The gyms are empty and the nets cut down. We’ve had some time to let Duke’s defeat of Butler sink in, and now turn our attention to issues that concern college basketball and the offseason. Items like the proposed (and wretched) notion of expanding the NCAA tournament, underclassmen leaving the amateur world of college basketball and heading to the professional ranks, who’s number one next year, does North Carolina bounce back, Tim Floyd, John Calipari and more. And we might sneak a mention of the NBA playoffs in there, too. Please join Matt and Mark for the finale of Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. Sports that swings!
The Duke Blue Devils are the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions. Led by junior forward and tourney MVP,Kyle Singler, Duke withstood the composure of a tough, tough team, and a gritty performance by the Butler Bulldogs. The crown was earned in one of the finest basketball games of any kind. And Butler University? No Cinderellas here; they earned their appearance, and almost took the game on a last second shot by Gordon Haywood, as time expired. No surprises there. Few turnovers, few time-outs and few stupid fouls made add up to the perfect ending to one of the best NCAAs in modern times. Please join Matt, Mark, and special guest, c d kaplan, as Nothing But Net takes a last look at the 2010 NCAA tournament. That’s Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. Sports that swings!
It’s here! A short drive up 65, and you’re there. The NCAA Men’s National Basketball Championship. This tournament hasn’t really been about overpowering athleticism. Or outscoring teams. Or blowing one another out of the gym. It’s been about playing smart, being mentally tough and being lucky. You really need everything to fall into place to reach the Final Four. Everything fell in place for the Butler Bulldogs—the host school, coincidentally—the Duke Blue Devils, the Michigan State Spartans and the West Virginia Mountaineers. Who will cut down the nets on April 5th? Man, you think anyone wants to prognosticate the way this tourney has gone?!?! Matt and Mark offer their unique insights, observations and tips. Oh yeah, and a stab at crystal ball gazing. Check out the latest Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. Sports that swings!
Bracket busted? You’re not alone. The finest single day in the history of the NCAA Tournament happened last Thursday, March 18th, 2010, and more scintillating play unfolded throughout the weekend. Georgetown, Louisville and Texas all failed to win a single game in the Tourney. UCLA, North Carolina and Arizona weren’t even invited. And Murray State, Ohio University and Northern Iowa all advanced into the second round, with NIU playing the role if giant killer in upsetting Kansas. There’s a reason it’s called March Madness, friends. And it’s all on display. But there is one sure thing in the Big Dance: if you’re a UK fan, start stockpiling your celebration materials. The Cyborg, John Wall, will deliver the Lexington Faithful to the Promised Land. Bank on it. Join Matt and Mark as they analyze the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and dust off their crystal ball with eyes in Indy. Join us for Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. Sports that swings!
This year, not all that much separates the best from the rest of the pack. Kentucky is the overall number two team in the nation, and the number one seed in the East, opening play Thursday in New Orleans. Louisville landed a number three seed in the South, opening play in Jacksonville, FL Friday night against California, a team that was ranked as high as no. 13 in the preseason, with the South’s number one seed, Duke, looming in the second round, should the Cards advance against the Golden Bears. The surprising Murray State team begins play against a Vanderbilt squad that presents many match up problems. And who are the Cinderellas this year, if any? Northern Iowa? Siena? Richmond? Join Matt, Mark and Nothing But Net as they breakdown the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, on Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. The sports report that swings!
The games have begun. College basketball’s major conferences are squaring off in conference tournaments solidifying some reputations, and opening the door for hopeful teams in other instances. Nothing But Net breaks down the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in this edition, where the University of Kentucky is expected to win it all. And we’re pleased to have as a guest once again this season, former UK All-American and the current voice of the Wildcat Radio Network, Mike Pratt join us, for insights into how the SEC Tournament should go down. And more. Please join Matt, Mark and Mike Pratt for this edition of Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s college basketball podcast. The one with the beat!
What better way to kick off Championship Week, than with the above photo, featuring two of college basketball’s greatest coaches? The picture was taken last week at the reunion of the 1970 UCLA Bruins Championship Team in Southern California. Of course, that’s Denny Crum (second from the left), players Kenny Booker and Sidney Wicks, to the right of Coach Crum, and the winning-est college basketball coach of all-time, John Wooden (center, seated) was able to attend. His ten NCAA National Championships in a 12 year period while at UCLA are unmatched by any other college basketball coach. And it is a record that may never be eclipsed. Coach Wooden will be 100 years old this October. Long may you run, Coach. I am sure every Louisville basketball fan, and every fan in the country, echoes that sentiment.
