SB Nation - Cedric Jackson

What we've learned so far in the NCAA Tournament

MRickman84 — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:03:17 -0000

Spare the jokes about how we learned that Dino can't coach in the postseason and the Deacs still can't win in March. Aside from that, we have learned some interesting things after the first three days of the NCAA Tournament...

1.) Teams that jack it up lose.

Teams that rely on the three-ball as a primary portion of the offense lose in the tournament. They just do. Look at: Michigan, Butler, Portland State, Akron, Mississippi State, Utah, American, Northern Iowa, Temple, Ohio State-- all these teams are in the Top 100 in 3pt Attempted/FGA. Defenses are better in the NCAA Tournament, and teams will make you pay if you have a bad shooting night or can't rebound the ball.

2.) Stars will be stars

Role players often have breakout games (Derek Glasser!), but stars rule the NCAA Tournament. Blake Griffin, Ty Lawson, Terrence Williams, Hasheem Thabeet, the big-time players come out in March

3.) Big men still matter

I know it's a guard's league, but the big fellas still hold their own in the Dance. Blake Griffin had 32 points today in Oklahoma's win, Purdue's Jajuan Johnson went crazy against Washington's Jon Brockman (who also had a big game), Tyler Hansbrough and Ed Davis had good games against LSU--the boys in the middle make a difference, especially against teams that have a hole at the center position.

4.) But don't forget the guards

Guards take the big shots when it counts. When a team is down two with the ball, the big guy doesn't take the shot--the star guard does. And they shine. Dionte Christmas had a huge game, Cedric Jackson and Cleveland State went off against Wake Forest, James Harden scored seven straight when Arizona State needed him most, Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington carried North Carolina. Guards win Championships.

5.) It pays to press

Teams in March who haven't seen the press panic. It's just true. If you spend your whole year without seeing it, a good press will take a team out of their game plan. That's why Louisville is picked to go so far. That's why Missouri is a darkhorse to go to the Final Four. Pressing teams turn opponents over, get quick buckets and make teams play at their tempo. Excuse Clemson from this conversation; apparently OP can't win in March at all.

What do you all think? Any other cardinal rules to this year's tournament?

We're Dancing: Cleveland State Vikings

SFBE.MP — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:51:56 -0000

The third time is a charm for Cleveland State. After losing their two regular season bouts with Butler, each by only two points, the Vikings were able to unite and conquer. We're sure that Horizon league Coach of the year, Gary Waters, would trade those two regular season losses any day for the automatic bid and league champion tagline. You can call the 57-54 victory a three point win literally and figuratively. Cleveland State won the game from beyond the arc, knocking down a season high of 10.

Cleveland State is a resilient team that will grind it out to the end. Just ask Syracuse, who lost at the buzzer to these Vikings. Did coach Gray sign them up to be test subjects?

More on these Wii Fit all-stars after the jump.

Location: Ahh, burn your bracket if you don't know this.

Enrollment: 9,847

Record: 25-10 (12-6)

Leading Scorers: J'Nathan Bullock (15.3 ppg), Norris Cole (12.9 ppg), Cedric Jackson (10.5 ppg)

What to know:

The Vikings do their dirty work on the defensive end, only giving up 58.9 points per game, good for 10th in the nation. They are athletic so they will "slow the game down and grind it out." -Coincidentally R. Kelly's next single.
Cleveland State has played a handful of tournament bound teams; Butler (3), Syracuse (w), West Virginia (L, 53-43) and Washington (L, 78-63). They will not be intimidated, unless they make a miracle run to the Sweet Sixteen.
Cedric Jackson is the Vikings best player. A stat sheet filler, this 6'3" swingman hauls down over 5 rebounds, dishes out 5 and commits larceny three times a game.

Projection: The always dangerous 12 seed.

The Shot Heard 'Round The Dome

Sean Keeley — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:44:03 -0000

Well that sucked.

All through the preseason we heard about how frisky Cleveland State was and how this looked like a bad game for the Orange. Looks like "they" were right. The Orange lost 72-69 on the shot you see above, although it wouldn't be totally accurate to say that buzzer-beater was the real reason SU lost the game.

