Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, March 29, 2013
Where were you when LaQuinton Ross hit that impossibly long three-point shot with 2.1 seconds left that propelled Ohio State to the Elite Eight? What a dagger. So, if you are scoring at home, that?s two last-second, game-winning shots in a row by the Buckeyes-Aaron Craft did the honors vs. Iowa State in the third round. Gotta start daily links right there. Here?s a video of Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer on the shot heard ?round the Buckeye State.
The great Mitch Albom seems giddy over the fact Michigan and Michigan State are both still in the tourney. Why not? It?s the first time each is in the Sweet 16 together. He likes the chances of each to advance. Me? I?m not so sure. I like the Spartans? chances more than the Wolverines, who don?t have a desirable matchup?
For Michigan State to down Duke, Keith Appling and Branden Dawson must continue to know their roles and play within themselves. That can be easier said than done.
For Appling and Dawson, ?knowing their roles? comes down to probably not scoring much. Two games into this tourney, Adreian Payne, Derrick Nix and Gary Harris are emerging as the offensive options. Appling and Dawson must do other things to contribute: pass, rebound, defend, play with passion.
A big key for Michigan will be how well Wolverines 6-10 freshman Mitch McGary matches up with Kansas 7-foot senior Jeff Withey.
Speaking of McGary, turns out he is a rapper. I?m not making this up. (Believe me, I wish I was.) See for yourself right here.
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God bless Indianapolis star columnist Bob Kravitz. He minced no words after Indiana flamed out in the Sweet 16 vs. Syracuse last night.
Kravitz succinctly wrapped up the Hoosiers season thusly: ?The shame is, they could have done so much more. With two All-Americans, two potential NBA lottery picks in Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo, they should have gone so much further than the Sweet Sixteen. The shame is, there was enough talent there to make a run at the national championship.?
This is what those in the biz call ?spot-on analysis.?
Some raw emotion from Indiana senior and Bloomington native Jordan Hulls-and others–after the loss last night. Yes, this hurt. But Indiana has a bright future.
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The search for Tubby Smith?s successor continues. Is Xavier?s Chris Mack a guy? Hmmm. I likey. Speaking of Smith, there are reports he?s talking to Texas Tech about its vacancy.
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Illinois unveiled plans to renovate Assembly Hall. And, it?s exciting-and long overdue. Long, long overdue. Illini A.D. Mike Thomas says major construction is set to commence March 2014 and finish November 2016. Oh, and there will be premium seats. Oh, and you will pay-a lot.
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This is a big spring for Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, who is working on fundamentals to take his game to another level. The guy was Big Ten offensive player of the year in 2012. Is there a Heisman in his future? No doubt, if Miller becomes sharper, this Buckeye offense could be out-of-sight in 2013.
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Yes, Iowa is coming off a mind-numbing 4-8 season, but plenty of good things are still going on in Iowa City under Kirk Ferentz.
Fans may disagree, as the program has lost 17 of its last 29 games under a coach who is making almost $4 million per season. And some may be miffed that Ferentz has no plans to deviate from what offensive coordinator Greg Davis is doing. Hang in there, Herky.
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Our own Gerry DiNardo thinks Michigan?s offense is better off without Denard Robinson. It?s true. It?s right here.
It isn?t a crazy notion. We got an extended look at the Wolverine attack without ?Shoelace? last season when he was out with injury. And, frankly, it ran well with Devin Gardner, whose superior passing skills give the Michigan attack more balance.
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TWEETS THAT MATTER
Asked Oladipo and Zeller if they played their last games as Hoosiers — both said they haven't given it any thought —
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) March 29, 2013
My take: Zeller and junior Victor Oladipo have decisions to make. I think Oladipo will leave. Zeller, a sophomore? I?m not so sure.
Seth Greenberg says Wichita State plays angry Jay Bilas counters "Uh Ohio State plays moderately upset, too"
— Steve Helwagen (@SteveHelwagen) March 29, 2013
My take: This is going to be a fun matchup. Be careful, Buckeyes.
So it's kinda funny. Sometimes teams get hot for March (like Oregon). Sometimes really good teams don't (like Indiana).
— Jeff Svoboda (@JeffSvoboda) March 29, 2013
My take: Such are the perils of a one-and-done tourney.
Indiana. If you think about it, when is the last time the Hoosiers really looked good? First 32 minutes in East Lansing?
— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) March 29, 2013
My take: Yep.
An All-Big Ten Final Four is not happening, officially, with Indiana losing to Syracuse
— Larry Lage (@LarryLage) March 29, 2013
My take: There still is a chance for three teams, right? Still a big long shot. Heck, even getting two at this point may be difficult.
Cuse defenders having a block party. Guest of honor? Cody Zeller. #ugly
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) March 29, 2013
My take: I was stunned at how many times Zeller had his shot blocked.
Virginia coach Tony Bennett could be getting more attention from Minnesota as a possible #Gophers candidate, per @Charley_Walters
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) March 29, 2013
My take: This would be a great get.
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About Tom Dienhart | BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section. |
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