The curse of the top ranking in college basketball continues, trickling down to number two. First time that’s happened in a while (ask Duke and Florida, when they were no. one and two.) Louisville is in a daily fight to qualify for the NCAA tournament, gets a lucky bounce for Edgar Sosa, but no love from fellow Big East brethren. Texas and Georgetown continue their free fall (don’t be fooled by the Oklahoma game . . . ) Purdue gets one really rotten break, and Frank Martin’s Kansas State Wildcats may have received one lucky break, as a result. And Syracuse? Just ask Matt; dude’s contended all year long how good they are. But Notre Dame? Are you kidding?? Check out the latest Nothing But Net, for all the answers. After all, it’s the thinking person’s college basketball podcast. The one with the fresh beats.
Nothing But Net is now coming to you twice a week, and what better way to kick it off than with the gentleman known as Seedy K, the Culture Maven, or simply c d kaplan. That’s right, the father of rumor and innuendo joins Nothing But Net to share his Freedom Hall memories, and to talk about the game we love—college basketball. With only one U of L game remaining at this legendary arena, c d will share his memories about the home to the Cards for over 50 years, and offer insights into this year’s Cards basketball team. We’re sure he’ll have lots more to share with you. Mr. kaplan is our favorite sports blogger, and he’s sure to be yours, after you join Matt and Mark, and our very special guest c d kaplan, for volume two of this week’s Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball webcast—the one with the beats!
That’s Day of Reckoning, for non-Spanish speakers. And it’s drawing nigh quickly. We could say for many teams, the remaining games are for all the marbles, but it’s only 65 that count. UConn and U of L from the Big East are playing for their NCAA tourney lives. UK is fighting for a number one seed in the NCAA tourney, but experience and maturity may be significant obstacles. Kansas has all those elements going for them, and now appear to be a lock for the overall number one seed. But it’s college basketball, and anything can happen. Ask players at the University of Texas, or Georgetown University; brilliant reputations or fast starts can disappear overnight. And how real are teams like New Mexico or Gonzaga—is the current perception of basketball out West merited? Join Matt and Mark and get prepared for the annual wild finish to the NCAA basketball regular season. And the glory of the conference and NCAA tournaments. Join us for this week’s Nothing But Net—the thinking person’s basketball podcast, with the beats!
Conference play is in full swing. Which means great things for the truly great, and exposes the pretenders out there. Texas continues its baffling free fall, Kansas, Syracuse and UK continue to dominate, and then consider teams like Georgetown, and their inconsistent play. Beat Villanova, but lose to South Florida? U of L continues to fight for their NCAA life, needing to win 6 of their last games, which is no easy task when two of those games are against the Orangemen of Syracuse. Plus, Texas A&M sneaks into top-25 consideration, Baylor loses, and Duke decides slow and steady wins the race. Plus, the importance of hitting free throws. Join Matt and Mark for this week’s edition of Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball webcast—with the beats.
There’s a jinx out there in college basketball. It comes with attaining the number one slot in the rankings. Kansas, Texas and Kentucky, three teams who have, at one time or another, appeared invincible, have all been toppled by the curse of number one slot. And slight murmurs of this year’s dark horses can be heard, led by Kansas State and Baylor. The Big East is in full regular season form, with no team considered safe. Consider Georgetown. Destroyed mighty Duke, then turned around and lost to South Florida. At home.
Nothing is safe. Everyone is gunning for number one. Join Matt and Mark as they survey the scorched landscape of college basketball, single out some fine individual performers, and begin to dust off the crystal ball. Please join us for Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball webcast. Sports with a beat.
The Nation’s number one team, the Texas Longhorns, fell this week to Kansas State, leaving only one undefeated team in the land: The Wildcats of Kentucky. (We told you we were the “epicenter of the college basketball universe.”) Now, the question is can UK go undefeated? Find out what Matt and Mark think in this week’s Nothing But Net. Discussion will also address the plummeting U of L Cardinals, the surprising Hoosiers of Indiana, and our weekly look at the top teams in men’s college basketball. All this on Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast—with the beats.
