Michigan Men WIN THE NCAA! (In gymnastics!)

Okay....so, it's not what you thought.

But the Ole MMQ will take it!

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/michigan-wins-ncaa-mens-gymnastics-031948757--spt.html

Men's Gymnastic Title!  This is Prestigious!  Puts the university on the MAP, PEOPLE!

The NCAA Championship - Campus Memories and Some New Ones

I wasn’t going to post until AFTER tonight’s game, but then I started letting the idea enter my thinking that there is, of course, a chance that the hottest shooting team in college hoops goes cold and Michigan succumbs to the pressure and loses to the Pitino led Cardinals of Louisville….(Here in Michigan, we say it “Looweeville”). However, I do believe that this Michigan team just ignores pressure and I also believe that Coach Pitino is under a TREMENDOUS amount of pressure in this game and will be more apt to let his players see that and thus, succumb to the pressure of being the Number 1 Seed.

I love being the underdog. I really do. And I will predict here and now that Michigan prevails tonight. Of course, I predicted it almost three weeks ago when I picked my bracket, taking Michigan to the promised land, so I guess I’m just repeating myself here…But I do love being the dog in this one….It’s comforting.

And THAT got me to thinking about 1989. Michigan had a pretty good regular season and had made it into the tournament as a #3 seed. Then, all hell broke loose and it was learned that turncoat Bill Frieder had planned on leaving Michigan for the open job at Arizona State. (personal note: MORON)  And suddenly, a three seeded head coach-less team looked vulnerable and like a big Underdog... However, it was also learned that Frieder and Bo didn’t get along and there had been history between the two. So, while the move was unexpected, it became readily apparent, especially with the Schembechler now famous line, “A MICHIGAN MAN is going to coach the Michigan Wolverines” after Frieder said he would continue to coach the team through the tournament. I half expected Bo to step in and coach the team himself. Which, if you read the Fab Five book, he more or less did give them an inspirational pep talk like only Bo could do before the regional games at Fisher’s request. And I jumped ahead of myself there: Bo named Steve Fisher the Head Basketball Coach for the interim and that single act led the Michigan Basketball Team on a dizzying run into the history books as one of the best teams and NCAA Tournaments ever…

It was a delight to be on campus for that period. Michigan had won the Rose Bowl that year and everyone was still kind of buzzing about that. The first game against Xavier was closer than most expected and I think it left a lot of Michigan fans feeling like we were so close, but with the loss of Frieder, things were falling apart. The 2nd round game against South Alabama was a little better, but still, we didn’t look good.

It wasn’t until the 2nd weekend when things heated up. Michigan won a somewhat close game against the ever dangerous North Carolina Tar Heels led by the Dean himself. Michigan played (and destroyed) a very good Virginia team with players stepping up and taking charge. Glenn Rice, Rumeal Robinson and Sean Higgins all played huge in that game and really got the campus and fan base buzzing. But it wasn’t until the game against Illinois that things went completely nuts.

What you need to know about the Illinois game was that Michigan had lost both regular season contests to the Illini and Coach “Brillo Pad” Henson. For those of you wondering why he had that nickname, well, here’s photo I dug up from the period when he sported what can only be described as a rug from “Toupee’s ’R’ Us!” Although, maybe it wasn’t a rug and just the world’s worst comb over….EVER….

Anyway, the Brillo Pad had his kids ready, but Michigan showed up ready as well. And in what can only be described as one of the best NCAA games out there, Michigan edged the Illini in a thriller of a game with a last second shot by Higgins that put Michigan on top, 83-81.

