The Sooners aren't dancing, but they can help you pick some partners
Published: 3/12/2012 11:36 AM
Last Modified: 3/12/2012 11:36 AM
Oklahoma, once again, will be watching everyone else dance. This is difficult for a program that recently went 25 straight years in the NCAA postseason. Now it's three straight years on the outside. Painful.
But at least the Sooners can help make some office pool decisions, if you're desperate enough to make some connections. It has been three years since I covered Blake Griffin in the Elite Eight. Consider me desperate.
Why Kansas over Detroit, then over St Mary's/Purdue?
OU forward Andrew Fitzgerald is buddies with Thomas Robinson. Fitzgerald is a good guy. Robinson sure seems like one. That's enough for me to keep the Jayhawks immune to upset-itis for a change.
Why Georgetown over KU in the Sweet 16?
OU guard Carl Blair is friends with Hoyas freshman Tyler Adams. Don't know anything about Adams, but I've covered Blair for two years now. Great kid. If he can't play deep into March, a buddy of his should.
Why Iowa State over UConn?
OU forward C.J. Washington is old pals with ISU guard Tyrus McGee. It's a Stringtown thing. I enjoyed writing their story as much as any last season. So while everyone else picks the Huskies in this 8-9 matchup, I'll take the Cyclones.
Why Southern Miss over Kansas State?
I don't know the first thing about Southern Miss. I do, however, know that K-State was swept by OU this year. Lose two to the Sooners these days, you can't count on winning one in the tournament.
Why Memphis over St. Louis?
After the Billikens beat OU for the 76 Classic title around Thanksgiving, we made them out to be a potential NCAA darkhorse. Now, we realize the Sooners can make you look better than you really are.
Why UNLV over Colorado?
There are 2 million reasons Lon Kruger doesn't miss Vegas, never mind his 15-16 maiden record at OU. The roster he left Rebels replacement Dave Rice? That isn't one of them. Kruger's former team can really play.
Why Florida over Virginia?
Kruger once coached the Gators as well. Good enough for me to take them over the Cavaliers in round one, but not over Missouri in round two.
Why Wichita State over VCU?
OU assistant Lew Hill led the Shockers to the Dance in the mid-80s. They were pretty good back then. They're much better now.
Why Texas over Cincinnati?
The Sooners should have won in Cincy the week after Christmas. I know the Bearcats were suspension-decimated at the time, but still… If OU nearly could, J'Covan Brown and the Longhorns surely will.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
