No Expansion in the NBA!!!
Earlier this week, NBA Emperor/Commissioner David Stern proclaimed that there would be no expansion in the foreseeable future. He said it to allay the fears of most team owners who were concerned that the league may have wished to grant hungry basketball markets like Seattle, Kansas City, San Jose, and Orange County-California new franchises. This at a time when at least one-third of the league's teams are financially floundering and the league talent pool is already too diluted, a fact magnified by the truncated-preseason-and-condensed-schedule 2011-12 season.
Instead, the hungry markets will concentrate on luring flailing teams like Charlotte, New Orleans, and Sacramento to new surroundings.
No Contraction in the NBA!!!
Unfortunately, Emperor/Commissioner Stern did not go on to announce league contraction, which is exactly what the league needs. Currently, the NBA has anywhere from 8 to 12 profitable teams, depending on whom you believe. Currently, the NBA has anywhere from 8 to 12 unwatchable teams, depending on whom you believe. Solution? Increase the profitability by increasing the watchability. How? Contraction.
The first stage of contraction could be modest: eliminate the six worst franchises by having them merged into the six next-to-worst franchises. That would leave 24 reasonably healthy teams, with a much higher ratio of profitability and watchability.
Particulars? The worst six franchises are arguable past the absolute worst three: New Orleans, Charlotte, and Sacramento. I'll take a stab at it: Toronto, Milwaukee, and Minnesota. Are those the worst teams with the fewest stars? Not entirely. Are those the franchises with the lowest attendance? Not entirely.
Three of the worst teams in attendance this year are Detroit, Houston, and Indiana--all storied franchises. They are untouchable. I admit Minnesota, with its Kevin Love-Ricky Rubio emerging superstar line-up, was a tough choice over Atlanta. Neither team is profitable. Neither team has a great history. Flush them.
The Merge/Contraction Scenario for the NBA!!!
The contraction plan to reduce the NBA to 24 active teams while strengthening the six worst surviving franchises is simple. Specifically, the Sacramento Kings will fold, with its roster absorbed by the neighboring Golden State Warriors down in Oakland. The Warriors then would retain the top 12 players from its 24-player merged roster, the rest going into a contraction draft pool.
Elsewhere, the Charlotte Bobcats will fold, with its roster absorbed by the ailing and neighboring Washington Wizards. The Toronto Raptors will fold, with its roster absorbed by the New Jersey Nets. The New Orleans Hornets will fold, with its roster absorbed by the Memphis Grizzlies. The Milwaukee Bucks will fold, with its roster absorbed by the ailing Detroit Pistons. Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves will fold, with its roster absorbed by the forlorn Cleveland Cavaliers or Utah Jazz.
Where Will Contraction End???
Once the NBA is reduced to 24 teams, the league can take one or two years to see if the new condensed divisions lead to profitability for all teams. If not, the next candidates for contraction should include Atlanta, Memphis, Utah, Cleveland, Phoenix, Washington, Indianapolis, and a Dwight Howard-less Orlando.
Who will evade contraction? Profitable teams and non-profitable, big-market teams.
Here's to a better NBA, still the league with the greatest athletes. Contraction should help to eliminate the merely adequate athletes on small-market teams.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
NCAA Volleyball Week Seventeen Highlights (12/12-12/18/11)
Week Seventeen, Final Four Match Highlights:
What a weekend was had by all in San Antonio. Even with much of the Alamodome cordoned off, the Final Four of Women's Volleyball drew five-figure crowds and a national audience on ESPN2. What were they subjected to? One epic match, one near-great match, and only one blowout.
In the first semifinal, Florida State appeared jittery against UCLA, who appeared confident after knocking off both Penn State and Texas the previous weekend. The Seminoles were only competitive in the third and final set, but by then it was too late. UCLA won the match, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-21). The Bruins outhit (.328 to .173), out-assisted (52 to 33), out-aced (5 to 2), and out-dug (54 to 44) the Seminoles. They took care of business.
The second semifinal was the epic match of the weekend, as Illinois persevered against USC, 3-2 (25-27, 25-18, 25-22, 18-25, 15-10). The Trojans appeared to have the edge until the Fighting Illini ran off 8 straight points to come from behind and close out the second set. After that, confidence surged, even with the fourth set hiccup, where USC's Alex Jupiter had a great game. She and other Trojans were neutralized by the powerful Illini block and attack in the fifth set.
Obviously, statistics were close, but the Trojans grew frustrated with the Illini's ability to get to almost all spikes at the net, slowing them down if not completely blocking them. Illinois outhit (.279 to .233), out-assisted (75 to 70), out-dug (95 to 87), and outblocked (12 to 9) the Trojans in a match that lasted over two hours.
The final was epic as well until UCLA broke Illinois' spirit with a come-from-behind 4-point run to take the third set, 26-24. The fourth set saw the Fighting Illini in disarray, almost as if they had been listening to the overhyped ESPN Big Ten bias storyline ("This will be their first volleyball championship and their first women's championship of any kind"), and the pressure got to them.
The Bruins beat Illinois, 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 26-24, 25-16) because they matched up size-wise and gritty-defense-wise. They also played cooler under the pressure. Tellingly, UCLA outblocked (15 to 11.5) and out-dug (87 to 76) the Fighting Illini. Illinois had more service aces, but also more service errors. Nerves.
Week Seventeen, Final Four Individual Highlights:
UCLA won the national championship for the first time in 20 years because they would not quit and they had the deeper bench. Rachael Kidder (41 kills, 1 ace, 20 digs, 4 blocks), Tabi Love (26 kills, 2 digs, 4 blocks), Kelly Reeves (14 kills, 4 aces, 5 assists, 26 digs, 5 blocks), Lauren Van Orden (8 kills, 96 assists, 25 digs, 8 blocks, 1 ace), and Lainey Gera (9 assists, 36 digs) played great as expected. Who expected Zoe Nightingale to have 14 blocks, 11 of those in the title match, as well as 11 kills? Who expected Sara Sage to hit .857 in compiling 6 kills in the title match? Who expected Bojana Todorovic to have 24 digs for the weekend, 18 of those in the title match? Mariana Aquino (10 kills, 5 digs, 8 blocks) was also vital to the victories.
