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

In microcosm, not so much. Only the first game, the one where San Antonio “stole” a W in Miami — That’s the mandated vernacular, right? — was close. Since then, the teams have alternated channel-turning blowouts. Miami by umpteen. The Spurs by that x 2. Miami “stealing” one at the Alamo last night in a walk.

I do find the swings fascinating to consider, if not so thrilling to watch.

My take is that Miami, at this moment in time, is considerably more talented. With less mileage on fresher wheels. When the Heat brings it on D, as they did in Game #4, SA hasn’t a shot.

Speaking of shots, how may layups did the LeBrons block last night? A lot. Even Mike Miller got one.

Manu Ginobili, bless his heart, is past his prime. So too, Tim Duncan. (How ironic that Duncan is playing for another title, in the same season The Rick won one here in Louisville. Had Boston secured that first draft pick back when, no telling what the future would have been? I doubt Pitino would have a Cardinal tattooed on his back.)

As great as he is, and as lovable as the Spurs pick and roll offense is to watch, methinks Tony Parker dribbles too much on some sets. Just observin’.

If D Wade plays like he did last night, especially if C Bosh plays like he did last night, and assuredly if the world’s best LBJ balls like he did last night, Pat Riley will actually crack a smile after Game #6.

But, as I said about the Heat, after they were pilfered in the series opener, I am not counting San Antonio out just yet. A couple of days rest, a tweak by Pop here and there, an imposition of the squad’s innate maturity, and the team could head back to South Beach, needing only one W to take the crown.

As a fan, I’d just like a couple of more compelling games, to add to the fascination of the series.

* * * * *

Weren’t U of l and IU supposed to hook up in the Final Four? The basketball one. Or, the soccer one.

I believe so.

Well, the Crimson & Crean didn’t do their part in hoops, but their cohorts on the diamond have made up for the underachievement. U of L didn’t do its part in futbol, but school’s nine has made up for that underachievement.

I’m pleased as punch that the Hoosiers have made the CWS. But not so happy they are playing the Cardinals, whom they’ve bested two out of three already this year. Because of that reality, the Big Ten champs might not be as nervous in Omaha as they might be otherwise, playing an unknown school in their first CWS.

Well, let ‘em step toe the rubber, step in the box and see who wins it between the lines?

While I’m not an expert by any means on college baseball, even I realize that the bracket these two find themselves in — along with Mississippi State and Oregon State — is more winnable than the other, which has surging UCLA, #1 seed Carolina and rampaging LSU.

* * * * *

Love the recruiting work Mark Stoops is doing in Lexington.

I can think of nothing that would enhance autumn in these parts more than U of L and UK both having Top 10 programs in football, to join the schools’ hoops programs.

Throw in that Petrino guy for his sure to be short stint in Bowling Green, and it’s sure to be a zesty pigskin schedule.

– Seedy K

You can read my Tourney 101 – The ABCs of NCAA here.

You can read Bill Doolittle’s in depth breakdown of the Cards here.

Being a Hoosier at heart, he also has some IU perspective to consider here.

Should you be inclined to consider UK’s disappointing season again, check out Evan Hilbert’s take here.

Remember, kids, I’ll be reporting in from Lexington in this space tomorrow while following the Cardinals, and the other spicy Rupp Arena first round matchups.

– 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

Think how the presence of Shabazz Muhammad might affect the chemistry of this edition of the Cats.

In a game recently, UCLA beat UDub on a last second shot by Larry Drew2. During that last possession, Muhammad kept calling for the ball, clapping, waving his arms, generally acting like a Biddy Basketballer, who is supposed to be the star of the team because he’s grown a couple inches taller than his peers.

When Drew’s game winner went in, the Bruins rushed the court to embrace the shotmaker in celebration with charming youthful exuberance. Except for Muhammad, who sullenly headed straight for the locker room.

Seems like he’d be a perfect fit for Goodwin, Poythress, Harrow and Cauley-Stein, who performed in Knoxville yesterday with all the maturity the 3d graders on a class field trip to the zoo, who didn’t get the flavor popsicle they wanted.

* * * * *

I’d forgotten how rotten things had gotten in Lexington when Billy Clyde roamed the sidelines. So, as I couldn’t take my eyes off of yesterday’s meltdown, I kept wondering if it was the worst loss ever for the Wildcats? Apparently not.

