Sweet 16 Mortal Locks: Friday Night

Okay, so last night I offered some predictions that turned out to be not-so-accurate. Then again, going two for four in this bizzaro world that is the 2013 NCAA Tournament isn't all that bad. That being said, tonight is a completely different story. I am absolutely, 100% positive that every one of the following predictions is correct. I've personally spoke with each team, each coach, and even the allegedly racist Doug Gottlieb, in order to ensure that I am the most qualified person on the planet, to make these predictions. Go ahead and bet your children's college fund, your house, and whatever else you can gather up, because these picks are the definition of mortal locks! And if I'm wrong, you need to seriously reevaluate your life. I mean you're kid's tuition money? What's that about? You need help, man... Here are the picks!


Game 1: #12 Oregon vs. #1 Louisville

Game Time: 7:15
Winner: Louisville
Final Score: 78 - 63


Game 2: #4 Michigan vs. #1 Kansas

Game Time: 7:37
Winner: Michigan
Final Score 67 - 61


Game 3: #3 Michigan State vs. #2 Duke

Game Time: 9:45
Winner: Michigan State
Final Score: 74 - 72


Game 4: #15 FGCU vs. #3 Florida

Game Time: 9:57
Winner: FGCU
Final Score: 80 - 78


P.S. I hate Doug Gottlieb and absolutely hope he gets fired for reasons I will not get into right now. However, despite his comment being weird and awkward like the weird little awkward guy he is; it was is no way racist. Check the video below if you missed his comment.

(The White Man's Perspective)

Sweet 16 Mortal Locks: Thursday Night

For the sweet 16 and the elite 8, I will be providing predictions for each and every game. These are not guesses; these are answers. I assure you that every one of these picks will be correct! And if they're not, I reserve the right to edit the post, after the fact, so that you will never be able to prove it! Hahahahaha! Anyway, here goes.


Game 1: #3 Marquette vs. #2 Miami

Game Time: 7:15 ET
Winner: Miami Hurricanes
Final Score: 72 - 62


Game 2: #6 Arizona vs. #2 Ohio State

Game Time: 7:47 ET
Winner: Ohio State Buckeyes
Final Score: 80 - 78


Game 3: #4 Syracuse vs. #1 Indiana

Game Time: 9:45 ET
Winner: Syracuse Orange
Final Score: 76 - 70


Game 4: #13 La Salle vs. #9 Wichita State

Game Time: 10:17 ET
Winner: La Salle Explorers
Final Score: 77-74

Gavin Edwards - World Traveler (Interview)

With the first two play-in games over and done with, and the last two starting tonight at 6:40, the NCAA Tournament is officially under way. The 2012-2013 college basketball season is almost over and that means we'll be saying goodbye to the senior class and the student-athletes who have decided to leave early. For the players who declare for the NBA, we will see endless coverage on all media outlets over the next several months and throughout their careers. We also understand that most of the athletes will make a life for themselves doing something other than basketball and remain, in large part, out of the spotlight. But what about those former college players that have gone on to play the game they love professionally, but not in America?

If you're a UConn basketball fan, you no-doubt remember Gavin Edwards. The 6'10" Center from Gilbert, AZ served as the embodiment of Husky pride, using heart and hustle to improve from 6.5 minutes and 2.0 points per game to 30.4 minutes and 10.6 points per game. Since his UConn days, Edwards has traveled all over the world, playing everywhere from Korea to Greece. Gavin was nice enough to speak with Real Radio about what it was like to play for UConn and the various challenges that come with being an American basketball player over seas. Check it out!


What was it like playing under Hall of Fame coach, Jim Calhoun? What sort of relationship do you have with him now?

I will admit that I had a little bit of a tough time at first playing for Coach. I had heard all sorts of stories about how he was kind of crazy on the court during games and stuff, but nothing could really prepare me for how tough he was going to be on all his players. It took me a while to really realize that he doesn't do anything for no reason. Every time he yells at someone and looks like he is acting out, there is always some motive or reason for why he doing that. I think it was commonly known that I had a pretty short leash with him my first couple years, but I look back now and realize that he didn't really get the reaction that he wanted out of me when he would yell at me and pull me out of games after I had literally only been in a few seconds. Later in my career I found that I just had to play to make plays and not play to mess up, which is what I was doing in fear of him yanking me out of the game, which I think was one of the greatest things that I took away from playing at UConn. It kind of gives you a fearlessness that he kind of demands of his players. 


