I really don’t have a strong feeling either way about tonight’s game… it seems that Florida has a better overall starting five, but the way UCLA gets after it on defense makes up for a lot of things. Vegas has Florida as a slight favorite, 1½ the last time I checked.

I’m gonna lean just a little bit in UCLA’s direction, just because there are times when Florida can be forced into some poor shot selection. I like their offense, and they are able to get good shots when they’re in rhythm, but they can also get a little bit impatient. That could work against them. And UCLA applied their double teams in the post really quickly and really well, so the advantage Florida has with Noah, Horford, and Brewer could be muted a little bit.

But, as I said… it’s not a strong feeling on my part. I could be talked out of it. Feel free to do so.

In terms of actual rooting interests, I’m also pretty Switzerland. I don’t really like seeing any SEC school succeed at anything, but I’m also kinda tired of Jordan Farmar’s face, always looking like he’s on the way to his N’Sync band audition. Slight edge to Florida because of Joakim Noah’s gap teeth.

Let’s just hope it’s actually a competitive game. If it’s like Saturday night’s games, I’m gonna watch Everybody Loves fuckin’ Raymond or something.

Arizone State met with NC State coach Herb Sendek at the Final Four, and offered him the head coaching job, double his current salary, a fan base that doesn’t hate him, and boosters who aren’t calling for his job. It took him about 10 seconds to accept.

I know not all NC State fans wanted him gone, but a lot of people did, and it made things difficult for him. And it’s too bad… I think he’s a damn good coach. And now NC State’s got to find someone to take the job with the knowledge that five straight tournament appearances, and a sweet 16 last year, just aren’t good enough. This is not going to be a positive step for NC State.

No one thinks of them as one of the nation’s elite programs. Yes, they do have two national titles… they’ve got the Jim Valvano video clips and everything else. But they’re just another team looking up at UNC and Duke in the ACC. I’m not saying they can’t ever get to that elite level, but they’re not getting there overnight, and there aren’t many guys more likely to get them there than Herb Sendek.

Nice little deal for Arizona State. Expect them to improve in the next 2-3 years.