The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 25

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 1:


2009 UConn vs. Syracuse: Six overtimes. 127-117. Big East Tournament. Madison Square Garden. Buzzer beaters. Shots overturned. Syracuse. UConn. I was lucky enough to be at the Garden for this game, and I can honestly tell you that I've never been in an environment as electric as the Garden was that night.

More than anything, my lasting memory of that game will be how tired I was that night. I know, I know, I shouldn't complain. Jonny Flynn played 67 minutes, and the next night played another overtime game. But I think anyone that was at the game can agree with me - when you left that arena, you were emotionally drained, physically exhausted from jumping up and down, and completely hoarse. Anyway, I can ramble on and on and on about this epic, but I already did right here.

So read that and watch this video:




Tyler Hansbrough, UNC: Hansbrough was not the most talented player of the decade. He wasn't successful simply because of his raw ability and natural talent. No, Psycho T was just a big, strong kid with a nice touch on his jumper and some good post moves that simply out worked everyone else on the court.

And it paid off. All you have to do is look at his hardware. In 2006, Hansbrough averaged 18.9 ppg and 7.8 rpg as he won national freshman of the year, was a second team all-american, and became the first freshman unanimously selected to the all-ACC first team. As a sophomore, his numbers took a bit of a hit as the Tar Heels added a talented recruiting class, but Hansbrough still managed to averaged 18.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg as UNC won the 2007 ACC regular season and tournament titles before earning a #1 seed and advancing to the Elite 8. Hansbrough was once again a unanimous first team all-ACC selection (the first person to ever do that four times) and first team all-american.

Hansbrough was all-ACC first team four times, all-american four times (three first-teams), made two Final Fours, and won a national title and a national player of the year award.
(photo credit: SI)

Hansbrough's best season was his junior year. He averaged 22.6 ppg and 10.2 rpg while leading UNC to a 29-2 regular season record, the ACC regular season and tournament titles, and to a Final Four. Hansbrough would be voted the. consensus national player of the year. As a senior, Hansbrough battled a stress reaction early in the season, but still managed to come back and average 20.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg while leading a potent UNC attack to a national title. Hansbrough would once again be named first team all american. Hansbrough graduated as the ACC's all-time leading scorer.


2009 UNC Tar Heels: This team was very close to not happening. After the 2008 Final Four, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, and Danny Green all toyed with the idea of entering the NBA Draft. But Green was dealing with injuries and pulled out, Lawson withdrew his name because of a controvesy over a DUI he had gotten, and Ellington simply wasn't ready for the league.

Combine that with Hansbrough's decision to return to school, and the Heels had a team that everyone picked to win the title in the preseason. Using a high-powered offense sparked by Lawson's ability to get the ball out in transition, the Heels did just that, winning the 2009 national title while beating every tournament opponent by double digits.



Lawson was named ACC player of the year and a second team all-american while Hansbrough was named to the first-team. All four players that decided to come back forin the '08-'09 season ended up making the NBA.


No. 2: Illinois v. Arizona, JJ Redick, Duke's 2001 team
No. 3: Gonzaga v. Michigan State and Gonzaga v. UConn, Adam Morrison, Florida's 2007 team
No. 4: Duke v. Maryland, Shane Battier, UNC's 2005 team
No. 5: Michigan State v. Kentucky, Jay Williams, UConn's 2004 team
No. 6: UConn v. George Mason, Emeka Okafor, Illinois's 2005 team
No. 7: Oklahoma State v. Texas, Carmelo Anthony, Michigan State's 2000 team
No. 8: UCLA v. Gonzaga, Jameer Nelson, Maryland's 2002 team
No. 9: Barton v. Winona State, Blake Griffin, St. Joseph's 2004 team
No. 10: West Virginia v. Wake Forest, Juan Dixon, Kansas's 2008 team
No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.
Continue reading...

The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 24

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 2:


2005: Illinois vs. Arizona: Probably the greatest comeback I have ever seen live. Illinois came into this game with jut one loss, suffered in the final game of the 2005 regular season. Arizona started to pull away from the Illini midway through the second half. With the score 60-57, Arizona went on a 15-3 run that put them up 15 with four minutes left. Everyone thought that the game was over:



Illinois took the lead in the overtime thanks to a couple of Deron Williams threes, but Arizona was able to get possession down 90-89. Hassan Adams threw a three of the back board as the buzzer sounded, and Illinois advanced to the final four.


JJ Redick, Duke: Love him or hate him, you cannot deny that Redick was one of the greatest shooters and scorers in college basketball history. He still holds the record for most career three pointers made in NCAA history, and held the ACC scoring record until Tyler Hansbrough broke it late last season.

As a freshman, Redick had an immediate impact, averaging 15.0 ppg, earning third team all-ACC honors, as the second leading scorer for a team that won the ACC Tournament title and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. His sophomore season, Redick was the leading scorer for one of the most talented teams of the decade. He averaged 15.9 ppg and was named second team all-ACC as Duke won the ACC regular season title and reached the Final Four.

