Hello. Today I will talk about the NBA Playoffs. The title gives away what this article will be discussing so let's get right into it
Warriors/Rockets
Although anything is possible, I do not think that Houston can comeback and beat Golden State. The Warriors, led by Steph Curry's 33 points and 6 assists, defeated the Rockets on Thursday by a score of 99-98. The Rockets fought very hard, and although I am not a fan of either James Harden(38 Points, 10 Rebounds, 9 Assists) or Dwight Howard(19 Points, 17 Rebounds), I give them high praise for their efforts last night. However, the better team came out on top, and the league MVP stepped up in the final seconds to contribute to a game-clinching steal of Harden. I believe that the Rockets might win 1 or 2 games, but Golden State has been dominant the whole year, and Houston will not be able to play catch-up like they did against the Clippers.
Cavs/ Hawks
The Cavs already have a 1-0 lead in this series, and I think that they will win it. The Cavs are simply too talented and hot right now for Atlanta to handle. Cleveland has also received a huge boost by JR Smith getting hot in the playoffs. Oh, and they have this Lebron James fella who is decent. I also think that Kyrie Irving has not been playing his best basketball, and it will be scary if/when he heats up during this series. The Hawks have a nice team with Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver leading the way, but Cleveland talent will prevail.
So, as I have thought for the past few months, a Warriors/Cavs final is very likely to take place.
Thanks for reading. I am Joe Smeltzer
Friday, May 22, 2015
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Floyd-Manny breakdown/prediction
Well, it sure took long enough, but the fight is finally here. Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. These 2 are without question, the 2 biggest faces in the sport. Hell, in the eyes of many, they're the only 2 faces in the sport. Mayweather has been ranked #1 in the world for as long as people my age can remember, and his success, arrogance and criminal past have caused him to be both one of the wealthiest, and most hated, athletes in the world. Like a lot of battles, this is seen as a conflict between good and evil, and it is clear who that Floyd Mayweather is playing the villain. Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, is almost as loved by the public as Mayweather is hated. He has a very good sense of humor and charming personality, and along with being a boxer, he is a politician, pop star, and basketball player. It is a perfect contrast of personalities. Now, I will discuss how these 2 match up with one another and who has the edge.
Speed
This one goes to Floyd. Mayweather is very quick and will frustrate Pac Man with his ability to slip away from any punch that Manny throws. Floyd will hope to use this quickness to tire out Pacquio and wear him down in the later rounds.
Edge: Mayweather
Power
This is where Manny has the edge. Other then the controversial knockout of Victor Ortiz in 2011, Mayweather has not had a knockout of any sort since his stoppage of Ricky Hatton in 2007. Pac Man is much more known for his power than Floyd is, as Mayweather relies more on quickness and defense. Manny has the edge in this category.
Edge: Pacquiao
Defense
This is an easy one. Even Mayweather's harshest critics will admit that he is one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time. He has perfected the shoulder roll like he invented it and trying to hit him is like trying the smack a fly out of the air. He moves so quickly around the ring and can dodge a punch like few others can. Floyd has the edge over Manny and pretty much everybody else in this category.
Edge: Mayweather
Chin
Mayweather has the edge again. Floyd rarely ever gets hit, but when he does, his chin is strong enough to where it does not hurt him like it does most fighters, Pac Man included.
Edge: Mayweather
Confidence
I don't really have to explain this one, do I?
Edge: Mayweather
In conclusion, I am very excited for this fight. This has been 5 years in the making and these 2 are both among at least the Top 40 fighters of all time. I am indeed pulling for Manny Pacquiao in this fight like most people are. However, I do not see him winning. Manny will come fired up and this fight will be even for the first 4-5 rounds or so. However, Floyd's quickness and defense will frustrate Manny, and cause him to tire himself out. Like so many of Floyd's previous opponents, Manny will be worn down by Round 10, and it will be clear by that point who the winner will be. I expect a fairly competitive fight, but Floyd will just be too much in the end. I have Mayweather winning 8 rounds out of 12, and the final scorecard should read 116-112 in favor of Mayweather. Yes, as much as people may be pissed off, 48-0 will become a reality.
