Congrats to all—everyone at .500 or better for the season with their picks! Anyone up for two more this weekend? — John
Eagles v. Cardinals (The “What the?!?! Bowl”)
Which team is hotter right now? Tough to say, which makes me think this game is a toss-up. I’m going to have to go with the home team with their outstanding wide receiver from THE University of Pittsburgh (the same university with the nation’s top ranked men’s basketball team, by the way.) Cardinals 28 – Eagles 24.
Ravens v. Steelers (part III)
Much like the first two parts, it’ll be a tight game. The Steelers, with a healthy Willie Parker, will be able to get the running game going, and be able to fluster Flacco a bit. Steelers 20 – Ravens 13. — Kurt
Kurt, I think your inner writer geek was sooooo excited to be able to write "fluster Flacco." Let your writer geek banner wave proudly!!!! — John
This has got to be the strangest, and therefore toughest, weekend of football coming up this weekend. I'm referring to the NFC — what happened to football that we've had so many playoff upsets? The 9-7 Arizona Cardinals host the 9-6-1 Philadelphia Eagles. Playoff football at its finest.
I can't help but think that I wasted my football viewing life in 2008 to have the NFC represented by teams that are barely above .500. Exciting that "any team can make the Super Bowl?" Yes. Depressing that the season meant absolutely nothing? You got it.
So, now on to picking from two just-above-average teams for the NFC Championship. Both have picked up their game for the playoffs. This one is hard to choose. Both teams can play strong on defense — a must for playoff football. I can pick strengths and weaknesses for each, and yet I am left with one difference: the game is in Arizona. I am going to have to go with the home team Arizona Cardinals to win in a close game.
Conversely, the 12-4 Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the 11-5 Baltimore Ravens — records that are deserving of an AFC Championship appearance. Both teams are playing tough playoff football. They faced off twice this year in close games, both of which the Steelers won.
Again, I am going with the home team on this one, as the weather, and the worst field in the NFL, will be a factor. I don't see the Ravens’ rookie quarterback being able to complement the Raven defense enough to win this one. — Troy V. of Yardley
How could you not be excited that the NFC's Super Bowl representative will be either:
— a team that tied the lowly Bengals, or
— a team that lost by 40 to non-playoff New England.
Ahhh, the wacky NFC! — John
Thank you for understanding... — Troy V. of Yardley
Baltimore at Pittsburgh: This will be the better of the two games. Two bitter rivals with strong defenses battling in the cold. Unless this Flacco kid is pulling off a "Tom Brady" before our eyes, the Steelers should control the game. Steelers 17, Ravens 13
Philadelphia at Arizona: Buddy Ryan never made the playoffs as head coach of the Cards. Eagles 28, Cardinals 20
By the way, the Birds have ALWAYS made it to the Super Bowl (OK one time) when BOTH McNabb and Westbrook were healthy in January (look it up)!
The question is: how is Westbrook's knee? — Carnac the Magnificent
First, let's get the Bruiser Bowl out of the way. Pittsburgh and Baltimore will pound on each other like wildebeests in a stampede. I can't see any way a rookie QB like Flacco goes 3-0 in the playoffs and from being a Blue Hen to the Super Bowl in one year, so I'm going with the Steelers. If the NFC winner rubs its lucky rabbit's foot, these two teams will rough each other up so much they'll be as soft as lamb's wool come Super Sunday. Steelers 3, Ravens 2.
As for the Battle of the Birds, the Cardinals have scored 30 points in each of their playoff wins. I don't see them reaching 20 against the Eagles; but I'm not sure the Eagles get to 20, either. I'm feeling as frisky as a cat and going with my gut: the Eagles score either a defensive or special teams TD, and that makes all the difference. Eagles 17, Cardinals 10.
This prediction brought to you by Animal Planet. I also predict one very happy Ed Rendell on Sunday as the Eagles and Steelers set up a Pennsylvania Super Bowl. — John
Let's consider the games in order.
First (Wake is undefeated!), is the NFC Championship which begs the question (were they SERIOUS when they predicted UNC would go undefeated?!?) if two mediocre teams play in the desert, will anyone care?
The answer of course is (Jeff Teague!), no. No one other than most of Philadelphia and friends/family in Phoenix will care. But the TV cameras will be there and John asked. So here is my prediction: The overlooked (Demon Deacons) Cardinals will advance to the (Final Four) Super Bowl.
Second is the AFC Championship. Let's not kid ourselves (Clemson is overrated). 2009 is the year for teams wearing (Old Gold & Black) Black and Gold. Having the strongest (frontcourt & bench) defense in the nation and steadily improving (point guard and freshmen) running game translates to (the best start in Wake's history) a third Steelers victory over the Ravens. — Phil
Brilliant (delusional)! — John
Eagles at the Cards: This is a much better Cardinals team than the Eagles destroyed on Thanksgiving night. Healthier and more aggressive on defense, healthier and running the ball more on offense. Eagles have had 2 very physical games and now have to travel West, which isn't easy. I believe this game boils down to the Eagles’ defense against the Cardinals’ offense. They must put pressure on Warner. A late field goal from Akers wins it, 24-23.
Ravens at Steelers: BLOW OUT CITY. I was wrong on the Steelers last week and I’m jumping on the bandwagon. They looked awesome against the Chargers, they are at home, going against a rookie QB and the Ravens’ defense is banged up. Steelers 23 - Ravens 3.
All PA Super Bowl.
I agree with Phil. Wake Forest is going to make up for losing the National Championship in soccer with a National Championship in basketball. They are the best team I have seen. — Dave
"I agree with Phil. Wake Forest is going to make up for losing the National Championship in soccer with a National Championship in basketball. They are the best team I have seen."
Tears in my eyes. Honest to goodness tears in my eyes!! — Phil
Friday, January 16, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Playoff Predictions
It's pickin' time again. The challenge, at least for this first time: you have to pick an NFL playoff game. Sorry all you Premier League-lovin', Colorado girls' HS ice hockey-rootin', Albright wrestling-supportin' fans. It's NFL playoff time--time to separate the men from the men who drive gray Honda Civics and know the words to "How Deep Is Your Love." — John
Playoff time!
