The Rumblings of a Deranged Buffalo

Monday Grab Bag: SMAHT KIDS FROM HAHVAHD

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:40:00 +0000

I continue to be most excited about the continuing drip, drip, drip of scheduling information for the coming basketball season. Outside of that, this is a tough time of year to follow a university without a baseball team. It's a damn shame I didn't win the lottery the other night, otherwise I'd have been anouncing the return of hardball this morning. *sigh*

Today in the bag, I'm talking another solid addition to the out-of-conference basketball schedule, minor recruiting news for both basketball and football, and Andre Roberson at the NBA Draft Combine.

Click below for the bag...

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Quick-Post: A (mostly) tongue-in-cheek proposal

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:13:00 +0000

We are all familiar with the Rock Mountain Showdown's continuing attendance issues. With both CU and CSU putting forth, frankly, pathetic efforts on the gridiron, the prospect of seeing bad football in an out-of-the-way and expensive locale isn't moving the needle like the schools had hoped when they signed the 10-year deal in 2009. The inflated attendance statistics can't cover up the fact that no one cares anymore. The game has become a symbol of the withering soul of non-professional football in this state, and has long since entered 'embarrassment' territory.

So, why not replace this sham of a marquee game with an event that not only shows off the best this state has to offer, but one that people would be happy to plunk down money for? An event that the entire State of Colorado can be proud of.

Why not replace the football disaster with the Rocky Mountain Hardwood Showdown?

Just think of it. Boyle vs Eustachy, two rising regional programs that are testaments to their institutions, on a grand stage. You could still host at Invesco, with the court set up at midfield. You could even have DU vs Air Force as a local primer before the Buffs and Rams tip-off. It'd be like Colorado's version of those aircraft carrier games made popular over the last few years.

What's more, I'll bet you that the actual butts-in-seats attendance for my Hardwood Showdown would kick the crap out of what it will actually be come Sept 1st for the football game.

Unfortunately, we're still stuck with that ugly boil of a football matchup. *sigh*

On Lewis, Webb, and their day in court

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:12:00 +0000

I don't know how closely everyone has been following the Alex Lewis and Jordan Webb saga, but it's starting to get weird.

At first glance, it seemed pretty straight forward. Lewis, a former CU offensive lineman who had recently announced his plans to transfer to Nebraska, and injured Buffs QB Webb got into an altercation on the Hill last Friday, which resulted in one man being sent to the hospital. According to the police report, Lewis, who admits he was 22 drinks in the hole, repeatedly shoved an Air Force cadet, Lee Busey, into a brick wall, and later combined with Webb to both shove him to the ground, and punch him. As a finisher, it's alleged that Lewis picked up Busey by the throat, and hurled him into a parking kiosk, knocking him unconscious.

Lewis and Webb claim a different story, alleging that Busey tried to throw a few punches, and that all Lewis did was push him away.

Both Lewis and Webb were arrested on second degree assault charges, with Lewis facing an additional two counts of harassment. They were freed on $10,000 bond after their hearing on Wednesday.

I figured they'd plea down, avoid jail time, and probably serve extended suspension times with their respective programs, if not get the boot altogether. A despicable turn of events for both Lewis and Webb, but nothing particularly exceptional when compared to the myriad of "Fulmer Cup" violations that occur during college football's offseason.

Then, the lawyers got involved.

In support of their version of the story, Lewis' lawyer, Donald Brenner, said that the pair were accosted by the unconscious cadet because Lewis was wearing Nebraska gear.

Brenner claimed Lewis was assaulted by an unconscious man for wearing red. From: the BDC

Wait, what?

Three things:

Why would an Air Force cadet care if you're wearing Nebraska gear? Zoomies aren't a party to our three decades of hate.
Even if that were the case, it does not excuse sending a man to the hospital.
This Husker-centric persecution complex is getting old. I take offense to the presumption that this incident must have had something to do with CU fans being hooligans. I know everyone likes to play-up the terrible fan stories, but I'm getting tired of this hearsay bullshit defaming student-fan culture in Boulder. Throw this one in with the invented tales of piss-bombs, the shoving of grandmothers, and lethal marshmallows.

Of course, it was later revealed that the Lewis was wearing anything but Husker-wear, implying that the lawyer pulled that excuse out of his ass. In fact, faced with reality, Brenner backtracked yesterday, admitting that he was "confused" by "the press" and "innuendo" into making the false claim.

"Your questions and innuendo frighten and confuse me."

For the record, Brennen, a graduate of KU's law school, has twice had his license to practice law suspended.

So, to summarize, we've got a drunk accused of beating on a Zoomie, who is then defended by a lawyer with a spotty past, who also happens to get confused by press questions... this should be the trial of the century.

Monday Grab Bag: Coach Boyle Stays Hot on the Recruiting Trail

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

I'm back from vacation in Tampa (... or will be once this damn plane lands). One of the many reasons for my trip was the opportunity to visit my 17th Major League Baseball stadium - Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. It's far from the nicest place to watch a game - it's a hateful dome, fer crissakes - but I got to spend Mother's Day with my Mom, and watch Longoria patrol third from less than 50 feet away. Not too shabby.

