Is it fair to start today’s bit of pith by dancing on the pile of dirt by the grave that the Courier-Journal is digging for itself?

I dunno. But I’m going to do it.

There were a couple of significant sporting events that took place last night, one of major local interest.

The results and game stories from neither appeared in the the Sunday morning C-J Sports Section.

U of L and IU, which schools have the attention of the entirety of the formerly great newspaper’s readership, met in an opening game of the College World Series. The game took three hours and 21 minutes to play, meaning it was completed before 11:30, 6th & Broadway time.

It is impossible for me to conceive that, in this digital age, the Once Great Newspaper couldn’t have found the time to cover the game in print this morning. This is just one more piece of significant evidence that the sad, slow demise of our formerly beloved local newspaper is . . . inevitable. And gaining momentum.

It is U*N*A*C*C*E*P*T*A*B*L*E.

Oh, how I wish I could cut the umbilical, have the New York Times in print delivered to my door, and get my local news online from wdrb.com and other online sources that seem to have their finger on the pulse beat of our burg. Oh, if I could only say sayonara.

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals was also contested last night. As with Game 1, it went to OT, though this time it took less than twenty extra minutes for Boston to tie the series at 1-1.

I know this isn’t a big hockey town. But I used to work with a fellow who played hockey as a kid. So he’s paying attention. I saw a fellow in Heine Bros once wearing a Sabres jersey. And the fellow behind the fish counter at Whole Foods once commented on my Red Wings t-shirt.

So, sure, there weren’t a lot of folks this morning who missed that the C-J didn’t report on last night’s Stanley Cup Final game. But, it’s still a major sports event. And, any Sports Section worth its salt should have had a mention.

But not you know who.

* * * * *

Indiana opened the season with a 2-0 shutout over Louisville. The Hoosier RBIs in that W came off the bats of Scott Donley and Michael Basil.

Indiana started nailing the lid on U of L’s season last night with a 2-0 shutout, that relegated the punchless Cards to the losers’ bracket, and an elimination game Monday afternoon against #3 seed Oregon State. The Hoosier RBIs came off the bats of Scott Donley and, all together now, Michael Basil.

If that’s not enough deja vu for you, how about this? During one of the three regular season encounters between the schools, last night’s Hoosier starter Joey DeNato hurled four shutout innings against the Cards. Last night, he handcuffed the U of L batters for nine more scoreless frames, allowing but four scattered hits.

(I’d love to know how the winning hurler pronounces his last name? During the game last night, color announcer Orel Hersheiser called him De-Not-O, making a joke about the old tune, “You say tomateo, I say tomaatoo . . .” Mike Patrick dismissively responded, “How do you say North Atlantic Treaty Organization? Enough said.”)

Here’s how to pronounce it this morning: Dominating Winner.

The Cards appeared more nervous on the big stage than their nearby northern neighbors, who were playing in June in Omaha for the first time. More than a few times, potential Cardinal base runners swung at the ball four for outs. The game was certainly winnable. U of L simply could not git ‘er done.

The quirky outfield alignment the Cards employed was . . . too cute. Adam Engel was positioned in CF about twenty feet behind the second base bag. Twice it cost the Cards extra Hoosier bases, but, fortunately, neither of those late game situations came back to haunt Louisville. They were toast for other reasons.

Which CF mention gives me the opportunity to call on John Fogerty for a little musical interlude.

The Cards best opportunity to score came in the bottom of the 3d, but Sutton Whiting was inexplicably waved home on Cole Sturgeon’s single. IU’s catcher Kyle Schwarber had the ball long enough before Whiting arrival to clip his fingernails. Instead of runners on the corners with slugger Ty Young at the plate, the Cards ran themselves out of the inning.

Which is to say that the performance of the Cardinal coaching staff was as underwhelming as the players.

Louisville meets Oregon State Monday afternoon in a Texas Chainsaw Loser Goes Home elimination game. Given that first pitch is at 3:00 in the afternoon, you should be able to read the results in Tuesday’s C-J. The operative word is “should.”

* * * * *

My disappointment in the Cardinals’ play was somewhat offset by the sight of Tiger Woods hacking his way to +8 in the US Open.

Phil Mickelson is the only player under par, which is par annually for the course in this major. (To skew a metaphor somewhat.) I’ll be rooting for Lefty, hoping he doesn’t really seal his fate in US Open history with yet another second place finish. What’s he got, five already?

Several familiar names are within two strokes. Mahan. Stricker. Schwartzel, Rose and Donald. And one not so familar one, Billy Horschel. The Zurich Open winner has only been fully on the PGA tour for a little while, but is playing with an eery confidence. There is a cocky cadence to his stride down the fairway.

* * * * *

I’m assuming this story surely has something to do with the baller’s skills in Algebra.

Eric Bledsoe is apparently the key piece to finish the proposed trade which would send coach Doc Rivers and aging star Kevin Garnett to the Clippers.

The coaching moves this off season in the NBA are dumbfounding. Lionel Hollins and George Karl, whose teams had seasons way beyond reasonable expectation, were both let go.

I don’t understand.

I do know that both coaches of the teams vying in the Finals for the title have been on the bench for awhile.

Remember just a couple of years ago when Eric Spoelstra “had to win” the title, or he’d be gone. His team didn’t win. Spoelstra wasn’t canned.

Now the Heat, playing in its third straight final, is primed for its second title in a row.

– Seedy K

Wasn’t he educated at that bastion of academia, Georgetown University? Shouldn’t those overpaid ballers, of which he is one, know better by now?

Flush with leading his Pacers to a 7th game showdown against the Heat, Hibbert, in his post game comments, used a homophobic slur. And, for good measure, called the gathered media, “motherfuckers.”

Nice.