Winner: Mayweather
Speed
This one goes to Floyd. Mayweather is very quick and will frustrate Pac Man with his ability to slip away from any punch that Manny throws. Floyd will hope to use this quickness to tire out Pacquio and wear him down in the later rounds.
Edge: Mayweather
Power
This is where Manny has the edge. Other then the controversial knockout of Victor Ortiz in 2011, Mayweather has not had a knockout of any sort since his stoppage of Ricky Hatton in 2007. Pac Man is much more known for his power than Floyd is, as Mayweather relies more on quickness and defense. Manny has the edge in this category.
Edge: Pacquiao
Defense
This is an easy one. Even Mayweather's harshest critics will admit that he is one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time. He has perfected the shoulder roll like he invented it and trying to hit him is like trying the smack a fly out of the air. He moves so quickly around the ring and can dodge a punch like few others can. Floyd has the edge over Manny and pretty much everybody else in this category.
Edge: Mayweather
Chin
Mayweather has the edge again. Floyd rarely ever gets hit, but when he does, his chin is strong enough to where it does not hurt him like it does most fighters, Pac Man included.
Edge: Mayweather
Confidence
I don't really have to explain this one, do I?
Edge: Mayweather
In conclusion, I am very excited for this fight. This has been 5 years in the making and these 2 are both among at least the Top 40 fighters of all time. I am indeed pulling for Manny Pacquiao in this fight like most people are. However, I do not see him winning. Manny will come fired up and this fight will be even for the first 4-5 rounds or so. However, Floyd's quickness and defense will frustrate Manny, and cause him to tire himself out. Like so many of Floyd's previous opponents, Manny will be worn down by Round 10, and it will be clear by that point who the winner will be. I expect a fairly competitive fight, but Floyd will just be too much in the end. I have Mayweather winning 8 rounds out of 12, and the final scorecard should read 116-112 in favor of Mayweather. Yes, as much as people may be pissed off, 48-0 will become a reality.
Winner: Mayweather
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Penguins Gain Home Ice Advantage
The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the New York Rangers on Saturday night by the final score of 4-3.
The main headline of Saturday night was Pittsburgh's captain Sidney Crosby scoring consecutive goals in the last six minutes of the second period. The captain had a backhand tap-in goal into a wide open net with 5:53 left in the first period. Then ,after recieving a perfect pass from Chris Kunitz, Crosby redirected the puck top shelf on Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist while falling to the ice. The goal came with 1:24 left in the second period.
In Pittsburgh, fans are relieved and excited that their team was able to produce a split on the road against the NHL's best team. In New York… they're sweating...
Pittsburgh now has home ice advantage. Splitting in the first two meetings leaves 3 out of the next 5 games to be played in the steel city. Can the Pens take advantage of what they've earned? Game 3 is monday & takes place at Console Energy Center at 7:00 p.m.
Written by Austin Young, in collaboration with Joe Smeltzer.
The main headline of Saturday night was Pittsburgh's captain Sidney Crosby scoring consecutive goals in the last six minutes of the second period. The captain had a backhand tap-in goal into a wide open net with 5:53 left in the first period. Then ,after recieving a perfect pass from Chris Kunitz, Crosby redirected the puck top shelf on Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist while falling to the ice. The goal came with 1:24 left in the second period.
In Pittsburgh, fans are relieved and excited that their team was able to produce a split on the road against the NHL's best team. In New York… they're sweating...
Pittsburgh now has home ice advantage. Splitting in the first two meetings leaves 3 out of the next 5 games to be played in the steel city. Can the Pens take advantage of what they've earned? Game 3 is monday & takes place at Console Energy Center at 7:00 p.m.
