Across the country, phones are lighting up the same way. Each notification signals a new era: the NCAA’s revenue-sharing model, which allows 319 Division I schools to pay athletes up to $20.5 million directly. That’s a theoretical $6.5 billion in year one. The cash flow is real. And visible. Florida’s football parking lots gleam with Dodge Chargers and Challengers. Michigan’s star quarterback, Bryce Underwood, can be seen flashing his diamond pendants on Saturdays. Money is moving fast, and mostly into the hands of 18-to-22 year-olds. Few will say where their checks go. But it’s not hard to guess. Let your imagination run wild. 

This Galleria mall in Houston, Texas is huge. Three million square feet. Three floors. More than 400 stores, two Westin hotels, a skating rink, and a private health club. It’s tied for second largest mall in the United States. The pure white porcelain floors feel fancy to even look at. On level one, outside the Louis Vuitton store, Brian Allen is window shopping. The Iowa football defensive end is repping black crocs, a black and red Chicago Bulls shirt and gray Iowa sweatshorts. Janelle and Ephraim Lee, his siblings, stand beside him. Ephraim played football at Penn. Janelle, basketball at Holy Cross. Both competed before the era of revenue sharing. Brian is the lucky one. And he’s treating them to a shopping spree.

“Since we’re all grown now we’re not in the same house that often,” Allen said. “I wanted to do something nice for them.”

They meander beneath the towering glass balconies, scents of high-end fragrances seeping from luxury perfume stores. At LIDS, a baseball cap store, Brian purchases a tan Los Angeles hat with a black brim for his sister. $50. He snags a Kill Bill t-shirt for his brother from Prestige. $70. When it’s time to shop for himself, his eyes lock onto a denim jacket from Dior. He flips the tag over, revealing the price. $8,000. 

“I had never been inside these boujee stores before,” Allen said, chuckling. “But I quickly put that back on the shelf.”

On the same level of the mall, Allen strolls into Balenciaga, the sunset orange floor contrasting the black shirt he spots. Printed on the center is a “B” logo, crowned by orange and gold flames. The same flames are stamped on each sleeve. 

“Only a couple hundred,” he said.

Every year, the game of college athletics shifts closer to a business. Christian Lorenzo, a defensive lineman at Illinois State, knows this better than most. He’s transferred twice, first from Illinois, then Georgia State. He’s been chasing the best fit. And the best offer. Now, he uses his revenue sharing checks to help his little sister, Natallia, pay for her cancer treatments. 

That kind of movement doesn’t surprise Kyle Strongin, a certified NFL and collegiate sports agent.

“Somebody’s always gonna pay more for you somewhere else,” Strongin said. “It’s like unrestricted free agency.”

Strongin, an agent for Brian Allen’s teammate and Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa, is also managing more than $80 million in NFL contracts for 15 players this year. Many of these athletes he’s been with since college. Before NIL and revenue sharing, Strongin’s job with these athletes was much different. Getting paid to play was a distant dream. Now, in a changing world, naivety takes precedent. 

“Their first experience with taxes is always a shock,” Strongin said. “Whatever you think you’re going to get, you get 50% of that.”

“Uncle Sam takes a lot of your money.”

It’s not just agents and players who have to adapt to this new system. Brennan White, the assistant athletic director and general manager of NIL at Illinois State, is constantly attempting to stay afloat. A mid-major like ISU, White says, was set up to fail from the start. And while he tries to work as seamlessly as possible with players like Lorenzo, it’s tough to keep them around.

“It’s all one big game of blind poker,” White said. “We have to guess what they’re being offered to leave, which is way more than we can ever afford.”

And he’s right. Larger schools can hit the $20.5 million threshold set by the settlement, while the Redbirds can’t come close, according to athletic director Jeri Beggs. The financial gap shapes recruiting, retention, and even daily operations. White feels the pressure.

“I can’t get athletes to respond unless I have checks,” White said. “We were destined to fail from the start.”

Others were destined to succeed. Or, at least, neglect the food chain beneath them.

Brandon Hansen doesn’t fish. He doesn’t even really play video games that much. But he has no problem shelling out cash to partake. With the help of his new funds, Hansen has dropped a whopping $900 on fishing rods and lures. He’s drained another $1,200 on PC equipment. A teammate of Tuerk’s at Illinois, Hansen has fallen into the temptation trap of revenue sharing freedom. 

“He’s kind of a habitual spender,” Tuerk said. “He’ll just go out and get anything.” 

This summer, with the rise of pickleball, Hansen decided to have some fun on the paddle market. You know, as one does.

“He got the most expensive paddle out there,” Tuerk added. “He just buys shit like that.”

But not every program takes such a laissez-faire approach. At Iowa, head football coach Kirk Ferentz is wary of certain spending habits. And there’s one he despises most: food delivery. 

The concern isn’t the meals themselves but how the money flows. Hawkeyes use Black Card, an app-based platform that allows student-athletes to purchase meals and groceries at local restaurants. Delivery services like Doordash aren’t included.

“He always tells us not to use it,” Iowa receiver Dayton Howard said. “He’ll say, ‘it’s three bucks to a dollar.’”

If you’ve ever Doordashed before, you’d know he’s right. Ferentz doesn’t oppose all the benefits of the new system, though. At Iowa’s media day on August 26, the coach often criticized for his stubbornness to change seemed just fine with the new rules. 

“I think that’s really so deserved,” he said. “The world has changed, I think it’s great that money is going back to athletes.”

