Just Try And Stump The Sports Expert

[Jim Poteet]

Not disagreeing with anything you said, but Mark Moseley is 59, not 49. He will turn 60 in March of this year.

Sorry, I hit the wrong key. You are correct. It is sad what is going on in his life.

[Jim Poteet]

Will Memphis finish the NCAA Basketball regular season undefeated?

[Mike Schutz]

Will Memphis finish the NCAA Basketball regular season undefeated?

They have a legitimate shot, with probably their most difficult single game on Feb. 23 against Tennessee. The rigors of the schedule make such an achievement so difficult.

Coach Cal is an interesting guy. I got to see him many times when he coached UMass (including Marcus Canby). He makes you want to check for your wallet, and I doubt that I would buy a used car from him, but he knows how to recruit, and his teams certainly tend to be greater than the sum of the parts.

[Jim Poteet]

They have a legitimate shot, with probably their most difficult single game on Feb. 23 against Tennessee. The rigors of the schedule make such an achievement so difficult.

Coach Cal is an interesting guy. I got to see him many times when he coached UMass (including Marcus Canby). He makes you want to check for your wallet, and I doubt that I would buy a used car from him, but he knows how to recruit, and his teams certainly tend to be greater than the sum of the parts.

Memphis will have its hands full with Tennessee. However, I believe the game is in Memphis. Coach Calipari is an interesting guy and you have described him well.

[Jim Poteet]

Bob Knight resigned today. This was done to allow his son, Pat, to coach 10-12 games with absolutely no pressure to get ready for next year.

It is interesting to watch this latest trend for coaches to have their sons named as "head coach designate." It is suicide to do this as "big time" major college basketball is too competitive to try accompolish "on the job training." Sean Sutton is already failing in his job at Oklahoma State University and I don't think he will be back next year. I don't understand why Eddie Sutton and Bob Knight want to place their sons in such a precarious situation. They are sitting them up to fail. The closest analogy to this is Ray Meyer and son Joey Meyer at DePaul. It didn't work and ruined a great relationship for Ray at DePaul.

[Mike Schutz]

Bob Knight resigned today. This was done to allow his son, Pat, to coach 10-12 games with absolutely no pressure to get ready for next year.

It is interesting to watch this latest trend for coaches to have their sons named as "head coach designate." It is suicide to do this as "big time" major college basketball is too competitive to try accompolish "on the job training." Sean Sutton is already failing in his job at Oklahoma State University and I don't think he will be back next year. I don't understand why Eddie Sutton and Bob Knight want to place their sons in such a precarious situation. They are sitting them up to fail. The closest analogy to this is Ray Meyer and son Joey Meyer at DePaul. It didn't work and ruined a great relationship for Ray at DePaul.

What do you see as the differences between those situations and the situation at Georgetown?

[Bob Evans]

Mike

Wasen't there a couple of coaches in between the Thompsons?

[Jim Poteet]

What do you see as the differences between those situations and the situation at Georgetown?

Mike,

There is one major difference. John Thompson III went to Princeton and proved that he was a very good coach. He then was hired at Georgetown based on his credentials as a coach. He has done an outstanding job.

Sean Sutton and Pat Knight were hired at Oklahoma State and Texas Tech because their Dad's orchestrated the employment. Neither son has any credentials as a head coach.

I always remember Abe Lemon's statement, "When you move over 24 inches on the bench from assistant coach to head coach, there is a great difference between a suggestion and a decision." On the job training will not cut it in a very good conference like the Big 12 or Big East.

[Jim Franklin]

Coach, tell the new folks the Abe Lemon and Howard Cosell story.

[Jim Poteet]

Coach, tell the new folks the Abe Lemon and Howard Cosell story.

When Abe Lemons was the coach at OKlahoma City University, he had some very good teams. This was a time when the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) was just as important or more so than the NCAA Tournament. Abe's OCU Chierfs were playing the St. John's Redmen, coached by Lou Carnesecca in Madison Square Garden. St. John's was absolutely destroying OCU at halftime by about 25 points. Abe did not take his team to the locker room at half time. Instead, he had them scrimmage shirts versus skins in front of over 15,000 people during the break. OCU lost the game by over 20 points and after the game Howard Cosell came over to interview Abe. Howard began by telling Coach Lemons that his half-time scrimmage was "bush league" and that anyone with any class would never do that in Madison Square Garden. Abe had enough of Cosell's comments and said, "Howard, you may be big stuff here in New York City, but in Walters Oklahoma where I'm from you're a nobody." Abe turned and walked away and for one time, Howard Cosell was speechless.

[Gina Stevenson]

I know Chuck that you are responding to an article about the NFL that I shared with you. You have a hard time understanding that I am not remotely interested in professional football. I don't watch it because of the inhumane way the players are treated by the owners and their own players association ................................

I sometimes wonder why the church uses the "Super Bowl" as an outreach. Couldn't there be a better way to share God's love for us than at a inhumane event where the two coaches of this year's game have a reputation for brutality and indifference toward their players.

Just my thoughts.

My jaw kept dropping lower & lower as I read your post re the treatment of players/retired players/retirement compensation, et cetera. How sad! Had never heard such a thing before, tho' I had heard re some ending up with the early dementia you mentioned from head injuries. Makes me feel it wasn't so awful, after all, falling asleep during the Super Bowl.

[Jim Poteet]

Chuck, my friend,

Didn't Kansas play at Texas last night? I was wondering who won. Could you give me a recap?

[Chuck Millhuff]

Chuck, my friend,

Didn't Kansas play at Texas last night? I was wondering who won. Could you give me a recap?

Well if you don't know I guess you hate college ball as well. So you will not wander in your ignorance Tx won with home town refs by a sliver. Just be happy Tx will not have to come to the cradle of the game. ALLEN FIELD HOUSE

[Ryan Scott]

Well if you don't know I guess you hate college ball as well. So you will not wander in your ignorance Tx won with home town refs by a sliver. Just be happy Tx will not have to come to the cradle of the game. ALLEN FIELD HOUSE


Cradle of the game? I'm pretty sure that is a building in Springfield, MA. That has been an amusing aspect to living in Kansas. Everyone here seems to think that James Naismith invented the game while he was coaching at Kansas instead of in Massachusetts seven years previous.

