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Okay, Let’s Talk NBA (& Other Thursday Sports Stuff)

c d kaplan — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:16:24 +0000

I’ve been chastised by several loyal readers for my failure to track every moment of the NBA playoffs.

So, as a tease, I was going to start today’s blog with something like: “Did you see the big game last night? How about Samoa’s boffo start against Fiji in the Rugby 7s Las Vegas consolation game?”

But I won’t for several reasons. One, I know less about rugby than cricket. Which exercise in somnambulism I kind of understand. Two . . . well . . . one is enough.

* * * * *

Actually I’d be commenting more on the NBA playoffs, were I able to stay awake to watch whole games.

Take the second battle of the Spurs/ Grizzlies series the other night. I turned it off and headed to bed when it seemed apparent that San Antonio had the game in hand. Entered slumber. Awoke the next day to discover that Memphis forced OT. Sounds like it was pretty exciting.

So, last night, I was determined to watch the entirety of the Miami/ Indiana opener. Especially after watching a bit and realizing it was destined to be close throughout.

So I did, save for a few clicks over to that rugby match during timeouts. (Teams get 5 points if they touch it down in the endzone, or whatever they call it. Two more, it they kick it through the uprights afterward.)

Then I nodded out. You know those moments that come around 10:00, 10:30 when you try like hell to keep your eyes open so you can watch the game, but lose the ability to focus, then eventually kick back the recliner and give in to the Sandman? That’s what happened.

But I did awake with about 11 clicks to play in regulation, just before Paul George nailed that forty footer to send the tilt to extra time. (George matriculated at Fresno State, FYI. Remember back in the day, when we knew where all the pros played in college?) Then stayed with the game, in which George drained three FTs for a one point advantage with :02.2 left in OT.

You knew Miami was going to win, right? I did. (Here’s a thumbs up, for the great NBA rule, which makes these end of game situations so exciting. The Heat got the ball in side front court.)

(The down side, of course, is that, in this “player’s sport,” coaches call about 15 timeouts each when games are close in the last minute.)

Anyhow, LeBron James (St. Vincent – St. Mary HS) did what superstars do. Paul George overplayed him. LBJ took the pass, moving to his left in the key. One unimpeded step later — Pacer pivotman Roy Hibbert (Georgetown) was watching from the bench — the MVP laid it in, while subs Sam Young (Pittsburgh) and Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina) got a great view of the winner, watching from the court.

To his credit, Indy coach Frank Vogel took the blame for the L, for calling timeout and taking Hibbert’s imposing presence in the paint out of the game, allowing James to soar in for the winning score.

* * * * *

It seems to me that the casual NBA fan, meaning any college hoops lover without a pro team to faithfully root for, would come to understand that San Antonio plays the “most collegiate” type game in the league.

The Spurs pass, cut, screen, move, the whole schmear. They are a joy to watch. Without ego. “Star” Tim Duncan (Wake Forest) was on the bench the other night — without pouting for a nanosecond — because Mastermind Greg Popovich had other plans.

Memphis has shown resilience in the playoffs this year. But I’d be surprised if the Grizzlies can come back from two down and make it to the Finals.

* * * * *

Turns out that Rugby 7s match was played in February. Who knew?

Samoa prevailed in OT.

* * * * *

I stand by my previous admonition to you, the sporting public, that far and away the biggest event of the week is this Saturday’s School Figure 8s at Jeffersonville Sportsdrome.

But there’s another intriguing scenario, I realized this morning.

Tonight is Gildan Underwear Night at Slugger Field. Be sure to get to the ballyard early to take advantage of the u-trou giveaway. There’s only a limited supply.

* * * * *

U of L’s top seeded Cardinal nine lost their Big East tourney opener to UConn in 12.

Not a good thing.

* * * * *

The Cleveland Indians’ Nick Swisher is on Paternity Leave.

Does MLB know something I don’t know?

* * * * *

You gotta feel bad for Rakeem Buckles. Kept getting hurt at U of L. Transferred close to home to Florida International to heal and play for Pitino the Younger.

Now what?

* * * * *

One of Kevin Stallings Vandy Commodore hoopsters wants to transfer to Pitt, so he can be closer to home. And, maybe he doesn’t like playing for Stallings. The coach is prohibiting that move.

Former Okie State QB Wes Lunt wants to transfer. Cowboy coach Mike Gundy listed about a hundred schools where he won’t allow a release.

Of all the idiotic NCAA rules, the one that allows a school to dictate where a “student athlete” can’t transfer without penalty (other than having to sit out a year) is among the most heinous.

