Al Skinner Ain't Happy

Almost a year to the day after he was let go by Boston College — leaving as the winningest coach in the history of the men’s basketball program — Al Skinner yesterday ended a year of self-imposed silence about what happened, still not quite sure why it happened the way it did. He also made it clear that he feels he has something left in his coaching career.

“Other than the fact that they wanted a change to be made, I still don’t understand,’’ said Skinner in a phone interview.

“That’s part of the business. But I look at my résumé and the success I had at BC, and I look at the résumé of some coaches who are in the tournament now, and I look at my résumé and I think it compares favorably.

“I ran a good program, I graduated my kids. Everybody has problems, but we addressed them and handled them in a matter that satisfied every one.

“At the end of the day, this is a results-oriented business. I recognize that. But I put the program in a good place. I raised the program to the level where we were always in the hunt.’’

Skinner went 247-165 in 13 years at BC, taking the Eagles to seven NCAA Tournament appearances (in a stretch of nine years). His tenure ended last March, following a 15-16 season, in what the school described as a mutual decision but was largely perceived as a dismissal. Skinner had three years left on his contract.

-Boston.com

Here is what I think the scoop is. BC needed to pay Al one years salary as a settlement per his contract if he didn't get another job last year. One of the provisions in his contract also was that he needed not to make any comments. He took it easy for a year and did not work.
The year is up, and he is looking now for a job. So he comes in the papers to state his case after his contract expired. Al's a good coach and an even better guy, it all depends if he wants to work at it. He wasn't getting it done the last few years at BC, so he rightfully got fired. He can be credited for keeping the program respectable and making them a power NCAA team again, as well as transitioning them to the ACC. Al's team's did play with what he called an "edge," and that's what made them great. They played with that swagger that you need now of days to compete at a high level, and beat anyone anytime. Al, like I said, is a good man, and will end up with a good program and legacy.

-thanks dad for the tip and some more insight

Posted by Mucc.

How's Your Bracket?

(VCU would like to apologize for screwing up everyone's bracket in America)

Well, shit. Didn't see this coming. I mean, I guess I'll give you UConn. Somebody could've picked that one. Best player in the country, fresh off an insane run through the Big East tourney, but they had just played five games in five days, they were too young, they're freshmen weren't ready for the big stage. Nope, Final Four bound. Kentucky's got some talent. Brandon Knight is an absolute stud, but they got skimped with their seeding and weren't deep enough to make a serious run. Nope, Final Four bound. Somebody had to be this year's Butler, turns out it just happened to be Butler. An 8-seed. An 8-seed?! 8-seeds are supposed to get knocked off by the 1-seed in the second round. Nope, Final Four bound. And who's that last team that's going to Houston? Must be Duke, or UNC, or Florida, or someone else from the Big East (oh wait, that's right, the Big East sucks), right? Nope, VCU you say? Good ole Virginia Commonwealth University. An 11-seed. They weren't even supposed to be in the tournament. THEY WEREN'T EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE TOURNAMENT!!! Nope, Final Four bound. What a weekend for college basketball. Once again proving why March Madness is the single greatest sporting event America has to offer. A three, four, eight and eleven seed in the Final Four? I mean, I know I didn't fill out a bracket this year, but I would've lost a shitload, so I'm glad I didn't. Oh, you had Butler and VCU playing each other in the Final Four? No you didn't. Liar. I will personally pleasure anyone who shows me they had that much up. So, ladies and gents, how's your bracket?

Posted by 3

Agudelo Compensates for USA's Messi Play

Will Agudelo be USA's next star?

ESPN- EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- At the final whistle, Juan Agudelo walked over to Lionel Messi.

Don Emmert/Getty ImagesJuan Agudelo (9) of the USA is marked by Argentina's Javier Mascherano (14) during a friendly match at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

"I was like, `Yeah, I'm good friends withThierry Henry,'" the 18-year-old American forward said. "I just wanted to introduce myself: Juan Agudelo."

Agudelo's 59th-minute goal gave the United States a surprising 1-1 tie against Argentina in a high-profile exhibition game on Saturday night before 78,936 at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

As much as the goal, making an impression on the planet's best player left Agudelo beaming.

"Just for him to recognize me, now that I scored against him," said the teenager, who only made the New York Red Bulls' first-team roster late last season.

Talk about confidence. This kid has it all. Watch the video and listen to his composure when talking on national television. He's unfazed. Back in the fall, he comes into the game with 7 minutes left with the USA and South Africa tied 0-0 and calmly puts away a goal poking it over the keepers head. Comes in against Chile at the 60 minute mark with his good pal Teal Bunbury. The two play a slick give and go down the middle of the field and Agudelo gets hacked in the box, setting up a PK for Bunbury. Bunbury buries it and the two proceed to dougie in front of the world.

Sure enough, last night comes and the USA is taking on perennial powerhouse Argentina. Lionel Messi was in the starting lineup and was just toying with our defenders. Half time comes and Big Bad Bob Bradley decides to sub in Agudelo and pair him up with Jozy. Great move all around. Agudelo brings energy to the front line and is capable of stringing passes together. Jozy is most effective as a holding forward with someone working off of him, which is what Agudelo was doing. Fast forward to the 79th minute and Agudelo, like always is in the right place, at the right time, and exudes confidence as he buries the off balance goal around the keeper. Tremendous finish. What's more amazing is this kid's quiet confidence. Who, as an 18 year old, walks up to the best player in the world and introduces himself? Who keeps their composure on national TV and remains modest enough to thank his parents and god? What's great is that he's grateful for the opportunity and not like many other young stars who feel like it's owed to them. This is what the United States has been lacking. Someone composed in front of the net.

Ps. Did anyone see his celebration? He must have been out here scouting 3 for a while and decided to copy his signature celebration

Posted by Roccodinho

Unbelievable Scene of Yesterday

I was going to post this last night, but gotta admit I liked mac attacks post so much just kind of let it rock. Great day yesterday, Revs won 2-1 Charlie Davies scored, Butler won again just amazing, and the boys from CT pulled off another final four trip, who's going to Houston with me? Anyway, last night's unbelievable scene was acquiring this patriot throwback hat up above. It took a lot of team effort, heart, and determinations, but we did it folks, we made the dream come true and the hat has been acquired from a off-campus house that shall not be named(the "hall" for those who know what I'm talking about). Props to Roccodinho as he was MVP of the heist. It's like I always say, some people are great, but others just have greatness thrust upon them.

Posted by Mucc.