I continue to be most excited about the continuing drip, drip, drip of scheduling information for the coming basketball season. Outside of that, this is a tough time of year to follow a university without a baseball team. It's a damn shame I didn't win the lottery the other night, otherwise I'd have been anouncing the return of hardball this morning. *sigh*
Today in the bag, I'm talking another solid addition to the out-of-conference basketball schedule, minor recruiting news for both basketball and football, and Andre Roberson at the NBA Draft Combine.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, May 20, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Quick-Post: A (mostly) tongue-in-cheek proposal
We are all familiar with the Rock Mountain Showdown's continuing attendance issues. With both CU and CSU putting forth, frankly, pathetic efforts on the gridiron, the prospect of seeing bad football in an out-of-the-way and expensive locale isn't moving the needle like the schools had hoped when they signed the 10-year deal in 2009. The inflated attendance statistics can't cover up the fact that no one cares anymore. The game has become a symbol of the withering soul of non-professional football in this state, and has long since entered 'embarrassment' territory.
So, why not replace this sham of a marquee game with an event that not only shows off the best this state has to offer, but one that people would be happy to plunk down money for? An event that the entire State of Colorado can be proud of.
Why not replace the football disaster with the Rocky Mountain Hardwood Showdown?
Just think of it. Boyle vs Eustachy, two rising regional programs that are testaments to their institutions, on a grand stage. You could still host at Invesco, with the court set up at midfield. You could even have DU vs Air Force as a local primer before the Buffs and Rams tip-off. It'd be like Colorado's version of those aircraft carrier games made popular over the last few years.
What's more, I'll bet you that the actual butts-in-seats attendance for my Hardwood Showdown would kick the crap out of what it will actually be come Sept 1st for the football game.
Unfortunately, we're still stuck with that ugly boil of a football matchup. *sigh*
So, why not replace this sham of a marquee game with an event that not only shows off the best this state has to offer, but one that people would be happy to plunk down money for? An event that the entire State of Colorado can be proud of.
Why not replace the football disaster with the Rocky Mountain Hardwood Showdown?
Just think of it. Boyle vs Eustachy, two rising regional programs that are testaments to their institutions, on a grand stage. You could still host at Invesco, with the court set up at midfield. You could even have DU vs Air Force as a local primer before the Buffs and Rams tip-off. It'd be like Colorado's version of those aircraft carrier games made popular over the last few years.
What's more, I'll bet you that the actual butts-in-seats attendance for my Hardwood Showdown would kick the crap out of what it will actually be come Sept 1st for the football game.
Unfortunately, we're still stuck with that ugly boil of a football matchup. *sigh*
Thursday, May 16, 2013
On Lewis, Webb, and their day in court
I don't know how closely everyone has been following the Alex Lewis and Jordan Webb saga, but it's starting to get weird.
At first glance, it seemed pretty straight forward. Lewis, a former CU offensive lineman who had recently announced his plans to transfer to Nebraska, and injured Buffs QB Webb got into an altercation on the Hill last Friday, which resulted in one man being sent to the hospital. According to the police report, Lewis, who admits he was 22 drinks in the hole, repeatedly shoved an Air Force cadet, Lee Busey, into a brick wall, and later combined with Webb to both shove him to the ground, and punch him. As a finisher, it's alleged that Lewis picked up Busey by the throat, and hurled him into a parking kiosk, knocking him unconscious.
Lewis and Webb claim a different story, alleging that Busey tried to throw a few punches, and that all Lewis did was push him away.
Both Lewis and Webb were arrested on second degree assault charges, with Lewis facing an additional two counts of harassment. They were freed on $10,000 bond after their hearing on Wednesday.
I figured they'd plea down, avoid jail time, and probably serve extended suspension times with their respective programs, if not get the boot altogether. A despicable turn of events for both Lewis and Webb, but nothing particularly exceptional when compared to the myriad of "Fulmer Cup" violations that occur during college football's offseason.
Then, the lawyers got involved.
