At MarchManiacs, we say it is never too early to talk bubble. Furthermore, there are more than a few games that have major bubble implications.
Here is a quick guide to a few of the best:
2pm - Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M - It doesn't get any more "bubble" than this one. Both teams are squarely on it, and it is unlikely both will get tourney bids with Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas looking like locks, and Baylor and Missouri ahead of them. There is no way the Big 12 gets seven bids. The winner here has a valuable chip in their pocket for Selection Sunday.
3pm - South Carolina @ Kentucky - After Jodie Meeks' night at Tennessee the nation seemed willing to crown Kentucky the class of the SEC (I like the Cats, but would give the nod to Florida). South Carolina is an intersting team with some firepower and are 4-2 in SEC play, 15-4 overall. A win today puts the Gamecocks in the tourney mix (and comfortably ahead of Tennessee).
5pm - Baylor at Missouri - Same story as Ok St and A&M, only these two teams are positioned a little better. Baylor has the edge of being more highly regarded entering the season. Missouri has been overlooked all year; perhaps deservedly so after the stinkbomb they put up against Kansas State this week. This game probably means more to Missouri's tourney chances, especially since the game is in Colombia.
8pm - Two great ACC buble games; Virginia Tech travels to Boston College and Miami goes to Maryland. All four teams are still in the at-large mix (Va Tech being in good shape, Maryland teetering, the other two textbook "bubble" teams). The ACC has four clear locks, and VA Tech and FSU look to be #5 & #6. These two games go a long way to seeing which other teams will join the mix. Maryland is all but done with another loss or two, so will be scrappy tonight defending their homecourt.
8pm - Wisconsin @ Northwestern - If the Wildcats are going to end the longest tourney-less streak in the land (it is infinity and counting...) tonight's game HAS to be a win. If you were bracketing today, the Big Ten would get six, maybe seven. These two teams would be 8 & 9 respectively. An absolute must win for Northwestern.
10pm - California @ USC - Both teams enter 5-3 in Pac-10 play and solidly on the bubble. The Pac-10 looks to be one of the more up-for-grabs conferences in the nation, but only UCLA and Arizona State have garnered any national buzz. Washington surged out the conference lead with an upset win over UCLA, but appears to be coming back to the pack. Tonight's Cal/SC winner gets a valuable chip when it comes time to decide which four or five teams get to dance.
One More Shot...
The Maniac's record picking games has been rather subpar of late. We admit that pretty freely. However, we subscribe to the Reggie Miller school of thought that you can't score if you don't shoot.
That said, here are a few more shots (accompanied by the pervasive "logic" that derived such picks...)
SATURDAY'S PICKS
Georgia Tech has a nice recruiting class coming to Atlanta. Unfortunatly, the Deacons arrive before the reinforcements. Don't expect them to let their guard down after a thrilling win over #1 Duke. Dino will have his team well aware that win becomes tainted with a no-show Saturday.
MANIAC'S PICK: Wake -8
Louisville has become the team du jour of late, with everyone and their mother proclaiming them Detroit-bound. For the record, we were two weeks ahead of the curve, but just because the bandwagon is getting crowded doesn't mean we're jumping off. West Virginia doesn't have the firepower to score enough points to beat the Cards in their gym.
MANIAC'S PICK: L'Ville -7
Notre Dame brings a four game losing streak to Pittsburgh where the Panthers are smarting from an upset loss at Villanova. Not a good situation for the Irish. Everything points to loss #5... but the Maniac loves talented teams with their backs to the wall. Notre Dame fits that bill perfectly. I am not sure they get a win, but feel good tucking away a dozen points.
MANIAC'S PICK: Notre Dame +12
Arizona is fresh off a season saving win against Pac-10 leader Washington, while Wazzou is fresh off their upset of #14 Arizona State. This game is a beautiful contrast in styles; Arizona scored 106 points last time out, State leads the Pac-10 in defense (points allowed). Something's gotta give. Hopefully someone stomped on Chase Buddinger's face on the way to the game, it seems to do wonders for this team...
MANIAC'S PICK: Arizona -4
Georgetown went from "Final Four?" after their UConn win to "bubble???" after consecutive losses to Seton Hall and Cincinnati to fall to 3-5 in the BEast. Marquette is up to 8th in the country witha 7-0 BEast record. Going back to my "backs against the wall" theory, I should like Georgetown getting a big season saving win against the Eagles... but I just don't see Georgetown's defense doing much to slow down the nation's top 3-man backcourt.
MANIAC'S PICK: Marquette -6
Davidson wins every league game by 20 or more. So why are they only giving 14 at Samford? No clue. Gimme the Steph Curry road show laying the points.
MANIAC'S PICK: Davidson -14
UCF is quietly building a solid NIT resume as they blow through an improved Conference USA. They are laying 4 at a Tulane team they are much better than.
MANIAC'S PICK: UCF -4
We'll be back for our 6pm and later picks.
That said, here are a few more shots (accompanied by the pervasive "logic" that derived such picks...)
SATURDAY'S PICKS
Georgia Tech has a nice recruiting class coming to Atlanta. Unfortunatly, the Deacons arrive before the reinforcements. Don't expect them to let their guard down after a thrilling win over #1 Duke. Dino will have his team well aware that win becomes tainted with a no-show Saturday.
MANIAC'S PICK: Wake -8
Louisville has become the team du jour of late, with everyone and their mother proclaiming them Detroit-bound. For the record, we were two weeks ahead of the curve, but just because the bandwagon is getting crowded doesn't mean we're jumping off. West Virginia doesn't have the firepower to score enough points to beat the Cards in their gym.
MANIAC'S PICK: L'Ville -7
Notre Dame brings a four game losing streak to Pittsburgh where the Panthers are smarting from an upset loss at Villanova. Not a good situation for the Irish. Everything points to loss #5... but the Maniac loves talented teams with their backs to the wall. Notre Dame fits that bill perfectly. I am not sure they get a win, but feel good tucking away a dozen points.
MANIAC'S PICK: Notre Dame +12
Arizona is fresh off a season saving win against Pac-10 leader Washington, while Wazzou is fresh off their upset of #14 Arizona State. This game is a beautiful contrast in styles; Arizona scored 106 points last time out, State leads the Pac-10 in defense (points allowed). Something's gotta give. Hopefully someone stomped on Chase Buddinger's face on the way to the game, it seems to do wonders for this team...
MANIAC'S PICK: Arizona -4
Georgetown went from "Final Four?" after their UConn win to "bubble???" after consecutive losses to Seton Hall and Cincinnati to fall to 3-5 in the BEast. Marquette is up to 8th in the country witha 7-0 BEast record. Going back to my "backs against the wall" theory, I should like Georgetown getting a big season saving win against the Eagles... but I just don't see Georgetown's defense doing much to slow down the nation's top 3-man backcourt.
MANIAC'S PICK: Marquette -6
Davidson wins every league game by 20 or more. So why are they only giving 14 at Samford? No clue. Gimme the Steph Curry road show laying the points.
MANIAC'S PICK: Davidson -14
UCF is quietly building a solid NIT resume as they blow through an improved Conference USA. They are laying 4 at a Tulane team they are much better than.
MANIAC'S PICK: UCF -4
We'll be back for our 6pm and later picks.
