Braxton Ogbueze, Rare Footage of this Elite High School Prospect

Scout.com ranks Braxton Ogbueze in the top 40 high school prospects overall in the nation. While this is a high ranking, Ogbueze would be a top 5 or 10 prospect if he was 6'3." On a YouTube video I posted, I expressed my thoughts that Ogbueze was not quite six foot. A family member of Ogbueze posted a comment in response to my estimation of his height,

"Braxton is actually measured at 6'1 (shoes) and 175"

KOgbueze22

The "6'1(shoes)" comment proves my point Ogbueze is not a big guard, but that is his only glaring weakness. Ogbueze is a player and has everything you want in a guard except for height. Ogbueze is quick, strong, athletic, and aggressive. You can see from the footage that Ogbueze is impressively build from head to toe, the 175 lbs. is most likely accurate. He seems to be a leader on and off the floor, as well. I wasn't blown away by Ogbueze court vision, but Ogbueze seems to be more of a scoring point guard. He also, can make good things happen for others and himself with his ability penetration. So, Ogbueze has the talent and the intangibles to match. The question that puzzled me about Ogbueze was why did he choose Florida when #3 PG, Kasey Hill(Class of 2013) is committed to the Gators. So, I asked his family member that very question,

"Thanks for the update, Scout.com must not be up to date, they have Braxton listed at 6-0 & 160 lbs. I saw Braxton play and was very impressed! I felt Braxton should have been a McDs' All-American, instead of Tyler Lewis who is going to State. Plus, I saw how well Braxton played head to head against the bigger Rodney Purvis who is a McDs' All-American. I was wondering if you could shed some light on why Braxton picked Florida when Kasey Hill who is #3 PG of 2013 has committed to Flordia, as well?"
NCSportsGenius1 ("Middle Class" Matt)

So, Ogbueze family member wrote me back. This comment from a family member shows me Ogbueze is one of these young athletes who is being bred for success. This could be a really good thing, which could mean Ogbueze will be mature beyond his years. It also, could backfire and cause problems, like we have seen so many times in sports. Here is the response they sent me, it reads like a press release and never mentions Hill,

"Braxton committed first but there are no worries. As you have seen Braxton will compete with anyone and will earn everything that is given to him. We appreciate your support."

KOgbueze22

In these highlights Braxton Ogbueze(red jersey #3) is many times, going one on one with Rodney Purvis(white jersey #5). Purvis is a McDonalds All-American, who is a 6'4" 205 pound guard, who is committed to N.C. State. Ogbueze not only has no problem with the bigger Purvis, he destroys Purvis on the offense and defensive side of the ball. Even though Obgueze is four inches shorter(at least) and gives up 30 pounds, he outduels Purvis head to head and gets the win on Purvis' home court.

For more video highlights and in depth comments on Braxton Ogbueze, Rodney Purvis, and others go to http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSportsGenius1?feature=watch and follow on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

2012 Final Four National Championship Preview: Kentucky vs. Kansas

Here is my preview for tonight's national title tilt between Kentucky and Kansas:

Quick Look
Must-See Matchups:

• Kansas F Thomas Robinson vs. Kentucky C Anthony Davis
• Kansas Guards vs. Kentucky dribble penetration
• John Calipari vs. Bill Self

Prediction: Kentucky 71, Kansas 64

Too Much Physical Play in College Basketball Part II, Bracket Update, and 2012 Final Four NCAA Tournament Preview

"Middle Class" Matt with more thoughts on too much physical play in College Basketball, a bracket update, and 2012 Final Four Preview. FOR THE WHOLE STORY CLICK THE VIDEO!

For more videos go to http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSportsGenius1?feature=watch and follow on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

"Girls should not be in the Dunk Contest?" High School McDonalds' All-American Basketball

"Middle Class" Matt discusses why it is a bad idea for sports' fans when they allow girls to take part in the dunk contest and McDonalds' High School All-American Basketball. CLICK THE VIDEO ABOVE FOR THE WHOLE STORY!

For more videos go to http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSportsGenius1?feature=watch and follow on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

Too Much Physical Play in College Basketball! Kendall Marshall Injury

"Middle Class" Matt discussing the injury to UNC's Kendall Marshall and physical play the NCAA referees are allowing to go on, in College Basketball. CLICK THE VIDEO ABOVE FOR THE WHOLE STORY!

THIS WAS A NO CALL!!!

For more check out my other videos on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSportsGenius1?feature=watch and follow on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

Play in the Official Don't Buy the Hype Bracket Challenge and Win $5,000,000! Seriously! For Real!

