LamarCheeks

Happy for Loyola and Sister Jean. Sad for me.

Even in the WNIT, there's nothing like beating Purdue -- and Sharon Versyp!

If Mack is hired, the only difference between now and when Romeo dropped Louisville from his list would be that he would be the coach and not Pitino. Other than that, nothing is different. They're still facing the possibility of major sanctions. So I don't see them being a factor. At least I hope I'm right.

3/22: Nevada

Interesting ... According to the Pittsburgh newspaper, Miller had met or spoken with the Pittsburgh AD. She's a lawyer and apparently, has an extensive background in NCAA compliance, so she may very well have said, "Sorry Sean, this isn't happening." ... Because word was that he expressed interest in the job. But who know's if that's true???

Have seen a couple reports that behind the scenes, big brother has reached out to Pitt and would go there if he's wanted. Considering what's gone down at Arizona, I can't see him staying there -- especially when as of now, he has no recruiting class. The question: Even though he's an alum, would Pitt want him? They've supposedly offered the job to Danny Hurley, but most signs point to him going to UConn. Plus, there's the mess in Tuscon -- for how much of that is he responsible? Rightly or wrongly, his image is pretty tarnished at this point. Then again, so is that of Pitt basketball -- not because of violations, but because on the surface, it seems like a really, really crappy job. IMO, it simply doesn't belong in the ACC and seems like it's gonna have a really, really tough time competing in that league. It just seems like a terrible fit.

Interesting story. A kid who played for Penny Hardaway in high school had committed to Wichita State. But now he wants to go to Memphis -- which is in the same conference -- and Gregg Marshall let him out of his LOI with no restrictions. http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2018/03/20/gregg-marshall-does-right-by-alex-lomax-with-nli-release/

Also, if McCarty gets the gig, the U of E at the very least would have a very capable national anthem performer. Dude's got some serious soul!

I wondered how interested Calbert might be. From some of the things I've read, it didn't sound like he was all that interested -- he was just interviewing because others wanted him to do. And if you have someone who's not that interested vs. someone who's extremely interested, I would think that would become evident during the interview and the choice would be relatively easy. One of the things I read said he wanted to stay in St. Louis until his kids finished school. ... Also, Calbert might not be the kind of guy who feels comfortable being in charge of the program. Maybe he's fine with being an assistant. If he ever does decide to return to the bench and is OK with being an assistant, I hope Archie can find a spot for him in B-town.

Or just hope for a double-digit seed!

Maybe since Priller played a grand total of about 15 minutes his entire career, he could apply for another season of eligibility, become a grad transfer and head to Athens! Give the Georgia fans a sampling of that great recruiting for which our former coach is known.

When we were in the Final Four in 2002, Kansas and Maryland (both No. 1 seeds) were the two best teams remaining. And it just so happened they were playing in the semifinals, while we (a 5 seed) and Oklahoma (2) were in the other semi. Dick Vitale screamed his head off that it should be re-seeded -- essentially so Kansas and Maryland could play in the finals. It made no sense, because the NCAA tourney has never re-seeded before the Final Four and as far as I know, never even considered re-seeding before the Final Four. The brackets are set, you play whoever's next and the chips fall how they may. ... I still think part of it was he was hating on us because of the Knight firing -- it was just a couple years after that and he was pals with him. It wasn't our fault that we were on one side while Kansas and Maryland were on the other. Hell, we already had beat what was considered the tournament's best team (Duke) in the Sweet 16.

Yet another early exit for (supposedly) one of our coaching candidates a year ago ...

The South Regional is parting like the Red Sea for Cal, clearing his path to the Final Four.

I cannot adequately explain in words how much I detest Jason Whitlock. I never liked him much, anyway, but my loathing for him reached new depths when a few years ago, he claimed in a column that he was the most important person in sports journalism.

I just learned a new word. Thanks!

Vince Edwards being in the game that late in the half with two fouls was ridiculously foolish.

Sideline reporter said before the Purdue game that the NCAA wouldn't approve a brace Haas wanted to wear on his elbow and without it, Painter decided not to play him. My question: What if it's Purdue and IU at Mackey in early February? Who rules on the brace then?

3/18 K-State

Forgive my ignorance (like you haven't already!), but I watched a little of the Warren Central-New Albany game online today and noticed three officials. They don't always use three at high school games, do they? ... Is it just for playoffs? ... Last weekend, I watched a little of the regionals to see Damezi and Romeo play and didn't notice three officials -- but I wasn't really paying much attention to that.

3/17: Michigan

On the flipside, Billy Donovan has the Thunder at 42-29 and fourth in the Western Conference!

Sampson's players were stoned out of their gourds, though. I can't figure if that makes it more impressive or not?

As much as I can't stand Purdue, I'm sad to see the news about Isaac Haas. Despite his wandering elbows against us, he's an easy kid to root for. His sister has a rare form of epilepsy and at her worst, could have as many as 25 seizures a day. The folks in West Lafayette did a gofundme page for her and raised a bunch of money to get her a seizure dog. ... Plus, I'm from one of those half-PU, half-IU families -- my dad was raised near Lafayette and went to PU. He passed last May, so I was sorta hoping they might have a nice run so he could enjoy it from where he is. But I'm not sure how far they'll get now.

For your entertainment ... http://georgiadogs.com/watch/?Live=1208&type=Live