NCAA Player of the Year

[Broken Parachute]

Kevin Durant, Texas
24.4 PPG, 1.5 APG, 11.4 RPG

Glen Davis, LSU
18.1 PPG, 2.4 APG, 10.5 RPG

Nick Fazekas, Nevada
20.9 PPG, 1.5 APG, 11.4 RPG

Greg Oden, OSU
15.2 PPG, 0.9 APG, 9.5 RPG

Alando Tucker, Wisconsin
20.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, 5.0 RPG

Tyler Hansbrough, UNC
18.6 PPG, 1.2 APG, 7.7 RPG

Jared Dudley, Boston College
19.7 PPG, 3.2 APG, 8.5 RPG

Arron Aflalo, UCLA
17.5 PPG, 2.1 APG, 2.5 RPG

[scream4me]

if durant had like 2 more assists a game i would go with him but as of now jared dudley

[Drew Beringer]

OJ Mayo

[leftstranded]

only because i'm bias. i'm not too sure if oden will actually win, or if he deserves it

but that man is awesome

[xbrokendownx]

durant

fazekas should prob be right up there though

[xbrokendownx]

Acie Law should be on that list as well

[StandMyBrothers]

I voted Durant because I alway watch his games on tv, and they're simply amazing.

[xbrokendownx]

i still cant believe how much Nova shut down Durant

[+thecalisonme]

tucker-senior on a top five team, durant is like garnett puts up great numbers but his team aint no better for it

[bigmike]

Durant with Fazekas 2nd.

I'd also put Jared Jordan from Marist on the list as well. I think he's the best guard in the country.

17.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 8.9 assists, 1.3 steals, almost a 3:1 Assist:Turnover ratio, 44.2% FG%.

Scored or assisted on 437 of Marist's field goals this year out of a possible 787 which is 55%.5 of them.

If he was doing this for a bigger Mid Major team (like a Nevada) he'd be getting all sorts of pub.

[preppyak]

durant

fazekas should prob be right up there though

Those are the only 2 people I am even considering honestly...no one else is really in the same statistical realm...

Other categories to consider

FG%:
Fazekas - 58.8% (8.1 of 13.8)
Durant - 48.1% (8.5 of 17.6)

Asst to TO ratio:
Fazekas - 1.8:1.8
Durant - 1.5:2.8

3pt %
Fazekas - 47.2% (1.0 of 2.0)
Durant - 40.1% (2.2 of 5.6)

In that sense, the reason why Fazekas is still in the running is because he is a FAR more efficient player. And the claim that it is because he is in a mid-major I can call bullshit on already, his rebound average was almost 13 in non-conference play, his shooting right around 60%, and his points around the same as it is now.

That said, I still think Durant is the clear cut favorite...Law is the MVP of the Big 12, but Durant is clearly POTY in that conference. And no other team has been so dominant that they deserve having their best player (Dudley, Tucker,etc) take the award via that.

[preppyak]

tucker-senior on a top five team, durant is like garnett puts up great numbers but his team aint no better for it
:-|

#15 in the nation...and if they win out their last 2 games, get at least a share of the Big 12 title. What more do you want of a team composed of largely freshmen playing in a conference with several far more experienced teams?
Acie Law should be on that list as well
Yep...but his numbers are those of at best a conference player of the year, not national
Durant with Fazekas 2nd.

I'd also put Jared Jordan from Marist on the list as well. I think he's the best guard in the country.

17.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 8.9 assists, 1.3 steals, almost a 3:1 Assist:Turnover ratio, 44.2% FG%.

Scored or assisted on 437 of Marist's field goals this year out of a possible 787 which is 55%.5 of them.

If he was doing this for a bigger Mid Major team (like a Nevada) he'd be getting all sorts of pub.
I'd put Jared Jordan 3rd personally...especially the 3:1 ratio, seeing as he is the Durant of his team, and yet manages to do it so efficiently.

[bigmike]

I love checking the box scores to see what Jordan's done for Marist. He's mr. everything for them and he's actually really fucking efficient since he basically touches the ball 95% of the game. And I've seen him on TV a couple times and I love everything about his game and I think he translates well to the NBA. Hopefully.

[Scott Weber]

I love checking the box scores to see what Jordan's done for Marist. He's mr. everything for them and he's actually really fucking efficient since he basically touches the ball 95% of the game. And I've seen him on TV a couple times and I love everything about his game and I think he translates well to the NBA. Hopefully.
Jordan's a great guy too, really humble.

[leftstranded]

alright. i'm gonna lead the charge for oden!

[FondestMemory]

oden's great, but not player of the year.

when it all comes down to it, he's still a work in progress. i really hope he sticks around next year.

[+thecalisonme]

:-|

#15 in the nation...and if they win out their last 2 games, get at least a share of the Big 12 title. What more do you want of a team composed of largely freshmen playing in a conference with several far more experienced teams?

Yep...but his numbers are those of at best a conference player of the year, not national

I'd put Jared Jordan 3rd personally...especially the 3:1 ratio, seeing as he is the Durant of his team, and yet manages to do it so efficiently.

that is an awfully large if, carmelo was alot better than durant and he didnt win player of the year so i dont see it happening

alright. i'm gonna lead the charge for oden!

i wonder why

[bigmike]

Well, Carmelo should've won it in 2003. Just because he didn't doesn't mean that Durant isn't the frontrunner or the one that deserves it most this season.

