This is more of a year ending Top 25.
- North Carolina (29-2) - Is there really any need for explanation here? They have a legit Player of the Year candidate and the best point guard in the country who pushes the pace to breakneck speed. Aside from that, they have a truck full of McDonald's All-Americans who actually play roles. I think that is something that isn't talked about enough. They have some great high-profile guys who sacrifice for the team with secondary roles. The ACC looks pretty week so far and it appears the Heels won't be pressed for awhile. Looking forward to some showdowns with the Blue Devils.
- Kansas (27-4) - Their starting five is redonkulous and they have 3 seniors coming off the bench. It's another case where the young guys on the team have seen their fair share of battles and are very experienced. I don't like the fact that Brandon Rush doesn't look fully recovered from knee surgery this summer, but they should have enough depth to stay solid until he returns to form. They will be tested in what will be a deceptively tough Big 12. Player to keep an eye on: Mario Chalmers.
- UCLA (26-5) - Two championship games in a row for the Bruins, and the fun doesn't stop there. They've essentially only lost Aaron Aflalo from those runner-up teams, and he didn't seem to step up on the big games. Once Darren Collison returns from injury, this team will be destined for a third straight trip to the Final Four. Great player you've probably never heard of, Josh Shipp.
- Memphis (28-4) - As always, not sold on their ability to get to the Final Four. It's difficult to put them too low though, as their conference is weak. They are very talented, and Derrick Rose is another on the long list of great diaper dandies this year. He is legit, watch him if you can. Look for late games against Gonzaga and Tennessee to get a heat check on the Tigers.
- Indiana (24-8) - Partially biased. Allow me to reiterate, if Eric Gordon puts up stats that are at least 75% of what Kevin Durant put up last year, the Hoosiers will make it to the Final Four. They know Sampson's system now and will be getting AJ Ratliff back in a few weeks. Eric Gordon is a superstar and plays wiser than his age. DJ White looks to be warming up to the form that people were talking about this summer. They will at the top of an unusually weak Big Ten.
- Louisville (24-7) - Why this high? Well, we could start with Pitino. But really, they are a deep team that was a hair away from stirring up some trouble in the tournament last year. Even though they lost David Padgett for the year (this guy thinks Padgett was pretty overrated), they have a strong front court with Caracter and Clark, and have one of the country's best all around athletes in Terrence Williams. Throw in Edgar Sosa, who's been struggling this year, and you have yourself a Final Four contender. Let's hope that in the Kumite which is the Big East, they aren't the ones tapping out. (Yes, that was a Bloodsport reference.) Juan Palacios has been on this team for 13 years.
- Gonzaga (27-4) - These guys were a mushroom cap away from having a great season last year, and now that they get Josh Heytvelt (broken foot) back later this month, they are going to have that great season. The Zags play another brutal non-conference schedule, but they'll get through that mostly unscathed. They're definitely Elite Eight material and maybe more. Keep an eye on Jeremy Pargo.
- Tennessee (26-5) - My Wildcat Blue bias doesn't allow me to give a lot of love to the Vols, but this team is strong. They are both old and young, starting 2 Seniors and 3 Sophomores. Chris Lofton is as clutch as you can get and they have 11 guys playing over 11 minutes a game. That's deep. Player to watch and who has a great name, Wayne Chism.
- Georgetown (24-7) - As Big Roy goes, as this team will go. There's nothing like a great big man in the college game. The Hoyas are deep and play shut down defense. Everything will depend on Hibbert and their offense. If a couple guys step up late in the season, sure I could see them in the Final Four. I'd put my money on the Elite Eight though.
- Duke (27-4) - Boooooooo.......I mean.......they are athletic and seem to be playing really well thus far. I'm not a huge fan of Marquette and Wisconsin, so to me, I'm wondering if they have played anyone yet. I do like the win versus Davidson. Gerald Henderson is having a great sophomore campaign. I'll judge them in the UNC games. Could be higher, could be lower.
- Michigan State (25-6) - H to tha Izzo V to the Izzay. Izzo always has a tough squad to beat. I like them, but haven't gotten to see them yet. Keep an eye on Neitzel. I'm reserving most of my judgement, but know they'll be strong in the end. Will battle with the Hoosiers for the Big Ten title.
- Oregon (25-6) - Even though they lost Aaron Brooks, they may be better this year. I really like Malik Hairston and how can you not root for 5'6" Tajuan Porter, who's throwing up 15 points a game. Like I said, they may be better. I don't like the fact that they are playing 7 guys right now. Could be a sleeper.