Looking at that picture, is it any wonder people hated JJ Redick?
(photo credit: Fantastik Sports)

But it was his final two season that solidified Redick as one of the decade's best. As a junior in 2005, Redick won the ACC player of the year award (as well as the Rupp Award for national player of the year) and Duke once again won an ACC Tournament title. But Redick couldn't lead the Devils pas Michigan State in the Sweet 16. His senior season saw Redick and Adam Morrison duel all season long for the NCAA scoring title. While Morrison won that, Redick won the Naismith and Wooden awards, averaging 26.9 ppg as he led Duke to both the ACC regular season and tournament titles. But once again, the Dukies lost in the Sweet 16, this time to LSU ending JJ's career.


2001 Duke Blue Devils: The knock on Coach K is that his Duke teams never have NBA talent on them. Looking at the 2001 roster, that would be a tough thing to believe. This Duke roster had five guys - Carlos Boozer, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Dahntay Jones, Chris Duhon, and Shane Battier - currently playing significant minutes in the NBA, and that doesn't even include Jay Williams, the most talented player on that team and 2nd overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft before having his career ended in a motorcycle accident, or Nate James.

Duke would go on to win both the ACC regular season and tournament titles, which is especially impressive when you consider that Carlos Boozer, their best inside player, was out for much of the season with a foot injury. Boozer was back by the NCAA Tournament, and he helped carry the Blue Devils to a national title.

Duke's 2001 title team had six guys reach the league.
(photo credit: Charlotte Observer)

Perhaps what this team will be most remembered for was their two unbelievable comebacks against Maryland. They played the Terps four times that season, and in the first match-up, Jay Williams scored 8 points in 13 seconds as the Blue Devils made it all the way back from down 10 with under a minute left in the game. In the Final Four, the fourth match-up between the two ACC powers, Duke found themselves down 22 in the first half before rallying to win.


No. 3: Illinois v. Arizona, JJ Redick, Duke's 2001 team
No. 4: Duke v. Maryland, Shane Battier, UNC's 2005 team
No. 5: Michigan State v. Kentucky, Jay Williams, UConn's 2004 team
No. 6: UConn v. George Mason, Emeka Okafor, Illinois's 2005 team
No. 7: Oklahoma State v. Texas, Carmelo Anthony, Michigan State's 2000 team
No. 8: UCLA v. Gonzaga, Jameer Nelson, Maryland's 2002 team
No. 9: Barton v. Winona State, Blake Griffin, St. Joseph's 2004 team
No. 10: West Virginia v. Wake Forest, Juan Dixon, Kansas's 2008 team
No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.

Continue reading...

The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 22

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 4:


2002: Duke vs. Maryland: In the early 2000's, Duke-Maryland was one of the best rivalries in the country. Both teams were loaded with NBA talent, both programs won league titles as well as a national title, and it seemed that every time these two squads took the court, it was an instant classic.

Maryland took control on this game late, going up 90-80 with just over a minute left in the game. That's when Jay Williams took over:



That comeback would go down in history as the "Miracle Minute".

In the overtime, the Dukies would hit a number of big baskets, and after hitting 1-2 free throws to five the devils a 98-96 lead with 12 seconds left, Shane Battier would block Juan Dixon at the rim before the Devils dribbled out the clock.


Shane Battier, Duke: Battier was a throw back player for the Dukies. When he first got to campus, he was known as a defensive stopper, a role playing big man that could pass and shoot, and the country's best at drawing a charge. As a sophomore it was more of the same, as Battier still played a role for the '99 Duke team that lost to UConn in the title game.

But with guys like Elton Brand, Trajan Landgon, and William Avery all leaving Duke after the season, Battier became a much more influential player on the offensive. As a junior, Battier not only averaged 17.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg while shooting 44% from three, he also averaged over 2 steals and 2 block per game. Duke would go on to win both ACC title before being knocked out in the Sweet 16 as Battier was named 2nd team all america.

Battier was known for his defense at Duke. This block sealed Duke's win in the "Miracle Minute".
(photo credit: ESPN)

Battier had a fantastic senior season. He averaged 19.9 ppg and 7.3 rpg and was also arguably the best defensive player in the country. Duke once again won the ACC regular season and tournament titles (the 1998 ACC Tournament title was the only conference championship Battier didn't win in his four years in Durham), but also won the 2001 national title. Battier, for his efforts, earned both the Naismith and Wooden awards as well as the 2001 NCAA tournament MOP.


2005 North Carolina Tar Heels: North Carolina in 2005 was led by a trio of juniors - Rashad McCants, Sean May, and Raymond Felton. But after their freshman season, did anyone think a title was within reach for these guys? In their first season, under the tutelage of Matt Doherty, the Heels went just 17-15 before Doherty was basically forced out and Roy Williams was brought in.

Rashad McCants was a big reason why UNC the Heels won the 2005 title.
(photo credit: UNC Athletics)

Even the 2005 season got off to an inauspicious start with a season opening loss to Santa Clara out in Maui. But Roy Williams brought in an excellent freshman named Marvin Williams, and combining those four with experienced role players Jackie Manuel, Jawad Williams, Reyshawn Terry, and David Noel, the Tar Heels won the 2005 ACC regular season title before rolling through the NCAA Tournament and beating Illinois, who had just one loss on the season heading in, in the finals.


