I don't post much here anymore but here's my two cents on Illinois/Arizona for what it's worth. Much to my surprise, my book has the line at Arizona (+1). If there is a such thing as a "lock of the week", this is mine. I'm all over Arizona at home. Here's my rationale:
On paper Illinois looks very strong, returning a good number of upper classmen from last years's Elite Eight team. Many picked Illinois as pre season NCAA champions. I'm from Illinois, and it's the same old tired BS. I believe Illinois is the most overrated team in the NCAA. Is Illinois a strong team? Absolutely? Do they deserve a top ten ranking? Absolutely NOT. I'd bet money Illinois falls out of the top ten by the end of the season. This is not a team that can run with the Dukes, Maryland's (as we saw a 63-76 loss at Maryland), and 'Zona's. They have the talent, but that alone does not make for a top ten caliber team. In fact, I believe there are at least two teams in the Big Ten that will finish ahead of Illinois. If I knew nothing about these teams, I'd take Illinois on paper. However, a look at Illinois schedule shows they've played a few cupcakes by beating up on the likes of Eastern Illinois and Texas A & M @ Corpus Christy. Illinois has only played one top team, Maryland, and got nothing short of an ass whooping that the double digit score difference does not justly reflect. Ivy league powerhouse (is that an oxymoron?) gave the Illini a run for their money, leading by double digits at the half and coming up short in the last five minutes. Of all teams, Southern Illinois (the guys not recruited by Illinois, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Depaul, etc.), should have beat the Illini but lost by a point. Arizona on the other hand, can match Illinois talent with two less guys on the roster. They are quick, which always poses problems for the choke artist from Illinois. If the outside shot is on, Illinois will have trouble containing the inside/outside play. Arizona took care of the Illini last year with a less talented roster. Illinois will really miss Sergio McClain and Lucas Johnson tonight. If Bradford is D-up well, they lack any real catalyst for offense. Cook, as usual, may dissapoint in big games. Arizona has played what is arguably the toughest schedule in college basketball this year, taking care of both Maryland and Texas by double digits each away from home. The height advantage for Illinois will prove to be a wash late in the game as Archibald and Cook will find themmselves in foul trouble as they always do against a quicker team. Seven foot - two inch Nick Smith is scrawny and frankly sucks. He has the height but not yet the ability to run with big dogs. Watch for the Fighting Illini to become the Fouling Illini. That, and the crazy home court advantage will make the difference tonight. I'm playing 'Zona Cats BIG.
Good luck to all.
On paper Illinois looks very strong, returning a good number of upper classmen from last years's Elite Eight team. Many picked Illinois as pre season NCAA champions. I'm from Illinois, and it's the same old tired BS. I believe Illinois is the most overrated team in the NCAA. Is Illinois a strong team? Absolutely? Do they deserve a top ten ranking? Absolutely NOT. I'd bet money Illinois falls out of the top ten by the end of the season. This is not a team that can run with the Dukes, Maryland's (as we saw a 63-76 loss at Maryland), and 'Zona's. They have the talent, but that alone does not make for a top ten caliber team. In fact, I believe there are at least two teams in the Big Ten that will finish ahead of Illinois. If I knew nothing about these teams, I'd take Illinois on paper. However, a look at Illinois schedule shows they've played a few cupcakes by beating up on the likes of Eastern Illinois and Texas A & M @ Corpus Christy. Illinois has only played one top team, Maryland, and got nothing short of an ass whooping that the double digit score difference does not justly reflect. Ivy league powerhouse (is that an oxymoron?) gave the Illini a run for their money, leading by double digits at the half and coming up short in the last five minutes. Of all teams, Southern Illinois (the guys not recruited by Illinois, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Depaul, etc.), should have beat the Illini but lost by a point. Arizona on the other hand, can match Illinois talent with two less guys on the roster. They are quick, which always poses problems for the choke artist from Illinois. If the outside shot is on, Illinois will have trouble containing the inside/outside play. Arizona took care of the Illini last year with a less talented roster. Illinois will really miss Sergio McClain and Lucas Johnson tonight. If Bradford is D-up well, they lack any real catalyst for offense. Cook, as usual, may dissapoint in big games. Arizona has played what is arguably the toughest schedule in college basketball this year, taking care of both Maryland and Texas by double digits each away from home. The height advantage for Illinois will prove to be a wash late in the game as Archibald and Cook will find themmselves in foul trouble as they always do against a quicker team. Seven foot - two inch Nick Smith is scrawny and frankly sucks. He has the height but not yet the ability to run with big dogs. Watch for the Fighting Illini to become the Fouling Illini. That, and the crazy home court advantage will make the difference tonight. I'm playing 'Zona Cats BIG.
Good luck to all.
