I massively underestimated the CU fanbase.
Back in September, I hoped for a 15% bump in non-conference attendance. In fact, Buffs fans swarmed the gates of the CEC to the tune of a 49% increase over the past 4-year average I was basing projections on. What I gingerly asked for was 33,500 in total attendance; what I got was 42,418 for a respectable average of 6,060. That number is huge for this program, and far outpaces the previous best during my decade in the Foothills (4,416 in '02-'03).
Congrats Buffs fans, you've done your part so far this season. Keep up the good work, and keep supporting Our Buffs!
I now owe everyone a coke.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Utah Basketball Preview #1
With non-conference play out of the way in victorious 58-point fashion, our collective basketball attention may now fully focus on our new Pac-12 brothers. Much like football, our new conference has been kind, keeping the powers of the Pac-12 off the dawn of the conference slate, allowing the Buffs to ease into Pac-12 play. Powers such as UCLA, Arizona and Cal can wait, the Buffs kick off their inaugural Pac-12 schedule with struggling "travel partner" Utah.
The newly reformed athletic rivalry, forced upon our two schools through geography and logistics, got off to a rousing start for those of us wearing black and gold tinted sunglasses. Barely over a month ago I returned from Salt Lake City, having seen CU handle the favored Utes on the gridiron.
The basketball version of the series will almost assuredly pale in comparison to the football scene, which saw Utah fans throwing stadium detritus at CU Head Coach Jon Embree and the Buffs bench. However, it is none-the-less important that CU kick off conference play on a high note with a victory over their "rival."
While the football rivalry, which I would like to remind everyone recently saw a Buffs victory, has a storied, albeit disjointed, history, the basketball version of the rivalry is as historically insignificant as the CU-Nebraska hardwood contests were. CU has only played Utah a relatively scant 35 times on the court (with CU owning a 20-15 head-to-head advantage; a recent 4-year series ended split 2-2), and those contests rarely determined anything of significance. This Rumble in the Rockies is mostly mute.
But that's not a fault of the Utes. Utah is a traditional power, despite their losing record with CU, and one of the premier programs in the Rocky Mountain Region. 36 conference titles, 26 Tournament appearances, 15 Sweet Sixteen berths, and 4 Final Four runs adorn the rafters at the Jon M. Huntsman Center; truly a banner collection to be envious of. If CU is the regional football behemoth, Utah is the basketball counterpart.
But, all of that is in the past. A new conference offers opportunities to create a new status quo. The BasketBuffs begin their version of the new era Saturday afternoon at the CEC. If you're worried about making your New Years Eve party, don't worry, tip-off is scheduled for 4pm. Plenty of time to properly support the Buffs and still make your drunken revelry. The Buffs will need your help, as the students are still out on break, and their feisty presence will be sorely missed. If you absolutely can't make it up to Boulder, feel free to check out the proceedings on ROOT Sports.
Click below for my preview...
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| Coach Boyle and staff didn't have to work too hard last night, but now the bright lights are on. From: the BDC |
The basketball version of the series will almost assuredly pale in comparison to the football scene, which saw Utah fans throwing stadium detritus at CU Head Coach Jon Embree and the Buffs bench. However, it is none-the-less important that CU kick off conference play on a high note with a victory over their "rival."
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| Sad Ute is Sad. From: the BDC |
But that's not a fault of the Utes. Utah is a traditional power, despite their losing record with CU, and one of the premier programs in the Rocky Mountain Region. 36 conference titles, 26 Tournament appearances, 15 Sweet Sixteen berths, and 4 Final Four runs adorn the rafters at the Jon M. Huntsman Center; truly a banner collection to be envious of. If CU is the regional football behemoth, Utah is the basketball counterpart.
| The Keith Van Horn era is long past, considering the current struggles in SLC. |
Click below for my preview...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Quick Post: Teasing New Orleans
The non-conference portion of the schedule concludes tonight with a tussle against the Privateers from New Orleans. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:07, and ROOT Sports, for some reason I can't comprehend, decided to broadcast the proceedings (which is good news for UNO fans, as this is their only televised game on the schedule). If you can't break out of your post-Christmas malaise to hump in up to Boulder, at least you can watch the action on the tube.
