2012-2013 NCAA Basketball thread

[RockRaines]

That is about as complete of a college basketball team as I have seen in a while. They get out and run when they get the chance. If that doesn't work they have a post up game, slashers, and shooters to take apart a team in the half court, plus the patience to make the right play. The crazy thing is they still have two big guys to get back.

You havent watched OSU the last few years??

 

JK.

 

They are very good, the only chance someone has is to get them on the road, I dont see anyone touching them in bloomington.

 

Also I do think Duke is a better matchup for IU, I just dont see us winning tonight this early in the season unless Thomas just goes off.

[southsider2k5]

True shotblocker? He averaged 1.2 blocks per game last year and is averaging 1.6 this year (after 4 yesterday). He's solid, but he's not exactly Anthony Davis or Noel. Leaving it up to him to contest layups because of gambling could leave him vulnerable to getting into foul trouble too. Just seems risky, especially for a guy that isn't a dominant shot blocker and is the main focal point of the offense.

 

IU isn't going to be allowing a layup drill on defense. That's just silly.

[southsider2k5]

You havent watched OSU the last few years??

 

JK.

 

They are very good, the only chance someone has is to get them on the road, I dont see anyone touching them in bloomington.

 

Also I do think Duke is a better matchup for IU, I just dont see us winning tonight this early in the season unless Thomas just goes off.

 

IU can be beaten on a given night. Most likely it will take a team just raining down threes with good ball movement. Its either that or a team that runs 30 seconds off of the shot clock on a regular basis and doesn't allow Indiana to get a real offensive rhythm.

[RockRaines]

I think it's a bit too early to proclaim that. They have only played one decent team and the game went to overtime. Offensively they are pretty sick, although they still struggle with entry passes to Zeller on occasion. I'm just not sold on them being a national championship team until they prove they can actually defend well.

 

They remind me of UNC teams of years past that eventually got bounced because of defense. The two Roy Williams teams that actually won the national championship had veteran point guards, veteran big men (May and Killer-T although Zeller is almost as good as them) and a ton of NBA talent filling out the roster overall.

 

It doesn't look like IU will be really tested again until B1G play (Butler lost by double digits to Illinois on a neutral court, although I guess it could be tricky). They'll be number 1 for a while, but I'm still not completely sold.

It all comes down to tourney time and what happens when things dont go your way. Undefeated or 1 or 2 loss teams have gone down because their big man got into foul trouble and the shooters went cold. I've seen it happen to my team. It will be interesting to see these Big Ten teams match up with each other. Each kind of has their own thing going that they do well and all of the top teams UM, OSU, IU have dynamic PG's.

[RockRaines]

IU can be beaten on a given night. Most likely it will take a team just raining down threes with good ball movement. Its either that or a team that runs 30 seconds off of the shot clock on a regular basis and doesn't allow Indiana to get a real offensive rhythm.

You'll see NW make them win a 40 point game possibly. However I dont think any of that is going to happen at Assembly Hall, they feed off that crowd too much.

 

I was extremely jealous of that crowd last night, I just wanted to be there. The Buckeye bball fans tend to sit on their hands too much, they should all take a field trip to an IU game.

Edited November 28, 2012 by RockRaines

[Boogua]

IU isn't going to be allowing a layup drill on defense. That's just silly.

I didn't say they were, but I did see UNC get some pretty easy looks yesterday and I just had memories of IU from last year when they gave up 102 points in the NCAA tournament.

 

Hulls, as good as he is offensively, isn't a good defender. Zeller isn't that great of a shot blocker. Ferrell is very small and is a freshman. I just think they're going to have problems defensively. I never said there would be a layup drill. Not really sure where you got that from.

[Rowand44]

Yeesh, IU is good but they're not some juggernaut. They'll lose at least 3 in the big ten.

