NCAA Basketball Preview
FINALLY it is here. After what seemed to be the longest 7 months of my life, college basketball finally returns.
A lot has changed since UConn cut down the nets in Houston last April, with conference re-alignments the most prominent story (apart from the usual suspensions and NCAA enforced restrictions/fines). Over the coming days/weeks/months Aussie Sports Guys will endeavour to provide previews on some of the conferences as well as game previews, reviews, betting tips and much more.
North Carolina are the hot favourite this year, returning all 5 starters from the team that made their way to the Elite Eight, only to succumb to the stars of Kentucky. There is no doubt UNC will be hard to beat, but are they really the best team this coming season?
The polls would certainly suggest so. And I have to agree, but it will be tight.
UNC are definitely the team to beat. Very fortunate to be returning some of the best players in the nation, when some could very easily have left for the NBA (bet they are thankful they didn’t). The experience of their failure last year will definitely burn and they will strive to achieve the ultimate success this season.
Not many stand in their way for mine, but those that do are worthy rivals. Without different too much from the polls, I have Syracuse, UConn, Kentucky and Ohio State (in no particular order) as the most likely to challenge UNC.
The 2K Classic opens season 2011-12, and this year’s edition features some decent teams in Arizona (currently ranked 16th in the country), St Johns and Mississippi State. This coming Friday (Saturday AEST) there is some 126 games on order. Outstanding!!
In any case, follow @AusSportsGuys on Twitter if you’re keen to get some up-to-the-minute tips on the college basketball season. For now we have two plays. Not investing hugely as there is, obviously, some uncertainty surrounding many teams, but, we need to celebrate its return by having a punt all the same.
Valparaiso at Arizona
Am expecting a contest in this one. First game of the regular season, with both teams having lost notable talent.
Arizona have had a very poor pre-season, having lost to a division 2 side (Seattle Pacific) while almost succumbing to another (Humboldt State). Will take time for the new squad to blend. There has been talk of selfish play and egos. Not an ideal prep for the start of the regular season.
Valparaiso return only 2 starters, and have a new head coach. However, I expect them to push Arizona in this one, and the 14 points on offer is definitely worth a sampling.
Further, given the early stage of the season, am not expecting either side to annoy the scorers a massive amount, and the under 137.5 looks tasty.
Suggested Bets
Valparaiso +14
Under 137.5
Injuries – Kevin Parrom (Arizona)
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