In support of their version of the story, Lewis' lawyer, Donald Brenner, said that the pair were accosted by the unconscious cadet because Lewis was wearing Nebraska gear.
Wait, what?
Three things:
For the record, Brennen, a graduate of KU's law school, has twice had his license to practice law suspended.
So, to summarize, we've got a drunk accused of beating on a Zoomie, who is then defended by a lawyer with a spotty past, who also happens to get confused by press questions... this should be the trial of the century.
At first glance, it seemed pretty straight forward. Lewis, a former CU offensive lineman who had recently announced his plans to transfer to Nebraska, and injured Buffs QB Webb got into an altercation on the Hill last Friday, which resulted in one man being sent to the hospital. According to the police report, Lewis, who admits he was 22 drinks in the hole, repeatedly shoved an Air Force cadet, Lee Busey, into a brick wall, and later combined with Webb to both shove him to the ground, and punch him. As a finisher, it's alleged that Lewis picked up Busey by the throat, and hurled him into a parking kiosk, knocking him unconscious.
Lewis and Webb claim a different story, alleging that Busey tried to throw a few punches, and that all Lewis did was push him away.
Both Lewis and Webb were arrested on second degree assault charges, with Lewis facing an additional two counts of harassment. They were freed on $10,000 bond after their hearing on Wednesday.
I figured they'd plea down, avoid jail time, and probably serve extended suspension times with their respective programs, if not get the boot altogether. A despicable turn of events for both Lewis and Webb, but nothing particularly exceptional when compared to the myriad of "Fulmer Cup" violations that occur during college football's offseason.
Then, the lawyers got involved.
In support of their version of the story, Lewis' lawyer, Donald Brenner, said that the pair were accosted by the unconscious cadet because Lewis was wearing Nebraska gear.
 |
| Brenner claimed Lewis was assaulted by an unconscious man for wearing red. From: the BDC |
Three things:
- Why would an Air Force cadet care if you're wearing Nebraska gear? Zoomies aren't a party to our three decades of hate.
- Even if that were the case, it does not excuse sending a man to the hospital.
- This Husker-centric persecution complex is getting old. I take offense to the presumption that this incident must have had something to do with CU fans being hooligans. I know everyone likes to play-up the terrible fan stories, but I'm getting tired of this hearsay bullshit defaming student-fan culture in Boulder. Throw this one in with the invented tales of piss-bombs, the shoving of grandmothers, and lethal marshmallows.
 |
| "Your questions and innuendo frighten and confuse me." |
So, to summarize, we've got a drunk accused of beating on a Zoomie, who is then defended by a lawyer with a spotty past, who also happens to get confused by press questions... this should be the trial of the century.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: Coach Boyle Stays Hot on the Recruiting Trail
I'm back from vacation in Tampa (... or will be once this damn plane lands). One of the many reasons for my trip was the opportunity to visit my 17th Major League Baseball stadium - Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. It's far from the nicest place to watch a game - it's a hateful dome, fer crissakes - but I got to spend Mother's Day with my Mom, and watch Longoria patrol third from less than 50 feet away. Not too shabby.
Now, safely returned to Colorful Colorado, I'm focusing on a new basketball recruit, honors in track and field, and another Husker running afoul of the law.
Click below for the bag...
Now, safely returned to Colorful Colorado, I'm focusing on a new basketball recruit, honors in track and field, and another Husker running afoul of the law.
Click below for the bag...
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Dom Collier is a Buff!
It may technically be the offseason, but Colorado Basketball continues to burn bright with news. Yesterday, the hype came from the recruiting trail, as reigning Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr Basketball Dominique Collier announced his commitment to play at Dear Old CU.
A 6-1 point guard out of Denver East, Collier is an expert ball handler, with the ability to both distribute and create his own shot. I saw him play late last year, and came away very impressed. Despite still recovering from a tweaked knee, Dom put up a sheet-filling 25/8/6/3/3, all while making his already talented teammates better. He struck me as 'good-as-advertised,' and a talent I desperately wanted to see in Black and Gold. With Spencer Dinwiddie probably leaving after 2013, Dom will be counted on to use that talent to step into primary ball-handling duties upon arrival.