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans – A surging shut down Baltimore defense meets a Tennessee team that has been stuttering/coasting through the month of December. It should be interesting to see whether Tennessee has the ability to throw it back into gear – and what gear will it be? Although Tennessee was able to beat the Ravens in Baltimore earlier in the season, I am going to have to go with the Baltimore Ravens this round, as defense wins playoff games, and Baltimore has exhibited its share in the month of December into early January.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – San Diego had to come from behind in their wildcard playoff game at home against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend. The steamrolling Colts were certainly on a roll having won 9 games straight prior to losing to San Diego. This was quite a test for the Chargers coming into the playoffs with a less than stellar 8-8 record. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are no pushovers. They know how to win in the playoffs, and should not have any problem disposing of the visiting Chargers to advance to the AFC championship game.
Arizona at Carolina - Once considered a sleeper pick for the playoffs, Carolina looks very strong. Certainly a contender for a Super Bowl appearance. Arizona did not finish as strongly as they had started this season. However, they were able to advance last week at home against the Atlanta Falcons. I am going to have to go with Carolina Panthers in this game. Their performance will be an indicator for whether they will make it to the final dance.
Philadelphia at New York – The New York Giants haven’t looked as dominant in December as one would expect for a Super Bowl repeat attempt. However, they were going through a run of injuries, and have now had the opportunity to rest some key players during the playoff bye, including Brandon Jacobs, a key ingredient to the Giants running game. Add that to Brian Westbrook not able to practice this week but expected to play, and the porous Eagles run defense, and this starts to turn into a fowl meal for a giant.
But wait!! How can you pick against a Philadelphia Eagles team that needed every star in the sky to line up perfectly for them to make the playoffs? Burdened with a tie (kissing the sister)? Needing Tampa Bay to lose to Oakland (never happen!)? …and Chicago lose to Houston (possible, but asking too much)? And then pull off a dominating win over the archrival Dallas Cowboys? A great finale for a team that was not able to control its own destiny, but had it controlled by the football gods. It wasn’t until 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008, one of the last games played in the NFL regular season, when the Eagles found out that if they won, they were in. Keep the beards growing – sorry, can’t pick against the Philadelphia Eagles. — Troy V. of Yardley
Well, thanks to having a lot of unexpected free time in a hotel room due to wildfire evacuations, I actually had time to read all of that. And Brian, being a gov’t employee on lunch break, had 2 hours to write it. (Brian, are you sure you’re not the sports writer amongst us?)
Me, being a Math/Econ major and a big fan of “say it in 3 sentences or don’t say it at all,” projects…
Tennessee over Baltimore; Pittsburgh over SD; Arizona over Carolina (upset alert); Giants over Eagles — Kurt
I will take these games in the order that they are being played. Interesting that for the first time ever each game matches teams who have already played against one another this year.
4:30 Saturday: Tennessee at home against Baltimore. First team to score may win. Turnovers will decide this game. I am going with Tennessee at home to win a low scoring game. I will go 13-10, which is the same result as earlier this year.
8:00 Saturday: Carolina at home against Arizona. Arizona has gotten waxed every time they have flown East this year. Lost at Washington 24-17, at Jets 56-35, at Carolina 27-23, at Phila 48-20, at Patriots 47-7. That’s 202-102 for an average loss of 20 pts a game.
HOWEVER, everyone is falling in love with Carolina despite the fact that they have a below avg quarterback who turns the ball over. I think Carolina will win but it will be much closer than people expect. Take Arizona and the 10 points.
Now to Sunday and a BIG day for the state of Pennsylvania.
1:00 Sunday: Giants at home to the Eagles. Game time temp 29 degrees. Game will be decided by a field goal but am concerned that David Akers’ career in Giant stadium is only 10 makes in 20 attempts. Eagles’ defense has been awesome. I am going with the Eagles in a low-scoring game if McNabb doesn't have any stupid turnovers which is a big IF.
4:30 Sunday: Steelers at home to the Chargers. I have to say I was surprised, and a little puzzled, when I heard that Ladanian Tomlinson has a torn tendon in his groin and Phil (a BIG STEELERS FAN) is in San Diego this week.
Anyway on to the game and I believe the Chargers come to Pittsburgh and win the game. This is my upset special.
Ben Roethlisberger is coming off a concussion and he can't even fit into his helmet because his head is still swollen. HUH? Earlier game between these teams was won by Pittsburgh 11-10 but I think the Chargers turn the table and win by a touchdown. Let’s say 20-13.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the games. — Dave
I'll go by conferences:
AFC: Two nail-biters. Baltimore is THE hot team in the playoffs. Defense wins. Prediction: Baltimore.
San Diego is playing with house money after their upset over the Colts. Big pressure for Pittsburgh. Prediction: Chargers.
NFC: Arizona is playing with house money. They'll be loose and giddy at the coin flip. They'll still be loose and giddy when John Fox pulls his starters at the start of the fourth quarter so they can rest up for next week. Prediction: Carolina.
No one's loose and giddy in the Philly/New York match-up. But Philly's receivers will not drop passes like they did in D.C. a few weeks ago. Prediction: Philly, in a nail-biter. — Carnac the Magnificent
You guys come through with the big research and the compelling angles to your picks! I actually only expected you to make ONE playoff pick, not each game. Way to step it up come playoff time!
Me? I’m resting the starters (my brain) for bigger games next week. So I’ll make picks for the two Pennsylvania games.
The Steelers move on; the Eagles move out. But I’ll make one exception to my Eagles pick: if Andy Reid realizes he has a unique talent in DeSean Jackson and throws plays his way, the Eagles could steal it. So the Eagles will lose unless Jackson has 150 combined yards (rushing/receiving/kicks). If he hits that number, the Eagles win. — John
Playoff time!
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans – A surging shut down Baltimore defense meets a Tennessee team that has been stuttering/coasting through the month of December. It should be interesting to see whether Tennessee has the ability to throw it back into gear – and what gear will it be? Although Tennessee was able to beat the Ravens in Baltimore earlier in the season, I am going to have to go with the Baltimore Ravens this round, as defense wins playoff games, and Baltimore has exhibited its share in the month of December into early January.
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers – San Diego had to come from behind in their wildcard playoff game at home against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend. The steamrolling Colts were certainly on a roll having won 9 games straight prior to losing to San Diego. This was quite a test for the Chargers coming into the playoffs with a less than stellar 8-8 record. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are no pushovers. They know how to win in the playoffs, and should not have any problem disposing of the visiting Chargers to advance to the AFC championship game.
