Husky Men's Basketball Blog

There's always a lot of discusson on this board about officiating so it's interesting to be at an NCAA Tournament site and see games with officials from other conferences.

One of the main guys on the WSU game yesterday was an ACC official, and some of the Cougars felt the officials let them play more than happens in the Pac-10.

"They were letting a bit more go than what we are used to in the (Pac-10),'' said WSU center Aron Baynes. "We have to get used to that.''

Also, a few of you have asked about the future of Isaiah Thomas. I haven't checked on that officially in a little while, but my understanding is that nothing has changed --- he has to stay at South Kent for two years and then plans to come to UW for the 2008-09 season.

But obviously, things can change. But he has said he plans to eventually sign with UW. On that timeline, the earliest he would sign with UW is next November to be a member of the Class of 2008.

Some of the games didn't necessarily go to plan, but the end result of the first day of the tournament for the Pac-10 did --- two wins as higher seeds, one loss as a lower seed.

Day two should be a little more interesting, especially the Arizona-Purdue and USC-Arkansas games.

As long as it shoots anything like it did at the Pac-10 Tournament, Oregon should win.

I also think USC will get past Arkansas. The Razorbacks had a nice ending to the season to get into the tournament, and have a higher RPI --- 35 to USC's 40. But the Trojans should be motivated to play better defense than they did against Oregon, and if Nick Young gets rolling at all, Troy should move on.

As for Arizona, who has a clue what the Wildcats are going to do from one game to the next? I doubt Lute Olson does. Arizona is truly one of those teams in the tournament that could lose in the first round or go to the Final Four.

Watching the way Arizona lost to Oregon makes one think an early exit is in store. But then, maybe all those guys will remember that NBA scouts are watching and decide to bring it.

I'm still in Sacramento, so I'll try to pass on any nuggets I get here, as well as just some general observations. Feel free to pass along any of your observations, as well.