Which shouldn’t diminish his play on the court, including a great, and key block of an LBJ thunderblast to the hoop. But it does.

Oh well, forgiveness must be enforced here.

I hope Indiana prevails in what should be a most interesting Game 7, Monday night. Exactly how the Pacers have gotten this far, frankly, still baffles?

Yes. Good D. Yes, great play from Hibbert and Paul George.

But Lance Stephenson’s harum scarum scampers to the hoop seem so out of control, and thus ill-advised. (Though, given the physical specimen that he is, one has to wonder how good he might be if he ever learns to play quick but not fast?) David West finally hit a few jumpers last night, but how many bunny layups has he clanked off the rim in the series?

Plus Indy’s gotten very little off the bench.

I’m confused, I tell ya.

Anyway, Monday’s Game 7 should be fun.

Meanwhile, San Antonio rests, awaiting the winner.

* * * * *

You know who can really play basketball? I mean, really really really hoop it up?

LeBron James.

And I’ve figured out why I haven’t taken to him as I should as one who would think he appreciates genius on the court. (Other than that stupid press conference and the “take my talents” quote.)

It’s the headband.

There was only one baller, one baller ever, who knew how to sport such an accoutrement. Slick Watts.

Game by game, season by season, James has continued to assert himself justifiably in the “Greatest Ever” category.

His rise would be quicker were he to lose that white ring around the forehead.

* * * * *

Boston — that would be the Bruins — and Chitown’s Black Hawks won the Stanley Cup conference final openers.

Which I mention in the likely event that you weren’t paying attention.

* * * * *

Speaking of filling in your blind spot . . . Bayern Mucnchen is the first European futbol club to win its league, its nation’s cup and the Champions League all in the same year.

Sieg Heil.

* * * * *

Rick Bozich shared a great baseball anecdote last night.

Johan Santana recently hurled a complete game shut out.

During the post game interview with TV commentator Burt Blyleven, Santana, cocky in his accomplishment, asked the announcer if he’d ever done the same.

Former pitching ace Blyleven deadpanned, “Yes. Fifty times.”

* * * * *

He Who Would Be Tiger duffed his way for a 44 on the front nine yesterday at The Memorial.

His scorecard read 79 at the end of the day. He had a triple-bogey. Two doubles. And three bogeys. No penalty strokes. It was his worst round in competition since he turned pro.

And, I don’t know why, but schadenfreude reigns. For some reason, Woods’ travails bring a smile to my face.

* * * * *

So much for being there, for sitting courtside to get a feel for the action, so contemplation of championship events will be based on first hand experience.

I’m advised by a scribe who was in Atlanta to cover the NCAA hoops championship, that more than a few of the nation’s premier media took in the title game . . . watching on TV in the press room. Including the fabled Dick “Hoops” Weiss, and my favorite sports writer, Charles Pierce.

I know if I had a courtside seat, I’d a been in it.

* * * * *

I’m advised that Oklahoma State’s ex-patriot QB Wes Lunt will more than likely spurn U of L’s efforts to make him a Cardinal, in favor of Illinois.

* * * * *

Is there anything more fun in sports — outside of actual game action — than watching Charles, Ernie, Kenny, Shaq and whomever (Last night it was retiring Grant Hill, who couldn’t stop laughing on the set) during the pre-game, halftime and post-game?

Correct answer: No.

* * * * *

In a sick way, I’m thinking, I sure hope Ohio State president Gordon Gee was drunk, when he made all those condescending, idiotic statements about catholics, U of L, etc.

At least then, he’d have an excuse. He could go into rehab, and get a legit pass for his dunderheadedness.

If he was sober, the comments represent the highest form of arrogance.

Truth be told, I’m not sure how he and AD Gene Smith still have their jobs in the wake of recent Buckeye football scandals.

* * * * *

A number of folks have asked what I think will happen with Julie Hermann?

All I know is what I’ve read online.

I haven’t a clue.

– Seedy K

“If you want to be a good basketball team, you have to go inside out.”

The gotcha is that the coach is Jeff Walz, mentor of the U of L women’s team which beat Seton Hall 72-62. Not Rick Pitino, whose men’s squad battered its third cellar-dwelling rummy in a row.

At one point during the Cardinals’ decisive but inelegant victory, I jotted this down: “Passing O – Rarely open shot without dribble.”

There has been significantly less PG dribbling in the half court offense in the last couple weeks. It’s a heartening trend.

But, to what end? So that Behanan or Dieng gets the ball with his back to the hoop too far out for a flip hook? And, neither never — okay, maybe not never, but pretty close to never — throws that quick inside out pass and gets it back for an easier shot closer to the hoop. Or, for the reverse skip pass for an open trey.

Which is my passive aggressive way of noting that this Cardinal team still has a long way to go, half court offensively speaking. More than before, the team will pass the ball five, six times or more without overdribbling by whomever is at point, but the end still doesn’t seem to ratify the means. At the end of the sequence, Peyton or Russ or Kevin usually wind up having to dribble to a spot for a shot.

Shouldn’t there be plays where Chane or Wayne or Luke or Kevin get the ball in a comfort zone where they can just set and fire without putting the ball on the floor?

* * * * *

But, I’m not here just to complain.

Here’s a stat and explanation therefor that should bring joy to the Red & Black faithful.

Silent L was 5/7 from the field.

Because Siva and Smith were able to penetrate the Blue Demons D, draw attention and slip the ball deftly to Harrell for easy slams. Because Siva and Smith actually completed those passes.

Russ, when attempting assists which are beyond his default predilection, still throws it away more often than one would like in such instances. But less than he used to. That those passes are coming is positive trend.

