TERRY MOSHER
Man, I can’t figure out this thing called men’s college basketball. It’s j just so confusing this season. I just get settled in one a team that I think could win the NCAA championship and, wham, it gets taken down.
So I’m just going to throw out some thoughts and see what happens. Even though Gonzaga is unbeaten (26-0) and ranked No. 1 in the polls, I think I’m in the majority when I have doubts about the Zags. They don’t play in the toughest conference in America and that plays against them in my mind. But, hey, anything is possible this mixed-up season.
I really like Kansas. I’ve seen more of their games than any other team, and that is probably why I like the Jayhawks. And, yes, I know that is not a very good reason to think they have a chance to win a national title because I have seen them a lot. That’s just plain stupid.
But, they do have an excellent guard in Frank Mason III, and it is not only my contention but plenty of others that a good team starts with a good point guard. That is Mason. The 5-11 senior is averaging 20 points and five assists while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.
The guy I really, really like on the Jayhawks is 6-8 freshman guard Josh Jackson. He is averaging 16.5 points, seven rebounds and three assists a game. And shoots just over 50 percent from the field.
Then there is 6-2 junior guard Devonte’ Graham. He is averaging13.2 points and 4.3 assists a game.
The problem I have with Kansas is that they have squeaked out some tough victories at home lately. They even lost a game at Allen Fieldhouse, snapping a 54-game home winning streak.
So like the rest of this year’s teams, they are not unbeatable.
Villanova is 24-2 and ranked right behind the Zags. The Wildcats play tough defense, as does Virginia, another team I like. I like teams that play defense. As they say, defense wins championships.
So can Nova win it all? I don’t think so because their offense is not on a par, say, with Kansas.
I kind of like UCLA because the Bruins have five guys that can hurt you. There’s Lonzo Ball, a 6-6 freshman who many consider either the No. 1 or No. 2 choice in the NBA draft in June. Some people put Washington’s Markelle Fultz right there with Ball as far as a possible No. 1 or No. 2 draft pick. I know that this will make loyal Husky fans mad, but I think Ball is the better choice. He is an incredible athlete who can do just about anything he wants on the court, and is an amazing passer and defender.
Besides Ball, there is 6-10 freshman T.J. Leaf, who has a lot of upside if he chooses to go in the upcoming NBA draft. Ball and Leaf are joined by Bryce Alford, the coaches’ son. Alford can light it up from three in a hurry.
Then there is Aaron Holliday, the third of three talented Holliday basketball players. You might remember Justin Holliday that played for Washington (2008-11) and then in the NBA. Another brother, Jrue, played at UCLA (2008-09) and was selected in the first round of the NBA draft by Philadelphia.
Aaron Holliday is a 6-1 sophomore averaging 11.8 points a game.
The fifth guy is 6-5 senior Isaac Hamilton. He also averages 11.8 points a game.
What holds me back on UCLA is the Bruins don’t play defense well. They can score it, especially in transition, but it would help if they could also stop teams.
Our youngest son, Michael, is amazing what he knows about sports (I think I created a sports monster) and he likes Oregon. I just can’t wrap my head about the Ducks. Dillon Brooks is an amazing player and coach Dana Altman is really good. But I just can’t see a team from Eugene, Ore. winning the NCAA basketball title. Maybe I have a bias against the Ducks, but my gut tells me they can’t go the distance.
For some odd reason I can’t explain, I like Florida State and Florida. Don’t ask me why, but I just do. And I like West Virginia because of coach Bob Huggins, who can infuriate me at times, but he’s a crazy good X and O guy and always has his team playing physical, tough and rough, which I also like.
I remember before the season started some publications were ready to give the championship trophy to Duke. Something happened to the Blue Devils along the way, including coach K missing seven games with back surgery.
Holding my breath, I think now that coach K is back that Duke may finally get its act together and justify the pre-season take on the Blue Devils. Maybe.
So there you have it. I don’t know who will win this darn thing. And it’s been that way for a long time. I guess it comes down to what team gets hot and makes a good run.
I do know who that won’t be. Cross out Washington and my favorite team, St. Bonaventure. They are not going to get there, and you can take that to the bank.
I think, just for the fun of it, I’m going to go with Kansas. Just don’t take that to the bank.
That’s enough for today. The heat is back on here at the homestead after a few cold days before the furnace got fixed. Duke plays at Virginia in a bit and I want to catch that. We’ll see if coach K’s recent call to his players to his home for a sit-down talk has turned the Blue Devils around.
Be well pal.
Be careful out there.
Have a great day.
You are loved.