Now, safely returned to Colorful Colorado, I'm focusing on a new basketball recruit, honors in track and field, and another Husker running afoul of the law.

Click below for the bag...

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Dom Collier is a Buff!

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:01:00 +0000

It may technically be the offseason, but Colorado Basketball continues to burn bright with news. Yesterday, the hype came from the recruiting trail, as reigning Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr Basketball Dominique Collier announced his commitment to play at Dear Old CU.

A 6-1 point guard out of Denver East, Collier is an expert ball handler, with the ability to both distribute and create his own shot. I saw him play late last year, and came away very impressed. Despite still recovering from a tweaked knee, Dom put up a sheet-filling 25/8/6/3/3, all while making his already talented teammates better. He struck me as 'good-as-advertised,' and a talent I desperately wanted to see in Black and Gold. With Spencer Dinwiddie probably leaving after 2013, Dom will be counted on to use that talent to step into primary ball-handling duties upon arrival.

This is a major recruiting coup, one that probably wouldn't have been possible a few years ago. It's not a case where Coach Boyle got in early on a recruit who eventually blossomed (like, say, Josh Scott). Collier has been on the national recruiting radar since even before his freshman year of high school, and Colorado had to box out big-name programs like Arizona, Gonzaga, and UCLA from day one. He's a unanimous four-star prospect, with Rivals positioning him as the #61 player of the 2014 recruiting class. If you can't tell, that's huge.

Building a program is an all-encompassing project, requiring success both on and off court. With recruiting victories like Collier, Boyle continues to make the statement that Colorado Basketball is prepared to stay at the top of the landscape. It's an impact commitment, and the 8th top-150 star for the coaching staff over three and a half recruiting cycles at the helm. A new world, indeed.

There's still more than six months to go before the early signing period starts, so maybe Dom can turn the tables, and help with some recruiting of his own. The Buffs have upwards of two additional scholarships to offer for the 2014 class, and could use a shooter and a big. Players like SG Dorian Pickens, SF Zylan Cheatham, and PF Andre Adams are still on the board, and have been getting plenty of attention from the CU coaching staff. Super-phenom Josh Perkins may still technically be a possibility, but that prospect looks exceedingly dim with yesterday's announcement from Collier (read: not going to happen).

Regardless, I'm pumped that Collier, a prospect I've been following for years, chose to be a Buff. Congrats to Dom, and congrats to Coach Boyle and staff!

Quick Post: Coach Mac to be enshrined in Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:15:00 +0000

Long overdue, legendary CU football Coach Bill McCartney has been selected as part of the 2013 College Football Hall of Fame class.
Known nationally for bringing Colorado Football to the forefront of the sport in the late 80s and early 90s, Coach McCartney spent 13 years turning what was a flailing program into a national power. More than just the 1990 national championship, Coach Mac is responsible for the modern definition of football on the Front Range.

Coach Mac celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 1990 title. From: CUBuffs.com

As CU SID David Plati points out, McCartney never shied away from the competition, and succeeded against the best the nation had to offer.

Mac: 93-55-5 at CU, 84 of those wins against "BCS" schools; five of the other nine against rival CSU; win total not padded with pansies.
— David Plati (@davidplati) May 7, 2013

His example, both on and off the field, casts a long shadow, with an influence that still impacts the program to this day. No matter what you think of his belief structure, or his more recent escapades with the program, Coach Mac is an essential part of the Colorado story, and a man deserving of recognition.

McCartney becomes the 7th Buff enshrined, and the third in the last four years (Alfred Williams and John Wooten).

Congratulations to the original Coach Mac!

Quick Post: Back to Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:58:00 +0000

On the heels of last week's release of the lack-luster round robin comes more encouraging scheduling news. According to ESPN's Andy Katz, the Buffs have managed to schedule Oklahoma State for a neutral site tilt at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 20th. While no TV has been announced, you can bet it will be nationally televised.

This is a solid step in the right direction, scheduling wise, with the Buffs matched up with the odds on favorite to win the Big XII. It'll be an RPI win regardless of actual outcome.

That Coach Boyle can get a neutral site date like this set up only further underscores how far the program has come. The added exposure will be a boon to both the players, recruiting, and the fanbase. It also doesn't hurt that it's on the same court that the 2014 Pac-12 tournament will be played on.

My only concern is the type of crowd we can swing for this game. As of late, BuffNation has been getting out in force to support the RollTad Express, even on the road, but we're not yet at the point that you can expect the stadium to be half-filled with Black and Gold. However, it's an old, familiar Big XII rival at an attractive, easy travel destination... maybe I'm just underestimating how many degenerate gamblers we have in the alumni base.

As for finishing up the schedule, Katz says, "(Boyle is) trying to add one more neutral site game and one more home-and-home series as well as two other guaranteed games." All sounds promising, depending on opponents. When the schedule is finalized, maybe we'll all look back at the hand-wringing over Arkansas St, Jackson St, and Tennessee-Martin and laugh at our overreaction.

Now, excuse me as I daydream about the forthcoming Spencer Dinwiddie v. Marcus Smart prize fight.

