Championship Week Recap Vol. 1

I've always thought that the conference tournaments were next to meaningless - just another way to bring in the bucks. But boy, it sure can get exciting. I'll be doing a few posts throughout the weekend highlighting some of more exciting moments from the weekend - and we've got plenty to talk about already!!!

Texas vs. Baylor:
You know I can't start talking college bball without touching on the horns first. Man-o-man, what a comeback game that was. I took a lot of heat for predicting that the horns would be one and done in the big dance (let me clarify for the greater community here - I meant that they would win 1 game and then lose in second round). This game only supports my theory that Texas is completely 1 dimensional. The only difference (and I mean the one and only difference) between that Texas team from the first half last night and the same Texas team we've seen throughout the year is that they weren't hitting their shots. Texas' offense keeps them in games. When their offense struggles, they are in trouble. Their shooting picking up (thank you Durant) coupled with Baylor simply running out of gas in the last 7 minutes was all they needed.

Augustin was pretty poor throughout the game, but came in and made a huge runner and a couple of free throws in the last couple of minutes. And that Winder kid - someone give him the player of the game - he provide the ONLY spark off the bench for this Texas team last night.

As ugly as 2/3 of this game was, they came back against some pretty heft adversity and got the win. Granted, if you get down by 20 to a lot of other teams, that comeback may not be possible, but nonetheless, it's great for confidence. I really can't see this team struggling as bad as they did last night on 2 consecutive nights, but we'll see.

I'm giving Texas a clear advantage tonight against OSU - 3 games in 3 nights is tough on anyone, especially coming off a huge win emotional win against the aggies. I say Texas by 8 today. And speaking of OSU...

Okie State vs. Texas A&M:
I can't say I'm hugely surprised by this - there's always at least one upset like this in conference tournaments. And, I put the aggies in that same category with UCLA, they really weren't playing for much here. I think they've got a #2 seed pretty much secured here barring some major mixup with upsets and what not. I also don't think that there was a lot they could have done to gain a #1 seed besides winning the whole thing and having other teams fall out of their respective tournaments early.

Big win for the Cowboys - this was the first game against a conference opponent this year that they won away from Stillwater...but they're still in the state of Oklahoma so let's not celebrate too much just yet Cowboys fans. Knocking off Texas followed by the aggie win will be a huge endeavor - one that I just don't think they can overcome. Again, Texas by 8 here.

Other Notable Games Around the Country:
- How about those Kentucky Wildcats? Is it just me or did you just know in your heart of hearts that after that game went into overtime the wildcats had no chance? Lane violation followed by a last-second 3 pointer - it was over as soon as overtime started. I know this comes up every year, but I think this may be one of the REAL opportunities that lures Barnes away from Austin. Not predicting this will happen, but if Tubby leaves Kentucky (which I think he's as good as gone), I'm putting Rick Barnes as one of the top 2 or 3 coaches on their list - they know what he's capable of and he and Tubby are very tight - Smith will push for Barnes. Think about if, coaching at UT vs. coaching at Kentucky - one's a true basketball school and one isn't. Stay tuned, could get interesting this offseason.

- I've been having an ongoing fued with a couple of loyal SportsRant readers regarding the strength of conferences and subsequent teams around the country. One in particular is the UCLA Bruins. My good friends, two of the biggest Big 12 homers I know, contend that UCLA, along with the Pac 10, is grossly overrated (they're bigger football fans so I can see their confusion here). Let me enlighten the larger group on UCLA's resume and why I believe they are a definite #1 seed and quite possibly, still the overall #1 seed: RPI Ranking: 1, Strength of Schedule: 6, Record against RPI top 50 teams: 9-1, Record against top 10 teams: 9-1. These guys had the #1 seed locked up before they even went to Seatlle to play UW on that last game of the year. Is 2 consecutive losses concerning? Sure, a little. But, like the aggies, what do they have to gain by playing hard and winning the Pac 10? Zip. These guys are a lock for the Great 8.

- Games not to miss today - most all of them. In particular: BC at UNC (upset special); Kansas at Kstate - and the game of the day, Pitt vs. G'town.

- If it all started today here are my number 1 seeds:
UCLA
Florida (I know they've struggle of late, but I think they dominate the rest of SEC)
UNC
Ohio State (weakest of the 4 - greatest chance for early upset)

On the bubble here - if one of last 3 fall short of their conf title these guys could sneak in:
Kansas (must win Big 12)
G'town (ditto for Big East)

Big Dance Primer

Well gang, the college basketball regular season is over, conference tournament bids are set and the bubble is about to burst for some teams...while it's just getting going for others. And the NFL free agency kicked off with a bang this week - so much to hit on here and such little time. Oh, and a little update from the NBA's best friend, Ron Artest. Yep, that guy.