Written by Austin Young, in collaboration with Joe Smeltzer.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Final Four Predictions
68 teams were invited to the NCAA tournament this season, and only 4 remain. All four of these teams are very deserving and have worked very hard to get here. The winners of tonight's games will move onto the National Championship that will take place on Monday. Let's get into what I think will happen in tonight's games.
#1 Duke vs. #7 Michigan State
Duke was expected by a lot of people to be here, while the same cannot be said about Sparty. But Tom Izzo and his squad have knocked off giants in Virgina, Oklahoma and Lousiville to get here. The Spartans have solid guard play, led by Denzel Valentine, but I think that Duke will overpower MSU inside, as Jalihl Oakfor is arguably the best big man in the country. As has been the case many times before, Oakfor will propel Duke to victory.
Winner : Duke
#1 Kentucky vs. #1 Wisconsion
This is the matchup that I'm sure a lot of people had taking place in their bracket and I know that this is the game I wanted to see. It will be very close, and is a very hard game to predict. However, I'm going to have to go with Kentucky, do to their toughness and depth. As good as Frank Kaminsky is, he will be seeing 2 big men that are better than any he has faced all year besides Oakafor, in Karl Anthony Towns and Wille-Caully Stien. Kaminsky was not effective against Oakfor, and although I expect Towns and Stien to nerur lose him just enough to win it for UK. The Wildcats have the best defensive team in the land, and Wisconsion will not shoot like they did against Arizoka against them. So, I think 39-0 will become a reality.
Winner: Kentucky
#1 Duke vs. #7 Michigan State
Duke was expected by a lot of people to be here, while the same cannot be said about Sparty. But Tom Izzo and his squad have knocked off giants in Virgina, Oklahoma and Lousiville to get here. The Spartans have solid guard play, led by Denzel Valentine, but I think that Duke will overpower MSU inside, as Jalihl Oakfor is arguably the best big man in the country. As has been the case many times before, Oakfor will propel Duke to victory.
Winner : Duke
#1 Kentucky vs. #1 Wisconsion
This is the matchup that I'm sure a lot of people had taking place in their bracket and I know that this is the game I wanted to see. It will be very close, and is a very hard game to predict. However, I'm going to have to go with Kentucky, do to their toughness and depth. As good as Frank Kaminsky is, he will be seeing 2 big men that are better than any he has faced all year besides Oakafor, in Karl Anthony Towns and Wille-Caully Stien. Kaminsky was not effective against Oakfor, and although I expect Towns and Stien to nerur lose him just enough to win it for UK. The Wildcats have the best defensive team in the land, and Wisconsion will not shoot like they did against Arizoka against them. So, I think 39-0 will become a reality.
Winner: Kentucky
Sunday, March 29, 2015
March Maddness: Predictions for Day 2 of Elite 8
We are now in the Elite 8 stage of March Maddness. Saturday's games were awesome, as Wisconsin and Kentucky moved on to the Final Four. Let's get into what I think will happen today.
2:20
#4 Louisville vs. #7 Michigan State
Neither of these teams were expected to be here, but they are both worthy because they play smart, mistake free basketball. I expect a close game, but Michigan State's defense and guard play will frustrate the Cardinals, as they are a poor shooting team. For this reason, I'm picking Michigan State to move on to the Final Four.
Winner: Michigan State
5:05
#2 Gonzaga vs. #1 Duke
This game as hard to predict, as I think Kyle Wijlter and Gonzaga match up well against Duke because of their size. However, I think that Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook are the best back-court in the country, and that will propel Duke to victory in a very, very close game.
Winner: Duke
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
My thoughts on March Madness: 10 teams who can make it to the Final 4
Hello everybody!It feels good to be writing again. I have not typed a word about College Basketball since the season began, so needless to say I have some catching up to do. As you readers are aware, Selection Sunday has passed and we now know where every team stands as far as seeding goes. I will now write about 10 teams who I think can make it to the Final Four and possibly beyond.
