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Throughout history, satire has been used to hold the powerful and pretentious to account through irony, exaggeration and often-brutal ridicule. During the Middle Ages, jesters were allowed to talk and mock freely without fear of recrimination or punishment. In medieval courts jesters used this privilege to tell monarchs things they didnt want to hear, or to present information others dared not. Tyranny usually begins with the suppression of civil liberties. For one thing, they recognised the power of humour to undermine their establishment. According to historian Roy Medvedev, 200,000 people in Soviet Russia were sent to the Gulag for joking about Stalin. As Hannah Arendt once said, authoritys greatest enemy is contempt, and the surest means of undermining it is laughter.

Satire can often blur the line between fantasy and reality. Obviously, satirical websites are often mistaken for fake news because people accept them as legitimate news sources. For example, when the Onion claimed in 2012 that Kim Jong Un was the sexiest man alive, it was enough to fool Chinese newspaper the Peoples Daily. The online edition of the official Chinese Communist party newspaper has published 55 pages of enthusiastic photos filled with patriotic pictures of the North Korean leader saluting troops and riding horses. It even contains a quote from the satirical site, telling readers, This Pyongyang-born heartthrob is every womans dream come true.

If the modern satirists greatest weapon is the internet, its ammunition is certainly memes. Memes, usually accompanied by text and audio, are images that people use to represent themselves online. Part of the power of memes is their ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, digestible format. Often featuring cute and cuddly pets imprinted with hallmark style inspirational quotes, they are a ubiquitous source of amusement for millions of tech-savvy people idling away the day.

For an idea to become a meme, it has to be shared. The most successful internet memes follow a few simple rules: first and foremost, the meme has to be funny. A psychological phenomenon known as the humor effect means its easier for people to remember information when it is presented as humorous. In other words, jokes are easier to remember than arguments. And those in power have never been so afraid of jokes.

In other words, its easier to remember a joke than an argument. And those in power have never been so scared of jokes.

The case of Douglas Mackey is a prime example. A few days ago, a federal court in Brooklyn convicted the 33-year-old known online as Ricky Vaughn for sharing a series of misleading memes during the 2016 US election. The images tricked Hillary Clinton supporters into thinking they could vote by text. Federal officials claimed Mackey attempted to violate US citizens constitutional rights. When sentenced later this year, he faces the possibility of ten years in prison.

Due to the keen observations of some adherents, satire has a great influence. It was recently revealed that over ninety articles on the satirical website Babylon Bee have turned into true stories. Last week, CNN published an article warning its readers of a new and horrific form of modern-day racism that is spreading across the globe. Apparently, white people are no longer content with simply being good old-fashioned racists in the real world. We are now projecting our unconscious bias and bigotry into cyberspace. According to the author, if you happen to be white and you post a reaction meme featuring black people, then you are guilty of digital blackface. Unsurprisingly, this progressive version of racism only works one way. The piece informs us that if African Americans do the same thing, they get a free pass. Equity in action, folks!

Although humour is an effective tool for transmitting memes, other emotions also help them circulate around the internet. Their ability to provoke anger, shock, and outrage gives them extreme cultural power. Nowhere is this more evident than in the hyper-partisan world of modern politics.

In the 2016 US election, just two websites, The Donald and 4Chan, were responsible for almost all the memes that helped propel Donald Trump into the White House. Nearly $100 million was spent on Mr Trumps campaign, but much of his success is thanks to an obscure and occasionally incontinent cartoon amphibian. Pepe the Frog is an internet meme so old that it first appeared on MySpace in 2005.

But when Hillary Clinton made the now infamous basket of deplorables comment about her opponents, internet pranksters reclaimed the meme. All of a sudden, thousands of images of Pepe wearing a Make America Great Again baseball cap started to appear on the 4chan website. Trolling had become a national sport. And it catapulted memes into the mainstream.

Like their cousin the emoji, memes serve as a universal language and are part of a new digital culture that transcends traditional racial and class boundaries. By connecting different groups, memes promote a shared sense of identity and support the formation of group affiliation.This new online collective consciousness is challenging the hegemony of our so-called enlightened Western governments. As we saw with the election of Donald Trump, memes gave white working-class voters often overlooked and ridiculed by politicians an even field to play on. It enraged the political class. Yet the angrier they got culminating in Clinton denouncing Pepe as an image of white supremacy the more powerful the deplorables became.

The establishment hates memes because they are often a more accurate and powerful response to political power than confronting that power any other way. The EU claims memes are a threat to society, while social media platforms have been trying for years to ban memes using sophisticated artificial intelligence software. Yet every attempt they have made to censor them has ended in failure. This is because memes can easily circumvent censorship algorithms. In an attempt to fight back, Instagram tried fact-checking a Greta Thunberg meme, which resulted in them looking hideously unfunny. Grist to the meme-makers mill. You cant control memes. The only way you can defeat them is with another meme.

Satire may thrive on the internet, but in the real world it is dying a painful death. George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Bill Hicks, and more recently Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais have challenged the status quo with this powerful comedic apparatus, but contemporary satirists rarely challenge the establishment. It is fashionable for todays satirists to punch down. Just watch one of the many comedy panel shows that dominate the television networks. In the UK, Mock the Week and The Mash Report have been a regular feature on the BBC for years. In recent years, they have become a chilling showcase of equality and diversity for those who believe they are entitled to appear on television because of the immutable traits that transpose talent to race. Regular guests fostered divisive ideas about race and portrayed Britain as a racist hellhole. Jokes became political lectures. This is reflected in the transition from applause, the sign of comic approval, to clapter, the sign of ideological approval. The same is true in Australia as well. A Hannah Gadsby comedy special is little more than a 60 minute talk on gender ideology.