This is a major recruiting coup, one that probably wouldn't have been possible a few years ago. It's not a case where Coach Boyle got in early on a recruit who eventually blossomed (like, say, Josh Scott). Collier has been on the national recruiting radar since even before his freshman year of high school, and Colorado had to box out big-name programs like Arizona, Gonzaga, and UCLA from day one. He's a unanimous four-star prospect, with Rivals positioning him as the #61 player of the 2014 recruiting class. If you can't tell, that's huge.
Building a program is an all-encompassing project, requiring success both on and off court. With recruiting victories like Collier, Boyle continues to make the statement that Colorado Basketball is prepared to stay at the top of the landscape. It's an impact commitment, and the 8th top-150 star for the coaching staff over three and a half recruiting cycles at the helm. A new world, indeed.
There's still more than six months to go before the early signing period starts, so maybe Dom can turn the tables, and help with some recruiting of his own. The Buffs have upwards of two additional scholarships to offer for the 2014 class, and could use a shooter and a big. Players like SG Dorian Pickens, SF Zylan Cheatham, and PF Andre Adams are still on the board, and have been getting plenty of attention from the CU coaching staff. Super-phenom Josh Perkins may still technically be a possibility, but that prospect looks exceedingly dim with yesterday's announcement from Collier (read: not going to happen).
Regardless, I'm pumped that Collier, a prospect I've been following for years, chose to be a Buff. Congrats to Dom, and congrats to Coach Boyle and staff!
A 6-1 point guard out of Denver East, Collier is an expert ball handler, with the ability to both distribute and create his own shot. I saw him play late last year, and came away very impressed. Despite still recovering from a tweaked knee, Dom put up a sheet-filling 25/8/6/3/3, all while making his already talented teammates better. He struck me as 'good-as-advertised,' and a talent I desperately wanted to see in Black and Gold. With Spencer Dinwiddie probably leaving after 2013, Dom will be counted on to use that talent to step into primary ball-handling duties upon arrival.
This is a major recruiting coup, one that probably wouldn't have been possible a few years ago. It's not a case where Coach Boyle got in early on a recruit who eventually blossomed (like, say, Josh Scott). Collier has been on the national recruiting radar since even before his freshman year of high school, and Colorado had to box out big-name programs like Arizona, Gonzaga, and UCLA from day one. He's a unanimous four-star prospect, with Rivals positioning him as the #61 player of the 2014 recruiting class. If you can't tell, that's huge.
Building a program is an all-encompassing project, requiring success both on and off court. With recruiting victories like Collier, Boyle continues to make the statement that Colorado Basketball is prepared to stay at the top of the landscape. It's an impact commitment, and the 8th top-150 star for the coaching staff over three and a half recruiting cycles at the helm. A new world, indeed.
There's still more than six months to go before the early signing period starts, so maybe Dom can turn the tables, and help with some recruiting of his own. The Buffs have upwards of two additional scholarships to offer for the 2014 class, and could use a shooter and a big. Players like SG Dorian Pickens, SF Zylan Cheatham, and PF Andre Adams are still on the board, and have been getting plenty of attention from the CU coaching staff. Super-phenom Josh Perkins may still technically be a possibility, but that prospect looks exceedingly dim with yesterday's announcement from Collier (read: not going to happen).
Regardless, I'm pumped that Collier, a prospect I've been following for years, chose to be a Buff. Congrats to Dom, and congrats to Coach Boyle and staff!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Quick Post: Coach Mac to be enshrined in Hall of Fame
Long overdue, legendary CU football Coach Bill McCartney has been selected as part of the 2013 College Football Hall of Fame class.
Known nationally for bringing Colorado Football to the forefront of the sport in the late 80s and early 90s, Coach McCartney spent 13 years turning what was a flailing program into a national power. More than just the 1990 national championship, Coach Mac is responsible for the modern definition of football on the Front Range.
As CU SID David Plati points out, McCartney never shied away from the
competition, and succeeded against the best the nation had to offer.
