Inviting comments here on Sunday's 75-72 UM loss to Texas in the second round of the NCAA 
Tournament. I think this Hurricanes team and this program have advanced far enough that "nice try, guys" doesn't fit. You wonder how the outcome might have been different if the team overall and Jack McClinton in particular had played the entire game with the urgency it played the last four or five minutes.
Click here for my column off the Texas game. I have a feeling I'll get beat up over it for being too critical. All I ask is that you read all of it before spewing, as the overall tone is properly upbeat.
More than about just this one result, I'd like to encourage chatter on what this tournament and this game means to the state of Canes men's basketball.
How close do you think Miami is to being a team that gets to March Madness routinely, not just once in a while? Is Haith the right man to achieve that? Remember that UM reached the Sweet 16 in 2000 but it didn't foretell much. Is this year different?
What will it take -- if it's possible at all -- for UM basketball to rise closer to the level of Dolphins, Heat, Marlins (benefit of doubt there) and Canes football in terms of broad interest? Don't just vote. Expound!
[REMINDER: Get your entries in now for our March Madness Haiku Contest. The Madness goes on even if the Canes don't! Monday is the last day to enter. Scroll down in the blog to the appropriate post or click here].
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In theory, Miami should be back in the tournament next year. Anthony King is the only starter leaving; Ray Hicks is the only bench player who gets significant time who is leaving. The incoming freshmen and transfers are supposed to be pretty good. This could be the start of Miami becoming significant and relevant on the college hoops scene.
However, also in theory, this was a dismally down year for the ACC. If Miami doesn't pull off the shocker today, there will be only one ACC team in the Sweet 16 (unless North Carolina is similarly shocked). North Carolina, of course, will be loaded next year. Duke returns almost everyone and, rumor has it, they're actually bringing in a couple of players 6'9" and above so that they can actually grab a rebound and stop an opponent inside once in awhile. Wake Forest will be significantly improved. Virginia Tech is very young and will only get better. Programs like North Carolina State, Virginia and Boston College aren't going to be ACC bottom-feeders on a consistent basis like they were this year. (Clemson, FSU, Maryland - who knows? For various reasons - lots of player turnover and so on - they're in flux.)
Anyway, point of the matter is, the ACC will be as strong next year as they were weak this year. So, it's possible that Miami can play better next year than they have this year, but not be as successful in the win/loss column. There are still serious issues at point guard and with interior scoring. Looks like we'll have to make do with Hurdle and Rios for another year; hopefully, Rios can improve and Hurdle will learn to play under control a bit more. As far as interior scoring, we've got three newcomers coming in (a redshirt, a transfer and a true freshman); at least one of them will have to be able to contribute something.
X-factor is Dequan Jones; he's a dynamic swingman from the Atlanta area. We got on him early and he signed with us; now, his stock has really risen. He brings a style of play we haven't seen much around these parts - a small forward who can create his own shot, and who can jump out of the building.
Regardless.. Whatever happens today, after the disaster that was last season, this season has been a success. Congratulations to Haith and the boys. Now, the hard part begins.
Posted by: Mark | March 23, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Mark,
Nice to meet you. My name is Patrick.
Posted by: the bostonian | March 23, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Oh, also, Greg, one reason we didn't do anything after the Sweet 16 appearance was because Perry Clark was nothing more than a substitute gym teacher. Lazy coach, lazy recruiter. I cannot believe this man got another job in Division I after what he did here. We wouldn't have sunk to the depths we did had Hamilton stayed or had we been able to get one of the other coaches we contacted before Perry Clark to take over (Bobby Gonzalez, Dana Altman, etc.)
Heck, we almost had Rick Pitino before an assistant opened his mouth to the media and the deal was blown. Would that have been incredible, or what?
As far as rising to the level of the Dolphins and UM football, it would take a trip to the Elite Eight plus a major recruiting haul and a great start to the following season with some of the wins being against major competition in one of the big preseason tournaments. Other than that, UM basketball will be like the Heat, Marlins, Panthers, etc. - if there's a shot at the playoffs, we might care. Maybe. Otherwise, no chance. Sad, but true.
Posted by: Mark | March 23, 2008 at 11:55 AM
If Canes win today they will take on Stanford....OUCH!!
Either way, I hope they do well.
Posted by: Flipper72 | March 23, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Hi Patrick I'm George. Nice to meet you. You are so accepting of deep penetrating concepts unlike the other barbarians on this blog. Ignore them and we'll take care of your backside...wink, wink...heh,heh!
Posted by: George Takei | March 23, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Looks like the crazies are out today.
Posted by: Jeff Dellenbach | March 23, 2008 at 02:45 PM
We should set up a boxing ring, put the gloves on patrick and Flipper and let them go at it. 15 rounds. No 3 knockdown, no saved by the bell.
Posted by: Karim Abdul-Jabbar | March 23, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Hi Patrick forget Mark he's not your type. How about a ménage à trois with you, me and Richard Simmons. He's been trolling lately just like you.
