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Monday Morning Musings: Cards, Spurs, Heat & Lefty

c d kaplan — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:15:23 +0000

U of L’s baseball nine faces #3 seed Oregon State in a loser-goes-home CWS elimination game this afternoon.

The Cards are in good company at least. Not that it’s much consolation.

The Beavers are one of the eight national seeds. Which means they were favorites over Mississippi State.

In the other bracket, North Carolina, the #1 overall seed in the tourney will meet #4 seed LSU, considered by many, way more in the know than me, as the favorite. It also is a loser’s bracket game. The Tar Heels were crushed by rival NC State, while the Tigers were smallballed by feisty UCLA.

If you’re keeping score at home, you now realize that the only three seeded teams that made it to Omaha all lost their opener. Which may signify nothing, other than I’m trying to convince you I know more about college baseball than I really do.

Okay, one more observation. If you’re wondering whether that small number of seeded teams making it to the last eight standing is unusual, me too? I didn’t go back and look at previous CWS participation numbers, but I did check out the recent NCAA hoops bracket to refresh my memory.

Only three of the top eight seeds in that competition made it as far as their seeding suggested they should. U of L, Duke and Ohio State.

Anyhow, the Cards are going to need Jeff Thompson and his relief staff to be on their game. Though pitching isn’t what hurt Louisville in the opener. IU only scored two runs. More important: U of L needs to score. You don’t win a lot of games when your Run column reads 0. Hits. Smart baserunning. Cardinals across the plate. Runs. Those are what the Dr. ordered.

U of L is still looking for its first CWS W. Today would be a great day for it.

* * * * *

Congrats to Justin Rose for his US Open victory.

Now to the real story. Phil Mickelson. He finished 2d for the sixth time. Pretty stunning Sam Sneadish stat. Shooting 74 in the final round of a major rarely gits ‘er done. And it didn’t.

But I did come to fully understand why he’s a beloved player.

Somehow I channel surfed to his post-round press conference. There he stood, shaken and seriously disappointed, yet calmly and completely answering every question fired at him. Professional, quality answers. Why he chose clubs on certain shots? What he was trying to do? Why some things worked, and other things didn’t? What he did wrong? What he’d do differently?

He never flinched. He never shied away from taking responsibility for his mistakes. He answered with factual specificity.

He was the paradigm of a stand up guy. It was most impressive.

* * * * *

Though there were a few sphincter tightening moments for San Antonio fans as the Heat made a mini run near the end last night, the series essentially stuck to its script. You know, where the teams alternate blow outs.

The Spurs Big 3 were, well, big. The Heat’s, uh, not so much.

Manu Ginobili played like it was 2003. Parker and Duncan were relentless. And Danny Green dropped treys through the nets like he was throwing a pair of boots in the back of a pick up.

To win the series, the Spurs need to “steal” one of the last two on South Beach.

Will they do it? I haven’t the slightest clue. If the rhythm of the series holds, Miami wins big tomorrow night, then San Antonio returns the favor for the title Thursday. It’s a hard plot line to fathom.

I loved Magic Johnson’s take on the situation, which he explained post-game. The Lakers faced the same circumstances a few years back. Up one, and facing two games to clinch on Boston’s floor. Magic said the Lakers took only one day’s clothes. They knew they had to win Game Six, that they’d never capture a Game 7 in Beantown.

Can’t wait to see how this series ends.

– Seedy K

Sunday Sports Shorts: Hoops, Pucks, Prodigal Sons & Daughters +

c d kaplan — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 16:00:24 +0000

Just when I’ve gotten past my Hansbrough enmity — Thanks BirdMan Anderson — just when I’m ready to embrace a team with a Not Ready For Prime Time enfant terrible nicknamed “Born Ready,” just when I’m glorying in the reality that 2/3s of the Miami triumvirate are self destructing before my eyes, Roy Hibbert’s gotta trump a magnificent effort on the court with some really stupid comments.

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

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

Thursday Throwdown: Swop, Smackdown, St. X & More

c d kaplan — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:21:09 +0000

Got to start out with my man Swop.