Kevin Ollie began coaching the year after you left. Based on what you've seen out of Ollie and what you know about Calhoun, how do you think this change in coaching style will pan out on the court?

Coach Calhoun and Coach Ollie's coaching styles are very different but they both demand the same thing of their players from what I have seen. Coach Calhoun is a very outspoken and in your face, no none sense type of coach. Where Coach Ollie is a little more nurturing. However, both coaches care deeply for their players and demand everything out of their players on the court. I think both coaches have been in situations where they have had all of the cards stacked against them but have still made best out of the situation and accomplished what most people outside the program didn't think was possible.


How closely did you follow the team this year (2012-2013)? What are your thoughts on the Big East realignment, the post-season ban, and how this team has responded to the various distractions put in front of them this season?

Being overseas I wasn't able to catch all of the games due to the time difference but I would watch games whenever I could. I thought this years team played hard every single game and had an unbelievable season considering all the odds that were against them. They were really a joy to watch, even I think most people really didn't expect much from them. It is really a shame that they had to serve the post season ban. I think they had a very good chance to make the tournament and make a great run. I don't think UConn was fairly punished with the post season ban at all. Although there may have been some academic shortcomings, I think that if every other University was investigated to the extent and prosecuted as UConn was, there would be a lot more major Universities hanging it up for the season before the tournament starts. Aside from all of the other distractions I think this years team fought hard every game and a lot of husky fans loved them for that and really enjoyed watching every game.


Can you give us a quick breakdown of where you have played basketball over the past few years?

My first year out of school I played in South Korea and the NBA D-League. My second year I played in Greece. This year I am playing in Malaysia. 


I assume that you are one of only a handful of Americans in all of these different countries. While I'm sure you love playing basketball for a living, are there any major difficulties with moving around so much and living over seas?

One of the hardest parts of playing overseas is pretty much just being away from your friends and family for so long. Most seasons players have to go through preseason on top of all of the games with whatever team they are playing for which adds a couple of months that you have to be gone. On average I would say most players are gone about 7-8 months out of the year. It is a lot easier now days with all of the technology, making it much easier to keep in touch with everyone but it still sucks not being able to be around for pretty much all of the major holidays and stuff. It is also hit and miss with the quality of life as well. Some countries are very westernized and have a good amount of "normal" food but other countries are very traditional and don't have a lot of food that we are used to eating.


I read in the Hartford Courant, that you came back to UConn to finish up your degree. Why did you feel it was important for you to do that?

I wanted to come back and get my degree because I really wanted to get my degree and the longer I put it off the less likely I was be motivated to come back and get it later on in life. One of the good things about being able to play still is that I pretty much have the whole summer to do whatever I want with, so that gives me a good chance to take the classes I need to graduate and still be able to workout for the upcoming season. 


In the same article, I read that due to the economic problems in Greece, you were at one point owed $30,000, but didn't expect to get it back anytime soon. Are you still waiting for that money, or has the problem resolved itself?

Yeah I am still waiting on that money. It is a pretty lengthy process in order to get the team to pay up. I basically have to take them to court with FIBA, which is governing body of basketball in the world. When the case is ruled in my favor, the team will have sanctions placed against them until they pay me all of the money that they owe me. That whole process can take years though so there is no telling when that could happen. 

I noticed, from your facebook, that you have very good taste in hip hop. As this is primarily a hip hop blog, what artists are you most high on recently, and what are your general feelings about the direction hip hop is heading lately?