Ever since its invention, satire has been used as a means of exposing both the absurdity and hypocrisy of those in power. If it wants to survive in the age of identity politics, we need memes more than ever.

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Seen the one about the? - The Spectator Australia

How did Bitcoin NFTs start?

Bitcoin NFTs, or the concept of using Bitcoin to store digital assets, started years ago before Ethereum and Solana NFTs. The idea was first introduced in 2012 when Meni Rosefeld wrote a paper on Coloured Coins to store additional information on Bitcoin to represent assets. While it didnt work out due to the lack of sophistication of the research and Bitcoin at the time, it served as the foundation for NFTs.

In 2014, the creation of Counterparty made it one of the early pioneers of Bitcoin NFTs. Counterparty launched a collectible asset in September 2016 called The First Rare Pepes, which consisted of a collection of Pepe the Frog memes that could be bought and sold using Bitcoin or its protocol native token, XCP. However, due to the OP_RETURN function, which allowed users to store data in the blockchain up to a maximum of 80 bytes, the collection was unsustainable.

In 2023, Bitcoin is becoming a platform for storing NFTs using a numerical method called Ordinals. This means that the blockchain technology behind Bitcoin, famous for its decentralization and transparency, can be used to safely store and transfer NFTs.

How did Ordinals start, and who started it?

Ordinals are digital assets or inscriptions created by Casey Rodamor, who used to work for Bitcoin. These Ordinals, also known as Bitcoin NFTs, can be created on the Bitcoin blockchain with the help of Casey Rodamors Ord wallet. Each small part of Bitcoin is given a unique number in the wallet, and users can attach different media types, such as pictures or videos, to these numbers to create their digital assets.

What are Ordinals?

Ordinals are a way of assigning a unique number to each Satoshi, which is the smallest unit of Bitcoin. With ordinals, you can keep track of individual Satoshis and know precisely how many you have. Its like assigning a unique serial number to each coin, except in this case, its a digital currency unit. This numbering system can help track the movement of Bitcoin or Satoshi units.

What are Digital Artefacts?

Digital artefacts are a type of NFT that is unique and cannot be replicated or changed. To be considered an artefact, the NFT must meet certain requirements. It must be created using a standard protocol that ensures compatibility with other decentralised platforms and stored on a decentralised blockchain network. Once stored on the blockchain, the artefact becomes immutable, meaning it cannot be altered or deleted. Finally, artefacts must be unrestricted on-chain, meaning they can be transferred or sold freely without external restrictions.

What are Inscriptions?

Inscriptions are digital artefacts generated by adding content to your Bitcoin using a unique tool called the Ord client.

Inscriptions dont require any sidechain, separate token or changes to the Bitcoin blockchain. They are also public, so you can view them using the original explorer.

What is the value of Bitcoin NFTs?

The value of Bitcoin NFTs is determined by similar factors of other blockchain NFTs, such as their rarity and level of demand. Also, it can be determined by the value of Bitcoin itself, depending on whether the market condition is favourable or otherwise. Apart from these, the founders reputation and experience can significantly influence how much people would be willing to pay for the NFTs.

How to get started with Bitcoin NFTs

To start investing in Bitcoin NFTs, the first thing to do is to run a full node on Bitcoin to allow you to create, sell or transfer them.

Secondly, create a sparrow wallet here.

What are the pros and cons of Bitcoin NFTs?

Like other blockchain NFTs, Bitcoin NFTs have their upsides and downsides.

Pros of Bitcoin NFTs

They expand the Bitcoin ecosystem by attracting new creators and users.

Bitcoin NFTs help to enhance a community of like-minded individuals by bringing them together through digital collectibles to learn, educate and connect. Also, it lowers the barrier of entry for new users and creators by helping creators monetize their work, and the users access unique digital assets.

They create another excellent use case for Bitcoin.

By enabling digital assets through inscriptions and ordinals, Bitcoin NFTs create a new use case for Bitcoin rather than a means of exchange or a store of value for which Bitcoin is known. This will contribute to the scalability of the blockchain by solidifying its excellence through innovation.

Cons of Bitcoin NFTs

Slower Transactions

The transaction per second of Bitcoin could be faster compared to other blockchains. At the speed of 7 transactions per second, if NFTs become more popular on the Bitcoin network, they could increase the slow transaction issue. NFTs are unique digital assets that are often bought and sold on the blockchain, which means that each NFT transaction adds to the overall transaction load on the network. This could lead to even longer confirmation times and higher fees for NFT and other Bitcoin transactions.

You need to run a full node on Bitcoin before you can create, sell or transfer.

A node is a computer that runs the Bitcoin software and connects it with the network. Nodes are essential for the security of the Bitcoin network, as they monitor the blockchain and reject any transactions that break consensus rules.

To get access to Bitcoin NFTs, you need to start your journey into ordinals. However, you need to acquire a Bitcoin node and get Ord running; otherwise, you wont be able to create, sell, or transfer your NFTs. You can get started using the handbook here or get your node here or read through Caseys conversation here and join the community for Ordinals here to learn and contribute to the technology.

How to sell or transfer Bitcoin NFTs without using a full node

If you have the chance to mint but want to bypass running the whole node. You can use Peer-2-peer or OTC to sell or transfer your asset by following the following steps:

Make sure you are in the Discord community and have the mint opportunity.

Send crypto to the creator to help you keep the NFT in his wallet.

Use the Peer-2-Peer or OTC Trading channel to connect with your buyer.

Chat with your buyer and have a mutual agreement.

Reach out to the creator and request an escrow service.

The buyer sends the crypto to the escrow, and the escrow releases your NFT to their wallet.

The escrow releases the crypto to you.

