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Rick Barnes Talks Hoops During Big 12 Summer Teleconference

Posted by Trips Right on June 18th, 2009 under Basketball, Recruiting

Good read from Texassports.com

Here’s the transcript and my thoughts on each subject/answer.


On how this incoming class of perimeter players (Avery Bradley, Jordan Hamilton, Jai Lucas and Shawn Williams) ranks among past classes: Well, (Kevin) Durant and (D.J.) Augustin were pretty good now, but we will wait and see. Jai has been here and we have been impressed with him. I think he really understands taking care of the basketball, and he understands the role of a point guard and what needs to happen. We have never recruited a guy who has improved as much as Avery Bradley from the time he committed to us. Jordan obviously we have recruited for a long time. We are excited about all of them. But in terms of comparing them to another class off the top of my head, I don’t think I really can.

The comments on Jai Lucas are right in line with what we’ve been saying on this site. It’s the whole “son of coach” cliche, but in Jai’s case it’s reality. The kid knows how to play the game and understands the nuances required to play fundamental basketball. A good case in point is the dearth of solid post entry passers the Longhorns have had the last few years. With the advent of the 3 point shot the game has become less post-centric and post entry has become a lost art. Lucas is one of those rare players that understands angles, spacing, timing, and help recognition required to be successful when entering the basketball. As a Longhorn fan, I was tempted to add “willingness to enter the basketball” to the list. Jai’s ability to enter the ball will make Dexter Pittman’s life much easier.

The absence of Shawn Williams being mentioned is interesting as well. Hell, given the depth and talent of next season’s squad, Williams omission is pretty telling. I’d bet dollars to donuts that he’ll take a redshirt. Williams is a terrific catch and shoot player, but he lacks the dynamic offensive game that is required to challenge for serious minutes on this team. Shawn also needs to get stronger to make a serious impact on defense and on the glass. Redshirting 4 star top 100 players is a luxury Texas can afford.


On his biggest concerns going into next year: Looking at it right now, we have always had high expectations. We are not afraid of that. I wouldn’t say that I have any concerns right now, but we will obviously think about guys playing roles and accepting roles. That’s our job to put guys in those situations and make sure they accept it. But today, I don’t have any concerns. You know what I love is the fact that we are going to have great competition. I think our players will realize that if they are going to get on the floor, they are going to have to earn their way there. They are going to have to produce and be productive. I like the fact that we have more depth now than we have had in a long, long time.

Before Damion James elected to return to school, rebounding was going to be a glaring weakness on this squad, which is a deficiency that snowballs on itself because not only does lack of rebounding prevent you from closing out possessions but it keeps a deep athletic team like Texas from getting easy buckets in transition. With James returning, Barnes’ only real concern is well, umm, coaching. Barnes readily admits he’ll have to push the right buttons and find the right personnel combos for this team to operate at peak efficiency. As funny as it sounds, next year will be one of the toughest coaching challenges Barnes has faced in his career. It’ll be as tough if not a tougher job than his first year at Texas.


On the team’s point guard situation: I think that Jai and Dogus are both natural point guards. You mentioned Avery could probably do a little bit of it, and I think Justin Mason has proven he can do a little bit of it. Jai, once he got here and started figuring out what we were trying to do, was terrific at the end of the year when we were working all of our special situations and those type things. He really understands the game, and he does the one thing that I think all coaches love about a point guard. He doesn’t turn the ball over, and neither does Dogus for that matter. So I think we will be really solid there. We need everyone to buy into their role and do what they have to do, and then we will figure out what we have to do to try to win some games.

Barnes acknowledges he has two classic point guards or distributors, and two combo guard options he can go to in a pinch. All these guys will play the position well because they’re good players and they’ll be facing defenses more concerned with getting dunked on by Dexter Pittman or shot out of games by Jordan Hamilton. Notice that word “role” is mentioned again.

It’s somewhat concering that Ward wasn’t mentioned. He’s a much better lead guard option than Mason. I’m hoping this was a just a tip of the cap to a blood spilling senior, because Mason was awful on the ball last year. It will sting if Ward transfers, because Varez brings so much on both ends, and he performs on the big stage. Kid was nails vs. Duke, despite the fact that he was the only player on the team that could get his own shot. Flank him with Hamilton and Bradley and watch him wreck shit.