The rappers that I have been listening to most recently are Kendrick Lamar, Joey Badass, Andre 3000, Action Bronson, Big K.R.I.T., Lupe Fiasco, Pusha T, Curren$y, Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, J. Cole, Jay Z, And Kanye. I think hip hop is headed in two very different directions. I think there are rappers who really take their craft seriously as musicians and artists, then there are the rappers that make music just for the money and fame. Unfortunately I think the rappers that most often go unnoticed are the rappers that are much nicer lyrically but don't have any big radio hits that gets them noticed by the casual fan that only knows someone if they are in the top 10 on iTunes. For Example I am a huge fan of Action Bronson but I think if you ask most people they would think Action Bronson was a 1970's movie star. There are rappers getting multimillion dollar record deals because they have one or two hot songs, when if you look at the body of work of some of the rappers I mentioned above, is in my opinion much better and more deserving of the money and help that is provided by the labels. I think there are without a doubt a good crop of artists that can take over and lead hip hop in a good direction, but I think a lot of that depends on whether a lot of them get the shine that they undoubtedly deserve.

(Edwards Dunking at the Greater Hartford Pro-Am)

Thank You, Kevin Ollie

It's been a special year for the UConn men's basketball program. Over the course of the season, I've discussed the various obstacles laid out in front of this team, and the tremendous heart they've shown to overcome such challenges. After the NCAA banned the Huskies from the post season and allowed players to transfer without having to sit out a year, it felt as if all hope was lost. While most fans had written this season off as a practice year, I struggled to find a silver lining in the upcoming 2012-2013 season. As always, watching new players find their role on the team and watching old players grow and mature is important and enjoyable. However, this year also presented UConn fans with a question they hadn't had to ask in 26 years. How will this new coach do? Rather than simply report his stats, both intangible and concrete, I decided it'd be more appropriate to write him a letter. I don't know if he'll see this or not, but for a man that has shown the UConn community so much passion and loyalty over the years, a personal letter is the only format that seems to fit the situation.



Coach Ollie,

First and foremost, thank you. I believe that I speak for all UConn students, alumni, and basketball fans around the world when I say that you have done an outstanding job this season, both on and off the court. We already knew you had the ability to lead. As a point guard at UConn, you quickly became a fan favorite. Serving as a floor general and chief motivator, your tremendous heart helped to put UConn on the map while showing the world what being a Husky is all about. The drive and determination you showed by lasting 13 years in the NBA is unparalleled. You have outstanding character; a trait that you have passed on to the UConn basketball team this year, as head coach. You have spent the season thanking the UConn fans for their loyalty and support. I think it's about time we show you what this year's team meant to us.

The feeling was similar to being kicked while you were down. It all started with NCAA violations and a long winded appeal process that seemed to be going nowhere. We were being punished for past crimes, and it seemed unfair that this year's team, who had absolutely nothing to do with the academic issues in the past, had to serve the sentence of their predecessors. The NCAA, recognizing this dilemma, granted all current UConn players the privilege of foregoing the required year out, if they chose to transfer to another school. More bad news for UConn, as we lost Alex Oriakhi and Roscoe Smith to such an offer. We also had some players go to the NBA that may not have made the move if the post season circumstances had been different. In addition, rumors began circulating about the potential dismantling of the Big East. Despite basketball powerhouses like Duke and UNC petitioning for UConn to join the ACC, we were consistently denied the right to follow long time rivals like Syracuse and Louisville into the new power conference. As if this wasn't bad enough, Jim Calhoun, the man who literally built this program from the ground up, was finally retiring. That's quite a few challenges to put in front of a new coach, never mind the fact that you were only named the interim head coach at the time.

 Given all the obstacles and setbacks, it was hard not to start the year with a feeling of defeat. After watching UConn coverage on ESPN all day, it was finally time to tip off the season with a game against Michigan State on the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The team was brilliant, hitting 9 out of their first 10 shots and surviving the Spartans run to win the game 66 to 62. More important than the win was the message you sent to UConn and the rest of the world; we will not roll over and quit. The players who remained on the team were there because they wanted to be. They could have left, like so many others, but instead, they chose to stay and play for the program and the fans. Most of all, they chose to stay and play for you. As much as I would've liked UConn to give you a long term contract from the beginning, the fact that you were not the 'permanent' head coach gave the team something to fight for in a year with no post season. They wanted their coach to be UConn's coach. I want you to know that for most of the fans I've talked to, that win against Michigan State sealed the deal. You made us believers.

