Spring Break: and we're back

We were gone for a while and I know a lot of you were sad, but not to worry because Memorial Jim is back. It is no surprise that while our blog was on spring break, the Commodores went on a minor slide (optimistically speaking). A lot went down while we were gone, so let's get right down to business and talk basketball.

First off, we lost to South Carolina. I'm not going to spend much time on that because it was so long ago, but I think as Coach Stallings indicated some guys didn't come with any energy. We also lost Tinsley to injury that day, which some people don't realize is a really big deal. (This is a topic that will come back to help us as the NCAA tournament plays out). Either way, Devan Downey lit us up and we fell to an inferior South Carolina team.

Then we went downtown for the SEC tourney, where a lot of people expected us to take advantage of our easy draw and make it to the finals. Playing Georgia, then Miss St., we thought we were avoiding all of the best teams in the conference until the finals. It was all aligned for a rematch of Vandy and Kentucky in the finals. We messed it up, in my opinion as a result of the incredible defense Jarvis Varnardo plays. He essentially took away the whole paint, shutting down Ogilvy, Tcheingang, and Taylor. Those are three players we need to be successful. Something promising that I saw from the Semifinal, was a rebirth of confidence from Brad Tinsley. The truth is, we need Brad if we are going to be as complete of a team as we can be. Having Brad gives us more firepower off the bench, it helps Jermaine Beal be a better player because he can get a few more minutes to rest, and he doesn't have to try to be the only guy at all times. Not to mention, having another good shooter on the floor takes more attention from their defense and allows everybody else more consistent looks, which is something we have not necessarily had in the past few games. I think the two 3's that Tinsley hit against Miss St. were very important towards our success in the NCAAs.

Finally, what everybody has been waiting for.......
VANDERBILT (4) vs. MURRAY STATE (13)

The Murray State Racers went 30-4 this year and won the Ohio Valley Conference. They also have a balanced scoring attack, as 5 of their players averaged double figures throughout the year. Still however, if you break down their schedule, they have beaten NOBODY. They played one major conference team which was Cal in their first game of the season. Granted they have won 30 of 33 games since then, but it's hard to be afraid of them when they really haven't been tested at all. In addition, they're biggest player is 6'9" 200 lbs, while A.J. Ogilvy is 6'11" and weighs 250 lbs. It's easy to look at the way AJ played against Mississippi State and dismiss his effectiveness, but at the same time Jarvis Varnardo is the best defensive player in the country. AJ is extremely effective vs. big guys who he is bigger and stronger than.

Although it is extremely important for Vandy to be super prepared for Thursday's game, I think they are the far better team. If they play the game they have been playing all season long, they should advance to play either Butler (5) or UTEP (12) in the second round.

More NCAA talk to come, all week

South Carolina @ (13) Vanderbilt

Tonight is the night for Jermaine 'Dolla' Beal. Senior night. It's been a long road for Beal, who made it to the sweet 16 as a freshman, and took his team to a 26-7 year as a sophomore, including a notable victory over #1 Tennessee at home. Now, however, he is leading the best team he's ever been a part of. On Saturday, Beal and the Commodores will try to finish up with the best SEC record that Beal has had in his 4 years. South Carolina comes to town fighting to avoid being the 6 seed in the SEC East for the tournament. Their season has been quite up and down after handing Kentucky their first loss back in January, but falling far under .500 in the SEC and losing out on their NCAA tournament chances. Today's game is a game that the Commodores really are expected to win, and it is a must win if Vandy is going to secure a 3 seed on selection Sunday. Beal will play an integral role, and the Dores will need a repeat performance from John Jenkins, who had 6 three pointers on Tuesday in Gainseville. There's not much to say about this one, except that Vandy has to take care of business early and often, establishing the tempo of the game on their home court.

Those who are still on campus, get to Memorial and support Jermaine, make the atmosphere as good as ever in the gym, giving South Carolina no chance to ruin senior night.

Prediction: Vandy 78 South Carolina 64 --- Beal goes out with a bang.

Highlights from Vandy-Florida

Thanks to VUCommodores.com

The Evolution of Brilliance: Jenkins leads Dores to 64-60 Win Over Gators

I had to pause it. It was too awesome of an image.

