Talkin' Turkey

I'm back from my Near East adventure, a few pounds lighter and a wealth of experience richer. I trust Mr. Black didn't bore you too badly. And wouldn't you know it, who was sitting across the aisle from me on the final leg of my return journey, Southwest flight 310 from Chicago to Louisville, but notable ticket broker Steve Masiello! He wore a grey velour track suit, and any hopes of striking up a conversation were quickly dashed as he was asleep before the plane was even boarded entirely. He remained so for the entire flight, through drink service, a screaming toddler, and some substantial turbulence upon descent. It was an impressive nap.

Aside from that, I won't burden you with details of my trip since hearing about someone's vacation is about as stimulating as listening to them tell you about their strange dream last night. But I will say, if you ever want to visit the place where the disparate threads of human history overlap and are woven together, go to Turkey. It's pretty bitchin'.

And from what I can gather, there appears to have been a conclusion to that little basketball tournament that was ongoing when I left. My apologies to you for suffering through the insufferable. I could sense the Blue Menace on the horizon from halfway across the world, I can't imagine what it was like at home in the eye of the storm.

I'm gonna save my thoughts on UK's run to Final Four, the Big East getting the last laugh on all the haters, the burgeoning signs of spring football practice, and final thoughts on Louisville basketball's tournament flameout for Monday.

I just wanted to say hi. It's good to be home.

Go Cards.

Elisha a male model?

From allkyhoops.com:

University of Louisville freshman Elisha Justice finds himself in an unexpected battle today. Justice is up against Spanish soccer star Cesc Fabregas in TheSportsFag.com's 2011 Hottest Male Athlete Tournament.

There isn't really much more that needs to be said but Justice currently holds 85% of the votes. If he advances, he'll be going against Victor Valdes or Camillo Villegas in the next round.

Click here for the whole bracket of "hot male athletes." Feel free to fill out your own bracket.. and keep it completely to yourself.

Hat tip goes to theHoff... he tells me this is all over Louisville radio right now. Type of thing Mr. Red would normally pick up on. You know, back in the day. Before he abandoned us.

Pitino going with Butler over UConn

From Pat Forde:

HOUSTON -- Rick Pitino is the only coach in America who has beaten the two teams that will play Monday night for the national title.

His Louisville Cardinals walloped Butler 88-73 way back in mid-November. The Cardinals were 2-1 against Connecticut, beating the Huskies twice in the regular season and losing to them in the Big East tournament championship game.

Who better to ask for a scouting report on the game?

"I think Butler will win the game, and it won't be at the buzzer," Pitino said Sunday, reached by telephone. "It'll be by seven or eight points."

After watching the national semifinals Saturday night, Pitino sees fatigue as the biggest factor in the Bulldogs' favor.

"My observation is that Connecticut's a tired team right now," he said. "I think Kemba [Walker] is worn out. I think Butler is the winner because of it."

Full article, which the blog post is in reference to, is here.

Kyle Kuric wins dunk of the year

Play it again Sam.

Earth to Pitino -- do NOT take away this kid's scholarship.