[Scott Weber]

that is an awfully large if, carmelo was alot better than durant and he didnt win player of the year so i dont see it happening



i wonder why
Actually, statistically Durant is having a stronger season than Melo did. Much stronger.

[+thecalisonme]

Actually, statistically Durant is having a stronger season than Melo did. Much stronger.

statistically arod is better than jeter whats your point

[bigmike]

statistically arod is better than jeter whats your point
The point is that Durant's having a better season then Melo did.

[+thecalisonme]

The point is that Durant's having a better season then Melo did.

and im saying hes not

[bigmike]

and im saying hes not
Well, I'm convinced.

[Scott Weber]

Haha. Durant is averaging more points, boards, blocks, steals, has a way better 3pt%, better FG%, FT%...

[FondestMemory]

statistically arod is better than jeter whats your point

and arod has more mvps than jeter.

the question is who's player of the year this year. melo has nothing to do with it.

i don't understand any point you've attempted to make.

[+thecalisonme]

and arod has more mvps than jeter.

the question is who's player of the year this year. melo has nothing to do with it.

i don't understand any point you've attempted to make.

so what you are saying is whoever has the best stats should be the player of the year

[bigmike]

so what you are saying is whoever has the best stats should be the player of the year
Well Player of the Year implies best player where as if the award was Most Valuable Player, it would imply something different.

[FondestMemory]

so what you are saying is whoever has the best stats should be the player of the year

no, i'm saying you haven't been making any sense.

[+thecalisonme]

Well Player of the Year implies best player where as if the award was Most Valuable Player, it would imply something different.

fair enough but id still look at it in a mvp sense

[Scott Weber]

fair enough but id still look at it in a mvp sense
Ok, where would Texas be without Durant this year?

[xbrokendownx]

yeah Melo had a much better team that year than Durant has this year (obviously)


Durant is averaging better numbers in like every category so

[preppyak]

that is an awfully large if, carmelo was alot better than durant and he didnt win player of the year so i dont see it happening
Not really...Texas has shown they are capable of playing with Texas A&M already...and now they are at home...and in terms of matchups, they give KU problems...as they always have. They are predicted to beat A&M, and only lose to KU by 5...not so big an if in that case.

And for a team that lost 64 points of scoring from last year...to even be above .500 in conference is monstrous...ask UConn how that is working out for them.
Well, Carmelo should've won it in 2003. Just because he didn't doesn't mean that Durant isn't the frontrunner or the one that deserves it most this season.
Actually, statistically Durant is having a stronger season than Melo did. Much stronger.
Haha. Durant is averaging more points, boards, blocks, steals, has a way better 3pt%, better FG%, FT%...
Well Player of the Year implies best player where as if the award was Most Valuable Player, it would imply something different.
These answer it for the most part...I'm not sure there is really anything to add to that outside if, if not Durant, who gets your vote?

The POTY has always been a statistical category...why else were JJ and Morrison in the running last year? Because they were scoring the most points per game, not becuase they were neccesarily the most skilled players. True, they were valuable to their teams, but when you put up 27 a game, its hard to say you aren't.

Oden is not even a valid consideration...he missed what, 8 games of the season...that's 25%. Not to mention his direct impact on the game is far less than that of Fazekas, Tucker, Durant, Jordan, etc...the list goes on. The only theory where he is even considered is when you assume the best player on the best team wins it...and by that token, you might also have had to consider Joakim Noah or Al Horford earlier in the year...or assume that OSU is actually the best team in the nation at the moment.

tucker-senior on a top five team
Tucker to me, likewise, is not really a consideration by comparison. I don't care if he is a senior or a freshmen, that is irrelevant as statisticas range the same for all classes. He's not even in the top 25 in any category...so, I'm not sure where anyone could draw the idea he is a dominant player. He is good...but this award is for players who have shown to be consistently great

I mean, correct me if I am wrong...but Kammron Taylor and Jason Chappell are also seniors on that top 5 team...are they in consideration? You have to put out more than that statement to construct an argument

What to me is most impressive about Durant is that he got even better in conference play, even with teams knowing the ball was going to him all the time. The Big 12 has a series of solid inside players...and yet Durant averaged at one point over 30 and 10 against them...and still averages like 26 and 12 against Big 12 teams.

Jared Jordan probably deserves it the most...I think he has done the most for his team considering the circumstances, and his statistics are the most impressive. But he has no spotlight, so no way that happens. Durant is the next clear cut favorite, Fazekas in their around 2nd, and everyone else kind of hoping they are 3rd...

[+thecalisonme]

it does matter what year he is people who vote for major awards always put underclassmen at an unfair disadvantage. And who is taylor and chappell now you are just being cunty bringing up that point or lack of

[Scott Weber]

"cunty?"

[leftstranded]

oden's great, but not player of the year.

when it all comes down to it, he's still a work in progress. i really hope he sticks around next year.
i know. i'm actually glad that he's even in the running

[leftstranded]

i wonder why
you shut your mouth

[preppyak]

it does matter what year he is people who vote for major awards always put underclassmen at an unfair disadvantage. And who is taylor and chappell now you are just being cunty bringing up that point or lack of
You're the one that failed to bring an argument...I was just pointing it out.

Though I think your point about underclassmen is completely valid...I just wonder if that will change because Durant is essentially a senior...he's gone after this year. THat, and his competition isn't like JJ/Morrison last year, it seems clear to me that it's Durant, and then all the rest...

