Bracketology 2024

[Northeast Stinger]

NCSU isn’t a tremendously talented team. It’s Burns and Horne and a supporting cast that works hard. Burns only had 4 def reb last night. He’s a terror to guard though. If they can get through Purdue they have a puncher’s chance.

They have a chance and, to me, it’s because they have nothing to lose. They’ve exceeded expectations, are having fun, and are loose and confident.

By contrast, UConn, as great as they are, is under a lot of pressure to win it all. If they have an off night against a team that isn’t scared of them they could trip up.

 

[Root4GT]

I said this back in January, but last night confirmed it. They might have the best starting lineup in college basketball, but they are not a good team. How can the staff not get something from Procter? How does a starting lineup with five 5* players give up 55 points in one half? I think Duke needs to ask themselves if Jon Scheyer is the right guy. If this lineup can't beat NC State, there is some bad wrong with what they are doing.

Check the ages of Duke players vs the teams in the Final Four. There is a glaring difference in age/experience. That matters. Kentucky has the same issue. They both may have to rethink their approach to roster construction.

 

[g0lftime]

I think I heard Burns in a post game interview mention how once they got on a run, players started showing up on time, nobody caused problems. So the team had issues working and playing together earlier.

Btw especially enjoyed watching that Filipowski ******* go down.

The team is essentially all transfers.

 

[Dettmann1]

The team is essentially all transfers.

I was at the game yesterday and that’s what struck me the most when doing the intros at the beginning - literally the entire starting 5 except 1 was a grad transfer. That lone guy not a grad transfer was a senior - that’s a ton of experience to have for a team.

Also - Burns just seems to wear teams down like you’d see with a dominant O or D line in football. He’s amazing to watch

 

[TechPhi97]

Anyone watching UConn open up the industrial size can of whoop asss on the Illinois?
59-30 with 9:15 left...
Illinois scored 0, yes, zero points in the first 7+ minutes of the 2nd half. Only 7 points in the first 11 minutes of the half.

I watched most of the 30-0 run. Even the UConn players couldn’t believe it.

 

[TechPhi97]

Take a look at the starters on the 4 teams left and you will not a majority of older players. Many "Grads" and seniors plus some Covid extra year guys!

This points to saving your NIL dollars for the portal.

 

[Jack]

I said this back in January, but last night confirmed it. They might have the best starting lineup in college basketball, but they are not a good team. How can the staff not get something from Procter? How does a starting lineup with five 5* players give up 55 points in one half? I think Duke needs to ask themselves if Jon Scheyer is the right guy. If this lineup can't beat NC State, there is some bad wrong with what they are doing.

I think they need to shift priorities like Kentucky to maintain some second and third and fourth year players. Youth can crack at the crunch time of the tournament.
Juniors and seniors are stronger and smarter.

 

[Northeast Stinger]

I think they need to shift priorities like Kentucky to maintain some second and third and fourth year players. Youth can crack at the crunch time of the tournament.
Juniors and seniors are stronger and smarter.

The Final Four seems to confirm your theory.

 

[orientalnc]

He played sax in his highschool band. I love his infectious smile.

 

[Northeast Stinger]

He played sax in his highschool band. I love his infectious smile.View attachment 15953

Yes!

I guess it goes without saying that I am with NC State all the way now.

 

[g0lftime]

I think they need to shift priorities like Kentucky to maintain some second and third and fourth year players. Youth can crack at the crunch time of the tournament.
Juniors and seniors are stronger and smarter.

Duke has seven recruits coming in . Most are 5*. I think they are all 2024. It's a complete rebuild. Not sure if any starters are returning. Roach is a senior. Filapowski most likely gone as are McCain and Proctor. Not much room for transfers and unless grads, I doubt they go for transfers this year.

 

[billga99]

Yes!

I guess it goes without saying that I am with NC State all the way now.

Villanova as 8th Seed is lowest seed to win National Championship. It would be great if NC State won it all but I do think it is a long shot.

 

[AUFC]

CDS will get us here folks

 

[Steverc]

Not a good seat in the house.

 

[awbuzz]

As someone noted, most of the folks in the stadium would be better off watching the game on their phone.

 

[YlJacket]

Purdue is proving if you don’t have to double Burns then NCSU has offensive issues

 

[awbuzz]

Purdue, clearly the better team. Hope they win it all.

Want UConn to win later tonight against Alabama.

 

[AUFC]

As someone noted, most of the folks in the stadium would be better off watching the game on their phone.

Photo doesn’t do it justice but it’s an electric atmosphere and my favorite weekend vacation every year exploring new cities. Well worth a bucket list item.

 

[awbuzz]

Photo doesn’t do it justice but it’s an electric atmosphere and my favorite weekend vacation every year exploring new cities. Well worth a bucket list item.

No doubt, part of being there is part of the experience.

 

[stinger78]

Proud of NCSU. They represented well, even though many said they didn’t belong. Too bad another ACC champ didn’t get the chance.