What strikes me about Montrezl is that, despite his appearance of being ripped, he still needs to get stronger, so he can take the ball and defender into the hoop instead of getting blocked, as he does more than it seems he should.

* * * * *

It seems fair to blame Louisville’s day-of-game travel weariness for its annoying, sloppy performance.

Louisville played its usual pesky D. The Cards blocked 7 shots and stole the ball 12 times, forcing 19 Blue Demon turnovers.

The yin and yang is that U of L committed 18 turnovers and had 5 shots blocked.

Against a woeful team like DePaul, they can get away with that. Against NCAA-caliber squads, they cannot.

The Cardinals went 25/31 at the line. Remember what I said previously, kids, the NCAA champion shall be determined by free throws.

Louisville won the rebound battle, 46-33, but gave up as many offensive boards, 17, as it grabbed.

* * * * *

While it was the correct call when the zebras reversed the charge on Chane’s monster slam for a converted +1, I’m just not sure I’ve ever seen it done before.

* * * * *

Peyton Siva has to be on the floor when it matters. (You heard that before?)

His silly fouls could become the Cards’ Achilles heel.

DePaul made a late run, cutting their deficit to 8.

With four fouls, Peyton returned to the floor. Hit two FTs. Assisted on a Dieng jumper. Stole the ball after a Silent L follow slam, then fed Russ for a bunny. Followed by scoring a layup.

Siva’s return resulted in that 10-0 run for an insurmountable 18 point advantage.

* * * * *

All in all, it was a more than acceptable, workmanlike effort in front of a sparse Chitown crowd. The team survived travel woes — the players had hollow eyes during several of the timeouts — and Jim Burr.

The Cards were behind the 8 ball early, 0-8. But then ran off 10 straight points in a minute and ten seconds, and never looked back.

On a night when Michigan showed what happens to teams not stalwart enough on the road in late February, and Georgetown, displaying true grit, survived under similar tough circumstance, Louisville did what needed to be done against a lesser foe away from home.

* * * * *

Of ESPN’s second-tier announcing teams, Adam Amin and Tim Welsh, are top shelf. They deserve elevation.

* * * * *

Louisville has jumped to 2d in Jeff Sagarin’s computer rankings, and remains at #3 in Ken Pomeroy’s. The Cards have jumped a spot to #7 in the realtime rpi ranks, and have moved to the top of the third line in a consensus compilation of bracketologists.

U of L is 3-4 against teams currently in the AP top 25, and is one of less than handful of schools without a double digit loss.

Saturday’s game in the Carrier Dome is a litmus test.

– Seedy K

In his first regular season appearance of the year — he’s got a 10 day contract with the Celtics — he played 13 minutes against the Lakers last night, scoring a deuce, grabbing 2 rebounds and committing 2 turnovers.

Meanwhile his former Cardinal mate Earl Clark, certainly a more self effacing fellow, not to mention a more successful one, scored 14, grabbed 16 boards, had a block, a steal and posted 0 turnovers in LA’s 113-99 W.

Francisco Garcia has been traded from Sacramento to Houston. Derrick Caracter was last spotted on the roster of Bnei HaSharon in Israel. Former future U of L superduperstar Sebastian Telfair is toiling for Phoenix, his 7th pro team.

All of which is just about enough play-for-pay foolishness. Consider yourselves suitably updated.

* * * * *

Yes, you kids on the Sunny Side of the Ohio, your candy-striped Hurryin’ Hoosiers are currently playing the best ball in the land.

But . . . one guy’s opinion . . . I just have a feeling that this college basketball season, the best I can remember in a long while, is going to produce a champion out of the blue. (It will not however be UK’s Big Blue.) The last time it happened was, oh, not so long ago, when the UConn Kembas won the ugliest title game ever played anywhere in any tournament in any sport at any level.

Last night I watched Kansas survive Okie State in double OT. And Vegas pull out a late W over Colorado State. All four of those teams are Final Four capable. And, with a proper draw, are teams that could sneak into the title game and even pull a UConn.

Don’t believe me. Fair enough. But stay tuned.

This March there will be such true Madness, you might want to stock up on a fresh supply of those meds Bradley Cooper and Ms. Jennifer Lawrence riffed about in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

There’s a large list of teams whose playbook might prove to be lined in silver come April 8. They all have flaws, but one of them is going to win. We may even be blessed with a Miracle Milan thing, like ‘Nova at Rupp over Georgetown.

It could be the Hoosiers, but what if they go cold from beyond the arc, and/or a Purdue fan slips some kryptonite in Victor Oladipo’s lunch? The Gators, but they sure have shown they can melt down, as they did at Mizzou. The Wolverines, but they’re awfully young. The Hurricanes, but that spotlight is going to get ‘em sweatin’. Sparty, unless Gary Harris’s back goes out. The Zags, though they always underachieve . . . until maybe this year.

Breath.

The Buckeyes, if they finally start winning some big ones? (And, yeah, I guess that’s true of all the schools.) The Badgers, if they can keep it slow? Georgetown, who nobody’s talking about? The Quack, who are playing almost as good as the football team? Syracuse, in Boeheim’s swan song? (Remember I wrote way back that this is likely to be his last season.) This year’s real Wildcats, the ones out Arizona way.

And, oh yeah, even my beloved, but flawed Louisville Cardinals.

It’s that kind of year.

Remember when the Orange jumped on Carmelo Anthony’s back all the way to One Shining Moment?

You tell me Marcus Smart can’t do the same thing, and I laugh in your face.

You going to discount Butler? That is, if they make it to the Dance. Or St. Louis, which has won 8 in a row in the A-10? Or, New Mexico, whose coach knows how to win the big one? Or, Vegas, featuring Anthony Bennett, the second best freshman in the land?

