tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53677242933102493732023-11-15T22:43:54.001-08:00All About College SportsAnything about college sports is fair game with this blogPaul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.comBlogger595125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-64432289336129179942014-03-15T12:52:00.000-07:002014-03-15T12:53:28.333-07:00Doc Sadler: Iowa State Basketball Secret Weapon<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see him on the Iowa State
sidelines with a loosed tie. He will occasionally bark out instructions from
his bench seat or visit with a player after his boss takes him out of the game.
Doc Sadler is Iowa
State’s Fred Hoiberg’s
go-to-guy. If Hoiberg is Iowa
State’s Batman, Sandler becomes
Robin. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoiberg knows how
fortunate Iowa State is to have Sadler on the payroll.
Sadler was the head coach at two Division I stops—Nebraska
and UTEP (Texas –El Paso). Sadler knows all about the rigors
of being a head coach in the pressure cooker of college basketball. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>College basketball
coaches have egos. But it takes a sure lesson in humility when a head coach
falls to the assistant line. Sadler seems okay with it. And it appears Hoiberg
and Sadler have a good relationship.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hoiberg came to Iowa State
a few years ago with zero head coaching experience. Yes, he had NBA player and
front office duties on his resume, but like a good CEO, he knew he needed expertise.
Bobby Lutz was a great hire as a former head coach. After a few years in
between, Hoiberg grabbed Sandler away from Kansas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You think Doc had
any insight in drawing up a plan to defeat the Jayhawks last night (Friday) in
the Big 12 Tournament?</div>
Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-52122527972127795142014-03-10T09:13:00.000-07:002014-03-10T09:13:47.855-07:00Coach Basketball Coaches and RefereesI decided to revisit my blog writing again even if only on a limited basis. We’ll see. There has been much talk this college basketball season about coaching behavior on the sidelines. I did read in an article however that coach’s technical fouls are actually down over a year ago. But maybe coach’s antics are up causing the added attention. Both coaches and referees are at fault for this matter, but it’s largely the coaches’ problem. I understand isolated events, but when a coach has repeated bad sideline behavior, it’s a problem. One solution is to have the athletic director sit the coach down and have a little talk on the behavior problem. Another solution is placing restrictions on coaches’ access to the referees. Does the coach really require moving up and down the sidelines like a rooster ‘working’ the officials for calls? That answer: is no. Does the coach really need to yell instructions to players from the coaching box? No. He could sit on the bench and holler. Now for the referees and what they can do. Referees need to quit socializing with players and coaches before the game. I understand they want a good working relationship with the participants, but they are there to do a job not win friends. College basketball is a great game. But this problem detracts from it. Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-74167978206892938902013-05-10T14:33:00.000-07:002013-05-10T14:33:05.861-07:00Bill McCartney: Great Coach, Great ManI was thrilled this week to learn that former Colorado football coach Bill McCartney has been election to the College Football Honor of Fame<br />
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Coach Mac and I have been long time friends.<br />
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McCartney has the most wins of any coach in Colorado football history. He led the Buffaloes to the 1990 National Championship.<br />
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He created excitement in the old Big 8 Conference. Nebraska was the kingpin in those days and McCartney’s teams often rose above the kingpin. <br />
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Two things described McCartney the coach: recruiting and motivation. He consistently recruited black athletes to come to the Boulder school and it resulted in a pile of victories. He was a master motivator. The guy could get players to buy into the team concept. And he preached accountability.<br />
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Coach Mac left the sidelines 20 years ago. Like most successful coaches, he developed a head coaching tree. LSU’s Les Miles is the most noticeable of that group.<br />
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But McCartney was more than a successful coach. He helped found the Christian men’s movement Promise Keepers. If you ever heard the guy speak at an event, McCartney reminded one of a fiery preacher who had a real message.<br />
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Coach Mac was and is a man of conviction. And a man of God. Those two attributes are rare these days. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-67006741299192952332013-04-13T11:40:00.000-07:002013-04-13T11:41:03.760-07:00All About College Sports: Spring CleaningIn this part of the world there is an annual ritual this time of year: spring cleaning. But in parts of the United States, it doesn’t even feel like spring. Cold, rain and snow are making the weather news.<br />
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But it’s time to perform a spring cleaning of my blog “All About College Sports.” College football and college basketball produce the most interest of any college sports and those playing seasons are over. Consequently, I will limit my blog posts considerably in the next few months. From time-to-time, I will see write blogs on the “hot news” items, but it’s time for a break.<br />
