Who are you rooting for, Final 4 version

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Anybody but UNC.

[VegasWarrior77]

Mike McCurry‏ @Mike_McCurry16  2h2 hours ago

The Final Four has consisted of at least one out of UNC, Kentucky, Louisville, Duke, UCLA, and Kansas in each of the last 30 seasons.

[GooooMarquette]

Anybody but UNC.

Yep.

I'd prefer USC > Zags > Ducks >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> UNC

[MU82]

I prefer SC because I have enjoyed watching them the last three games but Zags would be cool, too.

So whoever wins that game.

[Eldon]

Mike McCurry‏ @Mike_McCurry16  2h2 hours ago

The Final Four has consisted of at least one out of UNC, Kentucky, Louisville, Duke, UCLA, and Kansas in each of the last 30 seasons.

IU fans IRATE!

I prefer SC because I have enjoyed watching them the last three games but Zags would be cool, too.

So whoever wins that game.

+1

But Zags over SC:

1) They are Jesuit
2) They may be in the BE someday

Though the SC team has grown on me.  And it's nice to be able to say "well Wojo's first tourney was a one-and-done, but hey, he lost to the champs."

I'm rooting for Oregon over UNC:

1) IIRC, Oregon's AD is an MU guy
2) Somebody has to punish UNC for their shenanigans

[Dr. Blackheart]

Six of the last nine NCAA championship games have now included a Big East or ACC remnant (mid major to the Elites). This includes four national championships. If the Zags get there as a mid, seven out of ten or five out of ten NCs if all the way.

For the money spent on football, one would expect better. The BIG hasn't won since 2000, the PAC since 1997.

[MU82]

For the money spent on football, one would expect better. The BIG hasn't won since 2000, the PAC since 1997.

To them, hoops no matta.

[texaswarrior74]

For those alleging unaddressed academic fraud at UNC, do a little homework. There have been no less than four independent investigations all of which have found no involvement by the athletic department and the supposed "fraud" was simply some easier classes open to anyone and not predominantly filled with athletes. It goes much deeper than that but that is the cliff notes version.

When Jay Bilas, an attorney and a  Duke grad, comes to UNC's defense and goes after the NCAA for it you have to believe that it's been a witch hunt. Read some of his comments online.

With a Pulitzer prize in his dreams, a reporter at the Raleigh News and Observer ( NC State grad) fueled by misinformation given by overzealous NC State fans and a few people with agendas has been trying to discredit UNC. The real irony is that NC State athletes have at least two required classes that are ONLY for athletes that are guaranteed As. The hatred and vitriol spewed by NC State fans for UNC is unlike anything I've ever seen. Grew up in Ohio and know the "hatred" that's part of OSU vs UM rivalry well and it's tame and downright civilized by comparison.

The NCAA is honestly now looking for a way to save face because UNC is not taking this whole charade lying down and has hired a BIG time law firm to address this. The case was essentially over until the new head of the committee on infractions, Greg Sankey, who incidentally is  the current commissioner of the SEC (no agenda here huh?) , decided to ignore previous findings  with no legal basis within NCAA guidelines.

The academic reputation of the school is at stake and they are not going to allow lies and misrepresentations to go unchallenged.

[Holy hell all time]

For those alleging unaddressed academic fraud at UNC, do a little homework. There have been no less than four independent investigations all of which have found no involvement by the athletic department and the supposed "fraud" was simply some easier classes open to anyone and not predominantly filled with athletes. It goes much deeper than that but that is the cliff notes version.

When Jay Bilas, an attorney and a  Duke grad, comes to UNC's defense and goes after the NCAA for it you have to believe that it's been a witch hunt. Read some of his comments online.

With a Pulitzer prize in his dreams, a reporter at the Raleigh News and Observer ( NC State grad) fueled by misinformation given by overzealous NC State fans and a few people with agendas has been trying to discredit UNC. The real irony is that NC State athletes have at least two required classes that are ONLY for athletes that are guaranteed As. The hatred and vitriol spewed by NC State fans for UNC is unlike anything I've ever seen. Grew up in Ohio and know the "hatred" that's part of OSU vs UM rivalry well and it's tame and downright civilized by comparison.