No. 5: Michigan State v. Kentucky, Jay Williams, UConn's 2004 team
No. 6: UConn v. George Mason, Emeka Okafor, Illinois's 2005 team
No. 7: Oklahoma State v. Texas, Carmelo Anthony, Michigan State's 2000 team
No. 8: UCLA v. Gonzaga, Jameer Nelson, Maryland's 2002 team
No. 9: Barton v. Winona State, Blake Griffin, St. Joseph's 2004 team
No. 10: West Virginia v. Wake Forest, Juan Dixon, Kansas's 2008 team
No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.
Continue reading...

The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 21

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 5:


2005: Michigan State vs. Kentucky: It was only fitting that arguably the greatest Elite 8 of all-time was capped off by a 2OT thriller from two of the best programs in recent history. The Spartans opened up an eight point lead with just under six minutes left in this game, but UK caught fire from three, coming back and cutting the lead to 75-72 with 12.6 seconds left and setting up this final possession:



It took suspenseful five minutes, but the refs eventually determined that the toe of Patrick Sparks was behind the three point line and the game was, in fact, tied.

Kentucky scored the first four points of the first overtime, but Michigan State scored five straight. After a Kentucky basket, the Spartans tied the game with a minute left. Kentucky would control the ball for the last 1:03 of the first overtime, but only managed to get one shot off as Kelvin Torbert forced Kelenna Azubuike to dribble out the clock. The second overtime saw MSU take an early lead, then hit 11 straight foul shots to clinch the win.


Jay Williams, Duke: Williams was a star from the minute he set foot on Duke's campus, averaging 14.2 ppg, 6.5 apg, and 4.2 rpg as he as named ACC freshman of the year and, by some outlets, the national freshman of the year. As a sophomore, Williams was named a first team all-american as he averaged 21.6 ppg and 6.1 apg, which is all the more impressive considering he played on a team with Shane Battier (the 2001 national player of the year), Carlos Boozer, Mike Dunleavy, and Chris Duhon. Duke went on to win the 2001 national title.

The Blue Devils were a favorite to repeat in 2002 as Williams averaged 21.3 ppg and 5.3 apg en route to winning both the Wooden and Naismith awards for national player of the year. Duke would end up losing in the second round of the tournament to Indiana but Williams, who graduated from Duke in three years with a degree is sociology, ended up being the second pick in the NBA Draft.

Perhaps what Williams will be best remembered for is leading Duke back against Maryland in 2001.




2004 UConn Huskies: The 2004 version of the UConn Huskies was led by Emeka Okafor, who lost out on the national player of the year awards due to a balky back that kept him out of the first two rounds of the Big East tournament. That balky back also kept the Huskies from receiving a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

But Okafor's missed time actually ended up being a blessing in disguise for the Huskies. It allowed Ben Gordon, who was affectionately known as "Gentle Ben" due to his laid back attitude, to showcase his talents. Gordon went for 29 points in each of the two Big East Tournament games that Okafor missed, then teamed with Mek to knock off Pitt in the tournament final. It also allowed role playing big men Josh Boone and Charlie Villanueva to figure out that they, too, were pretty talented basketball players. Throw in sophomores Rashad Anderson, Denham Brown, and Hilton Armstrong and senior leader Taliek Brown running the show, and Calhoun had arguably his most talented team in 2004.

Ben Gordon and Emeka Okafor led the Huskies to the 2004 national title before becoming the first and second picks in the 2004 draft.
(photo credit SI)

The Huskies would prove that as they won the 2004 national title, coming back from eight down in the final three minutes to beat Duke in the national semifinals before blowing out Georgia Tech in the finals.


No. 6: UConn v. George Mason, Emeka Okafor, Illinois's 2005 team
No. 7: Oklahoma State v. Texas, Carmelo Anthony, Michigan State's 2000 team
No. 8: UCLA v. Gonzaga, Jameer Nelson, Maryland's 2002 team
No. 9: Barton v. Winona State, Blake Griffin, St. Joseph's 2004 team
No. 10: West Virginia v. Wake Forest, Juan Dixon, Kansas's 2008 team
No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.
Continue reading...

The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 20

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 6:


2006: UConn vs. George Mason: This has to be considered the greatest upset of all-time. Tiny George Mason, a school out of the CAA, barely gets into the tournament as an at-large bid, then proceeds to beat Michigan State and UNC on the way to the Elite 8 where they face the mighty Huskies. UConn would send six players off of this team to the NBA, five of them getting drafted in the 2006 draft, and four of those picks going in the first round.

UConn made a little run late in the first half to open up a 12 point lead, but the Patriots, who outrebounded the much bigger Huskies 37-34, would respond early in the second half with six straight three pointers. Mason would eventually open a 67-63 lead at the end of regulation, but missed free throws and timely buckets gave Denham Brown a chance to tie the game, and he did with a tough reverse lay-up at the buzzer, setting up a fantastic OT.



UConn, as talented as they were, never put together a complete game in the 2006 tournament, and it finally came back to bite them against Mason.