[Boogua]

It all comes down to tourney time and what happens when things dont go your way. Undefeated or 1 or 2 loss teams have gone down because their big man got into foul trouble and the shooters went cold. I've seen it happen to my team. It will be interesting to see these Big Ten teams match up with each other. Each kind of has their own thing going that they do well and all of the top teams UM, OSU, IU have dynamic PG's.

I actually think tOSU is a pretty bad matchup for IU. Especially if Craft as allowed to play physical defense like he usually does. He could be a nightmare for a much smaller and inexperienced Ferrell. I'm also curious as to who will guard Thomas. Watford seems too soft. Should be a really good game though.

[RockRaines]

I actually think tOSU is a pretty bad matchup for IU. Especially if Craft as allowed to play physical defense like he usually does. He could be a nightmare for a much smaller and inexperienced Ferrell. I'm also curious as to who will guard Thomas. Watford seems too soft. Should be a really good game though.

I assumed Sheehey+others. Our guards match up well defensively, however if you shut Thomas down we are done.

[Buehrle>Wood]

Yeesh, IU is good but they're not some juggernaut. They'll lose at least 3 in the big ten.

They could be, although I'm not sure last night was the game to tell us. UNC is flat out bad.

[RockRaines]

They could be, although I'm not sure last night was the game to tell us. UNC is flat out bad.

I think as of now they have to be the most complete team in the country. 3 point shooting, inside/outside, midrange, and some good ballhandling. We havent yet seen how another good team that plays defense will attack them however and there will always be some close calls in conference. Its very hard to get through the season undefeated.

[southsider2k5]

You'll see NW make them win a 40 point game possibly. However I dont think any of that is going to happen at Assembly Hall, they feed off that crowd too much.

 

I was extremely jealous of that crowd last night, I just wanted to be there. The Buckeye bball fans tend to sit on their hands too much, they should all take a field trip to an IU game.

 

Yeah, that crowd at Assembly was pretty insane, though NC played right into their hands by not getting back on D.

[Rex Hudler]

That is about as complete of a college basketball team as I have seen in a while. They get out and run when they get the chance. If that doesn't work they have a post up game, slashers, and shooters to take apart a team in the half court, plus the patience to make the right play. The crazy thing is they still have two big guys to get back.

 

Three... Are you forgetting Elston or discounting the minutes for Jurkin? I don't think either will regularly log more than 5-10 minutes.

 

I really think it will be February before we see them hitting on all cylinders, barring any further injuries. It will take time for the three big guys to meld into the lineup. The word that describes IU to me is unselfish.

 

As good as they look, the Big Ten is loaded and it should be a crazy and fun conference season. I'm not sure how good MSU and OSU will be, but I'm pretty sure they can be as good as anyone. And Michigan has looked fantastic. I'd like to forget about Illinois, but while they are 7-0, I can't do it. I don't think they belong with those top 4 teams, but they've been a helluva lot better than I thought they would be.

[southsider2k5]

Three... Are you forgetting Elston or discounting the minutes for Jurkin? I don't think either will regularly log more than 5-10 minutes.

 

I really think it will be February before we see them hitting on all cylinders, barring any further injuries. It will take time for the three big guys to meld into the lineup. The word that describes IU to me is unselfish.

 

As good as they look, the Big Ten is loaded and it should be a crazy and fun conference season. I'm not sure how good MSU and OSU will be, but I'm pretty sure they can be as good as anyone. And Michigan has looked fantastic. I'd like to forget about Illinois, but while they are 7-0, I can't do it. I don't think they belong with those top 4 teams, but they've been a helluva lot better than I thought they would be.

 

I was thinking of the two suspended freshman, I had forgot about Elston.

 

Michigan has got to be the closest team to IU right now. They are really deep and balanced as well.

[Rex Hudler]

I think as of now they have to be the most complete team in the country. 3 point shooting, inside/outside, midrange, and some good ballhandling. We havent yet seen how another good team that plays defense will attack them however and there will always be some close calls in conference. Its very hard to get through the season undefeated.

