Official 2009 NCAA Tournament Thread. The Very Best Have Gathered Upon One Stage.

[DCAllAfrican]

Top NCAA Tournament Individual Player Matchups (Round One) by: Jonathan Givony - President March 16, 2009 We know which teams will be going head to head, but what will the most intriguing individual player matchups be this coming weekend? Who stands the most to gain or lose? Join our NCAA Bracket Pool on Facebook Icon SMI​ Darren Collison vs. Eric Maynor, #6 UCLA vs. #11 VCU Clearly the top matchup of the first round from an NBA draft perspective, this is a game that will be extremely well-attended by NBA scouts, and has a real chance to operate as a "game-changer" in their decision making process. Darren Collison has had an excellent senior year, up until he reached the semi-finals of the Pac-10 tournament, where he really struggled badly against USC. Collison has had some issues in the big games he's been in over the course of his career, for example in the Final Four last season against Memphis, where he was badly outplayed by Derrick Rose. This is an opportunity for him to show that he's capable of stepping up in the clutch and leading his team a win, especially in a season like this where UCLA relies so heavily upon his leadership as a scorer and playmaker. For Eric Maynor this is a rare chance to go up against a marquee point guard and show that he's worthy of all the praise he's garnered throughout his career-many consider him the best point guard in college basketball, and there is no better time to show that than right now. VCU's strength of schedule leaves a lot to be desired playing in the CAA, and therefore NBA people will likely put an usual amount of weight on his performance in the NCAA tournament, which may only be one game. Both teams play at a similar mid-level pace, but UCLA is much more efficient shooting the ball (in no small part due to Collison) and is generally deeper and more experienced. VCU will really need Maynor to play under control and make his shots from the perimeter if they're to have any chance in this one. Also keep an eye on the situation in the frontcourt, as Larry Sanders is coming off an incredibly dominant performance in the CAA finals (18 points, 20 rebounds, 7 blocks) and could really give UCLA problems inside if he manages to stay out of foul trouble. Jordan Hill vs. Luke Nevill, #12 Arizona vs. #5 Utah Two of the most productive big men in college basketball face-off, in the matchup that will likely decide who ends up winning this game. On one hand we find Jordan Hill, an ultra explosive, but undersized center at the NCAA level who runs the floor incredibly well and is a terrific rebounder both in and outside of his area. On the other is Nevill, a huge, dominant force in the paint with an old-school back to the basket game-not particularly skilled or athletic, but extremely efficient and effective nonetheless. Both players are irreplaceable to their respective teams, meaning a few quick fouls either way could sway the tide of this game dramatically. Will Hill be able to keep Nevill from establishing deep inside position on him, without getting in foul trouble? Will Nevill be able to contain Hill's lethal first step from the mid-post area? The contrast in styles couldn't be more evident, which should make this game all the more intriguing. If Arizona is able to upset Utah, and Wake Forest takes care of business against Cleveland State, then there will be no question where the majority of NBA scouts will be flocking to for the second round of the tournament-as no less than five potential lottery picks will be on the floor. Devin Ebanks vs. Chris Wright, #6 West Virginia vs. #11 Dayton Basketball purists need to make sure they tune in for this game, featuring two young, undersized, slow-paced, defensive minded teams with all kinds of toughness and athleticism. Both teams have a young long-armed stud manning the PF position-West Virginia's Devin Ebanks had a breakthrough performance in the Big East tournament this past week, while Dayton's Chris Wright has had a very solid all-around sophomore season. Wright is clearly of the most athletic players competing in the NCAA tournament-a force on the offensive glass, a terrific defender and an incredibly exciting player in transition. Ebanks is an excellent rebounder himself, as well as a pesky defender, and has really begun to emerge offensively with his perimeter game as of late. Neither player is expected to be in this draft, but they are definitely intriguing prospects to keep in mind for the future. Dayton is not a very good offensive team, and considering that they are going up against one of the best-coached and staunch defensive teams in college basketball, they will likely need some major contributions from Wright if they'll have any chance at advancing. Sherron Collins/Tyshawn Taylor vs. Ben Woodside, #3 Kansas vs. #14 North Dakota State Fans couldn't have asked for a better first round matchup on the 3/14 line than what we have in store for us here. A young and ultra-athletic Kansas team will go up against one of the more experienced and fundamentally sound mid-major teams you'll find, who happen to have arguably the most underrated point guard in college basketball manning the helm. Ben Woodside will get all he can handle from Kansas' guards, as Sherron Collins and Tyshawn Taylor will surely come out of the gates amped and hunting for blood. He'll be tested from the opening tip, and just how well he's able to weather the storm and maintain his poise will play a huge part in whether North Dakota State can make this a competitive game. They've played some good teams this year already, and are extremely experienced as noted, so it's not out of the question that they make Kansas at the very least sweat this one out. They are a very disciplined and efficient offensive team, but they've yet to face the type of length, depth and athleticism that Kansas sports at all positions. It's also questionable whether they can keep up with them defensively or on the glass. Kansas will need Cole Aldrich to be dominant inside the paint if they want to avoid a tense finish. Scotty Hopson vs. James Anderson, #8 Oklahoma State vs. #9 Tennessee This game is a real coin-toss, and will probably come down to whichever team manages to shoot the ball better from the perimeter. From an NBA perspective, keep your eyes on the SF position, where Oklahoma State's James Anderson will match up with Tennessee's Scotty Hopson, in a battle of ultra-athletic and sweet shooting swingmen with great size and all kinds of upside. Hopson is the younger and rawer of the two, he hasn't been much of a factor in the month of March-reaching double-figures just once in the last six games-but he's capable of having big games from time to time, particularly when his shot is falling from outside. This season hasn't really gone as well as some may have hoped considering his lofty recruiting rankings, but there's no question that the potential is there, on both ends of the floor. Anderson on the other hand has been red-hot as of late-eclipsing the 30-point mark three times in the past month. He's begun to establish himself as one of the best shooters in college basketball, and could really emerge as a star on the national level if he decides to stick around next season. He's the type of player that could go off on a huge scoring barrage against a poor defensive team like Tennessee, which means this may be a very fun game to watch. If he starts heating up, look for Tennessee to switch Tyler Smith onto him for certain possessions, which could make for another intriguing matchup. Other Interesting Matchups: Tyler Hansbrough vs. Artsiom Parakhouski, #1 UNC vs. #16 Radford Hansbrough will have his hands full with Belarussian 6-11 center Artsiom Parakhouski, a mountain of a man and true force inside the paint and on the glass. Scouts will get a rare opportunity to evaluate him in person, and against quality competition. James Harden vs. Dionte Christmas, #6 Arizona State vs. #11 Temple One of the most prolific shooters in the NCAA (Temple) goes up against arguably the most versatile player in the nation (Harden). Tasmin Mitchell vs. Gordon Hayward, #8 LSU vs. #9 Butler The tough, smart undersized Tasmin Mitchell matches up with the sweet-shooting and highly skilled freshman Gordon Hayward. Can Mitchell get out and guard him on the perimeter? Lee Cummard vs. Josh Carter, #8 BYU vs. #9 Texas A&M Cummard hasn't gotten much national attention but is an extremely versatile small forward, he goes up against Josh Carter, who is just as good of an outside shooter. Jarvis Varnado vs. Jon Brockman, #4 Washington vs. #13 Mississippi State Brockman is a beast on the glass and a load to deal with inside. We'll see how he matches up with the extremely lanky Varnado, who is the nation's #1 shot-blocker. Feedback for this article may be sent to [email protected]

