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 Watch
Wednesday
Villanova 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.
Thursday
Saint 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.
Showing posts with label North Carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Carolina. Show all posts
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, December 14, 2008
5 Minutes of Basketball
Basketball is finally in full swing, but that does not limit it to the United States. Two future lottery picks, Ricky Rubio and Brandon Jennings, faced off in Barcelona this past week. Jennings is known for his decision for forego college altogether and play in Europe for a year. Ricky's team, Joventut, ultimately defeated Brandon's, Roma, 97-93 in a game that proved both players have the ability to play in the League right now. Rubio was just coming off an injury and was essentially playing with one good arm so he didn't even attempt a shot yet still had a solid game playing defense and making good decisions on offense. Jennings, on the other hand, had 12 points and two assists in 22 minutes of playing time. Ricky and Brandon currently rank one and two, respectively, at the point guard position in the 2009 draft class.
From my point of view, Jennings is a better playmaker and will create more offense than any other player in next year's draft. Rubio, however, plays a much more well-rounded game. He plays superior defense, is bigger and stronger, and is one of a few players in the draft that can boast a resume that includes Olympic play.
They also have their weaknesses. Rubio is certainly not so fast nor so quick as other point guards like Ty Lawson, Jennings, and Jrue Holiday. His jump shot needs a little work as well. Brandon needs to become a better defender, first and foremost, and needs to add some bulk in the weight room before entering the L.
In the NBA, the Cavs' 11-game win streak was put to an end while the Lakers and Celtics continue to dominate and only further stoke the thoughts of a Finals rematch. LeBron James has been averaging 27, 7, and 6 in less minutes per game than last season. But don't mistake Cleveland for a one-man team because everyone is doing their part in having one of the best offenses and defenses the League has to offer. (LeBron, Mo Williams, Big Z, and Delonte West are all averaging double figures in points.) This team could be the Celtics' toughest test in the playoffs.
I find it particularly interesting that the Lakers, who featured a prolific offensive attack last season, have taken great strides to improve their defense, while Boston, home to last year's best defense, decided to change and improve their offense this year. Boston and LA are both outscoring their opponents by more than ten points per game so the changes seem to be working. The Lake Show (21-3) and the World Champion Celtics (24-2) are set to meet on Christmas Day. Stay tuned.
In college hoops, North Carolina may be the most impressive team, but Chapel Hill is possibly no longer home to the nation's most impressive player. The reigning National Player of the Year, Tyler Hansbrough, may be averaging 23 points and seven rebounds, but three other studs are making names for themselves as well.
Blake Griffin of Oklahoma has been annihilating opponents on his way to 23 points and 15 rebounds per game. Not only can he get out and run in transition, but Griffin can also use a very good spin move to drive around the defense and dunk or hit the fadeaway jumper from ten feet. I do, however, expect his averages to dip somewhat when the Sooners begin their conference schedule in January.
Another on my list is the boy who killed every single bracket last spring, Stephen Curry of Davidson. What's scary is the thought that he actually got better since last March. Currently, he's averaging 32 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and three steals per contest. Only nine games into the season, Steph has already notched six 30+ plus scoring nights. His quick release and ability to move without the ball make him even harder to guard.
Some basketball heads would stop their lists after those two. They are forgetting one tremendous player out West when they do this though: Arizona State's James Harden. His averages of 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals don't do him justice if you can believe it. The Sun Devils have failed to score 65 points in a game three times this season, making his scoring even more remarkable. Add to that the fact that he attracts double teams and traps quite often, and you have one hell of an overlooked player.
So that's what's new in the world of basketball. Have a good rest of the week. I personally cannot wait for the Gonzaga/UConn game Saturday. I'm really liking some of the matchups, such as the "Senior Floor General Battle" (Pargo versus Price). Four o'clock on CBS, fellas.
From my point of view, Jennings is a better playmaker and will create more offense than any other player in next year's draft. Rubio, however, plays a much more well-rounded game. He plays superior defense, is bigger and stronger, and is one of a few players in the draft that can boast a resume that includes Olympic play.
