by Paul Casey Gotham

Dare I say it almost feels like Spring.  I utter those words with some amount of trepidation considering that I might invoke the dormant spirit of a nor’easter.  Wouldn’t be the first time that western New York endured an April blizzard.

That’s all right.  Heck it even looks like Spring.  Local work crews have started cleaning up the beach.  Any day now and they’ll retire the snow fences for the season.  The picnic benches have made their way outside from their hibernation. Pretty soon the Ontario Beach Park will hum with the sounds of its famous carousel.

Yes, the century-old Dentzel Menagerie Carousel will open Memorial Day weekend – none too early.

Built in 1905 by G.A. Dentzel of Philadelphia, the merry-go-round boasts some 52 riding animals- everything from jumping horses to  standing horses, cats, mules, rabbits, ostriches, and a lion to name a few.

Thinking of these species reminds of the coaching carousel that happens every year around this time in NCAA Men’s basketball.

After all John Calipari might resemble a lion.  Now that Coach ‘Refuse to Lose’ has ascended the ladder, it seems just a matter of time of time before he

Dentzel Carousel at Ontario Beach Park

earns his spot as king of the jungle.  Hopefully, his mid-major stints with Massachussetts and Memphis have prepared Calipari for the expectations of Kentucky.

At least recruits seem ready to follow Coach Cal to Lexington.  Unsigned high schoolers like John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Nolan Dennis, and Xavier Henry all list Rupp Arena as a possible destination – well for maybe a year anyway.

But that’s just the start.

Calipari’s Kentucky coup was made possible by Billy Gillespie who turns out to be a goat.  After some modest success at Texas A&M, Kentucky handed Billy Bumpkin the keys to the kingdom – granted the university couldn’t attract their first two choices. Nonetheless Gillespie got his chance, but finds himself standing in ‘the cold Kentucky Rain…yeah yeah yeah yeah.’

If Gillespie is a goat, then Isaiah Thomas has to be an ostrich.  How else would one describe Zeke getting his head out of the soil and landing at Florida International.  Guess we’ll find out who was responsible for the MSG mess. Stephon Marbury?   Or Thomas?

Sean Miller is this year’s jumping horse.  After grazing on the fertile pasture at Xavier, the Pennsylvania native has taken off ‘his rainbow shades’ and head to Arizona.  (I realize I just dated myself with the Mark Lindsay reference).  This move is making more and more sense.

Miller seemed on the verge of getting the Musketeers into the Final Four.  With Derrick Brown, Jason Love, and Jamel McLean returning the X-Men looked ready to improve on their Elite Eight appearances of 2008 and 2004.  Miller’s departure originally seemed a head-scratcher.

But his move to Arizona allowed him to hire his brother, Archie, as an assistant.  Xavier’s nepotism policy excluded such a possibility.  Further, Archie has been an assistant under Herb Sendek at Arizona State.  Hiring his brother should resolve any concerns Sean Miller would have for west-coast recruiting.

Miller is not the only jumping horse.

While everyone seemed intent on Kentucky’s situation, Tony Bennett made a cross-continent gallop from Washington State to Virginia.  Suddenly the Atlantic Coast Conference just got a little bit more defensive.

Bennett’s move opened the way for Ken Bone to sneak like a cat from Portland State to Cougarville.  After leading the Vikings to consecutive 23-10 campaigns and their first-ever appearances in the NCAA tournament, Bone will tangle with the Pac 10.

Head coaches leaving allowed assistant coaches to prance like a deer into the head spot.

XU grad John Mack takes the reins at Xavier while Tyler Geving will look to keep things going at Portland.

Anthony Grant and Mark Fox bounded like rabbits into new spots.

Grant leaves behind his successes at Virginia Commonwealth to take on the task at Alabama.  Fox moves from Nevada to Georgia.

Here’s hoping the SEC doesn’t make hossenfeffer stew of them.

Still others have made like mules and dug their heels in for the long run.

Mark Few has taken Gonzaga from a cute little cinderella story to tournament contender.  He decided that is good enough for him.

Mike Anderson proved his accomplishments at UAB were no fluke by taking the Missouri Tigers to the Elite Eight.  Instead of using the Tigers as a stepping stone, Anderson inked a seven-year deal.  Part of the agreement includes an incentive that defers $200,000 per year if Anderson stays beyond four seasons.

Pig is the only way to describe Bill Self. If Cole Aldirch and Sherron Collins stick to their guns and stay in school, Self is going to have a feast at the trough next year.

Amid all of this Russ Pennell has to be the giraffe sticking his head up and wondering if everyone has forgotten him.  All he did was fill in at Arizona and take the Wildcats to the Sweet Sixteen.

And then there are the chariots – those venerable coaches who get it done year after year: Roy Williams leading his Heels and Tom Izzo coaching while others recruit.  Won’t be long and Jay Wright might grab a chariot ride.

