Oden a Bust?

Greg Oden's much anticipated debut was last night on TNT against the Lakers. It didn’t last long. Oden left the game after just under 13 minutes with another injury, this time it was his foot. I’m not gonna get into all his injuries because it would take to long, but he hasn’t been healthy since his junior year of high school. And it isn’t like he has one nagging injury, it’s been his wrist, his knee, and now his foot.

This guy was the number 1 pick overall. He was supposed to be the next Shaq. Now, is it too early to say he is a total bust? YES. Some people are going way too extreme with this. Is this very alarming for Oden, and Portland fans? YES. What we've seen so far is not a good sign.

I'm going to say that Greg Oden winds up kind of like a Grant Hill. I forsee him playing here and there with nagging injuries coming back all the time. Except he won’t pile up all-star years before the injuries. Greg Oden will never be a dominant force. It is a shame, because dominant centers are a rarity nowadays and a lot of fun to watch. He could have really made this young Portland team great. Yet another coulda woulda shoulda.

In his 13 minutes, Oden went 0-4, 5 boards, a block, 2 turnovers and 2 fouls….very subpar

Is this just a phase or is this what Portland fans have to look forward to? Bust or future Allstar? Let me know!

My NBA Draft Winners and Losers

WINNERS

Portland Trailblazers

So obviously they are huge winners in getting Oden but they really took it a step further. I absolutely love the deal they swung with the Knicks sending Zack Randolph out East for Steve Francis (once dubbed "Franchise") and Channing Frye. Francis will start at PG while Frye adds depth to the front court. Even though Randolph is a great player he was going to get logjammed with Aldridge and Oden so that was a great move. Portland's starting 5 will be young and tremendous next year and for years to come. This is what I'm looking at for their starting 5: Francis, Roy, Aldridge, Oden, and maybe Frye or Jack. Plus they'll have great youth on the bench with (like I said either Frye or Jack) plus Rudy Fernandez (like him), Taurian Green, and McRoberts. Basically I want to know if it is too late to be a Trailblazers fan?

Seattle Super Sonics

Once again they would be winners for the sole fact of just getting Durant. However, they got much much more. How they were able to ditch an aging and overpaid star in Ray Allen for Jeff Green, Wally Szerbiak, and Delante West is news to me. Durant and Green will be a great 1-2 punch and I think both will be stars. They've got a young, developing duo in Robert Swift and Chris Wilcox in the paint. Hopefully Green and Durant can get out in front and help Luke Ridnour push the tempo. Now that is an exciting team! There's going to be a lot of young and exciting things happening in the Pacific Northwest over the next 5 years as far as the NBA is concerned.

Minnesota Twolves

I think Brewer will wind up being the bets of the Florida bunch. I really wanted the Bucks to get him. He's going to be good. Now they need to figure out what they're going to do with KG... but for now they're winners.

Atlanta Hawks

Obviously it's tough to be a loser when you have the 3rd and 11th picks. I wasn't real high on the Hawks' picks but I thought they came out winners. Horford is a great player and would be a great pick for anyone at 3. The problem is that due to recent picks (Sheldon Williams and Josh Smith) the Hawks have a bit of a logjam. I also think Acie Law is a solid player, but won’t produce the same in the NBA as he did in college. If I’m the Hawks, I would have drafted Mike Conley Jr. at 3 -because they really need a solid PG-and Julian Wright at 11. Then I would play uptempo, like the Suns, and try to win the weak East by playing faster than everyone else.

LOSERS

Boston Celtics

Where to start... You are losers for losing so much last season. You are losers for not getting the first pick in the draft. For some reason you threw away the 5th pick in Jeff Green (a player who I think will be a star) and some fairly decent spare parts away for an aging and overpaid Ray Allen. You need to be building for the future. While Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are an above average duo they are not the long-term answer. Good luck making the playoffs next year. Terrible draft.