At least not by sheer numbers.

While I have not watched Kentucky as closely as I do my Cardinals through the decades, I do pay attention. And I cannot recall a UK team more immature, less ready to play, more petulant and downright disinterested as the Wildcats were yesterday.

If the Vols had hedged Wiltjer to the left when he had the ball with his back to the hoop, UK might not have made it to 40. Wiltjer, Mays and two Kentuckians, Polson and Hood, were the only ones who showed any willingness to win the game.

It was rather dumbfounding, frankly.

I’m not sure if there’s anything even a master psychologist like Calipari can do with this bunch?

* * * * *

It was probably just coincidence that the story ran in the this morning’s C-J, but the presence of Adam Himmelsbach’s puff piece on Andrew and Aaron Harrison, UK’s next saviors, was certainly prescient.

They can’t get to Lexington soon enough for the Big Blue Nation.

* * * * *

Given how splintered the Kentucky team seems to be, it was interesting to watch a BTN show on the 2000 Michigan State national champs. Mateen Cleaves. The Flintstones.

During the interviews with players, Izzo and writers who covered the team, all they could talk about was how close they were on and off the court, what a family they were. Including both players and their families and the coaching staff.

Izzo recalled walking out of the locker room, in a bad way, head down, after an early season loss. Cleaves mother called him out. “You think you’re gonna walk by me after a game, win or lose, and not give me a hug?”

* * * * *

Team connectivity is a necessary intangible for success.

Which is why I think this post-game locker room moment from Thursday night might be Russ Smith’s best play of the season. He gets all the players involved.

* * * * *

Of course, I rooted for Maryland last night.

The Terps were playing Duke.

And, their abdication to the Big Ten opened an ACC spot for U of L.

I also love what the school did when building the relatively new arena in which the team now plays. The student section behind the basket at one end is built appreciably steeper than the rest of the arena. Visiting teams who want to be at their bench’s end on offense in the second half, have to play into what appears to be a wall of sound.

Looks mighty intimidating.

* * * * *

If I had my choice of any player in college now to pick first in a shirts and skins game, I’d go with Okie State’s Marcus Smart.

This is a kid who plays with a maturity beyond his years. When he missed a shot yesterday that would have beaten rival Oklahoma in regulation, he merely shrugged, and moved on, leading his team to victory in OT. An assist for a game leading deuce. A blocked shot. Two FTs to close the deal.

Did I mention Smart’s a freshman?

* * * * *

Detroit won at Valpo last night.

By 10 points. After being down 15 with less than 10:00 to play.

Outscoring an opponent by 25 on the road in the last quarter of a game. Now, that’s a comeback.

* * * * *

Is there a more schizophrenic team in the land than Villanova?

* * * * *

The yin and yang for IU.

Will Sheehey went 9/9 from the field off the bench.

Victor Oladipo hurt his ankle.

– 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

On Louisville’s first possession, the Cards were running pick & roll. Peyton Siva dribbled back and forth. And back and forth. And back and forth. Then launched a jumper. Which missed.

Nary a single pass.

U of L’s second possession started with a Siva steal. He passed to Russ Smith, then jetted ahead of the defense. Instead of returning the ball to his running mate for an easy, uncontested lay up, Smith did what Smith does, driving into the defense, trying an impossible shot and getting fouled.

For Smith, it was a harbinger of things to come. For Siva, not so much.

Peyton ended up with 17, including the Cardinals’ only three treys (on 5 attempts). He had three steals, and three boards. Though only 1 assist. (Louisville as a team had only 6 assists against 15 turnovers.)

Russ’s “slump” continues. He was 2/13 from the field (2/10 in the first half). And continued to attempt to make lemon meringue pies, when a simple foray at lemonade would suffice, repeatedly driving into dead end situations.

* * * * *

The bottom line is this. Louisville played a mediocre offensive game.

On the other hand, its defense was très magnifico. (An international term, loosely translated as “very very very good.”) Stifling. These Bulls were dead from the moment they sauntered into the ring, before the picadores showed up to sever their nerves.

Louisville bamboozled the visitors into 27% shooting from the field, 3/17 from the beyond the arc. SoFla only got off 45 shots, only canned 12.

The Cards had 12 steals. The rebounding advantage was 49-24. +25 on the boards. They were +20 at the break. That’ll do.

