mikesyr15

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

I watch more Pac 10 basketball than anything, so obviously I think a team like Stanford or USC could be a sleeper going into the tourney.  Even Oregon or Arizona.  Those 4 have kind of dropped off the national radar lately, but all are playing very good right now.  The Pac 10 is going to be heard in the tourney.  I could also see one of the A-10 schools making some noise, like a Dayton or Rhode Island, if they get in.  For a pretender, I would say Vanderbilt.  I know they started the season with a big winning streak, but they have played no one so far.  Also, I could see UConn making a run in the NCAA tourney.

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

The TarHeels will make it.  But they have to start playing so smooth like the 05 team.  Lots of raw talent as this writer has noted.  When it get's down to crunch time, Tyler Hansbrough becomes a beast.  He just takes the game over.  Last game 30+ points and bunches of rebounds but we're not jelling yet.. (I spell that right?)  We have the potential to be a final 4 team but I'd like to see some good passing which we are lacking.  Hope it comes in March..  If nothing else, Hansbrough will pick up the team on his shoulders and carry them to the finals.  UNCle sure hope's so.

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

UNLV'S Runnin' Rebels. they are playing great ball right now and have a good shot at taking the MWC and making another run at the NCAA tourney.

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

I'd like to throw out the Baylor Bears as the midseason sleeper. They are a good team that is coming of age. Can you call Kansas State a sleeper? Could the pull off a Syracuse of 2003? I think it is possible.

For my pretenders I would go with the Texas A&M Aggies & the Texas Longhorns. Neither team should do much in the NCAA tourney (assuming they both make it).

I only follow the Big XII closely - that's my excuse for all my picks being from there.

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

Though I hate to think of my 'Cats as a sleeper, I guess I have to be content with that. The rest of the road is fairly easy, so games @TN and @Vandy will be telling. If they lose both of these, I think we can call the NCAA's a dream. For this year, at least.

I think your "faker" is Georgetown and your sleeper is either Louisville or maybe even Maryland. Time will tell all.

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

UNC will not make the final four for one simple reason...they don't play defense...you won't win 4 tournament games in a row by outscoring people, everybody has an offensive night off. Hansborough is a great offensive player, Lawson is a great offensive player...you get the point.

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

I feel teams are either made or broken in the latter half of the season when conference games kick in. A reasonably good or poor team from one conference could do really well against an out of conference opponent (through lack of familiarity) - but the real meat and potatoes takes place in the heart of conference play. K-State isn't exactly a sleeper -- I don't think a lot of people, save K-State fans, counted them in the top 25 this year. But they are winning when the winning counts - down the stretch (8-1 in their last 9) and are poised for a tournament bid.

Faker: Ole Miss. As the season wears on, they will fade into obscurity.  

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

I can tell you what squad is not a faker......Louisville Cardinals.

Lay it down right now, The Ville will be in the Final Four.

The Ville

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?

Sleepers = Oregon, Louisville, Florida, UConn, Maryland, Arizona

Fakers = Georgetown, Michigan State, Stanford, UNC, Marquette, Butler

NCAA Basketball's Mid Season sleeper? and Faker?