What could be better than cutting down the nets in New Orleans?  Try winning $5 million!  Enter your bracket in the Yahoo Sports bracket challenge and the perfect bracket will win you a cool $5 mil.  Join our Official Don't Buy the Hype Public group by using the:

GROUP ID# 181225

Now Matt has said that anyone not named "Middle Class Matt" has no chance of winning.  If you beat Matt, you will win his Bojangles breakfast.  That is, if you can find him!  Good luck and have at it!  It's BO Time!

EDIT: You can enter up to 3 brackets into the group!

Breaking News: Seat Check Update! Darrin Horn Out at South Carolina

Since the conference tourneys are now complete, I guess it's that time where college basketball coaches' heads start rolling...

The first contestant is Darrin Horn!  I suspected this move would be made, since he was on my "Heating Up" list a couple of weeks ago.  Based on his performance, I would've placed him in the "He's on Fire!" category, but I had been hearing that the suits at USCeast weren't willing to pony up the supposed $2.4 million for a buyout.  His performance as coach was so bad that I assume they were forced to dig deep into the coffers and find the money somewhere.

Here is a link to AD Eric Hyman's 1:30 press conference LIVE VIDEO

USA Today Press Release

Who willl be next to go?  In light of the Sports Illustrated report on the state of UCLA basketball, I wouldn't be shocked if it's Ben Howland...

2012 SEC Tournament Preview: Will the Cats Rule Again?

What a boring logo!  The ACC one is much better!

Here is a quick primer for the SEC Tournament, beginning today in New Orleans:

Favorite:  Kentucky
This one is pretty obvious.  Not only is Kentucky the favorite here, but will probably be the odds on favorite to win the national title once the brackets are announced on Sunday.  They are arguably the best team in the country, but hands down the best in the conference, hence the 16-0 record.  It'll take some team's best game (maybe a team fighting for life) combined with a lack of focus from the Wildcats for them to be taken down.  The only question on Big Blue Nation's mind is what to call New Orleans.  Each March, they refer to Atlanta as CATlanta, but they'll have to come up with something new for New Orleans. 

Team Most Likely to Beat Kentucky:  Alabama
I think Alabama plays well enough on the defensive end to compete with Kentucky (only lost by 6 at Rupp) and could score just enough to win a grinder against the Wildcats.  This is more of a hunch pick, but this could be a semifinal matchup if Bama could knock off a sinking Florida team on Friday.

Polishing the Resume:  Tennessee
The Vols have been playing great basketball as of late, and are back in the mix for an at-large berth.  They are held back by a few bad losses early in the season (Austin Peay, Oakland and Charleston) but have compiled some good wins as well (Florida twice, UConn and Vanderbilt).  I think they deserve to be in, but most think there is work to be done.  A win over the Ole Miss/Auburn winner is a must, and a win in the semifinals would lock up a bid, in my opinion. 

Most to Prove:  Mississippi St.
About a month ago, the Maroon Bulldogs were a lock for the NCAA tournament, but they have come undone in the last month.  Starting with a home loss to Georgia (their first round opponent) the Maroons went on a five game losing streak, only to bounce back with two wins to end the regular season.  Expect Dee Bost to lead the charge and shoot it well from deep.  Arnett Moultrie needs to play big (see below) and if wild-card Renardo Sidney plays to full potential, the Bulldogs could at least make an appearance in the finals.  However, a win over Georgia and maybe another win over Vanderbilt will help Stansbury and company feel better come Sunday.

Fighting for His Life:  Andy Kennedy, Ole Miss
It seems like Kennedy has had a season ticket on the hot seat this year, and with a trip to the Dance highly unlikely again, this could be his last stand for the Rebels.  Ole Miss has ruined a few good seasons lately with early exits in the SEC Tourney, and a loss to Auburn would most likely spell doom for Kennedy's job.  By drawing the #7 seed, Ole Miss gets Auburn, then a potential matchup with Vandy in the quarterfinals.  It'll be tough to get past a Commodore team that drilled them by 26 on their home floor a couple weeks ago, but you never know.  Judging by then way Ole Miss has played in the postseason under Kennedy, I just don't see that happening. 

Best Player:  Anthony Davis, Kentucky
This dynamo has the chance to pull off the "Triple Crown" of amateur basketball.  He WILL win National Freshman of the Year, COULD/SHOULD be National Player of the Year, and MOST LIKELY will be the #1 pick in the NBA Draft.  He is the key cog in the Wildcats' outstanding defense, making up for teammates' shortcoming by swatting everything that comes in the paint. 

Breakout Star:  Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi St.
Unless you follow SEC basketball regularly, you probably haven't heard of this 6-11 forward who averages a double-double (16.1 ppg, 10.7 rpg) each night.  If the Bulldogs are going to make that run to secure a spot in the Big Dance as mentioned above, Moultrie will need to produce.  In case you haven't heard, now you know.