Forced to walk the plank off the Cruiser Cardinal by Cap’n Rick, Jared Swopshire swam to shore off Lake Michigan, landing in Evanston at Northwestern. Where he’s been toiling this season for the ever underperforming Wildcats under the mediocre tutelage of Bill Carmody.

As I’ve mentioned probably too many times, I think the kid got a dirty deal here. Which he handled like a mensch. He wouldn’t have played much this season for the Cards. And his spot has been filled with the serious potential of Silent L. But, you know, U of L had a commitment to the kid, but The Rick wrapped his arm around his shoulder, praised his efforts as Cardinal, all the while hipchecking him out the door. Okay, enough.

Anyhow, last night the former Cardinal led NW to its best W of the season, a 7 point smashing of reeling Minnesota. (Tubby’s Golden Gophers have dropped 3 in a row, the L last night and two to Top 5 squads.) Swopshire tallied 16 with 8 boards and a couple steals.

The Mildcats still stand 12-8 on the year. They’ve never played in the NCAA. Ever. The only big conference school that hasn’t. And they shan’t again this post-season, unless they happen to stun the world with a Big Ten tourney title.

If Vandy and Duke can be legit, so can Northwestern, another of them academic schools. It’s time to can Carmody.

* * * * *

It’s the time of year when Ls by Top 25 teams are less noteworthy than which schools continue winning. (With the exception of that dumbfounding performance by the Blue Devils in Coral Gables.)

Just last night, in addition to Duke and Minnesota going down, so did Butler to LaSalle and Creighton to Drake.

Florida continues to pummel conference mates, smashing Georgia by 17 in Athens, after trailing by 3 at the break. New Mexico hung tough, holding on against feisty Colorado State.

* * * * *

The only descriptor for Miami’s smackdown last night is “stunning.” Okay, that’s the one I’m going to use.

The Canes are good. They now lead the ACC by two games. Winning at home was not an upset. Beating the top-rated team in the land by 27 is, well, you choose your own words. I watched with my mouth agape.

The Blue Devils would miss a shot, Miami would get the rebound and move the ball with dispatch down court unimpeded for a hardly contested bunny. Duke played like a bunch of guys in sweatpants at a Wednesday night beer league at St. Polycarp.

It was the sixth worst beating in the Coach K era. They got trapped a couple of years ago at Clemson. The other losses on that list are from the 80s. Including a 38 point lesson from Denny Crum’s Louisville Cardinals in January of ’82.

The Hurricanes were en fuego. They hit 57% from the field, 9/19 long balls.

Duke didn’t turn it over much. Only 10 times. They simply couldn’t score the ball. And donned their Jarlsberg costume on defense. As my nemesis David always says, “You look good when you’re making your shots.” And vice versa. Playing defense also helps.

* * * * *

I don’t talk much about high school sports around here. Don’t follow it that closely. Even the Trinity/ St. X football rivalry that is in this burg’s thrall.

But I must note that the Tiger Community seems to have said to itself, “Enough is enough.” Trinity has become a national power. St. X also ran.

So the Poplar Level Road gang hired former NFLer Will Wolford, who has brought on board Browning Nagle and Mike Flores. They’re in addition to 13 other assistant coaches retained from Mike Glaser’s staff.

* * * * *

I’ve been watching a bit of the Aussie Open each night. If only so the warmth of Melbourne summer helps heat up my abode. The ladies semi-finals were contested in 97 degree heat.

Saw the beginning of last night’s Sharapova loss to Li Na. I was taken by what a funny gal the player from China is. They played a clip of her explaining her husband’s reaction to the new training regime she undertook. Very cute. The gal’s got personality.

* * * * *

Here’s how Drexel (Milt Wagner’s Original “One of them Academic Schools.”) beat Hofstra last night.

* * * * *

Looks like another botched investigation by the NCAA may free many involved at Miami — including U of L’s Clint Hurtt and Missouri b-ball coach Frank Haith — from future sanctions.

