It's been awhile since I've checked in and written about what's going on in college basketball. In fact, I haven't even said anything since the non-conference schedules were still being played. A lot has changed, yet many things remain the same. The Big East is still the best conference (no matter what those ACC people are trying to make you believe), and the power conferences are continuing to dominate the top of the polls each and every week. Without further delay though, I would like to start off on the three hottest topics in the college basketball world today.
1. Who is the best team in the country right now?Even though UConn has been playing extremely well since their loss to Georgetown (who now seems to be floundering with a loss last night to the previously 0-6 Seton Hall Pirates), I am not completely sold on them. AJ Price is far too inconsistent to be relied on every game, and Thabeet has struggled against good, versatile bigs this year, like he did against Greg Monroe in the G'Town game. If Thabeet gets in foul trouble and Price has an off game, then Jim Calhoun's team is very, very beatable.
My pick, therefore, is
Duke. Coming off a 41-point thrashing of rival Maryland, the Blue Devils could not be playing any better, and it all starts with Gerald Henderson. He is having a great season on both ends of the court, being the defensive stopper and offensive force for Coach K. Another key player for Duke right now is Kyle Singler. At times, he can force shots and make bad decisions, but, for the most part, Singler is great at keeping the defense on their heels.
More important, though, is their team defense. Not only do they present fantastic on-ball defense with each and every player, but they also provide great help-side D in case their teammate gets beat. After something like this happens, their rotations happen very quickly and very precisely, which doesn't allow the offense much time to get the ball to the open man for a high-percentage shot.
North Carolina also comes into the discussion for this, as does Wake Forest and a few others, but all have shown weaknesses that can be exposed. For the Tar Heels, you need to get Ty Lawson in foul trouble, because he is the motor that makes the team go. Without him, they are a much worse team. Next, you need to attack Tyler Hansbrough and send a double-team at him whenever he puts the ball on the floor. Finally, you need to close-out on the shooters. Danny Green, Bobby Frasor, and Wayne Ellington cannot be left open, period. If you do that, keep composure, and execute on offense, North Carolina can be beat.
2. Does Kentucky have what it takes to get to the Sweet Sixteen (or possibly further) in March?Maybe; so much of it depends on the draw (as usual). Any team with a potent perimeter scorer, Jodie Meeks, and solid interior force, Patrick Patterson, will be capable of such a run late in the season. What this team lacks in experience, they make up for in heart and desire, which is something that has definitely been missing from the
Kentucky basketball program as of late.
After starting the season 0-2, the Wildcats have gone 16-2 with impressive wins over West Virginia and Tennessee, both of which were played away from home. Also, the Sweet Sixteen would not be something new for Coach Billy Gillispie. He has been-there, done-that with Acie Law IV and Texas A&M a few years ago. Finally, Kentucky has some depth, with eight guys registering at least 12 minutes per game. The depth, coaching, and play of Meeks and Patterson will be ever-vital to their postseason aspirations.
3. Blake Griffin is the odds-on favorite for the National Player of the Year Award, but who is the closest to him as of now?Most would expect the Stephen Curry Cop-Out Answer here.But his stats aren't so great as you would expect. Yes, he's averaging 29 points per game despite having every defense ever created thrown at him. Yes, he is still making 39% of his threes, even with guys draped all over his 6-3 frame. Yes, he is dishing out 6 assists and grabbing 4 rebounds per contest. However, he is not doing what James Harden is doing.
Harden's averages might be a lot less spectacular than Curry's, but the Arizona State sophomore is not shooting nearly as much as Steph. Curry is averaging 20.5 shots per game to get his 29 points. Harden? 13 shots per game to get his 22 points per game average. Seven or eight more shots just to get seven more points?
Yet it gets better for ASU's All-America candidate. Arizona State likes to slow it down and run their halfcourt offenses. Very rarely do they get into high-scoring track meets with opponents. The result is simple. Harden's scoring is 31% of his entire team's points. Add his 4 assists per game, and the 6-5 Harden is responsible for 42% of Arizona State's scoring. Talk about carrying your team.
Finally, he shoots 54% from the field and 40% from deep. In other words, he is efficient in putting up points. James Harden is, in my opinion, one of the most over-looked superstars in college basketball. He does it all for his team and then some.
Games to WatchWednesdayVillanova vs. Pittsburgh: Two Big East foes face off at 7 o'clock on ESPNU (for those of you who actually get that network). It will be interesting to see the point guard matchup of the two teams: Levance Fields against Scottie Reynolds.
Duke vs. Wake Forest: Arguably the two best teams in the ACC will be on display at 7 o'clock on ESPN. Coach K may be forced to use 7-footer Brian Zoubek more than he has recently against the Demon Deacons, who have a very good frontcourt led by the freshman Aminu.
ThursdaySaint Mary's vs. Gonzaga: Patty Mills against Jeremy Pargo. The up-and-coming Gaels against the usually-dominant Bulldogs. This game is a must-see event, even for those who don't follow mid-major basketball. Hope you're a night owl though: 11 o'clock start on ESPN2.
To contact this writer, you can email him at marchmadness14@gmail.com. To read more of his works, or to just read more great sports articles, visit Informative Sports.
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