[Jim Poteet]

Cradle of the game? I'm pretty sure that is a building in Springfield, MA. That has been an amusing aspect to living in Kansas. Everyone here seems to think that James Naismith invented the game while he was coaching at Kansas instead of in Massachusetts seven years previous.

Just for Chuck's information, the game of basketball was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts at the International YMCA Training School. Oh, and James Naismith was a Canadian, not a Kansan.

[Chuck Millhuff]

Cradle of the game? I'm pretty sure that is a building in Springfield, MA. That has been an amusing aspect to living in Kansas. Everyone here seems to think that James Naismith invented the game while he was coaching at Kansas instead of in Massachusetts seven years previous.

The game was birthed in Mass but rocked into life in Kansas by naismith and evetually Allen.

[Chuck Millhuff]

Jim what was Coach Naismith's free through average at the old peach basket at the YMCA?

[Jim Poteet]

The game was birthed in Mass but rocked into life in Kansas by naismith and evetually Allen.

Yes, Dr. James Naismith was the 1st Basketball coach at KU. He was also the University Doctor, the University chaplain, and a faculty member. Maybe that is why he is the only basketball coach in the history of KU to have a losing record. When he was first asked to be the basketball coach at KU, he supposedly said, "You don't coach this game, you just play it." I guess he thought that coaching would ruin the game.:basic03

[Jim Poteet]

Jim what was Coach Naismith's free through average at the old peach basket at the YMCA?

I doubt that Dr. Naismith was much of a basketball player. He was too busy climbing the ladder to get the ball out of the peach basket because no one had thought of cutting a hole in the bottom so the ball could come through and fall to the floor.

Chuck, you would have been good at that position - climbing the ladder and taking the ball out of the peach basket. You would have been a 4-year letterman.:laughing

[Ryan Scott]

It's not that they didn't think to cut the bottom out, but the chef in the kitchen needed his basket intact and wouldn't let them cut the bottom out.

[Jim Poteet]

It's not that they didn't think to cut the bottom out, but the chef in the kitchen needed his basket intact and wouldn't let them cut the bottom out.

Can you imagine how slow the game would be if there was not a hole in the net?

[Chuck Millhuff]

Coach When was the double dribble made into a rule? What is the reason for the tee shirts in the college game. They look tacky!

[Jim Poteet]

Coach When was the double dribble made into a rule? What is the reason for the tee shirts in the college game. They look tacky!

The dribble did not exist in the original 13 rules. However, Dr. Naismith had a rule that stated you could pass the ball in any direction. The players began to pass the ball to the floor and it would come back to them - so the dribble was invented. There was a move by some rulemakers to take the dribble out of the game in 1927. The coaches protested and started an organization known as the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches).

Tee Shirts do look tacky. But some wear them because the uniform chafes their body. I doubt there will be much change.

By the way, where did Kansas get that funny cartoon character they use as a mascot?

[Chuck Millhuff]

The dribble did not exist in the original 13 rules. However, Dr. Naismith had a rule that stated you could pass the ball in any direction. The players began to pass the ball to the floor and it would come back to them - so the dribble was invented. There was a move by some rulemakers to take the dribble out of the game in 1927. The coaches protested and started an organization known as the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches).

Tee Shirts do look tacky. But some wear them because the uniform chafes their body. I doubt there will be much change.

By the way, where did Kansas get that funny cartoon character they use as a mascot?



Mascots are believed to bring good luck, especially to athletic teams. Just about every college claims a mascot. The University of Kansas is home of the Jayhawk, a mythical bird with a fascinating history. Its origin is rooted in the historic struggles of Kansas settlers. The term "Jayhawk" was probably coined about 1848. Accounts of its use appeared from Illinois to Texas. The name combines two birds--the blue jay, a noisy, quarrelsome thing known to rob other nests, and the sparrow hawk, a stealthy hunter. The message here: Don't turn your back on this bird.
During the 1850s, the Kansas Territory was filled with such Jayhawks. The area was a battleground between those wanting a state where slavery would be legal and those committed to a Free State. The factions looted, sacked, rustled cattle, stole horses, and otherwise attacked each other's settlements. For a time, ruffians on both sides were called Jayhawkers. But the name stuck to the free staters. Lawrence, where KU would be founded, was a Free State stronghold.

During the Civil War, the Jayhawk's ruffian image gave way to patriotic symbol. Kansas Governor Charles Robinson raised a regiment called the Independent Mounted Kansas Jayhawks. By war's end, Jayhawks were synonymous with the impassioned people who made Kansas a Free State. In 1886, the bird appeared in a cheer--the famous Rock Chalk chant. When KU football players first took the field in 1890, it seemed only natural to call them Jayhawkers. How do you draw a Jayhawk? For years, that question stumped fans. Henry Maloy, a cartoonist for the student newspaper, drew a memorable version of the 'hawk in 1912. He gave it shoes. Why? For kicking opponents, of course.

In 1920, a more somber bird, perched on a KU monogram, came into use. In 1923, Jimmy O'Bryon and George Hollingbery designed a duck-like 'hawk. About 1929, Forrest O. Calvin drew a grim-faced bird sporting talons that could maim. In 1941, Gene "Yogi" Williams opened the Jayhawk's eyes and beak, giving it a contentious look. It is Harold D. Sandy's 1946 design of a smiling Jayhawk that survives. The design was copyrighted in 1947.

In the 1960s, the Jayhawk went 3-D when the KU Alumni Association provided a mascot costume. Welcome, "Jay." In 1971, during Homecoming halftime, a huge egg was hauled out to the 50-yard line, and fans witnessed the hatch of Jay's companion - "Baby Jay."

Today you'll find several Jayhawks on the Lawrence campus. A piece of birdlike iconography on Dyche Hall, erected in 1901, looks suspiciously like a Jayhawk. In front of Strong Hall perches a large 'hawk, a statue with sleek, modern lines, gift of the Class of 1956. Another, a striding, feathered bronze, greets visitors to the Adams Alumni Center.

