All is quiet in Dayton: Virginia Commonwealth 59 USC 46
by Joey Kaufman on Mar 16, 2011 11:28 PM PDT
in USC Basketball
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On a positive note, a basketball thread on this site got nearly 200 comments. Other than that, I'm scrambling for positives other than, "well, at least they made the tourney!" On the eve of St. Patrick's Day in Dayton, Ohio, USC was embarrassed by a Virginia Commonwealth team that's most notable distinction was being a controversial at-large bid for the field of 68. Yet, when the game resulted in a 13-point win for the Rams, it appeared as if the Trojans were the more puzzling inclusion in this year's NCAA tournament.
It was, in many ways, difficult to anoint a winner in a contest, where both teams scored a combined 44 points at halftime - it was tied at 22. The primary takeaway in the aftermath, at least one held by many, was whether the expansion from 65 teams to 68 teams was necessary. Because yes, it was a watered down competition. No doubt. But when you compare the efforts from both teams, VCU unquestionably beat USC in nearly all aspects of the game. In the context of Wednesday night's game, the Trojans were soundly and thoroughly beaten.
"We didn't have it all night. We didn't have it." Kevin O'Neill told the media in the aftermath of tonight's loss. Surely, they didn't.
Most fans, as a result, and it's understandable, wish to discuss the job status of O'Neill. PointGuardU.com reported last week he was going to be fired. Sports by Brooks has hinted at such a possibility several times this week. Who knows. The folks in Heritage Hall will come to determination sooner rather than later.
More after the jump.
For now, though, USC will have to deal with a rather unsatisfactory taste left in its mouth in the aftermath of a game, in which it struggled immensely. In nearly every facet of the game, it was bettered by VCU. A few telling stats:
- Shot differential: VCU 59 attempts, USC 38 attempts
- Rebounds: VCU 35 USC 29
- Turnovers: VCU 8 USC 15
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Another thing I want to add and there will be more in the coming days
Nikola Vucevic had just five shots. The guy’s getting a lot of flack after just 11 points, but in total fairness, he’s got to get better looks. Didn’t happen. Hardly got any looks, at least from my perspective.
He hardly got the ball, because he couldn't establish position in the same zip code as the basket
dude got pushed around all night.
Sorry KO lovers but this result is what you get with a ONE dimensional coach, having a very good shooter in Garrett Jackson just sitting doesn't work.
The problem with KO is that he doesn’t know how to use the parts he has available to him , for some reason his only focus is his ideals. He refuses to learn his team, not able to place all the parts he really has but to just use familiar ones only. IT’s like he goes out and buys a car that is RACE PREP but just drives on the street, then when he drives the Race car on the street complains of it being to rough of a ride.
BOOM_BOOM that was the sound of the DUCKs being shot down again in a BCS Bowl Game---I guess all that Slave Money can't buy a championship.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 17, 2011 2:29 AM PDT reply actions
it’s as if they out-hustled and out-muscled USC, particularly its the backcourt.
and the front court, and mid court, and over on the next court…..
We played undisciplined basketball with no offensive direction. We tried to play their tempo instead of ours. We caught a few bad breaks too, but we were largely out played and out coached.
There were just too many loose balls bouncing around that they were able to claim off of offensive rebounds, botched steals or weak blocks that they kicked to an open man for 3.
We had no offensive philosophy to speak of and when we did get calls, we couldn’t convert FTs.
It truly was a game of missed opportunities and silly mistakes – they forced us into making errors that we hadn’t made all year. Give them a lot of credit for coming out w/ an effective game plan and a lot of intensity. It’s clear that our guys lacked the sense of fire and urgency that they thought they would simply be able to turn on after supposedly coasting vs. Arizona.
A disappointing end to the season, for sure, but not that unsurprising when you consider the physical and mental exhaustion of playing only 6 guys all year.
YEP thats what KO Breeds--------Kaos
As seen he was out coached by a younger less experienced coach, thats why we should look for a coach like VCUs. USC needs to fine FRESH BLOOD when it comes to a BB coach or the results will never change, when Coach K came to Duke is was basically fresh, I dont think any longgg time assistants will help either.
BOOM_BOOM that was the sound of the DUCKs being shot down again in a BCS Bowl Game---I guess all that Slave Money can't buy a championship.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 17, 2011 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Good idea. SoCal's fix is to hire Shaka.
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
Hahaha! SHAKA! SHAKA! SHAKA!
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
No just pointing out that even young coaches are good enough and it is time that USC and Fans realize that hiring a big name coach is not the way to go.
Listen USC has the best Gym in so cal at this point and most to all CIF championship games are played in it, it gives HS players something they can point too. But you think what you want TEX it is your life and I understand your views so have a great life.
BOOM_BOOM that was the sound of the DUCKs being shot down again in a BCS Bowl Game---I guess all that Slave Money can't buy a championship.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 17, 2011 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Let the speculation end.....
USC athletic director Pat Haden said he supported basketball coach Kevin O’Neill “”http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_17632636" target="new">150 percent,"
So, it looks like Brooks was wrong and KO is definitely coming back next season. Given that KO has had all of one recruiting class for a program on sanctions and played most of the year with a 6-man rotation, I find it a remarkable achievement that we finished 4th in conference and made the tourney.
Last night we were simply outplayed. Our backcourt had average talent at best, and we were simply outgunned in a game of 6 on 10. I was very impressed with VCU’s defense. And, for USC, if we are not hitting any perimeter shots or making critical foul shots, we are capable of losing to anyone. The loss of Bryce really hurt this team as we desperately needed a slashing scorer last night.
But, we improved over last season, and have what appears to be a strong recruiting class coming in. Also, KO has cleaned up the program of runners and troublemakers. Better days are ahead. And, USC has made the tourney 4 years running when eligible.
