As I break it down, I think I've got a strong advantage at the PG spot, and a smaller advantage in the post. They've got a clear edge at SG, but an interesting contrast b/w high speed, great PE and high ath, great DE. They've also have a decent advantage at the SF spot.Overall, it looks pretty even, a definent contrast in style. I think the key to the game may well come down to my SGs being able to limit their SG. My SG reserve (Furness) is fairly similar to Lindsley, so it will be the same contrast when I have to dig into my bench. Lindsley is coming off his best game of his career, knocking down all 4 3 pointers, plus 9 ***ists. Get that same performance tonight and its good night Irene.In our only common opponent, we won @ Beloit by 8 early in the season, Neuman knocked them off by 11 in the NT. Vegas has us established as a favorite for the first time in the NT this year (-5). I'm hoping our edge at Free throws will hold true, and push us to victory.What you say?

all i can say is it is definitely not the same coach as before. toby moved up to my d2 conference before this season to use up his paid-for season. as far as i know, he is done playing HD. GL to both of you tonight...

Just to stick my 2 cents in, and I mean no offense, just my honest evaluation (which, coincidentally, is actually only worth 1 cent):

The Nuemann coach should be playing Yoo at PG and Simmons at SG, and then playing big up front instead of the 3-guard lineup and a PG (White) who is averaging as many turnovers as ***ists and has a 43 P*** while running a flex. If they beat Taz's team, it will be solely because they have an insane amount of talent... talent recruited by a different coach. It's actually a situation where a team is winning in spite of its coach... like any Bill Self or Roy Williams team.

One more game, Taz, and I'm paying off my Visa bill with the winnings.

Here's the question, is 43 p***ing for a PG a sign of the new era potential limitations? I know my PG next year will be a low 50s p***er, unless I start a frosh or unplayed soph at point next year. Kids got nice skills otherwise, just tapped out earlier in p***ing than I would have guessed while recruiting him. I planned to take a look around when the season rolled over and see where many of the top program's kids were at to recalculate how/what I need to recruit going forward (***uming I'm here in D3 beyond the 2 extra season's I've committed to)Overall, I'm not sure I completely agree with you. While their PG situation is not ideal as set up, it allows them to get a ton of production out of their SG & SF roll. I don't see a PF on the roster than can give them what their current SG gives them at that spot. White is quick, athletic and handles the rock well. Doesn't turn it over a ton, and the 2 SGs both have solid A/TO ratios. I know they got beat a couple of times when the opponent packed it on them, but I don't think its a terrible strategy, especially given as many times as they throw it from beyond the perimeter (where a high p***er rating probably isn't quite as neccessary p***ing it from side to side above the key)anyhoo, I guess we'll see what transpires, hopefully its as good a game as Neuman & John Hopkins had in the semifinals. Honestly I think it has the potential to be a blowout, but that blowout could easily go either way. I think foul trouble will end up playing a huge roll for one team or another and which ever team gets into foul trouble will be force to play into its bench more than it would like. Neumann also has the setup to just go bizerker from beyond the arc and leave us no room for catchup. We don't have that capability, other than a good night w/ the RNG, so I guess I'd lean towards them w/ the better odds in a blowout, I like our chances better in a tight game where free throws come into play.

Taz: you were right. It was a close game and free throws clearly made the difference.

Paul,As soon as I saw the -5 I liked my odds. I didn't hit the % of 3 pointers that I've been noticing the -5 to give up lately (heck we were 1-10 in the first half, 4-11 in the 2nd half), but since they're primarily a jump shooting team, running things thru their gaurds, I thought it stood a solid chance of getting them into foul trouble. Couldn't have predicted that it would render Yoo meaningless w/ his fouls, but it couldn't have played out better for my boys.

congrats to both coaches - altho i was pulling for Taz as a Big 5 founder and a site buddy. not to mention i think toby would have killed me if neumann won after i convinced him to try DII

good runs by both teams/coaches tho

i am starting to believe that i was the weak link in the Big 5, since 3 of you have won titles in the last week, and i know bugs/kendrick has won them before... meanwhile, i am maxing out in the Elite 8.

Congrats on another national title, taz. Very well deserved. Looking at your team, I have no idea how Chicago lost 10 games this season (one of which was to my team by some dumb luck).

Quote: Originally posted by kreller131 on 5/08/2009Congrats on another national title, taz. Very well deserved. Looking at your team, I have no idea how Chicago lost 10 games this season (one of which was to my team by some dumb luck).

he plays in the Upstate. Conference opponents accounted for 6 of those losses. Plus taz always schedules about as tough as he can in OOC.

and if anyone wants to join us, we got two opening! slide over and nab one of the teams.

I know some of you must be sick of going 31-2 every season. Come over and join the dark side. Its so much more fun going 25-10 and winning the title.

it may be a record, but it also looks like the bubble is about to burst

yep. definitely a record for schools in danger, and the number with all 10 seasons full of appearances is definitely declining, too. sign of potential-driven parity, or waning interest? or both?on the plus side, there are a number of up-and-coming teams who have filled in the last 5-6 postseasons, and don't look to be going anywhere but up.

Adrian makes a visit although new could also include danger next to it. Glad to be in the list even if it is just for a season. Thanks for putting this all together wronoj.

nope, no danger for this season, jstrat-- you've made 4 in a row, and it takes 4 of 5 to qualify, so you're qualified next season even if your RPI is 300 and you go nowhere. you'll drop some spots, but...

Thanks for doing this wronoj!