Tuesday, January 24, 2006
PATRIOTLEAGUEHOOPS.COM PRESENTS: GUEST BLOGGER JOE KNIGHT
With all the controversy surrounding the Joe Knight scandal, we (that's the royal we, by the way) at PATRIOTLEAGUEHOOPS.COM thought it would be worthwhile to go directly to the source. At the same time, the PATRIOTLEAGUEHOOPS.COM executive board (Matt B) is lazy and always looking for any way to avoid writing. Luckily, Mr. Knight agreed to writing a guest opinion piece on his situation.
LEHIGH SCREWED ME, BY JOE KNIGHT
Good morning, friends. Joe Knight here. You may have heard a lot of things about my unfortunate situation. Some are true, many are not. That's why I've asked my close personal friend Matt B, who you will remember was quite concerned about my absence from the court, to allow me to speak out for myself.
The simple truth is that the Lehigh Athletics department screwed me like Chuang Chuang on Lin Hui. Okay, so I didn't do so well at High Point. So what. If you'd have seen the classes I was taking there, you wouldn't have gone to them either. And the swimming at Oak Hollow Lake is too good in the warm months to be going to summer school.
So I transfered to Tarrant Community College, named one of the 50 best community colleges in Texas. And it was great, I got a 3.0 and made Dean's List. Sure, it was a community college, and the deans' list is written on the back of an envelope, but I was doing good. Brett Reed calls me and tells me they have a spot for me at Lehigh. After being told they offer majors beyond Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science, I say, “Lehigh has a tremendous academic reputation and outstanding athletics programs.” I'm in.
They tell me there's no problem with my academics, and I start practicing with the squad and it's awesome. I hit a 30 footer to beat American in my first Patriot League game and I'm feeling good. I'm golden.
Then something gets screwed up and all of a sudden I can't play, and everything I've done in the last two years apparently didn't happen now. I guess the NCAA has some kind of time machine or something, where they took away all my points. I don't get it.
Dr. Joe and Taryn, what gives? I sure didn't mess this up. It isn't my job to read NCAA bylaws. It's not even my job to READ. I shoot, the basketball goes in the hoop, and then you give me a degree. Everything else is your responsibility. If you're the DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE and you haven't DIRECTED COMPLIANCE, then what have you been doing? All Joe Knight wants to do is play. And Lehigh took that away. I'm going to play in like, 15 official games for Lehigh, and even that took three years.
Maybe I'll just go to the NBDL.
Joe Knight is a Senior at Lehigh University. His views are completely fabricated and if you actually took this seriously you are dumb and not allowed to visit this website any longer. @ 10:25 AM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
With all the controversy surrounding the Joe Knight scandal, we (that's the royal we, by the way) at PATRIOTLEAGUEHOOPS.COM thought it would be worthwhile to go directly to the source. At the same time, the PATRIOTLEAGUEHOOPS.COM executive board (Matt B) is lazy and always looking for any way to avoid writing. Luckily, Mr. Knight agreed to writing a guest opinion piece on his situation.
LEHIGH SCREWED ME, BY JOE KNIGHT
Good morning, friends. Joe Knight here. You may have heard a lot of things about my unfortunate situation. Some are true, many are not. That's why I've asked my close personal friend Matt B, who you will remember was quite concerned about my absence from the court, to allow me to speak out for myself.The simple truth is that the Lehigh Athletics department screwed me like Chuang Chuang on Lin Hui. Okay, so I didn't do so well at High Point. So what. If you'd have seen the classes I was taking there, you wouldn't have gone to them either. And the swimming at Oak Hollow Lake is too good in the warm months to be going to summer school.
So I transfered to Tarrant Community College, named one of the 50 best community colleges in Texas. And it was great, I got a 3.0 and made Dean's List. Sure, it was a community college, and the deans' list is written on the back of an envelope, but I was doing good. Brett Reed calls me and tells me they have a spot for me at Lehigh. After being told they offer majors beyond Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science, I say, “Lehigh has a tremendous academic reputation and outstanding athletics programs.” I'm in.
They tell me there's no problem with my academics, and I start practicing with the squad and it's awesome. I hit a 30 footer to beat American in my first Patriot League game and I'm feeling good. I'm golden.
Then something gets screwed up and all of a sudden I can't play, and everything I've done in the last two years apparently didn't happen now. I guess the NCAA has some kind of time machine or something, where they took away all my points. I don't get it.
Dr. Joe and Taryn, what gives? I sure didn't mess this up. It isn't my job to read NCAA bylaws. It's not even my job to READ. I shoot, the basketball goes in the hoop, and then you give me a degree. Everything else is your responsibility. If you're the DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE and you haven't DIRECTED COMPLIANCE, then what have you been doing? All Joe Knight wants to do is play. And Lehigh took that away. I'm going to play in like, 15 official games for Lehigh, and even that took three years.
Maybe I'll just go to the NBDL.
Joe Knight is a Senior at Lehigh University. His views are completely fabricated and if you actually took this seriously you are dumb and not allowed to visit this website any longer. @ 10:25 AM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Thursday, January 19, 2006
MATT B: GRUMPY OLD MAN
Jeff Jones and Company extended their win streak to 10 against Army last night, despite their best efforts to the contrary. There were a number of things that just didn't make sense, including:
1) Arvydas Eitutavicius, a guy that never played last year, continuing to get a ton of minutes;
2) Arvydas Eitutavicius, the worst defender on the team, guarding Jarell Brown, who was Army's only offensive threat last night;
3) Arvydas Eitutavicius, who shoots 36%, playing instead of Linas Lekavicius, who shoots 53%;
4) Andre Ingram's continuing inability to score when there are more than 10 seconds on the gameclock;
5) Paulius Joneliunus, a 6'11" 240 lb guy playing a total of 7 minutes, despite a breakout game at Colgate last week;
6) Senior guard Craig Weinstein, who is essentially a coach with a uniform on, somehow playing in the first half;
7) AU somehow going to a 7 man rotation all of a sudden; and
8) How in the hell AU actually won this game.