On Dexter Pittman’s improvement and momentum from last season: Dexter continues to work hard. Again, the key will be how long he can play at a very high level. How long can he stay out there at that level. He’s a load for anybody to deal with. He’s a guy that people have a hard time with obviously. What we’d like to do is continue to play at a quicker pace but still find Dexter. As he continues to get his conditioning where it needs to be, that’ll help us more than anything. We’re hoping that’s what he can do.

Dex has to be the bell cow for this team, but the Horns still have the components to change gears and play a more wide open, up tempo style when they want to. The 4 out 1 in scheme can actually do a nice job of accomodating a pound the block style as well as wide open attack in a half court setting. Barnes can pound the strongside block on some possessions and then lift Dex away from the bucket for ball screens and back screens to create driving lanes on others. Or, Texas can elect to use the Memphis Dribble Drive Motion model and park Pittman on the weakside block. The thought of dealing with Dex on the weakside glass or as a dime finisher has to be a hellish one for opposing coaches. Think a 6-10 300 lb basketball skilled version of Joey Dorsey. A version that hits 75% of his foul shots without the propensity to get a neck tat or threaten to shank an SAT proctor.

On defense, Texas has the personnel to hide and rest Pittman with some zone if they so choose. Long and athletic players like Bradley, Hamilton, and James are a Jim Boeheim wet dream, and are liable to get love letters from Jay Bilas. They can get into passing lanes, disrupt jump shooters, and rebound effectively without block out assignments. Lots of options here for Texas to play multiple styles on given POSSESSIONS, not games. And do so on both ends of the floor.


On what kind of player Jai Lucas is: Jai really understands the position he plays. He quickly came in here and became a great teammate to everyone. He is just a guy that loves being in the gym, and I’m sure his brother (John) was the same way. They didn’t evolve too far away from how their dad was as a player. Jai has been a really nice addition. The one thing I really like about him is that he just simply doesn’t turn the ball over, and you want that from a guy who plays that position.

Again, what’s not to like? The kid can also punish help with his range. I’ll put the over/under on “straw that stirs the drink” references for 2010 at 5,650 and 1/2.


On being adaptable as a coach from season-to-season and what the team’s style might be this year: I want it to always start on the defensive end. I think that we can be an outstanding defensive team, because we’ve got some guys that can play the ball one on one and stay in front of the ball. Offensively, we want to be aggressive and we want to run. We want Dexter to be a part of what we do. I think we’ll have great balance which is what any coach likes. There are certain things we have to do every night. We’re going to play defense. We’re going to rebound the ball, and we’re going to take care of the ball. If you do those three things, then you’re going to give yourself a chance to be in most games. I don’t think there will be a drastic change in the way we play. I just hope we’re a whole lot better on both ends of the court.

A sliver of hope that Barnes is going to adapt his coaching style to his players? I hope so. Varez Ward was yanked a couple of times last year for shooting wide open jumpers within the confines of our offense. That’s not encouraging aggression on the offensive end or inspiring confidence.


On Dogus’ shooting ability: Now he’s with his team back home (in Turkey) playing. He had a really good spring, but he knows what he has to do to improve and play the minutes that he wants to play. If not, that’s where Jai is going to have a great impact on our team with his ability to make shots. So the competition is going to be good.

Wow, that’s putting it out there. Dogus has a legit role on this team with or without any improvement shooting the ball, but he can’t continue to be a source of help for guys like Pittman, Bradley,and Hamilton. George Ackles cost UNLV a National Championship by posing zero offensive threat. Or, it could have been Larry Johnson’s hot tub session with a powerful Vegas bookie, but you get the point. Balbay recently sustained a hand injury, and that’s not going to help his plight, unless it forces him to shoot right handed. Stay tuned.


On the conference strength being similar to the 2002-03 season: I don’t think there’s any question that our league is better than it’s ever been. You have outstanding coaches in the league, coaches who understand the schools they’re at and what they have to do to compete at this level. We’ve had a good league though. The perception of this league I don’t think has probably been what it should have been, because this league’s been good for a long time. But if you go back and look, we’ve fared well over the last 10-12 years. Our league is as good as any league in the country. I think it goes back to the way the coaches in this league work at it and the players we’re able to attract. I do think it’s going to be one of the great years in our league.