Does the Jayhawk fly? Baby Jay flew the coop once, back in September 1978. Birdnapped, really. The costume was returned just in time for Homecoming. A good thing, too, because myths and mascots are fun to have around.

[Jim Poteet]

Mascots are believed to bring good luck, especially to athletic teams. Just about every college claims a mascot. The University of Kansas is home of the Jayhawk, a mythical bird with a fascinating history. Its origin is rooted in the historic struggles of Kansas settlers. The term "Jayhawk" was probably coined about 1848. Accounts of its use appeared from Illinois to Texas. The name combines two birds--the blue jay, a noisy, quarrelsome thing known to rob other nests, and the sparrow hawk, a stealthy hunter. The message here: Don't turn your back on this bird.
During the 1850s, the Kansas Territory was filled with such Jayhawks. The area was a battleground between those wanting a state where slavery would be legal and those committed to a Free State. The factions looted, sacked, rustled cattle, stole horses, and otherwise attacked each other's settlements. For a time, ruffians on both sides were called Jayhawkers. But the name stuck to the free staters. Lawrence, where KU would be founded, was a Free State stronghold.

During the Civil War, the Jayhawk's ruffian image gave way to patriotic symbol. Kansas Governor Charles Robinson raised a regiment called the Independent Mounted Kansas Jayhawks. By war's end, Jayhawks were synonymous with the impassioned people who made Kansas a Free State. In 1886, the bird appeared in a cheer--the famous Rock Chalk chant. When KU football players first took the field in 1890, it seemed only natural to call them Jayhawkers. How do you draw a Jayhawk? For years, that question stumped fans. Henry Maloy, a cartoonist for the student newspaper, drew a memorable version of the 'hawk in 1912. He gave it shoes. Why? For kicking opponents, of course.

In 1920, a more somber bird, perched on a KU monogram, came into use. In 1923, Jimmy O'Bryon and George Hollingbery designed a duck-like 'hawk. About 1929, Forrest O. Calvin drew a grim-faced bird sporting talons that could maim. In 1941, Gene "Yogi" Williams opened the Jayhawk's eyes and beak, giving it a contentious look. It is Harold D. Sandy's 1946 design of a smiling Jayhawk that survives. The design was copyrighted in 1947.

In the 1960s, the Jayhawk went 3-D when the KU Alumni Association provided a mascot costume. Welcome, "Jay." In 1971, during Homecoming halftime, a huge egg was hauled out to the 50-yard line, and fans witnessed the hatch of Jay's companion - "Baby Jay."

Today you'll find several Jayhawks on the Lawrence campus. A piece of birdlike iconography on Dyche Hall, erected in 1901, looks suspiciously like a Jayhawk. In front of Strong Hall perches a large 'hawk, a statue with sleek, modern lines, gift of the Class of 1956. Another, a striding, feathered bronze, greets visitors to the Adams Alumni Center.

Does the Jayhawk fly? Baby Jay flew the coop once, back in September 1978. Birdnapped, really. The costume was returned just in time for Homecoming. A good thing, too, because myths and mascots are fun to have around.

What a bunch of garbage!

[Chuck Millhuff]

What a bunch of garbage!

Better than a garbage wagon charging around the field !

[Jim Poteet]

Better than a garbage wagon charging around the field !

Are you talking about that crazy Sooner Schooner? Now that is a ridiculous mascot!

[Joel Schafer]

Before ending his carreer as an enforcer in the NHL who was the last person that Ty Domi dropped his gloves with? And did he get an instigator penatly?

[Jim Poteet]

Before ending his carreer as an enforcer in the NHL who was the last person that Ty Domi dropped his gloves with? And did he get an instigator penatly?

Was it with a fan? Tell us more.

[Joel Schafer]

Was it with a fan? Tell us more.
NO But Tie is known for the fan falling into the penalty box and roughing him up when he fell in . It was a player not a trick question. it happening in april of 2006 in the playoffs.

[Jim Poteet]

The Memphis Tigers are no longer the #1 college basketball team in the country. They lost tonight to Tennessee 66-62. Ironically, Memphis has been the top rated team in both the AP and Coaches poll, but has been next to last out of 328 in free throw shooting percentage. As a team the Tigers shoot 58%. The percentage is horrific and my belief is that a team that shoots that poorly at the free throw line will never win a national championship.

Some of you know that I wrote my doctoral dissertation at Oklahoma State University on free throw shooting. Once in a while I have a chance to comment as an "expert" on the art of free throw shooting. Friday morning (2/22/2008) my phone rang and the caller iidentified himself as a sports columnist for the Washington Post. He told me he was writing an article on Saturday night's game between Memphis & Tennessee. He felt that the game would be decided at the free throw line and asked for my "expert" opinion. I told him I thought Tennessee would win and I agreed that free throws would decide the game.

As I stated earlier Tennessee won by 4. The Volunteers were 12 for 18 at the free throw line/67% and Memphis was 8 for 17/47%. Memphis was 1 for 6 in the final minutes. I state all this to give you some quotes from the Washington Post article. The article is titled "Season Could be on Line."

Season Could Be on Line
As NCAA Tourney Nears, Memphis Gets Free Advice

"Memphis is first in the polls but almost last nationally (326th of 328) in free throw shooting, making just 58.8 percent. Among the past 12 teams that competed in national title games, only Connecticut, the 2004 national champion, made les s than 65 percent of its free throws.

That Memphis is supremely skilled but inferior at the free throw line does not surprise Jim Poteet, a former NAIA and Division II coach for 25 years whose doctoral dissertation, entitled "The Paradox of the Free Throw," asserted that factors that make the shot look so easy are the very reasons it is so hard. On the second page of Poteet's 100-page dissertation, he references a 1998 quote by then-New Jersey Nets and current Memphis coach John Calipari, who told Sports Illustrated, "If we play great defensively, the free throws take care of themselves."

Poteet said if you walk into any gymnasium, "you won't see players practicing free throws. They'll be shooting as far out as they can or practicing dunking. There is an emphasis on athleticism. There is no reason, with the kind of players Memphis has, to shoot 58 percent. It will cost them. They won't win the national championship."