The number of the night was 6. That's how many three's John Jenkins nailed in Gainseville tonight to propel his team past the Florida Gators. The best part is, he's only a freshman! I loved how young he sounded in his interview with Jennine Edwards on ESPN after the game. It was obvious he had never done a post game interview on ESPN before in his life. But let's be real, how many 18 year olds have?

The Commodores got off to a great start early, which was really important. We didn't sustain the 13 point lead that we built up early, but it was important to keep the crowd out of the game early and avoid one of our sloppy starts. Beal and Jenkins hit 3's early and A.J. gave us a good offensive performance. Even though people give Ogilvy heat, you have to give it to the guy, his 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals are pretty typical for him. After a huge run at the end of the half by Florida, the Commodores went into halftime with a 3 point lead at 38-35. The Dores came out quickly in the beginning of hte second half but entered a drought to allow the Gators to go up as many as 5. The funniest part is that ESPN kept talking about how Florida hadn't lost when they were leading with 5 minutes remaining in the game (19-0). Once the clock ticked 5 minutes, and we were down by 1, I just had a feeling that streak was going to end, and I was right. Down the stretch, our boy Johnny Jenkins knocked down some key 3 pointers to give the Commodores the lead for good. Vandy clinched a bye in the SEC tournament and improved to 23-6 (12-3), adding another impressive road win to their already padded resume. Florida dropped to 9-6 in the SEC and put themselves in even more jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament for the 3rd straight year.

Two major points stood out to me: Coach Stallings is a genius for inserting Jenkins into the starting lineup, and Jermaine Beal knocking down those two free throws at the end of the game is hopefully indicative of what we're going to get in the post season. He didn't have his best game, only 13 points, but the dude stepped up with swagger and confidence and just sealed the game. That is leadership right there ladies and gentlemen, and that's what you need to win championships. I said in the Florida pregame that Stallings was hoping to get the most out of his team at this time of the year, and it's obvious that he did so tonight. Jenkins hit 6 three's for god sake!

I often wonder, why we don't get more love from the media?! ESPN talks about NCAA tournament seeding and the bubble, but they almost NEVER discuss Vanderbilt. I feel like this will end up being a good thing, as we'll fly under the radar until the media has no choice but to start talking about us.

A great Vanderbilt Commodore victory tonight, we should all be proud.

(13) Vanderbilt @ Florida

Yea, that's right i'm using the AP poll and not the ESPN/USA Today poll. Fuck the coaches for putting us at 19 and having Tennessee at 13. Whoop-dee-doo they beat Kansas and Kentucky. I don't care if they beat the Celtics, the bottom line is we worked them twice. WORKED. They had no answer for us, we showed the world twice that we are better than them.

Anyway, I digress.

Vandy travels to Gainseville tonight for an SEC East showdown that Florida needs realllyyyyy badly. They sit at 9-5 after a tough loss to UGA on Saturday (can't say i'm surprised), with a chance to win a game that would probably lock them into the NCAA tournament field. For Vandy, we're playing this game for seeding. As I broke down earlier, with a home game vs. South Carolina coming up to end the season, winning this one puts us in great position to earn that much desired 3 seed.

In the last battle between these two teams in Memorial Gym, Vandy won 95-87 in a highly offensive battle. A.J. Ogilvy dropped 24 in the first meeting, and my boy Dolla' Beal killed it with 22.

Fun Fact for the game: Vandy is 5-2 on the road in conference, a stat that is unusually high for Kevin Stallings coached teams. The ability to win on the road is something that Shan Foster's team lacked in 2007-2008 and it came back to bite them in the NCAA tournament in Tampa Bay.

With a win, Vandy clinches a bye in the first round of the SEC tournament.

Prediction: Florida 79 Vanderbilt 75 F/OT ---- we're going to see a much more physical battle, but Florida has to much to gain at home, the swamp is going to be bumpin tonight on ESPN.

Talk about being able to dribble before you can walk...

