NCAA basketball. Where are we NOW?
Commenter H to the izzo catches us up on the college season
Hello. Sam here. Say, this being a basketball site for a magazine that covers all levels of basketball, shouldn’t we be talking more about college ball? Ben Collins is our college columnist, but he has to go away for a little while until the heat dies down, so now what are we to do?
In steps commenter H to the izzo. Some people say they watch the NBA, but not college? Izzo, well… yes, this is about the NCAA season so far. Take it away!
By Alan Ryan a.k.a. H to the izzo
With conference play in full swing and March approaching fast, now seems like a better time than any to do some mid season reflection.
Anyone with a pair of ears and ESPN will know that the main attraction of college basketball this year has been the outstanding depth and ridiculous talent of this years rookie class. ESPN has been accused of over-hyping in the past (understatement?) but this hype machine may well be justified. It’s even easy to say that this is one of the best freshman classes of all-time and that’s without using hyperbole. If I were to venture into hyperbole I would say that this freshman class is the best thing to happen to the world since oxygen.
There are so many young guys holding it down it’s impossible to mention them all. There are the obvious guys to mention who were expected to stand out,like your O.J Mayo’s, your Mike Beasley’s and your Derrick Rose’s, along with them also have guys like DeJuan Blair (Pitt), Andrew Ogilvy (Vanderbilt) and Chris Warren (Miss) all contributing greatly to ranked teams. Again there are way too many to mention but this class is deep to say the least. Many of them are not only merely impressing by showing their game but are also being team leaders. It’s clear that Kevin Durant and Greg Oden have a lot to do with this. Just about every interview with a freshman I’ve read or seen this season has mentioned something in the vein of: “Seeing the way Durant and Oden played and lead their teams last year made me think I could do it too.” And people said one and done’s were a bad thing. Freshmen looking up to the Durant/Oden model also suggests that they will make the NBA jump as soon as they can, not that anyone is surprised with that.
THE CONTENDERS:
North Carolina 15-0
Things are looking good for fans down Chapel Hill direction. They’ve been pretty flawless so far. Everybody is doing everything right. Tyler Hansbrough is finishing plays after being pretty much tackled every play and making it look easy. He’s even showing some athleticism. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one unaware he could do this or this. You’d find it hard to find a player smoother than Wayne Ellington anywhere. His game in one word:effortless. Tywon Lawson really helps this team to be what it is. I mean is there a better transition game in the country? The team does seem to be gelling but haven’t really been tested yet. Their biggest test so far has been against Clemson in which they unconvincingly managed a two point win. The ACC will be their barometer; if they put a good conference record together, I can see them winning the whole thing. But, as of now I’m unconvinced.
Memphis 13-0
The most entertaining team in basketball this year by far. They pretty much have everything you need for an eye pleasing fan-favorite. They have the insanely athletic pass first point guard Derrick Rose. The solid as-a-rock do everything swingman in Chris Douglas Roberts. An immovable object inside in Joey Dorsey, some more than capable role playing bigs (Dozier and Taggart). John Calipari is spoiled for choice when it comes to guard rotation, Antonio Anderson, Willie Kemp and Doneal Mack are all capable of delivering big performances. Their unique playing style (which was apparently developed by a JuCo coach-that guy must be pissed for sharing) makes them awkward to guard especially with their ability to play the inside and outside game with equal deftness. Their only downfall may be the ease of their conference schedule. They may become complacent by the time March comes around.
Kansas 15-0
Talented team, maybe the most talented team in the country. Great players, ruthlessly efficient. Can they win the Championship? Sure,why not? Technically everyone has the chance of winning and they’re in a better position than most. Will they win the Championship? No! This is just my opinion but I’m very underwhelmed by this team for some reason, well it’s wrong to say “for some reason” because I know the exact reason I have reservations about the team. I question coach Bill Self’s ability to…well, coach. Sure he’s really good at convincing really good players to play for his program thus creating a really good team, on paper that is. But as long as Self wastes most of his valuable timeouts in the first half Kansas won’t win a Championship. He seems to be unable to properly motivate his team, and motivation is a pretty big component of a winning team. But with players like Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, Sherron Collins and Brandon Rush they may be able to do it on there own. Unlikely, but possible.
