We’re not going to do this every night or anything, but with so many games last night and with each of such do-or-die, NIT-shaping importance, we must address them. Twelve things I noticed, opined, or wanted to call out:
1. USF Played Hard
Talking South Florida here, not San Francisco, who I believe plays its opener this evening? Anyway, that’s the USF in question.
I think a lot of people wanted to see something cinematic out of South Florida in the program’s first game since the death of Amir Abdur-Rahim. I know that I did. Abdur-Rahim was a special person and a great coach, and his death was so tragic that I think a lot of us found ourselves craving some divine retribution, a triumphant victory that would strike back against the tragedy, even if we know that such glories are small when the loss is so final. I don’t speak for USF’s people, but as an outsider, I was hoping there would be a moment.
The upset wasn’t to be. Florida pulled away in the second half, and USF went home from Jacksonville 0–1. But maybe the triumph is still coming, and really, whether it is or isn’t is not important. The important thing is remembering a man who by so many accounts was good and noble, an inspiration to those of us who even brushed against his life. Either way, Go Bulls this year.
2. Robbie Avila’s Ankle Is Not Ok
Avila’s ankle was a problem this offseason, and I’m not positive whether he hurt the same one or the other one yesterday, but either way, he rolled his ankle, was helped to the locker room, and left the Sanford Pentagon on crutches. Bad! Speculation can get out of hand with this, and to contribute to that movement, I’m going to speculate that he will be completely fine and that while this was unfortunate, Avila will be at full strength when SLU gets to the Loyola Marymount game.
3. Is Will Wade Washed?
South Dakota State 80, McNeese 73. To be fair, this game was also at the Pentagon, but not a great look for the Cowboys. After only losing four games last year, they’re on pace for an 0–32 season. Yikes.
4. Lmao Memphis
Yesterday, we wrote, “What’s the wildest thing that will happen at Memphis this year?” and two or three hours later, Tyreek Smith left the program and entered the transfer portal, with Roman Cleary reporting that Smith wanted a raise. I think he can play for someone else starting second semester? That’s what happened with Nae’Qwan Tomlin last year, who transferred to…Memphis.
5. Gerry McNamara Is Undefeated
The new head coach at Siena beat Brown, whom you might remember from the time they nearly laid waste to the entire Ivy League Tournament last March. Siena has gotten irresponsibly bad lately, and as someone who learned thirteen hours ago that Gerry McNamara’s their new coach, let me just say: Good hire.
6. So Are Seton Hall, Providence, and DePaul
Someone brought a duck to Providence’s student section. The Friars held off Central Connecticut State 59–55. DePaul went to overtime with Southern Indiana. The Blue Demons survived the Screaming Eagles after a Jacob Meyer three extended the game. Shaheen Holloway kicked off his NIT title defense against his old team, Saint Peter’s, who nearly sank the Pirates in Newark. The Big East is going to have some great teams this year, but I hope it will instead be remembered for its goofiness.
7. Vermont Is Good
Obviously, we aren’t going to say anything bad about UAB, who did not make a three-point shot yesterday. (Relax. They only shot ten of them.) Not after Yaxel Lendeborg grabbed fifteen boards and blocked five shots. Vermont made them miss the threes. The Blazers will make them next time, and the Catamounts are the hot new thing.
8. Iona Is Feisty
Princeton brought back a lot of guys, most notably Caden Pierce and Xaivian Lee, and Iona gave the Tigers hell at Jadwin Gymnasium. Remember Tobin Anderson? We’re all over the NYC metro today, friends.
9. We Won’t Talk About NITexas (Yet)
Our hometown Longhorns looked bad, but only a little bad. Jake Diebler’s a good coach (we think), and Ohio State came ready to play, and as we should expect, Texas didn’t look that ready, although I will say that Tre Johnson was a bad dude. Texas’s roster is really fun. I want to fall for this team. But I’m not getting my hopes up yet.
10. South Carolian Is Definitely Mizzou
Another thing we asked yesterday was whether South Carolina would keep following Mizzou’s lead and playing exactly one year behind the Tigers. The loss to North Florida only increased that speculation.
11. Kasean Pryor Is at Louisville
I probably saw this when it happened, but one of my biggest, “Oh that guy’s at that school now” moments last night came with Pryor. I thought he’d graduated from college ball. Pumped that he’s still around, and on an NIT contender no less.
12. Shaka Smart’s Still Got It
And finally, Marquette is 1–0 after boat racing Stony Brook. 102–62, motherfuckers. Keep disrespecting the 2019 national champion. “HoW wIlL hE rEpLaCe TyLeR kOlEk>?!>?” That’s you. That’s what you sound like when you come in here talking stupid.