#1 Kentucky
The Wildcats have been the best team in the country since Day 1, as they are by far the deepest team in the country. Ever since they obliterated Kansas on opening night, the country has taken notice that the Cats are a force to be reckoned with. This is arguably the best team John Calipari has ever coached, and certainly has more depth than any team Cal has ever led. UK has the #2 scoring defense in the country, allowing just 52.7 points per game, and they are also 2nd in the country in blocked shots, averaging 7 per game. The Cats have a big and aggressive front court, with Willie Cully-Stien and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way. In the back-court, the Harrison brothers(Andrew and Aaron) are both playing key roles in the Wildcats' success. Aaron leads the team in scoring, averaging 11.2 points per game, while Andrew leads the team is assists with 4.1 per game. Also playing a key role in the back-court is Devin Booker, who is right behind Aaron Harrison with 11.1 points per game. Tyler Ulis, Dakari Johnson and Trey Lyle also play their roles well. Everybody knows how good this team is, and it will be interesting to see if they become the first team since the 1972 Indiana Hoosiers to finish the season perfect and win a National Championship. To the surprise of nobody, the Wildcats received the #1 overall seed and will be playing the winner of the first 4 matchup between #16 Hampton/Manhattan(play in game).
#2 Virginia
This is a team that will not excite a lot of people with the way they play, but while ''first to 50'' style games may be boring, winning is not, and this team wins a lot. Guard Malcolm Brodgon leads the team with 13.5 points per game, and Anthony Gill, Mike Toby and Darion Atkins have all contributed in the front-court, with Gill averaging 11.2 points per game. The Cavs are another team that could win the whole thing, even with their loss to UNC in the ACC Semi-Final on Friday night, as Tony Bennett is qualified to be a national championship head coach. Virginia received a 2 seed and will face off against #15 Belmont.
#2 Gonzaga
Every year, the Zags are questioned for their sub-par level of competition, but I truly believe that this is the best team Mark Few has had at least since Adam Morrison left in 2006. Gonzaga is solid on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they rank in the top 15 nationally in both points per game and assists per game, and are 1st in field goal percentage. On defense, they are 24th in the country in points allowed, and rank 4th in rebounding. Only a overtime loss early in the season to #7 Arizona, as well as a 83-80 defeat at the hands of BYU, has kept the Zags from being the 2nd perfect team in the land. Forward Kyle Wiltjer leads the team with 17 points per game, and guards Kevin Pangos and Byron Wesley are both averaging double figures. 7-1 Center Przemek Karnowski is a great complement to Wiltjer in the front court, and he is averaging 10.6 points and 6 rebounds per game. Another big man, Domantas Sabonis, is also playing a key role, averaging 9.7 points and nearly 7 rebounds per game. The Zags have all the pieces they need to make a deep run, all they have to do is play. The Zags have also received a #2 seed and will face off against #15 North Dakota State.
#1 Duke
You do not have to be a big basketball fan, or even a basketball fan at all to know that Coach K is a great coach. K recently became the first coach in Men's D1 Basketball history to win 1,000 games, and he has a group that is capable of bringing him his 5th national championship. Center Jahil Oakfor is projected to be the 1st overall pick in this June's NBA Draft, and he is complimented in the front court by Justice Winslow. Dukes back-court of Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook is one of the best in the land, and Amille Jefferson provides good defense in the front court. Guards Grayson Allen and Matt Jones provide good minutes off the bench. Duke may not have the depth of Kentucky, but the players they use are talented enough to make a run at the title. They received a #1 seed and will be pitted against the winner of the #16 Robert Morris/North Florida game that will take place in Dayton.