Later.

– Seedy K

Sports Shorts Tuesday: T-Will, Titles & T-Bone

c d kaplan — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:25:06 +0000

Branding is one thing.

Brandishing, another altogether.

Rick Pitino has used the former, advertising terminology, regarding his mission at U of L. As in “rebranding the program.” I hate such talk, but know what he means.

Brandishing is what former Cardinal baller Terrence Williams has been charged with. As in waving a gun about in a threatening manner toward the mother of his child.

The former might be a reprehensible concept as far as college athletics are concerned, but it’s accepted behavior, even the norm these days.

The latter is a crime.

T-Will’s pro career has been spotty at best. This development certainly can’t help his standing with the Celtics, who apparently can opt out of their contract with Williams anytime before Halloween.

The occurence, sadly, is not surprising. It was well known in and around the U of L community that Williams had a predilection for packing heat.

While he was one of the more popular U of L players of the Pitino Era, I found him to be a most disagreeable sort. Frankly, he’s my least favorite Cardinal of the Pitino Era, but that’s neither here nor there. I certainly don’t wish him ill. But do hope that justice is served. The charge against him is serious.

* * * * *

At the other end of the spectrum is Teddy Bridgewater.

Who, it is reported, has asked Charlie Strong and the U of L starmaker machinery to forgo any Heisman Trophy PR campaign.

* * * * *

An eagle-eyed reader sent me the latest Capital One Cup Standings.

Even that program’s web site doesn’t fully explain how the points are calculated. But the purpose is to measure the strength of the entire athletic programs of the nations’s colleges. Louisville’s male athletes rank 3d behind Michigan and Indiana, which are knotted at the top of the standings.

U of L’s female athletes rank 16th.

I know that national championships get you points. I’m not sure if how far a school advances in the post season is a factor? Or, if league titles count?

Whatever. Those lofty perches confirm what Louisville Cardinal fans have been saying to each other this entire school year: “It’s a great time to be a Cardinal fan.”

* * * * *

By the by, the U of L nine won the Big East regular season pennant with a sweep of Pitt last weekend.

* * * * *

Coming soon are some of the biggest events internationally in car racing.

Indy 500.

Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

Coca Cola 600.

And the grandest event of them all, coming up on the 25th of the month right across the river on the hallowed asphalt of the Jeffersonville Sportsdrome.

School Bus Figure 8s.

To paraphrase someone more eloquent than myself, about a far lesser event, “You ain’t been nowhere, or ever done nothin’ til you been to the School Bus Figure 8s.”

There is no exhilaration in the world of sport quite like seeing a couple of big yellows t-boning at the crossroads.

* * * * *

I would be remiss if I failed to mention that my Detroit Red Wings are up 2-1 on Chitown in the Western Division semis of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Black Hawks have been on cruise control all season after starting out unbeaten in something like their first 25 games. The boys from Hockeytown seem to have caught the Second City gang looking ahead.

* * * * *

While I’m on the subject of sports you could care less about, and to clear off the desk, did you notice what’s happened recently in the world of European soccer?

Of course not. Briefly . . .

Lowly Wigan upset Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.

Athletico Madrid beat crosstown rival Real Madrid for the first time in like a quarter century to capture the Copa del Rey.

And Dortmund Borussia will face Bayern Munchen in all-German Champions League Final on the 25th. (Don’t worry the game at Wembley will be over in time for you to make it across the river to the Sportsdrome.)

As I’m sure you’re aware, this matchup is also totally unexpected. An all-Spanish final would have been chalk. Dortmund bested Real Madrid by aggregate score in the semis, while Bayern bashed Messi-less Barcelona, 4-0 and 3-0. (Each match has two games, one on each team’s pitch. Total score advances. Away goals trump home goals.)

* * * * *

Brett Favre is still retired.

Later.

– Seedy K

Louisville Card File: South Florida

c d kaplan — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:00:32 +0000

I’m a believer in numbers.

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

New Year’s Day Noogies (And a little Nougat too)

c d kaplan — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 14:27:00 +0000

Noogie. To the Courier-Journal sports page editors. Perhaps I shouldn’t be quite so unrelenting while continually pointing out the foibles and follies of the C-J’s sports page, which has become an almost daily example of bad editing. After all, I make a lot of editing mistakes myself, not to mention errors of grammar and spelling. I even get my facts wrong from time to time, sometimes because of shear stupidity, other times because of sloppy research.

