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By Nate, March 8, 2010 1:26 pm

Just a quick note of acknowledgement to MSU and the back-to-back Big Ten Championship that was secured last night. It has been an interesting season in East Lansing. Some high-points and some low-points that all seemed to come in bunches. MSU finished the regular season on a high-point and sent Raymar Morgan, Isaiah Dahlman and Jon Crandall out winners and BT Champs. Raymar played the way you hope a senior does in his last game – it was special, and part of what makes MSU Hoops special – Coach Izzo got a little teary eyed as the Seniors kissed the S and the trophy celebration ensued.

The Big Ten Tourney is next and MSU is jockeying for seeding in the top four lines. A good showing could mean a solid 3 seed and depending on what happens elsewhere a BTT Title could lead to another 2 seed (MSU is 10-1 as a 2 seed in the Tourney). I cannot wait for Thursday to get here – in the meantime I guess I’ll just have to get my fill of all the other Conference Tournaments and Championship games.

Now – a quick word why this was just a short note: In a few moments I will be heading to Historic Fordson High School in Dearborn to watch our own Coach Jimmy engage his battle tested Allen Park Jaguars in his first High School Playoff game as HC of the hometown Jags. Sam is meeting me there and we will rep the “Tourney Trip APHS Boys Hoops Booster Club” in Coach Jimmy’s first District game. It’s March – even for Jimmy – Go Jags!

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By Nate, February 17, 2010 12:29 pm

Item! After a 3 game skid the Spartans have righted the ship against PSU and IU on the road. Now, I know that PSU and IU are bad teams but winning conference road games is never easy no matter who you are playing. So, I’ll take the wins as a good sign. And as Kalin’s ankle gets healthier, Summers starts to play more defense and Raymar plays through his early-game stumbles this team will get better. The Spartans are not a great team – yet – but who is so far this season? Even Kansas has shown some chinks in their armor and it’s setting up to be an interesting March. For MSU the next test is a big one as the Buckeye$ roll into town on Sunday the 21st. Stay tuned for my analysis of this game…

Item! Snow is all the rage these days and is fast becoming a political tool – I of course have known the political applications of snow ever since I whitewashed those two Romney Petition Canvassers who knocked on my door one dreary February day.

Item! It seems that Kentucky knows no sense of decency. After Calipari and his hired guns stole one from Mississippi State the locals took exception and kindly offered “Coach” Cal and his troops some post-game refreshments. I should point out that a lot of the Bulldogs’ ire was directed at UK’s lowest paid staff for the day – the officials. I mean c’mon guys if you’re going to tank a game for Kentucky at least be subtle about it – two successive phantom foul calls and then a non-call on a clear goaltend isn’t really hiding your show cards, now is it? Of course, the difference between Rick Stansbury and Calipari is night and day – Calipari plays Wall and Cousins who smart money would wager have not seen the inside of a classroom since November and Coach Stansbury benches his leading scorer for the night because of his attitude in practice. One coach will do whatever is necessary to win a game and the other will do whatever is necessary to build a young man. The difference is striking but not surprising.

Item! I was once told that the United States Military forbids the use of blue ink pens – well here’s hoping that this exclusionary and miss-guided policy will fall to the wayside along with “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” Blue ink users want to be free to serve their country in the open and with multiple colors on one piece of paper.

Item! There hasn’t been much talk of coaches on the hot seat yet this season. I’d imagine that chatter will pick-up as the season draws closer to its conclusion. But I’d like to throw a few early hats into the ring – We have the two perennial contenders from the Big East: Norm Roberts at St Johns and Bobby Gonzalez at Seton Hall. And then there’s Doc Sadler at Nebraska and of course Ernie Kent at Oregon (which begs the question: how much good money can Phil Knight put after bad at OU Hoops?). Locally, I really do not see how Charles Ramsey at EMU can keep his job barring a run to the MAC Tourney Title (or the Athletic Department can’t afford to buy him out). So, in my mind the next logical question becomes will one of these openings work for Mark Montgomery to continue the Izzo/Heathcote coaching tree? My guess is yes and I would be really surprised if Monty isn’t running his own program come April or May.

Item! I really think I could be an Olympic Curler.

Item! Steve Lavin has fast become my second favorite basketball analyst – no one will ever un-seat Bill Raftery – I especially enjoy his graphics that have 5-7 points regarding a particular issue in college basketball. Last night he highlighted the 7 issues facing freshman as they transition to the college game. Number 7 was “Hootin’ with the Owls” as too much late night partying is not a good idea for the young kids trying to hoop.

Item! I wonder how much money the inventor of Post-It Notes made? After inventing something like that do you just walk away from the inventing game figuring you’ve peeked or do you re-double your inventing efforts trying to top the previous invention? I know my good ideas usually come in groups of threes.