Illinois had a successful, if not triumphant, weekend thanks to the two-pronged massive attack of Colleen Ward (44 kills, 6 assists, 35 digs, 3 blocks, 1 ace) and Michelle Bartsch (44 kills, 36 digs, 7 blocks, 3 assists). While Erin Johnson (17 kills, 8 blocks, 2 digs) and Liz McMahon (17 kills, 10 blocks, 2 digs) were also vital players at the net, they only hit .050 and .034, respectively, in the title match against UCLA. Anna Dorn was a blocking machine (13 for the weekend), but she only hit about .063. Other major contributors for the Fighting Illini were Anne Luhrsen (113 assists, 25 digs, 9 kills, 4 blocks) and Jennifer Beltran (58 digs, 8 assists, 1 ace).
ESPN2 Coverage of the Final Four:
The broadcasters. Karch Kiraly, the man and the legend, knows more about the sport and is probably the greatest player of all time. Obviously, he is a qualified and talented analyst, providing a laidback SoCal lexicon, dialect, and delivery--appropriate for a sport that blossomed on the beaches of the Pacific. His deliberate pace strewn with insightful commentary kept the match interesting for non-devotees watching. Even though Karch is a UCLA man, he kept his own partisan feelings in check. It was the professional thing to do, but it allowed the other commentator, Beth Mowins, to control the matches' sentiment, which fell entirely to Illinois in their battles against USC and UCLA.
Was it Beth Mowins' fault that her play-by-play came off workmanlike, professional, and decidedly pro-Big Ten, pro-NCAA (after all, the NCAA selection committee had shown complete anti-West biases in their rankings and seedings for the tournament)? Not entirely. She did good work for the Midwest and East Coast viewership (which makes sense for the Lafayette and Syracuse grad Mowins). What was missing was a dynamic personality and glib volleyball play-by-play announcer like Chris Marlowe or Paul Sunderland. Couldn't ESPN afford them? Couldn't NBC and Fox release them temporarily for the special event?
The production. Do we really need to see players from all four teams fondling the national championship trophy before game time? Whose idea was that? Otherwise, the production was fine, even with abbreviated post-match discussions before sending the broadcasts over to ESPN3. The camerawork didn't miss much, but closer shots of disputed judgment touch calls at the net and calls at the lines would have enhanced the coverage.
The perspective. It seemed like Illinois had the sentiment and majority of storylines in the title match against UCLA. Yes, there was some focus on second-year Bruin coach Michael Sealy. I didn't hear any mention of the rebuilding job he did after UCLA lost a great setter and hitter to transferring. However, Tabi Love's transfer into the Bruin program was discussed, as if they were only the poachers and not the victims of poaching.
Additionally, ESPN stuck to the NCAA rankings and seedings, giving the AVCA poll rankings short shrift. The controversy of the selection committee's conduct was never an issue. Why? ESPN has lucrative deals with the NCAA in many sports, and it isn't about to step on any toes. Think I'm imagining this? Try and
find an ESPN football analyst who strongly favors a full playoff system in the top tier of teams.
Naturally, the AVCA poll gives western schools more respect, as it is compiled by the voting of experts in the volleyball field--the coaches. Incredibly enough, in the last NCAA women's volleyball rankings, posted December 19th, two days after the title match, Illinois is still at number one. Sad, really.
What a weekend was had by all in San Antonio. Even with much of the Alamodome cordoned off, the Final Four of Women's Volleyball drew five-figure crowds and a national audience on ESPN2. What were they subjected to? One epic match, one near-great match, and only one blowout.
In the first semifinal, Florida State appeared jittery against UCLA, who appeared confident after knocking off both Penn State and Texas the previous weekend. The Seminoles were only competitive in the third and final set, but by then it was too late. UCLA won the match, 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-21). The Bruins outhit (.328 to .173), out-assisted (52 to 33), out-aced (5 to 2), and out-dug (54 to 44) the Seminoles. They took care of business.
The second semifinal was the epic match of the weekend, as Illinois persevered against USC, 3-2 (25-27, 25-18, 25-22, 18-25, 15-10). The Trojans appeared to have the edge until the Fighting Illini ran off 8 straight points to come from behind and close out the second set. After that, confidence surged, even with the fourth set hiccup, where USC's Alex Jupiter had a great game. She and other Trojans were neutralized by the powerful Illini block and attack in the fifth set.
Obviously, statistics were close, but the Trojans grew frustrated with the Illini's ability to get to almost all spikes at the net, slowing them down if not completely blocking them. Illinois outhit (.279 to .233), out-assisted (75 to 70), out-dug (95 to 87), and outblocked (12 to 9) the Trojans in a match that lasted over two hours.
The final was epic as well until UCLA broke Illinois' spirit with a come-from-behind 4-point run to take the third set, 26-24. The fourth set saw the Fighting Illini in disarray, almost as if they had been listening to the overhyped ESPN Big Ten bias storyline ("This will be their first volleyball championship and their first women's championship of any kind"), and the pressure got to them.
The Bruins beat Illinois, 3-1 (25-23, 23-25, 26-24, 25-16) because they matched up size-wise and gritty-defense-wise. They also played cooler under the pressure. Tellingly, UCLA outblocked (15 to 11.5) and out-dug (87 to 76) the Fighting Illini. Illinois had more service aces, but also more service errors. Nerves.
Week Seventeen, Final Four Individual Highlights:
UCLA won the national championship for the first time in 20 years because they would not quit and they had the deeper bench. Rachael Kidder (41 kills, 1 ace, 20 digs, 4 blocks), Tabi Love (26 kills, 2 digs, 4 blocks), Kelly Reeves (14 kills, 4 aces, 5 assists, 26 digs, 5 blocks), Lauren Van Orden (8 kills, 96 assists, 25 digs, 8 blocks, 1 ace), and Lainey Gera (9 assists, 36 digs) played great as expected. Who expected Zoe Nightingale to have 14 blocks, 11 of those in the title match, as well as 11 kills? Who expected Sara Sage to hit .857 in compiling 6 kills in the title match? Who expected Bojana Todorovic to have 24 digs for the weekend, 18 of those in the title match? Mariana Aquino (10 kills, 5 digs, 8 blocks) was also vital to the victories.
