Ask Me No Favors

I can still hear the faint sound of sneakers on the hardwood of this last March Madness, or the kissing noises of Vitale's pucker to Krzyzewski's ass - but I digress...

Now that the season is over, the "Bachelor" style process of the NBA draft is hovering over the college game that will present us with who is staying or going; who will earn their degree or who will throw academia to the wind and trade a diploma for dollars.

I'm not adverse to a cutting-edge stereo system, McMansions, or plastic covered love seats, but an education seems so 20 years ago, and a $300,000 paycheck most likely does beam a little bit brighter than textbooks and 8 am classes.

On the other hand, I must admit that I engage in my inner Picasso and go through a "Blue Period" after March Madness, as I await how many great players will leave the NCAA for the NBA.

Selfish? Perhaps, but I invested in these players for a year or at least a few years in some cases. Sure, the Walls and the Favors were assumed for the major leagues, but can't I mourn their loss with the rest of college basketball fans? No longer will I be able to see Ohio State fans lose their lunch over an Evan Turner half court swish. Sigh...

When these young players leave I sense a mixture of desperation and excitement. The promise of a base paycheck of over a quarter of a million dollars would ameliorate bills and any other family financial problems nagging in their wake, not to mention a Range Rover or two. However, what is there to getting an education? There are no dollar signs when you write a dissertation - no check for finishing your senior thesis. The allure of cheers and cheddar are quite more appealing if college was simply an irritating stepping stone on your way to the ultimate goal: TV and dollar bills y'all.

Of course I am cynic, and a girl, and will never play professional basketball. I may not even know what it is like to own a Hummer. I do however know what it's like to study for three midterm exams in one week, read a painful autobiography about a lesbian poet, receive no praise for a brilliant press release because I addressed it to the wrong party. What do I know though? If I broke my leg however, I'm quite certain that my diploma won't be less valuable - no decrease in pay if I strain a ligament (although if it were fingers it might be friggin' typing possible!).

So without the diploma, a hypothetical fractured tibia and two seasons of meager results (Odom), what does one fall back on for financial security or spiritual fulfillment? Initially what comes to mind is owning a car dealership, a cell phone business, gambling, or even the prospects of a hip hop career.

I suppose it is just so dicey. Who is right? Probably not me, but my lenses are fogged and biased as I finish up the spring quarter of my college career. I want millions too. With no Gatorade contract in my future however, I suppose I will have to settle with a piece of paper that gets me in the door where others, even former NBA players, might not be able to enter.

Butler, Baby Wipes, and Bilas...

How did I manage to schedule a 6 pm appointment on the day of the Men's NCAA College Basketball Championship?! For friggin' sake, I've got three different brackets taped to my living room wall, I started a blog as I have sold my soul to ESPN and CBS coverage of the tournament, and have a tattoo of Bryant Gumbal on my right butt cheek (okay the last one I promise was a joke).

Maybe two months ago when I set the date and time of the meeting I was subconsciously vacating myself emotionally from a potential and painful loss.

Well Butler's loss that is...

When my appt was over and I left the office around 8pm, I hesitantly turned the car stereo knob to the scratchy, barely audible, station broadcasting the game. I was fully expecting a blowout - to hear eardrum shattering cheers from Blue Devil fans. Surely Scheyer had delivered at least a Walmart sized Easter basket of threes by now.

To my satisfaction, I was completely wrong (insert "I am a glutton for punishment"). Butler was in fact down only by a deuce heading into the second half.

My drive home was speedy, albeit anxiety ridden. Probably the way Jay Bilas feels when he suspects his barber is leaving a bit too much on the sides of his normally militaristic buzzed do'.

You didn't have to get a ruler out to measure my hair, or at least the follicles standing erect on the back of my neck as my Swedish auto raced the streets of the Pacific Northwest searching for my living room's television signal. The radio blared sound bytes of close game and I couldn't help but fathom that this coach from Indiana, this guy with the boyish good looks and team full of Bullpups might just be able to pull of this Cinderella story.

Tenacious D (defense that is), kept the Bulldogs within a few points up until the last minute when they came within one -- a single basket separating them from modern day Hoosier status.

