Chris Mack to the Ville! By: Beef

                For the first time in 17 years the University of Louisville has a new full time Men's Basketball Coach. To say that I am excited I think would be an understatement. Chris Mack has been on of the most solid coaches in Men's College basketball since he took over at Xavier in the 2009-2010 season compiling a 68.9% win percentage with a record of 215-97 while reaching three Sweet Sixteen's and the schools first Elite Eight last season before losing to the eventual National Runner-Up in Gonzaga.


                Mack is no stranger to the Louisville are as most people have already been made aware which I think will help immensely in recruiting. Within an hour Mack and his staff had already reached out to six recruits. Most of these players were in the 2019 class but the biggest one was the 5 star guard Romeo Langford from New Albany, IN. Louisville was to most people the leader for his services until all of the FBI stuff came down and Rick Pitino was relieved of his coaching position back in September. Romeo then dropped Louisville off of his list and now has three teams left in IU, Vanderbilt, and Kansas. Mack as I stated above did contact Romeo's dad who said he would let Romeo know about the contact so we'll see how that goes.


               As of this morning it was reported that the staff had reached out to 13 recruits from the 2019 class offering them scholarships. Those players include:


Aidan Igiehon- 6-10 215 C Woodmere, NY (Lawrence Woodmere Academy)- 4*
Anthony Harris- 6-3 180 G  Fairfax, VA (Paul VI Catholic)- 4*
Armaan Franklin- 6-4 185 G Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral)- 4*
Asthon Hagans- 6-4 185 PG Covington, GA (Newton)- 5*
Cole Anthony- 6-1 175 G New York, NY (Arch Bishop Molloy)- 5*
Greg Gantt-  6-7 195 SF Fayettville, NC (Trinity Christian School)- 4*
Isaiah Stewart- 6-8 243 C Rochester, NY (La Lumiere School)- 5*
Jalen Lecque- 6-4 175 G Arden, NC (Christ School)- 4*
Josh Nickelberry- 6-4 175 SG Fayetteville, NC (Northwood Temple Academy)- 4*
Justin Moore- 6-4 187 G Hyattsville, MD (Dematha)- 4*
Kahlil Whitney- 6-6 190 SF Roselle, NJ (Roselle Catholic)- 4*
Keion Brooks- 6-8 185 SF Fort Wayne, IN (North Side)- 5*
Rocket Watts- 6-2 180 G Detroit, MI (Old Redford Academy)- 4*


                Again these are all 2019 guys but you have to think he will go back after 4 star guard Courtney Ramey out of St. Louis who was already committed to Louisville before the FBI stuff broke as well. There have also been rumblings about Ryan Taylor who is a graduate transfer from the University of Evansville who averaged 21.9 ppg and shot 43% 3FG as well as FG and 86% FT. His shooting would be a big boost to the players we think will be back if we can somehow lock him up. Another name I have seen mentioned is Evan Boudreaux who averaged 17.5 ppg and 9.5 reb and was already committed to Xavier and is eligible to play next season. He has decommitted from them and was asked if he was considering Louisville and said he had to see what the future held. If he was to switch to Louisville he would have two years of eligibility remaining.


                The future is bright for Louisville basketball after this hire. I am looking forward to the change in guard and how things are run. We will see the players and even our coach on social media which I think is a refreshing change of pace. I won't argue that Pitino was a great coach and got great results from his players but a change is nice. I'm attaching the episode I recorded last night with my reaction to the Chris Mack hire. Do me a favor and give it a listen and share with your friends.


https://soundcloud.com/beefsbeef/episode-34

The Game I Love Most By: BJ Cadle

This brief article gives an inside perspective of the intricate art we like to call Basketball.  Join in this discussion with me, and let me know your thoughts and opinions about the greatest game ever played.


        The game of basketball is a beautiful sport in which competition and brotherhood (or Sisterhood) reigns supreme.  The elite teams find a friendly balance of these key components, as well as an unrivaled work ethic to improve their team, by improving their own individual skillsets.  Over the many years I have been around the game, or involved with the game, it has taught me many life lessons, as well as things about myself that I never knew.  In those years, and through those lessons learned, I have watched the game evolve into something incredible.  With player changes, rule changes, league changes, as well as multiple other changes, we have seen the game evolve into a beautiful art form.  While these many changes have taken place, the one common thread that has remained the same is the mental and physical fortitude it takes every time you step onto that wooden court to strive for victory.


        Now as we enter a new era in our sport, I look forward with great hope and optimism for the future.  Being a sport that originated in Springfield, MA with 13 original rules, it has grown leaps and bounds in its existence.  Most of the original rules are still intact today, but also have been added too for the sole purpose of creating a better flow to the game.  The game was originally spread globally by its initial patriarchs, but has recently boomed into the international limelight.  Currently most statistics have it as the second most popular sport in the world, and some educated individuals even project it being number one in the near future.  Through the sports meteoric rise to success we have witnessed the rise of many great foreign players, and have even seen foreign players close the gap on the skill level of a sport initially created in America, by America, for America!


        While becoming a great sport, and growing into something nobody expected, Basketball has brought many people together, and created many inseparable bonds.  Players feel a sense of comradery as they compete together as a team, to achieve one common individual goal.  In doing so these bonds are formed through blood, sweat, and tears.