Not the we at Memorialjim actually support this growing phenomenon of coaches offering scholarships to kids who aren't even allowed to ride a roller coaster, but come on. Jashaun runs a mile faster than it takes you to walk from Bscomb to Sarratt (yes, even if you use the side door). He is draining shots from downtown, and he is self motivated. Not to mention this kid is already a stud. Seriously, what says "future superstar" more than getting to go on Ellen. Also, his dad said, "my goal is just to get him to college so he can be a doctor, lawyer, whatever he wants to do." Sounds like Vandy material to me. Plus with the oxygen he is taking to his brain I am sure he would dominate on the SATs. Can you say Ingram Scholar? Not to mention, with the help of Wikipedia we found out that Komo4 is a news station out in Seattle. With the PAC10 as crappy as it is, this is the moment for us to lock up this peewee all star.
Give this little dude a scholarship...

The polls are in!

New polls out this morning. Vandy slots in all the way up at 13 in the AP Poll, moving up three spots, and at 19 in the ESPN/USA Today Poll, sliding up a mere one spot. I have to say that something is up with the disparity between these two polls. Usually they line up relatively well...





You know what really grinds my gears? When a poll doesn't take account the fact that you have beaten a team twice, have a better record, and a higher standing in your conference. Seriously, ESPN/USA Today people? I get that the Vols beat Kentucky, but come on. We are chilling at 19 and they skyrocket up to 13? Give me a break.

Regardless, the great thing about these polls is that they do not really mean anything. Yup, that is right. As BGB has said so many times: My friends, its all about the RPI. Surprisingly, despite pulling out two wins this week we dropped down a spot to 16 on that chart. Fear not! According to ESPN Guru Joe Lunardi's "nitty gritty report" we stand in great position as the last three seed. I think it goes without saying that we would take that spot in a heartbeat. The only way we can make sure that happens is by taking care of business this week.

Bring It On, Canada

Okay, we get it. You play hockey. Well you still suck. I actually fell asleep during overtime this afternoon (naturally, its hockey) and had a dream the boys in Black and Gold laced up their skates and dominated the shit out of your gold medal squad. And hell if Vandy's starting 5 didn't make the U.S. proud. Beal and Tinsley proved to me they can straight up dangle, and Crosby ain't got shit on Jenkins -- number 23 spotted up from 20 feet away and scored the game winner in overtime. Wait it was just a dream? I don't care. Give us a puck, ice, and some size 49 skates for My Boy Festus and I guarantee we run with Canada everyday of the week, 24/7, 365 -- 366 on a leap year. Because that's what Stallings does. He molds champions. Its no coincidence gold signifies the highest standard of athletic achievement.

Gimme dat, dat, dat Gold

P.S. Canada is lucky our fearless founder Cornelius Vanderbilt was generous enough to donate some of his gold so the Olympic Committee could even make these medals. Old Cornelius wiped his ass with maple leafs.

Thoughts on the Week Ahead

There are a number of things I am contemplating coming into the final week of the SEC season. First off, I have been thinking in my head the potential NCAA seeding we could receive based on the variety of ways this weeks games could play out. Secondly, I have been thinking about the implications of the fact that Coach Stallings started John Jenkins on Saturday. We all know it's a big deal to start Jenkins for Tinsley 27 games into the season.

To begin, here are the facts: Vanderbilt is 22-6 (11-3) with an RPI of 11 and Strength of Schedule of 20. We are also 5-2 against teams with an RPI between 1 and 50. That is a big statistic for our resume because we have essentially collected 5 quality wins in the eyes of the tournament committee (Tennessee, @Tennessee, @St. Mary's, Florida, and Missouri)

So, best case scenario: I think if we win on Tuesday in Gainseville and we close out the season with a victory over South Carolina we are in really good shape. That would mean we would be 13-3 in the SEC and have 6 quality wins. If we then win at least our first round game in the SEC tournament I think we are good for a 4 seed. If we make it to the finals of the SEC tournament which is very feasible, we should secure a 3 seed. Now, if we WIN the SEC tournament, which requires beating Kentucky, I think we have a serious case for a 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. Critics always say, "you can't beat a good team 3 times," so according to the critics if we're a good team we should take down Kentucky if we see them again.