How it Goes Down
Thursday:
LSU over Arkansas-tough call, but it really looks like Arkansas has tanked this year in the last few weeks
Alabama over South Carolina
Ole Miss over Auburn
Mississippi State over Georgia

Friday:
Kentucky over LSU
Alabama over Florida
Tennessee over Ole Miss
Mississippi State over Vanderbilt

Saturday:
Kentucky over Alabama
Mississippi State over Tennessee

Sunday:
Kentucky over Mississippi State

Remember, you can follow me on Twitter @jordandrushing and as always Don't Buy the Hype!

My Thoughts on the 2012 ACC Basketball Tournament! Preview

"Middle Class" Matt and his thoughts on a North Carolina tradition, the ACC Tournament! CLICK ON THE VIDEO BELOW FOR THE WHOLE Story!

Check out more sports' videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSportsGenius1?feature=watch and follow on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

Recap of the UNC vs. Duke Beat Down in Durham March 3rd!!!

In this entry I recap the UNC vs. Duke game(March 3rd), talk about UNC's chances for a national championship, and explore idea that "Duke is not Elite." CLICK THE VIDEO below to see the whole story!

Check me out on YouTube, my channel is NCSportsGenius1 and on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

The Rivalry! UNC vs. Duke Part II The Rematch!!!

Hang On! It's Do or Die Time!!!

The last Duke vs. UNC game was a classic! The Tar Heels allowed the Devils to steal one in Chapel Hill by not taking advantage of easy opportunites during the last few minutes of the game. What also helped Duke was the referees swallowing their whistles, and this is not just UNC fan bias, Doug Gottlieb pointed out the missed calls on ESPN today! Check out my preview of the No. 6 UNC vs. No. 4 Duke rematch, should be another good one!

Click the video below to play!

Check out my comments about the game and I will be making comments during the UNC vs. Duke game at Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

Seat Check: College Basketball Coaches On The Hot Seat

Which coaches will be looking for work in a couple weeks?

Here is a new segment called "Seat Check."  As seasons end, we will look at coaches who may be looking for work very soon.  Today's Seat Check looks at college basketball's coaching carousel:

Quick Recap:

"Heating Up"

Jeff Bzdelik, Wake Forest

Doc Sadler, Nebraska

Ben Howland, UCLA

Darrin Horn, South Carolina

"He's On Fire!"

Bruce Weber, Illinois

Matt Doherty, SMU

Herb Sendek, Arizona State

Kevin O'Neill, USC

Guys Who May Get the Axe for Missing the Dance Too Many Times

Andy Kennedy, Ole Miss

Seth Greenberg, Virginia Tech

Bill Carmody, Northwestern

Who do you think is most likely to be canned? Let us know!

Follow me on Twitter @jordandrushing

DON'T BUY THE HYPE!

Have Fun with UNC vs. N.C. State Rivalry! Basketball

It's "Middle Class" Matt at it again, just having a little fun at Wolfpack's expense! CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH THE SHORT VIDEO and check out the sign!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0L8lhfuDNA&context=C3d91c7aADOEgsToPDskK7JiWmErnTdhMdwDpXCNn8

Check me out on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

Marquette's Buzz Williams Riles Up the West Virginia Faithful

This could be the funniest thing I've ever seen a college basketball coach do on an opposing team's floor.  This puts Buzz Williams in the top five of my favorite college coaches, automatically.  Check out the students in the background, especially the kid in the grey sweatshirt:

In case you don't know, "Country Roads" is West Virginia's unofficial anthem, much like the annoying "Sandstorm," which is played ad nauseum at South Carolina games.   

I mean seriously, Buzz, this song is all people in West Virginia have to hold on to!  John Denver actually mentioned their state in a song!  How could you crush their poor hillbilly souls with such mockery?    

On a serious note, Williams did apologize for his behavior in his postgame press conference, but said he was dancing because he grew up loving the song, since he was from the "country".  Nice try, coach, just tell the truth and say you were sticking it in their face that you suspended your best players and still went in their house and won.  Own it Buzz!

