Friday, March 25, 2005
Today's Sign of the Apocalypse
Bill, Mike, and Chris are 1-2-3 in today's bracket rankings? Will hell freeze over next?
Cats to Elite Eight
I had no idea -- this will be UA's third trip to the Elite Eight since 2000. Where did they get that reputation of being chokers?
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Pre-Game Jitters?
Frye'd up -- look for Channing to bring his A game with him to Chicago and feast in the paint. His progress and development as a player in the past four years has been a sheer pleasure to witness. Get 'R Done, big guy! More on Frye here.
Battle of the Boompas -- Two old friends in Lute Olson and Eddie Sutton meet for the first time in NCAA Tournament play, pretty amazing considering the success of both coaches. Can you spell "Classic?"
I beg your pardon? -- I just hate when this happens; read the article and see what I mean.
Stouda"mired" no more - Salim's recent awakening will serve him well in the Windy City as you can bet there will be more than a few scouts in the crowd.
Lute...Lute... -- a touching look at another side of the NCAA's, and at the true meaning of teammates.
Mustafa musthava goodgame -- time for the kid from Philly to remind the folks that he brings a sweet little touch with him whenever he touches the ball, too.
Cats try "Low Profile" approach -- doubt it will work, though. The team coming out of this bracket deserves to be in St. Louis.
Battle of the Boompas -- Two old friends in Lute Olson and Eddie Sutton meet for the first time in NCAA Tournament play, pretty amazing considering the success of both coaches. Can you spell "Classic?"
I beg your pardon? -- I just hate when this happens; read the article and see what I mean.
Stouda"mired" no more - Salim's recent awakening will serve him well in the Windy City as you can bet there will be more than a few scouts in the crowd.
Lute...Lute... -- a touching look at another side of the NCAA's, and at the true meaning of teammates.
Mustafa musthava goodgame -- time for the kid from Philly to remind the folks that he brings a sweet little touch with him whenever he touches the ball, too.
Cats try "Low Profile" approach -- doubt it will work, though. The team coming out of this bracket deserves to be in St. Louis.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
East coast media blitz for Salim
The New York Times give us some great insight into Salim and his sweet shot. And how does he rate his UA career so far?
"'My freshman year was good, sophomore year bad, junior year worse and now it's good again,' Stoudamire said."
His form may not "be by the book," but he's my first choice for getting the ball in the clutch.
"'My freshman year was good, sophomore year bad, junior year worse and now it's good again,' Stoudamire said."
His form may not "be by the book," but he's my first choice for getting the ball in the clutch.
Jessie Evans update
Jessie Evans takes the USF Dons to post-season action in the NIT in his first season as head coach. I'm not sure he should have let it out that he was known as "The Jumping Jack from Pontiac," though. hehe
All Americans!
A couple of Wildcats got some well-deserved recognition as All-Americans, as Salim makes the second team along with asu's Ike and Channing pulls down an Honorable Mention. Well done guys!
Is it Thursday yet?
It was an inside job -- consensus is that the key to UA's matchup with OSU in the Sweet 16 will be the play of the big fellas inside. I'll take Channing against OSU's inconsistent Joey Graham as the Cats march on.
Ladycats close out their season -- Congratulations to Coach B.'s team on a winning season again, but their season ends in an ugly loss to LSU.
Spring means - football! -- a quick look at Stoop's Troops as they lace up for spring football practice. Could WR BJ Vickers really add 100 yards of offense per game? A few reps with Richard Kovalchek would help, but the QB is recovering from back surgery and won't take part in Spring drills.
Salim supplies the fire -- and let's hope he doesn't cool off (or get a haircut) for a couple more weeks. Read more here.
Paying homage to Lute -- The Illini's 3-guard lineup has its roots traced back to UA teams of the 90's, and credit Lute with making the lineup work.
The Sweet 16 from A-Z -- "L" is for LUTE.
UA's odd couple -- Jawann McClellan is passed the mantle of "The Golden Child," and helps keep the team (and Lute) loose and laughing.
And don't forget to check your brackets if you're in our NCAA tourney pool......looks like Mike Sweeney's got the best shot at winning it all.
Ladycats close out their season -- Congratulations to Coach B.'s team on a winning season again, but their season ends in an ugly loss to LSU.
Spring means - football! -- a quick look at Stoop's Troops as they lace up for spring football practice. Could WR BJ Vickers really add 100 yards of offense per game? A few reps with Richard Kovalchek would help, but the QB is recovering from back surgery and won't take part in Spring drills.
Salim supplies the fire -- and let's hope he doesn't cool off (or get a haircut) for a couple more weeks. Read more here.
Paying homage to Lute -- The Illini's 3-guard lineup has its roots traced back to UA teams of the 90's, and credit Lute with making the lineup work.
The Sweet 16 from A-Z -- "L" is for LUTE.
UA's odd couple -- Jawann McClellan is passed the mantle of "The Golden Child," and helps keep the team (and Lute) loose and laughing.
And don't forget to check your brackets if you're in our NCAA tourney pool......looks like Mike Sweeney's got the best shot at winning it all.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Monday, March 21, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Ladycats are winners
Hats off to the Ladycats after their first-round victory over Oklahoma - and to the five PAC-10 women's teams, all winning and advancing to the second round.
NCAA Basketball Tournament Bracket Manager
Oh....my....gawd. Bill and Dave top the current standings in the bracket pool. Can this last?
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Huh?