How to Create your own Bitcoin NFTs

Using the Ordinal wallet, use the command ord wallet inscribe file.jpg to inscribe an NFT on the Bitcoin blockchain.

To set a custom fee rate and name your wallet, use the command ord wallet ord-dotta wallet inscribe file.jpg fee-rate 5.

Wait for the NFT to be confirmed, which may take some time.

Note that only one NFT can be inscribed at a time, so to create a collection, you need to have more UTXOs (Unspent Transaction Outputs) in your inscribing wallet.

Think of each UTXO as a crypto transaction change or unused transaction output. This means that if you send yourself two transactions of enough size, you can inscribe two Ordinals simultaneously.

Make sure you send enough Bitcoin to each UTXO, or else you wont be able to inscribe the NFT because you need enough sats to pay the mint fees.

Please dont use any other wallet software with this Ordinal wallet address, or it may interfere with the inscription process.

How to know the Bitcoin NFTs to invest in

Like other blockchains, you can check for various factors, including team, roadmap, influencers etc. However, the art can be tough to explain because its weird, unlike Ethereum or other blockchain NFTs.

In addition, you can check for derivative or historical projects because they mostly have a higher demand and are easy to liquidate in any market.

Lastly, you can target the top Bitcoin NFTs because theyre often more costly due to their rarity. The more theyre first inscribed, the higher the demand and the perceived value.

Bitcoin NFTs are still growing with room for more innovation, so you can expect a vast growth or decline in the future. Always DYOR before buying into the hype of any project. You can use ordinals.com to do some of your research.

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What are Bitcoin NFTs? A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Started - Tekedia

It might be time for K-pop stars to hire new stylists.

You know, someone who is familiar with our symbols of hate. Someone who can say, Please do not wear those booty shorts with Pepe the Frog on the back. Also, that necklace with the dice that add up to 1488 is code for white supremacists. Maybe just go with the emerald earrings that do not translate into Heil Hitler?

Chaeyoung is a 23-year-old singer in the South Korean girl band TWICE. Its an appropriate name. In recent days, Chaeyoung has TWICE worn offensive attire.

The first was a cropped tank emblazoned with the QAnon symbol and partial rendering of Where we go one, we go all. It sounds innocuous. Until you realize this is the slogan of a cult that believes the world is secretly run by a cabal of blood-guzzling pedophiles who use pizzerias and Wayfair armoires for sex trafficking.

So not a great outfit to wear unless you are performing at a Trump rally.

Then on Tuesday, Chaeyoung posted on Instagram to her eight million followers. In the photo, she is perched in a restaurant booth, pulling down her sunglasses with both hands and looking to her left. What a shame she didnt look down. She would have seen the T-shirt pulled over her polka-dot blouse contained a stylized image of Sid Vicious who, in turn, was wearing a T-shirt with a swastika. Meta oops.

As her fans toggled into WTF mode, Chaeyoung deleted the post and warbled in the universal key of contrite: I sincerely apologize regarding the Instagram post. I didnt correctly recognize the meaning of the tilted swastika in the t-shirt I wore.

Is her stylist Kanye West?

Click to expand

I will extend the benefit of doubt. But Im also confused as to why K-pop and antisemitism keep periodically overlapping in a periodic Venn diagram. On Wednesday, the Guardian itemized other examples of Nazi logo controversy in the K-pop world.

This included a member of BTS wearing an SS hat in 2018. Three years later, a member of the group GFriend apologized after she was photographed hugging and caressing a Nazi mannequin. There was the time a member of Purple Kiss also wore a swastika.

Last year, the boy band Epex changed song lyrics after they were seen as referencing the 1938 Kristallnacht pogrom against Jews in Nazi Germany. This followed the band Pritz wearing red and white armbands. They also said my bad, claiming ignorance, and said the logos were inspired by traffic signage.

We are not racist. We just love the yield sign!

K-pop has become a global phenomenon. BTS is basically the Beatles, circa 1964. TWICEs new mini-album, Ready to Be, landed on the Billboard 200 this month at No. 2, sandwiched between Morgan Wallen and Miley Cyrus. Eyes and ears across the world are now pointed at South Korea. All the more reason for the countrys pop stars to not accidentally leave the house in KKK hoodies.

When TWICE was feted with the Breakthrough Award this month at Billboards Women in Music gala, they told the magazine: We are ready to show more of our beautiful inner side to the world and ready to show more of ourselves.

Fantastic. Maybe dont show the world your closets just yet.

My God, is that a silhouette of Ted Bundy on Momos turtleneck?

In her mea culpa this week, Chaeyoung wrote: I deeply apologize for not thoroughly reviewing it, causing concern. I will pay absolute attention in the future to prevent any situation similar from happening again. Sincerely apologize again.

I feel for her. I do. But this is what happens when cultures collide and young superstars from abroad are left to thrift shop their own attire on far-right eBay. Missy, that glittering miniskirt with the blue, star-filled Xs on a red background is not cute. Thats the Confederate Flag. And in this market, that is a giant nope for wardrobe. Youd be less scandalous singing Moonlight Sunrise in a G-string and pasties.

Young people on this continent now take perverse pride in not knowing anything that happened before they were born. It drives me crazy. That said, how can we expect young people from other parts of the world to anticipate a tie-dyed hoodie with a winking Richard Spencer flashing the OK sign is going to cause blowback?

K-pop is storming the planet. Now K-pop is in dire need of a team of culturally sensitive stylists who can stand guard against offensive garments. That bedazzled geometric T-shirt with Trump Won might not mean anything in Seoul. But its not going to go over well inside Madison Square Garden. No. NO! You absolutely cannot wear that blazer with a profile of Heinrich Himmler stitched into the lapel.