When the money is used right, of course. Many who do follow his frugal advice reap the benefits. Last year, former Hawkeye linebacker Nick Jackson put all of his NIL money into VOO, an S&P 500 mutual fund. Where the average high-yield savings account earns 4–5% annually, VOO has returned 14% since 2010. 

His lake house has to have jetskis. A big deck. Maybe a boat. Definitely a slide. And a diving board. When he’s ready. When he’s skinnier. That’s what Iowa football’s starting center Logan Jones would buy if he had “throwaway” money. For now, he’s putting his hard-earned revenue shares toward something more meaningful: supporting local missionaries at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City.

“We’ve really been able to help people,” Jones said. “It’s been super gratifying to see them get closer to God.” 

He’s done more than lend a hand. Every dollar Jones contributes helps missionaries spend time with students, attend conferences, and build relationships that go beyond the football field. Father Jeff Belger, who works closely with the team, sees a greater purpose in Jones’ giving. 

“Sooner or later, these players will need an identity that sticks with them,” Belger said. “I think this brings balance and a bigger picture to something that can be consuming.”

For Jones, that “something” is money. It has swallowed young minds. He’s trying to avoid that. And for a player who wasn’t even baptized last year, his mission and commitment with Newman keeps him grounded. Faith funding now. Lineman cannonballs later.

The finger of Eddie Tuerk presses into his car’s push-to-start button. His infotainment system flickers to life. The odometer reads 94,000 miles. Outside the football complex, leaves tumble across asphalt, stirred by the Autumn breeze. He leans back against the leather seats, hands on the wheel once again. This season, he’s carved out a role on special teams, inching closer to something that finally feels earned.

“There’s a lot of guys who deserve money but don’t have the recognition,” Tuerk said. “Revenue sharing evens it out. We’re all putting in a shit ton of work.”

Every dollar in their pockets carries the sweat of unseen hours. And whether that spending goes to faith, fun, fashion, or foolishness; each choice tells a story. They’re no longer just playing the game. Now, they own a piece of it.

The post Cash in Hand  appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Here’s what to know, some fun facts, and some key matchups from Selection Sunday.

Key Matchups

First, let’s discuss some of the most prominent and difficult games to pick in this bracket. These are great first-round matchups that could welcome some fantastic moments.

8. Louisville Cardinals (27-7) vs. 9. Creighton Bluejays (24-10)

South Region – 3/20, 11:15 PM CST – CBS – Lexington, Kentucky

This was a shocking reveal. Both teams were runner-ups in their respective conference tournaments, both conferences weighted heavily, and yet they both have lower seedings. Louisville was a projected 5-seed after finishing last season with an awful record of 8-24. Now led by National Coach of the Year Finalist Pat Kelsey, this team is ready to make some noise. They average 78.6 points per game and have a BPI ranking of 28. However, Creighton coach Greg McDermott makes every game terribly difficult on opposing coaches. They have similar numbers with the Cardinals, averaging 75.2 points per game. If you were to ask me, I would lean towards Louisville. Point Guard Chucky Hepburn is a leader on the court, and I believe the whole team will be able to adjust and command the game where needed.

Louisville opens up as 2.5 point favorites.

5. Michigan Wolverines (25-9) vs. 12. UC San Diego Tritons (30-4)

South Region – 3/20, 9:00 PM CST – TBS – Denver, Colorado

A Golden Rule when filling out a bracket is to pick a 12-seed over a 5-seed. It seems each year, there is one 12-seed everyone loves to pick, and this year, it is UC San Diego. They are one of the strongest 12-seeds in history. This will be a matchup in Quadrant 1 between Michigan and UC San Diego, which is not typical at all for a 5-seed vs. 12-seed. Michigan is coming off a Big Ten Tournament Championship win. While it was a sloppy win against Wisconsin, it probably should have moved them up to a 4-seed. It also should have allowed them to avoid the Tritons, which was a projected matchup for some time now.

UC San Diego won the Big West Championship and is riding a 15-game winning streak. This is also their first appearance in March, as it is also their first eligible season after moving up from Division II just four seasons ago. UC San Diego is averaging 79.8 points per game while allowing just 61.6 points per game. The major talk with this potential upset is Michigan’s immense turnover struggles, as UC San Diego forced turnover margin is frightening for Wolverine fans. In my opinion, I am definitely taking this into account as I lean the Tritons way, though Michigan and Dusty May are red hot as of right now.

Michigan opens up as 3.5 point favorites.

6. BYU Cougars (24-9) vs. 11. VCU Rams (28-6)

East Region – 3/20, 3:05 PM CST – TNT – Denver, Colorado

OFFENSE! These are two teams who love to score buckets all game long. BYU averages 81.0 points per game, while the Rams average 77.4 points per game. BYU’s Big XII Tournament game against Iowa State was extremely eye-opening, as they got past the Cyclones with 18 made shots from beyond the arc. VCU is led by Ryan Odom, the coach who led UMBC to be the first ever 16-seed to upset a 1-seed against Virginia in 2018. The Rams are one of the best defensive teams inside the perimeter, and they hold a BPI ranking of 34. While this is perfect to test a smaller BYU roster, if the Cougars continue to make the 3-point shot as consistently as they have been, their size should not be an issue, and I would not be surprised to see them make a deep run in March. Also, some extra advice, pick an 11-seed over a 6-seed just like people say to pick a 12-seed over a 5-seed. All four 6-seeds have not won in the first-round of the same bracket since 2004.

BYU opens up as 3.5 point favorites.

