Bracketology

Lunardi moves the Dores up to a #4 seed in his latest Bracketology. This DD writer believes the Dores don't care what seed they get - they've proven they can make a run come March.

'Dores Climb Back Into the Power 16

The Dores move back into the #15 spot in ESPN's Power 16.

"Beating Tennessee after losing by 20 in the teams' first meeting in Knoxville shows how far the Dores have come from the turnover issues that were killing them earlier in SEC play. One lingering concern: All four Vandy losses came in a five-game stretch in January in tough road environments. They won't be tested again at that level away from Memorial Gym until at least the SEC tournament."

More Links

The City Paper has an extensive interview with Jimmy Dykes about Vanderbilt. Worth reading for the shock factor that Dykes fails to propagate the "It factor."

Also, vote for The Truth.

A Few Links

Mo Patton: Vanderbilt #1 In Confidence.

Men's baseball wins its home opener without the services of Pedro Alvarez, who is out indefinitely with a broken hand.

Take a look at Stan Jones' photo gallery from Tuesday's win.

While you're at it, get yourself a new desktop wallpaper.

Great Pub This Morning

Vandy Grad Buster Olney filled in on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike Radio show this morning. It is simulcast on ESPN2, where you could see Olney popping his Vanderbilt sweatshirt (looks to have been bought in 1981) and touting the 'Dores at every moment possible.

The Dores are also on the cover of every major sports website: espn.com, cnnsi.com, ncaasports.com, cbs.sportsline.com, secsports.com, etc.

Good to be Gold.

More on the Music City Showdown

Chris Low talks about the Dores' resiliency, plagued by foul trouble for much of the game, and their ability to make a deep run in March. An impressive win considering AJ played 12 minutes and the Vols were in the bonus with 16:03 left in the second half.

Video comments from Pearl and CKS.

The Tennessean this morning.

From Around The Rim:
"Shan Foster of Vanderbilt finished the game with 32 points, one point shy of his career high. That total is the second-most ever scored by a player whose team beat the top-ranked team in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' poll. On Feb. 5, 1998, North Carolina's Antawn Jamison scored 35 points as the Tar Heels beat top-ranked Duke 97-73."

Magic Pervades, Dores Prevail

Memorial Magic was alive as the Commodores continued its streak against #1 ranked opponents. Tennessee becomes the 4th team in as many tries to enter Memorial ranked #1 only to leave with a loss.

The Vols also become the Commodores 7th #1 ranked victim in school history--elite status, as only six programs can claim more.

It was the grittiest performance of the year for the Dores. The ball bounced UT's way time and again while the referees sent A.J. Ogilvy to the bench early and often. Vandy needed 58 minutes from its bench--the same bench that scored zero points just 3 nights ago in a win against Georgia.

The entire team played inspired ball, but if one player is to be singled out, it's Shan Foster. The Truth cemented his status as the SEC Player of the Year with 32 points including 6 threeballs, none of which went uncontested.

On second thought, the DD would be remiss if it didn't mention the point guard play of Jermaine Beal. 34 minutes against a constant press, 17 points, and 0 turnovers. Fantastic control and demand of the game.

The 'Dores get 12 foul plagued minutes from its second best player but still find a way to beat the nation's top ranked team. It's Good to be Gold.

Stats, Quotes, Photos, everything: here.

STATE CHAMPS

Nice try Bruce. Please remove your coat.

Tonight's recap.

Beyond Beasley: Underrated Freshmen

Ogilvy gets some propers.

Streaks

Not only have the Dores won 3o of 31 at Memorial, but Vandy has knocked off the last 3 #1 ranked opponents that have come into Memorial:

2007 Florida W 83-70
1993 Kentucky W 101-86
1987 North Carolina W 78-76

A victory would also be Vandy's 7th victory against a #1 Ranked team. Only 6 teams have more.

Thanks to VUhoopster and AuricGoldfinger for the stats.

Stories in the Biggest SEC Game of the Year

USA Today: Vandy closing in on record in victories.

Tennessean: Two Dream Seasons Collide.

Quotes from the Coaches.

Tipoff at 9:00, ET, ESPN. If you are lucky enough to go, wear your white.

Music City Showdown

Maurice Patton previews tonight's match up. One reader commented on the story:

"Look for Vandy to upset UT. UT may keep its focus but they are a prime candidate for an upset and Vandy is feeling it in Memorial this season. Whatever happens, this is almost de facto SEC title game and is a MUST WIN for UT, not Vandy."

This DD writer agrees -- upset in Nashvegas tonight.

