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Post by blackandgold on Mar 27, 2011 11:33:56 GMT -5
We all live in Brad Stevens' world. Wow.
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Post by Grizzfan1 on Mar 27, 2011 15:47:15 GMT -5
And down goes Kansas!!! Two things that have blown me away in this tourney. * Not a single #1 seed is going to the Final Four (can't remember how long it's been). * Two mid-majors (Butler and VCU) will duke it out with each other on college basketballs biggest stage. Reminds me of the TCU/Boise State BCS game a couple seasons ago. Totally unreal. Really hope OU can one day soon be in that position (or at least a sweet sixteen appearance).
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Post by blackandgold on Mar 27, 2011 16:00:56 GMT -5
Really hope OU can one day soon be in that position (or at least a sweet sixteen appearance). Me too, but if I have learned something it is we have to get into a better league before that will be possible. I didn't think that a few weeks ago, but seemingly our only chance of moving up that seed line is getting into a more respected league or going 30-1 in the regular season.
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Post by bigguy on Mar 27, 2011 16:49:59 GMT -5
VCU just beat the number 1 seed. OU lost by large amounts to highly ranked opponents last year. This year they competed with everyone except Ohio State. And even the Ohio State game, they made a game of it for much of the game. To make it anywhere in the tournament you have to be able to beat the big name team. Next year they need to figure out how to beat some of the high level teams. That is how you make it to the sweet sixteen. Seeding might give you a better path but ultimately you must win. Not one number 1 seed is left. Texas was beatable, if a few shots fell, we got a few rebounds and the phantom tripping foul wasn't called, the outcome could have been different. OU has made giant strides and a better league would help with tougher competition but ultimately the team has to find that inner strength to win in the end. And they will win!!! The program keeps growing and attracting better players. The desire to win is everywhere within the program. Last year no one thought JJ could be replaced, he wasn't but they found a way to win. This year no thinks Benson, Hudson, Wright and Eackles can be replaced, they won't be but they need to find a way to win. Every year a new challenge and new players will need to step up. Who, last year, thought Bader would have the role on the team that he had. There are players in the waiting...waiting to step up. Time will tell who but there is talent that will come out. Granted, I'm ever the optimist! But the Grizzlies will be an excellent team again next year...just different
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Post by blackandgold on Mar 27, 2011 17:03:08 GMT -5
Next year they need to figure out how to beat some of the high level teams. That is how you make it to the sweet sixteen. Seeding might give you a better path but ultimately you must win. Not one number 1 seed is left. Texas was beatable, if a few shots fell, we got a few rebounds and the phantom tripping foul wasn't called, the outcome could have been different. I love the optimism. And you are right about just needing to win. Brad Stevens and Shaka Smart have not complained about having a bad draw. Just look at the bad draws Stevens has gotten the past two years in the NCAA Tournament. I don't know what it will take, but something tells me more guys like Will Hudson (OU's Matt Howard). I was so impressed with him at the end of the year. He started talking very "Butler-equse," talking about needing to pass on the lessons he's learned as a senior to next year's seniors. That's straight outta the Butler quote book: "To you from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold it high." Maybe that's a mindset you only find on Indiana farmlands. You can do it the other way, too, as VCU shows. They're just a bunch of extremely confident guys, which comes from their coach. They've got that edge. One way or another, I too hope that a run like this is in Oakland's future. It's just hard to believe it can happen without getting out of a league where your only loss in 18 games is called a "bad loss."
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Post by blackandgold on Mar 30, 2011 17:17:23 GMT -5
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Post by blackandgold on Apr 2, 2011 22:07:39 GMT -5
I went to the Butler watch party at their arena, Hinkle Fieldhouse. I must say it was an amazing experience. The place was packed, the set-up was spectacular, and the fans were classy, loud, spirited. I've been to NCAA tournament games in gigantic football arenas, and I have to say this almost trumps being there in my mind unless you have mad cash and are sitting courtside. Hopefully OU will be having one of these sometime soon. The atmosphere was unbelievable. And the streets around Hinkle were popping after the game. Tons of people just talking around waving flags, barking (lol), shouting the Butler chant. Great fanbase.
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Post by ouguy on Apr 3, 2011 10:14:16 GMT -5
Wow that must have been an awesome place to be at! I kind of want to make the 5+ hour drive to go to hinkle and join in on the Bulldog fever tomorrow! Can't wait for the game, gotta love this Butler team!
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