They also have their weaknesses. Rubio is certainly not so fast nor so quick as other point guards like Ty Lawson, Jennings, and Jrue Holiday. His jump shot needs a little work as well. Brandon needs to become a better defender, first and foremost, and needs to add some bulk in the weight room before entering the L.
In the NBA, the Cavs' 11-game win streak was put to an end while the Lakers and Celtics continue to dominate and only further stoke the thoughts of a Finals rematch. LeBron James has been averaging 27, 7, and 6 in less minutes per game than last season. But don't mistake Cleveland for a one-man team because everyone is doing their part in having one of the best offenses and defenses the League has to offer. (LeBron, Mo Williams, Big Z, and Delonte West are all averaging double figures in points.) This team could be the Celtics' toughest test in the playoffs.
I find it particularly interesting that the Lakers, who featured a prolific offensive attack last season, have taken great strides to improve their defense, while Boston, home to last year's best defense, decided to change and improve their offense this year. Boston and LA are both outscoring their opponents by more than ten points per game so the changes seem to be working. The Lake Show (21-3) and the World Champion Celtics (24-2) are set to meet on Christmas Day. Stay tuned.
In college hoops, North Carolina may be the most impressive team, but Chapel Hill is possibly no longer home to the nation's most impressive player. The reigning National Player of the Year, Tyler Hansbrough, may be averaging 23 points and seven rebounds, but three other studs are making names for themselves as well.
Blake Griffin of Oklahoma has been annihilating opponents on his way to 23 points and 15 rebounds per game. Not only can he get out and run in transition, but Griffin can also use a very good spin move to drive around the defense and dunk or hit the fadeaway jumper from ten feet. I do, however, expect his averages to dip somewhat when the Sooners begin their conference schedule in January.
Another on my list is the boy who killed every single bracket last spring, Stephen Curry of Davidson. What's scary is the thought that he actually got better since last March. Currently, he's averaging 32 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and three steals per contest. Only nine games into the season, Steph has already notched six 30+ plus scoring nights. His quick release and ability to move without the ball make him even harder to guard.
Some basketball heads would stop their lists after those two. They are forgetting one tremendous player out West when they do this though: Arizona State's James Harden. His averages of 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals don't do him justice if you can believe it. The Sun Devils have failed to score 65 points in a game three times this season, making his scoring even more remarkable. Add to that the fact that he attracts double teams and traps quite often, and you have one hell of an overlooked player.
So that's what's new in the world of basketball. Have a good rest of the week. I personally cannot wait for the Gonzaga/UConn game Saturday. I'm really liking some of the matchups, such as the "Senior Floor General Battle" (Pargo versus Price). Four o'clock on CBS, fellas.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The First Week of Hoops...
The feeling of waking up knowing you will be able to watch a college basketball game that night is very refreshing for all the diehard fans like myself. Even at this early point of the season, there is a good game to watch almost every night. Last night was Syracuse-Kansas with the Orange pulling out the W in overtime. The night before it was Ohio State over Bowling Green by only four points and Syracuse pulling out another victory (this time over Florida). That same night Stephen Curry had 39 points in a win over Florida Atlantic, which brings me to my first point.
Steph Curry is held to zero points for the first time in recent memory. Loyola had the "genius" idea of double-teaming Curry the entire game. No matter where he went, they went with him. Davidson, therefore, was essentially playing 4-on-3. The Wildcats won 78-48, and Stephen is still averaging a blistering 29.2 points and 7 assists per game. Not so genius after all.
Blake Griffin is the early favorite to win the National Player of the Year Award. His averages of 26 points, 20 rebounds, and 3 steals are remarkable for a 6-10 sophomore. In all four of his games, he's pulled down at least 18 boards and scored at least 20 points. It also helps that his team beat the other very-early frontrunner for the award (Curry and Davidson) and that Tyler Hansbrough hasn't been playing very much as of late.