Later in the article, the writer, Eric Prisbell states, "Poteet said no other aspect of basketball produces so many divergent theories. Some coaches believe shooting a high percentage is critical to winning games, he said, while others believe it is irrelevant."

I have added the link to the article if you are interested in reading it. Needless to say made free throws win championships.

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202811.html?sub=AR

[Ryan Scott]

On the second page of Poteet's 100-page dissertation, he references a 1998 quote by then-New Jersey Nets and current Memphis coach John Calipari, who told Sports Illustrated, "If we play great defensively, the free throws take care of themselves."


I'm guessing there's a research assistant at the Post very thankful you put that quote on page 2.

[Bruce Carriker]

Cool, Jim; but you know that there are some here who will now consider you anathema. Being quoted as a source by the "radical, leftist, hateful, evil, Satanically-controlled, biased" Washington Post can you get you excommunicated in some places; even if you are being quoted in the sports section.

[Susan Unger]

Jim,

Do you know the name of the town where the world’s first night football game was held?

[Jim Poteet]

Jim,

Do you know the name of the town where the world’s first night football game was held?

High school, college or pro?

[Susan Unger]

I think it is billed as the first of any kind ever [of American style football]. I can give you hints if you need them. ;)

[Jim Poteet]

I think it is billed as the first of any kind ever [of American style football]. I can give you hints if you need them. ;)

I don't know the answer, but I wonder if the game happened in your part of the world. Pennsylvania has a great history of football such as Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indians. Could the first night game have been played in your state?

What a good question. Thanks for asking it.:basic01

[Susan Unger]

I am impressed with myself for stumping you on a sports question. I am known in my family for my sports illiteracy :)

"The world's first night football game played under lights [was] on September 28th, 1892. The match pitted Mansfield Seminary against Wyoming Seminary and was the highlight of the Great Mansfield Fair that year. (http://www.mansfield.org/history.html)" This took place in Mansfield, PA present day home of Mansfield University. I only know this because I grew up there and my father was a history professor at MU for 30 some years.

Now, my next question for you also comes from Manfield. Can you name this famous pro-basketball player from Mansfield? He was on the 72 Olympic basketball team, was the #1 high school basketball player in the nation in 1970, played for the U of Maryland, Braves, Knicks, Hawks, Bullets and then in 86 ran for Congress. He represented Maryland from 87 -93. The article about him on Wikipedia says that he was the tallest member of congress. He is now a businessman. I only care about this question cuz his younger sister babysat me when I was in elementary school. Liz deserved a medal for putting up with me :)

[Gina Stevenson]

Have watched free throws in the past, but hadn't tho't of them as game breakers/winners. Have to take more note of them. ;)

[Jim Poteet]

I am impressed with myself for stumping you on a sports question. I am known in my family for my sports illiteracy :)

"The world's first night football game played under lights [was] on September 28th, 1892. The match pitted Mansfield Seminary against Wyoming Seminary and was the highlight of the Great Mansfield Fair that year. (http://www.mansfield.org/history.html)" This took place in Mansfield, PA present day home of Mansfield University. I only know this because I grew up there and my father was a history professor at MU for 30 some years.

Now, my next question for you also comes from Manfield. Can you name this famous pro-basketball player from Mansfield? He was on the 72 Olympic basketball team, was the #1 high school basketball player in the nation in 1970, played for the U of Maryland, Braves, Knicks, Hawks, Bullets and then in 86 ran for Congress. He represented Maryland from 87 -93. The article about him on Wikipedia says that he was the tallest member of congress. He is now a businessman. I only care about this question cuz his younger sister babysat me when I was in elementary school. Liz deserved a medal for putting up with me :)

That is an easy question. His name - Tom McMillan - He played collegiately at the University of Maryland.

[Susan Unger]

That is an easy question. His name - Tom McMillan - He played collegiately at the University of Maryland.

Ah well....at least I got you on the first night football game:p

[Joel Schafer]

before doug flutie kicked a drop kick extra point who was the last person to kick on also a feild goal ?

[Jim Poteet]

before doug flutie kicked a drop kick extra point who was the last person to kick on also a feild goal ?

If you mean the NFL, it was a player named McLean in 1941.

[Joel Schafer]

If you mean the NFL, it was a player named McLean in 1941.

Yes indeed, I did mean the NFL. was he the last for both Extra Points and FG?

[Jim Poteet]

Yes indeed, I did mean the NFL. was he the last for both Extra Points and FG?

McLean was the last player to drop kick an extra point. A player named Earl Clark was the last NFL player to drop kick a field goal in 1937.

[Jim Poteet]

What four teams will make it to San Antonio for the Final Four?

[Joel Schafer]

What four teams will make it to San Antonio for the Final Four?
good luck with that one jim

[Ryan Scott]

I have three #1 seeds and a #4 seed making the Final Four, but you can't know which ones until games start and the brackets close.

[Jim Poteet]

I have watched the last two evenings the wonderful documentary about the historical black colleges and universities basketball programs prior to integration. The 4 hour series is on ESPN and is entitled "Black Magic." It is an awesome presentation.

The all-time winningest black coach, Clarence "Big House" Gaines won 828 games at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. He was the coach there for 46 years. One of his wins was against Bethany Nazarene College and me, as the coach, at the 1978 NAIA National Tournament. Winston-Salem was seeded #1 and we lost by 13 points. "Big House" was nicknamed appropriately because he was huge big man weighing somewhere in the 375-400 pound range. I shall never forget my brief moments with him before our game at the national tournament. In a lighthearted exchange, he said, "Coach, do you know how I get my players in shape to run hard for the whole game." I said, "No, please tell me." "Big House" said, "I have them run laps around me."

His greatest player ever was Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. Earl averaged over 42 points a game his senior season and he was an absolute star in the NBA. Monroe was from Philadelphia and was such a playground legend that he was called "Black Jesus."

The documentary is well worth your time to watch. It will be repeated several times on ESPN in the next few days.

[Ryan Scott]

If only I had ESPN.

[Jim Poteet]

I have three #1 seeds and a #4 seed making the Final Four, but you can't know which ones until games start and the brackets close.

You can now reveal your picks.

