Season games open November 9

    Now that Midnight Madness has officially opened practice, we look forward to the first regular season games.  Those begin Monday, November 9 as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer classic.  There are four games scheduled on the 9th.  Teams hosting games include Ohio State, North Carolina, Syracuse and California.  All are projected NCAA teams.  I’ve also re-launched the Schedule page; you can view upcoming games on the page.  As the season progresses we list games that my have an impact on conference standings and/or NCAA-consideration.  The first full-slate of games is scheduled for Friday, November 9.  There’s still time to vote in our NCAA-favorite poll.  I’ll release results in a couple of weeks.

Kentucky: Now in the hunt for a title?

Andy Katz at ESPN reported Friday, May 8 that Patrick Patterson has departed the NBA Draft and will return to Kentucky and play for new coach John Calipari.  Read the ESPN story here.

That leaves Jodie Meeks as the only question mark.  It also means Calipari will have one of the SEC’s best front line players back to go along with recruits Daniel Orton and DeMarcus Cousins.  Back to Meeks: Look for the sweet-shooting guard to return to UK as well.   While Meeks is a projected late first-round pick in June, his pro future is at best uncertain.  Why not return for another season and have the chance to play for a national title?

ATR: Final Four overview …

I had Louisville winning the title, so time to re-evaluate.  At face value, the 2009 Final Four should be very competitive.  Both games have the potential to be memorable.  Couple of thoughts …

Team playing the best:  Villanova.  Since awaking during a second-half run to overcome American, the Wildcats have been stellar at both ends of the floor.  ‘Nova’s defense has been sticky and they create matchup problems with players who spread the floor, shoot from deep, and drive the lane. 

Best team: North Carolina.  No one scores the ball easier than the Tar Heels.  Defensive effort remains a question, although UNC has picked it up in the tournament.  Ty Lawson appears adequately healthy, which is key.  Back in November, the Tar Heels looked a head taller than everyone else.  It may be a forehead now, but they’re still the team to beat.

Best front line: Connecticut.  With Hasheem Thabeet and Stanley Robinson, the Huskies are the most formidable around the basket. UConn also plays great team defense without fouling.  They are long and athletic.  The Huskies are one the best rebounding teams – meaning second shot points and limited chances for opponents.  An achilles heel is outside shooting.  A.J. Price is their only consistent weapon with Jerome Dyson out.

Best coached: Michigan State.  With a week to prepare, the Spartans will not only have a home-court edge, but will be well-schooled in their game plan(s).  If they execute, they’ll have a shot.  Goran Suton is a matchup problem because of his ability to step outside.  Sparty also plays in-your-face lock-down defense when motivated.  They’ll be motivated at Ford Field.

At first glance it looks like a Connecticut – North Carolina final on Monday.  But the Huskies will be in for a tough fight against the Spartans.  Prediction? Michigan State upsets UConn and gets its rematch with the North Carolina – on the same court where the two locked horns in early December.  UNC may win again, but it won’t be by 35 points.

ATR: Sweet 16 overview …

A week into the Madness.  Time for the Sweet 16.  Other than Arizona, not a lot of surprises this year.  In fact, the top three seeds in all four regions are represented.  Take out the aforementioned Wildcats and chalk has largely ruled the tournament after two rounds.  That in mind, here’s my Sweet 16 breakdown …

WEST REGION

Connecticut vs. Purdue – The Boilermakers are playing some of their best basketball, largely because they’re healthy.  But for Purdue to pull an upset the Boilers will have to have an explosive night from beyond the arc.  Remember, the Huskies also play in-your-face defense, and generally don’t foul.  UConn also appears very motivated and focused on both ends.  Pick: Connecticut.

Missouri vs. Memphis – An interesting game that seems destined for scrambling, wild plays, big runs, and lots of free-throws.  How will Memphis handle the 40 minutes of pressure?  Can Missouri get quality shots against a tough Memphis D?  It probably comes down to turnovers.  If Mizzou forces Tyreke Evans into a lot of mistakes, the lower-seeded Tigers can win.  My bet?  Memphis makes enough plays to get the job done.  Pick: Memphis.

NCAA upsets and teams to trust (or not) …

Ready for the Madness? Just about time for the fun to begin. My thoughts on teams I don’t trust and those who might be undervalued are below, as are my thoughts on potential first-round upsets. Of course, I reserve the right to be completely wrong by Thursday night – or Friday. I’ll have my full picks posted Wednesday night.

Teams I don’t trust … Arizona, Arizona State, Clemson, Wake Forest, Boston College, Michigan, Florida State, Texas

Teams I think are undervalued … Purdue (now healthy), West Virginia, Cleveland State, Marquette, Siena

Best chances for an early upset …

• (11) VCU over (6) UCLA
• (12) Wisconsin over (5) Florida State – note FSU vs. Northwestern
• (11) Temple over (6) Arizona State
• (10) Maryland over (7) California
• (13) Cleveland State over (4) Wake Forest – CSU won at Syracuse

I’ll try to provide thoughts and notes throughout the tournament. Disagree? Have a thought? Send a Rebound – Dave