UNC's Marshall in Shoot Around - Right Hand Man or "A-Team!"

Kendall is testing the hand, more so than resting the hand. Give him an "A" for toughness, but will that prolong his healing, and keep him out of future games, should they get past Kansas today? This is where you (as a team not just a few individuals) have to play error free "A" game basketball. When you can persevere through an injury plagued season and play deep into tournaments you can say you're "a" good team. If you win the tournament you can say you're "a" great team. Therefore, Mr. Barnes, Mr. Zeller, Mr. Henson, Mr. Bullock, and Mr. Underclassman (all of you) had better bring your "'A'-Game" today because when you're "a" great team playing "a" good team it's just "a" game!

Kendall is in the shoot around again, but can he play through the pain, and be productive? I'm praying he doesn't push himself too early, and we have a Carolina victory. Expect a Willis Reed type performance from a gutsy sophomore if the game is close coming down the stretch! My money says he plays limited minutes especially down the stretch if the Heels are close to finishing the Jayhawks or close enough to catch them and finish on top. Either way I just hope Kendall doesn't over do it. Go Heels!

Ugly Is To The Bone!

Was it an intentional (flagrant) foul, and should Creighton's coach, and players get the Sean Payton treatment? You make the call.

If you are Coach Williams, do you play Kendall Marshall on Friday if Kendall says he's ready to go, or do you keep him on the bench? You make the call.

Here's my call...
The cast came off earlier this week according to Kendall Marshall's Twitter update, and he's pretty up tempo about things. On that note, Kobe Bryant played days after having repairs made to his shooting hand, so who's to say that Kendall will not play at least against Kansas/NC State on Sunday barring they continue the path and defeat Ohio? I can say this... if I am Coach Williams (and I am not, and Roy's been winning for years without me!) I bring to the attention of Fridays ref's the UNC - Creighton game and the Syracuse - UNCA game.

A good (clean) hard foul on a drive to the basket means the defensive player does not allow the offensive player (shooter) to extend his arms, and make an attempt at a possible made shot. Anyone that's ever had the ability to dunk a basketball, and has been undercut, knows that a push is not acceptable. Being hacked, or held is one thing, but you don't dump a player on his head with a cheap foul, and push him. The refs can't catch everything, but this year has shown that the striped shirts are very human, and very flawed! Get a grip, bite your lip, and let'em rip! Eject a few dirty players please, and send a message! Henson got his technical, and he deserved it, but it should go both ways. The shove from double nothing on Zeller, and the extending of the right arm that sent Marshall to the floor were deserving of flagrant foul calls, if not ejections! 

Regardless of the then's and that's, this is now, and I, Coach Williams and UNC faithful am a BELIEVER! Two down and four to go! GO HEELS!!!

Marshall's X-Ray Misread, Not Broken!?

OK let's get the ugly out of the way first. Creighton was a very physical team, and were allowed a few too many cheap shots. One could say that's all on the players because at that level they know better, or one could say it's mostly on the refs for missing the calls (especially to double thrust up near the neck and throat area of Carolina's Tyler Zeller delivered by Creighton's big man who with that play characterized his thought processing and age to match his number: double zero), or one could say it's on the coach for encouraging dirty pool, which went above and beyond playing physical, and tough. You can be physical, and even mentally tough, without being dirty. It was a dirty played game at times! OK that's the ugly.

Now onto the bad... the bad is that an injury is an injury. There is no pretty side to that. Not being able to play at 100% is horrible for a competitor, period! Bad is having a crack so tiny, that you can't see it with the naked eye, but it shows up on an enlarged x-ray.

The good... Kendall Marshall doesn't have to score like Kobe Bryant, he only has to be as tough as Kobe! Kobe broke his shooting wrist earlier this season and is still playing, He missed a little time after surgery, but still played. They have Marshall's wrist in a cast, but no ligament damage, so Kendall could still be cleared to play! Football players play in cast all the time. Kendall's presence would be enough to bother a lot of opponents. Plus Kendall only needs to distribute the ball and avoid turnovers, so the wrist may not completely keep him out.

Also on a good note, some hater was just rushed to the hospital psych ward after reading the title to this blog. That same hater that rushed to read the title, then rushed to share with all of his/her hater pals on Google+, and Facebook, and a few more went with him/her. I am not totally morbid! The good in that is that the haters missed their self-diagnosis thinking they were having a coronary, and it was just a panic attack, so they will be fine by the time someone with sense reads the blog through it's entirety, and tells them that the title was a hoax.

To conclude:
The good, Kendall could still play in a few weeks, this is a long tournament. The bad, we have to survive without him, and for even a few minutes without Kendall could prove fatal to the title shot we had hoped for this season. The ugly, got put out in the first round by a school from Bethlehem, PA. Gone now is Lehigh, but thank you for your first round devil removing services, and congrats on a brilliant first tourney win. Go Heels!

