Alligator Army

Your Yearly "Billy Donovan Is Considering Other Jobs" Rumor: St. John's

2010-03-21T21:20:21Z

The body of Florida's 2009-10 season is still warm and Billy Donovan has already been attached to another job. This one makes no sense, however.

St. John's, once a pillar of The City Game, is crumbling. They just fired Norm Roberts, who cleaned up the program, but had only two winning seasons out of six. In a New York Times article, Roberts was criticized by New York AAU and High School coaches for not "bending the rules," essentially not greasing the palms of local coaches who can steer kids to certain programs. Of course, the irony is that a Catholic school fired a squeaky clean coach for not playing dirty.

Inside the five boroughs, St. John's is still a brand name. That's why so many want a big name for the Red Storm. The first name that comes up is Catholic and Long Island native Billy Donovan. Not only did the Daily News' great basketball writer Dick Weiss call for it, the NY Post did the same complete with the anonymous sources that the Post has built their reputation on.

The reasons the News and Post give for Donovan in Queens is that he's Catholic, from New York and played in the Big East at Providence. Some how, he would appreciate half as much salary (but twice the taxes) playing at a Catholic commuter school in Queens in a 16-team superconference without football funding or great facilities. St. John's likes to promote that they play in Madison Square Garden. But they play half their games on-campus in a building that seats as many as UF's Southwest Rec would if you pulled in bleachers. St. John's can barely compete in the Big East, much less a SEC Powerhouse like Florida.

The News and Post also ignore the reasons why Donovan stays in Gainesville and has turned down Kentucky and the Orlando Magic. Donovan makes a crapton of money, none of which is taxed by a city or state income tax like in New York. The O'Connell Center isn't fantastic, but UF's basketball complex is so nice, it became a model for facilities at Kentucky and Texas. Also, the idea that Donovan, as a New Yorker, would go back is absurd. His Gainesville neighborhood is the highest concentration of people from Rockville Centre, NY south of RVC that isn't my family's house. (My family is from the same street as the Donovans.) Why would he uproot to salvage a program that can't pay him, can't provide the facilities needed to win and doesn't have the resources to do either?

Donovan has already been quoted that he's not interested. He told the NY Post;

"I am very happy here, and we have a very good team coming back next season," Donovan told the Post in a text message. "St. John's has a great tradition, and I have great respect for that program.

Donovan also told the Gainesville Sun's Pat Dooley;

"I have not talked to anyone from St. John's. There was an alum that reached out to me who knows people at St. Johns and the Post."

Dooley also says that the Post report of St. John's contacting UF Athletic Director Jeremy Foley is "false," according to Foley. As long as Donovan is at Florida and UF is perceived as a football school that plays basketball to pass the time, Donovan will be attached by others to open jobs. It just so happens that this year's rumor came early.

What We're Watching Today: 2010 NCAA Championship

2010-03-21T16:18:33Z

Sunday's slate of games begins shortly and it will be hard to top yesterday's bracket busting win by Northern Iowa. The last overall No. 1 to lose was Kentucky in 2004 and Kansas did have a tough bracket, but when a huge favorite falls, it sends shock waves. Syracuse will hope to avoid that same fate in Buffalo against Gonzaga. Late in Buffalo, West Virginia plays Mizzou. We hope either one of those games turns into a Gus Johnson Special. HERE COMES THE PAIN!

The only two non-chalk games are No. 10 Georgia Tech vs. No. 2 Ohio State, and No. 12 Cornell vs. No. 4 Wisconsin. With the Badgers less than outstanding history in the tournament, the Big Red might be our upset of the day. Two 5 vs. 4 matchups are Michigan State-Maryland, Texas A&M-Purdue. Xavier-Pitt is a 6-3 game in the West Region at Milwaukee, and Duke plays Cal in Jacksonville to end the day.

As always, you can use NCAA March Madness on Demand to track the games and get your fix of awful Capital One commercials. Click the game below and the internets will take you to your game of choice for free.

What We're Watching Today: 2010 NCAA Championship

2010-03-20T14:16:15Z

It is a gorgeous day in most of Florida today, but the Tournament is on and the sun is always there, so you need to stay inside and enjoy the games. In a battle of Catholics at 1pm, Villanova will try to grow a pair against St. Mary's. During the 3pm hour, you need the NCAA March Madness On Demand player on your laptop with Murray St.-Butler and Ohio-Tennessee. While we always root for the SEC in bowl games, I am rooting hard for an Ohio stunner again today against the Vols. (Also, I was very happy to see FSU lose to Gonzaga. If I can't be happy, I don't want my enemies happy either.)