Many Roads...
Arizona put up 104 point in their dire straits win of Washington. Minnesota got a huge Big 10 win holding Illinois to 36 points. The difference? 68 points.
The result? One team keeps their season alive, the other is getting close to locking up their first tourney bid in several years.
- I am sure I am not the only one TiVoing the Zags/Gaels game tonight. Should be a great one. I'll take Gonzaga flexing their WCC muscle tonight, but keep an eye on Patty Mills. Had a chance to see him live in December; heckuva ballplayer.
The result? One team keeps their season alive, the other is getting close to locking up their first tourney bid in several years.
- I am sure I am not the only one TiVoing the Zags/Gaels game tonight. Should be a great one. I'll take Gonzaga flexing their WCC muscle tonight, but keep an eye on Patty Mills. Had a chance to see him live in December; heckuva ballplayer.
Quick Picks
Quick Picks for January 29th.
Someone tell me why everyone is still on Clemson's jock? To me, the 17-0 start was instantly invalidated when they went in Chapel Hill and showed the same ole' same ole'. It is a good team, but not sure they are a road favorite at Tech.
Come to think of it, seriously, how are a 1-point favorite at Virginia Tech? Seems like a gimme to me.
MANIACS PICK: VIRGINIA TECH +1 (LOCK)
Iowa has played a few real tough games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena this year. I don't think tonight will be one of them when the Spartans come to town.
MANIACS PICK: MICHIGAN STATE -6
Already wrote about Arizona here: It seems like Vegas agrees that something might be brewin' in Tuscon as the Washington Huskies are only 2 point favorites. Gimme Chase and crew with the two.
MANIACS PICK: Arizona +2
Illinois has been far better than expectations this year. In fact, so much better that Vegas has them as a road favorite traveling up to Minnesota tonight. I like Tubby and the Gophers protecting their cavernous home gym with a HUGE win in the Big Ten.
MANIACS PICK: Minnesota +1.5
Someone has to win tonight when Alabama visits Arkansas. Both team have enough talent to win games, yet seem to find ways to lose them. Arkansas has been on a four-game skid since their wins over Oklahoma and Texas. Alabama fits the profile of a team that gives the Hogs fits; a losing record and in conference. I'll roll with the tide and the points.
MANIACS PICK: Alabama +4.5
The best game of the night that no one will see when Nevada travels to Utah State in an attempt to derail the Aggies unblemished WAC start. Utah St. is 19-1, with their lone loss at BYU by 5, but has ZERO quality wins. Tonight is the best shot they have to get one. I think they will, but Nevada will keep it interesting.
MANIACS PICK: Nevada +10
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Someone tell me why everyone is still on Clemson's jock? To me, the 17-0 start was instantly invalidated when they went in Chapel Hill and showed the same ole' same ole'. It is a good team, but not sure they are a road favorite at Tech.
Come to think of it, seriously, how are a 1-point favorite at Virginia Tech? Seems like a gimme to me.
MANIACS PICK: VIRGINIA TECH +1 (LOCK)
Iowa has played a few real tough games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena this year. I don't think tonight will be one of them when the Spartans come to town.
MANIACS PICK: MICHIGAN STATE -6
Already wrote about Arizona here: It seems like Vegas agrees that something might be brewin' in Tuscon as the Washington Huskies are only 2 point favorites. Gimme Chase and crew with the two.
MANIACS PICK: Arizona +2
Illinois has been far better than expectations this year. In fact, so much better that Vegas has them as a road favorite traveling up to Minnesota tonight. I like Tubby and the Gophers protecting their cavernous home gym with a HUGE win in the Big Ten.
MANIACS PICK: Minnesota +1.5
Someone has to win tonight when Alabama visits Arkansas. Both team have enough talent to win games, yet seem to find ways to lose them. Arkansas has been on a four-game skid since their wins over Oklahoma and Texas. Alabama fits the profile of a team that gives the Hogs fits; a losing record and in conference. I'll roll with the tide and the points.
MANIACS PICK: Alabama +4.5
The best game of the night that no one will see when Nevada travels to Utah State in an attempt to derail the Aggies unblemished WAC start. Utah St. is 19-1, with their lone loss at BYU by 5, but has ZERO quality wins. Tonight is the best shot they have to get one. I think they will, but Nevada will keep it interesting.
MANIACS PICK: Nevada +10
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Stomp to the Heart
None of their current players have ever been alive in a year in which Arizona was NOT a participant in the NCAA Tournament.
Of course, all that could change in a most unpleasant way for their roster if things don't turn around in a hurry. The Maniac thinks they just might.
I am sure you have all seen the Chase Budinger face-stomp recipient "highlight" by now. It has been played roughly four hundred thousand times on ESPN. What has been less discussed is the furious rally Arizona put together to improbably force overtime, then allow just two points in the OT defeating a pretty good Houston team.
Tonight the Wildcats (12-8, 2-5) host Pac-10 leader Washington in what amount to a last stand for Arizona. Drop this, and it is most likely curtains on the Wildcats season. But win, and things get interesting. After tonight their next three games are: hosting Washington State, then traveling to both Oregon schools. All three are very winnable games. That would leave Arizona at 16-8 and 6-5 in conference and RIGHT in the at-large bid mix.
Of course, it all starts with a win tonight. Can they play with the passion and fury they mustered when their star was stomped on? Can they harness that same desperation for a moment when it is truly warranted?
I like the 'Cats and their two NBA-first rounders salvaging a disappointing season with an upset win over the Huskies tonight.
MANIACS PICK: Arizona 74 - Washington 67
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Of course, all that could change in a most unpleasant way for their roster if things don't turn around in a hurry. The Maniac thinks they just might.
I am sure you have all seen the Chase Budinger face-stomp recipient "highlight" by now. It has been played roughly four hundred thousand times on ESPN. What has been less discussed is the furious rally Arizona put together to improbably force overtime, then allow just two points in the OT defeating a pretty good Houston team.
Tonight the Wildcats (12-8, 2-5) host Pac-10 leader Washington in what amount to a last stand for Arizona. Drop this, and it is most likely curtains on the Wildcats season. But win, and things get interesting. After tonight their next three games are: hosting Washington State, then traveling to both Oregon schools. All three are very winnable games. That would leave Arizona at 16-8 and 6-5 in conference and RIGHT in the at-large bid mix.
Of course, it all starts with a win tonight. Can they play with the passion and fury they mustered when their star was stomped on? Can they harness that same desperation for a moment when it is truly warranted?
I like the 'Cats and their two NBA-first rounders salvaging a disappointing season with an upset win over the Huskies tonight.
MANIACS PICK: Arizona 74 - Washington 67
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Gut Punch
The Maniac warned you a month ago that the 'Heels would have a tough game in Tally (he also told you UNC would run the table. Oooooops.)
Tough might be an understatement. Check the highlight below:
The Answer -- "STOP THE BALL. STOP THE BALL. STOP THE BALL."
The Question -- "What is every basketball player past seventh grade taught to do in a scramble/break situation. "
Tough loss for the Noles, but more proof this team is one of the 65 best in America.
Tough might be an understatement. Check the highlight below:
The Answer -- "STOP THE BALL. STOP THE BALL. STOP THE BALL."