Chaeyoung has apologized for dining and apparently glancing at the Daily Specials board, unaware a swastika was emblazoned over her heart. She might also want to google Sid Vicious, but thats a different story. This story is a clarion call to K-pop: If the goal is crossover success, if the aim is to amplify streaming and downloads from Warsaw to Toronto, hire a stylist who will steer you away from problematic getups.

Chaeyoung is not a monster. Shes just young and naive, as we all were once.

She needs a few grown-ups who understand the world before she was born.

See original here:
Chaeyoungs swastika T-shirt shows K-pop stars need stylists who can guard against offensive garments - Toronto Star

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Memes have become an integral part of our daily lives. They have taken over social media platforms, and we cant help but laugh at their witty humor. Memes are an excellent way to lighten up the mood and add some fun to our otherwise monotonous routines. However, finding the right meme that resonates with our mood can be quite a task. In this article, we bring you the most hilarious memes that will keep you laughing all day long.

Memes are essentially images, videos, or text that are shared on social media platforms, and they typically convey humorous or satirical messages. They have become increasingly popular over the past decade, with people of all ages sharing and creating them. Memes are often used to express emotions or convey a message in a lighthearted and humorous way.Funny, relatable, andinspiring memesare a great way to engage with your followers and add some personality to your feed.

Memes have become popular for several reasons. Firstly, they are a quick and easy way to express emotions or ideas. With just a few clicks, anyone can create and share a meme. Secondly, memes are often relatable, making them easy to understand and appreciated by a broad audience. Thirdly, memes are a way to connect with others and create a sense of community. People often share memes with their friends and family, and this creates a shared experience that brings people together.

Over the years, several memes have gained popularity and become household names. Here are some of the most popular memes of all time:

Distracted Boyfriend This meme features a stock photo of a man checking out another woman while his girlfriend looks on disapprovingly.

Pepe the Frog Pepe the Frog is a cartoon character that has become a popular internet meme. The character is often used to convey a range of emotions, from sadness to joy.

Mocking SpongeBob This meme features an image of SpongeBob SquarePants mocking someone by alternating between uppercase and lowercase letters.

Expanding Brain This meme features a series of images that depict a brain expanding in size as the idea becomes more complex.

This is Fine This meme features an image of a dog sitting in a burning room, with the caption this is fine. The meme is often used to convey a sense of resignation or acceptance in the face of chaos.

Section 4: The Latest Memes Taking the Internet by Storm

Memes are constantly evolving, and new ones are created every day. Here are some of the latest memes that are taking the internet by storm:

Bernie Sanders Mittens This meme features a photo of Senator Bernie Sanders sitting at the inauguration of President Joe Biden, wearing a pair of mittens.

Ight, Imma head out This meme features an image of SpongeBob SquarePants putting on a hat and saying Ight, Imma head out as he leaves a room.

And I Oop This meme features a video of YouTuber Jasmine Masters reacting to a mistake by saying and I oop.

Karen This meme is used to describe a middle-aged white woman who is perceived as entitled and demanding.

Among Us This meme features characters from the popular online game Among Us, and it is often used to convey suspicion or mistrust.

Memes have become an integral part of our online culture, and they are here to stay. They provide us with a quick and easy way to express emotions and ideas, and they often make us laugh out loud. Whether youre scrolling through social media or chatting with friends, memes are a great way to add some humor to your day.

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Memes That Will Keep You Laughing All Day Long - TechBullion

The Frogs made it.

For the first time since 1952-53, TCU has made it to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons. Its a glorious time to be a Frog fan.

But - what potentially awaits the Frogs isnt as glorious, and isnt much of a welcoming gift. The Region of Death: the West region.

Defending champions, and No. 1 seed Kansas, is in the region and looks ready to go this March. UCLA is a tough No. 2 seed, even if Jaylen Clark is injured. Gonzaga, the No. 3 seed, is still hungry for its first national title, and is led by program great Drew Timme.

Even further down the region, theres a resurgent UConn, a thriving Saint Marys, and dangerous squads like Northwestern, Arkansas, Illinois, and Boise State. Getting out of this region would be nothing short of a miracle.

1. Kansas Jayhawks (27-7) (13-5 Big 12)

The defending national champions have had a strong season, as us Big 12 viewers know so well, winning the regular-season title in whats easily the best conference in the sport. However - the Jayhawks are coming into the tournament reeking with the stink of a loss, losing to Texas in the Big 12 Championship game.

During non-conference play, the Jayhawks only lost one game, and it was against another tournament team in Tennessee, and went 15-6 in Quad 1 games during the regular season, while playing only 10 games in all other Quad matchups combined (KU went 10-0 in those). Having more Quad 1 wins then Quad 2-4 games played is an incredible achievement.

Although Kansas had a tough time in January with three consecutive losses in-conference, it managed to recover and win eight of its last 10 games, in large part due to the play of Jalen Wilson, the Big 12 Player of the Year. Wilson is one of the few players who returned from last years title-winning team.

While the Jayhawks have introduced new players to the team, Kansas has only continued the programs usual play. The teams two returning starters, Jalen Wilson and DaJuan Harris Jr., are joined by freshman Gradey Dick, Texas Tech transfer Kevin McCullar Jr., and the Big 12s Most Improved Player, KJ Adams. While the Jayhawks bench may not be as strong, the team as a whole is still ranked in the top 10 defensively, and top 25 offensively, according to KenPom. The Jayhawks have a collaborative playing style, and play with a tenacious defense, exhausting opponents on both ends of the court.