Monday Grab Bag: There's still basketball to be played

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:17:00 +0000

It was over a month ago that the college basketball season ended, but the hardwood is still getting trampled thanks to the NBA playoffs. I've never been a huge NBA fan, but the postseason always comes at just the right time for yours truly. I can't get enough, and the whole process convinces me that next year I should dive headlong into the NBA's regular season. Never do, though, 'cause regular season NBA basketball is boring shit.

Today in the bag, I'm talking NBA Playoffs, Floyd Mayweather and his bankroll, and open run at the CEC.

Click below for the bag...

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Quick Post: A Scheduling Letdown

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:09:00 +0000

A few of the holes left in the 2013-14 CU men's basketball schedule were filled today when it was leaked that the Buffs had joined forces with Wyoming to create a 5-team round-robin mini-tournament. In addition to Wyo making the drive south, the Buffs will be welcoming Arkansas St, Tennessee-Martin, and Jackson St to the CEC.

If you're saying to yourself "I don't think those are very good basketball programs," your instincts have served you well. As pointed out by @TZiskBuff, those teams had RPI rankings of 163, 312, and 309 last year, respectively, are are not expected to be much better this season. Essentially, the Buffs have signed on three RPI boat anchors, a fact Coach Boyle admits.

Why does this matter? Due to some savvy scheduling this past season, Colorado finished with a top-25 non-conference RPI, and a top-20 non-con strength-of-schedule (according to ESPN). Both rankings served the Buffs well on Selection Sunday, as CU relied on it's rosy overall RPI ranking to secure it's first at-large Tournament selection in a decade. Without that scheduling bulwark, the Buffs would have had to do far better than 10-8 in conference to make the Dance. Had the Buffs played teams like UT-M and JSU, instead of Baylor and Murray St, they could've been NIT bound.

This is all probably an unfortunate by-product of the program's recent success, and rumors have been popping up related to the difficulty Coach Boyle has been having enticing strong teams up to the Foot of the Flatirons. In that light, he's had to get creative, reaching out to Wyo coach Larry Shyatt to collaborate on this underwhelming November series. At the very least, it adds a few home dates to the schedule, I just hope the RPI hit doesn't come back to bite the team in the ass.

Of course, the rest of the presumed schedule - including trips to Ft Collins and Colorado Springs, and visits from Kansas and Fresno St (?) - features far better RPI fodder. You take the good with the bad, I guess.

There's still a few more open dates to fill in November and December (8 games assumed to be scheduled, there were 12 non-con games last year). Hopefully, Coach Boyle can trick some of his over-cautious colleagues into making the trip to Boulder.

(UPDATED) Quick Post: On 'Dre's departure, and the word 'failed.'

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:13:00 +0000

If you haven't completely given up on traditional media, you may have come across a pair of articles in the local rags about the reasoning behind Andre Roberson's decision to turn pro. Both featured essentially the same argument from the Roberson camp as to why 'Dre needed to enter the NBA Draft. One of them, however, featured an editorial hammer-blow aimed at Coach Boyle and staff that jumped the boundaries of reality, and strikes me as an intentional attempt to injure Colorado Basketball.

It was in the Denver Post that editors chose to slap John Henderson's story with the ominous title "Andre Roberson left Colorado for NBA because coaches failed, dad says." The phrase 'coaches failed,' is a serious charge, one that seems to imply that the Roberson family feels that Coach Boyle is to blame for both 'Dre leaving, and only being a projected 2nd round pick. You would imagine that such an inflammatory accusation would be supported by the content of the article. You would be imagining wrong.

Do me a favor, and ctrl+F the word 'failed' in that article. Any results beyond the title? Nope. John Roberson, Andre's father, never used that word. It was thought up by some editor at the newspaper. You could say it was pulled out of his ass.

If anything, the 'failed' implication seems to stem from the following quotes:

"That's what he ('Dre) told Coach Boyle. That's the struggle he was fighting. Was it more about 'Dre and fulfilling his dream or more about getting wins? I think it has to go both ways. If you're going to develop him, develop him. Don't just take the point of view of, 'We need 'Dre so we can have a Final Four team or a top-10 team.' Now if you look at it that way, it's selfish as opposed to (Andre) being selfish."

In the larger context of the whole article, I read that more as John Roberson protecting his son from accusations of selfishness, and explaining that the nature of basketball at the collegiate level simply wouldn't allow Andre to get the singular focus he would need to improve his abilities and draft standing.

Now, compare the titular theme of 'failed' in the Post with the more conciliatory tone of Brian Howell's Buffzone.com article.

"'I think it would be really hard (at CU) for him to develop at the three spot (small forward), just considering the impact that he has as a four and the mismatches he has against bigger players,' John said. John also acknowledged that Andre has to develop more on offense, but said that would have been tough to do at CU, as well. With so many scoring options at CU, including guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Askia Booker, the opportunities to take shots would have been limited, both in practices and in games"

The sentiments I espoused last month, that 'Dre would have trouble showing improvement with all the offensive firepower returning in Boulder, are echoed, and the situation is passed off as a matter of circumstance. It's essentially saying that 'Dre's skills necessitate a certain style of play at the collegiate level that would keep him from further developing the skillset that he will rely upon at the next level.

