Around the Hoop: Illini, Hoyas make some noise

What a way to open the Big 10 and Big East – the RPI’s No. 2 and No. 3 conferences (the ACC is currently No. 1). 

Monday, Georgetown goes to Connecticut and posts a convincing 74-63 victory.  Tuesday, a rebuilding Illinois team see five players reach double figures en route to an overtime upset of preseason league favorite Purdue, 71-67.  When you talk about “road wins,” these will resonate throughout the year.  Still, we won’t know the true value for another month.  Why?  Well, the Hoyas host Pittsburgh on Saturday and then travel to Notre Dame.  The Hoyas could be a very impressive 3-0 by this time next week, or be 1-2 in the Big East and have nothing bad of note.  For the Illini, they visit Ann Arbor Sunday to battle Michigan – which has beaten UCLA and Duke.

Hoyas, Huskies open Big East season …

     Time to get serious.  Non-conference work is largely done.  The backyard brawls begin with league play.  We’re about to start separating the contenders and pretenders.  Is there a better way to start than Georgetown at Connecticut tonight?   In another key conference tilt, Stephen Curry and Davidson invade Charleston to take on the Cougars.  Charleston is 9-1 (Division 1) and 2-0 in the Southern Conference.  The Cougars also have a win over South Carolina.  Winner gets a early head start.

Xavier makes Top 10 leap in Power 24

Welcome to Bracketville’s Power 24.  It’s a look at teams based on performance and potential, not single game outcomes.  This way, a team’s full profile is more inclusive, including strength of schedule, wins against top teams, and evalation against the RPI.  Just as important, teams are put through the “eye test.” 

The Power 24 is a reflection of both potential and substance.  A team’s overall profile, ability, and potential will be better defined as the season progresses. 

Great games headline Weekend Primer (12/20)

Are you ready for a present from college hoops?  Well, the basketball gurus have put together quite an extravangana on the weekend before Christmas.  Muskies, Spartans, Longhorns, Huskies, Tigers, Bulldogs, and Wildcats all clash … so let’s get ready, set, go …

Best Game: Xavier vs. Duke – take your pick, but the unbeaten Muskies battling the once-beaten Blue Devils in New Jersey has all the earmarkes of titan-esk hoops.  Two teams with similar styles, similar players, and similar attitudes.

Bracketville: Updated NCAA Tournament projection

Our newest 2009 NCAA Tournament bracket is now available under Bracketology  -complete with a new layout.  We’re still tweaking things and plan to offer complete region-by-region breakdowns with key team information and notes starting with our weekly updates in January.  As for this week, Oklahoma grabs our final No. 1 seed.  The Tar Heels are still No. 1 overall, followed by Connecticut and Pittsburgh. 

Have comments?  Thoughts of your own?  Send us a rebound.  Check out the latest Bracketville 2009 NCAA Tournament bracket now.