Illinois had a successful, if not triumphant, weekend thanks to the two-pronged massive attack of Colleen Ward (44 kills, 6 assists, 35 digs, 3 blocks, 1 ace) and Michelle Bartsch (44 kills, 36 digs, 7 blocks, 3 assists). While Erin Johnson (17 kills, 8 blocks, 2 digs) and Liz McMahon (17 kills, 10 blocks, 2 digs) were also vital players at the net, they only hit .050 and .034, respectively, in the title match against UCLA. Anna Dorn was a blocking machine (13 for the weekend), but she only hit about .063. Other major contributors for the Fighting Illini were Anne Luhrsen (113 assists, 25 digs, 9 kills, 4 blocks) and Jennifer Beltran (58 digs, 8 assists, 1 ace).
ESPN2 Coverage of the Final Four:
The broadcasters. Karch Kiraly, the man and the legend, knows more about the sport and is probably the greatest player of all time. Obviously, he is a qualified and talented analyst, providing a laidback SoCal lexicon, dialect, and delivery--appropriate for a sport that blossomed on the beaches of the Pacific. His deliberate pace strewn with insightful commentary kept the match interesting for non-devotees watching. Even though Karch is a UCLA man, he kept his own partisan feelings in check. It was the professional thing to do, but it allowed the other commentator, Beth Mowins, to control the matches' sentiment, which fell entirely to Illinois in their battles against USC and UCLA.
Was it Beth Mowins' fault that her play-by-play came off workmanlike, professional, and decidedly pro-Big Ten, pro-NCAA (after all, the NCAA selection committee had shown complete anti-West biases in their rankings and seedings for the tournament)? Not entirely. She did good work for the Midwest and East Coast viewership (which makes sense for the Lafayette and Syracuse grad Mowins). What was missing was a dynamic personality and glib volleyball play-by-play announcer like Chris Marlowe or Paul Sunderland. Couldn't ESPN afford them? Couldn't NBC and Fox release them temporarily for the special event?
The production. Do we really need to see players from all four teams fondling the national championship trophy before game time? Whose idea was that? Otherwise, the production was fine, even with abbreviated post-match discussions before sending the broadcasts over to ESPN3. The camerawork didn't miss much, but closer shots of disputed judgment touch calls at the net and calls at the lines would have enhanced the coverage.
The perspective. It seemed like Illinois had the sentiment and majority of storylines in the title match against UCLA. Yes, there was some focus on second-year Bruin coach Michael Sealy. I didn't hear any mention of the rebuilding job he did after UCLA lost a great setter and hitter to transferring. However, Tabi Love's transfer into the Bruin program was discussed, as if they were only the poachers and not the victims of poaching.
Additionally, ESPN stuck to the NCAA rankings and seedings, giving the AVCA poll rankings short shrift. The controversy of the selection committee's conduct was never an issue. Why? ESPN has lucrative deals with the NCAA in many sports, and it isn't about to step on any toes. Think I'm imagining this? Try and
find an ESPN football analyst who strongly favors a full playoff system in the top tier of teams.
Naturally, the AVCA poll gives western schools more respect, as it is compiled by the voting of experts in the volleyball field--the coaches. Incredibly enough, in the last NCAA women's volleyball rankings, posted December 19th, two days after the title match, Illinois is still at number one. Sad, really.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sandflea's Week Seventeen NCAA Women's Volleyball Top 40: Final Poll
(through Final Four games of 12/17/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Teams Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. UCLA (30-6) 19 3
2. Illinois (32-5) 17 2
3. Southern Cal (29-5) 18 1
4. Hawaii (31-2) 9 4
5. Florida (28-6) 10 5
6. Texas (26-5) 15 6
7. Iowa State (25-6) 18 8
8. Purdue (29-5) 14 9
9. Pepperdine (25-8) 14 10
10. Florida State (28-7) 15 7
11. Kentucky (28-6) 11 11
12. Tennessee (28-4) 12 12
13. Colorado State (24-6) 7 13
14. Miami FL (26-5) 9 14
15. Nebraska (25-5) 11 15
16. Northern Iowa (33-2) 6 16
17. Washington (24-8) 14 17
18. Stanford (22-8) 17 18
19. California (25-7) 13 19
20. Penn State (25-8) 15 20
21. Dayton (25-7) 7 21
22. San Diego (28-5) 9 22
23. Western Kentucky (31-4) 3 23
24. Tulsa (28-7) 7 24
25. Long Beach State (23-7) 7 25
26. Minnesota (20-12) 19 26
27. Cincinnati (27-10) 13 27
28. Michigan (22-13) 16 28
29. Texas A&M (23-8) 10 29
30. North Carolina (23-9) 10 30
31. Oregon (20-10) 14 31
32. Duke (21-9) 8 32
33. Northern Illinois (28-7) 8 33
34. Kansas State (22-11) 10 34
35. Ohio State (21-15) 16 35
36. Milwaukee (25-5) 2 36
37. TCU (25-7) 4 37
38. Michigan State (22-12) 12 38
39. Louisville (24-9) 9 39
40. Delaware (21-13) 4 40
Too Late to Move Up, but Teams with Fine Seasons (20+ wins): Jackson State (29-10), Sacred Heart (27-8), Texas State (27-8), North Dakota (26-5), Samford (29-5), Morehead State (26-8), North Dakota State (26-9), Ball State (25-8), Niagara (25-9), College of Charleston (25-10), Maryland-Eastern Shore (24-7), Marquette (24-11), Western Michigan (24-9), Army (23-8), UAB (23-9), Utah Valley (23-9), Towson (23-9), New Mexico State (23-10), Ohio U. (23-10), American (23-11), Northern Colorado (22-9), Houston Baptist (22-9), Missouri State (22-9), UTSA (22-11), Northeastern (21-6), Cleveland State (21-8), BYU (21-9), Albany NY (21-9), Belmont (21-9), IPFW (21-9), Furman (21-9), Cal-Davis (21-10), Arkansas State (21-10), Wichita State (21-11), Appalachian State (21-11), Wyoming (21-11), Xavier (21-11), Eastern Michigan (21-11), Middle Tennessee (21-12), Missouri (21-13), Long Island (21-13), Winthrop (20-8), Oral Roberts (20-10), Florida International (20-10), George Washington (20-10), Fairfield (20-10), Clemson (20-11), Lipscomb (20-11), Central Florida (20-11), Central Connecticut State (20-11), James Madison (20-11), North Carolina State (20-13), Memphis (20-13), Liberty (20-13), Valparaiso (20-15)
Dropped Out: None!