The Question -- "What is every basketball player past seventh grade taught to do in a scramble/break situation. "
Tough loss for the Noles, but more proof this team is one of the 65 best in America.
Yawn. Steph Drops 32.
I feel bad for Steph Curry. He truly has faded from national consciousness and into the P.O.Y. backdrop, and it isn't his fault.
Tonight the junior sensation scored 32 points, leading his team to another comfy, easy double-digit win; their sixth in a row.
And there-in lies the problem.
Davidson is too good for their league. But not quite good enough to be Gonzaga.
What I mean by that is they already failed their national litmus test. The first loss at Oklahoma was a great performance; it almost validated them rather than damaged them. They struggled beating NC State and West Virginia (but still WON). But we only remember the BOMB at Purdue. Steph looked lost, the team had no answers for the Boilers' pressure...and so we wrote them off. "See, they are a good small school." They dropped from the national rankings and haven't been back since.
And we were done with them.
We'll see you soon...
Their overall resume is still worthy of a #6-#8 seed and I would be surprised if they lose again this regular season. And don't forget the nation's leading scorer and mos electrifying player quietly chugging along at 30 per night.
They might be laying low but you can bet Steph and crew are ready for March.
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Tonight the junior sensation scored 32 points, leading his team to another comfy, easy double-digit win; their sixth in a row.
And there-in lies the problem.
Davidson is too good for their league. But not quite good enough to be Gonzaga.
What I mean by that is they already failed their national litmus test. The first loss at Oklahoma was a great performance; it almost validated them rather than damaged them. They struggled beating NC State and West Virginia (but still WON). But we only remember the BOMB at Purdue. Steph looked lost, the team had no answers for the Boilers' pressure...and so we wrote them off. "See, they are a good small school." They dropped from the national rankings and haven't been back since.
And we were done with them.
We'll see you soon...They might be laying low but you can bet Steph and crew are ready for March.
Have something to say?? Leave a comment or email us at MarchManiacs@yahoo.com!
Big Bucks
The Michigan tourney drought (or "NIT streak" - depends on whether you are a coach is half-fired or half looking for a "better job" kinda guy) appears to be a distinct possibility.The big wins over Duke and UCLA seem light-seasons ago as the Wolverines' Big Ten struggles continued tonight with a comfortable beating at Ohio State. It is their second loss to the Buckeyes this year. They play Penn State next week, having already lost the first matchup to the Nittany Lions. Suffice it to say getting swept by two conference foes who might be perched on the same bubble come selection Sunday would be the death knell.
Ohio State gets a vital conference win to move to 4-4 in conference and 14-5 overall. They are comfortable IN as of today, but can still easily slide back onto the bubble (or off it...). Their next week is big with a should-win against Indiana, then hosting Purdue and Minnesota. They really need to win one of the last two to keep their tourney hopes strong.
Are the 'Wolves really NITting again this Spring?!?The Maniac has both the Buckeyes and Penn State ahead of the Wolverines on the big board as of today, and a trip to Purdue this weekend might not be the tune-up Michigan needs before a Penn State visit to Ann Arbor. After that things settle down for the Wolverines. They visit Connecticut Feb 7th.
Ouch.
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Making a Case for Providence
Tonight's win over Syracuse puts Providence at 6-2 in conference and 14-6 overall. Providence looked terrible out of the shoot, losing to a few lesser known opponents. However on further examination of their 2008-09 campaign, they have a much more tournament-worthy resume than some might think.Their 4 non-conference losses are: Northeastern (who beat VCU last night to grab control of a good Colonial Conferece and will likely dance), Baylor and St. Mary's who will both likely go to the tourney and a tough loss to rival Boston College. Not a great loss, but one they share with North Carolina.
Their two conference losses are to Marquette and Georgetown (a loss that might ultimately put them in the NIT).
The problem comes in a lack of quality wins. Syracuse tonight helps. Aside from that they have Rhode Island and Cincinnati twice. That's it. If they just win games they "should" from here out, they would finish 9-9 in conference. That won't be enough. The good news is if they can get just one of their seven chances and avoid a first-round Big East tourney exit, they will be tough to ignore. If they get two of the seven, they would finish up 20-11 and move into LOCK status.
REMAINING BIG WIN CHANCES:
| Sat, Jan 31 | at (2) Connecticut | |||||
| Wed, Feb 4 | (21) Villanova | |||||
| Sat, Feb 7 | at West Virginia | |||||
| Wed, Feb 18 | at (7) Louisville | |||||
| Sat, Feb 21 | Notre Dame | |||||
| Tue, Feb 24 | (3) Pittsburgh | |||||
| Thu, Mar 5 | at (21) Villanova |
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Big East Shakeup
OK, so we were half right on our most overrated teams in America proclamation.
Villanova made us eat our words tonight, taking it to Pittsburgh, outscoring them by 15 in the second half. Villanova held their own on the boards and used a stiffling perimeter defense to shut down Pittsburgh.
Cincinnati made us look like geniuses though, giving perplexing Georgetown yet another conference loss. They made a splashy debut blowing out UConn, but since then things have been pretty downhill. The loss tonight drops them to 3-5 in Big East play with their last two losses coming at the hands of Seton Hall and Cincinnati. Despite wins over Memphis, UConn and Syracuse, the Hoyas will wake up tomorrow to find themselves on the precarious bubble. Particualry in light of...
Providence! The much maligned 5-2 Friars were seen as the beneficiary of a soft early conference schedule. Tonight's 100 point perfomance against Syracuse (relax, they gave up 94) has to at least elevate the Friars to serious NCAA consideration. If today were Selection Sunday it would be very difficult to NOT give them the nod over Notre Dame and Georgetown. Who'da thunk it?!?
The Big East might very well get their record setting nine bids - it just may not be the nine everyone assumed it would be.
As of TODAY:
LOCKS: UConn, Louisville, Pitt, Marquette, Villanova, Syracuse, West Virginia,
BUBBLE: Notre Dame, Georgetown, Providence, Cincinnati
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Villanova made us eat our words tonight, taking it to Pittsburgh, outscoring them by 15 in the second half. Villanova held their own on the boards and used a stiffling perimeter defense to shut down Pittsburgh.
Cincinnati made us look like geniuses though, giving perplexing Georgetown yet another conference loss. They made a splashy debut blowing out UConn, but since then things have been pretty downhill. The loss tonight drops them to 3-5 in Big East play with their last two losses coming at the hands of Seton Hall and Cincinnati. Despite wins over Memphis, UConn and Syracuse, the Hoyas will wake up tomorrow to find themselves on the precarious bubble. Particualry in light of...
Providence! The much maligned 5-2 Friars were seen as the beneficiary of a soft early conference schedule. Tonight's 100 point perfomance against Syracuse (relax, they gave up 94) has to at least elevate the Friars to serious NCAA consideration. If today were Selection Sunday it would be very difficult to NOT give them the nod over Notre Dame and Georgetown. Who'da thunk it?!?
The Big East might very well get their record setting nine bids - it just may not be the nine everyone assumed it would be.