 

[blazinjkid]

I have yet to start on my bracket(s), but I'm already sick of hearing everyone pick VCU over UCLA as their "shocker" upset.

 

[Retroballer]

Originally Posted by blazinjkid

I have yet to start on my bracket(s), but I'm already sick of hearing everyone pick VCU over UCLA as their "shocker" upset.

Its the sexy upset pick. and dont pick it if you dont think its going to happen. Thats what people tend to do. they always think that they dont have enoughupsets so they pick so random upset and it throws off their bracket. just pick who you think will win, regardless of seed.
I hate this monday cause in class i dont pay attention i just go through all the matchups

 

[parada45]

Am I the only one who has all #1's in the final 4?

 

[willinc]

No way all the #1 make it to the final 4.


I see UConn and Carolina not getting there.

 

[parada45]

WILLINC wrote:

---

No way all the #1 make it to the final 4.


I see UConn and Carolina not getting there.
I think Oklahoma can beat Carolina. But the other #1's I think are in and wouldn't be surprised if UNC got in as well.

 

[ku jhawx]

I feel as is my bracket is too much "chalk"...I really really wanna take Siena over L'Ville after researching them a little bit...but I thinkI'd regret it...

 

[blazinjkid]

There's so many upsets that I can't quite pull the trigger on.

As much as I hate to say it, I really feel like the Heels are gonna be upset early.

 

[seymore cake]

The 8/9 match ups are extremely daunting for me right now

 

[ruff c]

THE WINNING BRACKET HERE

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Originally Posted by Al3xis

Originally Posted by I NaSmatic I


I'm probably the only person that will have ASU over Cuse

Nope. I'm tempted to take Harden to the Elite 8

I did that w/ OJ last year...