AU scored 18 in the first half. Some of that has to do with the fact that Jim Crews' offensive sets are "hold the ball for 20 seconds, then pass to a guy off the screen and take a jumper with 5 or less seconds remaining on the shotclock", which slows the game down to an almost unwatchable pace (think bizzaro Phoenix Suns). More of it has to do with the fact that AU played lethargic, with little offensive gameplan. If someone on AU came off a screen WITHOUT the ball, I would get on my knees and praise Allah.
Ugh.
NOW FOR SOMETHING MORE POSITIVE
AU's freshmen continue to impress, and at this point, that's more important than wins and losses. Jordan Nichols is capable of a double-double every time on the court, and will lead the team in rebounds and blocks by season's end. Mercer continues to improve, and if he starts gaining confidence in his jumper, he'll be as good as Andres Rodriguez soon enough. Brian Gilmore can't hit a shot to save his life, but that will come around soon enough. Garrison Carr is just plain fun to watch, but he is stuck behind a half dozen other guys at the guard position (including Eitutavicius, who who be the one averaging <10 minutes a game).
AU is certainly the underdog going into Worcester on Saturday. Yes, AU fans, it's time to be concerned. The good news is most of the teams in the league are as bad as AU right now, and they don't have the potential that AU does in the future. So you have to stay patient. At least that is what I'm telling myself... @ 11:34 AM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Jeff Jones and Company extended their win streak to 10 against Army last night, despite their best efforts to the contrary. There were a number of things that just didn't make sense, including:
1) Arvydas Eitutavicius, a guy that never played last year, continuing to get a ton of minutes;
2) Arvydas Eitutavicius, the worst defender on the team, guarding Jarell Brown, who was Army's only offensive threat last night;
3) Arvydas Eitutavicius, who shoots 36%, playing instead of Linas Lekavicius, who shoots 53%;
4) Andre Ingram's continuing inability to score when there are more than 10 seconds on the gameclock;
5) Paulius Joneliunus, a 6'11" 240 lb guy playing a total of 7 minutes, despite a breakout game at Colgate last week;
6) Senior guard Craig Weinstein, who is essentially a coach with a uniform on, somehow playing in the first half;
7) AU somehow going to a 7 man rotation all of a sudden; and
8) How in the hell AU actually won this game.
AU scored 18 in the first half. Some of that has to do with the fact that Jim Crews' offensive sets are "hold the ball for 20 seconds, then pass to a guy off the screen and take a jumper with 5 or less seconds remaining on the shotclock", which slows the game down to an almost unwatchable pace (think bizzaro Phoenix Suns). More of it has to do with the fact that AU played lethargic, with little offensive gameplan. If someone on AU came off a screen WITHOUT the ball, I would get on my knees and praise Allah.
Ugh.
NOW FOR SOMETHING MORE POSITIVE
AU's freshmen continue to impress, and at this point, that's more important than wins and losses. Jordan Nichols is capable of a double-double every time on the court, and will lead the team in rebounds and blocks by season's end. Mercer continues to improve, and if he starts gaining confidence in his jumper, he'll be as good as Andres Rodriguez soon enough. Brian Gilmore can't hit a shot to save his life, but that will come around soon enough. Garrison Carr is just plain fun to watch, but he is stuck behind a half dozen other guys at the guard position (including Eitutavicius, who who be the one averaging <10 minutes a game).
AU is certainly the underdog going into Worcester on Saturday. Yes, AU fans, it's time to be concerned. The good news is most of the teams in the league are as bad as AU right now, and they don't have the potential that AU does in the future. So you have to stay patient. At least that is what I'm telling myself... @ 11:34 AM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
ARMY-AMERICAN: A STUDY IN FUTILITY
Army comes to Tenleytown tonight with an 0-9 record against American in Patriot League play. The Eagles have never lost to a military academy in league play. Here's the scores for Army over the last 4 years:
01/12/02 - Army 40, AU 58
02/06/02 - Army 59, AU 74
02/02/03 - Army 64, AU 79
02/37/03 - Army 43, AU 77
02/01/04 - Army 46, AU 60
02/26/04 - Army 48, AU 54
03/06/04 - Army 48, AU 65
01/21/05 - Army 37, AU 72
02/04/05 - Army 58, AU 86
Combined, the scores are AU 625, Army 443. That gives AU an average margin of victory of more than 20 points.
So what, you say? AU needs a win very badly right now, and should they struggle against Army tonight, it will say a lot about where they're headed. They don't need to win by 20, but if it's close, AU fans should be nervous. @ 11:09 AM 1 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Army comes to Tenleytown tonight with an 0-9 record against American in Patriot League play. The Eagles have never lost to a military academy in league play. Here's the scores for Army over the last 4 years:
01/12/02 - Army 40, AU 58
02/06/02 - Army 59, AU 74
02/02/03 - Army 64, AU 79
02/37/03 - Army 43, AU 77
02/01/04 - Army 46, AU 60
02/26/04 - Army 48, AU 54
03/06/04 - Army 48, AU 65
01/21/05 - Army 37, AU 72
02/04/05 - Army 58, AU 86
Combined, the scores are AU 625, Army 443. That gives AU an average margin of victory of more than 20 points.