Eric Devendorf led the Orange with 17 points on 6-15 shooting. Jonny Flynn added 16 and 5 assists but also turned the ball over four times. Harris and Onuaku also added 11. The Orange shot 54% as a team to Cleveland State's 44%. So what the hell happened?

Brent Axe explains:

Cleveland State deserved to win that game and the basketball gods made sure it happened. In rather dramatic fashion mind you, but those gods got it done.

Cleveland State won this game on pure effort. They crashed the boards harder (and out rebounded Syracuse overall 34-33). They went after loose balls harder. They were relentless on defense. They attacked the basket harder. At the end of the day, Syracuse managed to tie it and lost on a fluke shot, but had they played with the same "pants on fire" attitude that Cleveland State did, we aren't talking about a punch-in-the-gut loss here.

Jim Boeheim agreed:

"You cannot win against good competition when you put yourself in that position early in the game."

"We just didn't go get it," Boeheim said. "I don't think the effort was there we didn't go after loose balls."

Cuse Country sums it up best:

Turnovers, missed free throws, blah blah blah — people will talk about that but that wasn’t the problem. Play defense and hit the boards, and this game isn’t close. We shot 54% from the field, clearly our play with the ball in our hands was not the problem. SU only scored 69 because Cleveland St walked the ball up every possession and spent 20 seconds winding down the clock. The problem is that whenever Cleveland needed a wide open jump shot or took the ball into the lane in a key moment, we let them have it. And if they missed, they got the offensive rebound.

The Three Idiots wonder where Andy Rautins went?

I love Andy Rautins, but tonight he played a game that gives his detractors all the ammunition they'd ever want. On offense he was a one dimensional shooter that didn't make any shots, on defense he was invisible. In addition, 1-3 from the free throw stripe isn't doing anyone any favors.

See extended remarks from Beoheim here.

The Daily Orange recaps this stunning loss

Listen, if you can, to Cedric Jackson discuss his miracle shot..

Had the Orange lost this game straight up, it would have been disappointing already based on the way they played. Include the buzzer beater after the Orange had battled back to tie the game, well, that hurt. SU has been struggling lately against inferior competition and it caught up with them.

Oh, Cleveland State, when you do eventually make the NCAA Tournament...you're welcome.

Big East Basketball Preview: 50 non-conference games of note

Mike Rutherford — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:53:31 -0000

Only games guaranteed to be played are eligible for the list.

Anyone who watches all 50 games in their entirety wins a night of dinner, drinks and dancing with me and This Guy at the White Castle on Westport Rd.

50. Connecticut vs. Hartford (Nov. 17)

Coming off their best season in two decades, the Hawks will provide the only semi-test for Connecticut before the Huskies head to Spokane on Dec. 20. Big man Warren McClendon is gone, but U of H returns its other four starters, including sharp-shooter Joe Zeglinski.

49. Notre Dame vs. Indiana (Nov. 24)

The two schools from the Hoosier state meet in the opening round of the Maui Invitational with preseason expectations significantly higher for the less storied program.

48. Pittsburgh vs. Vermont (Dec. 6)

Pitt's non-conference schedule doesn't feature a big-name opponent - although participation in the Legends Classic could bring about one - but it does feature several formidable mid-major foes, including the preseason favorites in the America East. The Panthers will be tested by the inside-out duo of Mike Trimboli and reigning league POY Marqus Blakely.

47. Rutgers at Rider (Dec. 31)

Jason Thompson is gone, but Rider still returns four starters and should provide a solid road test for a young Scarlet Knight squad looking to prove it's ready to compete in the Big East.

46. West Virginia vs. Miami (OH) (Dec. 20)

The Redhawks figure to finish near the top of the standings in the always tough Mid-American Conference, but this is the type of game Bob Huggins' team can't afford to have lost if they find themselves planted squarely on the bubble come early March.