7. Marquette Golden Eagles (23-10) vs. 10. New Mexico Lobos (26-10)

South Region – 3/21, 6:25 PM CST – TBS – Cleveland, Ohio

The third game from the South Region. Good luck picking these games. This one, for the record, may be the most awkward to pick. An inconsistent Big East team facing a wildly under-appreciated Mountain West squad. Marquette lost six of their last ten regular season games, though four of those games were against St. John’s and UConn. They also have not beaten a top 50 team since January 3rd, with a home win against Creighton. New Mexico enters the field with some notable wins under their belt as well. They’ve taken down other tournament teams including UCLA, VCU, San Diego State, and Utah State, and have six top 50 victories. The Lobos are also led by Mountain West Coach of the Year Richard Pitino, son of legendary head coach, and current head coach of St. John’s, Rick Pitino. Using the “eye-test,” I believe Marquette is more battle tested and will be able to spread the floor more than the Lobos though.

Marquette opens up as 3.5 point favorites.

5. Clemson Tigers (27-6) vs. 12. McNeese Cowboys (27-6)

Midwest Region – 3/20, 2:15 PM CST – truTV – Providence, Rhode Island

Clemson, who lost to Louisville in the semifinals of the ACC tournament, is going to have to play a fantastic game to escape the Southland Champions McNeese. Clemson enters the tournament with a school record of 27 wins. They also recorded six losses, with three of their losses coming in overtime. This is a very consistent team that has found ways to win all year long. McNeese though, averages more points per game and allows less points per game than the Tigers. They are led by coach Will Wade, who has brought the team to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. He is getting looks for a lot of high-level job openings, but is still looking to snatch the program’s first NCAA Tournament game win with McNeese. However, the Cowboys have lost the three games on their schedule against teams in the tournament field, those being Alabama, Liberty, and Mississippi State. While they have seven different players who average around 10 points per game, I think this is a game Clemson should do well in.

Clemson opens up as 7.5 point favorites.

Upsets to Watch For

4. Texas A&M Aggies (22-10) vs. 13. Yale Bulldogs (22-7)

South Region – 3/20, 6:25 PM CST – TBS – Denver, Colorado

Texas A&M has been one of the strongest teams this season, toppling some tall opponents. However, Yale head coach James Jones is one of the smartest and most strategic coaches out of the Ivy League. If any coach is ready to sit through the Aggies’ film, it’s Coach Jones.

6. Missouri Tigers (22-11) vs. 11. Drake Bulldogs (30-3)

West Region – 3/20, 6:35 PM CST – truTV – Wichita, Kansas

Drake has lost only three games this season. They solidified their March Madness appearance with the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, and are ready to make the noise they are absolutely capable of. However, Missouri was my preseason dark horse team with their incoming transfers, and they continue to get better. It’s set to be an interesting clash.

5. Memphis Tigers (29-5) vs. 12. Colorado State Rams (25-9)

West Region – 3/21, 1:00 PM CST – TBS – Seattle, Washington

Colorado State is hitting their stride at the perfect time and are now coming off a Mountain West Tournament Title. They are very suited to win multiple games in the tournament if they play up to par, and Memphis open up as only 2.5 point favorites.

Champion Favorites

Here are the two teams I have high expectations for and predict to win the National Championship.

1. Florida Gators (30-4)

Florida has some of the most impressive wins all year long. Beating Auburn, Tennessee twice, and Alabama twice. Scoring a plethora in all of those games really made me a believer. This Florida team seems unstoppable, and they would love to run it back to 2007. They have the third best offense in adjusted efficiency, and I do not think there are many teams in their path that can slow that down.

2. Houston Cougars (30-4)

Houston shoots the ball so well down the stretch. In March, the teams that make the sprint to the trophy will find themselves in very close contests. I believe Houston is extremely battle tested, and they have found ways to win plenty of tough games against great opponents. This alone gives me the idea that it may be their year to win it all. However, I think they will have an incredibly difficult matchup in the second-round with Gonzaga, which would be a top 10 matchup, so my theory may be tested extremely early. Their offensive pace is a little slower than the other top teams in the country, but they are still right there in the “Trapezoid of Excellence” which measures the country’s best teams by NET ranking and pace of place.

First-Time Dancers

Now for some fun. There are quite a few teams who will be learning how to groove for the first time in their program’s history, so here’s a quick look at their matchups.

12. UC San Diego Tritons (30-4)

The program has been eligible for the tournament for one season, and they jumped right at the opportunity. They’ll face 5. Michigan on Thursday, March 30th at 9:00 PM CST on TBS.

13. High Point Panthers (29-5)

This is another team I could see making a run, including an upset over their first round opponent 4. Purdue on Thursday, March 30th at 11:40 AM CST on truTV.

15. Omaha Mavericks (22-12)

Hide your trash cans! If the Big Sky Champs pull off the improbable upset, they’ll celebrate by smashing a trash can in their locker room. Their first tournament appearance sets them on a date with Rick Pitino’s 2. St John’s on Thursday, March 30th at 8:45 PM CST on CBS.

16. SIU Edwardsville Cougars (22-11)

I loved seeing head coach Brian Barone break out the scissors that he had framed to cut down the net after their Ohio Valley Conference Championship win. They’ll be in the Midwest Region against 1. Houston on Thursday, March 30th at 1:00 PM CST on TBS.

Happy researching, happy bracketing, and happy March as we watch our favorite stories of the year unfold in front of us and our brackets crumble. We Sleep in May.