So what, you say? AU needs a win very badly right now, and should they struggle against Army tonight, it will say a lot about where they're headed. They don't need to win by 20, but if it's close, AU fans should be nervous. @ 11:09 AM 1 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
FEINSTEIN ON JEFF JONES
For AU's Jones, Little Pleasure In Growing Pains @ 10:09 AM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
For AU's Jones, Little Pleasure In Growing Pains @ 10:09 AM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Friday, January 06, 2006
SHOOT MORE!
This is a somewhat complicated chart-- it's the percentage of team points (i.e. McNaughton is responsible for 23% of his team's points) minus the percentage of team shots taken (i.e. McNaughton has taken 19% of his teams shots). You may remember the same stat from here. For instance, McNaughton scores as if he gets 4% more shots. His 66% FG percentage has a lot to do with that. (edit: These charts make it look like this is points/shots, when it's actually points-shots. Thank you to the anonymous person who caught my screwup.)
These are the guys who ought to be getting more touches, if their team can get them for them.
SHOOT LESS!
The opposite stat is below.
Notables on this list include Andre Ingram, who has struggled from the field at times this year while he takes on most of the AU offensive load, and Kevin Bettencourt, who has also slumped from time to time. @ 3:34 PM 3 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
This is a somewhat complicated chart-- it's the percentage of team points (i.e. McNaughton is responsible for 23% of his team's points) minus the percentage of team shots taken (i.e. McNaughton has taken 19% of his teams shots). You may remember the same stat from here. For instance, McNaughton scores as if he gets 4% more shots. His 66% FG percentage has a lot to do with that. (edit: These charts make it look like this is points/shots, when it's actually points-shots. Thank you to the anonymous person who caught my screwup.)
These are the guys who ought to be getting more touches, if their team can get them for them.
SHOOT LESS!
The opposite stat is below.
Notables on this list include Andre Ingram, who has struggled from the field at times this year while he takes on most of the AU offensive load, and Kevin Bettencourt, who has also slumped from time to time. @ 3:34 PM 3 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
REBOUNDS PER MINUTE
Here's a chart of the top 10 rebounds/minute contributors, with the qualifier being that players must average >5 minutes per game.
@ 3:25 PM 2 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Here's a chart of the top 10 rebounds/minute contributors, with the qualifier being that players must average >5 minutes per game.
@ 3:25 PM 2 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
PERCENTAGE OF TEAM POINTS
This is a chart of the players who have the highest percentage of their teams' points. Note that Olivero and Neptune account for more than half of Lehigh's offense.
More stats to follow. @ 3:15 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
This is a chart of the players who have the highest percentage of their teams' points. Note that Olivero and Neptune account for more than half of Lehigh's offense.
More stats to follow. @ 3:15 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
MIDSEASON PATRIOTLEAGUEHOOPS.COM POWER RANKINGS
Before we start, I'd like to point out the extraordinarily lousy schedule most of the teams in the league play this year. If you look at Ken Pomeroy's strength of schedule stats, 5 of the 8 teams in the league (everyone but BU, AU, and HC) are predicted to have their SOS, and thereby their RPI, increase with league play.
That means that despite the fact they play in a league with Army, most teams faced a non-conference slate that was less difficult than their conference slate will be. It seems that one ought to prefer the alternate, as HC, BU, and AU have, but remember that Lehigh won the PL crown two years ago with one of the worst OOC schedules you could come up with.
Here's how I see the teams stacked up as we go into the PL season.
1. Bucknell - Simply put, there is Bucknell, and then there is everyone else. A year ago, I said BU was the best team going into league play that the PL had ever seen (and was derided by many), and it's true again this year. In fact, they're better. 35 point drubbing by Duke aside, McNaughton looks stronger than last year, while their weakest starter is Darren Mastropolo, who would start on any of the teams below. Bucknell is as close to a sure thing to win the league as there can be.
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 12-2.
2. Holy Cross - From here the list deteriorates. HC is #2, not because they've played well, but because no one other than BU has. HC also has played more games than any other team and has done so with more than half of its key players injured or sick at some point. Currently Keith Simmons is still listed as minute-to-minute, and backup PG Pat Doherty is unlikely to play significant minutes this year. That leaves Torey Thomas out there for 40 or so minutes a night, which could be a long term concern. For now, HC gets the benefit of the doubt because of their injuries that they will bounce back and be competitive in the PL.
Prediction I will come to regret: They either finish 10-4 or 6-8, depending on their health.
3. American - Here only because they have played mostly good teams, something none of the picks below can say. AU's freshmen are developing better than any other team's-- with Garrison Carr looking like Glenn Stokes Jr., and Jordan Nichols rebounding better than anyone I have seen in an AU uniform.
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 9-5.
4. Navy - Don't look now, but the USNA is 4-5, and will probably enter league play 5-5 after they beat UMBC today. That's a big turnaround for a team that lost to DIII Gettysburg last year. Greg Sprink has dropped 30+ points twice so far, and Matt Fannin still looks to be a rebound machine, albeit not to the extent he was last year thus far. They've also developed a potent 3 point attack.
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 9-5 as well, finally beating AU for the first time in PL play.
5. Colgate - Yeah, I know, they blew it against SUNY-Stony Brook, and that kills their RPI, but you gotta believe that the Choneses will come around at some point, and that they'll be one of the more athletic teams in the league.
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 6-8.
6. Lehigh - Hard to say what bringing Joe Knight back will do for this team, but as is, they look like they have no size to speak of, which will be problematic regardless of whether Knight is in the game. Where the hell did Jason Mbegroff go?
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 6-8 too.
7. Lafayette - They're balanced, I'll give them that. Six different LC players average between 7 and 11 points. But again, they have no legitimate post presence, which is going to come back to haunt them.
Prediction I will come to regret: They STILL beat AU at home, since that's their thing. They finish 5-9.