 

Undefeated? I'll admit it's crossed my mind, but I can't see it. It ain't gonna happen, though I'd probably dance naked somewhere if it did. As you said, the Big Ten is way too good. I think the biggest obstacle for IU will be a team with length that has depth inside. Of course, a hot shooting team that is patient can provide problems for any team.

[ZoomSlowik]

You'll see NW make them win a 40 point game possibly. However I dont think any of that is going to happen at Assembly Hall, they feed off that crowd too much.

 

I was extremely jealous of that crowd last night, I just wanted to be there. The Buckeye bball fans tend to sit on their hands too much, they should all take a field trip to an IU game.

 

Did you not watch the game last night? Maryland put up 49 in the second half and Indiana is a hell of a lot better.

 

Seriously, you sure you're not a closet NU fan? Even I have my doubts after they struggled through the last few games.

 

As for the other stuff, IU is the best right now because just about every other team with talent is losing. Their offense is awesome, the jury is still out on the D.

 

It's REALLY early to crown Michigan as a legit team, especially considering they let NC State shoot 57% from the floor last night. They're not a great defensive team, they go with one big most of the time, and they're only about 6 deep with quality players, 3 of which are freshman that'll likely have some rough games.

Edited November 28, 2012 by ZoomSlowik

[Brian]

I hate Indiana, but I was "with" them last night when in the middle of the broadcast Dukie V couldn't stop blowing Coach K on air, and in the midst of a 20-25 pt blow out, proclaimed that no matter what Duke was his #1 team in the country. That guy is so obnoxious. I can't wait for Duke to get bounced early from the tournament this year. Unfortunately, because UNC is not good, they'll easily win the ACC and coast to an easy #1 seed.

 

Vitale got old for me a few years ago. You don't have to talk over the whole game. Becomes distracting sometimes. And his ACC homerism is just so obvious all the time.

[ZoomSlowik]

Vitale got old for me a few years ago. You don't have to talk over the whole game. Becomes distracting sometimes. And his ACC homerism is just so obvious all the time.

 

And damn near every broadcast is exactly the same. Regardless of who is playing, he'll talk about Duke, Kentucky, one or two other top teams, and whomever has elite recruiting classes coming in next year.

[Jenksismyhero]

Yeah, that crowd at Assembly was pretty insane, though NC played right into their hands by not getting back on D.

 

Or boxing anyone out, or boxing the right guy out, or switching, or crashing the boards or anything called playing offense or defense. I'd be hella pumped if I were an Indiana fan, but objectively that win last night was a win against Purdue or Northwestern. UNC is not a top 25 team. Not even close. I'd be more excited about the gut-it-out win against a good Georgetown team than the blow out last night.

 

[illinilaw08]

Three... Are you forgetting Elston or discounting the minutes for Jurkin? I don't think either will regularly log more than 5-10 minutes.

 

I really think it will be February before we see them hitting on all cylinders, barring any further injuries. It will take time for the three big guys to meld into the lineup. The word that describes IU to me is unselfish.

 

As good as they look, the Big Ten is loaded and it should be a crazy and fun conference season. I'm not sure how good MSU and OSU will be, but I'm pretty sure they can be as good as anyone. And Michigan has looked fantastic. I'd like to forget about Illinois, but while they are 7-0, I can't do it. I don't think they belong with those top 4 teams, but they've been a helluva lot better than I thought they would be.

 

Two things:

 

1) I am not buying this Illinois team yet at all. Last year's team was 10-0 before collapsing down the stretch. This is a team this is going to live and die with the three and doesn't really have an impressive win yet. Bertrand and Paul are the only two guys I expect will be able to create their own offense in the B1G and they will no post offense (part because Egwu isn't there yet and part because the guards are awful at feeding the post). They will win some games they shouldn't and lose some games they shouldn't. I like Groce, I like what I see so far, but I still fully expect this to be a bubble team come March.