Arizona at Carolina - Once considered a sleeper pick for the playoffs, Carolina looks very strong. Certainly a contender for a Super Bowl appearance. Arizona did not finish as strongly as they had started this season. However, they were able to advance last week at home against the Atlanta Falcons. I am going to have to go with Carolina Panthers in this game. Their performance will be an indicator for whether they will make it to the final dance.
Philadelphia at New York – The New York Giants haven’t looked as dominant in December as one would expect for a Super Bowl repeat attempt. However, they were going through a run of injuries, and have now had the opportunity to rest some key players during the playoff bye, including Brandon Jacobs, a key ingredient to the Giants running game. Add that to Brian Westbrook not able to practice this week but expected to play, and the porous Eagles run defense, and this starts to turn into a fowl meal for a giant.
But wait!! How can you pick against a Philadelphia Eagles team that needed every star in the sky to line up perfectly for them to make the playoffs? Burdened with a tie (kissing the sister)? Needing Tampa Bay to lose to Oakland (never happen!)? …and Chicago lose to Houston (possible, but asking too much)? And then pull off a dominating win over the archrival Dallas Cowboys? A great finale for a team that was not able to control its own destiny, but had it controlled by the football gods. It wasn’t until 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008, one of the last games played in the NFL regular season, when the Eagles found out that if they won, they were in. Keep the beards growing – sorry, can’t pick against the Philadelphia Eagles. — Troy V. of Yardley
Well, thanks to having a lot of unexpected free time in a hotel room due to wildfire evacuations, I actually had time to read all of that. And Brian, being a gov’t employee on lunch break, had 2 hours to write it. (Brian, are you sure you’re not the sports writer amongst us?)
Me, being a Math/Econ major and a big fan of “say it in 3 sentences or don’t say it at all,” projects…
Tennessee over Baltimore; Pittsburgh over SD; Arizona over Carolina (upset alert); Giants over Eagles — Kurt
I will take these games in the order that they are being played. Interesting that for the first time ever each game matches teams who have already played against one another this year.
4:30 Saturday: Tennessee at home against Baltimore. First team to score may win. Turnovers will decide this game. I am going with Tennessee at home to win a low scoring game. I will go 13-10, which is the same result as earlier this year.
8:00 Saturday: Carolina at home against Arizona. Arizona has gotten waxed every time they have flown East this year. Lost at Washington 24-17, at Jets 56-35, at Carolina 27-23, at Phila 48-20, at Patriots 47-7. That’s 202-102 for an average loss of 20 pts a game.
HOWEVER, everyone is falling in love with Carolina despite the fact that they have a below avg quarterback who turns the ball over. I think Carolina will win but it will be much closer than people expect. Take Arizona and the 10 points.
Now to Sunday and a BIG day for the state of Pennsylvania.
1:00 Sunday: Giants at home to the Eagles. Game time temp 29 degrees. Game will be decided by a field goal but am concerned that David Akers’ career in Giant stadium is only 10 makes in 20 attempts. Eagles’ defense has been awesome. I am going with the Eagles in a low-scoring game if McNabb doesn't have any stupid turnovers which is a big IF.
4:30 Sunday: Steelers at home to the Chargers. I have to say I was surprised, and a little puzzled, when I heard that Ladanian Tomlinson has a torn tendon in his groin and Phil (a BIG STEELERS FAN) is in San Diego this week.
Anyway on to the game and I believe the Chargers come to Pittsburgh and win the game. This is my upset special.
Ben Roethlisberger is coming off a concussion and he can't even fit into his helmet because his head is still swollen. HUH? Earlier game between these teams was won by Pittsburgh 11-10 but I think the Chargers turn the table and win by a touchdown. Let’s say 20-13.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the games. — Dave
I'll go by conferences:
AFC: Two nail-biters. Baltimore is THE hot team in the playoffs. Defense wins. Prediction: Baltimore.
San Diego is playing with house money after their upset over the Colts. Big pressure for Pittsburgh. Prediction: Chargers.
NFC: Arizona is playing with house money. They'll be loose and giddy at the coin flip. They'll still be loose and giddy when John Fox pulls his starters at the start of the fourth quarter so they can rest up for next week. Prediction: Carolina.
No one's loose and giddy in the Philly/New York match-up. But Philly's receivers will not drop passes like they did in D.C. a few weeks ago. Prediction: Philly, in a nail-biter. — Carnac the Magnificent
You guys come through with the big research and the compelling angles to your picks! I actually only expected you to make ONE playoff pick, not each game. Way to step it up come playoff time!
Me? I’m resting the starters (my brain) for bigger games next week. So I’ll make picks for the two Pennsylvania games.
The Steelers move on; the Eagles move out. But I’ll make one exception to my Eagles pick: if Andy Reid realizes he has a unique talent in DeSean Jackson and throws plays his way, the Eagles could steal it. So the Eagles will lose unless Jackson has 150 combined yards (rushing/receiving/kicks). If he hits that number, the Eagles win. — John
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The Best of Villanova Basketball
Next up in my rundown of all-time Big Five teams: Villanova, which has produced more All-America-caliber talent than any other Philly team. La Salle has had more national Player of the Year candidates, but Nova’s depth of stars is remarkable. All-Americans like Hubie White and Randy Foye—plus NBAers Chris Ford, Alvin Williams, Tim Thomas, and Doug West—couldn't crack the top 10.
The first team:
1. Paul Arizin (1947-50)
Arizin, a 6-3 forward, was a consensus first-team All American who led the country in scoring in 1950 (25.3 ppg.) and directed the Wildcats’ national-best scoring offense (72.8 ppg.). He was also a local legend and was the school’s first 1,000-point scorer, finishing with 1,648. He went on to become a 10-time NBA All Star, Hall of Famer, and chosen as one of the NBA’s top 50 of all time.
2. Howard Porter (1968-71)
Porter was an overwhelming force as a 6-8 center, taking the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in 1970 and the national title game in 1971 (a 68-62 loss to UCLA). A three-time AP All-American he finished with 2,026 points (22.8 ppg.) and a school-record 1,317 rebounds (14.8 rpg).
3. Kerry Kittles (1992-96)
Kittles, the school’s all-time leader in scoring (2,243 points) and steals (277), is the only Wildcat with more than 2,000 points, 700 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals. He was a first-team All-American guard in 1996 and a second-teamer in 1995.
4. Wali Jones (1961-64)
An All-American guard in ’64, Jones was twice the Big Five MVP and led the Wilcats to the 1962 Elite Eight. He finished with 1,428 career points and played in the NBA from 1964-73.