45. Pittsburgh vs. Belmont (Nov. 25)

Belmont knocked off Cincinnati in the season-opener for both a year ago, and the Bruins are picked to win the Atlantic Sun yet again this season.

44. Georgetown vs. American (Dec. 6)

American appears to be the class of the Patriot League, and the Eagles have the experience and maturity to deal with Georgetown's methodical style of play.

43. Louisville vs. UAB (Dec. 27)

The Cardinals will have to avoid a holiday hangover because they'll get the best shot of a Blazer team needing a marquee win to bolster its NCAA Tournament hopes.

42. St. John's vs. Cornell (Nov. 17)

The Johnnies open the preseason NIT with a dangerous draw in the defending Ivy League champs.

41. Pittsburgh at Texas Tech (Nov. 28)

Pat Knight's Red Raiders don't appear to be destined for anything approaching greatness this season, but there's enough there to test Pitt in the Panthers' Legends Classic opener.

40. South Florida at Wright State (Dec. 21)

A trip to the Nutter Center to take on one of the better mid-major teams in the land should be a good challenge for Stan Heath's guard-heavy squad.

39. Depaul at St. Louis (Dec. 22)

The Billikens made great strides in Rick Majerus' first season, and should serve as a formidable first-round opponent in the Las Vegas Classic for the Blue Demons.

38. Marquette at North Carolina State (Dec. 22)

The Pack is down, but Brandon Costner and Ben McCauley will test Marquette's emaciated frontcourt early in the season.

37. Cincinnati vs. UAB (Dec. 6)

The former C-USA rivals meet in an early December game that could have a great impact on the NCAA Tournament resume of each.

36. Pittsburgh vs. Miami (OH) (Nov. 17)

Pitt begins the season on Nov. 14 with Fairleigh Dickinson and gets its first real test three days later when Charlie Coles and the Redhawks come to the Peterson Events Center.

35. Depaul at California (Dec. 3)

Dar Tucker and Mac Koshwal can make the rest of the league take notice by going out West and knocking off a beatable Cal squad.

34. West Virginia vs. Cleveland State (Dec. 6)

The 'Eers return from Vegas and begin a tough four-game stretch at home with the favorites to take the Horizon League.

33. Connecticut vs. Michigan (Feb. 7)

The Huskies take a break from Big East play to host the Wolverines and sophomore stud Manny Harris.

32. Louisville at Minnesota (Dec. 20)

Tubby Smith had a solid amount of success against Rick Pitino when he was at Kentucky, but the odds are a bit more stacked against him in this game which will be played in Phoenix.

31. South Florida at Vanderbilt (Dec. 16)

How the Kentrell Gransberry-less Bulls handle A.J. Ogilvy should serve as a barometer of how they'll fare in the post talent-heavy Big East.

30. West Virginia at Mississippi (Dec. 3)

Serving as the X factor against a talented Ole Miss backcourt, this could be Devin Ebanks' first opportunity to really sparkle.

29. Providence at Boston College (Dec. 20)

If Keno Davis wants to prove he can get the talented Friars to play to their potential then he needs to go on the road and take care of a BC team that has little outside of Tyrese Rice.

28. Villanova vs. St. Joseph's (Dec. 11)

The Wildcats are the clear favorites on paper, but All-American candidate Ahmad Nivins presents a real matchup problem.

27. Syracuse vs. Cleveland State (Dec. 15)

Seniors J'Nathan Bullock and Cedric Jackson might be the two best players in the Horizon League, and could easily lead the Vikings to an early season upset. The fact that Syracuse has just a day to prepare after a home tilt with Long Beach State certainly doesn't help.

26. St. John's vs. Miami (Fla.) (Dec. 27)

Norm Roberts could make a lot of folks in Brooklyn more comfortable about his contract extension if he could lead the Johnnies to an early upset of a nationally ranked foe.

25. Marquette vs. Dayton (Nov. 29)

The Flyers have been tough to beat in pre-Atlantic 10 action in recent years, which makes this tussle in Chicago a dangerous one for the Golden Eagles. Chris Wright can jump super high.