That very explanation is found earlier in the Post article, where John Roberson is quoted as saying:

"You'd have a lot of guys coming (back) next year that were demanding the basketball. 'Dre, not being a selfish player, it'd be hard for him to kind of say, 'I want to work on my NBA game my senior year' while the other guys are doing their thing.

That doesn't say 'coaches failed' to me, that says 'Andre needs to go pro for developmental reasons,' and certainly has nothing to do with 'blaming' Coach Boyle for the situation. It all boils down to development, which was exactly what Boyle expressed at his season ending presser.

The editors at the Post did a disservice, both to their credibility and their readers, by intentionally using an inflammatory title to sensationalize a narrative that simply doesn't fit with reality. Coach Boyle and staff didn't 'fail' Andre Roberson, and that's not what 'Dre's father is saying (or even implying).

This is the kind of shit editors at the New York Post resort to when they don't have any real news to report. The Denver Post shouldn't be playing that fast-and-loose with reality, as they haven't (yet) become a tabloid.

(UPDATE) The Post has since changed the wording of the title to "Andre Roberson left Colorado for NBA to find better coaching, dad says" While still misleading, it's at least less inflammatory. Can no one over there come up with a damn article title that isn't purely sensationalistic?

(UPDATE, pt 2) The title has gone through a second rewrite, and now says "Andre Roberson left Colorado to develop his NBA game, dad says." Finally, a title with a firm grasp on context and reality. Only took them three tries.

Tuesday Grab Bag: Football?

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:35:00 +0000

Another week, another snow storm. I can now set my watch by these things. Upwards of nine fresh inches of powder for Boulder by tomorrow afternoon. *sigh*

Today's grab bag is filled with... wait, this can't be right... football talk? There must be some mistake, as this is clearly still April. Regardless, I'll also be talking sinkhole, and touching on basketball recruiting.

Click below for the bag...

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The Attrition Files: Andre Roberson

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:54:00 +0000

Note: Grab Bag tomorrow.

It's official, Andre Roberson, Tad Boyle's first recruit, and the most dynamic defensive force in the West, is turning pro... that sound you hear is scoring forwards across the Pac-12 breathing a sigh of relief.

LOL, Jacob Pullen. He should've recognized.

It's not easy, from a fan's perspective, to say goodbye to 'Dre. He brought passion and energy with him to the stadium each night, and made it a joy to watch the affairs on Sox Walseth's hardwood. In future years, it will be impossible to discuss the legacy of Colorado Basketball without bringing up the name Andre Roberson. Simply put, he's one of the best to ever don the Black and Gold.

An integral part of the RollTad era, Roberson has been on the court for all but one of CU's 69 wins over the past three seasons, while helping to lead the program on historic runs at a conference title and three straight postseason appearances. A proven master of the defensive arts, he finishes his collegiate career 2nd in program history in rebounds, 3rd in blocks, and 7th in steals (he lead the team in all three categories for three consecutive seasons), all while becoming only the second player in program history to accumulate both 1,000 points and rebounds (Stephane Pelle).

The old adage 'defense wins championships' applies.

The ultimate diamond-in-the-rough story, CU managed to find this program-defining talent almost purely by chance. New to the job in the spring of 2010, and desperate for a boost in the paint after years of neglect by Jeff Bzdelik, Coach Boyle turned to the lone holdover from the Bzdelik staff, Tom Abatemarco, for a recruiting target who could rebound in the rough-and-tumble Big XII. Abatemarco responded by saying, "a guy I trust in Texas told me that Andre can really rebound," and CU, essentially sight unseen, beat out Penn State for 'Dre's services only two weeks after Boyle had signed on. The rest, as 'they' say, is history.

Almost immediately, those paying attention could tell that 'Dre was special. While most of the headlines from the 2010-11 season revolved around the scoring prowess of Burks, Higgins, et al, it was Roberson who did the dirty work on the defensive end to help that group win games. By the end of the season, he was almost single-handedly holding teams like Texas and Kansas St off the boards, while Burks and crew ran up the score.

'Dre would even beat out his own teammates for boards. GET OUT OF THE WAY, SABATINO!

Over his final two seasons in Boulder, he became a star. Using his high motor and superior athleticism, Roberson could dominate games even if he wasn't scoring. He could guard seemingly anyone on the floor, and, once a missed shot was forced, it only became fodder for his ever expanding highlight reel of high-flying rebounds. While 'Dre's offensive game never exploded the way many had hoped, his ball hawking abilities on the defensive end helped the other four guys on the court up their games. Said Askia Booker:

"It still happens to this day. I'll go up for a rebound, and he'll come from nowhere and just snatch it. That's why I always look for Andre. If he's going up, I get out of there and run the lane. [...] Once I see Dre going for the ball, I don't even go for it anymore. I know he's going to grab it and my job is to get out and go. It speeds the game up a little bit." -link

It's not easy to make a name for yourself doing the little things on defense, but Andre was the exception that proves the rule. A two-time All-Conference selection, he also stands as the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player-of-the-Year, an honor he probably deserved in 2011-12 as well.

Yet another victim.