As of TODAY:
LOCKS: UConn, Louisville, Pitt, Marquette, Villanova, Syracuse, West Virginia,
BUBBLE: Notre Dame, Georgetown, Providence, Cincinnati
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Wake Beats Duke in Thriller
Well, the curse of the Maniacs once again rears its ugly head. One night after proclaiming Duke the team to beat, Wake Forest grabs the ACC by the throat with yet another thrilling, well-played win over a conference heavyweight.
I am not real big on the official polls, as they don't mean too too much at this juncture, but it is hard to NOT say Wake is #1 after beating both Duke and Carolina.
One caveat - both games were in the friendly confined of Little John Coliseum. They dodge a rematch at UNC (damn you ACC unbalanced scheduling!) but do travel to Duke on February 22nd, in what should be an absolute treat.
Both teams showed some weaknesses; Wake at the foul line and Duke with an ability to create shots when teams defend the perimeter. But both showed the defensive toughness and individual talent to win a national championship.
Have something to say?? Leave a comment or email us at MarchManiacs@yahoo.com!
I am not real big on the official polls, as they don't mean too too much at this juncture, but it is hard to NOT say Wake is #1 after beating both Duke and Carolina.
One caveat - both games were in the friendly confined of Little John Coliseum. They dodge a rematch at UNC (damn you ACC unbalanced scheduling!) but do travel to Duke on February 22nd, in what should be an absolute treat.
Both teams showed some weaknesses; Wake at the foul line and Duke with an ability to create shots when teams defend the perimeter. But both showed the defensive toughness and individual talent to win a national championship.
Have something to say?? Leave a comment or email us at MarchManiacs@yahoo.com!
Bracketeering - Crystal Ball Edition
The Maniac has grown weary of the weekly polls, as it is hard to move teams too far with out being real knee-jerk. For example; Wake beats UNC and WHOA!! Wake is the #1 team in the country. Then they lose to Virginia Tech... so now Duke is #1. It would have been Pitt but they lost to a very good and peaking at the right time Louisville team.... and so on.
The polls have to love Marquette (They are 7-0 in the "best conference in the country") and they have to punish Syracuse for losing three of four. What the records and polls do not tell you was that Syracuse lost to Louisville, Pitt and Georgetown.
Call me when Marquette beats one of those three and we'll talk.
Meanwhile Butler climbs every week. Tell me voters, which Butler win bowled you over the past few weeks? Was it the Wisconsin-Milwaukee game? Or was it the win over Wisconsin-Green Bay? Did you even know those were two different schools? And which one did Bruce Pearl coach at???
The point is, I am not saying Butler is NOT one of the ten best teams in the country. They are one possession away from being 19-0 with wins over Ohio St (the lone loss), Xavier, Drake, Evansville and Northwestern. None of those jump up and smack you other than maybe X, but it is enough to vault them to #8 in the RPI. The RPI's failings are yet another article... (For a quick preview, Siena at 16-5 is ahead of Texas, Villanova, Washington and Florida despite being 0-4 against RPI top 50 teams and having NO signature wins!!)
Oh yeah; the point. The point is Butler will continue to climb the polls as teams ahead of them lose, until they reach the arbitrary threshold of how high pollsters allow them to go. My guess is 7th is the magic cap. Just a hunch. Pollsters can't leap them over Duke, UNC, Oklahoma, Michigan St, Pitt, UCONN or Louisville unless one of them just BEGS them to by dropping multiple should-win games.
So... instead of the standard Bracketeering, the Maniac will once again spew his cursed prognostications on a few unsuspecting teams in the form of our Crystal Ball Edition.
Enjoy. This leaves lots of room for debate, and as always, we enjoy the fervor of the fans (and the occasional profanity laced email...)
BRACKETEERING - JANUARY 27th CRYSTAL BALL EDITION
FINAL FOUR
#1. Duke - The Maniac doth blaspheme! How dare we scorn our Tarheels...but the gut feel at this point is that Duke's versatility offensively and discipline defensively helping on the weakside and getting through ball screens makes them the team to beat. Gerald Henderson finally being the player everyone thought he could be, coupled with Kyle Singler and the underrated John Scheyer and the "talent gap" isn't nearly as large as the casual observer might think when compared to UNC. Of course, they play Wake tomorrow, and still have two tussles with the Tarheels, so plenty of time to prove me wrong.
#2. North Carolina - Tyler Hansbrough's ability to get junk buckets (A TOTAL compliment. It simply means he gets 6-8 points a game on rugby scrums most team don't even fight for. That is the difference between a win and a loss in a tough March ballgame), Ty Lawson's ability to push tempo and create a frantic pace, Danny Green and Ellington's ability to score smoothly and bury long range 3's in secondary breaks, and their depth.... and, whoops, long sentance, time for a damn period.
Anyhow, this team is so so loaded. However, the thing that keeps them #2 to me is the displayed ability to lose focus and to press with shots in tight games. It is like they know they aren't supposed to lose ever, so they try really hard NOT to. If they'll just play to win, it is unlikely they won't...
#3. Louisville - Yes, I really believe they are the best team in the Big East. They have PG questions, but you can't convince me that UConn doesn't have some backcourt instabilities as well. Pitt is tough and can defend, but gives me a few major offensive question marks as well. Louisville is gelling at the right time. "T-Will" is a legit All-American, Samardo Samuels (despite the ribbing he has taken here and everywhere else) is becoming one of the top 3 or 4 freshman in the country and a legit post presence. Earl Clark is an athletic freak of nature and they have good depth. It isn't the easy pick at #3, but looking in the crystal ball, I like the defensive intensity and athleticism of this ball club guided by Pitino's hand in March.
#4. Oklahoma - Blake Griffin is the National POY if I had a ballot (hey, not a bad idea...someone give me a ballot....). It isn't even close. Two plays from last night's game that seal the deal for me, and none of them are about a basket scored. First, a teammate throws an outlet pass from the opposite foul line to about the other foul line. I yell at the TV, "terrible pass." Out of nowhere Blake, in perfect stride extends his off hand, catches it over his head with one hand, cups it and lays it in; all in one fluid spectacular motion. Oh, and he was double-teamed. Not the bucket, but the catch. Unreal.
The second play, Oklahoma State tries to press the Sooners. Griffin flashes to the midcourt sideline and receives the pass. Instead of holding it over his head, elbows-at-the-ears, big-guy textbook style, he turns dribbles through trafffic, behind the back, then throws a skip pass into the corner for a wide-open 3. Just like Chris Paul.
If he can get some more great play around him from Warren and Crocker this team could legitimately win it all.
ELITE EIGHT:
#5. Michigan State - They started terribly, but seem to have it all together now. Yes, they lost a home game to Northwestern. Yes, the lasting memory most of us have of them is the 40+ point shellacking they took from UNC...so why #5? Call it a gut feel. Tom Izzo teams are always better in March than they were in December. And they were already pretty good in December. Also the Big Ten is way better than most people think.
#6. Pitt - LeVance Fields is a winner, Sam Young and DeJuan Blair deserve some All-American consideration despite their low stats (keep in mind a Pitt game features about 20 less points and 10 less possessions than a normal game and about 40/40 less than a Carolina game - everything is relative, stats mean nada). They are going to be a real tough out in the tourney, but I think they lack the offensive fire-power to cut down the nets. Plus, at some point they have to go "Pitt", right?