Some team you can’t now name will reign treys six games in a row. Some won’t. Some teams will inexplicably hit all key FTs. More teams won’t. Which contenda is gonna get jobbed by a woeful call?

I just see some strange doings ahead. Can’t wait.

Caveat: When you’re stocking up on chips, dip, DiGiorno and necessary meds, stay away from the Ablixa.

* * * * *

So, in anticipation of yesterday afternoon’s Champions League Round of 16 fixture between Barca and AC Milan, while heading in the cold to lunch with my pals, I donned my new FC Barcelona scarf the Film Babe brought me back from a recent sojourn to Europe.

It was to no avail. Lunch was much better than the match later in the afternoon.

Barca didn’t show up, especially superstar Lionel Messi. The good guys were waxed in Milan 2 nil.

Talk about an uphill climb to the quarterfinals. The way it works in the knock out rounds of the most splendid competition this side of the Big Dance, is the teams play home and home, total goals win and advance with away goals counting more than home goals. If Barca is up 2 zed at the end of 90 in the next match at Camp Nou, the two sides will stay on the pitch and keep playing.

If AC Milan scores a goal, Barca will need four to advance.

* * * * *

Okay, I’m not through talking about college hoops.

Given the cockamamie year that’s unfolding, I believe making FTs is more important than ever. IU won in East Lansing because Sparty missed some key charity tosses at the end which could have sealed the deal. Florida lost at Mizzou after missing 5 straight down the the stretch, including the front end of three 1+1s.

Allow me to beat a horse so dead, it’s already been turned into burgers at London McD’s.

Dickie V must go. Really. I’m serious. Immediately. Forever. No, not at the end of the season, NOW!!!

* * * * *

Before I’m outta here, I feel compelled to mention a couple of things you probably haven’t heard.

Michael Jordan turned 50.

Danica Patrick won the pole at Daytona.

– Seedy K

While statistics never tell the entire tale, they help illuminate a team’s strengths and weaknesses.

On occasion, they also lie. Which happened yesterday.

I also believe in the eye test.

Watching how a game, or the games within a game, unfold, provides significant perspective.

On occasion, the eye test also lies. Which happened yesterday.

The official stat sheet marks Russ Smith with two turnovers in the last minute of the first half. Twice my eyes watched him throw the ball away. First on a breakout after he’d snared a rebound on a missed Bull trey. Again, after he grabbed another board when Harrell blocked a SoFla attempted dunk.

On both occasions, the Cards had numbers and Smith simply wasn’t able to successfully deliver the rock to a teammate for layup.

Anyone who remembers what Smith did at the end of the 4th OT in South Bend, as well as those who have watched him keep the ball all the way to the hoop throughout the season while ignoring open teammates, understands why those gaffes yesterday are a reason for hope.

Smith kept his head up, his eyes open and tried to make the correct play, instead of going for the streetball score as is his wont.

Despite the lack of execution yesterday — it will come — those two “turnovers” were indeed a positive sign for the Cardinals. Smith was trying to feed his mates. It’s a good thing.

* * * * *

After the game, Rick Pitino praised U of L’s ball movement. He liked how the Cards passed the ball.

I’m inclined to praise the coach also. It was apparent that Louisville was running sets designed for more passing, less dribbling. Early on, the Cards were also adamant about getting the ball inside, though that waned somewhat once the game was in hand.

* * * * *

Those of you who read me here know I love Wayne Blackshear and want to see him on the floor more.

I also think Kevin Ware can contribute a lot to U of L’s success. (Especially next season and beyond after he’s spent the summer working on his ball handling skills.)

So I was pleased as punch with the sequence yesterday when U of L took charge after falling behind 8-11. Kevin Ware threeball. Wayne Blackshear pull up J. Blackshear board. Ware jumper. Another Ware J. Blackshear offensive board and follow slam. Another Blackshear dunk, this time at the end of a fast break which commenced with a Smith steal, pass to Siva, assist to Siva. Blackshear cans 2 FTs. Blackshear steal, resulting in a Smith follow deuce.

After which 17-3 run, totally dominated by Ware and Blackshear, the Cardinals had the game in hand, 25-14.

Blackshear also closed the door once and for all in the 2d half. The Bulls crept within 6 at 36-30. The Rick reinserted Wayne in the lineup for Luke Hancock (rarely a bad move). After Smith hit two charity tosses, and a flurry of activity, Blackshear stole a pass and took it the length of the floor. Slam. 40-31. Any thoughts the home team had of coming back were extinguished.

* * * * *

Louisville had significant advantages in almost all sub categories. Points in the paint (32-14), points off the bench (21-11. Ware and Blackshear didn’t start, even though ESPN showed Wayne’s face over Hancock’s name.) , fast break points (12-2), and points off turnovers (23-12).

The one aspect where Louisville didn’t play up to par was 2d chance points. They led that category 10-8, but allowed the Bulls 16 offensive boards.

Once again I’d call for the Cards to block out better. But since I’ve gotten on my high horse about that fundamental, I’ve noticed nationwide that the zebras often call fouls on guys simply for putting their butt in a foe’s belly to keep him off the boards.

Behanan missed two FTs early, Silent L, a couple late. The team canned the rest of them to go 13/17 at the line.

Louisville was only 2/13 from long range, proving you can control a game even if the treys aren’t dropping.

* * * * *

Much has been made, justifiably so, of Chane Behanan’s marvelous hustle save of a ball going out of bounds and subsequent 25 foot behind the back assist to Russ under the hoop. It was indeed sweet. Not to mention it gave the Cards an 18 point cushion with 7:51 to play.

But there was a tit for tat. Russ returned the favor, going behind his back to Chane for a layup a few moments later for a 57-35 Louisville lead.