 

2) I raise this observation from an NBA standpoint as to Zeller, not to be critical, but because I think it's an interesting discussion point. If I were an NBA GM, my concerns with Zeller would be (a) can he consistently knock down an 18 footer, and (b) can he beat bigger defenders off the dribble. I don't think he can showcase those skills this year because IU is extremely balanced offensively. With the weak draft class this year, it's irrelevant. Zeller will be a top 3 pick. But if IU had fewer options offensively, Zeller would get 20 shots a night and be able to show just how good he really is offensively.

[Jenksismyhero]

Two things:

 

1) I am not buying this Illinois team yet at all. Last year's team was 10-0 before collapsing down the stretch. This is a team this is going to live and die with the three and doesn't really have an impressive win yet. Bertrand and Paul are the only two guys I expect will be able to create their own offense in the B1G and they will no post offense (part because Egwu isn't there yet and part because the guards are awful at feeding the post). They will win some games they shouldn't and lose some games they shouldn't. I like Groce, I like what I see so far, but I still fully expect this to be a bubble team come March.

 

2) I raise this observation from an NBA standpoint as to Zeller, not to be critical, but because I think it's an interesting discussion point. If I were an NBA GM, my concerns with Zeller would be (a) can he consistently knock down an 18 footer, and (b) can he beat bigger defenders off the dribble. I don't think he can showcase those skills this year because IU is extremely balanced offensively. With the weak draft class this year, it's irrelevant. Zeller will be a top 3 pick. But if IU had fewer options offensively, Zeller would get 20 shots a night and be able to show just how good he really is offensively.

 

I agree with this, but the signs of change from this year to last are everywhere. They have more possessions so they're able to get out of shooting funks easier. They've had last minute wins and I think that's a part of believing they can win. Last year the team would have folded and Leonard would have cried on the bench. There is optimism in the program again, and I really hope people show up for the game tonight and put on a good show for the cameras.

[whitesoxfan99]

Three... Are you forgetting Elston or discounting the minutes for Jurkin? I don't think either will regularly log more than 5-10 minutes.

 

I really think it will be February before we see them hitting on all cylinders, barring any further injuries. It will take time for the three big guys to meld into the lineup. The word that describes IU to me is unselfish.

 

As good as they look, the Big Ten is loaded and it should be a crazy and fun conference season. I'm not sure how good MSU and OSU will be, but I'm pretty sure they can be as good as anyone. And Michigan has looked fantastic. I'd like to forget about Illinois, but while they are 7-0, I can't do it. I don't think they belong with those top 4 teams, but they've been a helluva lot better than I thought they would be.

 

Illinois can beat anyone in the conference on a given night but the frontcourt isn't good enough to be a threat to any of those 4 over the long haul. Unless the light goes on for Egwu, and I think that is at least a year away, we just aren't going to get enough production inside and our rebounding isn't good enough to really be a true threat to finish in the top 4 in the conference this year with how strong the league is.

[fathom]

There is optimism in the program again, and I really hope people show up for the game tonight and put on a good show for the cameras.

 

You mean when everyone will be watching the OSU-Duke game?

[Rowand44]

Did you not watch the game last night? Maryland put up 49 in the second half and Indiana is a hell of a lot better.

 

Seriously, you sure you're not a closet NU fan? Even I have my doubts after they struggled through the last few games.

 

As for the other stuff, IU is the best right now because just about every other team with talent is losing. Their offense is awesome, the jury is still out on the D.

 

It's REALLY early to crown Michigan as a legit team, especially considering they let NC State shoot 57% from the floor last night. They're not a great defensive team, they go with one big most of the time, and they're only about 6 deep with quality players, 3 of which are freshman that'll likely have some rough games.

Indiana is definitely better at the moment but Maryland is damn good. They'll be competing for the acc title.

[bmags]

Kind of ridiculous the lack of respect Indiana showed the basketball titans of north carolina/rimshot

 

+++

 

Pretty disgusted with Mizzou G Mike Dixon. Not really pining for him to come back any time soon, if ever.