From an AP story we get this profound quote from a Blazer:
"'If our shots would have been falling, I think the score would have been even and we would have been able to give them a better fight down the stretch,' UAB's Carldell Johnson said."
Hmmm - math major?
"'If our shots would have been falling, I think the score would have been even and we would have been able to give them a better fight down the stretch,' UAB's Carldell Johnson said."
Hmmm - math major?
Oh Boise, it's on to Chicago!
What's wrong with this story? Nice wrapup of the UA/UAB game but something slipped by the editor.
Corky Simpson praises Lute for his coaching job this season: "Looking back over the season, a long and improbable adventure in which many fans and observers bailed out on them at one time or another, only one person continued to believe in these Wildcats: Their coach."
This Washington Post article gives some great insights into Salim, including this: "I was a little antsy to start the game," he said. "But then I began to get into the flow." Guess so.
Lute calls UA fans spoiled, and he might have a point. Did you know the UA was given 550 tickets to sell to these games in Boise and returned 200 of them, unsold? Maybe we're just holding our breath, hoping it's not another flame-out.
Of course, here are the current standings for the BBall Pool.
Corky Simpson praises Lute for his coaching job this season: "Looking back over the season, a long and improbable adventure in which many fans and observers bailed out on them at one time or another, only one person continued to believe in these Wildcats: Their coach."
This Washington Post article gives some great insights into Salim, including this: "I was a little antsy to start the game," he said. "But then I began to get into the flow." Guess so.
Lute calls UA fans spoiled, and he might have a point. Did you know the UA was given 550 tickets to sell to these games in Boise and returned 200 of them, unsold? Maybe we're just holding our breath, hoping it's not another flame-out.
Of course, here are the current standings for the BBall Pool.
I thought we were Wildcat fans
According to our brackets, Josh and Kevin were the only 2 to take AZ all the way. What a switch from our first tourney pool.
Fizzle? Fashizzle!
Who'll be the next to fall? Much to my relief, AZ is still in the tourney, with a good-looking shot at the Sweet 16 against a talented UAB team that dispatched LSU (who we never really play very well against, anyway). That said, I'd like to introduce the following teams to their own Bracket Bastards:
Hawk Shock - Kansas loses its first round game for the first time in 27 years
Catawhat? - Vermont squeezes Syracuse. Vermont coach Tom Brennan has to postpone his retirement
Crimson Tired - 'Bama gets sobered up by Wisconsin/Milwaukee's finest
LSU Declawed - UAB mocks seeding, on a mission
All will be duly recognized on the List of First Round Fizzles.
Check our league standing here. #488
Hawk Shock - Kansas loses its first round game for the first time in 27 years
Catawhat? - Vermont squeezes Syracuse. Vermont coach Tom Brennan has to postpone his retirement
Crimson Tired - 'Bama gets sobered up by Wisconsin/Milwaukee's finest
LSU Declawed - UAB mocks seeding, on a mission
All will be duly recognized on the List of First Round Fizzles.
Check our league standing here. #488
Friday, March 18, 2005
And speaking of mascots...........
The Greater Bucky Open........what's a game without a little excitement!!
Feel....the....Madness
Bracket standings can be found here - we're league #488. Looks like we're in for a Wildcat ride again.
I'll bet Bill's kicking himself for not having entered before!
I'll bet Bill's kicking himself for not having entered before!
NCAAs - day 2
-- The Cats dispatched Utah State back to Logan, but not before the obligatory scare.
-- Steve Rivera also writes that AZ basketball is "Over the Hurdle." Hope we decide to sprint out one of these games.
-- The Republic plays the race card. Howard Cosell's rolling over in his grave.
-- Steve Rivera also writes that AZ basketball is "Over the Hurdle." Hope we decide to sprint out one of these games.
-- The Republic plays the race card. Howard Cosell's rolling over in his grave.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
We shouldn't forget Utah State guard's violent crime
I didn't hear anything about Pak in our paper or on the radio or tv.............I don't know how I feel about a rapist being allowed to play..........because it is such a violent crime. But, I guess he served his time and has been a stand-up guy since. What say you??
What I meant was...
"Arizona State University has reassigned a spokesman for statements he made about why campus police shocked football fans with Tasers after the Fiesta Bowl. "
At least he and his family didn't have a crime ring working inside the stadium.
At least he and his family didn't have a crime ring working inside the stadium.
The 'Cats Are Sharpening Their Claws
This from the Washington Post (of all places):
Do not mistake this Arizona team for last year's, which lost to Seton Hall in the opening round of the tournament....the team is playing a different brand of basketball.
Sounds like a Cat Fan in the Beltway!
Do not mistake this Arizona team for last year's, which lost to Seton Hall in the opening round of the tournament....the team is playing a different brand of basketball.
Sounds like a Cat Fan in the Beltway!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
"POP"
This from Jay Hinton:
"Arizona's legendary coach is 42-25 in 25 tournament appearances (five at the University of Iowa).
Olson, however, has lost 13 games to lower seeds, second only to Texas Tech's Bobby Knight, who has 14."
Thanks for reminding us.....
"Arizona's legendary coach is 42-25 in 25 tournament appearances (five at the University of Iowa).
Olson, however, has lost 13 games to lower seeds, second only to Texas Tech's Bobby Knight, who has 14."
Thanks for reminding us.....
Up here, coach
Utah State head coach Stew Morrill sums up what it's like going up against larger-than-life Arizona:
"I've seen them (Stoudamire and Frye) a ton on tape and on TV through the year. To see them up close and personal, I'm not sure how excited I am about that,' Utah State coach Stew Morrill said."