I’m always bemused at those who throttle the NCAA in these situations, when it is simply an organization made up of the nation’s universities it monitors in athletics.

Which is why I’m reminded of the famous Walt Kelly quote in the comic strip “Pogo”: We have met the enemy and he is us.”

– Seedy K

Thursday’s Tidbits: Cleaning Off My Desk

c d kaplan — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:19:20 +0000

Last night I experienced the oddest feeling. So odd was it I almost called EMS.

While watching the finale of the Made For TV Big Ten/ ACC Showdown, I found myself actually rooting for . . . Duke.

Frankly, though unexpected, it was not totally inexplicable.

One, I dislike Ohio State — yes, even more than the Blue Devils — because: 1) from all I hear, Thad Matta’s about as dirty a coach as is out there when it comes to recruiting, and 2) Buckeye fans cheered when former players carried Jim Tressel off the field on their shoulders last Saturday before the Michigan game.

Also, I had a moment during the Atlantis tourney when I realized that Duke just about always really plays a sweet, fundamental game of basketball. And, when Dickie V isn’t calling the action, and therefore there’s not a constant litany of over the top plaudits, I’ve finally accepted and come to begrudgingly admire the continued excellence.

Most important, I guess, is that I’ve always rooted for U of L’s conference mates when they’re playing a school from another league. If you haven’t been paying attention, the Cardinals are going to be members of the ACC.

* * * * *

Speaking of which stunning turn of events, I must opine that yesterday was NOT the biggest day in the history of U of L sports. It was huge, don’t get me wrong. It is an acknowledgement, finally, that U of L has officially reached playah status on the national collegiate sports scene.

But, again, it’s not the biggest day ever for Louisville Cardinal sports, as some radioheads were hyperventilating.

There are many events equally important, perhaps more so. The day Denny Crum was hired. The day in ’80 when Louisville won its first NCAA crown. The day Howard Schnellenberger was hired. The day Louisville won the Fiesta Bowl. The day Tom Jurich was hired. (By the by, a belated thanks to then prexy John Shumaker for making that hire. One as astute and successful as all those made by TJ save one.)

There is even empirical evidence that Louisville’s entry into the Big East from the C-USA was bigger than the upgrade to the ACC.

Which contrarianism isn’t meant to diminish yesterday’s dumfounding development.

It’s a good thing.

* * * * *

I posted this last night on Facebook.

Hear me now. Believe me later. Charlie Strong will be coaching the U of L Cardinals next season.

But, as I also posted, I have no inside information. From close observation of Strong, it is my belief that he is not giving mere lip service when he expresses his gratitude for being hired and his loyalty to Tom Jurich for giving him the coaching opportunity. I truly believe that he may cut from a different bolt of cloth than the Todd Grahams of the profession.

I would be very surprised if Strong moves on after only three years. Especially now that Louisville is in an elite conference.

* * * * *

Frankly I don’t know whether Mark Stoops is a good hire at UK or not?

I certainly hope so. Many pundits more in the know than I think so.

His task is Herculean. But not impossible.

* * * * *

I was struck again last weekend while watching, as usual, more than my share of college football, how much I love its overtime rules.

I dare say it’s the most significant rule change in college sports in a long while. The only possible contender that immediately comes to mind is the institution of the three point shot in ’86-’87.

It’s just really exciting. And really fair.

* * * * *

In a last bit ugliness, I feel compelled to advise I finished my regular season picking games with my 3d losing record in the last four weeks. Only Ohio State — ugh — won for me. Southern Cal, Florida State, UK and U of L did not. I finished the year, 37-28.

– Seedy K

Black Saturday > Blue Monday > Wunderbar Wednesday

c d kaplan — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:46:50 +0000

The only people around today who haven’t talked exclusively about U of L’s invite to the ACC are Diane Rehm and my piano teacher, Chris Bizianes.

He should know better. He played in the Cardinal Pep Band during the halcyon days of the 80s. Shame on him.

Rehm is excused. Her national radio talk show deals with issues that folks in other parts of country consider more important than playing a league game against Duke in the Yum! Silly them.

