Dubes35

Want to believe Cuse has everything he is looking for and needs but gut tells me his Mom liked G-Town and that will be a factor in this...That is until I hear Shabazz say Kentucky at 7:45 then the 1-2 to Kentucky could be in play.....Just hope the Family feel and love of the Dome came into play in the decision...read somewhere that his Mom did not take any trips or visits to Cuse with him but she went to DC and Georgetown...then the report with the in home visits was the Nerlens was not at the Kentucky meeting so who knows....was he not there to see the "bag of cash" exchange...just saying if he doesn't see it...listen all of this is nonsense now...time for the decision and for all of us to move on...who are the big kids in 2013...let's go get a few!!!!!

Hope you get to see Nerlens block some shots clear into the Ocean of the Midway!!!! Go Orange Noel #3 is ready and waiting for you!!!

Funny tickle in my gut is either lunch not agreeing with me or a shock the world is choosing Georgetown....His family is going to push him to G-Town....the history of Centers and defense will be the deciding factor...The Thompson's fool them again...hope I am wrong but starting to feel like we are third in a 3 horse race...not sure why Cuse offers just as much if not more than the other 2...although Cuse has been in the race the longest but the last one to the dance may steal the show....we'll see.

We will all know soon enough Wed night will be here and we will either curse Calipari or have a early April hoops celebration...It will be interesting to see if Bazz and Noel are a package headed to Kentucky..wonder if they know each others decision? Wonder if Bazz goes to UCLA and not Kentucky if that would lean Noel a different way....Hope he comes to Cuse but I am preparing myself for Kentucky and will be pleasantly surprised if he picks Orange....Just think he sets himself up for endless comparisons to Anthony Davis and just seems likw he is following history instead of making history which he can come and do in Syracuse...Cal is gonna take the Knicks jobe and leave all those kids in the lerch....they of course will bring in a top coach but anyway....The Cuse frontline depth will just be incredible if Noel comes....but let's see what Wednesday brings us....

What could have been...that is my lasting memory...made some great improvements this year but clearly ended up hurting this team when it counted most...We will never know what impact he would of had in the tournament...he was missed in the Ohio State game. Good Luck and come clean as to what really happened...be a man and own up to the issues that sank the season.

The frustrating part of this past weekend is that Cuse Nation wasn't in New Orleans to combat the Wildcat faithful...Melo got us again...nothing we can do about Noel being in NO and all those UK fans being in town to see their team....Cuse Nation can't send the Brigade down there to counter UK when the team isn't there playing...of course Nerlens is gonna be impressed with UK...who wasn't but here is the thing I want him to hear and think about....why go to UK to live in the shadow of this past season...why not take a crack at making your own history..Hard to deny the Kentucky blueprint and it sure seems he would fit right into it...but I want him to realize he can be a part of something very special and place his own stamp on things at Syracuse....It sure reads and sounds like Kentucky and that is disappointing however there is still time between now and 4/11 and things can change. I really do fear that a few of these undecided kids hook up and all go to Kentucky..I just can't get over why you want to repeat history when you can make your own...He goes to Kentucky he will have to hear about Anthony Davis over and over and over and there will be no end to the comparisons especially if they fail to match what this years team did...maybe he wants that challenge but just think he can really benefit from writing his own story instead of plagiarizing this year's story. Come and be the next great #3 in Orange...just not sure that bombing him with Tweets is going to make a difference...just hard to combat what he was able to experience in NO...of course he played with our 2 guys and hopefully what happened on the court will play in his decision but end of day I think we are wise to expect him to announce Kentucky and sadly move on and if otherwise and it is Cuse then we can rejoice at that point...just trying to temper expectation and the excitement about the possibilities of adding Noel to the class. They would be a lot of fun to watch..the frontcourt depth would just pound teams into submission...I know they can do special things and hope Nerlens can see that as well...is MCW and location and playing with Coleman and Grant along with a chance to make his own history enough to counter the Kentucky juggernaut..."MAKE YOUR OWN HISTORY NERLENS!!!!!!" JOIN THE ORANGE! You don't need the Kentucky machine to get you to the NBA...look at the improvements Melo made in the Cuse system...Davis can say all he wants about improving while at Kentucky but come on what did he really need to work on...he was a guard then had a growth spurt and all the skills melted together a guards skills in a center's body - Don't live in Grant's shadows and history..MAKE YOUR OWN!