Then again, I don’t have the storied tradition of excellence that was the C-J and its sports section for decades. Which is not an excuse, but reality. I resolve to do better in ’13.

But I feel compelled to start the New Year by pointing out today’s inexcusable C-J gaffe.

At the top of PAGE THREE, right above a column in which the sports editor fails yet again to be as funny as he would like, there’s this stat: “50 years since the Arizona Cardinals (and the Chicago, St. Louis and Phoenix versions of the Cardinals before them) have won an NFL football game.”

Which statistic would be of mild interest . . . perhaps . . . if it wasn’t so totally wrong.

The Cardinals beat Green Bay, 51-45, in a 2010 playoff game. After winning three playoff battles the year before against Atlanta, Carolina and Philly to make it the Super Bowl. Oh yes, they beat the Cowboys in a Wild Card game in ’98.

The once great newswpaper compounded the felony on the next page when reporting correctly that Arizona’s coach, Ken Whisenhunt, fired yesterday, had led the team to a Super Bowl.

I know I’m being a crank, but I still read the C-J every morning as I’ve done since my age was a single digit. More and more I find myself looking for the errors, which are manifest on a daily basis now, more than insight into the world of sports.

Nougat. To Bill Walton. It was great to hear his voice again. He did color commentary the other night during UCLA’s resurgent W over Missouri.

There’s something about his exuberance and willingness to call it as he sees it that I find refreshing.

I also have a soft spot for Walton. In ’90, I was hit by a car while jogging and my left leg was held together for a year and a half by an Iliazarov Fixator. He was in town covering a U of L game. When the former Bruin superstar saw me hobbling down the steps toward my seat, he, who has dealt with serious leg and foot problems throughout his career, stopped, chatted me up and offered words of encouragement.

Hope to hear his voice more during the coming hoops season.

Nougat. To James Franklin’s Vanderbilt Commodores, who finished their season 9-4, after bashing NC State by two TDs yesterday in the Music City Bowl.

Vandy. 9-4, including SEC games. One of them Milt Wagner academic schools that doesn’t even have a separate athletic department.

That, football fans, is a piece of work.

Noogie & Nougat. To two of Louisville’s future ACC compatriots.

Speaking of academic schools, Duke had a win just about secured over Cincy the other day in the Something or Another Bowl, driving into the Red Zone with the game knotted for a sure score with only a couple minutes to play.

They fumbled, giving up the ball to the Bearcats, who soon enough tallied on a long pass play. Then scored again before the gun sounded for a two TD triumph.

But another future U of L conference mate came through last night in the clutch. Clemson fought back from 11 down late to beat LSU in the Cows Want You To Eat Chicken Bowl. Hit a field goal. Held the Tigers to a 3 and out. Scored a TD, but missed the try for 2.

Held the Tigers to another 3 and out. (Though LSU’s three straight incomplete passes when they could have probably run out the clock on the ground was a monumental strategic miscalculation. Wonder if that Bayou Bengal QB coach, a fellow named Kragthorpe, was making those ill advised calls?)

Then Clemson drove for a winning FG as the clock expired.

Noogie. To those who are trying to make a big deal out of that free throw situation in the UK/ U of L game, when Alex Poythress replaced Nerlens Noel at the line, when Noel was probably the Cat fouled.

So what? Only Sean Hannity or Keith Olbermann could find controversy there. Okay, Ann Coulter too.

Nougat. To Boise State for staying in the Mountain West, where it belongs. And to that league for making it happen.

Noogie. To the Big East . . . whatever it may actually be. It’s hard to conceive what next year’s U of L football schedule is going to look like.

Perhaps the Cards can schedule a home and home with Trinity HS. The opener at Papa J’s. The season ender at Marshall Stadium in beautiful downtown Saint Matthews to decide which school has the best team in town.

Nougat. To the Colts and Bengal, Louisville’s “home” NFL teams, for making the playoffs.

Well, my New Year’s resolve to write only positive stuff in 2013 lasted a solid 9 hours and 26.5 minutes on the game clock.

Hope this annum is a peaceful and serene and productive one for you and yours. (And that includes you editors at the C-J.)

– Seedy K

Seedy K Sounds Off, Friday Edition: Hoops Hijinx & Pigskin Punditry

c d kaplan — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:32:11 +0000

Yes, it’s 32 hours until tipoff and I’m so sure you’re waiting with baited breath for my position by position breakdown of tomorrow’s game.

You know, Kentucky vs. Louisville?

Here’s the deal. I’m doing my best to try not to think about it.