I agree with coach here. Kansas and Texas could and should be final four teams, unless Keith “Tiny” Gallon decides to eat CJ Henry while being double teamed.

I actually like Texas to win the league because I think they’ll be a better defensive team, and a bit more dynamic on offense. As always, if you stop Sherron Collins, you stop the Jayhawks. Until I see one of the KU freshman making creative plays off the bounce, my scouting report stands.

Thoughts?

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55 Responses

  1. Nordberg said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 8:00 am

    Thoughts? Well between our baseball team about to play for a national championship, our football team aiming for another one, and this, my thoughts are that my cock is hard. Wait, that was just one thought. But it’s big enough for two.

  2. intellectual type said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 8:04 am

    I agree 100% that Barnes needs to let the offensive weapons stay aggressive throughout the season. I believe the whole “less is more” mantra should guide him when it comes to in-game coaching. His main concern should be putting the right players in to create match-up problems for the opposing team that cohesively work together. Defensively, I think we’ll be nails as always. Great write up.

  3. The General said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 8:13 am

    Lucas is one of those rare players that understands angles, spacing, timing, and help recognition required to be successful when entering the basketball. As a Longhorn fan, I was tempted to add “willingness to enter the basketball” to the list

    I just creamed my pants.

  4. jc25 said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 8:37 am

    Keith “Tiny” Gallon decides to eat CJ Henry while being double teamed.

    I just creamed my pants.

    If, you know, it said Jenna Haze and Sasha Grey instead.

  5. kevwun said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 8:48 am

    I think he meant Xavier Henry, unless he’s counting on the mauling of his brother CJ to traumatize Xavier for the rest of the season.

  6. kevwun said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 8:50 am

    btw, neither Henry is attending summer school. Xavier Henry can’t state his intention of being a one and done anymore clearly without getting it tattooed on his forehead.

  7. Black Scholes said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 9:01 am

    Excellent write-up. I really thought the comments re teh post game were spot on. Pittman will work for the ball, get position and present a target – the only thing missing was the entry pass. Sounds like no mas with Lucas.

  8. Kafka said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Great stuff, as usual.

    No mention of J’Covan Brown. Is J’Covan going to be a horn next season?

    Can you explain the logistics of the scholarship situation?

    Barnes is really high on Lucas. I haven’t seen Lucas play but his dad was a really smart player (also a very good tennis player (which requires that you be your own coach on the court)). Can Lucas play D well enough to keep Barnes happy?

    It is much easier to coach offense when you have 5 guys on the court who are threats. I predict Dex gets a lot more assists next year by kicking it out from the double team.

    “Dexter continues to work hard. Again, the key will be how long he can play at a very high level. How long can he stay out there at that level…What we’d like to do is continue to play at a quicker pace but still find Dexter. As he continues to get his conditioning where it needs to be, that’ll help us more than anything. We’re hoping that’s what he can do.

    I think that we can be an outstanding defensive team, because we’ve got some guys that can play the ball one on one and stay in front of the ball. Offensively, we want to be aggressive and we want to run. We want Dexter to be a part of what we do.”

    Sounds like Barnes is challenging Dex to get in better shape so that he can play when the horns are in man to man D and fast breaking on offense. Sounds like they are mainly play up tempo in practice already. That should help Dex get in shape. Barnes also makes it clear that Dex’s conditioning is not yet where it needs to be.

    Varez Ward: I would hate to lose him. He is both skilled and tough as nails.

  9. kevwun said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 10:26 am

    I’m going to assume Brown is still in the clearinghouse since we haven’t heard either way yet.

  10. Black Scholes said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 11:22 am

    Kafka – Barnes’ has always been on message re Pittman and conditioning. At no point since the kid has been on the 40 has he never stopped emphasizing this. Nothing new there.

  11. Black Scholes said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 11:24 am

    Brown is still in the clearinghouse and it would be futile at this point to predict how this will end.

    For whatever reason, Barnes is determined to get the kid on campus. He’s stuck with him all the way. I’m taking this deal on faith.