"I've seen them (Stoudamire and Frye) a ton on tape and on TV through the year. To see them up close and personal, I'm not sure how excited I am about that,' Utah State coach Stew Morrill said."
washington's Conroy reaches out to Salim
Someone forgot to tell that Husky that Salim's not all that much of a talker. This from scout.com
"Disconnected: Conroy called Arizona guard Salim Stoudamire Tuesday in a show of conference support and solidarity, but Salim wasn't answering the phone and didn't return Will's call. 'I guess he's still angry at us,' said Conroy. Both Conroy, Romar and Nate Robinson talked about how they will unabashedly support the Wildcats while they are in Boise. UA plays Utah State Thursday evening. 'I asked coach if we got our business done if we could watch them (Arizona) play,' added Conroy. 'I'm a U-Dub fan and a Pac-10 fan 'til the day I die,' added Robinson. 'I'm rooting for the Pac-10 hands down.'"
"Disconnected: Conroy called Arizona guard Salim Stoudamire Tuesday in a show of conference support and solidarity, but Salim wasn't answering the phone and didn't return Will's call. 'I guess he's still angry at us,' said Conroy. Both Conroy, Romar and Nate Robinson talked about how they will unabashedly support the Wildcats while they are in Boise. UA plays Utah State Thursday evening. 'I asked coach if we got our business done if we could watch them (Arizona) play,' added Conroy. 'I'm a U-Dub fan and a Pac-10 fan 'til the day I die,' added Robinson. 'I'm rooting for the Pac-10 hands down.'"
It's almost here!
One day left to finalize your picks in the office pool and all other brackets.
-- A Yale prof. has come up with odds of getting all your picks correct - 9.22 quintillion. It boggles the mind.
-- This year's tourney from A to Z.
-- Today's "Fox Guarding the Henhouse" story brought to you by McKale's Parking and Transportation Administer - and his whole family.
-- FYI - the venue for this weekend's First Round games in Boise are being played at Taco Bell Arena. Yo quiero Wildcat wins.
-- "Kings of the first-day fizzle?" So says Kevin Hench of Foxsports when talking about AZ in his column about stunning first-round upsets. It doesn't help that the Wildcats pulled down numbers 10 and 2 on his all-time list of upsets.
-- Stoops talks with some old troops - the Oklahoma Sooners are in Tucson for the first round games at McKale.
-- Matt Doherty picks the Cats to win the Illinois bracket, with good reason.
-- Corky Simpson sheds some light on Lute - the myth and the man.
-- Utah State just happy to be there? Don't get caught up in that thinking, or it's a quick flight back home.
-- A Yale prof. has come up with odds of getting all your picks correct - 9.22 quintillion. It boggles the mind.
-- This year's tourney from A to Z.
-- Today's "Fox Guarding the Henhouse" story brought to you by McKale's Parking and Transportation Administer - and his whole family.
-- FYI - the venue for this weekend's First Round games in Boise are being played at Taco Bell Arena. Yo quiero Wildcat wins.
-- "Kings of the first-day fizzle?" So says Kevin Hench of Foxsports when talking about AZ in his column about stunning first-round upsets. It doesn't help that the Wildcats pulled down numbers 10 and 2 on his all-time list of upsets.
-- Stoops talks with some old troops - the Oklahoma Sooners are in Tucson for the first round games at McKale.
-- Matt Doherty picks the Cats to win the Illinois bracket, with good reason.
-- Corky Simpson sheds some light on Lute - the myth and the man.
-- Utah State just happy to be there? Don't get caught up in that thinking, or it's a quick flight back home.
NCAA Bracket Tourney here
It's not too late to get your picks into our Tourney Bracket Pool - just go to the Quark Bracket Manager, select your picks, and enter your bracket into League #488, password Emma. I'll post updates here on Wilbur's Home Page. Once again, the top 3 winners will be paid, along with a total refund of the $10 fee for the last-place entry.
Good Luck, everyone - and if you have any problems getting your picks in, let us know.
Good Luck, everyone - and if you have any problems getting your picks in, let us know.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Pre-tourney warmup
--Greg Hansen says beating UA would make the Aggies season....at the very least.
--According to Ivan Radenovic, the Cats will need to play their 6 best games of the year now.
--If you haven't picked your brackets yet, Anthony Gimino offers you a little help here.
--"Hot Sauce" needs to pour it on if the Cats hope to advance deep into the tourney. His disappearing act in the PAC10 finals against washington rivals Copperfield.
--Coach Jay John addresses the Beaver Nation. Nuff said.
--Utah State's deliberate style of play, which has bamboozled the Cats more than once this year (see wsu/stanford), will give AZ a test right away.
--It's Kruger vs. Kruger in asu's first-round NIT game against UNLV in Vegas. Do you care?
--$3.5 billion bet on the NCAA tourney? Greatgooglymoogly.
--According to Ivan Radenovic, the Cats will need to play their 6 best games of the year now.
--If you haven't picked your brackets yet, Anthony Gimino offers you a little help here.
--"Hot Sauce" needs to pour it on if the Cats hope to advance deep into the tourney. His disappearing act in the PAC10 finals against washington rivals Copperfield.
--Coach Jay John addresses the Beaver Nation. Nuff said.
--Utah State's deliberate style of play, which has bamboozled the Cats more than once this year (see wsu/stanford), will give AZ a test right away.