[Ryan Scott]

Oh; you can see them since you joined the bracket group with me. Are you just trying to add to my public embarrassment for choosing Pittsburgh? I really think that Michigan State game would have been their toughest match-up until the Final Four. Now I have to root against Texas, not because I want them to lose, but because I don't want you to beat me.

I have UCLA beating Kansas in the final game (with North Carolina and the now defunct Pittsburgh losing in the semis).

But even this is a better result than my d3 bracket. My champ lost to a dog in the first round, although I did get two of the final four correct.

[Jim Poteet]

Oh; you can see them since you joined the bracket group with me. Are you just trying to add to my public embarrassment for choosing Pittsburgh? I really think that Michigan State game would have been their toughest match-up until the Final Four. Now I have to root against Texas, not because I want them to lose, but because I don't want you to beat me.

I have UCLA beating Kansas in the final game (with North Carolina and the now defunct Pittsburgh losing in the semis).

But even this is a better result than my d3 bracket. My champ lost to a dog in the first round, although I did get two of the final four correct.

You listened to Bob Knight too much as he also picked Pittsburgh. However, sometimes I think he is just trying to put undue pressure on a team or coach that he doesn't like very much.

On another subject, I had another interview today with the sports columnist of the Daily Oklahoman about free throw shooting. The story will be out on Thursday by columnist, John Rhode. You can probably find the story online Thursday.

[Ryan Scott]

I didn't know Bob Knight had picked them until later. I just underestimated Izzo and Neitzel, which is a foolish thing to do. I think Memphis will be saying the same thing this weekend.

[Ryan Scott]

You're post on the other board got me thinking.

Stephan Curry has now played three games in the NCAA Tournament (with at least one more coming this weekend). At this point he has not scored less than 30 points in any one game, averaging 33.3ppg.

Has anyone else played at least three games in the tournament with a higher scoring average?

[Jim Poteet]

You're post on the other board got me thinking.

Stephan Curry has now played three games in the NCAA Tournament (with at least one more coming this weekend). At this point he has not scored less than 30 points in any one game, averaging 33.3ppg.

Has anyone else played at least three games in the tournament with a higher scoring average?

I doubt it. He is a great player and looks as if he is about 14 years old.

[Ryan Scott]

I doubt it. He is a great player and looks as if he is about 14 years old.

Really? Someone like Kareem or Bill Walton even? I know where to find NCAA regular season records, do you think they have post-season records too?

[Jim Poteet]

Really? Someone like Kareem or Bill Walton even? I know where to find NCAA regular season records, do you think they have post-season records too?

Neither one ever averaged 30 points per game during the NCAA tournament. Bill Bradley of Princeton would have come close in the 1965 NCAA Tournament as he scored 56 points in one game.

Look under NCAA Basketball Tournment records.

[Ryan Scott]

I didn't find a complete list yet, but I did find two players who have him beat:

Bill Bradley averaged 33.7 in 9 tournament games and Austin Carr averaged a whopping 41.3 in 7 tournament games. Oscar Robertson is close, with 32.7 in 10 tournament games (he also averaged 13 rebounds and 9.4 assists over that span).

[Jim Poteet]

I didn't find a complete list yet, but I did find two players who have him beat:

Bill Bradley averaged 33.7 in 9 tournament games and Austin Carr averaged a whopping 41.3 in 7 tournament games. Oscar Robertson is close, with 32.7 in 10 tournament games (he also averaged 13 rebounds and 9.4 assists over that span).

Good research!

[Gina Stevenson]

Did I heard the news wrong when I tho't I heard that Hope College [in Holland, MI not all that far from here] was in the final four? Maybe they tho't they were going to be, & were close, but didn't make it, since I don't see mention of them here??

[Ryan Scott]

Hope College was in the Division III Final Four and played quite well against the eventual champs, Washington University of St. Louis. The Dutchmen impressed me with their performance. Obviously, with division III, it's tough to know how good a squad is when you can't see them play. Hope is even tougher to figure out because of their isolation in Michigan. They play a lot of non DIII teams.

I got to watch the internet stream of the semifinals and was impressed with what is a fairly young team. They're losing an all-american center, but should be back near the top next year.

[Gina Stevenson]

Hope College was in the Division III Final Four and played quite well against the eventual champs, Washington University of St. Louis. The Dutchmen impressed me with their performance. Obviously, with division III, it's tough to know how good a squad is when you can't see them play. Hope is even tougher to figure out because of their isolation in Michigan. They play a lot of non DIII teams.

I got to watch the internet stream of the semifinals and was impressed with what is a fairly young team. They're losing an all-american center, but should be back near the top next year.

Thanks, Ryan. Don't get to see much sports here [tho' I'm sure while they were playing, they were on a good bit [often, tho', sports are on #15, which is snowy mostly, and even sometimes---like tonight---downright blizzardy/white-out style! ;) ].

One thing I did notice is that they don't kick people out everytime they turn around, as some places have done; what I do recall is how that, between three coaching staff, they had 100 years total between them!! THAT is a lot of coaching years at the same institution! :cool:

[Ryan Scott]

Yeah, the hope cry this year when they qualified for the final four was win one for the coach. Apparently there is thought he may retire soon.

I hope Hope gets another chance next year. This squad is very talented, but because of the large number of really good programs in the middle of the country it is very hard to come out of those regions.

[Jim Poteet]

The Final Four begins Saturday in San Antonio. Who will win the semi-final games and who will be the national champion. My son and I will arrive in San Antonio Wednesday night and look forward to a great time. This is his first trip to the Final Four.

By the way, I pick North Carolina.

[Ryan Scott]

My bracket has UCLA over Kansas.

We'll see how it goes. I'll be on a plane and miss both games. Hopefully they aren't too eventful.

[Jim Poteet]

Now that college basketball is over - Who will be the 1st player drafted in the upcoming NBA draft?

[Ryan Scott]

It may depend on which team wins the lottery, but I think Michael Beasley will be the one. He's incredibly talented.

[Jim Poteet]

It may depend on which team wins the lottery, but I think Michael Beasley will be the one. He's incredibly talented.