Hayward, the basketball man child, the player who I thought all season resembled a kid in my kindergarten class that sported a Kool-aid mustache everyday, had a chance to win it, but in a flash of glory, his shot just barely missed.

Zoubek's free-throw sealed the victory for Dukies everywhere -- the game was over and the Cinderella story was history. The carriage that pulled Butler to the championship game turned back into a pumpkin.

On the other hand, as a fan, I couldn't have wished for a more intense final five minutes. This was no blowout. The school with barely 4,000 students produced a team worthy of rivaling any Big East, SEC, ACC, or Whatever CC, the tournament had to throw at them.

Coach Steven's team put up a valiant effort. He's friggin' 33 years-old. In fact I believe -- about as old as one of Bill Raftery's ingrown toenails!

The Bulldogs will be back-- not the Diaper Dandy's of this season. I envision them sporting "Pull-ups" and refusing the Baby Wipes next year. Sorry Dick.

Putting the "M" in Madness!

Somewhere, Dick Vitale's wife is searching the home's storage room for the emergency resuscitation machine, as Duke and Butler are just hours away from tonight's championship game.

He'll need it, but so will Joe Lunardi and all those who predicted that Butler would be ousted from the tournament in the early rounds. On the other hand, I didn't choose them to make it to the Final Four or even the Elite 8, so consider me lumped in with the rest of the nay sayers.

The reality is that most connoisseurs of March Madness typically expect to see a Michigan State, a UConn, or a Duke in the final day of play, not a team from the Horizon League, who received about as much airtime as Philippine Idol did on ESPN this season.

So I ask myself the question: During the regular season, what brings a team to the forefront of media commentary, not including academic suspensions or sex scandals?

Tradition is the first reason that comes to mind, particularly on the East Coast, where more than a handful of schools have long standing traditions of winning in their respective conferences or in the tournament. North Carolina, Indiana, Wake Forest, just to name a few. On the other hand, UCLA, a team with one of the most celebrated winning histories in college basketball, has dropped off the radar in recent years. One could attribute this to the scattered personality the Bruin's have exhibited in the past five years or so, but then I think of a team like Georgia Tech, who not until this year has produced much excitement, is a regular on the nightly broadcast lineup.

High Scoring, energetic players also bring a team to a nationally talked about level. With Kentucky for example, the "Tradition" box has already been checked, but in combination with a long standing win history, they also bring forth players like Wall and Cousins, who by any one's standards are noteworthy of media attention.

This year's tournament big dog is certainly Duke, and through much research (no beakers or DNA extractions involved) are the favorite to beat Butler later on this evening. Not only do they bring a coach whose last name is more difficult to spell than the leading Russian figure skating duo, they have earned themselves consistent NCAA tournament appearances in the last 15 years.

Duke's players aren't too shabby either. Singler, Scheyer, and Smith account for the majority of the Blue Devil's scoring, and they can rotate big men like Zoubek and the Plumlees in and out like musical chairs.

Their demeanor is also what makes opponents and many a Duke hater so frustrated. They're always so calm and collected with the exception of maybe a Zoubek flying elbow or two.

Unlike Duke, Butler can't begin to compete with the Blue Devil's tradition, nor do they have a trio that has been of any mention this year up until the tournament. The squad with two guys that I can never separate (Matt Howard and Gordon Hayward), rely on defense and a well thought-out half court game, which might thwart even Kzryzewski's best strategy for a victory.

However, while the Bulldogs may have elicited more headlines than Duke in the past few weeks, just as a result of pulling on their Cinderella slipper, ultimately, the big question is whether or not the Bulldogs will return next season, and the season after that and so on to establish themselves as a legitimate and consistent threat in the whole of the NCAA.

I sure hope the carriage doesn't return to pumpkin form, and we see Coach Steven's team for years to come.

Yes Scheyer

Mike Krzyzewski has done it again. Once more Duke's evil genius has found the correct mathematical equation and grouping of talent to make it to another Final Four. From the way the announcers have been spinning it, you would have thought that Duke hasn't enjoyed tournament success since Kennedy, but the truth of the matter is that Krzyzewski has taken his team to the big dance a handful of times -- I'm entertaining a number like 16.