South Florida was toast from tipoff. U of L, not totally in offensive gear itself, was up 7-1 at the first media timeout. And led 19-3, during the second break to sell Bud.

In my notes during that break in the action, I jotted down the question: “Best D of the year?” Probably. But defending this South Florida team was like shooting fish in a barrel. Let’s see what happens Monday night up Connecticut way.

* * * * *

My favorite play of the game came at the 7:07 mark of the 2d half.

Long armed, burgeoning defensive ace Kevin Ware stole the ball and headed uncontested toward the hoop.

No razzle dazzle ensued. No double pump. No 360 with a triple axle. No taking off at mid court to show his hops. He got to the hoop, elevated and in a taking-care-business fashion, slammed in a deuce with both hands. Then bolted into defensive position.

Runner up was Silent L’s blocked trey with 8:06 to play, in yet another marvelous team defense sequence, resulting in SoFla shot clock violation.

* * * * *

Not much else really jumps out at me.

This was a workmanlike victory by a clearly superior ball club.

Okay, there was Gorgui Dieng’s ho hum 12 points, 16 rebound performance.

Chane Behanan grabbed 12 boards.

The Cards were a nifty 15/17 at the line.

* * * * *

On the periphery.

The student section was a third empty.

The trombone rendition of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” after the baseball team intro was sweet.

Yest again, there was no introduction of the Sugar Bowl Champs. I’m betting it’ll happen next Saturday. Big recruiting weekend. The Cards are on ESPN with that network’s prime crew.

* * * * *

The stakes amp up this week.

Louisville vistits UConn on Monday. The Huskies have won 5 of their last 6, winning yesterday in South Bend.

The Orange come a calling next Saturday.

* * * * *

Finally, in the category of “I’m Not Sure If It’s A Good Thing,” if Michigan loses at Ohio State today, U of L will likely leap to the top of the polls.

Personally I hope the voters are so taken with IU’s W over Minnesota, that the Hoosiers rise to the top spot.

– Seedy K

I would have loved to give you something snappy, something to grab your attention.

Didn’t happen. And, let me admit up front, I turned off the UK game at Vandy early in the 1st, when it appeared obvious the Wildcats were going to roll. Uh . . . oh.

Nor did I see the end of Arizona’s first L at the wings of the Quack. After a long day, I couldn’t keep my eyes open, even though I love Bill Walton, who, while doing color, told tales of his love affair with the Dead. He also gave a player’s take on Phil Knight, who was in the crowd, cheering on the team he owns. For the record, Walton expressed how grateful players are to Knight and Nike for opening up new ways to make money. Legit.

* * * * *

Here’s how I feel at mid season: Scared.

I am a University of Louisville basketball fan. I have just perused the national pundits and rating services.

Truth is just about everybody loves the Cardinals chances for the crown.

U of L tops Jay Bilas’s list. Two of three b-ball experts at si.com pick the Cards to win the title. Ken Pomeroy and Jeff Sagarin are on board, rating the Cards near the top of their computerized standings. The hoops junkies at cbsports.com too.

Even my friend David, a long time Cardinal fan and the world’s premier glass half empty fellow is talking title.

It wasn’t like this at this moment mid-season in ’80, even though the Cards were 11-2, because they’d lost 2 of their last 3. And, it sure wasn’t like this at this juncture in ’86. Louisville stood 8-4, though the losses were all to Top 20 teams (UK, Memphis State, St. John’s, Kansas).

My memory is foggy, but it’s hard to recall any previous Louisville team this beloved at this spot in the season. The ’75 team, picked to win it all by Sports Illustrated before the campaign, was still undefeated. But that was in the middle of the UCLA era. The ’09 squad that would end up as the faux top seed in the NCAA had already lost three times.

Besides there wasn’t the depth and breadth of punditry or exposure in those days. Now you can read what every “expert” has to say every day. And you can watch as many games a night as your Visined eyes will allow.

So, I’m suitably worried that it’s all going to fall apart for my team. Part of it has to do with my propensity to dissect every nuance of every game and pick up the flaws more than national observers can. Part of it is seeing how good other teams and players are. Like, you know, Kansas’s Ben McLemore, who went for 33 the other night. He took only 12 shots. He was 6/6 beyond the arc. So, I’m waiting for Russ or Wayne or our “best player” Luke to prove somebody on the Cards can do that too.