8. Army - Let's keep things positive-- Army has already won one more DI game than it did last year. Sure, that number is two. But you don't need to worry about that.
Prediction I will come to regret: Army remains in the basement, maybe winning 3 games. 4-10 would be a big victory. @ 3:07 PM 2 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Before we start, I'd like to point out the extraordinarily lousy schedule most of the teams in the league play this year. If you look at Ken Pomeroy's strength of schedule stats, 5 of the 8 teams in the league (everyone but BU, AU, and HC) are predicted to have their SOS, and thereby their RPI, increase with league play.
That means that despite the fact they play in a league with Army, most teams faced a non-conference slate that was less difficult than their conference slate will be. It seems that one ought to prefer the alternate, as HC, BU, and AU have, but remember that Lehigh won the PL crown two years ago with one of the worst OOC schedules you could come up with.
Here's how I see the teams stacked up as we go into the PL season.
1. Bucknell - Simply put, there is Bucknell, and then there is everyone else. A year ago, I said BU was the best team going into league play that the PL had ever seen (and was derided by many), and it's true again this year. In fact, they're better. 35 point drubbing by Duke aside, McNaughton looks stronger than last year, while their weakest starter is Darren Mastropolo, who would start on any of the teams below. Bucknell is as close to a sure thing to win the league as there can be.
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 12-2.
2. Holy Cross - From here the list deteriorates. HC is #2, not because they've played well, but because no one other than BU has. HC also has played more games than any other team and has done so with more than half of its key players injured or sick at some point. Currently Keith Simmons is still listed as minute-to-minute, and backup PG Pat Doherty is unlikely to play significant minutes this year. That leaves Torey Thomas out there for 40 or so minutes a night, which could be a long term concern. For now, HC gets the benefit of the doubt because of their injuries that they will bounce back and be competitive in the PL.
Prediction I will come to regret: They either finish 10-4 or 6-8, depending on their health.
3. American - Here only because they have played mostly good teams, something none of the picks below can say. AU's freshmen are developing better than any other team's-- with Garrison Carr looking like Glenn Stokes Jr., and Jordan Nichols rebounding better than anyone I have seen in an AU uniform.
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 9-5.
4. Navy - Don't look now, but the USNA is 4-5, and will probably enter league play 5-5 after they beat UMBC today. That's a big turnaround for a team that lost to DIII Gettysburg last year. Greg Sprink has dropped 30+ points twice so far, and Matt Fannin still looks to be a rebound machine, albeit not to the extent he was last year thus far. They've also developed a potent 3 point attack.
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 9-5 as well, finally beating AU for the first time in PL play.
5. Colgate - Yeah, I know, they blew it against SUNY-Stony Brook, and that kills their RPI, but you gotta believe that the Choneses will come around at some point, and that they'll be one of the more athletic teams in the league.
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 6-8.
6. Lehigh - Hard to say what bringing Joe Knight back will do for this team, but as is, they look like they have no size to speak of, which will be problematic regardless of whether Knight is in the game. Where the hell did Jason Mbegroff go?
Prediction I will come to regret: They finish 6-8 too.
7. Lafayette - They're balanced, I'll give them that. Six different LC players average between 7 and 11 points. But again, they have no legitimate post presence, which is going to come back to haunt them.
Prediction I will come to regret: They STILL beat AU at home, since that's their thing. They finish 5-9.
8. Army - Let's keep things positive-- Army has already won one more DI game than it did last year. Sure, that number is two. But you don't need to worry about that.
Prediction I will come to regret: Army remains in the basement, maybe winning 3 games. 4-10 would be a big victory. @ 3:07 PM 2 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Monday, January 02, 2006
CAN BUCKNELL SCORE A 35 POINT BASKET
3:01 - McNaughton hits a nice hook shot. 76-43. If Bucknell doesn't get doubled up, they'll be lucky.
For some reason JJ Redick gets an award for going 2-11 from 3 pt land. Yo no comprendo.
Did you know Duke has Delaware's player of the year from last year? 78-49 with 1:30 to go.
Badmus fouls out, scoreless in 25 minutes.
By the way, this doesn't mean anything for BU's season. Only a W would have meant anything. Losing, by any amount, really isn't significant.
1:24 - Scrubs in for both teams. I may be the only person not watching OSU/ND right now.
:34 - 84-49. Bucknell won't get doubled up. Freshman Linthicum airs one. Yikes.
BU will lose by 34. Not good. Flannery needs to work on breaking the press.
It's been fun-- time to watch something competitive. @ 6:31 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
3:01 - McNaughton hits a nice hook shot. 76-43. If Bucknell doesn't get doubled up, they'll be lucky.
For some reason JJ Redick gets an award for going 2-11 from 3 pt land. Yo no comprendo.
Did you know Duke has Delaware's player of the year from last year? 78-49 with 1:30 to go.
Badmus fouls out, scoreless in 25 minutes.
By the way, this doesn't mean anything for BU's season. Only a W would have meant anything. Losing, by any amount, really isn't significant.
1:24 - Scrubs in for both teams. I may be the only person not watching OSU/ND right now.
:34 - 84-49. Bucknell won't get doubled up. Freshman Linthicum airs one. Yikes.
BU will lose by 34. Not good. Flannery needs to work on breaking the press.
It's been fun-- time to watch something competitive. @ 6:31 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
30 POINTS IS A LOT TO LOSE BY
5:41 - Mastropolo comes up with a bucket. BU not rebounding or playing any interior D. Another alley-oop for Duke. 70-41.
Chris over at HoopTime says the officiating has been terrible in this game. Probably true, but not the reason BU is down 30.
4:49 - Fast break, 72-41 Duke. Game getting ridiculous.