Is it the Year of the Mid-Major? Four mid-majors (Memphis, Davidson, Xavier, and Gonzaga) are ranked in the AP Top 25 and five more received at least a dozen votes (Saint Mary's, UNLV, Siena, BYU, and UAB). There have been many big upsets and almost-upsets as well. VMI defeated Kentucky 111-106 on the road. Saint Louis upset Boston College 53-50, and Northeastern took down the Providence Friars. Both Iona and Vermont took Wisconsin and Maryland, respectively, to overtime, and the mighty Duke Blue Devils defeated Rhode Island by only three after trailing for parts of the game.
Does this mean that there is an equaling of the major and the mid-major? No, but it does mean that the gap isn't so wide as it was five years ago. Never before could Kentucky lose two straight home-openers to two unknowns. Never before could Duke be knocked out over the tournament by VCU one year and then almost get upset by Belmont the next. Let me be the first to say that there will be at least five mid-majors in the Sweet 16 and two in the Elite Eight come March.
The debate for the best point guard in the nation begins. Ty Lawson are undoubtedly the two that come to mind when the topic of college point guards is discussed. One must, however, look much deeper than that. Eric Maynor, the man made somewhat-famous by his team's win over Duke two years ago, is averaging 25 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. Although Jeremy Pargo has had a rough shooting start to his season, he is dishing out nine assists and is pulling down six rebounds per game.
Not to be outdone, Jonny Flynn is averaging 21 points and 5 assists and is fresh off leading his team to two big wins over Florida and Kansas in the CBE Classic. Levance Fields is possibly the most underrated point guard in all of college, and he plays in the Big East! His averages of 14 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds tell only a small part of the story. Pitt's success depends largely on him and how efficient his is in running their offense.Currently, Fields is shooting 53% on threes, 53% on field goals, and 82% on free throws. He boasts an unbelievable 7.6 assist-to-turnover ratio as well.
Patty Mills of Saint Mary's plays a huge role in this discussion, too. He is the only college point guard in America that can say he scored 20 points and the gold-medal United States Senior Men's National Team. This season, he's putting up 20 and 5 numbers for the 3-0 Gaels. His ability to get to the rim and either score or set up a teammate for an easy shot is uncanny.
Lastly, Scottie Reynolds (13 and 5), Sherron Collins (20 and 3), and AJ Price (9, 4, 5, and 2 steals) all deserve mention for their play this season. They have kept their team in the top 25, and Collins is having to do this after losing practically everyone from last year's title team.
The Big East is as good as advertised. The conference that received so much hype coming into the season is living up to it...for now. Currently, they have eight teams in the AP Top 25, four in the top 8, and three in the top 4. It is also easy to say that Syracuse will be in the upcoming week's top 25 after their impressive run out in Kansas. West Virginia and Seton Hall are also playing well. It's not so crazy to think that they could get nine, or even ten, bids this season.
North Carolina is still the favorite to cut down the nets in April. The Heels are 5-0 with three of those games being playing without the reigning National Player of the Year, Tyler Hansbrough. Last night they beat up on Oregon, who "attempted" to do the unthinkable and run with North Carolina in an uptempo game. Individually, Danny Green and Deon Thompson (the team's top two scorers so far) have stepped up, and the true freshman Larry Drew II proves that the Heels now have three solid point guards to go along with Bobby Frasor and Lawson. Roy Williams is smiling somewhere in Maui.
A three-guard lineup is now the norm. According to Sports Illustrated, 59.2% of Division I programs are planning to start three guards this season. It isn't too surprising either. The three-point line was moved back which means teams want more shooters on the floor. Gone are the days where Roy Hibbert can spot up and nail a game-winning three. #1 North Carolina, shoots 40% from deep, scores 92 points per game, and features the 6-9 Hansbrough as their starting center. Even their 6-6 starting small forward is listed as a Guard/Forward.