By any measure, this would seem to be the Cardinals year to break their losing streak in this affair.

Louisville is better. Louisville is more experienced. Louisville is playing at home. Louisville is due.

I’ve used the term “window of opportunity,” given that next year, Coach Cal is liable to get on another roll, since he’s bringing in the greatest recruiting class since Zeus sent Hermes out to discover Greece’s best ballers.

So, I’m wicked scared, frankly, keeping my fingers crossed and anxiously waiting for dinner time to arrive tomorrow evening, when hopefully my gang will be supping somewhere while replaying a W, knowing we can go home and savor it again.

Let it be said, let it be done.

Buuuuuuuut, you know, they must play the game and, in this rivalry, anything can happen. Denny Crum’s worst team (12-20) won in Rupp in ’97. The Cats beat U of L in ’86, before the Cards went on to win their second national title.

Which is to say, I’m trying not to think about it.

Maybe my stomach will be calm enough tomorrow to consider the matchups. We’ll see if the Pepto Bismol works? Stay tuned . . . but don’t bet on it.

* * * * *

Here’s why Cincy is on the outside looking in, conference-wise.

Thursday night, the Big East school found itself in the same trick bag, Louisville was set to face next Wednesday. The basketball team had a big home game, which conflicted with the football team’s appearance in a bowl.

The Bearcats tipped off at home against feisty New Mexico, while the pigskinners were still battling Duke in the Belk Bowl.

I assume Cincy tried to either move up kickoff or move back tipoff to avoid a direct conflict. Couldn’t do it.

Louisville was scheduled to tip in the Big East opener against Providence at 7:00 pm on the 2d, to be televised on the league’s TV network, which is connected to ESPN Nation. Sugar Bowl kickoff is set for 8:30ish that night, to be telecast on the World Wide Leader’s flagship network.

The Cards were able to move the hoops start time up an hour to avoid direct conflict.

I wouldn’t want to be a pedestrian crossing Jefferson, Market or Main Streets after the basketball game is over, as fans sprint to their cars from the Yum! then redline it home for kickoff.

Still no word whether U of L might show the football game on the screens at the Yum!. It could be a fun evening, but that scenario is a long long long shot.

* * * * *

Speaking of Cincinnati, Mick Cronin has slowly and steadily built that basketball program back into a potential powerhouse. The Bearcats are going to be a test for any foe, even though they lost their first of the season last night to Steve Alford’s one-loss New Mexico squad.

The Bearcats aren’t much underneath, but their outside guys can dribble and shoot in Cronin’s dribble drive offense. Sean Kilpatrick (5/22 last night from the field) and JaQuon Parker (5/14) both have more than a little Russ Smith in them.

The school’s football team belked Duke in the last couple of minutes for a deceptive 2 TD win.

Which reminds me, haven’t heard much lately from Munchie LeGaux, since he declared, “I’m better,” when comparing his play to Teddy Bridgewater’s.

How’s that workin’ out for you, Munchie? Don’t think he played a snap last night.

One final Cincy note. Did you happen to see the interview with Tommy Tuberville during last night’s football game?

Dressed like a riverboat gambler and with a smarmy southern charm to match Calvin Candie in “Django Unchained,” the future Bearcat coach was the paradigm of prevarication when trying to rationalize why he left Texas Tech.

Something was obviously goin’ on in Lubbock, and he wasn’t about to say what it was.

* * * * *

Avery Johnson was NBA Coach of the Month in November.

Avery Johnson is out of a job in December.

He was fired yesterday by the Long Island/ New Jersey/ Brooklyn Nets.

Phil Jackson, come on down.

* * * * *

I love UCLA’s uniforms.

Their football game, not so much. Actually, they’re not so boffo on the hardwood either.

* * * * *

Finally, Mark Hollis was just too outré.

The Michigan State AD, who brought us tilts in military hangars in Germany and on aircraft carriers, finally went too far.

His latest cockamamie idea is dead in the water. Thankfully. He wanted to bring 8 schools to the JerryDome in Dallas to play four games simultaneously.

That russdiculous idea is now in the shredder. No TV networks, not even the World Wide Leader, bit on the idea.

– Seedy K

Tuesday Tidbits: Irish, Angel & The Rick on Gun Control

c d kaplan — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 22:47:11 +0000

Notre Dame is headed to the ACC.

In all sports except football. Of course. Because the Fighting Irish, for some unfathomable reason, remain a singular, untouchable presence that is hard to imagine even in an out of kilter sport like college pigskin.

