Ohio State Final Four: "Walkin' Through Memphis"

Hey Joey Dorsey, let me explain something to you. Goliath LOST to David. So you are smarter than most people think. Your intended rip turned you into Nostradamus. Once again, "David" wins. Oden poured in 19 points, and turned the tide in a close game. PS, did you notice a couple of Oden dunks with extra mustard when he went around Dorsey? Yeah Joey, well done.

How about the irony that an intentional foul call was really a tide turner in this game. With Ohio State down three, Chris Douglas-Roberts grabbed him with both hands to stop him. Funny thing happened. Oden still made the shot, and Chris Hypen was called for an intentional foul. Talk about a momentum shift. Oden made 1 of 2 foul shots, tying the game, then Jamar Butler was fouled, made 2 shots, and the Bucks had the lead. A five point turn. After a Memphis layup, then came the second dunk from Oden over Joey Dorsey. Another Memphis bucket to tie, then came a Daequan Cook layup, followed by a Jamar Butler 3-pointer, followed by an Oden layup, followed by a Ron Lewis 3 pointer. Just like that, the game was over.

There really was never a doubt in this game. I never left my couch. I never chewed my nails, and I never raised my voice, unless you count the time that Daequan Cook got mashed underneath, and senile Bill Raftery said it was a good no call. Other than that, you could see the Bucks had control.

Again, look no further than Mike Conley Jr. Conley never looks nervous. Conley rarely makes mistakes. Conley always makes the big play. He reminds me a lot of former North Carolina point guard, Raymond Felton. Conley controlled the play today, and in doing so, ensured the Buckeyes their first final four appearance since 1999, and the first one that counts since 1968. For those of you that don't know, THAT'S A LONG TIME!

Conley was named the player of the region. He was 5 for 11 from the field, as well as 9 of 10 from the line, to the tune of 19 points. He only had 2 assists and 4 boards, but he was needed to score with Oden out much of the first half, and the beginning of the second half. Again, the engine was hummin' today.

The Buckeyes hit 18 foul shots in a row down the stretch. Ohio State CAN'T lose if they are making foul shots...end of story. Guards Jamar Butler and Ron Lewis went a combined 16 for 16. Add Conley to that, and you have 25 of 26. Add Daequan Cook, and you go up to 29 of 30. Ohio State went 35 of 41 overall. I can live with 86%.

Ohio State scored more points against Memphis than any other game this season. Oden only played 24 minutes (compared to Mike Conley's 40 minutes). If the Buckeyes find a way to perform this way the rest of the tournament, they'll win the national title. Oden had 17, Conley 19, Lewis 22 and Butler 12.

Speaking of Butler, I was waiting for him all game. He came up big in the second half. If this team were to stay together for one more season, as is, or with Cook replacing Lewis, they'd be the favorites for the title next year. Butler was this close all game, and when he woke up, the game was over for Memphis.

By the way, Joey had 0 points, and four boards before fouling out. Oden went 7 for 8 for 17 points, 9 boards, 1 block, 4 shot changes, and the big momentum shift. David indeed.

It occured to me today, that Ohio State will likely play North Carolina in the final four, and if they can find a way to win, will likely play Florida in the finals. A lot would have to happen for it will all come together, but there's a likelihood that for Ohio State to win the National Championship, they would have to beat the only other two teams on their schedule that HAVE BEAT THEM. There's a certain symmetry to that. Personally, I hope they both lose. Of course, if North Carolina loses, in comes Georgetown, last season's OSU ouster. You know Lewis and Butler must be secretly hoping to get another shot. This time, with much more on the line.

You have to believe that during the pregame tomorrow for Florida's game, there will be a bunch of talk about the Ohio State vs. Florida football game. The difference? You would have to believe that if Ohio State can find a way past Carolina or Georgetown, and find themselves against Florida, that OSU would be the huge underdog.

Ron Lewis has played himself onto an NBA team, or at the very least, onto an NBDL team. He's an incredibly clutch shooter, and is having an incredible tournament. Even though Seth Suckwad doesn't have ANY Buckeye's on his tournament team (which is better than moron Clark Kellog's OSU starting five on his), Lewis will find his way there. He has quick hands, a long range jumper, and the ability to get off a shot. Size could hurt him.

Pssst. I don't know about you, but I think we've found the other member of the Thad Five. Many of us have focused on Oden, Conley, Cook and Hunter. Loe and behold, David Lighty, who has shown some OUTSTANDING moves, and played extremely well the last two games. I look forward to him becoming a factor on this team.

When is someone going to actually SAY that Greg Oden's foul trouble is a concern. Seriously, he comes in every game, and has two fouls on him by the 10 minute mark of the first half, and usually a third by the 15 minute mark of the second. If Oden can't control his fouls, the Bucks could be in trouble against a team like Florida. Of course, Ohio State may be the ONLY team capable of playing BETTER without him. I have a feeling this is going to come into play in the next week, and surprise a few.

John Calipari is up for the Kentucky job. There's some symmetry to Calipari, and Rick Pitino, isn't there. Let's look at the facts: Rick Pitino takes the Providence (Atlantic 10) in 1985, and coaches there until 1987, when he left after he and PG Billy Donovan took Providence to the final four for the first time. He leaves for the New York Knicks. Calipari starts coaching UMass in 1988, a fellow Atlantic 10 school, and coaches there until 1996, when he took UMass to the final four for the first time. He left for the NBA's New Jersey Nets. Pitino left the Knicks for the high profile Kentucky Job in 1989, and stayed there until 1997, when he left for the Celtics thinking he could get Tim Duncan. He didn't, and left in 2001 to go to Louisville of the conference USA. Calipari went 72 and 112 in the NBA, and resigned in 1999. He took the job at Memphis, of the conference USA (Calipari was there first this time. Louisville leaves conference USA for the Big East. Now, Calipari is the leading candidate for the Kentucky job. Ironic, isn't it?

Thad Matta is also rumored for the Kentucky job. I hope that is a joke, but don't YOU think he'd be a leading candidate? He can recruit, and coach. Obviously, Tubby couldn't. If I were Kentucky, Matta would be way ahead of Calipari, with Pitino next. Kentucky fans would like nothing more than to have Pitino's Bombinos back in action. Just say it ain's so Thad.

Why am I getting the impression that Conley, Cook AND Oden are all gone? Seriously, national title or no, when Conley's Dad set up his management service, that was the sign. Oden is absolutely gone, so quit pipe-dreaming. Conley is a year away from being a starting NBA point guard. He'll be a top 15 pick this coming year. I would sell half of the Cavs roster to get him. Cook is the one guy that should stay, but won't. He's living the dream, and is going to pay the price. I think he'll turn into Dajuan Wagner and Rashaad McCants if he goes. It's too early. Seriously folks, Oden and Conley have millions in their pockets. WOULD YOU WAIT ANOTHER YEAR? If you lie, look out for the lightning. It would be interesting if Conley stays. Oden gets picked up early by the Celtics or the Grizz. Then the will Conley end up with Oden again watch will begin. It's possible. Not likely, but possible.

Way to go Buckeyes. 2 more games.