Tag: Dayton Basketball

Brendan Haywood provided hysterical commentary for Dayton’s Kobe Elvis crossing up Arizona’s Caleb Love off the television screen

Okay, this was pretty hysterical.

Former NBA player-turned-commentator Brendan Haywood provided what might be the best bit of commentary in March Madness so far during Arizona’s second-round game against Dayton on Saturday.

It came after Dayton guard Kobe Elvis crossed up Arizona guard Caleb Love so badly that the latter stumbled out of frame on the television.

Once seeing this, Haywood brought his A-game with this absolutely priceless line: “He crossed him onto another channel… Caleb Love might be on TruTV right now.”

Okay, if that doesn’t make you cackle, we’re not sure what will. That’s just gold from Haywood on what happened there between Elvis and Love.

We’re going to be giggling about this all day long, as Elvis’ smooth move on Love almost made up for Dayton not having the lead on Arizona when it happened.

While it’d be Love to get the last laugh as Arizona got past Dayton with a 78-68 victory, this will surely be one of the highlights of the tournament no matter who the winner was. Kudos to Haywood for nailing it.

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Dayton center DaRon Holmes quietly declared for NBA draft while maintaining NCAA eligibility

DaRon Holmes II is one of the most intriguing big men in this draft class.

Dayton Flyers big man DaRon Holmes II submitted paperwork as an early entry candidate for the 2023 NBA Draft.

As a sophomore, Holmes averaged 18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. The former Atlantic-10 Conference Rookie of the Year made All-A-10, All-A-10 Defense, and A-10 Conference Tournament MVP.

Holmes is officially testing the waters of the 2023 NBA Draft with the option to return to college. The big man will retain his NCAA eligibility, someone with knowledge of the situation told For The Win.

Underclassmen had until April 23 to submit their paperwork. The early entry withdrawal deadline for underclassmen that wish to maintain their collegiate eligibility is May 31.

That means Holmes will have until the end of next month to decide whether he wishes to stay in the draft or return to college.

NBA draft prospects will have a more clear picture of their potential trajectory after the G League Elite Camp (May 13-14) and the NBA Draft Combine (May 15-21) in Chicago.

Holmes could potentially join New York’s Obi Toppin to become just the second player from Dayton to hear his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft since 1979.

Holmes had the second-most dunks (89) of all Division 1 prospects last season, per Bart Torvik. He was also one of the most efficient players in college basketball when rolling to the rim after ball screens and he was one of the leaders in shooting fouls and floor fouls drawn.

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Ohio may look into banning unruly bettors after Dayton basketball coach cited attacks on players

This would be a positive step, but it’s sadly not enough.

Dayton men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant sent a powerful message to Ohio bettors after his team’s win over Davidson on Tuesday: “Take a step back and re-evaluate your priorities.”

Without getting into specifics, Grant made clear his players have been dealing with the repercussions of Ohio sports betting being legalized at the start of the new year.

“There’s some laws that have recently been enacted that really to me, it could really change the landscape of what college sports is all about. And when we have people that make it about themselves and attack kids because of their own agenda, it sickens me,” an emotional Grant said during his postgame presser. “They have families. They don’t deserve that. Mental health is real. So if you’re a Flyer fan, I ask you just to understand what you’re dealing with with young people.”

In response, Ohio Casino Control Commission executive director Matt Schuler suggested during a Wednesday meeting the commission look into banning state bettors who direct violent comments at college athletes on social media.

Such an exclusion list would only work to eliminate in-state bettors and bettors who aren’t hiding behind aliases and burner accounts, but it would represent a positive first step.

Dayton is 12-6 on the season and tied for first place in the Atlantic 10, but had a seven-game winning streak snapped by underdog VCU on Friday. The Flyers bounced back to beat Davidson, though they also failed to cover the spread of that game.

It’s despicable that so-called fans care more about whether a team covered than whether they won, but that’s what happens when the stakes include personal finances. Some people handle that a lot better than others. So, as long as betting is allowed in the age of social media, it will be almost impossible to eradicate all hate directed at athletes.

Sadly, Grant’s plea and others like it might be the best solutions short of another ban on sports betting altogether.

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An insignificant Dayton half-court heave against Richmond was an awful bad beat

It’s that time of year. Where half-court heaves break bettors’ hearts, too.