Which last phrase — playing a league game against Duke in the Yum! — resonates with a mighty sweet tone where I’m sitting.

In the harum scarum circus of college conference realignment, Louisville is in the center ring, astride the prettiest stallion in the stable. The ACC is Louisville’s dream conference, and that is where the school has finally landed.

It’s a sublime fit not only for hoops, but football where the Cards will immediately be a contenda and the other sports.

* * * * *

Days on the field and court of play don’t come much worse than last Saturday for U of L. The football team choked against UConn. Star QB Teddy Bridgewater broke his wrist, then threw a pick that sealed the L.

The basketball team lost to Duke. (I can still hear Eric Crawford’s sardonic comment before the tilt, “Just another league game.”) Gorgui Dieng didn’t play due to an injured wrist.

On Monday, it was confirmed that Dieng’s wrist was broken. It was also confirmed that the Big East was broken when the conference announced the addition of Tulane and East Carolina.

How disconsolate were Cardinal fans?

Here are the exact words of an email I received from one forlorn member of the Red & Black Nation: Somebody, please, put a bullet in the U of L Athletic Program and put it out of its misery. Tulane, East Carolina–we are back in the Metro.

Oh I won’t cue up Dinah Washington again, but, my oh my, what a difference a day makes.

But, on this Wednesday when Louisville is joining the Atlantic Coast Conference, we do owe homage to the Deity of the Day.

Hail Atlantis!

* * * * *

While I obviously didn’t report anything, because, well, I really had no info. I did think something might be brewing when Tom Jurich and his money guy Kevin Miller were in Louisville over the weekend, not in the Bahamas with the basketball team.

* * * * *

Now, of course, Cardinal fans are worried that the ACC might not be that stable.

I do not see that instability.

There is talk that Clemson and Florida State might bolt. I don’t buy it. Why would the SEC want two schools that no TV sets, but would diminish the size of the present member’s piece of the pie? Not to mention that South Carolina wouldn’t want Clemson nor would Florida want Florida State.

It would make no sense for any ACC school to leave at this juncture. Which, of course, doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

* * * * *

As for the Big East?

Get out the butter and jelly, that league is toast.

I would not be surprised to see the basketball only schools break off, form their own league or join the A-10.

UConn I could frankly care less about. I do feel for Cincy. That school thought it had a legit argument to be the new ACC member. Reminds me of how I felt on the day in high school when they announced the new inductees for the National Honor Society. I had hope, but knew in my heart that my credentials were a shade short.

The announcement confirming I wasn’t asked was devastating nonetheless.

* * * * *

League games against the Tar Heels and Blue Devils in hoops. Trips to Tallahassee and Clemson.

WhoopDeeDamnDooooooo!

– Seedy K

Louisville’s Conference Conundrum

c d kaplan — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:47:48 +0000

I know it hurts, Cardinal fans. Hurts scary bad.

I know you’re worried. That you want to be left alone to pop open your 14th Fall City and cry in your beer. That your buddy at work told you he drove by Charlie Strong’s house and there’s already a For Sale sign in the yard.

That your wife asked you to go to the grocery for some more green beans for Thursday’s casserole and all you can think about is, “Are we headed back to the Red Rage Days of Vince Gibson?” That you’re wondering if “feisty East Carolina” is going to be the tough league hoops test in the near future?

But, hey, put down your brewski, for one moment and sing along with me:

“Back in the C/ Back in the C/ Back in the C-USA”

If it didn’t hurt so bad, we could perhaps laugh.

* * * * *

Now, the bottom line.

Louisville’s stature as the kid with his face to the candy store window while Scott Farkas is inside eating every sweet in sight is just the way it is in today’s Money Talks environment.

You can bray that Tom Jurich is getting outflanked.

You can lament U of L’s less than stellar academic tradition.

You can point to Cardinal success in baseball and soccer and swimming and volleyball and softball and track. And football. And, of course, hoops. And you can say, “What da fuck? We’re gettin’ screwed.”

None of that matters. I repeat: None of it.

It’s about TV sets.