Noel doesn't need Kentucky to be #1 in the draft....it sounds like a program won't vault him to that slot...he can be one and done anywhere he decides to go so why Kentucky? In most cases I get the NBA factory and why kids select it but he doesn't need it from all accounts...so why not go and play closer to home with a friend in MCW....I have no doubt Coleman will be a factor just not sure how much in year 1....he will see as much time as his condition allows him...he has more skills than Melo for sure but fear he will be on a similar program....Here's hoping Noel makes his decision and it is Cuse and if not just make it soon so we can all move on...he has had his in home visits...gotta be pretty close...Hope Grant and Coleman can get in his ear this weekend...Kentucky can live without Noel too..they have 4 or 5 of the remaining kids all on their list so if they miss on Noel they get the next 4 ...Noel can stand above the rest in Orange Nation...he can be compared and make his own history here...he will be compared to Davis and everyone else....do something different Noel come don the Orange!!!!!

As for Coleman....there are skills there for sure but also seems like a prime candidate for the Fab Melo Frosh to Soph makeover...drop 15 lbs increase conditioning and cardio...game will be too fast for him next year....making it even more important to land Noel....

So are Grant and Coleman aware of their job this weekend....do we need to fly MCW down there as well...the Orange full court press needs to be in effect in the Big Easy...I remain hopeful that the might Kentucky will lose out on this one and Noel will remain in the Northeast and come to the Cuse!!! Remain hopeful yet very anxious....

Will be interesting to see how the team develops and rotations. Remain hopefully Noel will join the roster for next year...can never have enough size...just look back to the last game for evidence of that. They seem a bit thin at the guard/small forward slot or actually guys who will drive to the hole...thinking Fair may factor in that and maybe Grant. MCW should be able to get to the rack too as well as Triche..Who will become the go to guy on this team? That is where Dion will be missed the most...Honestly do think he could of been a Top 10 pick in the '13 draft but there are several guys jumping in this year so it is what it is...it will be interesting to see the progression and transformation Coleman goes thru...it is easy to project a Melo type path for him where his body and conditioning may not be up to snuff for year 1 but once in the program he will get into better shape...sounds like he can be an offensive machine but we have to see how it plays out especially if Noel comes aboard...does someone redshirt or transfer out? Just sad we don't have a game to watch on Saturday...if only a couple of those layups go in and a few less fouls are called...that charge on Triche with Thomas in the circle....oh What ifs.....

I keep telling myself as long as the team that put 50 up in the second half on Saturday shows up we will be fine....it should be a grind it out battle but in the end the talent will prevail. We need to take it to them...play inside out and don't settle...drive drive and drive...boards will be important..this is a scrappy team that will get after it...make some shots and dampen their spirits. Can the game start already? Hope the real Fair can show up and get after it...get him involved early get him some drives and layups couple lobs....Elite 8 would be very rewarding..anything else for me would be gravy..albeit once you get some of that gravy of course you want more and more and more but let's get the job done tonight - Go Cuse!!!! Team Rebounding and Effort...play MCW for a few minutes in the 1st half...

What can you read into Nerlens not being at the house when Kentucky arrived...a little strange....I like that we went last....Hard to think about Noel right now with the game tonight but it is exciting to thing of the roster with him aboard...that is even with Dion and Melo leaving. A little thin at guard but strong elsewhere. Guards - Cooney, MCW and Triche F/C Fair, Southerland, Keita, Grant, Coleman and Noel...Pretty good 9 man rotation...could win a few games with that crew...But first things first let's win 4 more with this "crew"

Flynn and Wes Johnson made the right calls...if you can go in the top 10 to 15 then it is worth it to leave....issue is they both went to Minnesota....hope both can find their way in the league. As far as Dion goes...it will be borderline for him in the 1st round but only he can make that decision...only 1st round is guaranteed money...he is 1st round talent and really top 10 talent with another year starting and scoring 18 a game next year but seems to me he is gonna take his shot at the NBA..all we can do is wish him well...we shall see but let's hope Dion has at least 4 more games in his career at Cuse

Speaks volumes to the kid's focus and preparation...he gets tossed into a tough spot and has answered the call and then some...Certainly hope it can continue for 4 more games. Rak has done a great job and will be needed if the Orange plan to move on...Looks better at the 5 but he will be fine at the 4 or 5 next year....Christmas, Noel, Southerland, Triche MCW with Grant, Cooney, Coleman and Fair should be a nice 9 guy rotation. Would love to see Dion back but if he continues to have a successful tourney gonna be hard to say no to the NBA...although another year at Cuse could provide a top 10 slot instead a bottom 1st round at best...Anyway Go Cuse.