So that's it. Enjoy the action from Maui and Florida and New York and every place else hosting an early-season tournament. Enjoy watching the talented group of mid-major teams and the uniqueness of players like Curry or Griffin. Enjoy that college basketball is finally back.
To contact this writer, you can email him at marchmadness14@gmail.com.
Steph Curry is held to zero points for the first time in recent memory. Loyola had the "genius" idea of double-teaming Curry the entire game. No matter where he went, they went with him. Davidson, therefore, was essentially playing 4-on-3. The Wildcats won 78-48, and Stephen is still averaging a blistering 29.2 points and 7 assists per game. Not so genius after all.
Blake Griffin is the early favorite to win the National Player of the Year Award. His averages of 26 points, 20 rebounds, and 3 steals are remarkable for a 6-10 sophomore. In all four of his games, he's pulled down at least 18 boards and scored at least 20 points. It also helps that his team beat the other very-early frontrunner for the award (Curry and Davidson) and that Tyler Hansbrough hasn't been playing very much as of late.
Is it the Year of the Mid-Major? Four mid-majors (Memphis, Davidson, Xavier, and Gonzaga) are ranked in the AP Top 25 and five more received at least a dozen votes (Saint Mary's, UNLV, Siena, BYU, and UAB). There have been many big upsets and almost-upsets as well. VMI defeated Kentucky 111-106 on the road. Saint Louis upset Boston College 53-50, and Northeastern took down the Providence Friars. Both Iona and Vermont took Wisconsin and Maryland, respectively, to overtime, and the mighty Duke Blue Devils defeated Rhode Island by only three after trailing for parts of the game.
Does this mean that there is an equaling of the major and the mid-major? No, but it does mean that the gap isn't so wide as it was five years ago. Never before could Kentucky lose two straight home-openers to two unknowns. Never before could Duke be knocked out over the tournament by VCU one year and then almost get upset by Belmont the next. Let me be the first to say that there will be at least five mid-majors in the Sweet 16 and two in the Elite Eight come March.
The debate for the best point guard in the nation begins. Ty Lawson are undoubtedly the two that come to mind when the topic of college point guards is discussed. One must, however, look much deeper than that. Eric Maynor, the man made somewhat-famous by his team's win over Duke two years ago, is averaging 25 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. Although Jeremy Pargo has had a rough shooting start to his season, he is dishing out nine assists and is pulling down six rebounds per game.
Not to be outdone, Jonny Flynn is averaging 21 points and 5 assists and is fresh off leading his team to two big wins over Florida and Kansas in the CBE Classic. Levance Fields is possibly the most underrated point guard in all of college, and he plays in the Big East! His averages of 14 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds tell only a small part of the story. Pitt's success depends largely on him and how efficient his is in running their offense.Currently, Fields is shooting 53% on threes, 53% on field goals, and 82% on free throws. He boasts an unbelievable 7.6 assist-to-turnover ratio as well.
Patty Mills of Saint Mary's plays a huge role in this discussion, too. He is the only college point guard in America that can say he scored 20 points and the gold-medal United States Senior Men's National Team. This season, he's putting up 20 and 5 numbers for the 3-0 Gaels. His ability to get to the rim and either score or set up a teammate for an easy shot is uncanny.
Lastly, Scottie Reynolds (13 and 5), Sherron Collins (20 and 3), and AJ Price (9, 4, 5, and 2 steals) all deserve mention for their play this season. They have kept their team in the top 25, and Collins is having to do this after losing practically everyone from last year's title team.
The Big East is as good as advertised. The conference that received so much hype coming into the season is living up to it...for now. Currently, they have eight teams in the AP Top 25, four in the top 8, and three in the top 4. It is also easy to say that Syracuse will be in the upcoming week's top 25 after their impressive run out in Kansas. West Virginia and Seton Hall are also playing well. It's not so crazy to think that they could get nine, or even ten, bids this season.