Spring is here.  The carousel is in full swing.

by Paul Casey Gotham

At some point last night while ‘Let it’ Wayne Ellington was dropping shots like he was playing the ‘pop-a-shot’ at the local tavern, and Ed Davis was pulling down rebounds faster than Hubert Davis can deflect a Coach Knight taunt, I decided to sit back and enjoy the Tar Heels winning their fifth title.  (Somewhere, someone is thinking of  Knight’s insensitive comment to Connie Chung.)

When I looked at the in-game tally sheet, and Michigan State had more fouls (7) and turnovers (7) than points (5), I knew it was futile – well not as futile as Duke – UNLV 1990.

There was no need for me to get upset. Besides my daughter took care of any grumbling.  Ceil wears well the 17 years allegiance to the denizens of Durham.  She is a little shocked when I actually admit that UNC is good.

She’ll be downright aghast when she hears me say I am happy that Tyler Hansbrough reached his green light.

A thought came over me as I flipped off the tv and headed for a slumber: is it possible that UNC’s victory could cause future players to consider the importance of staying in college?  After all, Ellington, Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, and Danny Green could have declared for the NBA draft last year, and none of us would have batted an eye.

And there they were on the Ford Field court whooping it up and having a great time like…like…college kids.  They even looked like they were happy. Maybe future players might consider the prospect of staying around and enjoying the college experience (AHEM Mr. Gerald Henderson -wink wink).

What place in history does this Tar Heel band grab?  Are they the best college team of last ten years?  The logical match up would be against the recent teams from Florida.  I’m thinking Hansbrough would treat Joakim Noah kinda like DeJuan Blair treated Hasheem Thabeet as a rag doll.  Al Horford would cause some problems.  Corey Brewer and Ellington would set a record for points scored at the same position.  I could see the two of them making some sort of pre-game pact to make it look like they are defending eachother. All the while raining shots from another zip code

How would the ’09 Heels do versus the ’05 Heels?  Speaking of the ’05 Heels – has anyone heard from Sean May, Rashad McCants, and Ray Felton?

How will the future treat Hansbrough?  How will history treat Hansbrough?  Much has been made that the Poplar Bluff native doesn’t have a game that converts to the NBA.  He’s gotta be at least as good as Eric Montross.  That should work for eight seasons.

While CBS kept posting the graphic of all-time NCAA tournament scorers, I couldn’t help but think how dominant Elvin Hayes and Oscar Robertson must have been.  That graphic represented total points.  Right? Hayes and Robertson played in the era when freshmen were ineligible.  Further, there were fewer games because the tournament consisted of fewer rounds.  Yet Hayes and Roberston still rank in the top five?

Yes – the Spartans looked over-matched last night.  But they’ll rebound nicely.  Especially when considering that Kalin Lucas, Raymar Morgan, Chris Allen, Delvon Roe, Durrell Summers, Draymond Green, and Korie Lucious will all return. How does Tom Izzo have such an acute ability to find players who want be part of something larger than themselves? They went down last night, but those kids never stopped working. Like Rey expounded – who needs McDonald’s All-Americans when Izzo is your coach.

Speaking of Summers – do you think Stanley Robinson has recovered from this yet?  

How does the Big East’s performance or lack thereof in Motown affect the league’s assessment this year?  The conference’s seven representatives, three of which were no.1 seeds, accumulated 16 tournament victories.  Yet none occurred in the final weekend. 

The coaching carousel is already in motion as we enter the off-season for college hoops.  I have spoken on this topic before, but it’s worth updating.  

Do you think Sean Miller contacted Billy Gillespie prior to making his move from Xavier to Arizona?  Oh how things change when expectations enter into the equation.  Miller made mention that Arizona was attractive because of the possibility of winning the national title.  Hmmm…I guess the two Elite Eight appearances in the last five years weren’t good enough.  Oh and that must be what Miller realized after he turned down Arizona’s original offer.  C’mon Sean; Cash had nothing to do with it – right?

I suppose we should all make a bee line to Lexington, Kentucky.  Somehow the Bluegrass city has been able rise above the recession.  How else can one explain the $4 million a year they threw at John Calipari? Were there any political activists at Calipari’s press conference?   

How many more days until midnight madness?

by Paul Casey Gotham

Sixty-one games later and here we have it – four teams.  Actually, it’s far more than 61 if you count all the single elimination conference tournaments played for an automatic bid.

To many, making the Final Four is akin to a championship.  A team wins four games from one Region and earns the honor of cutting down the nets. Thus now on this final stage in Motown stands the Huskies of Connecticut, Spartans of Michigan State, Wildcats of Villanova, and Tar Heels of North Carolina with the opportunity to grab the most prized title – NCAA Champion.