The 5pm cocktail hour games feature three majors against three mid-majors; Northern Iowa's foreign exchange program vs. Kansas, Old Dominion Brewing Company (the Pale Ale sounds lovely) vs. Baylor, and Washington vs. New Mexico. The 8pm hour is Wake Forest-Kentucky, and BYU attempting to pull off a Mormon miracle and defeat Kansas State for a chance to play a Sweet 16 game in Salt Lake City.

As always, you can watch the Tournament on NCAA March Madness On Demand. Click the game below and the magic of this series of tubes will whisk you away to exotic locales like Providence and Oklahoma City. We suggest having your local CBS affiliate on the TV and the next best option on your laptop, in full screen mode, sitting next to the TV. We also suggest using the Gus Johnson Soundboard to make things a little more exciting. HERE COMES THE PAIN!

Gator Baseball vs. Mississippi State

2010-03-19T19:41:54Z

Florida begins SEC play against traditional SEC powerhouse Mississippi State in Gainesville tonight.

The Gators (13-3, No. 6 ranking) have played very well this season, losing to FSU, Miami and Charleston Southern. Miss State (11-6) has been up and down, including a 3-game sweep to Southeastern Louisiana and losing 3 of 4 games last weekend at a tournament in Texas.

Tonight, Florida will run out sophomore southpaw Alex Panteliodis, who is 4-0 with an 1.10 ERA. He faces MSU's Kendall Graveman, who is making his first start. Graveman has allowed 20 hits and seven runs in 16.2 innings, with one win in five appearances. Saturday, Brian Johnson (1-1, 5.52) will look to improve his recent struggles against Miss State's Chris Stratton (2-2, 2.95). UF has not yet announced their Sunday starter as they deal with the loss of Tommy Toledo, who is out after a line drive broke bones in his face last weekend.

Miss State is allowing opponents to hit .271 and has a team ERA of 4.18. The Gators need to take advantage of this and get SEC play started on the right note. UF first baseman Preston Tucker is hitting well (.383) but his power numbers are too low for a guy of his ability; 2 HR, 4 doubles, .550SLG. Miss State may try to pitch around him as FSU and Miami have done, which means Tucker has to pound anything in the zone.

All three games will be on TV. Friday and Sunday will be on FSFlorida, Saturday will be on CSS.

What We're Watching Today: 2010 NCAA Championship

2010-03-19T15:56:12Z

The weak beginning for the Big East should get better today when No. 1 Syracuse faces No. 16 Vermont and No. 2 West Virginia gets No. 15 Morgan State. Cornell and Temple will be a nice matchup as the Big Red have become a trendy No. 12 over No. 5 pick. I'm looking for Siena to roll injured Purdue in a 13 over 4 game. Louisville and Cal should be a good game as they fight to upset Duke in round two. And of course, I'm rooting hard for Gonzaga to beat FSU.

To watch all these games free and online, you can use the NCAA March Madness on Demand, which is linked below. Click on the game you want to watch and it will pop up. If you have used it before and noticed a lag, that seems to have been fixed this year. Every year, the March Madness on Demand player gets better. /remembers waiting in "lobby" before I could watch games in 2006

Gators In 2010 NCAA Tournament: Grade The Gators

2010-03-19T14:27:16Z

More photos » Sue Ogrocki - AP

Browse more photos »

For all of the hand wringing and complaining we did about the Gators this season, they still made the NCAA Tournament and finished above .500 in a better SEC. I think we expect a lot out of our basketball program because of the two National Championships and the success of football. We seem to forget how much harder it is to find a Tim Tebow or Percy Harvin basketball player and that it takes three or four of those guys to go deep in the Tournament.

When grading the Gators, take that into consideration. The losses sustained by the Gators to pro leagues and transfers put this team in a rough spot, having to run an 8-man rotation with two guys (Erik Murphy, Ray Shipman) who are not mature enough to play a better role. But, we also saw Candler Parsons step out of the shadow of Nick Calathes and Kenny Boynton become a legit player. Vernon Macklin and Alex Tyus have a lot of growing to do, but they will have the knowledge of fourth year players next season. As for Erving Walker, at least Billy Donovan can show Walker's performance in the BYU game to point guard recruits and say, "Look at how bad this is! You could start for us tomorrow!"