Super Tuesday: Dores Look to Stick It to Goon Pearl's #1 Vols in Memorial

The DD anticipates the Magic continuing tonight against the always obnoxious Bruce Pearl and the puke orange Vols. Tip off at 9pm ET on ESPN.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/preview?gameId=280570238

A Day in the Life of the Frozzie

Well done piece by Paul Kuharsky.

Dores Top Dawgs

Red and The Truth paced the Dores with a combined 52 points to lead the Dores to a 6th straight victory (a streak which started in Athens), and it's 30th win in 31 games at Memorial. Strange stat of the night: 0 points off the bench. Stats, quotes, highlights, and more, here.

At the time of this post, it looks like UT could come to Nashville as the top ranked team in the country.

Dawgs @ Dores

Game is at 4 ET. Raycom is televising it. For those of you who do not get Raycom, watch the free live webcast here.

Dores Spank National Champs

Great start on the diamond for the 2008 Dores baseball squad with an 8-1 whoopin' of the Oregon State Beavers--Anchor Down!

http://vucommodores.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022208aae.html

Dores-Dawgs Preview

Dores play second fiddle to the Vols-'Frica game, but still have key SEC matchup game as they look to stay undefeated at Memorial with a win over the Gaw-ga Bulldawgs

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/preview?gameId=280540238

Diamond Dores Debut Tonight

Things are slow at the DD this week without the Tuesday/Wednesday hoops game. The good news is that the Diamond Dores kick off the baseball season tonight against defending champ Oregon State.

Watch the free webcast here.

Angry Power 16 readers

Some comments on Vandy not receiving a single vote in the Power 16 this week...

"I belive Vandy should be in the top 12. I am a vol fan but Vandy has played tough all year and with 4 losses should ranked above ESPN favorites in the BIG ten. If the Vols do pull an upset of the tigers they get Vandy at their place and they are difficult to beat."

"Seriously? How is it that Vanderbilt's had just 4 losses - all of them away, with one in double overtime, and none of them to slouch teams - and did not receive any Power 16 votes?"

"I am sorry but Vandy could beat both Wisconsin and Purdue. What is Purdue's signature win? Beating highly overrated Wisconsin and Mich. State? Hahaha. The Big Ten is #### besides Indiana, and even they are just OK. Vandy has an RPI of 10 does that not take SOS into account? Last time I checked it did. Sure they have not beat a top 25 team, but they have only lost 4 games (All on the road to good teams: UT no one wins at UT this year, UK was a fluke game that UK should be lucky they won and Vandy easily avenged that, Florida is not a bad team, and Ole Miss was rolling when Vandy played them). Also, they have beaten Wake who just beat Duke, South Alabama who is a very good team, and Umass, a team that will be on the bubble for a tourney birth. They don't have a bad loss and their RPI is 10. They should be at the bottom of this...."

"I may be a little bias but Vandy not even included in the 20 teams possible to vote for in the power 16? Its not enough that they don't get the pub they deserve from you guys at the station. Heck, they have been ranked all year and even when they were ranked 12 there for a week, you didn't hear anything about them. They are playing four freshmen on a pretty consistent basis, and take away some minor mishaps, turnovers and they would be 23-3 or 24-2 right now. They are playing ball right now and are going to be fun to watch down the stretch. As always, they are fun to watch at Memorial. Tennessee is going to have a tough time there on Tues. night."

Tuesday night showdown

This DD writer sees an upset in the works on Tuesday. If the 'Dores can limit turnovers and get the inside-outside game rolling we've got a good shot. Memorial proves to be one of the toughest places to play in the country. Chris low writes that the Vols "have an equally treacherous game at Vanderbilt on Tuesday (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET ) just three days after the Memphis showdown." I think we all remember what happened last time a #1 came to town...

Forde Minutes

A few blurbs from Pat Forde's column:

"Feb. 26 (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET): Tennessee at Vanderbilt (7). This one screams "trap game" so loudly that it's audible in Tibet. The Volunteers go from the GOY in Memphis to Nashville for another rivalry game. They'll play in one of the toughest gyms in America, Vandy's Memorial Gym, against a Commodores team that has regrouped impressively. The Dores have won five straight, including consecutive home wins over Kentucky (by a whopping 41 points) and defending national champion Florida (by a skinny three points), after losing four of five.

If the Vols win both games -- and the unofficial state championship -- consider it the greatest week in program history. And consider them strong national title contenders."

"First Minutes girl Ashley Judd (35) made an appearance at Vanderbilt to see her beloved Kentucky Wildcats (36). They repaid her by absolutely playing dead in a 41-point punking from the Commodores. But Ashley earned her true-fan stripes by staying through the entire second half of the debacle. First-year coach Billy Gillispie owes her a written apology."

