Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
The Cats might not be in the NCAA Tournament, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t have a rooting interest. Over the next two days, KSR will preview each region of the bracket, helping you figure out who to cheer for, and what the least offensive result would be. We’ll get through this together. First, we looked at the Midwest Bracket, aka the “Region of Death,” then the West Region, and now, the South Region.
The South Region could feature a round of 32 matchup between Kansas and North Carolina, aka the Co’Colars war. So far, the Jayhawks have won both games against the former coach, but North Carolina has managed to turn his squad around into a tournament team that could be capable of pulling off an upset. From Western Kentucky to Bill Self’s hairpiece to Tubby Smith’s dance moves to Shaka Smart, there are a lot of fun stuff going on in the South Region, so let’s go.
Cinderella in waiting: Minnesota
Yes, I know Minnesota lost eleven of its last sixteen games, which caused many media members at the SEC Tournament to question why they weren’t on the bubble with Kentucky, but they ended up drawing a very favorable opponent in UCLA. Tubby Smith’s squad is 17th in the nation in rebounds per game (38.8), and UCLA is the worst rebounding team in the Pac-12. Plus, UCLA will be without their second best scorer, Jordan Adams, who broke his right foot last Friday. More Tubby Smith victory dances, please.
Team to adopt: Florida
I know a lot of people have Florida going to their Final Fours, but I don’t see it. The Gators are ridiculously talented, and very capable of manhandling a team, as we saw in Gainesville, but they’re equally as prone to choking when games get close, as we saw in Lexington. Because they’re an SEC squad and one of the only great wins we’ve had this year, I’ll cheer for them, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they stumble against Georgetown in the Sweet Sixteen.
Three Heroes
1. Otto Porter, Georgetown
After Georgetown lost Greg Whittington earlier this season, Otto “Ottomatic” Porter took over, increasing his scoring by six points a game and carrying Georgetown in some crucial moments. The sophomore forward is versatile, averages 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, and basically won the game for the Hoyas when he scored 33 of their 57 points to get a win over Syracuse.
2. Trey Burke, Michigan
Many think Burke will be named National Player of the Year after averaging 19.2 points and 6.7 assists per game this season for Michigan. He is the go-to guy in clutch situations for the Wolverines and can do it all, from stroking it outside to driving the lane.
3. Nate Wolters, South Dakota State
Wolters is fourth in the nation in scoring with 22.5 points a game and when he’s hot, can totally change a game. In February, Wolters put up 53 poitns against IUPUI-Fort Wayne, and if he’s rolling, South Dakota State could upset Michigan. That is, if he doesn’t have a cold from wearing short sleeves in the snow.
Three Villains:
1. Kansas’ overall win count
According to UK, Kansas is only 12 wins behind the Cats in all-time victories (2,111 – 2,099). We don’t need them making that margin any smaller.
2. Jeff Withey, Kansas
I don’t really mind Withey, I just thought this picture was funny. With Nerlens Noel injured, he’s the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the year, and averages 13.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game. If we want Kansas out early, someone will have to contain him.
3. North Carolina
Just because.
Best possible outcome for UK fans: Florida stands tall when games get close and advances to the Final Four, giving UK fans conference pride and the teensiest bit of bragging rights since we beat them a few weeks ago. Also, home state Western Kentucky does its fam a favor by knocking off Kansas in the first round.
Worst possible outcome for UK fans: Kansas breezes through the regional and gets even closer to our all-time wins mark.
Heart prediction: Florida advances to the Final Four
Head prediction: Georgetown advances to the Final Four
Go Cats.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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March 19th, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Michigan … GO BLUE ! they will knock out the JayJays
March 19th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Better for Kansas to win it all than Louisville/Indiana/Duke! Next year we’ll push the win margin ahead, but the stench of one of those teams winning will last all year.
March 19th, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Of course my heart wants WKU, Minnesota, Florida, or VCU. My mind says the winner of the Kansas and UNC game in the 2nd round will be in the final four. Carolina’s on a roll right now.
March 19th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
I would add to the “Worst possible for UK fans” the potential for Julius Randle to choose KU tomorrow. That would suck. Hopefully he’s a Cat. He’ll dominate at UK and be a guy we all love watching play every night. Next year will be special regardless, but it could be unfathomable with Randle.
March 19th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
That someone to stop Kansa would be Georgetown, just watch!
March 19th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
You are insane. I would never pull for Florida under any circumstances. Ever.
March 19th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
This is why it’s important for UK to win some games in my tourney. All-time wins count.
March 19th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Go Hilltoppers.
March 19th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
WKU, another slot that Costs UK a tourney bid.
and I attended WKU for a semester.
March 19th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Minnysota, 20-12 ? How in the hell did they get in ? Oh ok we know ….
March 19th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
UNC isn’t doing anything in this tourney.
March 19th, 2013 at 4:50 pm
6. You must be under the age of 18. Anyone older than that views Florida as irrelevant. I want the SEC to do well to hopefully give the nation the view that the SEC wasn’t as horribly bad as everyone said all season.
March 19th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
if anyone besides Indiana, Duke, Louisville, or UCLA wins i will be happy. especially Indiana, my hate for them is complete blind rage lol. I hate their fans, their persona, and their mid major activities and Accolades they celebrate.
March 19th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
The list of teams I don’t want to win in order:
1) Louisville
1a) Indiana
2) Duke
3) Kansas
4) UCLA
5) Gonzaga
6) UNC (they’d probably be after Duke if I thought they had a legit chance)
March 19th, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Florida Sweet Sixteen? I’ve got them outed by Tubby. Because, why not? If Minnesota keeps it close Florida will fold.
March 19th, 2013 at 5:35 pm
Jeff Withey looks like me
March 19th, 2013 at 6:04 pm
“According to UK, Kansas is only 12 wins behind the Cats in all-time victories (2,111 – 2,099). We don’t need them making that margin any smaller.”
Hence why it does count for something and we would indeed gain something by winning games in the NIT tournament.
“Minnysota, 20-12 ? How in the hell did they get in ? Oh ok we know”
Beating Indiana and Wisconsin toward the end and having many quality wins in the season history is how. Their conference had a lot higher quality teams than ours as well…
March 19th, 2013 at 6:08 pm
to hell with kansas, tubby kick ucla’s ass. ucla has 11 nc’s. they have to be stopped. bbn has to collectively pray to the bball gods to stop ucla
March 21st, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Agree with Scott. Never rooting for Florida. Who cares whether the country thinks the SEC is good. The SEC was garbage last year and UK won the national title. Florida is also one of our biggest competitors in recruiting, which a final four appearance would help. Also, Matt Walsh. Also, Joakim Noah.