We have been killing the books on basketball w/ 65% win rate and over $ 9000 in profits, last year we rode Butler all the way, who will be this years cash cow ? Does anyone think they know who will be the suprise team this year ?? I'd love to hear a few oppions on this, it's time to gear up for the March Madness...
I think New Mexico has the potential to be a semi-sleeper, although the polls are now starting to recognize them. Ken Pomeroy has them ranked 9th. They knocked off 2 teams in the top 15 last week in San Diego St. and UNLV. Most of the squares that make up the majority of the money bet in the NCAA underestimate the Mountain West Conference.
I'll be starting my search for the best sleepers soon , butler made me a nice penny last year , I had them in my calcuta for $ 240 paid 4600 ...one win from 34 g's
I think the lowest heralded mid major I like that could do some damage is Long Beach State. Talk about a schedule. These guys played everybody, played them hard, and most these match ups came on the road. Extremely battle tested. One of the hardest schedules in the country. A lot of other teams the media classifies as mid majors but I don't see it that way. Non big conference programs on the rise who keep the kids for the full 4 years are perfectly capable of competing against larger programs with one and done Freshman.
No problem, keep an eye on LB State, they still need to win the conference Tournament to get in, as I don't think they will get an auto bid. I could see them getting to the sweet 16 but no further. They play at frenetic pace attacking pace. If they win in round 1, the quick turnaround for the second game will be very hard on who they play to prepare for.
As for this years potential Butler, I would have to go with Wichita State. I feel this is a legit top 10 team. Solid size, senior laden roster, they won they NIT last year.
I'm liking Cleveland State there the best team in the Horizon League, and there defense is crazy. Cleavland St force a ton of turnovers, and have held 6 teams this year to 0.80 PPP or lower. There defence can win games against a better opponent in the NCAA tournament... I can see a few teams getting upset by them, keep an eye on them there Vikings Mike, there going to suprise some people.
What concerns me about Cleveland State is they still need to win the conference tournament, they won't get an auto bid. Lost 5 straight games, 3 at home, 4 to conference opponents. They looked awesome earlier in the year. Great guard play, experienced. They're a little banged up which I'm sure is contributing to the current problems. They just need to get it turned around fast, Butler, Valpo, Detroit, and Wis-Mil are solid. It won't be an easy conference tournament. If they win it, it will show a lot of promise moving forward.
Yea It's hard to predict upsets but they will be there.. in the coming days things should become clearer but I really like your observations... you seem to know more about it than I do, I won't crank up my research untill we know who's in it.. but I will be all over it this year..as usual
I agree on upsets Sharp, VCU last year? Who the hell could have predicted that.
Davidson, St Louis, Iona, and La Salle also show some good signs. All 4 are very strong, but again, some of these teams being discussed might not even be dancing. So who knows. Creighton is trendy, Murray State is Trendy. I think most the teams I mentioned are just as strong. Hard not to like MSU to make it very deep. Draymond Green is Mateen Cleaves reincarnated, with a little Zack Randolph sprinkled in. Pure stud. This is a working mans MSU team, just like Izzo likes it. Hard to picture them not being a final four team with a #1 seed, which I expect them to get.
One more to throw in. Huge sleeper. South Dakota State. Very experienced. Blew Washington out earlier this year away. If they start raining 3's they can hang with plenty of teams who will be in the tournament.
To be honest seeding is everything... good team wrong matchup quick exit ... I don't care who makes it the the Final 4 I just wana make some loot and pick the winners .. should be fun
Drexel could make some noise. This team has run off 15 in a row by an average of 13.47 per game. This includes a 20 point beat down over Cleveland State last weekend. Although I don't think they make it as far as VCU or Butler did, they could get some covers against the big boys.
For sure sharp, seeding plays a huge role. Thinking Kentucky, Syracuse for sure, Michigan State or Ohio State depending on tournament and finish, and Kansas, UNC, or Duke getting the final spot. Kentucky, Syracuse, and the Big Ten Champion are just about locks. That last spot will be very close.
I agree Michael, Drexel is another that could get out of the first round.
Actually, forgot about Mizzo, I don't see them knocking out Kentucky, Syracuse, or Big Ten Champion, but they will be in competition for the last #1 with Kansas, UNC, Duke.
Who knows with the Tourney, sorry if I came off as a know it all. Like you said earlier it can be a complete crap shoot. I love CBB, pretty familiar with most the teams rosters across the country. Certainly the "mid majors". Still doesn't mean I or anybody else can do anything but speculate at this point. So many of those mid majors still need to win the conference tournaments to even qualify. One thing I do know is CBB is shifting and has been doing so slowly for years. Keep expecting more and more upsets, more dogs to cover. The good small schools are really catching up. 18 year old's with immense talent for power schools, facing 22-23 year old's with talent and much more experience. The playing field is getting much more level, more so then it ever has in CBB's history. Good luck in the Tourney, hope you kill it man.
Nah man you do know alot I don't get to watch as many games as I would like, but I'm a number crusher and follow trends closely.. I do well but it doesny have alot to do with teams I prefer matchups trends and injurys myself... Good Luck tonight Mike...
Thanked by
No problem, keep an eye on LB State, they still need to win the conference Tournament to get in, as I don't think they will get an auto bid. I could see them getting to the sweet 16 but no further. They play at frenetic pace attacking pace. If they win in round 1, the quick turnaround for the second game will be very hard on who they play to prepare for.
As for this years potential Butler, I would have to go with Wichita State. I feel this is a legit top 10 team. Solid size, senior laden roster, they won they NIT last year.
I agree on upsets Sharp, VCU last year? Who the hell could have predicted that.
Davidson, St Louis, Iona, and La Salle also show some good signs. All 4 are very strong, but again, some of these teams being discussed might not even be dancing. So who knows. Creighton is trendy, Murray State is Trendy. I think most the teams I mentioned are just as strong. Hard not to like MSU to make it very deep. Draymond Green is Mateen Cleaves reincarnated, with a little Zack Randolph sprinkled in. Pure stud. This is a working mans MSU team, just like Izzo likes it. Hard to picture them not being a final four team with a #1 seed, which I expect them to get.
Drexel could make some noise. This team has run off 15 in a row by an average of 13.47 per game. This includes a 20 point beat down over Cleveland State last weekend. Although I don't think they make it as far as VCU or Butler did, they could get some covers against the big boys.
For sure sharp, seeding plays a huge role. Thinking Kentucky, Syracuse for sure, Michigan State or Ohio State depending on tournament and finish, and Kansas, UNC, or Duke getting the final spot. Kentucky, Syracuse, and the Big Ten Champion are just about locks. That last spot will be very close.
I agree Michael, Drexel is another that could get out of the first round.