One of the best aspects of March Madness is how it highlights mid-major schools. Whereas most of the regular season understandably focuses on the blue-bloods, the third month of the calendar year is the scrappy underdog’s time to shine.

By that same token, games between two scrappers can be impossible to predict. When two dark horse teams are giving it their all, when they have nothing to lose — that is, except a potential bid in the NCAA Tournament proper — all prognostication goes out the window.

Enter Richmond (2.5-point favorites) and Dayton in the Men’s Atlantic-10 Conference tournament semifinals.

A low consensus spread and pregame over/under of 130.5 meant the betting market saw this high stakes tilt as evenly-matched. Up until the final few minutes of the game, it was. But then Richmond pulled away. And then Richmond couldn’t stop making free throws to pad a comfortable lead and place in the Men’s A-10 Tournament Final.

Congratulations to the Spiders on a 68-61 win. Also, congratulations to bettors who, at least, salvaged that generous over/under of 130.5.

Right? Right?

Kobe Elvis, what are you do–

Oh, no. 68 plus 64 is (counting fingers slowly) 132. Oh my goodness. A credit to Elvis and Dayton for playing to the final buzzer and maintaining their pride and dignity.

Otherwise, Richmond-Dayton over/under bettors: We are in your corner. We are your friends. Everything is going to be okay. Well, until the NCAA Tournament itself starts.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Dayton Flyers set to replace Duke in Battle 4 Atlantis, could face Ohio State

Duke is reportedly being replaced by Dayton in the Battle 4 Atlantis in South Dakota. If things line up, the Flyers could play Ohio State.

The Battle 4 Atlantis Ohio State is set take part in early on in the 2020-21 basketball season already looks much different than it did when the Buckeyes committed to the tournament in paradise. The COVID-19 pandemic has already resulted in tournament organizers moving venues to the Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

And now, one of the preeminent teams of the event appears to be bowing out, and is being replaced by another program. According to basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Duke is being replaced in the field by Dayton. No reason is yet given for the Blue Devils need to exit the tournament, but we’re sure Flyer fans are excited about getting to be a part of a gathering that has West Virginia, Creighton, Memphis, Utah, Wichita State, Texas A&M, and yes — Ohio State.

It’s intriguing because the OSU program has historically been hesitant to play in-state schools, particularly the other three power programs in the state, Cincinnati, Xavier, and Dayton.

And even though that has changed significantly since Holtmann has taken over as head coach with two games against Cincinnati, you can bet Flyer fans would love to get another shot at big boy Ohio State. Likewise, the Buckeyes would like nothing more than to have another shot at beating Dayton who knocked them out of the NCAA Tournament in 2014.

Remember this Ohio State fans?

If both Dayton and Ohio State do end up meeting, it might just be billed as the Battle 4 Ohio out in South Dakota.

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Former Buckeye Trevor Thompson to join Dayton alumni team Red Scare for TBT

Former Ohio State big man Trevor Thomspon will be joining the Dayton alumni team Red Scare for The Basketball Tournament per a released.

We’ve got yet another former Ohio State basketball player that will be taking part in The Basketball Tournament. According to an announcement on Twitter by the Dayton alumni team known as The Red Scare, former Buckeye forward/center Trevor Thomspon has been added to the squad.

Thompson came to Ohio State by way of transfer from Virginia Tech and played two seasons in Columbus. He blossomed his last season, becoming a solid post presence that averaged 10.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks during Thad Matta’s last season in 2016-17.

With yet another Buckeye product in the field, it sets up a potentially intriguing matchup for round 2 if Big X — a team with Keyshawn Woods, Andrew Dakich, C.J. Jackson, and Jae’Sean Tate on it — can get by its first opponent. If so, The Red Scare would face off with Big X, with the winner potentially meeting defending champion and No. 1 seed Carmen’s Crew in the next round.

With all the games being played in Columbus at Nationwide Arena, and with so many ties to Ohio State, this edition of TBT is sure going to have a scarlet and gray feel to it. It’s just too bad there won’t be any fans in the stands to take it all in.

But set your DVRs now because it’s going to be a hoot.

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: Final Four Is Set

Find out who advances in our NCAA Tournament title game in our sim.

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: Final Four Is Set

Who advances to the national title game.