    Re the scholies – I have to think it should be time for Harrison Smith to take one for the team. A medical scholie – nagging tendinitis? – for his last year is a win-win.

  12. JUICE said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    “what they have to do to compete at this level.”

    In light of our taking (I think) not one, but two guys from whatever this fraud is out in Las Vegas, it does bring the question to mind . . .

  13. kevwun said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 12:34 pm

    Findlay Prep isn’t a diploma factory. I believe Tristan Thompson already has a qualifying SAT score, also.

  14. The General said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    Can you explain the logistics of the scholarship situation?

    The logistics are Gerry Hamilton said that it will work itself out. That is good enough for me.

  15. Facebook User said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Deadspin on Findlay and Ed O’Bannon.

  16. Texoz said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    6 years ago I moved back from Los Angeles after a 16-year-visit to Hollyweird. Affordable housing, good schools, and proximity to family & friends were big reasons to return.

    UT sports was another one. I’m so fucking excited about being a Longhorn fan. Good times now and in the future.

  17. HenryJames said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    Gerry Hamilton just reported that Bradley is fully qualified.

  18. Kafka said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    Black Scholes

    “Barnes’ has always been on message re Pittman and conditioning. At no point since the kid has been on the 40 has he never stopped emphasizing this. Nothing new there.”

    It is nothing new to me that Dex needs to improve his conditioning. For some reason some people on this board thought Dex was acceptably fit and just needed to maintain.

    BTW, how long does it normally take to clear the clearinghouse (i.e. when can we expect an answer)? If J’Covan clears the clearinghouse, then he plays next year, correct? If he doesn’t clear the clearinghouse, then he probably does not play next season, right? Is the clearinghouse just a group that checks transcripts or is there more involved?

  19. Facebook User said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    NCAA Clearinghouse:

    malebolge clearinghouse ncaa dante inferno

    F Myles Brand, the hypocritical bastard.

  20. CrazyJoeDavola said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    “For whatever reason, Barnes is determined to get the kid on campus.”

    I think it’s been a two-way street on this one. Brown has had every opportunity to go somewhere else, but he’s worked through a LOT of bullshit to hold onto his hope to go to UT.

    Given the stuff the young man has had to wade through simply to get to this point, it would be almost criminal for Barnes to cast him off.

  21. Kafka said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    Is that an illustration of Dante’s rings of hell?

  22. jimmyjazz said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen a good explanation of Jai’s departure from Florida for Texas. If he’s as good as Coach Barnes hints he is, why did he transfer? I suppose there are some obvious reasons — didn’t like Donovan, homesickness — but I haven’t heard much in that regard.

  23. Jim Harrison said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    1 vs. 2

  24. Black Scholes said:

    June 18th, 2009 at 10:05 pm

    jimmy – if I recall properly, they had recruited to his position and he didn’t see a future in the rotation. At least that’s my sense of it. I think he’s also another Houston kid who really in his heart wanted to be in Austin.

    Quite a legacy, TJ.

  25. Bob in Houston said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 5:09 am

    Jimmy: Jai wanted to play the point. Nick Calathes was a better PG, and Donovan wanted Jai to play SG. When Jai played the first exhibition at the two, he realized that Donovan meant what he said and so Jai decided to leave.

    Of course, now Calathes is gone. So it goes…

  26. jimmyjazz said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 5:54 am

    It’s not like he won’t face pretty steep competition for playing time here. Anyway, glad to have him.

  27. kevwun said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 6:00 am

    I think Black Scholes is right. Texas was probably Jai’s first choice in high school, but we already had Augustin and no one thought he would be a two year player at the time.

  28. Blueshorn said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 7:56 am

    You do good work, Trip. I say that despite the fact that following your advice destroyed my March Madness bracket.

  29. Dexter Pittman said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 9:55 am

    I get it! Tiny Gallon is fat!

  30. scagnetti said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 9:57 am

    “A version that hits 75% of his foul shots without the propensity to get a neck tat or threaten to shank an SAT proctor.”

    allsome.

    I too would like some details concerning the ’ships…

  31. Facebook User said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Guys with neck tats don’t take their own SATs. Duh!