#7. Xavier - Huh? Homer pick? Forget the Duke loss, everyone gets a mulligan. (Duke=Michigan, UNC=BC, Oklahoma=Arkansas...) Since then freshman PG Terrell Holloway has gotten healthy and settled into his Drew Lavender-like role running the team. Xavier has seven guys who can score and everyone of them is tough as hell. If you want to beat these guys you better do it early, because they win every close game in the last three minutes. Lots of upper classman, lots of tourney experience and the most offensive balance in the country. This team is built for the NCAA tourney.
#8. UCLA - Forget polls, this is my crystal ball. When was the last time UCLA went out early in the tourney? They played in the second weekend even when Lavin was coaching. This is still a good veteran team with great guard play and good defensive intensity. I like them dancing late in the tourney yet again.
SWEET SIXTEEN:
#9. Purdue - Same story, good balance, good defensive intensity, tons of intangibles. They struggle occasionally to find where their offense is going to come from, but E'Twan Moore and Robbie Hummel have been more assertive of late. They have played a good schedule and taken a few lumps, but will be ready come March.
#10. UConn - My crystal ball, my biases. This team has everything... on paper. I just don't like the collective ticker on this team. If they get to Detroit I will write a glowing apology column (not like there are any Huskie fans out there anyway...). Until then, just not sold on them.
#11. Gonzaga - They might actually enjoy these last few months under the collective national radar, it makes for good "no one believed in us" tourney magic. However the Maniac remembers how talented this team is. Their weakness has been shot selection. Jeremy Pargo is talented but the more he distributes the ball evenly the better this team becomes. They have four guys over 6'11'' who can play, and two guards (Bouldin and Pargo) who can start for most major conference teams in the country. I like the Zags when it is all said and done as that #5-#7 seed who derails someone glamorous in the 2nd round.
#12. Wake Forest - It has been a great year so far, and this team is legitimately good. Perhaps I will change my tune after tomorrow's Duke game, but I see this team backsliding just a little. Still a great year, but this is not the #1 team in the country folks. They are likely the third best team in their conference. That said, Jeff Teague is still on my First Team All-American ballot (when I get one...).
#13. Florida - Another team sliding under the radar that I would be afraid of in March. Calathes will enjoy a few weekends on the national stage in March and come into 2010 as a POY candidate. The Gators have good outside shooting, but are relying less on it than in the early season. That is a good thing. Getting more aggressive with penetration and feeding the post has been working. They are one brain cramp (South Carolina game...) away from a 12-game winning streak.
#14. UNLV - For some reason no voters have attended any Mountain West games this year. It's a shame, they are missing some pretty great basketball. Don't be surprised to see UNLV and BYU playing in the second weekend come March. They already boast wins over Louisville, Utah, BYU, and Arizona. They are just now getting healthy as well.
#15. Memphis - Another team enjoying a little dip off the national radar, keep in mind this team is very young. Early season close losses to Xavier, Syracuse, and Georgetown might have been dissapointing, but exactly what a young team needs to learn and grow. I'd expect those lesson to have sunk in come March.
#16. Texas - AJ Abrahams hit a little mid-season wall, and Texas slumped a little along with him. This is a team whose four losses all came to teams who have been ranked in the Top 10, with the exception of the Arkansas mulligan. They also have wins over UCLA, Villanova and Wisconsin.
SECOND ROUNDERS:
Butler, Clemson, Marquette, BYU, Arizona State, Washington, Georgetown, Syracuse, Kentucky, St. Mary's, Davidson, Virginia Tech, VCU, Illinois State, Missouri, Florida State
DANCERS:
West Virginia, Tennessee, Kansas, Ohio State, Illinois, Minnesota, Notre Dame, VMI, Dayton, Cal, Penn State, Baylor, Creighton, Siena, LSU, Baylor, Utah St, Robert Morris, (and some auto-bids at well)
BUBBLE BURST:
Mississippi St, Villanova, Miami (FL), Maryland, Providence, Michigan, George Mason, Northeastern, Northern Iowa, South Carolina, Utah, TCU, Houston, Oklahoma St, Arizona
The polls have to love Marquette (They are 7-0 in the "best conference in the country") and they have to punish Syracuse for losing three of four. What the records and polls do not tell you was that Syracuse lost to Louisville, Pitt and Georgetown.
Call me when Marquette beats one of those three and we'll talk.
Meanwhile Butler climbs every week. Tell me voters, which Butler win bowled you over the past few weeks? Was it the Wisconsin-Milwaukee game? Or was it the win over Wisconsin-Green Bay? Did you even know those were two different schools? And which one did Bruce Pearl coach at???
The point is, I am not saying Butler is NOT one of the ten best teams in the country. They are one possession away from being 19-0 with wins over Ohio St (the lone loss), Xavier, Drake, Evansville and Northwestern. None of those jump up and smack you other than maybe X, but it is enough to vault them to #8 in the RPI. The RPI's failings are yet another article... (For a quick preview, Siena at 16-5 is ahead of Texas, Villanova, Washington and Florida despite being 0-4 against RPI top 50 teams and having NO signature wins!!)
Oh yeah; the point. The point is Butler will continue to climb the polls as teams ahead of them lose, until they reach the arbitrary threshold of how high pollsters allow them to go. My guess is 7th is the magic cap. Just a hunch. Pollsters can't leap them over Duke, UNC, Oklahoma, Michigan St, Pitt, UCONN or Louisville unless one of them just BEGS them to by dropping multiple should-win games.
So... instead of the standard Bracketeering, the Maniac will once again spew his cursed prognostications on a few unsuspecting teams in the form of our Crystal Ball Edition.
Enjoy. This leaves lots of room for debate, and as always, we enjoy the fervor of the fans (and the occasional profanity laced email...)
BRACKETEERING - JANUARY 27th CRYSTAL BALL EDITION
FINAL FOUR
#1. Duke - The Maniac doth blaspheme! How dare we scorn our Tarheels...but the gut feel at this point is that Duke's versatility offensively and discipline defensively helping on the weakside and getting through ball screens makes them the team to beat. Gerald Henderson finally being the player everyone thought he could be, coupled with Kyle Singler and the underrated John Scheyer and the "talent gap" isn't nearly as large as the casual observer might think when compared to UNC. Of course, they play Wake tomorrow, and still have two tussles with the Tarheels, so plenty of time to prove me wrong.
#2. North Carolina - Tyler Hansbrough's ability to get junk buckets (A TOTAL compliment. It simply means he gets 6-8 points a game on rugby scrums most team don't even fight for. That is the difference between a win and a loss in a tough March ballgame), Ty Lawson's ability to push tempo and create a frantic pace, Danny Green and Ellington's ability to score smoothly and bury long range 3's in secondary breaks, and their depth.... and, whoops, long sentance, time for a damn period.
Anyhow, this team is so so loaded. However, the thing that keeps them #2 to me is the displayed ability to lose focus and to press with shots in tight games. It is like they know they aren't supposed to lose ever, so they try really hard NOT to. If they'll just play to win, it is unlikely they won't...