The paths these four have taken not only converge at Ford Field but in the ability to present an immovable object, a resistance to the force applied.  To one degree or another the Huskies, Heels, Spartans, and Wildcats have all proved their mettle on the defensive end of the floor, and that has been the difference.

Making a claim that the Huskies get it done on defense might be one of the more obvious statements I can make.  While much of Jim Calhoun’s energy off the court has been spent defending his recruiting practices and salary, his team has continued the Husky pride in playing defense on the court.

 Hasheem Thabeet averages over four blocks per game, and UConn as a team knocks away 7.8 per game to rank no. 1 in the nation.  Couple that with a 9.2 rebound margin (3rd in the country) and a stingy field goal percentage defense of 37.6% (no. 2 in the land) including 30.4% from the arc (18th), and the Huskies have their recipe.

UConn topped Purdue in the Regional Semi-Final 72-60.  At quick glance someone could suggest that holding any Big 10 team to 60 points is less than impressive.  But consider that the Boliermakers’ leading scorer was Robbie Hummel with 17, and to get there the Purdue sophomore needed 17 shots.  Translation – UConn made the Boilermakers invest too many possessions to come away with too few points.  UConn held the Boilermakers to 26% (6-23) from long range.

Against Missouri in the Regional finals the Huskies withstood a gamey Tiger squad, 82-75.  Again, at first this could be an unimpressive number until one considers that in a combined 7:00 stretch of the second half Missouri managed three points (on field goal in four minutes and one free throw for three minutes).  The Huskies used their defense to pull away from Mike Anderson’s club.

Suggesting that the North Carolina Tar Heels proved their worth on the defensive end might raise a few eyebrows. After all UNC has shown an acute case of ‘Charmin Tissue play’ on the perimeter – ‘being squeezably soft.’  And why not?  They are no. 2 in the nation in scoring (90 ppg), no. 2 in assists (18per game), leading to no. 1 in scoring margin (18).  Why should they play defense?  They have proven the ability to outscore weaker teams.

But Roy Williams and his Heels stepped it up when they needed.  Gonzaga came into the Regional semis averaging 40% from behind the arc.  Against UNC the Zags went 7-23 (or just under 30%).   In the Regional finals Blake Griffin was like Ringo Starr looking to get by with “A Little Help From His Friends.”  Unfortunately for the player of the year his Paul, John, George… and Stu (had to come up with a fourth – Beatle fans can appreciate) managed 16 points for the first 35:00 of play.  Carolina’s defense schemed to take away the rest of the lineup and succeeded.

Many wondered throughout the season if the Big Ten played solid defense as a whole, or if it was simply a case of poor offensive play.

Tom Izzo’s Spartans proved last weekend that their conference can get it done when it matters most.  Kansas came into the Regional semis averaging over 76 per game.  The Spartans held them to 62 points including 3-12 shooting behind the arc.  Eager to prove themselves as not a fluke MSU beat Louisville 64-52 – holding the Cardinals to 23 points under their average.  MSU’s best defense might have been their offense…or at least their press offense.  The Spartans refused to give into the Cardinal press.  Subsequently, Louisville was forced to run half-court offense on a consistent basis, and MSU frustrated Louisville players time after time.

Trying to measure Villanova’s defense could be tricky.  Sure the Wildcats held Duke to 26% (16/60) from the field and Pittsburgh to 28% (5/18) from long range.  But defensive conversion might be Villanova’s most impressive trait.  The Wildcats possess the ability to take away opportunities and take opponents out of their comfort zone.

Blue Devil shooters looked annoyed having to play every possession with a Wildcat in their grill.  But more than that Duke did not get any easy lay ups.  Why?  Because Villanova did not allow any such chances.  Same went for the bigger Pittsburgh Panthers.  Sure the Panthers managed 76 points, but too often DeJuan Blair was forced into shots he’d rather not have taken.

And so it comes down to force versus object.  Which will succeed?  Time for a little Motown Rebound.  :)

(AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

by Paul Casey Gotham

Three more games and the college basketball season comes to an end.  It is hard to imagine that two national semi-finals leading to Monday’s championship, and the 2008-2009 NCAA Men’s basketball campaign takes its place in history.

So too draws the curtain on Tyler Hansbrough’s college basketball career and the University of North Carolina forward’s unparalleled resume.  Stat sheets like Hansbrough’s have seduced weaker souls to try for NBA riches. Yet the perennial All-American will walk off the court in Detroit at some point this weekend having exhausted all of his college eligibility.

Images of the senior forward diving head long across the floor, enduring an endless barrage of fouls, and a face covered in blood seem so commonplace that fans have almost overlooked Hansbrough’s accomplishments this year. Love him or hate him basketball fans respect the native of Poplar Bluff, Missouri for playing the game the right way.  He leaves the college ranks as the number one scorer in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference (currently 2,836), over 1,200 rebounds, and undefeated at Cameron Indoor Stadium.  Hansbrough’s trophy case is filled with All-Americans, a Wooden, a Naismith, and countless other Player-of-the-Year Awards.