  32. BatesHorn said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 11:27 am

    Yeah, for about 20 minutes on the first Sunday, Trips bracket looked Genius. Exactly one week later, I had the whole office laughing at me.

  33. Trips Right said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    My bracket next season will look much more prescient considering I’ll have Texas as the national champion. Plus, Barking Carnival will be upgrading its interns next season. At least that’s what Sailer promised if we could get Scipio to cut his fucking hair.

  34. Facebook User said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    You guys were supposed to be recruiting interns from Cheetah’s during that Vegas trip we sent you on.

  35. Trips Right said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    Yep, I know. But everytime I thought we had some looker reeled in, Scipio would start in with his, “let me take you away from all of this”, bullshit.

  36. Facebook User said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    What a romantic. Was he quoting Pretty Woman again?

  37. HenryJames said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    “We write for Barking Carnival. Wanna get naked?”

  38. Former BC Intern said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    Everything was going great until you guys made me dress like a Japanese school girl version of Bob Stoops.

  39. Trips Right said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    I knew we were fucked when the hottest chick in the club challenged him on his Hannibal North African campaign take. I tried to diffuse the situation with, “hey, we’ve got a limo and shit”.

  40. SizzleChest said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 5:59 pm

    Next time, try the Rhino.

  41. ipowers said:

    June 19th, 2009 at 10:35 pm

    Trips Right u killing me with this Shawn Williams taking a redshirt bullshit. Do u have any clue what u r talking about or do u say shit because it sounds good to u. Mark my words he will play significant minutes this sdeason. How do u know anything about his offensive game, u probably have seen him play about the same number of times that it takes for me to say F*** u with my fingers. Thats alright though, I guarantee that I will have the last laugh when the season starts.

  42. Black Scholes said:

    June 20th, 2009 at 12:28 am

    So if I’ve got this right, you won’t laugh again after the season starts? That makes me sad. Laughter is, in fact, the best medicine.

    “This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth which is that Shawn Williams will probably redshirt, Love to complete your life.”

    - L. Buttercup

  43. ipowers said:

    June 21st, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Hey shit head, I bet what I have and what u don’t have that Shawn Williams will not redshirt, like I said mark my words. See I’m not one of these idiots who shoot their mouth off on a message board, I happen to have a lot of info that none of ya’ll have the privilege of having. Motherfuckers like ya’ll have to read interviews from Barnes and try to analyze what he’s saying, because this site couldn’t get an interview with Rick Barnes, that’s why they have to post some shit from somebody else’s interview and try to read between the lines. I just came from Texas Elite Camp homeboy and saw and heard everything that I’m telling u.

  44. ipowers said:

    June 21st, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    The real funny part about it and this just dawned on me is that when Barnes talked about the 06 class with D.J. and Durant, he didn’t mention Damion James who was also in that class, so what does that mean ? The fact that he didn’t Shawn William’s name don’t mean shit, get some inside info before ur dumb ass tries to make an analysis about something.

  45. ipowers said:

    June 21st, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    Since ya’ll like to analyze articles to figure out what Rick Barnes is going to do with his lineup this season read this shit. For u idiots just cut and paste it to pull it up. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4178652&name=katz_andy

  46. ipowers said:

    June 21st, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    Barnes said, with or without James, the Longhorns will be a “really good” next season with Gary Johnson and Dexter Pittman up front, along with newcomer Shawn Williams. Barnes said Pittman has the potential to be a lottery pick. The perimeter would have a rotation of Justin Mason, Dogus Balbay and newcomers Avery Bradley and Florida transfer Jai Lucas, whom Barnes said is “better than I thought.” Lucas will be eligible in mid-December. Hmmm no mention of Jordan Hamilton, wonder what that could mean ? Nothing dumb ass.

  47. Pervis Ellison said:

    June 21st, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    You’re right, Shawn Williams will lead Texas to a National Championship, NEXT YEAR muthafuckas.

  48. Bartoncreek said:

    June 21st, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    Who knew Kenny had a brother?

  49. HenryJames said:

    June 21st, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    Well aim high, ipowers! Aim high!

  50. Vasherized said:

    June 22nd, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    2010 Texas commit Daniel Bejarano’s father was shot and killed last night in his apartment.