P.S.: Jalen Wilson is a crucial player for this years Jayhawks, and plays a very similar role to las years Ochai Agabjis; he may even be more important. Wilson leads the team in both points and rebounds, averaging 20 PPG and 8.5 RPG. As Kansas has a very strong defense, but struggles with three-point shooting, the Jayhawks rely heavily on Jalen Wilson to maintain his impressive play if KU hopes to have a chance at another championship.

2. UCLA Bruins (29-5) (18-2 Pac 12)

Head coach Mick Cronin has led the UCLA Bruins to two consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, and the team is now considered a true contender for the championship title. Although the Bruins fell just short of the championship game in 2021, due to Jalen Suggs last-second shot, UCLA was able to put together an impressive season. And - this years team is even stronger than lasts, having been ranked in the top 10 of the AP rankings since Jan. 1.

UCLA has a pair of experienced leaders in Jaime Jacquez Jr. and Tyger Campbell, alongside freshmen Amari Bailey and Adem Bona. With them, the Bruins won the Pac 12 regular-season title outright, and had two separate winning streaks of 14 and 12 throughout the season. The Bruins were 7-5 in Quad 1 matchups, and undefeated in Quad 2-4 matchups.

Right now - its main concern is the absence of Jaylen Clark, the teams second-leading scorer and premier defensive stopper, whos out for the rest of the season with a leg injury.

This squad, like many Mick Cronin coached teams of past, is known for its stingy and tenacious defense, ranked second in KenPoms adjusted defensive efficiency (Tennessee is #1); the Bruins are top 10 in opponent turnover percentage. Though its offense hasnt been as strong as in years past, mainly due to the losses of Johnny Juzang and Jules Bernard, the Bruins still excel in taking care of the ball and grabbing offensive boards. With two reliable ball-handlers, who perform well under pressure, in Jacquez and Campbell, UCLA should be fine.

This squad shoots fewer three-pointers than most other teams, but it compensates for it enough in other strengths. And - while losing Jaylen Clark is a major setback, UCLA truly has a chance to win the championship without him if it continues to play at this level.

P.S.: In March, guards often play a crucial role, and UCLA is fortunate to have a reliable and seasoned ball-handler in Tyger Campbell. As a fourth-year senior, Campbells started in all 130 games hes played in in his college career, and averaged 13.5 points and 4.8 assists per game this season. Though his shooting percentage has declined, Campbell remains a vital component of the Bruins success and will serve as the driving force behind the teams performance.

3. Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-5) (14-2 WCC)

This season, yes, a season in which Gonzaga earned a No. 3 seed, has been somewhat underwhelming for Bulldogs fans, as Gonzaga had to share the regular-season conference title with rival Saint Marys (more on them later), and lost a whopping five total games.

Two of them were somewhat concerning, and humbling, losing to Texas and Purdue by a combined 37 points back in November. However, Gonzaga still secured victories against formidable tournament opponents like Alabama, Michigan State, and Kentucky. Since its overtime loss to Saint Marys on Feb. 4, Gonzaga has performed more like its typical self. In fact, the Bulldogs won its last nine games, including a decisive and dominant 77-51 win over Saint Marys in the WCC Championship game.

Drew Timme, one of the most prominent players in Gonzaga history, led the team to the WCC Championship, and became the programs all-time leading scorer in the process. Despite his unsuccessful attempt to shoot from beyond the arc this season, Timme remains a key player within Gonzagas efficient offense, averaging 20.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Luckily - Gonzagas three-point shooting doesnt need to come from Timme, as four of his teammates shoot triples at upwards of 40%. Additionally, the Bulldogs ball movement and multiple playmakers, including Timme, Nolan Hickman, and Rasir Bolton, contribute to the teams offensive success. However, Gonzagas defense is not as strong, and tends to perform better when it applies pressure.

P.S.: Although a significant portion of the Bulldogs talent comprises transfers, like Malachi Smith (Chattanooga) and Bolton (Iowa State), 6-7 junior Guard Julian Strawther has been in Spokane from the beginning, establishing himself as a reliable second scorer to Timme. Strawther ranks second on the team in both scoring (15.1) and rebounding (5.9), all while making 72 three-pointers off 42.6%, leading the team. Strawthers averaged 18.3 points in his last eight games.

4. UConn Huskies (25-8) (13-7 Big East)

UConn began the season flawless, with a record of 14-0, as the Huskies featured an outstanding performance in the Phil Knight Invitational, including wins over Oregon, Alabama, and Iowa State. Midway through the season, though, the Huskies struggled, losing six of eight games and posting a 5-6 record in the Big East by Jan. 25th. However, UConn managed to win its final five games of the regular season, and enter with a semblance of momentum. Unfortunately for Huskies fans, UConn fell to Marquette by only two points in the Big East Tournament Semifinals.

The Huskies are a really formidable team with serious talent that may be a sleeper team to win this region. Adama Sango, a two-time All-Big East selection, leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.8 PPG and 7.8 RPG. 7 2 Center Donovan Clingan is Sangos backup and is capable in his own right, as he was awarded MVP at the Phil Knight Invitational. Additionally, Jordan Hawkins and Tristen Newton average 10+ PPG, and Guard Andre Jackson Jr. has been performing exceptionally towards the end of the season.

P.S.: Throughout the years, UConn has seen most of its skilled players deliver remarkable performances during March (remember Kemba Walker?), and Jordan Hawkins could be next in line. The teams top scorer in Big East play, averaging 17.3 PPG, Hawkins achieved a scoring feat that hadnt been done since Richard Hamilton in 1998-99. On top of his consistent scoring, Hawkins boasts a free throw accuracy of 87.9% and led the Big East in 2.8 3PMs.

#5 Saint Marys Gaels (26-7) (14-2 WCC)

The Gaels have established themselves as one of the best defensive teams in the country throughout the season, ranking top 10 in defensive efficiency while hovering around the top 40 in offensive efficiency.