UCLA 15-1
15 and 1 without getting into much of a rhythm, sign of a pretty good team. Haven’t been challenged much, with a non-conference schedule against mediocre teams albeit they did record two impressive wins against Michigan State and Stanford, a two point loss to an underrated Texas team being the only blemish on their record. Kevin Love came in and is leading the offense like he was expected to, putting up 16 and 10. The reason for the Bruins lack of rhythm would have to be the loss of Darren Collison early in the season. Widely touted by many (and me) as the best point guard in the country before the start of the season. Despite some impressive games since his return he hasn’t been consistent and he holds the key to UCLA’s chances of winning a chip’.
NAMES YOU SHOULD REMEMBER:
Charron Fisher (Niagara)
6′4′’ built like a brick wall, leading the nation in scoring with 27.4 ppg and an impressive 9.5 rebounds a game. Since his team is leading the MAAC, you will more than likely be seeing him lighting up the scoring column in the tourney. If you’re one of those “I’ve always known about him” guys like I am, you will be well advised to remember his name.
Damion James (Texas)
Texas’ missing link between a successful last season and the possible mediocrity that this one COULD have been. You’ve heard all about D.J Augustine (who is pretty great,by the way) and AJ Abrams being the reason behind Texas performing better than last year but without this guy they wouldn’t be having the season they are having. He’s a 6′7′’ work-horse with a penchant for grabbing rebounds he has no right to grab. Currently pulling down almost 11 a game while scoring 13ppg. Still only a sophomore, if he continues to develop you may see him in the NBA one day.
PLAYERS YOU’RE ALLOWED TO FORGET
Hasheem Thabeet (Connecticut)
Okay, so we will be seeing him in the NBA whether we like it or not. We’ll be seeing him in the NBA until the rookie contract expires anyway. He will be drafted as a project by the ghost of Billy King. Sure, he has potential and plenty of it. Who wouldn’t be tempted by a 7′3′’er with solid footwork? But being 7′3′’ and averaging 8 rebounds in college doesn’t cut it. Has anyone even told him how tall he is? Seriously does he know? Either he has the inner-drive of a weak 7 year old or he just doesn’t care much. Either way, I wouldn’t hold out much hope for him.
Brian Zoubek (Duke)
I know what you’re asking: “Were we supposed to remember him in the first place?” But seriously how does a player like this get a scholarship with a major program? He even got a SLAM Punks piece. Was his high school competition that bad? Now I may be a picky coach, but I require a player I’m recruiting and signing to be able to walk. I really don’t know what else to say, just terrible.
SPARE A THOUGHT FOR…
-PITTSBURGH
Just a few short weeks ago they were unbeaten, preparing for a fight for the Championship and just after beating Duke with an overtime buzzer-beater. Does life get any better? Now, two injuries to key players-Mike Cook who’s put for the season (which sadly ends his collegiate career) and LeVance Fields who’s out in the foreseeable future and two losses make Pitt appear to be on the downslope without a chance of winning anything.
-Rick Majerus
20 points. Really?! You get 40 minutes in a game and your team manages to score 20 points? Come on Rick. You have to imagine that there will be some mad comfort eating going on in the Majerus household, possibly of players. God knows they deserve it and are small enough.
DELICIOUS IRONY.
Dick Vitale’s recent throat surgery, I know I shouldn’t joke about it but is there a more appropriate injury?
73 Responses to “NCAA basketball. Where are we NOW?”
Jan.11 at 4:28 pm
Bryan says:
Harsh on Vitale.
Jan.11 at 4:29 pm
H to the izzo says:
BTW,the “this and this” were these www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnBkMz-kpsg www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0jQ8g0W7e0
Jan.11 at 4:34 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Ironic that Collins actually DID post something yesterday, but with his forthcoming and lengthy trip overseas, we had to open things up a bit. Thankfully our man Izzo was ready to pinch hit.
Jan.11 at 4:36 pm
white hot eboy says:
Who is this Izzo character? And what is an Alan Ryan?
Jan.11 at 4:36 pm
Myles Brown says:
Hope to see more from you Izzo.
