UNC Escapes With a Victory

North Carolina entered the 2nd half with a seven point lead, however when the 2nd half got started the Tar Heels got into trouble.  After having a double double in the first half, Star Tyler Hansbrough was limited in the 2nd half.  He struggled to get shots off and was in early foul trouble after picking up a foul, and then a technical foul immediately after.  Davidson took control of the 2nd half early and lead for the majority of the 2nd half.  Davidson was led by their star guard Stephen Curry who scored 24 points, despite a poor shooting night.  When the game was in crunch time it was Guard Wayne Ellington who picked up the slack and wanted the ball.  Ellington made a FT with just under 4 minutes remaining to put the Heels up for good, and jump shot with just over a minute to go put the Heels up 3.  After a couple of stops, Davidson was forced to foul and Ty Lawson made 3 FT’s to seal the game.  Final Score UNC 72 Davidson 68

College Basketball: Some Preseason Conference Champion Predictions

WCC:  Gonzaga – duh? Not exactly going out on a limb picking a team that has won it seven years in a row.  They return players like Matt Bouldin, Jeremy Pargo, and Josh Heytvelt.  They should win the conference, if they don’t look for St Mary’s.

Colonial: VCU – They are probably the most talented team in this conference as  they return Eric Maynor.  People probably remember him from last March.  Expect Drexel and George Mason to also compete for the championship.

Mountain West: UNLV – Byu may be a bit better, however I am taking the duo of Wink Adams and Curtis Terry.  They are a leathel combo who can dominate from anywhere on the court.  They have also added some size with some  transfers coming in.

WAC: New Mexico State – They return most of their scoring from an NCAA tournament team last year.  They lost coach Reggie Theus to the NBA, but with Nevada losing a lot to the NBA and Utah State’s inability to rebound, this team seems experienced and poised to represent the WAC in March again.

Conference USA: Memphis – And it wont be close

Atlantic 10: St. Joesephs – I like them over Xavier this year.  They return four of their top 5 scorers, and are well coach by Phil Martelli.  Expect them to be playing in the postseason this year after taking a year off.

Missouri Valley: Southern Illinois – This team won 29 games last year and they return three starters.  So the talent is there, but even more important then that is their effort will be there with Chris Lowrey strolling on the sidelines.  Expect this team to dive on the floor often, as well as win often.

Big 12: Kansas,  they return a ton of talent that made the elite 8 last year.  Expect them to be playing in late March/early April again this year.  Losing in the elite 8 this year would be a huge disappointment for the Jayhawks.

Big Ten: Indiana - This  team is loaded with potential NBA players.  Freshman Eric Gordon will play from day 1 and will be ready to shoot when teams double team star big man DJ White.  Michigan State will probably also be in contention.

SEC: Kentucky – I like them over Tennessee this year.  They return some key players, gain a new head coach in Billy Gillispie.  a key loss will be Randolph Morris, but if Patrick Patterson can be a presence down low, UK will be tough to beat.

Pac 10: UCLA – They are loaded again with talent all over the court.  Freshman sensation Kevin Love will make an immediate impact.  The pac 10 is getting loaded with young talent, but UCLA may be the best coached team in the conference.  Expect Washington State to have a good year as well.

ACC: North Carolina – This team is stacked.  Tyler Hansbrough is a monster and will be a tough task for everyone in the ACC.  Look for the Tar Heels to get some competition from their rivals over on Tobacco road.

Big East: Georgetown - It will likely come down to them and Louisville for the Big East crown.  Georgetown has experience after a nice final four run last year.  They lose Jeff Green to the NBA, however big man Roy Hibbert is back, and should be poised to have a big year.

College Basketball: Key Returning Seniors

Maarty Leunen F Oregon – His play will be crucial if the Ducks want to have a seccuessful season.  He can do quite a bit while he is on the floor.  He is also very scrappy and is not afraid to dive on the floor for a loose ball, or get some garbage buckets in traffic.

Shan Foster G Vanderbilt – Vandy had quite a run last year in the tournament and Foster was a huge part of that.  With the loss of Derrick Byars, Foster will play a much bigger role in the offense.  Look for him to shoot a lot of 3’s this year and to have a big year in the SEC.

Marcelus Kemp G Nevada - Yes this kid has been there the last few years, and he is a very good player but he was in the shadows of Nick Fazekas.   Fazekas is gone as is point guard Ramon Sessions, so expect the offense to run through this explosive senior.  If Nevada has a good year it will more then likely be because of Kemp.

Joseph Jones F Texas A&M - After averaging 13.4 ppg last year, the Aggies lose their coach and Acie Law IV.  Expect Joseph Jones numbers to increase a little bit and look out for the Aggies again this year.  jones is a good big man to have when starting a freshman point guard, as the Aggies probably will be.

Joey Dorsey F Memphis – A lot of people are high on Memphis this year.  They are loaded with talent of all classes.  This senior is a shot blocking machine.  Expect him to also be a double double machine this year with the points he will score and the rebounds he will grab off of the glass.

DJ White F Indiana – White will average close to a double double again this year.  He is a force inside and can even knock down a perimeter jump shot every now and again.  With the arrival of star Eric Gordon, White will not have to do all of the scoring at Indiana.  Expect the Hoosiers to be back in the dance in March and probably send this senior out after a win or two in the big dance.

Kyle Weaver G Washington State – This kid was a huge key to Washington State’s surprising year last year.  He can knock down the 3 as well and lock down on anyone he is guarding.  He is also capable of grabbing some rebounds and dishing the ball to teammates in position to score.  Expect Weaver to help lead the Cougars back to the big dance.

Derrick Low G Washington State – He will be teamed up with the guy mentioned just in front of him.  They will provide one of the best and most experienced backcourts in NCAA Basketball.  Low is not exactly flashy, but he is a very smart player and does not turn the ball over.  He would be a pest to have to guard.  You can watch Low along with his tatoo’s in March this year.

Sean Singletary G Virginia – Singletary is a very flashy player.  He can handle the ball, get to the rim, shoot the 3 and do whatever he needs to do to help his team win.  He is a scorer who has the ability to draw multiple defenders and dish to the open man.  Will Virginia be back in the big dance??? I dont know with the ACC being tough, but if they don’t make it, it wont be because of Sean Singletary.

Drew Neitzel G Michigan State – Probably the best dribbler in college basketball.  He is a quick and pesky guard that is a nightmare for whoever has to cover him.  He can shoot the 3 as well as dish to the open man.  He is strong with both hands, so he can almost always beat everyone he wants off the dribble to one side or another.

Roy Hibbert C Georgetown – The big man returns for a final season.  However this season will have to go by without lottery pick Jeff Green, who opted for the money.  Hibbert should have a monster season, as he will probably be better then everyone who guards him.  Expect to see him double teamed a lot, and also on the Free Throw line a lot.  Georgetown should make a deep run in the tournament this year.

Chris Lofton G Tennessee – Is there a better shooter in college basketball who can make 3’s 5 feet beyond  the line?  He can also get to the paint if need be, however most of his work is done beyond the arc.  If you rest on defense guarding him, you might as well just give Tennessee 3 points.