First, UCLA went down to Loyola Marymount, but LM has some good Div II type players and maybe they caught em sleeping. But now a 20 point loss to a school from the Sun Belt Conference?

   True, UCLA lost its two best players who inexplicably believed they were pro material, at least until the first round of the NBA draft passed without their names being called. But they still have their buffet-loving center and two 6 “ 10” ex Carolina players, so they should be able to dominate the inside against these small schools.
       
     They are ranked 17 and were favored to win Men’s Hairclub Conference, otherwise known as the PAC 10.

      But now I’m worried that my dream Duke-UCLA matchup in the Maui Invitation will not materialize because it’s hard to see UCLA winning two games to get to the finals. So my only question for my chardonnay loving, property tax hating friend is- what’s going on out there?

I honestly thought the basketball team would bring me a little pain relief from watching the football program consistently underachieve year after year after year. I can tell you one thing. I'm not dragging my ass down to the Sports Arena to watch the basketball team play.

I send UCLA a donation every year. It's obviously not enough to buy even one decent football or basketball player (lol).

What really bothers me is that SoCal has so much recruiting talent in both sports, and UCLA is just not getting the players.

Go for it mari. I deserve all the trash talking you can muster. I guess I can root for my son's school USC where he is attending graduate school, but then I'd rather put a bullet in my head. I trust you feel the same way about North Carolina.

He is one class guy-never thought much of his control freak, bully mentor and never would have sent a kid to him-K should get a thousand wins easily-I can't kick those poor Bruins and their fans when they're down-smile    I'm a little concerned about this year's Blue Devil squad, however-they gave up huge leads late and were almost caught by perennial powerhouse Belmont (what happened to the Abbey?) and last night Michigan State. I cannot see a national contender with the talent challenged Plumlees down low-Dawkins and Curry are terrific shooters but Austin Rivers has been spotty, though just a freshman-the rest of the cast are decent but not world beaters-
I fear the Heinous Heels will rule the ACC this year-I can small solace that a high school buddy, attorney and UNC grad wanted to fire Williams 2 years ago-but I digress-
Good to see college bball back and I won't miss the NBA a bit-Later, Buddy, 1rob.....OUT

I was at the Garden last night and loved the 2nd game- UK v. Kansas.
UK's athleticism is freaky good and they overwhelmed Kansas in the 2nd half. This is another mostly newbie group that has a tremendous upside.
1 rob- wish we could have played Duke tonight! I agree with your assessment of the Dukies and also noticed a big difference in body types. The Duke guys are not nearly as physically developed as any of the 3 other teams on the floor last night.
UK and UNC look to be above everyone this year and it will be great to see them @ Rupp Arena Dec 3rd!

with a nod to follow me-
2012 = 8

over the Bruins prospects this year-Having suffered through the Wooden era as a Duke fan and all those championships, when they seemingly could have beaten some NBA teams, I still have (a slight degree of) empathy for their fans-smile-I still give Johnny Wooden the slightest of edges over Coach K as the greatest ever-Over the years, when I began to appreciate his greatness, Wooden became a true hero of mine-and his philosophies and teachings, if followed, will make any one a champion-He was beyond compare as a teacher and leader and don't think we'll see one like him for a long long time-

I'll also give you and the Cat fans kudos as the best in the country, IMHO-Very knowledgeable, passionate and super classy-as opposed to the Heel fans I know, who have cornered the 'obnoxious market, I believe-lol-Looks like you've got another powerhouse this year-Good luck and I'll look forward to the Heels/Cats shootout in Dec-should be a great one-Later, Buddy....1rob......OUT  

Carolina will rule the ACC and should win the NCAA tournament but as has been said before, each round is a one game series, not best 4 out of 7.  Upsets do happen.

Now, in reality, congrats are in order to Coach K for not only turning the Duke program into a winner but for all he has done for USA basketball.

New banner coming to the Dean Dome in April 2012.