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
Frkn link would not work
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_17632636
USC athletic director Pat Haden said he supported basketball coach Kevin O’Neill “150 percent,”
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
I guess you didn't here the quote made by KO before the game that the announcers said that when ask why he goes with 6 players.
KO said he only uses 6 because he wants the player to be more in rhythm with the game. Good luck with your KO coach.
BOOM_BOOM that was the sound of the DUCKs being shot down again in a BCS Bowl Game---I guess all that Slave Money can't buy a championship.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 17, 2011 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions
Heh
It’s a tradition for AD’s to announce their support for a coach just before they can him.
Not saying PH will fire KO but I wouldn’t read to much into that statement.
Btw Tex, I don’t hate KO, I just believe we can do far better.
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
Like who? Gib Arnold
I’m all for it if we want to pay Jamie Dixon $3.5M and buyout his Pitt contract, but it’s not realistic. We just disagree. I think the team overachieved and improved this season, coming from total carnage.
I guess you guys think that nothing short of a Sweet 16 this season would have been a success, despite sanctions and lack of depth?
We just disagree. That’s what makes a market!
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
KO will have his year and then we'll see
I hope to be proven wrong.
Btw, firing Gib Arnold was a strategic move by KO to rid himself of a competitor. KO would have been a lot more expendable if Gib had been on the reservation. In no case can I imagine Gib doing any worse than KO, but that’s water under the bridge so who cares.
Jamie Dixon will NEVER coach at USC.
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
I like Gib too
Hawaii did only finish tied for 5th in a 9 team WAC at 8-8 NOT making the tourney.
But, that was a nice 5 game conference improvement over the prior year. I’m also really surprised that no one has given Bob Cantu an HC shot yet.
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
Give him credit, he won 18 games! Not bad for a start.
I like Bob as well but he needs a couple more years for a D1 job.
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
I don't understand where all the Jamie Dixon talk comes from
He just signed an extension at Pitt last offseason. His team’s in the running for a Final Four appearance, as well as an NCAA title. I know he went to Notre Dame High School and is from Southern California, but does he really want to leave Pitt for ’SC just because he spent the early years of his life in the L.A. area.
by Joey Kaufman on Mar 17, 2011 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Signed through 2018, right?
I hear lots of fans saying “fire and upgrade”, but I am not hearing any viable options. Dixon, not available. Kruger, talk about boring. Bennett, not an upgrade. Theus, risky, Fisher, 66 yrs old. Honestly, the best idea that I’ve heard so far is Shaka Smart.
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
C'mon Tex, be serious
Dixon? Might as well talk about Roy Williams, Bill Self, Tom Izzo, Mike Krzyzewski and Billy Donovan; might as well throw Ben Howland in the pool. Since we’ll never get any of those guys we have to settle for everyone’s sloppy seconds or thirds? (In KO’s case fourths)
We need a young talent that will grow and become as successful as the A Listers. I’d rather start now. Why don’t you mention guys like Mike Few, or Sean Miller? Or ever Jim Larranaga, or Eddie Sutton?
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
Good, those are at least some interesting names
- Mark Few, well, first he’s a DUCK. Spent his entire career in PacNW. Has only advanced beyond NCAA 2nd round twice in last 10 years. Also, has been approached numerous times and always declined leaving the Zags.
- Sean Miller, I really like. But, it’s a step backward at this point to move from Zona to USC in hoops.
- Larranaga is in his 60s, has a career .580 win record, and has only advanced past the NCAA 1st round once in his entire career. Plus, he’s been in the same job for 15 yrs. Not exactly young and rejuvenating.
- Eddie Sutton is retired. Do you mean Sean or Scott Sutton, his sons at Oral Roberts?
- Randy Bennett is a solid candidate, although he has never won a WCC Championship outright, and has only advanced beyond the NCAA 1st round once.
I just don’t see many candidates that are viable and jump out at me as big upgrade over KO with his +20 yrs of big time D-1 and 6 yrs of NBA coaching experience. KO is also very well-educated with a degree from Canada’s top university and a master’s in secondary education. USC’s roster has performed well academically for APR purposes under KO, meeting Max and Pat’s new era directives, I presume.
A Quick Note for the Quitters
No comment from this thread will be deleted. You will have to own them when we get it turned around and beat Southern Cal. You will never ride the bandwagon when we come back. Not on BN. GO BRUINS.
by Nestor on Sep 4, 2010 9:24 PM CDT
Tex, you can shoot down anyone. And sorry, I did mean Scott Sutton at Oral Roberts.
KO will get his year, but in his mid 50’s it’s hard to see him becoming better than his sub .500 record.
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
Because he is delusional
BOOM_BOOM that was the sound of the DUCKs being shot down again in a BCS Bowl Game---I guess all that Slave Money can't buy a championship.
oH and Flush the sound Our Basketball Program is going down the drain, anybody got some liquid Plumber.
by so.cal.native1952 on Mar 17, 2011 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Theus doesn't seem to make sense
He was a candidate two years ago, alongside K.O. I’m not sure he’d even be an upgrade. Unless, you’re going to get a top of the line guy (you’re not by the way), you don’t fire K.O.
by Joey Kaufman on Mar 17, 2011 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions
SHAKA! SHAKA! SHAKA!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!
"The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." - Joseph Stalin
U feeling Loco?
a blast from the past
A comment from a friend who actually used to go to a lot of SC basketball games when we were in college a million years ago:
Turnovers, missed free throws, zero perimeter game, and lots of fouls. Now that is the Trojan basketball team I remember.
As Paragon knows, I was out to dinner with some co-workers hearing about the joys of online dating in middle age. Based on your collective comments, I think I had the better evening. Just.
"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea"
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