Personally, I became a believer when I saw your speech at Jim Calhoun's retirement press conference in Gampel Pavilion. As a UConn student and lifelong UConn basketball fan, I can assure you that you said all the right things that day. We don't want an NBA factory or a program that only cares about winning. Here at UConn, we want a coach and a team that care as much about the University of Connecticut as we do. Your love for the school, the basketball program, and the fans meant more to us than any stat possibly could. Coach, you did an outstanding job this year, but you earned the love of the fans the moment you showed us your love for UConn. The Big East Coach of the year is set to be announced later this evening. I don't know who will earn the title, and to be honest, it doesn't even really matter. All of us here at UConn know who really deserves it this year.

There are a million more things I can praise you on, but I know you're a busy man. The win over Syracuse was probably the loudest I've ever heard a UConn crowd. Watching new stars like Omar Calhoun and DeAndre Daniels rise up from the background gave us great hope for the future. Having a girlfriend from Newtown, I was able to see the impact that the candle light vigil and the visit to her hometown had on her family and the community, first hand. Capping the season off with an overtime victory against Providence was the perfect ending to an amazing year. I could go on forever. Instead, I will leave you with one last thought.

To so many people in so many situations, basketball is much more than a game. UConn is much more than a school or a team. We are a family. You joined our family in 1991 when you decided to come play for the University of Connecticut. For 13 years, you made us proud, as a shining example of Husky Pride in the NBA. In 2010 you returned to your UConn family and reminded us all what made you so special in the first place. Finally, you took the reigns as head coach of our beloved team, a position you described as your "dream job," and one in which we all hope you will remain to for a long, long time. So once again, thank you Coach. Whatever feelings you have towards UConn, they are reciprocated tenfold. Never forget that.


                                                                   -Nick Rizner on behalf of UConn fans everywhere

Ill Will Brooks

Let's face it. There are few things on this earth better than an inspirational sports story. Well, lucky for you, I have a great one. "Ill" Will Brooks is a Lightweight Mixed Martial Artist who has shown some great potential is his still very young career. Getting off to an impressive 9-0 start, Brooks has finally begun making a name for himself in the Bellator Tournament. Unfortunately, the sad truth of MMA is that at any moment, one mistake can lead to defeat. Brooks experienced this first hand at Bellator 91, this past Thursday. After landing only one strike, Brooks got caught with a strong uppercut in the clinch. Visibly rocked, the referee let the fight go as long as he could, but ultimately had to call it due to Will's inability to defend himself. Needless to say, a 9-1 record is nothing to shake a stick at, and despite the loss, I still see Will Brooks as one of the top up and comers and a young fighter who could progress into something truly special if he continues along the path he's set for himself.

However, the reason I chose to do a write up on Will is not because of his outstanding talent, although, to be frank, that's probably reason enough. But no, what makes Ill Will stand out from the competition, is his incredible story of heart, drive, and inspiration. Will grew up in Chicago, surrounded by a world of drugs and violence that cast a shadow on everything around him. According to Brooks in his Bellator MMA Profile, "You see it in the streets, you don't think that much of it. But when it's affecting your family; affecting your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, it opens your eyes to a different world." His guardian angel and savior, in many ways, was his friend's mother, who not only treated Will like a son, but ultimately became his adoptive mother, making what everyone already knew and accepted, official in the eyes of the law. Mama J, as she is affectionately referred to, refused to let Will give up on life, due to his rough beginnings. She told him that he was going to be special, and a good man. The lesson stuck. After a long, painful struggle with cancer, his adoptive mother, the woman who in many respects saved his life, passed away.

Mama J taught Will the value of a hug and the words "I love you." This lesson was put on display after Will's first win at this year's Bellator Lightweight Tournament. In an emotional scene with his adoptive father crying in the crowd and Will in the center of the ring struggling to find his words, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. I'm sure most of the fans did not expect to tear up when they bought their MMA tickets, but it was hard not to as the raw emotion of the moment flooded over everyone in attendance. The importance of these back stories and fighter profiles go beyond the simple prospect of entertainment value. It humanizes a sport that many view as barbaric. The audience sees a killing-machine of a man who enters the ring with his sights set on dismantling his opponent. What they don't see is the hard work and determination that's required to uphold such a demanding training regimen. They don't see all the emotion and stress the fighters carry with them when they enter the ring. Once you get invested in the people wearing the gloves, the sport becomes far less barbaric, and far more heroic. Whether it be serving as an inspiration to young men and women in similar circumstances, or making a big name for himself at a young age in the increasingly competitive world of MMA, trust me when I tell you that Will Brooks is a hero.

