Monday, December 08, 2008
Saturday, December 06, 2008
No jinx, no jinx!
Last year I put out a post before the annual Marquette-Wisconsin men's basketball game making fun of MU. And then UW committed 18 turnovers and blew their exceedingly long home winning streak (although the moronic changes to student seat allocation probably had something to do with the two home losses last season), despite last season generally being excellent. This year, I'm trying not to build up any bad karma. This game will be tough stuff, a grudge match against a very talented team in perhaps the loudest, most raucous atmosphere the Badgers will face all season.
Marquette has some great upperclassmen talent in senior guards Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and native Madisonian Wes Matthews, and junior forward Lazar Hayward. These guys are all strong, fast, and athletic, with multifaceted games. Moreoever, they're all heavily experienced--even Krabbenhoft and Landry haven't played as many minutes as any one of Marquette's "Big Three" seniors. Plus, with these guys on the floor, Marquette's been known for its suffocating, turnover-creating perimeter defense, the same thing that undid the Badgers against UConn, turning a competitive contest into a blowout in the last ten minutes. Actually, Marquette looks a lot like UConn, if you just take away the 7 foot 3 guy, and subtract a couple of inches from their power forward Jeff Adrien (to turn him into Hayward).
Unfortunately for Marquette, those are some pretty significant differences. MU's weakness right now--due to injuries, sudden departues and recruiting turnoever due to Tom Crean leaving-- is their lack of depth in the paint. One of the two big questions in this game, for me, is whether UW is going to be able to exploit that weakness, particularly with Landry and Leuer (and maybe Nankivil, if he opts to become a bit more aggressive offensively). Can UW handle the pressure on the perimeter, avoid turning the ball over on the outside (which would undoubtedly lead to fast break points for MU), and get the ball into the post? If they can, this would likely exploit MU's issues in the interior and their occasional problems with fouling. If not, I expect a bit of a beatdown by the Golden Eagles, unless UW can nail 60% of their threes again, like they did at Virginia Tech.
The other question is whether UW can play good enough team defense to handle MU's quickness. Despite being guard heavy, they haven't been a great three-point shooting team this year. Instead, look for them to penetrate, run pick and rolls, anything to get the ball into the paint, but not in a traditional post-up situation. I don't think UW's main guys, except for Hughes perhaps, can individually keep Marquette's guards out of the paint. So they question is whether the Badgers can give quality help defense on penetration without getting burned elsewhere on the court. They need to force jumpers. If MU's taking a lot of contested jump-shots, and not driving to the rack and getting scores and fouls on most possessions, UW will have a good shot at winning.
So in sum, I guess this game will be a good measuring stick for UW's progress this season-- have they learned to take better care of the ball? Has their help defense improved? Like all the Badger fans out there, I sure hope they don't wind up on the short end tonight.
Marquette has some great upperclassmen talent in senior guards Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and native Madisonian Wes Matthews, and junior forward Lazar Hayward. These guys are all strong, fast, and athletic, with multifaceted games. Moreoever, they're all heavily experienced--even Krabbenhoft and Landry haven't played as many minutes as any one of Marquette's "Big Three" seniors. Plus, with these guys on the floor, Marquette's been known for its suffocating, turnover-creating perimeter defense, the same thing that undid the Badgers against UConn, turning a competitive contest into a blowout in the last ten minutes. Actually, Marquette looks a lot like UConn, if you just take away the 7 foot 3 guy, and subtract a couple of inches from their power forward Jeff Adrien (to turn him into Hayward).
Unfortunately for Marquette, those are some pretty significant differences. MU's weakness right now--due to injuries, sudden departues and recruiting turnoever due to Tom Crean leaving-- is their lack of depth in the paint. One of the two big questions in this game, for me, is whether UW is going to be able to exploit that weakness, particularly with Landry and Leuer (and maybe Nankivil, if he opts to become a bit more aggressive offensively). Can UW handle the pressure on the perimeter, avoid turning the ball over on the outside (which would undoubtedly lead to fast break points for MU), and get the ball into the post? If they can, this would likely exploit MU's issues in the interior and their occasional problems with fouling. If not, I expect a bit of a beatdown by the Golden Eagles, unless UW can nail 60% of their threes again, like they did at Virginia Tech.
The other question is whether UW can play good enough team defense to handle MU's quickness. Despite being guard heavy, they haven't been a great three-point shooting team this year. Instead, look for them to penetrate, run pick and rolls, anything to get the ball into the paint, but not in a traditional post-up situation. I don't think UW's main guys, except for Hughes perhaps, can individually keep Marquette's guards out of the paint. So they question is whether the Badgers can give quality help defense on penetration without getting burned elsewhere on the court. They need to force jumpers. If MU's taking a lot of contested jump-shots, and not driving to the rack and getting scores and fouls on most possessions, UW will have a good shot at winning.