Rank School Record Ranked Teams Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. UCLA (30-6) 19 3
2. Illinois (32-5) 17 2
3. Southern Cal (29-5) 18 1
4. Hawaii (31-2) 9 4
5. Florida (28-6) 10 5
6. Texas (26-5) 15 6
7. Iowa State (25-6) 18 8
8. Purdue (29-5) 14 9
9. Pepperdine (25-8) 14 10
10. Florida State (28-7) 15 7
11. Kentucky (28-6) 11 11
12. Tennessee (28-4) 12 12
13. Colorado State (24-6) 7 13
14. Miami FL (26-5) 9 14
15. Nebraska (25-5) 11 15
16. Northern Iowa (33-2) 6 16
17. Washington (24-8) 14 17
18. Stanford (22-8) 17 18
19. California (25-7) 13 19
20. Penn State (25-8) 15 20
21. Dayton (25-7) 7 21
22. San Diego (28-5) 9 22
23. Western Kentucky (31-4) 3 23
24. Tulsa (28-7) 7 24
25. Long Beach State (23-7) 7 25
26. Minnesota (20-12) 19 26
27. Cincinnati (27-10) 13 27
28. Michigan (22-13) 16 28
29. Texas A&M (23-8) 10 29
30. North Carolina (23-9) 10 30
31. Oregon (20-10) 14 31
32. Duke (21-9) 8 32
33. Northern Illinois (28-7) 8 33
34. Kansas State (22-11) 10 34
35. Ohio State (21-15) 16 35
36. Milwaukee (25-5) 2 36
37. TCU (25-7) 4 37
38. Michigan State (22-12) 12 38
39. Louisville (24-9) 9 39
40. Delaware (21-13) 4 40
Too Late to Move Up, but Teams with Fine Seasons (20+ wins): Jackson State (29-10), Sacred Heart (27-8), Texas State (27-8), North Dakota (26-5), Samford (29-5), Morehead State (26-8), North Dakota State (26-9), Ball State (25-8), Niagara (25-9), College of Charleston (25-10), Maryland-Eastern Shore (24-7), Marquette (24-11), Western Michigan (24-9), Army (23-8), UAB (23-9), Utah Valley (23-9), Towson (23-9), New Mexico State (23-10), Ohio U. (23-10), American (23-11), Northern Colorado (22-9), Houston Baptist (22-9), Missouri State (22-9), UTSA (22-11), Northeastern (21-6), Cleveland State (21-8), BYU (21-9), Albany NY (21-9), Belmont (21-9), IPFW (21-9), Furman (21-9), Cal-Davis (21-10), Arkansas State (21-10), Wichita State (21-11), Appalachian State (21-11), Wyoming (21-11), Xavier (21-11), Eastern Michigan (21-11), Middle Tennessee (21-12), Missouri (21-13), Long Island (21-13), Winthrop (20-8), Oral Roberts (20-10), Florida International (20-10), George Washington (20-10), Fairfield (20-10), Clemson (20-11), Lipscomb (20-11), Central Florida (20-11), Central Connecticut State (20-11), James Madison (20-11), North Carolina State (20-13), Memphis (20-13), Liberty (20-13), Valparaiso (20-15)
Dropped Out: None!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
NCAA Volleyball Week Sixteen Highlights (12/5-12/11/11)
Week Fifteen Selected Match Highlights:
Just when it looked like the Pac-12 was being read its last rites by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, a strange thing happened. The two Pac-12 teams left in the Sweet Sixteen, USC and UCLA, made it through to the Final Four. Even with the blossoming of the sport in the Midwest and Southeast, Southern California (the region, not just the school) remains the mecca of volleyball.
In Honolulu, underseeded USC and underseeded Hawaii faced each other in the Sweet Sixteen. Down 2-1, USC pulled out the crucial fourth set, 25-23, and secured victory with a 15-12 final set win. In the other regional semifinal, another SoCal power, Pepperdine, crushed Kansas State, 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-23). The Waves outhit the Wildcats, .289 to .121, and outblocked them, 12 to 6.
In the regional final, USC again came from behind to beat its foe, defeating Pepperdine, 3-2 (25-16, 26-28, 19-25, 25-19, 15-10). The Trojans outhit (.223 to .175), out-aced (8 to 4), and outblocked (14 to 6) the Waves. Nonetheless, Pepperdine had a great run.
In Lexington, Kentucky, UCLA stunned four-time defending champion Penn State, 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21) by outhitting the Nittany Lions, .310 to .248. Some observers called that an upset; I was not one of them, having ranked the Bruins above PSU for most of the year. Of course, Penn State will be back in the Final Four in the near future.
In the other semi, Texas squeezed by host Kentucky, 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 27-25, 25-23), due to slightly more accurate hitting (.308 to .279). In the regional final, UCLA did achieve a bona fide upset, knocking off the Longhorns, 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21). The Bruins achieved victory primarily due to better passing and defense--Texas outblocked them and hit as accurately.
In the Gainesville regional, the powerful host Gators of Florida handled Michigan, 3-0 (25-21, 25-13, 27-25), in one semifinal. They hit a scorching .439 and outblocked the Wolverines, 8 to 3. The other semi saw Big Ten powerhouse Illinois beat Big Ten upstart Ohio State, 3-1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-19). Illinois fashioned a similarly close 3-1 victory (25-22, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20) over Florida in the regional final, decisively outhitting the Gators, .338 to .225.