Early Final Four Predictions

I've got a lot riding on March Madness this year. We are using the success of our brackets to determine the order of next season's fantasy football draft, and with a couple of solid late round keepers from last season, I could really use an early 1st round pick in 2013. Let me start by saying I love March Madness. I don't think there's a single post season in any sport, collegiate, professional, or otherwise, that comes close to the excitement of the NCAA tournament. That being said, I absolutely hate doing brackets. Don't get me wrong, I fill them out every year with an idiotically defiant optimism, as if the previous year never happened, but come round 2 or 3 of the tournament, I will have torn up my picks and forced the shame out of my mind until next year when the cycle will inevitably repeat itself. The only comforting thought during such dark times is the fact that nobody knows what they're doing. Despite a growing number of people around the country claiming to be bona fide 'Bracketologists,' there is no-such field as Bracketology, although I'm sure some progressive college will offer it as a major at some point down the road. Did you know that the University of Arizona offers a minor in hip-hop? I'm primarily a hip hop blogger and even I think that's a huge waste. Just pick up an Outkast album and let the education begin. I digress.

Now that I've instilled so much confidence in you regarding my talents as an NCAA pick'em expert, allow me to guide you to guaranteed success while filling out your brackets this year. Here are my picks for this year's final four. Obviously, it depends on which teams are located in which regions as well as potential matchups throughout the tourney, so I'm basically giving you my picks for the top 4 teams in the country around tournament time this year. Here goes:

1. Indiana Hoosiers

I understand that the Indiana Hoosiers are the number 1 team in the country at the moment, but I assure you, this has nothing to do with why I picked them. (Nor does the fact that Hoosiers is one of the greatest sports movies of all time and I secretly hope people go back to shooting foul shots underhand.) They say defense wins championships, but with offense like this, who cares what they say? Indiana is averaging 82.5 points per game with a remarkable team field goal percentage right at 50%. They also lead the the country in 3 point percentage. In what is a very good Big 10 conference this year, this is quite a feat. Look out for these guys in March.

2. Miami Hurricanes

Okay so my first and second final four picks were the top two teams in the country. So what? They're the two best choices. Miami is 13-0 in the ACC. They're undefeated in the months of January and February and despite all the breaking down of statistics that everyone loves to do, the most important stat is, of course, wins. The Miami Hurricanes are winners. Their march madness is starting a bit early as they square off against Duke on March 2nd, a rematch of their impressive 90-63 show of dominance over the then-number one Blue Devils. Win or lose this battle set to take place in front of the Cameron crazies should do a fantastic job preparing the Hurricanes for the rigors of tournament play. They're a dangerous team for any opponent who stands in their way.

3. UConn Huskies Syracuse Orange/Michigan State Spartans

Ah, finally an underdog; no pun intended. The Huskies are natural born tournament winners. Whether it's the tough coaching by Jim Calhoun that finally pays off at the end of each season, or an inferiority complex that causes UConn to play with a chip on their shoulder, the Huskies always seem to find a way to make a tourney run. Much of the original cast from the 2011 National Championship team remains in Connecticut including Shabazz Napier, Niels Giffey, and Tyler Olander. Although the Huskies remain unranked, they have some pretty significant wins under their belt including the #4 Michigan State Spartans and the #8 Syracuse Orange. Oh wait... UConn is banned from the post season due to past students' bad grades? It doesn't have anything to do with the current roster and since the 2010-2011 season, they've been well above the required standard? Well that's a bummer. Ignore this entire paragraph. I guess I'll go with Michigan State or Syracuse since they're ranked in the top 10 and there won't be any UConn in the tournament to stop them.

4. Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas made it to the National Championship game last year, yet had to settle for 2nd place as they fell to the Kentucky Wildcats 67-59. An experienced roster including four seniors who all see significant playing time and a cool and collected been-there-done-that demeanor should cause any tournament opponent of theirs to shake in their boots. The 7 foot tall Jeff Withey, who is, in my opinion, the best defensive center in the country, averages 4.0 blocks a game and affects far more shots than that. Opponents are scared to come inside against such an imposing presence. Senior Travis Releford and Freshman sensation Ben McLemore round out an outstanding backcourt that leads the team in minutes as well as points. I think Kansas is a serious final four prospect with a legitimate chance at taking another stab at the National Championship for the second year in a row.

Unsung Heroes During A 'Practice' Year

It's been a strange year for UConn basketball, to say the least. As I'm sure most of you know, due to an academic NCAA violation, one that has absolutely nothing to do with anyone currently on the roster, the Huskies are banned from the post season this year. That includes both the NCAA Tournament as well as the Big East Conference Tournament. The latter is particularly sad since this is the last year that the Big East, as we know it, will be in existence. UConn, as one of the founding members of the conference, has been intertwined in so many of the most memorable moments at the Garden; most recently the Kemba walker 'Pitt-fall' buzzer beater. They have also been involved in some pretty wild NCAA Tourney moments, including the Tate George and Rip Hamilton game winners. For those of you who have never seen those clips, or, like me, simply can't watch them enough, I'll throw the videos on the bottom of this post.

But enough about the past. We can't just sit here and feel sorry for ourselves all year. I assume most UConn fans have not been paying as close attention to the team as they usually do this year, so allow me to give you some bullet points as well as my take away from this 'practice' year:

• First of all, I am hesitant to use the term 'practice' year, as that implies that there is nothing to play for. With the passing of the torch from Jim Calhoun to Kevin Ollie, the team was presented with a unique challenge. Since Ollie was only signed to a 1 season contract, the teams performance served as an extended interview of sorts. After getting off to a pretty hot start, the team came together to earn a large contract extension for the first year head coach.

• Kevin Ollie's performance review was not simply based upon stats and record. It was a priority of University President Susan Herbst, and A.D. Ward Manuel to make sure that Coach Ollie had a firm grasp on his team's classroom performance as well. In fact, it wasn't until the 1st semester grades were released that UConn decided to extend Ollie's contract. Leading the pack were Shabazz Napier, Niels Giffey, Leon Tolksdorf, and R.J. Evans who all posted a 3.0 or above this fall. The four were honored for their accomplishment before their game against USF.

• Napier has been a leader on the court as well. Last year, problems arose as there seemed to be some question as to who the true leader of the team was; an emotionally checked-out Alex Oriakhi or a trigger happy Napier with an underdeveloped voice of leadership. Well, there is no question who runs the show this year. Through end of game heroics, an unshakable confidence, and top tier performances both on the court and in the classroom, Napier has developed into a budding star. With another year to go in his collegiate career and what is shaping up to be the same team with a few freshman additions, all the pieces are in place for Napier to take this team on a long tournament run in the 2013-2014 season.  

With a tough schedule ahead of them, UConn will attempt to finish strong against some very talented opponents. The remaining schedule is as follows:

• Feb 10 - UConn at Seton Hall
• Feb 13 - UConn vs. Syracuse
• Feb 16 - UConn vs. Villanova
• Feb 21 - UConn vs. Cincinnati
• Feb 23 - UConn at DePaul
• Feb 27 - UConn vs. Georgetown
• Mar 02 - UConn at Cincinnati
• Mar 06 - UConn at USF
• Mar 09 - UConn vs. Providence

With 5 wins to go before passing the 20 win mark, this team has already over-performed based on a less than talented team compared to past years. At the very least, you have to admire the heart. Before I wrap this post up, it's worth acknowledging the efforts of Enosch Wolf who was called upon to replace the void at Center and has done so with flying colors. When he's not blocking shots, his 7'1" presence is at the very least forcing opponents to question coming inside. A much appreciated accomplishment from an unsung hero.

(Kemba Walker vs. Pittsburgh)

(Richard Hamilton vs. Washington)

(Tate George vs. Clemson)