Having said that, what if we go on the pessimistic route. What if we lose at Florida and beat South Carolina at home. Then lets say we bust in the SEC tournament and get knocked out in our first game. If this happens we will be 12-4 in the SEC and we will show the committee a resume of 23-8. I think that would make us good for a 5 seed, even though historically going 12-4 in the conference would generally mean a 4 seed or better. The truth is, having the SEC tournament in Nashville, I think the committee needs us to at least make the semifinals to prove anything. Further, going to the finals is probably the standard we are held to given our body of work throughout the season.

Moving on to topic number 2. What does it mean that Stallings decided to start Jenkins? I think that this was Coach Stallings saying to his team and the rest of the country, I brought this kid along, who is a fabulous player, and he's finally ready t ocontribute his full potential to our team. So to me, although I think Brad Tinsley is a great player, this move signifies Vanderbilt making its move to the next level as a team. It makes sense that Coach saw this move coming, but he wanted to make sure it was truly time before he made the move. If the change goes as planned, Vanderbilt should seek its full potential with Jenkins in the starting lineup. I've always wondered why our 5 star recruit, 15th best freshman in the land doesn't start. It was all a psychological play on Coach's part, he wanted to get the most out of his young player, and hopefully this was the best course of action.

Bottom line is, we have a big week ahead of us. hopefully the guys will go get it, I'll have a breakdown of the two specific matchups later on in the week. Check back tomorrow for more.

Rad OMEN Takes Us into Saturday Night

Heres to taking this week's victory celebrations to new heights...


Jump to the full screen YouTube video

Vandy @ Arkansas Highlights (Thanks ESPN)

Makin' the Piggies Squeal: Dores Win 89-72

Coming off a dangerously close overtime game against UGA, Vandy maintained momentum and tore through a razorback team that in recent years has had the 'Dores number in Fayetteville. Arkansas had won 5 of the least 6 meetings, but that would stop today.

Interestingly, Stallings made a slight alteration to the starting lineup, opting for Johnny J over Tinsley. Vandy started the game hot going on a 10-4 run, and they never looked back. Despite a phenomenal performance by Arkansas forward Marshawn Powell who led the piggies with 27 points, the Dores maintained at least a ten point differential for almost the entire contest.

Jeff Taylor was a force, leading the time with 18 points, 5 boards, and 2 assists. He went 6-10 from the field, and was a perfect 6-6 from the stripe. Once again demonstrating an uncanny ability to get to the hole, he threw down a beautiful reverse slam off an assist from Tinsley. In that mold, Vandy's ball movement was drastically improved. Passes were quick and accurate, and the players showed vision not seen since the win over Tennessee at Memorial.

AJ added 14 and was essential in getting the Razorbacks in early foul trouble. Stallings clearly intended to send a message to Tinsley who has struggled in recent weeks, and coming off the bench Brad answered. He had 13 points, 8 from free throws, and also tied for a game high 6 boards.

Having been limited in playing time much of the season, Darshawn made the most of his 20 minutes today by breaking into double digits with 11 points, going a solid 5-7 from the field. Johnny-boy had 13, and went 3-5 from behind the arc. Surprisingly, coming off a 28-point performance against Georgia, Dolla had a quiet game; unable to find a rhythm he only made 3 of his 11 shots.

Overall the ‘Dores showed flexibility, adjusting nicely in the second half to Powell, and running the zone well. Stallings said after the game, “we seemed very in-sync, very together, and very purposeful.” Pointedly, Vandy did what they had to do. Stallings was happy to get the Arkansas “monkey off [his] back,” and maintain position for a bye in the upcoming SEC tournament.

A day after the big sleazy, John Calipari, called an SEC Championship meaningless, the Vols knocked off his Wildcats in Knoxville. Miraculously, that loss keeps the Dores hopes alive for that “meaningless” distinction. They now stand one back of the conference leaders. Kentucky still has to play at Georgia against a very strong Bulldog squad, and then host a Florida Gator team that will be out to prove something to the NCAA Tournament committee. Regardless, for our championship dreams to become reality the ‘Dores must take care of business at Florida and then at home against South Carolina.

Memorialjim wants to throw BIG UPS to The Duffman, Meriwether, and Jordan Smart for getting time today, and to Aaron Knoll for hitting his free throws late in the game.

