March Madness thur and friday..Purdue

[Box and one]

Still handicapping games so I can't see anyone's post for spoiler alerts but did about 15 games and 2 have jumped out big time.
Purdue -7 over North texas ******
Last night it opened at -8,then -7.5 and today its -7. I capped this at Purdue -10 -14
I know my North Texas team very well. They beat WKU in Ot to win the Conf USA.Got to see them in person 2 times this year and 3 times last yr. Hamlett their pt gd should be 2nd or 3rd team all american . A lefty penetrating,handle on the ball,see's the floor and is an outstanding passer and can stick a 3.. on defense is there best defender. He did make 1st team all conf and I'm not sure who won POY of conference this year but he should of got it since he won it last yr when Bassey broke his leg. . Grant McCasland the coach of NT is outstanding. I got to sit 10 feet away from him when he coached Ark St vs Texas St . He won at midland juco and at ,Ark St He is about 5'6 and weighs about 150 pounds, his hair is plastered to his tiny head. Skinny guy and when I watched him coach those ark st kids I was so impressed . He was in their faces screaming about defensive breakdown in the huddle. I could see the respect he had from his players. If he told anyone on that team to do push ups the question would of been " how many coach" When the North Texas coaching job opened I was hoping Danny from Texas St would get it.. But when it was announced Grant got the job I said wow What a coach who stress's defense, well last yr he won and now this year. NT plays solid defense and they rank in the conf as one of the best. They make you play at their pace and don't force the ball.. they get good looks and Hamlett will create something. Simmons the 6'10 kid avg's a double double but isn;t spectacular .. just drop step ,baby hook and up and under. NT will play at their pace. Reese can stick a 3 and Bell a 6'6 fd has really helped in scoring.. think WKU had more talent but that didn't matter
Purdue is another animal . They have 6'10 Williams who just rebounds,rebounds and rebounds and a few off rebounds And he can pass. They have a front line that is more athletic and has size. Wheeler and Eddy off the bench are 6'9 and 7'3 .. they have an excellent pt gd in Hunter who is 6'5 and he plays outstanding defense. [ he might be on Hamlett] But these guys are physical . Painter the coach always has physical kids inside . He has been to the sweet 16 and gets there being more physical inside . they avg over 14 assists a game and are playing in there home state .. Thompson can shoot and is lightning fast . Think this a bad match up for NT. Slowing the pace doesn't hurt a team like purdue because they aren't scoring in transition but half court offense . Hate going against my team but I knew it was a bad match up as soon as I saw it Purdue wins by double digits

Texas -9 over Abilene Christian *****
should be double digits Longhorns win by +15-20

back later

 

[Another Steve]

It's Fri-Sun, Sat-Mon this year, not sure why but we have a Tournament. We will see if someone fails and has to forfeit.

 

[Destructor D]

