It's the second most exciting week of the pre-tournament season folks, Championship Week part I. By the end of the day today we'll have 5 automatic bids decided, and the true aura of Champ Week begins. In today's Bracketology, we have a special guest preview the Big East tournament, I give ESPN a piece of my mind, and I hand out some hardware.
When: March 7-10
Where: Madison Square Garden
The Big East tournament starts this week and shapes up to be
the most competitive since the new Big East was formed. The conference is
stacked offensively with 6 teams in the top 50 in points per game and 5 teams
in the top 50 in field goal percentage (Division 1 basketball). Much of the
conference is led by experienced players that have played in this tournament
multiple times.
Two teams have led the regular season standings from the
beginning. The conference is led by regular season champion Xavier. The team,
led by senior and Naismith finalist Trevon Bluiett, is setup not only for a Big
East tournament run, but a Final Four run as well. With a very strong
supporting cast of J.P. Macura and Naji Marshall, this team has the depth and
star power to go on a run. Chris Mack will either need to hope Villanova
doesn’t make it to Saturday or find a way to beat Jay Wright’s team as they
have lost both match-ups by 16 and 24. Next up is last year’s regular season and
tournament champion as well as the favorite to win the tournament, Villanova
Wildcats. With an eight man rotation and six players playing the majority of
the minutes, depth has been an issue for the team dropping three of their last
seven. They often live by the three but one off game (i.e. St. John’s,
Providence), can lead to their exit. They need to find balance getting to the
rim and shooting the three to withstand an off night from behind the arc.
Now that the tier one teams have been covered, let’s talk
about the rest of the conference. With how competitive this tournament has been
in the past, I believe there are 7 teams that can get hot and take home the
trophy. Georgetown is still too young to compete, while St. John’s has been
banged up all year, and Depaul just simply does not have the talent. Each of
the remaining teams have leaders that can get hot and lead their respective
teams to a Big East championship: Creighton (Marcus Foster), Seton Hall
(Khadeen Carrington), Butler (Kelan Martin), and Marquette (Markus Howard).
Providence does not have a star player they can hang their hat on, but instead three
seniors that have played a lot of basketball together and proven they can beat
the best.
Prediction: Give me the field
Although Xavier and Villanova have run away with
the regular season, I think one of the star players in tier two will take over
the tournament. The Big East is known for this sort of tournament: Kemba Walker
in 2011, Peyton Siva in 2012 (no asterisk needed), Isaiah Whitehead in 2016. My
prediction would be Markus Howard with Marquette or Kelan Martin with Butler. I
believe we will see at least one Big East team in the Final Four as well.
ESPN is scum
In a day and age where the "media", as we know it, is so sensationalized and headline driven, it's in incredibly poor taste for ESPN analysts to infer that athletes should "boycott the NCAA Tournament". Jay Williams and Jalen Rose, who both did participate in the NCAA, when given the chance, have called for players in the wake of the Yahoo! report about the FBI's investigation into corruption and illegal tampering by agents, to boycott the NCAA Tournament, in hope, I guess, to bring change to the NCAA's rules on athlete's receiving compensation. Rose even took steps toward comparing the need for change in the NCAA to other current social issues and movements. "In the climate of so many things that are changing. So many discussions that have now come to the forefront that have been closeted for so very long.. I wish NCAA players would exercise that power by boycotting the NCAA Tournament", said Rose, in his best MLK impersonation. I joke, but it's no worse a joke than either of these guys' stance. Give me a break ESPN, you would never allow your talking heads to spew this nonsense if you held the TV rights to the tournament. But since Turner Sports and CBS do, they allow their own to continue to stir the pot on this controversy. Yes, there needs to be change in the way the NCAA polices student athlete's ability to make money while playing. But as of now, it doesn't appear that any player, or program, is in danger of receiving any real punishment. So again, what is the issue? Telling kids to boycott an event that they've waited their whole life, and prepared for a long time to play in, when you yourself, Jalen Rose, Jay Williams, didn't have the "courage" to do so, is incredibly irresponsible.
