Lunardi's ignorance is astonishing; video evidence...
First, Joey brackets predicts that Michigan will go to the Sweet 16 and then subsequently lose to Houston in the round of 16. (Yet, the most superficial sports fan knows that we would play them in round 2 - round of 32). In the video immediately following, he states Montana was a team he had in mind for an early upset. However, he states that they are not a good match up against Michigan's zone. To summarize, this guy does not know the difference between round two and the Sweet 16, and he thinks that Michigan plays zone defense. Ladies and gentlemen, Joe Lunardi... http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/130/michigan-wolv…
It's ESPN. You think they actually watch the games? Hell, all of the analysts picked MSU to win it all despite them beating 2 good teams all year.
does things the right way. His teams are always tough, disciplined, and good citizens off the court. They always peak in March. Obviously you missed the memo.
February
Izzo
April
May
I thought everyone knew this by now?
March 12th, 2018 at 11:13 PM ^
I don't think it's far fetched to think that with the talent they have, there is a chance they get hot and make a run to the final four, that would not be surprising. They have no chance to win, but I could see final four for sure.
that's what Joe Lunardi looks like? Dude looks like a used car salesman
And they might not be missed.
He did ultimately move us up to a 3. However, he insisted that there was no way the committee would put us ahead of Michigan State because of their 3 game lead in the conference standings (can't make that up). He refused to acknowledge the difference in quality wins or the head-to-head results. Ironically, he was right about that prediction, but not for intelligent or logical reasons.
He was correct on them seeding Michigan State over Michigan. But yes, his geographical predictions and logic behind them were wrong
I mean, to be fair, my memory is that we have busted out a zone in short bursts this year (and in the past), usually to great effect.
I have watched every minute of every game. We have only pulled out the zone for very brief stints against three or four opponents.
All the time. He just believes that Montana can beat the 1-3-1 zone that Beilein Michigan team's rely on. Also, if Michigan isn't making their 3's then they won't win, because they only shoot 3's.
You guys are acting like Lunardi is making his decisions based on stereotypes from 10 years ago. It's way more like 8 year old stereotypes he is referencing.
We've played man to man probably 95% of the time this year (maybe closer to 99%). Our rare zone usage shouldn't be a talking point for analysts.
And you posted this about Montana.
This team is no joke. They are one of the hot teams that could keep things very stressful. Tey have the size and athleticism to defend us well.
Maybe you could get a job at ESPN.
They are a hot team. They have only lost two games since Christmas. They are 26-7. Their 3-5 guys are long and athletic. Maybe you think they are a joke, that is fine. You are entitled to that opinion. But try to provide some supportive evidence on why they are a joke and what I said is espn material.
I looked at your 'contributions to the blog'; now that is a joke. Plenty of vitriole and 4 letter words, but not much intelligence. At least one of my autoneg cowards has surfaced! I am flattered that you are so obsessed with my posts.
You post all the time and yet have so few points for a reason.
from Brian's link this afternoon.
Yes, they are not freaky long athletes. But, in context, I was pointing out they are a hot team that may be able to matchup against us defensively with their reported length. I did not say anything to tout their offense or overhype them. I hope we blow them out. Lunardi predicts a close game against us, so we have that going for us.
March 13th, 2018 at 12:27 AM ^
I will take Michigan. Anyone who is HIGH on Montana lets get that coin out. LOL.
March 12th, 2018 at 10:49 PM ^
Also, picking MSU to win it all is not some stupid pick. They clearly have the talent to do it. Their easy schedule shouldn’t disqualify them from being considered a good team. They have two first rounders.
Basically I’m saying, “Take it easy.” It’s old news that ESPN is not great, but Lunardi isn’t a total dotard.
They already have 3 double digit losses to tournament teams, and already lost to Duke who was playing without Bagley. Maybe they get lucky and Duke bows out early, but there is nothing to suggest that MSU is the best team in the field.
No, really.......
Mickey Mouse has a very successful and well-managed network. ESPN...doesn't seem like a Mickey Mouse operation.
Lunardi missed on picking the field this year. He did not have Syracuse or Arizona St. in his final projections.
To be fair, only one bracket on the Matrix had all 68 picked correctly, most also had 66. Syracuse was only picked by a handful, which probably means that the committee went against their own criteria by selecting them.
If you can communicate things kinda not really coherently you can have a job at ESPN.
March 12th, 2018 at 10:08 PM ^
March 12th, 2018 at 11:39 PM ^
after they all predit a Hillary landslide in 2016.
Joey's mom must have changed the meat loaf receipe! Wonder how many trips she makes up and down the stairs to the basement on a daily basis? Bracketologist my ass, just another over hyped ESPN moron who was likely cut from his 6th grade CYO team. Gee, why do we continue to hemorage viewers? All the talking head DB's on ESPN make me long for the days of endless Australian Football coverage.
Lunardi is my personal hero.
He only does "meaningful" work about three months of the year, nobody cares about his work until the last month, and he does not even have to be right.
Imagine that.
If you are having a hard day at work today, just remind yourself . . . Joe Lunardi is basically done "working" for the rest of the year.
March 13th, 2018 at 10:43 PM ^