4:16 - Beer #5 mercifully comes. 74-41. @ 6:23 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
5:41 - Mastropolo comes up with a bucket. BU not rebounding or playing any interior D. Another alley-oop for Duke. 70-41.
Chris over at HoopTime says the officiating has been terrible in this game. Probably true, but not the reason BU is down 30.
4:49 - Fast break, 72-41 Duke. Game getting ridiculous.
4:16 - Beer #5 mercifully comes. 74-41. @ 6:23 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
I AM SHELDON WILLIAMS AND I AM YOUR GOD
9:35 - 63-36 Duke. Getting ugly. Vegotsky finally misses. Williams shooting 9-12. In case you were wondering, this is ugly.
9:10 - So Christian Laettner and I were smoking mad bowls together the other day, and I asked him, "Christian, dude, *cough cough* what do you think about the Williams/McNaugton matchup?" and CL said "Yo broham, I'm pretty sure Sheldon is going to push Herr McNaugthon around like he was invading Poland". Sure thing, my boy CL was right again. Williams now 10-14 with 23 points.
7:21 - Len Elmore is my new favorite ESPN commentator for talking up Steven Smith from LaSalle.
6:38 - 67-39 Duke. Beer #5 calling my name. @ 6:15 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
9:35 - 63-36 Duke. Getting ugly. Vegotsky finally misses. Williams shooting 9-12. In case you were wondering, this is ugly.
9:10 - So Christian Laettner and I were smoking mad bowls together the other day, and I asked him, "Christian, dude, *cough cough* what do you think about the Williams/McNaugton matchup?" and CL said "Yo broham, I'm pretty sure Sheldon is going to push Herr McNaugthon around like he was invading Poland". Sure thing, my boy CL was right again. Williams now 10-14 with 23 points.
7:21 - Len Elmore is my new favorite ESPN commentator for talking up Steven Smith from LaSalle.
6:38 - 67-39 Duke. Beer #5 calling my name. @ 6:15 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
A QUICK PHILOSOPHICAL ASIDE
The Germans think that strength must reveal itself in hardness and cruelty; then they submit with fervor and admiration: they are suddenly rid of their pitiful weakness and their sensistivity for every naught and they devoutly enjoy terror. That there is strength in mildness and stillness, they do not believe easily.
F. Nietzsche @ 6:11 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
The Germans think that strength must reveal itself in hardness and cruelty; then they submit with fervor and admiration: they are suddenly rid of their pitiful weakness and their sensistivity for every naught and they devoutly enjoy terror. That there is strength in mildness and stillness, they do not believe easily.
F. Nietzsche @ 6:11 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
NO SERIOUSLY, GWU IS RANKED #19
Does it not bother anyone else that GW is ranked #19 having so far beaten Maryland and a bunch of MEAC teams? Maryland isn't even that good.
13:17 - Announcers diss KHam from HC by saying McNaughton was the best player in the PL last year. Poor KHam.
12:40 - This Vegotsky kid might be decent, he hits his 2nd 3. Sheldon Williams now has 19 points on McNaughton. Who else wants to say he's an NBA pick?
BTW, we're on beer #4.
11:27 - Vegotsky drops another 3. All three rom the same spot. 36-57. Flannery looks depressed and is picking his ear on the sideline. Seriously, I worry about the dude. @ 6:06 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Does it not bother anyone else that GW is ranked #19 having so far beaten Maryland and a bunch of MEAC teams? Maryland isn't even that good.
13:17 - Announcers diss KHam from HC by saying McNaughton was the best player in the PL last year. Poor KHam.
12:40 - This Vegotsky kid might be decent, he hits his 2nd 3. Sheldon Williams now has 19 points on McNaughton. Who else wants to say he's an NBA pick?
BTW, we're on beer #4.
11:27 - Vegotsky drops another 3. All three rom the same spot. 36-57. Flannery looks depressed and is picking his ear on the sideline. Seriously, I worry about the dude. @ 6:06 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
ITS A LITTLE WEIRD TO HAVE COACH K COACH ON COACH K COURT
15:45 - BU gets screwed again, on an offensive goaltending. Vaier-Mclymont or whatever may not be the answer.
15:06 - First hlf relapse - BU turnover, Duke fast break.
14:50 - John Griffin is running point for BU. Not good. BU turnover.
14:22 - Seriously, BU is completely ineffective without McNaughton. It is probably reasonable to suggest that without McNaugton, BU is not a good team.
14:05 - Alley Oop for Duke. Boy, Bettencourt is having a terrible game. 1-10 now. 28-52. Make that 28-54. @ 6:00 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
15:45 - BU gets screwed again, on an offensive goaltending. Vaier-Mclymont or whatever may not be the answer.
15:06 - First hlf relapse - BU turnover, Duke fast break.
14:50 - John Griffin is running point for BU. Not good. BU turnover.
14:22 - Seriously, BU is completely ineffective without McNaughton. It is probably reasonable to suggest that without McNaugton, BU is not a good team.
14:05 - Alley Oop for Duke. Boy, Bettencourt is having a terrible game. 1-10 now. 28-52. Make that 28-54. @ 6:00 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
FRED MCGRIFF ISN'T EVEN IN THE MAJORS ANYMORE SO HIS ENDORSEMENT DOESN'T MEAN THAT MUCH TO ME, SORRY
18:02 - Bucknell looks like a good basketball team all of a sudden. Foul forced by McNaughton, who now has 11. Bettencourt for 3! 9-0 run to start the half! 28-42.
17:38 - Depth will be a factor here as Mastropolo has 4 fouls. Bucknell finally playing defense like you'd expect. Reddick misses a three. He's now 7-16.