5. Larry Hennessy (1950-53)
A prolific scorer, Hennessy finished in the top 10 nationally in scoring twice (second in ’53 with 29.2 ppg.; seventh in ’51 with 22.0 ppg.). He totaled 1,737 points (23.2 ppg.) during a three-year career.
The second team:
Keith Herron (1974-78)
Bob Schafer (1951-55)
John Pinone (1980-84)
Ed Pinckney (1981-85)
Tom Ingelsby (1970-73)
The best team: 1984-85
One of just two Big Five teams to win the NCAA Tournament, Rollie Massimino’s ’85 Wildcats (25-10) had a roller-coaster season. They snuck into the tourney thanks to its expansion to 64 teams and barely eked out a 51-49 first-round win over host Dayton. But Pinckney, Dwayne McClain, Gary McLain, Harold Pressley, Harold Jensen, and Dwight Wilbur caught fire the rest of the tourney and stunned the nation with a 66-64 championship upset for the ages over defending champ Georgetown and Patrick Ewing.
This was one of Nova’s three Final Four appearances (1971, 1939); the Wildcats also reached the Elite Eight eight times (2006, 1988, ’83, ’82, ’78, ’70, ’62, and ’49).
Other top teams:
1970-71: Coach Jack Kraft’s 23-6 team reached the national championship behind an iron man lineup of Porter, Ford, Tom Ingelsby, Hank Siemiontkowski and Clarence Smith.
2005-06: Randy Foye, Kyle Lowry, Allan Ray, and Mike Nardi led the Wildcats’ guard-oriented 28-5 team (the most wins in school history). Jay Wright’s team earned Nova’s first No. 1 NCAA tourney seed and reached the Elite Eight, before losing to eventual champ Florida.
1963-64: Jones, Bill Melchionni, and rebounding machine Jim Washington led Kraft’s 24-4 team, which finished the year ranked seventh nationally. They lost to eventual runner-up Duke in the second round of the NCAA tourney.
1982-83: Massimino’s overlapping collection of Wildcat greats finished 24-8 and ranked 11th nationally: vets Pinone and Stewart Granger were joined by youngsters Pinckney, McClain, Pressley, and McLain.
1949-50: Arizin’s Wildcats went 25-4 in his senior year, with one of those losses a one-pointer to defending champ Kentucky. Tom Brennan, Leo Wolf, and Joe Hannan helped Nova finish second nationally in scoring margin (17.1) and ranked 11th in the country for coach Alex Severance.
The first team:
1. Paul Arizin (1947-50)
Arizin, a 6-3 forward, was a consensus first-team All American who led the country in scoring in 1950 (25.3 ppg.) and directed the Wildcats’ national-best scoring offense (72.8 ppg.). He was also a local legend and was the school’s first 1,000-point scorer, finishing with 1,648. He went on to become a 10-time NBA All Star, Hall of Famer, and chosen as one of the NBA’s top 50 of all time.
2. Howard Porter (1968-71)
Porter was an overwhelming force as a 6-8 center, taking the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in 1970 and the national title game in 1971 (a 68-62 loss to UCLA). A three-time AP All-American he finished with 2,026 points (22.8 ppg.) and a school-record 1,317 rebounds (14.8 rpg).
3. Kerry Kittles (1992-96)
Kittles, the school’s all-time leader in scoring (2,243 points) and steals (277), is the only Wildcat with more than 2,000 points, 700 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals. He was a first-team All-American guard in 1996 and a second-teamer in 1995.
4. Wali Jones (1961-64)
An All-American guard in ’64, Jones was twice the Big Five MVP and led the Wilcats to the 1962 Elite Eight. He finished with 1,428 career points and played in the NBA from 1964-73.
5. Larry Hennessy (1950-53)
A prolific scorer, Hennessy finished in the top 10 nationally in scoring twice (second in ’53 with 29.2 ppg.; seventh in ’51 with 22.0 ppg.). He totaled 1,737 points (23.2 ppg.) during a three-year career.
The second team:
Keith Herron (1974-78)
Bob Schafer (1951-55)
John Pinone (1980-84)
Ed Pinckney (1981-85)
Tom Ingelsby (1970-73)
The best team: 1984-85
One of just two Big Five teams to win the NCAA Tournament, Rollie Massimino’s ’85 Wildcats (25-10) had a roller-coaster season. They snuck into the tourney thanks to its expansion to 64 teams and barely eked out a 51-49 first-round win over host Dayton. But Pinckney, Dwayne McClain, Gary McLain, Harold Pressley, Harold Jensen, and Dwight Wilbur caught fire the rest of the tourney and stunned the nation with a 66-64 championship upset for the ages over defending champ Georgetown and Patrick Ewing.
This was one of Nova’s three Final Four appearances (1971, 1939); the Wildcats also reached the Elite Eight eight times (2006, 1988, ’83, ’82, ’78, ’70, ’62, and ’49).
Other top teams:
1970-71: Coach Jack Kraft’s 23-6 team reached the national championship behind an iron man lineup of Porter, Ford, Tom Ingelsby, Hank Siemiontkowski and Clarence Smith.
2005-06: Randy Foye, Kyle Lowry, Allan Ray, and Mike Nardi led the Wildcats’ guard-oriented 28-5 team (the most wins in school history). Jay Wright’s team earned Nova’s first No. 1 NCAA tourney seed and reached the Elite Eight, before losing to eventual champ Florida.
1963-64: Jones, Bill Melchionni, and rebounding machine Jim Washington led Kraft’s 24-4 team, which finished the year ranked seventh nationally. They lost to eventual runner-up Duke in the second round of the NCAA tourney.
1982-83: Massimino’s overlapping collection of Wildcat greats finished 24-8 and ranked 11th nationally: vets Pinone and Stewart Granger were joined by youngsters Pinckney, McClain, Pressley, and McLain.
1949-50: Arizin’s Wildcats went 25-4 in his senior year, with one of those losses a one-pointer to defending champ Kentucky. Tom Brennan, Leo Wolf, and Joe Hannan helped Nova finish second nationally in scoring margin (17.1) and ranked 11th in the country for coach Alex Severance.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Winter Wonderin'
Nothing like a new year and a resolution to get me back into making the time for blogging about all things Philly sports….
