Zlatan

I concur, and I don't even agree with different parts of what Randy said. What it all boils down to, in my opinion, is people's beliefs and faith. If those beliefs and that faith makes you a better person, then I think your religion is doing an excellent thing. We live in a world that can be so incredible yet so screwed up. Anything, and I mean anything, that helps someone become a more respectful, loving, and kind individual is something I view as a positive -- no matter what religion they follow. All that UKMustangFan and I are trying to say is this (correct me if I'm wrong UKMF) -- that people who do things in a Christ-like fashion and who happen to choose a different deity shouldn't necessarily be excluded from Heaven. Will they be? No one knows. You can take the Bible verse that I have become familiar with since it's alluded to frequently on P&R -- the one with Jesus saying the only way to get to Heaven is through him -- as you interpret it. I believe you read that as the only way to Heaven is to go through Christ literally -- through an active and conscious decision to become a Christian and worship in a church. My interpretation of that line of text is that he is referring to Christ-like works on earth and actions, bettering the world around you. I know that there are Bible verses alluded to earlier that illustrate points different than my thoughts, but it comes down to faith and what you believe. That just happens to be what I believe. Frankly, it is ridiculous for any of us to try to use somewhat secular logic (let's call my argument that) or Bible verses (let's call that the general argument against mine) to try to prove each other wrong, because we don't know. We won't know until we get where we're going or if there's anywhere to even get to.

If I'm old Buzz, I'm a bit uneasy watching this one.

5/7 from 3 land.

48 Iona, 24 BYU -- 1st half 6 minutes to go. Iona ON FIRE.

And some want to expand the field to 128? :lol: Fun comeback to watch.

They're as deep as any team in the NCAA tournament. This, however, will test just how deep they are. Wow. Monumental. Ohio State is rejoicing.

Thanks, Larry. I was just curious.

Great post, Birdsfan.

Cal gets a bad wrap for this, and I'm not sure why. He tries to better and further collegiate athletes. He tries to maximize their earning potential, which is the job of any teacher. Therefore, when they are deciding if they should leave or not, Cal tells them what he thinks. I think he tells MKG to go, because he has a greater shot at hurting his stock than helping it. As I said before, Cal will get a bad wrap for this, but other coaches who try to get their players to come back to better themselves is looked upon favorably. Am I missing something here? Who has the players' interests at heart? The guy who chooses based on what is best for the player or the guy who chooses based on what is best for the coach? That being said, MKG is gone.

My point is one that can be found in a previous thread. It has to do with religion being a consequence of location and upbringing. All I'm saying is that by mere luck each and every one of you was born in the United States of America, where you were raised as a Christian. Had you been born in another nation, you would have undoubtedly been raised as a member of another religion if your parents were of another religion, say Muslim. As a consequence of that, you would be going to Hell. If God created it all and He is compassionate and understanding and can see inside of man, then wouldn't He realize this fact? Wouldn't that be a bit obtuse of Him or perhaps even bordering on a God of Predestination on his part? Two other things have been said that I disagree with. First of all, to insinuate that the Bible is "not worth the paper it's written on" just because I disagree that God is going to deny people from Heaven who lived a Christ-like life and weren't Christian is not really fair. The Bible is a book that has many meanings to me and has taught me many things and is worth much more than the paper it's written on. Secondly, to insinuate that the Bible is to be taken as complete fact and not an interpretation is a matter of opinion, and quite obviously, an interpretation made by those who think that, themselves. I may be misunderstanding your point here, but I don't think the Bible contains only significance and meaning to those who accept it as complete fact.

Then thank your lucky stars you all happened to be born in the Christian United States of America -- if not, every single one of you would be destined to Hell.

ONE person. I repeat ONE person before me has Michigan State in the Final Four. Crazy! I love March Madness. Duke MSU OSU UNC

Who said that? The man said you get to Heaven by being a good, loving, caring person.

I think the toughest #1 draw was easily Syracuse. Easiest went to UNC in my opinion. To answer your question, I just don't think it's a good idea to say who someone would prefer to play. UConn is a tough draw -- I'll give you that, and I addressed that fact in another thread. I'm just saying that UK is going to have to play someone, so why not some teams that they can get some revenge and realize their vulnerability against and perhaps play harder? They know what they're getting against any matchup they have in the bracket. Truth is, we won't know until teams go out and play 40 minutes.

I respect your opinion on that, and while you have some points about how they have tough matchups, you have to play SOMEONE to get to the Final Four. I think it plays to their advantage that they are playing teams where there are inherent "story lines." It eliminates the "We can cruise here" (i.e. Kansas vs. Northern Iowa in 2009-2010) mentality of a "non-story line" game. It automatically gets your team ready to play, eliminates the cockiness, and can get your team up and ready to play every game. I'll repeat it. You have to play SOMEONE.

No conspiracies and nothing to complain about. UConn is tough as a 9, but they have to win first. UNC looks like they have a very nice road to the Elite Eight. KU could be tough in St. Louis, though. Overall, no horror stories to really complain about. I commend the committee on what I consider to be a nice job overall.

The IU loss was followed by 4 easy games. Not like that proved anything about how this team "bounces back." I just don't see losing as a good thing in any capacity. I definitely don't think it was a deal-breaker, though.

I see. Thank you. I was looking for them, but I couldn't find them. That OSU bracket and Kansas bracket would be interesting if they met. Robinson vs. Sullinger could get crazy.

Okay, and then MSU as the 1 seed? Or who?

Why does Kansas get an automatic nod as a 1 seed vs. Missouri? Couldn't they just as easily get a #1 seed? If they selection committee puts a "Big East Tournament champion weight" to their tournament win in the Big 12, then couldn't they get the #1? Maybe I'm missing something but here's how I see it: Missouri - 30-4 6 wins against Top 25 opponents (when they played them) Losses: K State (2), Ok. State, KU (OT) Kansas - 27-6 5 wins against Top 25 opponents (when they played them) Losses: UK, Duke, Davidson, Iowa State, Missouri, Baylor Head-to-Head record of 1 Kansas win and 1 Missouri win. I am not sure who deserves it based on that, but I don't think it's a lock.

I was about to say :laugh: They already won the Big 12 title yesterday.

News to me. I see, and it's a misconception on my part, then.

True. I agree with that.

Facts are facts. The best #1 seed plays the worst #2 seed. I'm arguing that the best #1 seed is easily Kentucky. The worst #2 seed is easily not Missouri. Why would they end up in the same bracket in a favorable region for Missouri? I mean how is that a pity party?

Yes, it was the South region. I just looked it up and Syracuse was in the West region. Baylor in Houston is a very tough draw. That is the sort of matchup, however, that should be given to the 4th number one seed if it has to be given to anyone, though, right? It's different saying "Oh, wow the three seed in my bracket is from the same region" as it is saying "The two seed from my bracket is from this region." Is it not? I mean that's the point at least I was trying to make -- that the number one overall seed should be rewarded by being given the most favorable tournament bracket. That just hasn't happened recently, and it would be a ridiculous break to give UK the Midwest bracket with Missouri in it.