In a day and age where the "media", as we know it, is so sensationalized and headline driven, it's in incredibly poor taste for ESPN analysts to infer that athletes should "boycott the NCAA Tournament". Jay Williams and Jalen Rose, who both did participate in the NCAA, when given the chance, have called for players in the wake of the Yahoo! report about the FBI's investigation into corruption and illegal tampering by agents, to boycott the NCAA Tournament, in hope, I guess, to bring change to the NCAA's rules on athlete's receiving compensation. Rose even took steps toward comparing the need for change in the NCAA to other current social issues and movements. "In the climate of so many things that are changing. So many discussions that have now come to the forefront that have been closeted for so very long.. I wish NCAA players would exercise that power by boycotting the NCAA Tournament", said Rose, in his best MLK impersonation. I joke, but it's no worse a joke than either of these guys' stance. Give me a break ESPN, you would never allow your talking heads to spew this nonsense if you held the TV rights to the tournament. But since Turner Sports and CBS do, they allow their own to continue to stir the pot on this controversy. Yes, there needs to be change in the way the NCAA polices student athlete's ability to make money while playing. But as of now, it doesn't appear that any player, or program, is in danger of receiving any real punishment. So again, what is the issue? Telling kids to boycott an event that they've waited their whole life, and prepared for a long time to play in, when you yourself, Jalen Rose, Jay Williams, didn't have the "courage" to do so, is incredibly irresponsible.
Regular Season Awards
Roll out the red carpet, and drum-roll please.
Naismith Player of the Year- Jalen Brunson, Villanova
There are other deserving candidates, but Brunson has been the best player in the country all season long
Coach of the Year - Mark Few, Gonzaga
To lose as much as he lost to graduation and the NBA, and still be a legit Sweet 16 caliber team, is nothing short of incredible
Freshman of the Year - Deandre Ayton, Arizona
He's had an interested couple of weeks, but Ayton is the best rookie in the country, and likely, the #1 pick in the NBA Draft in June
Six Man of the Year - Duncan Robinson, Michigan
Sort of embodies Michigan's whole attitude and approach as a team. Hard working kid who openly accepted his bench role, and has Michigan rolling into the tourney.
Defensive Player of the Year - Isaiah Wilkins, Virginia
Simple. The best defensive player on the best defensive team in the country.
Most Improved Player of the Year - Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State
The kid has taken a major step forward after suffering a severe leg injury last year, and while he won't win it here, he has already won the Big Ten player of the year.
Bob Cousy Award (top PG) - Jalen Brunson, Villanova
Man the finalist list for this award was really, really, really strong. Honorable mentions include Joel Berry, Javon Carter, Trae Young, Devonte Graham, Jordan McLaughlin, just to name a few
Jerry West Award (top SG) - Marcus Foster, Creighton
The Junior has averaged 20 pts, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting 42% from 3.
Julius Erving Award (top SF) - Miles Bridges, Michigan State
Another really deep pool of candidates, but the best player on the Big Ten regular season champs earns it.