Sooooo, let’s see what I missed over the last three weeks. Only that the Eagles rose from the dead to become the fourth straight Philadelphia team to make the postseason. The last time all four Philly teams made the playoffs was 1981, which followed the magical 1980 season when all four reached their sport’s championship game.
How unlikely was the Eagles flight to a Wild Card game against the Vikings Sunday? Who didn’t laugh when coach Andy Reid said after the Cincinnati game that a tie would help them more than a loss would with their playoff chances? To quote Jim Mora: “Playoffs?????”
No one gave the Eagles a shot at the postseason after that game or the next, a 36-7 beatdown by Baltimore that put the Eagles at 5-5-1 and McNabb on the bench for the second half. But the NFL has been crazy this year, which helped the Eagles’ cause, sometimes more than their own play.
Here’s an example of just how topsy-turvy it’s been: Before the season, the two teams with the longest odds to win the Super Bowl were the Miami Dolphins (250-1) and the Atlanta Falcons (200-1). The preseason favorites were the New England Patriots (2-1) and the Dallas Cowboys (7-1). The Dolphins and Falcons are in the playoffs, the Patriots and Cowboys are out.
Some overly hopeful Eagle optimists are comparing the Eagles’ stretch run to the Phillies’ own hot ride, and forecasting great things in the playoffs. Not me.
The only similarity to this point: both teams won 80 percent of their last games. The Phillies went 24-6 down the stretch, including the playoffs, while the Eagles have won four of their last five.
But in doing so, the Phillies won their division and benefited by having home-field advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs. The wild-card-winning Eagles have to hit the road against the Vikings, with two more potential road games ahead.
This Eagles team also isn’t like last year’s Giants, who won 11 straight road games on the way to the title. The Eagles this year are a measly 3-4-1—on merit.
One other not-so-minor detail about the Phillies/Eagles comparison that doesn’t work. When Cole Hamels was on the mound, four of the nine Phillies starters were legitimate MVP/Cy Young candidates (Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley).
The Eagles have one possible MVP-caliber player, if he’s healthy (Brian Westbrook) and a few others among the best at their positions (Asante Samuel, Brian Dawkins, Trent Cole). With just four of 22 starters among the best at their position, this is not a team stacked with superstars.
Actually, if there’s any hope for the Eagles—and any team that optimists can hope the Eagles will resemble—it rests with the Eagles’ defense, which makes the team look a little bit like the Super Bowl champion 2000 Baltimore Ravens (if you squint and don’t look too hard).
During the Eagles’ 4-1 streak, the defense has scored more touchdowns (3) than it has allowed (2). The Eagles’ defense led the NFC in points allowed, total yards, and passing yards, and is second in rushing yards, and receiving yards.
The 2000 Ravens’ defense was a monster, led by AP defensive player of the year linebacker Ray Lewis. They set NFL records for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season (165; the 2008 Eagles have allowed 289), and fewest rushing yards allowed (970; the Eagles have given up 1,476).
What makes the comparison to those Ravens a little more fitting are the oddities. The Ravens, like the Eagles were 5-4 at one point, and both starting quarterbacks were benched mid-season. (The Ravens sat Tony Banks for Trent Dilfer and didn’t go back to Banks.) The Ravens also were a wild-card team, though at 12-4, they got to host a first-round game.
The bottom line: The Eagles defense will probably lead the team to a first-round win and will help keep things close in the second round against the Giants. But that’s about it—and even that is more than this inconsistent team deserves.
Sooooo, let’s see what I missed over the last three weeks. Only that the Eagles rose from the dead to become the fourth straight Philadelphia team to make the postseason. The last time all four Philly teams made the playoffs was 1981, which followed the magical 1980 season when all four reached their sport’s championship game.
How unlikely was the Eagles flight to a Wild Card game against the Vikings Sunday? Who didn’t laugh when coach Andy Reid said after the Cincinnati game that a tie would help them more than a loss would with their playoff chances? To quote Jim Mora: “Playoffs?????”
No one gave the Eagles a shot at the postseason after that game or the next, a 36-7 beatdown by Baltimore that put the Eagles at 5-5-1 and McNabb on the bench for the second half. But the NFL has been crazy this year, which helped the Eagles’ cause, sometimes more than their own play.
Here’s an example of just how topsy-turvy it’s been: Before the season, the two teams with the longest odds to win the Super Bowl were the Miami Dolphins (250-1) and the Atlanta Falcons (200-1). The preseason favorites were the New England Patriots (2-1) and the Dallas Cowboys (7-1). The Dolphins and Falcons are in the playoffs, the Patriots and Cowboys are out.
Some overly hopeful Eagle optimists are comparing the Eagles’ stretch run to the Phillies’ own hot ride, and forecasting great things in the playoffs. Not me.
The only similarity to this point: both teams won 80 percent of their last games. The Phillies went 24-6 down the stretch, including the playoffs, while the Eagles have won four of their last five.
But in doing so, the Phillies won their division and benefited by having home-field advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs. The wild-card-winning Eagles have to hit the road against the Vikings, with two more potential road games ahead.
This Eagles team also isn’t like last year’s Giants, who won 11 straight road games on the way to the title. The Eagles this year are a measly 3-4-1—on merit.
One other not-so-minor detail about the Phillies/Eagles comparison that doesn’t work. When Cole Hamels was on the mound, four of the nine Phillies starters were legitimate MVP/Cy Young candidates (Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley).
The Eagles have one possible MVP-caliber player, if he’s healthy (Brian Westbrook) and a few others among the best at their positions (Asante Samuel, Brian Dawkins, Trent Cole). With just four of 22 starters among the best at their position, this is not a team stacked with superstars.
Actually, if there’s any hope for the Eagles—and any team that optimists can hope the Eagles will resemble—it rests with the Eagles’ defense, which makes the team look a little bit like the Super Bowl champion 2000 Baltimore Ravens (if you squint and don’t look too hard).
During the Eagles’ 4-1 streak, the defense has scored more touchdowns (3) than it has allowed (2). The Eagles’ defense led the NFC in points allowed, total yards, and passing yards, and is second in rushing yards, and receiving yards.
The 2000 Ravens’ defense was a monster, led by AP defensive player of the year linebacker Ray Lewis. They set NFL records for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season (165; the 2008 Eagles have allowed 289), and fewest rushing yards allowed (970; the Eagles have given up 1,476).