Perhaps Florida would have prevailed if it was still landing all of the five-star recruits in the Southeast as it used to do. However, rising powers Tennessee, Kentucky, Miami FL, and Florida State are now getting their share of blue-chippers.
Speaking of the Seminoles, they had a terrific regional in Minneapolis, where they knocked off both Purdue (3-1: 25-23, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19) and overseeded Iowa State (3-2: 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-11). Florida State outblocked the Boilermakers, 15 to 5, before outblocking the Cyclones, 16 to 8. Truly, Iowa State did overachieve on its run, even knocking off host Minnesota, 3-1 (18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 31-29), in the other semifinal.
NCAA Tournament Preview, Final Four:
Props to the Selection Committee for separating USC and UCLA in San Antonio, making an all-Pac-12 final possible. The Final Four has it all: a clear favorite (USC-AVCA poll #1, though seeded seventh here), two talented teams from power conferences that opted for tough preseason schedules (Illinois and UCLA), and a cinderella of sorts (Florida State of the ACC).
What makes it more fair in San Antonio? Texas didn't reach the Final Four, so there is no home-crowd advantage.
In one semifinal, UCLA takes on Florida State. The teams have identical 28-6 records, but the Bruins had a tougher schedule. Nevertheless, the team with the hot hitters should win, as both schools dig, set, serve, and block well. In the other semifinal, USC takes on Illinois. USC, because of its great defense and setting, should win.
However, if the Fighting Illini pull off the upset, they should also prevail against the FSU-UCLA winner. Should doesn't mean will. Matches are won on the court, not on paper. It all makes for a great coda to the season. Who will achieve the storybook ending?
Just when it looked like the Pac-12 was being read its last rites by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, a strange thing happened. The two Pac-12 teams left in the Sweet Sixteen, USC and UCLA, made it through to the Final Four. Even with the blossoming of the sport in the Midwest and Southeast, Southern California (the region, not just the school) remains the mecca of volleyball.
In Honolulu, underseeded USC and underseeded Hawaii faced each other in the Sweet Sixteen. Down 2-1, USC pulled out the crucial fourth set, 25-23, and secured victory with a 15-12 final set win. In the other regional semifinal, another SoCal power, Pepperdine, crushed Kansas State, 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-23). The Waves outhit the Wildcats, .289 to .121, and outblocked them, 12 to 6.
In the regional final, USC again came from behind to beat its foe, defeating Pepperdine, 3-2 (25-16, 26-28, 19-25, 25-19, 15-10). The Trojans outhit (.223 to .175), out-aced (8 to 4), and outblocked (14 to 6) the Waves. Nonetheless, Pepperdine had a great run.
In Lexington, Kentucky, UCLA stunned four-time defending champion Penn State, 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21) by outhitting the Nittany Lions, .310 to .248. Some observers called that an upset; I was not one of them, having ranked the Bruins above PSU for most of the year. Of course, Penn State will be back in the Final Four in the near future.
In the other semi, Texas squeezed by host Kentucky, 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 27-25, 25-23), due to slightly more accurate hitting (.308 to .279). In the regional final, UCLA did achieve a bona fide upset, knocking off the Longhorns, 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21). The Bruins achieved victory primarily due to better passing and defense--Texas outblocked them and hit as accurately.
In the Gainesville regional, the powerful host Gators of Florida handled Michigan, 3-0 (25-21, 25-13, 27-25), in one semifinal. They hit a scorching .439 and outblocked the Wolverines, 8 to 3. The other semi saw Big Ten powerhouse Illinois beat Big Ten upstart Ohio State, 3-1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-19). Illinois fashioned a similarly close 3-1 victory (25-22, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20) over Florida in the regional final, decisively outhitting the Gators, .338 to .225.
Perhaps Florida would have prevailed if it was still landing all of the five-star recruits in the Southeast as it used to do. However, rising powers Tennessee, Kentucky, Miami FL, and Florida State are now getting their share of blue-chippers.
Speaking of the Seminoles, they had a terrific regional in Minneapolis, where they knocked off both Purdue (3-1: 25-23, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19) and overseeded Iowa State (3-2: 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-11). Florida State outblocked the Boilermakers, 15 to 5, before outblocking the Cyclones, 16 to 8. Truly, Iowa State did overachieve on its run, even knocking off host Minnesota, 3-1 (18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 31-29), in the other semifinal.
NCAA Tournament Preview, Final Four:
Props to the Selection Committee for separating USC and UCLA in San Antonio, making an all-Pac-12 final possible. The Final Four has it all: a clear favorite (USC-AVCA poll #1, though seeded seventh here), two talented teams from power conferences that opted for tough preseason schedules (Illinois and UCLA), and a cinderella of sorts (Florida State of the ACC).
What makes it more fair in San Antonio? Texas didn't reach the Final Four, so there is no home-crowd advantage.
In one semifinal, UCLA takes on Florida State. The teams have identical 28-6 records, but the Bruins had a tougher schedule. Nevertheless, the team with the hot hitters should win, as both schools dig, set, serve, and block well. In the other semifinal, USC takes on Illinois. USC, because of its great defense and setting, should win.
However, if the Fighting Illini pull off the upset, they should also prevail against the FSU-UCLA winner. Should doesn't mean will. Matches are won on the court, not on paper. It all makes for a great coda to the season. Who will achieve the storybook ending?
