2011 NCAA Tournament: Final Four Open Thread
by BoilerTMill on Apr 2, 2011 6:48 PM EDT
in Men's Basketball
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PrintI feel like I should be sitting here, swilling the brownest of brown liquors and cursing my TV because Purdue should be in Houston. I should be in Houston right now instead of Indianapolis watching Butler and VCU play on my TV. At least it is happening in a parallel universe. Somewhere out there Robbie Hummel never got hurt, Scott Martin never became a traitor, and the Baby Boilers stayed together for four years, with LewJack running point the last three. They stayed together and won the 2010 title, then came back to defend their title with an undefeated run to Houston this year.
Instead, we have our Final Four open thread, greatly unfulfilled and full of bitterness as we cheer on in state Butler. Go Bulldogs.
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Thanks for the thread, TMill
I know it hurts, but we’re all going through some withdrawl here.
Bo Bulldogs!!
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
I thought we exhausted Open threads this week
Since we had about 2500 comments on the Painter situation
Seriously though, the Painter thing brought in HUGE numbers.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
I missed them live
Saw some of the backlash through Boiled Sports. I wrote Burke a polite letter explaning that the Purdue blogs were a source of sanity., but haven’t gotten a response.
Unfortunately, I fear that the credential bridge through Purdue is burned because they refuse to budge.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Other than the fact that there were a few idiots that threw BS claims out there w/o sources.
But for the most part the comments were great
missed it
what was your impression?
by GreenBayBoilermaker on Apr 2, 2011 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Typical saving face
Saying " its great Matt and I both have the same goals, want to have all the resources of a championship team bs…." He said he didn’t read comments himself but heard about them from his staff. Regardless I’m glad that the ultimate goal was achieved…Painter stays.
comments from this site?
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See, that's what I love
It’s been alluded that I am responsible for all comments ever left, even though I may not even be near a computer when they are made. Purdue has an incredibly negative view of blogs and I admit, I have made my mistakes, but I have moved on and grown from them. I fear they aren’t willing to do the same, and that they fear blogs like this and BS because we’re not all rosy sunshine all the time.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Their position is about control and 'owning the product'
The world is changing. They are hanging on to the past.
Your ‘mistakes’ are the excuses they need to shut you out.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
+1
I find this site spot on for the most part-
by GreenBayBoilermaker on Apr 2, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Brennan's podcast
did cite H&R as ‘well written’ and a site that ‘he visits often’.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
You'll like this then, from SBNation itself on March 20th:
I’m pleased to be delivering some good news to you: SB Nation has raised your quarterly payment from $150 to $450. The raise in your pay will be retroactive to January 1, 2011, such that your first quarter payment this year will be $450 (plus sponsored campaign payments). Congratulations — this is most deserved, and reflective of the exceptional work that you are doing at Hammer and Rails.
Your site embodies everything that is superior about sports blogging, generally, and SB Nation, specifically. Your content is rich both in quality and quantity. Your traffic in January was more than three times what it was the prior year, and that is a direct reflection of the fantastic content that you create, and the consistency with which you deliver it. Boilermaker fans simply cannot do any better for fan news and coverage than Hammer and Rails. In short, you’re a model blogger, and one that we feel comfortable holding out to investors and advertisers as an example of our success and position of strength.
Thanks, as well, for your strong participation in the many sponsored campaigns of 2010. Obviously, that’s a nice way that you’re able to make money through SB Nation, but the excellent job you do within the parameters of each campaign consistently helps us deliver value to the advertisers, and helps us continue to land more of them. We really appreciate the excellent work that you do on a consistent basis.
From all of us at SB Nation, thank you, Travis, and congratulations on all your many successes. Here’s to an equally productive and enjoyable 2011."
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by BoilerTMill on Apr 2, 2011 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Already did as part of my letter
No response
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
That's your NIT champion Shockers!
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Outstanding and Well Deserved
wanna use some of that windfall to expand your Ying order?
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
lol, nah
Already did. Bought myself a mountain bike to ride too and from work since I only work a mile and a half from home. The rest is going to pay myself back for when we traded in our car in February.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
congrats Travis
Keep up the excellent work
by GreenBayBoilermaker on Apr 2, 2011 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I readyBurke say that,
for some reason, some ‘blog writers’ inexplicably ‘threw me under the bus’.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
he doesn't read them
I would doubt he knows how this works
by GreenBayBoilermaker on Apr 2, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Not to mention
lost productivity of anyone related to Purdue.
The chance of a Painter departure was a brilliant move on your part to spike readership, TMill. Please don’t ever, ever do it again.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
Wow, am I the only one on here?
