Arena Adventures: Wells Fargo Arena

Arena Adventures: Entry #1

Arena: Wells Fargo Arena
City: Des Moines, IA
Date: November 21, 2010
Teams: Iowa St. Cyclones vs. Creighton Bluejays

I have to preface the remainder of this entry by saying that I don't expect to see either of these teams in the NCAA Tournament come March. That said, today's "neutral site" game between Iowa St. and Creighton certainly had an NCAA Tournament atmosphere. The Wells Fargo Arena is located less than an hour from Ames and about 2.5 hours from Omaha making this a very attendable game for all fans, as evidenced by the 10,000+ that were in attendance on a Sunday afternoon - must have been the sweet "Battle of the Birds" t-shirts given to all fans. While I would say the crowd was probably 2/3 red and gold, the Creighton contingent was certainly loud and proud. The arena itself was a pretty decent place to watch a basketball game. Probably helped having center court seats in the club section of the lower level, but I think even the upper levels would have made for an enjoyable experience. Ingress and egress from the arena was simple and smooth, which is always nice.

As for the game, I would have thought this was a mid-March game for a trip to the Sweet 16 or Elite 8. The level of play was extremely high throughout. Creighton lead most of the way, including by 6 at the half and as many as 12 after a Kaleb Korver 3 to cap a 6-0 run out of the gate in the 2nd half. ISU answered quick with a run of their own, but Creighton always seemed to have an answer to maintain the lead; whether it was an Antoine Young drive to the goal or a Kenny Lawson, Jr. 3 from the top of the key. As the game entered its final minutes, ISU finally grabbed a 1 point lead with baskets by Diante Garrett (from Milwaukee Vincent - shout out to Tom Diener) and Jamie Vanderbeken.

As the teams traded baskets again, insanity ensued in the final 30 seconds. Down 2, Creighton misses a shot and makes the cardinal sin of basketball...committing an intentional foul by almost ripping the shorts off an ISU player without going for the ball. Garrett makes 1 of 2 FTs on that visit and Melvin Ejim makes 2 of 2 for a 5 point lead. Creighton comes down an Lawson buries a 3 from the wing to cut the lead to 2. After ISU makes 1 of 2 FTs again, Young inexplicably takes the ball to the rack with less than 5 seconds left and draws a foul. He makes the first FT and intentionally misses the 2nd. Spectacularly, he grabs his own rebound and is fouled on a fadeaway jumper with 1.6 seconds left. One would think this is the height of drama with the game on the line, but this is just a helping of what's to come...Young calmly knocks home both FTs to tie the game at 88 and ensure overtime right? Jamie Vanderbeken from ISU had other ideas. Off a great inbounds pass from Scott Christopherson to about 35 feet from the basket, Vanderbeken takes 1 dribble, turns, and fires...SWISH as the horn sounds and the backboard lights come on!!

In real time, the shot looked late, but the officials called it good. For some ungodly reason, this game was not televised ANYWHERE so the officials could not replay the shot and properly send the game to OT. Either way, this was one hell of a basketball game (best I've ever seen in 20+ of my life so far) and no fan should have left the building too disappointed. Sure, Creighton got the L, but everyone got their money's and travel time's worth.

On a side note, Creighton freshman Doug McDermott looked strong in the post with 16 points, Young could not be stopped on a penetrating drive (scoring 21 total), and Lawson has a smooth stroke from 20 feet and out for a big man (dropping 20 points on 4 triples). On the ISU side, if Garrett learns to regulate his shot selection a bit better, he could be a first or second-team All Big XII performer in my opinion. Ejim had a very quiet 22 points in support of Garrett's 28 as well.

Final Thoughts: This game far exceeding any expectations I had arriving in Des Moines today. Both teams look like they could be competitive in their conferences, especially Creighton in the MVC, as the Big XII will be extremely tough this season for ISU.

On to Kansas City tomorrow for #1/#1 Duke vs. Marquette and #3/#3 Kansas St. vs. #10/#11 Gonzaga in the CBE Classic semifinals. I just hope these games are half as competitive as today's game. A full report on the 2 semifinal games and the Sprint Center will be detailed on Tuesday so stay tuned to Arena Adventures!

Dear Zygi Wilf

Would you please man up and fire Brad Childress? Seriously this guy is KILLING my fantasy team. He is so reluctant to give the ball to, arguably, the best back in the league! C'mon Childress, why don't you give the ball to AP more? Yes I do realize he is averaging 22.5 carries a game, but it always seems like Chilly gives him the ball when he shouldn't and doesn't when he should. So what are your reason's Chilly? Because AP fumbles too much? He hasn't lost a fumble all year in 180 carries. It's not AP that is giving the ball to the wrong team, it's your 500 year old QB that likes to dig a hole for you.