Karl Malone Award (top PF) - Marvin Bagley III, Duke
He's missed some time here at the end of the season with a knee injury, but he's the best player on the floor almost every night he's out there.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (top C) - Jock Landale, Saint Mary's (CA)
The Gaels senior has had his best year ever, averaging a double-double and leading Saint Mary's to likely a top 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Big Ten Player of the Year - Miles Bridges, Michigan State
ACC Player of the Year - Marvin Bagley, Duke
Big East Player of the Year - Jalen Brunson, Villanova
SEC Player of the Year - Grant Williams, Tennessee
Big XII Player of the Year - Devonte Graham, Kansas
Pac-12 Player of the Year - DeAndre Ayton, Arizona
Atlantic 10 Player of the Year - Jaylen Adams, St.Bonaventure
American Athletic Player of the Year - Rob Gray, Houston
1st Team All-Americans
Jalen Brunson, Villanova
Marcus Foster, Creighton
Miles Bridges, Michigan State
Marvin Bagley III, Duke
Jock Landale, Saint Mary's (CA)
2nd Team All-Americans
Devonte Graham, Kansas
E.C Matthews, Rhode Island
Mikal Bridges, Villanova
Wendell Carter Jr, Duke
DeAndre Ayton, Arizona
Honorable Mentions
Allonzo Trier, Arizona
Grant Williams, Tennessee
Trae Young, Oklahoma
Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State
Mortiz Wagner, Michigan
Yante Maten, Georgia
Luke Maye, North Carolina
Carsen Edwards, Purdue
Isaiah Wilkins, Virginia
Tyus Battle, Syracuse
Chimeze Metu, USC
Bryce Brown, Auburn
Kevin Knox, Kentucky
BRACKETOLOGY
3/4
#1 seeds
Virginia
Villanova
Xavier
Kansas
Last Four In
USC
NC State
Marquette
Louisville
First Four Out
UCLA
Temple
Syracuse
Utah
Next Four Out
Baylor
Notre Dame
Penn State
LSU
SOUTH REGION (Atlanta, GA)
1. Virginia
2. Cincinnati
3. Arizona
4. Michigan
5. Rhode Island
6. Seton Hall
7. Arkansas
8. Missouri
9. Providence
10. Florida State
11. Buffalo
12. Vermont
13. Louisiana-Lafayette
14. Charleston
15. UC-Davis
16. Radford / Bethune-Cookman
EAST REGION (Boston, MA)
1. Villanova
2. Michigan State
3. North Carolina
4. Kentucky
5. Nevada
6. Saint Mary's
7. Houston
8. Texas Tech
9. Florida
10. Virginia Tech
11. Washington
12. New Mexico State
13. Loyola (IL)
14. Montana
15. Northern Kentucky
16. Nicholls State / Grambling State
MID-WEST REGION (Omaha, NE)
1. Xavier
2. Auburn
3. Purdue
4. Wichita State
5. Clemson
6. TCU
7. Miami (FL)
8. St. Bonaventure
9. West Virginia
10. Oklahoma
11. USC / NC State
12. Alabama
13. South Dakota St
14. UNC-Greensboro
15. Iona
16. Pennsylvania
WEST REGION (Los Angeles, CA)
1. Kansas
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Gonzaga
5. Texas A&M
6. Ohio State
7. Creighton
8. Middle Tennessee
9. Butler
10. Arizona State
11. Texas
12. Louisville / Marquette
13. Murray State
14. Bucknell
15. Wagner
16. Lipscomb
Roll out the red carpet, and drum-roll please.
Naismith Player of the Year- Jalen Brunson, Villanova
There are other deserving candidates, but Brunson has been the best player in the country all season long
Coach of the Year - Mark Few, Gonzaga
To lose as much as he lost to graduation and the NBA, and still be a legit Sweet 16 caliber team, is nothing short of incredible
Freshman of the Year - Deandre Ayton, Arizona
He's had an interested couple of weeks, but Ayton is the best rookie in the country, and likely, the #1 pick in the NBA Draft in June
Six Man of the Year - Duncan Robinson, Michigan
Sort of embodies Michigan's whole attitude and approach as a team. Hard working kid who openly accepted his bench role, and has Michigan rolling into the tourney.
Defensive Player of the Year - Isaiah Wilkins, Virginia
Simple. The best defensive player on the best defensive team in the country.
Most Improved Player of the Year - Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State
The kid has taken a major step forward after suffering a severe leg injury last year, and while he won't win it here, he has already won the Big Ten player of the year.