Emeka Okafor, UConn: Okafor came to UConn as an impressive defender. Standing just 6'9", Okafor had long arms, great timing, and incredible discipline when it came to blocking shots. But as a freshman, he wasn't much on the offensive side of the ball, averaging just 7.9 ppg - compared to 9.0 rpg and 4.0 bpg.

Okafor led the Huskies to the 2004 national title.
(photo credit: SI)

As a sophomore, however, Okafor started to break out of his shell offensively, and as a junior, his last season in Storrs, he became unstoppable on the block. He averaged 17.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg, and 3.9 bpg while earning first team all america honors (and player of the year honors according to some publications) and winning the Big East player of the year award. Okafor battled back problems all season long, missing a lot of time towards the end of the season. The selection committee thought enough of Okafor in 2004 to give UConn a #2 seed as a result of the big fella being questionable on Selection Sunday. But UConn would go on to win the title, and Okafor won the 2004 Tournament's MOP.

Okafor wasn't just known for his excellence on the court, he was also an outstanding student. Okafor graduated from UConn in three years with a finance degree while sporting a 3.8 GPA.


2005 Illinois Fighiting Illini: Illinois had one of the most dominating seasons in recent memory as they won their first 29 games before losing to Ohio State in the regular season finale. The Illini then rolled through the Big Ten tournament before receiving a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Illinois survived an exciting overtime game against Arizona in the Elite 8, eventually making it all the way to the title game before losing to UNC.

Illinois won both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles, before losing in the 2005 title game.
(photo credit: Illinois Loyalty)

Illinois was loaded in 2005, especially in the back court. Deron Williams, Luther Head, and Dee Brown were all named first or second team all-american, while center James Augustine eventually ended up being a draft pick of the Orlando Magic.


No. 7: Oklahoma State v. Texas, Carmelo Anthony, Michigan State's 2000 team
No. 8: UCLA v. Gonzaga, Jameer Nelson, Maryland's 2002 team
No. 9: Barton v. Winona State, Blake Griffin, St. Joseph's 2004 team
No. 10: West Virginia v. Wake Forest, Juan Dixon, Kansas's 2008 team
No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.
Continue reading...

The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 19

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 7:


2007 Oklahoma State vs. Texas: Two top 25 conference foes. Three overtimes. 208 points. Two stars going head to head. One of the best shots you will ever see. This game had it all.

Kevin Durant started the drama by hitting a three with under a minute left to cut the Oklahoma State lead to 70-68. After JamesOn Fleming hit 1-2 free throws, another freshman by the name of DJ Augustin hit a three to send the game into overtime. The first overtime ended in a flurry. After Kevin Durant scored to tie the game with 24 seconds left, OSU scored on an alley-oop finish by David Monds before DJ Augustin went the length of the floor to tie the game at 83.

The end of the second OT was just as exciting, as Durant hit a three to tie the game with a minute left. After walk-on Tyler Hatch scored to give the Pokes the lead, it looked like the Horns were in trouble after Boggan corralled a rebound, but an ill advised three from Monds and a dunk by Durant at the other end forced the third OT.

The third OT was much of the same. Durant finished an and-one layup to give the Horns a 103-102 with 10 seconds left, just the Horns second lead in the overtimes, but Boggans, who was 6-37 from three on the season coming in, buried a triple for the final score. AJ Abrams traveled and the Pokes won.



How many big shots were there in this game? How great was that atmosphere? How hard were those kids playing? That right there is why college basketball is so great. Keep in mind, this game was played in early January.


Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse: I know that Melo was a one-and-done kid, but the simple fact that he led the Orange to their first national title under Jim Boeheim is enough to get him into the top 10 of our list.

Melo was fantastic in his one season at Syracuse. He was a freshman that was the focal point offensively for a team that won a national title. How often to you see that happen? Melo averaged 22.1 ppg and 10.0 rpg en route to being named a second team all-american and first team all-Big East.

Melo won a title in his only season in Syracuse.
(photo credit: Puerto Rico Herald)

We expect to get some criticism for having Melo rated this high after having played just one season, but think about this: Syracuse was a team that had just one junior and one senior on their roster, was led by two freshman and a sophomore, started the season out unranked, and was carried to a Big East regular season title and a national title by Anthony. How many other players, regardless of the number of seasons that they played, can make that claim.


2000 Michigan State: Michigan State in 2000 was a team loaded with back court stars. Led by the gutty Mateen Cleaves, who was arguably the best leader of the decade, the Spartans had three NBA players in their back court to surround him - Charlie Bell, Morris Peterson, and Jason Richardson coming off the bench.

The Spartans prided themselves on outphysicaling teams on the defensive end. They didn't have a front court full of big names, but the guys they did have could push you around, established position as well as anyone in the country, and hit the glass hard. They finished the season with a plus 11.7 rebounding margin.

Michigan State won both Big Ten titles before beating Florida for a national title.
(photo credit: MSU)

Michigan State went 32-7 on the season, winning both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles before winning a national championship.


No. 8: UCLA v. Gonzaga, Jameer Nelson, Maryland's 2002 team
No. 9: Barton v. Winona State, Blake Griffin, St. Joseph's 2004 team
No. 10: West Virginia v. Wake Forest, Juan Dixon, Kansas's 2008 team
No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.