Baylor on the other hand, hasn't been to the Final Four since 1953. We're talking decades, back when people were just getting warmed up to the idea of the color television, a far cry from today's halftime Hooter's commercials.

Today's Elite 8 game was quite a battle however. Baylor did everything right up until the end, when Duke, led by a pesky John Scheyer, went on a mini run that gave the Blue Devils just enough momentum to dash any Bears hopes of making it to the Final Four.

Duke had no answer for Baylor's big men. More specifically, Ekpe Udoh and Quincy Acy, who combined for 30 points. Krzyzewski and an animated assistant coach Steve Wojciechowski, were shuffling big men in and out like Tiger Wood's uses up call girls. It was Duke's outside game, chiefly the work of Nolan Smith, who led all scorers with 29 points, that sealed the "W". Zoubek and the Plumlee boys experienced the wrath of the Baylor inside game, and were forced to kick the ball out to their guards.

Unfortunately for Bears fans, their team just wasn't able to pull it out.

Baylor loses a talented senior guard Tweety Carter this year, but the Bears will certainly be back. They gave every top seeded team they encountered a run for their money, and even brought a normally cool and collected Krzyzewski to his feet in angry rage during the first half. Kudos Baylor!

The Writing was on the Wall...

If you listened to the CBS announcers calling this afternoon's Elite 8 bout between Kentucky and West Virginia, you might be wondering when Jay Bilas plans to pop the question to Wildcat freshmen John Wall; alright, at least you would be confused as to who had actually won the game.

The sound of wedding bells might be a bit ridiculous, but it was a love fest from start to finish, as you could hear the agony in both Bilas and Dick Enberg's voices, as they watched Kentucky goon multiple three-point attempts, and brick free-throw after free-throw.

Every time West Virginia made a good play or took advantage of a Kentucky mistake, you received the impression from the announcers commentary that it was only through charity that the Mountaineers were beating the sports medias' darlings of the 2010 season. West Virginia's team may as well have been made up of nameless, faceless characters with the exception of maybe De'Sean Butler, as compared to the adoration given to the Wildcat's Demarcus Cousins and John Wall, who wanked and flailed their arms over every call that didn't go their way.

However, the love affair didn't begin in March, it gained steam over the course of the season when John Calipari made headlines when he left Memphis to take on the head coaching position at Kentucky. Promising young talent in both Cousins and Wall also lit up the blogosphere, positioning Kentucky as a worthy SEC opponent, something they've lacked in the past few seasons.

On the other hand, it didn't seem to dissuade the media too much when controversy erupted over John Wall's controversial comments criticized John Calipari's coaching earlier last year. You would think that the media would be disapproving of comments dished from a cocky freshmen to a seasoned coach, but still Vitale and the rest of the sports' aristocracy were intent on blowing this kid up, despite his bad attitude. Lucky for Wall and his squad, they were actually able to live up to most of the hype this season, as I watched them steam roll over most of the teams they faced, including the match ups during the tournament.

Today however, it was obvious that Bobby Huggin's team wasn't paying attention Bilas and Enberg''s gushing -- they were too busy smashing the Wildcats. The most satisfying feeling was at the end of the game when no amount of wanking or three pointers could save Kentucky from going home, and you saw Wall and Cousins, fouled out, watching their chances of final four action going up in flames from the bench in West Virginia's 73-66 victory.

I'm interested to see if Wall or Cousins will return next year, or take their chances on the NBA draft. If they decide the latter, Kentucky will look like a completely different team; a team that I doubt we will see making it to next year's Elite 8. Maybe by then at least the media will have found a new darling -- one from the East Coast most likely. In the meantime Bilas, get a room!

Mr. Belvedere...

Not that famous butler. This one hails from Indianapolis, is also a bit leaner and sans the British accent. This Butler also likes to wear hats, especially when they say "Final Four" on the brim. These caps will be worn all the way back to their home turf, where they expect to play the winner of tomorrow's game between Tennessee and Michigan State.