#1 Wisconsin
When you have one of the best coaches in the country, as well as a Wooden Award front runner, you have a great chance to go places. Wisconsin has both of those things. Bo Ryan has been in this game for a while, and he is simply one of the best coaches in the business. Frank Kaminsky is a 7-1 Center who is well established as a dominant force in college basketball. He is aided in the front court by San Dekker and Nigel Hays, who are both averaging a little over 12 points per game. Guard Josh Gasser is also contributing to the cause with his stout defense. I love watching Wisconsin play and believe that they deserved to be a #1 seed. They will face off against #16 Coastal Carolina.
#1 Villanova
The Wildcats have maybe the best back-court in the land. Darrun Hilliard and Ryan Arcidiacono both shoot very well and cause headaches for opposing defenses. In the front court, 6-11 Daniel Ochefu has quietly put together a good season, averaging close to 9 points and over 8 rebounds per game. He is complemented by JayVaughn Pinkston, who is averaging close to 10 points per game. Guards Dylan Ennis and Josh Hart are also averaging close to 10 a game, and Kris Jenkins and Phil Booth are both effective off the bench. All in all, the Wildcats are a very good team and much deeper than people give them credit for. As I suspected, the Wildcats snuck in as a #1 and will face off against #16 Lafayette in my hometown of Pittsburgh.
#2 Arizona
Sean Miller's team keeps getting better and better as the season goes on. TJ McConnell is the Point Guard, and he is one of the best in the country at being a floor general. In the front court, Stanley Johnson, who leads the team with almost 14 PPG and Ronde Hollis-Jefferson are both averaging double figures, and Brandon Ashley is a dangerous 2 guard. The Wildcats rolled through the Pac-12, and I think that they have a great chance to get to the Final Four. Sean Miller as never been to one, and he deserves to get there. This team would have been a #1 almost any other year, but I believe that the committee did the right thing by making them a #2. They will face off against #15 Texas Southern.
#2 Kansas
It was almost a given that Rock Chalk would be mentioned in this article. The Jayhawks have more wins against ranked teams than anybody else in the land, and although they did not win the Big 12 Tournament Championship, I still think they are very dangerous. Forward Perry Ellis leads the team in scoring and rebounding, with 13.8 Points and 7 Rebounds per game. Guard Frank Mason isn't far behind Ellis in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game while also leading the team in assists with 4 per night. Wayne Seldon is also a factor in the back-court, averaging nearly 10 Points per game, while fellow guard Kelly Obrue is averaging 9.3 points per night. Cliff Alexander is a factor off the bench, as the 6.8 forward is 2nd on the team in rebounding and leads the Jayhawks with a .566 Field Goal percentage, as the Jayhawks hope to get him back from suspension for a suspicion of NCAA violations. The #2 seeded Jayhawks will face off against #15 New Mexico State in the first round.
#3 Notre Dame
The only 3 seed included in this list, the Fighting Irish would almost surely be at least a #2 any other year. But since the top teams are so talented this season, Mike Brey and is team will have to settle for a #3. Make no mistake about it, the Irish are dangerous. The became the 2015 ACC Tournament champions on Saturday night when they defeated North Carolina. Point Guard Jerian Grant is the backbone of the squad, averaging a team high 16.8 PPG and 6.6 Assists Per Game. Grant is complimented in the back-court by Pat Connaughton, who is contributing 12.8 PPG and leads the team with 7.4 Rebounds Per Game. Demetrius Jackson and Steve Vastura are also vital cogs at the guard position. 6-10 Forward Zach Auguste was a beast in the ACC Title Game, and is averaging 12.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. V.J. Beachem and Bonzie Colson add depth in the front-court coming off of the bench. The Irish are a sleeper, and they will face off against #14 Northeastern in the 1st round.