Almost as an afterthought, CU scheduled this game at the last minute to fill a nine day gap in the schedule. This manner of scheduling is reminiscent of last season, when a half-hearted effort against Western New Mexico kept the engines warm as the team waited for conference play to begin. A resulting 3-0 start to conference play ensured that we'd see a repeat of that scheduling this season; so bring on the Privateers.
As we all know from religiously watching West Wing, a Privateer is essentially a pirate whose actions are sanctioned by a government; they also formed the backbone of our colonial navy, and can be your qualifying family member for organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution.
I post that ridiculous clip because I'm stalling for time; previewing New Orleans would be like previewing a battle between a hammer and a nail. These Privateers from the University of New Orleans, as I've mentioned several times, are destined for lesser things, as the school moves its athletic programs to Division II. As a result, they should pose no challenge; schedule filler in its rawest form.
I could try to justify some imminent danger posed by UNO, but realistically there's no chance of them pulling an upset tonight. Oh, sure, the struggling Buffs could lay an egg and let the Privateers lead for a few minutes, but tonight will end in a CU victory, one way or the other. Seriously, if CU somehow loses to these guys, they might as well close up shop for the season.
CU 79 - UNO 51
GO BUFFS! SINK THE PRIVATEERS!
Almost as an afterthought, CU scheduled this game at the last minute to fill a nine day gap in the schedule. This manner of scheduling is reminiscent of last season, when a half-hearted effort against Western New Mexico kept the engines warm as the team waited for conference play to begin. A resulting 3-0 start to conference play ensured that we'd see a repeat of that scheduling this season; so bring on the Privateers.
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| That's a mighty fine looking logo you got there. |
(Related clip)
I post that ridiculous clip because I'm stalling for time; previewing New Orleans would be like previewing a battle between a hammer and a nail. These Privateers from the University of New Orleans, as I've mentioned several times, are destined for lesser things, as the school moves its athletic programs to Division II. As a result, they should pose no challenge; schedule filler in its rawest form.
I could try to justify some imminent danger posed by UNO, but realistically there's no chance of them pulling an upset tonight. Oh, sure, the struggling Buffs could lay an egg and let the Privateers lead for a few minutes, but tonight will end in a CU victory, one way or the other. Seriously, if CU somehow loses to these guys, they might as well close up shop for the season.
CU 79 - UNO 51
GO BUFFS! SINK THE PRIVATEERS!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday Grab Bag: I'm Back
I'm back from the 50th state and ready to get back to the grindstone. How was it? Well, how do you think Hawai'i was? The place is ridiculously fantastic.
I mostly stayed away from civilization, perched on the northern side of Kaua'i. For a week I was blissfully separated from the major tourist areas, and I was granted suitable quiet to hear myself think for the first time in months. More importantly, I saw exactly zero Husker or Ram fans through the trip; that is to say I enjoyed my time immensely.
Hawai'i is a fantasy land, but it's back to reality and the hoops programs at CU. I come back to a men's program, despite a pair of victories, seemingly on the rocks, and a womens team riding a perfect wave into conference play.
Today in the bag I'll recap the past few weeks of Buffs Hoops and tease the rest of the week.
Click below for the bag...
I mostly stayed away from civilization, perched on the northern side of Kaua'i. For a week I was blissfully separated from the major tourist areas, and I was granted suitable quiet to hear myself think for the first time in months. More importantly, I saw exactly zero Husker or Ram fans through the trip; that is to say I enjoyed my time immensely.
Hawai'i is a fantasy land, but it's back to reality and the hoops programs at CU. I come back to a men's program, despite a pair of victories, seemingly on the rocks, and a womens team riding a perfect wave into conference play.
Today in the bag I'll recap the past few weeks of Buffs Hoops and tease the rest of the week.
Click below for the bag...
Thursday, December 15, 2011
UPDATED: Site News: I'm on vacation
Starting tomorrow morning at 3:37AM, I'm going on vacation. Since I take the full 'City Slickers' approach to taking time off, I'm getting away from it all, and headed far away from things like computers and websites. Specifically, I'm going here:
I'll just have to trust the Buffs to wax Cal State Bakersfield and Texas Southern in my absence. If they can't, I may never come back.
Barring a home loss disaster of epic proportions, which then causes me to question my loyalty, I'll be back in action around December 27th, ready to preview the exciting matchup between CU and the soon to be Division III New Orleans Privateers.
A Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season to you all! Go Buffs!
