Big 4 Hoops Blogger

Regardless of whether the Big 4 is relevant or not is besides the point. I am a blogger that covers each of the four schools on an individual basis. I write about their play on the court, storylines surrounding each team and post engaging questions on their team boards to create conversations. You can say the Big 4 has "no fans" but there was a time when the "Little Three" was very fierce locally. Fans of Niagara, St. Bonaventure and Canisius still gear up for their matchups versus one another. Why shouldn't Buffalo be part of that conversation? That's the whole reason why the Big 4 was created in the first place. Take the time to read some of my articles and you'll see that I'm not trying to stir the pot. The most controversial things I've brought up so far: 1. Are UB and St. Bonaventure rivals? 2. Is St. Bonaventure going through a re-building season? 3. What's your reaction to Reggie Witherspoon refusing to comment on Nate Oats "Super Bowl" remarks? Additionally, those were only controversial in the essence that people were split in their responses, meaning the questions were fair and valid. You may consider that stirring the pot, I think of that as having an intriguing conversation.

Thanks for reaching out. I appreciate that! I'll take you up on your offer if I'm able to get off work that Saturday.

Watch out for Toledo! They are on fire and much better than people thought heading into this season. The MAC is the deepest it's been in years. Toledo, Kent State and Ball State are all very good. Ohio, CMU and Akron have had decent moments in non-conference play and that doesn't include a few other teams that have talent.

I saw that too and thought that was an absolute abomination. The criteria that half of these pollsters use to come up with their rankings is a complete joke. That being said, Rothstein is one of the more informed experts out there. I was surprised to see him drop a 12-1 Buffalo squad with wins over West Virginia, San Francisco and Syracuse due to a 15-point win over a local rival. The logic there is lacking.

With that said, I apologize for taking over this conversation and making it about myself. I enjoyed the previous input and agree with many of the above comments. It might never happen but I'd love to see a day when Buffalonians start appreciating the local basketball scene on a more consistent basis. It's been fun watching people jump on the UB bandwagon and it would be nice to see more people watching all of the local schools.

Believe me, I only got back into sports writing because I love college basketball and grew up watching all of the local teams in the Buffalo area. When I left my broadcasting career, I contacted multiple local websites offering to help out. From the 300 Level and a few other sites responded but I chose From the 300 Level because they gave me the most freedom to post how I wanted. I'm blogging because I love talking about the local schools. Not many people follow the Big 4 programs anymore (Obviously, that's changing with UB/Bona has always had strong support). Writing about them and posting on message boards and Twitter is my way of interacting with people about something I'm passionate about. I'm not going to lie, I appreciate the clicks but in the long run, they don't impact me. I'm not getting paid to do this. I'm putting hours of my life outside of work to contribute to the local hoops scene. I used to get paid to talk about sports for a living and figured I could create a decent outlet for fans moving forward.

I'm not trying to drum up any controversy. I'm just trying to have a conversation about an observation I made while covering the game last night. That is the point of message boards, correct? I've heard many people recently refer to the Big 4 as something the Buffalo News created but the truth is, all four schools are invested in its success as well. I interned at Canisius in the past and know plenty of people inside UB. Both of those schools want these games to "mean something." You're right about fan support being non-existent at times. It's been a struggle for Canisius and Niagara. Same could be said for Buffalo before they recently turned it around under Hurley and Oats. However, you'll still notice an increase in attendance and local media exposure when the Big 4 schools battle one another. Bona sold out vs. UB, Canisius did as well weeks in advance. It benefits each school to hype up these games. I honestly wasn't bothered by the comments Nate Oats made. I completely understand where he was coming from and don't think he meant anything by it. At the same time, I also understand why Reggie wouldn't want to pump up his former employer following a loss to them in a rivalry game that takes place every year.

I agree with you 100%. I'm not really into creating fake drama. I'm more curious to see your takes. While at the presser, I didn't think anything of Nate Oats "Super Bowl" comment until I saw Reggie Witherspoon avoid commenting about it. I respect both coaches. Oats is a straight shooter while Witherspoon is very classy. Reggie definitely didn't like the "Super Bowl" comment which is understandable given his situation (being fired from UB while building his own program across town) In the long run, this is nothing. But it does make for some solid conversation lol (If anyone could merge or delete the UB/Canisius highlight video thread, I'd appreciate it. I was posting late at night and shared the same links in that thread and here.)

As I stated in a previous thread, I covered the UB/Canisius game on Saturday evening. Following the contest, Nate Oats referred to the game as Canisius' "Super Bowl." I didn't think much of the comment. It was brought up to Reggie Witherspoon by Buffalo News reporter Jason Wolf following Oats presser. Reggie didn't appear to like the comment. He wouldn't comment about it, continuously downplaying the matchup as a "non-conference game played every year." That's in stark contrast to Oats who referred to it as a rivalry and a game for local pride. I have Reggie's comments posted here: Reggie Witherspoon reacts to "Super Bowl" comments My question for all of you is, did Reggie respond properly? Is there some bad blood or bitterness over how things went down? Could some of that even be directed at the current staff due to UB's recent success? We all know Witherspoon is as classy as coaches get in college basketball. I just found the exchange interesting given his history with UB.

UB/Canisius Highlight Video On Saturday evening, I was able to cover my first UB game since moving back to Buffalo in November. I put together a small little highlight video while sitting on press row. I hope you take the chance to check it out as well as read my recap article. I'm hoping to come out with more content like this throughout the year as long as I'm able to attend games depending on my work schedule. Hope you enjoy! (PS: I didn't get the dunks but I have some decent clips in there)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone here on UB Fan! It's been a season full of gifts for Bulls fans across the country. Big 4 Update: Buffalo shines in national spotlight In this week's Big 4 Update, I write about how Buffalo took advantage of their opportunity in the national spotlight, why their win over Syracuse was important to the program moving forward and where I expect them to land in the polls following their loss to Marquette. Check it out and let me know what you think!

