The blog formerly about a daily dose of mostly Minnesota sports rants and raves with a sprinkling of general sports commentary and a pinch of jaded-malaise regarding the world around us

January 19, 2013

Division 1 Basketball Game

To all I am sorry I have been non-existent. I never thought I would be the next LH. I have missed AP, The Gophers, Royce White...I could go on and on. Exciting times compared to recent years.

This past fall I began my MBA at Kennesaw St. At the time, I relayed to Jan that Kaplan should make a poster of me, posing with my hands on my hips while looking ever some handsomely at the camera with the caption "I got a XXX on the GMAT 10 years ago and I got into Kennesaw St." A deal has not been struck as of yet. 

Anyway, Kennesaw St plays D-1 hoops. As part of the Atlantic Sun conference, the winner of the conference tournament receives an automatic bid for the big dance, so we are talking big time hoops.  The last couple of years the bid has gone to Belmont, who has moved onto another conference.  Admittance is free to all students. I took my daughter up there today to see the 2-16 KSU Owls host the 5-14 East Tennessee State Buccaneers. The arena was nice and seemed new. Capacity at the Convocation Center is 4000 and change. I guessed the attendance was 1000 and was only two people off as the actual was 1002. We were in the front row (general admission) behind the basket. The stands are elevated with the first row being about 5 feet off the ground. Being behind the basket we were frequently on the Jumbotron (obvious over exaggeration). I am not sure if this amused her or me more. Scrappy the Owl said hello and reached up for a high five. The game had all the promotions you might find at a Flint Tropics game: the shot from half court for a shopping spree at the bookstore, the promise of a free taco from Del Taco if the Owls scored 70 and a free throw contest between the mayor of Kennesaw and the athletic director.

ETSU controlled the game start to finish. They had more size inside as well as sharpshooting from beyond the arc. I was surprised to see they only had 5 wins on the year. I thought they would be better as they are one of the few teams, along with Mercer, from the Atlantic Sun conference that I recognized. Ever heard of South Carolina St Upstate or Lipscomb? I hadn't. We had a good time and we will definitely go back. Good clean family fun at the right price ($6 for her plus concessions).  Go Owls! Someday when KSU makes the tournament, I will be able to sit back and talk about how I was there when they only won a few games in those early years after having made the jump from D-2 (2004 Men's basketball champs, the only banner in the arena).

This brings my basketball arena total up to 5:  Northwestern 4 games, Iowa 2 games (maybe 1 or 2 more), Minnesota 1, Georgia Tech 1 and now KSU 1.

How awesome is the ETSU logo? The buccaneer totally looks like a Scooby Doo villain.

January 11, 2013

Your Minnesota Golden Gopher Hoops Team

Fellas - It's time to take a moment and reflect on the first half of the season for your Minnesota Gopher basketball team.  I know I know...they've started strong before and completely collapsed, capped by a 1st round NCAA loss, or worse yet, an NIT bid.  This team feels different, though...after all, they just went into the "Champaign room" and beat a top 15 Illini team (who is vastly overrated, but still a quality win).  That's just their 3rd win there in literally 25+ years.

To recap, the Gophers are ranked in the top 10.  I repeat, the Gophers are ranked in the TOP FREAKING TEN in the country!  Their only loss is to MCA's Blue Devils, who, by the way, are the #1 team in the nation and undefeated.  I had become somewhat of a Tubby doubter, but maybe, just maybe, he needed 5 years to get all of his own players into the program.  They lead the nation in Offensive Rebounding and are playing defense with their hair on fire so far.  Rodney Williams has become a well-rounded player, Mbakwe is an absolute beast in the paint (and a double-double machine), and the Hollins "twins" provide the strong backcourt the team has been lacking in previous years (especially with Al Nolen's problems).  Throw in Hopkins Royal Joe Coleman and you've got a rugged starting 5.  The bench is serviceable, with several veteran guys who can play good minutes if needed.  Dre Hollins seems to be the default "go to" guy, but it's the type of team where a different guy steps up every night (see Coleman's 29 points at Illinois).  At this point, if they stay healthy and don't tire out down the stretch, this is at least a Sweet 16 team, if not Elite 8.

To carry on a prior thread...this was seriously one of the best Holiday Seasons in MN sports history (and yes, the NU bowl win was fantastic).  Even the football Gophers exceeded expectations and had Texas Tech on the ropes!  Great to see the Hockey Gophers return to their rightful place at the top.

January 6, 2013

A Season in Review - The Purple

Dispense with the idea that we were suppose to be terrible this year because in this league change happens overnight (see: RG3, Luck etc.). A rebuilding year was kicked into high gear by unreal play by AP and a better than expected defensive secondary. Hope springs eternal,we'll be back next year. Hopefully with a receiver and a couple additions to our defensive front 4. Skol.

January 3, 2013

FTLOSBW Prediction Segment - Leia picks Vikes

Predictions rolling in for Saturdays game as Princess Leia takes the Vikes citing AP's dominance and "the Force being with the Vikes this year." Leia also said that Green Bay is a "bunch of pussies who has fans one gene away from being total retards."

January 2, 2013

FTLOSBW - Feel the Excitement Grow in Your Pants

What does a blog about Minnesota sports say after one of the most emotional wins ever?  I'm at a loss.  I think the smile on Joe Webb's face and his excitement says it all during this breakdown.

So excited. Can't wait for Saturday night. Everyone is doubting us.  Keep it up. We'll show you, just you.