefs

UConn

Nuggets 

You may be right. I hope Purdue at least gets to the Final 4. They lost today.

[holeymoley99]

Going to be very close for final bids. This site has 103 expert brackets and break down each in depth. Looks like the following

 

Last 4 in

1)Texas A M on 85 brackets,  avg.  seed 10.42

2)Oklahoma on 95 brackets, avg.  seed 10.12

3)Mich State on 103 brackets, avg seed 10.10

4)Colorado on 100 brackets,  avg. seed 9.99

 

First 4 out

1)St John's on 75 brackets, avg. 10.63

2)Virginia on 49 brackets, avg.   10.92

3)S, Hall on 29 brackets, avg,     10.93

4)Providence on 12 brackets, avg 11.08

5)Indiana st on 11 brackets, avg 10.91

 

So looks to be a 2 team race as TAM is .30 behind next closest team to bubble and St Johns ahead by .29 on next club trying to get in .21 is cutting hairs. Both TAM and St John's on a wide majority will be quite interesting.

[2006Coltsbestever]

Purdue is in the easiest Bracket IMO. They have a real great shot of making the Final 4. I still don't trust Painter though. 

[Chrisaaron1023]

6 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

Purdue is in the easiest Bracket IMO. They have a real great shot of making the Final 4. I still don't trust Painter though. 

They are lol. No excuses now

 

I'm this years ending in 4 have been good to UConn the past 20 years. We'll see what this tournament brings. I don't think our woman have a shot this year. They are just too injured. But they have a great shot at the final four. And our men are going for repeat history.

 

They lump us between Boston and New York. We get no professional teams. But little ole storrs CT in the college basketball city of the country 

[ColtStrong2013]

7 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

Purdue is in the easiest Bracket IMO. They have a real great shot of making the Final 4. I still don't trust Painter though. 

I think they got pretty good matchups. A lot of people were calling for Purdue Tennessee matchup for a final four birth, but I’m here to say Creighton is the biggest threat to Purdue, outside of their own shadow 😂. 
 

We’ll see. I always like Tom Izzo’s teams in the tournament. They can wreck havoc from the 9 seed. 
 

St. John’s got robbed big time. I enjoyed Pitino’s comments. He said they wouldn’t say they were screwed but he didn’t want to hear the word NET ever again as it was such a fraudulent measurement. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

My Final 4 = UConn, NC, Purdue, and Kentucky. Kentucky is my Darkhorse to make it as a 3rd seed. Houston just doesn't impress me. They have games where their offense disappears. UConn repeats in the end.

[teganslaw]

I'm normally not involved with brackets, but I made a small wager on Michigan State. The Spartans are favored by 1.5 and have a long record of entering NCAA tournaments. I have a sportsbook account, so might as well use it. If I do well, I might try other wagers.

[Chrisaaron1023]

On 3/18/2024 at 8:23 AM, ColtStrong2013 said:

St. John’s got robbed big time.

Absolutely I wanted them in the tournament so bad after they put up 90 on us on Friday.. I was like, they need to cause havoc on the tourney .

 

I was wondering maybe they didn't like the big east this year. Providence also got shafted

[ColtStrong2013]

2 hours ago, Chrisaaron1023 said:

Absolutely I wanted them in the tournament so bad after they put up 90 on us on Friday.. I was like, they need to cause havoc on the tourney .

 

I was wondering maybe they didn't like the big east this year. Providence also got shafted

they blamed the 4 or 5 small conference schools that got auto bids from winning their conference tournaments. Stole spots