Still Hansbrough’s accomplishments lack one thing: a national title.  The Carolina captain will come face-to-face with that goal this weekend at Ford Field.

With this singular objective so close at hand, Hansbrough parallels the quest of  fictional character, Jay Gatsby, whom F. Scott Fitzgerald breathed life into some eighty years ago.

James Gatz left behind a humble existence in North Dakota to become Jay Gatsby the millionaire cosmopolite of Long Island’s West Egg.   In doing so Fitzgerald lent a persona to the American Dream.  Readers have since associated Gatsby’s socio-economic climb with the possibilities provided by this land of opportunity.  Jay Gatsby showed that with hope and the willingness to strive anything is possible.

When Fitzgerald introduces his icon, Gatsby is seen reaching out his hand in the direction of the Long Island Sound. Off in the distance the image of a green light can be seen.  This light at the end of the Buchanan’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s aspirations.

Motivated by his love for Daisy Faye (Buchanan) Gatsby amassed a fortune with the hopes the two could ‘repeat the past’ when they were once in love.

Unlike Gatsby, Tyler Hansbrough strives to put the past behind him.  But like Gatsby whose collection of material goods include his rented mansion, extravagant cars, lavish parties, and glittering library, Hansbrough hopes his previous accomplishments will provide a foundation for what he will do this weekend.

In the end Gatsby fell short of his dreams.

Maybe, just maybe, Tyler Hansbrough can revive the spirit of Jay Gatsby on the Motown hardwood.  Perhaps Hansbrough can capture the green light that Gatsby found so elusive.

Tournament Records by Conference 

                                                                                     W     L

Big East                                                                     16     7

Big 12                                                                         11     6

Big Ten                                                                       9       6

Atlantic Coast                                                          8       6

Pac 10                                                                          6       6

Atlantic 10                                                                 3        3

Conference USA                                                       2         1

West Coast                                                                   2        1

Metro Atlantic                                                           1        1

Horizon                                                                         1          2

SEC                                                                                  0          3

Michigan State used 11 players; UConnn – 8.  MSU’s bench outscored UConn’s 33-7.

 The Spartans scored 22 fast break points to the Huskies 10.  In the Regional final MSU outscored Louisville 4-0 in the fast-break category.   What a great example of controlling tempo.

11/22 – 5/27 = 14  ?!?!

Villanova made 5 trifectas in 27 attempts while the UNC made 11 of 22.  An eighteen point difference from the arc led to an 83-69 final score or a 14 point margin.   Carolina’s Wayne Ellington went 5-7.  Ouch!

UNC hauled in 14 offensive rebounds.  Their leader?  Bobby Frasor with 5.

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

by Doug Potter

Big, manly, giant, defensive monster, shot-blocking machine, human eraser. Those are some of the adjectives many people choose to describe the seven-foot-three 263 pound center for the University of Connecticut Huskies, and rightfully so. Let’s take a look, however, at Hasheem Thabeet Manka on a deeper level.

The 22 year old deep-voiced Tazmanian was born in Dar Es Salaam, Tarzania and didn’t even think about the sport of basketball until he was 15 years old when he would watch the pickup games in the local parks in Tarzania. It was during this time that Hasheem lost his father due to complications from diabetes. When his father passed, Thabeet lost his last name of “Manka” and took his middle name as his last because “once my dad passed, then I’ve got to make a new person,” Thabeet said.

Thank God he chose basketball, because this “new person” had been looking ever so desperately for a job and money to help support his family. So desperately that it led him to become a model at the tender age of 14 bringing in $300 a night and take on the role of a bouncer at a local club to “look scary,” which came easily.

Then there was basketball. Hasheem was not oblivious to his height (6-foot by the age of 10) and knew he had to explore the world of American basketball. He proceeded to purchase 4 hours of internet time in his town library and used that time wisely. Long story short, thank you internet for bringing the Muslim manchild to the states and convert him into a force on the basketball court all in just five years time.

As a freshman at UConn, Thabeet averaged just 24 minutes, 6 PPG and 6 RPG. Being only his fourth year even handling a basketball, I guess you could say he was a little raw. His Sophomore numbers were a little more similar to what a seven-footer should be accustomed to (10.5 PPG, nearly 8 RPG and 5 BPG).

This past season he finally put it all together; defense, offensive efficiency (65% from the field), rebounding (10.9 RPG), shot-blocking (4.3 BPG), and a much improved offensive repertoire (13.5 PPG). His vast improvements earned him the honors of Defensive Player of the Year and Co-Player of the Year in the Big East. The fast-growing game of Thabeet could possibly find its way into the NBA this season as he’s a lottery pick in waiting. His gaudy wingspan and ability to stay on his feet to block shots has NBA scouts drooling. The scouts are also intrigued by how much improvement is still left to be done for “Hash” as his head coach, Jim Calhoun, calls him.