With his announcement yesterday afternoon, Roberson became only the fourth player in CU history to leave early for the professional ranks, following in the footsteps of Chauncey Billups, David Harrison, and Alec Burks. Unlike those three, however, Andre probably won't enjoy the security of a guaranteed contract offer that comes with a first round selection, as most draft experts view him as an early-to-mid second round pick at best.

His decision to enter the professional ranks is final, but the arguments will continue into the future. The unfortunate reality of this moment is that many will choose mark it not with praise for one of the program's all-time best, but by deriding his choice. The cynics, the haters, look at the second round grade, and dismissively slam the young man as immature and greedy. Conversely, I think there's more than enough justification for him to turn pro, with only his loyalty to his teammates, and the chance to be a part of what could be the best team in program history, making him pause. Regardless, this isn't about his decision, and whether or not it was 'right,' it's about remembering one of the best to ever walk out of the north tunnel at the CEC.

The only disappointment in this situation is that he spent the final homestand on the bench, rather than receiving the raucous sendoff he so richly deserved. CU will just have to have him back to make up for it.

Thank you, Andre! You kick-started the Tad Boyle era, and helped redefine basketball on the Front Range. Whatever team ends up selecting you in June will be getting a hell of a player.

--

Best remembered for -

Being a double-double machine. He finished with 37 for his career (CU was 28-9 in those games), while averaging one in both his sophomore and junior campaigns.

Also, his magical penguin hat.

Best aspect of his game -

Rebounding. I think this quote from Coach Boyle sums it up pretty well: "You can teach and coach positioning and blocking out, but you can't teach going up and getting it. That's an instinct. And it takes a lot of heart, a warrior attitude." -link

Best game as a Buff -

Plenty to choose from here. Part of me wants to say his 11/14/3 against K-State in the 2011 Big XII tournament, or his ridiculous 12/20/3/3 against Stanford this past season, but I have to pick his performance against UNLV in last season's NCAA Tournament. Not only did he put up a 12/16/2, but he held heralded Rebel forward Mike Moser to 10 points on 4-15 shooting. Moser hasn't been the same since.

Quick Post: So... about 'Dre's decision...

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:21:00 +0000

Hey, remember when the news broke that there was a press conference set for 9am this morning, and that we were finally going to hear whether or not the reigning Pac-12 defensive player of the year would be back for his senior season? Well, not so much.

After talking it over with Coach Boyle last night, Andre Roberson has apparently decided that he needs more time to decide. Regardless of which way he's leaning, he has until Sunday night at 9:59pm MST to declare, or the choice will be made for him.

I honestly feel bad for 'Dre, because the decision isn't an easy one. He has prepared his entire life driven by the hope of becoming an NBA star, but he's stuck in the second round no-man's land, with cloudy prospects of improving his stock. With influential camps pulling him both directions (Father: go pro, Coach Boyle: stay in school), it's only complicating matters further.

My suggestion: flip a coin.

Quick Post: 'Dre's decision set for Friday

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:23:00 +0000

Since the final seconds slipped away in Austin, the big story hanging over the CU basketball program has been the pending decision from Andre Roberson concerning his professional status. Tomorrow morning at 9am, BuffNation will finally get the answer it's been waiting for, as 'Dre will announce whether or not he will be entering this summer's NBA Draft.

Those able to can catch the announcement live by clicking here.

The more prominent rumor has 'Dre turning pro, but I haven't heard definitively one way or the other. Coach Boyle was meeting with Andre earlier this evening, so it's still probably still anyone's guess at this point.

For the record, while I would selfishly prefer that he stays, I've long since come to terms with the idea that 'Dre would jump into the Draft, even without the 'guarantee' of a 1st round selection. I've heard plenty of people say that this would be a terrible choice, but, as I said earlier this month, I'm not convinced that another year in Boulder would necessarily improve his professional stock.

If 'Dre does indeed declare for the Draft tomorrow, the choice will essentially be that he would rather spend 2013-14 developing in a professional atmosphere (NBA, NBADL, or Europe), than in Boulder, struggling to balance scholastic endeavors and gym time. I think that's fair, as long as he is properly informed that an NBA roster might not be attainable right away.

I'll have more on 'Dre's decision tomorrow.

Monday Grab Bag: More Snow?

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:11:00 +0000

Ha-ha. Very funny, Mr. weatherman. 'More snow' on the docket for this evening. Sure there is. Wait, you're serious? Another 2-4 inches? OK, the weather gods are just trolling us now.

Since the softball season started in early March, snowfall has been so frequent that I've only been able to work one night of umpiring out of nine scheduled. That means a serious loss of second-job income for yours truly, which has left my pocketbook hurting. How am I supposed to afford my rock-'n-roll lifestyle on the pittance I receive from the corporate reptile alone? Worst. Spring. Ever.

Today in the bag, I'm talking Nick Hirschman, Ryan Thorburn, and the high-flying Rox and Nuggets.

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Quick Post: Proving Grounds 2013

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:18:00 +0000

I have been continually amazed by the work the CU Video team puts in to show the Black & Gold in the best light possible. To my eye, they're the best in the business.

