Griz getting ESPN props

[grizpack]

Andy Katz just picked the Griz on Colin Cowherd's show too.

[Paytonlives]

UM gets up and down the floor and wins by 9...

[IdaGriz01]

Andy Katz just picked the Griz on Colin Cowherd's show too.

Aside from the Katz-Gottlieb spiels in various venues, ESPN has also posted a printed commentary at
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2012/story/_/id/7675189/east-region-breakdown-2012-ncaa-tournament

Go there for the whole thing, but here are the parts that mention the Griz.

East Region Breakdown
…
8. Wisconsin will have its hands full against a Montana team that has won 14 in a row. The Badgers' offense stalled during a Big Ten tournament semifinal loss to Michigan State. They won't last long if that trend continues.
…
Five Players to Watch ...
3. Jordan Taylor: He struggled early, but Taylor ultimately found a rhythm in Big Ten play. Last season, he shared Wisconsin's scoring responsibilities with Jon Leuer. With Leuer in the NBA, Taylor has had to adjust offensively. But he's back to his old ways just in time for the Big Dance. He has scored 19, 12, 16, 22 and 19 points, respectively, in Wisconsin's past five games.
…
Three … Games to Watch …
3. Wisconsin-Montana: Upset alert. The Grizzlies are on a hot streak and Will Cherry (16.0 ppg) is a stud. I was impressed with the way this team finished the season in the Big Sky. Weber State is solid and the Grizzlies beat their conference rivals by 19 to win the Big Sky tournament. Wisconsin's defense anchors Bo Ryan's system. But the Badgers' offense has been problematic in recent weeks. They could get caught here.
…
Possible Cinderella
Montana: The Grizzlies haven't lost since Jan. 14. The Grizzlies had the Big Sky's top scoring defense and margin of victory. Like the Badgers, they're built on defense. And with that, the Grizzlies could shake up the region. They have five players averaging 9.2 ppg or more.

As he said, Wisconsin is known for its strong defense, and so are the Griz (but less so). They held opponents to 52.9 ppg, the best in the country. The Griz are #47 in opp ppg, giving up 61.9, according to NCAA stats. The Badgers are particularly good at defending the three-pointer.

Aside from Taylor, they also have a big guy -- Jared Berggren (6'10) -- who plays tough inside (53 blocked shots) but can go outside for a 3-pointer. I've only seen Wisconsin play a few times (Big Ten Network), but they can give you bruises on the inside. Our bigs have shown steady improvement toward the end of the season -- that's got to continue.

This could be an ugly game to watch for anyone but the fans of the two teams.

[Tokyogriz]

Andy katz picks montana over cheeseheads as well.

[wbtfg]

Andy katz picks montana over cheeseheads as well.

Yep...lots of different picks out there. One guy, Joe Luinardi I think, has Wisconsin in the final four.

[Tokyogriz]

hmm guess I should read threads before I post lol. Andy Katz was on there couple times already....

[putter]

Andy katz picks montana over cheeseheads as well.

Yep...lots of different picks out there. One guy, Joe Luinardi I think, has Wisconsin in the final four.

Lunardi had Montana as a 15 also....

[Growler1]

I'm not going to say the 'experts' are wrong, etc, etc, etc. As far as I know, they could be right! However, for Badger coaches and players, it has to be a little irritating to continually be picked as the upset special each season! Last season, they were a popular upset pick and they ended up beating Belmont by 14. There is a reason Bo Ryan is 9-1 in opening round games.

Don't know much about Will Cherry, but I don't think he will get too many opportunities to take the ball away from Jordan Taylor, who is among the best in NCAA history in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Can Cherry play defense in the post? The Badgers haven't run the swing offense too much this season (or so it seems), but at close to 200 pounds, Jordan Taylor is one of the strongest point guards in the country and shows no hesitation in posting up other guards.

I am sure Cherry is a fine player and I am by no means trying to be disrespectful, but Jordan Taylor was a Second Team All-American as a junior and a Pre-Season All-American coming into this season. He has had somewhat of a 'down season', but has actually averaged over 16 PPG against Big Ten competition. I'd certainly give him the upper-hand without hesitation, but maybe I'm just biased

Edit: This is a really one-sided post as I don't know much about Cherry other than his accolades. Please rebuttal! I, like other Badger posters here, are still trying to learn more about your program!

Cherry was the conference defensive MVP. He is lightning quick and very athletic. He is 6th in the nation in steals per game and blocks alot of shots. He is Montana's all-time steal leader, even though he is only a junior. Montana's other guard is 6'5". Both were first team all-conference.

