TGIS

Thank goodness it's Saturday, and that means hoops galore. Here's what I'm thinking:

• Gotta start with my team. It was a great week for Miami, winning all 3 of their conference games, 2 coming on the road at OU and Buffalo, 2 very tough places to play. Miami sits at 9-3, 3rd in the MAC East, 4th overall. With 5 of their last 7 at home, Miami is in position to make another run at the overall regular season title as they only sit a game and a half out of first.
• Adam Morrison is my Player of the Year. He gets the nod over JJ Redick because he has more facets to his game and he is the offense for Gonzaga. Duke has other people you have to worry about, Gonzaga has good players, but they're a good supporting cast not in the caliber of Shelden Williams or Josh McRoberts. Redick can get open looks, mainly because of the defense collapsing on Williams. Morrison doesn't have that luxury. He creates his own offense with the variety of talents he possesses.
• Gonzaga won't go far in the NCAA until they can play defense. Even if Morrison scores 50, their 2-3 zone won't stop anyone who's any good.
• I don't think Duke can win it all unless Sean Dockery, Lee Melchionni, and Greg Paulus can make the open shot consistently. They're good for about 1/4 right now, which won't get it done in March.
• Marquette is my surprise team of the year. They had Steve Novak and that was it, at least that's what I thought. They almost won at Villanova today, and despite losing, right now they're an NCAA team with a 6-4 Big East record.
• The only team that can beat UConn is UConn. Their problem is maintaining focus. Rudy Gay is a top 5 draft pick, Marcus Williams has regained his form from last year, and Josh Boone is a beast inside.
• George Washington is legit. Xavier played about as well as they could play and GW still found a way to come back in the 2nd half. I didn't think GW was capable of hitting the perimeter shot consistently. They proved me wrong in the 2nd half. They can make an Elite 8 run.
• How about the slugfest between Southern Illinois and Wichita St????? The Valley was known for its 3 point shooting and up tempo games. Now, it's come down to a possession, half-court man defense, physical type of ball. Southern's got a nice player in Tony Young, who brought Southern back from the dead in the 2nd half, forcing 2 overtimes. Wichita St. has a nice inside tandem of Paul Miller, a classic back to the basket player, and Kyle Wilson who can hurt you inside and outside. Each team can play defense and right now, both deserve to get in to the Tourney.
• If only Iowa could play half as well on the road as they do at home. I'm surprised Bob Bowlsby hasn't tried to place a future NCAA site in Iowa City so Iowa can do well. I still think Michigan St. is the best team in the Big 10.
• Before the season, I thought Kansas and North Carolina wouldn't make the NCAA tourney. Well, they've both made me eat my words. Kansas had more to prove because they had no real experience to rely on. Brandon Rush is shooting over 50% from 3, incredible for a freshman. I really like his game: unselfish, can put it on the floor and can shoot from the outside. If Kansas can win a few more games on the road, they will be very confident going to March. North Carolina has gotten the necessary leadership from Noel and Terry and Hansborough has been magnificent. He plays like an upperclassman the way he plays physical inside. He's not flashy, he just does what's necessary to win.

This week maybe, I'll see how my preseason picks are faring. Some are good, and some not so good. But that's how it goes.

So tomorrow is the big game. My favorite part of Super Bowl Sunday is getting up and watching all of the old highlights run constantly during the day on TV. The deep voice of John Facenda just gets you in the mood for the big game. I think Pittsburgh will win 27-20 and Willie Parker will be MVP. I'm thinking Seattle will actually try and contain Roethlisberger and the passing game, which should open up the running game for Pittsburgh. Detroit has gotten rave reviews, which is great for the city. They've really put their best foot forward and have worked hard for this week.

Have a good Saturday night!!!!