Stallings & Indiana

DD hopes it's just speculation.

Week 15 Polls

The 'Dores move up to #20/16 in the polls.

'Dores a 'Lock'

ESPN's Glockner calls the 'Dores a lock in this week's Bubble Watch, writing:

"Vandy gets locked up after eking out a fifth straight league win. The Dores probably only need one more win to feel absolutely safe. After that, Arkansas and Miss. State have to like their chances right now. Mississippi has opened the door for them and other bubble teams with a Clemson-like collapse in progress. Kentucky continues to have a chance, despite the fiasco in Nashville this past week."

Housekeeping

It will be a slow week in hoops news since the Dores don't have a midweek game. The DD hopes that the Dores will respond better to its off week than it did last time.

The DD wants to share a new Vandy blog with the readership: http://www.vanderbiltsports.blogspot.com/. So far the posts have been excellent. Extensive interviews with Norval Mackenzie, Julian Terrell, and the most recent w/ Drew Maddux. The DD recommends you read them all. It's fun to read interviews w/ alumni athletes who no longer have to talk in coachspeak.

On the messageboards, Bigwillay suggests that UT could very possibly come to Memorial as the nation's top ranked team. That's getting ahead of ourselves but still interesting to ponder. Everyone remembers what happened last time a # 1 came to Memorial.

Finally, everyone's favorite favorite alum, Ted Skuchas pours in 10 points as he debuts w/ a new squad. The DD wagers that most of these points were of the 2 point dunk shot varietal.

The DD will apprise you when the rankings come out later today.

Wake Beats Duke

The DD does not get rapped up in the RPI, but we're pleased to see that a Vanderbilt victim knocked off the second ranked team in the country.

The Wake game in December was a harbinger of things to come, as The Truth and The Frozzie staked their claim as the dynamic duo of the SEC. Shan had 26 and Ogilvy 23, including the biggest shot of the game.

Dores Not as Crisp, but Hold Off Gators to Stay Undefeated at Memorial...The Magic Baby!

Red hits big free throws to ice Gators...AJ plays big for the 3rd straight game.

Story, highlights, quotes, stats, and more: HERE.

Stallings on Rome

On the VandyMania Boards, brokis849 paraphrased CKS appearance on the Jim Rome show. Many thanks to Brokis849, this is great.

The most important takeaway: Stallings does not appear to be interested in the Indiana position.

Stallings/Rome Paraphrase

JR…Starting 16-0 after losing Byars and Cage, what were expectations

KS…thought we would be very good, added some key guys, obviously lost a lot, felt like team had more potential than last year, just now starting to play up to that potential.

We don’t shoot the ball better than last year even though our percentages are better, our problem a year ago was we had no inside game, any points were from back-cutting and back screens, and now we have a post presence and getting to the foul line.

JR…State of Tennessee

KS…Probably never better, three marquis programs in this state exceptional success and surprise for basketball fans. Obviously Memphis and Tennessee great and hopefully we are holding up our end of the bargain as well.

JR…Recruit same type of players?

KS…Challenge to find the student athlete who wants meaningful degree and national caliber SEC ability, those kids are out there, the combination of basketball and academics is starting to make sense, now there are a lot more kids out there serious about what happens after basketball and more kids we can recruit

JR…You mean like actually going to class and earning diploma?

KS…Kids don’t want to be at a school were student athlete is an oxymoron, starts in the home with the families and we want to recruit a kid that wants to get an education.

JR… Kentucky

KS…We played great and that was the pleasing part. I’m not going to gloat because we got beat worse than that up there when Tubby was there. But hopefully this was a great sign of things to come for us. We played well.

JR…Billy Gillispie

KS…It’s a very tough job, but a great opportunity, so I was mixed on what I thought of it. They have been the dominant team in the SEC for years and fortunately we had a great night and it was an off night for them.

JR…Bruce Pearl and the colorful SEC coaches

KS…Bruce and I are a lot different, I don’t place any of my personal judgments or feelings on him or anyone else. He is going to do what he is going to do, he has done a great job at Tennessee and they have a great team, aside from his antics his teams play hard, he has put a power surge in that program and they are the premier team in our league.

JR…John Brady

KS…I’m disappointed in our profession when we have coaches removed in the middle of the year (noting Oregon State ) and we’re moving closer and closer to pro basketball. To remove right in the middle of the season gives me a bad feeling like the NBA and that’s not what we’re supposed to represent.

JR…Indiana

KS…Well, Rick Greenspan is the first athletic director that gave me a chance to be a head coach and I got these questions when Mike Davis stepped down, I don’t think it’s very pliable because of my Purdue background, not a thing a lot of IU fans would welcome, Rick is an honorable and ethical AD and he did not ask for this mess they have and I feel badly for him, in any event, I don’t think anyone will have to concern themselves with me.