Still handicapping games so I can't see anyone's post for spoiler alerts but did about 15 games and 2 have jumped out big time.
Purdue -7 over North texas ******
Last night it opened at -8,then -7.5 and today its -7. I capped this at Purdue -10 -14
I know my North Texas team very well. They beat WKU in Ot to win the Conf USA.Got to see them in person 2 times this year and 3 times last yr. Hamlett their pt gd should be 2nd or 3rd team all american . A lefty penetrating,handle on the ball,see's the floor and is an outstanding passer and can stick a 3.. on defense is there best defender. He did make 1st team all conf and I'm not sure who won POY of conference this year but he should of got it since he won it last yr when Bassey broke his leg. . Grant McCasland the coach of NT is outstanding. I got to sit 10 feet away from him when he coached Ark St vs Texas St . He won at midland juco and at ,Ark St He is about 5'6 and weighs about 150 pounds, his hair is plastered to his tiny head. Skinny guy and when I watched him coach those ark st kids I was so impressed . He was in their faces screaming about defensive breakdown in the huddle. I could see the respect he had from his players. If he told anyone on that team to do push ups the question would of been " how many coach" When the North Texas coaching job opened I was hoping Danny from Texas St would get it.. But when it was announced Grant got the job I said wow What a coach who stress's defense, well last yr he won and now this year. NT plays solid defense and they rank in the conf as one of the best. They make you play at their pace and don't force the ball.. they get good looks and Hamlett will create something. Simmons the 6'10 kid avg's a double double but isn;t spectacular .. just drop step ,baby hook and up and under. NT will play at their pace. Reese can stick a 3 and Bell a 6'6 fd has really helped in scoring.. think WKU had more talent but that didn't matter
Purdue is another animal . They have 6'10 Williams who just rebounds,rebounds and rebounds and a few off rebounds And he can pass. They have a front line that is more athletic and has size. Wheeler and Eddy off the bench are 6'9 and 7'3 .. they have an excellent pt gd in Hunter who is 6'5 and he plays outstanding defense. [ he might be on Hamlett] But these guys are physical . Painter the coach always has physical kids inside . He has been to the sweet 16 and gets there being more physical inside . they avg over 14 assists a game and are playing in there home state .. Thompson can shoot and is lightning fast . Think this a bad match up for NT. Slowing the pace doesn't hurt a team like purdue because they aren't scoring in transition but half court offense . Hate going against my team but I knew it was a bad match up as soon as I saw it Purdue wins by double digits

Texas -9 over Abilene Christian *****
should be double digits Longhorns win by +15-20

back later

You definitely aren't being a homer picking against your Mean Green!

 

[boilermaker]

You definitely aren't being a homer picking against your Mean Green!

Best of luck Box. Agree with your assessment of NT/Purdue. The Boilers will go 9 deep. One player you forgot to mention is Jayden
Ivey. Ivey is 6'4" 200 lbs. He is a special athlete. Purdue usually do not get these types of players. He just explodes of the floor. Once again BOL always enjoy your write ups.

 

[Box and one]

Boilermaker I know They say he is really good He is the Indiana HS kid right, creates his own shots can hit the 3.. think Blue Ribbon or some one loves him. Think NT's pace doesn't bother Painter and co. Be physical,pound it in and play tough defense. And Purdue lost their air craft carrier to BYU this year. I love my NT but think they are in trouble

another steve thank you
Purdue -7.5 over North Texas *****

love this play.. NT was somewhat lucky to beat WKU and with Bassey shooting 3's and missing great WKU coaching. if I was North Texas I would love my 6'11 opponent taking 3's because you ain't getting any rebounds. Think Purdue just hounds Hamlet with Hunter. And when your best player is at the point and penetrates you always get help from other teammates. You stop Hamlett and you have cut off the mean greens head. NT scored 14 pts in the 2nd half vs WKU and there defense is just average. Purdue is so physical and won't let the NT pace of the game disrupt them. NT does have some out side shooters but Painter is a good coach and can make adjustments as the game goes on.. I don't think its a blow out and NT' s defense will being going up against the toughest team they have faced.

Texas -8.5 over Abilene Christian ****

AC is a good team. they have a 7'1 foot kid Kohl who weighs in after lunch at What-a burger at 240. They have a 5'7 pt gd in Daniels who cane pass and handle the ball. They avg 75 pts a game and are ranked No 1 in the nation in assist avg double digits. and they don't turn it over.. That is why they are here. They played Baylor and Ok St tough this year. They just became a D-1 team a few yrs ago and won 27 games. There best player Pleasant is 6'8 . Gayman plays inside and out.. They win with pressure on defense.. That is their biggest strength beside avg 18 assist a game. But Texas has 3 gds taht are all pt gds in Ramy, V Coleman and Jones. Add Ferbes to that group as the 2 gd. Can't seeing AC getting turn overs vs Texas Gds