It was a great effort by the UB women! They played hard but unfortunately couldn't put it together offensively. They forced up a lot of three's and struggled to generate solid looks. That said, they did a great job defensively, keeping in the game. Stanford struggled to get anything going the entire afternoon. It was great seeing a big-time opponent come to Alumni Arena and see a solid crowd show up.

That's my thought process as well. We won't know the quality of the WVU win until the end of the season around tournament time. Regardless of how it turns out, it was a tremendous comeback that kick started the Bulls current run. Without it, UB wouldn't be ranked and definitely wouldn't be receiving all of the hype they're currently getting. In the end, I think it'll turn out to be a very good win, but not the Top 25 quality road win we all originally thought.

It's amazing seeing all of the exposure they've been getting lately. I had the same reaction as you when I saw Nate Oats headlining the NCAAM tab on ESPN. It's a great time to be a UB fan! Hopefully, they can keep it up and pick up another win tonight at Syracuse.

I'm looking for some suggestions as well. I'll be heading to the game with a few friends. I know Dinosaur BBQ is amazing but we already have one in Buffalo. Was trying to find some other go-to spots.

LINK: Big 4 Basketball Update: Buffalo vs. Syracuse Preview In my special edition of the Big 4 Basketball Update, I preview No. 14 Buffalo's matchup with Syracuse. I breakdown the keys to the game, their recent series history and talk with Johnathan Snyder regarding what it'll take for UB to pull off the win. In the article, you'll also see highlights from last year's game (ACC Network Highlights) and sound from CJ Massinburg, Nick Perkins and Nate Oats from earlier in the week. Prediction: Buffalo 81-77

LINK: Big 4 Basketball Update: Buffalo vs. Syracuse Preview In my special edition of the Big 4 Basketball Update, I preview No. 14 Buffalo's matchup with Syracuse. I breakdown the keys to the game, their recent series history and talk with Johnathan Snyder regarding what it'll take for UB to pull off the win. Prediction: Buffalo 81-77

LINK: Big 4 Update: Buffalo ready for primetime matchups Guys, I'm sorry spamming this message board with all of these links but I wanted to let you know that I had a special guest for this week's Big 4 Podcast. I was joined by Villa Maria College assistant basketball coach, Johnathan Snyder. Many of you have seen his work on Queen City Sports, Bull Run and Snyder's Big 4 Talk in the past. He's the person who broke the Shannon Evans transfer news after he decided to head to Arizona State. In this podcast, we discuss the magical ride UB has been on this season towards the end. On TUESDAY MORNING, I'll be releasing another podcast focused exclusively on previewing Buffalo/Syracuse. Make sure to check that out. I'll have an article, podcast with John with predictions from both of us. This is more of a teaser article with updates on all four of the Big 4 schools but Tuesday will be much more UB specific. Twitter: @Mike_Bundt

In my latest podcast, I sat down with CJ Massinburg, Nick Perkins and Nate Oats to preview the upcoming Syracuse game. I have an article with the whole podcast transcribed as well if you'd rather read than listen. LINK: Talking with the Bulls: Syracuse Preview Find me on Twitter: @Mike_Bundt

In the article linked above, I preview their matchup against Southern Illinois and bring up a few interesting facts including how this is UB's first non-conference home-and-home series since splitting with Niagara during the 1996-97 season when the Bulls were still playing in the Mid-Continent Conference coached by Tim Cohane.

As most of you already know, I've been blogging a bunch about the Big 4 this year for From the 300 Level. With my schedule at my new job officially set, I was able to attend UB practice for the first time since moving back to Buffalo earlier today. I spoke with Nate Oats, CJ Massinburg and Nick Perkins. I have a bunch of content set to come out throughout the next week starting with my Southern Illinois game preview: No. 14 Buffalo set for rematch against Southern Illinois I'll have my normal weekly Big 4 update/podcast on Sunday with sound from Oats, Massinburg and Perkins, plus a Syracuse preview and some Marquette talk later in the week. In addition to that, I love tweeting about UB hoops. If you have a Twitter account, give me a follow and reach out to me at: @Mike_Bundt

No. 14 Buffalo set for rematch against Southern Illinois I had a chance to drop by UB practice on Friday afternoon and speak with Nate Oats, CJ Massinburg and Nick Perkins. In the article linked above, I preview their matchup against Southern Illinois and bring up a few interesting facts including how this is UB's first non-conference home-and-home series since splitting with Niagara during the 1996-97 season when the Bulls were still playing in the Mid-Continent Conference coached by Tim Cohane. Check out @Mike_Bundt twitter account for more random UB facts/observations.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the same experience. My wife and dad love UB basketball despite being Ball State and Canisius Alums. Some of my friends who follow college basketball closely are also enjoying it but other than that, none of my “average Joe” friends and family have even taken notice that UB is ranked. Personally, that doesn’t impact me either way. I’m loving this season and will soak it all in but it’s amazing they haven’t gained more mainstream local coverage outside of what you see on social media and the occasional highlights on the news.

It’s embarrassing! I love the Bills and Sabres just like everyone else in Buffalo but I can’t even convince my friends to consider watching UB basketball despite them being ranked 14th in the country. People have their own preconceived notions of what UB athletics is which prevents them from getting personally invested in the program. If they were branded “Syracuse” or “Ohio State,” it would be completely different. It all comes down to this, UB has never been relevant at this level before and the majority of locals haven’t been groomed to follow them so they don’t care, regardless of how good they are.

To add on top of this, Ohio was ranked #5 in the country for two weeks during the 1969-70 season and were ranked nine out of 15 weeks total.