Milwaukee Bucks

I'm ranking my Bucks as losers because I am a pessimist. I wanted the Bucks to address young talent at the 1 and the 3....instead they went with a 7footer. Yi might end up being great who knows? But, I didn't want them to take him. It's high risk and high reward. Now I find myself wondering what they're going to do. Yi's representatives are saying that he won't play in Milwaukee and will try to force a trade. The Bucks know it's an uphill battle, but felt he was the best talent left on the board and say they want to keep him. If they can find a way to keep him around and if he starts then they probably have Bogut, Villanueva, and Yi all in their starting 5. They'd certainly be tall I guess!

Philadelphia 76ers

Their draft sucked. Thaddeus Young is a ways from being NBA ready. The kid from Finland looked terrible and the announcers were even saying that he'll probably continue to play overseas for a while. Basically all they got was Josh Smith and even though he's 7'0 I'm not sold on him at all.

Chicago Bulls

Their draft wasn't bad. I'm about 50/50 on it. I think they are draft day losers for one reason and one reason only: They took Joakim Noah with their 1st pick. I never once thought that he was top10 pick material. He brings energy (screams like a retard) and knows how to win but I dont' really think he's that good and the Bulls need low post scoring. - Noah is not that.

Questions, comments and criticisms are welcome. Add a winner or a loser of your own.

Revised 2007 NBA Mock Draft

Here's my revised 2007 NBA Mock Draft. After the draft deadline and workouts, I have some changes from my last Mock Draft.

1. Portland Trail Blazers- Greg Oden, Ohio St.
Please Portland, take Oden. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a player with this caliber. Big men like this are hard to come by these days and believe me, he won't disappoint. It would be smart to take him over Kevin Durant.

2. Seattle Sonics- Kevin Durant, Texas
I bet the Sonics were jumping out of their pants when they heard they had the 2nd pick. Rashard Lewis will not be around anymore and Durant will be able to take his place immediately. He is a franchise type player and once he puts on some mass, he'll be an all star.

3. Atlanta Hawks- Al Horford, Florida

I am giving in. I decided to move up Horford a few spots. The Hawks will not waste another pick in drafting another versatile forward that they're loaded with already. The Hawks have many options here... they could use a PG in Mike Conley Jr. but I don't believe they will go that way with this high of a pick. Horford has been very impressive during the draft workouts and the Hawks need a post presence now.

4. Memphis Grizzlies- Yi Jianlian, China
The Grizz need another post presence to compliment Pau Gasol. Yi can play all over the floor as well. He can take you inside or step out and hit a 20' foot jumper. He has great ball handling skills and is very light on his feet for a 7' footer. Here's an older post I did on him in case you want to know more about him: So, just who is Yi Jianlian?

5. Boston Celtics- Corey Brewer, Florida
Boston is still a pretty young team. They need another defender and scorer and Brewer brings that to the table. Brewer showed his last 2 years of college ball that he is a force on both ends of the court and Danny Ainge will not look past that. But don't be surprised if the Celtics trade this pick either.

6. Milwaukee Bucks- Brandan Wright, UNC

After weighing in at a slim 200 pounds, teams are wondering how long it will take for Wright's body to catch up to his amazing talent. A lot may argue that the Bucks will pick a big man but they still have Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villaneuva; and at the SF position they have oldies in Charlie Bell and Ruben Patterson. Wright would fit in well for Milwaukee.

7. Minnesota T'Wolves- Mike Conley Jr., Ohio St.
The Wolves have desperately needed a PG over the years and now is their chance to get a great one. Conley is what you like to see in a PG... he thinks pass first, sees the court so well, and can get to basket whenever he needs too. Him and Garnett (if he isn't traded) could make a great tandem.

8. Charlotte Bobcats- Jeff Green, Georgetown

Green falls down a few notches after moving up Horford. Green is a type of player that can contribute right away. He has the skills and attributes of an NBA player and I feel he is ready. Gerald Wallace is set for free agency and Green will be able to fill in for him.