Saint Marys achieved a significant victory for its program with a 78-70 overtime home win over rival Gonzaga on Feb. 4, and defeated San Diego State and Vanderbilt, while playing an intense game against Houston that resulted in a 53-48 loss in Fort Worth, TX. The Gaels even held North Texas to 33 points all game. However, Saint Marys doesnt seem too prepared for the tournament, after losing 77-51 to Gonzaga in the WCC Championship.

There may be a question of whether metrics have inflated St. Marys achievements and composition. But - Randy Bennett has a determined group of players, led by fifth-year senior PG Logan Johnson. Johnson, who began his career at Cincinnati, is a strong contender for the WCC Defensive Player of the Year award, and is the teams leading scorer, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He excels at penetrating opponents defense and causing disruption, while at the same time putting immense pressure on opponents at the other end of the court.

On top of Johnson, four Gaels score in double-figures, including freshman Guard Aidan Mahaney, who scores 14.5 PPG and has made 73 3-pointers at 41.2%, and 6 7 Forward Alex Ducas, who scores 12.5 PPG, and has made 84 3-pointers at 41.8%.

The Gaels starting five, which includes these three players, average more than 30 minutes a game, with only one other player contributing in double figures for minutes. The Gaels success is ultimately built upon teamwork and a deliberately slow tempo, but it may struggle against defensive pressure.

P.S.: If Saint Marys is going to make a run, junior Center Mitchell Saxen will need to be at his best. 6 10, 242 pounds, Saxen is an All-WCC center who had a decent season, averaging 11.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. However in some of his toughest games this season, and specifically in losses against Gonzaga, Houston, and San Diego State, hes only averaged 4.3 points and 5.0 rebounds. In Saint Marys February win over Drew Timme and Gonzaga, Saxen had 15 and 11. Hell need to carry this level of performance in with him if the Gaels want to make a run.

#6 TCU Horned Frogs 21-12 (9-9 Big 12)

We know how, and why, we got here - almost the whole team that took TCU to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season returned to play for the Frogs this year. The Frogs managed a .500 record in the best conference in the country, and only lost two games in non-conference play, one to Northwestern State and another in an overtime loss to Mississippi State. The Frogs finished the season with eight Quad 1 wins, and a loss in the Big 12 Semifinals to Texas. Junior Guard Mike Miles Jr., who was selected 2nd-Team All-Big 12, led the Frogs in scoring for the second straight season.

After watching every single game, this years Frogs are a well-balanced team that likes to play at a fast pace on offense. Although TCU is a horrible 3-point shooting team, it makes up for it by scoring efficiently inside the arc, and no one shoots more than four 3-pointers a game. This years Frogs are solid defensively, forcing almost 16 turnovers a game and limiting opponents to under 31% from 3-point range. Expect the Frogs to win by scoring in the paint and/or off second-chance opportunities.

Unfortunately, as has been covered extensively around TCU circles, Center Eddie Lampkin did not travel with the team to the Big 12 Tournament, and is unexpected to return for the NCAA Tournament.

P.S.: Weve seen it time and time again - the Frogs success will largely depend on the play of Mike Miles Jr. Miles, who leads the team in scoring with 17.3 PPG, has a knack for getting to the free-throw line by penetrating opposing defenses, and that should be key in this tournament. On top of his success from the line, Miles shoots an impressive 57% from inside the arc.

#7 Northwestern Wildcats (21-11) (12-8 Big Ten)

Northwestern completely outperformed its pre-season prediction by finishing in a tie for second place in the Big Ten after being picked to finish 13th by media members. The Wildcats had a remarkable run during a five-game winning streak in February, which included wins over Wisconsin and Ohio State on the road, followed by upsets against No. 1 Purdue and No. 14 Indiana. The Wildcats capped off this impressive stretch with a 20-point win over Iowa.

After a 78-year wait, Northwestern earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2017 under head coach Chris Collins. Yet, the program has struggled in the following five years, never finishing above .500, or higher than 10th in the Big Ten. This season, with Collins still at the helm and named Big Ten Coach of the Year, the Wildcats have returned thanks to seven Quad 1 wins and a strong turnover margin that ranks among one of the best in the nation.

P.S.: Boo Buie and Chase Audige have been key contributors for Northwestern this season, as Buie leads the team in scoring with 17.1 PPG and Audige adds 13.8 PPG. Audige was also recognized as the Big Tens Co-Defensive Player of the Year, thanks in part to his league-leading 76 steals.

#8 Arkansas Razorbacks 20-13 (8-10 SEC)

Arkansas had a strong start to the season, led early by Wichita State transfer Ricky Council IV and five-star freshman Anthony Black after injuries sidelined Trevon Brazile and Nick Smith Jr. After a strong performance in the Maui Invitational, and an 11-1 start, the Razorbacks looked like a real Final Four contender. However, injuries, and SEC play, led to a tough stretch, as Arkansas lost five of its first six conference games. The Razorbacks bounced back with wins over Texas A&M and Kentucky, but stumbled towards the end of the season, losing six of its last nine games. While Eric Musselman coached teams have a history of overcoming early struggles and making deep tournament runs, this years Razorbacks are extremely unpredictable.

Council (15.9 PPG), Black (12.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.2 APG), and Jordan Walsh (7.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG), have all been consistent contributors, however, Arkansas has struggled with shooting, though being top 20 in defensive efficiency makes up for it. The Razorbacks rank poorly in 3-point percentage (304th nationally, 31.7%) and free-throw percentage (287th, 69%), which is slightly concerning.

