The opening month of the college basketball season has brought upsets, breakout performances and shown that preseason predictions are often only good on paper … or in cyberspace.
Surprising efforts from teams such as Connecticut and Louisville in the Big East counterbalanced disappointing starts for touted Butler of the Horizon League and North Carolina of the ACC.
Some star players have run to fast starts, including Duke’s Kyrie Irving and Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger. Others, such as UNC’s Harrison Barnes, have had their ups and downs.
Which brings us to this week’s question: What player or team has impressed you most in November?
GERRY AHERN’S RESPONSE
Minnesota’s championship run in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off has vaulted the Gophers into the Top 25 and shown that they will be a major factor in the Big Ten and nationally. Victories over North Carolina and West Virginia in Puerto Rico along with solid wins over Siena and Western Kentucky have been eye-opening. Tubby Smith boasts a deep and diverse lineup, capable of giving opponents fits inside and outside. The main catalyst thus far has been forward Trevor Mbakwe, who has shed off-court trouble and become a force in the frontcourt. Big men Colton Iverson and Ralph Sampson III allow Minnesota to body up on anyone. Sharpshooter Blake Hoffarber can keep teams honest from the outside. About the only concern for Smith thus far has been at the other guard spot. Al Nolen’s status is uncertain after he suffered a foot injury. Devoe Joseph is suspended indefinitely as he tries to get on track academically. Still Smith likes to substitute liberally, sometimes five at a time. Maurice Walker, Austin Hollins, Chip Armelin and Maverick Ahanmisi see plenty of action. The Gophers look like they will slug it out with Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue and Illinois for the crown of the nation’s best conference. They weren’t being mentioned in the same breath as those teams at the beginning of November.