Does anyone think Calipari is staying there at UK..if he wins this title he is taking another shot at the NBA..especially if the Knicks do call...If Noel thinks he is playing for that guy he is kidding himself...Come to Cuse be with your buddy MCW and come make some history...MCW will play next year and so will Noel....Just hope he doesn't get sucked into the G-Town mystical tour....Anyway let's go win a couple of games in Boston and take care of business...wonder if he will be in attendance in Boston..pretty close to his home and school.....Go Cuse

Need the team that played the 2nd half against K-State. Scoop playing smart and hitting shots...taking just 5 threes and hitting all 5 (bonus) They held their own rebounding and drove the ball to the hoop. playing inside out..under control and battling on the boards. They were in the bonus for 13 minutes...so hit free throws and play inspired...get Fair back to doing the dirty work...drive the lanes with Kris, Scoop, Dion and Brandon...It will be a tight game but Cuse should have enough fire power to overcome Wisconsin. Then we can discuss Saturday at that point. Go CUSE!!!!

A lot of schools missed the boat on Jimmer not only Cuse....I think only St Bonnies and BYU offered scholarships...and I think cuse had already filled up the roster with other guards...they only have so many scholarships to go around...Cuse has a particular system and type player they recruit into the system...of course if there is a blue chipper that is interested and may not fit the blueprint they still examine those but they tend to snag lengthy types that fit into the zone to stretch the court....now of course G-Mac doesn't fit that and neither does Cooney per se but you get the point...in most cases Boeheim looks for guys to stretch the court and fit the zone....they can get all of them.....

If the team that played in that 2nd half of the K-State games shows up in Boston there is no reason to think they can't handle the Wisc game and prepare for Saturday...Have to avoid getting bombarded from three and must try to hold their own on the glass...Tempo could be an issue in this game but we must try to push whenever possible and drive the ball as they did against K-State...play inside out...it just opens things up for nice clean 3 point looks....seems like when the good Scoop appears things go well...could use more from Fair and Triche...would like to see a couple of outside shots fall for Kris as well...Go Cuse

Remain hopeful on Noel....there is always a need for a guy like this...Melo is leaving so regardless of having Christmas and Coleman you always add talent when you can....Christmas seems to be better at the 5 but I am not saying sorry to Noel we have no room for you....you get him and figure it out...Listen we are losing 4 guys from this team...the 2 seniors and Melo and most likely Dion as well (unfortunately) but first things first lets go win a couple of games in Boston and get back to the "Big Easy" Won't be easy but surely feel better after that performance on Saturday...if that team shows up in Boston they have just a good a chance as anybody not named Kentucky. But that is why they play the games...everyone had FLA ST and Vandy playing for the final 4 slot out of the East...oops

Cuse leadership needs to up their efforts to get Noel...there is a gaping hole in the middle due to the Melo nonsense...He was not officially in the 2012 class when he came to the UConn game so his visits thus far to "The Hill" have been unofficial...I don't like that Cuse was not mentioned in the "Official Visit" list but maybe he knows what he needs to know here or he will come back here last....Yes all of the stuff around the program are tough to overcome and may continue to prove a challenge in recruiting but I am hoping Noel can see past that and join the Orange....there is a real need here...we are gonna lose 4 guys from this team...2 seniors...and Melo and Dion...the latter 2 are not ready for the next level however they will make the next level and get paid but what will it really amount to? The 2 seniors will wind up in Europe...Kris just doesn't have the handle and fire that would carry him to the next level and Scoop is Scoop...Kris should of been more this year..a lot of 3 for 11 games except for that G-Town game. Nerlens is needed here!!!!! will understand if he doesn't come but will be disappointed

They don't need miracles from Rak...just steady solid play...stay on the floor..defend. rebound the ball...score some second chance points and throw a couple of alley oops for him..just be solid....I believe he can do just this and hold down the fort so to speak...maybe Keita finds the guy we saw last year and we might just be OK...gotta avoid history tomorrow get a W in the books and just move on...