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The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 18

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 8:


2006: UCLA vs. Gonzaga: Gonzaga controlled the first 37 minutes of this game, going up by 17 in the first half and taking a 71-62 lead into the final three minutes. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute would start the comeback with two free throws, followed with a putback with just over two minutes left. After a missed jumper by Adam Morrison, Jordan Farmar scored at the other end to cut the lead to three, setting up this ending (and arguably Gus Johnson's greatest call):



Adam Morrison would leave Gonzaga after that season, and despite being an all-american (and a national player of the year, according to some outlets), his lasting memory as a college basketball player is lying on the court in tears.


Jameer Nelson, St. Joseph's: Nelson entered St. Joe's with a bang, joining forces with all-american Marvin O'Connor to lead the Hawks to the NCAA Tournament's second round. Nelson averaged 12.5 ppg and 6.5 apg in winning national freshman of the year honors. His sophomore season, St. Joe's would fail to make the tournament, but it was as a junior that Nelson really put himself on the map.

O'Connor, who averaged 18.9 ppg in this Hawks career, graduated and Nelson was forced to carry a much bigger load in the offense. As a junior, Nelson averaged 19.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 4.7 apg as the Hawks once again made the NCAA Tournament, but as a senior Nelson led St. Joe's to one of the best season's in recent memory. The Hawks, on the strength of Nelson and Delonte West in the back court, went 27-0 during the regular season before losing to Xavier in the A-10 tournament. St. Joe's would make it all the way to the Elite 8 before losing to Oklahoma State on a John Lucas three.

Nelson won the 2004 POY awards over Emeka Okafor.
(photo credit: SI)

Nelson averaged 20.6 ppg, 5.3 apg, and 2.9 spg as a senior, winning both the Wooden and Naismith awards before becoming a first round pick in the draft.


2002 Maryland: Coming off of a devastating loss in the 2001 Final Four, blowing a 22 point lead to rival Duke, Gary Williams took basically the same team and led them to an ACC regular season title. After losing in the first round of the ACC Tournament, Maryland went into the NCAA Tournament with a #1 seed and rolled through to a national title.

Maryland had quite a bit of local flavor on their 2002 title team.
(photo credit: Gamespot)

The most impressive part of this title team is that none of these guys were highly touted recruits. Instead, Williams resorted picking the right combination of role players and talented local kids. Juan Dixon (a Baltimore native) was their unquestioned leader, as he overcame a rough childhood and a slight build to become an all-american. Lonny Baxter, a DC native, was their horse on the block. Steve Blake was a good enough point guard that he made an NBA career for himself despite never averaging more than 11 ppg in college. Chris Wilcox was an athlete in the truest sense of the word, and really came on towards the end of his sophomore year. The glue that held this team together was Byron Mouton, a Tulane transfer


No. 9: Barton v. Winona State, Blake Griffin, St. Joseph's 2004 team
No. 10: West Virginia v. Wake Forest, Juan Dixon, Kansas's 2008 team
No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.

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The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 17

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 9:


2007: Barton vs. Winona State: One of the most exciting finishes I have ever seen in a college basketball game. Period. I'm just going to post the video, I hope you have 3:34 free to watch.



Actually, scratch that. I have to say something about this game. I don't care what two teams were playing, what division it was, how big the arena was, or how many pro players these teams produced. This was the most bonkers finish to a National Championship game ever. End of story. It was more bananas than Jordan's shot in 1982, crazier than Jimmy V running around the court looking for somebody to hug, and more perplexing than Chris Webber's timeout call.

The emotional rush that both teams felt must have been the most intense feeling ever. Those last 30 seconds is why you play the game. It's why you play all 40 minutes, whistle to whistle. I can't tell you what state Barton is located in, or what their mascot is, but I will always be able to tell you this: they were National Champions in 2007, and the game will stay in my memory for as long as I live.


Blake Griffin, Oklahoma: Blake Griffin was a freshman the same season as Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, and OJ Mayo, and that, combined with a balky knee, was a big reason why he did not get all that much attention despite averaging 14.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg for a 23-12 team.

It wasn't until his sophomore season that Griffin became unstoppable. And as a sophomore, he was unstoppable. He spent the summer training with Frank Matrisciano, Griffin absolutely dominated college basketball in 2008-2009 while being named player of the year. He averaged 22.7 ppg, 14.4 rpg, and set a Big XII record with 30 double-doubles, one off of David Robinson's national record. More impressive than his numbers, however, were his dunks.




2004 St. Joseph's:
If ever a team was to get less credit than they deserved, it was the 2004 St. Joe's squad without a doubt.. They won 27 games in a row. Neither of Roy Williams' championship teams did that. None of coach Cal's Memphis squads were able to win 27 in a row, and that was in a watered-down C-USA. Hell, the New England Patriots only won 18 games in a row.

The Hawks nearly went wire-to-wire as the #1 team in the A-10, but a loss to Xavier in the A-10 quarterfinals destroyed their hopes of a perfect season. Even after that loss, the Hawks entered the NCAA tournament as a #1 seed and beat Liberty, Texas Tech and Wake Forest before falling to #2 seeded John Lucas Oklahoma State.