So that brings us to the present. Our boy Hash is right in the middle of one of the greatest sporting events in the world: The Final Four. Not only is he involved, but he is in prime position to lead his team to its third National Championship title in school history (1999 and 2004). First up, he will take on Goran Suton and the Michigan State Spartans in the national semi-final. A victory could set up a very intriguing matchup with First-Team All-American big man, Tyler Hansbrough in the National Championship. So with most of your brackets already in the trash, there’s only one thing left to do: sit back and watch the magic of the Final Four. Enjoy.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

5. Midwest is becoming the new East

Rey: We don’t want to admit it, but the Midwest is becoming a basketball force. Kansas won the National Championship last year. Missouri and Mike Anderson have turned things around in the past three years. More and more All-Americans are finding their way to Midwest schools rather than East schools. Willie Warren could have gone anywhere he wanted. Kevin Durant ad Michael Beasley certainly bucked a trend a few years ago. Even our newest tournament hero, Scottie Reynolds, was an Oklahoma committed guard before Kelvin Sampson left for Indiana.

Jeff Capel understands East coast bias better than anyone. The Fayetteville, North Carolina native chose Duke over his beloved Tar Heels and is most remembered for his half court shot against UNC. He was skeptical about going to a Midwest school but has since shown that you can recruit out there. After all, former player of the year Tyler Hansbrough, hails from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. If ever a time for the Midwest to shine, it’s right now among the East’s best.

Casey: I can see what you’re talking about, but how many titles can teams in the East win? – UConn, Duke, Maryland, Syracuse, UNC, Florida.  The East has pretty much owned the last decade.  Eventually every streak has to end.  

Like you said Capel has gone to the Midwest and recruited.  Kinda like Rick Barnes. And didn’t Bob Huggins bring Beasley to K-State? Any chance kids are more willing to go to those programs because they have coaches who have cut their teeth in the East?

Don’t forget the Big 10 falls into the category of the Midwest.

Before I forget – Blake Griffin went to Oklahoma to run the floor with his brother.  How many text messages do you think Taylor recieved?

4. Game management

Rey: Jeff Capel has already said he won’t run with the Tar Heels. Carolina averages more possessions per game; however, it’s one thing to want to slow the tempo down, and another to actually have the ability and personnel to do it. Oklahoma does. The Missouri loss late in the regular season revealed to Capel’s crew what they can and can’t do as far as tempo.

The Sooners have basketball IQ. Even freshman guard, Willie Warren, plays within the system and himself. When he can use his speed and explosiveness, he does. When his teammates are doing well, he gets them the ball. Both Griffins invite the double team and patiently pass out of it, often finding the open backside teammate. Austin Johnson is a better guard than he gets credit for and patiently controls the Sooner game plan.

If Capel’s crew can execute, Carolina has shown that a slower tempo and half court game is not their forte.

Casey:  No doubt UNC has trouble when they have to play a half-court game.  But I wouldn’t be surprised if the freshman, Warren, spends the second half on the bench because the Sooner staff will be worried about his psyche. Oklahoma barely advanced past an over-matched Michigan team early in the tournament.

3. Somebody always steps up

In games decided by four points or less this year for the Sooners, Taylor Griffin is averaging just over 16 points, which is 6 higher than his average. During Blake Griffin’s two game absence in the regular season, Willie Warren exploded for 23 and 27 points, well above his 14 point average.

In this year’s tournament, Tony Crocker has shown his ability to knock down shots. The first two rounds was more of the usual for the Sooners, with Warren and both Griffins scoring at or above their averages. Junior guard Tony Crocker only averaged 4 points in the first two rounds. Syracuse was a different story. With only Blake Griffin finding the bucket, Crocker exploded for 28 points by shooting 6-11 beyond the arc.

You can easily peruse Oklahoma’s box score this season and find that despite a depth issue, there are three or four players not named Blake Griffin who are capable of scoring. 

Casey: Yeah but can these guys step up when they are the underdog?  You know as well as I do knocking down a three when you are in the lead is one thing.  Hitting a shot in the second half when you are trailing?  Those are uncharted waters for these Sooners.

That explosion by Willie Warren was great.  Of course he didn’t have to worry whether he might cost his team the end of the season.  Do you think the freshman has the moxie to take the shot his team needs in an elimination game?

2. Carolina struggles to guard the perimeter

Rey: It’s true. Kansas’ backcourt scored 54 points in last year’s 2008 semifinal game against UNC. Brandon Rush (25), Mario Chalmers (11), and Sheron Collins (11) did it without a dominating inside post presence. And in case I’m going too far back, Tyrice Rice (25) of Boston College, Jeff Teague (34) of Wake Forest, Greivis Vasquez (35) of Maryland, and Toney Douglas (27) of Florida State can vouch for this year’s ACC regular season. Guards don’t only do well against Carolina, they completely go off.