Now, please note that being on campus when something like this is happening miles away doesn’t give students a chance to “express” themselves as they would normally like to. And based on the fact that we hadn’t beaten the Illini in two tries that season, well, things were tense. And it was a warm spring day in Ann Arbor.
And I believe they actually played the Illini on or about on April 1, or the first Saturday in April, which is also the traditional day of the “Hash Bash” in Ann Arbor, not that the MMQ ever attended one of THOSE…

Ann Arbor’s finest hadn’t prepped for that, either. South U was the meeting place and if you were a student and weren’t there, well, you were the only one NOT there. However, there were plenty of people about and the situation was perfect for an impromptu party…Yes, some continue to refer to it as the “Riot on South U”….But Michigan and Ann Arbor leaves those types of activities to the professionals up in East Lansing known as Sparty’s….You know, couch burning, minor vandalism and the like. Never the less, the “riot” became the National story right in addition to Steve Fisher getting the team to the Final Four.  Then it was on to the championship game against Seton Hall. That pressure filled double overtime thriller that lasted well into Monday night/Tuesday morning where Rumeal sank the two charity throws and Ann Arbor again congregated on South
But by this time, there was less rioting and simply more revelry. I do remember a lot of alcohol consumption and there were bottles being passed around. It was more or less good, clean fun and a great time to be had on campus.

Which brings us to this season.

First round games I caught with some friends locally at pubs and taverns around Michigan. Then, for the Sweet 16, we were in Florida and the Holland Clan literally took over the Beach House in Anna Maria Island with Uncle Jeff and his clan to watch Michigan literally snatch defeat from the jaws of a Jayhawks victory……What a game. Then, we went back to that little bar with Grandma “H”, Uncle Greg and his clan seeing as how it was our good luck spot on Sunday and took it over again with a LOT of Michigan Faithful from all over and one brave Gator fan that kept poking his head out of the kitchen (That’s where Gator Grads get jobs where they can use the skills they picked up in college) to see what the score was. I have to admit….It’s been a tough year to be a Gator. Crapping your pants in the bowl game to Louisville and now this dismantling by the Wolverines.

I will say that the Victors has never sounded louder and

“IT’S GREAT TO BE A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE!”

is now something that every wait-staff person at the Beach House is now intimately familiar with!

Then there was Saturday night where Trey Burke might – MIGHT - have been a little off his game (but a lot of that was due to the perimeter defense that The ‘Cuse was running) and the rest of the team, well, let’s say it:

WE ON!

And being back in Michigan in 40 degree weather kind or makes me wish I was still in Florida…..But, never the less – Here’s looking forward to tonight’s game. Michigan is giving 4, but who cares…..

One prediction the MMQ made at various times throughout my career:

1. Michigan Men’s Basketball, after hiring JB, would go to a Final Four and potentially win a National Title before the MSU Football team got invited to a BCS game (and won). Not only has this one come true, but Michigan is in contention to win the whole enchilada….And believe me I KNOW how much ALL YOU SPARTY’S LOVE THAT!

In the Mid Season B1G prediction entry:

2. That something special was happening in Ann Arbor this year at “CRYSLER” arena (please note the Spelling. Spell check in Word hates that spelling, but oh well.) And that I thought this could be one of those years. (Short of tonight’s outcome, this qualifies).
3. Trey Burke was the best point guard playing in the B1G and quite possibly the nation (Swept all 4 major basketball awards)
4. That the freshmen on this team would be household names before the season was through (McGary, Stauskas, GRIII) not to mention “Spike” Albrecht and Caris Levert…Two guys that came alive against the Orange with 3 pointers.

And finally, wrapping up my short mid season prediction for this team:

What’s it all mean? This team SCREAMS Final 4. And everyone knows how tough it is to get to that level in a one and done tournament. But, they are laying the groundwork in convincing fashion.

So, again, whatever tonight’s outcome, it’s been a wild ride and an even better NCAA tournament!

GO BLUE!

Final Four! How Sweet It Is!

Final Four!

Trey Burke AP Player of the YEAR!

Can the Michigan Wolverines continue this roll?  Can it be that magical year?  Willl it happen?

Time will tell!

I have to post because in Florida, each and ever Florida, Gator, and Sparty fan, (not to mention a dozen other "Haters" walked by this Sand Castle mumbling and bitchin'.....)

BUUUTTTTTT....There were TONS of Maize and Blue Faithfuls swingning by getting photos!

GO BLUE!  Beat the 'CUSE!