Honorable Mentions: UNC, Lousiville, Baylor, Iowa State
#1 Kentucky
The Wildcats have been the best team in the country since Day 1, as they are by far the deepest team in the country. Ever since they obliterated Kansas on opening night, the country has taken notice that the Cats are a force to be reckoned with. This is arguably the best team John Calipari has ever coached, and certainly has more depth than any team Cal has ever led. UK has the #2 scoring defense in the country, allowing just 52.7 points per game, and they are also 2nd in the country in blocked shots, averaging 7 per game. The Cats have a big and aggressive front court, with Willie Cully-Stien and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way. In the back-court, the Harrison brothers(Andrew and Aaron) are both playing key roles in the Wildcats' success. Aaron leads the team in scoring, averaging 11.2 points per game, while Andrew leads the team is assists with 4.1 per game. Also playing a key role in the back-court is Devin Booker, who is right behind Aaron Harrison with 11.1 points per game. Tyler Ulis, Dakari Johnson and Trey Lyle also play their roles well. Everybody knows how good this team is, and it will be interesting to see if they become the first team since the 1972 Indiana Hoosiers to finish the season perfect and win a National Championship. To the surprise of nobody, the Wildcats received the #1 overall seed and will be playing the winner of the first 4 matchup between #16 Hampton/Manhattan(play in game).
#2 Virginia
This is a team that will not excite a lot of people with the way they play, but while ''first to 50'' style games may be boring, winning is not, and this team wins a lot. Guard Malcolm Brodgon leads the team with 13.5 points per game, and Anthony Gill, Mike Toby and Darion Atkins have all contributed in the front-court, with Gill averaging 11.2 points per game. The Cavs are another team that could win the whole thing, even with their loss to UNC in the ACC Semi-Final on Friday night, as Tony Bennett is qualified to be a national championship head coach. Virginia received a 2 seed and will face off against #15 Belmont.
#2 Gonzaga
Every year, the Zags are questioned for their sub-par level of competition, but I truly believe that this is the best team Mark Few has had at least since Adam Morrison left in 2006. Gonzaga is solid on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they rank in the top 15 nationally in both points per game and assists per game, and are 1st in field goal percentage. On defense, they are 24th in the country in points allowed, and rank 4th in rebounding. Only a overtime loss early in the season to #7 Arizona, as well as a 83-80 defeat at the hands of BYU, has kept the Zags from being the 2nd perfect team in the land. Forward Kyle Wiltjer leads the team with 17 points per game, and guards Kevin Pangos and Byron Wesley are both averaging double figures. 7-1 Center Przemek Karnowski is a great complement to Wiltjer in the front court, and he is averaging 10.6 points and 6 rebounds per game. Another big man, Domantas Sabonis, is also playing a key role, averaging 9.7 points and nearly 7 rebounds per game. The Zags have all the pieces they need to make a deep run, all they have to do is play. The Zags have also received a #2 seed and will face off against #15 North Dakota State.
#1 Duke
You do not have to be a big basketball fan, or even a basketball fan at all to know that Coach K is a great coach. K recently became the first coach in Men's D1 Basketball history to win 1,000 games, and he has a group that is capable of bringing him his 5th national championship. Center Jahil Oakfor is projected to be the 1st overall pick in this June's NBA Draft, and he is complimented in the front court by Justice Winslow. Dukes back-court of Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook is one of the best in the land, and Amille Jefferson provides good defense in the front court. Guards Grayson Allen and Matt Jones provide good minutes off the bench. Duke may not have the depth of Kentucky, but the players they use are talented enough to make a run at the title. They received a #1 seed and will be pitted against the winner of the #16 Robert Morris/North Florida game that will take place in Dayton.
#1 Wisconsin
When you have one of the best coaches in the country, as well as a Wooden Award front runner, you have a great chance to go places. Wisconsin has both of those things. Bo Ryan has been in this game for a while, and he is simply one of the best coaches in the business. Frank Kaminsky is a 7-1 Center who is well established as a dominant force in college basketball. He is aided in the front court by San Dekker and Nigel Hays, who are both averaging a little over 12 points per game. Guard Josh Gasser is also contributing to the cause with his stout defense. I love watching Wisconsin play and believe that they deserved to be a #1 seed. They will face off against #16 Coastal Carolina.
