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November 17th, 2005

College Basketball: Best Games of November

Given the change in the collegiate athletics landscape the past two years, it would be easy to expect major conference schools to cut back on the number of tough games that they play in November. However, in addition to the Maui Invitational and the NIT Season Tip Off, there are some games that should catch the fan’s eye. So if you’re looking for something else to watch besides the daily sports soap opera “As the Eagles Turn”, then you are in luck. Below are the top ten games of the opening month, along with some reasons as to why you should care.

9. Michigan vs. Boston University (Nov. 22^nd)

After winning the last two meetings between these schools, the Terriers finally get the Wolverines on their turf in this intersectional tilt. At first glance, one would not expect a Big Ten team to lose at home to an America East club...twice. But Coach Dennis Wolff is one of the better coaches in America that the mainstream does not hear much about. Picked to finish second in America East, BU gave Duke a good run in the first round of the NIT, and will not be intimidated by the sight of maize-and-blue uniforms. Look for the Terriers to force Michigan to play a half-court style, utilizing a spread offense complete with backdoor cuts and screens. They still have guard Shaun Wynn, but need to replace the scoring of Chaz Carr and Rashad Bell.

As for Tommy Amaker’s bunch, high expectations surround a team that lost no major players from last season’s team. Guards Daniel Horton and Dion Harris return with forwards Courtney Sims and Brent Petway and need to improve in a big way. Michigan has not been to the tournament during Amaker’s tenure, and probation is no longer a valid excuse. Lose this one, and the pressure on coach and team will rise.

8. Oregon vs. Vanderbilt (Nov. 30^th)

On the last day of the month, two teams from power conferences with many returning pieces get together in Nashville. The Ducks only lost big man Ian Crosswhite, who was kicked off the team midseason, so they have had enough time to replace him with the likes of Maarty Leunen, Mitch Platt, and Matt Short. Add to this the versatile Malik Hairston and point guard Aaron Brooks and Ernie Kent’s squad should be ready to fly this season.

Head coach Kevin Stallings doesn’t exactly come to the table empty-handed either; returning guard Marion Moore and welcoming Virginia transfer Derrick Byars. The Commodores, however, need to find consistent scoring options in the paint in order to make the NCAA Tournament as opposed to the Postseason NIT. Vandy shot the fewest free throws per game in the SEC last season (15.1 per game), which speaks to both their accuracy and dependence on the perimeter shot. This should be an entertaining contest, given Oregon’s desire to run and Vanderbilt’s solid perimeter game.

7. Connecticut vs. Pepperdine (Nov. 18^th)

Welcome to the first “trap game” of the 2005-06 season. The Huskies, who seem to be in everyone’s list of national title contenders, play the Waves in Malibu as a tune-up before the fly across the Pacific Ocean for the loaded Maui Invitational. The deepest frontcourt in America boasts the likes of Rudy Gay, Josh Boone, Hilton Armstrong, and Denham Brown, just to name four. The only question marks: can the freshman combo of Craig Austrie and Rob Garrison handle the point guard chores; and can the Huskies consistently hit outside shots, given their poor performance from behind the arc in two scrimmages (2-for-13).

As for the Waves, Paul Westphal’s cupboard is somewhat bare given the losses of Glen McGowan and Alex Acker. Expect the Waves to slow the game down to a crawl and use a zone defense to combat UConn’s interior depth. On paper, this should be a blowout, but just remember what happened to North Carolina in their game against Santa Clara before heading to Maui. Ironically, the Heels were also without their point guard for that one.

6. Miami (FL) vs. Temple (Nov. 28^th)

One of the legends in coaching meets an up-and-coming coach in Philadelphia in this matchup that should be a good on. John Chaney’s Owls return do-everything guard Mardy Collins, along with guards Dustin Salisbery and Mark Tyndale. But expect their matchup zone to get all it can handle from one of the best backcourts in the ACC. Guillermo Diaz and Robert Hite can fill it up, either on outside shots or forays into the lane. Head coach Frank Haith also welcomes freshmen Denis Clemente and Brian Asbury, who should give the backcourt some bench scoring power that was non-existent last season. The result of this game will hinge on who gets more help from the frontcourt, as well as which team has the hot hand from outside.