The NCAA is honestly now looking for a way to save face because UNC is not taking this whole charade lying down and has hired a BIG time law firm to address this. The case was essentially over until the new head of the committee on infractions, Greg Sankey, who incidentally is  the current commissioner of the SEC (no agenda here huh?) , decided to ignore previous findings  with no legal basis within NCAA guidelines.

The academic reputation of the school is at stake and they are not going to allow lies and misrepresentations to go unchallenged.

I grew up loving UNC and still do, but this is hilarious.

[Badgerhater]

Gonzaga and South Caroline beat both of my alma maters this tournament so I am agnostic on this game with the benefit going to the one who has best chance to win the whole thing. 

Of that I am clueless -- silly me thought MU would beat SC.

[StillAWarrior]

For those alleging unaddressed academic fraud at UNC, do a little homework. There have been no less than four independent investigations all of which have found no involvement by the athletic department and the supposed "fraud" was simply some easier classes open to anyone and not predominantly filled with athletes. It goes much deeper than that but that is the cliff notes version.

When Jay Bilas, an attorney and a  Duke grad, comes to UNC's defense and goes after the NCAA for it you have to believe that it's been a witch hunt. Read some of his comments online.

With a Pulitzer prize in his dreams, a reporter at the Raleigh News and Observer ( NC State grad) fueled by misinformation given by overzealous NC State fans and a few people with agendas has been trying to discredit UNC. The real irony is that NC State athletes have at least two required classes that are ONLY for athletes that are guaranteed As. The hatred and vitriol spewed by NC State fans for UNC is unlike anything I've ever seen. Grew up in Ohio and know the "hatred" that's part of OSU vs UM rivalry well and it's tame and downright civilized by comparison.

The NCAA is honestly now looking for a way to save face because UNC is not taking this whole charade lying down and has hired a BIG time law firm to address this. The case was essentially over until the new head of the committee on infractions, Greg Sankey, who incidentally is  the current commissioner of the SEC (no agenda here huh?) , decided to ignore previous findings  with no legal basis within NCAA guidelines.

The academic reputation of the school is at stake and they are not going to allow lies and misrepresentations to go unchallenged.

From my perspective, you're missing the point.  I don't think the UNC athletics department cheated.  UNC's defense in this matter is telling.  Since we're going with cliff notes versions, UNC's defense to the NCAA was, "this is none of your business...the bogus classes were available to all of our students, not just athletes...it wasn't an impermissible benefit."  And that is an extremely important distinction in the context of the NCAA investigation.  It protects the reputation of UNC athletics...at the expense of the university as a whole.  I agree with you that the "academic reputation of the school" is at stake.  Unfortunately, in my personal opinion, things aren't looking too good on that front.  UNC athletics doesn't cheat; UNC offers bogus classes to everyone.

[Dawson Rental]

South Carolina then Gonzaga.

Gonzaga then South Carolina.  Keep the Jesuits win streak alive.  If not, let's get Frank Martin a better job to eventually get fired from.

[manny31]

Zags cause they are a  Jesuit school, then USC, Baylor, UNC. I am really hating on bluebloods lately. Thinking about it now Baylor can suck it too, cheating rapists

[Dawson Rental]

USC can suck it too.... That whole O.J thing.....
Sorry I must have have gotten schools with hideous uniforms mixed up...Sorry Ducks

[warriorchick]

While we're on the subject of hideous uniforms.....

Take off that ND logo and glow jr. would love those board shorts.

[Herman Cain]

For those alleging unaddressed academic fraud at UNC, do a little homework. There have been no less than four independent investigations all of which have found no involvement by the athletic department and the supposed "fraud" was simply some easier classes open to anyone and not predominantly filled with athletes. It goes much deeper than that but that is the cliff notes version.

When Jay Bilas, an attorney and a  Duke grad, comes to UNC's defense and goes after the NCAA for it you have to believe that it's been a witch hunt. Read some of his comments online.