* * * * *

Louisville for the most part played really good defense, generating 16 turnovers, while nabbing 10 steals and blocking 8 shots.

* * * * *

Because we watch so much hoops on the telly, we develop our faves and undesirables when it comes to announcers. At least, I do.

Like Gus Johnson on the plus side, whom I love, even though it was most odd to hear him doing a Champions League fixture last week on Fox Soccer. And Bill Walton, whose over the top exuberance and willingness to say anything about anybody, is so welcome. And Jay Bilas, even though he’s a Dookie, because he’s so insightful and articulate.

Then there’s Bob “The Voice of Big East Basketball” Wenzel, who is as cloying and unprepared as they come. His “facts” are too often wrong, and delivered with volume cranked louder than Pete Townsend’s guitar.

When he called Pitino “a magician” at the top of yesterday’s telecast, I wanted to barf.

Rich Hollenberg wasn’t much better. He dubbed the half full arena, a “near capacity crowd.” And, segueing in after a timeout when South Florida was making its second half run, he said the Cards were “comfortably ahead,” which at that moment, they were not.

* * * * *

Two walkovers coming up — Seton Hall and DePaul — before the regular season closes with three serious tilts in a row.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/18/louisville-card-file-south-florida-8/feed/ 5 http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/14/thursday-hoops-report-cards-cats-boeheim-blisters-rams-rock-mo/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/14/thursday-hoops-report-cards-cats-boeheim-blisters-rams-rock-mo/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:05:29 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8258 While you are busy perusing every inch of Kate Upton’s bodypainted “swimsuit” in the the throne-room-only slobberfest known as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, allow me to fill you in with the latest on our other annual winter’s delight. Otherwise known as the World of College Hoops.

* * * * *

ESPN’s Andy Katz turned into Jim Boeheim’s whipping boy last night, after the coach’s Orange spit out the bit at UConn.

Seems Katz chatted up academically reinstated James Southerland during ‘Cuse’s shootaround, learning from the ultimate source that the suspension snafu was over a couple of paragraphs — one would assume plagiarized — in a term paper. Katz dutifully reported it.

When Katz asked Boeheim a question in the post game presser, the coach called the reporter “stupid” and “disloyal” and “other things” and refused to answer his question.

Tough luck, Andy. If you had done the same thing to a Louisville player, you wouldn’t have had to worry about a public dressing down. Many times, Rick Pitino doesn’t even show up to face the press after a bad loss. Like last Saturday night in South Bend. 

Plus there may be stuff simmering unseen underneath the surface with the long time Syracuse coach. On the one hand, he’s receiving kudos over all those career Ws. On the other, there was that Bernie Fine thing. Plus, perhaps, “other things.” I recall a conversation with a member of the national media early in the season, somebody plugged in to the hoops scene, who advised the shit’s gonna hit the fan after the season, which could well be Boeheim’s last.

According to that source, news will leak about failed drug tests through the years, and a systematic sweeping of that problem under the carpet.

Stay tuned. Especially to Katz. If something along those lines does indeed break, I trust Andy shall be the first to report it.

* * * * *

It was with some sadness that I read Russ Smith’s cybergalactic retort to his critics, who have been dissing his performance at crunch time against Notre Dame.

I’m one of the guilty parties.

While I’ve used some harsh words, I’ve tried to make it clear that he isn’t the main culprit.

It was his coach that gave him no in-game direction. Over and over and over and over and over again. It was his coach, who apparently hadn’t properly schooled his ball handlers and others on the floor about late game situations and how to execute. It was his coach who didn’t call any timeouts to set up possible game winning plays.

I trust you know the mentor of which I speak. Hint: He’s the one who didn’t show up to answer questions after the game.

As for Russ, keep on truckin’, dude. Try to learn from your mistakes. Raise up your head when you’re full throttle to the hoop, open your eyes, you may have company wearing the same uni with an easier shot than you.

* * * * *

The Flavor of the Month is Jim Larranaga and his Miami Hurricanes.

Last evening, the U won a tight one in Tallahassee. It may be the most telling W of the year, given it was over a tough league rival on the road, while riding a heretofore unknown wave of national adulation.

Seems Luke Hancock’s former coach is a technocrat. Loves Ken Pomeroy’s statistical analysis of the college hoops scene. Feels it is the only true measure of performance.

Miami ranks 8th at kenpom.com.

* * * * *

Which brings me back, as these discussions always do, to my Louisville Cardinals.

If you’ve clicked that link, you will note our homies, despite five losses, rank 3d.

To paraphrase grannie, “from the computer’s mouth to God’s ear.”

I hope it is a true assessment, but, as I’ve admonished before, computers don’t measure the will to win.

If you think the Cards would get the better right now of Michigan State or Indiana or Florida or Duke, raise your hand. I do not.

That negativitude stated, U of L does have a perfect slate to get well in the coming weeks. The Johnnies and Seton Hall at the Yum!. South Florida and hapless DePaul on the road. Then season-ending tests at Syracuse, and back home for the Bearcats and what history says will be an overtime season capper with those nettlesome Fighting Irish.

Last year, U of L finished the regular season, 2-4. The Cards have lost 4 of their last 7 this campaign. Let’s hope they kick it into gear . . . now.

* * * * *

You gotta feel for Nerlens Noel.

This is an unassuming kid with the classic “upside.” He never woofed. Always played hard. Improved steadily from game to game.

You gotta wish him a speedy and full recovery. And I do.

It will be fascinating to watch what develops for the Cats?

UK is still 18th in the Pomeroy rankings, but will surely drop out of the human polls.

The Cats are now 50-1 in Vegas to win it all. Lunardi has them a #9 seed. Some pundits, like Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy, have them nip and tuck to make the dance. Their RPI is in the mid 40s.

