Kudes to Vols, who made NCAAs wide open
Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:20 AM
Filed Under:
SEC, March Madness
Tennessee did two things Saturday night with its scrappy, impressive win against Memphis.
The Vols erased any further doubts about them as a national title contender (there weren’t many left considering they’ve been a top 10 team since Dec. 31 and some were smart enough to tag them as favorites to start the season.)
And two? By knocking off previously undefeated Memphis, the Vols established March Madness – just over three weeks away – as wide open. The Tigers were the last squad who could’ve made any argument to being the nation’s dominant team, and even that was shaky after their recent close encounters.
Instead, this is shaping up to be a March where 15-20 teams could make a title run. Will it be as wild as two years ago when no No. 1 seeds made the Final Four and three-seed Florida romped its way to the first of two titles? There’s a damn good chance of it.
Let’s consider the teams.
My favorites (in order of who I think is most likely for the Final Four).
UCLA. There’s a lot to like with the Bruins (24-3). They’re experienced (two Final Fours in last two seasons), deep, balanced and have elite players in Kevin Love, Darren Collison and Russell Westbrook. BUT … like the last two seasons, UCLA’s perimeter scoring stinks and it can struggle against sub-par teams.
Tennessee. By winning their state title, the Vols (25-2) showcased their pressing defense, athleticism and ability to crash the boards despite its slightly undersized roster. BUT… as Memphis showed early on, Tennessee is vulnerable to teams that hit 3s and can who can control the glass.
Memphis. The Tigers (26-1) remain one of the deepest and most athletic teams around. BUT … when their shots stopped falling Saturday, the Tigers tended to panic a little on offense. And their beast inside, Joey Dorsey, was a non-factor when he should’ve owned the boards.
Kansas. Defense, depth and balance – like UCLA, the Jayhawks (24-3) look damn good on paper and are due for a Final Four breakthrough. BUT … after a performance like this and considering its best wins are against USC and Arizona, will you respect yourself in March for getting burned by Kansas yet again?
Connecticut. The Huskies (21-6) have great defense, depth and athleticism. A.J. Price should get some national player of the year votes. Frankly, they seem awfully similar to Kansas and Memphis. BUT … their offense and defense are just a smidge worse and I wonder if they’ll have that same groove in March.
Louisville. Love the Cardinals’ defense. Love that they’re finally healthy. Love their big guys down low and love Earl Clark’s game. BUT … Clark has struggled since late Dec. and Louisville (21-6) could use a natural point guard.
Duke. The Devils’ scoring balance and depth was on display Saturday, ending a two-game skid. And, at 23-3, it’s like Bill Parcells says: You are what your record says you are. BUT … I’ve already voiced concerns about the Devils and my mind hasn’t changed. If their shots don’t fall and opponents are aggressive, Duke is vulnerable.
Texas. The Longhorns (23-4) have won 7 straight, sit atop the Big 12 and have beaten UCLA, Tennessee and Kansas. And if D.J. Augustin has found his shooting stroke, he’ll be the most important player in the NCAA Tournament. BUT … when Augustin has a bad night, it ain’t pretty for Texas. Also, that defense needs work.
North Carolina. Tyler Hansbrough is the nation’s best player (sorry Michael Beasley). The offense is fast and scary. The ‘D’ ain’t bad either. BUT … If Ty Lawson isn’t healthy, the offense – even with Hansbrough – isn’t good enough to carry UNC to the Final Four.
Indiana. The Hoosiers (23-4) have the nation’s best 1-2 punch in D.J. White and Eric Gordon to go with an underrated bench. Plus, they’ll be playing with a big chip on their shoulder without Kelvin Sampson on the bench. BUT … Sampson’s not on the bench. Seriously, did you see Saturday’s game against Northwestern? Yikes.
Stanford. Do Brook and Robin Lopez = one Greg Oden? The 7-foot twins have the goods to take the Cardinal (21-4) deep into the tournament thanks to a strong defensive post presence. BUT … Stanford may have a couple of Odens, but no Mike Conley is in sight.
Georgetown. My preseason pick to win it all is doing what it does best: Beating down opponents with brutal efficiency. The Hoyas (21-4) are atop the Big East and have most everything in place to mimic last year’s Final Four run. BUT … Georgetown, despite similar numbers, doesn’t feel like the same team as last year. Maybe it’s not having Jeff Green, maybe it’s that they haven’t beaten anyone really good. Either way, that preseason pick may hurt.
Wisconsin. The Badgers (22-4) have beaten Indiana twice, and the Hoosiers are like, way ahead of them on this list. According to kenpom.com’s efficiency ratings, Wisconsin’s Final Four good with wins against Texas and Indiana (twice!). BUT … be honest: Do they look like a Final Four team? (I know, looks can be deceiving, just like in 2000. Trust me, I’m getting help for this problem.)
After this, you’d have to consider Xavier (because offenses with great guards always usually do well in March), Pitt (can Panthers regain that December form?) Marquette (see Xavier), Michigan State (has the talent, but it hasn’t gelled lately), Arizona (a longshot, but I have a man crush on Jerryd Bayless), Drake (see Xavier, Marquette) and Kansas State (because Michael Beasley could pull a Carmelo, but I doubt it).
Out of the last six, Pitt probably should be up above Georgetown and Stanford. But if Levance Fields (who could start vs. Louisville) isn't 100 percent healthy, the Panthers are Sweet 16, nothing more. Still, if you're looking for a March darkhorse, Pitt's my pick.