Recruitin' On Up: "Hot" Rod Odom

Understated is the word that most immediately comes to mind when looking at the Dore’s 2010 class. In typical Vandy fashion this group is composed of guys who will develop into fundamental role players, and holy shit is this group talented. Over the next week we will be breaking down this newest crop of Commodore netters.

Exhibit A: Rod Odom, SF

Once upon a time Concord, Massachusets was known as the birth place of the American Revolution, but from here on out it will be known as the hometown of future Commodore standout, Rod Odom. Standing at 6’8” 207 this kid has the size and athleticism to see significant time as a freshman. Ranked as the 19^th best small forward by rivals, and 88^th and 65^th in the class of 2010 by Rivals.com and Scounts Inc. respectively, Odom, originally committed to Arizona before signing his LOI to the ‘Dores. This stud sees the court like he is rocking a pair of x-ray specs, and thanks to superior court vision he has developed phenomenal passing skills. Scouting reports dating back to his freshman year have applauded his uncanny recognition of passing lanes, and note legitimate ball-handling abilities. The kid takes pressure well, and is not intimidated by quicker defenders. You can trust him with the ball, period. While he had been criticized in the past for being too skinny, Roddy grew four inches entering high school, making a concerted effort to add muscle to his frame. It shows. As a junior Odom averaged 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. By all accounts Rod has become a dramatically more aggressive player in his senior year, and can plays the game confidently above the shoulders. He has repeatedly put together high double-digit rebounding performances this season in addition to some staggering offensive numbers. Against Noble and Greenough, a team that has repeatedly had the number of the Middlesex School Zebras, Rod put down 32 points with 13 rebounds and 7 assists - impressive stats to say the least. However, he isn’t a regular high school big man, getting his points as an inside presence, this kid can really shoot. Rod has a nice, quick shot, and requires little room to get it off. Not only does he drain buckets, but this efficiency also allows him to get defenders in the air opening lanes to take it to the hole. He is quite adept from inside the arc, but could use a little work to evolve into a three-point option. Suffice it to say, if Stallings can develop Odom’s range this could provide an invaluable option from deep. However, there are some legitimate defensive question marks. Rod is a smart, heady, player. His good decision-making and a high basketball IQ have helped him make up for a lack of natural quickness on the offensive end. If he wants to make an impact next year he has to develop the same type of awareness defensively to combat the SEC’s myriad of explosive big men. To say the least K-Stall is very optimistic, he said of big Rod, "He's got unique size and skill at 6-9. He handles the ball like a guard, he shoots the ball very well, and he's a good passer. He'll be another one of those forwards we've had in the past in the Derrick Byars, Dan Langhi, or Matt Freije-type mold." As a smart, fundamentally sound, and increasingly aggressive player “Hot” Rod Odom appears to be a great fit. With a Commodore team that will retain all but one of its starters next year, he will also have plenty of time to grow, a growth that we at Memorialjim look forward to watching.

Vanderbilt Commodores @ Arkansas Razorbacks

After just two days of rest the Commodores will come back and hit the road in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Fayetteville has historically given Coach Stallings a tough time; however, the Commodores cannot afford to make excuses with the Florida Gators right on their tail. Beal, Jenkins and Walker all had great games against Georiga, but this isn't Memorial Gym. Vanderbilt will need to rely on consistent defense, especially to shut down Arkansas top scorer Courtney Fortson, who averages just above 17 a game. Let's hope this one goes our way.

Prediction: 72-68 Commodores escape another close one

Highlights (courtesy of ESPN): Vandy 96 - UGA 94

Vanderbilt 96 Georgia 94 F/OT: RECAP

Jeez, where to start. That was quite the roller coaster of a game, I'm not sure whether I should be happy we escaped with a win, or pissed off that it took a miracle and then overtime to beat Georgia. Well, in the NCAA tournament they use the phrase "survive and advance" so I guess in that respect it's good to learn how to do that. I also don't think Georgia is that bad of a team, 12-14 is definitely not indicative of the way they have played this year. They beat Tennessee at home, beat us at home, and have lost a number of games by slim margins.

