The one thing I know about next year is that the Buffs will enter it with a bucket-full of lofty expectations.
Just released today are the far too early top-25 rankings from CBS and ESPN. Both include Colorado in their top-20, with CBS going so far as to list CU as the #12 team in the nation. The goes along with the fact that Vegas has the team as 20-1 to win the national title, good for a tie for 9th favorite.
I knew this was coming. The Buffs have been recognized as a program on the rise for a while now, and far too many people are aware of how talented players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Andre Roberson are. Especially considering that the team probably returns every major contributor from last season (still waiting on 'Dre to make it official), a little pre-season pub is to be expected.
But, top-12? That translates to a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament. God help me, I'm getting verklempt (talk amongst yourselves).
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Post-Championship Thoughts
What a way to end the basketball season! Other than a photo finish, the Louisville/Michigan title fight had everything: speed, scoring, stars playing great, role players stepping up, and a righteous outcome. Sure, it also featured more than a few blown calls and some poor endgame strategy from the Wolverines, but I'm not going to complain too loudly. The Cardinals deserved their 82-76 victory, and they earned it in thrilling fashion.
Last night was about how great college basketball can be, when coaches set their players loose, and let them win or lose on their own merits. Far too often in the college game, coaches pump the breaks by slowing possessions down in a desperate attempt to keep their kids on a short leash (Coach Boyle is often guilty of this; we call it Tadball). But not once last night did either Rick Pitino or John Beilein excessively slow the game down. Both teams were well over one point per possession, and, as a result, basketball fans across the nation were treated to a beautiful exhibition of speed, athleticism, and effort. It was joyous to watch.
Did Michigan get screwed by a couple of calls, particularly the phantom foul called on Trey Burke? Yeah, but I'm begrudgingly resigning myself to the fact that basketball played at anything close to a high level is impossible to officiate cleanly. I'm just glad that, for the most part, the zebras stayed out of it.
I just hope this tournament serves as a lesson to coaches around the nation: you don't have to play negative basketball to win. Run, score, be aggressive on defense. Play fearless, play to win. Don't look at Bo Ryan, as he is clearly the devil in disguise.
So, now the long wait for November officially begins. 205 days. *sigh*
After NBA decisions are made next week, and barring any surprise transfer news, things should be pretty quiet in Boulder until October practices start up. There's a good chance that the intervening months will be filled with talk of a top-25 team, and the potential for the greatest season in CU basketball history, but, for now, we'll just have to wait patiently.
I hate waiting patiently.
 |
| BOOM! TITLE! |
Did Michigan get screwed by a couple of calls, particularly the phantom foul called on Trey Burke? Yeah, but I'm begrudgingly resigning myself to the fact that basketball played at anything close to a high level is impossible to officiate cleanly. I'm just glad that, for the most part, the zebras stayed out of it.
 |
| Notice the ref screened by the play. He had to guess. He guessed wrong. From: Deadspin. |
So, now the long wait for November officially begins. 205 days. *sigh*
After NBA decisions are made next week, and barring any surprise transfer news, things should be pretty quiet in Boulder until October practices start up. There's a good chance that the intervening months will be filled with talk of a top-25 team, and the potential for the greatest season in CU basketball history, but, for now, we'll just have to wait patiently.
I hate waiting patiently.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: Championship Monday
The college basketball season will finally come to a close this evening. The only downside is that, after Louisville and Michigan decide things in Atlanta, it'll be a long 206 day wait for November to arrive. I guess I'll just have to bide my time watching the red-hot Rockies!
In today's bag, I'm talking national title, Metro State, and those damn Rox.
Click below for the bag...
In today's bag, I'm talking national title, Metro State, and those damn Rox.
Click below for the bag...
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Attrition Files - Jeremy Adams
The news dropped yesterday: reserve guard Jeremy Adams is transferring out of the program.
The 4th-year junior, who originally transferred into Colorado basketball, was already going to graduate this year. Despite playing for three different schools over his career, the Mississippi native had stayed on the four-year plan, and was investigating his post-degree options. Unfortunately, CU doesn't offer the graduate program he's looking for (industrial organizational psychology), so he will make use of the NCAA graduate transfer exemption, with an eye towards playing immediately.