What makes the comparison to those Ravens a little more fitting are the oddities. The Ravens, like the Eagles were 5-4 at one point, and both starting quarterbacks were benched mid-season. (The Ravens sat Tony Banks for Trent Dilfer and didn’t go back to Banks.) The Ravens also were a wild-card team, though at 12-4, they got to host a first-round game.
The bottom line: The Eagles defense will probably lead the team to a first-round win and will help keep things close in the second round against the Giants. But that’s about it—and even that is more than this inconsistent team deserves.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Holiday season pickings
After a week off for the holidays, I'll bet you're just soooo excited to make your picks this week!
I could go with a gimme—the Giants over the Eagles—but I just can't pick against the Birds. It's gonna be a painful game to watch, but I just can't pick against them.
I'll go with St. Joe's (3-3) over Creighton (4-2) Saturday night in the Hawks' first game this season at the Palestra—their home away from home while the Fieldhouse gets a makeover. The place will be rocking and Creighton won't know what hit them. — John
I love your selection this week and I will be one of the fans at the Palestra. I am in Chicago so I will go with the Bears this weekend although I don't know who they play. — Dave
I'm outside of Philly, but that's not compelling me to pick the Eagles….
I notice I'm in the basement on John's "Standings Ovations.” Perhaps I allow personal loyalties to play too strong a part in my picks. Or perhaps John never bothers to look up the Premier League scores and/or Wake soccer scores.
Regardless, I'm remaining loyal and going with host Wake Forest over South Fla Sunday afternoon in the NCAA soccer quarterfinals. (Chelsea losing 2 out of its last 3 at home has put them on my "naughty" list, so there will be no more mention of them for a while.) — Phil
Your records, I believe, are all current and correct. I do admit to giving up looking for Kurt's 3-man Colorado HS football scores after a quick internet check revealed that I need to get a life. Much like the Chelsea players. See, Phil, you may not be allowed to talk about Chelsea, but you can't stop the rest of us!!!! Chelsea. Chelsea. Chelsea. — John
Well, I, too will stick with college hoops, and with the team with which I am most closely allied. Tonight’s the “City Game” in Pittsburgh… Pitt v. Duquesne. This used to be a pretty good early test for both teams… at one time. Lately, though, the Panthers have been mopping the floor with the Dukes. And tonight shouldn’t be any different. Pitt wins handily, 86-60. — Kurt
It’s time Andy Reid returned to his head coaching philosophy, which is much like the name of his alma mater, Brigham Young University—bring them young. “Don’t trust anyone over 30” was a mantra espoused by both Reid and the movie “Wild in the Streets” (1968). In this movie, thirty becomes the mandatory retirement age.
Similarly, early in Reid’s coaching career with the Eagles, he used this magic age to determine when it was time for Eagles’ players to be sent to greener pastures. However, Reid’s philosophy has apparently changed, and so have the fortunes of the once vaulted, gold standard, Super Bowl-contender Philadelphia Eagles.
The 30-and-over roster crowd includes David Akers, Correll Buckhalter, Brian Dawkins, A.J. Feeley, Darren Howard, Donovan McNabb, Juqua Parker, Jon Runyon, and Tra Thomas. And let’s not forget that the whole offense is based around one individual that will be turning 30 next year, Brian Westbrook.
With the exception of Westbrook, the “baby” of the afore-mentioned group, we can all agree that the talent level of this 30-something group has diminished, while their propensity for injuries as increased. It’s time for Reid to draw on his coaching roots and inject the talented youth throughout the roster to revitalize this team and make it relevant again.
With regards to this week’s match-up with the New York Giants, contrary to the Erratic Sports Propaganda Network, or ESPN for short, I do not buy into the drama and hype perpetuated by its television channel, web site, and magazine. I do not agree that the Giants are infallible, unbeatable, or guaranteed a Super Bowl win this year. I believe the Eagles will keep their slim playoff hopes alive by not losing to the Giants this week. Of course, wording my prediction that way does not preclude a tie! — Troy V. of Yardley
Wow—that's a great point about the 30-year-olds. Why did he stop that philosophy? The funny thing is, for all the grief he took then about it—he was right. When he was doing it, they were winning; once he stopped, the wheels came off.
That said, I'm not letting you off that easy. "Wild in the Streets"??? You must have WAY too much free time on your hands! — John
Pot (John) accusing Kettle (Troy) of being black (having too much free time on his hands)?!? — Phil
I could go with a gimme—the Giants over the Eagles—but I just can't pick against the Birds. It's gonna be a painful game to watch, but I just can't pick against them.
I'll go with St. Joe's (3-3) over Creighton (4-2) Saturday night in the Hawks' first game this season at the Palestra—their home away from home while the Fieldhouse gets a makeover. The place will be rocking and Creighton won't know what hit them. — John
I love your selection this week and I will be one of the fans at the Palestra. I am in Chicago so I will go with the Bears this weekend although I don't know who they play. — Dave
I'm outside of Philly, but that's not compelling me to pick the Eagles….
I notice I'm in the basement on John's "Standings Ovations.” Perhaps I allow personal loyalties to play too strong a part in my picks. Or perhaps John never bothers to look up the Premier League scores and/or Wake soccer scores.
Regardless, I'm remaining loyal and going with host Wake Forest over South Fla Sunday afternoon in the NCAA soccer quarterfinals. (Chelsea losing 2 out of its last 3 at home has put them on my "naughty" list, so there will be no more mention of them for a while.) — Phil
Your records, I believe, are all current and correct. I do admit to giving up looking for Kurt's 3-man Colorado HS football scores after a quick internet check revealed that I need to get a life. Much like the Chelsea players. See, Phil, you may not be allowed to talk about Chelsea, but you can't stop the rest of us!!!! Chelsea. Chelsea. Chelsea. — John
Well, I, too will stick with college hoops, and with the team with which I am most closely allied. Tonight’s the “City Game” in Pittsburgh… Pitt v. Duquesne. This used to be a pretty good early test for both teams… at one time. Lately, though, the Panthers have been mopping the floor with the Dukes. And tonight shouldn’t be any different. Pitt wins handily, 86-60. — Kurt
It’s time Andy Reid returned to his head coaching philosophy, which is much like the name of his alma mater, Brigham Young University—bring them young. “Don’t trust anyone over 30” was a mantra espoused by both Reid and the movie “Wild in the Streets” (1968). In this movie, thirty becomes the mandatory retirement age.