We led 36-31 at halftime after what was a pretty good first half, not great. We led by 8 at a point and I thought to myself, god it would be great to push this lead to 15. However, Georgia knocked down a pair of three pointers and basically told us they wouldn't be an easy out. The second half was pretty miserable, as Georgia just kept knocking down 3's, highlighted by Ricky McPhee's shot clock beating three with 10:00 left, to put UGA up by 5. However, when we really needed it we got consecutive buckets from Jermaine "Dolla" Beal, and my man Andre Walker nailed a 3 to make it 77-75. Finally, with 10 seconds left AJ Ogilvy tipped in a loose ball to tie the game at 77. The ensuing possesssion was a bit of a "mish-mosh" and it resulted in Lance Goulbourne stepping up with a big blocked shot to force overtime. I was sweating at that point. In overtime, the team basically took the memo from the crowd and willed their way to victory. Key shots from Beal, Walker and Jenkins, and free throws from basically everybody secured our 21st victory of the year and moved us to 10-3 in the SEC.

What did we learn today? We learned that Jermaine Beal is a superstar, he scored 28 points and had 7 assists, and he had two three pointers go in and out. We learned that John Jenkins is going to be a really good player once he gets the spotlight; he knocked down a much needed three in overtime. And of course, we learned that the ever so valuable ANDRE WALKER, is SO FUCKING VALUABLE. The guy just does it all. Normally he is good for a number of rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, and some buckets here and there. Tonight though, he gave us 17 points, none bigger than the three pointer he hit towards the end of regulation to pull the game within 2.

I didn't think Taylor or Ogilvy had their best games, but they certainly contributed at points, and Festus definitely lended his hand for a well played 19 minutes.

A few stats for you: we shot 35-39 (90%) from the free throw line. You know what Vitale always says, the teams that shoot the free throws down the stretch win close games. Look at Memphis in 2007-08, they couldn't knock down free throws and it came back to bite them in the national championship game.

We shot 7-16 (44%) from three point range, an astounding improvement from the 10% we shot last game.

You can break down all of the stats you want, but I guarantee if you talk to Coach Stallings, he will tell you, the raucous Memorial crowd inspired the Commodores down the stretch. The stadium atmosphere was relatively dead for most of the game. But when it mattered most, the fans came alive, and pushed Vandy to a much needed victory. Coach showed the students his appreciation after the game when he came over and thanked us, always cool.

Toronto Raptor Eats Cheerleader

Georgia Bulldogs @ Vanderbilt Commodores

February 6th in Athens, Georgia was probably the low point for the Vanderbilt Commodores, the point which we can all safely say we were “bummed out” by the performance of our team. We traveled to Athens as the heavy favorite to play a team that is quite underrated on their home court. What happened? We came home with a big L, by an ugly score of 72-58. Thus, it is fitting that the rematch in Nashville comes right after the disappointment of the Kentucky game. The Commodores enter the game at 20-6 overall, and 9-3 in the SEC. Georgia enters tonight’s matchup at a sad 12-13, and 4-8 in the league. After last night’s Florida victory over Tennessee, the Dores need this victory in order to keep the surging Gators off their heels. A win and they stay a game ahead of Florida for second place in the SEC East, but a loss and they see themselves in a tie with Florida, still having to go to Gainsville. Obviously this Georgia game is a must win.

Vandy has a lot to prove, mainly the fact that they are capable of making the 3 point shot. If Jermaine Beal, Brad Tinsley, and John Jenkins combine for one 3-pointer again, we’re in trouble. But given the nature of last Saturday’s loss, and the desperate need for victory, this is unlikely to happen. Tonight’s game is the type of game where our guys will be pumped up and ready to take care of business.

So for those of you reading this, show up to the game ready to make a difference like we did against Kentucky. There’s no doubt that it is our responsibility to make Memorial one of the toughest places to play, and I’m confident it will be a hostile environment once again.

Prediction: Vanderbilt 82 Georgia 69 -- Free Tacos

What The Hell is This Website?