With a Pulitzer prize in his dreams, a reporter at the Raleigh News and Observer ( NC State grad) fueled by misinformation given by overzealous NC State fans and a few people with agendas has been trying to discredit UNC. The real irony is that NC State athletes have at least two required classes that are ONLY for athletes that are guaranteed As. The hatred and vitriol spewed by NC State fans for UNC is unlike anything I've ever seen. Grew up in Ohio and know the "hatred" that's part of OSU vs UM rivalry well and it's tame and downright civilized by comparison.

The NCAA is honestly now looking for a way to save face because UNC is not taking this whole charade lying down and has hired a BIG time law firm to address this. The case was essentially over until the new head of the committee on infractions, Greg Sankey, who incidentally is  the current commissioner of the SEC (no agenda here huh?) , decided to ignore previous findings  with no legal basis within NCAA guidelines.

The academic reputation of the school is at stake and they are not going to allow lies and misrepresentations to go unchallenged.

I agree with this analysis.

[brewcity77]

I agree with this analysis.

And there's the Scoop kiss of death...

[Eldon]

Many of Martin's former players appreciate his rage intensity

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/how-frank-martin-and-his-sideline-fury-turned-south-carolina-into-a-winner-151406835.html

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

From my perspective, you're missing the point.  I don't think the UNC athletics department cheated.  UNC's defense in this matter is telling.  Since we're going with cliff notes versions, UNC's defense to the NCAA was, "this is none of your business...the bogus classes were available to all of our students, not just athletes...it wasn't an impermissible benefit."  And that is an extremely important distinction in the context of the NCAA investigation.  It protects the reputation of UNC athletics...at the expense of the university as a whole.  I agree with you that the "academic reputation of the school" is at stake.  Unfortunately, in my personal opinion, things aren't looking too good on that front.  UNC athletics doesn't cheat; UNC offers bogus classes to everyone.

I agree with this. Thought it was quite a clever, but odd defense that UNC decided to go with, one that has a good chance of succeeding. The point about sacrificing the academic reputation of the university to save the athletic department is well taken. Win the battle, lose the war.

Back to the post, still torn between SC and Gonzaga but certainly whoever wins that game.

[GooooMarquette]

From my perspective, you're missing the point.  I don't think the UNC athletics department cheated.  UNC's defense in this matter is telling.  Since we're going with cliff notes versions, UNC's defense to the NCAA was, "this is none of your business...the bogus classes were available to all of our students, not just athletes...it wasn't an impermissible benefit."  And that is an extremely important distinction in the context of the NCAA investigation.  It protects the reputation of UNC athletics...at the expense of the university as a whole.  I agree with you that the "academic reputation of the school" is at stake.  Unfortunately, in my personal opinion, things aren't looking too good on that front.  UNC athletics doesn't cheat; UNC offers bogus classes to everyone.

Yep.  Academic fraud by the whole school.

Great defense, UNC.

[brewcity77]

Many of Martin's former players appreciate his rage intensity

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/how-frank-martin-and-his-sideline-fury-turned-south-carolina-into-a-winner-151406835.html

I was reading an article this morning that unfortunately I can't link at the moment, but it talked about how when Martin was on Huggins' staff at K-State, he was actually the calming influence on the team. Sounds like a lot of his sideline fury is more for show than anything else and he's a lot more laid back than most fans would expect.

[Holy hell all time]

From everything I've heard Martin is a really great guy away from the court.

[rocky_warrior]

From everything I've heard Martin is a really great guy away from the court.

I have no doubt he's 100% committed to his players.  Rules though, I'm not as convinced...
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/frank-martin-is-not-a-scapegoat-new-times-busted-him-cold-at-miami-high-6544474

[GB Warrior]

I have no doubt he's 100% committed to his players.  Rules though, I'm not as convinced...
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/frank-martin-is-not-a-scapegoat-new-times-busted-him-cold-at-miami-high-6544474

Seems a bit extreme. Coulda just adopted them.

[Loose Cannon]

Yep.  Academic fraud by the whole school.

Great defense, UNC.

That's thinking out of the box.  Priorities, Priorities.