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News/Analysis
- Mike Anderson’s Short Legacy: Mizzou Matters Again: “Mike Anderson brought the most important possible characteristic to Columbia in his five years here: positivity. There were plenty of less than positive moments, from Athenagate to a “disappointing” 23-win season this year, but in five years, Anderson gave hope to Missouri fans that they could once again cheer on a winning program. Not only that, but he created that winning program. We went from Popcorn-gate to said “disappointing” tourney appearance in just half a decade. We’ve heard a lot about Missouri winning more games in the last three games and ever before, and while that stat is inflated by the fact that teams simply play more games now … Mizzou won a lot of games. And Anderson leaves the program in infinitely better shape than he found it.” (Rock M Nation)
- Hail Caesar!: “In the later Roman Empire, there was a tradition whereby two men ruled the empire at the same time. The dominant Emperor took the cognomen Augustus, named after the first emperor Caesar Augustus. The subordinate Emperor took the cognomen Caesar, named after Julius Caesar. The relationship between the Football and Basketball team works in much the same way. Tressel, as the Augustus, is doubtless the big man on campus. Thad Matta, as the Caesar, works under Tressel’s shadow, yet he’s still a force to reckon with on his own. With the football program dealing with clouds of distraction and controversy, it’s the duty of the Caesar to take command and keep the ship sailing through the murk. While pondering this state of affairs, I couldn’t help but think that Matta may be the best coach we’ve ever had prowling the court. Fred Taylor won the only national championship in Buckeye history. If we’re lucky, Thad Matta may join him. But what does the rest of the resume say?” (Eleven Warriors)
- Kemba Walker is finally on Twitter, or is he?: “Kemba Walker is on Twitter. Maybe. Or maybe he has been for a while. I don’t know. I’m not sure I really care either but based on the amount of google searches for “Kemba Walker Twitter” that get directed to this site someone out there does.” (The UConn Blog)
- Bill Self And Kansas Preview The Sweet Sixteen In San Antonio: Quotes from the Jayhawks about their upcoming match-ups in San Antonio. (Rock Chalk Talk)
- Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Let’s Get A Few Things Straight: “I’ve noticed a few Ohio St. Buckeyes fans coming over and making comments to the effect that they think their basketball program under Thad Matta is superior to Kentucky’s program under John Calipari. Make no mistake, Kentucky fans, especially me, respect and appreciate the outstanding job Matta has done at Ohio State, and I also fully accept the conventional wisdom that the Buckeyes are the favorite in Friday’s game. Ohio State has had a better year, played in what is ostensibly a tougher conference, and has proven itself the favorite with resounding wins in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.” (A Sea of Blue)
- Key UCLA Hoops Notes: Howland Invokes NBA Lockout, Lee Undergoes Surgery: Some Bruins news including a tactic that Ben Howland is trying to employ to keep potential early entrants in school. (Bruins Nation)
- Report: Max Bielfeldt to Announce College Decision on Friday: One of the top remaining big men will announce his decision on Friday. (UM Hoops)
- Stepping Stones: Bruin Basketball Outlook For 2011: Taking a look at how the Bruins will fit in the Pac-10 next season. (Bruins Nation)