Carolina has felt the defensive loss of Marcus Ginyard this year many times. It will happen again against Oklahoma. Plus, with all the attention spent on the Griffins and as well as both of them pass the ball, either Warren or Crocker could be looking at a career night.

Casey:  No doubt this has been a weak spot for the Heels.  But none of those teams you mentioned shoot it as well as Gonzaga, and the Bulldogs managed a mere 30% from the arc Friday night.  Chances are UNC was playing possum much of the year.  Yeah their umotivated perimeter defense almost brought on a tragic level of Ol’ Roy’s vertigo, but now they are playing when they need to. The Heels just needed somthing to inspire them.   

Oklahoma looked pretty good against the Syracuse’s zone, but who hasn’t?  Somewhere I read an article entitled: “The Orange Coats Are Coming; The Orange Coats Are Coming.”

1. Taylor Griffin

Rey: Yes, I typed in the correct name. Younger brother Blake is shooting a gaudy 78 percent in this tournament and averaging 30 points. Is there any question what he will do?

Carolina’s forward, Deon Thompson, called older brother Taylor the most underrated big man in the country. He might be right. Taylor averages just under 10 a game, but has shown an ability to go for more than 20. He can rebound and block shots. His best and most underrated skill may be his passing. He has an uncanny ability to get his younger brother the ball from the opposite block and is also not afraid to kick out and allow the offense to flow.

But, most importantly, he is a senior and quintessential team player. He is surrounded by great young players and seems like the quiet, fatherly type that calms them down at any moment.

Casey: That’s a nice story.  I almost hope you’re right.  Of course one of Pitt’s seniors, Dejuan Blair, looked more like a matador than a fatherly type as he let Scottie reynolds go to the basket last night.

If Oklahoma wins, will you be writing the Ode to Taylor piece?

by Paul Casey Gotham

Setting:  Beale Street will be bopppin’ tonight as the Sweet Sixteen comes to Memphis.  Mark Few brings his number 4 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-5) to town for a lip-smackin’ tilt with Roy Williams and the number 1 seed North Carolina Tar Heels (30-4).

Make my pre-game meal bar-b-que chicken.  Ooops!  Scratch that.  It’s Lent.  I’ll wait until midnight for the meat. 

Plot:  Gonzaga is making their 11th consecutive tournament appearance and 12th overall.  This is the fifth time the Bulldogs have barked their way to the Sweet Sixteen.  In getting here the Zags beat Akron (77-64) and Western Kentucky (83-81).

On the other hand UNC is making their 41st tournament appearance and a NCAA record 23rd trip to the Regional Semi-Finals.  The Tar Heels have won eight consecutive third round match ups.  Their last loss came to Ohio State in 1992.  UNC has advanced to the Elite Eight 23 times. Carolina opened the tournament with a 101-58 shellacking of Radford and then topped LSU, 84-70.

Flash back:  Tonight’s game marks the first meeting between the schools in the Dance and second overall.  Gonzaga beat UNC in the 2006 NIT Pre-Season tourney 82-74.  The Zags limited then-sophomore, Tyler Hansbrough,  to five shots from the perimeter and nine points with nine rebounds.  Hansbrough has only been held to single-figure point totals eight of his 138 career games.   Gonzaga shot 51% from the field that night.

Characters:  Gonzaga will start:

Jeremy Pargo 6-2(10.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.0 assists, 1.4 steals)                                                                                                                                                      Matt Bouldin 6-5(13.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals)                              Micah Downs 6-8 (9.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.1 assists)                                                              Josh Heytvelt 6-11 (14.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg)                                                                   Austin Daye 6-11 (12.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.1 assists)

North Carolina will counter with:

Ty Lawson 5-11 (16.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 6.5 assists, 2.0 steals)

Wayne Ellington 6-4 (15.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals)
Tyler Hansbrough, 6-9 (21.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 0.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.4 blocks)
Danny Green, 6-6 (13.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.3 blocks)
Deon Thompson 6-8 (10.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 0.7 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.1 blocks)

On paper Gonzaga matches up with the Heels.  Outside their conference schedule, where they went undefeated, the Bulldogs played an ambitious ledger including the likes of UConn, Maryland, Tennessee, Arizona, and Oklahoma State.

Daye can hang Thompson as can Heytvelt with Hansbrough.  Bouldin should keep Ellington in check.  Can Downs hang with Green?

Gonzaga’s depth might surprise a few people.   Steven Gray, Demetri Goodson, and Ira Brown are capable of making significant contributions with limited minutes.

Then there’s Bobby Frasor.  Will the Heel senior have another night where he takes over a game for a couple of minutes?

