SEC/Big East challenge

[champs99and04]

Anybody know when the matchups are supposed to be released? I know the ACC/Big G matchups came out today, so I would assume the Big East/SEC games would be coming out soon.

With UConn supposed to be down, you wouldn't think we'd get a marquee game. Then again, we were pre-season #4 last season and they gave us a mediocre St. Johns team, so you never know.

Here are the teams I'd like to play, in order:

Kentucky--Probably won't happen since we were both at home last season, but I think UConn has a legitimate chance to pull off the upset if the game is in Gampel.

Florida--Possible matchup, probably not as likely we pull off the upset since Patrick Young would abuse us.

Tennessee--Would like a rematch with them, this time in Gampel. They should be good next year.

Arkansas--They should be a solid club, possible rematch in Arkansas this time.

 

[champs99and04]

Oh, can't believe I forgot this one:

Missouri--AO returns to Gampel! I'm sure he would return to a standing ovation, but I would take a lot of pleasure in beating him. Even if it was in Missouri, this would be the ultimate revenge game. They should be top 25ish next year.

 

[EricLA]

honestly, if we get to play in it, i'd hope for any team we think we could realistically beat. wins will be at a premium next year and i'd certainly like to finish the season above .500 at the very least...

 

[aceboon]

Oh, can't believe I forgot this one:

Missouri--AO returns to Gampel! I'm sure he would return to a standing ovation, but I would take a lot of pleasure in beating him. Even if it was in Missouri, this would be the ultimate revenge game. They should be top 25ish next year.

 

[bazzdog]

^ Is that Papa O ?

 

[johnhuskies95]

We probably won't even get to play in it, depending on who sets the matchups.

 

[champs99and04]

honestly, if we get to play in it, i'd hope for any team we think we could realistically beat. wins will be at a premium next year and i'd certainly like to finish the season above .500 at the very least...

No offense, I've just never understood this kind of attitude from a sports fans perspective. Sports is all about entertainment. Isn't it more entertaining/exciting to go up against a good team than not? You don't get that same adrenaline rush when you're going up against LSU or Rutgers.

This team could "realisticly" beat anybody next season, in my opinion. Obviously it's going to be a long shot to beat certain teams, but this team has good players. It's just a matter of executing/hitting shots/wanting it more.

 

[champs99and04]

We probably won't even get to play in it, depending on who sets the matchups.

I thought about this, but which teams other than Syracuse and Louisville are going to draw the kind of ratings that UConn would? I don't think one of the Big East's flagship programs is going to be left out.

There is always the chance the NCAA wants to stick it to UConn one more time, but I think they'd rather feed us to the wolves by matching us up against Kentucky or Florida.

 

[UCONNfan1]

No offense, I've just never understood this kind of attitude from a sports fans perspective. Sports is all about entertainment. Isn't it more entertaining/exciting to go up against a good team than not? You don't get that same adrenaline rush when you're going up against LSU or Rutgers.

This team could "realisticly" beat anybody next season, in my opinion. Obviously it's going to be a long shot to beat certain teams, but this team has good players. It's just a matter of executing/hitting shots/wanting it more.

that's why you play the games. in theory University of Louisiana Lafeyette could beat Kentucky on any given night, but the chances are astronomically against them.

i think the point is that we have no proven post players, and a couple of new guards who are likely going to have to perform right away - even in a backup role. Remember the Michigan State team who was preseason #2, played a bunch of heavy hitters out the gate, got their asses handed to them, and lost all their confidence. did they even make the NCAA's that year? i think they catapulted out of the top 25.

so i guess i figure there will be plenty of "tough" games in the Big East. I'd rather see us play South Carolina or Georgia or Auburn and have a good game and maybe a win than play Kentucky and get blown out.

 

[Gregory Koch]

We probably won't even get to play in it, depending on who sets the matchups.

There are 14 SEC teams and 15 Big East teams. Only 1 Big East team doesn't play. Why would it be us? It's probably going to be Providence or DePaul.

 

[Fishy]

The match ups will be decided in October via blind draw matching the SEC teams with whatever teams still remain in the Big East, teams that will soon join the Big East, teams that are leaving the Big East, but for the time being remain in the Big East, teams that might someday consider the Big East, teams located relatively near the Big East and teams that the Big East might be allowed to borrow for a short period of time in order to be able to complete the SEC Challenge.

Expect the series to be renamed the SEC/WTF Challenge in future years.

 

[Vuce]

Shheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttt!!!!!!!

 

[Ts5034]

I would love to see a Uconn/Missouri matchup next year. You never see these situations in college athletics where a player returns to play his old school after he transfers. The SEC/BE Challenge would be the perfect opportunity.

 

[rw005]

Sounds strange but I want to finally payback Mississippi State!

 

[ConnHuskBask]

Oh, can't believe I forgot this one:

Missouri--AO returns to Gampel! I'm sure he would return to a standing ovation, but I would take a lot of pleasure in beating him. Even if it was in Missouri, this would be the ultimate revenge game. They should be top 25ish next year.

I'm pretty sure he would get booed.

I wouldn't boo the kid, but you have to remember 95% of our fans are CTDBs, so I can almost guarantee he won't get a standing O.

 

[champs99and04]

that's why you play the games. in theory University of Louisiana Lafeyette could beat Kentucky on any given night, but the chances are astronomically against them.

i think the point is that we have no proven post players, and a couple of new guards who are likely going to have to perform right away - even in a backup role. Remember the Michigan State team who was preseason #2, played a bunch of heavy hitters out the gate, got their asses handed to them, and lost all their confidence. did they even make the NCAA's that year? i think they catapulted out of the top 25.

so i guess i figure there will be plenty of "tough" games in the Big East. I'd rather see us play South Carolina or Georgia or Auburn and have a good game and maybe a win than play Kentucky and get blown out.

The difference between UConn and Louisiana Lafeyette is that UConn has players who can compete on the biggest stage college basketball has to offer, and they've proven that in the past. Shabazz, Giffey, and Olander played roles in bringing home a national championship. Boatright and Daniels were much sought after coming out of high school and should be greatly improved with one season under their belt. Phillip Nolan is untested, but looks to be a Big East talent who can hopefully contribute right away. Omar Calhoun is a boarderline McDonald's All-American, somebody who doesn't shy away from the spotlight, and a kid that was born to put the ball in the hole.

I understand what you're saying, I just don't agree. It's interesting that you bring up Michigan State, the team that was once upon a time a preseason #2 that an unranked UConn team knocked off. Next year really doesn't matter anyway, so why wouldn't we want our young roster to get some big game experience early in the season against a juggernaut, learn from their mistakes, gain some confidence, and possibly shock the college basketball world once again?

If we play Kentucky in November next year I'd be willing to bet it's a very close game. Maybe I'm just out of my mind, but UK is bringing in a brand new starting lineup while UConn returns experienced, battle tested players who are pi**ed off and have something to prove. Kentucky, Florida, whoever. Bring it on.

 

[champs99and04]

I'm pretty sure he would get booed.

I wouldn't boo the kid, but you have to remember 95% of our fans are CTDBs, so I can almost guarantee he won't get a standing O.

If he gets booed it would be a real shame. Last season was a rough one, and I obviously disagreed with his decision to transfer, but as a whole, he represented the school and the program with nothing but class over the past three years. He was the third best player on a team that brought home a title for goodness sakes. If fans boo him that speaks to how spoiled this success has made them.