Jan.11 at 4:39 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
my bad on the this or this. They were in, then something got messed up. I will fix.
Nice work izzo. The Vitale comment was perhaps a little crass, but we’ll leave that to the public to decide.
Jan.11 at 4:40 pm
white hot eboy says:
Didn’t you have USC ranked incredibly high on your blog earlier in the season, flip flopper?
Jan.11 at 4:40 pm
H to the izzo says:
Myles:I would love to do more but I’m just thankful I was given this opportunity.
Eboy:It’s a mediocre to annoying song.
Jan.11 at 4:40 pm
white hot eboy says:
Shi*ty about Vitale, btw, Izzo.
Jan.11 at 4:41 pm
Bigi says:
Tyler Durden!!!!!NASTYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!
Jan.11 at 4:41 pm
white hot eboy says:
Please translate your message to me, sir?
Jan.11 at 4:41 pm
Captain America says:
Dicky V deserves better…shame
Jan.11 at 4:43 pm
H to the izzo says:
Sam:I regretted it the minute I typed it but I never claimed to be a beacon of morality.If I get called an assh*le,that person would have a point.
Eboy:It was a joke.
Jan.11 at 4:43 pm
white hot eboy says:
Good work, too. I’d like to say “local boy makes good” but you’re way too far away to actually have that apply.
Jan.11 at 4:44 pm
white hot eboy says:
We’ll you are an as*hole, but an informed one when it comes to college hoops so that’s a plus.
Jan.11 at 4:49 pm
Myles Brown says:
And Ive only seen one Texas game this year (v. Wisconsin) but I’m certain that J.J. Abrams is my favorite player. Without consulting him, I feel safe in saying he’s Sam’s favorite too…
Jan.11 at 4:50 pm
white hot eboy says:
I though JJ Abrams was the producer of Cloverfield? Damn.
Jan.11 at 4:51 pm
Myles Brown says:
Actually, it’s AJ Abrams. Damn you and your typos…
Jan.11 at 4:51 pm
H to the izzo says:
I love Abrams too,If A.I were 14 and an amazing three point shooter that’d be Abrams.
Jan.11 at 4:53 pm
H to the izzo says:
Damn me indeed.From now on it’s JJ and we’ll forget the other JJ ever existed.
Jan.11 at 4:53 pm
Myles Brown says:
I’m good with that.
Jan.11 at 4:56 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
Ah! The JJ/AJ slip is on me. And the Vitale throat problem is more of a “be careful what you wish for” cause then you feel like a jerk. But it is also irony. Get better Dickie V baby! I’ll cook a Digiorno for ya.
Jan.11 at 4:56 pm
white hot eboy says:
It actually makes me conjur up thoughts of “The Greatest Shooter In Basketball History” but I’ll ride with you two on this.
Jan.11 at 5:02 pm
H to the izzo says:
I do like Dickie V but he can be taxing at times,if I didn’t have him to complain about I’d have to acknowledge the existence of Billy Packer and I really don’t want to go down that depressing road.
Jan.11 at 5:08 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Straight outta Dublin/crazy motherf*cker named izzo… commenting on college basketball from a land where it doth not exist. Loving this.
Jan.11 at 5:08 pm
Bryan says:
I can’t stand vitale. Do you guys like any programming on espn on at all?
Jan.11 at 5:10 pm
H to the izzo says:
It actually does Ryan,but it’s mainly used as an excuse for a drinking session you’ll be surprised to hear.
Jan.11 at 5:17 pm
Phil B says:
vitale makes it hard for me to watch college basketball.
Jan.11 at 5:17 pm
white hot eboy says:
I used to like PTI.
Jan.11 at 5:19 pm
Bryan says:
I like PTI a lot I’m not ashamed to say. Maybe I should be.
Jan.11 at 5:20 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Bryan, to answer your programming question: I like it when ESPN shows “games” and “sporting events” and things like that. And I have no patience whatsoever for anything else on that network. Neither should you.
Jan.11 at 5:21 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Just one man’s opinion, that.
Jan.11 at 5:21 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Oh, and izzo, good chance I’ll be back on Merseyside in late Feb/early March. Come visit, won’t you?