Here is an article on Tucker from maybe 3 weeks back that I think nails what makes Tucker so good...but at the same time, what also limits him

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=172858

[Flags of Dawn]

it does matter what year he is people who vote for major awards always put underclassmen at an unfair disadvantage. And who is taylor and chappell now you are just being cunty bringing up that point or lack of
you dont know who Kam Taylor is? wow.

[livethesounds]

Durant

[zizou1790]

honestly where is Aaron Gray??????


i went with Durant but after reading preppyak's statline btw Fazekas and Durant i woudl like to change my vote to Fazekas

[xbrokendownx]

aaron gray is not even the big east player of the year, why the fuck should he be in the running for NATIONAL player of the year?

[zizou1790]

aaron gray is not even the big east player of the year, why the fuck should he be in the running for NATIONAL player of the year?


Hahaha i was just joking, but im pretty sure he is still a candidate for Big East player of the year

[preppyak]

honestly where is Aaron Gray??????


i went with Durant but after reading preppyak's statline btw Fazekas and Durant i woudl like to change my vote to Fazekas
Yeah...to me, Fazekas in terms of statistics and efficiency is the leader...but in terms of direct impact on the game, Durant is slightly better. I think because Durant has recieved so much more of the spotlight, he'll take it.

If Morrison hadn't been on TV for so many games last season...regardless of his stats, JJ would have walked away with far more awards. Its the reason why I want so badly for ESPN2 to get a legit contract for MWC, WCC, etc games...show them at 11pm instead of Steven A. Smith.

Hahaha i was just joking, but im pretty sure he is still a candidate for Big East player of the year
Yeah...but he's probably more a 3rd or 4th option...Pitt has been fairly quiet as of late

[xbrokendownx]

Jeff Green should be big east POY IMO

[leftstranded]

can i change my vote to acie law?

[xbrokendownx]

haha hey im the one that said he should be on that list! i love that guy

[preppyak]

can i change my vote to acie law?
haha...I posted this in the NCAA thread

dude is a monster...he should basically be nicknamed Mr. Clutch...change his jersey # to 3 just so his opponents don't even have to guess how many points the shot he just drained in their face with seconds left is worth...

[zizou1790]

Jeff Green should be big east POY IMO

yeah definatly, Hibbert gets a lot of hype but the guys seems to ALWAYS be in foul trouble

[zizou1790]

haha...I posted this in the NCAA thread

dude is a monster...he should basically be nicknamed Mr. Clutch...change his jersey # to 3 just so his opponents don't even have to guess how many points the shot he just drained in their face with seconds left is worth...


Hahaha nice

[Badgers08]

even though im a huge Tucker/Badger fan, i have to give it to Durant. there is no way you can give it to anyone else. 5th in points/game and 3rd in rebs/game and basically taking Texas up to the #15 ranking himself (with a little help from Augustin and Abrams)

[sweethypocrisy]

acie law.

[awfulwaffle]

durant

[soundofthebrown]

durant, even though i go to osu, i just want oden to come back for one more year

[pred]

Is this even a question? For anybody who has watched Durant, you can't tell me there is a better overall player in the nation. Acie Law is right up there too, definition of clutch.

[feigningapology]

I voted for Durant, but Aaron Brooks should be representing the Pac 10 not Afflalo.

[Scott Weber]

I voted for Durant, but Aaron Brooks should be representing the Pac 10 not Afflalo.
I disagree. While earlier in the season I would have agreed with you, Brooks' numbers have really gone down and he played pretty terribly for that rough patch where they lost 5 of 6 or whatever it was. His overall numbers are kind of deceptive, he's been far less productive in the Pac-10 season (He's only scored over 18 points two times in all of Feb and March)

Meanwhile, Affalo has remained consistent for the most part, and plays on a more defensive minded team so while his PPG aren't as high, I think he's more important to that team's top 10 ranking this year.

[feigningapology]

I disagree. While earlier in the season I would have agreed with you, Brooks' numbers have really gone down and he played pretty terribly for that rough patch where they lost 5 of 6 or whatever it was. His overall numbers are kind of deceptive, he's been far less productive in the Pac-10 season (He's only scored over 18 points two times in all of Feb and March)

Meanwhile, Affalo has remained consistent for the most part, and plays on a more defensive minded team so while his PPG aren't as high, I think he's more important to that team's top 10 ranking this year.

Yeah, Brooks struggled, but I honestly don't think that the Ducks would have gotten to where they're at without him. I mean, supposedly even Collison (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/cbasketball/305330_pac28.html)was mentioned as potentially grabbing the honor of pac 10 player of the year. It just seemed like Brooks was the spark to the fire, and played well both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. I understand what you're saying though. Afflalo was pretty consistent and UCLA was amazing this year, though how do you explain their early exit in the PAC 10 tournament? He scored what, 3 points and fouled out, right? I'm obviously biased and I don't necessarily agree with giving the pac 10 player of the year title to someone on the best conference team. I think it should be determined by individual stats, so I'll just leave it at that.