The post 2025 March Madness Overview appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Iowa capped off its regular season home slate with an 82-61 win over Northwestern. It was also Senior Night for Jordan Bohannon, Austin Ash, and Connor McCaffery. Yes, this was Jordan Bohannons actual last game in the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Over the last six years, Bohannon has become the all time Big Ten 3-point leader and holder of several Iowa records including total 3-pointers made, 3-pointers in a game, FT%, assists, and total games played. Bohannon, who has inspired young generations that haven’t even been alive long enough to know Iowa basketball without him, finished the night with 18 points and four assists. 

While his career in Carver may be done, JBO says “There’s a lot more games left to be played, a lot more memories to be made.” The sixth year senior is determined to “take this team places that no one thought [they] could be in,” and he will have that opportunity in a few weeks as he plays in his fourth NCAA tournament. 

Senior counterpart, Connor McCaffery, continued his hot streak from behind the arc going 5-9 with 17 total points. McCaffery has battled through several injuries during his time at Iowa, but his leadership and basketball IQ is second to none. Connor has never been known for his shooting abilities or athleticism, but he plays every possession like his last and leaves it all on the floor, which is just as important when building a successful program. Hopefully Connor keeps this confidence and continues to shoot, as it is just the right time for another hot hand to arise on offense with tournament play right around the corner. 

Senior sharpshooter Austin Ash came in late in the second half and got his final three points in Carver off of a routine deep logo three. The crowd was practically begging him to shoot it, and when it splashed in everyone was up on their feet. It was the final hurrah of what has been an exciting end of the season for this team and has completely silenced the annual “Fran Fade” crowd. Even though Ash got a Senior Day last season, it was without his parents on the court or fans, so this time around for him “..was really surreal. It was a really cool moment.” Ash will not only be missed as a weapon from downtown, but as an ideal teammate who has always provided energy regardless of active contributions on the court. 

Senior manager, Jack Devlin, also had a night of his own as he hit a half court shot during a timeout in the second half. The whole arena exploded, along with the players who made sure to run over and swarm around Devlin, making the moment even more special and heartwarming. Jack has been an integral part of the team since 2018 and the relationships he has formed with both the players and coaches will last long after his time at Iowa. 

Watch Jack Devlins half court shot here.

He may not be a senior, but Keegan Murray continued to strengthen his case for NPOY, leading all scorers with 26 points and 18 rebounds. That marks Keegans eighth double-double of the season as he broke into the top ten of Iowa’s all-time scoring list on Monday night.

Once again, Iowa’s defensive intensity was there from the tip. Iowa held Northwestern to a season low 17 points at half on 22% shooting. Tony Perkins, who had a career high shooting night at Nebraska, showed off his defensive strengths coming away with five steals. Northwestern head coach, Chris Collins, said that the team has been dealing with flu issues, which goes to show why Boo Bouie (14.6ppg, 30.6 min) only played six minutes before having to head to the locker room. This slow start proved too much to overcome with the Hawkeyes leading by 19 at the break and as much as 30 in the final minutes. 

Iowa has all the momentum going into two tough road games against Michigan and Illinois, who have both beat the Hawkeyes once this season. Iowa will face off against the Wolverines this Thursday at 8pm. They will then close out the regular season on Sunday in Champaign at 6:30pm. Both games will be televised on FS1.

The post Basketball: Senior Night v Northwestern appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Iowa has had the best of luck with these kinds of stories. Just this year, the Kinnick Wave captured the hearts and minds of the nation, even winning the annual Disney Spirit Sports Award. But, if you had the chance to be at the Purdue-Iowa slaughter at Carver, the annual Chris Street reminded the Iowa faithful of why we love sports.

January 19^th, 2018 marks the 25^th anniversary of the passing of Hawkeye legend Chris Street. Street lived out his dream, even if it was marked short. The legend of Chris Street was never about his stats. Street’s passion was such a high intensity that the only thing you’d be able to do is be in awe. And smile. Chris did that a lot, another level of the legend. Not only did Street have an unparalleled passion for the game, but his lovable personality and magnetic smile was equally a force to be reckoned.

Iowa fell in love with Chris Street because Street was Iowa embodied. Street had the “Iowa Nice” personality commonly found in the Hawkeye State and held the tenacity of the court that is a by-product of his tough, blue collar work ethic. But, more than anything, Chris Street woke up everyday wanting to do nothing more than to play basketball for his Hawkeyes. The University of Iowa released a video and showed the same video during halftime of the Purdue-Iowa contest one day after the 25^th anniversary of his passing. The following link goes to the inspirational tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48dGMn_muYk.

The game prior to and following the Chris Street tribute did not have the match the intensity of the Iowa legend. Purdue put Iowa out of the game in the first ten minutes of the first half and merely poured on the point. Making the game seem like nothing more than a morning stroll, the Boilermakers sliced through the soft Iowa defense on its way to a Big10 record in most 3-pointers in a game. 20 shots fell out to 33 attempted from beyond the arc for the third nationally ranked Purdue squad. Iowa could and would not come close after taking an early 3-0 lead in an eventual 87-64 loss.

Purdue will be taking their talents back home to West Lafayette, Indiana in a matchup against Michigan on Thursday, January 25^th at 6 pm CST. The next game for the Iowa comes with another tribute to Chris Street. However, in this Tuesday contest against the hated Wisconsin Badgers, Iowa will be wearing the Gold jerseys. Iowa faces Wisconsin on January 23 in Carver-Hawkeye Arena at 6 pm CST.

The post Forever 40: Remembering Chris Street appeared first on KRUI Radio.

The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, as of recent, is the most notorious offender. They were investigated over the last three years after an ongoing string of fake courses kept student-athletes eligible.

It’s going to cost them big time.

