College Basketball Kicks Ass

I've come to the conclusion this year that college basketball is now my second favorite sport, only behind major league baseball. I can't really explain what it is that makes it such a great sport, but here are a few of the things that I think contribute to its awesomeness.

-Late night west coast games on Big Monday: Honestly, is there anything better than watcing Gonzaga-Santa Clara at midnight on a Monday. No, that is awesome. The crowds in the West Coast Conference are super intense and the games are played in very small gyms compared to what's seen in the super conferences. It seems as though there's always one or two players in either the WAC or the WCC that are awesome, but have not gotten the run they deserve. Just to name a few: Danny Granger (New Mexico last year), Andrew Bogut (Utah last year), Adam Morrison (although he's getting the well-deserved pub this year at Gonzaga), and Nick Fazekus (totally awesome, and totally skinny center for Nevada).

-Good ESPN coverage: Unlike its college football shows, which consist of little more than has-been blowhards commenting about teams they know absolutely nothing about (i.e. Mark May, Lou Holtz, Lee Corso, Rocket), ESPN's coverage of college basketball is very good. Digger Phelps gives some truly insightful commentary, Seth Davis is solid, Steve Lavin is very, very good, and Doug Gottlieb just plain kicks total ass!! Mix-in the fact that they have Rick Majerus giving some of the most informative play-by-play in the business--Ashley Judd comments aside--and you have some excellent coverage! Think about it....as annoying as Dick Vitale may be, at least it is obvious that he follows the sport very closely. Compared to Lee "whoever has the most turnovers will lose, now give me a ridiculous hat" Corso, and, well, there's no comparison. Keep it up ESPN, this is about the only thing you do well these days!

Anyways, here's my favorites to win the title 2/3 through the season.

My top 5:

1. Michigan St.- I love this team. They have everything you need to win in the tournament in that their guards are awesome and they have a legit big man in Paul Davis. Ironically, I have only seen them play live twice this season and they lost both times (Illinois and Michigan). However, both those games were on the road against good teams, and Dee Brown was frieking on fire for Illinois.

2. Duke-As much as I hate to admit it, they are really, really good. In fact, they're probably only #2 out of spite. Hey J.J., why don't you either 1) stop looking like you should suck, but still dominate, or 2) go straight to hell.

3. Texas-Really coming on strong now. They will be tough for anyone to beat with Aldredge dominating like he is.

4. Gonzaga-This is the first year that I've really been sold on the Zags. They've played a brutal schedule and have held-up very well. Plus, they have Adam Morrison who just kicks so much ass, it's unreal. Ravio is an awesome ballhandler and they have a good big man in Batista.

5. Villanovia-I realize this is a bit of a reach and all hinges on whether or not Curtis Sumpter comes back and is the player he was last year. If he doesn't, then they likely won't get past the second round. However, their guards are unmatched in the country, and he is awesome. If he comes back and plays well, watch out.

Others I really like (in no particular order)

-Illinois
-Indiana
-UConn (although I'm getting the "huge upset" vibe here for some reason).

MP