9. Chicago Bulls- Joakim Noah, Florida
The Bulls haven't been satisfied with Ben Wallace, and P.J. Brown will be retiring soon. This is a great opportunity for them to get a big man that will take them to the next level, and help out the great young talent they already have in Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, and Tyrus Thomas.

10. Sacramento Kings- Julian Wright, Kansas
The Kings are in a rebuilding mode and could use Wright's athletic talent and potential. He is very unselfish which will make Mike Bibby and Ron Artest happy (if they both stay). Wright has a lot of strengths and will bring a lot to this organization.

11. Atlanta Hawks- Acie Law, Texas A&M

This is where I think the Hawks need to address their PG problems. I think the Hawks will make a long hard decision between Law and Javaris Crittenton (Complete Sports thinks it will be Crittenton). Both great overall PG's, but Law's experience playing 4 years at College Station and his leadership will be the main reasons the Hawks will take him.

12. Philadelphia 76ers- Al Thornton, FSU
This is where the Sixers will take the best available. Thornton could benefit a lot from playing behind a player like Andre Igoudala and his one on one skills are what the Sixers want in a forward.

13. New Orleans Hornets- Nick Young, USC
The Hornets could use a SG/SF and Young would probably be the best available at those positions. Young would be a great scorer to have off the bench. His athletic ability is tough to pass up on as well.

14. Los Angeles Clippers- Javaris Crittenton, Georgia Tech

The Clippers need a point guard badly. Sam Cassell is a year away from retirement and you can't rely on the health of Shaun Livingston. Crittenton has tons of talent and he is your typical NBA prototype PG.

15. Detroit Pistons- Spencer Hawes, Washington

The Pistons will need another big man sooner or later. So now is a great time to get a great talent in Spencer Hawes. I think Hawes could contribute right away. His passing ability and smart play fit in greatly in Detroit.

2007 NBA Mock Draft

Here's The Sports Flow's 2007 NBA Mock Draft:

1. Portland Trail Blazers- Greg Oden, Ohio St.

Please Portland, take Oden. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a player with this caliber. Big men like this are hard to come by these days and believe me, he won't disappoint. It would be smart to take him over Kevin Durant.

2. Seattle Sonics- Kevin Durant, Texas

I bet the Sonics were jumping out of their pants when they heard they had the 2nd pick. It looks like Rashard Lewis will not be sticking around much longer and Durant will be able to take his place. He is a franchise type player and once he puts on some mass, he'll be an all star.

3. Atlanta Hawks- Brandan Wright, UNC

The Hawks have many options here... they could use a PG in Mike Conley Jr. but I don't believe they will go that way with this high of a pick. They could use a center in Al Horford or Yi Jianlian as well. But I don't think they can pass on Wright even though they already have some good forwards. They seem to draft a forward every year so why not again?

4. Memphis Grizzlies- Yi Jianlian, China

The Grizz need another post presence to compliment Pau Gasol. Yi can play all over the floor as well. He can take you inside or step out and hit a 20' foot jumper. He has great ball handling skills and is very light on his feet for a 7' footer.

5. Boston Celtics- Corey Brewer, Florida

Boston is still a pretty young team. They need another defender and scorer and Brewer brings that to the table. Brewer showed his last 2 years of college ball that he is a force on both ends of the court and Danny Ainge will not look past that.

6. Milwaukee Bucks- Jeff Green, G-Town

Green is a type of player that can contribute right away. He has the skills and attributes of an NBA player and I feel he is ready. A lot may argue that the Bucks will pick a big man but they still have Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villaneuva; and at the SF position they have oldies in Charlie Bell and Ruben Patterson. Green would be a great fit in Milwaukee.

7. Minnesota T'Wolves- Mike Conley Jr., Ohio St.

The Wolves have desperately needed a PG over the years and now is their chance to get a great one. Conley is what you like to see in a PG... he thinks pass first, sees the court so well, and can get to basket whenever he needs too. Him and Garnett could make a great tandem.