So, my stomach’s in turmoil. I can’t believe the Cards are a 20 point favorite over South Florida.

Two more Tums, s’il vous plait.

* * * * *

What is equally as fascinating as the props afforded U of L is how few of the pundits are picking Duke to prevail at the end. Not many even think the Blue Devils will make it to the final weekend. Their tilt at NC State this afternoon should be telling. I haven’t seen the Wolfpack since their underachieving early season, so I can’t wait to watch.

The Hoosiers too are slipping under the radar. Tubby’s Golden Gophers come to visit this afternoon, a worthy test. I think the Crimson & Crean are legit. Lots of weapons at every slot.

Nor have I seen Michigan enough to assess them. That Trey Burke kid, the one who runs that show, is getting mucho ink.

The consensus is that Kentucky will be a contender come March. I’m not sure. A tough out, absolutely. Especially if they happen to match up with a rival. But a legit prospect to win 6 in a row. Nah.

Which leaves, oh yeah, Florida. And Arizona. And Kansas, which looks really good to me. And the Zags, who, one of these years, are going to meet expectations. And VCU, which actually plays as much if not more D than the Cards.

Oh, and you want your favorite team tipping it off against Butler, or Temple for that matter, in a sub regional? Didn’t think so.

* * * * *

While there are any number of interesting made for TV superteam matchups in November and December. This is really the fun time of year. League games are the best. Winning a conference game on the road is never easy, whether you’re playing at Northwestern or DePaul or Clemson or Iowa State or Washington State.

Minnesota finds out how good it really is today in Bloomington. Duke in Raleigh. South Florida at the Yum!

Like UK’s gut check at Vandy. And ‘Zona at Oregon.

* * * * *

Are the next 90 days what we live for here in Hoopsylvania or what?

Yes.

Now if Blackshear can just evolve into that Golden Arches AA he is meant to be . . . and Peyton stops those silly reach ins . . . and Russ shows a modicum of maturity . . . and Silent L hits the boards . . . and Luke moves his feet on D . . . and Gorgui continues improving at the same rate . . . Chane, too . . . and Kevin Ware keeps finishing and learns when to dribble and when not . . . and the Cards hit their FTs . . . and The Rick coaches ‘em up like he did that championship squad at UK . . . and the team buys in . . . and they get a fair draw on Selection Sunday . . . and . . .

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2013/01/12/louisville-cardinals-top-mid-season-college-hoops-forecasts/feed/ 1 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/08/26/sports-sunday-clearing-off-the-desk-before-kickoff/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/08/26/sports-sunday-clearing-off-the-desk-before-kickoff/#comments Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:29:41 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=7771 Yes, friends, we are but days away from that time of year that SEC commish Mike Slive likes to call Moneyball.

College football, and soon thereafter the game played by the play for more pay guys, are bout to kickoff. Not soon enough if you ask me. (Though my Tigers are neck and neck with the ChiSox for the AL Central title. So I’ll be keeping an eye on the “national pastime.”)

So let me get a few things off my chest, so we can put the brats on the grill.

* * * * *

My pal David, who apparently is avoiding real life as much as possible these days, called yesterday all excited.

“Are you watching the Little League World Series?”

“Uh, no.”

“Well, going into the last inning, Tennessee was up 15-5 and California scored ten to tie it . . . “

“Well . . . “

“You should be watching.”

“Well . . . I could care less.”

“Really, turn it on. Goodbye.”

I understand that as a sports fan, I’m supposed to do what the World Wide Leader tells me to do. But . . . I don’t do Little League on the telly. I played Little League. I loved it. Every game day I’d wake up and pray it didn’t rain. I still remember specific game situations.

Heck, my dad was the Commissioner of the League.

But those kids shouldn’t be playing on national television.

Period.

* * * * *

A few thoughts on Lance Armstrong.

I think if the guy wasn’t such an asshole, the organizations that say they run international cycling wouldn’t be so adamant about bringing down the multi-time Tour de France winner. The guy’s a putz. Nobody much likes him. Ask Sheryl Crow.

That said, as much as I dislike the use of performance enhancing drugs — Lord, I hate the visions of Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire hitting cheap chemically induced taters — I could care less if Armstrong was on steroids or not. For one, everybody was apparently doing it at the time. (Maybe still.) And, I’ve been watching a lot of the Tour the last couple of years, and that sport is so arduous, it wouldn’t matter to me if he had a motor implanted in his legs.