In case you were wondering, we decided to start this blog, to appeal to your average Vanderbilt basketball fan. There will be articles for your die-hards, and articles for your rookie fans. I’ll be providing the unique perspective of an obnoxiously bias fan, and we will obviously be throwing in some hilarious posts. In the end, we want to increase the hype surrounding Vanderbilt hoops. I think we got this…

Bench Markers: Festus Ezeli

Six minutes, no more
Five fouls, oh my, where's Duffy?
The Beastus is tamed

You heard it, and haiku don't lie. My Boy Festus had quite the showing against Kentucky, contributing five fouls in an intriguingly small window of time. I can barely brush my teeth in six minutes, and you're telling me My Boy Festus came off the bench and was able to hack the shit out of Kentucky up and down the hardwood in that little time? Hell yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Ballsy shit right there. I mean did you see that thing with "Cousins" on the back of its jersey? It looked like Big Foot banged Queen Latifah and they gave their newborn a stupid headband. You try fouling that and I bet you end up in the toilet like the rest of the backup forwards Cousins eats for 4th meal. But not My Boy.

I don't care what you say, but My Boy Festus continuosly brings it. And that's why he tops the list as my first Bench Marker. He electrified Memorial against Mississippi State on February 3rd when he almost shattered the glass doing his best Dwight Howard impression, and I expect this from him everytime Stalling's gives him the nod. He even fouls like an animal when he needs to. In such a physical game, we have no chance if Cousins is unharmed in the paint, or Bledsoe can drive to the hole without getting some warm humble pie fresh outta My Boy Festus' oven (which he served nicely with his fifth and final). No matter what we need, My Boy Festus will step up and deliver. And that's why since day one we've been coached on life's 3 certainties: death, taxes, and My Boy Festus dominating the shit out of whoever crosses his path. The dude majors in Biology for chrissake.

Kentucky @ Vandy: The Aftermath

On March 23rd, 2007, current Oklahoma City star Jeff Green was the cause for what I would classify as “Vanderbilt fan misery.” The Commodores led 65-64 and were just 9 seconds from a trip to the Elite 8, and a chance to play the North Carolina Tar Heels. Just before Vanderbilt fans could celebrate, Jeff Green took a swift three steps to the basket, and banked it off the glass to give Georgetown a 66-65 victory. The key number was three. Three steps! He traveled, but as fans there was nothing we could do but sulk, and face the fact that we would have to wait until next year. Devastation is commonplace for Vanderbilt fans, but disappointment of this magnitude is rare. It is something that we see but every few years, and this Saturday, when Coach Cal and John Wall came to town, this feeling returned.

Vanderbilt came into Saturday as the clear cut second best team in the SEC, behind the Kentucky Wildcats. Thus, the game at Memorial was undoubtedly going to be a battle. And it was. Dick Vitale deemed it more like a football game than a basketball game, and he was right. Between the double technical on Kentucky freshman Eric Bledsoe and Jeffery Taylor, Steve Tchiengang’s five fouls, Festus’s five fouls, AJ’s four fouls, DeMarcus Cousins four fouls, the game was obviously a physical battle. When you play in such a physical game, you want it that much more; and that is the basis for the return of this misery.

We shot 2-20 from 3 point range, two of our big men fouled out, our potential all-American senior (call me crazy) scored just 6 points, the officiating was more or less horrible, and NBA top prospect John Wall made two spectacular plays in the last 30 seconds. Yet we still had a legitimate chance at the end! So when, Ogilvy’s runner in the lane bounced out, it engendered a sense of depression throughout the student section. Similar to the feeling in March of 2007, a place that was so recently full of such excitement and energy was reduced to a silent pit of depression. There was one difference between the Georgetown game and this Saturday’s Kentucky game. The Georgetown game happened in March, and there was no way to build on it. The Kentucky game however, happened in late February, when great teams discover themselves, and elevate their game to the next level. So for all of you fans that felt like I did this past Saturday; you must understand that Coach Stallings and his squad learned from this experience and can grow from it. And they will. With four regular season games remaining, the SEC tournament, and the NCAA tournament on the horizon, the athletic, deep, and talented Vanderbilt Commodore basketball team will be on display, ready to make a statement to any one that gets in their way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtQKzm3iXZg
(Jeff Green travel, watch the pivot foot)