Looking at the Gators' body of work, I give the Gators a 'B' grade, about an 83 on the 100 point scale. They won a lot of close games, but also should have won other games (at Georgia, vs. South Alabama). Those wins would have meant better seeding and a deeper run in the Tournament. The thing that keeps coming back is that this team isn't very deep or talented. They won games on guts, not great shooting or defense. Their comeback against BYU was unreal, even if they could not close (which is a feature of the post-title Gators). Maybe if the Gators had more McDonald's All-Americans or seniors, I would grade them harder.

Make your vote and give us your thoughts in the comments.

Poll

What is your grade for the Gators this season?

Gators Run Out Of Gas In 99-92 Double OT Loss To BYU

2010-03-18T19:21:23Z

The Gators showed their guts, but turnovers and bad possessions did in Florida in their 99-92 double overtime loss to BYU in their NCAA Tournament first round game. Florida had two chances to win, once each in regulation and overtime, but could not convert.

Florida would not have been in position to win had it not been for Kenny Boynton's 27 points and fantastic defense against BYU's Jimmer Fredette. Boynton locked Fredette down, including holding the BYU guard scoreless in the first overtime. Boynton had a chance to win at the end of the first OT, but ran out of time and space and was forced to shoot a wild shot that had no chance of being made or rebounded. Boynton fouled out in the second OT with three assists, two rebounds and five turnovers.

Turnovers was the reason why UF found themselves down 13 points with 9:13 remaining. Florida followed great defensive possessions with Erving Walker throwing the ball out of bounds to start the second half. Chandler Parsons had the nerves get to him as he had five turnovers, including two traveling calls. Parsons would get a third walk when BYU's Noah Hartsock pulled a Darnell Dockett and jumped on Parsons' exposed leg for a loose ball, spinning Parsons over to earn the traveling call. Parsons finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. His turn around jumper at the end of regulation was off the back of the rim.

UF did a good job guarding Fredette, but allowed bench player Michael Loyd to get 26 points. Tyler Haws and Jackson Emery each got 10 points. Loyd's first half play sucked the momentum away from Florida as the Gators started the game strong. UF led by seven, before BYU rolled back and ended the first half with a 35-33 lead.

Alex Tyus struggled today, shooting 3-11 for six points and nine rebounds. Vernon Macklin had 16 points and seven rebounds. Erik Murphy had seven points as he finishes the season on a high note. Dan Werner finished his final game as a Gator with four points and five rebounds.

Florida ends the season 21-13.

Gator Basketball vs. BYU, NCAA Championship First Round

2010-03-18T13:18:57Z

For the first time since 2007, they are playing that song for us as the Florida Gators face the BYU Cougars in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. That the Gators are here was in doubt only a few days ago, but now is not the time to worry about seedings or who has experience (UF's only players who have seen the Tournament are Vernon Macklin and Dan Werner) and who hasn't won lately (BYU has not won an NCAA game in 17 years).

The team that wins this game will do so by limiting their opponents strength. Florida has to get in the chest of BYU's guards and prevent them from nailing 3-pointers. BYU has to keep the Gators out of the paint.

BYU's Jimmer Fredette is the type of guy every mid-major has; a cold blooded jump shooter. The instant connection for Gator fans would be Devan Downey of South Carolina. As the Gators have done against the Gamecocks, Florida may have to let Fredette get his points, but on the outside. If Kenny Boynton can guard him enough to prevent Fredette from driving to the bucket and make him shoot jumpers, Florida can win. Everyone on BYU can shoot, so if Fredette is limited, guards Jackson Emery and Tyler Haws can score in double figures and shoot close to 50%. Forward Jonathan Tavernari is the guy who New Mexico coach Steve Alford called an, "asshole," so he could be a thorn in the Gators' side too.

The Gators need to pound the inside to win today. Not only on offense with Macklin, Chandler Parsons and Alex Tyus, but defensive rebounding. With BYU's ability to score, the Gators have to limit their second chance points. UF tends to win when they out-rebound their opponent, but they are 9-1 when Macklin gets 14 points or more. If the Gators use their length to their advantage, they can win.

In case you are wondering, yes, this is a Championship Mode game.

By the way, you can watch the Florida-BYU game and all of the NCAA Championship games online for free with NCAA March Madness on Demand. Linked below is a video player that is set to send you to the games. You can also access March Madness on Demand by clicking on the widget below the Fanshots column.