#1 Villanova
The Wildcats have maybe the best back-court in the land. Darrun Hilliard and Ryan Arcidiacono both shoot very well and cause headaches for opposing defenses. In the front court, 6-11 Daniel Ochefu has quietly put together a good season, averaging close to 9 points and over 8 rebounds per game. He is complemented by JayVaughn Pinkston, who is averaging close to 10 points per game. Guards Dylan Ennis and Josh Hart are also averaging close to 10 a game, and Kris Jenkins and Phil Booth are both effective off the bench. All in all, the Wildcats are a very good team and much deeper than people give them credit for. As I suspected, the Wildcats snuck in as a #1 and will face off against #16 Lafayette in my hometown of Pittsburgh.
#2 Arizona
Sean Miller's team keeps getting better and better as the season goes on. TJ McConnell is the Point Guard, and he is one of the best in the country at being a floor general. In the front court, Stanley Johnson, who leads the team with almost 14 PPG and Ronde Hollis-Jefferson are both averaging double figures, and Brandon Ashley is a dangerous 2 guard. The Wildcats rolled through the Pac-12, and I think that they have a great chance to get to the Final Four. Sean Miller as never been to one, and he deserves to get there. This team would have been a #1 almost any other year, but I believe that the committee did the right thing by making them a #2. They will face off against #15 Texas Southern.
#2 Kansas
It was almost a given that Rock Chalk would be mentioned in this article. The Jayhawks have more wins against ranked teams than anybody else in the land, and although they did not win the Big 12 Tournament Championship, I still think they are very dangerous. Forward Perry Ellis leads the team in scoring and rebounding, with 13.8 Points and 7 Rebounds per game. Guard Frank Mason isn't far behind Ellis in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game while also leading the team in assists with 4 per night. Wayne Seldon is also a factor in the back-court, averaging nearly 10 Points per game, while fellow guard Kelly Obrue is averaging 9.3 points per night. Cliff Alexander is a factor off the bench, as the 6.8 forward is 2nd on the team in rebounding and leads the Jayhawks with a .566 Field Goal percentage, as the Jayhawks hope to get him back from suspension for a suspicion of NCAA violations. The #2 seeded Jayhawks will face off against #15 New Mexico State in the first round.
#3 Notre Dame
The only 3 seed included in this list, the Fighting Irish would almost surely be at least a #2 any other year. But since the top teams are so talented this season, Mike Brey and is team will have to settle for a #3. Make no mistake about it, the Irish are dangerous. The became the 2015 ACC Tournament champions on Saturday night when they defeated North Carolina. Point Guard Jerian Grant is the backbone of the squad, averaging a team high 16.8 PPG and 6.6 Assists Per Game. Grant is complimented in the back-court by Pat Connaughton, who is contributing 12.8 PPG and leads the team with 7.4 Rebounds Per Game. Demetrius Jackson and Steve Vastura are also vital cogs at the guard position. 6-10 Forward Zach Auguste was a beast in the ACC Title Game, and is averaging 12.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. V.J. Beachem and Bonzie Colson add depth in the front-court coming off of the bench. The Irish are a sleeper, and they will face off against #14 Northeastern in the 1st round.
Honorable Mentions: UNC, Lousiville, Baylor, Iowa State
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Predictions for Conference Tournaments
It's time for Conference Tournaments. Thus is the time when any team can make a name for themselves and get into the big dance no matter how bad their record is. Let's get into my predictions.
ACC
Finals Predictions: #1 UVA vs. #2 Duke
2 teams that will likely get #1 seeds in the NCAA tournament, Duke defeated Virginia in a tight game when the 2 teams met earlier in the season. I expect the results to be different this time around. UVA will be fired up after their loss at Louisville on Saturday, and I see them playing a near perfect game and beating Duke in a close one.