Posted by: George Takei | March 23, 2008 at 02:54 PM
George,
i think patrick would like that.
Posted by: William Shatner | March 23, 2008 at 02:56 PM
People on this blog are so gay.
Posted by: Gerald Small | March 23, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Of course he would William. Patrick's been trolling here for a while and I recognize the signs. He's like Larry Craig hanging in the airport mensroom
Posted by: George Takei | March 23, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Patrich=Patty Lickum
Posted by: Richard Simmons | March 23, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Wow, big ups to UM for fighting till the end! They didn't quit and made Texas earn it.
Much respect!!
Posted by: Jose | March 23, 2008 at 04:32 PM
big big props to the team and Haith, way to show that heart.
BTW, Cote, where the heck you been all season?? The Canes make the tourney and you decide to make a trip to Little Rock??? Please, Manny has been there all year and now you decide to steal some of his thunder?? Pretty pathetic dude, go back to the Dolphins Mr. Bandwagon.
Posted by: NY Miamialum | March 23, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Does anyone have a scrumptious recipe for bread pudding? If so, please post. Thanks.
Posted by: el borracho | March 23, 2008 at 06:45 PM
NY Miamialum,
What the fck are you talking about? It's news now ... so, the post goes NOW! Get over it, bitch!
Posted by: the NH guy | March 23, 2008 at 06:47 PM
aka the NH guy.
Posted by: Richard Cranium | March 23, 2008 at 06:59 PM
NH, wasnt talking to you first off and secondly I just get pissed when Mr. Cote decides he is all of a sudden going to jump on the Cane bandwagon when he decides that he can get some publicity for himself. The news was coming all season in high fashion from Manny about the Canes NOT Mr. Cote. You don't like it thats your opinion, and this is mine, last I looked this ain't Russia and I can say what I want and guess what I say Greg is a front runnin, band wagon jumpin publicity hound.
This however does NOT take away from a fantastic hoops season.
Posted by: NY Miamialum | March 23, 2008 at 07:15 PM
fellas,
as a fan of the canes all year long, and especially of their grade A+ coach, the canes are one dominant big player away from being really top tier. all one super freshman has to do is decide to take it upon himself to elevate a really close program and the canes are near the third best team in the ACC. sorry that miami had to meet the longhorns ( rick barnes another coaching favorite); wanted both to make the round of sixteen, but what can one do except laud the canes for a season of distinction, effort, and results
Posted by: the shadow knows | March 23, 2008 at 07:30 PM
NY Miamialum,
you will SHUT UP until I decide that you may speak (post)!
Who the fck do you think you are?
Posted by: HH guy | March 23, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Shadow, while agree we need a premiere big man, or at least a big man who doesn't make me wince when he handles the ball (though I love Jimmy Graham's style), I also think we need a real point guard. Even a Vernon Jennings-type point guard would've done wonders for this team. Hurdle's got the athleticism and the speed, but he plays out of control. Rios, I think, knows what he's supposed to do, but he physically can't keep up with elite competition. Considering all this, the fact we made it this far is amazing.
The loss of Adrian Thomas to injury cannot be understated enough. He's someone who can hit the three and play solid defense off the bench. If he can ever get and stay healthy, he could be a key cog on this team.
Onward and upward to next year. Still one scholarship left to give; let's see who Haith can find. Hopefully, a PG.
Posted by: Mark | March 23, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Thought I would toss some decent football stuff in on this basketball crap.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/2008_swimsuit/cheerleaders/ireivy-guerra/
Posted by: Dave in VA | March 23, 2008 at 09:56 PM
you shut up too, Blue Balls Dave!
Posted by: NH | March 23, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Bostonian, I am close enough to drive up there and kick you square in your vagina. You better mind your manners young lady, I didn't say anything to you.
Posted by: Dave in VA | March 23, 2008 at 10:49 PM
has anyone seen my knife?
Posted by: OJ Simpson | March 23, 2008 at 10:54 PM
that reminds of when i be back in buffalo
Posted by: OJ Simpson | March 23, 2008 at 10:55 PM
honestly i only wanted to scare those guys in vegas your honor
Posted by: OJ Simpson | March 23, 2008 at 10:55 PM
yo,
blue balls ...
bloe moi!
Posted by: bostonnian in NH by the name of Patrick | March 23, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Patrick-
Look son, I understand that you're bitter. I swear I pulled out of your mama and tossed in her hair, must have waited a stroke too late because here you are. Before I left though, I wiped my crank off on her curtains. If you're missing the Daddy in your life, just go in her room and hold them close to your cheek. Sorry, but that's about as close to a pops I'm gonna be for ya son...
Happy Easter!
Posted by: Dave in VA | March 23, 2008 at 11:04 PM
that was well constructed., no doubt. obviously, a narrative composed by an individual who has given thought to the matter (me).
thank you.