--It's Kruger vs. Kruger in asu's first-round NIT game against UNLV in Vegas. Do you care?
--$3.5 billion bet on the NCAA tourney? Greatgooglymoogly.
Go Beavers
Congrats to Jay John and the job he's doing at oregon state. Now comes word that the Beav will host CalStateFullerton in a first-round NIT game. The value and experience of playing in this post season bodes well for JJ and his beavs
Monday, March 14, 2005
The Little Dance
Maryland, Notre Dame settle for NIT - and the Sun Devils get to go to the Jr. Prom, too - facing off against UNLV in a first-round game in Vegas. (Why did I suddenly flash on Hedake Smith?) Expect the Devils to have lots of change in their pockets when the get to the airport - hey, somebody's got hit the jackpot, right?
Here is the scoop from Logan Utah
.......from The Herald Journal They beat up on Utah during the preseason.....................
Sunday, March 13, 2005
2004 NCAA Basketball Men's Viewable Brackets
Here are your brackets for March Madness 2005. Lots of interesting matchups, including a matchup here in Tucson between a couple Arizona's old WAC foes, Utah and UTEP. Toss in Bobby Knight vs. ucla and you've got a nice afternoon of bball.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
PAC10 Tourney - Cats 'n' Dawgs
I always was a Cat person
Hats off to Yoni Cohen for his "Bubble Watch" column at FoxSportsNet. Check out Yoni's College Basketball Blog for all the latest news.
Corky Simpson had a some nice things to say about AZ's newest rising star, Jawaan McClellan. With more playing time next year, JMac will introduce himself formally to the league, and remind them why he should have at least gotten one vote for the All-Freshman team this year.
Hats off to Yoni Cohen for his "Bubble Watch" column at FoxSportsNet. Check out Yoni's College Basketball Blog for all the latest news.
Corky Simpson had a some nice things to say about AZ's newest rising star, Jawaan McClellan. With more playing time next year, JMac will introduce himself formally to the league, and remind them why he should have at least gotten one vote for the All-Freshman team this year.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Arizona Continues Pursuit of No. 1 Seed
"LOS ANGELES - Arizona practically owns the Pac-10 tournament. This year, the No. 8 Wildcats want to take away more than a trophy...,"
says this wire report, and I'm guessing some washington Huskies are reading this, too. If the Cats can take care of osu tonight and uw gets past stanford, it sets up one helluva rubber game.
says this wire report, and I'm guessing some washington Huskies are reading this, too. If the Cats can take care of osu tonight and uw gets past stanford, it sets up one helluva rubber game.
The Year of the Cat
Nice way to kick off the post-season, whomping up on Cal yesterday. It was particularly nice to see Lute get the whole bench into the game, with quality minutes for Jesus Verdejo, Jawann McClellan, and Kirk Walters. The deeper this team goes into the NCAA tourney the more it's going to need the bench to step up just like it did yesterday. Next up today - osu, after they knocked off the "hometeam" bruins.
More articles: San Francisco Chronicle LA Times more LA Times
btw - I'm firing up the Bracket Challenge, so any reader with $10 and the winning brackets just let me know and I'll get you in the running.
More articles: San Francisco Chronicle LA Times more LA Times
btw - I'm firing up the Bracket Challenge, so any reader with $10 and the winning brackets just let me know and I'll get you in the running.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Congrats to Ike
Lute managed to bite his tongue when the all-league teams were announced, or at least he was more diplomatic than he has been in the past. Hey....Salim got Player of the Week this week.
Neuheisel's New Hustle
HeraldNet: Neuheisel leaves with $4.5 million after settling his wrongful termination suit against the NCAA and the u of washington. Just like toast, he lands butter-side up again.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Monday morning point guard
Basket is half-empty or half-full for Cats, reports the AZ Daily Star today, kind of an odd headline I thought about a team that just won the PAC10 regular season title outright just 2 days ago. Sure, Saturday's game against asu was close, but it was played in Tempe with Rob Evans' job on the line - again. I'm telling you, it was the switch to the red road jerseys that sparked these guys on.
More hoops here....here.....here......here....
And how happy are we that the Cats didn't play on Sunday this past week, what with all the upsets happening on that day.
More hoops here....here.....here......here....
And how happy are we that the Cats didn't play on Sunday this past week, what with all the upsets happening on that day.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
The Mirage in the Desert
That's how Bill Fritter describes the asu basketball program in this article, painting a not-so-rosy picture for attracting a top-level coach, should Evans get das boot this season.
The UA/asu game is on the radio now, and it was just announced that there are plenty of empty seats - in the student section. Guess the kids have cast their vote.
The UA/asu game is on the radio now, and it was just announced that there are plenty of empty seats - in the student section. Guess the kids have cast their vote.
You tell 'um Bill
Evans' status more uncertain than ever............a mirage in the desert....from The Arizona Republic
Friday, March 04, 2005
Angry Olson stirs the PAC10 pot again
An angry Lute Olson took the Pac-10 office to task again this week, this time for not naming Channing Frey the Player of the Week. Maybe it's because we lost to uw, Lute.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Cats/Devils Deux
The UA/asu basketball game this weekend has much importance to asu than to UA, esp. if the Devils are entertaining any hopes of the NCAA tourney later this month. A loss this weekend and a poor showing in the PC10 tourney next weekend spells doom (N-I-T) for the boys up the road. I'm actually more interested in the side show this weekend - the asu student section vs. Lute. Give 'em heck, coach.