March, Why Do I Love Thee So?

1. I get to pass gas and not get in trouble, or freeze my toocus off!

2. The UCI gears up, and I get to watch my favorite Trek riders win races! Fabian won the last stage an ITT (individual time trail not a computer) at the Terrino-Adriatico, and his teammate Daniele Bennati finished in second behind him. American rider and teammate Chris Horner placed second in the overall GC (General Classification), so a decent start so far. Waiting on the Grand Tour and State side races now.

3. March Madness!!! NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament! GO HEELS!!!

4. The Grass is greener in March for me, because of seasoned Grass! IBMA winners, Dove nominees, and hopefully a few winners there also, and don't even get me started if a Grammy comes this way!

5. The Daytona 200!!! Sepang Testing!! And nearing 200hp on a 250lb machine! Exhilarating is an understatement! Bring on the AMA, & Moto GP baby!

The down side of March:

I'm not on any of these lists as a pro, or an artist, and fans also have to deal with the drama of the NBA Trade Deadline (March 15th), and deal with whining politicians. Although, I have to admit it is fun watching the politicians squirm! (At least in NC at this time they are usually campaigning heavy for May elections!) So any players with a mouth big enough to stick their foot in it? I know of at least one!

"I want to go somewhere, where I can win it all! I will exercise my options and see what gives! Oh wait, I am not Kobe Bryant am I!? I do have some leverage, but not like that yet, or do I? Hey wait we have beaten up the so-called 'Bigs' of the Eastern Conference! We took down Miami, and Chicago... hmmm, hey wait Mr. Owner Meign! I know trade deadline is today, but I don't want to be traded until after I see whether or not we can win it all this year!"

Then there is your politician:

So and so, is scum! You can't trust him/her! I will change everything but your name, and social security number to make things better for you, if you will just vote for me! Don't listen to them! That is a liberal/conservative new broadcast, you can't trust them! (A day later and several $100's later) Watch me on this great liberal/conservative broadcast! Oh and don't forget to pick up a copy of that paper (God I hope-because I forgot how to pray, that they don't remember me bashing that paper too!) that I placed that add in this week!

Yes, March is almost as entertaining as watching a ghetto Christmas!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Do You Love Your Children?

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/failing-student-wears-sign-as-punishment-28585171.html

The NCAA didn't suspend Brazilian, 7' footer, Fab Melo, the Cuse did. Do you think his mother cursed out Coach Boeheim, or Syracuse? Or does she feel shamed by Fab's choices that led to his suspension?

You think taking a phone, or grounding your kid from playing basketball until his grades come up is harsh and unusual punishment? Take a look at the video.

It's a shame that a mother will not let her 3rd grader play in any sports, but will allow her 5th grader to do whatever. It is also a shame that she was too busy for one son to take him to practice or to games, but had plenty of time to ask a relative to take the oldest child to wherever the eldest needed to go, and then have the nerve too ask his father where he had been over the years. The father is wondering why volunteering at their son's school in grade school, and getting his transcripts lined up for high school, and helping him with his school work during both accounts, counts for nothing? Wait a minute... is this the same mother that swore that she'd "NEVER" let her son go to school in the same county in which his father lived? Why yes it is. This is also the same mother that told her son in front of his father, and several of her son's friends that it was ok to lessen his standards and fall back and away from achieving greatness academically. How do you think she would react to her son being taught a lesson, like the young man in the video? Apparently this father cares too. I wonder if the father in the video was told that he was being too hard on his son? I am guessing not. What's so sad about the situation with the son, that had the mother that "ENCOURAGED" him publicly to settle for mediocrity, is that her son had been on the A-B Honor Roll for the first time after moving in with his maternal grandmother, with a more than watchful eye from his father. The father encouraged him by means of incentive. Gave him a cell phone, signed for him to play football, and went to "EVERY" game, and school function. He asked then (legitimately), wonder where his mother is?

"Not everyone can be on the A Honor Roll..." Wonder what would happen if someone told the kid in the video that? Wonder what would happen to that valedictorian that was told that? We he/she drop out of school? Would he/she get petty jobs living check to check? Would he/she settle for getting his girlfriend/becoming pregnant in high school, never go to college, and work for a corporation itching to replace him/her, just before he/she could draw a pension? How can anyone live with themselves after pretty much telling their child that it's OK to settle for mediocrity!? Literally telling that child that they are not smart enough to be a good student and make good grades? Especially when that child after moving away from that mother and moving in with his maternal grandmother with the help of his father, had just achieved his first time ever being on the A-B Honor Roll. When you're not a thinker it seems to come very easy! Why would a parent tell their child this in front of anyone, or in private for that matter to their child!? Hmmm maybe because the parent that accused the other of not doing anything wasn't there, or smart enough away from there, to know any better?

