But I couldn’t resist the urge! The college basketball season is off to a great start. We’ve already seen some great games; Oklahoma vs. Davidson and the battle between college heavyweights Blake Griffin and Stephan Curry. Syracuse topped Kansas in a holiday tournament, and #1 UNC dominated #12 Michigan State in Detroit just last night.
However good these early season games have been, we are starting to see what teams are legitimate to make a run at a NCAA Championship and those who are pretenders. Let’s take a closer look:
North Carolina
Clearly the best team in the nation. Have a ton of experience; Ty Lawson, Danny Graves, Wayne Ellington, Deon Thompson and reigning Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, all returned for a shot at a title. All of these players return, along with Roy Williams’s fantastic recruiting class. You have to think, other than the Indiana team that went undefeated in ’76 and the ’05 Illinois team that was close to going undefeated in the regular season, this UNC team could pull something not seen since 1976. Prediction: NCAA Champs-Final Four
UConn
Probably the next best team in the nation. Like UNC, Coach Jim Calhoun has a team with experienced players. Yes, while some of them have had troubles in the past, this team seems to have it together. 7-foot star center, Hasheem Thabeet is a defensive force in the middle. While his numbers may not be gaudy, he disrupts the opponent’s offensive game. Teams struggle to overcome his presence. Jeff Adrien compliments Thabeet in the middle, while experienced guards run the show. Prediction: Final Four-Run at Championship
Gonzaga
The former ultimate mid-major team that used to shock the NCAA Tournament each year is no more. After ten years under Coach Mark Few, Gonzaga is now recognized as a legitimate contender to make it to the Final Four in Detroit. I really like this team folks. They have a lot of experience in the backcourt; Matt Bouldin and Jeremy Pargo highlight, with a trio of skilled big men in Josh Hytveltt, Micah Downs and Austin Daye. A solid bench rounds out this well balanced team. Look for them to keep it up all year, as they beat a ranked Tennessee team in an early season tournament. Prediction: Run at the Final Four
Pitt
It seems like coach Jamie Dixon has been at Pitt forever. But how can you complain. The guy gets it done. Pitt is a solid and well balanced team of skill and experience, much like the other three teams mentioned. Senior forward Sam Young is the versatile wing player every team covets. Point guard Lavance Fields is back and healthy and has done a great job running the point. Best part of this team is their D! Their holding opponents to just under 60 pts a game and with their grind it out style, they don’t mind scoring just above the 60 pt mark themselves. Prediction: Final Four run-Elite 8
Other Teams to Watch:
Duke: Probably Coach K’s most unnoticed team in a while. Has a lot of experience and great depth. Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer keep this team going. Prediction: Elite 8-potential Final Four contender
Texas: A.J. Abrams is a lights out shooter which compliments forward Damion James extremely well. The team has a good balance, but not sure if they have all the parts necessary to make a legitimate case for a contender. Prediction: Sweet Sixteen-Elite 8
Syracuse: Injuries riddled this team last year. Johnny Flynn, Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris run the show for coach Boehiem. Probably his most talented and balanced team since they won it all with Carmelo Anthony. Prediction: Elite 8-Sweet Sixteen
Honorable Mention: Xavier, Oklahoma, Louisville, Tennessee