I think Shacka has awoken winning their last 6 or 7 games. Because earlier he was on the hot seat. Texas won the B-12.. Texas front court is solid and athletic. Kai Jones was inserted into the starting 5 after super star freshmen had a melt down. Shacka actually benched the future NBA lottery pick.. Sims inside is playing outstanding and finally getting touches in the paint. Kai Jones is an athlete but not a true basketball player This 6'10 kid can jump out of the gym He is electric with his dunks and blocks. He is predicted as the 10th best NBA future star and shacka has him on the bench. But he will start over Brown now . Coleman was named MVP of the tournament. He had 30 the other night. nick name is Matty Ice and he can do it all. Texas is loaded with depth,size quickness BUT basketball IQ although has gotten better i still in their DNA. Shacka has really decided to be his teams pal or coach. Think the latter.. But Texas DNA is
they play down to their opponent..They are an unselfish team that can shoot the 3,pentrate and now are getting the ball into the post. Could they make the final 4 yes will they don't think so.. defense has breakdowns and when gds are taking fade away 3's they are in trouble .Against AC think Texas offense is way to much for AC defense to handle . Shacka's coaching adjustments are now paying dividends .. old Shacka yes AC could cover. New Shacka no .. double digit win for the longhorns.. take one game at a time Sweet 16 then elite 8.. they can do it.. just don't look ahead.



Leaving Philly for AC tomorrow Will update from the boardwalk of AC a few more plays

2 big plays Purdue and Texas.. Good luck

 

[boilermaker]

Yes Ivey played HS ball in Indiana. His Mother is the Norte Dame women's coach. Yes they did lose a big to BYU, Matt Haarms. Great defensive player.In fact he won Defensive Player of the Year in the WAC this season. Zach Edey is the new BIG. 7'4" 285. Not the defensive present that Haarms was but much more dominant in the paint.

 

[RUSerious]

Purdue 7'4" Man in the Middle

Purdue 7'4" Man in the Middle

If that kid keeps his weight under control and gets to a "big man camp" to work on his feet he will be unstoppable.

Did Harms transfer because he knew this kid was coming, or was it a personal situation?

 

[boilermaker]

If that kid keeps his weight under control and gets to a "big man camp" to work on his feet he will be unstoppable.

Did Harms transfer because he knew this kid was coming, or was it a personal situation?

Haarms wanted to be a starter. He knew he was not going to beat out Trevion Williams. Edey was better than expected. 3 star with little experience. Has only played basketball a few years. Grew up loving baseball and hockey.

 

[BuddyWright]

BOX once again I believe you are spot on in the Purdue and Texas games.

GL on your Action Box

 

[Box and one]

Toledo +1.5 over Richmond *

WKU -2 over St Mary's *
WKU playing in North Texas Super pit.. so they have played there before ..Mary's offense is in question . Let Bassey control the game. I know he can hit 3's but his FG% in the paint is a lot better.

both small plays if I wasn't in Atlantic City at a casino would pass on both games ..getting reading for the senior prom..

 

[Box and one]

NC State +1.5 over Davidson *
Hate going against McKillop as the Cats coach. Fellow HS basketball coach But his record in vs NC St and in the 1st round of NIT's is pretty bad. They have Grady who can score . He runs that motion offense that had Texas Longhorns defense trailing and chasing for 40 minutes but Texas had to much talent . Small play and lean towards the underdog

Boise -1.5 over Smoo *
Smoo has been benched by C-19 and haven't played. Davis can do it all scoring and passing. Boise has Alston but this team has hit a wall. And I'm 0-4 taking Boise.. thru out the year.. now playing them so lightly tonight they will win ..

added Texas -5 over Abilene C 1st half -5 ***

Capping
Nova- Winthrop Colgate- Ark, Cuse- SD St, Utah St-Tex Tech will come back tomorrow and breakdown
But huge plays ...
Texas -9 over AC
Purdue -7.5 over North Texas
split the 2 last night . for small plays
Toledo lost but WKU won outright..