Winner: UVA
Big 12
Finals Prediction: #2 Iowa State over #1 Kansas
PG Monte Morris will be the difference for OSU in this one. The Cyclones don't make many mistakes, and that will be the key to a victory over an overatted Jayhawks team
Pac 12
Finals Prediction: #1 Arizona over #2 Utah
Arizona is a very balanced team who is just as good offensively as on defense. I think the difference in this title game will be TJ McConnell. I believe that the senior PG will come to play and that will be the key to stopping Delon Wright a very tough Utah team.
Big 10
Finals Prediction: Wisconsin over Maryland
The Terps are a pretty small team, although very talented. This will be a huge problem, as 7-1 center Frank Kaminsky could tear them apart. As it has been in many cases, Kaminsky will be the difference, and the Badgers will avenge an earlier loss to Dez Wells and Maryland and pull out a close one.
Winner: Wisconsion
A 10
#1 Davidson over #3 Rhode Island
Davidson is ON FIRE. They can score with just about anybody in the land, averaging over 80 points per contest. Their shooting will be the difference in winning a conference tournament title.
Big East
#1 Villinova over #3 Georgetown
Nova has one of the best backcourts in the land, as Darron Hilliard and Ryan Arcidiacono both shoot very well. The cats also have great depth, and they will handle Georgetown fairly easily in this title game
Winner: Villinova
American
#1 SMU over #3 Cincinnati
Led by Guard Nic More, the Ponds have 4 players scoring in double figures, and they will be playing with a fire after being snubbed from the dance last year. They will use their talent and motivation to win the American Conference Tournament.
Winner: SMU
SEC
Kentucky over Arkansas
We all know how good UK is. 31-0. The Razorbacks simply won't be enough
ACC
Finals Predictions: #1 UVA vs. #2 Duke
2 teams that will likely get #1 seeds in the NCAA tournament, Duke defeated Virginia in a tight game when the 2 teams met earlier in the season. I expect the results to be different this time around. UVA will be fired up after their loss at Louisville on Saturday, and I see them playing a near perfect game and beating Duke in a close one.
Winner: UVA
Big 12
Finals Prediction: #2 Iowa State over #1 Kansas
PG Monte Morris will be the difference for OSU in this one. The Cyclones don't make many mistakes, and that will be the key to a victory over an overatted Jayhawks team
Pac 12
Finals Prediction: #1 Arizona over #2 Utah
Arizona is a very balanced team who is just as good offensively as on defense. I think the difference in this title game will be TJ McConnell. I believe that the senior PG will come to play and that will be the key to stopping Delon Wright a very tough Utah team.
Big 10
Finals Prediction: Wisconsin over Maryland
The Terps are a pretty small team, although very talented. This will be a huge problem, as 7-1 center Frank Kaminsky could tear them apart. As it has been in many cases, Kaminsky will be the difference, and the Badgers will avenge an earlier loss to Dez Wells and Maryland and pull out a close one.
Winner: Wisconsion
A 10
#1 Davidson over #3 Rhode Island
Davidson is ON FIRE. They can score with just about anybody in the land, averaging over 80 points per contest. Their shooting will be the difference in winning a conference tournament title.
Big East
#1 Villinova over #3 Georgetown
Nova has one of the best backcourts in the land, as Darron Hilliard and Ryan Arcidiacono both shoot very well. The cats also have great depth, and they will handle Georgetown fairly easily in this title game
Winner: Villinova
American
#1 SMU over #3 Cincinnati
Led by Guard Nic More, the Ponds have 4 players scoring in double figures, and they will be playing with a fire after being snubbed from the dance last year. They will use their talent and motivation to win the American Conference Tournament.
Winner: SMU
SEC
Kentucky over Arkansas
We all know how good UK is. 31-0. The Razorbacks simply won't be enough
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