Monday, February 28, 2005
DukeSucks Center - in our hearts
Fark names Fleet Center today.
"Meet the Farkers
Delaware North Companies, owner and operator of Boston's FleetCenter, announced today that they have reached agreement with Drew Curtis on a naming rights deal to re-name the world-class sports and entertainment arena the 'Boston Garden'. After several less than appropriate name choices from Drew, the approved name selection was one we could all agree on. Drew, who lives in Kentucky, is the founder of a popular website which offers up offbeat news stories and posts to its community members -- TotalFarkers. The deal will both go into effect and expire on Monday, February 28, 2005."
"Meet the Farkers
Delaware North Companies, owner and operator of Boston's FleetCenter, announced today that they have reached agreement with Drew Curtis on a naming rights deal to re-name the world-class sports and entertainment arena the 'Boston Garden'. After several less than appropriate name choices from Drew, the approved name selection was one we could all agree on. Drew, who lives in Kentucky, is the founder of a popular website which offers up offbeat news stories and posts to its community members -- TotalFarkers. The deal will both go into effect and expire on Monday, February 28, 2005."
Saturday, February 26, 2005
SI steps up and backs Cats
Interesting read here from SI that favors the Cats in the NCAAs.
And to think I just buy Sports Illustrated for the pictures
And to think I just buy Sports Illustrated for the pictures
Cats/Huskies duke it out in Seattle
In the PAC10's game of the year, with a national TV audience watching, the quest for national respect - heck, we'll settle for a little mention - for bball in the West could be settled. A win gives the Cats their 11th league title under Olson, Olson's record-breaking 305th league win, and a 7-game winning streak heading into tempe next week. Those red road jerseys have given the Cats some memorable wins this year, and I'm looking for that trend to continue today.
Read about the game here.....here......here......and here.....
Read about the game here.....here......here......and here.....
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Cats Hammer asu 11-5
Heading into a a road trip that includes games against #1 Texas, the Batcats warmed up by frying asu 11-5 yesterday at Kindall Field. It's still way too early to say if the earth has shifted and the UA program has passed their rival's (if only for a year....pleeeeze), and there is the 3-game series in Tempe later this spring, but this team picked up steam last season and haven't had to hit the brakes yet.
Notes
Arizona’s win over ASU on Wednesday was its third straight dating back to last season. The last time Arizona has beaten the Sun Devils three straight was in 1993 ... Wednesday marked the 10th time this season Arizona posted double digit hits and the seventh time in 11 games it scored 10 or more runs ... Junior Trevor Crowe led off the game with a double, the seventh time he has started Arizona with a hit to begin a game and the eighth time he has reached base to lead off (seven hits, one walk). He has four leadoff doubles and one triple this season ... Wednesday’s three homer game, marked the ninth contest this year Arizona has hit at least one home run and the sixth with two or more.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
XTreme Tennis in Dubai
Check out how Federer warms up for this week's Dubai Championships, on an unbelievable court. Saw a camera ad on TV that must have been shot at the same time, same place, too. Or maybe a little golf with Tiger?
Wooden spurs Wildcats
There aren't many schools where the student-athletes can sit down for a session with a true coaching legend, but it happened for the Wildcat basketball team yesterday when John Wooden himself stopped by practice for a visit. Lute can pass his mentor in PAC10 victories (Wooden has 304) with a successful trip through the NW, beginning with wsu tomorrow. The Daily Wildcat has an excellent article about Wooden and Olson, also, and reflects on Olson's career here and his ability to maintain the program at such a level of excellence year in and year out.
Anyone else starting to feel a deep run in the NCAAs?
Anyone else starting to feel a deep run in the NCAAs?
Stoudamire puts past behind him in spectacular finish to college career
Even The Beaufort Gazette in South Carolina is jumping on Arizona's bandwagon.
Five things to watch for in college basketball this week
Check out #2 -
"Wildcats: No, not that fictional football team coached by Goldie Hawn so many years ago -- the basketball teams that represent No. 23 Villanova, No. 9 Arizona and No. 5 Kentucky, which are among the hottest in the nation (a combined 26-4 in their past 10 games)."
From one of those Eastern papers
"Wildcats: No, not that fictional football team coached by Goldie Hawn so many years ago -- the basketball teams that represent No. 23 Villanova, No. 9 Arizona and No. 5 Kentucky, which are among the hottest in the nation (a combined 26-4 in their past 10 games)."
From one of those Eastern papers
Olson takes on Eastern bias again, this time about Stoudamire
Lute fails again to appreciate remarks from a sportscaster - this time Digger Phelps - and takes him to task over Digger's nonchalant attitude towards Salim and his game recently. Think that'll pump Salim up?
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
PAC10 gets some good press
Marques Johnson warns everyone, "Don't overlook the Pac-10," and is stumping for 4 league teams to make it into March Madness.
Monday, February 21, 2005
More on Salim
Greg Hansen has a nice column today about Salim and his amazing 4 years at the UA. What a transformation.
Incidentally, Greg's son Ben, a sportswriter/Cat Backer just like dad, recently suffered a stoke at a the young age of 27. To help Ben, donate here and get a chance for dinner with Lute. Here's to a speedy recovery, Ben.
Incidentally, Greg's son Ben, a sportswriter/Cat Backer just like dad, recently suffered a stoke at a the young age of 27. To help Ben, donate here and get a chance for dinner with Lute. Here's to a speedy recovery, Ben.