The Hawks back court was absurdly talented. Delonte West was an assassin from the perimeter and Jameer Nelson was hands-down the best guard in the country. Many teams with a starting back court like that probably would have squandered a loss somewhere in a 28-game season. But not the Hawks, not in the Atlantic-10 in a down year for Xavier. One member of the 27-1 St. Joe's team who is easily forgotten is Pat Carroll, the small forward who averaged just over 10 ppg. He was often grabbing big boards or making clutch shots, and is usually overshadowed by the efforts of Jameer Nelson, who is considered the poster boy for that storied run in 2004 (He was named PoY). While this team may not be considered the best team of the past decade, it's very possible they had the best regular season of any team in the last ten years. After all, the feat had not been done since UNLV did so in 1991.

No. 10: West Virginia v. Wake Forest, Juan Dixon, Kansas's 2008 team
No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.

Continue reading...

The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 16

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 10:


2005: Wake Forest vs. West Virginia: West Virginia's 2005 team was a typical John Beilein team - shooters at every position on the floor at the cost of quality interior play. Wake Forest exposed this in the second round of the 2005 tournament, as Eric Williams controlled the first half en route to a 40-27 Wake Forest lead at the half.

In the second half, however, the Mountaineers stopped settling for jumpers as much, instead putting the ball on the floor and getting to the paint. West Virginia would complete their comeback on a Tyrone Sally tip-in with 1:07 left that gave WVU a 73-72 lead. West Virgina would hit 4-6 from the line down the stretch, but Taron Downey hit a three with 18 seconds left that tied the game and forced the first overtime.

The first OT was as fast as you are going to see basketball played. West Virginia held the lead for much of the period, but after two Mike Gansey free throws, Downey again hit a three, this time with 6 seconds left, forcing the second overtime. West Virginia controlled the second OT, using a 10-3 run at the start of the half, capped by a Kevin Pittsnoggle three pointer which gave the Mountaineers a 103-96 lead. Wake Forest would not get closer than four the rest of the way.


Mike Gansey was the star on this night, as he scored 19 of his 29 points in the overtimes.


Juan Dixon, Maryland: Replacing Steve Francis was not an enviable task, but Dixon proved to be more than up to the challenge. Playing three seasons as Maryland's go-to scorer and leader, Dixon twice led Maryland to the Final Four, winning the 2002 national title in his final game as a Terp.

As a senior, Dixon carried Maryland as he averaged 20.4 ppg, but his best performances came in the biggest moments. He averaged almost 26 ppg in the 2002 NCAA Tournament, hitting so many big shots. He hit a three to tie the Elite 8 game against UConn at 77, a shot that sparked a decisive 16-5 run. His bucket against Kansas ended a big Jayhawk, giving Maryland a seven point lead with just over a minute left. In the title game, a three midway through the second half gave Maryland their final lead at 45-44.

Dixon overcame a lot in his life as he became a top 10 player of the decade.
(photo credit: SI)

Dixon was named ACC Player of the Year as a senior and had his number retired by the Terps. Rightfully so, as he is their career leader in points scored, threes, and steals.


2008 Kansas Jayhawks: If you want an idea about how good Kansas was during the 2007-2008 season, think about this - Sherron Collins came off the bench and Cole Aldrich barely played. With that kind of talent buried on the bench, you would figure the Jayhawks top six players would be pretty good; and they were. Five players - Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush, Sasha Kaun, Darnell Jackson, and Darrell Arthur - would be picked in the 2008 NBA Draft.


More impressive than the talent on this team was their ability to play together. As the 2006 UConn Huskies taught us, talent doesn't always blend. Here, it did. The Jayhawks went 37-3 on the season, winning a share of the Big XII regular season crown, the Big XII tournament, and eventually the 2008 national title.


No. 11: Kansas v. Memphis, TJ Ford, Syracuse's 2003 team
No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.

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The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 15

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 11:


2008: Kansas vs. Memphis: For the first Final Four ever comprised of all four #1 seeds, Kansas and Memphis made sure the title game would be one to remember. The first half was a battle, and while neither team was scoring in the 80's, it was fast paced and saw the lead change hands a number of times.

In the second half, Derrick Rose took over, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the second 20 minutes. Memphis took control of the game, building up a nine point lead with 2:12 remaining. But Memphis couldn't hit their free throws down the stretch, missing four of five setting up this shot by Mario Chalmers:



Kansas would go on to score the first six points in overtime, sapping any remaining drama and winning the national title. What came out of this game was two questions. First, how important is it to be a good free throw shooting team? The knock on Memphis all season long was that they couldn't hit their free throws. And second, why doesn't Coach Cal foul when he is up three with under ten seconds left?


TJ Ford, Texas: Ford was in Austin for two seasons, but he led a Texas program, a school known more for their football team than their basketball team, to new heights. As a freshman, he won Big XII freshman of the year honors, as well as picking up national freshman of the year honors from a couple media outlets, as he averaged 14.8 ppg and 8.2 apg. He became the first freshman to lead the country in assists.