Sweet 16!

Sweet 16!  Its been TOO LONG!

I wasn't sure I wanted to post just because a famous coach once said, "Act like you've been here before."  Which, Michigan has, but its been awhile....

The opening round South Dakota State game was a lot less "Epic" than the prognositcators would have everyone believe and the VCU Rams looked downright laughable as The Wolverines ran them up, down and literally off the court.  Shaka Smart didn't look very much his namesake as he continued to try and press Michigan's guards and then decided that getting into a running challenge against Michigan's speed and ball handling was a game he could win.  I'm not letting any cats out of any bags as to what the secret is to beating Mihichigan:  Slow down the tempo and play perimeter defense and you've got a shot.  Get into a run and gun contest and you're gonna'  take your lumps....

Best plays!

Spike Albrecht's pass is friggin' awesome!



I you have ever coached basketball....All I can say is Coaches absolutely LOVE a good pick! And a pick that puts somebody on the floor is better than an alley oop!




Michigan Hockey Loses in CCHA Final

Unfortunately, at the same time OSU was beating Iowa State on Sunday, the Michigan Men's Hockey team was unfortunately losing their final game of the season to the clowns from that small school in South Bend, Indiana....JEEZ I HATE THESE GUYS!

However, in case you were unaware, it's the 17th anniversary of "The Michigan" move made famous by Mike Legg!  I love this play and never get tired of watching it...((HT:  Greg at MVictors)

It's HERE! That Spring Rite of Passage.....

That we all know and love....Not Pitchers and Catchers reporting...That was weeks ago, and for those of you reading in Michigan, it was still the dead of winter.

Kind of STILL IS the dead of winter around here right now....But the March Madness has begun and it's Bracket Time!  Meaning that Spring and the Masters are right around the corner. 

Bracket Busters?  Got Em....

Bracket Sleepers?  Predicting them here!

Bold Predictions?  You Bet!

Prognosticating is one of the MMQ's Favorite things to do!  And of course, what fun is prognosticating unless you put a little scratch on it!

So, without further ado, here's the MMQ's Big 10 Special Bracket that I can explain a lot easier than my Smart Bracket.  The Smart Bracket looks dumber every time I look at it and this Bracket makes more sense every time I peruse it.  But I think that's the Michigan Man and Big 10 Guy coming out....

Hopefully, everyone can see this.  The rationale for each region is below:

MIDWEST:  When Tom Izzo has better than a 4 seed, you must respect the Izzo.  That's basically all you need to know.  Why not Duke?  Well, in the last 5 brackets where the Dukies were a two seed?  They didn't get out of the first weekend.  I have to say that the hardest pick here was NOT taking Cincinnati over Duke in that 2nd round game......Louisville?  They only have one guy that really scores...Is that any way to win a tournament?  Besides the Big East, I mean?  And look out for the ducks in the First Round....Underseeded against an over-seeded Okie State team that runs hot and cold on offense...Izzo and company find a chair at the Final 4 Feast!

WEST:  Thad Matta - See Izzo above.  I've finally given up on figuring out when OSU will get upset in the Big Dance, so I'm just going with it this year and hoping my bracket sheet isn't garbage before the end of the 1st weekend.  Yes, Gonzaga is that fun name school that was a cinder-fella 15 years ago...and they are good, but they need to finally prove it by getting to a Final 4.  I just don't think its happening this year as OSU is way too good and won't let it happen - their guards are too good....  Of course, this could be the year that OSU chokes...who knows?  Taking Iowa State over the Domers?  No Brainer.....12-5 UPSET ALERT:  Ole Miss over Wiscy is my only Big 10 blemish....Because I HATE WISCONSIN!.  I also think Ole Miss and their flamboyant point Guard Henderson will be a problem for Wiscy.....OSU comes out of the West for a spot at the Final 4 Table!