To any young man looking to find a life partner, please, please, please take heed... make certain that your partner, and hopefully life long mate (spouse to be) can put legs on a coffee table properly, spell your name properly, and treats you properly even when you're not around. Most importantly, make sure she can treat your child well and take care of him/her if anything ever happens to you! Make sure she is true to what she says she is. If she says she's a Christian, don't settle for hearing that she is a Christian, witness it in every way, or stop and walk away while you still have the choice! I can't emphasize enough important it is that she is a woman that you can trust your child with if you die, because some day she may drive you to your grave, or the Lord may call you home earlier than you or anyone else anticipated. Not being able to help your child maintain a proper course, because of domestic separation, and difference is a horrible, horrible life for you, and your child. Choose wisely! Whom you choose as a partner to pro-create with, could be like mistaking gasoline or leaded paint for the apple juice or milk that was "supposed" to go into his/her bottle. Not everything is a sure shot, but a definite no go, should be just that... a no go! Healthy formula, or deadly poison? You make the call. God bless the father, and son in the above video, hopefully their journey will be one that is cherished, and appreciated by both!

I hope this blog doesn't send a message of "let me correct my child before the Department of Corrections does." I hope instead it sends a message that inspires you to say, "let me raise and inspire my child(ren) to rise to greatness, and be self disciplined enough to avoid needing correction!"

Defense wins CHAMPIONSHIPS!

I am taking a page out of two books:

1. This Gamble is a Sure Bet
2. Miami's Defensive Playbook


I wish I had a telestration editor to review the Miami - FSU game.


Since I do not, here's page #1 out of book #1:

Mickey Gamble once said to me, "A know it all has no business asking me for help."


I don't know it all, and Coach Williams has been winning games without my advise for years now, but if he will take a look at the FSU/Miami games, I think he will see his Heel's walk away from the Noles today.


Here's page #2 out of book #2:
I may be wrong but I doubt it...


If the Heels allow FSU open looks, and play soft on the screens, and allow kickouts, then it will be another long day for the Heels. I do not foresee a Tallahassee Part II, but I see a tougher than the Heels want kind of game if not a nasty loss.

If the Heels force the lengthy passes that Miami forced in the semi final game, then you might see the transition game that UNC is capable of playing. The Noles do not have shooters that create their own shot, but they have seniors that can get the job done as a team! Forcing them to shoot on the move, or taking them out of rhythm jumpers, will allow Carolina an opportunity to gather some long rebounds, and get the transition game started. But it will all depend on the D.E.F.E.N.S.E!!! See you after the game!

Tournament Brackets & Predictions

Aight, here are the two brackets that are heavily watched at my house...

THE BIG 10

Thursday Games:
The Illini upset Iowa in a thriller... advances to play MSU
Indiana going away, sorry Penn State, I know this has been a tough school year...  advances to play UDub
NW is better than they've shown, & will beat a tougher than they show Minnesota... next up the Wolverines
Purdue over Nebraska in the late game, all the favorites advance... whew, OSU next!

Friday Games:
Michigan State beats up a lesser Illini and moves onto Saturday.
Wisconsin out last the younger Zeller and Indy, and advance to Saturday.
North Western upsets Michigan, and looks to play Cinderella!
The Buckeyes eliminate Purdue and move on as well...

Saturday Games:Michigan State in transition cannot be slowed and the Badgers fall... MSU to the championship round.
NW's glass slipper was crushed by the Buckeye! OSU advances...

Sunday Championship Game:Ohio State's muscle in Sully, and hustle in Craft outlast Big Green and the Spartan machine.

THE ACC

Thursday Games:
Maryland takes the first game by 21... advances to play UNC
State by 6 in the second game... advances to play UVA
VT is a bit more athletic & if they play uptempo they win another squeaker... advances to meet Duke
Miami scores 70, & holds GT to 55... advances to meet  FSU

Friday Games:
UNC in transition walks away from Marylong gone...
UVA playing as if their big dance lives depend on it, make an example out of NCSU
Duke bitter from the UNC trouncing, annihilates VT
FSU w/ SR leadership holds off a pesky U Canes team

Saturday Semis:
UNC with the bigs defeat UVA 84-75
FSU with the senior leadership again stuns Duke 79-76


Sunday Championship Game:
UNC on the vengeance trail beats FSU 92-79 and claim both the ACC regular season, and tournament crowns... up next a bid for a #1 in the Big Dance!

What say you? Comments are more than welcomed...