North Carolina is still the favorite to cut down the nets in April. The Heels are 5-0 with three of those games being playing without the reigning National Player of the Year, Tyler Hansbrough. Last night they beat up on Oregon, who "attempted" to do the unthinkable and run with North Carolina in an uptempo game. Individually, Danny Green and Deon Thompson (the team's top two scorers so far) have stepped up, and the true freshman Larry Drew II proves that the Heels now have three solid point guards to go along with Bobby Frasor and Lawson. Roy Williams is smiling somewhere in Maui.
A three-guard lineup is now the norm. According to Sports Illustrated, 59.2% of Division I programs are planning to start three guards this season. It isn't too surprising either. The three-point line was moved back which means teams want more shooters on the floor. Gone are the days where Roy Hibbert can spot up and nail a game-winning three. #1 North Carolina, shoots 40% from deep, scores 92 points per game, and features the 6-9 Hansbrough as their starting center. Even their 6-6 starting small forward is listed as a Guard/Forward.
So that's it. Enjoy the action from Maui and Florida and New York and every place else hosting an early-season tournament. Enjoy watching the talented group of mid-major teams and the uniqueness of players like Curry or Griffin. Enjoy that college basketball is finally back.
To contact this writer, you can email him at marchmadness14@gmail.com.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
College Basketball Season Preview
With the 2008-2009 college basketball season drawing ever closer, it is time to sit down, predict, and discuss the future and what it holds for fans and players alike. Will anyone stop the dominant Tar Heels? Can Stephen Curry repeat such an extraordinary late-season performance? Is the Pac-10 still the cream of the crop when it comes to conferences? No matter what the answers are to those inquiries, one thing is for certain: This year will be as thrilling and astounding as in past seasons.Top Five Returning Players
1. Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina- No one can deny Psycho T’s work ethic and passion for the game of basketball. His decision to return to Chapel Hill catapulted North Carolina to their indisputable preseason number one spot.
Last season’s stats: 23 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, 2 steals per game
2. Stephen Curry, Davidson- Curry was everyone’s favorite player in March and hardly a soul in the country was rooting against him. He did, however, earn this type of respect and hype. Steph’s tournament run, in which he averaged 32 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, proved that this under-recruited, under-sized shooting guard from a mid-major school has the ability to play at the next level.
Last season’s stats: 26 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, 44% three-point
3. Luke Harangody, Notre Dame- The reigning Big East Player of the Year is back for another year with hopes of reaching the second weekend in the NCAA Tournament. ‘Gody can expect to see much more attention from the defenses and very few easy baskets. He is no longer a talented unknown but rather a high-profile star and will have to get his teammates involved when he is double-teamed.
Last season’s stats: 20 points per game, 11 rebounds per game, 50% field goal
4. Darren Collison, UCLA- After starting the year with an injury, Collison recovered to lead his team to a 29-4 record and a Final Four appearance last year. He was the floor general and provided experience in the backcourt when the team needed it the most. Collison’s decision to return for his senior year could place the Bruins among the nation’s elite.
Last season’s stats: 15 points per game, 4 assists per game, 53% three-point
5. Ty Lawson, North Carolina- The junior point guard will be leading the lethal Tar Heel fastbreak this year and should be getting much consideration for the Cousy Award. His unmatched quickness and speed give him an advantage over other guards and are essential for him to be effective. The UNC fans can only hope he stays healthy this season.
Last season’s stats: 13 points per game, 5 assists per game, 2 steals per game
Blake Griffin and Scottie Reynolds were very difficult to leave off the list and will undoubtedly have an impact on college basketball this year. It was, however, unjustifiable to take any one of those chosen out of the top five. It must be remembered, though, that individuals do nothing without their team. The chemistry and cohesiveness is more important than any star player. If it were the other way around, Kansas State would have been cutting down the nets last April.
Top Five Teams
1. North Carolina Tar Heels- The odds-on favorite to win the National Championship this year is Roy Williams’s squad. They have what every team wants: good coaching, depth, star power, and chemistry. The Heels lose only minor role players from last year’s Final Four team and add a very talented recruiting class.