* * * * *

If you don’t believe me, if the Big 10 grabbing media market heavies Maryland and Rutgers hasn’t convinced you, let me refer you to the au courant guru du jour, the man who seems to have the correct statistics to explain all in life.

Nate “He’s Everywhere, He’s Everywhere” Silver, come on down.

In September ’11, he broke it all down by fan bases. You can read his analysis here.

Note the name of the cellar dweller in the Big East.

Need I say the school’s name?

It’s the facts, Jack.

U of L is kinda stuck out on this island. Great athletic department. Great teams. Great coaches. Successes on the field. Successes on the court. A loyal — but way too small — fan base. But . . .. the Big But . . . located in a geographic black hole.

With too few TV sets.

By the by, I got to that Silver statistical analysis, thanks to loyal reader Smart Guy, who referred me to this article, in which Nate looks at this week’s Big Ten moves.

* * * * *

Last night I had two long and winding conversations with intelligent, otherwise reasonable fellows, both obsessed with this conference realignment mess.

Why is Jurich getting outfoxed, wondered one?

Why is Louisville not even in the conversations, worried the other?

My answer to both: (All together now, you’ve heard it before.) TV sets.

* * * * *

So I’m on my knees too. Praying to the Greek God of Sport, Athleticus. Praying to U of L’s Greatest Hope in the Halls of Power, yes, Mitch McConnell.

Praying for hope against hope that the ACC or Big 12 or Big 10 comes a callin’.

Otherwise, as I’ve said before, and say again, it’s Goodbye New York City, Howdy Hattiesburg.

– Seedy K

Monday Morning QB: Money Talks, Maryland Walks (Probably)

c d kaplan — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:28:25 +0000

Since the grass most always appears greener on the neighbor’s lawn, it’s just about a sure thing that Maryland — and its Sarah Palinish running mate, Rutgers — shall be jerrymandered into the numerically-incorrect Big Ten sooner rather than later.

Which, assuming the Domino Effect is in play, means UConn will jump the Big East ship and head to the ACC.

And, emboldened by the Terps move, Florida State may also say, “Hey, it’s only $50 mill plus the entry fee, let’s see what life is like visiting Tuscaloosa regularly.”

Too many metaphors. Too much conference realignment.

Money talks. Everybody walks . . . if they get a chance.

It’s all pretty alarming if you’re a Louisville fan. Or a Cincy fan.

Unless the Big 12 takes on the stragglers, it’s goodbye NYC, howdy Hattiesburg.

* * * * *

It matters not a whit that Louisville is upper echelon in hoops, that it has an again rising football program with a solid coach, that it’s minor sports programs and facilities match any in the land.

It’s about TV sets. About how many are tuned in.

Money talks. Nobody walks . . . unless they get invited.

Get used to it, Cardinal fans. Louisville is the Odd School Out.

* * * * *

Notre Dame is undefeated. (So, too, the Buckeyes, who tatooed their way out of the conversation for this season.) Bama, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Oregon, Clemson, K State, Louisville, Rutgers, Kent State and Northern Illinois have lost but once.

By regular season’s end, at least 8 of that contingent, shall deserve a chance to see if they can win three in a row against the best competition to be a legit national champ.

It’s not going to happen. At least for another decade. By which time, because — all together now — Money Talks, the upcoming four team playoff will expand.

Money may not have won the election for Romney, but it sure is controlling colllege pigskin.

For this season, we’ll more than likely get The Fighting NBCs vs, Roll Houndstooth for the Ersatz Crown. Which will certainly please the network accountants, if not the college football public.

* * * * *

My two favorite games of the weekend:

Oklahoma 50, West Virginia 49. There were about five TDs in the last three minutes.

UCLA over Southern Cal. There was a real rivalry enthusiasm to the play. I’ve always loved those Cali blue and gold Bruin uniforms. And a Lane Kiffin defeat is always worth celebrating. Loved the post game interview with winning coach Jim Mora. After being asked several of the usually stupid questions, he asked, “What is it you want me to say?”