24. Louisville vs. Mississippi (Dec. 18)

The guard trio of Huertas, Polynice and Warren should provide a tough early test for the occasionally eccentric Cardinal backcourt.

23. St. John's vs. Duke (Feb. 19)

This one stopped being cute when Ron Artest rode out of town.

22. Depaul at UCLA (Dec. 13)

The Blue Demons might be just a bit outclassed in this John Wooden Classic game being played in Anaheim.

21. Rutgers at North Carolina (Dec. 28)

If RU keeps it closer than 22 (UNC won 93-71 a year ago), I say they win. Which means a lot.

20. Pittsburgh vs. Siena (Dec. 17)

The Saints return all five starters from the squad that routed Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

19. Villanova vs. Temple (Dec. 29)

'Nova will have to find an answer for Dionte Christmas if they want to prevail in what could end up being the de facto Big Five title game.

18. Louisville vs. UNLV (Dec. 31)

The Runnin' Rebs hung with the Cards for 35 minutes a year ago before falling apart and losing by 20. They return their top two scorers and add highly-touted freshman Beas Hamga.

17. Cincinnati vs. Xavier (Dec. 13)

If Cincinnati can take as large a stride in Mick Cronin's second season as they did in his first, then this could be the most even Crosstown Shootout in quite some time.

16. Seton Hall vs. USC (Nov. 20)

The Pirates have next-to-no non-con challenges outside of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, so a strong performance on the island is paramount for the squad's postseason aspirations. It all starts with a date with the 18th ranked Trojans.

15. West Virginia at Ohio State (Dec. 27)

Seven-foot freshman sensation B.J. Mullens is a matchup nightmare for the undersized Mountaineers.

14. Cincinnati at Memphis (Dec. 29)

Things started to turn around for the Bearcats a season ago when they hung with the top-ranked Tigers for 40 minutes. Expecations are a bit higher at UC 12 months later.

13. Providence at Baylor (Nov. 27)

A huge opening round matchup in the Anaheim Classic for a pair of programs looking to take giant leaps forward in 2008-2009.

12. Syracuse vs. Florida (Nov. 24)

A win over the Gators could be the difference between NCAA and NIT if the Big East threatens to swallow SU's postseason dreams for a third straight year.

11. Notre Dame vs. Ohio State (Dec. 6)

Lots of talent + contrasting styles = December fun for the whole family.

10. Marquette vs. Wisconsin (Dec. 6)

The most underrated rivalry in college basketball will almost assuredly again involve a pair of top 25 teams.

9. West Virginia vs. Davidson (Dec. 9)

I hear these guys are kind of dangerous. Apparently have a decent little guard.

8. Syracuse at Memphis (Dec. 20)

The Tigers' mini-tour of the Big East hits its second stop when the Orange roll into the FedExForum. Chances are 100% that Eric Devendorf and Tyreke Evans have words.

7. Louisville vs. Kentucky (Jan. 4)

The most hate-filled rivalry in the sport could turn into must-see-TV if the Cats show early improvement in their second season under Billy Gillispie.

6. Georgetown vs. Memphis (Dec. 13)

Memphis exposed the Hoyas with their athleticism a year ago, but the two main culprits - Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose - are now being paid to play the game.

5. Marquette at Tennessee (Dec. 13)

Sensational veteran guards vs. athletic veteran wings. Also, two programs who have or have had a head coach with the first name Buzz.

4. Villanova vs. Texas (Dec. 9)

This Jimmy V. Classic tilt will feature a pair of nationally ranked teams and a couple of shot-happy guards who have the potential to go for 30 every time they step on the floor.

3. Georgetown at Duke (Jan. 17)

The Hoyas get a quick reprieve from Big East play, unfortunately it involves a trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

2. Connecticut at Gonzaga (Dec. 20)

The sixth-annual Battle in Seattle will be a rematch of last year's classic which the 'Zags won 85-82.

1. Notre Dame at UCLA (Feb. 7)

A February clash in Pauley featuring two presaeason top ten squads that will affect the seeding of multiple teams in both the Pac-10 and Big East.