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I have been doing this blog since 2008. It’s been an opportunity to produce fresh content for my readers based on the wonderful world of college sports. I consider myself a college sports junkie. It’s fun following the sports and the personalities. Sometimes I take winning and losing a little too seriously but that’s part of being a fan, I guess.<br />
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Early in the basketball season, I questioned whether I wanted to continue this blog. There are tons of sports voices out there seeking to be read. Mine frankly is pretty small. But, I guess that’s okay.<br />
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I would enjoy hearing from my readers as I wrestle with my decision. What do you enjoy about my blog? What don’t you enjoy? What kinds of things should I write about? It would be great if you flood my blog with comments. I will read all of the comments. <br />
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Numbers are sometimes interesting. According to the numbers, the best read blog has been in a landside “Bobby Petrino’s family. That was an extremely sad story. Interestingly, No. 2 is “Vanderbilt’s Basketball Court.” The set-up is unique and so cool with the benches behind the baskets. Another surprise is No. 5 with “Dave Diles-College Football Scoreboard.” Like me, you folks must have keen memories of Diles reading those scores each Saturday.<br />
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If you haven’t had an opportunity to read those blogs, I invite you to take a peak.<br />
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Thank you for your faithful readership. Again, I would enjoy hearing from you in the comments.<br />
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Best, Paul<br />
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<br />Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-43619167029830035962013-04-09T09:20:00.000-07:002013-04-09T09:20:14.669-07:00NCAA Basketball: It's Over<br />
The college basketball men’s season is officially over and I don’t know if I’m happy or sad.<br />
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Louisville took the title last night (Monday) defeating Michigan in an entertaining game. Michigan became the 67th and final team to become disappointed in the NCAA tournament.<br />
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College basketball is a long season. Someone said once that college basketball coaches have a sense of humor (as opposed to the football coaches) because of the season length. Without humor, the coaches probably wouldn’t survive.<br />
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But frankly, the season isn’t really over just the games. Basketball is a 12-month sport now with the 24-hour news cycle fueling it. One of the next phases are more players declaring for the NBA Draft. And already one guy’s Top 25 for next season came out today. Please…<br />
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I have seen enough basketball. It’s time to rest my eyes and enjoy another season. That would be baseball.<br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-59676247998253322302013-04-05T13:04:00.001-07:002013-04-05T13:04:36.439-07:00NCAA Basketball: This Guy was Major Iowa PainOutside of Iowa and Baylor fans, limited interest was generated by the NIT Final. Only about 5,000 people were in attendance at Madison Square Garden and who know how few watched the game on ESPN.<br />
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But going into last night’s (Thursday) game, this figured to be an interesting game. These two squads had only met once before.<br />
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I thought Iowa would win the game. The Hawks were on a roll and seemed too powerful for the Bears. Baylor had an up-and-down year and I didn’t know what team Baylor would display in the contest.<br />
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But wow, it was blowout city for Baylor.<br />
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Hawkeye players will have bad memories of one particular Baylor player—Cory Jefferson. In no disrespect to the Thanksgiving meal, Jefferson carved Iowa up. The guy was impressive. He scored 23 points on too many dunks. He rebounded, he played defense.<br />
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Jefferson, a junior, had a great year. He played sparely in his previous two years and even took a redshirt year in his sophomore year. Jefferson played behind three future NBA players, so it wasn’t like the guy had major minute opportunities. He could have transferred but he stayed and collected the fruits this year.<br />
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Baylor fans hope he returns for his senior season. His pro stock definitely went up during Baylor’s postseason. Iowa players would agree with that. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-61246821319097926192013-04-04T08:13:00.000-07:002013-04-04T08:13:24.518-07:00NCAA Basketball: Strange Coaching HireSometimes I just shake my head at my neighbors in Minnesota.<br />
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After the University of Minnesota fired basketball coach Tubby Smith, the Gophers needed to make an impressive hire. But apparently nobody wanted the job. I do know the rumor that one of the student managers even turned down the job isn’t true.<br />
