Daily Roundup- Friday, March 20th

Even if there were more close calls than exciting upsets, March Madness still was pretty good. With Michigan beating Clemson and Western Kentucky pulling off the biggest upset thus far (it is after all only the first day) and Memphis waking up in the final ten minutes of their game to win, it was definitely worth a watch and worth it to tune in today to see.
Yesterday spent all morning trying to fine tune the bracket so therefore was not able to put up a post, but you didn’t miss much.

We start off in unfamiliar territory with the Knicks who followed up a 3-1 road trip with a demoralizing home loss that makes the Knicks afterthoughts in the playoff race if they lose to Sacramento tonight. However, if it is, it might be time to start rethinking player’s roles on the team and see who could possibly be held over for the incoming franchise player(s) in 2010 according to Frank Isola.

Frankly speaking, the names mentioned are all good. I wonder about Danilo Gallinari as his mysterious back ailment (Surgery or no surgery) haunts medical minds and the common sensical types as well trying to figure out what exactly is stopping the Italian Stallion from galloping to the hoop with authority on a regular basis. The Knicks do however need to consider various factors when considering who is good for this team and who isn’t.
The record may say that this team shows promise but there are players who are incapable of being role players, that defer to the better teammate should we recruit actively in, oh say the summer of 2010. Nate Robinson, I’m on the fence about. He’s a great scorer but more of a streaky shooter who makes questionable decisions but is good for everyone to look at and is the only attraction for Knick fans. David Lee is a keeper but will be difficult to hold considering that his numbers might price him out of the Knicks plans if they are going to be fiscally responsible in preparation for 2010. Chris Duhon is a keeper in every sense of the word. He’s a heady veteran who can play back up point and makes smart decisions and if he can keep his long range shooting percentage high, he’s a go to guy. Wilson Chandler is an attractive 6th man option who can come in and score in bunches as well as long as he gets the minutes which the Knicks may have to cut should we bring in a big name or two.
Either way, I don’t believe that the evaluation time should start now or has started now, I think Donnie Walsh is wise enough to know his plan was based around 2010 and he’s been evaluating talent since he arrived. In Donnie we trust.


Michael Wilbon thought he found his Cinderella last night while watching the American/Villanova game but it just wasn’t meant to be.

You and me both Mike. After the first day, people hungry for upsets were left disappointed with just a few almosts. Frankly speaking looking up and down at this bracket, other than the craziest scenario where one player gets hot (ala Stephan Curry last year) or one team being unbelievably cold and getting nervous on the big stage, this could be a ho-hum tournament but then again that’s the script for every tourney isn’t it?
Watching the Villanova game it just seemed like we had the very hot shooter just spraying 3’s from all over the place and the look on the Villanova players’ faces said it all; “do you see what I see?” I’m sure everyone was hitting their heads for not seeing this but soon enough, Villanova regained their composure and American ran out of magic. Sure it’s the first day, but the tourney’s reputation has us on guard for these kind of upsets. For David to beat Goliath and see a dog pile for a last minute, game winning shot. UCLA almost lost last night had VCU’s Maynor put a bit more muscle into that final shot. The tourney wants upsets and needs upsets. So far, I’m 13-2 in the bracketology. Hopefully no funny business in the first round. I got a few dandies going in the second round and beyond.


Finally, a few minutes of absolute relief with Peter Vecsey.