16:58 - Bettencourt misses a three. Duke still without a FG in the 2nd half. Announcers point out that Duke might be getting some calls... this is the first time I'm heard anyone from ESPN say anything bad about Duke.
16:11 - McNaughton gets ripped off and the refs take an offensive board from him. Still 28-42. @ 5:52 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
18:02 - Bucknell looks like a good basketball team all of a sudden. Foul forced by McNaughton, who now has 11. Bettencourt for 3! 9-0 run to start the half! 28-42.
17:38 - Depth will be a factor here as Mastropolo has 4 fouls. Bucknell finally playing defense like you'd expect. Reddick misses a three. He's now 7-16.
16:58 - Bettencourt misses a three. Duke still without a FG in the 2nd half. Announcers point out that Duke might be getting some calls... this is the first time I'm heard anyone from ESPN say anything bad about Duke.
16:11 - McNaughton gets ripped off and the refs take an offensive board from him. Still 28-42. @ 5:52 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
SECOND HALF: KEEP THE BEER COMING
19:30 - Chuck Lee hits a 3! Then BU stops them on the defensive end! Badmus can't hit another.
18:31 - Lee hits a fast break bucket, and one. Duke playing sloppy for the first couple minutes... Lee misses the FT. 42-24.
18:12 - Shelton Willams has 3 fouls... Timeout Duke. @ 5:48 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
19:30 - Chuck Lee hits a 3! Then BU stops them on the defensive end! Badmus can't hit another.
18:31 - Lee hits a fast break bucket, and one. Duke playing sloppy for the first couple minutes... Lee misses the FT. 42-24.
18:12 - Shelton Willams has 3 fouls... Timeout Duke. @ 5:48 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
THE PL BLOG: ALL JOE KNIGHT ALL THE DAMN TIME
Just a quick thought -- does it bother you if you're not an AU fan that AU gets to play Lehigh in 5 days without Joe Knight, while every other school in the league has to face Lehigh WITH Joe Knight? It oughta. @ 5:41 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Just a quick thought -- does it bother you if you're not an AU fan that AU gets to play Lehigh in 5 days without Joe Knight, while every other school in the league has to face Lehigh WITH Joe Knight? It oughta. @ 5:41 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
2 GAME LOSING STREAK
Duke goes into the lockers up 23. JJ Reddick with 16. BU with 19, 10 from McNasty. Not good.
BU is in line for it's first two game losing streak since they laid an egg at AU and Navy back in January 04.
Beer break, back at the start of half #2. @ 5:29 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Duke goes into the lockers up 23. JJ Reddick with 16. BU with 19, 10 from McNasty. Not good.
BU is in line for it's first two game losing streak since they laid an egg at AU and Navy back in January 04.
Beer break, back at the start of half #2. @ 5:29 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
WHAT IS THE SOUND OF 10 MILLION PEOPLE CHANGING CHANNELS?
4:00 - BU calls their 3rd timeout. Flannery, to his credit, looks as if he may not go Super Saiyan and kill everyone in the building.
3:45 - McNaughton is BU's only offensive weapon, and looks like the only guy who belongs out there. BU still hanging around down 20. Needs to be more like 12 if they want to have any chance in the 2nd. Which would be pretty optimistic.
Kevin Bettencourt is 0-7. Bucknell shooting 24%, Duke 61%.
I would like to take this opportunity to let you know I'm declaring for the NFL draft.
3:28 - McNaughton misses a fadeaway. Lee gets a steal!
2:28 - BU backcourt really getting dominated. 41-17.
2:25 - Seriously, don't you want to slap the Duke kids? Just a little?
1:40 - The game plan oughto be at this point to just give McNaughton the ball, and hope something good happens. He scores his 10th point.
1:00 - Beer #3. @ 5:18 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
4:00 - BU calls their 3rd timeout. Flannery, to his credit, looks as if he may not go Super Saiyan and kill everyone in the building.
3:45 - McNaughton is BU's only offensive weapon, and looks like the only guy who belongs out there. BU still hanging around down 20. Needs to be more like 12 if they want to have any chance in the 2nd. Which would be pretty optimistic.
Kevin Bettencourt is 0-7. Bucknell shooting 24%, Duke 61%.
I would like to take this opportunity to let you know I'm declaring for the NFL draft.
3:28 - McNaughton misses a fadeaway. Lee gets a steal!
2:28 - BU backcourt really getting dominated. 41-17.
2:25 - Seriously, don't you want to slap the Duke kids? Just a little?
1:40 - The game plan oughto be at this point to just give McNaughton the ball, and hope something good happens. He scores his 10th point.
1:00 - Beer #3. @ 5:18 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
WHY IS MCNAUGHTON ON THE BENCH
7:09 - I'm not sure I even want to watch this game anymore. Shot of Pat Flannery's kids and wife on TV while they talk about his mental problems. That's lovely. Mastrapolo with his 3rd foul.
6:40 - Duke has a player that shoots 46% from the line. That is spectacularly awful.
5:50 - Duke by 22. Snore.
5:30 - McNaughton has 8. About the only bright spot right now.
5:05 - Yet another BU turnover. Time to hit the fridge, because the only way to survive is sometimes to trust your truebBuddy, Weiser. @ 5:13 PM 1 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
7:09 - I'm not sure I even want to watch this game anymore. Shot of Pat Flannery's kids and wife on TV while they talk about his mental problems. That's lovely. Mastrapolo with his 3rd foul.
6:40 - Duke has a player that shoots 46% from the line. That is spectacularly awful.
5:50 - Duke by 22. Snore.
5:30 - McNaughton has 8. About the only bright spot right now.
