Welcome to The Sports Bank’s third annual college basketball season preview series. Two years we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. Last year, we were slightly more aggressive and expanded to 111 teams in 111 days and will do so again as we look ahead to the 2012-2013 season. We will rank the 75 power conference teams and top 36 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. … [Read more...] about #40 VCU Rams: College Basketball 111 in 111
shaka smart
Top Illini head coaching candidates: non Shaka Smart variety
Well, I didn't see that one coming. Shaka Smart had an offer of $2.5 million plus, doubling his salary, and a chance at a top 20 national job in what was the nation's best conference this year. And he had a chance to step up from mid-major to high-major in the Big Ten. I've been to Richmond, Virginia a couple times so I can tell you- this denial was shocking. The only way … [Read more...] about Top Illini head coaching candidates: non Shaka Smart variety
Shaka Smart to the Illini would make sense on many levels
With the Bruce Weber termination in Champaign all but official, it's time for Illini fans to start looking at who his successor will be. And there's a lot of factors pointing in the direction of VCU leader Shaka Smart. He's currently making $1.2 million per year now at Virginia Commonwealth on an eight year deal. Before his Final Four run, he made "just" $350,000 per season. He … [Read more...] about Shaka Smart to the Illini would make sense on many levels
Indiana Hoosiers must move against VCU
The fourth-seeded Indiana Hoosiers now have a NCAA tournament win in the Tom Crean era. They should get their second such victory at 7:10 p.m. today in Portland. Should. Even so, the Hoosiers face a daunting obstacle to a berth in the Sweet 16 in No. 12 seed Virginia Commonwealth, who could make IU pay for repeating one of its worst habits. … [Read more...] about Indiana Hoosiers must move against VCU
NCAA Tournament: South Regional bracket breakdown
Warning: I will not be responsible if you copy these brackets and are out of your NCAA Tournament pool by Sunday. However, if you do listen to my college basketball wisdom and win some money, I want 20% of the pot or at least a shout-out on your twitter or facebook page. Can anybody knock off top seeded Kentucky in the South Regional? Here is a bracket breakdown. … [Read more...] about NCAA Tournament: South Regional bracket breakdown
#50 VCU Rams: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #50 VCU Rams: College Basketball 111 in 111
Video of VCU’s Shaka Smart Butchering Cubs 7th Inning Stretch
On Sunday, VCU Coach Shaka Smart, previously the hottest coaching name in college basketball, got to throw out the first pitch before the Chicago Cubs faced the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field and also sang “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch. It was as bad as Ron Zook's turn, but not as bad as Ozzie Osbourne. … [Read more...] about Video of VCU’s Shaka Smart Butchering Cubs 7th Inning Stretch
Butler vs. UConn: National Championship Drinking Game
Welcome to the third annual NCAA Tournament Championship Drinking Game, one of our favorite articles every year here at The Sports Bank. If you missed our first two editions, you can check the 2009 Michigan State vs. North Carolina version and last year's Butler vs. Duke one. Even if you do not have a rooting interest in tonight's game between Butler and UConn, invite some … [Read more...] about Butler vs. UConn: National Championship Drinking Game
Who Really Thought the UConn Huskies Would Get Here?
The Connecticut Huskies have quietly been the surprise of the season. Butler and VCU are the surprises of the tournament, yes, but no one expected this out of Connecticut. This season has been full of surprises, but there hasn’t been one bigger than the progression of the Connecticut Huskies. The team went through the Jim Calhoun recruiting violations and his possible … [Read more...] about Who Really Thought the UConn Huskies Would Get Here?
VCU Head Coach Shaka Smart Making Wisconsin Proud
The Wisconsin Badgers and Marquette Golden Eagles both were outed in the Sweet 16, but that doesn't mean the state isn't paying attention anymore. Shaka Smart, Head Coach of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Wisconsin native has his squad dancing to their first ever Final Four. The mastermind behind 2011's Cinderella team hails from Fitchburg (a small city … [Read more...] about VCU Head Coach Shaka Smart Making Wisconsin Proud