It's the perfect story of a player leveraging his talents to put himself ahead. Jeremy never let health concerns or unfamiliar surroundings deter himself from his ultimate goal. Said Boyle, "[...] he made the decision
to use basketball to maximize his educational opportunities." Damn straight.
The move marks the third departure from the program this spring - all graduates (one senior, two juniors in terms of eligibility) - which means that the Buffs officially have enough open scholarships for the 2013 freshman class.
Jeremy's time at CU was never easy. Health issues plagued him from the start; in fact he would miss the first five games of his Colorado career with a concussion, setting an unfortunate tone.
Knee issues? Check. Foot Pain? Check. Hand surgery? Check. Concussion? Check. Oh, and he discovered he has diabetes, to boot. And through it all he battled, day-in-day-out, to earn minutes with one of the best squads in the region. Some guys play through pain, this guy lived it each and every day.
Those health issues stunted what most insiders tell me was a superior level of athleticism. Anecdotally, I would hear stories of how he was capable of dominating practices when healthy. On the court, you could only see occasional flashes. Those flashes were particularly evident the last few games of this year, where, after starting acupuncture treatments, Adams was able to play without near-constant pain.
I can't help but find Jeremy to be an inspiring person. He never gave into the temptations of the easy way out, and continually looked to make the most out of his situation. Despite skills diminished by pain, he persevered, focusing on his studies while still striving to squeeze whatever game he could out of his often unwilling body. He makes most other college students, players or otherwise, look awful in comparison.
Thank you, Jeremy! Despite never being healthy, you ran out and filled your role. Good luck to you, I hope you find a great situation to finish off your collegiate career.
--
Best remembered for -
The burly 6-5, 220 body that seemed more at home in Folsom, then in the CEC. It earned him the nickname "Jerry Football," and I bet more than once CU's failing football coaches looked forlornly at Jeremy's football-ready frame.
Also, this:
Best aspect of his game -
Solid man-to-man defense, perfect for Tad Boyle's system. He also brought a slick dribble-drive ability that could've wreaked havoc if only his body would've allowed it. On the bench, his veteran presence was sorely needed on the youthful CU roster of 2012-13.
Best game as a Buff -
2/21/13 vs Utah - CU was playing with a shortened bench, thanks to the Bachynski incident, and the team needed someone, anyone to step up from the normally quiet bench mob. 'Jerry Football' answered the call to the tune of 9/3 with two steals and a block over 17 minutes. It was the start of a brilliant run of play for Adams, which ultimately closed out his CU career.
The 4th-year junior, who originally transferred into Colorado basketball, was already going to graduate this year. Despite playing for three different schools over his career, the Mississippi native had stayed on the four-year plan, and was investigating his post-degree options. Unfortunately, CU doesn't offer the graduate program he's looking for (industrial organizational psychology), so he will make use of the NCAA graduate transfer exemption, with an eye towards playing immediately.
 |
| The third departure is: Jeremy Adams. From: the BDC |
The move marks the third departure from the program this spring - all graduates (one senior, two juniors in terms of eligibility) - which means that the Buffs officially have enough open scholarships for the 2013 freshman class.
Jeremy's time at CU was never easy. Health issues plagued him from the start; in fact he would miss the first five games of his Colorado career with a concussion, setting an unfortunate tone.
 |
| Jeremy had to play through some serious pain. |
Those health issues stunted what most insiders tell me was a superior level of athleticism. Anecdotally, I would hear stories of how he was capable of dominating practices when healthy. On the court, you could only see occasional flashes. Those flashes were particularly evident the last few games of this year, where, after starting acupuncture treatments, Adams was able to play without near-constant pain.
"That was probably the best I've felt in a long time. The pain was a lot more bearable. There was still pain. Early in the season I'd be walking and my legs would just give out. I'd tell my dad sometimes, 'Hey, I want to stop right now. I pushed through and luckily I got a little healthy towards the end and helped the team out."(-link)Adams would average 6/2 over the final seven games leading up to the NCAA Tournament to finally give the Buffs some scoring punch off the bench.
 |
| Jeremy ended up being one of the only reliable bench options at the end of the season. |
Thank you, Jeremy! Despite never being healthy, you ran out and filled your role. Good luck to you, I hope you find a great situation to finish off your collegiate career.
