March 31, 2006
Equal Opportunity Final Four?
StateFans Nation uncovered a very interesting statistic that I had not noticed. Over the past five seasons, only one team has had more than one Final Four appearance, Kansas in 2002 and 2003 (with Roy Williams, who also took UNC last year). That means 19 different teams have reached college hoops' Mount Olympus in the last five years. No repeats from Duke, UNC, Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan State, UCLA, Indiana or Arizona.
Pretty damn interesting, I think. I also think it's an anomaly. Look for UNC, Duke and UConn to make some more appearances in the coming years.
I should point out that the well-intentioned fellows at SFN use that statistic as yet another cudgel with which to bash Herb Sendek.
Comments
I beg to differ with the "cudgel" characterization. We are just defending against charges of "unrealistic" expectations.
| BJD95 wrote: |
| I beg to differ with the "cudgel" characterization. We are just defending against charges of "unrealistic" expectations. |
Well that was quick!
I just like the word cudgel. And you have to admit, there have been a lot of anti-Herb and anti-Fowler articles over there lately. I understand, of course, but still.
I did see that you were pleased with Caulton Tudor's series of articles. I too thought he did a good job with those. Had I not been away and/or trying to fix my site, I'd have linked to them.
Sendek in Tempe--I didn't know there was that much SPF 45 sunscreen in the world! I wonder how many times the State AD has called Laranaga this evening?
It is a beautiful new day for NC State! I'm honestly very happy for Sendek to find a nice landing spot for a fresh start.
And yes, cudgel is a fun word!
And yes, cudgel is a fun word!
| BJD95 wrote: |
| It is a beautiful new day for NC State! I'm honestly very happy for Sendek to find a nice landing spot for a fresh start.
And yes, cudgel is a fun word! |
How about that timing?
Yes, it's an exciting time for State. I have a ton of thoughts about the whole coaching change (as everyone does). Hopefully I'll get a chance to organize them and write something up.
For Herb's sake, I'm glad he's leaving this way. He deserved that much.
If you count the '01 season, Maryland made back-to-back final fours with the national championship in '02.
| Sap wrote: |
| If you count the '01 season, Maryland made back-to-back final fours with the national championship in '02. |
Yes, it's an usual streak. Duke was also in that '01 FF and so was Michigan State, their third straight. Carolina and Florida were in the '00 FF. So, this five-year run is very likely an aberration that you won't see again soon.
Dave, even 80% of us meanies (and everybody who blogs for SFN) agree that it's nice for Herb to be able to land in such a good position. Everybody wins, really.
| BJD95 wrote: |
| Dave, even 80% of us meanies (and everybody who blogs for SFN) agree that it's nice for Herb to be able to land in such a good position. Everybody wins, really. |
Yep. And I don't think you guys are mean. I just found it funny how every stat could be turned into evidence against Herb. Duke and/or Carolina make the Final Four? See, we're falling further behind our rivals! Duke and Carolina miss out on the Final Four? See, other schools manage to pass by our rivals!
It'll be very interesting to see how this job search goes. Fowler is under some serious pressure.
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