Anyway, even though I like the thought of in state winners…..I don’t since its not us…go VCU make our run of losing to NCAA champs continue….
Baseball update
Lost 9-5 yesterday, won game one today 7-0. they are trailing 3-1 in game 2 of a doubleheader, but have the bases loaded in the 7th.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
his mom is in the stands
If she don’t mind, it’s OK by me.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
good half
hope to see whoever wins this game take the next one
by GreenBayBoilermaker on Apr 2, 2011 7:05 PM EDT reply actions
I hate them both, but UCONN less
Even though they’re from the Big Least. Kentucky is dirtier than dirty….dirtier than UCONN even
Does anyone know
How VCU turned their season around?
Was a key player hurt during the regular season??
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
Naw, they lost a bunch of games in conference
It’s like they all came to practice in early March and said, “Ohhhhhh! – got it, coach”.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
JJ's endorsements
Watching Blake Griffin sell Subway makes me wonder what type of products Mr. Johnson will be pitching in the future…
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
don't recognize the refs
I’m guessing none do big ten games.
by GreenBayBoilermaker on Apr 2, 2011 7:49 PM EDT reply actions
Hey Guys and Gals
Im new here, thanks mostly to “Paintergate”. This place is really cool. Glad i’ve found it
Boilermaker - '95
welcome welcome!
I need to do a welcome post this week for all the new people from Painter gate
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
So I have to ask...
How many people joined JPC after this, and did anyone use me as a referral? I found out this week I get additional points for referrals
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
JPC
You get priority points based on years of membership, dollars donated. Consecutive season tickets bought, etc. One source of points is a referral bonus if you refer someone who joins. I know I am way down on the list, but I’m in like the 31st percentile since I have been in for 10 years.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
I know I'll be joining soon so I'll put you down as a referral
It looked like I had to send in an application rather than apply online, so I’m going to include a written note regarding this site’s status as official Boiler media, as well.
You all are too good to me.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
haven't yet but am considering
and I will use you as a referral- and make sure that Purdue knows that Hammer and Rails is one of the ways that I got reconnected
by GreenBayBoilermaker on Apr 2, 2011 8:06 PM EDT reply actions
Butler is breaking the press
they just aren’t finishing at the rim
Correction:
Andrew Smith isn’t finishing at the rim.
All I’ve seen of this guy makes me say that he’s an offensive liability.
Huge three by Vanzant
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Wow....
Ladies and gentlemen, that’s what happens when you double-team a point guard.
They WILL find the open man.
Butler has the in-state thing
but I also went to a double-header in Indy several years back with Purdue/Butler and OSU/Cincinnati, back in the Oden year. Butler gave us a hell of a game so I’ve always had a soft spot for them.
My father used the GI Bill to earn a Pharmacy degree from Butler
I’ve been drinking my morning coffee out of a Butler mug for 10 years.
Wish he was still here to see the last two years.
Go Dogs!
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
Sir Charles struggled today..
calling the ex-UConn kid a “scum bag” for talking about recruiting violations and then knocking the Bulldog off the chair.
Looks like Butler gets a second straight trip to the title game
impressive. Stevens could probably demand $5 million to leave, but is there a school out there that could pony up enough to get him to leave.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Kentucky and OSU probably could.
But I feel like both of those schools are pretty happy with their coaches.
with fewer Final Fours
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Simply Amazing
considering the size of Butler’s hoops budget.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
I really hope he stays there
It’s always nice to think that someone is in it for more than the money, but it’s such a rarity.
Id rather see Butler do this than IU.....
But damnit it makes it suck so much more that we are like 3rd in the state now for true tourney success. Yeah we go alot but we do jack sh** once we get there.
Three years ago, I think they were the first team out of the tourney
lost the noon game on Thursday.
(not counting the play-in game)
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
I hope they close the deal Monday
Alex Anglin, a senior walk-on, is a Kokomo alum like me. I’d love to see him get a title even though he barely plays.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
How funny would this be:
Crean’s great 2012 class changes its mind and goes to Butler instead.
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Which of these teams is a better matchup for Butler?
I’m having a hard time deciding on this. I’d think Kentucky due to their youth, but I think Butler possibly could stop Walker and have a real shot against UConn. Either way I don’t think there’s a big favorite.
I think UConn is a better matchup.
They don’t have the inside presence like Kentucky does with Harrellson and Jones.
They could very easily shut down every player but Kemba Walker and dare him to beat them by himself.
Represent there, Smooge!
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
according to twitter, JJ is in attendance
"The goal remains the same"
by TimeToPlayHard on Apr 2, 2011 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Lets go UCONN!!