Last season: 36-3 record, 14-2 ACC conference record, lost in Final Four
2. Connecticut Huskies- UConn is back. Returning five players with 22+ minutes per game, they have a wealth of experience and talent, enough to win a Big East championship. Jim Calhoun’s teams have been disappointing in recent seasons and need big performances from senior point guard A.J. Price.
Last season: 24-9 record, 13-5 Big East conference record, lost in first round
3. UCLA Bruins- Losing three starters will not prevent UCLA from a fourth consecutive Final Four appearance. If Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, and Jrue Holiday can bear the scoring load, they could run the table in the Pac-10 and go far in the NCAA Tournament. Lucky for the Bruins, Ben Howland has brought in yet another stellar recruiting class to replace the losses in both the backcourt and frontcourt.
Last season: 35-4 record, 16-2 Pac-10 conference record, lost in Final Four
4. Pittsburgh Panthers- Pitt returns five players who averaged 20+ minutes per game on last year’s squad. They have a high-quality coach and a plethora of depth as a result of a notable recruiting class featuring the 6-5 true freshman Nasir Robinson.
Last season: 27-10 record, 10-8 Big East conference record, lost in second round
5. Gonzaga Bulldogs- The NCAA’s best mid-major program may be ready for its best season yet. They return six players who received a good amount of playing time last season and have brought in several talented freshmen to help both the backcourt and frontcourt.
Last season: 25-8 record, 13-1 West Coast conference record, lost in first round
Many other teams will challenge these elite teams as the season progresses, and it will be a testament to the coaching, preparation, and poise under pressure if they are able to survive. As usual, the powerhouse teams—North Carolina, UConn, and UCLA—are in the preseason talk for national contenders. There are, however, also some unusual, unconventional teams being mentioned such as Notre Dame, Purdue, and Miami.
What will separate the contenders from the pretenders, so to speak? The difficulty of their non-conference schedule, the experienced seniors who emerge as leaders, and the discipline that is applied from the start of practices are just a few of the many factors that are crucial to success late in the season. Interestingly enough, Davidson, the team that annihilated everyone’s bracket yet captivated each fan’s attention, possessed the majority of those team traits last season.
For the big conference teams, however, the competition a team faces on a nightly basis determines will prove to us whom the superior teams are. But that, of course, begs the question as to which conference is the toughest? Last season, the Pac-10 and Big East seemed to be head and shoulders above the rest. This year will tell a different story though. The Pac-10 is suffering many individual losses—Ryan Anderson, Brook Lopez, OJ Mayo, Jerryd Bayless, Kevin Love, and Russell Westbrook—and many of its teams will be experiencing a down year. Washington State and Stanford, two of last year’s Sweet 16 teams, will be fortunate to even make the tournament, let alone actually winning a game once they arrive.
The Atlantic Coast Conference, formerly regarded as the best conference in the nation, is making somewhat of a reemergence this year. North Carolina and Duke will be very good, both top ten teams undoubtedly, and should be the favorites to win the conference tournament in March. Clemson, who finished third in the conference last season, will be just as good despite the losses of Cliff Hammonds and James Mays. Miami returns a team with an abundance of experience and talent and could be the main contender to Duke and the Tar Heels among anyone else in the conference. Rounding out the top five in the league is Wake Forest. They return practically everybody and also have one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, headlined by Al- Farouq Aminu.
Whether North Carolina wins the championship or not, we shall be ready for an intriguing season yet again. Stephen Curry is back and the freshmen class is just as good as ever before. The Big East and ACC are both predicted to have 6+ teams in the NCAA Tournament, but can the other power conferences—the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC—send several teams as well? It remains uncertain, as do many other things in college basketball. No matter what happens though, the questions and the improbability of an upset are what keep us ever vigilant.
To contact the writer, you can email him at marchmadness14@gmail.com.
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