My Thoughts on College Bball This Year

• Laley23

  

  So, not that any of you care, but with Indiana being shit this year it was the first time I have every actually been able to sit down and objectively enjoy college basketball. Even last year when IU sucked I couldnt because I was still a student there, and like it or not, your days revolve around the basketball program, even when they win only 6 games.
  
  But this season, I am back living in Toledo, and without a care as to what Indiana is doing (now obviously I watch every game and am as critical as anyone on them). I want them to win, and I look for the improvement etc. I guess what I mean is I can watch without worrying about the NCAA tourney, etc.
  
  I have been able to watch other teams and really appreciate what they have to offer. I have loved watching Turner play this season and I dont even care for the Buckeyes, but I have just LOVED to watch him play.
  
  Ive gotten to watch some great teams out west late at night because Im not at the bars every night, lol. Teams like New Mexico, SDSU, BYU, St Marys and Gonzaga have been a blast to follow. I have watched about 5 games of all those teams, usually more. In the Case of New Mexico I have watched about 15 of their games.
  
  The Big Ten has been a really fun season for me, even though I think the teams in the conference have SEVERELY underachieved (aside from OSU and Purdue). I have been able to really appreciate Bo Ryan and not get pissed at him for beating Indiana (because frankly I expected to lose those games).
  
  Basically, when your teams blows, sometimes it is nice and you can really appreciate the games without having a rooting interest. I am especially looking forward to the NCAA Tourney because of this fact. I just hope it doesnt last toooooo much longer. I think eventually I would just HATE not having Indiana to influence every game I watched
• september63

  

  Very nice and objective thought. For this year you might as well root on the Buckeyes!! You ever get Crean in an interview room let him know posing with the "I didnt vote for Turner T-Shirt was tacky!!
• goldengonzo

  I'm the same way with the NBA this year. I'm a Philadelphia fan and considering they just laid a giant shit on the season as a whole, I've been able to enjoy some other teams and talent this season.
• Laley23

  

  september63 wrote: Very nice and objective thought. For this year you might as well root on the Buckeyes!! You ever get Crean in an interview room let him know posing with the "I didnt vote for Turner T-Shirt was tacky!!

  Graduated so I doubt Ill be getting him in any interviews. Coulve last year, but in season coaches are impossible to get outside of the major media outlets. Its why I have a fond place for certain players:
  
  DJ White
  Armon Bassett
  Eric Gordon
  James Hardy (Football)
  Tracy Porter (Football)
  
  Those guys always had time for us (the radio station).
• 2kool4skool

  

  Since you've been able to watch so much of the mid majors, give us some predictions. Which one has the best chance to make a final 4 run, which one is overrated?
• Laley23

  

  2kool4skool wrote: Since you've been able to watch so much of the mid majors, give us some predictions. Which one has the best chance to make a final 4 run, which one is overrated?

  Best chance for a final four run is going to be New Mexico, purely based on their seed which I think will be a 4 MAYBE even a 3.
  
  Most overrated is tough because some of the mid-majors that arent good, arent really being viewed as such. Then the ones being talked about as good, are. I think BYU has the chance to be bounced early though. They live a great life at home, and rely a LOT of Jimmer Fredette.
  
  Another team I think to make a surprise run (outside of New Mexico and Gonzaga) is SDSU and Cornell. SDSU has just impressed me all year and are the #1 FT shooting team in the country. They have the guard play to get it done in the first round and possible beyond.
  
  Cornell has on of the best shooters in the NCAA in Ryan Wittman. They are very senior laden with guys who have all started with each other for a couple years. Jeff Foote is a pretty agile 7 footer who has good touch around the basket.
  
  St Marys I think can do some damage as well, but I wouldnt be shocked if they lost first round. Samhan (no clue how to spell his name) is a very good post player and even more important is a very good defender both on and off the ball. They have the guard play and their bigs (particularly Ben Allen) can shoot the 3.
  
  
  Xavier is poised for an early exit I think. Not sure why, but I think Jordan Crawford is just gonna shoot them out of the game.
  
  If you want some advice or predictions on specific teams let me know. That was just off the top of my head watching Maryland and GT.