Ford was the national player of the year in 2003.
(photo credit: TexasSports)

As a sophomore, Ford was, if possible, even better. He posted 15.5 ppg and 7.7 apg, and while Texas won neither the Big XII regular season or tournament titles, the Longhorns were given their first NCAA Tournament #1 seed in school history. Ford was a consensus first team all-american and won both the Naismith and Wooden awards while leading the Longhorns to their first Final Four appearance since 1947.

The Texas basketball program has been one of the best in the country under Rick Barnes, and Ford is the guy that made Texas relevant.


2003 Syracuse Orange: The Orange are the first national title winners on this list. Led by freshmen Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara and sophomore Hakim Warrick, Syracuse rolled through the Big East, winning a share of the regular season title by going 13-3 in the league.

The Orange (then the Orangemen) spent a good chunk of the season unranked, largely due to their youth. Syracuse had just one senior and one junior in their rotation, but Anthony proved to be a difference maker. Averaging 22.1 ppg and 10.0 rpg, Anthony was named NCAA freshman of the year and a 2nd team all-american before the Orange stormed through the tournament, winning Jim Boeheim his first national title. He would win the 2003 NCAA Tournament MOP award


No. 12: West Virginia v. Louisville, Stephen Curry, and UCLA's 2008 team
No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 team
No. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.
Continue reading...

The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 14

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 12:


2005: West Virginia vs. Louisville: John Beilein's upstart West Virginia team, led by the likes of Kevin Pittsnoggle and Mike Gansey, were on fire in the first half. They hit 10 of their 18 threes (on just 14 attempts) in the first 20 minutes and made 11 of thier first 16 shots overall, opening up a 20 point lead at one point, which Louisville trimmed to 13 at the break.

But the Cardinals changed their game plan in the second half. Instead of using their usual 2-3 zone, Rick Pitino's team started pressing and trapping all over the court, and it worked. A couple times Louisville got within striking distance, but it wasn't until a Larry O'Bannon lay-up, two of his team-high 24 points, with 38 seconds left tied the score at 77 that the Cardinals made it all the way back. It was the first time the game was tied since 3-3.

Louisville celebrates their comeback win over West Virginia.
(photo credit: NCBSports)

Both teams missed a shot at the end of regulation, and in the extra period, the Mountaineers shots stopped falling. Louisville would end up winning 93-85, making Rick Pitino the first men's coach to take three teams to the Final Four.


Stephen Curry, Davidson: Curry was a star in the making as a freshman at Davidson, as he averaged 21.5 ppg on the season, putting 30 on Maryland in the Wildcat's first round NCAA Tournament loss. As a sophomore, he was just as prolific scoring the ball, averaging 25.5 ppg despite being the focal point of every team's defensive scheme.

It was the 2008 NCAA Tournament that Curry became a national media darling. The kid who looked not a day over 15 led Davidson within two points of a Final Four trip in one of the greatest individual performances of all-time. In the first round against Gonzaga, Curry scored 30 second half points (40 on the game) and hit 8-10 threes as the Wildcats came back from an 11 point second half deficit for the win. Two days later, Curry led Davidson with 30 points, 25 in the second half, as the Wildcats overcame a 17 point second half deficit to advance to the Sweet 16. In the Sweet 16, Curry went for 33 points as Davidson beat the third seeded Wisconsin Badgers by 17, setting up a date with Kansas for a trip to the Final Four. Curry had 25 against the Jayhawks, but missed a couple shots late as Davidson lost. In that 2008 Tournament, Curry became just the fourth player to go for 30+ in his first four games, set the NCAA's single season three point record, and became the first player in 14 years to win a regional MOP despite his team not winning the region.

In his third and final collegiate season, Curry was a consensus all-american, but his supporting cast was no where near as good as in 2008. In fact, there was even a game against Loyola MD where Curry was face-guarded by two players throughout the game, allowing the rest of the players to play 4-on-3. Curry went scoreless, but Davidson won. Davidson would lose in the Southern conference tournament, sending Curry to the NIT.




2008 UCLA Bruins: The third year of UCLA's three straight Final Four was probably the Bruins best team. As any Ben Howland team is, the 2008 Bruins were a force defensively. It started up front with Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook, who absolutely terrorized Pac-10 point guards with their quickness and athleticism. It didn't hurt having players like Josh Shipp and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute either, as both of were big, strong kids that could play multiple positions.

But the focal point of this team was Kevin Love. Love was a monster on the block. He could rebound the ball, he could score in the post, he was one of the best I've seen at establishing and holding position on both ends of the floor, but his most impressive attribute was his outlet passing ability. He was able to throw a chest pass the length of the floor with damn near pinpoint precision, a valuable skill to have with guys like Westbrook and Collison running the floor.

Westbrook's thunderous dunks were a large part of UCLA's success.
(photo credit: Pac-10 Rivalry)

UCLA wouldn't win a national title as they lost to Memphis in the national semifinals, but they did win 35 games while bringing home Pac-10 regular season and tournament titles en route to a #1 seed in the tournament.


No. 13: Gonzaga v. Arizona, Kevin Durant, and Florida's 2006 Team
No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 teamNo. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.
Continue reading...