    On Father’s day no less …

    Sick bastards.

  51. Linda H. said:

    June 23rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    Barking Carnival writers-you guys are good-looking! I’ve seen Scipio, too…wow…

  52. Bob in Houston said:

    June 23rd, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    I agree with you Linda. I personally think that SLX looks the best :)

  53. Romeo Void said:

    June 24th, 2009 at 8:01 am

    Scipio is just a blondie. But if your still interested in him, Linda, just e-mail him any recent pix you have that are not digitally altered. Its 2009 and we’re not stupid. No lifted cougars, either. You must be under the age of 28. All races are welcome. No fatties. Trannies are always welcome as long as you look good and don’t have big hands, feet, shoulders or neck. Big tits a plus. Some of the older Barkers may classify this comment as chauvinist.

  54. Hookah Horns said:

    June 26th, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    Henry James,

    That was perfection.

  55. Hookah Horns said:

    June 26th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Looking at it right now, we have always had high expectations. We are not afraid of that. I wouldn’t say that I have any concerns right now, but we will obviously think about guys playing roles and accepting roles. That’s our job to put guys in those situations and make sure they accept it. But today, I don’t have any concerns. You know what I love is the fact that we are going to have great competition. I think our players will realize that if they are going to get on the floor, they are going to have to earn their way there. They are going to have to produce and be productive. I like the fact that we have more depth now than we have had in a long, long time.

    Got damn, from a fan’s perspective, does Rick Barnes say the right things or what? I eat this shit up.

    If he had a real offensive system/philosophy the man would be a HOF legend. I reckon he’ll end up a legend at Texas in any event.

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  • P.Drez commented on the blog post Real Humiliation: Los Galacticos Ousted   1 hour, 46 minutes ago

    His hair really is getting ridiculous… he’s having a case of the Beckhams.

    As far as his play, he just couldn’t take over the match like we’ve seen him do, but his supply was weak as well, with Higuain missing his late runs to the far post multiple times. He found space, but wasn’t

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  • BatesHorn commented on the blog post Colt McCoy: Smarter Than An Apostle, Dumber Than An Okie   1 hour, 51 minutes ago

    35 while ignoring a conference call with some corporate types in Delaware.

  • J Rog wrote a new blog post: Stretch Run   2 hours ago

    If the season ended today, the Spurs would be in a tie for the 7th seed in the Western Conference with the Portland Trailblazers.  With the Grizzlies only 3.5 games back, there is not much room for error down the stretch.  And unfortunately, there are a lot of land mines ahead.

    The Spurs have 20 games left

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  • P.Drez wrote a new blog post: Real Humiliation: Los Galacticos Ousted   2 hours, 7 minutes ago

    Over $300 million spent, zero improvement.  Real Madrid brought in two world players of the year to usher in a new Galactico era and win the European title, but it was Lyon’s committed teamwork and diligent defending that sees the French champions through to the quarterfinals.

    Not sure what Ronaldo’s doing here, but we do know

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  • Kevin Berger wrote a new blog post: Quick Preview of Today’s Big East Tournament Action   2 hours, 58 minutes ago

    Georgetown vs. Syracuse.
    The battle of bitter Big Beast rivals. Ronnie Seikaly vs. Patrick Ewing. Stevie Thompson vs. Reggie Williams. Pearl Washington vs. Michael Jackson. Now Wes Johnson vs. Greg Monroe.

    Syracuse is coming off of an embarrassing loss at Louisville and solidify its claim to a national 1 seed. Georgetown is

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  • czarcw commented on the blog post If A Stopwatch Clicks In The Woods…   3 hours ago

    I’ll comment on that game. The Ags didn’t quit because, unlike their customary curb-stomping against K-State and OU, they actually had some early success where they scored on a broken coverage. Secondly, no doubt, Jerrod Johnson was on fire. If he plays like that every game next year, the Ags are going to be tough

  • James commented on the blog post Big XII Day 2 – Preview   3 hours, 11 minutes ago

    Page is actually a Smurf

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  • Sailor Ripley commented on the blog post Our long national nightmare is over   3 hours, 17 minutes ago

