The Rumblings of a Deranged Buffalo

Monday Grab Bag: Still waiting for an AD

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:44:00 +0000

Following up on my lead-in from last week, I've made a decision on what baseball team to follow.

To summarize, with my beloved White Sox turning into a bona fide dumpster fire (three straight losses to the Astros over the weekend!), I'm looking for a hardball distraction to obscure the mounting futility. Turning to twitter, I received numerous suggestions like the Yomiuri Giants, Dorados de Chihuahua, along with more conventional choices like the Seattle Mariners. (Thanks to everyone who chimed in!)

In the end, however, there was only one real option. I'm going with the home team, and jumping back on the Rockies bandwagon. And what a bandwagon it is! After yesterday's 5-2 victory over Philadelphia, the Rox moved to four games over .500, and sit only half a game back of the division leading Diamondbacks. My poor, poor White Sox could only dream of such heights.

So get ready, Coors Field. Your attendance is about to be boosted by one over the next homestand!

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Today in the bag, I'm talking AD search, the NBA finals, and the US Open.

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The Attrition Files: Coach Tom Abatemarco

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:21:00 +0000

The CU men's basketball coaching staff is finally seeing some attrition, but not in the way many had been expecting. While assistants Jean Prioleau and Mike Rohn are still waiting for that much deserved head coaching offer, Director of Player Development Tom Abatemarco is leaving the program for second time to take an assistant coaching position with Loyola Marymount.

Coach A was a vital piece of basketball's resurgence in Boulder. From: CUBuffs.com

Coach Abatemarco had been with the program since even before the Tad Boyle era began, having signed on as an assistant with Jeff Bzdelik shortly before the former coach left for Wake Forest in 2010. When Coach Boyle was hired, Abatemarco impressed him enough to retain the position he had been offered under Bzdelik, with the veteran immediately becoming one of Coach Boyle's most trusted recruiters.

A well-connected figure in the national basketball landscape, Abatemarco added heft to the fledgling staff, and allowed them to get on their feet in a hurry. When the call came to find a rebounder to flesh out the 2010 CU roster, Coach A new where to go, and dug out the name of Andre Roberson not even a month on the job. Who knows where CU would be without that recruiting coup.

In recent years, however, he had been pushed off the front lines. A coaching shake up intended to get fellow assistant Rodney Billups out on the recruiting trail left Coach A as the odd man out, chaining the passionate recruiter to his desk. After that, it was only a matter of time before the well-traveled Abatemarco began to look for greener pastures. In fact, there were rumors of his imminent departure as early as last season.

There has been some mild consternation that his departure will wound recruiting efforts in California. I think there's some merit to that, as he has been an essential part of the dynamic upswing in recruiting over the past few years, but I have faith that Coach Boyle and crew will do just fine in his absence, especially in light of recent recruiting developments.

In the end, it's a move that makes sense for Abatemarco. I'm sad to see one of the keystones to CU's recent success depart, but I'm happy that Coach A is jumping at exciting new opportunities to help build another program.

Thank you Coach Abatemarco! You helped kick off the RollTad era in style by beefing up recruiting, and leveraging your roll-o-dex. Your contributions will not be forgotten.

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Best remembered for -

Dominating the recruiting trail, and helping to find the first recruiting jewel of the RollTad era

Best aspect of his game -

Tweeting. The dude is a fantastic follow. His jokes, prods, teases, and rants make for a hell of a roller coaster ride. No one associated with the team uses teh interwebz better than Coach Abatemarco.

Monday Grab Bag: I'm looking for a new baseball team

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:06:00 +0000

Despite winning their last two, my White Sox are just about the most pathetic team in baseball. I challenge anyone to watch them play, and successfully resist the urge to wretch.

Hitting? Worst of any team with a DH. Fielding? 2nd worst in the league. Base-running? Beyond incompetent. Pitching? Well... actually, they're pretty good at pitching, which would matter if they could hit, field, or run worth a lick. The worst part is, after eight years of chasing the championship dragon in the wake of 2005, the farm system is so depleted that I think I have a shot to start tomorrow in A ball.