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sandflea's Week Sixteen NCAA Women's Volleyball Top 40
(through games of 12/11/11, second week of NCAA's)
Rank School Record Ranked Teams Rank Last Week
1. Southern Cal (29-4) 17 3
2. Illinois (31-4) 15 5
3. UCLA (28-6) 17 6
4. Hawaii (31-2) 9 1
5. Florida (28-6) 10 7
6. Texas (26-5) 15 4
7. Florida State (28-6) 14 16
8. Iowa State (25-6) 18 9
9. Purdue (29-5) 14 2
10. Pepperdine (25-8) 14 15
11. Kentucky (28-6) 11 8
12. Tennessee (28-4) 12 10
13. Colorado State (24-6) 7 11
14. Miami FL (26-5) 9 12
15. Nebraska (25-5) 11 14
16. Northern Iowa (33-2) 6 17
17. Washington (24-8) 14 18
18. Stanford (22-8) 17 20
19. California (25-7) 13 19
20. Penn State (25-8) 15 13
21. Dayton (25-7) 7 24
22. San Diego (28-5) 9 25
23. Western Kentucky (31-4) 3 22
24. Tulsa (28-7) 7 23
25. Long Beach State (23-7) 7 21
26. Minnesota (20-12) 19 30
27. Cincinnati (27-10) 13 26
28. Michigan (22-13) 16 29
29. Texas A&M (23-8) 10 27
30. North Carolina (23-9) 10 28
31. Oregon (20-10) 14 31
32. Duke (21-9) 8 32
33. Northern Illinois (28-7) 8 34
34. Kansas State (22-11) 10 33
35. Ohio State (21-15) 16 37
36. Milwaukee (25-5) 2 35
37. TCU (25-7) 4 36
38. Michigan State (22-12) 12 38
39. Louisville (24-9) 9 39
40. Delaware (21-13) 4 40
Too Late to Move Up, But Teams with Good Seasons: See last week's "Too Late to Move Up" section!
Dropped Out: None!
Rank School Record Ranked Teams Rank Last Week
1. Southern Cal (29-4) 17 3
2. Illinois (31-4) 15 5
3. UCLA (28-6) 17 6
4. Hawaii (31-2) 9 1
5. Florida (28-6) 10 7
6. Texas (26-5) 15 4
7. Florida State (28-6) 14 16
8. Iowa State (25-6) 18 9
9. Purdue (29-5) 14 2
10. Pepperdine (25-8) 14 15
11. Kentucky (28-6) 11 8
12. Tennessee (28-4) 12 10
13. Colorado State (24-6) 7 11
14. Miami FL (26-5) 9 12
15. Nebraska (25-5) 11 14
16. Northern Iowa (33-2) 6 17
17. Washington (24-8) 14 18
18. Stanford (22-8) 17 20
19. California (25-7) 13 19
20. Penn State (25-8) 15 13
21. Dayton (25-7) 7 24
22. San Diego (28-5) 9 25
23. Western Kentucky (31-4) 3 22
24. Tulsa (28-7) 7 23
25. Long Beach State (23-7) 7 21
26. Minnesota (20-12) 19 30
27. Cincinnati (27-10) 13 26
28. Michigan (22-13) 16 29
29. Texas A&M (23-8) 10 27
30. North Carolina (23-9) 10 28
31. Oregon (20-10) 14 31
32. Duke (21-9) 8 32
33. Northern Illinois (28-7) 8 34
34. Kansas State (22-11) 10 33
35. Ohio State (21-15) 16 37
36. Milwaukee (25-5) 2 35
37. TCU (25-7) 4 36
38. Michigan State (22-12) 12 38
39. Louisville (24-9) 9 39
40. Delaware (21-13) 4 40
Too Late to Move Up, But Teams with Good Seasons: See last week's "Too Late to Move Up" section!
Dropped Out: None!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sandflea's Week Fifteen 2011 NCAA Football Top 40
(through games of 12/10/11)
Rank School Record Ranked Teams Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (13-0) 8 1
2. Alabama (11-1) 4 2
3. Stanford (11-1) 4 4
4. Oklahoma State (11-1) 5 7
5. Boise State (11-1) 4 6
6. Oregon (11-2) 5 9
7. Southern Cal (10-2) 5 10
8. Arkansas (10-2) 5 12
9. TCU (10-2) 5 14
10. South Carolina (10-2) 5 16
11. Wisconsin (11-2) 4 17
12. Michigan (10-2) 4 13
13. Kansas State (10-2) 6 18
14. Virginia Tech (11-2) 5 5
15. Houston (12-1) 2 3
16. Baylor (9-3) 8 19
17. Michigan State (10-3) 7 11
18. Georgia (10-3) 6 15
19. Clemson (10-3) 6 25
20. Nebraska (9-3) 7 20
21. West Virginia (9-3) 5 21
22. Southern Mississippi (11-2) 3 22
23. Cincinnati (9-3) 3 23
24. BYU (9-3) 3 24
25. Arkansas State (10-2) 3 27
26. Oklahoma (9-3) 7 8
27. Northern Illinois (10-3) 2 28
28. Penn State (9-3) 4 26
29. Notre Dame (8-4) 4 30
30. Georgia Tech (8-4) 4 31
31. Rutgers (8-4) 4 32
32. Florida State (8-4) 4 33
33. Tulsa (8-4) 5 35
34. Virginia (8-4) 4 38
35. Wyoming (8-4) 3 37
36. San Diego State (8-4) 4 NR
37. Ohio U. (9-4) 2 29
38. Toledo (8-4) 3 39
39. Temple (8-4) 2 36
40. Louisiana Tech (8-4) 2 NR
Other Successful 2011 Teams: Florida International (8-4), Auburn (7-5), North Carolina State (7-5), Louisville (7-5), Western Michigan (7-5), California (7-5), SMU (7-5), Utah State (7-5), Western Kentucky (7-5), North Carolina (7-5), Missouri (7-5), Air Force (7-5), Washington (7-5), Utah (7-5)
Dropped Out: Texas (7-5), Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4)
Jobbed by Bowl Selection Committee: Boise State, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Western Kentucky
Michigan State
Unworthy of Bowls They Received: Virginia Tech, Michigan, West Virginia, UCLA, Alabama
Rank School Record Ranked Teams Rank Last Week
Played to Date
1. LSU (13-0) 8 1
2. Alabama (11-1) 4 2
3. Stanford (11-1) 4 4
4. Oklahoma State (11-1) 5 7
5. Boise State (11-1) 4 6
6. Oregon (11-2) 5 9
7. Southern Cal (10-2) 5 10
8. Arkansas (10-2) 5 12
9. TCU (10-2) 5 14
10. South Carolina (10-2) 5 16
11. Wisconsin (11-2) 4 17
12. Michigan (10-2) 4 13
13. Kansas State (10-2) 6 18
14. Virginia Tech (11-2) 5 5
15. Houston (12-1) 2 3
16. Baylor (9-3) 8 19
17. Michigan State (10-3) 7 11
18. Georgia (10-3) 6 15
19. Clemson (10-3) 6 25
20. Nebraska (9-3) 7 20
21. West Virginia (9-3) 5 21
22. Southern Mississippi (11-2) 3 22
23. Cincinnati (9-3) 3 23
24. BYU (9-3) 3 24
25. Arkansas State (10-2) 3 27
26. Oklahoma (9-3) 7 8
27. Northern Illinois (10-3) 2 28