Happy St. Patrick's Day To You And Who All Seen The Leprechaun

2010-03-17T20:38:35Z

Thanks to my Catholic and Irish heritage (no one does soul crushing guilt better!), St. Patrick's Day is always marked on the calendar well in advance. As always, be sure to celebrate responsibly; Guinness, Harp and Jameson. (Bushmills if you're Protestant or Evil Tim Tebow. Redbreast if you're rich.) If you're in an Irish bar, don't try to order a Black & Tan (Guinness & Bass). Black & Tans were the nickname given to British soldiers stationed in Ireland that were especially brutal prior to Irish independence. Black & Tan is still used as an insult for the English in Ireland. Instead of upsetting your bartender Kevin O'Brien, order a Half & Half, which is Guinness & Harp. Also, drink responsibly.

And, as always, I hope you find where the gold at.

Tim Tebow Invited To NFL Draft

2010-03-17T20:15:33Z

From ESPN;

On the heels of an impressive workout at Florida's pro day, league sources say that Tim Tebow is among those players who have been invited to New York for the NFL Draft, April 22-24.

There are a few reasons for this; the NFL could think that Tebow will be drafted in the first round. Or because the first round is being televised for the first time in primetime, they wanted the most loved/hated college player of his generation there for ratings. At best, Tebow is drafted in the early first round. At worst, he doesn't get drafted and has to go back to the hotel at the end of the night.

Todd McShay was just on ESPN saying he was impressed by Tebow today, but still wouldn't draft him in the first two rounds. McShay deserves your scorn, but no matter the source, the story remains the same for Tebow; we really like him, just not as a first round draft pick.

Tim Tebow Pro Day Begins Spring Football

2010-03-17T18:14:31Z

More photos » Phil Sandlin - AP

4 days ago: Tim Tebow, left, talks with Cleveland Brown's president Mike Holmgren, during Pro Day in Gainesville, Fla., Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Tebow returned to Florida Field to unveil his new throwing motion for NFL coaches, general managers and scouts. It could be key to where the former Heisman Trophy winner gets drafted next month. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

Browse more photos »

The best way to describe Tim Tebow today at Gators Pro Day is "push". That is he didn't impress, but he hasn't gotten worse either. His motion is clearly different, but it is good enough for the NFL?

Michael Wright of the Florida Times-Union was there and said, "Tebow worked out one kink and developed another. There's still a small loop and now a bit of a pause in motion." Also, Tebow threw low when he scrambled, resulting in mediocre accuracy.

There were NFL teams with quarterback questions in attendance. Mike Holmgren and Eric Mangini of the Browns were in Gainesville, as was Carolina's John Fox. The Panthers' head coach told the Palm Beach Post's Kyle Maistri that to assess Tebow, "you got to look at his whole body of work." The Orlando Sentinel's Andrea Adelson said that Fox and Bucs' coach Raheem Morris were impressed by Tebow. The Panthers also showed interest in Carlos Dunlap. With his past problems, Dunlap would be a good fit with the Raiders of the NFC.

Joe Haden improved his 40 times to 4.41 and 4.39, which are not great, but not awful like at the Combine. Brandon Spikes however did himself no favors as he ran a 5.0 and 5.05. Spikes is one of my all time favorite Gators, but it is becoming apparent that his fitness level has dropped since his junior year. His injuries during this season might have slowed him down, but no linebacker should run a five flat 40. The only other excuse was wet ground in Gainesville.

With the exit of the Tebow class and elite juniors, Spring Football begins across the street from the Stadium. Urban Meyer is expected to be there, but will not address the media, which will surely cause everyone to get their panties in a bunch. But, it seems to me that Meyer doesn't want every media clutch to develop into, "What the hell is going on here?" With Steve Addazio handling those duties, Addazio can issue a few "no comments" and force the questions into football.

Since Meyer hasn't talked openly about his situation, no one has considered that practice may energize Meyer. 2010 will be a relatively stress free season. Think about it; every season Meyer has been at UF has been a killer year. First it was, "Will the spread work in the SEC?" Then the first championship and making Tebow a Heisman winner in 2007. The last two seasons have been all about winning the National Championship. With John Brantley (who does not have the Tebow following yet), Meyer can develop a quarterback and offense without the demand of winning 13 games. A division title is a definite possibility, but we can't play for the SEC title every season.

Not only is the offense a year away and under possible renovation to a run first or pro-style set, the defense is at least a year away. The Baby Gators like Hurricane Orr and Ronald Powell will not be able to dominate. With the changes on the defensive staff, it is important that a familiarity is created between coaches and players. Instead of determining who plays where and when, the players need to learn to trust their new coaches and the coaches need to learn how to push their guys for maximum results.