So Zygi, I ask you to do what is right for the Black Lightning and help us win an OFFL Championship this season by dismissing the man that gave the Patriots your 3rd rounder for a three week rental player. The decision shouldn't be too hard since the Bears just kicked your butt today.

Oh and if you have a way to get Peyton Manning a few extra bodies so he can produce like he should for us, that'd be great as well.

I'll Take Crosby With the First Pick

So the NHL announced today that its all-star teams will be selected by none other than the players themselves in a type of elementary school, playground style selection method. 2 captains will be named for each side and they will be able to pick from a pool of players and create their own rosters.

I gotta admit, I'm not a big fan of the NHL or the all-star game where defense, goaltending, and especially fighting are optional. However, this is an absolutely great concept for a sport still trying to find its way back into American households (well at least those with access to Versus). I just hope this selection show is televised...preferably with Don Cherry and Barry Melrose assessing each teams selections. The only way this might be made better is if some all-star coaches are tabbed as well. I might actually watch the All-Star game if Lemieux was coaching against Messier or Hull against Orr. Make this happen Bettman since I don't know why the hell you're holding your showcase game in Carolina of all places. Not exactly a hockey hotbed down Tobacco Road...

Millsap takes his talents to South Beach

You might all remember when King James declared he'd be "Taking his talents to South Beach" on the ESPN Special "The Decision".

Tonight LeBron did just that, his first Triple-Double as a member of the Miami Heat and 29th of his career. Unfortunately for the Heat LeBron's 20 points, 11 rebounds and 14 dimes and Wade's 39 points and 6 rebounds was not enough.

Tonight it was Paul Millsap who brought his talents to South Beach, with a career-high 46 points and 9 rebounds Millsap lead the Jazz to a huge second half comeback and 22 point deficit to beat the Big Three. Millsap had 11 points in the last 30 seconds, including three three pointers and a last second put back to force overtime.

Jazz PG Deron Williams was 9-15 with 21 points and 14 dimes, but missed overtime after fouling out.

A big motivator for the Jazz's improbable second half come back was SG Raja Bell's halftime speech where he reminded the Jazz what was at stake, Utah was getting embarrassed in a game many predicted them to lose. source

While Millsap may have made more three pointers tonight then he has in his entire career (2-20 before tonight) he has been draining 3's during summer workouts, leading Star PG Williams to ask Paul to take them during games.

Al Jefferson, Utah's big get this summer after losing All-Star Carlos Boozer this summer, did not play well tonight and was not played much in overtime. One wonders if he is not meshing well with the team? Or if some of his losing habits in Minnesota have not allowed him to reach his potential with the team.

The Heats three losses have come to teams with elite PGs, New Orleans, Boston Celtics and tonight the Utah Jazz.

Regardless, this was a huge win for the Jazz who have struggled early in the season. Jerry Sloan is a great coach and I am looking forward to seeing the Jazz play twice this week on ESPN.

Get your Paul Millsap jersey's here.

I remember playing NCAA 06, Louisiana Tech - National Champs. Thanks Paul!

Preseason Top 15

It's that time of year again when the NCAA Basketball Season starts and every so called "Expert" gives you their predictions of the Final Four. This year I continue to hear Duke, when haven't they been predicted to be in the Final Four? They will be solid but a lot of pressure is on top recruit Kyrie Irving (yes he is good) and Seth Curry. I continue to hear a lot of Michigan State, sure Izzo is a great coach but are they healthy? After that I hear a lot of Kansas State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh and Villanova. Then there is a few people who pick Kansas? They must know something about Josh Selby and his eligibility, without him they are a Sweet 16 team at best. Selby is a game changer and he will be missed at Allen Fieldhouse if he is ruled ineligible by the clearinghouse.

Let's start with the Top 10 tonight and I'll go through 25 in the coming days.

#1 Duke - Yes, you'll find out I hate Duke. Even with the loss of Jon Scheyer, which I feel could really hurt them, they are still the defending champs and they are still ultra talented. Singler is a very good player and Irving and Curry should be as advertised.

#2 Michigan State - Yes I have called out others for this ranking, but you really can't put anyone else here. Izzo gets the most out of his players and is always tough in March. If Lucas is healthy they could easily be the favorite to win the title, saying that it would not shock me to see them not win the loaded Big Ten.

#3 Kansas State - Watch out Bill Self, you're not the top coach in Kansas anymore (actually calling you a coach is a stretch). In just three seasons as head coach at Kansas State, Frank Martin has won 72 games, the same number that Bill Self won in his first three seasons in Lawrence. Kansas State brings back All American, and potential Player of the Year candidate, Jacob Pullen who looks to lead the Wildcats to Houston.