That may be true. After the final four, some experts are now saying it will be Derrick Rose.

[Ryan Scott]

That may be true. After the final four, some experts are now saying it will be Derrick Rose.


Yeah, it depends on who has the pick, I think. Also, will NBA teams be turned off by a guy who ate too much candy and almost couldn't play in the national championship game?

[Joel Schafer]

Yeah, it depends on who has the pick, I think. Also, will NBA teams be turned off by a guy who ate too much candy and almost couldn't play in the national championship game?


I hope the the first pick is derrick rose as long as its not the MN timberwolves pick....... Wait it doesnt matter what pick we get MChale will screw it up. HE might just trade the first round pick for ricky davis because he is that dumb.

[Chuck Millhuff]

Coach Jim what is the most popular sport in heaven? With my new body how good will I be? If we are all perfect will anyone ever lose? What about the Aussi games, will they be played? Will we need helmets or pads of any kind? How far will a field goal fly? Are there any stroids there served at the married supper of the lamb? Do you shudder when you think of facing me one on one when I am perfect? In a dream last night I shot one million free throws in a row without a miss. I could go on and on but then of course I have been to seminary.

[Jim Franklin]

The other Jim asks Chuck if cloud surfing would be what he is looking for.

[Jim Poteet]

Coach Jim what is the most popular sport in heaven? With my new body how good will I be? If we are all perfect will anyone ever lose? What about the Aussi games, will they be played? Will we need helmets or pads of any kind? How far will a field goal fly? Are there any stroids there served at the married supper of the lamb? Do you shudder when you think of facing me one on one when I am perfect? In a dream last night I shot one million free throws in a row without a miss. I could go on and on but then of course I have been to seminary.

I don't know what kind of juice you had with your breakfast this morning, but it had something in it!

[Mark Bolerjack]

Jim,
Is the Travis Ford decision a good one? I see Channel 5's poll is kind of mixed.

Travis Ford, formerly of UMass, was named as the new hoops coach at Oklahoma State, the real OSU. :basic02

[Jim Poteet]

Jim,
Is the Travis Ford decision a good one? I see Channel 5's poll is kind of mixed.

Travis Ford, formerly of UMass, was named as the new hoops coach at Oklahoma State, the real OSU. :basic02

Thanks for asking. It is positive in the sense that Travis Ford is very media savvy and understands how to deal with those pressures better than Sean Sutton.

On the down side, Oklahoma State has been a great defensive team during the the Eddie Sutton era. Travis Ford's teams have played pretty shoddy defense and I question if he can win in the Big 12 if he does not change his defensive approach to the game.

He will not be able to recruit the caliber of players that play at Kansas and Texas; therefore he can not outscore those teams in an up-tempo, run and gun approach to the game. He must teach sound defense and the value of ball possession on offense.

We will see what happens. He is a positive step up from Sean Sutton.

[Jim Poteet]

NBA Playoff Time -

What two teams will play in the NBA Finals?

[Ryan Scott]

It won't be Celtics-Lakers, because that would be awesome and the NBA is anything but awesome these days.

[Ryan Scott]

I say, whoever wins the Pistons-Celtics series against the Spurs, who look darn impressive right now.

[Jim Poteet]

The surprise team of the NBA playoffs is the New Orleans Hornets. Chris Paul and David West are a lethal combination.

[Ryan Scott]

I'm amazed at what that team has been able to do. I haven't seen them all year because I don't have cable, but for them to do so well with the names they have on the roster is a testament to their team effort and hard work. Chris Paul is an incredibly gifted basketball player.

[Jim Poteet]

I'm amazed at what that team has been able to do. I haven't seen them all year because I don't have cable, but for them to do so well with the names they have on the roster is a testament to their team effort and hard work. Chris Paul is an incredibly gifted basketball player.

It looks as if the Hornets are going to blow out the Spurs again in the 2nd half of game 2.

[Jim Poteet]

Spurs vs. Lakers - Who will win?

[Ryan Scott]

I think the Spurs will do it. The Lakers are very good and seem to make the most sense as the winner, but the Spurs have proven themselves before, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Until Duncan fails to come through when it counts, they'll be my favorites.

[Steven Martinez]

I think the Spurs will do it. The Lakers are very good and seem to make the most sense as the winner, but the Spurs have proven themselves before, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Until Duncan fails to come through when it counts, they'll be my favorites.

Normaly I would agree, However, Kobe is 3-1 against Duncan in the playoffs over the last 7 years. Watching the game last night, the Lakers have more options then the Spurs and they match up better. The Spurs won that game because New Orleans settled for bad shots or drove to the basket looking for fouls. The starting five of the Lakers all add offense as well as defense while Bowen and Oberto are almost non-factors on offense. People might not know that the Lakers finsihed 5th on Deffense (according to basketball-reference.com) while the Spurs finshed 3rd. However the Lakers finished 3rd in Offense while the Spurs finished 15th. Kobe is on a different planet right now and until someone beats the Lakers, the road, IMHO, goes through LA this year.

[Jim Poteet]

Normaly I would agree, However, Kobe is 3-1 against Duncan in the playoffs over the last 7 years. Watching the game last night, the Lakers have more options then the Spurs and they match up better. The Spurs won that game because New Orleans settled for bad shots or drove to the basket looking for fouls. The starting five of the Lakers all add offense as well as defense while Bowen and Oberto are almost non-factors on offense. People might not know that the Lakers finsihed 5th on Deffense (according to basketball-reference.com) while the Spurs finshed 3rd. However the Lakers finished 3rd in Offense while the Spurs finished 15th. Kobe is on a different planet right now and until someone beats the Lakers, the road, IMHO, goes through LA this year.

We'll see. I like the Spurs just because they have done it before. Kobe has won nothing without Shaq.

[Steven Martinez]

We'll see. I like the Spurs just because they have done it before. Kobe has won nothing without Shaq.

Last time I checked Duncan needed some help himself. I throw out '99 because of the lock out but Duncan the last few years has gotten more out of Parker and Ginobli then he has put in.

[Ryan Scott]

Last time I checked Duncan needed some help himself. I throw out '99 because of the lock out but Duncan the last few years has gotten more out of Parker and Ginobli then he has put in.