3rd Annual Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em Last Call

2010-03-17T16:00:21Z

To sign up for the 3rd Annual Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em, click here, and enter ID#: 66868 and password: army (must have a Yahoo fantasy sports account to play). But sign up quickly because the first games begin at 12pm on Thursday. First prize in the pick'em gets a Gators messenger bag, seen here.

By the way, at 11pm last night, the pick'em had 30 entries. That means this will be the largest Tournament Pick'em we have hosted. The all-time Alligator Army pick'em was 44 for the 2008 College Bowl Pick'em.

Gators In 2010 NCAA Tournament: How BYU's Jimmer Fredette Could Kill UF

2010-03-17T11:00:46Z

Laura Rauch - AP

View full size photo »

Florida has had a huge problem with defense this season, especially 3-point defense. Unfortunately for the Gators, BYU is tied for second nationally in 3-point percentage made. (42%)

BYU has several sharpshooters, but Public Enemy No. 1 has to be junior point guard Jimmer Fredette. Fredette is the type of player who can singlehandedly take BYU to the Sweet 16. He is averaging 21.7ppg and shooting 45% from the 3-point line. Fredette makes South Carolina's Devan Downey look like the JV in terms of scoring. Fredette has two 40+ point games and seven games of 30+ points. In BYU's last game against UNLV, Fredette scored 30 of the Cougars' 66 points.

Fredette is more than just a 3-point shooter, as he can drive the lane and get to the foul line. He is far from the Cougars only option, but he is the best one. Florida may have to allow Fredette to get his points, and play better defense on BYU's Jackson Emery (12.6ppg), Tyler Haws (11.3ppg) and Jonathan Tavernari (10.3ppg). BYU averages 83ppg, which is second nationally. UF has already lost to two other top-10 scoring teams; Syracuse and Xavier.

Florida won't be able to contain Fredette and any double teams leave open one of BYU's other top-point scorers. The only way the Gators limit the damage is by limiting everyone else.

Gator Baseball Defeats FSU, Season Series Tied 1-1

2010-03-17T02:41:32Z

Losing 5-2 after two innings, the Gators rallied Tuesday night, defeating Florida State 8-5. The teams have split the first two games of the season series, with games remaining at Tallahassee and Jacksonville.

The Gators (13-3) began their rally in third inning when Preston Tucker hit his second homer of the season. UF took the lead in the fourth inning when two singles and two sacrifice flies scored three runs. Tucker was 2 for 3 with 4 RBI, Josh Adams was 2 for 4 with 3 RBI including a 2-run homer in the first inning.

FSU (13-3) had success against UF freshman Hudson Randall. He went four innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits. The Gator offense and pitchers Nick Maronde and Kevin Chapman picked him up. Maronde got his first win as he worked around 3 walks in two innings, not allowing a hit or run. Chapman earned his third save with three innings, allowing one hit and striking out three.

Today's win is a lone bright spot this week as UF pitcher Tommy Toledo will have to undergo surgery to repair facial fractures after being hit with a line drive on Sunday. Toledo's face is still too swollen for doctors to perform any procedures.

Gators In 2010 NCAA Tournament: Chandler Parsons Needs To Be The Captain

2010-03-16T13:21:18Z

More photos » Aaron E. Daye - AP

Browse more photos »

When the Oh Fours left Gainesville, no one knew who was in charge. Walter Hodge was the oldest remaining player, but he could never get through as a team captain. But that wasn't his fault. The team wasn't mature enough yet. There were reports at the time of Al Horford and Joakim Noah coming back to Gainesville to workout in the summer and talk to the team. Rather than listen to successful players, a few chose to keep their iPods in and space out. Those players soon left for the NBA and Europe, leaving a group of guys who worked hard enough to limp into the NCAA Tournament.

The Gators still lack a captain, either a single player or by committee. It would normally be the senior, Dan Werner, but that is not in his personality. Chandler Parsons could be that guy. He was always a tall kid, but has bulked up, knowing that he needed to handle more of the scoring responsibilities in 2010. Parsons calls for the ball on the floor and is going to the bucket more. His shooting percentage is 50% and his free throw percentage went from 56 to 67%. Parsons has demonstrated that he knows what his flaws are and has worked hard to erase them.