His example, both on and off the field, casts a long shadow, with an influence that still impacts the program to this day. No matter what you think of his belief structure, or his more recent escapades with the program, Coach Mac is an essential part of the Colorado story, and a man deserving of recognition.
McCartney becomes the 7th Buff enshrined, and the third in the last four years (Alfred Williams and John Wooten).
Congratulations to the original Coach Mac!
Known nationally for bringing Colorado Football to the forefront of the sport in the late 80s and early 90s, Coach McCartney spent 13 years turning what was a flailing program into a national power. More than just the 1990 national championship, Coach Mac is responsible for the modern definition of football on the Front Range.
 |
| Coach Mac celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 1990 title. From: CUBuffs.com |
Mac: 93-55-5 at CU, 84 of those wins against "BCS" schools; five of the other nine against rival CSU; win total not padded with pansies.
— David Plati (@davidplati) May 7, 2013
His example, both on and off the field, casts a long shadow, with an influence that still impacts the program to this day. No matter what you think of his belief structure, or his more recent escapades with the program, Coach Mac is an essential part of the Colorado story, and a man deserving of recognition.
McCartney becomes the 7th Buff enshrined, and the third in the last four years (Alfred Williams and John Wooten).
Congratulations to the original Coach Mac!
Quick Post: Back to Vegas
On the heels of last week's release of the lack-luster round robin comes more encouraging scheduling news. According to ESPN's Andy Katz, the Buffs have managed to schedule Oklahoma State for a neutral site tilt at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 20th. While no TV has been announced, you can bet it will be nationally televised.
This is a solid step in the right direction, scheduling wise, with the Buffs matched up with the odds on favorite to win the Big XII. It'll be an RPI win regardless of actual outcome.
That Coach Boyle can get a neutral site date like this set up only further underscores how far the program has come. The added exposure will be a boon to both the players, recruiting, and the fanbase. It also doesn't hurt that it's on the same court that the 2014 Pac-12 tournament will be played on.
My only concern is the type of crowd we can swing for this game. As of late, BuffNation has been getting out in force to support the RollTad Express, even on the road, but we're not yet at the point that you can expect the stadium to be half-filled with Black and Gold. However, it's an old, familiar Big XII rival at an attractive, easy travel destination... maybe I'm just underestimating how many degenerate gamblers we have in the alumni base.
As for finishing up the schedule, Katz says, "(Boyle is) trying to add one more neutral site game and one more home-and-home series as well as two other guaranteed games." All sounds promising, depending on opponents. When the schedule is finalized, maybe we'll all look back at the hand-wringing over Arkansas St, Jackson St, and Tennessee-Martin and laugh at our overreaction.
Now, excuse me as I daydream about the forthcoming Spencer Dinwiddie v. Marcus Smart prize fight.
This is a solid step in the right direction, scheduling wise, with the Buffs matched up with the odds on favorite to win the Big XII. It'll be an RPI win regardless of actual outcome.
That Coach Boyle can get a neutral site date like this set up only further underscores how far the program has come. The added exposure will be a boon to both the players, recruiting, and the fanbase. It also doesn't hurt that it's on the same court that the 2014 Pac-12 tournament will be played on.
My only concern is the type of crowd we can swing for this game. As of late, BuffNation has been getting out in force to support the RollTad Express, even on the road, but we're not yet at the point that you can expect the stadium to be half-filled with Black and Gold. However, it's an old, familiar Big XII rival at an attractive, easy travel destination... maybe I'm just underestimating how many degenerate gamblers we have in the alumni base.
As for finishing up the schedule, Katz says, "(Boyle is) trying to add one more neutral site game and one more home-and-home series as well as two other guaranteed games." All sounds promising, depending on opponents. When the schedule is finalized, maybe we'll all look back at the hand-wringing over Arkansas St, Jackson St, and Tennessee-Martin and laugh at our overreaction.
Now, excuse me as I daydream about the forthcoming Spencer Dinwiddie v. Marcus Smart prize fight.
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