 

[Box and one]

Appa St -3.5 over Norfolk **
Appa has 3 gds that can score in Delph,Almoncy and Forest. Forest is really solid. Range and can create. Front line weak and they got hot in the Sun conf playoffs. They have no front court.. But Norfolk doesn't either. They have Carter and Bryant there top scorers and both are gds. Norfolks coach Robert Jones coached in my neighborhood and recruited 2 of my kids when he coached at New Paltz a D-3 school . He is a good coach and has been at Norfolk for awhile. This is not a run and gun team. Jones stresses defense . A few years ago they upset Alabama either in the NCAA's or NIT's . Think Forest is the best player out there. Appa St got hot in the end after some what of a disappointing season. Norfolk can shoot the 3 but think Appa is the better overall team

 

[Box and one]

Purdue -7 over North Texas ******
Enough said .. Purdue wins by double digits ..best play in the March madness opening week .

Texas -9 over Abilene Christian *****
Texas realizes they are so more talented then AB.. can the coaches convey that to them. I think Shacka has changed and realizes . The players love playing for him but they need to respect him too. He is not there buddies Last 2 times he went dancing he was sent out quickly and was the favortite .. You aren't in Virginia coaching anymore and there is no more Cinderella story.. unless you make it to the Elite 8 but lets get to sweet 16.. really think these experienced gds play with a better IQ and they understand they have the talent.. front line needs to be fed and defense needs to keep there man in front of them Double digit win today .

Baylor -26 over Hartford ** *
Best 3 gds in the tourney. Butler could be POY of the country. Inside,outside threat.. they play defense biggest question is post c-19 play.. they kinda hit a C-19 wall Can they get back on track they could be playing in the final 4 Hartford Hart avgs 66 points a game. they can't rebound and rank in the 300's in assists. There top player avgs 13 pts a game. All the players are bringing their phones to take pictures so they can say someday say " we played in the 1st round vs Baylor. Blowout and Baylor needs a blowout to get the c-19 syndrome out of there system . Drew is not subbing if this game gets out of hand His top 6 or 7 players are playing.. this team has had enough rest.


San Diego St -3 over Cuse ***
Aztecs has some shooters and will enjoy attacking the 2-3. And Aztecs can play some real defense. No way Buddy is getting open looks like last game..they have big gds and Mensah in the middle . Aztecs are a dangerous team. Mitchell is probably the best player on the court.

Houston -20 over Clev St **
Coogs are loaded and play great defense.. they got there bad game out of their system and now are focused.. another dangerous team

Ark -9 over Colgate ***
Colgate on offense is ranked as one of the top teams but again the comp they play is totally different . Ark is loaded with athletes and speed and has Moody. Also they have Vanover at 7'4.. Colgate doesn't see players of this size and definality not payers like Moody Ark gets a double digit win Musselman coaches this team like one of those CBA teams he coached at before Colgate can score but don't think they can for 40 minutes .
A lot of games
if I have have time will come back

Best Play Purdue by far
Texas next good luck

 

[Box and one]

CBI game sneaked in
Bellarmine -1.5 over Army ***
Bell was D-3 power house team in the past. They just became a D-1 team but have the same coach who can recruit .. Their coach was an asst. to Pitino and plays that style . Army started out good in the Pat conf but have now lost 5 or 6 of last 7 or 8. there ATS record is 1-7.. The one cover they got I lost .. figures They lost there 2 top players from last yr but Grayson was solid. There offense isn't very good and they are the worst FT% team in the country shooting 62%.. How can Army with the discipline they have at the Point cannot shoot FT's That sta=t always amazes me . Disciplined from 5.30 am to breakfast to class to academics to shooting on the driving range . I hope the basketball team players are all majoring in engineering and not artillery.
Bel shoots an amazing 51% FG %..They have 5 kids all avgs in double digits ..they avg 10 pts more on offense then what they give up on defense. Both teams were predicted to be in last place in there conferences ..
This was the 1st year Bellarmine was in D-1 and they are continuing there winning ways moving up in class .