--
Best remembered for -
The burly 6-5, 220 body that seemed more at home in Folsom, then in the CEC. It earned him the nickname "Jerry Football," and I bet more than once CU's failing football coaches looked forlornly at Jeremy's football-ready frame.
Also, this:
Best aspect of his game -
Solid man-to-man defense, perfect for Tad Boyle's system. He also brought a slick dribble-drive ability that could've wreaked havoc if only his body would've allowed it. On the bench, his veteran presence was sorely needed on the youthful CU roster of 2012-13.
| Jeremy was always one of the best defenders on the roster. |
Best game as a Buff -
2/21/13 vs Utah - CU was playing with a shortened bench, thanks to the Bachynski incident, and the team needed someone, anyone to step up from the normally quiet bench mob. 'Jerry Football' answered the call to the tune of 9/3 with two steals and a block over 17 minutes. It was the start of a brilliant run of play for Adams, which ultimately closed out his CU career.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
On 'Dre and the Draft
For most of the year, the working assumption had been that Andre Roberson was going to turn pro. It was seen as such a foregone conclusion, that Coach Boyle went ahead and spent a 3rd scholarship on the 2013 recruiting class, even when there was only two known to be available (all indication is that Shane Harris-Tunks' graduation and departure were known well in advance of the announcement last month).
Recently, however, there has been a hitch in that plan, with many draft experts predicting that Roberson will land as a second round draft pick at best, with a decent chance that he'd see draft day roll by without hearing his name called.
The problem isn't his defense and rebounding. The reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player-of-the-Year has lead the program in rebounds, steals and blocks each of the last three seasons, and has cemented his status as one of the nation's premier defensive forces. NBA scouts recognize these skills, and they are unquestioned (and even earn him the heralded 'high-motor' designation).
No, the problem is that his offensive performance in his junior season slipped from the numbers he put up as a sophomore.
He stopped getting to both the line (where he also slipped to 55% shooting) and the rim (a career-low 51% of attempts), shot the ball at career low rates, and posted a declining O-Rating for the second consecutive year. Part of the decline may be attributed to Josh Scott 'stealing' interior touches, continuing to play out of position, and a team-wide move away from the rim on offense, but the statistical decline shrieks 'look at me,' and NBA GMs are listening.
Given this shaky offensive track record, the conventional wisdom becomes, 'Roberson needs another year in college to improve his draft stock.' I, however, remain unconvinced that another year at CU would do anything to move the draft needle, and may in fact be harmful to his overall NBA prospects.
For me it comes down to this: even assuming he reverses the trends and improves offensively, NBA GMs are still going to look at him as offensively deficient. He just doesn't have the game for the small forward role that CU continues to play him in, and it's highlighting the weaker aspects of his game, rather than emphasizing what he does best at. Barring some ridiculousness where he breaks out a la Derrick Williams, that narrative can't change.
Further, how is he going to show offensive improvement on next season's deeper, more balanced roster? Who will he be stealing points from, since the majority of the roster that put points on the board will be returning? Scott is only going to improve, Spencer Dinwiddie, assuming he returns, is only going to improve, and Askia Booker probably (*cough*) won't be in a season-long slump. The scoring situation only becomes more crowded when you consider incoming freshmen like Chris Jenkins, Tre'Shaun Fletcher, and Jaron Hopkins, in addition to the front-line touches that Wes Gordon will be pushing for. There's just not enough water left in the stone for 'Dre to squeeze out eye-popping numbers.
Sure, 'Dre coming back makes a lot of sense from a non-NBA point-of-view. Not only would it make the team better - possibly Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight better - but he'd also get another year as the BMOC, a final dose of accolades and awards, the opportunity to pursue a league title with a special grouping of talent, a chance to ascend to the Mt Rushmore of CU basketball, and, last but not least, a degree... but I just don't see how all of that would improve his draft standing.