#3. Louisville - Yes, I really believe they are the best team in the Big East. They have PG questions, but you can't convince me that UConn doesn't have some backcourt instabilities as well. Pitt is tough and can defend, but gives me a few major offensive question marks as well. Louisville is gelling at the right time. "T-Will" is a legit All-American, Samardo Samuels (despite the ribbing he has taken here and everywhere else) is becoming one of the top 3 or 4 freshman in the country and a legit post presence. Earl Clark is an athletic freak of nature and they have good depth. It isn't the easy pick at #3, but looking in the crystal ball, I like the defensive intensity and athleticism of this ball club guided by Pitino's hand in March.
#4. Oklahoma - Blake Griffin is the National POY if I had a ballot (hey, not a bad idea...someone give me a ballot....). It isn't even close. Two plays from last night's game that seal the deal for me, and none of them are about a basket scored. First, a teammate throws an outlet pass from the opposite foul line to about the other foul line. I yell at the TV, "terrible pass." Out of nowhere Blake, in perfect stride extends his off hand, catches it over his head with one hand, cups it and lays it in; all in one fluid spectacular motion. Oh, and he was double-teamed. Not the bucket, but the catch. Unreal.
The second play, Oklahoma State tries to press the Sooners. Griffin flashes to the midcourt sideline and receives the pass. Instead of holding it over his head, elbows-at-the-ears, big-guy textbook style, he turns dribbles through trafffic, behind the back, then throws a skip pass into the corner for a wide-open 3. Just like Chris Paul.
If he can get some more great play around him from Warren and Crocker this team could legitimately win it all.
ELITE EIGHT:
#5. Michigan State - They started terribly, but seem to have it all together now. Yes, they lost a home game to Northwestern. Yes, the lasting memory most of us have of them is the 40+ point shellacking they took from UNC...so why #5? Call it a gut feel. Tom Izzo teams are always better in March than they were in December. And they were already pretty good in December. Also the Big Ten is way better than most people think.
#6. Pitt - LeVance Fields is a winner, Sam Young and DeJuan Blair deserve some All-American consideration despite their low stats (keep in mind a Pitt game features about 20 less points and 10 less possessions than a normal game and about 40/40 less than a Carolina game - everything is relative, stats mean nada). They are going to be a real tough out in the tourney, but I think they lack the offensive fire-power to cut down the nets. Plus, at some point they have to go "Pitt", right?
#7. Xavier - Huh? Homer pick? Forget the Duke loss, everyone gets a mulligan. (Duke=Michigan, UNC=BC, Oklahoma=Arkansas...) Since then freshman PG Terrell Holloway has gotten healthy and settled into his Drew Lavender-like role running the team. Xavier has seven guys who can score and everyone of them is tough as hell. If you want to beat these guys you better do it early, because they win every close game in the last three minutes. Lots of upper classman, lots of tourney experience and the most offensive balance in the country. This team is built for the NCAA tourney.
#8. UCLA - Forget polls, this is my crystal ball. When was the last time UCLA went out early in the tourney? They played in the second weekend even when Lavin was coaching. This is still a good veteran team with great guard play and good defensive intensity. I like them dancing late in the tourney yet again.
SWEET SIXTEEN:
#9. Purdue - Same story, good balance, good defensive intensity, tons of intangibles. They struggle occasionally to find where their offense is going to come from, but E'Twan Moore and Robbie Hummel have been more assertive of late. They have played a good schedule and taken a few lumps, but will be ready come March.
#10. UConn - My crystal ball, my biases. This team has everything... on paper. I just don't like the collective ticker on this team. If they get to Detroit I will write a glowing apology column (not like there are any Huskie fans out there anyway...). Until then, just not sold on them.
#11. Gonzaga - They might actually enjoy these last few months under the collective national radar, it makes for good "no one believed in us" tourney magic. However the Maniac remembers how talented this team is. Their weakness has been shot selection. Jeremy Pargo is talented but the more he distributes the ball evenly the better this team becomes. They have four guys over 6'11'' who can play, and two guards (Bouldin and Pargo) who can start for most major conference teams in the country. I like the Zags when it is all said and done as that #5-#7 seed who derails someone glamorous in the 2nd round.
#12. Wake Forest - It has been a great year so far, and this team is legitimately good. Perhaps I will change my tune after tomorrow's Duke game, but I see this team backsliding just a little. Still a great year, but this is not the #1 team in the country folks. They are likely the third best team in their conference. That said, Jeff Teague is still on my First Team All-American ballot (when I get one...).
#13. Florida - Another team sliding under the radar that I would be afraid of in March. Calathes will enjoy a few weekends on the national stage in March and come into 2010 as a POY candidate. The Gators have good outside shooting, but are relying less on it than in the early season. That is a good thing. Getting more aggressive with penetration and feeding the post has been working. They are one brain cramp (South Carolina game...) away from a 12-game winning streak.
#14. UNLV - For some reason no voters have attended any Mountain West games this year. It's a shame, they are missing some pretty great basketball. Don't be surprised to see UNLV and BYU playing in the second weekend come March. They already boast wins over Louisville, Utah, BYU, and Arizona. They are just now getting healthy as well.
#15. Memphis - Another team enjoying a little dip off the national radar, keep in mind this team is very young. Early season close losses to Xavier, Syracuse, and Georgetown might have been dissapointing, but exactly what a young team needs to learn and grow. I'd expect those lesson to have sunk in come March.
#16. Texas - AJ Abrahams hit a little mid-season wall, and Texas slumped a little along with him. This is a team whose four losses all came to teams who have been ranked in the Top 10, with the exception of the Arkansas mulligan. They also have wins over UCLA, Villanova and Wisconsin.
SECOND ROUNDERS:
Butler, Clemson, Marquette, BYU, Arizona State, Washington, Georgetown, Syracuse, Kentucky, St. Mary's, Davidson, Virginia Tech, VCU, Illinois State, Missouri, Florida State
DANCERS:
West Virginia, Tennessee, Kansas, Ohio State, Illinois, Minnesota, Notre Dame, VMI, Dayton, Cal, Penn State, Baylor, Creighton, Siena, LSU, Baylor, Utah St, Robert Morris, (and some auto-bids at well)
BUBBLE BURST:
Mississippi St, Villanova, Miami (FL), Maryland, Providence, Michigan, George Mason, Northeastern, Northern Iowa, South Carolina, Utah, TCU, Houston, Oklahoma St, Arizona
Putting a Huertas on 'Em!
Ok, shitty headline. Read it like "hurtin' meets whoop-ass." Get it? "Huertas"
Yep. Still shitty.
Don't make me put a Huertas on you holmes!
Anyhow, David Huertas laid one on the Big Blue tonight, handing Kentucky their first SEC loss. It doesn't really damage Kentucky's overall profile, as they are looking like a #5 at best, most likely a #6 or #7 seed. It does give Mississippi a huge leg up on that coveted SEC West top spot, which likely comes with the SEC's fourth tourney invite. Just goes to show that if you can lock up Jodie Meeks UK has little else from the perimeter.
In related news DeAndre Liggins hit the backboard with a jumpshot/heave several times tonight. No word if he gets a half-point for that from Billy G.
Interesting Stat:
This came from Jimmy Dykes during the broadcast tonight.
Marquette leads the Big East. LOST to Tennessee.
Oklahoma leads the Big 12. LOST to Arkansas.
