Team Capsules part 18

Miami (22-10, 8-8) The Canes were picked to finish last in the preseason ACC poll. After all, they only won twelve games last year. It only took them twelve games to win twelve this year. The only real impressive win out of the twelve was a win at Mississippi State. Since December 23rd they are only 10-10. They have taken advantage of a big down year in the ACC (Don’t give me the parity argument, they only got 4 teams in! enough said). In any other year, this team probably wouldn’t get in. But apparently in 2008, having one marquee win over Duke and another solid win over Clemson is enough to get in.

The Good: Jack McClinton is a PTP’er. I mean the guy hits threes left and right. Plus he’s got an attitude which I like (see both games against Duke). The ball will be in his hands at the end of the game and he’s a 91% free throw shooter. As a team they shoot 74% from the line, which is far better than most teams. Big men Anthony King and Dwayne Collins do the job down low, but could be better presences offensively. They’ve got four guys that can launch and that will help extend St. Mary’s defense, opening up the court for McClinton to penetrate. If they’re going to win McClinton’s gotta score 25.

The Bad: Outside of McClinton they don’t have any proven scoring threats. Guard James Dews is capable of giving you 15, but he’s also scored 2 in a loss to NC State this year. As a team they average more turnovers than assists, which is never a good sign. They rely a lot on offensive rebounds, which can plague them if St. Mary’s boxes out well.

The Verdict: I like St. Mary’s in this matchup. It is basically Patty Mills against Jack McClinton, because both teams rely so heavily on each of these two players. I’ll go with Patty because I think he has a better all around game. Also, Miami has struggled recently (they’re 8-9 in their last 17).




Texas A&M (24-10, 8-8) I saw them play at the Preseason NIT. I came away very, very impressed. Dominique Kirk played like a star on both ends, Joseph Jones looked dominant, and Deandre Jordan came off as a project, but a worthy one at that. Over the course of the season my impression of Texas A&M has shifted dramatically. They don’t play well together. Joseph Jones does not play to his potential. And their point guard by committee strategy with Donald Sloan and Kirk isn’t scaring many teams. Here’s an interesting stat for you. First year Coach Mark Turgeon has played 18 guys this season. Talk about finding different combinations for chemistry. It sure makes defensive slides easier in practice.

The Good: They started the season off 15-1 so you know there is potential there. They also have 6 talented, capable scorers. Most teams would like to have 2. This means that if any two of them have an off night, the other four can put up 60 by themselves. They are a pretty deep team and between Deandre Jordan and Joseph Jones they have a pretty formidable frontcourt. This team gets to the line a lot, a sign of an aggressive bunch. Carter can heat up quickly, he was a 50% 3 point shooter last year.

The Bad: They only make 63% of their free throws. They haven’t gelled as a team since December. They are only 9-9 since January 16, which is an issue of concern. In that span they have lost 5 by 15 or more.

The Verdict: I like BYU in the matchup. I don’t think Mark Turgeon has been able to figure out this group of guys all season. Now would be the time for senior Joseph Jones to pick it up (his ppg and rpg are the lowest of his career). I just don’t see A&M winning this game.



Kansas St (20-11, 10-6) Behind Michael “What study hall?” Beasley and Frank “Crazy Eyed” Martin Kansas St has had its best finish in the Big 12 ever. In fact, Beasley has put up more astounding numbers this year than POY Kevin Durant did last year (Beasley is averaging 26.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg). Martin, Beasley’s former AAU coach, was hired probably as a way to land B-Easy as Aaron refers to him. It has certainly paid off for Kansas State this year. They snapped Kansas’ 24 game winning streak over them with an exciting win in Manhattan (no not MSG, but Manhattan, Kansas).

The Good: They have maybe the best player in the tournament. Ok, they have the best player in the tournament, I said it. There aren’t many defenders in the country that can hold him to under 30 and 10. Beasley’s gonna get his. It’s just a matter of how many his teammates, specifically Bill Walker and Jacob Pullen, can put up. As a fan, you have to like Kansas State’s rebounding. They led the Big 12 in rebounds and offensive rebounds. And it’s not only Beasley that can hit the glass. Bill Walker brings down over 6 a game of his own. Beasley is great at getting opposing centers in foul trouble, which is bad news for USC’s Taj Gibson, who seemingly picks up two fouls on illegal screens a game. If you’re picking Kansas State, you’d better hope Bill Walker or Pullen has a nice game of their own. Chances are Bill Walker will, considering he’s playing against his old high school teammate OJ Mayo. Walker will definitely be giving Dominique Sutton, the team’s best perimeter defender some insight into how to guard Mayo all week during practice.

The Bad: The Wildcats are last in the Big 12 in both three point percentage (a measly 32%) and defensive three point percentage (over 36%). This does not bode well for Crazy Eyes since USC can make a living out there. If Mayo gets hot, look out. Also, they are 5-7 in their last 12. That is not good news for Wildcats believers.

The Verdict: I have gone back and forth in this game all week. I probably won’t have a decision on this until I hand in the bracket. Basically it comes down to who gets in foul trouble. If it’s Gibson, I like Kansas State. If it’s Beasley, I like USC. I think it’ll be Gibson. The pick is Kansas State.