Bucky Falls Short

Considering the way the UW mens basketball season was going in the middle of the season, i think badger fans would have taken a win in the NCAA Tournament. And thats exactly what they got. After upsetting 5 seed Florida State in the first round of the tournament, the 12th seeded badgers fell short to the Xavier Musteteers last Sunday. The badgers, who were up by as much as 7 in the 2nd half of the game, fell into another shooting slump and were out dueled with a loss of 60-49.

But i think most Badger fans were proud of how the team came back this year. Even making the tournament seemed far fetched when the Badgers lost 6 straight in the middle of the season. But Seniors Joe Krabenhoft and Marcus Laundry refused to let the season go up in smoke. Together the teams play improved and the managed to place 4th in the Big Ten.

With last Sunday's defeat, Bo Ryan lost two of the winningest players in Wisconsin Basketball History. Marcus Laundry and Joe Krabenhoft helped Bo bring this program to new heights. Not only has Wisconsin won the Big Ten Regular Season and Conference Tournament Titles in their tenure, they were a part of the Wisconsin team that was ranked # 1 in the country a few years ago and also recieved two #2 seeds in the NCAA Tourney, never done before the two began in Madison.

As on the court, the two were tough, team oriented players who did everything they could to help Bucky win. Off the court, they were great student athletes who also got it done in the class rooms. I know Bo Ryan and his staff are going to miss them, and i hope the rest of Badger nation appreciates what the two did together at UW.

Ted content with his own Players

Well for the most part, the majority of the big free agents are all signed with their new teams and breaking the bank. In this time of economic downfall thats hurting millions of people, it seems some NFL teams didnt get the memo. We've seen players like Albert Haynesworth recieve a hundred million dollar contract from the Washington Redskins for being the best defensive lineman in the game. Other notable players recieving big contracts from other teams include T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Bart Scott. Big name free agents Kurt Warner and Brandon Jacobs resigned with their old teams. And some players changed teams through trade such as Kellen Winslow and Matt Cassell. Even T.O. was on the market after being dumped by the Cowboys. As for the Packers, NOTHING!!! The team with a lot of cap space didnt make any real significant moves. But thats not a big surprise if you know Ted Thompsons plan. The empty cart of free agents signed doesnt mean the packers were'nt after anyone, according to Ted Thompson. Many reports said the Pack had interest in defensive lineman Chris Canty, but he signed with the Giants. As for the Packers, their main goal is to keep their own players and extand their contracts. Young players like Greg Jennings and Nick Collins who will be free agents soon. The Pack already gave a big contract to QB Aaron Rodgers and also look to add to their young team, more young players through the Draft. This offseason the 3-4 Defense was brought in through new Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers. They'll have to bring in player to play opposite of Aaorn Kampman at that hybrid position that can play end and also linebacker. My wishlist has Everett Brown out of Florida State at the top of my list, but ya never know with Ted. For all those fans out there who wanted the Pack to make some noise this offseason, it just ain't gonna happen. Not with Ted. He beleives in building through the draft and improving their own players. Well if the Pack doesnt improve their record next year, Ted may be the one looking for a job.

Can the Bucks hold on to the final Playoff spot?

Before the season began for the Milwaukee Bucks, few people thought they had a shot for the playoffs. They had a terrible season last year and couldnt play defense worth shit, and it cost Larry Krystkowiak his job. Bring in hard nosed coach Scott Skiles and new players Luke Ridnour and Richard Jefferson through trades in the off-season. Add those two players with Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut, the Bucks dont look that bad. But few experts picked them to make it in the playoffs. But as of now, the bucks have more wins this year then did they had all of last year and are clinging to the final spot in the conference playoff picture. Not Bad huh? But the bucks aren't only fighting against the rest of the East for Playoff spots, their fighting themselves. Ther Bucks were bit by the injury bug earlier this year. The lost Michael Redd for the year with a torn ACL and MCL and throughout the year have had to play without key players such as Charlie Bell and starters Luke Ridnour and Andrew Bogut. But the Bucks keep fighting through the injuries and are leading the pack of a flurry of teams that are right behiind them in the standings. Most teams in the NBA face injury problems, but the difference between them is that some teams just calapse, and others step up and fight through it. As of now, the Bucks are still fighting. Players like Ramon Sessions Charlie Villanueva, and Rookie Luc Mbah a Moute have stepped up and held down the fort while some players were out. Now most people could give a crap about making the playoffs in the 8th spot in the East, but for this franchise its a big step. The Bucks havent been very good the last couple of years and just making the postseason will be a plus. Can they hold off the rest of the mediocre East? Time will tell, but they have more Home games left then Away games and if Bogut can get back, they get make things interesting.

Badgers come up short

Not many people were thinking the Wisconsin Badgers would pull off a victory at Michigan State today, and they didn't. But for more then three-forths of the game, the Badgers led Sparty, playing to the Badgers pace of a defensive game. But for the last quarter of the game Goran Suton and Kalin Lucas brought back the Spartans and won 61-50. The loss snapped UW's 5 game win streak and with three remaining conference games and the Big 10 Tourney left, Bucky finds itself on the dreaded "bubble". The Badgers have a record of 17-10 and a 8-7 record in the Big Ten. Final 3 games include Michigan and Indiana at home and a tough battle at Minnesota. I think their gonna have to win at least 2 of their 3 remaining games and at least one game in the Big Ten Tourney. The badgers have a strong RPI and Strength of Schedule but dont have that great non conference win under their belt. Yes they beat Virginia Tech and loss some close games to Texas and Marquette, but compared to other years, dont have that big win that impresses the NCAA committee. One things for sure, theres alotta basketball left to be played and anything can happen in March baby!!!