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The Gophers welcome Rich Pitino to the job. Yes, Pitino is the son of the famous Louisville coach Rick Pitino. Yes, the guy has good blood lines but can he mold a so-so Big Ten contender into something better. <br />
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Kid Pitino had one successful season at Florida International. He will be doing on the job training in one of the toughest basketball leagues in America. Remember, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State isn’t Florida International. <br />
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Minnesota took forever to make their selection. As the process played out, you knew others were making their selection not to take the Gopher job.<br />
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If you are Kid Pitino there is little risk. If you are Minnesota, there is great risk.<br />
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The Gophers haven’t exactly been making waves in the money sports of football and basketball lately. This hire may continue the tread.<br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-871577829064123992013-04-02T09:18:00.000-07:002013-04-02T09:18:04.533-07:00NCAA Basketball Tournament: Thank-You Wichita State<br />
It’s great that Wichita State earned a trip to the Final Four. The Shockers appearance will draw one tall fellow to the television set.<br />
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We need new blood in the championship round and as a ninth-seed the Shockers provide it. As their nickname represents, they have shocked many people in still standing in the tournament.<br />
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Many people picked their semi-final opponent Louisville to win the championship. But the Shockers shouldn’t be frightened as they have already taken out the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in their regions. Louisville should win, but should wins are only decided on paper. Wichita State needs to “play angry” as its coach Gregg Marshall says and it will be in the game.<br />
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Syracuse and Michigan play in the other game. Yawn. These teams like Louisville have been in this spot consistently and it doesn’t draw much interest for the tall fellow.<br />
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Hopefully, the Shockers can shock again and appear in the Monday night championship game. Then the tall fellow will need to watch, otherwise not so much. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-77803613958733830412013-03-30T13:31:00.000-07:002013-03-30T13:33:26.932-07:00Steve Alford: UCLA And IowaSteve Alford is an interesting hire at UCLA. He had some solid success at New Mexico, but will the former Indiana star be able to “step it up” and find success in Los Angeles<br />
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People in my state (Iowa) are always interested in Alford. He coached the Iowa Hawkeyes for a number of years. The honeymoon started well when Iowa landed him off a Sweet 16 performance at then Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State). He won a Big Ten Tournament Championship at Iowa but also loss an NCAA tournament game to No. 14 seeded Northwestern State. When New Mexico offered Alford its coaching job, many Iowa fans were happy to see Alford leave.<br />
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UCLA is counting on Alford to continue his success from New Mexico. Alford has proven he can win consistently on the mid-major level, but the power conference job success is still up for debate.<br />
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It seems a good risk for UCLA. However, Alford knows the guy he is replacing brought UCLA to two Final Fours. The learning curve won’t be long. And then there is always the John Wooden factor. The most successful NCAA Division I coach in history raised the bar extremely high at UCLA.<br />
<br />Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-40241934871436620682013-03-29T13:30:00.000-07:002013-03-29T13:30:36.263-07:00Iowa State's Fred Hoiberg Has More CapitalIt’s a fun time of the college basketball year with the NCAA tournament and the coaching rumors and destination.<br />
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One guy who isn’t going anyway is Iowa State’s men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg. “The Mayor” agreed to a contact extension Thursday night that with give him 10 years and $20 million. Not bad loot for the former Iowa State ball boy.<br />
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I didn’t think Hoiberg would leave Iowa State at this time but there were plenty of rumors out there. There was talk about the NBA and lately the opening at Minnesota. Hoiberg allegedly met with the Gophers about their opening. What took place and the level of Hoiberg’s interest is anybody’s guess. <br />
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Successful coaches are a hot commodity. Some go shopping and then find a sweeter deal at their present place of employment. This happens frequently. I’m not saying Hoiberg did this but he was the beneficiary of the media speculation. Hoiberg received a nice raise.<br />
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I believe him when he says he loves Iowa State. And the Iowa State administration decided it would tell the basketball world that they love Fred Hoiberg. <br />
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This marriage is going well in Ames, Iowa. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-22589001687713839552013-03-27T07:44:00.000-07:002013-03-27T07:44:40.830-07:00NCAA Basketball Tournament: Florida Gulf Coast<br />