Kansas State seemed to come into today's game vs. Butler overly cocky and in my opinion, over-hyped. UConn transfer forward Curtis Kelly and Junior guard Jacob Pullen are big time players within their respective conference, but ever since last year's standout from Kansas State, Michael Beasley made headlines and entered the NBA after a stellar season with the Wildcats, analysts and various media responded with way too much cred, not to mention air time.

Of course, how can you argue with the swagger a team garners after they get to the Sweet Sixteen? They're good, we get it, but so is Butler, obviously more so than the Wildcats, but yet I can't recall seeing them broadcast even once on television. In fact, I never heard a national commentator make reference to Butler's talented squad. The likes of forward and scoring machine Gordon Hayward, or the crafty athleticism of forward Matt Howard shan't never be uttered on the same program as players such as John Wall or Sherron Collins -- I mean dude, they go to Butler.

Ultimately, Pullen's facial hair was the most impressive element that Kansas State brought to their Elite 8 performance. And if that's the case, get thee a razor, and some defense!

Butter Face

I remember the first time I heard one of my guy friends use the term "Butter face". I was later informed that it refers to a particularly unfortunate girl as having a "nice body, but-her-face". As a young woman, I found it completely derogatory at first. In the end however, cleverness won by a hair, or with regards to the match up between the Huskies and West Virginia game: a basket.

The first half of the sweet sixteen bout was ugly. Not ugly like your Aunt's hideous Christmas sweater, ugly like her sweater on steroids - think blinking lights and bedazzled reindeer. Quincy Pondexter incurred two offensive fouls within the first six minutes of the game, and left for the remainder of the half with a total of three, leaving UW without one of their top scorers for nearly five minutes. I am also suspicious of some evil genius watching the game; someone with a rift against the Huskies, who designed a joystick that kept any shot UW put up, completely out of range.

The biggest surprise other than Bobby Huggins not wearing a Guido track suit to match his slicked-back coiffure, was the Mountaineers Deniz Kilicli (aka the Balkan Balla'), who led West Virginia's team in scoring at the end of the half. About Kilicli - the freshmen didn't play much this season, but against UW, he seemed to shine. One more interesting fact on Kilicli - he bares a striking resemblance to Lurky, Rainbow Bright's cartoon nemesis (also one of my childhood favorite stuffed animals).

The second half wasn't much more glamorous than the first. Washington simply turned the ball over too many times. Isaiah Thomas didn't have even close to the game he had vs. Marquette. Matthew Bryan-Amaning was non-existent. About ten minutes in, they let West Virginia become heroes, and De'Sean Butler and cast sent the Huskies back home to contemplate their loss over a Starbuck's latte in Seattle.

Cornell on the Cobb

I can't predict what the rest of their tournament is going to look like, but Cornell is no joke -- these scholars aren't just interested in graduating suma cum laud, they want to win. Not only did they snag a "W" today, they creamed a talented Wisconsin team.

Led by Louis Dale who scored 26 points and Ryan Wittman who added 24, the Big Red ended the Ivy League Tournament drought that has lingered for the last 30 years.

Looks like Badger fans will be getting an early start in preparation for the upcoming Packer's season!

Cornell is set to play top seeded Kentucky next Thursday. I hope the Wildcats have done their homework, because Cornell's basketball GPA keeps getter better.

Sacre Bleu!

Today's game vs. top seeded Syracuse wasn't so sweet for Sacre and the Zags. Marc Few was "few-ming" as he saw his team lose by a mind boggling 22 points.

Maybe you can chock it up to seasonal depression, but no one from Gonzaga seemed to show up this afternoon. While they may have looked like a different team today, the reality is that they have so much talent - in fact they have fabulous players every season, from Casey Calvary to Adam Morrison to Dan Dickau.

The problem in my opinion is due to a lack of leadership. Sure Matt Bouldin is one of the country's most fundamentally sound players, but I swear the guy needs an adrenaline shot! The guy never changes expression. Additionally, it seemed like Steven Gray peaked earlier in the regular season, and hasn't had the drive that fans were able to count on like they did back in his less twisted coiffure days -- back when he had his "halfro" (a do somewhere in the middle between and afro and a short style).