So in sum, I guess this game will be a good measuring stick for UW's progress this season-- have they learned to take better care of the ball? Has their help defense improved? Like all the Badger fans out there, I sure hope they don't wind up on the short end tonight.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Comebacks and Bowl Hopes
Mr. Man mentioned that last night VT had a crazy, last-minute "almost comeback" that almost never happens, which is true. But I was watching this 2001 game live and it will always stick out in my mind, as a crazy, last-minute, actual comeback.
Back to Football. When NW beat MI, my hopes for a BigTen #5 seed faded away, but new hopes emerged. I am now hoping for the Champs Sport Bowl in FLA against the ACC #6. What else am I hoping for? I am hoping that the Miami Hurricanes end up being the ACC #6. I want that matchup. We recruit heavily in Southern Florida, and a matchup and win against Miami in Florida, would be really helpful to us. Also, I have always wanted to play and beat Miami. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Decisions, decisions
Is it time? Can we mail in the rest of the season? The playoff prospects for the Pack are slim at best. Injuries continue to pile up. Punters are being cut. Things are not looking good. If we lose 3 of the next four (losing to the Lions would be unconscionable), 6-10 puts us in a pretty good draft slot. Add in what looks to be a likely 2nd rounder from the Jets, and we are sitting pretty for the 2009 NFL Draft.
I know, I know. Pro athletes aren't supposed to quit, blah, blah. As a fan though I'm thinking of the future. Isn't that why we let Brett go? Looking to the future with Rodgers? So lets rebuild our D-line, possibly a linebacker, and throw in an O lineman for good measure. Whether we use the draft picks to trade for a game ready player, or use them on some college studs the worse our record is at the end of the year the better our position for the future. In addition, the Pack should have plenty of cap space since we didn't spend it last year.
Note to Ted Thompson: Draft picks + cap space = opportunity. Waste it and we will run you out of town.
I know, I know. Pro athletes aren't supposed to quit, blah, blah. As a fan though I'm thinking of the future. Isn't that why we let Brett go? Looking to the future with Rodgers? So lets rebuild our D-line, possibly a linebacker, and throw in an O lineman for good measure. Whether we use the draft picks to trade for a game ready player, or use them on some college studs the worse our record is at the end of the year the better our position for the future. In addition, the Pack should have plenty of cap space since we didn't spend it last year.
Note to Ted Thompson: Draft picks + cap space = opportunity. Waste it and we will run you out of town.
Monday, December 01, 2008
What an ending...
Holy cow. Wisconsin blows a nine-point lead with a minute left, despite only committing one turnover and one bad foul and making its free throws, because the Hokies are totally on fire from outside, in particular one forward/guard known as A.D. Vassallo, who hit UW up for 24 points in the second half, including at least four 3s. That guy was ridiculous. Most of his shots were contested in some form or other, but he scored inside and out. Wild stuff. I can't remember when I've seen a guy be that on fire against the Badgers. I guess Curry in the tournament last year, but Vassallo was more efficient. This was actually similar to Wisconsin's near loss at home against Winthrop two seasons ago.I definitely have never seen a team rally from that far down in a college game against a team I support. I mean, from a nine-point lead to a tie in one minute? Totally crazy. You won't see that happen very often. But Pop saves the game, and the Badgers make it happen with no timeouts left. Sometimes it works out best that way. Instincts take over, and leaders step forward. Well done, Pop, and well done, Badgers. A gutty performance in a tough environment in the face of ridiculous performance by Vassallo. Random thoughts---
- The defensive rebounding was much improved in the second half.
- Rob Wilson got a ton of minutes this game. That's excellent to see. Plus, the 80% underclassmen group on the floor of Leuer, Taylor, Wilson, Jarmusz and Landry didn't give away the store, like they did against UConn. The younger guys seem to be coming along.
- But they still have a ways to go. Wilson's aggressiveness is great, but he needs to be better from the line. Nankivil needs to be strong in the post. He looked afraid of taking the ball in there and going to the hoop. He's a good offensive option when he gets the ball in the right position. He needs to take his shots. And he also needs to be strong on the defensive boards. Leuer also has some rebounding issues. His positioning was often a bit off. And of course Jon's foul on a Hokie three attempt late in the game, when the Badgers were clinging to a four-point lead, can't happen.
- Joe looks like he lost some quickness. I like him in the post on a guy about his size. I don't like him facing up his guy and driving to the basket, unless he's guarded by a larger, slower defender.
- What ridiculous outside shooting for both teams. Wisconsin shot 12 for 18, but was outdone percentage wise by Tech's 11 for 16 performance. At least four of those came in the last minute or so.