Wish the Trojans had more of a chance to blemish the Irish’s record this coming weekend. But without their starting QB, I don’t see USC pulling it off.

* * * * *

The first pretenda in college hoops has been unmasked.

North Carolina State sure looked like a team that doesn’t know how to win big ones. Oklahoma State, missing several key players, dismantled the Wolfpack with dispatch.

* * * * *

Hear me now and believe me later.

There will NEVER be an NBA team in Louisville.

Next . . .

* * * * *

Notwithstanding the conference and fiscal manipulations that are engulfing college football off the field, I love the game more than ever. Especially this enthralling season.

But I have found myself watching the NFL less and less.

I recently realized it’s due to the Rollerball violence. The hits are simply too vicious. The cut blocks too unnerving. The concussions too prevalent.

I cringe too much.

Last night, while waiting the start of “Treme,” I found myself tuned into the CFL semi between the victorious Toronto Argonauts and the Montreal Alouettes.

It is a fast, exciting game. Longer field. Backs in motion toward the line before the snap. Three downs to make 10 yards. One point rouges.

But, sure enough, they carted a fellow off the field strapped to a gurney.

* * * * *

I also got a sense that such violence may be part of the reason why I’m more attracted to big time soccer than ever.

I really like the game a lot. At least at the highest levels.

Mo’ later.

– Seedy K

Hump Day Harrumphs

c d kaplan — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:57:07 +0000

On Sunday, in my breakdown of Louisville’s glad to get outtahere W over North Carolina, I forgot to rail against a truly inexplicable coaching gaffe emanating from the Cardinal sideline. (I know it’s late. I know it’s been talked about. I know we’re already looking ahead, trying to figure out how to enjoy the upcoming game with our pals while watching on our computers. But I’ll rant anyway, then we’ll move on.)

After Anthony Johnson knocked down Carolina’s 4th down hoping for a winning TD pass, U of L simply had to run out the minute and a half or so left on the clock (1:44 to be exact). Instead of simply having Teddy B, or Will Stein, take a knee on three plays, which would have run out the clock, since the Tar Heels had used up all their timeouts, Louisville handed the ball off.

Then did it again.

I was incredulous. The scribes sitting around me were incredulous. Fans still in the stands have advised they were incredulous.

And today at lunch, a friend who watched the game on TV said the announcers were, well, you know. And dumbfounded to boot.

I’m not sure what Charlie Strong was thinking or what his explanation for the egregious strategy was, but whatever, it was inexcusable.

* * * * *

It’s midweek and still not a peep from the NFL powers that be about cutting a deal with the real zebras.

Not that there needs to be another voice added to the media din decrying how awful, and deteriorating, the performance of the scabs has been, but I’ll bellow along.

Somebody’s going to get really hurt. Outcomes are going to be affected. You know.

So, yoo hoo, Roger, come down off your throne and do a deal with the refs union. Before kickoff tomorrow night.

* * * * *

Speaking of cutting a deal, that’s what Lance Thomas did with the NY Jeweler to the Stars. It appears the civil lawsuit has settled.

I’m so sure that nobody involved is going to say a peep.

There’s no doubt smarm is involved. But this one’s gonna fade away faster than Linsanity.

We’re all listening. Problem is, nobody’s talkin’.

* * * * *

The latest example of the old saw that excellence on the athletic field way more often than not wins out is taking place at the moment in Barcelona. It’s the opening round of the UEFA Champions League. Barca, heavily favored, fell behind 1-2 to Spartak Moscow.

Then the favorites, lauded often as the best club team ever, just took over. Lionel Messi, the world’s best player, tallied twice in the final twenty minutes to close it out.

It was close to a carbon copy of rival Real Madrid’s 3-2 comeback against Manchester City yesterday in the same tourney.

Defending champ Chelsea wasn’t quite as stalwart. They tied at home with Juventus.

I remain stunned by what those fellows do with their feet.

* * * * *

Is it my imagination, or does U of L have three point guards joining the roster next season to replace — hopefully — Peyton Siva?

* * * * *

Joker Phillips remains football coach at UK.

– Seedy K