Whatever the Zags problems are, they will definitely be back next season with an allstar cast, including Gray, freshmen center Kelly Olynyk, Robert Sacre and stunner Elias Harris. The Bulldogs will come back next year minus Matt Bouldin and his tall look-a-like Will Foster, but they are likely to be tournament contenders, and will undoubtedly have had the necessary time to come up with some new and exciting hair styles. One suggestion however, lay off the Lord of the Ring do's.

Meet Me at the Alamo

I came up with this title earlier this morning when I had predicted that two Texas teams would make it to the 2nd round. It turns out only one, Texas, who knocked off Wake Forest, will be cattle herding it up amongst their UTEP peers. Oh well, the title stays, not just because it's catchy, but because of my love for John Wayne.

Fast forward to 9pm and the list of winners has migrated to the right; that much closer to the middle of my bracket.

One note about my bracket, or should I say brackets. I have devised three different brackets to satisfy my own March Madness. The first, displays my heterotopian view of the teams that I want to win (fyi, some picks are about as likely to win as Elton John performing a singing tour for the troops), the second bracket determines who I think will most likely win, as far as RPI and talent are concerned, finally, the third follows the tournament in real time, where the blanks are filled in those who are actually moving on. I know, reality bites, like Winona Ryder said.

As far as accuracy is concerned, the only surprises today with regards to my predictions, were Old Dominion's upset over Notre Dame and Ohio's victory over the Hoyas. Murray State beat Vanderbilt, which probably shocked a few, but I don't have too much faith in the Ivy Leaguers -- remember they're not running for political office.

Before I catch up on my own Z's, I want to give a shout out to the teams I consider "Sleepers", starting with St. Mary's. The Gaels hail from the West Coast Conference, where the only team that makes headlines is Gonzaga. Sandham and the rest of his Aussie Posse (nice rhyme if I do say so myself), took it to Richmond with unmatched play in the interior from their Big Man, who combined for 29 points and 12 rebounds in the 80-71 victory.

Believe it or not, I think Utah St. also has "Sleeper" potential. I've come to this conclusion after doing extensive research, including the donning of a lab coat, the use of a beaker, as well as exploding gasses -- er, I went on the teams' website and caught their conference championship game. The Aggies were 14-2 leading in the tourney and beat BYU earlier during the season. Just keep an eye on them as they take on Texas A&M tomorrow, you might be shocked that Cache isn't just the valley their University is located at.

I won't delve into any more potential "upsetters" with the exception of the University of Washington. The beginning of their season showed a team stumbling like Bambi to find its legs post John Brockman's departure to the NBA last year. However with 7 of 7 in wins leading into the tournament, not to mention the Pac-10 title, they have much to be proud of, and should not be taken lightly by any opponent, particularly when you have stars like Quincy "Q-Pon" Pondexter and Isaiah Thomas who along with their teammates, accumulate the most points per game in all the Pac-10. I see them making a big Splash on Saturday vs. New Mexico.

For the most part, the games today were excruciatingly close, depending on who you were rooting for. Both Kansas' annihilated their opponents, but no big surprise there. In fact, most of the matches were relatively close. Look at Villanova's win over Robert Morris - the Wildcats barely clawed their way to a victory.

However, now that the day is over, I'm able to slip into my Snuggee, turn on Project Runway and prepare for tomorrow's slurry of match ups. If today was any reflection of how tomorrow or the rest of the tournament will go, I look forward to watching who ends up being the fairest of them all. One thing is for sure, however, I'm going to have to replace my deodorant with a prescription strength version; one more suited for the perspiration inducing excitement of March Madness! Maybe I should ask Dick Vitale what he would suggest? He usually looks pretty greasy.

Wallyworld

Wallyworld was once touted by Clark Griswald as his family's utopia in "National Lampoon's Vacation". Twenty years later, I concur -- only this time my Wallyworld refers to Wally Szczerbiak.

I've watched him go from college standout at the University of Miami of Ohio to NBA knockout.

Amongst the rest of his colleagues, Szczerbiak looks more fitted for a Daytime soap opera than he does on a basketball court. On the other hand, one only need look at laser beam like shooting to see that he's not just a pretty face.