“They told us. He spoke,’’ SU sophomore Dion Waiters said. “He said he was sorry for what was going on. He (said) he loves us, and he’s got our back no matter what. That’s the biggest thing. He’s going to be with us in spirit.’’ Will "THE SPIRIT" block ten shots...if he really had your backs he would of somehow maintained his eligibility and been on the floor....want to give him the benefit of the doubt but end of day this is a huge letdown and blow...but all we can do is speculate what happened....WHY is he not playing!!!!!! Someone come clean....I know it won't change anything but just knowing would at least put that to rest...nice try Dion but he Doesn't have your backs and his spirit isn't gonna carry you to Boston...WOW this sucks...Gotta support the eligible players and hope Rak can fill in and they play inspired ball...

OMG - when is the game starting....let's just play the game and if they are fortunate enough to survive play again on Saturday...this is brutal!!!! Transparency would of done everyone a ton of good here...maybe not all the details are required but at least categorize why he is ineligible....This is bogus...I hate what it does for their chances in this tourney but the real fallout for the next few years...the program has taken some hits here and what will be the fallout in terms of NCAA penalties and then from perception from a recruiting perspective....I think what Noel decides to do could be a big factor in where this program goes....reading the quotes from Dion...it sure sounds like he is heading outta town too...he made it sound like this was one last run for the team...easy to read into that...don't think he is referencing Scoop and Kris. Boy he needs another year but anyway.....

The 2 days of postings on the various sites and blogs is the exact reason why some of the parties involved need to sign waivers and allow the facts to be made public...we can speculate all we want about why he is out and until the veil of privacy is lifted really none of us should render a judgement on this....fact is for whatever reason Melo is not being allowed to play and this team needs to prepare and adjust for that. They still have plenty of talent to win some games in this tournament. I would like the full story before I give my full opinion regarding Melo....The timing of this is very curious to say the least....smells like a university who is under the NCAA microscope and very afraid to push the issue....something is clearly amiss here and we deserve to know the facts....is this academic at all? This is just another day in Orange Nation this year....all we can do now is support and cheer for the guys who remain eligible and wish them nothing but the best. Certainly hope they can make adjustment and find a way to win a few of these games

Very frustrated with the cloud over this team especially this last issue....enough with the privacy blah blah blah...what is the issue that has left this team in peril? The statements leave much to be desired...end of the day it doesn't matter because he is gone but we deserve to know why...just so bizarre. Just hope they can make it to Boston!!! Go Cuse...and I hope this does not harm the future of the program...Coach's comments leads you to believe it is academics because if he did something stupid like drugs or contact agents or break restraining orders then there would be nothing to feel sorry about...if it is in fact an academic issue then how is he eligible 4 days ago or even 2 days ago....maybe he has just struggled and even with help it hasn't worked out but just the timing of this is so strange...but when clear reasons are not given it leads to more questions than answers and speculation just runs rampant and who knows where the truth lies...is it plagarism...drugs...not going to class....improper contact with an agent....illegal coffee trafficking etc.....

There is no excuse for this....however English is his 3rd language so this is a systemic failure at Cuse to not tutor and help this kid further than they did if it is academic...just don't get how he is eligible for the BET and now 4 days later they harpoon the season...2010 all over again - Bad Day for Orange Nation...is this Drugs? and if it is then this is even worse after all the discussion about this a week ago....So all they can do is roll the balls out and go play...Keita and Christmas will need to rebound and defend. The room for error does not exist now...they will just need to go and play...They will need to team rebound more than ever and just see where it takes them. This is very disappointing and i think we all deserve to know the reason behind this....I understand he has rights to privacy but there are thousands of fans spending big time cash to get to go see the games that have rights too.....At this point I just want a win on Thursday and avoid being the 1st 1 seed to fall to a 16....From all accounts K-State is a big strong team that can shoot it a bit so that sounds like a real battle to get to the Sweet 16...31-2 is all for not...God 2010 all over again...but the game is not played on paper....gotta move on and see if they can get the job done. All we can do is support the guys that ARE eligible and hope for the best....They are still a strong team and can win a few games in this tourney...Go Orange...and look at it this way...now we may have an opening at Center for Mr. Noel to join the fray next season...Silver linings ...i know I am grasping at straws here but this is a tough day...what a year...Gee whiz....The Fine scandal....the 1st Melo deal....the drug report....now the 2nd and probably last Melo deal...somehow they won 31 games but hard to think of all those games now....Very frustrating day but they still have a chance....this hurts but they need to rally and go take care of Asheville and get ready for a battle on Saturday...they just need to Defend/Rebound and limit errors on offense...they will need to shoot it and be efficient on that side of things..Go Cuse