The problem is that Parsons probably has never had to have been a leader. Parsons played much of his schoolboy career with Nick Calathes, who was always the star of the show. Parsons could be successful as a role player, as he was last season. This season, Parsons personality remained that of a role player, even though UF is a totally different team when he is taking 10-15 shots a game. He can create shots and he needs to let everyone on the floor know that.

Too often, Parsons will run out to the wing as Erving Walker tries to set up Vernon Macklin for a roll to the hoop. The problem is that Walker isn't a good enough shooter to take advantage if the double team follows Macklin, and Macklin is too inconsistent. When UF rolls Parsons and Alex Tyus, it finishes with a Tyus dunk or Parsons bucket. That is the other gain Parsons has made; he is the best passer on the team. Parsons height allows him to see the floor better than Walker or Kenny Boynton, even if Parsons lacks some of their ballhandling skills.

Against BYU on Thursday, Parsons needs to light a fire under the Gators the same was he did in the SEC first round game against Auburn. If not, with buckets, by getting in the face of his teammates.

Gators In 2010 NCAA Tournament: Best And Worst Case Scenarios

2010-03-15T19:00:25Z

More photos » Phil Sandlin - AP

Browse more photos »

We had so much fun with this in August for football season, it seems like a good idea to bring it back. Here are the best and worst case scenarios for notable teams in the NCAA Tournament.

Florida (West 10 seed):
Best Case Scenario: The Gators actually defend the 3-point line, shutting down BYU. The real stunner comes in the second round against Kansas State; Dan Werner goes off and scores 14 points, including the game winner off an offensive rebound. Florida loses to Pittsburgh in the Sweet Sixteen.

Worst Case Scenario: BYU's Jackson Emery shoots lights out as the Cougars defeat UF by 15 points. Chandler Parsons seriously injures his knee when Werner trips him during an inbound play. Mississippi State also wins the NIT, outscoring their opponents by an average of 20 points.

BYU (West 7 seed):
Best Case Scenario: Rolling through the bracket, BYU faces Syracuse in Salt Lake City for a chance at the Final Four. With famous Mormons Glenn Beck, Mitt Romney and the cast of "Big Love" in the house, BYU stuns the Orange, 81-79.

Worst Case Scenario: Following St. Patrick's Day, BYU can not stop a team coached by an Irish Catholic. Florida wins 71-64. Season 5 of "Big Love" opens with Bill Henrickson resigning his Utah Senate seat.

Florida State (West 9 seed):
Best Case Scenario: The Seminoles defeat Gonzaga and shock injury plagued Syracuse in the second round. They finally lose to Pitt in the Elite Eight. However, their place is revoked when it is revealed the entire team cheated on a music history test.

Worst Case Scenario: Florida Governor and FSU alum Charlie Crist joins the Noles since the Gonzaga game in Buffalo is on the way to a fundraiser/bill signing ceremony. FSU ends up losing by 32 points as everything Crist touches turns into a ball of suck or back wax. And, FSU's place is revoked when it is revealed the entire team cheated on a music history test.

Kansas (Midwest 1 seed):
Best Case Scenario: The Jayhawks win the National Championship, defeating Kansas State and Kentucky in the process. Sherron Collins is named Most Outstanding Player.

Worst Case Scenario: During their Final Four matchup, Kansas and K-State start a brawl. In the process, someone rips off Bill Self's hairpiece and throws it into the stands. Collins and Aldrich are ejected and the Wildcats are inspired, defeating Kentucky for the National Championship.

Tennessee (Midwest 6 seed):
Best Case Scenario: Bruce Pearl finally gets the monkey off his back and gets Tennessee into the Elite Eight. There, they lose 81-51 to Ohio State. Buckeye fans chant, "Big Ten! Big Ten!"

Worst Case Scenario: Former football coach Phil Fulmer is an invited guest of the Vols. The old coach is thrilled since the games are held at the Dunkin Donuts Center. But Fulmer has too many donuts and creates a pile of powdered sugar on the court. Wayne Chism slips and falls, banging his giant forehead in the process. Vols lose to San Diego State.

Kentucky (East 1 seed):
Best Case Scenario: Not only does Kentucky win, but John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Patrick Patterson all return for another season. Kige Ramsey joins Michelle Beadle as co-host of ESPN's SportsNation. UK's 2010 and 2011 championships are later voided when it is revealed that Derrick Rose took John Wall's SAT tests for him.

Worst Case Scenario: The Texas team from December shows up and pounds Kentucky in their second round game. Calipari, Cousins, Wall and Patterson all leave for the NBA. Rick Pitino's son, Richard is named the new head coach.