#4 the Ohio State University - Losing Turner hurts, there is no question about that, but Thad Matta has brought in Preseason Freshman of the Year in the Big Ten, Jared Sullinger. Watch out, this kid is good. couple him with Senior guards, David Lighty and Jon Diebler as well as returning starters Dallas Lauderdale and William Buford and you have a potential title contender.

#5 North Carolina - Yes, I hate the Tar Heels but Freshman Phenom Harrison Barnes is just that good. The Heels might start out slow but watch out for them in March. As the team continues to grow and learn to play together they could easily contend for a title come March.

#6  Villanova - It's a tough call in the Big East, 'Nova and Pitt are so close. I'll take the Wildcats and their trio of Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes and Maalik Wayns in the backcourt. Expect the Wildcats to extend their streak to seven straight 20 win seasons and NCAA Tournament births.

#7 Pittsburgh - 'Nova and Pitt are so close in my mind, either could end up winning the Big East. Pitt returns 4 starters from a team taht won 25 games last year, which is a good recipe for success. Add in the fact that the Panthers are 132-11 at home at The Pete and you can understand why the fans expectations are high and nothing but an appearance in Houston will satisfy them.

#8  Kansas - Disclaimer: If Josh Selby is ineligible drop the Jayhawks back 10 spots. Bill Self returns two starters from a team that, well he'd likely not want to discuss what happened last March. Expect Tyshawn Taylor and the Morris twins to have good years, but without Selby, likely Bill Self's best recruit ever, the Jayhawks are not an elite team.

#9 Purdue - Even with the loss of Robbie Hummel this team is still good. E'Twaun Moore, Lewis Jackson and one of the most electric players in the Big Ten JaJuan Johson return for the Boilermakers and coach Matt Painter. The Boilers may not be a preseason title contender without Hummel, but I still expect them to push for a Big Ten Title.

#10 Syracuse - The Orange may have lost a lot of talent (Wes Johnson) but don't underestimate Jim Boeheim's squad. The team returns two starters from last year's 30 win squad and brings in two fab freshmen, Fab Melo and Dion Waiters. The Orange might struggle early but expect them to be among the nations best teams by March.

#11  Illinois - This team has a lot to prove after failing to make the Dance last year. This team brings back all 5 starters from last year and freshman Jereme Richmond has the talent to be special. The team rests on the maturity of Demetri McCamey, he's talked the talk this summer, now he needs to walk the walk. This team has potential, but can they put it all together?

#12 Washington - The Pac10 Champs from a year ago looked very good in March and returns 4 starters, watch for Isaiah Thomas, Abdul Gaddy and Venoy Overton to lead this team this year. I love Thomas and expect him to lead the Huskies to the Pac10 title and at least a few wins in march.

#13 Kentucky - Disclaimer: Kentucky is a fringe top 25 team without key freshman Enes Kanter, and with him they could easily be a few spots higher. John Calipari has another top Freshmen PG in Knight and should have another solid team in March.

#14 Missouri - Things change a lot for the Mizzou Tigers if Top recruit Tony Mitchell becomes eligible in the second semester, with him I might even consider them a Top 10 team. Without him they are a sold team with a chance for a few wins in March.

#15 - Gonzaga - This team could contend for a Final Four, losing Matt Bouldin hurts but the team returns a great one - two punch in Elias Harris and Steven Gray. Expect Mark Few and Gonzaga to win their 11th straight Conference Title and position themselves for a productive March.

The Ball is Tipped...

So the college basketball season began tonight with the opening round of the Coaches vs. Cancer classic and I'm guessing not many people even knew that as 2 of the games (Pitt/URI and Navy/Texas) were buried on ESPNU and Illinois/UC-Irvine on ESPN3 only. It's too bad that ESPN can't do a better job of organizing the 24 hour tip-off classic to be the true start of the season. Why is this on November 16th...don't they know most normal humans work on Tuesdays? I can't just have ESPN3 up at work all day long...even though I will probably try to lol.

Even though today starts the regular season there have been quite the results in some of the exhibition games this season. Now I know exhibition games don't mean a whole lot but I don't care if you're playing man-to-man all game instead of your 2-3 zone as was Syracuse's excuse last season for losing to the Le Moyne Dolphins. Xavier should not be losing to Bellarmine, Seattle Pacific should not be beating both Eastern Washington (maybe they should go with a red court like their red football field) and Nevada. I don't care that these are top 10 D-II teams, there is a reason you're a Division I school. Nothing pales in comparison so far though to Bruce Pearl leading his troops into a 15 point embarrassing loss to the U of Indianapolis Greyhounds. Maybe Bruce needs to do a better job at his house parties of getting better recruits if his players are being shown up by a school from the Great Lakes Valley Conference. I give all the props in the world to these D-II teams for taking these games seriously...it's too bad some D-I players are too egotisical to realize they are not head and shoulders above everyone in a TEAM sport as college basketball is.