 

[fatback]

Good Luck with Purdue Box, Gonna coattail and I haven't seen one Purdue pick, all NT, so hoping that's a good sign :toast::toast::toast:

 

[bosco]

Still handicapping games so I can't see anyone's post for spoiler alerts but did about 15 games and 2 have jumped out big time.
Purdue -7 over North texas ******
Last night it opened at -8,then -7.5 and today its -7. I capped this at Purdue -10 -14
I know my North Texas team very well. They beat WKU in Ot to win the Conf USA.Got to see them in person 2 times this year and 3 times last yr. Hamlett their pt gd should be 2nd or 3rd team all american . A lefty penetrating,handle on the ball,see's the floor and is an outstanding passer and can stick a 3.. on defense is there best defender. He did make 1st team all conf and I'm not sure who won POY of conference this year but he should of got it since he won it last yr when Bassey broke his leg. . Grant McCasland the coach of NT is outstanding. I got to sit 10 feet away from him when he coached Ark St vs Texas St . He won at midland juco and at ,Ark St He is about 5'6 and weighs about 150 pounds, his hair is plastered to his tiny head. Skinny guy and when I watched him coach those ark st kids I was so impressed . He was in their faces screaming about defensive breakdown in the huddle. I could see the respect he had from his players. If he told anyone on that team to do push ups the question would of been " how many coach" When the North Texas coaching job opened I was hoping Danny from Texas St would get it.. But when it was announced Grant got the job I said wow What a coach who stress's defense, well last yr he won and now this year. NT plays solid defense and they rank in the conf as one of the best. They make you play at their pace and don't force the ball.. they get good looks and Hamlett will create something. Simmons the 6'10 kid avg's a double double but isn;t spectacular .. just drop step ,baby hook and up and under. NT will play at their pace. Reese can stick a 3 and Bell a 6'6 fd has really helped in scoring.. think WKU had more talent but that didn't matter
Purdue is another animal . They have 6'10 Williams who just rebounds,rebounds and rebounds and a few off rebounds And he can pass. They have a front line that is more athletic and has size. Wheeler and Eddy off the bench are 6'9 and 7'3 .. they have an excellent pt gd in Hunter who is 6'5 and he plays outstanding defense. [ he might be on Hamlett] But these guys are physical . Painter the coach always has physical kids inside . He has been to the sweet 16 and gets there being more physical inside . they avg over 14 assists a game and are playing in there home state .. Thompson can shoot and is lightning fast . Think this a bad match up for NT. Slowing the pace doesn't hurt a team like purdue because they aren't scoring in transition but half court offense . Hate going against my team but I knew it was a bad match up as soon as I saw it Purdue wins by double digits

Texas -9 over Abilene Christian *****
should be double digits Longhorns win by +15-20

back later

Hey box - hope you?re having fun in AC. Any thoughts on the Purdue total? I?m a hardcore under player on day 1 of MM, but like the over in this one. my unders this morning have come in except Florida couldn?t make free throws and let VT tie it ? blows my mind

Thank you and GL

 

[Box and one]

Discipline .. the best plays are the ones you pass on . Ohio St I have loved and followed all year.. They have been good to me but I didn't know anything about ORU and just passed on it.. Thank god because knowing me I would of taken Ohio St probably . But I was disciplined and passed. In Atlantic city and the Hill Sports book computers went down at my hotel. There were about 20 people waiting to make there plays and only 2 kiosk machines. But I have made all my plays already except Army- Bellarmine. CBI game. When my buddy who works at the West Point texted thinking I'm in Vegas and wanted a wager against his employer the Academy. He knows nothing about the Knights but knows Army. They are in the Atlantic Sun with Liberty..But Bellarmine isn't even in Blue Ribbon since this is there 1st yr. The good news is that none of Army's starting 5 are in artillery but 3 are in the infantry. Regardless they still can't shoot FT's.