Here’s a hypothetical for you, what if these cheating operations aren’t solely to allow athletes the luxury of no added class pressure? Could they be designed, in part, to aid student-athletes with learning disabilities in meeting the academic requirements of collegiate sports?

The NCAA has methods of allowing accommodations to athletes with learning disabilities as they are progressing through the college application process. They have requirements as part of the Eligibility Center that determine if an athlete is able to compete collegiately.

Education-Impacting Disabilities, as the NCAA refers to them, includes learning disabilities, hearing impaired, mental health, and autism which can be healed once they consult the experts from WhiteSands outpatient center. This primarily applies to athletes entering college, not those who are struggling in the college learning environment.

For those students, who have access to campus resources, the struggle is still legitimate.

The NCAA has created new methods of limiting the amount of allowable athletic related activities each week. The goal was to alleviate stress from the already hectic student-athlete’s schedule.

For a student-athlete with a learning disability, adequately managing a required 12 semester hour minimum work load is a real challenge. When finishing the days tasks, a learning disability is the last thing that should impact their ability to compete athletically.

All initiatives aside, the thorn remains the required hour rule. Even with accommodations such as a reading aid or extended time for exams, the struggles persist. Those tools don’t change the fact that a typically assignment is going to take longer for a student with a learning disability holding them back.

The solution, which for the record is nowhere close to a full blown idea, would allow for a decreased mandatory hour limit. It’s an idea that would allow students to be ‘part-time’ while still competing in athletics. Students who struggle with completing their assignments on time can also look up the best essay writing service reddit for help.

Allowing the hours to be manageable creates an environment that encourage realistic expectations and goals for success. Taking six semester hours, for those that have a learning disability, would turn out to be significantly effective.

These are student-athletes that want to compete collegiately but are struggling do to a learning disability. Why should a 12 hour minimum limit those who are putting forth the effort but simply just can’t do college.

There is a phrase, college isn’t for everyone. Why should that limit student-athletes who want to try but due to limitations, come up short. For many the near requirement to complete college in four years is more of a burden than not. People pace college at different rates.

Altering the current regulations wouldn’t come without added rules. The obvious issue is allowing student-athletes with a learning disability to be part-time. It opens the door to everyone having a learning disability. If you happen to have a hearing dis-ability, you can buy hearing aid accessories on this site. You will find that they are reasonably prices as well.

Schools, undoubtedly will take advantage of a change, as they have in many of cases.

To take advantage of accommodations for student-athletes with learning disability would first require a diagnosis from medical personnel who well be offering fibroid treatment options for all. It would also be on a needs basis.

Student-athletes can’t just declare they have a learning-disability. Additional areas would have to be developed to create a track that allows part-time student-athletes. Moral of the story, why limit student-athletes that want to compete in college can’t due to something they can’t control.

It’s time to find a better way to accommodate student-athletes with learning disabilities that doesn’t cause them to dropout or be deemed ineligible.

The post Column: Aiding Student-Athletes with Learning Disabilities appeared first on KRUI Radio.

In order to help out any fan that has questions about their bracket, or just help making sure you know what you’re talking about at the water cooler this week, we’ll have a region by region tournament breakdown starting with the east regional.

The Favorites

Villanova- Jay Wright’s Wildcats enter the tournament as the number one overall seed after a 30-3 season as both the Big East regular season and conference tournament champions. Villanova’s greatest strength entering the tournament is big game experience, as they returned three starters and two key bench contributors from last season’s national championship team. The biggest question that the Wildcats have faced entering the tournament in recent seasons is can they escape the first weekend of the tourney, having lost three consecutive second round games as a #1 or #2 seed. Jay Wright’s club put those questions to rest last year by winning the title, and they look poised to make another deep run led by the Big East conference player of the Year Josh Hart.

Duke-  The Blue Devils had one of the more uneven seasons in college basketball, as coach K missed a chunk of Conference play due to back surgery and their preseason all-American was constantly in the news for all of the wrong reasons. However since coach K returned to the bench in February, the offense has come alive. Shooting guard Luke Kennard has been handed a larger role and he has answered in a big way, scoring over 20 ppg while shooting just below 45 percent from behind the arc. Throw in the emergence of future lottery pick Jayson Tatum and a more level-headed Grayson Allen, and now we have a Duke team entering the tournament as a #2 seed after just beating three top twenty teams to win the ACC tournament. Simply put; the Blue Devils are dangerous.

Everyone is Talking About…

SMU- The Mustangs jumped on to the college basketball scene last season, but were ineligible for the NCAA tournament due to NCAA sanctions. This season, the Mustangs played like a team hungry to prove they belong, winning 26 of their last 27 games, their only loss coming on the road by two points to an impressive Cincinnati squad. As a #6 seed in the tournament, their biggest questions seem to be that they didn’t beat enough quality opponents (only 2 top 50 RPI wins, both against Cincinnati) and lack of depth, as they only use six players in their rotation. While their thin rotation is a valid concern, it’s worth pointing out that the six players they use are all really talented basketball players that can defend multiple positions and dominate in transition. Led by 6’7 Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye, the Mustangs are balanced offensively with five double digit scorers. Any team that is that difficult to guard is a tough match up in March.