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We all enjoy Cinderella in the NCAA basketball tournament. This year we have the ultimate Cinderella in Florida Gulf Coast. <br />
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A No. 15 seed has never advanced to the Sweet 16 in the history of the NCAA tournament until Florida Gulf Coast crashed the party.<br />
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This team didn’t follow the NCAA script. Usually underdogs surprise the favorite in their opening game. The underdog received national praise and talk and then goes quietly in the next round.<br />
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But will this feel-good story end Friday when the Gulf boys play big-bad Florida? You would like to see them continue the magic but with the strength of their opponent and natural pressure (as the stakes get higher) the odds are not in their favor.<br />
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The beauty is that the game will be decided between a couple of baskets and not in discussion groups.<br />
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Win or loss, Florida Gulf Coast Coach Andy Enfield will become a hot commodity. What big time program will want this guy and will he go? You would think the answer to the second question is “Yes.” <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-21043085383635573392013-03-25T08:50:00.000-07:002013-03-25T08:50:30.281-07:00NCAA Basketball Tournament: March is CruelIowa State found out Sunday, March can become a cruel time.<br />
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The Cyclones were one play away from forcing overtime against Ohio State. They were maybe 1-2 plays from snatching the victory. Buckeye point guard Aaron Craft took care of all those possibilities when he drilled a three-pointer with less than one second remaining.<br />
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The Cyclones were done. Finished. Over. It was time to turn to the “What ifs.”<br />
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Iowa State entered the game as a real underdog to No. 2 seeded Ohio State. Cyclone fans knew their team had an excellent change however for an upset. Mid-way through the second half, it looked like Ohio State was going to deliver the knockout punch. The Buckeyes held a double digit lead, but then Iowa State marched back to set up a thrilling, but painful finish for Cyclone followers.<br />
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The thrill and agony are what makes March Madness special. All experience it, but ultimately only one team stands. Ohio State continues the thrill into the Sweet 16. Iowa State takes their agony back to Ames, Iowa.<br />
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It’s March.<br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-71704774595511345882013-03-23T08:26:00.000-07:002013-03-23T08:26:29.097-07:00NCAA Basketball Tournament: Iowa State DominatesIt was a total surprise.<br />
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The surprise wasn’t that Iowa State defeated Notre Dame in a No. 10 vs. No. 7 match-up. The surprise was how it happened.<br />
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Usually these closely seeded teams play close games. Not Friday night in Dayton, Ohio. The Cyclones started fast and attacked the Fighting Irish. The game was over early in the second half. You kept thinking Notre Dame would mount a second-half run. There was none. Iowa State cleared its bench and provided playing time for little-used reserves. Notre Dame played looked like something hit them but they weren’t sure what.<br />
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There was another surprise in this game—HOW the Cyclones dominated. Iowa State is known for its three-point shooting. On this night, the Cyclones decided to move the ball inside and take it straight to the Fight Irish. They threw in some three-pointers for good measure. The strategy worked and worked well.<br />
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Simply put, Iowa State possessed better athletes than Notre Dame.<br />
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The Cyclones move on to play Ohio State in Round 3. This should be an interesting game. The Buckeyes have the athletes to match Iowa State. But if the Buckeyes noticed, Iowa State is an outstanding No. 10 seed.<br />
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As one sportscaster likes to say, “This is going to be fun.”<br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-10012150114972017302013-03-22T16:37:00.000-07:002013-03-22T16:37:27.132-07:00NCAA Basketball Tournament: Which Iowa State Team Tonight?Iowa State fans want to know which Iowa State team will show up against Notre Dame in Round 2 of the NCAA men’s tournament late tonight.<br />
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When Iowa State has success on the three-point shot, the results are good. When Iowa State has difficulty connecting on the three-point shot the results are bad. The Cyclones are definitely a two-headed team.<br />
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Who wins the “style” battle will also play into the results. Iowa State obviously enjoys the up tempo pace, while Notre Dame prefers the grind-it-out philosophy.<br />
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Iowa State has been spotty on defense this season. The Cyclones play offense but struggle on defense. Tonight, might be a good time to pull out the defensive effort.<br />
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Iowa State has talented players, but point guard Korie Lucious should determine whether it’s the Cyclone’s night. Lucious was basically a non-factor in the recently completed Big 12 Tournament. He needs to score some points and also collect some assets. Lucious has previously NCAA experience with Michigan State and as a senior this is his last shot.<br />
