College Hoops Top 25: It's Reigning Cats...

Greetings, friends and foes, and welcome to the first Rooch Nation College Hoops Top 25 for the year 2010. Before I start, I'm gonna touch on a few other pressing matters, but believe me, it's taking everything I have to contain my excitement over the fact that college basketball conference play is finally upon us, and the "real games" can finally being played. I mean I have wood here, literally. Raging, college basketball induced wood that, according to the ads I've seen on TV, should prompt me to consult my physician. But well get to all that in a minute...

First, a few things...



One, Mark McGwire...

OK, so obviously this guy needs money and/or is going through some sort of 12 step program. I mean, why else come clean, right? But that's not the point. The real question that arises in the wake of Big Mac spilling the beans to the worst kept secret since the codes to Punch Out and Mario, is how this "revelation" will affect the HOF voters and how they choose to view McGwire, and his fellow members of the "Steroid Era"....

I'm sorry? What was that? You say you read in a very reputable place that nobody should give a flying fuck about the Hall of Fame and it's group of nerdy wannabe voters? Oh, well then I guess Mark's admission did little more than clear his own conscious. I'm sure it was tough for him, and I'm happy as a fellow human that he no longer needs to feel that hidden shame on an everyday basis, but coming clean after lying for more than 20 years (10 year of lying very publicly) is essentially like never coming clean at all. At least in my book. My very reputable book, that's is...

So good looks, Big Mac. Props to you for finally telling the truth. If you think it's going to change my opinion of you, though, then then you my friend are still a few pickles and one of those middle bun pieces away from the very sandwich that inspired your nickname...

Next, just a few words on the Red Sox. I love John Lackey, and I like Mike Cameron and Marco Scutaro, but Adrian Beltre is just a Dominican JD Drew. A lot of people have been talking about how Theo's plan has been to assemble a team based on defense and pitching, but I think this is more about Theo attempting to impose his will, and convince people that his way of building a team is the right way...

If I were to guess, I would say that despite the fact he's a career .190 hitter in Tampa, NY and Boston combined, Theo believes that Adrian Beltre isn't just in Boston for his glove, and that Epstein has uncovered a trait in his game that will allow him to thrive in Fenway Park's dimensions. I respectfully disagree, and feel building a defensive team is rather pointless in this day and age, but I'm nonetheless excited and interested to see how it all unfolds. As the saying goes, "There's more than one way to run an illegal dogfighting operation across state lines", right? Right...

So let's not count any strategy, no matter hod muddied, before catchers and pitchers even report to Spring Training. A date that's rapidly approaching, I might add...



Finally, we have the Patriots. And to be honest, I don't really have much to say...

I expected them to beat the Ravens, and lose in the 2nd round, so I can't say the loss itself was really all that shocking. But the way they were crushed?!? Truly disheartening...

Now the question becomes "How do they recover? How do they rebuild?" OK, I guess that's 2 questions, but to anyone familiar with this team, we know those two loaded ?'s are essentially one in the same. They still have issues in the running game, linebacking and receiving corps, and an antsy defensive tackle that doesn't want to be franchised. Oh, and did I mention they still don't really even have a true Offensive Coordinator? Yeah, there's a lot to be looked at, to say the least...

I Tweeted after the game that I didn't feel "the Dynasty was dead" so much as I felt that the stigma of "Brady, Belichick and the Patriots" was definitely gone. It doesn't mean they can't get back on top with a reworked roster and a healthier Brady, it just means that them being who they are is no longer worth that few extra points. Matter of fact, it's worth nothing right now, and until (if?) they win another ring, it will flat out cease to exist...

Things look bad, after being beatdown at home against the Ravens, there's no doubt, it's just that there's no real need to panic, either. Should the '10-'11 Patriots resemble this tear's team more than the squads from earlier in the decade? Well that's when you might want to start questioning the coach, and wondering if his magical run has actually come to an end...

It's going to be an interesting offseason, there's no doubt. One that will test not only the resolve of the players, but the true genius and effectiveness of the head coach and the franchise that he's helped rise up from the ashes. Can he do it? Can he survive all the departures, both in personnel and in the front office? Can he replace the people that have made this thing work? Has his approach run it's course, as it does so often in this rapid turnaround world? Like I said, we'll know in about a year from now. So instead of tossing dirt on their grave, keep a keen eye on what they're up to, how they're progressing, and keep in mind that there's still no tangible reason to believe that this team is more likely headed for 5-11 than they are for 11-5...

Tough way to to end it, but it is what it is...

Now, it's on to what you've all been waiting for. Picks so good you're gonna lose control of your bladder and pee all over your thigh and pocket contents. It's the decade debut of the Rooch Nation College Hoops Top 25, and unlike my playoff picks from over the weekend, this is sure to be the info that will eventually make sure your pockets are lined with sweet, sweet casheesh...

It's the March towards March, baby, and I for one say it's time to strike up the band, baby!

Get some!...and of course, enjoy...