The move will come sooner or later, depending on variables including moves by the Catholic 7, Rutgers, Maryland, television networks, Louisville and the outside looking in schools that comprise the Big East, such as it is.

I’ve never, the Gipper and Knute Rockne notwithstanding, understood the deference afforded South Bend. By the BCS muckety mucks. By the Big East. Whomever. Somebody, please, tell me why?

But, today, I read something new, to me anyway, that just about trumps all those other perks.

While Syracuse and Pitt and Louisville and Rutgers and West Virginia, you know the Big East ship jumpers — Am I missing anyone? — all have exit fee responsibilities to the league that have already been paid, or are still owed. (Owed to somebody or other, to be determined after the lawyers get their hands on most of the bounty.)

But, Notre Dame, by contract with the league, owes no exit fee. Zero. Nuttin’, honey.

Riddle me that one, Batman?

What was the Big East thinking when they contracted with Notre Dame? An afterlife in purgatory if they didn’t provide some papal indulgence to the Fighting Irish?

* * * * *

Now we bid a sad adieu to the Angel Nunez Era at U of L.

The sophomore sharpshooter, as has long been rumored, is announced to be transferring. Destination is currently unknown.

So the innuendo circulating around when Nunez was nowhere to be seen for weeks in the Yum! turned out to be true.

I also believe the official story of “severe concussion” was also true. School SID Kenny Klein, as honorable a guy as there is in college sports, told me to my face that Nunez indeed had a concussion.

So, both explanations turn out to be correct.

Such situations however unmask The Rick at his least likeable. Another recruit with potential who didn’t immediately dazzle the coach means the kid is cast aside.

I just don’t like it.

* * * * *

On the other hand, I’m disinclined to give Pitino too much grief these days. And it has nothing to do with the progress of this season’s national contenders.

Did you hear his pre-game radio interview before the Memphis State game?

The no nonsense, always focused coach took five minutes to talk compassionately about the Connecticut shootings. More important, he spoke passionately, forcefully, unequivocally and eloquently about the need for gun control. It was stunning really.

My estimation of the man increased exponentially.

* * * * *

That said, I write this while watching “Around the Horn,” during which, Boston scribe Jackie MacMullan just called on Pitino to explain why he “faxed in his resignation to the Celtics.”

– Seedy K

Louisville Card File: Memphis State

c d kaplan — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:31:57 +0000

Were I a Memphis State fan — Praise be to Ah Puch a/k/a Yum Kimil, the Mayan God of Death that I’m not — I am so very sure I would be upset at U of L’s +24 yesterday at the free throw line.

What I would point out however to those fans in blue, those poor bereaved souls left with this loss indelibly etched in their brain as the end of the calendar draws nigh, is that 11 of those Cardinal charity points came in the last minute of the game, when Memphis State was fouling on purpose in an attempt to catch up.

The Cards missed only one of 12 in the final minute of the game, hitting their last 11 in a row.

Truth be told, U of L hit 21 of 22 free throws in the last ten minutes of the contest. Kevin Ware was perfect on a +1. Silent L knocked down his 2 attempts. So too, Luke Hancock and Chane Behanan. Russ Smith drained all 8 of his. Only Peyton Siva was less than perfect. He canned 5 of his 6 tries. Peyton, Peyton, get with the plan, son.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am of the opinion that 21 of 22 from the charity stripe in the last quarter of a heated road game against a hated long time rival is a championship-worthy statistic.

So I shall declare.

* * * * *

Tell me true, Cardinal fans. There were two moments during the first half when you were trying to find the mind set to accept defeat, to rationalize that a tough road game in December against a Top 30 rival, even if lost, would bode well come March and April. Right?

Down 6-25 midway through the first half, you were praying to Kukulcan, the Mayan God in charge of rain, looking for some element to dampen the Memphis State parade. Correct?

Then when Russ Smith went down in front of the Tigers bench and had to be hauled off the hardwood, unable to put any weight on one foot, you were not only praying to Kinich Ahau, the Mayan Sun God to help ‘Diculous heal, but you had taken your lucky Cardinal mojo from the TV stand and were dipping it in traditional Mayan mole sauce to aid the process. Did I nail it or what?

But Louisville team, with the aid of some eerily friendly calls on the road, and steely perseverance, rallied, held steady and prevailed.

This definitely gets marked in the Good Win category.

A really good win.

* * * * *

Chane Behanan’s 22 points led the Card scorers.

Louisville got 19 points, 5 rebounds, three assists and 4 steals at the #3 spot. Both Luke Hancock and Wayne Blackshear are trending upward.