Contact/Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

There are only four.

The Final Four of the NCAA Tournament was scheduled to be played. this weekend in Atlanta but with March Madness canceled we decided to simulate the entire tournament.

The teams that are left are No. 1 Kansas from the Midwest and they will be taking on the No. 1 Dayton and this will be a rematch from when the two played in the Maui championship with the Jayhawks winning 90-84 in overtime. Some may think this is the de facto national title game as they are the only No. 1 seeds to make it to the Final Four.

The other half of the bracket features No. 7 Arizona from the South region and they will take on conference mate and No. 4 Oregon Ducks. These two played twice this year already and it was the Ducks who won each game but they were just one point victories for each.

As a reminder, we are simulating these games over at What If Sports and are doing just like the NCAA Tournament, one loss and you’re out.

Midwest vs. East

Final score: No. 1 Kansas 87,  No. 1 Dayton 77

Kansas won the second match vs. Dayton this year and this victory gives Bill Self is in his third championship game as the Jayhawks head coach and if he wins it will be his second national title and first since 2008.

The first half it looked like Dayton had the edge as they were up by six but the second half saw Kansas go on a huge run to outscore the Flyers by 16 points. The Jayhawks went on a lot of mini-runs to slowly pull ahead for the win.

The Flyers tried to chuck its way to the win by shooting 30 shots from three-point range and they did make a respectable 11 of those but it was not enough.

West vs. South

Final score: No. 7 Arizona 87, No. 4 Oregon 72

Arizona is one of the lowest seeds to ever make it to a national title game by topping Oregon by 15. This is the first time al year the Wildcats were able to top the Ducks who won both previous matchups by a single point each.

In this game, Arizona was great on both ends of the court. They shot 56 percent and the defense clamped down and held Oregon to 36 percent from the field.

The second half is when Arizona started to run away from this game and a 17-3 run is what propped up the Wildcats to advance to a national championship game.

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Sweet Sixteen

2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Sweet Sixteen There is plenty on the line for the remaining for four teams in the East Region, mostly an Elite Eight appearance. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire The Elite Eight waits for two teams as …

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Sweet Sixteen

There is plenty on the line for the remaining for four teams in the East Region, mostly an Elite Eight appearance. 

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

The Elite Eight waits for two teams as four battle it out in New York City.

The second round is in the books of our NCAA Tournament simulation and in the East Region, we have our four teams playing in New York City in the Sweet Sixteen.

As a reminder, we are simulating these games over at What If Sports and are doing just like the NCAA Tournament, one loss and you’re out.

East Region 

Final Score: No. 1 Dayton 102, No. 5 Auburn 77 

New York, NY–Obi Toppin was named an AP first team All-American this past week, and rightfully so. The high flying sophomore has helped lead the Dayton Flyers to one of their greatest seasons in program history, but he’s not alone. And as most would tell you, success in the big dance doesn’t come from just one guy scoring the basketball.

Toppin had an amazing performance last round against Colorado as he finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. But that has been his only standout game as the Flyers took on the Auburn Tigers, it was the team’s second leading scorer guard Jalen Crutcher who sent Bruce Pearl and company home early with 32 points on 11-16 shooting from the field.

The Tigers looked to double-team the sophomore sensation all night and though a fifteen-point performance is nothing to ignore, it was an effective strategy. The one thing Auburn forgot was that basketball is a team sport and you don’t receive a No. 1 seed or top-five ranking nationally for having just one good player.

Big performances for Crutcher and fellow junior guard and former Michigan Wolverine Ibi Watson (18 points and 5 rebounds) was the dagger in Auburn’s tournament run. And as the Flyers advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since the 2013-2014 season where they fell 52-62 to the Florida Gators who went all the way to the Final Four that year. It will truly take a team effort to get past a hot handed Duke Blue Devil’s team who looks as in sync as they have all season. It shouldn’t be too tough if they can knock down fifteen three pointers again and shoot 61% from the field, just saying.

Final Score: No. 3 Duke 99, No. 10 Arizona State 89

New York, NY–If there is one lesson teams have learned on a consistent basis playing basketball in March, it is that everything comes to an end. It’s a little tougher when you gain some momentum and knock off two teams in less than five days. It’s apart of March Madness and though the Sun Devil’s looked like this region’s Cinderella the Blue Devil’s (no relation) come out on top in this one with a ten-point win and some confidence heading into the Elite Eight.