Their most recent efforts, the spring football-centric 'Proving Grounds' series, have lived up to their atypically high standards, and are powerful enough to make even this football grouch yearn for the calendar to speed into fall. If you haven't watched it, I encourage everyone to check out the three-part series, including the recently released third episode. You can also follow them on Twitter @CU_Video.

Proving Grounds - Episode I from @CU_Video on Vimeo.

Proving Grounds - Episode II from @CU_Video on Vimeo.

Proving Grounds - Episode III from @CU_Video on Vimeo.

Monday Grab Bag: All the snow!

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:12:00 +0000

Seriously, more snow? We've had a storm per week for almost two months now. This is starting to get ridiculous.

Today in the bag, I'm talking the spring game, the Masters, and pro decisions from Spencer and 'Dre.

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The 2013 CU Garage Sale

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:28:00 +0000

Once again, the folks at the CU athletic department are opening their warehouse for a garage sale. Those who have taken advantage of it in the past know that it is an incredibly cheap way to load up on Black and Gold gear for the upcoming year. T-Shirts? $5. Pants? $15. Track jackets? $20. They even have game-worn jerseys from most sports, available to you, the CU fan-on-a-budget, for low, low prices.

Unfortunately, it's getting harder and harder to find anything if you're normal-human sized. By 12:05 today, essentially right as the doors opened, anything from men's sizes S through XL was already gone, and shoes were only available in sizes approaching SHAQ. Bad luck for many bargain hunters.

Luckily, I am not sized like a normal human, and I was able to score some great deals. I may not have found the game-worn Nate Tomlinson jersey that I was looking for, but it was still worth the trip up to campus.

This is my haul from today:

An official jersey from the mountain man himself, Ryan Miller. The slim-fit is a little small for me. In retrospect, I may have to gift this.

This is what I came for: NCAA Tournament wear! Combination Pac-12 Champion and Tournament participant track jacket for only $20. BOOM!

More Tournament wear. This time, a fleece for $10. I had to size-up on this one, but it'll be worth it when it's November, and I'm headed to the CEC. This was the last one they had in stock, and I had to stare-down a dude who was looking at it.

A pair of track pants, one with logo, the other without. My lounge-wear needs are officially taken care of.

I got two pairs of these golf pants. Luckily, our football coaching staff is made of of appropriately-sized gentlemen.

And, finally, a pair of t-shirts, both basketball themed. Items right after my heart.

Grand total for nine items: $110. I'd have paid that for the two Tournament tops alone. I love the garage sale.

Quick-Post: Lofty Expectations

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:12:00 +0000

The one thing I know about next year is that the Buffs will enter it with a bucket-full of lofty expectations.

Just released today are the far too early top-25 rankings from CBS and ESPN. Both include Colorado in their top-20, with CBS going so far as to list CU as the #12 team in the nation. The goes along with the fact that Vegas has the team as 20-1 to win the national title, good for a tie for 9th favorite.

I knew this was coming. The Buffs have been recognized as a program on the rise for a while now, and far too many people are aware of how talented players like Spencer Dinwiddie and Andre Roberson are. Especially considering that the team probably returns every major contributor from last season (still waiting on 'Dre to make it official), a little pre-season pub is to be expected.

But, top-12? That translates to a 3-seed in the NCAA Tournament. God help me, I'm getting verklempt (talk amongst yourselves).

Post-Championship Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:01:00 +0000

What a way to end the basketball season! Other than a photo finish, the Louisville/Michigan title fight had everything: speed, scoring, stars playing great, role players stepping up, and a righteous outcome. Sure, it also featured more than a few blown calls and some poor endgame strategy from the Wolverines, but I'm not going to complain too loudly. The Cardinals deserved their 82-76 victory, and they earned it in thrilling fashion.

BOOM! TITLE!

Last night was about how great college basketball can be, when coaches set their players loose, and let them win or lose on their own merits. Far too often in the college game, coaches pump the breaks by slowing possessions down in a desperate attempt to keep their kids on a short leash (Coach Boyle is often guilty of this; we call it Tadball). But not once last night did either Rick Pitino or John Beilein excessively slow the game down. Both teams were well over one point per possession, and, as a result, basketball fans across the nation were treated to a beautiful exhibition of speed, athleticism, and effort. It was joyous to watch.

Did Michigan get screwed by a couple of calls, particularly the phantom foul called on Trey Burke? Yeah, but I'm begrudgingly resigning myself to the fact that basketball played at anything close to a high level is impossible to officiate cleanly. I'm just glad that, for the most part, the zebras stayed out of it.

Notice the ref screened by the play. He had to guess. He guessed wrong. From: Deadspin.

I just hope this tournament serves as a lesson to coaches around the nation: you don't have to play negative basketball to win. Run, score, be aggressive on defense. Play fearless, play to win. Don't look at Bo Ryan, as he is clearly the devil in disguise.

So, now the long wait for November officially begins. 205 days. *sigh*

After NBA decisions are made next week, and barring any surprise transfer news, things should be pretty quiet in Boulder until October practices start up. There's a good chance that the intervening months will be filled with talk of a top-25 team, and the potential for the greatest season in CU basketball history, but, for now, we'll just have to wait patiently.