Peyton Siva — ho hum — tallied 19 points, with 7 assists and 4 rebounds.

On a bad wheel, Russ Smith also scored 19 points with four assists and only one turnover.

Silent L had 6 big boards, canned 3 of 4 at the line and played solid D underneath.

As a team, the Cardinals turned 24 Memphis State turnovers into 29 points.

* * * * *

All of which is to say that beating Memphis State is about as much regular season fun as you can have as a Cardinal fan.

* * * * *

During one of the timeouts, my gang clicked over to Butler/ IU game where it was halftime. Tim Brando was talking about the coroner’s report on the Big East’s death. That the 7 hoops-only schools were officially out.

This is of course not news, but I mention it for this reason. Up for auction: One Big East issued Note Pad, Slightly Used. It contains my notes from yesterday’s W over Memphis State. As well as scribbles taken during the UConn football game, and the press conferences of Charlie Strong and Tom Jurich on the day Strong confirmed he was staying at U of L.

Only about 20% of the Note Pad have been used. The cover contains the official Big East conference trademark, the league address and internet connections. On the back are the 2012 Big East Football Contacts. It is in Excellent to Prime condition.

You can have this elegant and important artifact in your library. Also, it would make a lovely gift for the big Big East fan in your family.

This priceless item is sure to go fast. Bid now and avoid the traffic jam on Shelbyville Road by the malls.

– Seedy K

Friday’s Final Shots: Sayonara Big East, Goodbye Willie, Whatup LA & More

c d kaplan — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:54:50 +0000

Before moving on to other matters, let’s cue up Marty Glickman from the Gaaaaahhden.

It’s time we must bid a sad adieu to the soon-to-be-yesterday’s-stale-bagel Big East, her intense rivalries, Dave Gavitt’s well-intentioned promise, her glory early spring days in the Garden, Big John with his shoulder towel vs. Little Louie in Macy’s ugliest sweater, and her sad but inevitable decimation and demise.

The Big East, she will be gone, but not forgot, remaining forever in our memories.

This one is sad, but inevitable. Louisville jumping to the ACC was the straw that broke the camel’s back (to coin a phrase).

It makes total sense for the hoops-only schools to do their own thing. Actually it would be more accurate to describe them as non football schools, since they need a league for their minor sports too.

Which leaves that muddled mess of Cincy, UConn, South Florida, the C-USA and Mountain West jumpers standing around looking at each other woozily like a bunch of wasted guys at closing time early on a Sunday morning at their favorite bar, looking at each other, wondering, “What da fuh, where did all the babes go?”

Thinking globally, but concerned locally, let’s hope this means the ACC and U of L can get their act together so the Cards can compete in its new home next school year.

* * * * *

I’m also thinking about Willie Taggert.

Lots and lots of talk about Western Ky hiring Bobby Petrino to replace Taggert, but what about the up and comer’s move to South Florida?

The Tampa Bay area school has been considered, “the next great college football power,” given the recruiting base, etc. Yet, it is mired in po with little mo. The potential is there, the upward momentum is not.

Especially now that last rites have been recited for the Big East, I have to wonder if Taggert made a wise move?

It ain’t lookin’ so good at this point. The Toppers and Bulls could end up in the same league.

And, lest we forget, Tommy Tuberville, come on down.

How’s the move to Cincy woikin’ out fer ya?

* * * * *

Which brings us to deposed SoFla coach Skip Holtz who, thanks to name recognition and who knows what else, has landed at Louisiana Tech.

* * * * *

While watching the very intense volleyball semi last night in which Texas stormed back to win the last two games and the match, I got to thinking about Louisville coach Anne Kordes.

If you’ve been in her presence, you know what a determined young woman she is. For awhile I’ve been trying to figure out who she reminds me of?

It finally came to me last night. Pat Summitt.

Given Kordes’s focus, given what a volleyball hotbed this town has become, given her resources, I would be most surprised if she doesn’t turn the Cardinals into a national power in the next few years.

* * * * *

Excellent ESPN.com hoops writer Dana O’Neil has written a terrific piece on the seminal Loyola/ Mississippi State NCAA game in ’63.

You can read it here.

* * * * *

I can’t help but smile at the ineptitude of the Los Angeles Lakers.

* * * * *

I watched some of the Harrrison twins last night on TV.

One has a strained hammy. Aaron or Andrew, I’m not sure. Their school, Travis, ended up winning in OT, but, to be honest, I was expecting more dominance.