5:05 - Yet another BU turnover. Time to hit the fridge, because the only way to survive is sometimes to trust your truebBuddy, Weiser. @ 5:13 PM 1 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
TEN MINUTES IN
The announcers keep talking about how Duke wanted a tough test for the ACC in Bucknell. Please. Duke wants a guarantee victory, nothing less.
10:00 - Willams scores, 10-30. John-Ford Griffen hits a bucket. 12-30.
9:16 - Reddick now making me look bad, scoring at will. 32-12. Another turnover for BU. Gotta be 10 by now.
8:40 - McNaughton just took a three?!?! Bettencourt airs ones. Jeez.
8:00 - You know, Abe Badmus is a good defensive PG, but I'm not sure he's much on offense.. Jason Vetgotsky hits a three!
7:16 - Does it bother you that Reddick has 12 FGA already? Because it should. 34-15 BU, Reddick outscoring BU alone. @ 5:06 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
The announcers keep talking about how Duke wanted a tough test for the ACC in Bucknell. Please. Duke wants a guarantee victory, nothing less.
10:00 - Willams scores, 10-30. John-Ford Griffen hits a bucket. 12-30.
9:16 - Reddick now making me look bad, scoring at will. 32-12. Another turnover for BU. Gotta be 10 by now.
8:40 - McNaughton just took a three?!?! Bettencourt airs ones. Jeez.
8:00 - You know, Abe Badmus is a good defensive PG, but I'm not sure he's much on offense.. Jason Vetgotsky hits a three!
7:16 - Does it bother you that Reddick has 12 FGA already? Because it should. 34-15 BU, Reddick outscoring BU alone. @ 5:06 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
DID YOU KNOW GW IS STILL RANKED #19
Snap prediction, having seeing UMD and GW last month: Neither team wins an NCAA game, and one of them wont make it to the tourney. Yeah, I'm a hater.
11:36 - Charles Lee is the first non-kraut to score for BU. He misses the 3 pt attempt. 21-8.
11:14 - Chuck Lee, you gotta watch out for the backdoor. Another BU turnover, another fast break bucket for Duke. Ugh. 25-8.
10:56 - Taier gets a bucket! Announcer can't say his name!
10:33 - Reddick hits a three, timeout Team Flannery. 28-10. @ 5:01 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Snap prediction, having seeing UMD and GW last month: Neither team wins an NCAA game, and one of them wont make it to the tourney. Yeah, I'm a hater.
11:36 - Charles Lee is the first non-kraut to score for BU. He misses the 3 pt attempt. 21-8.
11:14 - Chuck Lee, you gotta watch out for the backdoor. Another BU turnover, another fast break bucket for Duke. Ugh. 25-8.
10:56 - Taier gets a bucket! Announcer can't say his name!
10:33 - Reddick hits a three, timeout Team Flannery. 28-10. @ 5:01 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
BUCKNELL SCORES!
12:30 - Hate to be negative, but this one is over. Bucknell looks completely lost.
12:29 - Reddick hits a three. BU needs badly to get a fast break bucket so that Duke lays off on the press.
McNaughton at the line -- the announcers bring up that his old man went to Lafayette. Can you imagine if McNaughton came to Lafayette? Announcer describes Lewisburg as "Idyllic". Not sure that is exactly the word I'd use.
11:48 - BU finally makes a stand, putting pressure on the ball and gets an offensive foul call. Down 16 (I think). Beer #3 needed soon. @ 4:57 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
12:30 - Hate to be negative, but this one is over. Bucknell looks completely lost.
12:29 - Reddick hits a three. BU needs badly to get a fast break bucket so that Duke lays off on the press.
McNaughton at the line -- the announcers bring up that his old man went to Lafayette. Can you imagine if McNaughton came to Lafayette? Announcer describes Lewisburg as "Idyllic". Not sure that is exactly the word I'd use.
11:48 - BU finally makes a stand, putting pressure on the ball and gets an offensive foul call. Down 16 (I think). Beer #3 needed soon. @ 4:57 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
SOMEBODY CALL MY MAMA
14:18 - I may have been a little quick in saying they survived the first 5 minutes -- they haven't survived the first six, as Duke has scored 8 in the last minute to go up 14-2. Bad news.
If BU can limit the transition game and settle down, they'll be okay. Also might be helpful if they didn't suck against the press.
13:58 - These announcers are terrible, not announcing who committed fouls or who is in the game. Somehow BU loses the ball.
13:48 - 17-2. Another turnover for BU. Note to PL coaches: you might want to try the press against Bucknell. @ 4:53 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
14:18 - I may have been a little quick in saying they survived the first 5 minutes -- they haven't survived the first six, as Duke has scored 8 in the last minute to go up 14-2. Bad news.
If BU can limit the transition game and settle down, they'll be okay. Also might be helpful if they didn't suck against the press.
13:58 - These announcers are terrible, not announcing who committed fouls or who is in the game. Somehow BU loses the ball.
13:48 - 17-2. Another turnover for BU. Note to PL coaches: you might want to try the press against Bucknell. @ 4:53 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
GOOD NEWS-BAD NEWS
Commercial break #1 - BU has survived the first five minutes of the game, something a lot of teams could not do. If Bettencourt or Lee can hit something from outside, they'll be looking a lot better.
Can you imagine if you were Jared from Subway? Your entire life is based on a sandwich and the fact that you like the sandwich. I heard he's not allowed to eat anywhere else as part of his contract. Like if he's caught at a McDonald's, they can him.
15:40 - Another BU turnover. That's 4 so far. McNaughton gives up the foul, now it's 8-2. Eeek.
15:19 - Christ, another turnover, leads to a Reddick 3. Things getting out of hand.... @ 4:47 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Commercial break #1 - BU has survived the first five minutes of the game, something a lot of teams could not do. If Bettencourt or Lee can hit something from outside, they'll be looking a lot better.