I hate waiting patiently.

Monday Grab Bag: Championship Monday

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:13:00 +0000

The college basketball season will finally come to a close this evening. The only downside is that, after Louisville and Michigan decide things in Atlanta, it'll be a long 206 day wait for November to arrive. I guess I'll just have to bide my time watching the red-hot Rockies!

In today's bag, I'm talking national title, Metro State, and those damn Rox.

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The Attrition Files - Jeremy Adams

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:16:00 +0000

The news dropped yesterday: reserve guard Jeremy Adams is transferring out of the program.

The 4th-year junior, who originally transferred into Colorado basketball, was already going to graduate this year. Despite playing for three different schools over his career, the Mississippi native had stayed on the four-year plan, and was investigating his post-degree options. Unfortunately, CU doesn't offer the graduate program he's looking for (industrial organizational psychology), so he will make use of the NCAA graduate transfer exemption, with an eye towards playing immediately.

The third departure is: Jeremy Adams. From: the BDC

It's the perfect story of a player leveraging his talents to put himself ahead. Jeremy never let health concerns or unfamiliar surroundings deter himself from his ultimate goal. Said Boyle, "[...] he made the decision to use basketball to maximize his educational opportunities." Damn straight.

The move marks the third departure from the program this spring - all graduates (one senior, two juniors in terms of eligibility) - which means that the Buffs officially have enough open scholarships for the 2013 freshman class.

Jeremy's time at CU was never easy. Health issues plagued him from the start; in fact he would miss the first five games of his Colorado career with a concussion, setting an unfortunate tone.

Jeremy had to play through some serious pain.

Knee issues? Check. Foot Pain? Check. Hand surgery? Check. Concussion? Check. Oh, and he discovered he has diabetes, to boot. And through it all he battled, day-in-day-out, to earn minutes with one of the best squads in the region. Some guys play through pain, this guy lived it each and every day.

Those health issues stunted what most insiders tell me was a superior level of athleticism. Anecdotally, I would hear stories of how he was capable of dominating practices when healthy. On the court, you could only see occasional flashes. Those flashes were particularly evident the last few games of this year, where, after starting acupuncture treatments, Adams was able to play without near-constant pain.

"That was probably the best I've felt in a long time. The pain was a lot more bearable. There was still pain. Early in the season I'd be walking and my legs would just give out. I'd tell my dad sometimes, 'Hey, I want to stop right now. I pushed through and luckily I got a little healthy towards the end and helped the team out."(-link)

Adams would average 6/2 over the final seven games leading up to the NCAA Tournament to finally give the Buffs some scoring punch off the bench.

Jeremy ended up being one of the only reliable bench options at the end of the season.

I can't help but find Jeremy to be an inspiring person. He never gave into the temptations of the easy way out, and continually looked to make the most out of his situation. Despite skills diminished by pain, he persevered, focusing on his studies while still striving to squeeze whatever game he could out of his often unwilling body. He makes most other college students, players or otherwise, look awful in comparison.

Thank you, Jeremy! Despite never being healthy, you ran out and filled your role. Good luck to you, I hope you find a great situation to finish off your collegiate career.

--

Best remembered for -

The burly 6-5, 220 body that seemed more at home in Folsom, then in the CEC. It earned him the nickname "Jerry Football," and I bet more than once CU's failing football coaches looked forlornly at Jeremy's football-ready frame.

Also, this:

Best aspect of his game -

Solid man-to-man defense, perfect for Tad Boyle's system. He also brought a slick dribble-drive ability that could've wreaked havoc if only his body would've allowed it. On the bench, his veteran presence was sorely needed on the youthful CU roster of 2012-13.

Jeremy was always one of the best defenders on the roster.

Best game as a Buff -

2/21/13 vs Utah - CU was playing with a shortened bench, thanks to the Bachynski incident, and the team needed someone, anyone to step up from the normally quiet bench mob. 'Jerry Football' answered the call to the tune of 9/3 with two steals and a block over 17 minutes. It was the start of a brilliant run of play for Adams, which ultimately closed out his CU career.

On 'Dre and the Draft

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:41:00 +0000

For most of the year, the working assumption had been that Andre Roberson was going to turn pro. It was seen as such a foregone conclusion, that Coach Boyle went ahead and spent a 3rd scholarship on the 2013 recruiting class, even when there was only two known to be available (all indication is that Shane Harris-Tunks' graduation and departure were known well in advance of the announcement last month).

Recently, however, there has been a hitch in that plan, with many draft experts predicting that Roberson will land as a second round draft pick at best, with a decent chance that he'd see draft day roll by without hearing his name called.

The problem isn't his defense and rebounding. The reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player-of-the-Year has lead the program in rebounds, steals and blocks each of the last three seasons, and has cemented his status as one of the nation's premier defensive forces. NBA scouts recognize these skills, and they are unquestioned (and even earn him the heralded 'high-motor' designation).

No, the problem is that his offensive performance in his junior season slipped from the numbers he put up as a sophomore.

