Almost-March B-ball Opinions

So, here we are, a few weeks from March Madness, and things are pretty confusing for the Maples Eight teams. Even so, I think we can find a one-word summary for each team, and perhaps predict a little of the future. Let's take a look ...

UT Men -- I think the primary word for this group is "disappointing." The earlier ranking was obviously too high; nobody realized how much the loss of Lofton and Bradshaw was going to hurt them. Still, they have not played to their potential, and they don't seem to be improving as the season goes along. They don't press or defend as well as Pearl teams have in the past, and they don't seem very disciplined. Prediction: I think they will bear down as the season concludes, win enough to get a first-round bye in the SEC tourney, and make it to the semis before losing. If that happens, they'll get a bad seed in the NCAA, which will motivate them to get to the Sweet Sixteen. That will be the end of the season, again ... which will be a disappointment.

UT Women -- Obviously, the key word here is "young," accompanied by "injured." This team is playing seven freshmen, a sophomore, and a senior, and is having to work like the devil for every win. In addition, injuries have just killed this team, especially the loss of Vicki Baugh. Still, they are within striking distance of a first-round bye in the SEC tourney, and may still get a decent seed in the NCAA. Prediction: They will make it to the semis of the SEC tourney, at least, and may even pull off another trip to the finals. It depends on the health of the team, including Cain. They will then make it to another Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA. If they do that, it will be an amazing coaching job by Pat Summitt, given the youth and injuries. If they make it to the Elite Eight, I think she should get coach of the year.

UL Men -- My key word for this group is "puzzling." At times, they have played like a Final Four team. In fact, a week ago I would have said that they had a good shot at a serious run in the NCAA. Then they cough up a loss to Notre Dame where they look like a bad CUSA team, and you wonder if they have it in them. Prediction: Pitino will ride the Notre Dame loss the rest of the season as both teaching tool and motivation, and they won't lose another conference game. They will make it to the finals of the Big East, losing to UConn. They will then make it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA, losing a close one. A solid season.

UL Women -- Only one word for this team, and that's "wow!" They continue to get better, and continue to find other players to add to the Angel Express. The loss to WVU was motivation and lesson, and I think they are serious about not doing that again. Prediction: If they stay healthy, they will make it to the finals of the Big East tourney, and lose to UConn. (Obvious media theme: UofL vs UConn in both finals.) They will then make a run in the NCAA, making it to the Elite Eight (another obvious media them), and they and the men will do a joint celebration at Fourth Street Live. Jeff Walz will win at least one Coach of the Year award.

UK Men -- My keyword for the Cats is "challenged." I think that Meeks and Patterson are amazing players ... but they can't do it by themselves. This UK team is short at least two more SEC-calibre players. They often make up for it with hard work and great defense, but that won't cut it once MM starts. Prediction: They will lose at least one more regular-season game, if not two, and wind up having to play four at the SEC tourney. That will wear them out, especially Meeks, and they will lose in the semis, possibly badly. They will then get a mid-level seed in the NCAA, and will win one then lose in the round of 32.

UK Women -- Keyword here, at least for me, is "MIA." This team was beginning to make some noise with DeMoss as coach (including the upset of the Lady Vols), but is now relegated to the back pages of the sports section -- if they get coverage at all. The new coach is still a year or two away from having the kind of team that can compete in the SEC. Prediction: Lose in the first round of the SEC, and won't play after that in either the NCAA or Women's NIT.

TTU Men and Women -- Might as well do both of these together, with a double-double keyword of "same old same old." Tech is a great school, with wonderful faculty and strong academics -- but they can't build a consistent sports program to save their lives. We've had some glory days in the past, but most coaches come there to go somewhere else. This year's teams are both bad, and I'm not sure there's much hope for next year. Here's hoping I'm wrong, and it changes at some point.

Comments

[Bruce]

Interesting -- Florida is losing to Georgia, UT is killing Vandy, and South Carolina is in a fight with Bama. If SC and Fla lose, Tennessee will move up some in the SEC East.