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Cyclone fans hope the word “shot” is plural and not singular. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-91249284263950571732013-03-21T07:37:00.000-07:002013-03-21T07:37:06.630-07:00Let the NCAA Basketball Tournament BeginDo you have your brackets ready? Have you dusted off the remote? Are you ready to search and find specific games, times and channels?<br />
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The real NCAA tournament begins today. The play-in games are over and there are 64 teams vying for Atlanta and the title. That means in the next two days (Thursday-Friday) 32 games are on the schedule. You got to love the NCAA basketball tournament.<br />
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But as I suggested in the past, pace yourself. Remember, the last time you went to a restaurant and your eyes were larger than your stomach? Don’t put yourself on the disabled list before the tournament is really cranking.<br />
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I am giving some Gators some love for the tournament. My selection to win the entire thing is Florida. My upset special in the round of 64 is South Dakota State over Michigan. Wouldn’t that get some Jackrabbits (South Dakota State’s nickname) excited?<br />
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Who is your tournament winner? An upset special? <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-35995229099937679802013-03-19T12:11:00.000-07:002013-03-19T12:11:43.929-07:00The Key to NCAA Tournament SuccessYou can talk about match-ups and strategy all you want, but success in the NCAA tournament comes down to one simple fact: teams will solid guards advance in March.<br />
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There are numerous close games in the tournament. Often it comes down to a bounce here or there late in the game. Sometimes it’s pure luck. Sometimes it’s pure fortune. But more times than not, guards are involved in the deciding action. <br />
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It helps to have veterans ones particularly at the point. Not essential, but important. Mid-major teams do well at this time of the year because they possess upperclassmen including at the guard spots.<br />
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Guards particular point ones (the basketball quarterback) win games this time of year in a number of ways. Often they are outstanding free throw shooters. Many can shoot a deadly three ball. Penetration is also important to either take it to the basket or dish to an open teammate.<br />
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So watch the guards in this year’s tournament. The teams with good ones have an advantage and the ones with poor ones will struggle. You can take it to the bank including the bank shot.<br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-47977980999872086652013-03-18T09:12:00.000-07:002013-03-18T09:12:10.177-07:00Happy or Sad About NCAA Tournament SelectionsIf your team made the cut for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, I offer congratulations. If your team made it to one of the lesser tournaments, you have my sympathy.<br />
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If you’re a serious college basketball fan, today you are either happy or sad. There isn’t such a thing as middle ground.<br />
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The NCAA tournament is the gold standard. All other postseason tournaments are just tournaments. If your team is in March Madness, anticipation is high. Teams in the lesser tournaments are feeling jealousy and disappointment.<br />
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If I’m a fan of a team that didn’t make the Big Dance (and I’m there), I would almost wish the season was officially over because in reality it feels like it is. They can promote all those lesser tournaments as much as they want, it’s only fluff.<br />
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I will be cheering for my alma mater Iowa State in the Big Dance. The Cyclones oppose Notre Dame Friday. Memo to Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg: spend some quality in practice on the defense. Thanks. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-73932756091968167362013-03-15T19:10:00.001-07:002013-03-15T19:10:02.822-07:00Live in MinnesotaLast week, I had the privilege to speak in Southwestern Minnesota. It’s about a four-hour drive from my home but well worth it.<br />
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First stop was the Fellowship of Christian Athletes gathering at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. Southwest Minnesota is a Division II school with approximately 3,200 students. The FCA folks were warm and inviting. I have spoken there before and enjoy hanging out with those students.<br />
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The next morning, it was off to Minneota Public School just up the road from Marshall. I spoke at a school assembly there and enjoyed it too. Most of the members of the girl’s basketball team came to visit with me after my speech. I was impressed with these young ladies. They play for a state championship tomorrow (Saturday) in Minneapolis.<br />
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I enjoy taking my speech “Keep Your Uniform On” to students. It was great to combine college age with the junior high and high school on the trip.<br />