Washington leads the Pac 10. LOST to Florida.
Not saying the SEC is great, but they may not be quite as bad as people think. Interesting stat if nothing else...
Yep. Still shitty.
Don't make me put a Huertas on you holmes!Anyhow, David Huertas laid one on the Big Blue tonight, handing Kentucky their first SEC loss. It doesn't really damage Kentucky's overall profile, as they are looking like a #5 at best, most likely a #6 or #7 seed. It does give Mississippi a huge leg up on that coveted SEC West top spot, which likely comes with the SEC's fourth tourney invite. Just goes to show that if you can lock up Jodie Meeks UK has little else from the perimeter.
In related news DeAndre Liggins hit the backboard with a jumpshot/heave several times tonight. No word if he gets a half-point for that from Billy G.
Interesting Stat:
This came from Jimmy Dykes during the broadcast tonight.
Marquette leads the Big East. LOST to Tennessee.
Oklahoma leads the Big 12. LOST to Arkansas.
Washington leads the Pac 10. LOST to Florida.
Not saying the SEC is great, but they may not be quite as bad as people think. Interesting stat if nothing else...
Best Game You Won't See...
9 PM - VCU and Northeastern battle for the conference lead in the Colonial. Quietly, the CAA has become a very solid conference with three teams that might be lingering around the bubble. George Mason boasts the league's top RPI at #52, while VCU and N'eastern are #55 and #60 respectivly. The conference is most famous for the run the George Mason took to the 2006 Final Four (losing to eventual champion Florida), but has had other headline moments in March.
The VCU Rams are no stranger to March Madness. Ask Duke.
Northeastern in all reality needs to win the conference to have any shot to dance, however even a loss tonight doesn't eliminate VCU from at large consideration. Granted their losses to Rhode Island and Delaware won't do them any favors, and New Mexico looms as their "marquee" win, yet they still have a big name player (Eric Maynor) and some goodwill from their upset of Duke in the 2007 #6-#11 Opening round matchup. Those things aren't supposed to matter to the committee, but they never hurt.
The winner of tonight's contest moves to 8-1 in conference, one game ahead of the loser and two ahead of George Mason.
MANIAC'S PICK: VCU by 8.
The VCU Rams are no stranger to March Madness. Ask Duke.Northeastern in all reality needs to win the conference to have any shot to dance, however even a loss tonight doesn't eliminate VCU from at large consideration. Granted their losses to Rhode Island and Delaware won't do them any favors, and New Mexico looms as their "marquee" win, yet they still have a big name player (Eric Maynor) and some goodwill from their upset of Duke in the 2007 #6-#11 Opening round matchup. Those things aren't supposed to matter to the committee, but they never hurt.
The winner of tonight's contest moves to 8-1 in conference, one game ahead of the loser and two ahead of George Mason.
MANIAC'S PICK: VCU by 8.
Three of a Kind
Watching Notre Dame lose yet again made the Maniac's mind rattle for the most dissapointing teams so far this season. It is difficult to find one much more so than the Irish. Yes, the Big East is tough, but if you want to be considered among the nation's elite (or even a tourney team) you have to beat at least one of them. The Irish have now dropped four in a row, seven in all, and the early Texas win is seeming less and less relevant...
Three Most Dissapointing Teams:
1. Notre Dame
2. Tennessee
3. Gonzaga
The Maniac hasn't given up on Gonzaga quite yet, but considering many were calling this year's Zags the best squad in school history, their lengthy stay outside the Top 25 (just moved back in today at #25) is a little disappointing.
Three Most Pleasant Surprise Teams:
1. Washington - The Huskies entered the season lightly regarded, after this weekend's win over UCLA they moved to 6-1 in the Pac-10 and 15-4 overall.
2. Kentucky - It seems odd to consider a Kentucky team that is barely ranked a pleasant surprise, but the Cats appear to be the class of the SEC and a possible party crasher come March. We knew Patick Patterson was good. Jodie Meeks has been a revelation.
3. Missouri - Not sure why the nation hasn't caught up with it yet, but the Tigers are 17-3 and becoming a near lock to return to the Big Dance.
Three Teams That Might Not Dance, but Have Reason to be Proud:
1. Northwestern - My affinity for the 'Cats is long documented this season, but the strides they have taken this season are admirable. We shall see if they can snag a few more conference wins and keep postseason hopes alive.
2. Providence - Yes, their foes haven't been the toughest, but at 5-2 in the Big East even a collapse would seem to leave the Friars NIT-safe.
3. Northern Iowa - Off to an 8-1 MVC start, the Panthers have staked an early conference lead. Thir 5-losses pre-conference do damage their at-large profile, but finshing ahead of Creighton, Evansville, Drake, and Illinois State would be hard for the committee to ignore.
Three Players That Have Lived Up to the Hype:
1. Luke Harangody
2. Stephen Curry
3. Blake Griffin
Three Players That Earned NEW Hype:
1. Jodie Meeks
2. Jeff Teague
3. James Harden
Three Most Overrated Teams:
1. Villanova
2. Georgetown
3. Purdue
Three Teams Who Are Not in Top-10 Conferences To Fear: (BCS+A10, MVC, Mountain West, WCC, C-USA...or obvious Butler/Davidson)
1. Virginia Commenwealth
2. Siena
3. VMI
Three Best Conferences Top to Bottom:
1. ACC
2. Big Ten
3. Big East
Next Three...
1. Big 12
2. Pac-10
3. SEC
On Their Heels...
1. Mountain West
2. Um...not really any other league
Three Worst Conferences in America:
1. Southwestern Athletic
2. Atlantic Sun
3. Mideastern
Three for National POY Ballot:
1. Blake Griffin
2. Jodie Meeks
3. James Harden
Next Three:
1. Luke Harangody
2. Stephen Curry
3. Tyler Hansbrough
Three Sleeper Candidates:
1. Terrance Williams
2. Jeff Teague
3. Jerel McNeal
Three for Coach of Year:
1. Coach K
2. Jamie Dixon
3. Tom Izzo
Three Teams Playing in April:
1. Louisville
2. North Carolina
3. Michigan State
Three Teams Done Surprisingly Early:
1. UConn
2. Pitt
3. Wake Forest
Three Teams to NOT Sleep on:
1. Oklahoma
2. UCLA
3. Gonzaga
Got three better?? Disagree with any? Care to put YOUR predictions on file? Leave 'em on this post and put it on record!!
Three Most Dissapointing Teams:
1. Notre Dame
2. Tennessee
3. Gonzaga
The Maniac hasn't given up on Gonzaga quite yet, but considering many were calling this year's Zags the best squad in school history, their lengthy stay outside the Top 25 (just moved back in today at #25) is a little disappointing.
Three Most Pleasant Surprise Teams:
1. Washington - The Huskies entered the season lightly regarded, after this weekend's win over UCLA they moved to 6-1 in the Pac-10 and 15-4 overall.
2. Kentucky - It seems odd to consider a Kentucky team that is barely ranked a pleasant surprise, but the Cats appear to be the class of the SEC and a possible party crasher come March. We knew Patick Patterson was good. Jodie Meeks has been a revelation.
3. Missouri - Not sure why the nation hasn't caught up with it yet, but the Tigers are 17-3 and becoming a near lock to return to the Big Dance.