It is baffling that a team that plays zone can't play against it....where was the press in the 1st half? They were back on their heels and needed to be pressing and trying to get something going then....To be honest they will get nowhere next week if the Scoop and Kris that played in the BET do that in the NCAA....it is as simple as that. Dion was 1 on 7 tonight and almost pulled it off...now the question is will teams learn from what Cincy laid out tonight to be Cuse...play zone and get some hot shooting..then when the shooting cools off...just offensive rebound...anyway just a strange game and enough of the slow starts...they gotta get out of the blocks better next week...where is the killer instinct on this team? Anyway disappointing but everything starts next Thursday....6 games to go...stay classy Cuse..they are not a perfect team but this is a tourney for the taking...all depends on which Scoop and Kris show....yeah it is a legit question and if they don't when does JB just turn it over to the kids...just can't get beind 17 and expect to get it done...incredible performance from Dion...but he needs a few guys to join him next week...they need to drive the ball then work it inside out...not many easy buckets lately..no Melo lobs..CJ Kris need layups and dunks...none to be found today.....the Draw will be very important.......Cuse is 0-6 as the 1 seed in the BET...never won it from the pole position so this can't be a big shock...just terrible 1st half and just can't play like that in the Dance...1st 5 minutes very important to set tone...they were just flat tonight on all aspects of the game Dion aside....are we seeing the final games for Dion...will this propel him to the next level...he is not ready but........

30-1 - dealing with scandal left and right and that is good for a bag of beans...anyway there is only one prize that is worth getting excited about - well let's make it two...would like the sweep of the reg season and BET titles then move on to the NCAA. Heath, Brey and others had good seasons...somewhat aided by down years at Nova, Pitt and UConn...30-1 and 17-1 are still just that pretty pretty awesome...Jones is the kid that got jobbed...you lead your league in scoring AND rebounds that has to get you player of the year....WVU was down for them but not horrific either. Crowder is a decent player but he is probably not even the POY on his own team...Johnson-Odom may be more important on that team.....anyway GO CUSE 9 games left!!!!!!! right folks...let the basketball do the talking..forget these allegations and haters..it is about this team and this next month. Solid D, rebounding, steals, transition and warming up from outside..this can be the YEAR!!!

This team is too talented and athetic to be out rebounded as badly as this...Cuse teams have struggled for years on the boards...this is nothing new however to be beaten by double digits on the boards is unacceptable...they have overcome this with other areas. Bottom line is they must close the gap...they have to rebound as a team...guards need to pitch in and not leak out as much...I know they want to run and get that transition going but there is no transition if they don't 1st possess the ball...it is just overall attention to securing the "rock" way too many loose balls and tap outs...anyway I hope to see an improvement starting tomorrow and going forward. This team has a great opportunity in front of them in the next month or so and just need to tighten up a couple of areas...rebounding and half court offense come to mind....three point shooting as well but once again they are 24-1 ... I just know that none of us want a repeat of 2010 with a Butler type team taking us out way too early......this team should go far but there are ways to beat this team and the blueprint has shown itself in the last few games...Go Cuse!!! Put on a show for Mr. Noel tomorrow..Send the Huskies on their way with a HUGE LOSS...don't let that team up off the mat...

Just improve the Rebounding....the numbers have to be closer...no question the Defense is very good but they are having to work way too hard because of the extra chances they allow from the rebounding standpoint...the guards just can't leak out as much...the shooting should come around and more transition hoops always helps that....improved half court offense wouldn't hurt either...but 24-1 says a lot...6 more to go then bring on NYC and beyond...stay healthy fellas!!!! Beat the Dogs and the Redbirds!!!!