College basketball thread...

No. They were both born in 1969.

 

I have to wonder how Michigan State will fare with Drew Neitzel at the helm. Drew's always carried his weight but had no one surrounding him for the most part since his frosh year.

And if you think UCLA is loaded this year, wait until 2008-09. Wow. They're my preseason pick for this year, but the top tier is just so freakin' balanced.

 

The AP poll is out. UNC is No. 1 and not much is different from the USA Today poll:

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AuZ8.wpV1apTTC477HHSb4M5nYcB?slug=ap-preseasontop25&prov=ap&type=lgns

 

I better take my Michigan State stuff back. When my alma mater knocks MSU off by three... granted, it's an exhibition game... it raises some questions.

 

Sparty loosed to the Lakers? Oops...

 

In Drew Neitzel's sophomore year, he was surrounded by Maurice Ager (pro), Shannon Brown (pro) and Paul Davis (pro). Yeah, no talent there. Maybe if young Drew hadn't decided he was too afraid to shoot the ball, opponents would have had to guard him and that team might not have lost in the first round.

 

The football team appeared at halftime to inspire the basketball team. Apparently it worked.

 

Tennessee will win the SEC East because Florida and Kentucky are too experienced, and they match-up well with both. Plus, other than Tennessee, Arkansas and maybe Alabama, the SEC doesn't have any other teams without big holes.

But UT will fall short in the tourney again because the Vols don't understand the concept of defense.

 

Derrick Rose: Not too shabby first night.

Ditto for Kentucky. Granted, we'll see how both do against real competition, but good way to start.

 

If UCLA doesn't win it all this year, I'll be shocked (unless the Bruins are decimated by injuries).
They've been to the Final Four two years in a row, with teams that physically really didn't have the talent to be there. Howland's coaching style makes teams mentally tough by the time the tournament rolls around.
This year, with Shipp replacing Afflalo (the guy was the weakest All-American I've seen in ages ... no guts in big games) at shooting guard; another year of experience for Collison at PG (a preseason All-American, by the way); beef at forward with Mbah A Moute and Aboya; and a legit freshman of the year candidate at center in Kevin Love; plus solid depth.
For the first time in Howland's tenure, he finally has the TALENT to go to the Final Four. If the Bruins maintain the same mental approach, I don't see anyone beating them when it counts.

 

Massive drunk who will get hooked on vicadin?

And how is Drew Neitzel a first team All-American? Seriously? And Mayo and Love honorable mentions without even playing a game yet? I know they're going to be good, but come on. Of course I still Mayo flaming out big time.

Glad to see Lofton getting his due, but no Louisville players even on the HM list is a shame.

Can't wait for the season to get going. Very solid teams at the top, and I'm dying to see how the Big East teams survive each other.

 

All those idiots who voted for Kevin Durant and Greg Oden in the preseason last year -- don't they look like fools?
And speaking of idiotic ...
Arron Afflalo weak? Bad in Big Games?
10-15 for 24 points vs. KU in Elite Eight.
10-10 FTs, 17 points, 7 rebounds vs. Pitt in Sweet 16
19 points vs. Georgia Tech in Maui Invitational championship.
15 points and game-winning jumper at USC
22 in home win vs. Arizona
Shot 46 percent from the field.
Was assigned to opponent's best perimeter scorer every game.
Now, if you're talking about vs. Florida in the two national semifinals, perhaps you should know enough to understand he was matched against Corey Brewer, the nation's best perimeter defender, who happened to have five inches on him and was assigned no help responsibilities. Afflalo had no chance in either game and needed his teammates to punish that scheme. They did not.