Horizon League Tournament Champs

Let me start by writing that if you wish to read a great piece on both UWM and Marquette written by Justin, head over to www.ourturnnext.blogspot.com. He did a great job discussing both programs. And since I feel JG has basically covered nearly everything I would have posted, I only have a few things to add.

The Horizon League Championship game at The Cell was again a great atmosphere, the largest crowd in UWM history. And thankfully, this year the Panthers pulled out a sluggish game. It was all too familiar to last years championship game played against UIC when free throws cost Milwaukee the game. Ironically, the Panthers couldn't hit a broad side of a barn from the line again, but a sunk freebie by Adrian Tigert proved to be the difference. Although the team played well below it's ability last Tuesday, UWM is a team no 4 through 6 seed wants to see show up on their bracket.

As far as MU is concerned. They will probably make the NIT for a second year, but believe me, they are not going anywhere. Honestly, I feel they are most likely going to qualify for the NIT based on past accomplishments and money. Does anyone honestly see Marquette as a legit threat to win the NIT? Didn't think so.

And to wrap up by simply commenting on all of the UWM-MU banter. My feeling is that with Diener, MU would beat UWM, no matter the venue. But after watching MU without him, the Golden Eagles honestly looked like a JV team trying to beat TCU's press. Mark Pancratz of Milwaukee would be a welcomed addition on Crean's squad in that regard. I have never seen a major college team so inept at just getting the ball past half court. I was almost surprised when they didn't turn the ball over down the stretch. Currently, I think there is little doubt that Marquette could arguably be blown out by UWM and it's press. Additionally, who would guard Joah Tucker? Steve Novak? Todd Townsend?

Enjoy the major conference tourney's and more importantly, enjoy The OC tonight.

UWM South?

Something to think about...The Garden City (Kan.) Community College BroncBusters are coached by former Bruce Pearl assistant Ryan Swanson, and one of Swanson's assistant's, Ronnie Jones, was Pearl's point guard when the Panthers went to the NCAA Tournament. Jones teamed with Clay Tucker to form a formiddable backcourt for Pearl.

Three former standout Milwaukee City Conference players from the past year are currently on the Busters' roster: Torre Johnson (Juneau), Avery Smith (Washington) and redshirting is Dupree Fletcher (King). Johnson was arguably the premier player in the entire Jayhawk West Conference.

It would seem like the chances of one or more of these players returning home and eventually playing for UWM are pretty good. With two coaches with ties to the program, it would make a lot of sense for these guys to suit up in the black and gold, giving an already talented and deep Panthers deep a tremendous boost.

It's something to keep an eye on. In the meantime, the Horizon League Championship Tournament quarterfinals (Friday) and semifinals (Saturday) are this weekend. I should be in attendance for both days events.

The Combine and Unrestricted Free Agency

I'm sure most NFL fanatics have been keeping a watchful eye on the happenings of the Combine, taking place at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. The question is, who has had that great showing that solidifies their draft position? The problem with this years showcasing of collegiate talent is that Maurice Clarett's 40-yard dash time stole all the headlines. Most people are so wrapped up in wondering how a running back thinks he could make the NFL when his 40 time is slower than most prized high school prospects. I'm beginning to think that some former high school athletes might beg to be included in next year's combine simply to state their case that they are substantially faster than the former OSU "great."

It would seem obvious that the Green Bay Packers are going to draft defense in heavy dosages this year in April, and I really wonder if one of the UW Badgers might wind up wearing green and gold next season. Prospects such as NT Jason Jefferson had a good showing at the combine and would seem like a good pick for a team such as the Packers in the 4th to 5th round. Even CB Scott Starks, who is very much so on the short side, might be a good pick to boost the secondary personnel. After Anttaj Hawthorne had a less than steller workout, I'm thinking he might make the ideal 2nd round pick for Green Bay. Something tells me he might slip through the first round and the Packers could use the 2nd round pick they acquired from New Orleans in the Mike McKenzie trade to scoop him up.

The other main occurance in the NFL is that tomorrow marks the first day of unrestricted free agency. We learned today that the Packers, as expected, cut Mike Wahle and also Grey Ruegamer. While released Wahle was a move made because the team simply does not have the money to keep him when his large roster bonus is due, release Ruegamer is a sure tell sign of a few things: Mike Flanagan will be ready to go next season after spending the majority of '04 on IR after having knee tendinitis and former 7th round pick Scott Wells will be your back up center in 2005. This does not surprise me. Wells not only held serve in the games he started last season, but actually made plays that cannot be expected from a 7th round pick.

Will GB be able to keep Marco Rivera in town or will they lose both of their starting guards this offseason? At this point it certainly appears that the o-line will feature two new faces in '05. But let me pose this question. Just how important is having two top notch guards? Would you rather have two quality tackles or guards. The Packers are set at tackle and getting Flanagan back solidifies the center position. As great as Rivera and Wahle are, guard might be the most expendable position on the team.