Did you watch those games? The little guys might have scored a lot of points, but they won those titles on Duncan's back. He may be the most under-appreciated player ever.

[Jim Poteet]

Last time I checked Duncan needed some help himself. I throw out '99 because of the lock out but Duncan the last few years has gotten more out of Parker and Ginobli then he has put in.

That is precisely my point. A player must have a great supporting cast to win a championship. I don't think the Lakers have the players who can help carry Kobe to the championship.

We will soon see as the Spurs-Lakers series starts tonight.

[Steven Martinez]

That is precisely my point. A player must have a great supporting cast to win a championship. I don't think the Lakers have the players who can help carry Kobe to the championship.

We will soon see as the Spurs-Lakers series starts tonight.

Wow, I totally disagree. Odom and Gasol are All-Stars. Jordan never had a team this good. They are easily the best team 1-10. Plus it looks like the Lakers are getting back Trevor Arizza. The Lakers have the potential to become a dynasty once again. Also, while Pops is a great couch, Phil has nine rings, that has to count for something.

[Jim Poteet]

Wow, I totally disagree. Odom and Gasol are All-Stars. Jordan never had a team this good. They are easily the best team 1-10. Plus it looks like the Lakers are getting back Trevor Arizza. The Lakers have the potential to become a dynasty once again. Also, while Pops is a great couch, Phil has nine rings, that has to count for something.

Let's see. When this group of Lakers win 3 NBA championships in a row, then maybe you can compare them to the Jordan-led Bulls. You must have been drinking some of Chuck Millhuff's koolaid.:basic03

[Jim Franklin]

Coach, I was under the impression you did not pay any attention or care that much about the pro game since you thought it was too mechanical.

[Chuck Millhuff]

Coach with Kansas facing the posibility of the tragic loss of a national championshp with the Arthur situation if in fact he did cheat on one highschool or for that matter grade school grade with the help of a teacher have you ever heard of such a thing before? Was it a corrected wrong grade? What is the NCAA doing when they check this stuff out anyway?

[Jim Poteet]

Coach, I was under the impression you did not pay any attention or care that much about the pro game since you thought it was too mechanical.

The only time I care about pro basketball is during the playoffs. Even then, I can take it or leave it.

[Jim Poteet]

Coach with Kansas facing the posibility of the tragic loss of a national championshp with the Arthur situation if in fact he did cheat on one highschool or for that matter grade school grade with the help of a teacher have you ever heard of such a thing before? Was it a corrected wrong grade? What is the NCAA doing when they check this stuff out anyway?

It is a difficult situation. The NCAA uses a "Clearing House" to determine the legitimacy of high school transcripts. Probably, Kansas is OK. However, if it is proved that the player, Darrell Arthur, knew that his grade had been changed, the NCAA could possibly vacate the 2008 NCAA basketball championship won by Kansas.

[Chuck Millhuff]

Let's see. When this group of Lakers win 3 NBA championships in a row, then maybe you can compare them to the Jordan-led Bulls. You must have been drinking some of Chuck Millhuff's koolaid.:basic03

Never take my Kool Aid on an empty stomach. Notice I never do !

[Jim Poteet]

Never take my Kool Aid on an empty stomach. Notice I never do !

How did your koolaid taste today?

[Steven Martinez]

How did your koolaid taste today?

Cherry Koolaid made by my grandmother with her magic spoon while watching Magic's baby hook beat the Celtics in '87, repeat in '88 as well as Gibsons homer in the World Series... was a good time in LA.

[Chuck Millhuff]

Cherry Koolaid made by my grandmother with her magic spoon while watching Magic's baby hook beat the Celtics in '87, repeat in '88 as well as Gibsons homer in the World Series... was a good time in LA.

Growing up in Chicago I wrech in memory of the glory days. It was not the Celtics and LA I admit but then there was no one to mach the greatest teams ever !

[Steven Martinez]

Lakers up 3-1 and going home. As Chich Hearn would say the butter gettin hard and jello jiggling.

[Gina Stevenson]

Cherry Koolaid made by my grandmother with her magic spoon while watching Magic's baby hook beat the Celtics in '87, repeat in '88 as well as Gibsons homer in the World Series... was a good time in LA.

Yea, Kirk Gibson! Came from Detroit before being in LA. Haven't paid much mind to the Tigers since, I guess.

[Steven Martinez]

Well the Lakers won today and are moving to the finals. The Spurs looked old and tired. There is still more koolaid if anyone wants any.

[Jim Poteet]

Lakers vs. Celtics - Who will win?

[Ryan Scott]

Celtics. I'm especially confident after last night. The Celtics didn't play as well as they had been playing at the end of the Detroit series and still managed to win. If they put another win together on Sunday, I think it's almost over.

[Jim Franklin]

There is the Kobe and then their is Coby Karl, Boise State University alumnus on the Laker team but although I generaly favor the Western team in whatever competition, I would not mind if the Celtics won this series just for "old times" sake. I always enjoyed the intensity of Bird's play.

[Ryan Scott]

I don't think Coby Karl is on the roster right now. I think he's just a practice player at this point.

[Jim Franklin]

Ryan, according to our local sportscasters, Coby is on the bench during this championship series.

[Ryan Scott]

Yeah, he's there; he's just not eligible to play. The Lakers didn't include him on the playoff roster.

[Steven Martinez]

Remember that the series is 2-3-2 so if the Lakers can win game 2, they will have 3 straight home games. That is a tough strech for any team. I do not think that Kobe is going to have an off night like that again. Also if you have followed the Lakers in the playoffs, they have struggled in game 1 of every series. It seems the extra days of rest hurts them more than others. If they win game 2 then I say Lakers in 6.

[Ryan Scott]

Winning game two is a big 'if.' I have a bowl of green Jello waiting in the fridge that says they don't. Green Jello has been a good omen in cultures around the world for thousands of years.

[Jim Poteet]

Well the Lakers won today and are moving to the finals. The Spurs looked old and tired. There is still more koolaid if anyone wants any.

It will have to be green koolaid.