West Virginia (East 2 seed):
Best Case Scenario: The Mountaineers win every game with a buzzer beater, including their first round game with Morgan State. Bob Huggins has a heart attack following WVU's win over Kentucky and misses the dramatic seven OT win over Kansas for the title. Delirious fans burn Morgantown to the ground.

Worst Case Scenario: WVU becomes the fifth 2 seed to lose their first round game. The Mountaineer mascot murders three people inside the arena in an "accident".

Duke (South 1 seed):
Best Case Scenario: Duke cruises through the South region, defeating Notre Dame in the Elite Eight. Notre Dame had petitioned the NCAA to play the game in Rome to make up for BYU playing in Salt Lake City. However, Duke is crushed in the Final Four by Kentucky. DeMarcus Cousins breaks Kyle Singler's nose after swatting a layup.

Worst Case Scenario: Remembering that Mike Krzyzewski gave him a hard time for not picking the Blue Devils in 2009, President Barack Obama again picks Duke to not come out of their region. This inspires Coach K to lead his team to the South final, where they lose to Villanova, the same team that eliminated them in 2009.

3rd Annual Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em

2010-03-15T16:00:49Z

For the first time since we have had Alligator Army, the Gators are in the NCAA Tournament. That also means the 3rd Annual Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em is a little more interesting with our beloved Gators on the West's ten line.

To sign up for the 3rd Annual Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em, click here, and enter ID#: 66868 and password: army (must have a Yahoo fantasy sports account to play).

As always, the first place winner will get a prize; a black and blue Gators messenger bag (seen below). It is big enough to carry a laptop. If you are wondering where it came from, I bought it at the Great Gator Garage Sale, so it has only been touched by mine and UAA hands.

Good luck!

Gators In 2010 NCAA Tournament: The Winning Returns

2010-03-15T06:08:12Z

Every time ESPN's Brad Nessler broadcasted a game from Gainesville this season, he would say, "Live from a packed house..." even though it wasn't true. For the first time in my history as a Florida Basketball fan, there were empty sections, not empty rows. Seeing that bothered me. I watched my final game as a student in 2006 alone in the last row, because my new girlfriend didn't win the online lottery. A student now could walk up on game day and sit on Nessler's lap.

The author with Joakim Noah. Gainesville Raceway, April 4, 2006.

From 2000-2007, Florida won three SEC Championships, three SEC Tournaments, three National Finalists and two National Championships. But, things change quickly. You can blame a lot of things for the empty seats; a down SEC, a down economy, bad teams. It came down to not winning enough.

The Gators are back to being winners, even if they backed into the Tournament. For the next few days, I think you will see a quiet confidence from Gator fans. (Not because UF can or will win. Actually, with BYU's ability to shoot threes, they could pull a Mississippi State on the Gators.) Instead of thinking about these Gators, fans will think about the old Gators. Those guys were not expected to win anything either.

By reaching the Tournament, UF has reclaimed something we thought had become a birthright and we'll go back to acting like we're supposed to crush all comers. We're 100% wrong, but damnit, doesn't it feel good again to be a winning team?

Gators Make The NCAA Tournament, Face BYU Thursday In Oklahoma City

2010-03-14T23:18:11Z

More photos » Dave Martin - AP

Browse more photos »

After two seasons of the NIT, the Florida Gators have broken their slump and earn the ten seed in the West bracket. The Gators (21-12) will face seven seed BYU Cougars (29-5) on Thursday in Oklahoma City.

It is clear that Florida got in by the strength of their out of conference schedule. In contrast, Virginia Tech and Mississippi State were left at home. Miss State was 0.1 away from winning the SEC and an automatic bid.

BYU was ranked 14 in the most recent AP poll and finished 13-3 in the Mountain West. They won 9 of their last 12 games. They are a very high scoring team, averaging 83ppg. The Cougars' leading scorer is guard Jimmer Fredette with 21.7ppg. Three others are in double figures. The Cougars can claim that they should have been seeded higher than seven, however, BYU had a strength of schedule of 116. Florida's was 33. With RPI often criticized for the weight it places on certain things, the Committee went to the concrete SOS number.

As for tournament history, BYU has made the NCAA the last three seasons, but was bounced in the first round each time. (Sounds like early 2000s Florida.) Florida might have snuck in (as I write this, Va Tech's Seth Greenberg is complaining about being at home with a 113 SOS), but this gift now needs to be taken advantage of. If Florida doesn't get their asses in gear now, nothing will help.