UK travels to Tennessee (in new Nike unis), Arkansas and Georgia. The Cats host Mizzou, Mississippi State and Florida before the SEC tourney.

Can this diminished group get their act together?

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to former Cardinal Jared Swopshire.

He also suffered a season-ending knee injury. In Swop’s case, it is also career-ending. Unless you count a Thursday night beer league at the Y.

* * * * *

The World Wide Leader made an interesting production decision last night.

Jay Bilas joined Dan Shulman and the ever hyperbolic Dickie V in the booth for Carolina at Duke.

It calmed down The Voice . . . somewhat. But . . . not nearly enough.

The Blue Devils came back to win the rivalry tilt. Hate Coach K and his teams all you want, rarely do they not perform to their maximum capacity.

* * * * *

Before I’m outta here, my dark horse report.

Larry Eustachy’s Colorado State Rams are 20-4 in the really tough Mountain West.

Last night, they bested San Diego State, 66-60. The Rams are ranked in a human poll for the first time in 59 years.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/14/thursday-hoops-report-cards-cats-boeheim-blisters-rams-rock-mo/feed/ 4 http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/07/louisville-card-file-rutgers-6/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/02/07/louisville-card-file-rutgers-6/#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:01:18 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=8240 I know this horse has been beaten so to death, it’s been lying on the ground for weeks, waiting to be carted off to a British sausage factory.

I’m still going to beat it a bit more. Because I can. And, because it needs to be done.

Last night in Piscataway, Wayne Blackshear fashioned his career game . . . so far. (If The Rick gives the Windy City kid a chance, he’ll have many more.)

Blackshear was 7/11 from the field, including 3/5 from downtown. 2/2 at the line. He added a block, an assist, a rebound and played tough D.

19 points.

He was especially huge when the Cards were struggling early. Coach’s pet Luke Hancock was doing nothing as a starter. When he committed a turnover, Knee Jerk Rick finally inserted WB in the lineup.

He scored the next seven Cardinal points.

He actually opened the second half on the hardwood, playing a big role in kickstarting U of L’s run with a 3 and a couple FTs.

Sooooooooo, why my concern?

Coach Pitino rewarded Blackshear’s stellar play with . . . 14 minutes of PT. (For comparison purposes only, Luke played 27, tallying 5 points.)

14 minutes. Gimme a friggin’ break.

I know he had four fouls. And I understand that when he came out after that 4th one, the game was well in hand and his stellar balling wasn’t needed. But still . . .

These kids crave being on the court. Blackshear has earned more playing time.

* * * * *

Rutgers, whose coach is as wacky as that Henderson kid down at Ole Miss, scored the first deuce of the second half, to knot the game at 28. That came at the 19:19 mark.

The second media timeout came with 11:46 to play, right after a Russ Smith trey made it 51-30.

Easy math. U of L had outscored the home team 23-2.

I don’t care what schlepper league foe you’re playing. When you win on their court, in February, by 20 points, holding them under the half century mark, it’s a good thing.

Rutgers beat Pitt (#6 in Ken Pomeroy’s ratings) there.

So, I’m only going to carp a bit more. It would be unfair to complain about the Cards play too much. Because, as the UPS commercial goes, I’m happy.

* * * * *

Gorgui Dieng had another dominating defensive game. 6 intimidating blocks. 8 rebounds.

But, am I the only one wondering why there aren’t offensive sets that get him the ball on the block, so he can just turn and shoot? A flip hook. A quick 5 foot bank shot. (I ask the same question about Chane Behanan and Silent L. Though the latter did it get it there once, unfortunately missing the short turnaround J.)

I’d also offer that Dieng handles the ball way too much in the backcourt after inbounds plays. And he handles it way too much far from the hoop above the key.

* * * * *

Now, for your viewing pleasure, one more look at Russ’s thunder slam.

You might want to turn down the sound. Bob Wenzel, he of the consistently inane “insight” and “expert commentary,” laughs in a manner which may induce inadvertent, involuntary projectile vomiting.

Smith had a typical game. 3/11 shooting. But he was 6/6 at the line. 5 rebounds. A steal. And 4 assists.

While remaining irrepressibly implacable.

* * * * *

Keeping the horse metaphor — we are gaining on Derby season — Peyton Siva is the one this team is riding.

He was steady. 9 points. 7 assists. Two steals.

Two more significant team stats. 15 assists vs. 15 turnovers. Not so good. 13/17 at the FT line. Good.

* * * * *

The following warning is provided, so you may get properly immunized in advance.

Next stop: ESPN Game Day in South Bend.

Which means Richard “Digger” Phelps shall be more insufferable and cloying than ever. He loves the Irish. He hates the Cards.

See your family physician for proper inoculation.

– Seedy K

Dip? ✔

Crudités (Eat at least one little carrot and piece of cauliflower, so you can dupe yourself into thinking  you’re eating healthy.) ✔

Beverages chilled? ✔

Impellizzeri’s on speed dial? ✔

These, my fellow hoopaholics, are not supplies for Super Sunday. The avocados will have to wait another day before they become guacamole.

I’m talking about tomorrow. A Saturday filled from before noon to bedtime with zesty matchups. Barcoloungers beware. Ye shall be occupied.

#1 Cincy @ Seton Hall. In the days of yesteryear, we had to wait until noon on Saturdays for opening tip. No more. The World Wide Leader, a benevolent dictator, has bestowed a favor upon us. Brunch with the Big East. The feisty Bearcats remain under the pundits’ radar. Kevin Willard’s Pirates are fighting for relevancy. A pleasant late morning tilt to enjoy with croissants and Eggs Benedict. Pass the Hollandaise s’il vous plait.