Hell it's gotten so bad that the manager, former Sox star Robin Ventura, can't even be bothered to show up to games anymore.

The point is, I'm ready to light the season on fire, and start openly hoping for loses and a good draft pick. But, what to do with the remaining three and a half months of the baseball season? I can't just give up on the sport entirely, I love it too much.

So, I'm selling my allegiance for the remainder of 2013. If you think I should be following your favorite team until the end of October, pop me a tweet with your reasons. I'll buy the winning team's hat, and watch their games. If they're in the NL, I'll even go to a game when they're in Denver (or simply go to a game, if I pick the Rox).

Those suggesting the Cubs, Tigers, Twins, Yankees, or Red Sox will get blocked, but I'm open to any of the other 24 teams.

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Today in the bag, I'm talking track and field excellence, yet another late add to the 2013 football roster, and the Miami Heat bouncing back in Game 2.

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Watch as I react to the news that CU is 3.5 point underdogs to CSU...

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:17:00 +0000

*Golden Nugget releases lines for over 200 college football games*
*Installs CSU as 3.5 point favorites over CU*

...

Quick post: Basketball ticket costs going up

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:32:00 +0000

Earlier this year, when football ticket renewals went out, I had to make a gamble. I ended up making it in favor of not renewing my football seats.

You see, the life of an unpaid blogger isn't as lucrative as you might imagine, and I could see over the horizon the strong possibility that my basketball tickets would be getting hit with a hefty price increase. I can't in good conscience give up my perch halfway up Section 9, so, rather than betting that basketball prices would stay flat for another year, I saved my money for basketball renewals. Sure, there were other influences on my decision, but that was essentially 75% of my thinking.

Today, I learned that my money was well saved. In recognition of CU now becoming known for basketball, a required donation to the Buff Club has been tacked on to all non-student price levels at the CEC. For many, that may mean as little as $50. For me, I'm now throwing down $150 on top of the regular ticket cost. While it's true that the printed price of my tickets is not going up, the actual hit to my wallet has gone up 60%.

A map detailing the 2013-14 pricing structure can be found here. Certain price levels have been requiring donations for a while now, but this season will mark a first for Colorado Basketball. This policy just brings the CEC closer in-line with the ticketing structure in Folsom.

You know what? I'm fine with it. Colorado Basketball has been grossly undervalued for years, and it makes sense for the athletic department to begin capitalizing on a program that has suddenly turned into a money maker. While the sticker-shock is a little high right now (60%, yo), I will make the argument that, between free parking, relatively cheap concessions, and a high quality product, attending a game at the CEC is still one of the best sporting values on the Front Range.

Monday Grab Bag: Solich wasn't on board.

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:45:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from last night's traumatic episode of Game of Thrones. Even though I've read the books, I was still thrown for a loop by the brutality and senselessness of the 'Red Wedding' brought to life. The lesson, as always, is that George R. R. Martin ain't care.

Today in the bag, I'm still talking about Bohn's 'resignation,' catching up on some recruiting news, and prepping for tonight's Game 7 between the Heat and the Pacers.

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In remembrance of Cliff Meely

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Thu, 30 May 2013 15:37:00 +0000

Lost amongst the chaos of the last few days was the news that Cliff Meely, possibly the greatest basketball player in this history of the University of Colorado, died Tuesday evening. The 65 year old legend, a continuous fixture at games and practices long after his graduation, developed a blood infection, and died unexpectedly.

From: the BDC

Despite playing in an era where freshmen were ineligible to play, he put up three-year numbers that no one before or since has been able to match. Through three years of play in Black and Gold, he averaged a knee-buckling 24/12 (both CU records).

In his sophomore year (1968-69), his first in Boulder, he burst onto the scene, helping to lead the team to the program's last outright league title.

By his senior year, 1970-71, he was shattering scoring records, averaging 28/12 per game. In Big-8 play alone that season, Meely dropped an astonishing 30.5 points per conference contest, including 47 against Oklahoma on Feb 13th - still the all-time, single game scoring record for a Buffalo.