- USC (23-8) - A very interesting team. I don't have them this high because they currently look like a playground squad thrown together. I don't have them this high because Tim Floyd is their coach. I do have them this high because they have uber talent and the top 8 guys in minutes are either a freshman or a sophomore. Give them 3/4ths of a season to get acclimated. After that, they may blow some doors off people. I swear Devon Jefferson hit his head on the roof slamming home a put back this week. Let's see how good OJ Mayo really is.
- Southern Illinois (24-7) - I love their defense and Randall Falkner. With that being said, I don't like the spanking from USC. Was that an anomaly? Not sure, I may have them too high. Wait and see approach, but I think they will be as good as always come tournament time.
- Washington State (25-6) - Who? I like Derrick Low, but I can't name another soul on their team. These guys are the no names who don't get a lot of respect. They have an upside in the lineage of their coach, but I don't think they have the chops yet to take it to the house. I'll give 'em the Sweet Sixteen and watch them get beat by a team with more talent.
- Texas A&M (24-7) - Oh how I wish DeAndre Jordan had followed Billy Gillespie to Kentucky. Talented team in a tough Big 12. They have some good senior leadership to go with some young talent. Keep an eye on Jordan to see if he improves twofold by the end of the year.
- Davidson (24-7) - Don't get fooled because of these early losses. These are the losses that make a team like Davidson a giant killer in the post-season. I love me some Stephen Curry. They'll have to hit 24 wins to get into the Dance, and if they do, I like 'em a lot.
- Butler (27-4) - They had a great year last year and then got a new coach. Didn't matter. They are playing great again this year and play a pretty solid non-conference schedule. I don't like that they barely play 7 guys, but they somehow get it done. AJ Graves is a strong senior leader for them and is just one of 20 or so brothers who have played mid-major college hoops. You gotta like that. I'll put them in the Elite Eight.
- Syracuse (21-10) - This is a long shot. Boeheim is playing 5 guys over 32 minutes a game. That's not conducive to having very much success, and the usually strong defense gave up 107 points at home to UMass. But, I think they have enough talent to beat some good teams. True freshman point guard Johnny Flynn is playing good ball and freshman big man Donte Green looks like a keeper also. The 'Cuse just needs a bench. Player you will enjoy watching, Eric Devendorf.
- Arizona (22-9) - Sophomore Budinger and Freshman Bayless give the Cats a nice 1-2 combo. Kevin O'Neil is playing 10 guys over 10 minutes and I like their mixture of old guys and new guys. Could see a resurgence in the Cats this year.
- Arkansas (21-10) - Gotta give some props to the Big Blue's own John Pelphrey for landing this job. It's a huge step up in competition from where he was. That could lead to a few growing pains early, but I think they will be strong in the SEC.
- North Carolina State (22-9) - The ACC isn't that deep this year and I like their coach Sidney Lowe. Keep an eye on Freshman JJ Hickson.
- Villanova (22-9) - Jay Wright has a very young team lead by Sophomore sharp-shooter Scottie Reynolds. He's a fun one to watch and by the end of the year, Wright will have his team ready to do some damage in the tournament.
- Marquette (23-8) - Marquette probably has the best back court combination in the land and that is definitely good come tournament time. I am very scared of their front court though. No good big men in sight. Tom Crean is a great coach and I think they will be a good call come tourney time. Have fun watching James and McNeal.
- Kansas State (23-8) - Bob Huggins sure did a lot in one year at Kansas State. He brought in Michael Beasley. Michael Beasley, 6'9" 235lb. freshman averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds. Stud. He'll be the number one pick next year over "my boy" Eric Gordon. If the rest of the young guys step up, I think K State could be a surprise. Sweet Sixteen.
Super sleeper Daily Double come tournament time......if they get in, Belmont. 11 guys play over 10 minutes, so they won't wear down against super athletic teams. Justin Hare has a weird last name, but he can be lights out. Win some brackets with Belmont.
Predictions:
- Final Four (per Bracketology): UNC, UCLA, Tennessee, Indiana
- Playa of the Year: Michael Beasley
1 comment:
Butler is the sleeper for the final four. They are getting Avery Jukes back on Dec. 15th. He is a 6'8 sophomore who transfered from Alabama. Him and freshman Matt Howard will team up to finally give Butler some low post scoring. Once Pete Campbell comes back from injury next week, they will be unstoppable. Mike Green has a legit chance of playing in the pros.
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