Don’t be Fooled by…

Virginia- Virginia has quietly developed into an ACC powerhouse under Tony Bennet. The last three seasons the Cavaliers have been at least a #2 seed in the tournament, but have never gotten past the elite 8. While Virginia’s offensive style has become synonymous with BORING, you can’t argue that their barrage of halfcourt sets that consistently burn 25-30 seconds of clock isn’t effective and infuriating for opposing defenses.  Experience and discipline have made Virginia a hot pick to go as far as at least the sweet 16, but I’m not optimistic about their chances. The last three seasons Virginia has had NBA caliber wings in Justin Anderson and Malcolm Brogdon that could make plays if their sets broke down, this year their best playmaker is senior point guard London Perrantes. Perrantes doesn’t have nearly enough size or speed to separate from defenders off the dribble consistently enough to bail out the Cavaliers the way Brogdon or Anderson could. For that reason Virginia will probably need more than a few lucky breaks to advance past the first weekend.

If the Slipper Fits…

UNC Wilmington- The Colonial Athletic Association champs drew Virginia in the first round after winning 29 games this season. I just highlighted Virginia’s faults at length, and UNC Wilmington can exploit those faults if they can control the tempo. They are second in the country in turnover rate and 10th in the country in scoring, with four players averaging over 12 ppg. The numbers line up, UNC Wilmington has the best chance of any double digit seed in this region of pulling off an upset or two.

Five Players to Watch

SO PG Jalen Bronson, Villanova- Brunson is calm, cool and collected. He’s proven that no lights are too bright for him, expect him to bring his A game.

SR C Amile Jefferson, Duke- With Jayson Tatum playing more at the four, more has been asked out of Jefferson as rim protector. He’s responded nicely by averaging 1.7 blocks and over 8 rebounds a game, the Blue Devils need him to keep playing at high level down low.

JR F Johnathan Motley, Baylor- Motley is the leading man for the Bears, averaging nearly a double-double. His size and athleticism on both ends is a major reason that the #3 seed is as successful as they are in transition and with their press.

JR F Semi Ojeleye, SMU- With the Mustangs using such a small rotation, their legs will give quicker then the other contenders in the region. They need an all tournament type performance from Ojeleye to advance to Phoenix.

SR PG Bronson Koenig, Wisconsin- Many people were surprised to see the Badgers down at the #8 seed, but they shouldn’t be. They don’t have many offensive options, and most of their options are one dimensional. If the decorated senior wants to make one last run into late March, he has to be their go-to option, not Nigel Hayes.

Predictions

Despite their lack of numbers, SMU doesn’t lack talent. They should have no problem with a play-in game winner and they should be able to take advantage of Baylor’s major turnover issues with an efficient transition game. The #4 seed Florida might not have to play a team seeded lower than #12 in the first two rounds, which gives them an advantageous first weekend schedule that I expect them to take advantage of. However, the bottom line in this regional is that Duke and Villanova are so talented that its too hard for me to believe anyone is knocking them out before the elite eight. In what could possibly the most important game of the tournament, many are expecting the red hot Blue Devils to win the region. However, despite Duke’s offensive firepower, they are vulnerable defensively especially off the dribble. Brunson and Hart are so skilled and decisive off the dribble, and I think that will be enough to give the Wildcats the edge in this one considering how tough they are defensively. Villanova will be heading back to their second straight final four.

The post NCAA Tournament Breakdown:East Region appeared first on KRUI Radio.

CBS reviled the field of 68 Sunday afternoon, leading most college basketball fans around the country to fill out their brackets. Each fan hoping to win their work pool, or the much more unlikely option, having a perfect bracket.

The name of the tournament speaks for itself, the tournament is unpredictable. The odds to accurately predicting a flawless bracket are about 1 in 9.2 quintillion.

Even with such unpredictability, there are a couple themes stand true about who is likely to be making the trip to Glendale for the Final Four. Year after year, the tournament is complete madness but the road to the Final Four is more simple than it would seem.

Veteran Guards Win Championships

Over the last ten years the team that cuts down the nets features a star, usually veteran, guard. Half of the last ten years Final Four Most Outstanding Players were upperclassmen. Add the Russ Smith and Payton Siva from Louisville’s win in 2013 to the mix as well.

Last year, Villanova’s Ryan Arcidiacono led his team through the gantlet NCAA tournament to their first National Championships since 1985. Coach Jay Wright touted Arcidiacono’s leadership skills, even saying he was a mini version of himself.

Arcidiacono scored 16 points in the championship game but was highlighted by the assist to Kris Jenkins that led to the buzzer-beating shot. Graduating a year ago, Villanova will be without Arcidiacono.

Villanova, among others, features a veteran guard. One that can assist is leading their team through the NCAA tournament.

Josh Hart, a senior for Villanova, is averaging just over 18 points-per-game, leading the team to their number-one seed in East Regional. Not only will his experience in college help but playing on the biggest stage last year won’t hurt.

Hart, a shooting guard, is at the mercy of sophomore Jalen Brunson leading the offense. Brunson and others still are able to find their leader to put on the points for the Wildcats.

Two other veteran shooting guards on power-conference teams have the ability to lead their squad deep into the tournament. UCLA’s Bryce Alford and Duke’s Grayson Allen both have experience on the big stage, Allen won the national championship in 2015.

Alford is playing for his father, Steve, who won the national championship in 1987. Now head UCLA coach, Steve played guard in college as well.

UCLA’s guard play is among the best in the country, featuring Alford and super-star freshman Lonzo Ball. Between the two, UCLA leads all teams averaging over 90 points-per-game.

Midwest Region number-one Kansas also has a two headed monster. Senior Frank Mason III and junior Devonte’ Graham, who alternate at point-guard. As a result, Mason and Graham account for around a fourth of the team’s points.

Mason is among the nation’s top scorers and that is something that is unlikely to change once tournament play begins. He is averaging 20 points-per-game this season.

Conference rival and Big 12 champion Iowa State is a slightly less likely championship contender. Despite being a five-seed, the Cyclones senior Monte Morris holds similar qualities to the above named guards.