"I did not really come to Colorado to score points: I came to win games. In the midst of doing that, I did not really think about it breaking records. Now that I look back on it, I think to myself 'Wow. Look what I accomplished during my career.' I just did what the team needed me to do to give us the best chance of winning." (-link)

He was named to the All-Big-8 First Team in each year on campus, with his triumphant senior campaign earning him First Team All-America honors. Meely's coach, Sox Walseth (a legend in his own right), once said fondly of Cliff: "He is the most complete player I have ever coached." Accordingly, his number #20 hangs in the rafters of the CEC.

"Whatever I did, I did it so our team could win. They retired my uniform, and that was a great honor. I don't decide how good I was compared to others. Somebody else will have to decide that." (-link)

Even to this day his accomplishments resonate with the fans, and it was no surprise that he was named as one of only five members of the AllBuffs.com All-Time Basketball Team last summer.

From: CUBuffs.com

The crime of it all comes in the form of an oft repeated line from the past few hours: "I didn't see him play." It seems that far too many passed through Boulder without seeing Mr Meely ply his trade on the hardwood, a gift reserved for those lucky thousands who filled Balch Fieldhouse during the late 60s and early 70s. I only wish I could've joined them.

I think Coach Boyle said it best:

“I thought he was a true gentleman, and you look at the numbers and he was arguably the best player ever to play here . . . what I love is that he came to Boulder from Chicago and stayed there, made this his home. He loved the university; he was a special guy. This is a sad day. He went too early.” - link

Games this winter just wont be the same without his court-side presence.

On Mike Bohn's 'resignation.'

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Wed, 29 May 2013 14:37:00 +0000

An era of CU Athletics came to a close yesterday when it was announced that Athletic Director Mike Bohn 'resigned' his post, effective June 3rd.

Regardless of your opinion of the man, his impact is unquestioned. Over his eight year tenure at CU, Mike oversaw many transformative acts, including, but not limited to:

The move to the Pac-12.
A nearly decade-long campaign to improve the Coors Events Center, including the new practice facility.
The start of the Folsom improvements project.
Long over-due improvements to Potts and Prentup Fields, as well as the signing of Colorado National as a home for the golf teams.
Hiring Tad Boyle, Linda Lappe, Mike MacIntyre, and others.
Firing (or not retaining) Dan Hawkins, Jon Embree, Ricardo Patton, Pi'i Aiu, and others.
The cancellation of men's tennis, and the formation of women's lacrosse.
A total of four national championships, and 18 conference titles.

He didn't necessarily hit a home run with every one of his efforts, even struck out badly a time or two, but no one is perfect, and he hit enough solid singles and doubles to easily surpass his predecessor, Dick Tharp.

Mike Bohn guided CU into the Pac-12, silencing critics who thought CU should've settled for the MWC.

I've heard some people try to downplay his accomplishments, claim that the Pac-12 was going to take Colorado anyway, or that he got lucky with Coach Boyle. You want to blame him for Hawk or Embree? Perfectly fair, but then you also have to give him credit for being out in front of conference realignment, and pumping money into basketball. The move to the Pac-12 essentially went down on CU's terms, with Mike's leadership being a key reason why, and Coach Boyle isn't here winning without Mike's tireless infusion of money and support into all things hoops.

But, regardless of what I say, there are many who will never allow themselves to admit that Mike did a single thing right. Whether it was his handling of Gary Barnett or Jon Embree, many of the old-guard football crew have simply shut their minds to Bohn, spitting out his name if pressed. In some respect, I can't blame them. He did Gary wrong in '05, and the Embree hiring/firing was poorly handled (to be kind). But those failings are not the end-all of Mike's tenure in Boulder, and focusing on them does the entire story an injustice. The totality of the athletic department improved under Mike's reign. If you can't see that, then I just can't help you.

Much of Bohn's legacy is grounded upon supporting basketball, and hiring Tad Boyle.