[Scott Weber]

Yeah, Brooks struggled, but I honestly don't think that the Ducks would have gotten to where they're at without him. I mean, supposedly even Collison (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/cbasketball/305330_pac28.html)was mentioned as potentially grabbing the honor of pac 10 player of the year. It just seemed like Brooks was the spark to the fire, and played well both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. I understand what you're saying though. Afflalo was pretty consistent and UCLA was amazing this year, though how do you explain their early exit in the PAC 10 tournament? He scored what, 3 points and fouled out, right? I'm obviously biased and I don't necessarily agree with giving the pac 10 player of the year title to someone on the best conference team. I think it should be determined by individual stats, so I'll just leave it at that.
Don't play the single game card, Brooks scored 5 and 6 points consecutively in the middle of the Duck's skid in the middle of the season. Brooks tanked towards the end, Affalo was mostly consistent and I think he's a better defender than Brooks. Brooks is also a huge douchebag and I never want to see him win any awards...but in this case I'd give it to Affalo anyways.

[Brownpants06]

its a one horse race in durant

[feigningapology]

Don't play the single game card, Brooks scored 5 and 6 points consecutively in the middle of the Duck's skid in the middle of the season. Brooks tanked towards the end, Affalo was mostly consistent and I think he's a better defender than Brooks. Brooks is also a huge douchebag and I never want to see him win any awards...but in this case I'd give it to Affalo anyways.

You're right, you can't chalk up a loss to any one individual, either Brooks or Afflalo. See UO vs. Stanford. A better defender? Brooks had 42 steals and 6 blocks, Afflalo had 20 steals and 8 blocks. Similar in one category, not in the other, but I'm just saying that I don't think Afflalo is lopsidedly a better defender.

Douchebag (http://youtube.com/watch?v=knQW0OYIIcI)? k. Maybe I don't remember it all correctly, but Brooks wrote an apology to Romar and Appleby, admitted he made a mistake publicly, and served his suspension. Some other people, like Appleby, can't put things behind them and move on.

I disagree. While earlier in the season I would have agreed with you, Brooks' numbers have really gone down and he played pretty terribly for that rough patch where they lost 5 of 6 or whatever it was. His overall numbers are kind of deceptive, he's been far less productive in the Pac-10 season (He's only scored over 18 points two times in all of Feb and March)

Meanwhile, Affalo has remained consistent for the most part, and plays on a more defensive minded team so while his PPG aren't as high, I think he's more important to that team's top 10 ranking this year.

The rough patch: first he didn't play against Washington in that loss. He scored 14 against UCLA, 16 against SC, but 25 against Stanford in that horrendous loss I don't know what else he could have done. As for his scoring, like Afflalo, to me it seemed like he started passing the ball more to account for his lower scoring stats (assists 4.5 to 2.4-Afflalo).

[xbrokendownx]

its really a moot point because niehter of those guys should even finish in the top 5....

[Burning Star IV]

wilt chamberlain!

[Scott Weber]

You're right, you can't chalk up a loss to any one individual, either Brooks or Afflalo. See UO vs. Stanford. A better defender? Brooks had 42 steals and 6 blocks, Afflalo had 20 steals and 8 blocks. Similar in one category, not in the other, but I'm just saying that I don't think Afflalo is lopsidedly a better defender.

Douchebag (http://youtube.com/watch?v=knQW0OYIIcI)? k. Maybe I don't remember it all correctly, but Brooks wrote an apology to Romar and Appleby, admitted he made a mistake publicly, and served his suspension. Some other people, like Appleby, can't put things behind them and move on.



The rough patch: first he didn't play against Washington in that loss. He scored 14 against UCLA, 16 against SC, but 25 against Stanford in that horrendous loss I don't know what else he could have done. As for his scoring, like Afflalo, to me it seemed like he started passing the ball more to account for his lower scoring stats (assists 4.5 to 2.4-Afflalo).
Dude, if somebody took a cheap shot at you for NO reason in the middle of a game and almost broke your nose, would you not hold a grudge? Fuck no. I respect Appleby for not punching him in his face the minute I saw him again. no excuses or apologies make up for that. He. is. scum.

[GRIFFARD]

oden ftw!

[deezy weezy]

Is this even a question? For anybody who has watched Durant, you can't tell me there is a better overall player in the nation. Acie Law is right up there too, definition of clutch.
kansans think alike...
when it comes to durant...there just flat out isn't a better player in the nation...
but acie law should be mentioned because of his clutchityness...
hes also a great player if no one has noticed...

[feigningapology]

Dude, if somebody took a cheap shot at you for NO reason in the middle of a game and almost broke your nose, would you not hold a grudge? Fuck no. I respect Appleby for not punching him in his face the minute I saw him again. no excuses or apologies make up for that. He. is. scum.

I'm not going to say that what Aaron Brooks did was ok, it was inexcusable and in poor judgment. However, there was a reason for it as he was provoked as Appleby, who was throwing his elbows around like Karl Malone trying to make space and elbowed Brooks in the face. That's what prompted the cheap shot. I just think Appleby should have known that something was going to happen. Then for him to not put it behind him after Brooks served his PAC 10 approved punishment...I have little respect for that. I guess to me it's just unsportsmanlike.

Does that mean that Roger Clemens (broken bat incident), Jason Kidd (spousal abuse), Ron Artest, the clemson/south carolina football teams, Xavier Silas/Ryan Anderson (fighting-suspended 1 game each) are all scum, and always will be because of one incident? Obviously I'm biased because I'm a Duck and you are too as a Husky. I'm sure the same argument could be said if we each had attended the other's school. I just think people need to move on and let things play themselves out on the court. Fin.