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I must say, I have a warm spot in my heart for the Minnesota students. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-17740307190189821742013-03-14T14:21:00.000-07:002013-03-14T14:21:17.383-07:00Baylor Needs Stellar Big 12 TournamentBaylor has the most to gain and the most to lose in the Big 12 Tournament.<br />
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The Bears need victories starting tonight (Thursday) against Oklahoma State. One so called expected said Baylor must play in the conference finals to grab an at-large NCAA tournament bid. That would require two victories.<br />
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No one really knows about the number of victories Baylor requires until Selection Sunday. But it’s safe to say that if the Bears lay an egg against the Cowboys, Baylor will end the NCAA conversation.<br />
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Which Baylor team will show up in this Big 12 Tournament? Will be the team that destroyed Kansas last week or will it be the team that suffered numerous close defeats during the season?<br />
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Baylor made the Elite Eight last season and if it falls to land even a NCAA bid this season, it will be a disappointment. <br />
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Baylor has the talent and the opportunity in the second season. It’s all up to the Bears. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-28778387229744368562013-03-01T08:08:00.000-08:002013-03-01T08:08:04.201-08:00March Madness 2013 Might Be CrazyOn the last day of February, No. 5 Duke falls to Virginia. The pattern continues. The mighty have fallen often in college basketball this season.<br />
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Could this be a preview of a crazy March Madness? Or with high expectations, will we be disappointment?<br />
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People say there is no clear cut favorite to become the Madness champion. Maybe we should just throw the school names in a hat and draw a winner. It would save money and stress. <br />
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I have a feeling that things are going to even out in the NCAA tournament. The so-called favorites will rise to the top. Upsets won’t happen as often as past seasons.<br />
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We have been conditioned in this regular season to expect upsets because they are happening frequently. But why are they happening. Is it because the talent is about equal? Could the home court and fan emotion play a big role?<br />
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I suspect the favored teams have been put on high alert. They have experienced the pain in the regular season. Their chests will become a little flatter in the postseason. Focus shouldn’t become a problem.<br />
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Plus, tournaments play on neutral courts. This favors the better team. Yes, there is emotion, but not as much. There are fewer props for the underdog. Talent rises on the neutral court.<br />
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Yes, it’s true: there is no dominant team this season. And the teams who come up short at the end will probably loss against a top contender not Cinderella. <br />
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*****I need to do some traveling and take care of some other matters, so my blog will go on a little vacation. I hope to be back again for the major conference tournaments. Enjoy the basketball everybody.<br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-85847875288390819532013-02-26T07:32:00.002-08:002013-02-26T07:32:53.712-08:00Kansas-Iowa State: A Heavyweight MatchIf you missed the Kansas-Iowa State matchup Monday night on ESPN, you missed a heavyweight battle.<br />
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Both teams were trading punches throughout the evening. Kansas just came up with more of them and prevailed in overtime 108-96. <br />
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This was a fan’s game. If you enjoy defense, you needed to change the channel. Shots were raining from all over. The three-point ball was definitely in play. It looked and felt like a NBA game.<br />
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Iowa State tries to outscore opponents. The Cyclones have been pretty successful doing that but mighty Kansas didn’t play along. Kansas knew what to do in overtime. Iowa State seemed out of gas. When a talented team like Kansas plays in overtime, it’s usually bad news for the opposite. That was the case for Iowa State. It wasn’t even close.<br />
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Kansas can thank Elijah Johnson. Johnson was uncanny in the second half and overtime. The senior threw in 39 points and numerous three-point shots.<br />
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Iowa State had its chance in regulation. But the Cyclones let Kansas up from the canvas and their 22-game home winning streak was history.<br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-80121394174680548572013-02-22T09:25:00.000-08:002013-02-22T09:25:14.204-08:00College Basketball Crunch Time<br />
As the landscape in Iowa turned white overnight (yes, snow), let’s turn to something more positive: March Madness.<br />
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The regular season is quickly coming to an end. Some conferences hold their league tournament in early March and others wait about a week. Regardless of the dates, this is the time for all teams to make a move.<br />