        This all comes to a head as we enjoy watching some of the best games of the year, as all of our favorite teams seasons come to a close.  Currently High school teams are finalizing their state tournaments, college players are involved in their own post season tournaments, and the NBA is gearing into its best form as teams ready for their own playoff pushes.


        As we all watch our favorite teams season end, lets all join in the celebration of competition, and relish in the fact that we have the freedom to cheer for the team we each choose, as well as express our own individual opinion about those teams.  As the game continues to age like a fine wine, I suggest we as fans keep an open mind to the overall progression of our sport.  As mentioned earlier, the game originated with 13 rules, while currently the NBA has over 70 pages of rules in their official rulebook.  As players body types, rules, and names change, we as fans get the privilege of going along for the ride, as well as be an intricate part of the success.  Let us never forget our past, but as a whole lets embrace the changes in our sport, and look forward to basketball progressively becoming the most prevalent sport in the world!

It's the most wonderful time of the year By: Beef

               Is there a better time of the year in the Louisville area? Sure UofL isn't in the NCAA tourney but they're still playing basketball. Anyway, the NCAA tournament started today I know they have had some play-in games but today is when there's nothing but basketball all day starting at noon. These next few weeks always seem to be filled with the most exciting games you see all season because not only is it win or go home but you have match ups that sometimes you never get to see outside of the tournament. It's always funny when I try and tell myself when UofL either doesn't make the tourney or if they get eliminated that I won't watch it anymore that season but somehow I always end up tuning back in. I can't wait to see how this years field ends up because I think it will be a good one.


              Not only do you have the NCAA tournament that goes through the beginning of April but pretty much as soon as that ends you have the Masters starting up which this year seems like its gonna be a good one. It finally seems like Tiger Woods is starting to get his so called "groove" back. Finishing in second place in the Velspar Championship, then today sinking a 71 foot putt on 17 to take the lead at Bay Hill. Say what you want about his character or feel how you want about him, the fact is when Tiger is at the top of his game the game of golf is UNREAL. Since he's been winning tournaments on a regular basis the young talent in golf has gotten a lot better so you add Tiger back to the mix and it could be the best generation in golf if he keeps it up.


             The last part is after the Masters end you have the biggest fireworks show in all of North America in 'Thunder Over Louisville' which is the official opening of the Derby festival and leads us to the most exciting two minutes in sports and the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby is the most exciting time in this city with how many celebrities are in town and with how much exposure this beautiful city gets during that time. The Derby is a great time and it feels like summer is just around the corner. Everyone always talks about Fall being their favorite time of the year but this time may very well be the most wonderful time of the year as far as I'm concerned.

NCAA Tournament Quick Takes By: Jerry Lee

        

South Region

UVA minus Hunter could be in trouble besides the NCAA doing them no favors. I still have them advancing to the final four. Creighton, UK, and UT among the victims. 

Possible Upsets

Buffalo has a similar RPI to Arizona and are well coached even if Arizona advances I like Kentucky.

Kentucky will have a challenge with Davidson but I believe they've been in too many wars for them and Arizona if they advance. It's hard to not pick Kentucky over UVA another possible upset.

Loyola-Chicago like you guys talked about last night. I've got UT over them but I wouldn't be shocked. 

Nevada over Cincy. I end up with CINCY, UT, KY, AND UVA taking that region

West Region

This bracket took me the longest and can go all kinds of ways

Possible Upsets

Could Texas Southern be the first 16 to knock out a 1? Not likely but the closest 1 vs.16

BEEFS team in South Dakota State also look out for San Diego State who could possibly challenge Michigan. Providence another ten seed although, Texas A&M could give Carolina terrible fits with their size. 

I ended up taking Gonzaga over Xavier because Xavier gives up an insane amount of points in the paint. I love this Xavier team and am pulling for them. I also go Michigan over UNC. I have Michigan to advance.

EAST REGION

This bracket has more upsets but again ends in chalk. I have Villanova over Purdue

Possible Upsets

Marshall over Wichita State

St.Bonaventure to the sweet 16 beating my next 1st round upset of SF AUSTIN who will upset Texas Tech. 

BUTLER would not surprise me to move past Purdue but I couldn't pull the string. I have Villanova advancing to the Final Four.

MIDWEST REGION

My hatred for Kansas fans is the highest out of any fan base. But my Final Four for this group had NEW MEXICO STATE, KANSAS, MICHIGAN STATE, AND DUKE. IMO, I believe the winner of Duke and Michigan State will win it all. 

Possible Upsets

New Mexico State and Syracuse. I believe Syracuse gets past TCU. If you can't tell I think the Big 12 is overrated. Clemson could easily take the place of NMState but we know there will be upsets. 

So I have Duke advancing over Kansas.

FINAL FOUR

UVA OVER MICHIGAN and I think the talent and length of Duke takes down the experience of Villanova. These games could go either way. I had zero intention of making it a ACC final. 

But with that said a little humor in my final score. No team has reached 70 on UVA all year. My final DUKE 70-UVA59

New Blog By: Beef

I started blog and I’m finally ready to posting to it. I will have some people helping me out on this and they will be posting their opinions as well. I hope you guys continue to enjoy the podcast and hopefully this will give you all another piece of Beef to enjoy lol.