Posted by: NH | March 23, 2008 at 11:12 PM
blue balls,
i'll be you think of your mommy when you unload inside your old girl ... don't ya?
come clean, blue balls.
Posted by: NH | March 23, 2008 at 11:14 PM
I'll be you think? You need to go to bed son. Goodnight.
Posted by: Dave in VA | March 23, 2008 at 11:17 PM
by the way, blue balls ...
you are a racist
Posted by: NH | March 23, 2008 at 11:18 PM
And the "matter" is in your mama's wig, like I told you.
Posted by: Dave in VA | March 23, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Yup, I'm a racist. All white people are from what I'm told.
Posted by: Dave in VA | March 23, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Mark,
when i wrote big, i didn't mean physically big; meant player with a big game. however, either a post player or point guard of real ability would vault miami into that strata. frank haith can really "coach 'em up"!!
Posted by: the shadow knows | March 24, 2008 at 01:49 AM
The refs screwed us. The little fat bald one should have taken a beat down in the parking lot after the game. Fucking refs.
Posted by: Obama Melamama | March 24, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Well Greg and the terrible Herald sports team - the Canes will garner more of a broad interest when you start covering them.
Page 10-13 behind high school football is not a good way of getting the word out and getting people interested. We didnt see adequate coverage from you guys until the ACC tournament. No mention of this team by any of the "seasoned" reporters only offering their negative opinions after the fact.
Linda seems to think this is Michigan - and Greg hasnt watched only one UM basketball game - the Texas game - it is obvious in his writing.
You call Miami fans bandwagon fans - though you are a bandwagon paper. We dont see or hear anything from Greg until the tournament - WILL THIS BE A RECURRING THING OR WILL YOU NOT COMMENT ON THEM AGAIN GREG???
Posted by: Herb | March 24, 2008 at 12:08 PM
NH, clearly you need to take your Prozac because you are F-N NUTS!!! I SAID GOOD DAY SIR!!!
Posted by: NY Miamialum | March 24, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I have taken a little time away. Went to snow packed mtns to have some fun. Looking over this blog, I haven't missed much. Alot of crap being slung around.
Bostonian, I have noticed when there is controversy or a flat out pissing contest here your always in the middle. Tone it down and people will dialog with you. I have no problem with you lately and i'm not accusing you of initiating every online fight.
Posted by: Jimbo | March 24, 2008 at 05:30 PM
gentlemen, any new draft day rumors? Dolphins news?
Posted by: Jimbo | March 24, 2008 at 05:31 PM
oh yah, I am splitting for vacation on the big island tomorrow for about a week. Tonight will be the last U here from me for a little while.
Posted by: Jimbo | March 24, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Jimbo, this was an interesting read. You have to wonder how this is going to all unfold in April. It's like a chess match.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/03/21/mmqb/index.html
Posted by: Dave in VA | March 24, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Well,
Here is an interesting one. It's about 1/2hr old: (copied from S.I.) The San Francisco 49ers have forfeited their fifth-round pick in next month's NFL draft after commissioner Roger Goodell deemed them guilty of tampering with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs.
Goodell also determined the teams will switch picks in the third round of the April 26-27 draft. Chicago, which had the 12th pick, will get San Francisco's seventh pick and the 49ers will get Chicago's choice.
Goodell determined that the 49ers violated the NFL's anti-tampering policy by contacting Briggs' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about his client during the 2007 season.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | March 24, 2008 at 07:02 PM
It's not totally clear to me if this means that every team now moves down one slot. If so, we now get the #30th pick - right?
Posted by: OC Dolphin | March 24, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Sorry, the story was placed by AP, not SI.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | March 24, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Jimbo,
As far as the Dolphins go, I did read that Parcells is showing that he is more interested in QB, Chad Henne. Apparently he has been invited to a Dolphins workout. Is it a smokescreen?
Posted by: OC Dolphin | March 24, 2008 at 07:09 PM
Jimbo and OC Dolphin,
based on his results with amobile, fluid QB in tony romo, i don't seee him chasing chad henne who is of the "statue" type-standing tall in the pocket with minimal mobilty. i would see him more interested in the QB from kentucky, or a recovered dennis dixon than a chad henne-type. also, old news- but i think of the "immobile" QBs, john david booty is twice the QB tha chad henne is.
Posted by: the shadow knows | March 24, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Let's not forget that a prior Michigan QB wasn't rated very high and now is a league MVP. Look closer at Henne, he's of the same mould as Brady if you ask me.
I truely believe that the next franchise QB will be a late round "nothing better to do" pick, not a first rounder. History says that anyway.
If Parcells likes Henne, I like Henne. Anyway, my old pops went to Michigan, I like the Blue!
Posted by: Dave in VA | March 24, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Like the Blue eh! Would never have guessed.
Posted by: OC Dolphin | March 24, 2008 at 07:28 PM