Barnblurbs 3/16/09: Still as excited as Kevin Payton

Posted on 16. Mar, 2009 by JF in 2008-2009

Game time announced.
The Gophers tip-off the evening session on Thursday with a 6:10 pm start. Jim Nantz and Clark Kellogg will be announcing.

Gophers named a 10th seed in the NCAA tournament
The Gophers reacted the same way their fans (or at least this one did). “You could feel the energy in the room,” Gophers coach Tubby Smith said. “Just an explosion. And that usually happens.”

As (this reporter) expected, seven teams about right for the Big Ten
If only seven were going to get in, the committee picked the right teams.

Rick Barnes will coach against old friend Tubby Smith
“I know they will run on you if they have the opportunity,” Barnes said Sunday. “I know they definitely will guard you and they will rebound the basketball and play in a very physical league.

“We’re going to have to answer that.”

Gophers back in NCAA tournament
“Can you take that phone call elsewhere, please?” Smith chirped, clearly annoyed at the interruption.

Who was on the line you ask?

Ranking the NCAA Tournament Head Coaches
Tubby is #10.

Frozen out of NCAAs, Cats take smaller stage
“Did it have to let another old UK coach, Tubby Smith, into the Big Dance after just two years on the job with the Minnesota Golden Gophers?

It did.”

Horns draw Minnesota in first round of tournament
“Michigan State is one of two common opponents for Texas and Minnesota. The Spartans beat Texas in Houston. Michigan State beat Minnesota three times.

The Longhorns defeated the other common opponent, Wisconsin, in Madison. Minnesota swept Wisconsin for the first time in five years.”

Tournament experience tilts in Horns’ favor
Get ready to hear that the Gophers don’t have a chance.

March Madness best matchups: Rick Barnes vs. Tubby Smith
Has Barnes even ever had to coach?

Tags: NCAA Tournament, Texas Longhorns, Tubby Smith