Bruce Weber blog-March 26, 2018
It’s the Final Four no fan expected. Michigan vs the ultimate Cinderella, Loyola of Chicago in one semifinal and number one seeds Villanova and Kansas in the other semi. Loyola is a great story. They’re also a heck of a team. They could win it all. Michigan is hot and playing really well. Villanova was the pick of many to cut down the nets. Kansas, a team that finally got over the hump to get back to the Final Four, is another team capable of winning it all. I’ll go with Michigan and Villanova in the final.
• The Final Four is one of the great events in American sport. I’ve been lucky enough to get to ten Final Fours over the years. I actually think that semifinal Saturday is the best day. San Antonio is a great host for the event. I was there years ago when UConn won it all. I’d love to be there again.
• Congrats to the IUP women’s basketball team on a great season. The Hawks made it all the way to the Final Four, which is their best finish ever. It was obvious that IUP was outclassed when they lost to Ashland, who surprisingly lost in the finals. The loss doesn’t take away from what was a fantastic season. Well done, young ladies.
• It’s obvious that Pitt is not going to get a “big name” coach to replace Kevin Stallings. Thad Matta and Tom Crean weren’t interested, nor was Pitt alum Shawn Miller of Arizona. Dan Hurley, who was offered the job, took the UConn job. I give Pitt AD Heather Lyke credit for going after a big-time coach, even if she didn’t land her top targets. This is a very important hire for Lyke and for Pitt. The job is a good one, but certainly not a great one. There are a lot of really good coaches out there who aren’t big names. Ever hear of Ben Holland before he came to Pitt? The Panthers probably will end up with an up and coming coach or one who hasn’t had big-time success. That doesn’t mean the next coach won’t be successful.
• One of my pet peeves when it comes to basketball is when a team doesn’t foul the other team when they are up three points in the closing seconds. All too often the team that is down three takes a three pointer and often makes it, sending the game to overtime. Bruce Weber, not me, the coach at Kansas State, saw his team up three in the regional semifinal against Kentucky the other night. Instead of fouling the Wildcats when they crossed midcourt, K State let Kentucky take a three pointer. The shot hit off the back of the rim. I don’t get it. Why not foul with a few seconds left and put the team to the line, almost securing a win? Coaches don’t use this strategy all the time. It makes no sense.
• The Pens nearly blew it against the Flyers over the weekend when they gave up a goal in the final minute and had to go to overtime. But leave it to Sidney Crosby to make another great play in overtime to help propel the Pens to a much needed win against their bitter rivals. It was a good win for the team who are getting in playoff mode.
• Just when you think you’ve seen it all from Sidney Crosby he does something that makes me shake my head in amazement. His goal against Montreal last week might have been his best ever. Crosby knocked a puck out of the air to himself, and then batted it into the net. It defied logic. Crosby has turned in a lot of highlight-reel goals during his career. I’m not sure he’s ever had one better, and that’s saying something.
• The Pirates open the season in Detroit this Thursday. I hate to be negative, but I’d be surprised if the Pirates don’t lose between 90-100 games. I just don’t see how this team can be anything but bad. Still, I love the Buccos and will listen to their games on our stations and watch them all year long. I’d love to see the Pirates win the World Series just one more time in my lifetime. Unfortunately, I can’t see it happening.
