40 Minutes of Hell, The Return March 23, 2011
Posted by Matt in basketball, Razorbacks.Tags: Arkansas Razorbacks, basketball, Mike Anderson, Nolan Richardson
2 comments
Once upon a time, basketball was king in my home state of Arkansas. We cheered on the May-Day-Big O combination to the Final Four and Corliss-Scotty Thurman squad to a National Title (and another title game berth). But, since those glory days, Razorback basketball has fallen on hard times and season after season of mediocrity have taken their toll on the Hog faithful. Today, though, things are again looking up for the hog-snouted fans across this great nation.
According to ESPN, former Arkansas assistant coach and current Missouri head coach Mike Anderson is likely to accept an offer from the state’s flagship university and make a triumphant coaching return to the northwest corner of the Natural State. I for one couldn’t be happier. Bringing back Anderson (along with a little help from Nolan Richardson) will be the best thing the school can do to reenergize the fan base.
I wonder if they need another assistant coach? I heard UCA has someone that might be perfect for the job.
In the meantime, let’s relive the glory days…
A Few Notes on March Madness March 15, 2010
Posted by Matt in basketball.Tags: arkansas, Kentucky hatred, Mike Anderson, NCAA Tournament, upsets
add a comment
I love the NCAA Tournament, even in years when I haven’t paid close attention to the college game, I’m still an avid follower of the brackets. I guess it’s because I love the David vs. Goliath stories of big upsets by little schools. So, as you might guess, my favorite time is the first weekend, when the field of 64 is whittled down to 16 and you get the chance to see all of the schools you probably miss during the regular season. So, bring on the Big Dance, perhaps the most exciting sporting event in America. Below are a few things that struck me after seeing the teams that made the field yesterday.
I have a few upset teams that I’m eyeing so far, namely, St. Mary’s, Siena, and UTEP, but those could change between now and when I actually fill out a bracket.
I don’t have a favorite squad in this year’s tournament, given that Arkansas was a triumphant failure and Memphis was relegated to the NIT, but I do have an un-favorite: Kentucky. If there is one team and coach that I want to see lose and lose badly, it is UK and John Calipari. I mean, I will even root for Texas if they advance to the second round. It’s that bad.
It is a really sad day for Arkansas basketball when you realize that the only team in the state to make the tournament is not UA, UALR, or even Arkansas State. It’s UAPB, in the play-in game. Ouch.
I will be watching Missouri again this season and hoping, probably against all common sense, that maybe, just maybe, Arkansas can bring Mike Anderson back into the fold as head coach. Then perhaps they could even bring Nolan back as a special consultant and it’ll be like old times again…
I’m still in the process of working on my bracket, but I’ll be sure and post some picks once I have them complete. What about you? Have you filled out a bracket yet?