[Talib Scottie]

Defensive statistics are so over rated.

Getting occasionally rewarded for leaving your feet or reaching is not a sign of good defense.

[Talib Scottie]

Does that mean that Roger Clemens (broken bat incident), Jason Kidd (spousal abuse), Ron Artest, the clemson/south carolina football teams, Xavier Silas/Ryan Anderson (fighting-suspended 1 game each) are all scum, and always will be because of one incident? Obviously I'm biased because I'm a Duck and you are too as a Husky. I'm sure the same argument could be said if we each had attended the other's school. I just think people need to move on and let things play themselves out on the court. Fin.

I'm really for this statement. People are so quick to judge athletes by an action made during the course of a basketball game or whatever. I was never the same person on the court or field or whatever I was playing on the time as I am in real life.

I don't think the action is excusable, but if you've never done anything you're ashamed of during an athletic event you either aren't serious about it or never played on a competitive level. Some cases, it's much more severe than others, but it's the same concept. I don't think that particular event is a true reflection of his character.

[Scott Weber]

Defensive statistics are so over rated.

Getting occasionally rewarded for leaving your feet or reaching is not a sign of good defense.
Which is why Bruce Bowen, one of the NBA's best defenders, has barely any steals or blocks.


And I don't think that Brook's punishment was harsh enough. I always felt he should have received at least a 10 game suspension for something as blatant as that, completely outside of the realm of natural play. And by the way, your fans are soooo original and creative with your "Applebitch" chants. Pathetic.

[preppyak]

I voted for Durant, but Aaron Brooks should be representing the Pac 10 not Afflalo.
I disagree. While earlier in the season I would have agreed with you, Brooks' numbers have really gone down and he played pretty terribly for that rough patch where they lost 5 of 6 or whatever it was. His overall numbers are kind of deceptive, he's been far less productive in the Pac-10 season (He's only scored over 18 points two times in all of Feb and March)

Meanwhile, Affalo has remained consistent for the most part, and plays on a more defensive minded team so while his PPG aren't as high, I think he's more important to that team's top 10 ranking this year.
Brooks was averaging into the 20's in non-conference, he was in the running for POTY and I know I wrote a few longer things on him. He definitely dropped off during conference play...something like 5 ppg or more.

In terms of defense, they are essentially even on steals per possesion, but Afflalo is significantly better at not turning the ball over per possession, and, he is relied on more by UCLA than Brooks is by OU, Afflalo takes about 27% of Oregon's shots per possession, Brooks was only about 20%.

And the point about defensive minded team is valid, since it changes pace. UCLA averages about 63 possessions a game, Oregon closer to 68. That's 5 possessions, which is at least 1, probably 2 more shots for Afflalo, and that could make up the 1 point gap between them
Ron Artest
Poor example...though your others work...Ron Artest is in fact, scum. Dude has way more than one incident

I agree with you on the rest of the point though...

[awfulwaffle]

if anyone other than durant wins this, the voters are on drugs

[Talib Scottie]

Which is why Bruce Bowen, one of the NBA's best defenders, has barely any steals or blocks.

Exactly.

[feigningapology]

Brooks was averaging into the 20's in non-conference, he was in the running for POTY and I know I wrote a few longer things on him. He definitely dropped off during conference play...something like 5 ppg or more.

In terms of defense, they are essentially even on steals per possesion, but Afflalo is significantly better at not turning the ball over per possession, and, he is relied on more by UCLA than Brooks is by OU, Afflalo takes about 27% of Oregon's shots per possession, Brooks was only about 20%.

And the point about defensive minded team is valid, since it changes pace. UCLA averages about 63 possessions a game, Oregon closer to 68. That's 5 possessions, which is at least 1, probably 2 more shots for Afflalo, and that could make up the 1 point gap between them

Poor example...though your others work...Ron Artest is in fact, scum. Dude has way more than one incident

I agree with you on the rest of the point though...

Yeah, Brooks did drop off, but I guess that's kind of to be expected since nonconference basketball is half the shit kicking games and then a few meaningful contender games (Georgetown, Rice for UO) just like the non conference football games too.

I am going to admit I really don't pay much attention to basketball, other than Duck and Pac 10 games on Fox Sports Northwest when they're on. So I really don't know how to characterize good defense other than just by what I see. Saying that, I just look at highlights and stats to give me say an 80% accurate picture of how well a player is doing. Numbers don't lie to me. I suppose you can contest that Afflalo is relied upon more, but to me despite oregon having lots of go to guys that can produce (bryce taylor, malik when he's not injured, tajuan porter, oguchi, leunen) it just seems like they are all either hot or cold and Brooks remains fairly consistent, and thus relied upon just as much by U of O (not OU oklahoma) as Afflalo by UCLA.

On turning the ball over more I think it just has something to do with the pace at which the Ducks play. Last year they tried slowing down the offense to minimize mistakes, but this year coach Kent changed back to a faster tempo and they played better in a fast pace offense this year, resulting in the more frequent turnovers. Brooks also has played about 120 minutes more than Afflalo this year. To me leaders play more minutes, that's practically 3 games more than Afflalo, more opportunities for turnovers and mental mistakes (law of averages). And again I don't read much into shot percentages compared to the rest of the team if his assists per game are higher than Afflalo's. To me those cancel each other out in my mind and show they're pretty even at their position.