[Ryan Scott]

Well the Jello worked. An ideal situation would have been a huge blowout going back to LA; it wasn't beneficial to give the Lakers confidence heading home, but 2-0 is 2-0, so things are looking up.

I couldn't help but think, as Leon Powe was going nuts last night, that game two illustrated the difference between the two superstars in this series.

Kevin Garnett came to town and gave all of these young players confidence and determination (watching Powe scream and pound his chest after a big basket was like watching a kid try to imitate his father).

Kobe Bryant demands perfection from his teammates and berates them if they screw up. That breeds nervousness and apprehension, which are not good traits to have in pressure situations.

The difference is that Kobe has the ability to win games on his own, so the series isn't over, but I'd rather be in Garnett's situation any day.

[Gina Stevenson]

Kevin Garnett came to town and gave all of these young players confidence and determination (watching Powe scream and pound his chest after a big basket was like watching a kid try to imitate his father).
Well, haven't paid much attention, since the Suns lost out west. But I'll have to watch to see this, Ryan! :basic05

Kobe Bryant demands perfection from his teammates and berates them if they screw up. That breeds nervousness and apprehension, which are not good traits to have in pressure situations.No, that's not good at all. I'd guess he's only repeating the style used to get him where he is today ... tho' I agree other ways, other than berating, definitely work better ....

[Jim Poteet]

Now that we are reaching the halfway point in the Major league baseball season - who will win the National and American league pennants?

[Steven Martinez]

Cubs and White Sox

[Mike Schutz]

Now that we are reaching the halfway point in the Major league baseball season - who will win the National and American league pennants?

I'm thinking Cubs and Phillies in the NL, and Red Sox and Angels in the AL. Can't go further than that yet.

[Ryan Scott]

Right now it looks a lot like Tampa Bay and Arizona, but I'm not sure how those teams will hold up down the stretch.

One thing's for sure: the NL playoffs are going to be awesome this year!

[Bruce Carriker]

One thing's for sure: the NL playoffs are going to be awesome this year!

The World Series is awesome (as much as I hate that word).

The playoffs simply serve as an annual reminder that baseball sold its' soul to television, just like every other major sport. Baseball games that START at 10:30 EST, and baseball wonders why young people don't pay attention?

[Steven Martinez]

The World Series is awesome (as much as I hate that word).

The playoffs simply serve as an annual reminder that baseball sold its' soul to television, just like every other major sport. Baseball games that START at 10:30 EST, and baseball wonders why young people don't pay attention?

Ever since God sent the man and woman East of Eden the West Coast is truly the blessing of God where games start at 6:30 or 7:30pm and end before the late local news. It is the promised land.

[Bruce Carriker]

Ever since God sent the man and woman East of Eden the West Coast is truly the blessing of God where games start at 6:30 or 7:30pm and end before the late local news. It is the promised land.

While the timing of sports events is certainly convenient on the left coast, I have been to LA...it AIN'T the promised land. :basic03:laughing

[Jim Poteet]

The Olympic games are almost here.

Here are several questions?

Will the USA win the most medals this year? Before you answer, remember that Russia was only 10 medals behind in the 2004 games.

Will the USA "Redeem Team" in Basketball win the Gold Medal? The USA won a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics.

How many World Records will be set in swimming and Track and Field?

[Jim Franklin]

Your estimation is better than mine since you are a Senior Olympian.

[Ryan Scott]

The US will win the most medals; we have a stacked Olympic team this year. It won't be the most ever, but we'll be on top one more time around.

I think the US Men's Basketball team will win. They seem to be playing the consistent defense we saw during qualifying and everyone seems ready to play. Defense will be the key for these guys (and outside shooting won't hurt). I wouldn't be surprised to see them lose a game early, but they'll be ready to go when it counts. These guys are a team; it's not just a bunch of all-stars thrown together anymore.

[Bruce Carriker]

Why are we going to China? This is yet one more example of our government's double standard on human rights abuses. In fact, human rights abuse is really no problem for us at all, so long as a nation has a large enough economy to make relations with them desirable.

Anybody want to bet we'd boycott a Havana Olympics? And yet China has a MUCH WORSE record on human rights than Cuba ever did.

[Ryan Scott]

Boycotting the Olympics has always been stupid; no reason to repeat the same mistake.

The biggest problem is that all these Western heads of state feel it is their duty to show up. I've watched ridiculous amounts of Olympics over the last few events and it is a rarity to see the President of France or the United States even make the trip.

Our team can go and compete without our politicians pandering.

[Jim Poteet]

Who will be the BCS champion this year?

[Ryan Scott]

Who will be the BCS champion this year?


Without having spent even a second researching teams, I will make the uneducated prediction - Missouri.

[Steven Martinez]

I like USC. But beside that i think USC will bring home the title. They have a tough schedule that gives them big cred if they lose a game. I think they will beat Ohio State (the BIG 10 is too slow) at home and run through the PAC-10. I think UGA is overrated and they will lose 2 games. I see a Big-East team or an ACC team sneaking through and USC winning big.

[Mike Schutz]

I think UGA is overrated and they will lose 2 games.

UGA could lose two games even if they are as good as everyone says they are. Their schedule is that tough. If they go regular season undefeated, it will be a very impressive achievement.

[Ryan Scott]

Yeah, I picked Missouri because I think they can go undefeated. In my mind Georgia is by far the best team in the country, but the SEC is too good top to bottom for anyone to come out of there. If UGA does it, we don't even have to play the final game.

[Jim Poteet]

Yeah, I picked Missouri because I think they can go undefeated. In my mind Georgia is by far the best team in the country, but the SEC is too good top to bottom for anyone to come out of there. If UGA does it, we don't even have to play the final game.

I would guess that the BCS champion will be a team that none of you guys have mentioned so far.

[Ryan Scott]

I would guess that the BCS champion will be a team that none of you guys have mentioned so far.

Probably a good guess.

[Steven Martinez]

Yeah, I picked Missouri because I think they can go undefeated. In my mind Georgia is by far the best team in the country, but the SEC is too good top to bottom for anyone to come out of there. If UGA does it, we don't even have to play the final game.

I do not see UGA going undefeated with the dismisal of so many players in the last few months.