- Just a great college basketball game. Hard fought, magnificent plays by both teams right until the end. An excellent win for Wisconsin. Despite their three losses, Va Tech should make the tournament this season. They have a fair amount of talent, and the ACC looks pretty top heavy. Virginia Tech should really be able to make a strong push for third, or for second, over Duke, if they continue to improve.
Badger-Hokie Halftime Thoughts
Badgers up 8 at the break on hot three point shooting and careful offense-- only two turnovers so far. Random thoughts:
- You have to really like the way UW is taking care of the ball and getting to the free throw line.
- Conversely, I am quite concerned about the rebounding. Va Tech has got to have at least five or six offensive boards. Leuer is just not a solid rebounder yet, and Nankivil hasn't looked aggressive when he's been in there. This game wouldn't be close if the Badgers had blocked out better.
- The Badgers need to do better when a teammate posting up draws a double or triple team, as Landry has done repeatedly. Too often the ball is just passed back outside, not for an open jumper, but to resets the offense. There should be a quick pass or two to either a cutter or an open man on the perimeter.
- The Badgers have an 8 point lead due to deadly three point shooting. Unfortunately, shooting this well is likely not sustainable. And Va Tech's leading scorer only played 4 minutes due to being whistled for two quick fouls. The second half should be quite close.
- You have to really like the way UW is taking care of the ball and getting to the free throw line.
- Conversely, I am quite concerned about the rebounding. Va Tech has got to have at least five or six offensive boards. Leuer is just not a solid rebounder yet, and Nankivil hasn't looked aggressive when he's been in there. This game wouldn't be close if the Badgers had blocked out better.
- The Badgers need to do better when a teammate posting up draws a double or triple team, as Landry has done repeatedly. Too often the ball is just passed back outside, not for an open jumper, but to resets the offense. There should be a quick pass or two to either a cutter or an open man on the perimeter.
- The Badgers have an 8 point lead due to deadly three point shooting. Unfortunately, shooting this well is likely not sustainable. And Va Tech's leading scorer only played 4 minutes due to being whistled for two quick fouls. The second half should be quite close.
UW-VT Running Diary
I'm pumped for this game and I'm gonna give you a running diary. Enjoy!
(Editor's Note: I use abbreviations to save time. I didn't realize I should be posting the score until it was 8-8.)
Coming to you live from Hokeytown! Apparently all the HD cameras are filming MNF because we are in Low Def. The VT crowd is jumping around like insane people. ACC B-Ball brings the atmoshpere.
Frenetic pace to begin. The Big Donut gets a quick foul, then another. Time for him to sit and leave grease stains on the seat.
We get the ball and Taylor drives baseline and just made a nice reverse layup, I was nervous the entire time.
More VT lobbing the ball at the basket and ensuing frenzy beneath the rim. They just heave it at the rim and rebound. Doing it with some success though. 8-8.
Rob Wilson showing cahones. drains a 3. 11-8.
More bricks from VT. This crowd is amped. They get one to go. 11-10.
Big White Monkey drives and is fouled. TV break.
BWM is not fazed. There is no flinch in his game tonight. I like his arms a lot this year, they are looking good. I hope he can continue that type of muscle growth. I'm wandering into man crush territory.
Here's an ad for the Panormous pizza. Its so big we called it Panormous! Apparently the pizza ad people are saying "Screw taste, give them weight specs", because there's another ad running where a guy puts a "pizzone" on a scale and shouts "Boom!" as it lands. A full pound!
We're back. BWM drains the FTs. 13-10.
Good interior passing by VT to answer. 13-12.
Nice passing and Mo Landry strokes a 3. Smooth. 16-12.
VT Turnover and another smooth triple from Landry. 19-12
Bricks & Rebounds. Bricks & Rebounds. The VT offense.
Lots of sloppy fouls by VT leads to the early bonus and...we make the first FT! We miss the second FT, but rebound. that never happens. Long possession full of almost turnovers, but the ball gets to Trevon in the corner and it falls. 23-12. Timeout VT.
Bobo misses a 3. He consistently has the closest misses of any player I've ever seen. Not sure what that means. Ball goes down to Nank but he gets packed, ball goes the other way and VT nails the momentum 3. 23-17.
Badgers casually run the shot clock down and Pop makes the jumper. Vintage. 25-17.
VT attempts another B&R but the ball careens out of bounds, Badgers ball. The crowd isn't happy, but the refs missed a push underneath so it should have been a foul on them anyway. TV break at 25-17.
White Monkey nails a 3 from jungleland. 28-17.
VT answers with a 3. 28-20.
White Monkey almost just had a two handed rebound dunk. almost. A VT player got a hand in and deflected it. Slightly bigger arms and that goes down with thunder.
VT getting into its offense now with 2 straight scores. 28-24.
Krabbenbot drives and is fouled. We go to the break. 28-24.
Krabbenbot makes the FTs. They score after that. 30-26.