Former University of Louisville basketball player, Luke Whitehead, joins Matt Anthony and Mark Bacon to share his memories of Freedom Hall, Australian professional basketball (Luke was MVP for Australia’s Gold Coast Blazers team), playing for Coach Rick Pitino, his insights into this year’s team, and more. We even ask about “The Fall.” At the end of the webcast, we debut Luke’s latest song, too. Check out this week’s Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s sports webcast.
Last Saturday, the Battle of the Bluegrass produced memorable results. Within the first 45 seconds of the game. But not the kind of action we’ve seen before here in the Commonwealth during this rivalry. Matt and Mark will take a look back at the game on January 2nd, discussions on the nation’s leading college basketball squads, and a look ahead at the college basketball landscape. Please check out Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball webcast. The sports podcast with a beat!
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010, is the day basketball fans across the Commonwealth have had circled on their calendars for months, when the University of Louisville Cardinals visit Rupp Arena to battle the Wildcats of the University of Kentucky. And for the UK faithful? Revenge; payback for Edgar Sosa’s last second 3-point dagger that sent the Wildcats home with an L. This year, UK’s a winner in every category with new coach John Calipari, the return of All American Patrick Patterson and the most exciting player in the college game today, John Wall. Is the game over before it’s begun? Or can we expect another thrilling rematch in the Battle of the Bluegrass. Matt Anthony and Mark Bacon break it down for you, with their No Bias Breakdown, plus a look ahead to this weekend’s contests nationwide. Please join us for this week’s Nothing But Net, the Thinking Person’s College Basketball webcast.
Please join Matt Anthony and Mark Bacon for a new Holiday Classic—Nothing But Net. We survey the college basketball landscape heading into Christmas 2009. Topics addressed include Bob Knight’s assertions regarding integrity in college basketball, and how it relates to John Calipari. Is Black-White is the new 22 for the Louisville Cards? And a look at Kansas, Texas, and their challengers for college basketball supremacy in the next week. Season’s Greetings from Matt and Mark.
From the beating heart of the college basketball universe, Nothing But Net is a weekly podcast found on wfpk.org and wfpl.org. Every Tuesday, your hosts Matt Anthony and Mark Bacon, spotlight the region’s teams: The University of Louisville, The University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University and Indiana University, plus analysis on regional squads. With thoughtful discussion and exciting guests, Nothing But Net will capture the intensity and passion of our region’s love of college basketball, in a fresh new way. Don’t miss it.
The gyms are empty and the nets cut down. We’ve had some time to let Duke’s defeat of Butler sink in, and now turn our attention to issues that concern college basketball and the offseason. Items like the proposed (and wretched) notion of expanding the NCAA tournament, underclassmen leaving the amateur world of college basketball and heading to the professional ranks, who’s number one next year, does North Carolina bounce back, Tim Floyd, John Calipari and more. And we might sneak a mention of the NBA playoffs in there, too. Please join Matt and Mark for the finale of Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. Sports that swings!
The Duke Blue Devils are the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions. Led by junior forward and tourney MVP, Kyle Singler, Duke withstood the composure of a tough, tough team, and a gritty performance by the Butler Bulldogs. The crown was earned in one of the finest basketball games of any kind. And Butler University? No Cinderellas here; they earned their appearance, and almost took the game on a last second shot by Gordon Haywood, as time expired. No surprises there. Few turnovers, few time-outs and few stupid fouls made add up to the perfect ending to one of the best NCAAs in modern times. Please join Matt, Mark, and special guest, c d kaplan, as Nothing But Net takes a last look at the 2010 NCAA tournament. That’s Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. Sports that swings!
It’s here! A short drive up 65, and you’re there. The NCAA Men’s National Basketball Championship. This tournament hasn’t really been about overpowering athleticism. Or outscoring teams. Or blowing one another out of the gym. It’s been about playing smart, being mentally tough and being lucky. You really need everything to fall into place to reach the Final Four. Everything fell in place for the Butler Bulldogs—the host school, coincidentally—the Duke Blue Devils, the Michigan State Spartans and the West Virginia Mountaineers. Who will cut down the nets on April 5th? Man, you think anyone wants to prognosticate the way this tourney has gone?!?! Matt and Mark offer their unique insights, observations and tips. Oh yeah, and a stab at crystal ball gazing. Check out the latest Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. Sports that swings!