EAST:  IU - IU - IU....Yes, they're good.  In fact, I think IU got a gift and has one of, if not THE easiest bracket to the Final 4 of any of the other number 1's.  Why?  When Miami is in there and the won the ACC regular season and the ACC Tournament?  Because...They won the ACC And the ACC Tournament.  Too much is expected and I don't think they have what it will take to knock off IU.  12 SEED SLEEPER ALERT:  California shocks a few people and knocks off a team they should have beat at home but lost to by one - and they are playing 25 miles from their hometown...And then they surprise a few more people and knock off a tired and leg weary Syracuse in the 2nd round....  14-3 UPSET ALERT:  Davidson and it's Team Offense and Defense approach are going to be too much for First Round out of the Big East Tournament Marquette...Marquette is not known for deep runs in the tourney and there's simply too much pressure on them to get a first round Victory this year.  Check out the Marquette's blog and you will see what I mean...IU coasts to the head of the Final 4 Table..

SOUTH:  I think this is without question the weakest bracket of all.  And that bodes well for the middle seeds to wreak havoc here.  11-6 NON UPSET ALERT:  Yes, You read that right, loyal reader.  Minnesota is actually FAVORED in this game by 3 points as an 11 SEED!  So, do what you must and thank the MMQ later...Of course, for all the people that pick without a clue, the actual upset (UCLA WINNING) will look like a favorite winning and reward absolutely no one....Everything else here is chalk until Bill Self's Jayhawks meet the Wolverines in the Sweet 16.  Nobody has Michigan going past the Sweet 16...Except slappy's like yours truly.  Why?  It's still Michigan and the low turnover record, three point shooting and charity stripe should revert to the mean in tournament time.  I like Michigan to upset a highly optimistic Kansas squad and then defeat a Gatorland team that upsets a weak East opponent in Georgetown....putting Michigan in the Final 4!

Then, it's just a redo of the Big 10 tournament with Michigan - OSU  - Indiana and Sparty squaring off....The way it should be!

Michigan winning the whole thing is Karmatic Redemption for all the crappy crap that happened to them this season....

Don't believe it?  Well, then you haven't been paying attention!

Fun websites to look at an play around with:

http://wp.bracketscience.com/

And without a doubt, my favorite:

http://projects.wsj.com/blindfold-brackets-2013/

You can spend a lot of time looking at these sites...and it will all be wasted, of course.

Because at the end of the day, who knows what's going to happen!

GO BLUE!

B1G Tournament Times and Schedules

In case you were wondering when the B1G Basketball Tournament games were going to take place, here you go!

Also re-created here for your convenience if you don't like having to link......

It's GOOD To Be The King!

It’s funny. In the off season, I need distractions from things and I’m strangely not attracted to the recruiting sagas of all the big boys. Things that intrigue me are conference re-alignment and, strangely, what I think may be the beginning of the end of the NCAA as we know it.

First, let’s look at the fun one: Conference re-alignment. It would seem that the B1G is not sitting on its hands waiting around for other chips to fall. In an effort to establish a strong foothold in the south, Mr. SEC is reporting (HT: Frank the Tank) that the B1G has made offers to Virginia and Georgia Tech. I personally would have rather seen an offer go out to Florida State, and there’s a rumor flying that that has happened as well, leaving the B1G in an “odd” number situation again (17) if everyone would accept. What does that add up to?

One of two things: Jim Delaney is probably pushing his alma mater, the University of North Carolina hard to make a decision to join the B1G. I can see the wheels in Jim’s head spinning away knowing that if the Maryland – ACC lawsuit is settled out of court for a reduced exit fee, well, other schools being offered B1G riches are going to line up and take the handout. Virgina (per Frank the Tank – FTT) makes sense as that ties up Washington DC and the surrounding market. Georgia Tech and FSU would put a FIRM foothold in the HEART of the SEC. Yep, it all makes sense.

But why UNC? Why not the Domers as the MMQ has stated all along? That’s the real “football” prize in all of this….Isn’t it? Isn’t that what this is all about? Football dominance?