Three Teams That Might Not Dance, but Have Reason to be Proud:
1. Northwestern - My affinity for the 'Cats is long documented this season, but the strides they have taken this season are admirable. We shall see if they can snag a few more conference wins and keep postseason hopes alive.
2. Providence - Yes, their foes haven't been the toughest, but at 5-2 in the Big East even a collapse would seem to leave the Friars NIT-safe.
3. Northern Iowa - Off to an 8-1 MVC start, the Panthers have staked an early conference lead. Thir 5-losses pre-conference do damage their at-large profile, but finshing ahead of Creighton, Evansville, Drake, and Illinois State would be hard for the committee to ignore.
Three Players That Have Lived Up to the Hype:
1. Luke Harangody
2. Stephen Curry
3. Blake Griffin
Three Players That Earned NEW Hype:
1. Jodie Meeks
2. Jeff Teague
3. James Harden
Three Most Overrated Teams:
1. Villanova
2. Georgetown
3. Purdue
Three Teams Who Are Not in Top-10 Conferences To Fear: (BCS+A10, MVC, Mountain West, WCC, C-USA...or obvious Butler/Davidson)
1. Virginia Commenwealth
2. Siena
3. VMI
Three Best Conferences Top to Bottom:
1. ACC
2. Big Ten
3. Big East
Next Three...
1. Big 12
2. Pac-10
3. SEC
On Their Heels...
1. Mountain West
2. Um...not really any other league
Three Worst Conferences in America:
1. Southwestern Athletic
2. Atlantic Sun
3. Mideastern
Three for National POY Ballot:
1. Blake Griffin
2. Jodie Meeks
3. James Harden
Next Three:
1. Luke Harangody
2. Stephen Curry
3. Tyler Hansbrough
Three Sleeper Candidates:
1. Terrance Williams
2. Jeff Teague
3. Jerel McNeal
Three for Coach of Year:
1. Coach K
2. Jamie Dixon
3. Tom Izzo
Three Teams Playing in April:
1. Louisville
2. North Carolina
3. Michigan State
Three Teams Done Surprisingly Early:
1. UConn
2. Pitt
3. Wake Forest
Three Teams to NOT Sleep on:
1. Oklahoma
2. UCLA
3. Gonzaga
Got three better?? Disagree with any? Care to put YOUR predictions on file? Leave 'em on this post and put it on record!!
Games to Watch This Week
Last week was an exciting week, as we have a new #1 team for the third straight week after Wake stumbled and Duke soared. Those two will get to settle things the old fashioned way - on the court - Wednesday night in one of the week's highlight games.
By no means are they the only show in town however as a full slate of fantastic games are on tap for this week. Here is your guide to some of the finest:
Monday:
Marquette takes their unbeaten conference record and #8 ranking into South Bend this evening facing a Notre Dame squad that has taken a tough tumble from grace. They entered the season touted as a Final Four contender. They are a few losses away from once unfathomable "bubble" territory. Marquette's string of Big East wins doesn't include any of the true big boys. Sadly for Marquette fans (and Irish fans), a win tonight might not quite validate them yet still.
Oklahoma has been great all year, save for a one night stumble to the nation's most perplexing team, Arkansas. Oklahoma State has put themselves squarely in position to Dance, and a win tonight would go a long long way. I don't think they get it.
Tuesday:
BYU @ Utah - The battle of Utah takes on extra significance as both school are in decent but compfortable tourney position. Utah is only 12-7 but their strength of schedule buoyes their RPI. BYU looked respectable in their loss to Wake but compunded it with a blowout loss to New Mexico. The winner takes a huge step forward in an underrated Mountain West conference.
Kentucky takes their unblemished conference record to Ole Miss. Someone has to win that damn SEC West, the Rebels think it could be them. The Maniac thinks the Patterson-Meeks Roadshow continues to impress with a big win in Oxford.
Wednesday:
Wake heads in Duke fresh off their first defeat of the year. Look for the Devils to smother Jeff Teague all night with one of the best man-to-man defenses in the nation. Wake has vastly exceeded all expectations of them to this point, so it is ironic how disspointed many fans will be when they lose AT Duke...
Ohio State v. Michigan has a little more luster on the gridiron, but it is a good rivaly on the hardwood as well. Both started the year fantastic and have backslid a little into "bubble" territory. The loser of tonight's game shrinks their remaining margin for error significantly.
Syracuse finds themselves a half-game behind the Friars as they head into Wednesday nights game against Providence. Don't let records fool you; schedule is everything. Syracuse's loses are to Louisville, UConn and Georgetown. Look for them to snap that losing streak empatically.
Pitt travels to Villanova to take on the nation's least-deserving ranked team. Pitt will brutalize them inside all night. Villanova will soon take their annual seat on the bubble (but wind up sliding in as the Big East's 9th). I think most people decided before the season the Big East deserves 9 bids. It is going to take a lot to change their minds...
By no means are they the only show in town however as a full slate of fantastic games are on tap for this week. Here is your guide to some of the finest:
Monday:
Marquette takes their unbeaten conference record and #8 ranking into South Bend this evening facing a Notre Dame squad that has taken a tough tumble from grace. They entered the season touted as a Final Four contender. They are a few losses away from once unfathomable "bubble" territory. Marquette's string of Big East wins doesn't include any of the true big boys. Sadly for Marquette fans (and Irish fans), a win tonight might not quite validate them yet still.
Oklahoma has been great all year, save for a one night stumble to the nation's most perplexing team, Arkansas. Oklahoma State has put themselves squarely in position to Dance, and a win tonight would go a long long way. I don't think they get it.
Tuesday:
BYU @ Utah - The battle of Utah takes on extra significance as both school are in decent but compfortable tourney position. Utah is only 12-7 but their strength of schedule buoyes their RPI. BYU looked respectable in their loss to Wake but compunded it with a blowout loss to New Mexico. The winner takes a huge step forward in an underrated Mountain West conference.
Kentucky takes their unblemished conference record to Ole Miss. Someone has to win that damn SEC West, the Rebels think it could be them. The Maniac thinks the Patterson-Meeks Roadshow continues to impress with a big win in Oxford.
Wednesday:
Wake heads in Duke fresh off their first defeat of the year. Look for the Devils to smother Jeff Teague all night with one of the best man-to-man defenses in the nation. Wake has vastly exceeded all expectations of them to this point, so it is ironic how disspointed many fans will be when they lose AT Duke...
Ohio State v. Michigan has a little more luster on the gridiron, but it is a good rivaly on the hardwood as well. Both started the year fantastic and have backslid a little into "bubble" territory. The loser of tonight's game shrinks their remaining margin for error significantly.
Syracuse finds themselves a half-game behind the Friars as they head into Wednesday nights game against Providence. Don't let records fool you; schedule is everything. Syracuse's loses are to Louisville, UConn and Georgetown. Look for them to snap that losing streak empatically.
Pitt travels to Villanova to take on the nation's least-deserving ranked team. Pitt will brutalize them inside all night. Villanova will soon take their annual seat on the bubble (but wind up sliding in as the Big East's 9th). I think most people decided before the season the Big East deserves 9 bids. It is going to take a lot to change their minds...
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