Ride of the Century (Prepping 4 Trek 100)

This is how a pro dresses in the cold...

This is how a non-professional, (poor man) dresses in the cold...

Okay my attire wasn't that hideous, and I didn't fight the wind and the cold in coveralls. Today was actually a great ride, with the exception of my being scatter brained. I forgot my riding shoes in the kitchen, at home, had to wear my running shoes to ride in, then drove into snow to get started. It snowed pretty hard for about the first three miles, and fell at an angle as the SW winds blew hard across my body, forcing me into a slight lean to the right. Amazing the difference in just three to five miles! Almost five degrees warmer in one township, than the other! After I had cleared the snow it was just a bit breezy and the sun shone perfectly in a Carolina Blue sky. I made it back to my mountain top home just before the second wave hit, and in time to watch the Lakers beat the Heat. Kobe scored thirty-three points, D Wade fouled out, and the Lakers held on and won by ten. Plus my Heels won the ACC Regular Season Championship last night by beating the bad guys (Duke) by eighteen. Therefore, it was a great basketball and cycling weekend for me. Now I am trying to get back on track for the count down to the Trek 100! Time to figure out how to set up my Paypal account, get some funds in there for the MACC Foundation, and raise money to help those fine folks find a cure for pediatric cancer.

Oh but before I close this particular blog, let me say this in a picture...

You know you've ridden well when your much younger partner looks like the guy above. Now time for the old guy to go find some hot water and relax!

18>1

http://blogwieser.blogspot.com/2012/03/unc-beats-dook-at-cameron.html

Eighteen to one is the margin of victory that inspired this blog. I wrote the above blog (see the link) on Valentines Day 2012. I wrote it as a confident, but bitter Tar Heel. I was a bit upset for a few reasons. Upset because I knew that Roy Williams, and the 2012 Tar Heels, injuries and all, had the tools to beat a well coached, healthy, and full Duke squad. I initially had the score at 89-73 in the previous blog, but changed it, so as not to look arrogant. Afterwards, and after the obnoxious Duke remarks, I thought, "This is Duke, and always go with your heart when you are this confident about a victory over Duke! That would have been a pretty close prediction too. I was confident that UNC would win this game. I had the same feeling about this game as I had about them winning it all back in 2009. I was confident for two reasons:

1. Kendall Marshall said that he was ready to take back what rightfully belonged to them, the rest of the team had the same (confident not arrogant) swagger, and...
2. Coach K said that he knew that his team couldn't rely on making thirteen (13), three's (3's) to pull them through again.

Well Coach K was correct, and Kendall, and the gang were just hungry enough to make an example out of their conference foes, and erase the much talked about "3." I am also a firm believer, in the fact that if John Henson doesn't play soft, or too cocky, and the Heels stay healthy, that Carolina will also be ACC Tournament Champions. I also believe and am calling it here, saying Duke will not be their opponents in the final. If they were (but they won't be), then I would once again be going with my gut, not my heart and pick a final score of 85-79 UNC over the devils again.

As for the big dance, let me say now, that Kentucky has talent, but I don't see Kentucky and Coach Cal winning it all. I think "The Cuse" has the raw talent to get it done again and Coach B has the Orange playing a mean transition game, but I don't think Syracuse will be there either. I see a lot of people being shocked by who the new champs in Mens College Hoops will be. This is an election year, and in every election year a favorite has won the title, but not necessarily the Overall #1. Not to say that it can't be a year for Cinderella, but this is the year that will more than likely see another top notch, albeit unexpected major basketball school to shine. Excluding (but not excusing) 11 time champion UCLA this year. It would be nice during the tournament to see my Heels play with the consistency to give us (The Tar Heel Nation) the same confidence we had in '09 and in last nights game. So there you have it, and you may have heard it here first here! If you did/didn't, but are just curious to see how well my basketball prophecy is... you'll have to stay tuned to the blog here to find out if I am correct or incorrect. See in Atlanta, it's tourney time, Go Heels!

Peace...

UNC beats Dook at Cameron!

 

89 - 83
Coach Williams makes the adjustments to make the lead stick this time around. UNC beats conference rival Dook 89-83. Florida State drops another one, and Carolina goes into the ACC Tourney as the #1 seed, and first round buy. Next up meeting FSU in the ACC Tournament to avenge the earlier loss in Tallahassee, on our way to the ACC Crown, and a bid for a #1 in the NCAA Tournament, and on our way to avenge the loss to Kentucky! Meeting UNLV along the way would be a nice bonus, but won't happen.

The River was high in February, ran dry in March, and the Barnes rose above it! We don't need a cellar, that's to close to the devils den, we have a Zeller in our foundation!

The date on this blog should tell the story. Have a great March. ;-)