The Daily Roundup: Monday

UPDATES:
Buzz Peterson fired at UT. This is contrary to what we thought would happen. Buzz will be back.

Hate Duke? You'll love what Norman Chad has to say today. Pretty funny stuff.

Congrats to Maryland, Virginia Tech, Clemson and Miami for making the NIT. One of those teams can win that tournament. I like the way Clemson is playing right now. Here are the brackets.

More updates below.

The Big 5 Basketblog Docket:

The folks over at Tar Heel March start the day with a brief but interesting breakdown of the 'Other 48' (Syracuse bracket breakdown is on the front page, but they wanted to keep Carolina out of the discussion, for now). You might be surprised at who they pick for the final game. Get over there!

Mr. Pomeroy continues his streak with 4 straight appearances in the Basketblog's Big 5 Morning Docket. That's because he knows what he's doing and brings the heat on a daily basis. Today, a few random thoughts on the brackets. I'm sure he'll have more today and we'll update you. Get over there!!

Wow...if you love Georgia Tech or just want to read every story ever written on the ACC Tournament Championship game, the man over at the GT Sports Blog has your fix. Geeezzzz, I might just use your links today.....Get over there!!!

How can Gary Williams motivate Maryland to win the NIT? Mr. Gold over at Turtle Soup has a great solution for you, coach. A nice read. Get over there!!!!

And, as always, the national headlines from the main man on top of the of the college scene, YoCo. Get over there!!!!!

An extra shout and a fond fare-the-well until next season to our friends over at Bracketology 101. Folks, don't use those "other" faker Bracketologists. Bloggers push bloggers and these guys are on top of things so as a tribute and big thanks, we will do the Basketblogs version of Big 10 mathematics and give you 6 stories in our Daily Big 5......get over there!!!

The Headlines

Duke wins their 6th ACC Tournament Crown in 7 years with a victory over Georgia Tech. As a result, the Devils secure a #1 Seed in the NCAA Tournament while Tech gets bumped all the way to a #5.

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer says that JJ Redick....well, JJ Redick is.....ohhh, you know what it says, just read the story!

Mike Wise of the Washington Post says that even in the college game, Coach K is a pro. We at the Basketblog would have to agree. The man is a flat out master of the game.

How did Duke win the game? Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun says post play saved the day.

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston Salem Journal says that Coach K and Duke are still standing because they make no excuses and never contemplate losing. (and, they play hard 100% of the time, Carolina & Wake)

Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer says that he ACC Tournament needs an overhaul so that it dosen't continue to be swallowed up on Selection Sunday:

"Letting the tournament outcome be drowned out by bracket talk may have been a loss the ACC could afford when it was a compact, nine-team league with a tight, three-day tournament. Now it has become a four-day tournament with the extra time and expense that implies. The ACC should be careful to cultivate the tournament's magic and meaning in the expansion era. Otherwise, the tournament will begin to feel like an anachronism and a hollow reward for donors."

Big Mike says not to put your number 1 seeds all the way through as they are ripe for the plucking:

One indication of the depth of any tournament is how many teams seeded 10th or lower appear to have a legitimate shot of winning in the first round. In this case, there are plenty. Not only is it easy to make the case that North Carolina State, seeded 10th in the Syracuse Regional, will beat seventh-seeded Charlotte, but I'll bet money out of my own pocket that N.C. State will be favored in Vegas going into the game. Iowa, another team seeded 10th, could easily knock off seventh-seeded Cincinnati, especially when you consider how poorly the Bearcats play in the tournament.

With their wins, NC State and Duke gave the selection committee a lot to work with, and to think about.

Boy, when it rains it pours on Herb Sendek. All he needed was an opportunity to go quietly into the Dance and win a couple of games. Instead, he gets a 'must win' type of game against a university (with a very good team) itching to continue making its name against a "big brother " school. Herb, we at the Basketblog feel for you.......but you better win or your rump is roasted.

Tech and Hewitt say the road may be tough, but the Jackets can make the Final Four.

Aaron McFarling of the Roanoke News says that Bracket Monday is the best day of the year.

At the end of the day, Maryland's Gary Williams said the Terps got what they deserved and there will be no complaining about the NIT.

Clemson is heading west to play a dangerous Texas A&M team. I like the Tigers chances.