Three of the sixteen teams did not break the 40 point mark. Half of the teams did not hit the 50 point mark. I didn't watch every game but I've seen enough sloppy hoops to last a month. It seems like the teams are moving 100 mph but the execution is lacking. Why such a terrible first round?

Three of the sixteen teams did not break the 40 point mark. Half of the teams did not hit the 50 point mark. I didn't watch every game but I've seen enough sloppy hoops to last a month. It seems like the teams are moving 100 mph but the execution is lacking. Why such a terrible first round?

 

Have you watched some of the first round NCAA games?

 

Missed shots, silly turnovers, dumb fouls, etc.,.

 

All things are relative.

 

If you had watched the semi finals in all 16 regions would you also feel that the games were poorly played?

 

When high school kids come to Rupp Arena for the first time and play in front of 13,000 folks in a win or go home format..... come on, give them a a break.

 

Enjoy the Sweet 16.... don't criticize it. Other states envy it!!!

After seeing everyone I still think it will be Trinity and Scott County in the final. I'm ready for tomorrow and open for any surprises that may come our way. Don't give Trinity the trophy just yet but they look to be the best team.

The refereeing hasn't bothered me in the slightest either.

Very disappointed in the play this year. Was there a bunch of upsets in the regional tournaments or is talent just down in Kentucky? Don't believe anybody will be able to play with Trinity, but it is March and anything can happen!

Have you watched some of the first round NCAA games?

 

Missed shots, silly turnovers, dumb fouls, etc.,.

 

All things are relative.

 

If you had watched the semi finals in all 16 regions would you also feel that the games were poorly played?

 

When high school kids come to Rupp Arena for the first time and play in front of 13,000 folks in a win or go home format..... come on, give them a a break.

 

Enjoy the Sweet 16.... don't criticize it. Other states envy it!!!

 

Just stating my opinion and after looking at the data on Khsaa.org this was the lowest scoring first round in the past fifteen years. It's the only first round to yield less than 100 points per game (99).

 

'12: 99

'11: 105

'10: 121

'09: 113

'08: 126

'07: 117

'06: 109

'05: 119

'04: 121

'03: 121

'02: 117

'01: 110

'00: 120

'99: 122

'98: 120

 

The fifteen year average is 116 points. I know that I'd be wound up and tight if I had the opportunity to play in Rupp but you can't tell me this was a quality two days of hoops.

Play is down all over the nation. Didn't LexCath beat the team from Sylvan, Arkansas that has a UK recruit on it? That Sylvan team won state in its class in Arkansas but can't beat LexCath. Basketball is down everywhere.

Baketball is becoming more athleticism than fundamentals. Scoring is down in every division all over the country.

Baketball is becoming more athleticism than fundamentals. Scoring is down in every division all over the country.

 

Is this the biproduct of AAU hoops? When I went to HS AAU hadn't taken off yet. You spent your summers at individual camps learning fundamentals. Sometimes I feel really old when I at the park doing the Mikan drill. Now they play games year round but is that enough?

Three of the sixteen teams did not break the 40 point mark. Half of the teams did not hit the 50 point mark. I didn't watch every game but I've seen enough sloppy hoops to last a month. It seems like the teams are moving 100 mph but the execution is lacking. Why such a terrible first round?

 

I think your question is more than fair, and I'll take a shake at giving some reasons I think the quality of play is down if everyone will oblige me a lengthy post.

 

1. First round and Sweet 16 jitters certainly play a part. Can't discount that. And, shooting in Rupp is unlike shooting any place these kids have played all year. I know you're not, but it is a valid reason for some slop.

 

2. Defense and preparation/scouting are much better than they were 20 years ago. I could really break this down better, but I don't want to get off point.

 

3. While the overall athleticism is better today than it's ever been, the number of kids with ball skills is as bad as it's ever been. This is an issue that compounds itself, because good athletes are now defending players with poor offensive skills. Talk about a recipe for ugly.

 

4. This one piggyback's No. 3. Coaching at the youth level is worse than it's ever been. And, before I get jumped on by every sixth grade coach in the state, let me point out I know there are some very good ones. But, a lot of fundamental things either aren't being taught, or are being taught incorrectly in leiu of winning games that don't really matter. Part of this is on parents. They want little Johnny's fifth grade team to be the best team on the planet, and if it's not, it's the coach's fault. They'll find a new coach or team next year and that feeds the beast.

 

The youth coaches I know who do a good job, win their share, sure. Their kids will do enough good things and improve each year to win some games. But, they'll also do a couple things starting with making the game fun. I've seen enough 10 year-old kids leave a court red faced and crying from losing "the big game" to last a lifetime. Coach of the winning team was likely zone pressing and dropping into a 2-3.

 

I could go on...

After seeing everyone I still think it will be Trinity and Scott County in the final. I'm ready for tomorrow and open for any surprises that may come our way. Don't give Trinity the trophy just yet but they look to be the best team.

 

I agree. I know we will give them our best shot today.

I am with you 100%, Sandman. Great post.

I agree. I know we will give them our best shot today.

 

I am looking forward to the game. I know you guys will.

I have not been there but have listened to several different radio guys coverning the games and I think it could be summed up in one word "Boring" That is not a knock on the kids or the teams it is just from high school basketball fans to go to the games to watch good high school basketball. So far it doesn't sound like "The Greatest Show in Hoops".

^

 

There were no real surprises. It seemed like every game was actually seeded and the higher seeds all won. No close barnburners or anything. That should change today.