Jan.11 at 5:21 pm
white hot eboy says:
It was fine until they started taking off all the time and ESPN covered for them with Lebatard and all those other retards.
Jan.11 at 5:22 pm
Bryan says:
Yeah I should have been more clear , I like pti with the original hosts anyone else can suck it.
Jan.11 at 5:23 pm
white hot eboy says:
And if Ryan means “games” as in “NBA games”, then he is more clueless than Alicia Silverstone. Worst NBA coverage EVER on a major network.
Jan.11 at 5:24 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I mostly watch college games on that network, eboy. Football primarily — the one sport they do a pretty good job with in the studio, I might add — and hoops. But we agree on their coverage of the Association, obviously.
Jan.11 at 5:26 pm
TADOne says:
Not that any of ya’ll watch baseball, but I think Baseball Tonight is a good show. So is the football version of College Gameday.
Jan.11 at 5:27 pm
white hot eboy says:
It is amazing how good their NCAA and NFL coverage is and their NBA coverage is so shotty. Must be that “urban” thing about basketball that leads to mishandling.
Jan.11 at 5:29 pm
H to the izzo says:
Ryan,getting funds for Liverpool will be tricky since I’m planning a trip to Barcelona in late Feb and possibly Africa in March so I’m not sure.And did your man Howard’s mistake against Chelsea?Unforgivable.
Jan.11 at 5:30 pm
white hot eboy says:
The Steven A Smith show actually made me laugh out loud at times. It was horrible in the same way The Magic Hour was.
Jan.11 at 5:30 pm
Bryan says:
Yeah because everyone tries to use their “slang” to describe basketball like f*ckin stuart scott, who by the way , is the f*cking anti christ.
Jan.11 at 5:31 pm
white hot eboy says:
Izzo, the world traveler. Nice.
Jan.11 at 5:31 pm
TADOne says:
Come on, Shia, tell us what you really think.
Jan.11 at 5:34 pm
H to the izzo says:
And Ryan,I’m sure you’re happy about Giuliani not being able to pay his campaign staff
Jan.11 at 5:36 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Well f*ck you then, Irishman.
And while that horrible, horrible moment at Stamford Bridge the other day (which I snuck out of work early to watch at the one bar in town that has Setanta) was indeed a mistake, I think Howard and Lescott share the blame. You’ve got a very good and very big center half in good position against a man two feet shorter than him. Keeper certainly could’ve come out and tried to punch/catch that, but I don’t think it was unreasonable of Tim to have expected Joleon to clear that ball. Regardless, we’re gonna beat those pr*cks in the second leg. ‘Cause I say so.
And for every other poster on here who neither knows nor cares what we’re talking about, never mind.
Jan.11 at 5:37 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Missed the Giuliani thing, izzo. That is wonderful news, since we all know that, Shia’s Stu Scott rant aside, Rudy is in fact the anti-christ. For real.
Jan.11 at 5:40 pm
Bryan says:
I think Stuart Scott is worse, he almost completely ruins my interest in sports altogether. Does anyone remember the cartoon posted on the links a long time ago? The parody of Stuart Scott?
Jan.11 at 5:41 pm
H to the izzo says:
Come over my way Jones and visit some family.Regardless of Lescott being there,it really was Howards to call.He made a similar indecision earlier in the game,that was always his problem which is why we let him go.Wright-Phillips claiming that was ridiculous/funny.
Jan.11 at 5:43 pm
H to the izzo says:
Get well soon Stuart Scott,I may be a bad person but I’m not that bad.
Jan.11 at 5:44 pm
Bryan says:
What is wrong with him izzo?
Jan.11 at 5:46 pm
TADOne says:
I think Stu has some form of cancer or something.
Jan.11 at 5:47 pm
Bryan says:
Sh*tty but I still think he sucks at his job.
Jan.11 at 5:47 pm
H to the izzo says:
Cancer,Bryan.
Jan.11 at 5:47 pm
hursty says:
like i said yesterday, TH50 had a nasty throwdown on the 7-7 man.
Jan.11 at 5:50 pm
Bryan says:
TH50 is a terrible nickname.