Item! Purdue at Ohio State tonight. I predict a win for the Buckeyes, it will be tight but I just don’t think Purdue has anyone to stop Evan Turner (but who does?). Although OSU’s lack of depth could hurt them down the stretch, in this game it shouldn’t matter too much. It should be a good game and I wouldn’t be surprised if Moore and Turner go shot for shot for a couple of minutes. Looking forward to some Wednesday night hoops! And remember I’ll be back by Saturday with a look at the OSU@MSU game on Sunday.

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By Nate, January 29, 2010 3:16 pm

Item! Michigan State is off to the best Big Ten start in school history at 8-0. After stealing two one-point games in a row on the road the Spartans return to Breslin tomorrow to face the Northwestern Wildcats. MSU not only has the motivation of going 9-0 and lengthening their conference lead but also exacting some revenge for last year’s 30’ shot fueled upset to the ‘Cats. A team that can steal conference games on the road, especially two last shot wins, might be the start of something special – add to this the fact MSU still hasn’t played it’s best basketball of the season yet and there is ample reason for excitement in East Lansing.

Item! After seeing Jalen Rose dressed in his clown suit while giving back to the community Tuesday Evening, it occurred to me that I should do something to help this gracious human-being help others. So, here’s my tip to Jalen as he begins his burgeoning TV career: buy a copy of Rosetta Stone, the English Edition.

Item! Injuries have plagued the Big Ten this year from Kevin Koble to Lewis Jackson to Maurice Creek to Evan Turner to Jon Leuer it seems almost every conference squad has endured a tough injury and that has hurt the overall perception of the conference. Turner and Jackson are back and at least Turner looks to have not missed a step. Here’s hoping the rest of the season is injury free and everyone (expect Wisconsin) has a nice Tourney run.

Item! I am yet to see Avatar but I did see a cat with only 3 legs the other day – Mother Nature still makes the best special effects.

Item! The other night Steve Lavin listed the “Five C’s” of good officiating. They are: Consistency, Communication, Conditioning, Calmness and Courage. As per usual I think the Lav is right on with his assessment. Although, I would add a sixth – “Comfort” as in comfort fitting slacks, no one wants to see a ref running around in pants 2 sizes too small.

Item! What has happened to the Somali Pirates? For a while there pirates were hip again and then just as quickly as I was getting out my eye patch and fake peg leg they seem to have disappeared from the news. No worries though, I bet they’re hiding out in a secret cave harbor until the coast is clear.

Item! After watching almost 5 seasons of EMU Basketball and the coaching of Charles Ramsey I have reached the conclusion that he may be the worst coach in all of D-1. Now mind you this is far from a rush to judgment, as I’ve given him the benefit of the doubt because he’s had bad luck with injuries, transfers and troubled kids that were talented players. But this year he has all the pieces in place, including 3 guys who would start just about anywhere they played, and he’s just one game above 500 overall and 2 games below in conference. The Eagles are struggling because Ramsey cannot make in-game adjustments and appears to be completely lost during end-game situations. EMU with its location, facilities and history should be a mid-major power and I hate to say it but C-Ram is a big reason they aren’t.

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By Nate, April 7, 2009 6:34 am

Thanks to the seniors and of course Coach Izzo. We’ll miss you four guys but you gave us a helluva run. The core returns and the sky is the limit for next season – the road to Indy begins today.

It’s tough to be so close and not get it all. But UNC is/was a gifted team – oh, well – that’s the past now. Kalin, Durrell, Korie, Draymond, Delvon, Chris, Tom, Derrick, Gerrick and of course Raymar are the future.

A great season – two banners – and a memorable Final Four experience. All in all not too shabby, not perfect but not too shabby.

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By Nate, March 30, 2009 5:44 am

You have the right to remain silent, everything you say will be held against you in a court of Dunk Police

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By Nate, March 29, 2009 9:40 pm

We’ll be in the Motor D to see the Spartans!

G was the man, Kalin and T-walt handled the press with ease, Durrell was the spark-plug, Chris Allen was hustle and heart, Korie had ice-water in his veins and Day-Day was a force inside. A total team effort, including a dunk for the DUNK POLICE! (Just wait for Ray and Del to heat up, it could be special)  And of course, some lockdown Man to Man! and a plus 8 rebounding margin. 

And once again – Tom Izzo is the greatest human being to ever live – he makes Ghandi look like a child pornographer.

It’s going to be a fun week

And let me add a special recognition to my all-time favorite double Spartan – the love of my life, my wife Anna – those silly UCLA girls are schlepps compared to her.

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By Nate, March 28, 2009 7:04 pm

Well, not to toot my own horn (that’s what she said), but I was 8 for 8 in my Sweet 16 predictions. So, by popular demand I will now share my Elite 8 predictions just in time for all my faithful readers to call their bookies (of course, you’ll only be betting potato chips as I would never condone illegal activity).