Rooch Nation College Hoops Top 25

1. Kentucky (16-0)

Kansas losing to Tennessee had absolutely no impact when it comes to the Cats starting the year as my #1 in the country. Freshmen John Wall is as legit as they come, and his supporting cast and new head coach have them primed for a big season. I've always been a big fan of Junior forward, Patrick Patterson, too, and while his numbers might by down from his first 2 years in Lexington, it's only because the team around him has gotten that much better...

Hey, it's early, but someone needs to start as the favorite. This year, it's Calipari's Wildcats. Here's to raising another banner that the NCAA will just take away 6 years from now when you leave the program amidst scandal....and probably for taking John Wall's SAT's for him...

2. Purdue (14-1)

When the season began, outside of my beloved Orange, the team I got the most questions about was the Boilermakers. Were they for real? Do they still have that nasty white kid? Stuff like that...

Well, to answer both of those questions with the same response. YES. Purdue is for real, and they do still have that ill white kid. His name, is Robert Paulson....ha!...nah his name is Robbie Hummel, and he figures prominently in a 3-headed monster that should keep his team atop the Big 10 this year. E'Twaun Moore might be the most underrated or at least least talked about star in the country (16.7/3.5/2.5), and at 6'10", JaJuan Johnson might be one of the country's most athletic big men...

The grind it out style of the Big 10 should get them primed for the tourney, and as long as they can be consistent on offense, they'll be a team not even the best of squads will want to see in their quarter of the bracket...

3. Villanova (15-1)

Much like with Kentucky, a loss to Louisville last night @ Freedom Hall wasn't going to drop these Cats from my Top 5, either. But don't get me wrong, an impressive comeback win definitely didn't hurt their stock...

It's the same old story for Jay Wright's boys, as they'll thrive on controlling the tempo with their exceptional guard play on both sides of the ball. Senior Scottie Reynolds (18.8 ppg) is back to steer the ship, and is already atop a heap of 7 Wildcats averaging 8 points a game or more. Now that's balance...

4. Texas (15-0)


5. Kansas (14-1)

I may not hold the Jayhawks in quite as high regard as some of my "peers", but that doesn't mean I don't think they're one Hell of a team. I don't have them ranked as high because I worry about their scoring in crunch time, but that could very well be a problem whose solution presents itself over the long haul of conference play. I mean, some body's gonna have to step up in crunch time if this team's gonna make any noise come March...


6. Syracuse (15-1)

Ahhh, The Orange. By now, my man-crush on Junior transfer, Wesley Johnson, should be obvious, but there's much more to this Syracuse team than just a future lottery pick. Supporting scorers like frosh, Brandon Triche, and upperclassmen Andy Rautins, Scoop Jardine, Rick Jackson and Arinze Onuaku should give the Orange more than enough punch, and most importantly, great length on defense. And that's the key to running that 2-3 zone. Length and athleticism. Oh, and experience doesn't hurt, either...

P.S - Should hot/cold Sophomore swingman and super-athlete, Kris Joesph, actually gain some consistency to his game, then the Orange could quickly become one of the top 3 teams in the Nation. He's not that good, but he would make that big of a difference...

7. Duke (13-2)


8. Michigan St. (13-3)

What can I say? Another year, another tough, Tom Izzo led squad that nobody's gonna wanna face come March. They're still a little raw offensively, and still waiting for Raymar Morgan and Delvon Roe to find their scoring touch, but that's gonna stop them from playing "in your shorts" defense, and taking every game right down to the wire. Hey, Izzo finds ways to win, what can I say, and there's no reason to think that 2010 is going to be any different...

9. West Virginia (12-2)

10. North Carolina (12-4)

Quick, name a starter on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Give up? I thought so. Matter of fact, I bet the only thing you know so far about this year's UNC hoops squad, is that they've lost a lot of National TV games, and their head coach may or may not still have his arm in a sling. Yet for some reason, they're still in my top 10. Even when they're "rebuilding", and not stocked with future lottery picks, the Heels are still tough customers. If you don't know why this year's edition is going to be around all year long, catch a game, and become a believer. It might take them a minute to get their stride, but when they do, watch out. After all, they're still UNC...

11. UCONN (11-4)

Here's an important thing to remember about the RoochNation College Hoops Top 25. Just because a team wins a game against another team, doesn't mean I favor them over over that same team when it comes to playing in the post season and on a neutral court. And here, my friends, is a perfect example of that...

Georgetown beat UCONN by 3 in DC, yet the Hoyas currently sit one spot behind the Huskies in my rankings. And it's common sense, really. Well that, and it's not football. In football, with so few games, there are often knee jerk reaction to individual losses and wins. Problem is, the voters don't seem to make the transition from sport to sport so easily. Whether they actually vote in both polls or not...

As for the common sense element, it's exactly that. If a 3 point home win doesn't tell you that the winning team is likely to lose that game on the road, and/or on a neutral court, then you've seriously been underestimating home court advantage. Especially when it comes to college hoops. It's important, like remembering to look behind you when you're backing out of the driveway. Ya know, you don't wanna not look, and then be surprised when your Swedish trophy wife opens her shoulders and unleashes a 5 wood on your back windshield...