Bob Cousy Award (top PG) - Jalen Brunson, Villanova
Man the finalist list for this award was really, really, really strong. Honorable mentions include Joel Berry, Javon Carter, Trae Young, Devonte Graham, Jordan McLaughlin, just to name a few
Jerry West Award (top SG) - Marcus Foster, Creighton
The Junior has averaged 20 pts, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting 42% from 3.
Julius Erving Award (top SF) - Miles Bridges, Michigan State
Another really deep pool of candidates, but the best player on the Big Ten regular season champs earns it.
Karl Malone Award (top PF) - Marvin Bagley III, Duke
He's missed some time here at the end of the season with a knee injury, but he's the best player on the floor almost every night he's out there.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (top C) - Jock Landale, Saint Mary's (CA)
The Gaels senior has had his best year ever, averaging a double-double and leading Saint Mary's to likely a top 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Big Ten Player of the Year - Miles Bridges, Michigan State
ACC Player of the Year - Marvin Bagley, Duke
Big East Player of the Year - Jalen Brunson, Villanova
SEC Player of the Year - Grant Williams, Tennessee
Big XII Player of the Year - Devonte Graham, Kansas
Pac-12 Player of the Year - DeAndre Ayton, Arizona
Atlantic 10 Player of the Year - Jaylen Adams, St.Bonaventure
American Athletic Player of the Year - Rob Gray, Houston
1st Team All-Americans
Jalen Brunson, Villanova
Marcus Foster, Creighton
Miles Bridges, Michigan State
Marvin Bagley III, Duke
Jock Landale, Saint Mary's (CA)
2nd Team All-Americans
Devonte Graham, Kansas
E.C Matthews, Rhode Island
Mikal Bridges, Villanova
Wendell Carter Jr, Duke
DeAndre Ayton, Arizona
Honorable Mentions
Allonzo Trier, Arizona
Grant Williams, Tennessee
Trae Young, Oklahoma
Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State
Mortiz Wagner, Michigan
Yante Maten, Georgia
Luke Maye, North Carolina
Carsen Edwards, Purdue
Isaiah Wilkins, Virginia
Tyus Battle, Syracuse
Chimeze Metu, USC
Bryce Brown, Auburn
Kevin Knox, Kentucky
BRACKETOLOGY
3/4
#1 seeds
Virginia
Villanova
Xavier
Kansas
Last Four In
USC
NC State
Marquette
Louisville
First Four Out
UCLA
Temple
Syracuse
Utah
Next Four Out
Baylor
Notre Dame
Penn State
LSU
SOUTH REGION (Atlanta, GA)
1. Virginia
2. Cincinnati
3. Arizona
4. Michigan
5. Rhode Island
6. Seton Hall
7. Arkansas
8. Missouri
9. Providence
10. Florida State
11. Buffalo
12. Vermont
13. Louisiana-Lafayette
14. Charleston
15. UC-Davis
16. Radford / Bethune-Cookman
EAST REGION (Boston, MA)
1. Villanova
2. Michigan State
3. North Carolina
4. Kentucky
5. Nevada
6. Saint Mary's
7. Houston
8. Texas Tech
9. Florida
10. Virginia Tech
11. Washington
12. New Mexico State
13. Loyola (IL)
14. Montana
15. Northern Kentucky
16. Nicholls State / Grambling State
MID-WEST REGION (Omaha, NE)
1. Xavier
2. Auburn
3. Purdue
4. Wichita State
5. Clemson
6. TCU
7. Miami (FL)
8. St. Bonaventure
9. West Virginia
10. Oklahoma
11. USC / NC State
12. Alabama
13. South Dakota St
14. UNC-Greensboro
15. Iona
16. Pennsylvania
WEST REGION (Los Angeles, CA)
1. Kansas
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Gonzaga
5. Texas A&M
6. Ohio State
7. Creighton
8. Middle Tennessee
9. Butler
10. Arizona State
11. Texas
12. Louisville / Marquette
13. Murray State
14. Bucknell
15. Wagner
16. Lipscomb
No comments:
Post a Comment