However, I am very excited to see what Chandler Parsons and Kenny Boynton do in NCAA play. Also, take a look at the heights of the Cougars. Their two big guys are not contributors, and their top four scorers are all under 6-foot-6. Florida is at their best playing smaller teams. As a Gator fan, you have to hope Vernon Macklin and Alex Tyus can nut up and play like true big men inside.

3rd Annual Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em & Selection Sunday Live Blog!

2010-03-14T20:58:24Z

More photos » Dave Martin - AP

Browse more photos »

[6:53pm] Working on our "gamer" detailing Florida's bid and road. But, let me say this; I'm confident playing BYU.

[6:44pm] From my friend Hanson, "Dan Werner lives to see another day!"

[6:38pm] No Mississippi State or Illinois. I erred when I said Minny didn't get in. They got the 11 in the West. Which is why I missed it, I was too excited about UF.

[6:35pm] Utah State makes it. Only a few spots left.

[6:30pm] Wow, no Minnesota, Illinois or Mississippi State. Yet.

[6:24pm] The Gators better play balls to the wall now. The Committee opened the door for them when they couldn't take care of their business.

[6:21pm] UF, as the ten in West in Oklahoma City, would face winner of K-State and North Texas. Game is Thursday.

[6:18pm] FLORIDA GETS THE TEN IN WEST! FACES BYU!

[6:14pm] I'm not excited about UF getting in, but I was freaking a bit during the Midwest region selection. Also, I love that Davis picked San Diego State against Tennessee. Everyone knows Bruce Pearl massively screws up one NCAA Tournament game. The challenge is picking which game it will be.

[6:13pm] Tennessee gets the 6th Midwest seed in Providence.

[6:11pm] Those Houston and New Mexico State bids in Midwest are really going to ruin some bubbles.

[6:08pm] From the Sentinel's Jeremy Fowler;

Ironic CBS showed clips of Florida's last NCAA title before the commercial. Now here are the Gators with shaky chance of getting name called

[6:06pm] Miss State is watching the Selection Show at the airport as they just landed in Mississippi. I know, I'm shocked too that there is an airport in Northern Mississippi.

[6:04pm] Um, why not West Virginia as a No. 1 over Duke? Also, I see Jim Nantz picking up Billy Packer's ACC bias in defending Duke. Nice job.

[6:02pm] CBS also played "Sleep now in the fire" (RAGE!) between the Kansas announcement and remaining No. 1s. Kentucky goes East, Duke goes South, Syracuse out West.

[6:00pm] Kansas takes the overall No. 1. Seth Davis looks a little too pleased with himself.

[5:56pm] Between the SEC on CBS theme, Masters theme and "One Shining Moment," CBS has the best sports themes. But none top "NBA On NBC."

[5:53pm] The defending champion of the Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em returns to defend her title. She says, "Bring it :)". I don't know about that smiley face. Needs more killer instinct.

[5:36pm] Florida will only have themselves to blame if hot teams like Minnesota, Miss State or Utah State make it. (Utah State had a 17 game winning streak snapped at the worst time, in the WAC final.) If UF had defeated South Alabama and Georgia, the Gators' worst loss would have been South Carolina, who is also Kentucky's worst loss.

[5:23pm] If Miss State didn't knock UF out, Minnesota probably did. They have similar RPI, similar SOS, and each played 11 top-50 RPI teams. Problem was that UF was 3-8 and the Gophers were 5-6 in those games. That doesn't include today's loss to Ohio State. UF was not only hurt by not extending into the SEC Tournament, but also playing very weak Auburn. Minny also won 7 of their last 10 games.

Awwwww, yeahhhhh. It's on. Tell'em how it do, Ric.

It is Selection Sunday and don't let Florida's bubbleness get you down. Because Wednesday is St. Patrick's Day, while Thursday and Friday will be spent watching basketball in the middle of the work and school day. And if you're still in school, it's a good thing you were nice to Mrs. Cook and Miss Ragsdale because they are letting you watch basketball instead of learning.

This also means the 3rd Annual Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em! As always, the first place winner will get a prize; a black and blue Gators messenger bag, perfect for carrying your laptop or cash needed to bail out a Florida football player. To sign up for the 3rd Annual Alligator Army Tournament Pick'em, click here, and enter ID#: 66868 and password: army (must have a Yahoo fantasy sports account to play). If you played in last year's event or our facebook friend, you should have already been invited to the group.

Here is the prize.

As for the live blog, newest stuff will go to the top of this page.