| Baylor - For the past two years, Baylor has been my sleeper team of choice. The talent has been there, but it just seems that, now, they are finally making the necessary strides to be a Sweet-16 or Elite-8 team. The Bears are talented, experienced in the backcourt and long, long, long up front. The veteran backcourt tandem of LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter will pace the team, both scoring the basketball and setting up their bevy of long, athletic big men. While not especially deep, Head Coach Scott Drew has a group that could make some serious waves (my prediction, here.)
PLAYER TO WATCH: The guards are solid, can score and lead the team in all offensive categories, but the three-headed forward monster of Ekpe Udoh, Quincy Acy and Anthony Jones not only look strikingly similar (6-9 range and long) but all can put forth big games. In particular, the Michigan-transfer, Udoh has the most NBA-potential.
KEY WINS: The Bears were a bit choppy for most of the year, until they settled down coming down the stretch. Away from Waco, the Bears got wins against, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona State, Xavier and South Carolina. Not that impressive, granted, but whenever Baylor sweeps their foes from Austin (as they did this year) it is a great year.
Sam Houston St - The Southland champs were the best team in conference from start to finish. 25 wins, including some quality out-of-conference ones, as well, earned the Bearkats a 14-seed and a chance at their in-state buddies from Waco, the Baylor Bears. Physically, they won’t be able to compete with Baylor.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Gilberto Clavell is a JuCo transfer that stepped in and immediately took over control of this team. The Puerto Rican-native is a bit undersized as a 6-6 power forward, which might be a problem against the outrageously long frontline of Baylor.
KEY WINS: Neutral site wins over Oral Roberts and Rider aren’t bad and a win at Auburn still counts as a win against an SEC team. |