Climax:  Pargo vs. Lawson. Pargo packs as much athleticism with basketball as does Lawson.  If anyone can slow down Lawson, it is Pargo…at his best.

Which Jeremy Pargo will show up?  The one that committed four turnovers and had zero assists in the first half at Knoxville.  Or the Jeremy Pargo that came out in the second half of that non-conference battle and had six assists, four rebounds, a steal, and six points to lead Gonzaga to a come-from-behind road win.

Pargo possesses the goods to get the job done.  Can he play within himself?

What will the Zags do?  They make just under 40% of their shots from behind the arc.  Usually that is a key ingredient to their success.  But will they get open on the arc? Carolina was susceptible early in the season on the perimeter.  Have they learned their lesson?

When UNC is at their best, there is no team in the country that can hang with them.  Gonzaga cannot hope to win a track meet against the Heels.  If they slow down the pace, will the Zags be able to get open looks late in the shot clock?

If Gonzaga can control the ball and make UNC play defense, how will the Heels be affected on offense?

by Paul Casey Gotham

Setting:  It’s a Big East-Atlantic Coast Conference clash of the titans when Jay Wright and his 3 seed Villanova Wildcats (28-7) throw down with Mike Krzyzewski and the 2 seed Duke Blue Devils (30-6). Put on a pot of coffee this is the late game (9:57) at the Bank North Garden in the heart of Bean Town.

Plot:  This is Duke’s 33rd tournament appearance.  The school’s 88 wins rank fourth all-time in tournament history .  Duke topped Binghamton (86-62) and Texas (74-69) to get here.

Coach K and staff made a lineup change a month ago, and inserted freshman Elliot Williams into the starting five. The result: Duke has won their last five and 10 of 11.  The last time Krzyzewski made a change like this Chris Duhon replaced senior, Nate James.  Duke went on to win the 2001 national championship.  Suddenly, Duke looks revitalized with Williams leading the defensive charge.

28 wins is a school record for the Wildcats.  Villanova’s second round victory over UCLA (89-69) was its sixth this season over a ranked opponent.  The 20-point margin of victory was the largest of any of those contests. Villanova survived a scare in the first round to beat American 80-67.

Villanova is making its 30th appearance in the Dance.  The Wildcats have advanced to the Elite Eight 11 times.  Twice Villanova has made it to the finals.  They lost in ’71 and won it all in ’85.

Flashback:  Duke holds an all-time record of 7-3 versus the Wildcats including a 2-1 advantage in the NCAA tournament.  Duke and Villanova last squared off in November of 2000 with the Blue Devils winning 98-95.  The two schools last met in the Dance in 1978 with Duke getting the better of its opponent.

Conflict:  Williams versus Scottie Reynolds – the freshman against the junior.  The fledgling and the wily veteran. Reynolds is a master at creating contact and using it to his advantage.  He made Darren Collison look very average last weekend.

But Collison and his three Final Four appearances created a feeling of entitlement.  The 6’4″ Williams, with a wing span that seems at least that much, plays like he has something to prove – because he does!

Can Williams slow down Reynolds?

What will Villanova do with Jon Scheyer?  Since taking over the point, Scheyer has scored double digits in every game and the denizens of Cameron Indoor have only fallen once.  Scheyer creates a dilemma.  By 21st century standards he is an anti-point guard.  He barely seems capable of of beating opposing defenders off the dribble.  But opposing defenders seem incapable of rattling the junior.  With his vision of the court Scheyer is having a calming effect that elicits an efficient Duke offense.

Texas’s Damion James (6’7″ -222lbs.) and Dexter Pittman(6’10″ -298lbs.) created problems for Duke in the previous round.   Can Villanova’s front line of Dante Cunningham (6’8″), Shane Clark (6’7″), and Dwayne Anderson (6’6″) have a similar effect?  Villanova’s size, or lack of it, will limit the usefulness Brian Zoubek (7’1″) who might find it difficult keeping up with the smaller and quicker front line of the Wildcats.

Irony:  Despite their relatively smaller stature Villanova holds a rebounding margin of five while Duke outrebounds its opponents by three.

Something has gotta give: Both teams average over eight steals per game.  Both have a field goal percentage around 45%.  And both hit over 35% from behind the arc.

Characters:  Who will defend Gerald Henderson?  The junior has come into his own this season after dealing with nagging injuries in the past.   Henderson averages16 points and just under five rebounds per game.

Henderson’s emergence has taken pressure off Kyle Singler.  Can Cunningham stick with Singler when the sophomore forward steps out to the perimeter?

If Villanova’s guards get hot from the outside, will Duke be able to stop them off the dribble when the floor is spread?

Climax:  Williams will frustrate Reynolds, and Scheyer will lead the Duke offense.

Resolution:  Duke will continue to hold an advantage over Villanova in the tournament.