Similarly, early in Reid’s coaching career with the Eagles, he used this magic age to determine when it was time for Eagles’ players to be sent to greener pastures. However, Reid’s philosophy has apparently changed, and so have the fortunes of the once vaulted, gold standard, Super Bowl-contender Philadelphia Eagles.
The 30-and-over roster crowd includes David Akers, Correll Buckhalter, Brian Dawkins, A.J. Feeley, Darren Howard, Donovan McNabb, Juqua Parker, Jon Runyon, and Tra Thomas. And let’s not forget that the whole offense is based around one individual that will be turning 30 next year, Brian Westbrook.
With the exception of Westbrook, the “baby” of the afore-mentioned group, we can all agree that the talent level of this 30-something group has diminished, while their propensity for injuries as increased. It’s time for Reid to draw on his coaching roots and inject the talented youth throughout the roster to revitalize this team and make it relevant again.
With regards to this week’s match-up with the New York Giants, contrary to the Erratic Sports Propaganda Network, or ESPN for short, I do not buy into the drama and hype perpetuated by its television channel, web site, and magazine. I do not agree that the Giants are infallible, unbeatable, or guaranteed a Super Bowl win this year. I believe the Eagles will keep their slim playoff hopes alive by not losing to the Giants this week. Of course, wording my prediction that way does not preclude a tie! — Troy V. of Yardley
Wow—that's a great point about the 30-year-olds. Why did he stop that philosophy? The funny thing is, for all the grief he took then about it—he was right. When he was doing it, they were winning; once he stopped, the wheels came off.
That said, I'm not letting you off that easy. "Wild in the Streets"??? You must have WAY too much free time on your hands! — John
Pot (John) accusing Kettle (Troy) of being black (having too much free time on his hands)?!? — Phil
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Most What-If-full Time of the Year
When the Eagles aren’t dominating the NFC, December in Philly is clearly the most “What If”-full time of the year. Accordingly, here are a few “What Ifs” to make you think, until Sunday’s play-calling really makes you think.
* What if Andy Reid had stuck by his old “Logan’s Run” approach to 30-year-olds? Remember “Logan’s Run”—the movie where 30-year-olds were to be eliminated?
A friend noted that Reid has not stuck to his own rule in recent years—with disastrous results.
Remember Reid’s early years, when he believed players were damaged goods when they hit 30? It was clearly stated and understood even by the players. Guys like Jeremiah Trotter, Duce Staley, and Bobby Taylor, among others, were victims of the age whack—and yet the Eagles kept winning.
Now, the Eagles field a team of plus-30s that includes inconsistent performers like Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins, Jon Runyan, Tra Thomas, Juqua Parker, and David Akers, among others—and the Eagles figure to be playoff-wannabes for the second time in three seasons.
Seems like it was easier for Reid to cut guys back in the day because they weren’t “his” players, guys that he’d drafted or signed and gotten to know.
* What if Pat Burrell did the unthinkable for most pro athletes today and decided he’d rather go for a repeat title than for the big bucks?
Imagine if Burrell, already rich even by pro athlete standards, chose to sign with the Phillies for a “mere” $5 million or so per season and agreed to a platoon role. Would the Phillies want him for that amount in that role? Of course.
That’d be far cheaper than any free agent pick-up they could find, and they’d be keeping a player who’s respected in the clubhouse. And even Burrell might be relieved by not having to play like a $14 million player.
If he did it—a ridiculously unlikely idea—Burrell would bask in a season of adulation from fans recognizing a guy who just wants to win.
* What if Jamie Moyer signs with another team?
That’d be the first truly down note of the 2008 Philadelphia Story. Could it happen? Certainly. Will it? Let’s hope the Phillies don’t let it come to that.
* What if Detroit tanks this season, either by not making the playoffs or falling out in the first round? Will the rest of pro hoopdom finally realize what basketball purists have known for years: Allen Iverson’s style of play is a team-killer.
* What if we’ve seen the best days of Brian Westbrook? A 29-year-old NFL running back—dealing with multiple lingering injuries—is not the future of a franchise.
So if Westbrook’s days are numbered—and they are—who’s next? You can bet the Eagles are scouting the college ranks for running backs, because their next featured running back is not currently on the team.
* What if Andy Reid had stuck by his old “Logan’s Run” approach to 30-year-olds? Remember “Logan’s Run”—the movie where 30-year-olds were to be eliminated?
A friend noted that Reid has not stuck to his own rule in recent years—with disastrous results.
Remember Reid’s early years, when he believed players were damaged goods when they hit 30? It was clearly stated and understood even by the players. Guys like Jeremiah Trotter, Duce Staley, and Bobby Taylor, among others, were victims of the age whack—and yet the Eagles kept winning.
Now, the Eagles field a team of plus-30s that includes inconsistent performers like Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins, Jon Runyan, Tra Thomas, Juqua Parker, and David Akers, among others—and the Eagles figure to be playoff-wannabes for the second time in three seasons.
Seems like it was easier for Reid to cut guys back in the day because they weren’t “his” players, guys that he’d drafted or signed and gotten to know.
* What if Pat Burrell did the unthinkable for most pro athletes today and decided he’d rather go for a repeat title than for the big bucks?
Imagine if Burrell, already rich even by pro athlete standards, chose to sign with the Phillies for a “mere” $5 million or so per season and agreed to a platoon role. Would the Phillies want him for that amount in that role? Of course.
That’d be far cheaper than any free agent pick-up they could find, and they’d be keeping a player who’s respected in the clubhouse. And even Burrell might be relieved by not having to play like a $14 million player.
If he did it—a ridiculously unlikely idea—Burrell would bask in a season of adulation from fans recognizing a guy who just wants to win.
* What if Jamie Moyer signs with another team?
That’d be the first truly down note of the 2008 Philadelphia Story. Could it happen? Certainly. Will it? Let’s hope the Phillies don’t let it come to that.
* What if Detroit tanks this season, either by not making the playoffs or falling out in the first round? Will the rest of pro hoopdom finally realize what basketball purists have known for years: Allen Iverson’s style of play is a team-killer.
* What if we’ve seen the best days of Brian Westbrook? A 29-year-old NFL running back—dealing with multiple lingering injuries—is not the future of a franchise.
So if Westbrook’s days are numbered—and they are—who’s next? You can bet the Eagles are scouting the college ranks for running backs, because their next featured running back is not currently on the team.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Best of St. Joe's Basketball
Now that it’s December and the Eagles have won the NFC West (4-0) but lost to almost everyone else (2-5-1), there’s no better time to turn to college basketball. In Philly, that means the Big Five.