I see that some sports analysts are indicating that Cherry can play with Taylor (or better). In a game over the weekend, a tv analyst listed Cherry as one of the five players in the tourney who could make a big difference in the tournament (or something like that).

You may want to do a bit more research, before making some of the declarations you're making.

You and your "research". Quit talking down to our guests like you try to do to our own posters. You know zero about the game of basketball. Why don't you fly down to Albuquerque a influence the referees to help the Griz again.

[DoubleNicks]

I like getting some recognition, but is anyone else worried that so many experts are picking the Griz? Kinda giving the Badgers the motivation that the Griz should have coming in as the underdog...

[Tokyogriz]

Not really they most likely believe their own over hyped shit they get from others. No way are they taking any of those comments seriously as supposedly their fans claim their are MALIGNED in the press every year.... not because they deserve it... but because the press hates them. Odd to hear such lame Republican tripe from a Democratic state....

They are going down just like Nevada did with a shocked look on their faces the last few seconds of the game.

[stubbins]

I like getting some recognition, but is anyone else worried that so many experts are picking the Griz? Kinda giving the Badgers the motivation that the Griz should have coming in as the underdog...

Nope...this happened in 06 as well...Montana was the hot pick from people like Dan Patrick and the likes as the upset pick....

[wanderinggriz]

Not really they most likely believe their own over hyped shit they get from others. No way are they taking any of those comments seriously as supposedly their fans claim their are MALIGNED in the press every year.... not because they deserve it... but because the press hates them. Odd to hear such lame Republican tripe from a Democratic state....

They are going down just like Nevada did with a shocked look on their faces the last few seconds of the game.

Though I'm not a partisan you appear to be a douche bag, girl friend. STFU, if you want to opine on politics there are a lot of forums, we are talking sports here.

[stubbins]

Not really they most likely believe their own over hyped shit they get from others. No way are they taking any of those comments seriously as supposedly their fans claim their are MALIGNED in the press every year.... not because they deserve it... but because the press hates them. Odd to hear such lame Republican tripe from a Democratic state....

They are going down just like Nevada did with a shocked look on their faces the last few seconds of the game.

I try not to get into politics on here...does no good. But, you on the other hand, have no problem sounding like an idiot, do you?

[wbtfg]

Not really they most likely believe their own over hyped shit they get from others. No way are they taking any of those comments seriously as supposedly their fans claim their are MALIGNED in the press every year.... not because they deserve it... but because the press hates them. Odd to hear such lame Republican tripe from a Democratic state....

They are going down just like Nevada did with a shocked look on their faces the last few seconds of the game.

Wow...that's what you're going with?



Really?

[GrizPony]

Not really they most likely believe their own over hyped shit they get from others. No way are they taking any of those comments seriously as supposedly their fans claim their are MALIGNED in the press every year.... not because they deserve it... but because the press hates them. Odd to hear such lame Republican tripe from a Democratic state....

They are going down just like Nevada did with a shocked look on their faces the last few seconds of the game.

Tokyo swings and misses again!!!!!

[Tokyogriz]

Wisconsin Fan site http://buckyville.yuku.com/forums/3

There are many references in regards to predictions throughout the site of an upset (predictions by sports writers) and how Wisconsin is always picked on for no reason or just because they are disliked or get no respect by the press.

As for Republicans complaining about the " Press Conspiracy/Bias" I wont bother to link the endless amounts of articles of Republicans claiming this. Everyone has heard these claims hundreds it not thousands of times. Sarah Palin, Rush, Newt, etc, the list goes on and we all know many many more examples. Just about every republican I have heard of and even know in real life truely believes the "media bias" is 110% real.

My comments are relevant as the Badgers are claiming the upset talk is all a conspiracy against them just as Republicans do. The use of Republicans is fair as they are the most well known and documented case of this use of supposed claim of "Press Conspiracy/Bias" in american life atm.

Is it possible Montana actually has the skills needed to upset Wisconsin instead of it being some press conspiracy? I think there is a fair chance the kids from Montana do have those skills instead of it being a "Press Conspiracy/Bias".

[first11]

some in the bb world have it all wrong, it is NOT if Griz can beat the Badgers, it IS are the Badgers able to beat the Griz. I like the Griz in a 60 some to 59 win!

[wbtfg]

If I were the griz id rather be playing Wisconsin than iona. Wow....what a first half offensive barage for the gaels.

[AZDoc]

If I were the griz id rather be playing Wisconsin than iona. Wow....what a first half offensive barage for the gaels.

And then they crap down their pants!