28. Penn State (9-3) 4 26
29. Notre Dame (8-4) 4 30
30. Georgia Tech (8-4) 4 31
31. Rutgers (8-4) 4 32
32. Florida State (8-4) 4 33
33. Tulsa (8-4) 5 35
34. Virginia (8-4) 4 38
35. Wyoming (8-4) 3 37
36. San Diego State (8-4) 4 NR
37. Ohio U. (9-4) 2 29
38. Toledo (8-4) 3 39
39. Temple (8-4) 2 36
40. Louisiana Tech (8-4) 2 NR
Other Successful 2011 Teams: Florida International (8-4), Auburn (7-5), North Carolina State (7-5), Louisville (7-5), Western Michigan (7-5), California (7-5), SMU (7-5), Utah State (7-5), Western Kentucky (7-5), North Carolina (7-5), Missouri (7-5), Air Force (7-5), Washington (7-5), Utah (7-5)
Dropped Out: Texas (7-5), Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4)
Jobbed by Bowl Selection Committee: Boise State, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Western Kentucky
Michigan State
Unworthy of Bowls They Received: Virginia Tech, Michigan, West Virginia, UCLA, Alabama
Friday, December 9, 2011
NCAA Volleyball Week Fifteen Highlights (11/28-12/4/11)
Week Fourteen Selected Match Highlights:
There were upsets and epic battles between high-quality teams. Of course they were high-quality squads, because it's tournament time.
The Big Ten had a terrific first weekend in the Big Dance, excepting Nebraska's upset loss at home to Kansas State, 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 31-29, 22-25, 15-11). Returning the mild upset favor, Michigan took out host Stanford, 3-1, and Ohio State surprised host Tennessee, 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 15-12). Host Minnesota took out a talented but underachieving Washington squad, 3-2 (18-25, 20-25, 25-11, 25-21, 15-11).
In other Big Ten news, Purdue cruised past Morehead State and Louisville (3-0 and 3-1, respectively), Illinois smashed Central Michigan and Marquette (by identical 3-0 scores), and Penn State crushed deer-in-the-headlights foes Liberty and Delaware (also by identical 3-0 scores).
Washington's and Stanford's woes illustrated the Pac-12's generally disappointing first weekend. Cal-Berkeley got thumped by North Carolina at a neutral site (Malibu), 3-2 (25-17, 16-25, 23-25, 25-17, 15-9). Colorado State hammered streaky Oregon, in what was not an upset, in Honolulu, 3-2 (24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10). Arizona getting rolled by Michigan State, 3-1, barely deserves an asterisk since the Wildcats really didn't deserve a tourney bid.
USC and UCLA both won two matches at home, USC not losing a set in beat-downs of Yale and Tulsa while UCLA lost only one set in defeating Maryland-East Shore and a quality San Diego team.
The Big 12 had a solid weekend. Host Texas slammed Texas State and Michigan State without losing a set, as expected. Host Iowa State routed Milwaukee and Miami FL by the same 3-0 scores, a mild upset to some. Kansas State shocked Nebraska after breezing by Wichita State, a huge upset to most.
On the down side, Texas A&M was shut out by Kentucky in the second round, and Oklahoma was embarrassed by Tulsa in the first round, 3-1. For schools that really didn't belong in the Big Dance, Missouri and Baylor showed well, winning a set from Florida and MIchigan, respectively, in the first round.
The SEC lost Tennessee in the second round, but Florida and Kentucky made it through the weekend, allowing them to host their own regionals this week, a marked advantage. Kentucky had a tough match with Dayton, beating the tenacious Flyers, 3-2 (25-20, 16-25, 22-25, 25-15, 16-14).
The ACC had an interesting week, with flagship programs Miami FL and Duke falling by the wayside. On the other hand, North Carolina upset Cal-Berkeley before getting throttled by host Pepperdine, 3-0. Florida State is the sole survivor, with an easy win over Albany NY, 3-0, before an epic win over Cincinnati, 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-13).
Before its epic loss to FSU, Cincinnati of the Big East struggled to get by Samford, 3-2 (25-17, 22-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-9). Cardiac kids. In other conference news, a disappointing Louisville squad shut out Ball State before putting up a valiant fight against host Purdue before falling, 3-1. Marquette notched a quality win over a decent Western Kentucky team, 3-1, before getting shut out by Big Ten powerhouse Illinois.
Of the tiny conference teams in the tournament, only Delaware had a victory (3-1 over peer American) in the first round before getting humbled by Penn State, 3-0.
Of the mid-level conference teams, San Diego of the WCC beat Long Beach State, 3-1, before losing by an identical score to Pac-12 power UCLA. Another WCC school, Pepperdine, shut out both Missouri State and North Carolina. Hosting the first weekend didn't hurt. Elsewhere, Tulsa stomped Oklahoma, 3-1, before falling to host USC, 3-0. Northern Iowa shut out Niagara before falling to Florida, 3-1. Colorado State had a quality win against Oregon, 3-2, before falling to host Hawaii, 3-1.
Hawaii is the monster of the mid-level conferences (now in the WAC, next year in the Big West). My top-ranked Rainbow Wahines pummelled Northern Colorado, 3-0, before defeating a strong Colorado State squad, 3-1, at home.
