This was the first year I can remember where the college basketball season had a big opening day, with 15 of the top 25 teams scheduled to play. While early season games aren't truly indicative of how teams will look in March, there are still takeaways to be had.
I'll be highlighting 3 games where the point guard play made a huge difference and in a variety of ways. I've always felt good guard play was the key to success in college basketball, mostly because guards develop faster than front court players. This fact showed last night with a duo of dynamic lead guards in Europe, a walk-on showing out on a big stage and a freshman making an early name for himself in Bloomington.
Uconn vs. Michigan State
Watching the first half of this game it was hard not to be impressed by the huskies. They jumped out to a 20-7 lead on the Spartans who had a deer in the headlights look about them. They key to the huskies early lead was the play of their two guards, Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright. Both dynamic with their dribbling skills and play making ability, yet have tendencies to continually "heat check" with 30 seconds left on the shot clock. Boatright specifically changed the game with his on ball pressure and shot making ability in the last 5 minutes of the game. Boatright has never been afraid to take the big shots and he made Kieth Appling look a step slow on defense which is hard to do. Shabazz provided a stabling effect to the game. He hit a couple of threes late in the first half and continually made the right decisions in transition.
Michigan State usually starts off the season slow. We should know this by now. I have no doubts Tom Izzo will have this team ready by March, instilling defending, rebounding and toughness into this unproven roster. Though as my roommate pointed out, this games still begs the question, "When you have Napier and Boatright on your roster how was this team not ranked in the top 25?"
I could not think of answer right away but all you have to do is look at Uconn's performance last year. Even with two lottery talents like Jeremy Lamb and Andre Drummond, they under performed. Earning an 8-9 seed and getting bounced in the first round by Iowa State. The problem last year was leadership. All the headlines about Calhoun did not help the team, but I saw games where Shabazz ad Boatright would just look to get theirs and not play team basketball. No one on the team stepped up and it was a disaster for a team that was so talented.
At this point you have to give credit to Kevin Ollie. The new coach of the huskies had this team defending and believing from the opening tip. He looked comfortable on the sideline even with Jim Calhoun watching court side (he as doing a radio broadcast for Uconn). He looked like he belonged, lets call him the Anti Vinny Del Negro for now. Impressive showing from the huskies overall. With their two lead guards playing like that and a willing team, they can be more than competitive in the Big East.
Maryland vs. Kentucky
John Calipari's last 6 starting point guards: Marquis Teague, Brandon Knight, John Wall, Tyreke Evans, Derrick Rose and a payer who was involved in the most gut wrenching loss I have ever witnessed ( watch here), Darius Washington Jr. All McDonald's All Americans, the first 5 were first round picks after their freshman year. So we have come to expect excellence from Coach Cal point guards. Last night it was evident Cal's latest project, transfer Ryan Harrow, was not getting the job done. He is a player who boasts an amazing highlight reel, but his collegiate game has not caught up to the hype. Cal went with Archie Goodwin at the point for stints. Clearly his game is more suited for the wing though. Then Cal inserted former walk on Jarrod Polson.
Polson sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the star studded roster of Kentucky. He was offered a scholarship by Liberty coming out of high school, but chose to take his chances in Lexington. He has obviously practiced against pros the last two years, but only played in garbage time in previous seasons. Cal had faith in him, and when Polson made a couple good cuts to the basket while converting lay ups, Cal stuck with him.
Polson made the play of the game when stripping a Maryland player of a rebound and putting in a tough reverse lay up that put UK up by 4 with 3 minutes left to play. Also with 8 seconds left Polson showed great poise sinking 2 free throws. I have an intense dislike for UK and still was shouting "ICE! He's got ice in his veins". Clearly I was rooting for the kid. It will be interesting to see how the point guard situation will play out in Lexington, but you can't take this moment away from Jarrod Polson. On basketball's newest and brightest stage with Jay Z sitting court side, he was the difference maker. That's why college basketball is so easy to love.
Indiana vs Bryant University
Being a graduate from Indiana University just last May, the Hoosiers are a team I will follow closely all year. I will also do my best to stay unbiased and I think you'll find I can be harder on IU than most other analysts. Watching the Hoosiers grow as a team last year was amazing. Roles were defined and the team fell into place. IU really tried to push the tempo last season and we saw that exemplified in the last game of the season in a loss to UK in the NCAA tournament. Whats amazing about IU's efficiency on offense was they were void of a true point guard. Hulls was serviceable, but folded under the pressure of VCU like teams. Arguably Indiana's player with the tightest handles, Verdell Jones III, was the one they could least trust with the ball in his hands. It made for an interesting brand of basketball.
Insert Kevin 'Yogi' Ferrell. The highly touted recruit really jumped off the tape in IU's opener. He was ultra quick, decisive and made great decisions with the ball. He alone will add a dimension that Indiana's offense did not have last year. He can break down the defense and distribute to others in scoring areas. Yogi also made his first appearance on Sportcenter's top 10 plays with a nifty no look pass to Cody Zeller. I still expect Yogi to go through the freshman growing pains just like any other player, but it is clear he is ready to lead the Hoosiers with some cheeky play along the way.
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