Live from Cameron
Things just got considerably more quiet in the press room, now that Dick Vitale has headed off to a pre-broadcast meeting. Say what you will about Vitale's announcing style, he is at least, an authentic guy. He really, really - I mean really - loves his hoops. And he'll gladly talk about it with anyone - a guy on the college paper, an usher, a fan. And he always return calls to his cell phone. So you'll never hear a harsh word about Dicky V from me.
But on to the game. Something tells me it's going to be a close one. Here's how I described it to a friend earlier this week. People are reading too much into Duke's No. 2 ranking and too much into Maryland's recent troubles. The truth about both teams is probably somewhere in between. I've got imagine that - for this game at least - the Terps will play their backsides off. And keep in mind that before their recent Florida blowouts, Duke had been playing a lot of tight games. I think they'll revert to form tonight.
So what's my prediction? I think the Blue Devils pull out a close one. For whatever faults this Duke team has, it has consistently played a high level late in games. That will be the difference tonight. But keep in mind, this information is for entertainment purposes only. And keep in mind that I earlier predicted N.C. State would beat Duke, so my prognostications are basically worthless.
Comments (3)
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What did I tell you? Worthless. Just take my predictions, go to Vegas and lay money on the opposite outcome. It's a can't miss play.
Posted on January 27, 2005 12:28 AM
No one could predict the ACC with much accuracy this season. Who would have called Virginia Tech winning in Atlanta, or anywhere?
I was pleased to read your comments about Dick Vitale. I happen to like the guy, but some of his bashers would make me ashamed to admit it. Thanks for lifting the self-esteem of at least one Dickie V fan.
Posted on January 27, 2005 12:41 PM
I can vouch for Jim's comments on Dick Vitale. Some could call Jim's credibility into question on the issue because he wrote a big behind-the-scenes story on the life of Vitale last year. So you might think Dick's just nice to our young intrepid reporter as a show of appreciation.
I've written nothing on Vitale over the years, and he's always been quick to say hello, and dig for some insights, in the press room before games. He's faithfully returned my calls all the way back to when I was writing for my college paper and wanted to ask his thoughts on a couple of recent basketball commitments. He turned it around on me and pumped me for info on the recruits, proof that the guy's always doing his homework and, secondly, that he makes time for everyone.
Posted on January 30, 2005 4:53 PM