8. Charlotte Bobcats- Al Horford, Florida

I do not like having Horford this low but I believe these other teams are more focused on fulfilling their needs before taking the best talent out there. Well, unless, your name is Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. But the draft is about a month away and I may reconsider but I think the Bobcats could use another big man and won't pass on Horford obviously if he is still available.

9. Chicago Bulls- Joakim Noah, Florida

The Bulls haven't been satisfied with Ben Wallace, and P.J. Brown will be retiring soon. This is a great opportunity for them to get a big man that will take them to the next level, and help out the great young talent they already have in Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, and Tyrus Thomas.

10. Sacramento Kings- Julian Wright, Kansas

The Kings are in a rebuilding mode and could use Wright's athletic talent and potential. He is very unselfish which will make Mike Bibby and Ron Artest happy. Wright has a lot of strengths and will bring a lot to this organization.

11. Atlanta Hawks- Spencer Hawes, Washington

This is where I think the Hawks will address their post problems. They still need a PG, but I think Hawes could contribute right away. His passing ability and smart play is what the Hawks need.

12. Philadelphia 76ers- Al Thornton, FSU

This is where the Sixers will take the best available. Thornton could benefit a lot from playing behind a player like Andre Igoudala and his one on one skills are what the Sixers want in a forward.

13. New Orleans Hornets- Nick Young, USC

The Hornets could use a SG/SF and Young would probably be the best available at those positions. Young would be a great scorer to have off the bench. His athletic ability is tough to pass up on as well.

14. Los Angeles Clippers- Thaddeus Young, G-Tech

The Clips could use an athletic forward in Young. He is capable of becoming a great scorer and can hit from the outside. But it will take sometime, probably a few years to mold him into a true NBA player.

15. Detroit Pistons- Jason Smith, CSU
The Pistons will need another big man sooner or later. So now is a great time to get a great talent in Jason Smith out of CSU. Smith has great technique and mechanics for a post player, kind of similar to Rasheed Wallace. Detroit should like that.

Jumping Ship

With tons of big decisions being made all around the NCAA Bball world I just wanna outline some of the biggest and give you guys a prediction as to where I think they will land in the draft.

Greg Oden - Father announced yesterday that he was leaving for the draft. I really thought he would stay but I guess I was wrong.
prediction- Almost positive he'll go #1

Joahkim Noah- I wish he wouldn't scream everytime he does anything but, it's official he has hired his father's agent. He might have gone #1 overall last year but decided to come back...I guess that worked out ok for him in the end.
prediction- top 10

Kevin Durant- How big do you think his shoe deal will be?
prediction- top 2

Julian Wright- said all year that he'd be returning to finish his degree...I guess something changed his mind. It's a bummer for Jayhawk fans everywhere, myself included.
prediction- he'll be a lottery pick

Aaron Afflalo- He declared last year too so I'd say he's in for good now.
prediction- probably anywhere from picks 15-35

Corey Brewer- Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player...he's long and athletic and I think will be great in the NBA.
prediction- lottery pick

AL Horford- He really impressed me in this year's tourney. I think he's great and his size makes him even more valuable.
prediction- goin' top 10

Josh McRoberts- wasted no time in announcing he’ll be leaving Duke for good, despite the fact that his draft stock is not that great following a fairly disappointing sophomore season.
prediction- top 20, probably top 15

Roy Hibbert- best size in the draft other than Oden. I thought he shoulda returned to school. He probably could have reall improved his game and gone even higher next year. Hasn't hired agent yet, could still return.
prediction- top 15 for sure

Jeff Green- Definitely A top-flight guard in the draft...doesn't have an agent yet either so him and Hibbert both could return. I think if one does you can look for the other to follow suit.
prediction- top 10 if he goes

**Sorry It's so short. I have to go to work now....Lemme know your thoughts, predictions and projections**

It's Ohio St. vs. Florida... Again???