12. Georgetown (12-2)

13. Pittsburgh (13-2)

It's Jamie Dixon, a bunch of young kids, and a bunch of guys that look like they're 25...and it's probably because they are. Like Izzo's Spartans, it doesn't really matter who's on the team, it's the coach and the team mentality that will keep the Panthers hangin' tough through the gauntlet that is the Big East schedule. And they own Syracuse, so a big road win up at the Carrier Dome was just what the Dr. ordered to get conference play started on the right paw...Ha! Paw!

14. Tennessee (12-2)

15. Butler (12-4)

16. Wisconsin (13-3)

17. BYU (16-1)


18. Kansas St. (13-2)

It's always a good sign when the coach is physically beating the player's during the game. Think I'm joking? Well suit yourself, but if Frank Martin doesn't smack his kid last week, the Wildcats aren't in my Top 25. Yup. That's me, in a nutshell...

19. Temple (13-3)

Pepe Sanchez and Don Cheaney might be gone, and Dionte Christmas graduated, but the Temple Owls are back in the Top 25 nonetheless. Senior G Ryan Brooks Junior F Lavoy Allen lead a nice inside-out tandem that make the Owls not only the favorites in the A-10, with Dayton and Xavier, but a formidable opponent to even the most prepared and experienced of the BCS conference teams. Just ask Villanova...

20. Northern Iowa (14-1)

21. Florida St. (13-3)

22. Oklahoma St. (13-3)


23. Cornell (13-3)

Anyone listening has already heard me say (and Tweet @RoochNation) that the Cornell Big Red are more than just "Ivy good" this year, and very well could win 2 games come tourney time. Why aren't they in my top 16 then, you ask? Simple. As good as they are, they'll still need an upset to make it past round 2. I still like the defending Ivy League champs because of their combination of size, experience, and shooting stroke, but I'll have to pick them to pull an upset in round 2 if they're gonna make it to the Sweet 16. Could become too trendy a pick, come March, but that doesn't make this pesky group of wicked smahhht kids any less dangerous...

24. Gonzaga (12-3)

25. Mississippi (12-3)


dropped: NONE

just missed: Georgia Tech; Baylor Clemson ; St. Mary's; Washington; UNLV; Dayton


Now normally, this would be where you would find a recap of a particularly important game from the previous week. Just not this week. Instead, take a look at the games coming up this week, and map out your schedule accordingly. I've given you times and channels, and it's up to you to do the rest. And I'm not claiming that I'll watch all these games myself, but you'll be sure that I know the outcomes. It's watching games like these that will help give you an edge come March. That, and they're, well ya know, entertaining? More so than the NBA, at least...

Enjoy!



This Week's Slate
1/12
Ohio St. @ Purdue (ESPN 7 pm)
Texas A&M @ Kansas St. (ESPN2 7 pm)
NC State @ Florida St.
Kentucky @ Florida (ESPN 9 pm)

1/13
UCONN @ Pittsburgh (ESPN2 7 pm)
Minnesota @ Michigan St.
Texas @ Iowa St.
Boston College @ Duke
Wisconsin @ Northwestern
Georgia Tech @ Virginia
Vanderbilt @ Alabama

1/14
Indiana @ Michigan (ESPN 9 pm)
Gonzaga @ St. Mary's (ESPN2 11 pm)

1/15
NONE

1/16
Dayton @ Xavier (ESPN2 11 am)
Syracuse @ West Virginia (ESPN 12 pm)
Georgia Tech @ North Carolina (ESPN 2 pm)
Illinois @ Michigan St. (CBS 330 pm)
Texas A&M @ Texas
Texas Tech @ Kansas
Purdue @ Northwestern
Mississippi @ Tennessee
Wisconsin @ Ohio St.
Louisville @ Pittsburgh
Virginia Tech @ Florida St.
Oklahoma St. @ Baylor
Vanderbilt @ South Carolina
Maryland @ Boston College

1/17
Georgetown @ Villanova
UCONN @ Michigan (CBS 130 pm)
Wake Forest @ Duke (FSN 8 pm)

1/18
Syracuse @ Notre Dame (ESPN 7 pm)
Texas @ Kansas St. (ESPN 9 pm)



There you have it, ladies and Teds. The first poll of the season, and you're not even sore. Good for you...

I'll catch you this weekend to see if I can improve on my 0-4 playoff record, and provide you with the picks sure to make you look smart...or me look stupid. Either way I figure you come out on top, so you don't have much to lose...

Oh and make sure to keep tabs on me on Twitter (@RoochNation) where I'm becoming fast virtual friends with the likes of @Questlove, of The Roots, and @jerrycrasnick, noted author and sports columnist for ESPN. To reiterate, if you like breaking news, and you have a smart phone, you need Twitter. It's that simple. I know it sounds nerdy, and I know it sounds like it's for trendy tools, but it's not. Get over yourself, take a 5 minute break from watching that horrific rerun of Jersey Shore, and sign up already. Those meatheads will still be there, drinking too much booze, wearing too much spary tan, and flaunting too many labels when you're done...

Now everyone go out and finish this week strong. Make it your bitch, like Pete Carroll did to the Seahawks. Yeah...something like that....

I'm outta here!

Teddy Williams...
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