College Basketball 3/3: Top 25
1. Auburn (27-2) (1) – Any team that wins ten Quadrant 1 games should be taken seriously. The Tigers have 16. 2. Duke (26-3) (2) – Since their loss to Clemson, Duke has won 6 straight by an average of 31.7. 3. Houston (25-4) (4) – Meanwhile, Houston has won eight in a row. Three of their four […]
Continue reading College Basketball 3/3: Top 25Conference Tournament Preview: ASUN
History: Most of the dominant schools are no longer members of this conference. 5-time tournament winner Belmont is now in the Missouri Valley, while Liberty (who won three straight titles between 2019 and 2021) is now in Conference USA. The Atlantic Sun is not to be taken lightly in the NCAA Tournament. In 2023, Kennesaw […]
Continue reading Conference Tournament Preview: ASUNCollege Basketball 2/24: Top 25
1. Auburn (25-2) (1) – Given the depth of the SEC, it is shocking how well Auburn is playing. They finish the season with four Quad 1 opponents, with Kentucky and Texas A&M on the road. If they win all those games… 2. Duke (24-3) (2) – When I watch a college basketball game, I know that […]
Continue reading College Basketball 2/24: Top 25College Basketball 2/17: Top 25
A look at the resumes of some of the intriguing mid-major schools. I am not including VCU, St. Mary’s or any of the Mountain West schools. Rather, I am looking at deep sleepers. UC-San Diego (Big West; 22-4, NET: 43) – The term “dangerous team” is overused on Selection Sunday, but nobody wants to see the Tritons […]
Continue reading College Basketball 2/17: Top 25College Basketball 2/10: Top 25
Top 25: 1. Auburn (21-2) (1) – How good are the Tigers? I would have debated whether they should stay at #1 even if Duke won their game. 2. Alabama (20-3) (3) – Auburn’s loss allowed Alabama to tie them atop the SEC. They still play each other twice. The first game is this weekend. Defense won’t […]
Continue reading College Basketball 2/10: Top 25Yankees MILB: A Look at the Spring Training Invitees
A look at the Yankees’ non-roster invite list for Spring Training. Remember that players on the 40-man roster do not appear on this list. Additionally, more players could eventually be in camp than what they announced. This is especially true early in camp, as many catchers are needed. You will always see prospects not on […]
Continue reading Yankees MILB: A Look at the Spring Training InviteesCollege Basketball 2/3: Top 25
Most disappointing teams, by conference: Big East: Seton Hall (6-15, 1-10; NET: 193) – Nobody expected the Pirates to contend for a Big East title, but the reigning NIT champions should be better than this. Big Ten: Rutgers (11-11, 4-7; NET: 76) – It was a tough call between the Scarlett Knights and Indiana (14-8; NET: 65). However, everyone […]
Continue reading College Basketball 2/3: Top 25College Basketball 1/27: Top 25
A look at some of the mid-major/smaller leagues. The chances for multiple bids from these leagues are small. In the Missouri Valley, a 2-team race is developing between Drake (18-2, 8-2; NET: 66) and Bradley (18-3, 9-1; NET: 64). They are iffy at-large candidates. Drake won their first meeting this season. Maybe a sweep and an appearance […]
Continue reading College Basketball 1/27: Top 25College Basketball 1/20: Top 25
“How many true National Championship contenders are there?” I like to look at teams in the Top 20 in offensive and defensive efficiency. According to KenPom, seven teams currently fit that criteria: Duke Auburn Houston Iowa State Florida Illinois Arizona (20th in both!) Teams that fall just outside the criterion are Tennessee (22nd offense), Purdue […]
Continue reading College Basketball 1/20: Top 25College Basketball 1/13: Top 25
I have asked this question a few times, and it feels appropriate now: What happens when the SEC starts to eat each other? The idea that nearly the entire conference will get into the NCAA Tournament is still valid. Mid-major leagues aren’t loading up with potential at-large bids, and the ACC/Big East aren’t juicy bid […]
Continue reading College Basketball 1/13: Top 25