The NCAA basketball season has finally dawned upon us and in what a fashion it did. The twenty-four hour marathon that was brought to viewers by ESPN gave the whole nation to get a glimpse of many different teams from all the different divisions. Yes, there were your expected blow out games and games that really should not have been televised at all. This was the beauty of a 24 hour marathon because the lowly teams who played late at night and very early in the morning no one cared about any way.
The big time programs that took the floor were the ones I watched. I did get to see the UCLA upset, Michigan State grinder, Kansas squeaker and the Temple vs. Georgetown debacle. There are some things that should be of mention when these teams move forward with the rest of their non-conference schedule and start to really ball in the heat of conference games as well.
UCLA is a notorious program that started with the direction of John Wooden and has been on the map for years and years. Every season they seem to find themselves in a ranked position and contending for the PAC-10 title and eventual National Championship. Sorry guys, but not this year. The Bruins looked god awful against Cal-State Fullerton and need a revamped make over on the offensive end. Their outside shooting was horrific and yet, they kept shooting it. They did not put pressure on Fullerton by getting to the free throw line and taking control of the paint and let the Titans hang around. Well, news flash, they hung around long enough to get the win at Pauley Pavilion. How’s that feel?
Michigan State had their opportunity on prime time ESPN to prove to the world that they are in deed the number two team coming into this season. Gonzaga on the other hand had plans to really prove itself on the road in a true test of their worth. The Zags definitely did not disappoint in my eyes even though they did lose by four. On the road in the Izzo driven environment, the Bulldogs were able to build a five point half time lead. Four players scored in double figures. Michigan State is just too tough at home with the crowd behind them and the lightning quick Kalin Lucas running the show. State is going to be a tough team this year and should win the Big 10 Conference en route to another year in the NCAA’s. One thing to work on thought, would be their turnover prone ways as they recorded 20 last night, but still got the win. Get more valuable possessions and lessen the turnovers, this game isn’t close.
In the night cap, Kansas played against a newly renovated Memphis program who lost their head coach and some recruits coming into this season. Don’t count them out just y yet, especially in Conference USA because they played a real tough game last night. They showed they were not afraid to bang the boards with Cole Aldrich and company. Elliot Williams, the transfer guard from Duke seems to possess good range and leadership ability. Memphis is one recruiting class away from being back to where they were in the last few years. Kansas is just Kansas. Well coached, veteran big man and point guard and that will take them very far this season. Sherron Collins is tough and Aldrich is virtually not able to be stopped. Possibly contained but not stopped. The Henry brothers who are freshman this year will also make a solid impact moving forward.
Finally, Georgetown and Temple was like watching paint dry early on. I mean come on a 19-13 game at halftime. Seriously? The Hoyas are in some trouble if they cannot produce offensive numbers because Temple is nothing like they will see on their Big East schedule. I’m still waiting for Mr. Monroe to be the huge, hyped recruit he was said to be when coach Thompson brought him there. In the end, the Hoyas were able to hold off Temple and even blew a late lead to win 46-45. Absolutely painful, if you get my drift.
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