I guess I'm daft because I'm not understanding the "That's 5 possessions, which is at least 1, probably 2 more shots for Afflalo, and that could make up the 1 point gap between them" statement if oregon has more possessions/game (reference fast offense again).

Yeah, Artest was a bad example, but off the top of my head he was one of the only people I could think of and this was before I saw him apologizing on ESPN again.

[feigningapology]

Which is why Bruce Bowen, one of the NBA's best defenders, has barely any steals or blocks.


And I don't think that Brook's punishment was harsh enough. I always felt he should have received at least a 10 game suspension for something as blatant as that, completely outside of the realm of natural play. And by the way, your fans are soooo original and creative with your "Applebitch" chants. Pathetic.

I don't care for the NBA at all. It's the worst major sporting league in existence. I'd rather watch tennis or golf over it so I wouldn't know about Bowen being a good defender.

If it wasn't harsh enough Romar and Appleby probably could have contested it and gone to the Pac 10 commissioners who agreed with the imposed punishment.

I really don't know how bringing in the pit crew into this conversation has anything to do with the pac 10 player of the year or the Appleby/Brooks incident that we've been discussing. Who said we have to be original as long as it's effective. Maybe it's not original, but no one can really contest that atmosphere at Autzen and Mac Court aren't disruptive to opposing teams. What would you consider to be original? Please, enlighten us. What effigies and taunting does the husky student section come up with that are original?

[Scott Weber]

I don't care for the NBA at all. It's the worst major sporting league in existence. I'd rather watch tennis or golf over it so I wouldn't know about Bowen being a good defender.

If it wasn't harsh enough Romar and Appleby probably could have contested it and gone to the Pac 10 commissioners who agreed with the imposed punishment.

I really don't know how bringing in the pit crew into this conversation has anything to do with the pac 10 player of the year or the Appleby/Brooks incident that we've been discussing. Who said we have to be original as long as it's effective. Maybe it's not original, but no one can really contest that atmosphere at Autzen and Mac Court aren't disruptive to opposing teams. What would you consider to be original? Please, enlighten us. What effigies and taunting does the husky student section come up with that are original?
1) Shouldn't have said the first thing. Kinda proves your bias and lack of knowledge about the game.
2) To say that "we should have contested it" is a cop-out. It was pretty much nationally agreed upon that the punishment was far too light, considering the intent of the blow could have permanently blinded him.
3) Yeah, that "Applebitch" stuff really rattled Ryan, considering he put up 21. You should check out some Pac-10 boards - everyone agrees that Oregon fans have no creativity.
4) Creative would be 1,000 Dawg Pack members wearing Sombreroes, including me (bought by a group of 5 guys and distributed before the game), chanting Ole, Ole, Ole at Ernie Kent all game long about his little affair in Mexico. That shit was hilarious.


EUGENE, Ore. — Only the Pit Crew, the Oregon student section seemingly comprised of classless idiots, would make the victim into the villain.


Last year, in the Pac-10 Tournament, Ryan Appleby was the target of one of the most egregious acts in all of college basketball: Aaron Brooks shamelessly assaulted the UW sharpshooter with an elbow to the face. Brooks deserved to be in jail for his actions – but instead the point guard became a hero to the Oregon faithful.
They chanted that Brooks “owned” Appleby, unabashedly praising their player for his dirty behavior.
The Pit Fools would probably cheer for O.J. Simpson if he were a Duck grad.
The UO students will undoubtedly look to the declined handshake before tip-off as a justification of the anti-Appleby treatment, but I was in attendance — I witnessed the harassment long before that moment arrived.
Nearly all the student-made signs in the arena attacked Appleby, clearly a premeditated decision. One sign implied the Husky guard was a bitch for needing stitches after the assault; another went so far as to question his sexuality.
You probably didn’t see that in the AP game recap or on SportsCenter. Classy kids, huh?
Photocopies of a swollen, bleeding Appleby were distributed among the students and used as ammunition to berate their object of ridicule. Some tried to emulate the image, bandaging their faces as though they themselves were assaulted out of cowardice.
Then came the tip-off incident.
Brooks, whose only attempt to make amends for the unjustified act of violence was to send a note instead of coming clean by talking to Appleby man-to-man, approached the Husky guard hoping all was forgiven.
From my view it looked more like a gesture of politicking than sincerity.
With an outstretched hand, Brooks expected time to wash away the stains of his spineless actions worthy of a felony; Appleby declined his hand, exhibiting that indeed he deserves no exoneration.
“Good for him, as far as I’m concerned,” said Spencer Hawes in support of his teammate.
Oregon fans and some of the Oregon media, clearly lapdogs of the assailant, used Appleby’s dismissal of the gesture as validation for the behavior, at times casting blame upon the victim.
Maybe someone close to them needs to get socked in the face and then ridiculed for it, to reformulate how they feel.
Appleby stood resolute in his actions after the game. He admitted Brooks’ gesture didn’t resolve him of a “cheap shot.” He went on to note that a one-game suspension – one that catered solely to what benefited Brooks – was insufficient.
“There’s no reason for me to acknowledge somebody like that,” Appleby said.
In the end, any student-led chants against the team – “F*** the Huskies” to be exact – are dismissible in the name of an age-old rivalry, but the abuse of Appleby just proved the Pit Crew is as classless as their abusive goon of a point guard.
While Brooks led his team to the win, it was Appleby who stood strong in the face of his attacker and the mindless fans in the stands.
Good for him.

