Some thoughts around the NCAA...

'Bama is now # 6 in the AP

     Alabama knocks the socks off the SEC, and now many media types are sleeping with Eric Musselman.  We'll see about that later next week, won't we? Here's my thought, if Alabama shoots well, they beat the Razorbacks. If they don't, it wouldn't surprise me that Arkansas might win. You know, it's possible they won't shoot well. It happens to everyone. Take overrated Michigan. They shot poorly against Illinois and then against (gasp) Michigan State. That's two late losses that might cause them to lose their number one seed.  

         I really like Houston. So, they have to heave in a miracle shot to beat a mediocre Memphis team. You know, the one that Penny bought. Penny vs.Kelvin. It's Wade vs. Pearl, a different conference. I don't know why TV announcers are so concerned about telling about LSU and Auburn having a letter of infractions from the NCAA. The Tiger/Tiger match-up is the one where it's the already buying players vs. having your assistant coach buying players.  It's the truth. I heard via the grapevine that AU has three or four players who want to know if their services are needed in a league that makes really strong-ass offers. I think Thor and Cooper are gone. Flannagan is also on the list.  It begs the question, if you have three players who think they are ready to play in the NBA, how did Pearl lose so many games. I've also heard that one five-star recruit is having second thoughts.  I kind of doubt that one, but the NCAA needs to make some decisions so recruits who are thinking about attending several schools know what the future might be.  That's fair, and it's terrifically unfair not to do so. But never confuse fairness with money. The NCAA is all about money and the perception of fairness. Please note the perception word drop.  If you are going to govern college athletics, make sure that rules are followed. It's not all about making bank deposits. These coaches are millionaires. Kick a few out for cheating; you'd be stunned at the effect that might have on the others.

    Can you remember when everyone was upset that Trendon Watford decided to go to LSU? How ya feeling now? I don't know how he'd fit in at Alabama because I haven't really paid any attention to his three-point shooting. I haven't heard an announcer scream, "and there's another three from Trendon Watford." Will Wade ought to be fired for having so much talent and losing as many games as he lost this year.  Tennessee secured the fourth seed in the SEC by beat Florida on Sunday. But guess who they are likely to play in the quarterfinals? That would be Florida, and Tre Mann will probably not miss the game. He had a migraine headache before the Kentucky game. 

    Well, sad as it may seem to Aubies, the Tiger basketball season is over. They fought hard,  though.  Fouth all the way to the end. LOL. In my opinion, Will Wade and Bruce Peart are on the clock. The NCAA is under increasing pressure from other member institutions to do something with Arizona, Auburn, LSU, and Oklahoma State have been out on bail. Time to give them their penalties. All were caught up in the FBI probe. I'm betting a new attitude in the FBI might move this forward. 

      Good to see Alabama back at number six in the AP.  It seems the AP voters are mirroring the NET ratings closer.  Ohio State keeps losing, but AP voters just won't vote out of the Top Ten.  Michigan has lost a couple. Illinois won a couple, and the Big Ten continues to lead the nation in good teams. Incidentally, after Alabama the SEC, the Razorbacks are number 8. No other SEC teams were in the top 25. We all have favorite teams beyond our love of Alabama.  For basketball,  UCLA, Loyola, and St. Johns are my favorites.