Talk about the benefits of staying in school if you must, but don't tell me it'll make him better in the eyes of the NBA. From my perspective, it won't.
Recently, however, there has been a hitch in that plan, with many draft experts predicting that Roberson will land as a second round draft pick at best, with a decent chance that he'd see draft day roll by without hearing his name called.
The problem isn't his defense and rebounding. The reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player-of-the-Year has lead the program in rebounds, steals and blocks each of the last three seasons, and has cemented his status as one of the nation's premier defensive forces. NBA scouts recognize these skills, and they are unquestioned (and even earn him the heralded 'high-motor' designation).
No, the problem is that his offensive performance in his junior season slipped from the numbers he put up as a sophomore.
 |
| From: KenPom.com |
Given this shaky offensive track record, the conventional wisdom becomes, 'Roberson needs another year in college to improve his draft stock.' I, however, remain unconvinced that another year at CU would do anything to move the draft needle, and may in fact be harmful to his overall NBA prospects.
For me it comes down to this: even assuming he reverses the trends and improves offensively, NBA GMs are still going to look at him as offensively deficient. He just doesn't have the game for the small forward role that CU continues to play him in, and it's highlighting the weaker aspects of his game, rather than emphasizing what he does best at. Barring some ridiculousness where he breaks out a la Derrick Williams, that narrative can't change.
Further, how is he going to show offensive improvement on next season's deeper, more balanced roster? Who will he be stealing points from, since the majority of the roster that put points on the board will be returning? Scott is only going to improve, Spencer Dinwiddie, assuming he returns, is only going to improve, and Askia Booker probably (*cough*) won't be in a season-long slump. The scoring situation only becomes more crowded when you consider incoming freshmen like Chris Jenkins, Tre'Shaun Fletcher, and Jaron Hopkins, in addition to the front-line touches that Wes Gordon will be pushing for. There's just not enough water left in the stone for 'Dre to squeeze out eye-popping numbers.
Sure, 'Dre coming back makes a lot of sense from a non-NBA point-of-view. Not only would it make the team better - possibly Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight better - but he'd also get another year as the BMOC, a final dose of accolades and awards, the opportunity to pursue a league title with a special grouping of talent, a chance to ascend to the Mt Rushmore of CU basketball, and, last but not least, a degree... but I just don't see how all of that would improve his draft standing.
Talk about the benefits of staying in school if you must, but don't tell me it'll make him better in the eyes of the NBA. From my perspective, it won't.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
On Ed Rush, Pac-12 officiating, and how to fix the situation
... and suddenly, it all makes sense.
Late in the Arizona/UCLA semifinal at the Pac-12 tournament, Wildcat Mark Lyons was called for a suspect double-dribble, turning momentum in a game that had been trending Arizona's way. UofA head coach Sean Miller was livid, repeatedly saying 'he (UCLA guard Jordan Adams) touched the ball, he touched the ball,' to any official he could find. One ref, Michael Irving, took offense to the rather demure argument, and awarded Miller his first technical of the year.
It was a weird situation, and, apparently, it was all a setup.
Jeff Goodman at CBS Sports reported yesterday that Ed Rush, the Pac-12s Coordinator of Basketball Officials, had instructed his crews to go after Miller that week, even going so far as to offer $5,000 or a trip to Cancun to the ref who 'ran him.'
That report, if true, is tantamount to Rush fixing one of the league's semi-finals... in Vegas... a stone's-throw from a sports book.
Oh my.
Officiating has long been a problem spot for one of the nation's premier hoops leagues - a fact of life that CU fans are all too familiar with - but this takes the cake. No longer is this a quirky little issue that fans across the West wryly discuss over adult beverages. No, this is now an embarrassment that needs immediate addressing.
So, here's my two-fold prescription.
1) Fire Ed Rush
This should go unsaid, as, whether in jest or not, officials, especially the damn Coordinator of Basketball Officials, cannot be allowed even a whiff of impropriety. Integrity is non-negotiable; he needs to be fired, forced to resign, whatever. So far, it seems that the only punishment has been a stern talking to, which is grossly insufficient.
Get it done, fire his ass.