 

[ku jhawx]

Ruff where did you go to create that bracket?

 

[seymore cake]

Originally Posted by dreClark

Originally Posted by Al3xis

Originally Posted by I NaSmatic I


I'm probably the only person that will have ASU over Cuse

Nope. I'm tempted to take Harden to the Elite 8

I did that w/ OJ last year...

I'm really tempted to send Harden and co home in the 1st round... I swear to god I am

 

[c5a5d5a5]

this is my final 4

wake
uconn
pitt
cuse

 

[seymore cake]

Originally Posted by ku JHAWX

Ruff where did you go to create that bracket?

thats the cbs bracket on facebook... I'm struggling with my as I type

 

[clutchshooter]

Originally Posted by archnoobie

Originally Posted by Clutchshooter

Originally Posted by D723

Originally Posted by archnoobie

Originally Posted by Clutchshooter

they were the top overall seed in last years tourney and a #2 this year. that's not exactly under the radar.

.

You know what I mean or maybe you dont. We get overlooked as a potential threat to win it all. Its almost like, "Yeah they got a high seed, but they're not really good enough to win it all." It's really quite interesting. Either way. I'll take it.

Memphis has been getting the shaft from *#++%@$ basketball analysts for the past 3-4 years going into the tournament. I know we don't have a ton of quality wins since Reke's been playing the 1, but I feel our defense alone can take us very deep.

and what do the analysts say? they've always said 'this is a talented squad but they cant win it all' and memphis's ZERO national championship shows they've been correct.

dont know why some of y'all act like you won the whole damn thing and people are denying props. the analysts have been exactly on point about this program.

last season was the best memphis team ever and they still couldnt get it done.

might have been different if they hadnt run up on the Mighty Jayhawks.

.

Oh and you think that Memphis' past is what determines our future? This is a totally rebuilt program from the Metro Conference teams of the 80's and Great Midwest Teams of the 90's.

And &*@# anaylsts....every year they predict UCLA to have some magical tournament run like the presence of John Wooden still being alive will guide them to another championship.....its hilarious really.

again THEY'VE BEEN CORRECT.

ucla has been to 3 straight final fours.

you must be watching a different tournament.

.

 

[lilstarz07]

whoever wins the louisille memphis game is gonna be champion ... unc is vulnerable

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Originally Posted by Seymore CAKE

Originally Posted by dreClark

Originally Posted by Al3xis

Originally Posted by I NaSmatic I


I'm probably the only person that will have ASU over Cuse

Nope. I'm tempted to take Harden to the Elite 8

I did that w/ OJ last year...

I'm really tempted to send Harden and co home in the 1st round... I swear to god I am

I have them losing in the 1st round in my mental bracket.

I don't really give a !+%@ though, b/c I am terrible at this #!@!

whoever wins the louisille memphis game is gonna be champion ... unc is vulnerable
So is Louisville and Memphis.

I think the 'Ville takes the chip this year.

 

[parada45]

This year anyone can win it all

 

[clutchshooter]

Originally Posted by roman736

Can some1 please help me with my bracket? I am a super noob at ncaa basketball. I'm really not sure who to put into my bracket and it would be great if some1 who is really knowledgeable about this stuff could let me copy their bracket.

just find yourself an interactive bracket online.

 

[seymore cake]

Originally Posted by dreClark

Originally Posted by Seymore CAKE

Originally Posted by dreClark

Originally Posted by Al3xis

Originally Posted by I NaSmatic I


I'm probably the only person that will have ASU over Cuse

Nope. I'm tempted to take Harden to the Elite 8

I did that w/ OJ last year...

I'm really tempted to send Harden and co home in the 1st round... I swear to god I am

I have them losing in the 1st round in my mental bracket.

I don't really give a !+%@ though, b/c I am terrible at this #!@!

whoever wins the louisille memphis game is gonna be champion ... unc is vulnerable

So is Louisville and Memphis.

I think the 'Ville takes the chip this year.





Who are you telling... as much college ball as I watch you'd think I'd have a better working knowledge of this *%##

 

[dlo13]

I watched less college ball this year than I have in the past...

...and when I say that, that means I still watched way more than anybody I know. And I'll still get smoked in any pool I enter...and I don't care.It's March. I cleared my schedule for this week months ago.

 

[clutchshooter]

edit: that did not work.

.

 

[ku jhawx]

Perfect Bracket.

 

[c5a5d5a5]