Blog Archives
Gov. McDonnell introduces Holiday Hoops Classic
College basketball season is right around the corner, and Virginia’s universities have yielded amazing talent on the courts throughout the years. Governor Bob McDonnell and representatives from eight Virginia universities introduced the “Governor’s Holiday Hoops Classic,” a basketball doubleheader that will benefit food banks across the Commonwealth. “The Classic” will take place in the Richmond Coliseum in December 2012 and 2013. This will feature teams from across the Commonwealth representing the MEAC, CAA, ACC, and Atlantic 10. The idea for “The Classic” came from an appearance that McDonnell made on “Sports Phone with Big Al” on ESPN 950 AM in Richmond in December 2009, when host Al Coleman mentioned a similar tournament took place from 1976-1991 in Richmond.
The first hoops classic in December 2012 will feature the following matchups: George Mason University vs. University of Richmond and University of Virginia vs. Old Dominion University. The 2013 matchups will feature: Hampton University vs. James Madison University and Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Commonwealth University.
McDonnell said:
“Virginia has long been home to some of the nation’s premier collegiate basketball programs. Virginia teams have appeared in Final Fours, won conference championships and are regularly ranked in national Top 25 polls. Unfortunately, given scheduling constraints and conference affiliations, we too rarely get to witness our in-state teams competing against each other. The “Classic” will change that. In December 2012 and 2013 the Richmond Coliseum will be the site of what are certain to be exciting games which will allow Virginians to celebrate our great colleges and universities while supporting a great cause, the Commonwealth’s Food Banks. I hope the Classic will become a long-lasting Virginia athletic tradition. And, as a father who has had children attend UVa, Virginia Tech, ODU, JMU and VCU, I’m definitely staying neutral in this one!”
For more information about the “Classic,” click here.
Cross posted at Bearing Drift
Bracketology…A la CCC!
It’s that time of year again, where sports fans go crazy over March Madness, and thus meaning, the epic breakout of bracket pools. This year, as I fill out my bracket, I am quite sad that the NCAA Selection Committee has lost their minds with the selections. While Maryland was selected, the committee neglected to select Virginia Tech, who had a much better record than Wake Forest or Florida for that matter. Since I am a tad bitter, I would rather scrutinize the number one seeds.
Midwest
Kansas: Of course, the Jayhawks are a great team. They have depth and good scoring. However, the Midwest region is filled with other great teams (Maryland being one of them). Don’t count out, Ohio State! The Buckeyes have been looking pretty good as well.
West
Syracuse: The Orangemen will go all the way…bank on it! With their superior ball handling and coming from the Big East (which is a pretty competitive league), I expect great things from this team.
East
Kentucky: Hmmm…almost losing to Mississippi State in the SEC Championship earns this team the honor of being #1. Well, they definitely need to improve, and I predict they will be ousted by Wisconsin in the Round of 8…if not before.
South
Duke: For the record, I hate Duke. You can guess why later. However, they are still the perennial team and one to beat. However, the South region proves to guarantee Duke a spot in the final four, if not the National Championship. The only caveat is that Villanova looks like they could be a huge threat to Duke eventually.
My final four picks are as follows:
Midwest: Ohio State
West: Syracuse
East: Wisconsin
South: Duke
National Championship:
Ohio State vs. Duke…with the Buckeyes pulling out a cliffhanger on Duke.
Big College Basketball Night
You’ve guessed it!
GO MARYLAND…BEAT DUKE!!
I had to mention one of the greatest ACC and college basketball rivalries in the world. Fear the Turtle!!