Trevon gets the ball 3 feet behind the arc, his guy falls, he looks around for a second, then nails the deep 3. Balls. 33-26.
They throw it down low and score. 33-28
Wilson travels. turnover. Another VT Base line low post feed and they lay it in 33-30.
They keep fouling us. We keep shooting FTs. 35-30.
VT low post feed and a foul. miss-miss. 35-30
VT goes zone and we are fighting it. Trevon drove to the hole, but missed the layup. Does he do that a lot or is it me? Doesn't matter because BWM is battling and misses consecutive putback tries in traffic, but Badgers get the ball out of bounds. We get a nice low post feed and BWM pivots, takes it up strong makes it and 1. (It's those new arms!) 38-30
Bad VT turnover and Badgers should have last possession. We milk it and Bobo misses an open 3. Halftime. 38-30. VT crowd raining the boos down on the refs. And I fear they are listening.
We're back from the shortest halftime ever. VT has the ball and goes low to Big Donut. We double him. He is adamant that he is gonna shootalmost airballs
Backdoor princeton action and a K-bot lay-in. 40-30.
Followed by a Nank Block. Holla!
Pass around til Landry nails a 3. VT has a guy who is feeling it, his number is 40, and he looks like a mini Carlos Zambrano. Mini CZ nails a 3. 43-33. VT timeout.
Rafferty just compared us to the 60s version of us. Why do people love the story-line so much? We weren't a good program. Now we are. Does nobody notice that we've been pretty good for about the last decade?
Mini CZ with another 3. 43-36.
Nice. They show a graphic with teams that have won 30+ the last 2 years. There are 5 teams. WI is one of them. The stat guy also didn't like the comments, apparently.
I'm pretty sure Big Donut steps out of bounds, but no call and he dishes it down low and the guy scores and 1. made FT. 9-0 run. Bad times. 43-39.
Bad turnover. timeout. Must fight off atmosphere.
Big Donut. Big Miss. Rob Wilson goes to the post and gets fouled. Cahones. miss-miss. BWM rebound. Wilson gets fouled again. miss-make. 44-39.
VT brick and a BWM rebound. Another ugly foul by VT. The Big Donut again. Krabbenbot gets blocked by the Donut, they try to outlet but Wilson steals and gets fouled by Donut. Thats 4 on Donut and he takes a seat and orders a coffee. BWM drives and floats one in 46-39.
Bastard makes another 3. 46-42.
K-Bot gets it down low and makes a lefty jumphook. Hilarious. That got programmed into him in 1967, he just accessed the file. 48-42.
This is followed by a Landry block, we take it down court and fins an open BWM for a 3. 51-42.
I officially hate mini CZ. He nails a 3 with confidence. 51-45. Bobo answers with a 3. 54-45. Break.
VT drives to the lane for a B&R. Its an airball and goes right to one of their guys for a lay-in. VT showing a wrinkle to the offense, the A&R.
BWM misses a hook down low and the bastard strokes a 2. 54-49.
Great D by Badgers, as Landry gets his hand in the passing lane and the Badgers get a steal. Next time down Landry gets a block. We pass it around to a wide open Bobo and he strokes a 3. 57-49.
More intense D from Badgers as the Bot smacks the ball of the bastards toe out of bounds. TV Break.
Hughes drives and lays it in. 59-49.
They drive and score. K-Bot gets blocked and the mini CZ makes a 3. We really ought to stay on him. Bo thinks likewise and calls a timeout. 59-54.
They go zone, we turn it over. They brick, we brick. 59-54. TV Break.
Mini CZ with a post move and its 59-56.
Bobo dribbles around and nails a pull-up 3. Looked like the ones DevHarris was pumping in last night (47 pts, btw).
Mini CZ is en fuego. 62-58.
BWM with a spinning hook! 64-58.
Mini CZ misses a 3. Trevon springs for rebound and makes a soft landing on the squishy Big Donut. That's 5 for him. Big Donut, zero dunks.
Badgers work the clock until Landry strokes an open 3. Pro. 67-58. VT makes miracle 3. 67-61.
They foul us and K-Bot makes 1 of 2. 68-61. They make another 3. 68-64.
We turn it over. The get three FTs. miss-make-make. 68-66.
They foul KBot. make-make. 70-66. Mini CZ with another 3. 70-69.
We can't inbound. WI timeout.
They foul Bobo. What is considered an intentional foul? The guy was nowhere near the ball, he fouled Bobo by swatting his ass. It was clearly an intentional foul. Bobo makes the pressure FTs. 72-69.
Mini CZ gets it, barely even looks, and nails the 3! 72-72. They call off the press for some reason. We get it to Trevon, he drives, hangs and makes an arc-ing lob! Hooray. 74.72. VT misses last minute heave and the Badgers win.
An absolutely fantastic Badger Basketball game.
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