#2 Syracuse @ Pitt. The Orange are two games up in the loss column in league play. (Along with Marquette, which comes a callin’ to the Yum! Sunday, where they’ll be greeted by a hungry Cardinal squad in very stylin’ new white unis.) A loss at 17-5 Pitt would bring Boeheim’s bunch back to the field. The Panthers have a shot.

#3 Duke @ Florida State. The Seminoles always give the Blue Devils a hard time in Tallahassee. It’s a good thing. Always worth tuning in to see if Duke falls three games behind to surging Miami in U of L’s future conference. No better excuse to pop a fresh can open than Coach K walking off the court with an L.

#4 Colorado @ Utah. The Buffaloes have cooled a bit. They’re only 4-4 in league play, but have won their last 3. A W over the Utes will give them momentum to burst their bubble. Plus we’ll probably get Marques Johnson, a PAC homer if ever there was one, doing color. Unless it’s Bill Walton’s effusive exhortations on every play.

#5 Oklahoma State @ Kansas. Rock Chalk Jayhawk doesn’t lose at home much when it comes to conference play. This year, they haven’t lost at either at Allen or on the road. But the Cowboys have lots of potential, spelled Marcus Smart and Bryan Nash. I’m smelling upset here.

#6 Wichita State @ Northern Iowa. No reason to wait for Arch Madness to consider the MoValley. The Shockers lead the league (along with Creighton). The Panthers, standing at 11-11 are a might down this season. But this one has trap game written all over it.

Seedy K’s Dining Tip: Order your pizza during the first half of this one. Remember Bennie Impellizzeri doesn’t deliver. You’ll need to pick up your pie before the Cats tip off.

#7 Kentucky @ Texas A&M. Can you spell payback? They’re liable to be dredging the Rio Grande for blocked Aggie rocks Nerlens Noel has dispatched into the muddy. Maybe Francine will be in the house.

#8 Ole Miss @ Florida. Why aren’t folks talking about the Gators? Bill Donovan’s crew is 7-0 in league play. Average margin of victory: 28 points. That’s not a typo. The Gators have won by 33, 22, 19, 31, 17 (Must have had an off night in Athens.), 35 and 39. If his less than stellar performance against the Cats didn’t chasten Marshall Henderson, this one will shut his trap.

#9 Michigan @ Indiana. This is the big one of the day, the one we’re all waiting to watch, Digger and Dickie V’s presence on the soundtrack notwithstanding. Both legit top liners come tourney time. Both playing well. Be sure to get up and stretch before tip.

Feel free to wash down your day’s repast with some bedtime milk and cookies. Unless, you’re ready for more. And there is more. It’s too late to stop now.

#10 Gonzaga @ San Diego. Okay, I gotta admit. I confused San Diego with San Diego State. My bad. The Toreros are only 11-11, not 16-4 and ranked in the Top 25 like the crosstown Aztecs. But, hey, I’m punch drunk just from contemplating the morrow. One reason to tune in is to see if former future U of L superstar Angel Nunez is sitting on Few’s bench in civvies?

Remember there’s no reason to sit through any commercials. There are more than a score more tilts to check out when play stops in the game you’re watching.

Now, get some rest. The Cards play Sunday. Then there’s that little football game. And all that guac and chips to consume.

– Seedy K

With 2:42 to play, and Louisville leading 58-50, Gorgui Dieng missed the front end of a 1 and 1.

It was the only FT U of L missed in the second half of the narrow W over Pitt. The Cards were 10/11 after the break. After Pitt’s Tray Woodall missed the front end of a one and bonus, Chane Behanan hit a pair with :24 on the clock to increase the Cards’ precarious lead to five. Dieng hit a couple with :12.7 to play, increasing the Cards’ margin to four. After Sub of the Night Tim Henderson snared a board on a missed Panther trey, Russ Smith drained two more important charity tosses with :04.2 to go, for a six point lead. Meaning Woodall’s long ball at the buzzer signified nothing.

All of which tells me this. The severely short-handed Cardinals were resolute about breaking their three-game losing skein.

While Louisville played far from a national championship-quality game, the team was alert from the get go — 3/4s of the way through the first half, the lead was 11 on 11/20 shooting with 6 steals and 3 blocks. The team stayed intense and, once they got the game in hand late in the opening stanza, kept Pitt measured.

The performance was not a thing of beauty. The final score (64-61) was.

* * * * *

Louisville is far from the only squad in the land that doesn’t block out. This most basic of techniques is missing in today’s game. Ballers seem intent on relying on their physical abilities alone, instead of combining that with fundamental soundness.

The Cards were only outrebounded on the offensive boards by four, 15-19. But the results were markedly different. Louisville turned those second chances into 10 points. While Pitt tallied 25.

Put down your abacus, I’ll do the math. U of L was -15 in second chance points.

The flip side came at the FT line. The Cards were 13/17 for the game. The visitors went a pitiful 3/12. That spells “Ballgame!!!”

Make free throws. Good things happen. Block out and grab rebounds. Better things happen.

* * * * *

The Rick deftly stole clock, especially at the end of the opening half with Henderson and Dark Slime on the court. When the Cards hit only 2/11 with funky lineups during that segment, I kept thinking: Wouldn’t it be nice to have Angel Nunez to put in?

But he’s a Zag now.

My sense is the future of Kevin Ware as a Cardinal is on shaky ground. I’m advised he was none too pleased with his short stints on the court recently and, as the story goes, let The Rick know that in one manner or another. Coach was not pleased.

Hopefully Wayne Blackshear’s “minor shoulder injury” is just that. His history of shoulder issues would warn us otherwise.

The last bit of innuendo I can pass along is the rumor about what happened at Friday’s practice. As has been whispered, Pitino was on Gorgui so hard that Dieng snapped, went after the coach, and had to be restrained by teammates.