Morris leads Iowa State is scoring and has played a key role in the Cyclones peaking at the right time. Morris isn’t the only veteran guard, three of his teammates that rank second, third, and fourth in scoring are also senior guards.

While Iowa State might not be Villanova or Kansas, they could be a team to watch.

Some lower seeded teams aren’t necessarily looking to raise the trophy in Glendale. Their hopes are to win just a game. Having a guard with a hot hand makes that all the more possible.

Winthrop senior Keon Johnson is top-ten in Division I with over 22 point-per-game. His Winthrop Eagles are a 13-seed and will play Butler but that isn’t anything to stop a player shooting 40-percent from behind the arch.

Making over a fourth of Winthrop’s points, Johnson will be an under the radar senior guard to watch on the first weekend.

Don’t Underestimate Anyone

It’s easy to pick by the seeds, and chances are that will result in a solid bracket. Since 2010, 62-percent of top-four seeds have advanced on to the sweet-sixteen. Fairly good odds with as many upsets that due happen.

Each year there are a group of teams that shake up the field and make it further than anyone expected. Whether 15-seed Florida Gulf Coast advancing to the regionals or George Mason making the Final Four, crazy things happen.

Last year was Syracuse, and it very well could be again, that made the Final Four as a double-digit seed. Teams like Wichita State, Butler, and VCU have recently advanced to the final weekend.

Other times it’s an early round upset that busts a bracket. Most times those are harder to predict. Trying to selected a low-seed that will take down a perennial power, it isn’t easy.

Year after year it seems that a 12-seed will knock-off a 5-seed. In the last five years, multiple 5-seeds have fallen each year except 2015.

Often the 12-line corresponds with the bubble. The teams assigned a 12-seed are either the last of the at-large or the best of the small automatic bids. This year that line includes UNC-Wilmington, Nevada, Princeton, and Middle Tennessee.

All four of the 12-seeds will be dangerous in the second round. Each squad boasts a factor that cannot be ignored.

UNC-Wilmington ranks top-five in offensive efficiency. Nevada’s Marcus Marshall averages just under 20 points-per-game. Princeton enters the tournament on a 19 game winning streak. Middle Tennessee, one year removed from upsetting 2-seed Michigan State, returns nearly their entire roster from last years’ team.

Even though the seeds are high, the Big Ten schools tend to show up when it matters. Michigan sits on the seven-line and Wisconsin an eight-seed.

Major conference schools that feel they are seeded low will show two different outcomes. Some will roll over and others will go out with something to prove.

The Big Ten, as a conference, is seeded lower than in the past. In addition, the committee also left out three teams form the big dance: Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. Watching how the Big Ten will respond could present an entertaining tournament.

When All Else Fails, Pick a One-Seed

A one-seed has never lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament. It’s been close recently, Arizona and Gonzaga both narrowly escaping with single digit wins. The closest a 16 has ever come is one point.

The field features three number-one-seed teams from major conferences and one from a small mid-major. Villanova, Kansas, and North Carolina out of power basketball conferences are the odds on favorites to head to Glendale. Gonzaga, the West Coast Conference champions, have the best record of any team in the tournament.

Villanova and Kansas could face intriguing matchups in the third round. 8-seed Wisconsin is one win from Villanova and 9-seed Michigan State the same distance from Kansas. Both teams played in the Final Four two years ago.

North Carolina, the one-seed in the South Regional, has been the third most talked about school of the region. Both ESPN and CBS thought higher of Kentucky and UCLA out of that bracket than the Tar Heels, despite their regular season ACC title.

Multiple teams, all seeded anywhere from one to three, could have been on the one-line. UCLA, Duke, Kentucky, and Oregon could all make a run at the Final Four.

Look for the high seeds to be strong, even with as crazy as the year has been. The one-seeds have history on their side.

The post What to Look for in March Madness appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Weekend Summary:

The first game of the weekend against Hawaii featured the Iowa batters once again being on fire as they chalked up a season high 17 hits and 7 runs with 2 HRs. The final of this game wasn’t a real representation of how this game went as the score was 7-3 going into the final inning of the game until the Rainbow Warriors scored 3 runs in the ninth until the Hawkeyes could close the game out with the tying run at third. Besides for the 9th inning, Iowa’s pitching was a highlight with ace Nick Gallagher pitching a career best 8 innings allowing only 3 runs and 7 hits.

After an offensive game on the previous day, Iowa didn’t slow down on offense as the had a barnburner of a win over Oral Roberts. The game started with Iowa hopping ahead 3-0 in the top of the first inning after first baseman Jake Adams drove in three with a home run. Iowa proceeded to homer again from Matt Hoeg in fourth. However, with Iowa batting well and getting in runs, Oral Roberts was doing the same. Scoring 4 runs through 6, tightening the game up to 5-4 in the six. Iowa ended up extending the lead to 7-4 in the 8th, securing the victory. Iowa would finish with 10 hits during the game with 3 HRs and allowing only 7 hits. Overall a great win for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa did have a low point in the weekend. On Sunday against Minnesota both pitching and hitting for the Hawks struggled to be successful. Iowa was able to keep the game close at 4-3 with a first inning bomb from Robert Neustrom. That was the best Iowa would do from the plate as they only got 4 hits with a game hitting average of .138. The game however was sitting at 4-3 until the 8th inning where Minnesota knocked in two more runs to have the final of 6-3. Iowa gave up a total of 9 hits with 6 runs.

