Florida, VCU get what they want

Well, it looks like there will be no changes at Florida and VCU after all. Jai got lucky, but that should be a warning to all recruits. It is highly likely these days that a coaching change will occur during their playing career so athletes should go to school because they like all that the school has to offer, not just because they like the coach.

Donovan gone from UF - Jai Lucas issue

The big issue that many are focusing on is Billy leaving to go to Orlando, but the better story is the impact this will have to Jai Lucas. All of the writers and his father were lauding how important it was to not commit until the last moment so that you could make the best decision once all of the post season shake-ups/coaching moves/etc. had been settled. Well, no matter how long a recruit may wait and no matter how long Jai Lucas waited, he still got screwed. He thought he was making the best choice for himself as he thought all was fine down in Gatorland, but not anymore. This issue shows that no matter how cautious a potential recruit is in making a decision, things can change at a moments notice.

Now, all may work out for Jai if he did not base is decision on the head coach. But the fact is most recruits do base their decision on the head coach and their coaching staff. As a result of Donovan's move, this will definitely shake up/change that staff for better or worse. All well be fine if Florida picks Anthony Grant to succeed Donovan, but if not it will be interesting to see how things play out for Lucas. Stay tuned.

NCAA Tourny Day 1 - Money Makers

Alright, the best weekend of they year is here. Although I would rather be in Vegas placing bets than doing so elsewhere, here are my picks for the first day of the NCAA tournament.

Butler/ODU over 123. Both these teams can score and I don't expect them to have an off day today. Look for this to be a close game and Butler to continue their scoring ways. I like this pick a lot.

EKU +27 and the over 142.5- I have to believe that this line is a little too large. I have to spend some money in support of all the Spiders now working at EKU. It is true they they will not be able to stop UNC in any respect especially inside. This is the one reason I am taking the over. I am also taking the over as I expect EKU to score at least 57 points. Therefore, if the line is right, UNC will score at least 87 and make me some money.

Belmont/Georgetown over 124 - Not sure why I like this pick but Georgetown is playing well ( I expect them to win big). Belmont averages over 70 points a game so I expect them to at least 55 points (just below Gtown's allowed PPG). Again based on the spread Gtown should score at least 73 points.

Stanford/Lousiville over 127 - Home game for Louisville so expect them to have a good game but I expect Stanford to win. Good game by Louisville, better game by Stanford equal more points than 127.

GW/Vanderbilt over 140 - Both teams average over 70 points and Vandy give up over 70 a game. That is enough for me to like this pick.

That is all that looks good to me right now. May add more later.

Your NCAA Champion

GEORGETOWN.

Mark it down.

Xavier vs. Drexel comparison

Alright, I got sick of Dickie V and others on ESPN saying that Xavier should be out and Drexel should be in. That is a bunch of BS based on the following.

1. RPI - advantage Xavier (34 vs. 43 for Drexel)
2. SOS - advantage Xavier (82 vs. 103 for Drexel)
3. Non-con RPI - advantage Drexel (5 vs. 66 for Xavier)
4. Key wins - advantage Xavier with wins at Villanova, Illinois, K State, VCU (Drexel only has 3 - Villanova, Syracuse, and Creighton)
5. Worst loss - draw (Xavier lost to Duquesne and Cinci and Drexel lost to Rider and William and Mary. By the way Duq. beat Boston College @ BC)
6. Conference RPI - advantage Xavier (10 vs 13 for CAA)
7. Conference finish - advantage Xavier (won regular season conference crown, Drexel finished 4th).


Time for all ESPN bobble heads to shut up and look at the facts. Usually the only guy I can't stand is the only one with some sanity at the 4 letter. That person is Doug Gottlieb. He is the only won who seems to have looked at the fact and not relying on the BCS is better theory.

Enough for now, more will follow in the following days (especially related to the VCU/Duke matchup).