The NCAA Tournament is now down to only 2 teams. It was Florida vs Ohio St. for the BCS National Championship in College Football and now for College Basketball's National Title Game it's who? That is, Florida vs Ohio St.... again.

Four months ago who would have thought of this scenario? Nobody expected the Gators to make the BCS Championship, let alone chomp the Buckeyes into pieces. And now here we are, OSU vs Florida all over again.

Well now the Buckeyes get their chance for revenge. To redeem the psyche of the whole Buckeye Nation after that horrific dismantling the Gators gave them last January 8. Watch out Tedd Ginn's ankle!

Analysis and Prediction
I really like this match up. Florida does have the edge experience wise and a slight edge in the post department. But the two back court match ups should be something to keep an eye on. Florida's experienced back court vs Ohio St.'s young and up-coming back court; I mean you have two of the best point guards in the country going at it in Mike Conley and Taurean Green. Along with Lee Humphrey, Corey Brewer, and Walter Hodge of Florida pairing up against OSU's Ron Lewis, Daequan Cook, Jamar Butler, and David Lighty. Both are arguably the top two back courts in the nation.

Defensive wise you would have to think OSU will try a zone for much of the game. It's hard for them to match up with the Gators man vs. man. It will be tough to stop Al Horford and Joakim Noah in a man set; and they would still have to stop Brewer and they don't have anybody big or quick enough to slow him down. Plus, OSU needs to protect Greg Oden. Which wasn't the case last night, as most of us witnessed Oden getting two quick fouls in the first 3 minutes of the game vs Georgetown. It would play to a huge advantage if Florida got him in foul trouble early. So, playing a zone would be OSU's best option.

This game can go either way literally. Florida may be the favorite, but you can't count out a team that has Greg Oden on their side. But the Buckeyes guards need to keep doing what their doing. Will the young guns come through again? Or will they back down just like their fellow classmates did back in January?

The Pick: Florida- Unless you're a Buckeye fan you can't pick against Florida. Horford, Noah, Brewer, and Green all came back for one reason, and that was to become the first team to repeat as national champions since Duke in 1992, and the first ever to do it with the same starting lineup.

Final Four Breakdown

The Final Four is here and we have some great match ups ahead of us this Saturday and it should be a dandy. I am really looking forward to it. There are a handful of premier big men playing which should make it that much more exciting to watch. But anyways, here's some analysis and predictions on the games.

Ohio St. vs. Georgetown
Oden vs Hibbert
This is the match up I have been most anticipating. You have 7'0 Greg Oden vs 7'2 Roy Hibbert. Great match up overall. But this is where I give the advantage to Georgetown. I think Hibbert can control Oden down low and hold his own against him. Hibbert is the most physical post player in the country and I think he will out work and definitely out rebound Oden down low. Oden must stay out of foul trouble because they have no one else to guard Hibbert or even Patrick Ewing Jr. for that matter.

Also, OSU has no match for Jeff Green. They can definitely hold Hibbert down low. But who's going to stop Green? Green outmatches every other Buckeye. If they stick an undersized guard on him he will abuse him all over the court. If they put Ivan Harris or even Othello Hunter on him, he will be able to slash and take them to the rack all day. Georgetown's front court is going to provide some big problems for OSU, especially if Oden gets into foul trouble.

OSU has the edge in the back court. They have multiple options with their guards, so does G'Town, but the Buckeyes G's have a little more talent. Mike Conley is a phenomenal PG, he is most effective in the open floor, and he'll get those opportunities only if Georgetown commits a lot of turnovers or has a horrible shooting night; which is doubtful that will happen. But with Conley, Lewis, Cook, Butler, and Lighty, OSU has the ability to take it to Georgetown's G's, if they can pressure them and force them to put up bad shots they can definitely top the Hoyas.

The Pick: Georgetown- Their defense has been tremendous. They're just too big and physical for the Buckeyes. Don't forget their holding opponents to just a little under 40% field goal shooting. Georgetown will easily dictate their own tempo and should handle them well in a half court game.