Wilbur, Wilma unmasked
UA's mascots unveiled their true identities at halftime yesterday, after 2 and 3 years of pumping up the crowds and lifting a leg on Sparky. The tradition continues.....
"Senior moments" a good thing for UA trio
Salim pours it on, Frye dominates in the middle, and Brase has a career night as the three AZ seniors played their final game in front of the home crowd, beating Jay John's OSU Beavers easily in the process. Salim set the UA school with 9 3-pointers in a game (on 9 of 14 shooting) and Frye had another double double (15 pts. 11 boards), while Matt Brase had career highs in points (4), boards (4), and didn't miss a dunk. The Cats put OSU away early and never looked back; they haven't looked better in a long time, catching fire at just the right time. With a possible 12 games remaining, don't count these guys out - this is not a team that will bicker its way out of the PAC10 and NCAA tourneys early.
Read more about the game here.......here........here........and here.
Box score here.
Salim vs. Redick on Sunday -
Salim - 9 of 14 3pt. shots, 10 of 16 overall, 31 points (left game with 10:14 remaining)
Redick - 6 of 10 3pt. shots, 9 of 15 overall, 38 points
Read more about the game here.......here........here........and here.
Box score here.
Salim vs. Redick on Sunday -
Salim - 9 of 14 3pt. shots, 10 of 16 overall, 31 points (left game with 10:14 remaining)
Redick - 6 of 10 3pt. shots, 9 of 15 overall, 38 points
Saturday, February 19, 2005
More Bruschi
Corky Simpson has a great column about Tedy Bruschi, reminding us of why he's one of the best Wildcats ever.
Channing looking back
Frye reflects as run at UA comes to endHere's a good article from the Arizona Republic. It is also revealed that this Arizona Republic writer had to put in a little jab about going to the big dance. Actually, we always get to go........counter punch.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Bruschi undergoes tests
Tedy Bruschi reportedly suffered partial paralysis yesterday and was admitted to MassGen for some more tests to determine status. Sounds like a little TIA (ministroke), with vision and speech returning to normal shortly after the episode. Best of luck to one of our favorite Wildcats.
Reggie comes clean
Reggie Fowler admitted to bio errors after the story broke yesterday (Wilma saw it on Wizbang) that the new Minnesota Vikings owner had padded his resume. Not that he did anything the rest of us haven't done to get a job - embellish the truth to look a little better - but he did get caught doing it.
The revised version is in the mail.
The revised version is in the mail.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Hot seat warming up for asu's Evans
Time to circle the wagons, Rob - a scalping party is headed your direction. Sounds like this could be the end of the line, but miracles have happened before. With such phrases as "listless performances" and "a coaching job that is a mirage" it can't be long before a search committee is formed. So who wants that job, anyway?
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Get the Duck out
Looks like oregon is going to be a man down (goose down?) for their swing through the desert this week. I hope they don't plan on using this as an excuse when we whup 'em Thursday, but I still don't see this as a plus for asu....they still don't stand a chance.
DukeSucksCenter - the dream will have to live on
The Denver Post picked up on FARK obtaining naming rights for one day to Boston's FleetCenter. Interestingly enough, Drew Curtis of FARK paid $2550 for the honor of renaming the arena, while the world famous Golden Palace Casino.com paid $35099 today for the same privilege. What are the odds of that?
According to the story,
Maybe they'd go for asu SUCKS.
According to the story,
(FARK's) initial proposal of "Fark.com Duke Sucks Center" was rejected. Among the ideas submitted so far: Fark.com Abe Vigoda Memorial Center, the Farkatorium and the Boston Garden.
Maybe they'd go for asu SUCKS.
Grudge Match 2005 Part I
I don't know how this happened, but there's a UA/asu baseball game today that hasn't been getting much press. Maybe the fact that it is a non-league game (how does that happen?) makes it less important. I can't say much, though - I didn't know about until today.
Check out the rankings, though: #9 AZ #18 asu
......Where'd I put that damn baseball schedule.......
Check out the rankings, though: #9 AZ #18 asu
......Where'd I put that damn baseball schedule.......
A day all Duke haters can look forward to
In a moment of divine inspiration FARK.com has purchased - on ebay - the naming rights to Boston's FleetCenter for Feb.28, 2005 - it will be known as the Duke Sucks Center for that day. And just look at all the things they get:
Check out the thread to this story, and stay tuned for Dookie V.'s response.
You are bidding on a once-in-a-lifetime chance to the naming rights of Boston's FleetCenter for Monday, February 28, 2005. This unique package includes:
Front-page exposure on arena website (www.fleetcenter.com), one of the most highly trafficked entertainment sites in New England. 'YourCenter' will be online for 24-hours beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST of your day.
One designated parking spot in the 'YourCenter' lot conveniently located in front of the building.
'YourCenter' exposure on in-arena Jumbotron and LED 360o signage system.
'YourCenter' announced on the FleetCenter's phone line & on-hold script.
A press release distributed to local and national media announcing your naming rights agreement.
A framed photo collage commemorating 'YourCenter,' including a ticket issued from your Box Office and an official certificate will be shipped to you at a later date.
Plus a special surprise gift package.
Check out the thread to this story, and stay tuned for Dookie V.'s response.