Then again, I don’t watch enough high school hoops these days to discern which players are really special and which aren’t? One must assume that the recruiting gurus and Coach Cal, who was in the stands last night, know what they’re talking about.

– Seedy K

Hump Day Harrumphs: Petrino Redux, New Fave Unis, Messi & More

c d kaplan — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:55:38 +0000

Okay, I’ve looked in my heart and consulted the rational me. I now realize that Western Kentucky didn’t make that egregious a mistake when it hired Bobby Petrino. Actually, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense . . . given the circumstances.

What I’d somehow forgotten when I kneejerked my negative reaction is the odious cesspool that college sports has become. There is but one standard: Win. Only rarely does any other consideration become part of the conversation. That’s a given.

I am sad about that. I am sad that Western Ky is but the latest school to co-opt its purported institutional values when making a decision regarding its athletic program. But it’s the name of the game.

If Petrino leaves after next season, the Toppers essentially get him for free. (And he will leave before a second season. I’ve set the over/ under on the length of his stay at 11 months, 21 days.) His buy out would more than compensate for his salary and any reasonable bonuses he might earn in the next annum. Plus he will sell seats, and increase TV revenue.

So, the hire is a financial no brainer.

There are these other considerations, which I failed to compute when bashing the hire. He will win. Petrino is one of the five best coaches in college football. How often does a school like Western get to have such proven talent on the sideline? Correct answer: You’re lookin’ at it. This is it.

His hire has generated more publicity for Western Ky football in the last 72 hours than all of that which came before. Don’t be surprised if Western’s game with UK is televised by The World Wide Leader. Perhaps the one against Tennessee also. The Toppers might become Mr. Tuesday Night Football.

Any other coach the school might have hired, who continued to generate a program uptick like Willie Taggert, would also jump ship for another job, just as Petrino is going to do. This is forever and always a stepping stone school in college pigskin.

Apparently, Petrino’s wife drinks the Kool Aid. She dutifully showed up at the introductory press conference.

What I also forgot, when railing against the hire, were my own words. When it looked like Charlie Strong might leave U of L, and rumors were murmured that Tom Jurich and Petrino were in contact and mending fences, I was among the many who said, “Hire him.”

So, there ya go. I stand corrected. Good work, Hilltoppers. For you, I hope there are many Ws. And that Bobby P keeps his fly zipped, his anger reasonably in check and he deals with those in the Western community with a respect heretofore not displayed as part of his repertoire.

A final note to the folks at Arkansas State. You snooze, you lose.

I know for a fact that said school, who lost Gus Malzahn to Auburn, was considering Petrino. I sat next to a member of the U of L athletic community over the weekend, while he was on the phone with a rep from that school, answering questions about Petrino and his character.

* * * * *

It’s Finals Week, so there’s not a lot of college hoops on the telly. After consuming a new episode of “Holmes on Homes,” my current favorite show on DIY, I caught the end of the Knicks vs. Brooklyn NBA game.

It was actually pretty exciting for a tilt this early in the pro season, the Spike Lees winning on a Jason Kidd trey. (Isn’t he about 50 now? Kidd, I mean.)

Anyway, what I really love are Brooklyn’s unis. Simple. Plain classic black lettering on white. Kind of old school. Classy.

* * * * *

I did watch some of the Big Five matchup between Villanova and St. Joseph’s. One of the laments of my life is that I’ve never experienced a Big Five doubleheader in the Palestra. Sigh. Not many of them played anymore.

These rivalry games are brutal. Blood baths.

Like many, this one was down to the wire. The Hawks goat was Halil Kanacevic. He made plenty of mistakes at the end, including throwing the ball off himself on an inbounds with seconds to play that sealed the deal.

Frankly, it was justice. The kid made only one FG during the tilt, a trey midway through the second half that gave his team the lead. After sinking the shot, he turned to the Nova student section and gave them a double bird salute. That’s right, he raised the middle finger of both hands.

It’s a forty minute game, son.

* * * * *

I’ve got to give a shout out to my man, Lionel Messi.

He’s undoubtedly the best soccer player in the world today. Arguably the best ever.

He set a single year scoring record in 2012 with 86 goals in all matches, playing for FC Barcelona in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League, and for his home country, Argentina, in international competition.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are all 86:

* * * * *

The Big East, on its last legs for absolutely sure, announced the home and away conference games for next season. (At least, until the next shake up.) The Cards have to travel to Boise State.

More important, the league no longer makes sense. It’s not a done deal yet, but the hoops-only schools will 1) either form their own basketball league, or 2) be absorbed by the busting at the seams A-21.