Can you imagine if you were Jared from Subway? Your entire life is based on a sandwich and the fact that you like the sandwich. I heard he's not allowed to eat anywhere else as part of his contract. Like if he's caught at a McDonald's, they can him.
15:40 - Another BU turnover. That's 4 so far. McNaughton gives up the foul, now it's 8-2. Eeek.
15:19 - Christ, another turnover, leads to a Reddick 3. Things getting out of hand.... @ 4:47 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
HIT YOUR JUMPERS!
17:25 - JJ Reddick, you suck. 0-3 from outside. McNaughton finally makes a bucket, god damn he is good.
16:49 - Note that Duke is shooting (and missing) from the outside a lot. Do you think that would happen with any other PL center instead of McNaughton? It's the opposite of what's supposed to happen-- the underdog is supposed to resort to 3 pointers, while the big dog is supposed to get the lay-ins. We'll see if that happens.
16:33 - FWIW, everyone I talk to that went to Duke thinks the Cameron Crazies are weird and annyoing.
16:06 - So much for stoping Duke inside. They now have 6 points on 3 dunks. @ 4:43 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
17:25 - JJ Reddick, you suck. 0-3 from outside. McNaughton finally makes a bucket, god damn he is good.
16:49 - Note that Duke is shooting (and missing) from the outside a lot. Do you think that would happen with any other PL center instead of McNaughton? It's the opposite of what's supposed to happen-- the underdog is supposed to resort to 3 pointers, while the big dog is supposed to get the lay-ins. We'll see if that happens.
16:33 - FWIW, everyone I talk to that went to Duke thinks the Cameron Crazies are weird and annyoing.
16:06 - So much for stoping Duke inside. They now have 6 points on 3 dunks. @ 4:43 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
WELL HELLO
The question is brought up immediately as to whether Duke would take a game against Bucknell. The answer is "they didn't know any better", not that it's a good test.
19:54 - Quick foul early against Lee on Reddick. The angle sucks at Cameron indoor, and you can't see much.
19:24 - Dunk by Willams, offensive foul on Badmus. Pat Flannery, not happy.
19:08 - Beer #2. JJ Reddick is overrated and turns it over. McNasty can't hit the 12 footer.
18:40 - Uh oh. Two dunks now for Duke. BU may be in trouble in transition. Bettencourt misses open three, can't do that too many times. @ 4:39 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
The question is brought up immediately as to whether Duke would take a game against Bucknell. The answer is "they didn't know any better", not that it's a good test.
19:54 - Quick foul early against Lee on Reddick. The angle sucks at Cameron indoor, and you can't see much.
19:24 - Dunk by Willams, offensive foul on Badmus. Pat Flannery, not happy.
19:08 - Beer #2. JJ Reddick is overrated and turns it over. McNasty can't hit the 12 footer.
18:40 - Uh oh. Two dunks now for Duke. BU may be in trouble in transition. Bettencourt misses open three, can't do that too many times. @ 4:39 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
STEALING: BAD
The wireless internet I steal is really, really, shaky right now. So who knows how long I last. While we wait for the game to start, here's some predictions:
1) Chris McNaughton pulls a double-double, but just barely. Something like 12 and 10.
2) Duke's quick guards neutralize the effect of Lee and Bettencourt.
3) Bucknell's quick guards neutralize the effect of Reddick.
4) This game doesn't start until 4:50 PM.
5) Duke by 15. @ 4:20 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
The wireless internet I steal is really, really, shaky right now. So who knows how long I last. While we wait for the game to start, here's some predictions:
1) Chris McNaughton pulls a double-double, but just barely. Something like 12 and 10.
2) Duke's quick guards neutralize the effect of Lee and Bettencourt.
3) Bucknell's quick guards neutralize the effect of Reddick.
4) This game doesn't start until 4:50 PM.
5) Duke by 15. @ 4:20 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
BEER #1 PART 2
While the Memphis/Texas game might be interesting to some, I'd rather listen to Suzy Kolber on ESPN2 while I'm waiting, as she hosts an the 1996 national spelling bee. And you thought her haircut looked silly now.
In bowl game news, Alabama still has the best helmets in football, and Texas Tech is still a half-assed Big 12 team. @ 4:20 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
While the Memphis/Texas game might be interesting to some, I'd rather listen to Suzy Kolber on ESPN2 while I'm waiting, as she hosts an the 1996 national spelling bee. And you thought her haircut looked silly now.
In bowl game news, Alabama still has the best helmets in football, and Texas Tech is still a half-assed Big 12 team. @ 4:20 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
BEER #1
Pre-game: So apparently the game is at 4:30, not 4. Oops. @ 3:56 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Pre-game: So apparently the game is at 4:30, not 4. Oops. @ 3:56 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Sunday, January 01, 2006
AFTERNOON DELIGHT
Your PL blogger will be updating LIVE tomorrow during the Bucknell-Duke contest tomorrow at 4. Be sure to tune in and talk back on the message board.
Happy New Year!
edit @ 2:25 on Tues: This is still happening, with the caveat that the wireless internet I steal from the neighbors is going in and out (how dare they!). So there may be some delays. Hopefully not. @ 8:04 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
Your PL blogger will be updating LIVE tomorrow during the Bucknell-Duke contest tomorrow at 4. Be sure to tune in and talk back on the message board.
Happy New Year!
edit @ 2:25 on Tues: This is still happening, with the caveat that the wireless internet I steal from the neighbors is going in and out (how dare they!). So there may be some delays. Hopefully not. @ 8:04 PM 0 HC Alums are angry about this post | Bitch about it on the PL hoops messageboard