With Ohio St getting upset I'm sure North Texas is getting a little excited.. maybe the Big -10 isn't that strong... but after the pre-game warmups that will hopefully go away. Arkansas had a tough time putting Colgate away but like I said ..40 minutes is a long time.

this is discipline.. or stupidity..no place to eat lunch at hotel this afternoon.. went to Hooters in the hotel and had index cards,notes,newspapers articles and magazine spread out all over the table. getting ready for saturdays games.. only saw the waitress outfit when I got the bill.. and only did that when my best friend called from NY and asked "how are the hooters girls". now fella's that is discipline ... or stupidity. think its the later... good luck.. back tomorrow Go Purdue please don't play like Ohio St tonight.

Bosco NT is playing tonite because of there defense They play solid defense,don't reach in,help side etc Purdue also plays tough defense . My system never works ,. you would think under 126.5 NT scored 14 second half points vs WKU the other day and after watching WKU win last night it makes you see how good there D was against them and there air craft carrier .. But Purdue who I think contains Hamlett will have a tough time scoring vs them Hunter is 6'6 and will be on Hamlett. I love this kid he is a lefty and can do it all . If he was at a SEC,Big East,B-10 school he is all american .. He did win last yr POY of conf USA but the kid from WKU got it.. I hate cheering against him tonight but I think he could make the NBA .. he also plays great defense. Maybe a lean towards the under but I'm passing on it.. good luck though

 

[Box and one]

Still handicapping games so I can't see anyone's post for spoiler alerts but did about 15 games and 2 have jumped out big time.
Purdue -7 over North texas ******
Last night it opened at -8,then -7.5 and today its -7. I capped this at Purdue -10 -14
I know my North Texas team very well. They beat WKU in Ot to win the Conf USA.Got to see them in person 2 times this year and 3 times last yr. Hamlett their pt gd should be 2nd or 3rd team all american . A lefty penetrating,handle on the ball,see's the floor and is an outstanding passer and can stick a 3.. on defense is there best defender. He did make 1st team all conf and I'm not sure who won POY of conference this year but he should of got it since he won it last yr when Bassey broke his leg. . Grant McCasland the coach of NT is outstanding. I got to sit 10 feet away from him when he coached Ark St vs Texas St . He won at midland juco and at ,Ark St He is about 5'6 and weighs about 150 pounds, his hair is plastered to his tiny head. Skinny guy and when I watched him coach those ark st kids I was so impressed . He was in their faces screaming about defensive breakdown in the huddle. I could see the respect he had from his players. If he told anyone on that team to do push ups the question would of been " how many coach" When the North Texas coaching job opened I was hoping Danny from Texas St would get it.. But when it was announced Grant got the job I said wow What a coach who stress's defense, well last yr he won and now this year. NT plays solid defense and they rank in the conf as one of the best. They make you play at their pace and don't force the ball.. they get good looks and Hamlett will create something. Simmons the 6'10 kid avg's a double double but isn;t spectacular .. just drop step ,baby hook and up and under. NT will play at their pace. Reese can stick a 3 and Bell a 6'6 fd has really helped in scoring.. think WKU had more talent but that didn't matter
Purdue is another animal . They have 6'10 Williams who just rebounds,rebounds and rebounds and a few off rebounds And he can pass. They have a front line that is more athletic and has size. Wheeler and Eddy off the bench are 6'9 and 7'3 .. they have an excellent pt gd in Hunter who is 6'5 and he plays outstanding defense. [ he might be on Hamlett] But these guys are physical . Painter the coach always has physical kids inside . He has been to the sweet 16 and gets there being more physical inside . they avg over 14 assists a game and are playing in there home state .. Thompson can shoot and is lightning fast . Think this a bad match up for NT. Slowing the pace doesn't hurt a team like purdue because they aren't scoring in transition but half court offense . Hate going against my team but I knew it was a bad match up as soon as I saw it Purdue wins by double digits

Texas -9 over Abilene Christian *****
should be double digits Longhorns win by +15-20

back later Rutgers -2 over clemson **
Geo,Harper and Johnson to much Young is a blur out there .Clemson might not even find him

 

[bosco]

Thank you Box GL

 

[boilermaker]

Box congratulations to your Mean Green they deserved to win. Clearly the better team today.