From: KenPom.com

He stopped getting to both the line (where he also slipped to 55% shooting) and the rim (a career-low 51% of attempts), shot the ball at career low rates, and posted a declining O-Rating for the second consecutive year. Part of the decline may be attributed to Josh Scott 'stealing' interior touches, continuing to play out of position, and a team-wide move away from the rim on offense, but the statistical decline shrieks 'look at me,' and NBA GMs are listening.

Given this shaky offensive track record, the conventional wisdom becomes, 'Roberson needs another year in college to improve his draft stock.' I, however, remain unconvinced that another year at CU would do anything to move the draft needle, and may in fact be harmful to his overall NBA prospects.

For me it comes down to this: even assuming he reverses the trends and improves offensively, NBA GMs are still going to look at him as offensively deficient. He just doesn't have the game for the small forward role that CU continues to play him in, and it's highlighting the weaker aspects of his game, rather than emphasizing what he does best at. Barring some ridiculousness where he breaks out a la Derrick Williams, that narrative can't change.

Further, how is he going to show offensive improvement on next season's deeper, more balanced roster? Who will he be stealing points from, since the majority of the roster that put points on the board will be returning? Scott is only going to improve, Spencer Dinwiddie, assuming he returns, is only going to improve, and Askia Booker probably (*cough*) won't be in a season-long slump. The scoring situation only becomes more crowded when you consider incoming freshmen like Chris Jenkins, Tre'Shaun Fletcher, and Jaron Hopkins, in addition to the front-line touches that Wes Gordon will be pushing for. There's just not enough water left in the stone for 'Dre to squeeze out eye-popping numbers.

Sure, 'Dre coming back makes a lot of sense from a non-NBA point-of-view. Not only would it make the team better - possibly Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight better - but he'd also get another year as the BMOC, a final dose of accolades and awards, the opportunity to pursue a league title with a special grouping of talent, a chance to ascend to the Mt Rushmore of CU basketball, and, last but not least, a degree... but I just don't see how all of that would improve his draft standing.

Talk about the benefits of staying in school if you must, but don't tell me it'll make him better in the eyes of the NBA. From my perspective, it won't.

On Ed Rush, Pac-12 officiating, and how to fix the situation

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:14:00 +0000

... and suddenly, it all makes sense.

Late in the Arizona/UCLA semifinal at the Pac-12 tournament, Wildcat Mark Lyons was called for a suspect double-dribble, turning momentum in a game that had been trending Arizona's way. UofA head coach Sean Miller was livid, repeatedly saying 'he (UCLA guard Jordan Adams) touched the ball, he touched the ball,' to any official he could find. One ref, Michael Irving, took offense to the rather demure argument, and awarded Miller his first technical of the year.

It was a weird situation, and, apparently, it was all a setup.

Jeff Goodman at CBS Sports reported yesterday that Ed Rush, the Pac-12s Coordinator of Basketball Officials, had instructed his crews to go after Miller that week, even going so far as to offer $5,000 or a trip to Cancun to the ref who 'ran him.'

That report, if true, is tantamount to Rush fixing one of the league's semi-finals... in Vegas... a stone's-throw from a sports book.

Oh my.

Officiating has long been a problem spot for one of the nation's premier hoops leagues - a fact of life that CU fans are all too familiar with - but this takes the cake. No longer is this a quirky little issue that fans across the West wryly discuss over adult beverages. No, this is now an embarrassment that needs immediate addressing.

So, here's my two-fold prescription.

1) Fire Ed Rush

This should go unsaid, as, whether in jest or not, officials, especially the damn Coordinator of Basketball Officials, cannot be allowed even a whiff of impropriety. Integrity is non-negotiable; he needs to be fired, forced to resign, whatever. So far, it seems that the only punishment has been a stern talking to, which is grossly insufficient.

Get it done, fire his ass.

2) Shake up the system by hiring and maintaining an exclusive stable of officials.

While we're at it, why not actually do something to improve the on-court performance of the league's officials.

Currently, college basketball referees operate as independent contractors, officiating across the region, for as many games as they can schedule. They work for multiple leagues, with multiple partners, and are largely overworked. This system breeds inconsistent officiating, with communication, comfort, and fatigue often being a hurdle both within the crew, and between the crew and the players.

So, why not do away with this failing system? Why not hire and maintain a stable of Pac-12 exclusive crews, that do nothing but officiate Pac-12 games? Pay them well, expect the best. Use a grading system like the NBA uses, and hold them accountable. Replace those that can't hack it.

Yes, it'll be expensive, with the league having to pay the equivalent of 4-5 games per week for only two actually worked, but, if that's the price of a well officiated game, I'll happily pitch in to help defer the cost. Maybe partner with the Mountain West to both open up spots for more crews, and to defer costs, but the point is: create consistent crews, hold them accountable, and don't overwork them.

C'mon, El Jefe! You and the Pac-12 are better than this.

Monday Grab Bag: Final Four Set

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:15:00 +0000

I don't mean to undersell baseball's Opening Day, but I'm just not ready for it. Could you check back in a week when basketball is over, and I can devote my entire being to the sport I've loved since birth?
Today in the bag, I'm talking Final Four, Steve Alford, and Mike Alvarado.

Click below for the bag...

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