Hello there, my State friends.

[andyokstate]

How the heck are you?

I miss the Big 8. When I went to my first Big 8 tournament, I knew I would see a lot of KU and MU fans, but didn't know about the enormous turnout from ISU. You guys traveled so well and were great to hang out with. This will be the first year in a long time that I'm not going to the KU Invitationalâ„¢, er, Big 12 tournament.

To be honest, I did not have high hopes for the Cowboys before the season. I thought the Ford hire was solid when it was first announced. But as the losses piled on and the startling lack of any semblance of offensive sets continued on, I started to think "maybe not". It has been a pleasant surprise to see the team grow this season.

So the game tomorrow. At the start of the Big 12 season, I remember looking at the schedule and thinking "crap - we're probably going to need one or two late season wins just to sniff the NCAA tournament and we have to go to Hilton the next to last game". It's nice to not *need* a win in Hilton, as those do not come easily (what with getting proper incentive to the refs and all, grr). It seems the last few games between OSU & ISU always come down to the final few possessions. I just looked - you guys shot 54% 3PT the last game in Gallagher-Iba and Babb made 5-6. Good grief. We were lucky to get the W.

Anyway, I'm not sure how this game will play out. Senior night, mad about the last two games, needing a win or two more for NCAA...I expect ISU to come out swinging. In any case, I'm looking forward to it.

One of these days, I want to attend a game at Hilton. I've been to a football game in Ames (around 2004/5 and you beat the crap out of us). Had some great pizza at Great Plains and a garbage burger at...the place you get garbage burgers...name escapes me at moment.

Oh, and what is up with all these early games? This is our third or fourth Big12 game at 6pm. And we had three pre-noon football games this past season.

Have a good one. Go Pokes!

 

[HFCS]

How the heck are you?

I miss the Big 8. When I went to my first Big 8 tournament, I knew I would see a lot of KU and MU fans, but didn't know about the enormous turnout from ISU. You guys traveled so well and were great to hang out with. This will be the first year in a long time that I'm not going to the KU Invitationalâ„¢, er, Big 12 tournament.

To be honest, I did not have high hopes for the Cowboys before the season. I thought the Ford hire was solid when it was first announced. But as the losses piled on and the startling lack of any semblance of offensive sets continued on, I started to think "maybe not". It has been a pleasant surprise to see the team grow this season.

So the game tomorrow. At the start of the Big 12 season, I remember looking at the schedule and thinking "crap - we're probably going to need one or two late season wins just to sniff the NCAA tournament and we have to go to Hilton the next to last game". It's nice to not *need* a win in Hilton, as those do not come easily (what with getting proper incentive to the refs and all, grr). It seems the last few games between OSU & ISU always come down to the final few possessions. I just looked - you guys shot 54% 3PT the last game in Gallagher-Iba and Babb made 5-6. Good grief. We were lucky to get the W.

Anyway, I'm not sure how this game will play out. Senior night, mad about the last two games, needing a win or two more for NCAA...I expect ISU to come out swinging. In any case, I'm looking forward to it.

One of these days, I want to attend a game at Hilton. I've been to a football game in Ames (around 2004/5 and you beat the crap out of us). Had some great pizza at Great Plains and a garbage burger at...the place you get garbage burgers...name escapes me at moment.

Oh, and what is up with all these early games? This is our third or fourth Big12 game at 6pm. And we had three pre-noon football games this past season.

Have a good one. Go Pokes!

lmao over "KU Invitationalâ„¢"

We're all in this thing together against the Big 12's chosen team. I think OSU is a scary team this year, but a lot of intangibles that could let ISU win tomorrow. I'll say that OSU is the last team I'd want to draw in the Big 12 tournament.

 

[isuno1fan]

OSU scares me the most of any Big 12 MBB team. I have no idea what to expect on Wednesday. I hope the wheels don't fall off.

 

[abe2010]

How the heck are you?

I miss the Big 8. When I went to my first Big 8 tournament, I knew I would see a lot of KU and MU fans, but didn't know about the enormous turnout from ISU. You guys traveled so well and were great to hang out with. This will be the first year in a long time that I'm not going to the KU Invitationalâ„¢, er, Big 12 tournament.

To be honest, I did not have high hopes for the Cowboys before the season. I thought the Ford hire was solid when it was first announced. But as the losses piled on and the startling lack of any semblance of offensive sets continued on, I started to think "maybe not". It has been a pleasant surprise to see the team grow this season.

So the game tomorrow. At the start of the Big 12 season, I remember looking at the schedule and thinking "crap - we're probably going to need one or two late season wins just to sniff the NCAA tournament and we have to go to Hilton the next to last game". It's nice to not *need* a win in Hilton, as those do not come easily (what with getting proper incentive to the refs and all, grr). It seems the last few games between OSU & ISU always come down to the final few possessions. I just looked - you guys shot 54% 3PT the last game in Gallagher-Iba and Babb made 5-6. Good grief. We were lucky to get the W.

Anyway, I'm not sure how this game will play out. Senior night, mad about the last two games, needing a win or two more for NCAA...I expect ISU to come out swinging. In any case, I'm looking forward to it.

One of these days, I want to attend a game at Hilton. I've been to a football game in Ames (around 2004/5 and you beat the crap out of us). Had some great pizza at Great Plains and a garbage burger at...the place you get garbage burgers...name escapes me at moment.

Oh, and what is up with all these early games? This is our third or fourth Big12 game at 6pm. And we had three pre-noon football games this past season.

Have a good one. Go Pokes!

Hickory Park, you made two excellent choices for places to eat on your visit

 

[BringBackJohnny]

I hope OSU forgot their wheels so even if we have one we can roll better. The game at OU scares me big time because no-one looked good. Where has Will been latley? Can he start dropping 20 a game again snoon plz???

