The Lord Meant For Me to Write This Post

Don’t cry for John Calipari.

He said if the Lord meant for him to win the championship, those free throws would have fallen. If not, then it wasn’t meant to be, and he’s “fine” with it either way.

I guess the Lord had Kansas plus the two.

Forgive me for being skeptical that John Calipari is one of the more… ahem… “religious” coaches in Division I. Certainly he’s one of the best recruiters, he is loved by his players, and he’s got a powerhouse going in a weak sister conference.

But I’m not buying the “Lord Meant It To Be” angle.

If the Lord really was intervening in sporting events on the level of free throws, then why do we need guys like Calipari and Bill Self to begin with? We could just have a team Chaplain, and let the timeouts fall (or not fall) as the TV networks dictate.

Two big things about Memphis and the free throw situation. First of all, Calipari did risk sticking his big fat thumb in the eye of the “basketball gods” (lowercase G, no relation to the real Lord) by saying all along: “We’ll make them when they count.”

Um, no you won’t.

That’s sorta like me saying: “I’ll begin my diet… tomorrow.”

On the other hand, it must be noted that everybody’s armchair claim that fouling Kansas was the right move, is missing some serious downside consideration that must be mentioned.

Let’s say Memphis hacks Collins with 6 seconds left on the clock. Collins hits two free throws. Memphis inbound, immediate foul.

Now, you have 5 seconds left, a 1 point game, and coach Cal’s bricklayers are back at the stripe with even MORE pressure. Miss one of the two, and you could actually LOSE the game on the ensuing final shot.

It’s not as much of a no-brainer as people say.

But I will say that not calling a timeout was pure stupidity. You have to use that chance to set up your defense, tell every player on the court what his responsibilities are, and make sure there are no misunderstandings.

I don’t buy the argument about not letting Kansas use one of YOUR timeouts to set up a game-tying 3-pointer, because offenses in that spot don’t need to set up an elaborate play. When a 3 is your ONLY option, there’s really only ONE play you can run.

Screen-handoff-three, with the other 3 guys down on the baseline away from the action.

But kudos to Kansas for the comeback, the will, and the skill to get it done.

Now, just two things left.

1. Open the checkbook wide for Coach Self.
2. Rip that stupid KU sticker off Roy Williams shirt, and tell him to go home.

Rock, chalk, Jayhawk!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

AND NOW, YOUR PIC O' THE DAY!!

Ynuk, ynuk, ynuk!