I work in Kentucky and do not want to hear any more UK cheering
by BoilermakerAustin on Apr 2, 2011 9:14 PM EDT reply actions
I saw KG and Kramer had a D-Leauge game against each other recently
anyone know how they’re doing?
Hummel and Byrd are there
They have been sending a few tweets
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I don't know who to root for
I hate both these teams because of thier coaches. I guess I will root for Kentucky because they are from the midwest. But I like the way Kemba Walker plays.
Ignorance can be fixed. Stupidity is forever.
There's really nothing to dislike about John Calipari
Yeah, his teams have gotten a lot of NCAA sanctions, but none of them are really his fault. They’re mostly about his players getting improper benefits before college.
Which team does Butler have a better chance of beating?
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
UCONN
Kentucky has beaten a good defensive team already. As long as you stop walkers teammates you have a chance and I think Bulter can. I think this is the year for a mid major.
by BoilermakerAustin on Apr 2, 2011 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
tough to call
Kentucy’s beter athletes all over the floor so Butler would stuggle with that. Uconn leans heavily on Walker on O, I think Mack and Butler’s team D could actually stop them easier. So Uconn.
Ignorance can be fixed. Stupidity is forever.
random
Ignorance can be fixed. Stupidity is forever.
love it
by BoilermakerAustin on Apr 2, 2011 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Dick, I think he hurt his balls on that play.
He’s holding them. He musta hurt them.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
I think Butler could be the favorite on Monday
Odd as it is. And everyone thought our Iowa loss was bad. How on earth did Youngstown State beat them
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
This game
is painful to watch.
Boilers in full flight drill both UK and UConn
by Friday (Elliot) on Apr 2, 2011 10:56 PM EDT reply actions
I was afraid of that
I knew that would happen. We looked so good in February, and I haven’t seen a performance in this tournament htat says “We get beat” if we played to our max ability.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
just makes watching the tourney that much more frustrating
reminds me of ’88 and ’94
by Friday (Elliot) on Apr 2, 2011 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
It is gonna happen
One day we’ll put it all together, and it will be that much sweeter when we do.
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HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
Sure would like to know
what let all the air out of the Boilers after Senior Nite.
"Life is hard. Wear a cup"
- Dennis Miller
I will always believe
‘87-’88 was my freshman year and nothing could be worse than that
by Friday (Elliot) on Apr 2, 2011 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I think we will someday...
ASSUMING HEALTH, I’m really excited about the stacked team we could have in 2013-14. Think about it: TJ, Carroll, and Marcius are seniors. AJ, Hale, and Lawson are juniors. Raphael Davis, Jay Simpson, and Kyle Molock are all here…with another good player. And the 2013 class with Stephens, Smotherman, and Scott.
I should probably clean the drool off this desk.
by Jackson Brunner on Apr 3, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Recruiting Top-10 guys every year
And watch them pour their names into the NBA.
Not going to win championships like that.
He can recruit
Got to wonder how????
Can’t get the big one though
Other 2 final fours have been vacated
by Friday (Elliot) on Apr 2, 2011 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I loved the announcer saying they should miss the second free throw if they make the first.
Yeah, let’s just give up on a two-possession lead.
Is it just me...
…or do the shots of the UConn student section look 1. very male-dominated, and 2. much older than college students
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I think Butler matches up well with UConn...
far better than they would with UK in my humble opinion. So good for them.
Can’t say I’m not still bitter that it isn’t us. Oh well…Paintergate should help us move forward.
by Jackson Brunner on Apr 3, 2011 12:16 AM EDT reply actions
UCONN is a 3.5 favorite over Butler
Love the Dogs in this one
by Friday (Elliot) on Apr 3, 2011 12:38 AM EDT reply actions
Some great comments at Rock M Nation in regards to them hiring (supposedly) Miami's Haith
1) "Mizzou goes from hiring Matt Painter to Frank Haith. Like going from Megan Fox to Bea Arthur (dead or alive)."
2) Matt Painter was a half-court shot.
Shaka Smart was a three-pointer.
Ben Jacobson was a layup.
Frank Haith is dunking on one of those three-foot plastic basketball hoops in your den.
3) Dangling Painter in front of the fan base and hiring Haith… Is like ordering a Kim Kardashian porno, and getting brokeback mountain instead.
4) If Painter was a 10 What is Haith? A 3?
5) If Matt painter was a home run hire, Frank haith is a strike em out/throw em out to finish the season 0-162 type hire.
They are NOT happy. I was actually hoping they would get a good one.
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