Truth be told, I once interviewed one of Wally's former college friends for a job. I'm less than proud to admit that I took more of an interest in the potential employee's 7 degrees of Wallydom, than I did his qualifications. Turns out that the candidate attended a wedding soiree with Wally as well as being a locker room buddy, while he served as a player on University of Miami of Ohio's soccer team. I was hoping that maybe knowing him would bring me one step closer to Monsieur Szczerbiak.

In the end, I didn't hire the former pal. It may have spelled the end of a second hand Wally connection, but my adoration will continue, as if I was a thirteen year-old girl with his picture plastered on my bedroom wall like a Tigerbeat centerfold.

Separated at Birth -- I think I've found my new calling

Oregon State Coach Craig Robinson vs. his sister Michelle Obama -- SAME PERSON!!!

Florida's Alex Tyus vs. the Predator



Arizona Guard MoMo Jones vs. Carlton Banks

Separated at Birth: More Sightings

USC's Mark Gerrity vs. Mr. Peepers

NBA Commentator Jeff Van Gundy vs. actor Vincent Schiavelli



Baron Davis & Mateen Cleaves vs. Disney's Humphrey the Bear

WSU's Klay Thompson vs. Avatar Na'vi

Tournament Projections: East Coast Bias

Cal is predicted by Andy Glockner of Sport's Illustrated to go into the Big tourney as a No. 12 seed. Are you serious? Is the East Coast bias such that premier Cal players like Jerome Randle, Patrick Christopher, and Theo Roberson are not even going to see themselves in the top ten?

Look, while there is no denying the fact that the East Coast has fabulous programs, including tremendous teams like Duke, Syracuse, Kentucky, and Florida to name a few, but it is so obvious each time a new Coaches or AP poll comes out that the basketball reporting press suffers from a serious case of East Coast bias.

When ESPN set up shop in Seattle last week to broadcast the network's main prime-time matchup between the University of Washington Huskies and the UCLA Bruins, I almost blew a gasket to see Jay Bilas and Bobby Knight reporting in my own background -- in the same time zone no less. In fact it provoked an awkward, giddy feeling like the way you feel on a first date: anxious and excited, while simultaneously espousing strange body twitches and sweaty palms.

Think of the last time you saw Dick Vitale announce from another venue besides the ACC or SEC, or any East Coast "C" for that matter? I certainly can't. Maybe throw in a Texas vs. Oklahoma game for kicks, but in my experience I've never heard "Diaper Dandy" references to any West Coast players. It is my belief that the closest Vitale has been to the West Coast in recent years was most likely a Hollywood studio that he filmed his last Hooters commercial at.

In the wake of countless predictions that the Pac-10 will only receive one bid to the tournament, my question is: What's the beef ?

Certainly it has been an up and down season in the Conference, where the top five teams have traded in-conference rankings like musical chairs, but it doesn't signify a lack of talent, or that a top Pac-10 team can't beat a highly ranked East Coast opponent (think USC's win over Kentucky in January).

Maybe it has something to do with the convenience of the East's broadcasting schedule, particularly for those living on that side of the country. A blogger for instance, from Kansas, is going to be able to make a report that afternoon depending on which teams are scheduled. Whereas the WCC, or Pac-10 teams typically don't begin play until 7, he/she is going to be in bed by that time. As a result they garner less cred and often don't make it to deadline.

Ultimately, the combination of timing, the lack of viewership (with the exception of the handful of local West Coast sport's networks), and most of the dominating voices on television hailing from places like Duke, Notre Dame and Michigan (think Jay Bilas, Digger Phelps and Jalen Rose), talented teams on the West Coast are often snubbed and undervalued come ranking and tournament time.

Yuck!

Seperated at Birth?

From time to time I see players, coaches or other sports related figures that may resemble the likes of someone else. I ask you not to hate, but just to watch, and let me know if you think there are any others that may have looked as if they shared the same baby mama...

Matt Bouldin of Gonzaga vs. Frodo Baggins

UCLA's Michael Roll vs. Matt Damon

+
=
Skeletor Master of the Universe + Lance Armstrong = Gonzaga coach Mark Few


Okay, Maybe a longshot -- WSU coach Ken Bone vs. Bill Paxton



Christoper Walken, a lighter version of Lenny Wilkens? At least they sound similar.