Setting:  The TD Bank North Garden in Boston, Massachusetts is the scene for a Sweet Sixteen matchup between Sean Miller’s #4 seed Xavier Musketeers (27-7) and Jamie Dixon’s #1 seed Pittsburgh Panthers (30-4).

Plot:  Xavier looked ripe for the picking after limping to the finish line going 5-5 in the month prior to the NCAA Tournament.  A trip to Boise for the opening round seemed to destine the X-Men for an early round loss.  Since then the Musketeers  have regained their swagger with wins over Portland State (77-59) and Wisconsin (60-49). Xavier now has a neutral-court record of 6-2 and 23-2 when holding teams to 70 points or less.  

After losing in the opening round of the Big East soiree, the Panthers triumphed over East Tennessee State (72-62) and Oklahoma State (84-76).  Pitt is 27-2 when they outrebound opponents. 

Sub-plot:  Sean Miller knows a thing or two about Pittsburgh basketball.  After leading the Panthers to NCAA appearances in ’88, ’89, and ’91, Miller was named to the university’s All-Centennial Team.  Miller left campus number one all-time in assists (744).  He since been been surpassed by Brandon Knight (784).  Current Panther point guard, LeVance Fields, is third with 633.

Flashback:  Pittsburgh holds a 3-2 advantage in the all-time matchup.  The last time the two schools faced off Pitt took a 94-76 decision at the Puerto Rico Shootout during the 98-99 season.

The Muskies have earned berths in the NCAA tournament eight of the previous nine seasons.  The X-Men are one of only nine schools (North Carolina (3), UCLA (3), Kansas (3), Memphis(3), Xavier (2), Louisville (2), Texas (2), Florida (2) and Connecticut (2) ) to make multiple Elite Eight appearances in the last five years.  Xavier has now reached the 25-win plateau for the third consecutive year and 10th time in school history.

This is Pittsburgh’s 21st NCAA Tournament appearance and fifth Sweet Sixteen showing in the last eight years.  Only Duke and Kansas with six have been sweeter.  The Panthers have not advanced to the Elite Eight since the tournament expanded in ’79.    One more win for Dixon’s crew would tie them for a school record with 31.  Pitt advanced to the Elite Eight in ’74 and the national semi-finals in ’41.

Suspense: Xavier is ranked 200th in the country in assist/turnover ratio – .9.  A stat that must be driving Miller crazy.  Such is life while trying to groom a freshman point guard – Terrell Holloway and using sophomore, Dante Jackson, to soften the blow.  The two-headed point guard could be responsible for the times that the Xavier offense bogs down.

Good News!   Jackson and Holloway combined for 9 assists, 6 steals, and 3 turnovers in the first two rounds.

Fields will present a formidable task for the Xavier two.  The senior averages 7.6 assists per game with a paltry 2 miscues.  

Character to watch:  CJ Anderson – after amassing 13 double-digit point games Anderson made like an H.G. Wells protagonist and became rather invisble – 0 pts. vs. Temple, 3 and 4 vs. Dayton – for example.  The senior forward who Miller has referred to as the team’s glue returned to form with a 14 point performance against Portland State and 8 rebounds against the Badgers.  

Conflict:  The game will provide a host of great individual matchups.  Sam Young and Derrick Brown should be a battle of two titans.  Brown averaged 11 points in the first two games and is capable of going off on rebounds.  As a freshman he grabbed 16 boards in first-round match up with BYU.  

Young has 14 20 point games this season and is averaging 18 points and 6 boards per game.

Jason Love at 6’9″ and 255 lbs. will draw the daunting task of having to slow down 6’7″ 265 pound DeJuan Blair.  Love has only averged 6 ppg and 5 rpg, but Blair will have to respect this opponent.  Love is no Hasheem Thabeet that can be used like a rag doll to mop up the floor.  Love is active on the glass.  He doesn’t always pull down the board, but he keeps the ball alive for teammates.  Blair averages 15 points and 12 rebounds per game.

  At 6’3″, 195 pounds Pittsburgh’s Jermaine Dixon will have the task of neutralizing Xavier’s 6’6″ 226 pound B.J. Raymond.   Xavier will need Raymond to exploit his size advantage and deft-shooting touch.  Dixon will have his hands full with this match up.  

If Xavier has problems slowing down Fields or Young, don’t be surprised if Raymond draws the assignment in the second half.  Miller has used the senior as his glove for the opponent’s hot hand. 

Climax:  Xavier outrebounded Wisconsin 34-28.   No easy task.  Pitt relies on their board work to win games. Buckle up!  Turbulence ahead!  We could see a war in the paint tomorrow.

Resolution:  Pitt will not have an answer for Raymond.  The senior is capable of heroic levels – much like his 32 pt. showing at Auburn, 24 at Virginia, and 21 at LSU.  Xavier will win the war on the boards.  Raymond will hit from the outside.  Xavier will make consecutive trips to the Elite Eight.