Without further ado: I like the way Mizzou is playing and I think the pressing style could negate Theebet’s effectiveness but UConn’s guards are no slouches. All that being said, I just have a hunch about this Mizzou team, I’ve liked them all season and I’ll stick with them for an upset.

The Big East is assured of at least one Final Four team due to the Nova – Pitt Elite 8 clash tonight. Blair is the kind of player that I love and Levance Fields is just a winner (and Sam Young is a great scorer). But Nova is playing some great ball right now and Nova won at home in the only match-up b/w these teams this year. I just think Pitt will get it done, Blair and Fields are going to will Pitt to the Motor D.

It is my sincere hope that Blake Griffin treats that jittering fool Hansbourgh that a red-headed step-child. It will be a good game but in the end I think Lawson is just better than Oklahoma’s goofy #20 and that will be the difference. Roy “Shucks Howdy” Williams and his insurance salesman sports-coat will once again show you don’t have to know much about hoop to coach a team with a bunch of talent to the Final Four.

Now, for MSU v Louisville. I don’t have much in-depth analysis, just a lot of nerves and anticipation. Raymar broke his nose last night, here’s hoping he can channel the spirit of Matt Trannon in the face-mask and play like a man on a mission (and share some of that sugar with Del Roe). I just have a hunch – maybe call it a hope – but I think MSU finds a way, my god please make it so.

So, in case you’re keeping track at home that’s a Final Four of MSU v. Mizzou and Pitt v. UNC.

And just for the record: Tom Izzo is going no where and I have no idea what was up with Gus Johnson last night but Tom Izzo is appreciated more in East Lansing than the Pope is in Rome (although if you only read the Detroit newspapers or watch Don Shane and that clown Smilovitz I could see how you might be confused). But make no mistake, TI will get whatever he wants in EL and is treated like a king – I firmly believe his current coaching job will be his last.

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By Nate, March 26, 2009 10:14 pm

Item! Spring is finally here, the birds are singing and the flowers blooming, oh wait that’s just the fumes my neighbor’s meth lab.

Item! I guess they’ve been playing the NIT and all these other tournaments (CBI, CIPT) all along, man it sure would be great if they put those games on TV, wait you say they have, well then why haven’t I been watching, oh that’s right – no one cares.

Item! I don’t have any long-winded self-indulgent letters to issue to entire cities but I will only add this about our recent experiences in Philadelphia: “Well, it didn’t look like a two-horse town, but try finding a decent hair jelly.”

Item! I don’t have much hope for Purdue tonight against UConn. The Boilers’ only hope is that all the distractions facing UConn will take them off their games and they can sneak an upset. Otherwise, it’ll be a long night for the kids from West Laffy. Also, does anyone think the NCAA will really come down hard on UConn after the reports from Yahoo.com Sports? I’m still waiting for USC football to get the death penalty after my man Dan Wetzel’s expose on Reggie Bush’s cash money allstar experience with the men from Troy.

Item! Even if you’re very thirsty it’s never a good idea to try and take a drink from a power washer hose.

Item! In the other Sweet 16 games tonight, I look for Pitt over the X (but close); Nova over Duke (hey did you know that Corey Fisher, or Fish as my boy from Nova likes to call him, is the D’Angelo Barksdale of D-1 hoops? ESPN.com has a story all about it). And my upset special look for Mizzou over Memphis tonight.

Item! For my money it doesn’t get much better than the UCLA Dance Team – Hello girls!

Item! It looks like Anthony Grant the coach of VCU is headed to Alabama, nice pick up by the Tide. But I’m sure that Coach Grant will miss the enthusiasm of VCU’s Pep Band and it’s Fearless leader.

VCU Pep Band Leader

Item! I think MSU will beat KU tomorrow – just a hunch but I think the Spartans are ready to play and send a message. I like the Suton on Aldrich, Walton on Collins, Morgan on Morris (x2), and Kalin on Morningstar or Taylor or Reed match-ups for State. Roe and Green will be key in how they respond to Aldrich and either of the Morrises when they’re on the floor. The match-up that concerns me for State is Mario Little, once again the play of either Summers or Allen will be key. MSU is exponentially better when one of these two is scoring – if both are, good night nurse, get the tickets for the D.

Item! The irony is too rich to ignore that Nick Cage is in a movie titled “Knowing.”

Item! In Friday’s other Sweet 16 games I look for the ‘Ville over ‘Zona, UNC over the Zags and Oklahoma over Syracuse. In case you’re keeping track at home that’s an Elite 8 of UNC v Oklahoma, Pitt v. Nova, UConn v. Mizzu & Louisville v. MSU

Item! And finally a fond farewell to Billy Gillespie – we only knew thee but for a moment in a time.