P.S.: Since Smiths return, hes been fairly inconsistent. However, hes managed to score 20+ in five of 14 games played since then. Hes a microwave scorer - and could take over a game or two.

#9 Illinois Fighting Illini (20-12) (11-9 Big Ten)

Blanket statement: I could see Illinois making it to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. I could also see Illinois being eliminated immediately to Arkansas. Illinois has lost five of its last eight, and three of its last four, but have notable wins against high-level teams like Texas and UCLA, which clearly make the Illini a team to watch out for.

This Illinois team is tough on defense and has a strong offense, ranking third among Big Ten teams in scoring. However, its been ranked as one of the unluckiest teams in the nation by KenPom, and struggles with its assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking last in the Big Ten.

P.S.: 66 combo Guard Terrance Shannon, in a crucial moment, helped secure the Illinis spot in the NCAA Tournament by scoring 24 points in the second-half of a four-point victory against Michigan. Shannon ranks sixth in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 17.1 PPG, and is versatile in all aspects of the game, including rebounds (4.7), assists (2.9), and steals (1.3). Forward Colman Hawkins (9.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.0 APG), serves as the teams linchpin.

#10 Boise State Broncos 24-9 (13-5 Mountain West)

Boise State, last years Mountain West tournament champion, secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year, finishing second in the regular season race behind San Diego State. Despite losing three of its last five games, the Broncos managed to earn a significant win against Quad 1 San Diego State on Senior Day. Throughout the season, Boise State was 3-5 in Quad 1 matchups, and 9-2 in Quad 2 games. The Broncos have been propelled by sophomore Center, and top scorer, Tyson Degenhart.

Boise State is a solid defensive team, limiting opponents to an average of 64 PPG and a 3-point shooting percentage of only 31%, while limiting teams to an effective field goal percentage of only 47.8%. The teams depth is limited, with only seven players playing double-digit minutes and all five starters playing at least 28 minutes per game. However, all five starters are double-digit scorers, including four Idaho-born players like Degenhart, Max Rice, Marcus Shaver Jr., and Naje Smith, alongside Texas Tech transfer Chibuzo Agbo.

P.S.: Degenhart is Boise States leading scorer, averaging 14.3 PPG, and was named to first-team All-MWC, however, its senior PG Marcus Shaver Jr. who runs the team and contributes across the board. At 62, Shaver is third on the team in scoring with 13.5 PPG, but leads in rebounds (6.1), assists (3.8), and steals (1.6), and has the highest usage rate on the team.

#11 Arizona State Sun Devils 22-12 (11-9 Pac 12)

The Frogs First Round matchup. After two disappointing seasons and no tournament appearances, Arizona State secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament despite finishing fifth in a weak Pac 12 and having a below .500 record in Quad 1 and 2 matchups. Victories against Oregon State and USC in the Pac 12 Tournament, and a crucial Quad 1 win against Arizona in the regular season, helped bolster its resume.

The Sun Devils defensive prowess is evident, as ASU restricts opponents to below 68 PPG, securing a position in the top 30 in KenPoms adjusted defensive efficiency statistic. The offensive strategy is centered around swift ball movement and reliance on 3-point shooting. The Sun Devils have undergone significant changes since last season, with the suspension of Marcus Bagley in November resulting in a major overhaul of the roster. Head coach Bobby Hurley recruited Desmond and Devan Cambridge, along with Frankie Collins and Warren Washington, from the transfer portal to fill the gaps.

P.S.: The addition of the Cambridge brothers during the offseason was a huge acquisition for the Sun Devils. Desmond, who leads the team in scoring (13.7) and steals (1.8), has been a valuable contributor, despite shooting a weak 39.3/32.6/81.4 percentage rate. Arizona State will rely on his ability to heat up, and potentially cause an upset in the tournament.

#12 VCU Rams 27-7 (15-3 Atlantic 10)

Under the guidance of head coach Mike Rhoades in his sixth year, VCU attained its highest win total in the six years under his helm this season. The Rams have won nine games in a row, including a triumphant run in the Atlantic 10 Championship, clinching the championship title. The Rams managed to secure a spot in the NCAA Championship with a 68-56 victory, despite being down 11 points at halftime.

Throughout the years, VCUs success has been attributed to its unwavering defensive pressure, and the Rams continue to exhibit its toughness on the court. According to KenPom, VCU boasts the sixth-best turnover rate in the country, showcasing its prowess on the defensive end of the floor. Moreover, the Rams are in the top 15 in the country in both steals per game and turnovers forced per game, highlighting its exceptional defensive capabilities.

P.S.: Adrian Ace Baldwin Jr. has achieved a remarkable feat by being only the fourth player in Atlantic 10 history to receive both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season. He now joins the ranks of UMass Stephene Lasme (2006-07), Xaviers David West (2001-02), and Temples Pepe Sanchez (1999-2000). Baldwin leads VCU in three major categories, averaging 12.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.

#13 Iona Gaels 27-7 (17-3 MAAC)

Ionas been on an incredible 14-game winning streak, with only one of those victories coming within six points. The Gaels successfully clinched its second consecutive MAAC regular-season championship and its second NCAA Tournament bid in the last three seasons under the guidance of head coach Rick Pitino. This is the first time Ionas secured both of these accomplishments in the same season - many thanks to Pitino. But - it is likely this will be the last NCAA Tournament for Pitino with the school, as hes been linked to potential vacancies at St. Johns, Texas Tech, and Georgetown.

Iona dominated both ends of the floor in the MAAC, leading the conference in scoring offense, assists-to-turnover ratio, and field goal percentage. On the defensive end, Iona held the top spot in field-goal percentage defense and turnover margin. Moreover, the Gaels rank second in the country in blocks and 17th in assists-to-turnover ratio, further highlighting its exceptional abilities on both ends of the court.