It’s inevitable.

Which means for the Memphis States and Tulanes and Houstons of the world: Back in the C, back in the C, back in the C-USA.

* * * * *

Finally, for your viewing pleasure, the worst FT ever shot.

– Seedy K

Louisville Card File: Temple

c d kaplan — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 15:34:51 +0000

Yes, U of L is now 9-0 for the first time ever. It’s a good thing. A great thing. As a Cardinal fan of long standing, I’m pleased as punch.

The Cardinal Nation is aghast that no respect is forthcoming from the national punditry.

To which I say, calm down, there are any number of legitimate reasons why the sporting blogosphere could care less about the Cards.

Starting with this startling number. The nine foes U of L has vanquished are a combined 25-53 on the year. Louisville beat winless Southern Miss by 4, hapless FIU by 7 and 2-6 South Florida by a deuce.

It is true, you only play whom you play. And the Cards have eaten everything on their plate so far. But to gain respect, Louisville needs to beef up its schedule. (To mix a couple metaphors.) It’s time for Tom Jurich to rethink his scheduling philosophy, to realize he has to trade 1 at home for 2 on the road, or even one and done away, to get the likes of Georgia and Ohio State to play.

The Big East is getting no respect because the Big East doesn’t deserve respect. (And don’t give me any Pitt almost won in South Bend malarkey. The operative word there: almost. This wasn’t a game of cornhole. Pitt had it and choked.)

Louisville’s unblemished record comes thanks to the blessing of incompetent opposition.

* * * * *

Here’s another reason why Louisville’s record is suspect, why they are college pigskin’s Rodney Dangerfield.

Temple’s Matt Brown struck the Cardinals’ special teams yesterday for 266 return yards. Hear it again. 266 yards. That is not a typo.

He returned two punts for 39 yards. Avg.: 19.5. One was a 30 yard return on a 32 yard punt.

He returned seven kickoffs for 227 yards. Avg.: 32.5.

Bottom line: Louisville’s special team play sucks. It has all year. Even Charlie Strong mentioned it yesterday after the game without being prompted.

John Wallace had but one out of the endzone kickoff. Ryan Johnson averaged only 38 yards on 5 punts.

Temple had decent to excellent starting points for every one of its offensive drives.

It’s time for Extreme Makeover Special Teams.

* * * * *

Before I move on to the positives, I must mention how disappointing it was to see that Louisville wasn’t ready to play from the get go.

Temple ran the opening kickoff back for a TD.

Louisville was guilty of holding on the ensuing kickoff.

Louisville had a false start on its first play from scrimmage.

Louisville had 5 penalties for 35 lost yards in the first quarter.

With 11:30 to play in the opening half, U of L was tied at 17 with an Owls team that had been outscored 27-82 in its last two games.

Okay, enough. Even I’m tiring of my negativitude.

* * * * *

Teddy Bridgewater is clearly the best QB I’ve ever seen in a Cardinal uniform. (Even I’m too young to have watched Johnny U.)

How good — or mediocre — would this team be without him? I don’t want to go there.

He tossed five TDs yesterday. His first one to Eli Rogers radared through triple coverage.

He was 19/28 for 324 yards. Ho hum. Nine different receivers had at least one catch.

* * * * *

The defense played a little better than it has been. I’d heap more praise, but Temple is a woeful outfit. The Owls fumbled 4 times. At least a couple were self inflicted.

The Cards held the Owls to 10 points over the last 59:48 of the game. To 0 points over the last 41:30.

* * * * *

The roughing the passer call on the Cards early in the 4th quarter when they held on a Temple 3d & 4 was AWFUL. Clearly another Big East officiating gaffe. (Though it didn’t come close to the egregious game changing interference call on Pitt as Notre Dame was driving late in regulation of its officiating-aided W.)

* * * * *

Temple joins the Big East in hoops, not this season but next, 2013-14.

* * * * *

Twenty two coaches were hired the same year as Charlie Strong and Joker Phillips. And Willie Taggert. Three have already been fired. Since then CS is 23-12. Joker is 12-23, and a fellow who, during his post-game show yesterday, sounded like he was ready to order his last meal.

* * * * *

Yesterday’s crowd was announced at 44,609. There were easily 10 to 15 thousand less bodies in the stands than that. Quality of opposition, noon kickoff and cold rain leading up to kickoff contributed to the paltry showing.

You think there would have been more folks in the seats had U of L been playing Mizzou or Miami or Michigan?

– Seedy K