[feigningapology]

1) Shouldn't have said the first thing. Kinda proves your bias and lack of knowledge about the game.
2) To say that "we should have contested it" is a cop-out. It was pretty much nationally agreed upon that the punishment was far too light, considering the intent of the blow could have permanently blinded him.
3) Yeah, that "Applebitch" stuff really rattled Ryan, considering he put up 21. You should check out some Pac-10 boards - everyone agrees that Oregon fans have no creativity.
4) Creative would be 1,000 Dawg Pack members wearing Sombreroes, including me (bought by a group of 5 guys and distributed before the game), chanting Ole, Ole, Ole at Ernie Kent all game long about his little affair in Mexico. That shit was hilarious.

1) Ignorance? I'm a primarily a baseball and hockey fan, but to imply utter ignorance, meh whatever. I'm was simply trying to say that I wish you could have used another collegiate athlete that plays defense well that might not be supported by the stats to reference. Someone that I might actually know or care about. I won't give 1 cent of my money to the NBA or any of it's players and refuse to watch it. I stand by my statement that it's a horrible league. Second, I already admitted earlier that I was biased and the same goes for you. Everyone's biased. So how does this prove your point by repeating that I'm biased?

edit: I was trying to say that I'd rather watch and support high school and collegiate basketball than the NBA. Look at how many Portlanders are Blazer fans now compared to 5 years ago. I will not support a bad team nor whiny league. Also, not everyone is on the same wavelength when it comes to knowledge about the game, plain and simple. That doesn't make rational points any less valid.

2) How is it a cop out to say that it should have been contested? I'm sure they could have either written or met with Pac 10 commissioners to be part of the punishment phase. Though, generally in America we let an impartial party, sometimes with the input of the victims, to decide what is a just punishment, not the victims by themselves. Do I feel bad for Appleby, of course.

3) I was only making a general statement that you can't deny Autzen and Mac are intimidating places to play. Everyone has their golden days, home or away.

4) To insult someone's personal life, like Ernie Kent's, is just as insulting and classless as the Duck fans who imply Appleby's sexual preference or the pictures of him. Kent has been the subject of rumors of affairs since he was a Kamakaze Kid player, and coach at St. Mary's. Thirty years later just regurgitating more rumors...not too original IMO. Next.

The letter:
Wow, funny how no authors name or link was given. Bias? Just look at some of the adjectives, eggregious errors, and subjective lines thrown around. "Shamelessly assaulted," would imply he didn't care about the consequences, which is why he spent the entire 2nd half writing 2 apologies in the locker room, right. A lapse in judgment, but not shameless. "The Pit Fools would probably cheer for O.J. Simpson if he were a Duck grad" over the top much? To compare what Brooks did to a heinous double murder, that's down right despicable and utter garbage in my book. I'm not going to excuse the Pit Crew for what they did, it sounds pretty classless to me. I'm glad I wasn't there because I would have said something to someone about how it makes us look like intolerant assholes.

Though no one ever asks why Brooks did it, they only see the clips of Appleby bleeding, not Brooks 2 minutes earlier. It wasn't just something that came out of the blue, Brooks just took retribution way, way too far. I think it's interesting how in baseball if one teams player gets hit, even if accidently, the next half inning is usually marked by the other team's pitcher throwing at the 1st team. I'm not condoning it, it's pretty unsportsmanlike and piss poor, but there has always been retribution in sports between teams if players feel like they're getting the shit end of the stick and a referee doesn't do anything about it. That's why I take offense to, "Brooks, whose only attempt to make amends for the unjustified act of violence was to send a note instead of coming clean by talking to Appleby man-to-man, approached the Husky guard hoping all was forgiven." I'm sick of hearing that it was unjustified, more than it was retribution that went too far. Everyone makes mistakes and punishment is punishment to come back to the table even. Serve your penance and it should be done and over with. Not a ball and chain that has to be carried the rest of your life. Do you honestly think Appleby would have agreed to sit down with Brooks and talk? Is it not worthy to ask for all parties involved to just move on? The past will come back to eat you if you let it.

To call the hand gesture "politicking" is biased in my mind. It's simply sportsmanlike and a game ritual to shake people's hands before and after a game. He served his punishment, I don't see why Appleby had to perturb things. He was in a lose-lose situation I suppose, but shaking hands wouldn't have added so much fuel to the fire. Appleby doesn't have to forgive Brooks, his right, but you can't say Brooks didn't try to mend things and try to get things back to just 2 players on opposing sides without the bullshit cluttering things up. "Lapdogs"...any media, UW/Seattle included, is probably naturally going to side with their hometown, but to say that Brooks could do whatever he wants and still be in their good graces is a laugh. Like Dallas, Philly, and San Fran papers don't come down on Terrell Owens.

"He [Appleby] went on to note that a one-game suspension – one that catered solely to what benefited Brooks – was insufficient." Ha, sure, whatever Ryan. Perhaps it's editing and taken out of context, which then it's still the author's fault, but Brooks served a 3 game suspension (UO vs. Cal in the pac 10 tournament '06, Lehigh, and UW). I'm not exactly sure how sitting out the UW game catered solely to Brooks seeing as he's the team leader and we lost. If the suspension really catered to him maybe he would have sat out all home games. To decide to sit out a game that would have been full of controversy and not about the game but the past sits fine with me. Some might say it was cowardly to not play that game and show his face, personally I think Brooks took the high road and chose not to participate in what would have certainly added fuel to the fire.