    “Man, it’s really just a dream come true to commit to Texas,” Diggs told Hamilton. “I’ve grown up watching the Texas Longhorns and have loved those guys my whole life. Of course, my brother is a Texas Longhorn playing in the NFL and I love being around all the guys that have played at Texas

  • Drew Dunlevie commented on the blog post Top 8 Seed Round Robin: The One Seeds   3 hours, 36 minutes ago

    Was talking with Kevin yesterday and I think he likes Kansas the best of the 1’s but has a different favorite to cut down the nets in Indy…

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  • hodad commented on the blog post Mack’s practice thoughts   3 hours, 55 minutes ago

    “The impending lack of depth at corner along with an ability to cover a slot receiver could earn him a spot next year as the starting nickel when Aaron Williams leaves us for a huge payday after stomping through the Big 12 next year like Sasquatch through the mosh pit of a Green Day show.”

    This

  • hodad commented on the blog post Our long national nightmare is over   4 hours, 1 minute ago

    Mike Davis and Darius White play a position that Texas has up to five of on the field on any given play. Malcolm Brown and Hershel Sims play a position That UT that hasn’t had more than one of on the field since the early 80’s.

  • Hiphopopotamus commented on the blog post Top 8 Seed Round Robin: The One Seeds   4 hours, 15 minutes ago

    So it looks like you’re leaning Kansas. I like where your head’s at.

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  • hodad commented on the blog post Our long national nightmare is over   4 hours, 36 minutes ago

    Even with the great class we’ve already signed I’m going to be really worried if Malcolm Brown doesn’t come to the 40 acres. Expecting more than one of the elite four in the state is just hubris. Why would a kid come and compete with another one of the elite four when he

  • Blues commented on the blog post Colt McCoy: Smarter Than An Apostle, Dumber Than An Okie   4 hours, 46 minutes ago

    “Bradford was able to do so well by having one eye concerned with the question he was currently answering while having his other eye pre-read the next one.”

    If they ever do a movie of Richard Pryor’s “Mudbone” stories, Bradford can play “Cockeyed Junior.”

  • ghostofagroundgame commented on the blog post Our long national nightmare is over   4 hours, 46 minutes ago

    I vote we now increase our concern about landing a stud running back?

  • Ag_in_TX wrote a new blog post: Big XII Day 2 – Preview   4 hours, 52 minutes ago

    So – one for four yesterday is about par for me. In fact, it reminds me of the time my wife was taking note of my picks for a given weekend. I told her I had studied trends, noted injuries, and done all my research. She told me: “Perhaps you should keep

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  • Blues commented on the blog post Texas Hoops vs. Iowa State: Post-Mortem   4 hours, 54 minutes ago

    I watched this game out of the corner of my eye and avoided live threads. I think I helped the team and my blood pressure. Thanks for re-capping the finer points I missed by letting go.

  • Hiphopopotamus commented on the blog post Big XII Tourney: Day One   5 hours, 1 minute ago

    Agreed. I think people forget that to be a 6 seed you have to be one of the best 24 teams in the country. That’s not Missouri.

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  • Blues commented on the blog post Mack’s practice thoughts   5 hours, 7 minutes ago

    Nice thoughts, Rover.

  • James commented on the blog post Big XII Tourney: Day Two   5 hours, 12 minutes ago

    Good previews.

    I think you guys coast to a double digit win over Tech.

    We should be able to guard Corn better than Mizzou did thus giving them tougher shots.

    The evening games should be good viewing. I like Okie Lite in the upset over K-State. I also think the Baylor guards guide the Bears to

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  • Magnificent Bastard commented on the blog post Our long national nightmare is over   5 hours, 16 minutes ago

    sizzle’s hands are permanently chapped and raw.

  • BatesHorn commented on the blog post Our long national nightmare is over   5 hours, 17 minutes ago

    Well, the San Francisco connection is strong here, so…….

    If I had to guess, they wanted to take one more look at the numbers, expected attrition, etc, and make sure they had all their numbers locked down before they offered, which the first week of Spring Practice would help them suss out, and they probably told

  • Blues commented on the blog post Our long national nightmare is over   5 hours, 18 minutes ago

    What are we gonna fret about, now?