ThreeStrikesandOut

John Calipari said that people that focused on his team’s free throw ineptitude, “didn’t know anything about basketball”.  So what then does that say about him?  Memphis players treated the free throw line like it was laced with anthrax, and missed big free throw after big free throw, and had to watch as Mario Chalmer’s three-point shot sent the game into overtime; an overtime that Kansas would dominate, while on their way to a 75-68 win over the Tigers.

That was one hell of a game.  It looked like Memphis had the game under control; leading by as much as nine, with a little over dos minutes to go, but Kansas put the Tigers on the free throw line and Memphis failed to respond to the challenge, as they shrunk from the line, figuratively, and literally.  Memphis players were jumping straight back from the free throw line, after taking some incredibly awkward free throws.  But, none of those misses would have mattered if it had not been for Chalmer who drained a sick, sick three, with two seconds left to send the game into overtime; and you could just see that the Memphis players had the life taken out of them with that shot.

Congrats to KU and to Bill Self.  Not necessarily to Self for the win, his players did most of the work, but congrats on the reported $4 million dollar contract that Okie State is going to offer him.

And congrats to the Tigers too, who had a great season and showed that they could play with anyone in the country.  Except for Kansas.  And Tennessee.  Sorry guys, had to get that one little dig in there.  Seriously though, great job, and remember, your team is loaded with NBA players and if some of them (and your coach) stick around for next year, you’ll be back in the running for the title again next year.

That’s all till later, tell them bye-bye Megan:

Megan is so classy.  True fact: my girlfriend (yes, I have one, despite living in my parent’s basement and never wearing pants) went to kindergarten with her.  That makes my chances of a three-way slightly better than yours.   Unless you’re one of those attractive Hollywood types, or have lots of money.  In those cases you might have the slight edge.

So, the Hall of Fame is getting: Pat Riley, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, and Dick Vitale? Just proof positive of two things:

1. Flash is more important than substance. I dare anyone to provide me with evidence of Dick Vitale providing any kind of meaningful analysis. Don’t give me the “he’s got great energy” argument. Vitale is a creation. He’s a cartoon strip character, not an announcer, and putting him anywhere near the Hall of Fame is a joke.
2. ESPN has too much damn stroke. They have pushed the Vitale character for all that it’s worth, and when Vitale hasn’t made the cut in previous years, they have made sure that it was a topic on their radio stations and their network outlets, in an attempt to influence Vitale’s getting in the HOF.

I have nothing against Vitale, I just have never heard a convincing argument for why he’s getting rewarded in this manner.  I’ll admit it.  I just don’t get what it is that people think is so special about him.  Amazing energy.  Sheesh.  I show amazing energy myself sometimes, but I’m not getting in the Porn Star Hall of Fame anytime this lifetime.

For more on this year’s HOF inductees check out Deuce of Davenport (what? You thought I’d give you a different opinion from mine? Whatever. There’s strength in numbers).

For Dickie V. crying, just jump. (more…)

Derrick Rose of Memphis has a diet that would put my fat, needy, ex-girlfriend to shame. According to AOL, Rose came down with a stomach sickness over the weekend; a sickness that his teammates blamed on his odd meal choices:

Rose received treatment from trainers instead of talking to reporters. Shortly after, the school released a statement settling any doubt about his status.

Teammates weren’t too worried.

“He eats Gummy Bears and Starburst for breakfast, and Twizzlers and Honey Buns for dinner. That’s why his stomach hurts,” fellow guard Chris Douglas-Roberts said. “We tell Derrick the whole year, ‘Stop eating so many Gummy Bears and Sour Straws.’ But he can’t. … Nobody eats Gummy Bears more than him.”

Good God.  I need an insulin shot after just reading that.  What kind of grown-ass man eats gummy bears?  And I haven’t had a Twizzler since I was twelve.  I hope that Rose brushes his teeth 10 times a day or he’s going to have to spend his NBA signing bonus on a visit to Dr. Isaac Yankem, DDS.

AOL

What did we learn from the Final Four?

We learned that Roy Williams’ post game press conferences go on entirely too long (am I mistaken, or at one point didn’t he compare the frustration of losing to a doctor unable to cure cancer?).

We learned that it’s better to have five very good players (Kansas) than one great player (North Carolina.

We learned that Billy Donovan does not have a future in broadcasting.

We learned that Memphis is pretty damn good. Also reset point two, it applied in this game too.

We learned that having four number one seeds does not insulate from the possibility of crappy games.

We learned that it’s never a good idea to bet 100 bucks on the possibility of Roy Williams out-coaching anyone.

Video recaps after the jump. (more…)

Patrick Ewing Jr. with the behind-the-back dunk at Thursday’s College Slam Dunk contest:

The winner for the night however, went to: Sonny Weems

These fellas made the NBA contest look like it was on life support.