Bracket busted? You’re not alone. The finest single day in the history of the NCAA Tournament happened last Thursday, March 18th, 2010, and more scintillating play unfolded throughout the weekend. Georgetown, Louisville and Texas all failed to win a single game in the Tourney. UCLA, North Carolina and Arizona weren’t even invited. And Murray State, Ohio University and Northern Iowa all advanced into the second round, with NIU playing the role if giant killer in upsetting Kansas. There’s a reason it’s called March Madness, friends. And it’s all on display. But there is one sure thing in the Big Dance: if you’re a UK fan, start stockpiling your celebration materials. The Cyborg, John Wall, will deliver the Lexington Faithful to the Promised Land. Bank on it. Join Matt and Mark as they analyze the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, and dust off their crystal ball with eyes in Indy. Join us for Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. Sports that swings!
This year, not all that much separates the best from the rest of the pack. Kentucky is the overall number two team in the nation, and the number one seed in the East, opening play Thursday in New Orleans. Louisville landed a number three seed in the South, opening play in Jacksonville, FL Friday night against California, a team that was ranked as high as no. 13 in the preseason, with the South’s number one seed, Duke, looming in the second round, should the Cards advance against the Golden Bears. The surprising Murray State team begins play against a Vanderbilt squad that presents many match up problems. And who are the Cinderellas this year, if any? Northern Iowa? Siena? Richmond? Join Matt, Mark and Nothing But Net as they breakdown the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Bracket, on Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball podcast. The sports report that swings!
The games have begun. College basketball’s major conferences are squaring off in conference tournaments solidifying some reputations, and opening the door for hopeful teams in other instances. Nothing But Net breaks down the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in this edition, where the University of Kentucky is expected to win it all. And we’re pleased to have as a guest once again this season, former UK All-American and the current voice of the Wildcat Radio Network, Mike Pratt join us, for insights into how the SEC Tournament should go down. And more. Please join Matt, Mark and Mike Pratt for this edition of Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s college basketball podcast. The one with the beat!
Former University of Louisville basketball player, Luke Whitehead, joins Matt Anthony and Mark Bacon to share his memories of Freedom Hall, Australian professional basketball (Luke was MVP for Australia’s Gold Coast Blazers team), playing for Coach Rick Pitino, his insights into this year’s team, and more. We even ask about “The Fall.” At the end of the webcast, we debut Luke’s latest song, too. Check out this week’s Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s sports webcast.
Last Saturday, the Battle of the Bluegrass produced memorable results. Within the first 45 seconds of the game. But not the kind of action we’ve seen before here in the Commonwealth during this rivalry. Matt and Mark will take a look back at the game on January 2nd, discussions on the nation’s leading college basketball squads, and a look ahead at the college basketball landscape. Please check out Nothing But Net, the thinking person’s basketball webcast. The sports podcast with a beat!
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010, is the day basketball fans across the Commonwealth have had circled on their calendars for months, when the University of Louisville Cardinals visit Rupp Arena to battle the Wildcats of the University of Kentucky. And for the UK faithful? Revenge; payback for Edgar Sosa’s last second 3-point dagger that sent the Wildcats home with an L. This year, UK’s a winner in every category with new coach John Calipari, the return of All American Patrick Patterson and the most exciting player in the college game today, John Wall. Is the game over before it’s begun? Or can we expect another thrilling rematch in the Battle of the Bluegrass. Matt Anthony and Mark Bacon break it down for you, with their No Bias Breakdown, plus a look ahead to this weekend’s contests nationwide. Please join us for this week’s Nothing But Net, the Thinking Person’s College Basketball webcast.
Please join Matt Anthony and Mark Bacon for a new Holiday Classic—Nothing But Net. We survey the college basketball landscape heading into Christmas 2009. Topics addressed include Bob Knight’s assertions regarding integrity in college basketball, and how it relates to John Calipari. Is Black-White is the new 22 for the Louisville Cards? And a look at Kansas, Texas, and their challengers for college basketball supremacy in the next week. Season’s Greetings from Matt and Mark.
