College Basketball At Its Finest

I enjoy good basketball, whether it's at the pro or college level.  Recently, the college basketball experience has felt watered down because of the consistent one and dones by the best players.  People always create what if's scenarios with guys like Kevin Love, Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, John Wall, Derrick Rose, just to name a few.  With the impending NBA lockout, those 'what if' dreams are becoming a reality.



Jared Sullinger of Ohio State said the day of his Sweet 16 defeat to Kentucky that he would be back, which is horrible news for the Big 10.  Despite being suspended for the first five games, Perry Jones, a projected top five pick decided to come back to Baylor. Jones is a classic example of guy who needed to come back, so I am excited to see him progress next year.  Harrison Barnes from North Carolina is the latest player to stay another year of college. Barnes is joined by his mates John Henson and Tyler Zeller likely translating to the preseason number one spot. The chance for college basketball to see one of its best years in a long time is very good.  There will be so many good teams already without even putting any of the talented freshman in the discussion.

This is a positive sign for college basketball even if all three of these heavy hitters wouldn't be back if an NBA lockout wasn't on the horizon. Although I still believe the NBA should do something similar to Major League Baseball where they allow kids from high school to enter the draft, but if they do not hire an agent, they can go to college. The best example of this is the Brewers drafted Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Giambi, both out of high school, but they decided to go to college. Additionally once a player is locked in to college, they should have to stay two years. I can only hope that people will reconsider the one and done decision.

On the other side of the token, NBA Draft might be the worst thing on television since Outsourced. The only thing to be excited for is where Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker get drafted, but that's about it. The scary thing for NBA teams is guys like Tristan Thompson of Texas, and the two Kentucky players-Brandon Knight and Terrance Jones have yet to commit to the NBA Draft. We have a diluted draft right now, but it could get a lot worse if these guys decide to stay.  Most college basketball fans can only hope.  

-Charlie.

The Tar Heels Look Like Contenders

I wonder how many Tar Heel fans thought their squad would be ACC regular season champions after Georgia Tech beat them by 20 in the middle of January.  The Tar Heels are the hottest team in college basketball, and I believe this team is poised to have a big run in March.

I know a lot of times I live in the moment, but it's hard to argue the recent success out of Chapel Hill. The Heels are 11-1 in their last twelve games and gave Duke the business last night. The Dukies did not stand a chance yesterday as the Tar Heels played tough defense and looked great on the offensive end. Kendall Marshall and Harrison Barnes have a lot do with the Tar Heels' recent success, and they have become one of the most feared duos in college basketball. 

I have watched three or four Carolina games in the last month and Marshall really impressed me. He makes NBA-like passes and can hit a jumper every once in awhile. When Marshall took over the point guard role from Larry Drew II, it the turning point of the season, and Drew leaving the team became a blessing in disguise.

Even though Carolina holds a soft spot in my college basketball heart, I laughed earlier this season when Harrison Barnes got off to a slow start. It made his preseason All-American spot look insane. Although in the last month, Barnes has become a go-to scorer. I like his smooth jumper, and that he is able to take the ball to the bucket. I also enjoyed the stepback three to beat Florida State on Wednesday, and he had another dagger three in the corner on Saturday. Barnes has the clutch gene, and someone I do not want face in late game situation. 

Obviously, the brackets aren't set yet but I am not afraid to say the Tar Heels would be in my Final Four today. They are playing at such a high level, and have more athleticism then most teams in the field of 68.

-Charlie. 

DOY: Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is coming on strong during ACC play, after struggling in the first couple months of the season. He is a system guy playing in an open set, which hurts him a bit. This is a great dunk in a win against Clemson on Saturday.

-Charlie.