Florida vs. UCLA
It's the rematch of last years national title game. I think defense is going to be the biggest factor in this game. Both teams have played stellar defense in the tournament thus far. I don't expect the game to be as one-sided as it was last year, only because UCLA is a more experienced team.

Starting with the front court, Florida has a huge advantage here. UCLA's undersized posts have played bigger teams in this tournament well (i.e. Kansas & Pittsburgh). But, Al Horford has been amazing and has produced awesome numbers in guiding the Gators to Atlanta. Don't forget about Joakim Noah who has played well and UCLA needs to contain him Saturday night. Florida also has post depth off the bench, so if Horford or Noah get in any kind of foul trouble, it won't be a huge deal.

I love the back court match ups with Taurean Green, Lee Humphery, and Corey Brewer of Florida vs the likes of Aaron Afflalo, Josh Shipp, Darren Collison, and Michael Roll of UCLA. Both are evenly balanced and I can't really give an edge to either. But I think the X-Factor here is Darren Collison. Afflalo has been a stud lately and he needs someone else to step up too. Collison with his defense can pressure and contain Green and/or Humphery. If he can get them to force some tough shots and get them a little flustered UCLA will have a great chance at winning this game.


The Pick: UCLA- The play of Afflalo and the other guards has been amazing. I think UCLA's guards, especially Afflalo and Collision, can outperform Florida's. Also, defense will be a huge key and UCLA has been impressing many with their solid play on both ends of the court.

You should also check out some predictions and analysis from Complete Sports. I also encourage you to vote in our Final Four poll.

Take Your Pick: Oden vs. Durant

So, this is something that has been done on like 96% of sports blogs out there and even though it is a little late I want to do it anyways. Cuz if everyone's doing it...then it's best to follow along in order to fit in.

Alright, I've got the first pick in the NBA Draft next year, which guy do I want (assuming both leave for the draft). In case one stays let's just say we are looking for the all around best player at the next level right now. Here we go.....

• Oden- Offense is weak but excels at other aspecs which are essential and much needed at the next level (some NBA squads may take an interest in PLAYING DEFENSE which adds greatly to his appeal)
• Oden- You can't teach size.
• Durant- He can do it all
• Durant- A better scorer than Oden
• Durant- Can play multiple positions at the next level
• Oden- already has the NBA-body
• Durant- Still needs to fill out for the next level
  

By highlighting just a few of these Pros and Cons it is easy to tell that this is a tough call and both players will no doubt be great NBA players one day. However Greg Oden is my guy. By drafting him and inserting him in your lineup he makes a huge and immediate impact on your defense , which is a novel concept in the NBA. Also offensively he still can grow. With the right coaching, and a little maturing his offense will improve. He's proved his toughness this year by playing for weeks on one hand- his non-dominant one at that. So, if you have a bit of a void at the 5 spot, or are looking for what I view as the best overall pick to make the greatest immediate impact. I would take Oden. Because if you have the first pick in the draft, chances are is that you are looking for some kind of an immediate impact. However, if you are set at the 5 and are looking for a scorer who doesn't play great D, then Durant is your guy. Which of the 2 would you take?

P.S.- Stefan and I are both older than Kevin Durant....that in itself is scary and kind of wierd to think about.

AP Names All-American 1st Team

Freshmen Kevin Durant and Greg Oden were voted to the AssociatedPress' All-America team Monday, the first members of their class so honored since 1989. Durant was the only unanimous selection, which seems fair... completely dominated the game all-around. One of the greatest freshmen to ever play college hoops.

Making the team along with Durant and Oden are Alando Tucker -Wisconsin-, Acie Law -Texas A&M-, & Arron Afflalo -UCLA-. All 5 deserved to be on here, I wouldn't take anyone else over any of them.

So Close...Yet So Far + WCHA Championship Tonight!

