Random Weekend Thoughts

Aside from blowing the lead in the 9th, the Nationals victory yesterday at their brand spanking new ballpark couldn't have ended any better than if the Lerner's had written it themselves (note: I am not entirely discounting that possibility by the way). The Nats' golden boy Ryan Zimmerman hits a dramatic walkoff homer to christen the new park with a win.

Is it possible that Davidson's Stephen Curry will make the all-tournament team even though his team did not make the Final Four? Speaking of Final Four, how annoying is it that the NCAA insists on calling what was once known as the "Final Eight" the "Elite Eight" now for the sake of the alliteration and consistency with the "Sweet 16" and "Final Four." No doubt their all trademarked terms.

But back to Curry. Man, am I bummed that Davidson blew their last possession. Is there anything more exciting than a red hot college hoops player - or any athlete for that matter - put a team and a school on his back and nearly singlehandedly slay the Goliaths of the Game?

And what a terrible last play called by their coach. No movement, no screens. Nothing. Their three frontcourt guys just stood there on the baseline for an iso play for Curry, who couldn't break down his man. When he couldn't, there was no plan B. That was their best play with 14 seconds left? Jeez, even the other white guy guard who was bombing three's during the Kansas game didn't get a look, much less a touch, in the final 14 seconds. Just terrible. How can your best player nor your second best player not take the game winning shot? It was like Dale Brown was back coaching a tournament team.

But not as bad as Villanova stinkin' out the joint two days earlier. Holy intimidation, Batman. I'll err on the side of suggesting that the short shots they put up throughout the game was because of the perception problems caused by playing in such a large arena and not because they were fearful of the imposing Jayhawks' presence. Corey Stokes was just abused by the KU defenders, who denied him everything on the offensive side of the court all night long. And the alley oops. Oh may, as Enberg would say.