Jan.11 at 5:50 pm
TADOne says:
I can’t stand the way Stu yells “Tarheel!” when a former Carolina player does something nice. We get it Stu, you went to Carolina. Now shut up.
Jan.11 at 5:51 pm
Bryan says:
So no one remembers the cartoon I was talking about?Posted in this very webspace?
Jan.11 at 5:56 pm
TADOne says:
I think Lang posted it.
Jan.11 at 10:04 pm
Jukai says:
Kenny George is 7′9?
Jan.12 at 12:22 am
Mr. Bob Dobolina says:
The Ju-co coach that came up with the Memphis Attack is Vance Walberg, now the coach at Pepperdine. I’m sure he’s not that pissed for sharing his secrets, especially considering that Calipari doesn’t run the offense the same way he does. Walberg uses shooters, while Calipari is more about molding the offense to suit his more athletic players.
Jan.12 at 2:17 am
Ben Collins says:
Just wanted to say, however late, that this is awesome and I wouldn’t expect anything less for Alan. And I too have the burnout prediction for Memphis. Blistering paces almost always suck for championship-caliber teams gone-injured.
Jan.12 at 3:53 am
dma says:
i hate tyler hansborough.
Jan.12 at 12:42 pm
dre says:
No Kevin Love in the intro? What’s with the OJ hype..last time i checked USC is on the verge of dropping out of the rankings.
Jan.12 at 1:25 pm
jason says:
i’m from austin texaaws and love the longhorns. damion james is a beast on the court he will go to the nba
Jan.12 at 2:25 pm
The New Wilt says:
Is Kevin Love the next Eric Montross? Will UNC play a ranked team b4 March? Will Kansas ever live up to expectations? Is Tyler hansbrough the next Mark Madsen?
Jan.12 at 4:00 pm
phelonyphil says:
UNC Asheville is going to the Dance on the shoulders of a giant.
Jan.13 at 12:01 am
KaBraun James says:
Izzo is the Michigan State coach and he is brought the team to absoulute dominance in the Big 10. He has coached Drew Neitzel and he is one of the best players in the NCAA.
Jan.13 at 2:31 am
Silent Storm says:
I go to UNC Asheville and Kenny really is 7′9
Jan.13 at 2:56 pm
Cub Buenning says:
I’m late to this convo, too, and for the past month have watched an insane amount of college hoops and I have to say that I love this season so far. I’m bound to put together something this week, but i gotta chime in a wee bit about Memphis. Yes, I am biased after just recently penning a feature on them, but one thing stuck with me. CDR mentioned that he saw his team as the UNLV teams of LJ, Augmon, Hunt, etc…. They never stopped, went perfect and took the title. This team actually is deeper, has more NBA prospects, and is playing a much tougher schedule (the WAC was well…) than UNLV did in 91. I still think they will drop one game in the regular season (maybe Tenn, gonzaga, or a roadie somewhere in conference) but should be set up to cakewalk to their third straight Elite 8. From there, its about the match-ups. I can’t wait for that first Thursday of the tourney…. KeBraun, the Spartans were flirting with St. Louis territory yesterday…
Jan.13 at 3:01 pm
Cub Buenning says:
Coach Cal compared them to the Kentucky team of the mid90s. I should find my notes, but they had like 9 pros and none of them averaged more than 25 mins a game and they won a title. I am not going to jump the gun and give them a title, however, as there are at least 6 teams that should have a legitimate chance at winning; the field is too deep.
My bracket hand is twitching. For the record, just a one bracket kind of prognosticator.
Jan.14 at 9:00 am
Tarzan Cooper says:
this was my idea, and i immediately regret it.. why the hate against ku?? their defense is suffocating, 6 guys on the team can get 20 on any given night, this is the year, unless melo comes back and gets all those dwade calls from 03 again. interestingly, marquette got destroyed by ku that year, hahaha
Jan.24 at 1:37 pm
SLAM ONLINE | » College Basketball: Answering all the Questions says:
[…] Since our man H to the Izzo brought your attention back to the college scene about two weeks ago, conference play has further intensified and some things have come to light while there are still many other unknowns throughout the country. Let’s try to break some of this down. […]