Tip-off time announced for Cats and Dawgs II
The rematch between the conference's top two teams takes place in Seattle on Sat., Feb. 26, at 1 PM PST, 2 PM MST. It will be a nationally televised game on Fox Sports (are they paying us enough?) and could be the game of the year. With the Cat's ugly loss to washington state and the bad Dawgs' performance against oregon state, neither team can afford any more mistakes for the next 3 weekends. And then? The PAC10 tourney. The big question these days is which teams are not going to make it to Staples.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Cats home for oregon schools this week
With a little boost in the polls after last week's blitzkrieg through "Los Angheleez," an impressive late-season surge, and washington's loss to oregon state, Arizona sits atop the PAC10 standings alone - and liking it. Team chemistry has greatly improved since the loss to wsu at home. Each player has stepped up when needed, and all this unselfish play has paid dividends at gametime, adding to the enjoyment of the game by both the players and the fans. We've got the horses to kick butt, so let's do it.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
St. John Fisher Cardinals go to 23-0
Athletics at St. John Fisher College tells of my new favorite Division III team and its quest for the Empire 8 Conference title.
"J.J. is Redickulous" and other student cheers
Seen and heard around the arena at the Duke/MD game. An argument in favor of grouping students together at games?
Olson takes aim at Dookie Vitale
East coast bias is one thing. Just plain ignoring the facts is entirely different. Lute called out "Dookie" Vitale this week for not giving Salim his due as the country's best pure shooter, and he had some facts to back his talk up.
Interesting enough, Marques Johnson brought up the same point during the UA/ucla telecast, so the message has not been falling on deaf ears.
Frankly, I was quite surprised not to see Vitale race out to Coach K's side and start CPR when K hyperventilated and hit the floor earlier this week.
"There's a bit of information that Rich (Paige, UA SID) shared with me about (J.J.) Redick being the greatest shooter in the country,'' Olson said. "If he hit 71 consecutive field goals, he'd reach Salim's field goal percentage shooting. If Redick made 53 consecutive three-pointers, he'd tie Salim for three-point field goal percentage."
Interesting enough, Marques Johnson brought up the same point during the UA/ucla telecast, so the message has not been falling on deaf ears.
Frankly, I was quite surprised not to see Vitale race out to Coach K's side and start CPR when K hyperventilated and hit the floor earlier this week.
stanford wins and loses
stanford's emotional win over cal came at a price - the loss of leading scorer Dan Grunfeld for the remainder of the season. He tore the ACL in his right knee" in a non-contact play," with surgery to be scheduled soon. If all goes well and rehab is successful, Grunfeld, a junior guard, should be ready to return for next season. Wilbur will let you know where to send those cards and candy.
Cats find "La Chispa" in LA
The Cats continued their new-found winning ways while wearing the Red road jerseys, this time leaving ucla in the dust for a share of the PAC10 lead with an 83-73 victory in LA. Ivan played great this weekend, just missing 2 double/doubles by a single point on Thursday. He also might be the next in line for kneepads, after his hustling diving style found him on the floor a few times scrambling for the ball. His enthusiasm has rubbed off on the rest of the team, making him "La Chispa" (the spark) of this current streak.
And Duke lost, too? It doesn't get much better.
And Duke lost, too? It doesn't get much better.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Nike sweatshops uncovered
Corky Simpson reports that UA AD Jim Livengood and others recently toured the Nike factories in SE Asia to investigate the "sweatshop issue" that has dogged Nike for years, especially on college campuses. The group was given free reign to talk to anyone, anywhere about problems that might exist, and the only problem was that everybody wanted to work there.
I'm waiting to see if the outcome of this trip merits as much press coverage as the protests that initiated it.
"The living and working conditions at the Nike factories are extremely good by Vietnamese standards. They offer home care for children, medical benefits and good cafeteria food. The issue I found was a concern that everybody over there might want these jobs. Nike working conditions have forced other manufacturers to improve their workplaces."
I'm waiting to see if the outcome of this trip merits as much press coverage as the protests that initiated it.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Kind words for Channing Frye
A very nice article here about AZ's senior center, one big man who lived up to his promise and more. His steady growth and development as a person and a player has been rarely matched, and he is well on his way to making us all proud that he's a Wildcat.
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Cats en fuego in LA
Got to listen to some of the game tonight against usc, however ER did its best to keep our scanners going. So - I'm just sitting down to watch the game. Congratulations to Lute on his 300th PAC-10 victory, joining John Wooden as the only coaches in league history to achieve that milestone. Can the new Redshirt Cats win number 301 on Saturday at ucla with The Legend himself in attendance? With the bruins' new-found confidence and inspired play, and the game being at Pauley, I'd wager the attendance will top the Sports Arena crowd of 4400+/-.
Hot Sauce...
Hot Sauce...
Tucson may get third pro team soon
Reggie Fowler, former Sahuaro prep star turned Chandler business whiz is close to buying the Minnesota Vikings,which would make him...well, here. Read about it in the Republic:
Pretty neat, huh? I love this town.
If successful, Fowler would become the third Tucson native in less than two years to buy a major professional sports franchise. He would join Arte Moreno of Phoenix, who became the first Hispanic to own a major U.S. sport when he bought the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in May 2003 for $184 million, and Robert Sarver, who now lives near San Diego and bought the Phoenix Suns last spring for $401 million.
Pretty neat, huh? I love this town.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
usc always scares me
The local press' low-key approach to tonight's game at usc has me concerned. The Cats have a (well-earned) reputation of playing at the level of the competition, and if they think they're going to just mail this one in we could be in for a long night. Bibby or no Bibby, usc could pull off a shocker if we're not careful or caught looking ahead to ucla.
