As conference play aroundthe country kicks off, there are intriguing story lines all around the nation. This is when the pretenders will be exposed and tournament resumes will be built.
The Butler Bulldogs have reloaded and are poised to run into March again!
THE GOOD
Dayton (11-1) appears to be atoning for its collapse last season. The Flyers have beaten Marquette and their only loss was at Creighton.
North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest and Clemson are a formidable top four teams from the ACC. Circle your calenders for January 11th when North Carolina and Wake square off in what may be a battle of two undefeated squads.
The Big XII is a very deep conference with Oklahoma being the lone unbeaten. The Big XII has the depth, but I don’t think they have one stud team.
The Big East is the best conference in America. Louisville will be a very tough out in March when that team has completely gelled. UCONN is a serious challenger to UNC and Pittsburgh can grind with any team in the nation.
West Virginia smoked #13 Ohio State on the road further proving that the Big Ten is uncompetitive.
20.4 ppg: Thats what Seth Curry is averaging as a freshman at Liberty. That is not a misprint, SETH CURRY.
Butler(10-1) continues to surprise with three freshman in the lineup. That’s called reloading.
Illinois State (12-0), Creighton (11-2) and Evansville (9-2) give the Valley a legit shot at returning to three plus teams in the Dance. Evansvilles emergence is impressive with their only losses to Butler and North Carolina.
The Mountain West is loaded with quality teams. This conference is better than the SEC! BYU, UNLV, WYOMING, AIR FORCE and SAN DIEGO STATE are all off to good starts. Expect UNLV and BYU to fight for the conference title, and the league could challenge for four bids.
Stanford is undefeated and playing quality ball under Coach Dawkins.
Portland States win over Gonzaga is the feel good win of the year. Portland State is looking to make its way back to the Dance.
THE BAD
The stench coming from some of the mid-major conferences is horrible. I am a mid-major supporter but there are some bad conferences.
The MAC and the MAAC are horrendous. Give Siena the prize for biggest disappointment among a mid-major. The Saints have over-scheduled and played poorly.
NJIT has lost 44 consecutive games!
The WCC which was receiving alot of attention for improvement is being carried by Saint Marys and Gonzaga. San Diego has struggled!
Southern Illinois is 5-7. Nough’ Said.
5 MUST SEE GAMES THIS WEEK
(9) Georgetown at (2) UCONN
The Huskies are legit, the Hoyas could prove they are legit. G’ towns opening Big East schedule is brutal, and could be staring an 0-3 start in the face.
(4) Oklahoma at Arkansas
Oklahoma is the best team in the Big XII but may be under-appreciated around the nation. Do people really believe they are fourth in the nation? I’m a believer in Blake Griffin, but as for the squad as a whole I am a doubter. Arkansas(9-1) is 8-0 at home and could pick up a giant resume builder here.
(18) Michigan State at (23) Minnesota
Tubby Smith has put Minnesota basketball right back on the map. Both clubs own signature wins (Texas & Louisville) but I still think the Big Ten is a notch below the best conferences. Minnesota can send a message to the Big Ten and take a very early step toward a league title.
UNLV at (19) Louisville
UNLV was the team I tabbed in the preseason in my Top 20, and they received no mention anywhere else. This is where the Rebels either make me look smart or very stupid. UNLV is 11-2 and I feel has a legit shot to go into Freedom Hall and knock off Louisville. Either way, this is a chance for people to see a quality team that normally would not be on television.
(16) Villanova at (25) Marquette
Just another day at the office in the Big East with yet another battle of Top 25 teams. Both teams are guard oriented and Reynolds against James should be a real treat!
1 Comment
December 30, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Who, in your professional opinion will be the national champion? (Tar Heels, Tar Heels!!)