Fifteen mile climbs at a 12% grade. Let ‘em put whatever they want in their systems.

* * * * *

Tiger choked it up again yesterday.

All together now: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

* * * * *

Speaking of the World Wide Leader, ESPN ranked the Top 50 college hoops programs of the past 50 years.

Caveat: Before I continue watch out for flying objects and enraged fans wearing a dark shade of blue.

Kentucky only came in 3d. Behind Carolina and UCLA in that order.

Remember Cats fans, I’m only the messenger, I didn’t do the rankings.

I like that Louisville was ranked 6th, one spot ahead of the Hoosiers.

Three of the top 7 within miles of each other. That’s why any claims that Tobacco Road is the epicenter of college basketball is bogus at best, fraudulent at worst. Hoopsylvania uber alles.

* * * * *

Coming Soon to a computer near you: Round Uno of Seedy K’s Pithy Pigskin Prognostications 2012.

– Seedy K

Some final thoughts.

* * * * *

Post season polls always bring a smile.

It’s as if the voters watch what happens then adjust their preconceived notions to the reality of who won and who didn’t on the generic NCAA courts. Nothing changed at the tip top. Kentucky was clearly #1 from the moment Anthony Davis blocked Tar Hell John Henson’s jumper back last calendar year.

Below that however it took a phalanx of Vegas card dealers to shuffle the teams into some semblance of respectable order.

No school was subject to miscalculation more than Louisville. At the end of the regular season, the Cardinals weren’t to be found in the Top 25. After the Big East tourney, the champion Cards had “vaulted” to 18th place. In the final poll — vote taken after UK cut down the nets in New Orleans — U of L had made the biggest jump, from 18th to 4th.

I’m thinking back to December when the Cards were riding that early season undefeated streak, which most of us knew was a false positive, and reached #4.  And, begosh and begorren, Louisville, when all was said and done, turned out to be no worse than the fourth best team in the land.

That experts in the poll still consider Ohio State better than U of L tells us preconceived notions are hard to shake. And won’t it be interesting to see what former sure fire lottery pick Jared Sullinger chooses to do? Heralded for eschewing the draft after his frosh season, he did nothing to enhance his desirability in the Final Four. An undersized guy who play with his back to the basket does not exactly have NBA GMs frothing at the mouth. (Note: Since I wrote this, but before I posted it, Mr. Sullenger has announced he’s going pro.)

* * * * *

As for the Rick & Cal Show.

The latter, now an NCAA championship coach, remains feisty and combative. In public, he declares winning is no big deal, but snipes at the media. In private he’s dancing in the locker room with his players, joyous that the monkey on his back hitched a ride to Columbus with Thad Matta.

Cal says he’ll kick back for a day or two, then hit the recruiting trail in search of yet another how does he do it class of matriculating student athletes to don big blue unis. Stay hungry, my man, stay hungry.

Meanwhile The Rick didn’t even return to town with his team — so much for bonding — opting to immediately head to FLA for R & R, neither of which is recruiting. Check the golf courses and race tracks.

* * * * *

In this week’s print edition of LEO — available online as always — I’ve done a look back at the U of L/ UK semi-final and what it means for the Cardinals. You can read it here.

* * * * *

Wonder if Jim Calhoun is going to be coaching UConn next season?

* * * * *

There are $40 million reasons why Louisville is more than likely to stay in the Big East rather than jump to either the Big 12 (a reasonable possibility) or the ACC (no way, Jose).

Alcohol sales at the Yum!

The school doesn’t make that much just from gouging fans for beer, but it’s a portion of that big big number, which is how much the basketball program generated during the season before the one just completed. And that number is $12 million more than the second place school.

U of L has a righteous deal with the Yum! which includes both entities making mucho moolah from demon rum. Going to a league that prohibits the sale of such at games therefore isn’t much of an option. Goodbye, Syracuse and West Virginia, hello Texas A & P and Northwestern Mid Florida Tech.

The good news is Louisville will have to beef up the non league schedule to get the team’s RPI into double digits.

* * * * *

The only fans more anxiously awaiting next year than U of L’s could be Hoosiers. IU’s a legit national contender. Unless Coach Cal dampens everyone’s expectations by signing three more McD’s All-Americans, besides the ones already contractually obligated.

– Seedy K

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