5. 2K Sports Coaches vs. Cancer Classic (Nov. 17^th- 18^th)

Madison Square Garden is the venue for the semifinals and final of this preseason tournament. In semifinal number one, Florida plays Wake Forest, followed by Syracuse and Texas Tech. Given their large alumni base in the New York/ New Jersey area, the Orange should have a definitive advantage in terms of crowd support. It also doesn’t hurt to have Gerry McNamara, Terrence Roberts, and freshman Eric Devendorf on the roster either. The Demon Deacons return the duo of Justin Gray and Eric Williams, who need to find a way to replace the likes of Chris Paul, Taron Downey, and Vytas Danelius. Look out for senior Trent Strickland, who should get more leeway on the offensive end this year.

The Gators need to find a way to replace the backcourt tandem of Matt Walsh and Anthony Roberson, who decided that they were both ready for the NBA. Small problem: the NBA didn’t exactly agree, not drafting either player. Also lost was forward David Lee, who should be replaced by bigs Al Horford and Joakim Noah. Along with swingman Corey Brewer, Florida should still be a tournament team. Closing out the quartet is Texas Tech, with Bob Knight returning guards Martin Zeno and Jarrius Jackson. How well the Red Raiders do this year will depend on how much help the guards get from the interior.

4. Duke vs. Indiana (Nov. 30^th)

In the marquee matchup of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, the Blue Devils head to Bloomington to face Mike Davis’s Hoosiers. IU welcomes transfers Marco Killingsworth and Lewis Monroe (Auburn), and should be considerably deeper than last season’s bunch. The pressure is on Davis to get Indiana back to the tournament this year, and make some noise while there. This presents the first of many challenges on the schedule for them, and a high-profile win here could be the start of a very good season for the Hoosiers.

3. Kansas vs. Arizona (Nov. 21^st)

The Maui Invitational is loaded this year, and this contest may be the most entertaining of the four opening games. Lute Olson’s Wildcats will look to run often, getting the ball to wing Hassan Adams and other talented open court players. The Jayhawks will counter with an excellent freshman class which included Brandon Rush, Julian Wright, and Micah Downs. Seniors Christian Moody and Jeff Hawkins will have to supply the leadership for Bill Self’s young bunch, but they certainly are not lacking in talent.

2. Arkansas vs. Connecticut (Nov. 21^st)

Also in Maui, the Razorbacks and Huskies will also look to get out in the open court and put points on the scoreboard. Stan Heath brings a loaded backcourt to the islands, boasting the likes of Ronnie Brewer, Jonathon Modica, and incoming freshman Sean McCurdy. How their posts players handle Jim Calhoun’s interior depth will decide which team plays in the winners’ bracket on the 22^nd. Look for the freshmen point guards to have a major say in who wins as well, given both team’s ability to pressure the ball on the defensive end.

1. Maryland vs. Gonzaga (Nov. 21^st)

Two deep teams meet in another Maui opening round game that should be a fun, wide-open contest. The Terrapins, who lost guard John Gilchrist (addition by subtraction?) to the professional ranks, can count on the likes of Nik Caner-Medley and Chris McCray for points. Add to this the return of D.J. Strawberry, and the Terps can compete with Shannon Brown and Maurice Ager on the perimeter. But in order for Maryland to win, they need Will Bowers, James Gist, and Ekene Ibekwe to do the job on Gonzaga’s high-powered duo of sharpshooter Adam Morrison and banger J.P. Batista. And don’t forget the likes of Derek Raivio and Errol Knight in the backcourt. A more consistent season from Travis Garrison would also be appreciated.

These are just ten of the better games in this first month of the season. The NIT Season Tip Off should also be a doozy when it gets to New York (not to mention the Guardians Classic), but it’s better to wait and see who gets there instead of prognosticating at this point. So do yourselves a favor and grab a seat, for this first month should be a fitting kickoff for another great season.

(ED: Corrected on 11/19 to fix Maryland vs. Michigan State error on original copy.)