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(Update 12/15/11) - I found out that UNO is going to Div II, rather than Div III. They had originally planned to drop to the non-scholarship Division III, but re-considered after adding football. I don't know why I find that so interesting, but I do. Still, they won't be D-I any more after this season.
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| That's right, Hawai'i bitches! And on Kauai, away from everyone. |
I'll just have to trust the Buffs to wax Cal State Bakersfield and Texas Southern in my absence. If they can't, I may never come back.
Barring a home loss disaster of epic proportions, which then causes me to question my loyalty, I'll be back in action around December 27th, ready to preview the exciting matchup between CU and the soon to be Division III New Orleans Privateers.
A Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season to you all! Go Buffs!
--
(Update 12/15/11) - I found out that UNO is going to Div II, rather than Div III. They had originally planned to drop to the non-scholarship Division III, but re-considered after adding football. I don't know why I find that so interesting, but I do. Still, they won't be D-I any more after this season.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The 12 Days of Buffs-mas
A Merry Buffs-mas to you all! As the calendar runs short of pages, I thought it would be appropriate to present a contrived holiday post. This is a list of what I want to find under my tree this year.
Click below for the contrived fun...
Click below for the contrived fun...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The feel-good basketball story in Boulder
In happier news...
While the mens team has been struggling with some identity issues, their hoops playing partners in the CEC have been tearing up the court. Off to their best start since the early 90's, the CU womens basketball team is lapping their male counterparts in the early goings of the season. Sitting pretty at 8-0 on the year, they're lead by second year coach Linda Lappe, and are starting to remind me of the good ole days when the womens program could be counted on for a guaranteed Tournament appearance each season.
The renaissance has been lead by the stellar play of junior Chucky Jeffery. The 5-10 guard from The Springs is averaging close to a double-double with 18.5/9 each night, and her performance is allowing the program to ease through the pain of losing all-time leading scorer Brittany Spears.
Supporting her efforts are a pair of fresh(wo)men who are part of the vanguard class in a wave of quality incoming talent brought in by Coach Lappe. Guard Lexy Kresl and forward Jen Reese have combined for 20/9 each night, and look to be setting a tone of quality performance for years to come. Add their play to an incoming recruiting class rated as one of the top-20 in the country, and the future is very bright for the ladies up on campus.
Barring an epic collapse against Weber St this Saturday, CU will finish the home portion of their non-conference schedule with a crystal clean 9-0 record. Only a trip to the UTSA Holiday Classic would then stand between the team and a perfect run through their non-con slate. While non-conference play for the Buffs has been filled with less than stellar competition, a perfect record is nothing to scoff at.
While we'll really see what this team is made of come the start of conference play in January, it's good to note that the Buffs have clocked each of their eight previous opponents by double figures. All told, they average a winning margin of almost 20 points/game. If you're going to play questionable competition, you might as well smack them around a little bit.
If you're ready to be caught up with the so-far perfect Buffs (and you should be), you should check them out this Saturday against the WSU Wildcats. If you can't make it to the CEC on Saturday, you won't have another chance to see them play in person until after the Holidays, as the next home game is January 12th against Cal.
Keep up the good work, ladies!
While the mens team has been struggling with some identity issues, their hoops playing partners in the CEC have been tearing up the court. Off to their best start since the early 90's, the CU womens basketball team is lapping their male counterparts in the early goings of the season. Sitting pretty at 8-0 on the year, they're lead by second year coach Linda Lappe, and are starting to remind me of the good ole days when the womens program could be counted on for a guaranteed Tournament appearance each season.
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| Coach Lappe and her staff have the squad headed in the right direction. From: the BDC |
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| Chucky has been a do-it-all sensation for the Buffs this year. From: the BDC |
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| All I'm saying is that Lexy and the rest of the team know how to beat CSU on the road; time to give them some long over-due credit. From: BDC |
While we'll really see what this team is made of come the start of conference play in January, it's good to note that the Buffs have clocked each of their eight previous opponents by double figures. All told, they average a winning margin of almost 20 points/game. If you're going to play questionable competition, you might as well smack them around a little bit.
If you're ready to be caught up with the so-far perfect Buffs (and you should be), you should check them out this Saturday against the WSU Wildcats. If you can't make it to the CEC on Saturday, you won't have another chance to see them play in person until after the Holidays, as the next home game is January 12th against Cal.
Keep up the good work, ladies!
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