The BIAH Advent Calendar: Day 13

Yup, it is December. And as the temperatures outside drop, the heat is rising on college campuses across the country as basketball season kicks into full swing. But December is also a time to reflect on the past year. This December is special, because as we draw closer to the new year, we get closer to the end of the aughts. In the spirit of the holidays, we are going to celebrate the decade past by counting down the top 25 games, players, and teams of the last 10 years with the BIAH advent calender. Each day, we will be unveiling the next on each of our lists, culminating with our gift to you on Christmas Day: the best game, the best player, and the best team of the 2000's.

Here is No. 13:


2003: Gonzaga vs. Arizona: This game took place when Gonzaga was yet to be considered a national powerhouse, which meant that the tiny school from Spokane competing with Arizona, who was considered an overwhelming favorite not just in the game, but to win the entire NCAA Tournament, was all the more impressive.

This was one of the most exciting games I've ever watched, which means there is no possible way for me to put the excitement and the drama into words. After Jason Gardner missed one of two free throws, Tony Skinner scored two of his career-high 25 points on a putback off of a missed Blake Stepp three to tie the game and force overtime. Arizona took an 87-84 lead in the first OT, but a Blake Stepp three tied it. After a jump ball, Gonzaga scored on the inbounds play to take a lead, but Luke Walton tied it up and forced the second overtime. Salim Stoudamire hit a three to put Arizona up 94-93, but Skinner answered with two free throws to give the Zags the lead back. But Stoudmire hit a floater with 2:09 left in the game to give Arizona a 96-95 lead, and no one else would score the rest of the way. Gonzaga missed four shots in the last two minutes, including an open jumper from Skinner and a five foot bank shot by Stepp off the rebound at the buzzer.

Arizona celebrates after surviving Gonzaga in the 2003 second round.
(photo credit: Reuters)

To get a feel for how good this game was, and if you have 25 minutes to spare, you can watch the last 10 minutes of regulation and the overtimes by going here.


Kevin Durant, Texas: Kevin Durant played just one season of college basketball, but that season was easily one of the most impressive of the decade. Durant averaged 25.8 ppg and 11.1 rpg as he was named national player of the year by basically everyone relevant outlet, but it was during Big XII play that Durant really broke out. During the conference season, Durant averaged 28.9 ppg and 12.5 rpg, including a 37 point (one of four games he scored 37 points in a game), 23 rebound performance against Texas Tech and a 29 point, 13 rebound game against Baylor in which he scored 24 second half points as the Longhorns overcame a 20 point deficit in the Big XII tournament.



Texas started four freshman in '06-'07, which was a large part of the reason that the Longhorns were knocked out in the second round of the tournament despite having DJ Augustin and Damion James on the roster with Durant. It was widely noted that head coach Rick Barnes rarely called out plays for his team, instead relying on his players to get the ball to Durant and allowing his natural talent to take over. Makes his numbers all the more impressive, doesn't it?


2006 Florida Gators: In 2006, Florida was unranked in the preseason, and rightfully so. After losing their top three scorers - Matt Walsh, Anthony Roberson, and David Lee - off of a 24 win team, the Gators leading returning scorer was Corey Brewer at 7.5 ppg. With a group of inexperienced sophomores leading Florida, not much was expected from Florida, and it stayed that way until a trip to New York for the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. Florida would knock off both Wake Forest and Syracuse, and would continue to win their next 13 games, opening the season 17-0 and shooting up to 2nd in the national polls.

Florida went from unranked to the national title in 2006.
(photo credit: USA Today)

Florida struggled down the stretch of the season, losing six of their final 13 games, but they rolled through the SEC Tournament. During the NCAA Tournament, the Gators dominated, with their only true test coming in the Sweet 16 against Georgetown. The most impressive part? After winning the title, Corey Brewers, Joakim Noah, and Al Horford all decided to return to college for their junior season, despite their post-season performance shooting them up NBA Draft boards.


No. 14: UConn v. Duke, Joakim Noah, and Duke's 2002 teamNo. 15: Oklahoma State v. St. Joe's, Chris Paul, and UConn's 2006 team
No. 16: Gonzaga v. Oklahoma State, Ty Lawson, and Kentucky's 2003 team
No. 17: Duke v. Maryland in the 2001 Final Four, Deron Williams, and Gonzaga's 2006 team
No. 18: Duke v. Indiana, Mateen Cleaves, Gonzaga
No. 19: Syracuse v. Kansas, Dwyane Wade, UCLA's 2006 team
No. 20: Pitt v. Villanova, Michael Beasley, and Duke's 2004 team
No. 21: Duke vs. Maryland in the 2001 ACC Semis, Josh Howard, Arizona's 2001 team
No. 22: Marquette v. Kentucky, Tayshaun Prince, UConn's 2009 team
No. 23: Vermont v. Syracuse, Andrew Bogut, and Memphis's 2008 team.
No. 24: UConn v. Miami, Luke Harangody, and Kansas's 2003 team
No. 25: Drake v. Western Kentucky, Wayne Simien, and Louisville's 2009 team.
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