Mulling it Over

Reports are still swirling around spectulating whether or not Coach Larranaga will be heading back to his alma mater to coach the Friars. Michael Litos of the CAA hoops blog shares a different opinion than what I have recently posted thinking the move to the Big East isn't such a crazy idea for the old ball coach. The lure of ending his successful career back at Providence in about 5 years or so might be too great to turn down. But does Coach L really want to take on the challenge of restoring the Friars to the level they were at when he graced the court in the early 70's? Definitely something that would take time to build up. Kind of like the time it has taken for him to build up the Patriots to become the CAA power that they are today. ...

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Reloading for '08-'09

I have spent a lot of time talking about this upcoming recruiting class Larranaga has coming in and I am getting more excited about it everyday. Rivals.com has an article today mentioning our recruiting class of 2008 as ammunition for another NCAA tournament run in the future. The article speaks highly of Andre Cornelius:"Cornelius should thrive in the CAA because of his big game ability, afterburner speed and scoring touch from the point guard spot. He has shined in the underdog role his whole career because of his 5-foot-9 size. Cornelius was flirted with by the high-majors but no one could ever really pull the trigger. With that in mind, he should be firing away come tournament time."Music to my ears. The PG position at Mason should not be an issue for quite some time with Cam Long and...

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Providence is knocking

After weeks of speculation on Coach Larranaga and the recent head coaching job opening at his alma mater Providence I think it's time to share some perspective on the subject. After the Final Four run of 2006 many schools were pursuing the old ball coach, even NC State. I wasn't worried then about Coach L leaving and not really that worried now either. Today in Andy Katz blog he confirms that Providence has indeed been in contact with Mason:"Providence athletic director Bob Driscoll asked for permission to talk to George Mason coach Jim Larranaga, GMU athletic director Tom O'Connor confirmed to ESPN.com. Larranaga is a Providence College graduate. It's unclear whether or not Larranaga will meet with Driscoll."O'Connor seems confident that Larranaga will stay in Fairfax considering his...

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Monday Hangover

Well it didn't go as planned, to say the least. The game against Notre Dame resembled many road losses that the Patriots had this season, only this time they have never had the lead. The Irish used a ridiculously hot shooting streak to pull away from Mason early. Personally I feel that the Irish broke the spirits of the Mason players early and they were just never able to recover. Will Thomas attempted to put the team on his back but it was not enough. Folarin Campbell, what the hell happened? Starting off o for 10? I hate to say that will be the last time I get to watch him play. I really felt like the 2006 Folarin would come out in this game and I am sure I am not the only one who felt that way.Granted Notre Dame seemed like they could...

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Notre Dame Q & A

With Thursday night getting closer the anticipation is growing each day. Last night the tournament officially began, sort of. At least we know that the extra media attention is not going to faze guys like Folarin, Will, and JV. If you are going crazy with anxiety like me, read these funny posts from Deadspin and the DC Sports Bog to calm yourself down. The team is in Denver along with our real Mascot, Doc Nix and the Green Machine. I really hope I see more of Doc Nix and his kryptonite cane than I do of Gunston's ugly mug. Also, when planning your viewing parties for the game be sure add a drinking game which involves taking a shot every time the commentators mention "the experience of George Mason". You will be wasted drunk at half-time.Alright...

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Notre Dame at a glance

With Mason's first round game only 3 days away let's not waste anymore time and get right to it, who are these Fighting Irish they will be facing in Denver? It's nice to know that some people are predicting us to upset these Irish. No doubt they are more battle tested coming out of the Big East but much like the Patriots they don't play their best basketball away from their home court. They are led by burly sophomore center Luke Harangody who is 6'8" and 250 lbs, where is Jai Lewis when you need him? Luke was Big East player of the year, the youngest to do so since Caron Butler back in 2002. Make no mistake that Coach Larranaga's defensive game plan is going to centered around big Luke as Notre Dame's will be similar in trying to slow down...

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Patriots earn 12 seed

Just announced, Mason will be playing Notre Dame in the first round in Denver, Colorado this Thursday. I like this match up and personally I think we could have drawn a lot more dangerous teams. Also a potential game against Washington State in the second round is also winnable, but I am getting ahead of myself. ************ Update: Game time is going to be around 9:50 - 10 pm as it is slated for 30 minutes after the 7:20 pm Washington State - Winthrop ga...

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Let the Madness Begin

The day has come and in only a few hours we will know the Patriots first round opponent. There is a ton of speculation out there but the consensus seems to be that Mason will end up a 13 seed. Currently ESPN bracketology has the Patriots facing off against Notre Dame as a 12 seed and Foxsports.com is predicting a first round rematch of the 2006 tourney with us facing Michigan St. Rivals.com and CBS Sports both predict a 13 seed. Frankly I don't think an 11 or 12 seed is out of the question when you factor in Mason's significant wins. The other factor that can hurt our seeding is the lack of success on the road which will probably be the reason we are a 13 seed. The anticipation is killing ...

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Only hours left til Selection Sunday

So Mason pulled it off, they really did it. Despite most of the fans feeling a CAA tournmanet championship was all but impossible I had a feeling we would see the team's best basketball in Richmond. And even though the Mason bookstore is already screwing up new t-shirt designs, you have to feel confident about this team if your a fan. Enough of this "who will be this year's George Mason" talk, this guys can make noise again just like they did two years ago. Speaking of two years ago, current bracketology has us matched up with UConn in the first round, wouldn't that be interesting. But I would not put too much stock into that because it will most likely change 5 more times before tomorrow afternoon.The Patriots will most likely be 12 or...

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Time for Champions

Panama city is awesome but it is holding back the ol blog. Last night Mason looked fantastic on defense, which is a good sign. Blog will be back to normal friday, sorry guys. Look to the comments for reactions and vie...

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Championship Time

This post comes from my blackberry, look to the comments for caa tournament analysis, have it my fellow reade...

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Countdown to Richmond

So it's all come down to this: win it all in Richmond for a chance at NCAA tournament glory or go home and pray for an NIT or CBI invite. It's difficult to say at this point if an NIT bid is even realistic, especially if Mason gets bounced before Sunday's games. But I am trying to stay positive and you should to, I am for God's sake this team never fails to surprise us am I right? Instead of drowning your sorrows at a bar in anticipation of a CAA tourney loss read this article to restore your hope. After reading this article, it reminds me of how insanely confident Coach Larranaga was back in 2006 despite the odds piled against his squad. His confidence will hopefully rain down to his guys this year, because one of the keys to success that...

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Different year same result

The Patriots ended their season exactly like they did last year, with a loss in Boston to the Northeastern Huskies. Almost fitting that this regular season ends with another loss on the road with the way things have gone this year. The loss along with UNCW's win yesterday gets the Patriots a #3 seed in the CAA tournament next weekend where they will face the winner of the Northeastern/JMU game. Theoretically it looks like the Patriots might have to play a team they just lost to and then UNCW, a team that not only beat them twice but also the one to do so at home. Not the most ideal match-up but the Patriots will have to play at a higher level than they have of late if they want to have any success next weekend. Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas have remained the strong even during Mason's...

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