As the Xavier vs. Ohio St. game progressed I couldn't help but find myself rooting for the Muskateers. Even though I have Ohio St. picked to the Elite 8 or Final 4 in basically all of my brackets I was so drawn to the upset and was nearly certain that it was going to happen.

Ohio St. made a huge statement by winning this game. They showed their extreme balance and resilience by making this comeback. When they were down 59-50 they looked essentially dead in the water. Especially once Oden fouled out. However, they showed that they have multiple weapons -3 or 4 guys- who can hit that big shot and that's what it takes to win a National Championship.

I found a touch of controversy in this game however, as I thought that Greg Oden's 5th foul was intentional. I don't blame the refs for allowing them to finish the game on the court but now looking back on it, when hindsight is 20/20, I think that it would have made all the difference in the game. If Oden throwing the Xavier player to the ground is called intentional I think Xavier holds on and wins.

However weak as the Buckeyes looked today, right now I would absolutely not want to play them. I think the winner of the Tenn/Virginia game is in big trouble because today we learned a lot about Ohio St. today and they learned a lot about themselves as a team. They learned that they can get it done without Oden and that they have a couple guards, one a freshman and one a senior, who can literally take over a game(or overtime) and make that one shot to save the season. Ohio St. just received a slap in the face and is officially awake. Right now I think Ohio St. might be the most balanced team in the tournament, and they are certainly a team that I would not want to play.

**SIDE NOTE**

The WCHA Championship will be decided tonight at 7:07 (Central). The UND Fighting Sioux take on the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Look for this to be a really great game and if you are a fan of hockey or college hockey in particular I strongly encourage you to tune in to this one.

UND come in really hot, having lost only 1 game in the last 18. Personally I think the matchup of UND vs. Minn favors UND. That's why I'm really glad that Minnesota beat Wisconsin last night because I think that Wisconsin's physical gameplay would really favor them in a matchup with UND. However, with UND vs. Minnesota I think that UND's speed and outstanding puckhandling gives them an advantage in this one. Not to mention that when they last played in Minneapolis the Sioux came out with a sweep of the then #1 ranked Golden Gophers.

GO SIOUX!

Big 10 and Big XII Conference Tourney Previews

BIG XII

As biased as this could be I really think that Kansas will be our Big XII Champ. Although I think you can look for some really great games. I think potentially KU vs. Tex Tech, Texas vs. Texas A&M will be great semifinal games. Especially Texas A&M vs. Texas: I feel like this game could sway either way but I'm going with A&M because I've seen quite a bit of the Aggies and Acie Law and I think they are legit. They have the edge with experience over a young Longhorns team. Look for the championship to be very hard-fought and close between Texas A&M and KU. But, aside from them being my team I'm taking KU. Acie Law is great but I can't pick against the likes of Rush, Wright, Chalmers and Robinson. This should be exceptional viewing so make sure to tune in for some of these games over spring break. This year's BIG XII tourney should be one of the better tournaments and I think we are all in for a treat.

BIG TEN

When a lot of people think of good college basketball they usually focus on the ACC, Big XII, and SEC. Really I can't argue with anyone there but I encourage you all to watch some of this year's BIG TEN tournament. I think it should be one of the better in recent years. Much like the BIG XII Tourney, I think the Semifinal games should be great to watch. Look for Ohio St. to beat Iowa but I think this game might be closer than people think. Personally, I feel the championship everyone wants to see (Wisconsin vs. Ohio St.) probably won't happen. I like Indiana to beat Wisconsin in a doozie. Then after the Semifinal upset look for them to play Ohio St. really tough. In the end Indiana nor Iowa (or really Wisconsin for that matter) have anyone who can REALLY match up against Mr. Greg Oden. Also if they focus in on Oden look for Freshman PG Mike Conley to be able to step up and hit the big shot. I was really tempted to go with Indiana here but Complete Sports did it for me. I'm sticking with Ohio St. to hold up and solidify their number 1 seed in the dance.