 

[Tailg8er]

OSU scares me the most of any Big 12 MBB team. I have no idea what to expect on Wednesday. I hope the wheels don't fall off.

Were you replying to the OP? I couldn't tell because you didn't quote the entire thing.

 

[carvers4math]

I miss the old Big 8 too. Was trying to tell the kids about the time they dominated the Final Four but couldn't remember the year.

Just hoping we get a game where Curtis Shaw isn't calling The Mayor to say that yes, the refs did blow the game.

 

[Gunnerclone]

I miss the Big 8/Big 8 Tournament, too.

 

[brianhos]

OSU is the best team in the big12. They will go the furthest in the NCAA also.

 

[WastedTalent]

I'm hoping for the win tomorrow, and then hopefully we can avoid osu in the tourney.

If the clones bow out early in the big 12 (very possible) I'll be pulling for the pokes to win it.

Also, i know i should cheer for all big 12 teams in the ncaa tournament, but I'm pretty sure the only one I'll be pulling for is osu. I guess they're the only one to not **** me off yet.....yet!

 

[BringBackJohnny]

I'm hoping for the win tomorrow, and then hopefully we can avoid osu in the tourney.

If the clones bow out early in the big 12 (very possible) I'll be pulling for the pokes to win it.

Also, i know i should cheer for all big 12 teams in the ncaa tournament, but I'm pretty sure the only one I'll be pulling for is osu. I guess they're the only one to not **** me off yet.....yet!

I'll be too busy crying to cheer for anyone else haha

 

[mt85]

I echo the sentiment that OSU is the best team in the Big XII. Marcus Smart is an absolute star. He makes everyone around him better, and he can make the plays when it matters. This is the last team I want to face on senior night.

It is hard to tell where our team is at mentally. They've absorbed a lot of blows this season, and it may have taken a toll. Hopefully they haven't lost their will to keep fighting. If there is any team that needs some bounces to go their way this would be the team. I'm hoping the seniors get to go out on a high note, but it won't be easy.

 

[Cydewayz]

Thanks for the post, OP. I am more nervous for this game than last week vs KU. Smart is unreal good. Should be a good game. For all of our sakes, hope we win. IF we happen to lose, it needs to be by a lot or with no controversy or 3/4 court shots!

 

[Cyclonin]

Welcome!

Echo the OSU love.

Pretty scary when Brown, Smart, Nash, Forte can all go off. I am a little upset that we get another Keiton F****** Page to go against for another 4 years.

Good luck in every game besides against ISU! I have always been a closet Poke supporter.

 

[NATEizKING]

I was trying to put off lunch for a bit today, then I read Great Plains.

 

[CyStalker]

I too think that OSU is the best team in the Big XII. To bad it took a bit long for them to gel, they deserve the the conference title based on talent. With that said, there is no doubt that this is going to be a hard game Wednesday for the clones, but I am hoping that we can have a few breaks go our way this time.

I wish nothing but the best for the OSU fan base (excluding Wednesday). I think they will make a big run in the NCAA tourney. Great fans, enjoy seeing them at the tourney each year.

 

[MidwestZest]

Welcome!

Echo the OSU love.

Pretty scary when Brown, Smart, Nash, Forte can all go off. I am a little upset that we get another Keiton F****** Page to go against for another 4 years.

Good luck in every game besides against ISU! I have always been a closet Poke supporter.

THIS EXACTLY! In the first match-up this season after he hit 2 or 3 treys, I yelled in a room full of clones watching the game, "How hasn't that guy graduated yet!!?!? How do they have another one!" I was none to happy.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Okie State has always been my #2 Big XII school. Thats why I want them to be our rival.

That being said, I can so with no bias that Okie State will be in the Sweet 16 and Kansas won't.

 

[acoustimac]

I was trying to put off lunch for a bit today, then I read Great Plains.

That would either make me not want to eat or upchuck on the spot. Great Plains...synonymous with hair in pizza and "I don't give a damn."

 

[andyokstate]

Hickory Park, yes, thanks!

I miss the old Big 8 too. Was trying to tell the kids about the time they dominated the Final Four but couldn't remember the year.

Hmm. There was 1988 where KU beat OU. That's all I got.

OSU is the best team in the big12. They will go the furthest in the NCAA also.

I wish I could say we are the best, but it's hard for me to believe it when we are in third place. We've certainly had our chances to take it outright. The sad thing is this is a down year for the Big12. I mean, even Eddie never won in Lawrence as a coach. The real scary thing is think about KU with Marcus Smart, as they were in his final few teams. UT is a shell of themselves (how?! they get whatever talent they want). KSU is solid again. ISU, OSU, and OU are kind of in a similar boat - proud programs who are rebuilding...we just happened to break out this year. I honestly thought WVU would be a tough team, so it's weird to see them near the basement.

I think what will hold us back in the NCAA is our post play. Our two main post guys are 6'11 Philip "Whack Whack" Jurick (decent defender, decent rebounder, no offense, fouls way too much) and 6'8 Michael Cobbins (solid but undersized defender, decent rebounder, shot-blocker, and cleanup man). He's our version of Ejim, but not as good of a rebounder. You probably won't see Jurick much tomorrow, as he's just too slow to keep up with your 4s and 5s. Anyway, teams with a strong post presence give us fits - that long-haired monster (Olynik) from Gonzaga had his way against us.

I was a student at OSU in the late 80s to early 90s. We always went a couple hours early to GIA for games. One season I made it a goal to talk to all of the Big 8 coaches when they were out for shootaround. I talked to all but Norm (blew me off) and Tubbs (never saw him until game time). The best conversation I had, by far, was with Johnny Orr. We chatted about basketball for 5-10 minutes. Good stuff.