Put on those red road jerseys and get r done
Put on those red road jerseys and get r done
Where are they now? Joe McLean
This guy was the Charlie Hustle of Wildcat basketball, diving for loose balls, playing smothering defense, always with the fashionable kneepads on. We could use a good scrambler, not afraid to get down and dirty for a loose ball.
Kneepads required.
Thanks for the inspirational play, Joe. But...moving to Phoenix
Kneepads required.
Thanks for the inspirational play, Joe. But...moving to Phoenix
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Thanks, Chuck
AZ sports legend Chuck Cecil and his wife Carrie recently announced a fundraising committee to benefit the UMC Trauma Center. Plans are for a celebrity golf tournament in early June, with a goal of $74K for the one-day event. Sounds like I better start saving my greens fees...imagine playing in a foursome with, say, Tom Tolbert? Chuck himself? Now we owe him a double debt of gratitude; first, for giving us the pleasure of watching him play here for 4 years, and second for his continuing gift of himself and his time.
One thing, though - I take offense to the "Ex-Wildcat" used in the headline of the article. Once a Cat, always a Cat.
One thing, though - I take offense to the "Ex-Wildcat" used in the headline of the article. Once a Cat, always a Cat.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Extreme betting
Cruel cut for Welsh rugby fan as he goes One-Nut Lance one better. I've felt bad after a loss before, but never this bad.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
What happened to Vince?
In the WWE's latest PPV, "Royal Rumble," owner Vince McMahon tore quad muscles in both legs doing a storyline stunt. That's what happens when you don't stay in ring-shape, I guess. The Wrestling Superstars were in town yesterday, an event I'm sorry to have missed, especially since Superfly Jimmy Snuka had a match. The AWA Title Match even rated a mention in today's paper.
Hit the road, Cats
No. 14 Arizona makes stand, routs Cardinal, now gets ready to take the show on the road this week. The victory over the tree put a stop to Stanford's 4-game winning streak at McKale and showed an AZ team playing with a passion and pride not seen in quite some time. This week's games against sc and ucla, on the road, should give us a good idea if the guys have indeed jelled. What are the chances of another road sweep in those lucky red jerseys?
Charlie Camp leaves Old Miss
Charlie Camp, former UA linebacker/coach/good guy, has had things a little rocky recently. Barely a month after joining the staff at Ole Miss Charlie has resigned for personal reasons. Sadly, it seems the reasons include a DUI, which likely will prevent his return to Oregon State, according to this Oregon newscast. This is a pretty expensive "learning experience," and should instead be filed under "Wasted Opportunities."
Get in the Hole!
Greg Hansen's Sunday column, always
chock full of interesting tidbits about Tucson sports and the comings and goings of our local sports heroes, was especially interesting today. Along with stories about Lute Olson, UA softball, Michael Wright,among others, this one stood out as I read the column:
Greg failed to mention that Rory is a native of Durban, South Africa, so this patriotic gesture takes on a little global flavor. Makes the first round a little more interesting for the TV audience. If Wilma will pledge her winnings ($1 for a bogie, $2 a par, and $5 for a birdie) from our weekly contests I'll match it. Since Rory has never recorded an ace, maybe this will be the year for that, too!
chock full of interesting tidbits about Tucson sports and the comings and goings of our local sports heroes, was especially interesting today. Along with stories about Lute Olson, UA softball, Michael Wright,among others, this one stood out as I read the column:
"UA alumnus Rory Sabbatini, for example, is wearing decidedly non-Tour camouflage pants on the Thursday of every event this year. It is his pledge to support American troops overseas. Sabbatini is donating $250 for every birdie and $1,000 for every eagle to the Fallen Heroes Fund. Through Friday, that meant $14,100 and could reach $100,000 this year if Sabbo continues as a top-30 golfer.
The staid PGA Tour informed Sabbatini that his camouflage outfit is unacceptable, but he continues to wear the pants - tailored to fit him nicely - while a players review board studies the situation."
Greg failed to mention that Rory is a native of Durban, South Africa, so this patriotic gesture takes on a little global flavor. Makes the first round a little more interesting for the TV audience. If Wilma will pledge her winnings ($1 for a bogie, $2 a par, and $5 for a birdie) from our weekly contests I'll match it. Since Rory has never recorded an ace, maybe this will be the year for that, too!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Git 'R Done
The Cats bounced back even better than expected in tonight's victory over Cal, and look to be just picking up steam. I don't know if it's because I didn't set the DVR for this one or what, but this sounded like a win from 17 or 18 years ago. Remember? AZ jumps out to a quick big lead, the opponent is demoralized early, and we cruise to a 20+ point win. We could watch a game without a doubt in our mind that the Cats would be victorious. Victory parties would be held at Flaky Jake's in Tempe before the game even started.
Perhaps tonight's game signals a return to those types of games.
In Lute's post-game show, in fact, he mentioned that he had shown the team films this week of those '87 & '88 teams and their jump out of the box.
Can't wait for the replay on FoxSports tomorrow so I can see the game for myself.
Perhaps tonight's game signals a return to those types of games.
In Lute's post-game show, in fact, he mentioned that he had shown the team films this week of those '87 & '88 teams and their jump out of the box.
Can't wait for the replay on FoxSports tomorrow so I can see the game for myself.
Cats vs. Cal
Greg Hansen has some interesting points in today's gameday column. Haven't brought myself around to watching the debacle against Dick Bennet, so we won't be dwelling on the past here. Best bet is we'll see a riled up Zona team tonight. When the heck are we ever going to kick someone's ass???
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