P.S.: Ionas top scorer this season was Walter Clayton, a sophomore guard who averaged 16.5 points per game (3rd in MAAC), along with 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Clayton had received several high-major football offers but ultimately chose to pursue college basketball. He was a standout performer from the free-throw line this season, leading the nation with an impressive 94.4%.

#14 Grand Canyon Lopes 24-11 (11-7 WAC)

Despite the significant setback of losing Jovan Blacksher Jr., the preseason player of the year in the WAC, to a season-ending injury, Grand Canyon exceeded expectations and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Following a disheartening home loss to Seattle U on senior night on February 24th, things looked bleak for the Lopes. However, the Lopes bounced back and managed to secure six consecutive victories, including the last four in the WAC Tournament, earning it the No. 14 seed. This achievement marks two championships and NCAA bids in three years for head coach Bryce Drew.

Sophomore Guard Ray Harrison has been Grand Canyons best player this season, leading the team with 17.7 PPG and 3.6 APG. With a strong ability to take over games, Harrison makes the Lopes a potential upset threat, especially with the teams proficient three-point shooting, a typical strength of Bryce Drews teams. Grand Canyon has a team three-point percentage of 38.3%, with seven players making 25+ 3-pointers this season. Guard Chance McMillan (58 makes, 44.6%) and Forward Noah Baumann (59 makes, 42.8%) are the main outside threats, while 67, 235 pound Gabe McGlothan is the primary inside presence, shown by his 21-point performance in the WAC Championship game win over Southern Utah.

P.S.: Harrison just had one of the most remarkable individual performances in college basketball conference tournament history. According to GCU, hes the first player to achieve 80 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists in a single conference tournament since Kemba Walker accomplished the feat in 2011 at UConn. Specifically, Harrison dropped 80 points, 21 rebounds, and 23 assists, with 31 of those 80 points occurring in the championship game. To compete in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Presbyterian College transfer will likely need to replicate a similar performance.

#15 UNC-Asheville Bulldogs 27-7 (16-2 Big South)

Head coach Mike Morell, who learned under the tutelage of Shaka Smart and Oliver Purnell, experienced a challenging 4-27 debut season at Asheville before achieving a breakthrough this year. After a few middling seasons in the Big South, Morrell led the Bulldogs to its first championship and NCAA bid since 2016. While USC Upstate and Winthrop handed the Bulldogs close losses in the regular season, Asheville repaid USC Upstate with a 66-62 win in the Big South Semifinals. In the championship game, the Bulldogs found itself down 66-52 to No. 7 seed Campbell with less than eight minutes to play. Yet, Asheville found a way to complete an astonishing comeback, ending the game on a 25-7 run. Big South Player of the Year Drew Pember contributed 29 points, but it was Tajion Jones who stepped up in a significant way during the comeback, scoring 16 of his 24 points in the final eight minutes, including the game-winning three-pointer with less than a minute remaining. Jones outstanding individual performance was nothing short of remarkable.

UNC-Asheville plays an aggressive man-to-man defense and relies on its star player Pember, whos been named the Big South Defensive Player of the Year for the past two seasons, to protect the rim. However, despite its high pace of play, the team lacks depth, with only six players seeing significant minutes in the Big South title game; Jones and Pember are the teams primary scorers, contributing to 36.2 of the teams 75 PPG. Jones, the teams top shooter, is also the programs all-time leading scorer, and is hitting an impressive 45.6 percent of his 3-pointers. While Caleb Burgess runs the point, he isnt a significant shooting threat, and teams may opt to leave him open. Nonetheless, the team shoots a respectable 39% from beyond the arc.

P.S.: Pember began his collegiate career at Tennessee, where he displayed flashes of talent and competitive drive during his two-year stint, but failed to secure a significant role on the team. This was partly due to his slender build - which hasnt changed much from then (611, 215). However, since joining UNC-Asheville Pember has been a dominant force in the Big South. He ranks among the top 20 shot-blockers in the nation, averaging 2.3 blocks per game, and has proven to be a versatile scorer from all areas of the court, making 56 3-pointers at 37.3%. Pember has also attempted, and made, the most free throws in the nation, attempting 314 and making 262, boasting an impressive 83.4% free-throw percentage. Pember is equally adept at facilitating for his teammates, with 79 assists on the season, although he does lead the team in turnovers with 113.

#16 Howard Bison 22-12 (11-3 MEAC)

Howard secured the MEAC regular-season championship before winning the conference tournament in a thrilling 65-64 victory over Norfolk State. The game featured 15 lead changes and 11 ties, and was only decided at the final buzzer when Norfolk State missed a potential game-winner. This is the Bisons first MEAC Championship since 1992, and its only made it to the NCAA Tournament three times.

Howard ended its regular season strong, winning 14 of its 16 last games, and carrying that momentum into the MEAC Tournament, where it won five straight to clinch its first conference championship since 1992. The Bison averaged 75.5 PPG and allowed 71.6 PPG, ranking third and fourth in the MEAC, respectively. The Bison also led the league in 3-point percentage with a solid 37.7%. According to KenPom, Howard is currently ranked No. 215 in the country.

P.S.: Elijah Hawkins, a 5 11 sophomore, is the Bisons leader in scoring (13.1), assists (5.9), and steals (1.8). He is also an excellent three-point shooter, knocking down 48.1% of his shots from beyond the arc. Hawkins has been instrumental in engineering victories with three different games of 10+ assists. Freshman Forward Shy Odom (66) was named the MEAC Tournament MVP after a solid performance of nine points and seven rebounds against Norfolk State.

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NCAA Tournament West Region: What Awaits the Frogs? - Frogs O' War