More great Buzz Williams moments for your viewing pleasure:

ACC Basketball Review: Referees, UNC, N.C. State, and Duke

This is a report and review on the recent events going on in the ACC. The basketball season is really heating up so check out my new ACC video blog entry. Click the link below


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvtu7uQjV1A&context=C33339b3ADOEgsToPDskK7JiWmErnTdhMdwDpXCNn8

Check me out on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

My Day in Chapel Hill Part III (videos)

Dick Baddour is the former Athletic Director of the Unversity of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Baddour retired in the wake of the UNC football scandal, that cost Butch Davis his job. If you look at the numbers Baddour did a great job. While, Baddour was the AD, UNC won 13 National Championships as a program. Baddour had some great moments as AD, like when he convinced Roy Williams to come home to UNC. Many applauded his desicion to hire Butch Davis as the football coach. Now the Davis hire doesn't seem like the right move, but at the time it brought a seriousness to UNC's football program it had not had since the Mack Brown era. Here is a video of Dick Baddour receiving an award at halftime of the Boston College game, January 7th. Roy Williams presented Baddour to the crowd and said some really nice things. It seems they had a great relationship. Click the video below and see the award presentation.

Go Heels!

Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, and Kendall Marshall

The Tar Heels warming up at halftime. Check out how effortless the 7 foot Tyler Zeller moves for a big man! He is so light on his feet.

A Rare Look into UNC's huddle with Roy!

Kendall Marshall to Tyler Zeller for the assist!

UNC Cheerleaders!

All video and footage was taken by "Middle Class" Matt Nicholson for more videos go to http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSportsGenius1?feature=watch and follow on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

The Referees Cheat N.C. State! Coach K Admits Duke Gets the Calls!!!

The referees cheat N.C. State by making calls for Duke(Thursday Feb. 16). This isn't really news to most, but I am tired of it and something needs to be done. The ACC referees have made some pretty bad calls this week, and most of them during the two N.C. State games. I may do another video entry about the two former State basketball players ejected from the FSU game. I have to gather more information. I called the N.C. State vs. Duke game, early on. I knew the fix was in. Check out my comments about the State game at Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

Click on the link for the whole story.

My Day in Chapel Hill Part II (videos)

Here are the videos from my day at the Dean Dome. UNC has everything you will want to see at a basketball game. Now, if the Tar Heels can just figure out away to beat Duke! All these videos are from the UNC vs. Boston College game, January 7th.

All-American Harrison Barnes and the rest of the Heels warming up before the game.

Roy Williams coming out onto the court, to the cheers of the UNC's students and faithful.

The Tar Heels in the lay-up lines before the game.

UNC's Harrison Barnes and James Michael McAdoo passing out some pounds to the the UNC staff. You can also hear sercurity giving me a hard time about being so close to the court and not being in my seat!

The Tar Heel players standing around the court for the National Anthem. Look at all the Carolina blue!!!

UNC's Long-armed John Henson winning the jump ball. Tyler Zeller missing the little jump hook.

P.J. Hairston knocking down the three-pointer from the corner! Dexter Strickland gets the easy assist.

Kendall Marshall gets one of his many assists this year. Harrison Barnes hits a three, what a pure stroke he has!

Kendall Marshall finds Tyler Zeller for the little turn around half hook in the lane. These two can make the game look very easy at times. Kendall Marshall is one of the best passers in UNC's history and the nation this year. Marshall is 2nd in nation in assists this year with almost 10 a game.

Harrison Barnes playing good defense on one end of the court and throwing down the monster slam on the other end! The crowd goes crazy!

Roy Williams fired up on the side line, he is not happy about something!

The Tar Heels running into the locker room at half-time.

My Thoughts on the Xavier/Cincinnati BasketBRAWL

In case you somehow missed it, here is the video from the fracas at the end of the Xavier and Cincinnati basketball game on Saturday:

Here are my thoughts on Yancy Gates, the coaches' reactions and the resulting suspensions:

Mark Turgeon To Maryland: Smart Move

Maryland Got "Their Guy"



Maryland has hired Mark Turgeon from Texas A&M to be the new head basketball coach, and Terp Nation should be very excited about the future.  They have secured a bona fide winner who has managed successful programs at schools that were not considered "basketball schools".  Maryland should give Turgeon all the support he needs, then sit back and enjoy the results.  Turgeon has taken schools that were at the bottom of their conference in basketball (Wichita State in the Missouri Valley and Texas A&M in the Big 12)  and risen them to prominence in short order.

This is a great career move for Turgeon as well.  He was wise in leaving a successful Wichita State team for a successful Texas A&M (Billy Gillispie to Kentucky) squad.  Now he leaves for one of the best jobs in the ACC.  This is also his first job at a "basketball school" in an area that is full of high school talent that wants to attend. 

The bottom line for Turgeon is this:  At Texas A&M he was playing second fiddle at a second fiddle institution in Texas.  No matter how much he won in College Station, football would always be king.  No matter how much he won, the state of Texas will always be Longhorn Country.  Now he will get the notoriety he deserves on a national level, because he WILL win big at Maryland.