As Philly hoops fans know, city teams repeatedly have produced the nation’s best players, from St. Joseph’s Jameer Nelson recently to Villanova’s Paul Arizin in the 1940s.
To start the new season, I figured I’d select each Big Five team’s all-time top 10 players, and also name each school’s best team. First up: St. Joe’s.
The first team:
1. Jameer Nelson (2000-04)
He was the consensus 2004 college player of the year, leading the Hawks to a perfect regular season (27-0) and into the Elite Eight. Nelson is St. Joe’s all-time leader in scoring (2,094), assists (713), and steals (256), and currently plays for the Orlando Magic.
2. Cliff Anderson (1964-67)
A 6-foot-4 rebounding machine, Anderson holds career school records for total rebounds (1,228), single-season average (15.5 rpg.), and single-season scoring average (26.5), among others. He was tenth nationally in rebounding as a sophomore (15.5), and eighth in the country in scoring as a senior (26.5).
3. Mike Bantom (1970-73)
The Hawks’ sole basketball Olympian (1972), Bantom averaged 20.0 points and 13.7 rebounds for his career. The 6-9 center is the school’s second all-time leading rebounder (1,151) and led St. Joe’s to two NCAA tourneys. His nine-year NBA career (1973-82) is the longest of any Hawk.
4. George Senesky (1939-43)
The 6-3 forward is the only Hawk to lead the country in scoring, with 23.4 ppg. as a senior when he was named the Helms Foundation Player of the Year. Senesky scored more than half of his career points that season (515 of 969). He played eight NBA seasons and coached the Philadelphia Warriors to the 1956 NBA title.
5. Bobby McNeill (1957-60)
A complete player, the 6-1 McNeill had career averages of 17.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. McNeill led St. Joe’s to consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time in school history and two NCAA tourneys before playing two NBA seasons.
The second team:
Jim Lynam (1960-63)
Paul Senesky (1947-50)
Tony Costner (1980-84)
Delonte West (2001-04)
Maurice Martin (1982-86)
The best team: 2003-04.
It’s hard to argue with a team that went unbeaten during the regular season (27-0) and was ranked No. 1. Nelson and West—the best backcourt in school history—led a perfectly balanced team that included eventual NBAer Dwayne Jones, eventual A-10 co-Player of the Year Pat Carroll, and defensive stopper Tyrone Barley. Coach Phil Martelli’s team finished 30-2, reaching the Elite Eight; St. Joe’s has reached the Elite Eight three times (’04, ’81, ’63) and the Final Four once (’61).
Other top teams:
1960-61: Ramsay’s 25-5 Final Four team featured Lynam, Jack Egan, Vince Kempton, and Frank Majewski.
1965-66: Ramsay’s last team was the preseason No. 1 team in the country and was led by Anderson, Matt Goukas Jr., Billy Oakes, and Tom Duff and finished 24-5.
1962-63: Lynam, Bill Hoy, Jim Boyle, Tom Wynne, and Steve Courtin directed Ramsay’s 23-5 Elite Eight team.
1980-81: Coach Lynam’s 25-8 team, which upset No. 1 DePaul on the way to the Elite Eight, featured Costner, Boo Williams, and Bryan Warrick.
As Philly hoops fans know, city teams repeatedly have produced the nation’s best players, from St. Joseph’s Jameer Nelson recently to Villanova’s Paul Arizin in the 1940s.
To start the new season, I figured I’d select each Big Five team’s all-time top 10 players, and also name each school’s best team. First up: St. Joe’s.
The first team:
1. Jameer Nelson (2000-04)
He was the consensus 2004 college player of the year, leading the Hawks to a perfect regular season (27-0) and into the Elite Eight. Nelson is St. Joe’s all-time leader in scoring (2,094), assists (713), and steals (256), and currently plays for the Orlando Magic.
2. Cliff Anderson (1964-67)
A 6-foot-4 rebounding machine, Anderson holds career school records for total rebounds (1,228), single-season average (15.5 rpg.), and single-season scoring average (26.5), among others. He was tenth nationally in rebounding as a sophomore (15.5), and eighth in the country in scoring as a senior (26.5).
3. Mike Bantom (1970-73)
The Hawks’ sole basketball Olympian (1972), Bantom averaged 20.0 points and 13.7 rebounds for his career. The 6-9 center is the school’s second all-time leading rebounder (1,151) and led St. Joe’s to two NCAA tourneys. His nine-year NBA career (1973-82) is the longest of any Hawk.
4. George Senesky (1939-43)
The 6-3 forward is the only Hawk to lead the country in scoring, with 23.4 ppg. as a senior when he was named the Helms Foundation Player of the Year. Senesky scored more than half of his career points that season (515 of 969). He played eight NBA seasons and coached the Philadelphia Warriors to the 1956 NBA title.
5. Bobby McNeill (1957-60)
A complete player, the 6-1 McNeill had career averages of 17.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. McNeill led St. Joe’s to consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time in school history and two NCAA tourneys before playing two NBA seasons.
The second team:
Jim Lynam (1960-63)
Paul Senesky (1947-50)
Tony Costner (1980-84)
Delonte West (2001-04)
Maurice Martin (1982-86)
The best team: 2003-04.
It’s hard to argue with a team that went unbeaten during the regular season (27-0) and was ranked No. 1. Nelson and West—the best backcourt in school history—led a perfectly balanced team that included eventual NBAer Dwayne Jones, eventual A-10 co-Player of the Year Pat Carroll, and defensive stopper Tyrone Barley. Coach Phil Martelli’s team finished 30-2, reaching the Elite Eight; St. Joe’s has reached the Elite Eight three times (’04, ’81, ’63) and the Final Four once (’61).
Other top teams:
1960-61: Ramsay’s 25-5 Final Four team featured Lynam, Jack Egan, Vince Kempton, and Frank Majewski.
1965-66: Ramsay’s last team was the preseason No. 1 team in the country and was led by Anderson, Matt Goukas Jr., Billy Oakes, and Tom Duff and finished 24-5.
1962-63: Lynam, Bill Hoy, Jim Boyle, Tom Wynne, and Steve Courtin directed Ramsay’s 23-5 Elite Eight team.
1980-81: Coach Lynam’s 25-8 team, which upset No. 1 DePaul on the way to the Elite Eight, featured Costner, Boo Williams, and Bryan Warrick.
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