Compared to Tharp, who was the definition of corporate and aloof, Mike was loud, brash, and colloquial. You didn't have to have a $100 handshake to get his attention, which may, ultimately, have been his downfall. It was no fluke that the first marketing campaign under his direction was 'Your Team.' This concept of personal ownership in the on-field product oozed through every bit of his shtick, and was designed to make everyone, whether they paid $5 or $5,000, feel a part of the product. He was, essentially, an old school salesman, and I loved every minute of his efforts.

Initially, CU tried to pass off his departure as a pure resignation. Unfortunately for them, the poor media management that often plagued Mike Bohn's tenure quickly made that a mockery. A combination of Mark Johnson's initial confirmation and Bohn's initial response to CBS 4's Vic Lombardi made it clear what really happened. No one is 'floored' by their own resignation, and being 'let go' sure sounds like 'fired' to me. The reality is simple: Bohn was forced to resign, with CU paying the three years remaining on his current five-year contract extension.

Much like his fired football coaches, Mike's about to get paid to go away.

The why behind that force is less clear. Many have speculated that it's rooted in the powerful donors that have been brought into the fold - many by Mike Bohn himself, mind you - over recent years. Others, like disavowed CU alum Rick Reilly, chalk it up to a personality conflict with CU President Bruce Benson. Regardless, whatever ends up being CU's official story must be digested with a healthy dash of salt.

My guess: this was all about the facilities plan. Fundraising wasn't humming along at levels originally hoped for, which probably lead to the dismissal. It makes a lot of sense that, with a $170 million facilities plan stuck in neutral, that leadership would start to get nervous. I get that.

What I don't get, however, is the timing. Since the end of football season alone, Mike has been entrusted to fire Jon Embree, hire Mike MacIntyre, and launch the heralded facilities plan. If the idea is to get someone in place who can help spur a football revival in Boulder, then why allow Bohn to take these large, program defining steps? Why wait until the rebuilding process is seven-plays into the 2-Minute-Drill before bringing in a new quarterback?

If this was about football, as it most assuredly is, then the timing was blown.

CU now has to hire a new athletic director who doesn't get to pick his football coach, doesn't get to create his own renovation plan, has to inherit all of Mike's baggage, and deal with the normal difficulties associated with transition. You don't need an MBA to realize that's idiotic.

It's just another administerial fuck-up, only this time BuffNation can't take the easy way out, and blame Mike Bohn. It's clear through this ham-handed approach to management that the lack of direction from Bohn in regards to everything football was a systemic byproduct of the dysfunction that President Benson and Chancellor Phil DiStefano brought to the table. I don't blame them for wanting better results both on and off the gridiron, I only wonder why they waited til the week after Memorial Day to make their move. Yes, the AD is in desperate need of new life, and a new direction, but I think that goes as much for Benson and DiStefano as it does for Bohn.

My immediate concern is, of course, centered on the hardwood. Much of the recent basketball renaissance can be attributed to the man who finally spent money on languishing programs. Bohn improved facilities, hired competent coaches, massaged emerging fan support, and trusted programs to grow despite of years of losing results. While Tad and Linda will keep winning, I wonder if the institutional support the programs have enjoyed will whither under new leadership.

In the end, it's time to move on. As much as I would like to dwell on the impact on basketball, this move will forever be defined by football and the Folsom renovation plan. Can Mike MacIntyre bring wins back to Boulder? Can the new AD squeeze $170 million out of an already dry stone to make the renovations a reality. For Bohn's successor, the answers better be a resounding 'YES,' because the rest doesn't matter.

Tuesday Grab Bag: The Summer of Tad Boyle

noreply@blogger.com (RumblinBuff) — Tue, 28 May 2013 15:57:00 +0000

I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend. I was stuck in bed with the flu, which rendered any thoughts of grilled meat, beer, and friends moot. There's nothing more frustrating than having a 5-day holiday weekend spoiled by a 103 degree fever. Oh well, I'll just have to get after the 4th doubly hard to make up for it.

Today in the bag, I'm talking yet another scheduling coup, Dwyane Wade continuing to debase himself, and DU falling in the lacrosse Final Four.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Click below for the bag...

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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.