Well hoops fans, I am back. I do apologize for my lack of postings lately, but I have been swamped at work and am just getting caught up on my games that I recorded. The big question is, how is the season going for your team up to this point? Did they win their preseason tournament? Were they the victims of a huge upset? Are you surprised, disappointed, happy? I am going to do my best to get in all my thoughts and feelings about some teams, games, and players that have jumped out at me to this point.
Who looks good...
1) Syracuse- The Orangemen have shocked me this season. I will be the first one to admit that I had the Big East written down as a one team league, with Nova' being the only team with a chance to win it. Although I still pick the Wildcats to win, Syracuse has a legitimate shot to contend for this title. Their shooting performances against Cal and UNC in the 2K Sports classic were mind blowing. I couldn't believe how well they were shooting the basketball. Watch this team...mark my words
2) Kentucky- Aside from a close call with Stanford, the Wildcats have been blowing teams out of the water. They did play a close game with UNC, but the Heels are a great team and Kentucky was able to fight off a fierce 2nd half rally to seal the win. They are still a growing team that has problems holding on to the ball, however this team has the potential to grow to do great things. If they can keep Wall their for more than 1 season, Kentucky is on the fast track to a national championship next season
3. Kansas - No one is surprised by this. In fact people are so unsurprised by this that no one is really talking about the Jayhawks right now because they are expected to win. No good basketball team wants to be talked about in November and December. They want to be talked about in March and April. I'm sure most people got a look at the Jayhawks when they played Memphis earlier this season, but if you get a chance I suggest checking them out again before the Big 12 season starts, because they score in bunches.
Who looks bad....
1. California - Its hard to say a team looks bad early on in the season, especially in the case of Cal who has had some early injuries but folks Cal looks bad. The Golden Bears are a dismal 4-3 right now and will more than likely be unranked come Monday morning. Cal was blown off the court by Syracuse and Ohio Sate in the 2K Classic, when many people were expecting them to be meeting the Heels in the title game. We wont even get into the fact that they were beat by New Mexico the other night too. I am suddenly much less excited for their 12/22 clash with Kansas.
2. Michigan State - I know that your thinking I am being a little harsh on the Spartans here. Your going to tell me that their 2 losses came to UNC and Florida, both high ranked good programs. While I can't deny that, I press you to go take a look at those 2 games. Michigan State played terribly in their 2 losses, especially the loss to UNC, where they were an unheard of 2-20 from behind the 3-point line. I understand that the season is young but these are 2 big tests that MSU has failed and coupled with the solid play of some other Big 10 teams, leaves me wondering if the Big 10 is more up for grabs than I had originally thought.
Who has surprised me...
Florida - I knew hardly nothing about Florida coming into the season. Trust me, I know a lot about the Gators now. I know they are 8-0, I know their average margin of victory is about 15 points, I know they beat MSU, and I know they have a very balanced unselfish scoring attack. Florida is creeping up the ranks slowly and people are just starting to realize what they are capable of. Glue yourself to the television when the Gators meet Syracuse this week because its going to be one of the best games of the year so far.
Best games I have got a chance to watch...
1. Illinois vs. Clemson - If you missed this game, I feel sorry for you. The comeback the Illini made in this game was unreal. For those of you who didn't catch it, Clemson had a 22 point lead in the second half before allowing the Illini to come roaring all the way back and win the game. The fight that I saw from Illinois, on the road, to make that comeback was nothing short of impressive.
2. North Carolina vs. Kentucky - Now if your a fan of either team there are both highs and lows for your club in this game. North Carolina fired out early and grabbed a big lead. Kentucky went on an unreal 24-2 run to take a massive lead into the half and the early 2nd half. Then it was UNC's turn to make a close again, getting all the way back within 2 late in the game. Kentucky ended up pulling out this game by 3 (was pretty much 6 as Will Graves hit a meaningless 3 point shot as time expired) but it showed that both teams have great potential, and a lot to work on still.
3. Wisconsin vs. Duke - Well Duke, and the ACC in general, finally lost their edge in the ACC-Big 10 challenge, giving the Big 10 their first ever win. No one really gave Wisconsin much of a chance in this game, except for Wisconsin, their fans, and anyone that realizes how hard it is to go into The Kohl Center and win a game. Wisconsin is one of the best home teams in all of the NCAA and their showed it by outplaying the Blue Devils for all 40 min of the game. Wisconsin then followed that up by losing to Green Bay. Not the best way to come back after beating the No. 5 team in the nation.
Player to watch right now...
1. John Wall (Kentucky) - UNREAL. That is truly the only word that can describe John Wall. The way he scores, moves with the ball, and slashes to the hoop mystifies me every time I get to watch him play. He can score off the dribble so quickly most defenders never see him coming. If he has one weakness it would be his turnovers, which plague the entire Kentucky team. If Wall is not 1 and done, which I fully assume he will be, expect him to be the front runner for POY next season.
Well there we go. I realize there is a lot I've missed in this stretch, but that will at least get us back into things. I am watching Kentucky vs. UConn right now and its been a fantastic game so expect a posting about that tomorrow or even tonight if I feel up to it. Lets see those comments!
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