NCAA Tournament Preview, Rounds 3 and 4:
Only seven of my top ten seeds made it into the second weekend of the Big Dance, but accidents happen! Top seed Hawaii has good news and bad news. The good news? The Rainbow Wahines host for the second weekend in a row. The bad news? They play third-seeded USC in the third round! It should be an epic battle. If they get by the Trojans, they should get by either Pepperdine or Kansas State in the fourth round.
Minnesota should get by Iowa State at home, but then the team should face an ultra-powerful Purdue. Is a home-court advantage enough?
Host Florida has an inconsistent Michigan squad in the third round. Which Wolverine team will show up? If the Gators get by that obstacle, they could give Big Ten power Illinois fits. Or not.
Host Kentucky has the slimmest chance of emerging from their regional with tickets to San Antonio and the Final Four. However, the Wildcats are talented, a genuine new power in volleyball. Unfortunately, they have to beat old, established powers Texas and UCLA or Penn State to move on. Expect the Bruins to give the powerful-but-vulnerable Nittany Lions trouble, in what should be an epic match. I expect Texas to advance, but the regional final should be another epic contest.
There were upsets and epic battles between high-quality teams. Of course they were high-quality squads, because it's tournament time.
The Big Ten had a terrific first weekend in the Big Dance, excepting Nebraska's upset loss at home to Kansas State, 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 31-29, 22-25, 15-11). Returning the mild upset favor, Michigan took out host Stanford, 3-1, and Ohio State surprised host Tennessee, 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 15-12). Host Minnesota took out a talented but underachieving Washington squad, 3-2 (18-25, 20-25, 25-11, 25-21, 15-11).
In other Big Ten news, Purdue cruised past Morehead State and Louisville (3-0 and 3-1, respectively), Illinois smashed Central Michigan and Marquette (by identical 3-0 scores), and Penn State crushed deer-in-the-headlights foes Liberty and Delaware (also by identical 3-0 scores).
Washington's and Stanford's woes illustrated the Pac-12's generally disappointing first weekend. Cal-Berkeley got thumped by North Carolina at a neutral site (Malibu), 3-2 (25-17, 16-25, 23-25, 25-17, 15-9). Colorado State hammered streaky Oregon, in what was not an upset, in Honolulu, 3-2 (24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10). Arizona getting rolled by Michigan State, 3-1, barely deserves an asterisk since the Wildcats really didn't deserve a tourney bid.
USC and UCLA both won two matches at home, USC not losing a set in beat-downs of Yale and Tulsa while UCLA lost only one set in defeating Maryland-East Shore and a quality San Diego team.
The Big 12 had a solid weekend. Host Texas slammed Texas State and Michigan State without losing a set, as expected. Host Iowa State routed Milwaukee and Miami FL by the same 3-0 scores, a mild upset to some. Kansas State shocked Nebraska after breezing by Wichita State, a huge upset to most.
On the down side, Texas A&M was shut out by Kentucky in the second round, and Oklahoma was embarrassed by Tulsa in the first round, 3-1. For schools that really didn't belong in the Big Dance, Missouri and Baylor showed well, winning a set from Florida and MIchigan, respectively, in the first round.
The SEC lost Tennessee in the second round, but Florida and Kentucky made it through the weekend, allowing them to host their own regionals this week, a marked advantage. Kentucky had a tough match with Dayton, beating the tenacious Flyers, 3-2 (25-20, 16-25, 22-25, 25-15, 16-14).
The ACC had an interesting week, with flagship programs Miami FL and Duke falling by the wayside. On the other hand, North Carolina upset Cal-Berkeley before getting throttled by host Pepperdine, 3-0. Florida State is the sole survivor, with an easy win over Albany NY, 3-0, before an epic win over Cincinnati, 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-13).
Before its epic loss to FSU, Cincinnati of the Big East struggled to get by Samford, 3-2 (25-17, 22-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-9). Cardiac kids. In other conference news, a disappointing Louisville squad shut out Ball State before putting up a valiant fight against host Purdue before falling, 3-1. Marquette notched a quality win over a decent Western Kentucky team, 3-1, before getting shut out by Big Ten powerhouse Illinois.
Of the tiny conference teams in the tournament, only Delaware had a victory (3-1 over peer American) in the first round before getting humbled by Penn State, 3-0.
Of the mid-level conference teams, San Diego of the WCC beat Long Beach State, 3-1, before losing by an identical score to Pac-12 power UCLA. Another WCC school, Pepperdine, shut out both Missouri State and North Carolina. Hosting the first weekend didn't hurt. Elsewhere, Tulsa stomped Oklahoma, 3-1, before falling to host USC, 3-0. Northern Iowa shut out Niagara before falling to Florida, 3-1. Colorado State had a quality win against Oregon, 3-2, before falling to host Hawaii, 3-1.
Hawaii is the monster of the mid-level conferences (now in the WAC, next year in the Big West). My top-ranked Rainbow Wahines pummelled Northern Colorado, 3-0, before defeating a strong Colorado State squad, 3-1, at home.
NCAA Tournament Preview, Rounds 3 and 4:
Only seven of my top ten seeds made it into the second weekend of the Big Dance, but accidents happen! Top seed Hawaii has good news and bad news. The good news? The Rainbow Wahines host for the second weekend in a row. The bad news? They play third-seeded USC in the third round! It should be an epic battle. If they get by the Trojans, they should get by either Pepperdine or Kansas State in the fourth round.
Minnesota should get by Iowa State at home, but then the team should face an ultra-powerful Purdue. Is a home-court advantage enough?
Host Florida has an inconsistent Michigan squad in the third round. Which Wolverine team will show up? If the Gators get by that obstacle, they could give Big Ten power Illinois fits. Or not.
Host Kentucky has the slimmest chance of emerging from their regional with tickets to San Antonio and the Final Four. However, the Wildcats are talented, a genuine new power in volleyball. Unfortunately, they have to beat old, established powers Texas and UCLA or Penn State to move on. Expect the Bruins to give the powerful-but-vulnerable Nittany Lions trouble, in what should be an epic match. I expect Texas to advance, but the regional final should be another epic contest.
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