I'm dropping UNC a bit because of the loss of their starting SG Williams. He certainly wasn't their best player but he was apart of the cog. They are definitely talented and have 2 guys (Jackson, Berry) that can carry them in in March. Just making an educated guess here.
BeddieKU23
31745 posts
UCLA is a pretender for the Championship IMO but not the first weekend. Regardless of their struggles on defense I can't imagine a team will be able to stop them until the Sweet 16. This team has scoring efficiency, depth, and talent to get as far as their offense will take them. I know a lot of people will be looking to them to be an upset victim but this is still the #1 offense in the country for a reason. I'm struggling with what to do with them. Right now 50/50 both ways.
Contenders:
KU- obvious
Baylor- Still believe they will be tough to beat in March regardless of their reputation.
Gonzaga- I do think this is their best team. I've seen as many games as I could to get a good opinion of them.
Louisville- Maybe the best team that plays the most ugly style of basketball possible. They are just so huge at almost every position. When Mitchell is shooting well they are really tough.
Villanova- Defending Champs are as good or better then last years version. Every time I watch them and try and find holes in their team you just have a hard time finding it. The word that best describes them - pests!
Oregon- Playing like the team that was hyped in the pre-season. Guys are healthy and they are playing with a tremendous amount of energy and confidence.
Purdue- Biggie Swanigan and company are a tough out. I think Swanigan will be a tough matchup for teams outside the Big-10.
Pretenders- The rest of the ACC- Duke, UNC, Virginia, FSU. I just don't see these teams having what it takes.
Arizona- Very good team but Sean Miller has never gotten over the hump. Don't see it happening.
West Virginia- Style of play should get them to the round of 16. When they play good teams they are vulnerable. Tech blew it yesterday.
Kentucky- Talented enough to win any game but I don't think they have put it together enough for it to matter in March. Can't wait to hear Calipari crying about how they lose.
I don't think we should switch lineups. Svi was terrible yesterday but what can do ya do at this point. We need him when he does play well.
I do want to point out during the game. It was a play where the camera angle changed to the back view and Mason brings the ball up, Svi is completely open for a good 5-10 seconds before Mason looks his way. I thought it looked like Frank was purposely not getting him the ball at that point. Maybe it was just me and by the way the play I think ended up in a turnover.
It does seem like Vick is playing on a upswing and that is a big sign for this team headed towards March.
@wissox said:
@BeddieKU23 I, as you probably know, watch a lot of Big10 ball. He's a beast. Not sure if he's more beastly than Frank though, but I can see him getting some votes. Interestingly, when the kid was 13 he was 6'3" and 360 pounds. Someone spoke some confidence into him and whipped him into shape.
He's a very good player. What a smart move to come back. I see him in the top 5 for the wooden watch and he should be there. He's a great story of how a person can change their life around. POY No freaking way
@Crimsonorblue22 said:
These Purdue msu guys are calling Caleb swanigan poy
I want what they are smoking
Forcing turnovers really was an advantage today.
We should double more often we had great energy on certain doubles
@BShark said:
Win conference coach of the year, can we fire all the voters?
Of course but you know it's going to one of the newcomers. Lol
@BShark said:
If you would have told me 6-2 with one of the two Ls being at home against ISU, I would have told you to shut the front door.
4-4 ouch we can never doubt sir william
@ralster said:
Ya, Bill...We know you're too cordial to admit how much this game meant towards potential NumberThirteen...but that fist-pump + deep yell, cannot be hid from the lip readers!
Great win by team, LL 59% FT delivers BIG on rebound and putback foul, then hits 2 FTs. Great defensive gameplan by Coach, as in final 8-11 sec., anything can happen. In that flouro-yellow arena, Self, Josh, and Frank put LeComte under a BlueBlanket. Curtains for Faylor! ScotDrew, please try again next year!
RCJH!
Amen
Best week I can remember
Lucas and the miracles
No lecomte 3
Lucas redeemer
a timely 3 would be the dagger
BIFM!!!
We got this
@BShark said:
@BeddieKU23 said:
@BShark said:
That's an and one for Josh....you know with real refs
Baylor alums calling it
Yeah it's ridiculous. You can't miss that call, Motley was holding his arm.
It's normal. Infuriating
Can't foul or give up a 3
Huge free throws
Josh says go to bleek
Thank you about time
And 1???
Push off and lucas is called joke
Poop refs again
Omg who's covering motley. Just lazy crap
McClure for 3 LOL
Mason!
Unbelievable vick
Yesss
One more for bonus
Joke foul
Are u kidding me
And 111111+
50% makes both smh
There's the biggest foul of the game
Lol its like watching a child out there
No hands carlton
I think he is but didn't sub for the right guy
Svi go get on the bus
Wow svi you r so lazy
Damn that 3..
@HawkChamp said:
Expect Baylor to make a run. Have to keep playing smart and making shots
Nope they r going cold. Calling it
@BShark said:
@tundrahok said:
@stoptheflop said:
Down 12 on the boards, 28/16. How is this game tied?
Boards tied 2nd half at 6 each.
Yep. First half was brutal on the glass.
@BeddieKU23 said:
Dagger
Hold on.
Calling it!
Let's keep this run going. Drew using those timeouts like air
Dagger
I see a run coming
@BShark said:
@BeddieKU23 said:
Have to make shots
Doing a good job this half.
Couldn't have gotten worse. Playing free this half