Well, maybe, maybe not. I’m starting to think that there’s a method to Delaney’s madness that is pure genius. Wile E. Coyote genius…..think about it: The Big East used to have one of the largest basketball contracts in the history of televised basketball and with 16 teams, they also received more bids to the NCAA Tournament than all other conferences combined. With those bids comes NCAA credits for each team you put in the tourney. Hence, the more BASKETBALL teams you have, the more NCAA Tourney money you get. Granted, it doesn’t compare to Football money or even come close to the BCS pay-outs, but it’s nothing to sneeze at. In addition, the BTN gets MORE LIVE CONTENT. Right now, the BTN’s highest ratings are from December through March, meaning that it’s prime time basketball is being viewed by a lot of people. And networks have a funny way of figuring out the logical. IF I had more games to televise, that would be good. And if I had MORE QUALITY TEAMS and SCHOOLS playing those games (Vrigina, G-Tech, and UNC) that would be even better! Not to mention that I would be in more households up and down the East Coast.

In addition: The NCAA Tournament is coming up for re-bid in a couple of years. There’s still the rumor and more than likely, FACT, that the NCAA is going to have to expand to 96 teams. And my guess is that when those expansion games get played (16 games on Monday and Tuesday), there ISN’T going to be one network (CBS) that will be able to carry them all on the Monday/Tuesday play in the way it’s carried now – unless CBS just decides to take all of its programming off the entire week of the NCAA tourney. So, there will be a bidding war to get those play in games by competing networks. One network in Bristol, Connecticut comes to mind…But so does the BTN network.

Why would the BTN spend good money bidding on games that more than likely WON’T have a B1G team playing on a Monday or Tuesday? Media rights. Think about it: If the BTN were to win say, 4 or 8 of the 16 play in games, there’s suddenly cable operators all over the country that are going to demand having the BTN available. And that puts even more money in Jim’s pocket than getting the ever elusive Domers….

Jim Delaney…Genius. It’s Good To Be The King….



On another not so fun note, it you haven’t been keeping abreast of the NCAA – Miami fiasco, well, it’s been something to behold. On one hand, you have Mark Emmert – Hypocrite and False Front Man that is trying to have his cake and eat it too.   Julie Roe Lach got canned on Monday after Emmert learned that she had authorized payment to NevinShapiro’s lawyer for information about what went down during the years in question. Nevin Shapiro was the master mind behind the huge real estate Ponzi scheme that netted him all the money that he was able to throw at Miami that also got him a striper pole in his VIP suite at Miami football games. When you get to the heart of it, I started wondering how this wasn’t crossing a line somehow…The whole thing seemed a little sleazy, even if you were trying to get to the truth of the matter. But still, to suggest that Julie was acting “On her own” and paying an attorney for information from the same booster that paid all the Miami kids…Didn’t something click somewhere for someone? And to suggest that Emmert didn’t have a clue about it…well, let’s just say it doesn’t pass the ole’ MMQ sniff test. Add to that the rule that all head coaches are responsible for anything their assistant coaching staff does (illegally) but somehow the same rule doesn’t apply to Emmert and the NCAA? Well, once again, it just goes to show you…It’s Good To Be The King…

On the other hand, you have the president of Miami, has more or less gone on the attack and made Miami out to be the victim in a bungled, drawn out investigation that may or may not ever get settled by the NCAA. And if the NCAA tries to hand down more severe penalties, well, she’s made it publicly known that the “allegations” of strippers, prostitutes, drugs, and parties cannot be proven by the NCAA….Even though everybody else in the WORLD has seen the evidence and knows it exists. Photos, receipts, etc…I think there’s even a couple of G-strings somewhere hidden in Shapiro’s lawyers’ desks….

In the end, Miami has given up several scholarships, paid retribution and denied themselves the opportunity to play in the ACC championship and two bowl games in 2013 and 2014. While that’s a lot, I’m not sure given the preponderance of evidence in this case that it’ll be enough for the penalty division of the NCAA…until they are found to be involved in something they shouldn’t be. But, even then, Emmert will come out smelling like a rose…Why?

Because….. It’s Good To Be The King!