Duke is playing their best basketball of the season and received double-digit scoring from six different players but were led by a double-double from freshman post Vernon Carey with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Carey dominated on both ends in the paint also chipping in 3 blocks and a steal.

Arizona State once again played through leader Remy Martin who led the way with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. And even though they kept it close with only a two-point deficit going into halftime, their efforts in the second half weren’t enough. As an offensive run to start the second half by the Blue Devils gave them just enough cushion to hold off later Arizona State advances to seal the win.

Duke advances on, and unlike their next opponents the Dayton Flyers this isn’t exactly new to them. It’s not new to Dayton either as they have enjoyed several deep tournament runs in their history, two Elite Eight appearances in the last forty years and even more success prior. But to have come this far as a mid-major team there is still plenty to celebrate, but will the Blue Devil’s let them?

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Round 2

2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Round 2 A trip to the Sweet Sixteen is on the line in the round of 32. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Four Move On The first round is in the books of our NCAA Tournament simulation and though there …

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2020 NCAA Tournament Sim: East Region, Round 2

A trip to the Sweet Sixteen is on the line in the round of 32.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Four Move On 

The first round is in the books of our NCAA Tournament simulation and though there were a few upsets, the big names are still here and provide an eventful day of games in the round thirty-two for us to enjoy.

As a reminder, we are simulating these games over at What If Sports and are doing just like the NCAA Tournament, one loss and you’re out.

East Region 

Final Score: No.1 Dayton 96, No. 8 Colorado 89

Cleveland, OH–The arena was full in Cleveland on Sunday afternoon as Dayton Flyers fans packed in tight. It took more than regulation in this one for the Flyers to advance on, it also took a double-double from star big man Obi Toppin with 26 points and 12 rounds.

Colorado attempted the upset but might have ultimately been doomed from beyond the arc, finishing just 6-23 on the night from deep. Mckinley Wright IV led his team for the second straight game with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The No. 1 seed Flyers advance on with a tough test ahead in the Auburn Tigers and maybe one of their bigger obstacles of the season in a team with athleticism and size like nothing you can compare to in the Atlantic-10.

Final Score: No. 5 Auburn 85, No.4 Wisconsin 65

Sacramento, CA–The goal hasn’t changed for the Tigers and unfortunately for the Wisconsin Badgers they were just another roadblock for Auburn en route to the Sweet Sixteen.

Bruce Pearl’s squad looked focused and shut down the Badger’s second-half offensive efforts, outscoring Wisconsin 41-25 after half time. Kobe King was the only Badger to reach double-digit scoring, ending the night with just 13 points.

While the Tigers were led by freshman Isaac Okoro with 19 points, 5 rebounds and clutch performance from the field, going 8-11 on the night. They advance on to face the No. 1 seed in the region in Dayton and have to keep focus to continue on to the Elite Eight and beyond.

Final Score: No. 3 Duke 77, No. 6 Iowa 66

Greensboro, NC–It was a duel effort by Tre Jones and Cassius Stanley who led Duke with 14 points a piece. But they weren’t alone as three other Blue Devil’s finished the night with double-digits in their eleven point win over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Iowa big man Luka Garza gave it his all as he led the way with 15 points and 13 rebounds. But it wasn’t enough as the Hawkeyes couldn’t hold off a late second half surge by the Blue Devils to seal the win and send Fran McCaffery’s group home early. They continue on to face this corner of the bracket’s Cinderella, a No. 10 seed who might not fit the mold but don’t let them fool you as they already have two upsets in the bag with room for much more.

Final Score: No. 10 Arizona State 88, No. 2 Villanova 86 

Albany, NY–The Sun Devils are on a roll! As they pack their bags and head to New York City with a two-point victory over two-time tournament Champion Villanova and head coach Jay Wright.

Arizona State couldn’t miss as they went a combined 50.8% from the field and ended the night with six different Sun Devil’s in double figures. It was floor general Remy Martin who led the way with 17 points, 8 assists and three steals. Villanova did all they could and were led by Saddiq Bey with 24 points but this is the Sun Devil’s weekend as they aren’t leaving the east coast just yet.