Whether true or not, Dieng was back on his feed last night. 14 points on stellar shooting. 12 rebounds. Five blocks. Four assists, including two no look bounce passes behind him. (Which reminded me of 60s Cardinal pivot Bud Olsen, who was the master at that type of assist.)

* * * * *

New offensive sets were spotted last night. More movement. More passing. It’s a good thing. That pick and roll has been getting easier to defense.

Peyton Siva still dribbled too much, but his 10 assists were huge. U of L must have had 5 open dunks after the break, as a result of Siva breaking down the D and getting the ball inside.

Russ Smith — Ho Hum — tallied 20 on 7/15 shooting.

All the way around, a flawed but feisty W. Much needed, to say the least.

* * * * *

Despite the Cards’ recent travails, they still rank 2d nationally in Assist/Turnovers, and #3 in steals/game.

To give this game some perspective, 17-4 Pitt had won four in a row. That included three consecutive road wins, including a 15 point W at Villanova. Pitt won at Georgetown, 73-45.

* * * * *

It was fun listening to Bill Raftery and Pitt commentator Dick Groat swap stories before the game. Not only was Groat MVP for the ’60 World Champ Pirates, he was an All-American basketballer at Duke. For a guy in his 80s, he’s in great shape. Actually he’s in great shape for a guy in his 50s.

Loved the blurb on the big screen as Boogie Man was dancing: “This is the business he’s chosen.”

Now that eminent ESPN pundit Jay Bilas has publicly declared the Yum! to be “the best of the new arenas,” can we please stop asking that grating question during those inane timeout interviews? Please.

– Seedy K

Yo, Nate, you’re a big stats guy with a world view and historical perspective. I need your help.

And, if you can’t, I’ll check with Jeff Sagarin or Ken Pomeroy, or both.

Because I’m wondering which was the last NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion to lose three games in a row during the regular season?

I know that Rollie Massimino’s ’84-’85 Villanova Wildcats, which captured the title in Rupp as an #8 seed, lost consecutive tilts to St. John’s, Georgetown and Boston College early in February before they captured the crown.

But, fellas, I need to know if it’s happened since? Or, frankly, before?

And, Cardinal fans, you know why I need to know. Our less than steely Louisville Cards let another winnable game slip away yesterday in D.C. For the third time in a row.

Commenting on the situation, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas opined, to paraphrase, “Louisville is no less likely to make it to the Final Four with these three losses, than it would be had they won. All were winnable games.”

All well and good. But my questions are these: Where’s the heart? Where’s the burning desire to close the deal? Where’s the basketball sense to make winning plays when necessary? Where’s the execution?

Wherever those winning character traits may be, they weren’t at the Yum! last Saturday. Or in Philly. Or in D.C.

* * * * *

What I can’t shake is what I surmise are the player’s don’t worry we’ve got it under control attitude, as expressed in the locker room after the Syracuse L.

Not cocky. But not urgent enough.

I know as a fan I make great presumptions from observation. Who knows how valid they may be? But, at this juncture, my fear is this. That last season’s stunning, unforeseen run to the Final Four after losing four of six to end the regular season may now be working against this year’s squad. That, lurking somewhere in the player’s psyches, is the belief that they’ll be able to simply turn it on and have another magical ride come Dance time, no matter what’s going on now.

* * * * *

In close games like yesterday’s, there are always any number of things one can point to as the “reason” for the loss. Rarely is it ever just one situation, or possession or miss, whatever. More often, it’s a compilation of factors.

Anyway, here’s what strikes me.

All three of last week’s losses came against bigger teams.

Louisville was 12/12 at the free throw line in the first half. Louisville was 4/10 at the free throw line in the second half.

Louisville had but 7 assists. Against 13 turnovers.

Peyton Siva committed several more stupid reach-in fouls, which severely limited his playing time. While I laud his desire to hoist the game on his shoulders during that last play, he made a really stupid decision to pull up for a jumper. (Which observation, of course, begs the question why The Rick had the ball in Siva’s hands as opposed to Russ Smith’s? Or why U of L’s bigs weren’t securely planted underneath the hoop for a put back, which is how most of these affairs are settled?)

Russ Smith has not yet acclimated to the different defenses he’s now facing after his early season success.

I remain stunned that there aren’t more motion offensive sets. You know, where the ball moves, where there’s more passing and different players besides Siva and Smith handle it, where the point is open shots for other players in their sweet spots.

Given all the individual sessions Pitino conducts with the players, shouldn’t upperclassmen Behanan and Dieng have learned by now not to put the ball on the floor underneath before going to the hoop?

* * * * *

I believe that lineups with Hancock and Blackshear on the floor at the same time could work. That’s one experiment worth pursuing. It assumes obviously that there will be sets designed to get different players good shots. And that Luke’s glaringly bad defense in man-to-man can be masked.

* * * * *

Barrister Len Elmore, an astute and blissfully understated commentator (as opposed to his partner yesterday, the ever bloviating Mike Patrick), made a salient point near the end of the game, when the Cards used their final timeout to save a possession during a tie up scrum on the floor. The arrow was pointing the Cards’ way. It was a wasted timeout.

“You have to know the situation,” acutely observed Elmore.

Interesting thing is, the “mistake” worked to the Cards benefit yesterday. There was a tie up later on after that gaffe. The Cards got possession because the arrow was still in their favor.

But . . . for the third game in a row . . . Louisville failed to carpe diem.

* * * * *

FYI, even after these three disheartening performances in a row, Louisville remains #4 in Ken Pomeroy’s highly regarded computerized standings, and #6 in Jeff Sagarin’s.

That said, the truth . . . games are won and lost on the hardwood, not the hard drive.

– Seedy K