JR…Kelvin Sampson

KS…Never one not to put someone on the spot, are you Jim? Indiana can get anyone in the country, or that’s the perception, and no place can do that. It wasn’t what it was cracked up to be. I’m sure he would have loved to had Billy Donovan, for instance, but he couldn’t get Billy Donovan so he got what he could at the time.

JR…Will look you up at tourney time

KS…Thank you, Jim.

The Truth, Neltner, and the Diamond Dores

The Gainesville Sun has a Q&A with Shan Foster. The DD is pleased to see that the media has picked up on Shan's nickname, The Truth. Doctor David Kimball, a friend of the Daily Dore, coined this nickname when Shan was a freshman. (Doctor Kimball is pictured below)

Payback swell for Neltner, from the Kentucky Herald.

Coaches pick Vandy to win SEC.

Housecleaning

1) Florida loses to LSU at home.

2) Kevin Stallings will be on the Jim Rome show tomorrow. The show is from 10 AM - 1 PM. The DD does not know what time Stallings will interview.

3) Many of you noticed the Kentucky fan decked out in blue garb in the front row of the Memorial Maniacs section on Tuesday. The DD angrily stood a few seats away from that clown 2 years ago. The Kentucky Herald tells this bozo's story.

Jason King on the Frozzie

King puts AJ on his third-team all-freshmen team. This DD writer thinks AJ is just now getting used to bumping elbows with the SEC big boys and is only heading up.

Chris Low on the 'Dores win

Chris Low talks about the 'Dores resume for the Big Dance.

"The Commodores (21-4, 6-4 SEC) are capable of beating anyone at Memorial Gym -- and probably would have on Tuesday. They were that good. They shot the ball and ran their half-court offense with the kind of precision that would scare any opponent in the postseason."

Wildcat Beatdown

93-52? Yikes.

Too many positives to count; the DD likes what it sees. The Truth hitting his first 8 FG's, Ross Neltner's continued resurgence, the Frozzie's revenge against UK, and superb team defense.

The DD hopes the symmetry is a sign of things to come. Lexington is where Neltner started his slump and where Ogivly received his rough welcome to the SEC. Now both Bigs are on track and vital cogs to the team hitting its stride. Can this carryover against Florida and UT? The DD's 8-ball says yes.

Joe Lundardi, 10 seed? Get real, fella.

'Dores destroy Cats

That might have been the most impressive 20 minutes of Vandy basketball I've ever seen (perhaps best of all time). They held the Cats to 11 first-half points - a record. Of all the positives, I was most impressed with our defense. This DD writer can't wait to read the stories tomorrow and to see the Dores get a little media respect. Congrats to the boys tonight.

The recap...

Dores host kats.

9 PM, ET. ESPN.

The DD recommends you have Fish give you the dish instead of that imbecile Jimmy Dykes.

While you're here, check out this great youtuber of $ Beal stepping on Saturday.

Dores vs. Cocks

Dolla', Dolla' Beal's Buzzer Beater Drops Cocks

Beal, Foster play big to help Dores pull off 2nd SEC road W and 3 straight win. Also, despite free throw struggles, AJ shows first signs of life in SEC play...

http://146.145.120.3/default.asp?c=timesunion&page=/cbask/news/AEN4129414.htm

'Dores beat Dawgs

The Dores pick up their first SEC road victory in Athens, 67-59. Saturday, the Dores head to Columbia to take on the Gamecocks. This DD writer will be covering the game from press row.

Dores Get First SEC Road Win Tonight

The Boys need it. Gametime is 7:30 ET and only available on radio. Tune into Joe Fisher, the best play by play man in all the land.

Follow Signing Day Live

HERE

Bubble Watch

"Should be in:
Vanderbilt [18-4 (3-4), RPI: 11, SOS: 46] The Commodores got the home win they desperately needed Saturday over Auburn, but can they do anything on the road? They have two more chances -- at Georgia and South Carolina -- up next to see. The RPI is great, which makes the overall profile look good, but this team isn't playing better than several others on this list right now, so Vandy's relative standing is precarious. UMass is probably the best win in a suspect nonconference slate, but at least the Dores ran the table before SEC play."

~ESPN

Recruiting Roundup

Scout.com recaps pigskin recruiting thus far in the SEC.

DD likes what it sees.

Dores Back in the Swing

The DD was out of town for the weekend but was able to watch the victory over the Tigers. Still in the Top 20, and the schedule gets easier from here.

Go 'Dores.