Key Player Spotlight:

Hottest Bat: Chris Whelan, Robert Neustrom, and Jake Adams

McCoy, Whelan, and Neustrom all were at the top of their game this week. Neustrom hitting a bomb of a home run on sunday extended his hitting streak to 10 games. Chris Whelan again was

hitting great at the lead off role in the lineup, hitting for .500 (6-12) over the weekend with 2 RBI’s and 4 runs scored. Moving him up to the front has looked to have been the best decision manager Rick Heller. Finally, Jake Adams added two more home runs to his season total leading the Hawkeyes with 4. Adams went .417 (5-12) over the weekend with 6 RBI’s and 2 runs.

Most Improved: Ben Norman

Freshman Ben Norman had a breakout weekend in Minneapolis. He went .500 (6-12) at the plate with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI’s. Going into the weekend he was batting (2-13) which was one of the lowest out of Iowa starters. Going from batting .154 to .320 in one weekend is quite the accomplishment.

Next Week Preview:
Iowa takes on Northern Illinois at home on Tuesday March 7th at Duane Banks Field. Then over the weekend they head down to Florida to take on Villanova, Bucknell, and a double header against Lehigh University.

The post Hawkeyes Heat Up in Minneapolis appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Going into the week, Iowa was (1-2) hoping to recover from last weekend’s disappointing series with University of South Florida. The Hawkeyes did just that with a powerful win over Loras College on Wednesday, with an even better chance to improve at the Hoover Classic.

The Hawkeyes’ bats were once again alive after outscoring their opponents 26-13, with 31 hits and 3 home runs over the three games. Although the defense had only been strong in a couple of games, it was definitely the offense that played the key role in the Hawkeyes’ victories.

The entire week, manager Rick Heller had focused with the team on trying to battle at the plate and get better overall plate appearances. It appears that it has finally worked out for the Hawkeyes. They got on base 9 times from walks while only striking out one time in the final game of the weekend against Morehead State.

Mason McCoy, again, looked to be in mid-season form, collecting 5 RBI’s over the weekend with 6 hits. Simultaneously, Jake Adams batted in 4 runs, two of them being a rocket of a home run. Chris Whelan had a promising debut in the leadoff spot of the lineup going 3-4 on Sunday.

Iowa will look to further improve in the following week where they will take on Cornell College on Tuesday at Home. (Update: This game was canceled due to Weather) After that they head out to Minneapolis for the Dairy Queen Classic over the weekend and will face Hawaii on Friday, then a one-loss Oral Roberts on Saturday, and Minnesota to end the weekend on Sunday.

DQ Classic Preview:

Hawaii is coming off of a (2-2) series tie with University of San Francisco, and is currently (3-4) overall for their season. However, the Rainbow Warriors will most likely be jet lagged from the insane travel.

Oral Roberts will be one of the better teams that Iowa has faced yet this season. Oral Roberts is (7-1) and going into the weekend high off of a 3 game sweep of Alabama last weekend and a thrashing of Kansas on Tuesday. Although the record is intimidating, Oral Roberts has had some troubles with pitching. In the three games against Alabama, Oral Roberts gave up 28 hits. This is intriguing for Iowa hitters, especially if they’re still hot throughout the week.

The hosts, Minnesota, are coming back from a sweep of Seattle University and a 3-1 loss to NDSU, which featured some not so great early pitching from the Golden Gophers, but this team is (4-2) and was tied with Iowa at 6 in the Big Ten preseason poll. So this match up will most likely be a good preview for Big Ten play coming up in a couple weeks. This game will also be available to watch on Big Ten Network plus, which is free if you’re on campus.

The post Hawkeyes Find An Improved Offense In Alabama appeared first on KRUI Radio.

The game started off strong for the Hawkeyes as they began the game off with a bang. After a single by Iowa senior Mason McCoy, two wild pitches, and two walks, the Hawkeyes quickly found themselves with bases loaded for third baseman Matt Hoeg.

Hoeg promptly responded with a stand up triple knocking in all 3 men on base after barely squeezing the hit in the right field line. Allowing for the Hawks to get out ahead early.

After that, Iowa never gave up the momentum.

The very next inning, Iowa proceeded to score two more runs off of another bases loaded scenario. After a fielding error by Loras allowed McCoy to get on base and continue the inning, with Sophomore Robert Neustrom following with a single.

This time it was first baseman Jake Adam with a chance to bat in the runs. He singled to left field, allowing for Tyler Cropley to score. Then DH Austin Guzzo batted in another run letting the Hawks get a 5-0 lead at the end of the second.

However, the offense was not the only side playing well for Iowa. The Hawkeyes defense looked strong early with  Freshman Grant Judkins making his debut start for the Hawkeyes, giving up only one hit with four strike outs over his three innings pitched. He was helped by a great jumping catch from Adams to end the top of the second. Followed by Kyle Shimp pitching 3 K’s in his two innings pitched.

Going into tonight, Iowa manager Rick Heller wanted to get more guys experience, he ended up doing exactly that by having four relief pitchers finishing the game with an inning each. Combining for 8 strikeouts, and giving up only one run in the 7th. Also bringing in four pinch hitters in the final 3 innings.

Iowa would end up scoring three more runs to finish with a score of 8-1, making Iowa (2-2) on the season.

Iowa will head down to Hoover, Alabama over the weekend for the Hoover Classic. First facing Alabama State on Friday and Saturday, and ending off the weekend against Morehead State on Sunday.

Iowa’s next home game will be on March 7th, against Northern Illinois at Banks Field.

The post Hawkeyes Early Surge Powers Past Loras College appeared first on KRUI Radio.