2) Shake up the system by hiring and maintaining an exclusive stable of officials.
While we're at it, why not actually do something to improve the on-court performance of the league's officials.
Currently, college basketball referees operate as independent contractors, officiating across the region, for as many games as they can schedule. They work for multiple leagues, with multiple partners, and are largely overworked. This system breeds inconsistent officiating, with communication, comfort, and fatigue often being a hurdle both within the crew, and between the crew and the players.
So, why not do away with this failing system? Why not hire and maintain a stable of Pac-12 exclusive crews, that do nothing but officiate Pac-12 games? Pay them well, expect the best. Use a grading system like the NBA uses, and hold them accountable. Replace those that can't hack it.
Yes, it'll be expensive, with the league having to pay the equivalent of 4-5 games per week for only two actually worked, but, if that's the price of a well officiated game, I'll happily pitch in to help defer the cost. Maybe partner with the Mountain West to both open up spots for more crews, and to defer costs, but the point is: create consistent crews, hold them accountable, and don't overwork them.
C'mon, El Jefe! You and the Pac-12 are better than this.
Late in the Arizona/UCLA semifinal at the Pac-12 tournament, Wildcat Mark Lyons was called for a suspect double-dribble, turning momentum in a game that had been trending Arizona's way. UofA head coach Sean Miller was livid, repeatedly saying 'he (UCLA guard Jordan Adams) touched the ball, he touched the ball,' to any official he could find. One ref, Michael Irving, took offense to the rather demure argument, and awarded Miller his first technical of the year.
It was a weird situation, and, apparently, it was all a setup.
Jeff Goodman at CBS Sports reported yesterday that Ed Rush, the Pac-12s Coordinator of Basketball Officials, had instructed his crews to go after Miller that week, even going so far as to offer $5,000 or a trip to Cancun to the ref who 'ran him.'
That report, if true, is tantamount to Rush fixing one of the league's semi-finals... in Vegas... a stone's-throw from a sports book.
Oh my.
Officiating has long been a problem spot for one of the nation's premier hoops leagues - a fact of life that CU fans are all too familiar with - but this takes the cake. No longer is this a quirky little issue that fans across the West wryly discuss over adult beverages. No, this is now an embarrassment that needs immediate addressing.
So, here's my two-fold prescription.
1) Fire Ed Rush
This should go unsaid, as, whether in jest or not, officials, especially the damn Coordinator of Basketball Officials, cannot be allowed even a whiff of impropriety. Integrity is non-negotiable; he needs to be fired, forced to resign, whatever. So far, it seems that the only punishment has been a stern talking to, which is grossly insufficient.
Get it done, fire his ass.
2) Shake up the system by hiring and maintaining an exclusive stable of officials.
While we're at it, why not actually do something to improve the on-court performance of the league's officials.
Currently, college basketball referees operate as independent contractors, officiating across the region, for as many games as they can schedule. They work for multiple leagues, with multiple partners, and are largely overworked. This system breeds inconsistent officiating, with communication, comfort, and fatigue often being a hurdle both within the crew, and between the crew and the players.
So, why not do away with this failing system? Why not hire and maintain a stable of Pac-12 exclusive crews, that do nothing but officiate Pac-12 games? Pay them well, expect the best. Use a grading system like the NBA uses, and hold them accountable. Replace those that can't hack it.
Yes, it'll be expensive, with the league having to pay the equivalent of 4-5 games per week for only two actually worked, but, if that's the price of a well officiated game, I'll happily pitch in to help defer the cost. Maybe partner with the Mountain West to both open up spots for more crews, and to defer costs, but the point is: create consistent crews, hold them accountable, and don't overwork them.
C'mon, El Jefe! You and the Pac-12 are better than this.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: Final Four Set
I don't mean to undersell baseball's Opening Day, but I'm just not ready for it. Could you check back in a week when basketball is over, and I can devote my entire being to the sport I've loved since birth?
Today in the bag, I'm talking Final Four, Steve Alford, and Mike Alvarado.
Click below for the bag...
Today in the bag, I'm talking Final Four, Steve Alford, and Mike Alvarado.
Click below for the bag...
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