The only thing I can really appreciate in the article is the last line about Appleby standing tall in the face of Brooks and letting the chips fall on the court. Things need to stay on the court. Just my two cents.

edit: This article says that Brooks has been "incredibly apologetic (http://oregon-basketball.aolsportsblog.com/2007/01/24/aaron-brooks-wont-be-playing-against-washington/)," is that any more biased than the article you referenced? And it was written by a Zach Schnur, a UW fan. (http://zachls.blogspot.com/2005/12/about-us.html) Different opinions from everyone.

[Scott Weber]

I actually know Zach Landres-Schnur, I had a bunch of classes with him. He and his twin brother like to write counter arguments against each other a lot. The article wasn't meant to be unbiased per say, it was just a representation of my side/viewpoint of the story. You can rant and rave all you want, but no matter what, the fact does not change that Brooks took a terrible cheap shot at Appleby and it could have ended way worse than it did. What if that elbow shoved his nose back into his brain and did permanent brain damage? It certainly could have, had the elbow been placed just centimeters to either side. The intention of it is what merited a harsher suspension, not the actual injury. Appleby and Romar took the high road on the situation by not drawing it out any longer and just leaving it on the court. It just honestly shocks me that Oregon fans berated Appleby for doing nothing but bouncing back up and doing nothing but play basketball, and implying he was some sort of a bitch for bleeding or coming out of the game. Totally ridiculous. And while the Kent cheer with the sombreros may not have been totally classy, it was damn creative. And we won that game.

[nightskies]

joey dorsey on memphis is the man

[feigningapology]

I actually know Zach Landres-Schnur, I had a bunch of classes with him. He and his twin brother like to write counter arguments against each other a lot. The article wasn't meant to be unbiased per say, it was just a representation of my side/viewpoint of the story. You can rant and rave all you want, but no matter what, the fact does not change that Brooks took a terrible cheap shot at Appleby and it could have ended way worse than it did. What if that elbow shoved his nose back into his brain and did permanent brain damage? It certainly could have, had the elbow been placed just centimeters to either side. The intention of it is what merited a harsher suspension, not the actual injury. Appleby and Romar took the high road on the situation by not drawing it out any longer and just leaving it on the court. It just honestly shocks me that Oregon fans berated Appleby for doing nothing but bouncing back up and doing nothing but play basketball, and implying he was some sort of a bitch for bleeding or coming out of the game. Totally ridiculous. And while the Kent cheer with the sombreros may not have been totally classy, it was damn creative. And we won that game.

Do you take Schnur very seriously or is he kind of a joke? Their "who would you do" articles are pretty damn interesting and funny, but kind of lack a serious nature for a sports blog. I figured the article represented the viewpoints of a lot of Seattle area people. I wouldn't have considered what I said as ranting and raving so much as just a Oregon perspective, but yeah you're right at the end of the day it was a cheap shot. It definitely could have been worse and I'm sure the Pac 10 commissioners took that into consideration in the penalty (I referenced only a 1 game suspension for the Colorado/Nebraska fight). And again I'll agree with you on the Pit Crew, too, acted pretty low by implying Appleby was a bitch and/or gay. I'd actually be surprised if the LGBTQA alliance or any other fan of Oregon didn't write an editorial in the Daily Emerald saying how deplorable that was.

The sombreros do seem unclassy, and I'm assuming it was done during the 2005/06 season since I don't remember seeing them worn in Seattle this year. If it was this year, the fact that the Mexico (http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?p=735398)thing has been talked about since July of 2005 it would have been pretty uncreative (http://www.thedaily.washington.edu/media/issue_preview/36) ("untimely and predictable") waiting a year and a half to do it during the 2006/07 season. Something better, though typical, would have been like "run home to mommy Brooks, oh wait you already did" since he spent his suspension in Seattle with family and friends. Or calling Tajuan Porter mighty mouse, or the little engine that couldn't (being cut by Romar on some junior team), something similar to what the Pit Crew did for Nate Robinson.

I really don't know why you added "and we won that game" at the end there, like it's supposed to serve as further embarrasment to UO. Washington was like 1-6 or 1-7 when they beat Oregon this year and it was without Brooks. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day, but it's a lot easier when one team's star and team MVP is missing. I mean there will always be injuries, but if you want to use that win as highlight and testament of this year's season so be it (I figured you'd be more proud of UCLA). I could add something like the Pit Crew signs of "have fun in the NIT" as an insult, but I don't think UW is a bad team and would agree they were totally snubbed by the NIT.

[SgtSmegma]

if durant had like 2 more assists a game i would go with him but as of now jared dudley

Are you kidding me? Jared Dudley? Kevin Durant would shit all over Jared Dudley if their teams ever face off.

[preppyak]

Are you kidding me? Jared Dudley? Kevin Durant would shit all over Jared Dudley if their teams ever face off.
haha...I didn't even see that someone suggested Dudley...not even sure Dudley is ACC player of the year, let alone NCAA

[+thecalisonme]

i would like to change my vote to jeff green

[unwritten]

Well, I'm definitely not picking Alando Tucker...

http://www.absolutepunk.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=15176&d=1174259233