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Some teams can handle the pressure, some cannot. For the NCAA bubble teams you either make your case now or stay home for NCAA tournament time.<br />
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Teams struggling need to turn it around. Each game is one game closer to either a good streak or a bad streak. Teams can make remarkable runs at this juncture or tank and finish with a bad taste.<br />
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One area the NCAA selection committee examines is the finish to a particular team’s season. Bubble teams that put together wins will receive utmost consideration. If you don’t win, the team puts itself on the mercy of the committee. And that’s a dangerous way to live.<br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-27294601657614347432013-02-18T08:16:00.000-08:002013-02-18T08:16:51.074-08:00Storming the College Basketball Court<br />
Okay, boys and girls quit doing it. No more running on to the basketball court when your team wins. If you don’t quit it now, I will make you write on the blackboard 1,000 times “I will not storm the court.”<br />
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We have a new fade in college basketball this season. It’s called “storming the court.” Remember when students occasionally ran out on the court. This year, it seems like it is a right of passage.<br />
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Granted we have a number of upsets in the college game but doesn’t the novelty wear off after one time? For example, should the No. 15 ranked school’s fans rush the court after it defeats the No. 13 team?<br />
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Before I get labeled as the grumpy Gus, I applaud one school for storming the court. TCU beat Kansas a couple weeks ago in Fort Worth, Texas. How can I say this softly: the Horned Frogs are a terrible team? They have won one conference game and that was the stunner against Kansas. TCU fans never have the opportunity to storm the court and I say good for them. Glad you did it.<br />
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But to you other school fans. Pick your spots. Take a stand. Don’t be like your fellow fans. Cheer loudly in the stands and then go home. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-8482151758228740832013-02-13T14:04:00.000-08:002013-02-13T14:05:42.747-08:00International Olympic Committee Decision Causes Wrestling UproarI can count on two hands the number of wrestling stories I have written in my journalism career. But the decision to drop wrestling from the future Olympics has created a fierce storm in this part of the world.<br />
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The state of Iowa is a wrestling hotbed. The University of Iowa has won numerous national team and individual championships. Former Iowa coach Dan Gable is a wrestling legend through the world. Iowa State also fields competitive teams and has crowned many individual national champions. The Iowa high school state tournament (held this week) is a big deal too.<br />
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So if you thought the Iowa wrestling people were a little upset about the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision that is an understatement.<br />
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Folks, I have never been into the sport of wrestling but it goes back to the days of the Greeks. Wrestling is an international sport, but not anymore according to the IOC.<br />
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The wrestling folks aren’t going to take this lying down (no pun intended). They would do well to tab Gable as their poster boy. Maybe bringing along some cash to the next Olympic meeting might also help.<br />
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These wrestlers are in for a tough fight. Once you render a major decision to take or replace something, it’s usually gone for life. But wrestlers are a feisty bunch and just maybe their can get the decision reversed. <br />
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There are some people in Iowa cheering for that decision. <br />
<br />Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367724293310249373.post-8886055315025388672013-02-11T07:52:00.000-08:002013-02-11T07:52:24.386-08:00This Race Too Close to CallThe Big 12 Conference basketball title chase is the most competitive in years and we can thank Kansas.<br />
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The Jayhawks are reeling. They have lost three straight and have lost their hold on first place. It’s been about 6-7 years since Kansas has lost three straight.<br />
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Kansas’ neighbor, Kansas State is a top of the Big 12 with an 8-2 record. Kansas and Oklahoma State are next at 7-3 and the log jam with Oklahoma, Iowa State and Baylor at 6-4.<br />
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This race could be like a horse one—a photo finish.<br />
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Kansas State may not hold the top spot alone for long. The Wildcats visit Kansas tonight (Monday). The Jayhawks won’t lose four straight will they? Kansas has already beaten their rival in Manhattan but Kansas State is playing well. Should be a competitive game.<br />
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One team not involved in the race is Texas. What has happened to the Longhorns? They have made the NCAA tournament 14 straight years under Coach Rick Barnes. That streak will probably come to an end this season. <br />
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Paul Delgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00861939574571402147noreply@blogger.com0