Hoyas, Wildcats, and Blue jays, Oh My!

If you were able to pull the covers off and get out of bed after the tearful loss of the U.S. men's and women's curling teams, there was plenty of excitement to be had, as another busy Saturday in Men's NCAA basketball came and went and showed the crazy potential for the March tournament.

Conference titles on the line, no. 1 seeds in jeopardy of losing undefeated status, and teams desperately trying to convince the judges of their worthiness to be included in the big tournament, inspired me to remain in my pajamas all day, forgo the makeup, and procrastinate even further on the Mt. Everest-like stack of homework piling up on my desk. That's what Sunday night is for anyway.

Luke Harangody was back in the lineup for Notre Dame as they upset the Hoyas 78-64, despite Georgetown's Greg Monroe's 15 point effort. The Fighting Irish reclaimed it's mighty three, uniting Harangody, Abromaitis, and Tory Jackson, (not to mention stellar play by Ben Hansbrough), for a Big East victory. The Irish are a distinctively different team when they are Gody-less. They are set to play West Virginia and Cincinnati before closing up the season.

The SEC added to the list of upsets, when #2Kentucky fell to #19Tennessee. The always animated Bruce Pearl, who typically looks as if his face is taking on the bright color of his orange blazer, was all smiles, as he saw his senior leader J.P. Prince put on a clinic in the last 90 seconds of the game. Much to Ashley Judd's dismay, John Wall and the rest of her beloved Wildcats were only able to muster a disappointing 35 pct field goal percentage, which inevitably contributed to their first loss since their game against South Carolina.

The arena was ear drum shattering in Oklahoma, when Kansas standouts Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich weren't able to sustain their team's undefeated prowess in the Big 12, as they trailed the entire game in an 85-77 loss to Oklahoma St. The match up provided for the Cowboy's first road win over a top-ten ranked opponent in nearly 52 years. It also highlighted the talent of James Anderson, Oklahoma State's best player, 6th in the country in Division 1 scoring, whose name for some reason doesn't find its way to the headlines like many of his peers. Why, I'm not quite sure? Maybe the press has something against Cowboys?

Got My Eye on Reeves

Snickerdoodles, a well done 32 oz sirloin steak, Snuggies -- all things I love dearly. Enter UCLA's Reeves Nelson.

Besides being a friggin' beast, this freshmen forward slams the boards and scores. Sound footwork and a lofty free-throw pct, also round out his fearless style of play.

Two weeks ago in a game against against Cal, Nelson butted heads with Bear's Markhuri Sanders-Frison, resulting in a nice shiner that would please any UFC fighter (insert my 32 oz steak mentioned earlier above - could've brought swelling down). Nearly a week later, after throwing down a monstrous jam, or as I like to call it now, a "Nelson," he lands on the same eye, rupturing the lump, forcing him to head to the locker room with only 7 minutes left in regulation.

He emerged this week like Frankenstein on his way to a board meeting, outfitted in a suit, paired with this season's most coveted accessory: a black, blue and purple eye, complete with 15 stitches. Sources say the large lad underwent eye surgery and lucky for Bruin fans and ME, he will be back in the lineup this Saturday against Washington.

Prior to the news that he would be returning to play the Huskies this next week, I thought a pirate patch might add to his rough demeanor, of course it would have to painted blue and gold.

Nelson adds to the already lofty list of players on the Bruin's injury list including, Senior forward James Keefe, who would have if healthy, helped prop up the team's so far, awkward and unpredictable season.

Yesterday, against Oregon, UCLA is a markedly different team without the talented brut. At halftime the Ducks were up 10, and one couldn't ignore that Roll, Dragovich and Honeycutt could have used his toughness in the key.

While I'm not clear on how the Bruins will perform in the Pac-10 tournament in a few weeks, an appearance by a healthy Reeves Nelson will make for a much more and exciting afternoon for me, who will be donning a Snugee and glued to the t.v.

I heart Reeves Nelson!