Let's start with the college hardwood. And how can I start here without touching on those pesky Longhorns. No one is a bigger Horns fan than me, but let me tell you why this team will be one and done in this year's big dance - they are a one-dimensional team. Let's be honest, this team is a tremendous offensive team, it's where they thrive and it's why they are so fun to watch. Unfortunately, big games are won on the defensive end of the floor and on the boards. I wasn't able to find updated statistics, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Texas may be one of the worst rebounding teams in D1 basketball. If I'm a coach preparing to play the horns I'm risking easy layups and sending 4 guys to the boards.

Another area that really killed them in the second half against Kansas was the physical play. These guys play a more finese game and don't like to pound inside the paint. Anyone else missing PJ Tucker about now? It's going to take a damn good draw to get these guys very far in the dance this year - it could happen, but I'm putting my money on 1 win, maybe 2 tops. BUT, in the long term, I really like these guys' chances.

WITH THAT SAID...Kevin Durant is utterly ridiculous. I mean, going into Lawrence, KS and dropping 25 in the first half (including 5 of 5 from downtown) is insane. The first NBA GM to lose his job will be the one that passes on Durant for Oden with the first pick of next year's draft.

AROUND THE LEAGUE:
- Did you see that shot that Hansbrough took in the Duke game? That was WWF style, good stuff. I know it's sacreligous to dis Coack K, but questioning why Hansbrough was still in the game was Bush league. He was in there because it was Duke/UNC - your team is no good this year, accept it.

- UCLA and Kansas are 1 and 1a on my list going into the big dance - it will take quite a set of circumstances to change my mind on that front. Big 10 is too weak (just like in football). Florida is still a force, in my opinion, but you simply can't put them above the Bruins and Jayhawks.

- Unlikely team that could end up in the great 8 - Tennessee. Lots of tough games this year, great experience.

NFL Free Agency Notes:
- Did anyone notice how much Jerry Jones paid for Leonard Davis? Uhhh, did anyone see this guy in Arizona the past 5 or 6 years? 7 years at $49 million is quite a bit for a player, who up to this point, has been grossly overrated.

- The Chicago Bears sure do have a ton of faith in Cedric Benson...either that or they're thinking Adrian Peterson (no, not that one) is going to explode onto the scene. Either way, Benson is going to have his shot at being the franchise back - I for one hope he doesn't screw it up...but I suspect he might.

- How pissed off do you think Chris Simms is today? After suffering an unimaginable injury last year (ruptured spleen), the Bucs went ahead and signed for and traded for 2 QBs within 20 minutes - signing Jeff Garcia and trading for Jake Plummer. Of course Plummer looks like he's throwing in the towel, but I think Tampa was sending a message here...regardless of the good things that Gruden has always said about Simms. I say Garcia is the starter come opening weekend.

- Add pretentious snot to the list of things I associate with Brady Quinn. One Peter King of SI.com reports that Quinn will not interview/meet with team officials before or after his workout day. As Pete King said, what does this guy have to hide? Other than the fact that he's overrated, but we knew that already.

- Team I'm most impressed with so far this offseason (all 4 days of it), New England Patriots. They added a much needed (and HUGE) upgrade at linebacker by signing Adalius Thomas. I mean, HUGE pickup there. And with the impending pickup of Wes Welker (from what I've read it's a matter of time) they'll be picking up another big need at the receiver position. That's right folks, Wes Welker, formerly of Texas Tech.

- Team I'm least impressed with so far this offseason: Tennessee. Considering where they were just 2 years ago they had a great year last year thanks to Superman. Since then, they've lost Travis Henry, Drew Bennett, Bobby Wade and Robaire Smith. Signings you ask? Backup QB Kerry Collins. There's still plenty of time between now and the draft, but they really need to make a move here. I can't believe that they're ready to hand the reigns over to Lendale White at RB. Could they be making a move for Jamal Lewis? Perhaps. WR is another need right now - must get VY some help here.

- Back to Thomas Jones - they got a 2nd round pick in return? Man, maybe I don't get it, but the Jets got a freaking deal here.

The Lighter Side of Sports:
Sooo, the Ron Artest saga continues. He was dismissed from the team indefinitely after being arressted for domestic violence. Man, don't you just love second chances? I can only assume and hope that this was final screw up. I must say that if he isn't removed from the league for good after this, the NBA will have reached a new low that they may not recover from for years. It's time for David Stern to show that he has a pair here. I would love to see the Player's Union try and defend this. Let the circus begin.

PrimeTime Minute:
- On the west coast this week and watching 24 as we speak (11:15pm Central time/9:15pm Pacific time) and it's getting kicked up a notch here. Tom Lennox coming through in the clutch to defend the truth. I'm still putting my money on this guy taking a bullet at some point soon.

- OK, you know by now that I'm a huge American Idol fan, yet I do not and will not vote. I mean, am I really going to continue to hit redial for 45+ minutes to cast one vote? C'mon. With that said, to you jackasses out there who DO vote - let's try and get it right. By and far the worst singer is Annotella (sp?). She is HORRIBLE. Not sure if I'm more dissappointed in the American voters, or the judges for allowing this to get this far. This competition is between Lakisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle...and the beat box guy.