Archives February 2012

Missed #25 – #21 Click Here!
Missed #20 – #16 Click Here!
Missed #15 – #11 Click Here!
Missed #10 – #5 Click Here!

It’s been a 5-day journey breaking down my top 25 college basketball power rankings, and I greatly appreciate you coming along for the ride. The goal is for you to apply these in an appropriate fashion and get you to start breathing, thinking, and acting sharp when sports betting specifically, with your basketball picks as conference tournaments and March Madness approach.

Time to unveil the 5 most power teams in all of college basketball!

#5 – OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (23-6) BIG 10 AP Poll: 8, Coaches Poll: 9
Slow and steady go the Buckeyes in the Big 10, and of late it’s been more slow than steady as OSU has dropped 3 of their last 5. After a weekend loss to Wisconsin at home they travel to Northwestern to face a team hungry to have its tournament card punched, then close the season at Michigan State who’s looking to wrap up a Big 10 crown. If Ohio State drops 5 of their last 7 many of the questions I had starting the season will be answered. They aren’t deep, they struggle shooting from distance, and they have a really tough time scoring when Sully’s on the bench. With that said, I know some of the sharpest guys in the world think OSU is the best team in the country but personally, I don’t see it. Now to the positives, OSU ranks #1 in the nation in defensive efficiency, and we know defense wins championships. The Buckeyes also have 6 wins against my top 50 including; 4 wins against my top 25 so they do deserve to be in the discussion as one of the nation’s best, hence why they’re in my top 5. I will add that there isn’t much separating OSU from teams 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 on my list. As of now, O-H-I-O gets an incomplete until I see how they finish down the stretch.
Next Big Game: 3/4 @ Michigan State Spartans

#4 – SYRACUSE ORANGE (29-1) BIG EAST AP Poll: 2, Coaches Poll: 2
Syracuse has rallied around the early season allegations surrounding former assistant, Bernie Fine. They’ve used that as motivation throughout the course of their nearly perfect season adopting an “us against the world attitude.” The lone Orange loss came on the road in a hostile environment without their most valuable player, Fab Melo. Despite everyone talking about how bad the Big East conference is this season, Syracuse has faced a top 15 strength of schedule – and their record against top competition is nearly flawless. The Orange have gone 9-1 against my top 50 and a perfect 3-0 against my top 25, how’s that for handling business? The knock on Syracuse is their issues rebounding, no doubt they have to do a better job, but when you play a zone defense you leave yourself susceptible to the offensive rebound. The reality is, it’s a numbers game and a tradeoff Jim Boeheim is willing to take because opponents are only shooting 38% from the field. Syracuse is the deepest team in the country and have as many as 10 pro prospects. The Cuse’ are plenty capable of cutting the nets down come March if they can get any type of consistent outside shooting from Kris Joseph and Scoop Jardine.
Next Big Game: 3/3 Vs. Louisville Cardinals

#3 – KANSAS JAYHAWKS (24-5) BIG 12 AP Poll: 4, Coaches Poll: 5
Everybody outside the state of Kansas was leery of the Jayhawks entering this season, but they’ve done nothing but impress since the start. KU is getting better than expected guard play and their bigs’ have improved throughout the course of the season specifically, Jeff Withey. Kansas is as complete a team as anybody in the country. They shoot it well, they pass it well, they score a ton of points, they rebound well, and they certainly don’t treat the defensive end of the court like a step child. The thing to focus on when talking Jayhawk basketball is the number 10: Kansas has one of the toughest schedules in the country, one that ranks top 10 nationally. Kansas is one of two teams in the entire country that ranks top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They’ve used that balanced attack to pile up the most top 50 wins in the country with 10 as well. Statistically, this Kansas team towers over just about anyone in the country, but there’s something about them that continues to make me hesitant on drinking the kool-aid. As great as Thomas Robinson is, this team will only go as far as the guards take them specifically, Tyshawn Taylor. He’s silenced critics in his senior season to this point but I can’t help but feel he will be the reason Kansas isn’t able to cut the nets down on April 2nd.
Next Big Game: 3/3 Vs. Texas Longhorns

#2 – MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (24-5) BIG 10 AP Poll: 6, Coaches Poll: 6
Death, taxes, and Izzo’s boys in March: 3 things you can always count on religiously. Typically the Spartans wait until later in the year to play their best ball but this year they’ve decided to show the country what they’re made of early. In my mind, Michigan State is the most cohesive unit in all the land and Tom Izzo claims this is the closest group of guys he’s ever coached. The Spartans dropped the first two games of the year to Carolina and Duke however I don’t put much stock in those games. Teams at that point are just seeing what they have, and aside from Draymond Green Michigan State was extremely wet behind the ears. Since then, MSU has won 24 of 27 and the 3 loses are by a combined 9 points. You’ll notice how these teams in the top 5 are extremely battled-tested and Sparty is no different. They’ve faced a top 10 schedule in the country yet that hasn’t slowed them down one bit. They’ve reeled off 9 wins against my top 50 including; 5 wins against my top 25. MSU is one of the best on the defensive end in the country and their offense ranks top 15 in efficiency as well. This team is flat out the real deal, and unquestionably the best team in the Big 10. Tom Izzo is an absolute monster bar none – and he’s been a cash cow for the sharp bettors going 18-8 against the spread.
Next Big Game: 2/28 @ Indiana Hoosiers

#1 – KENTUCKY WILDCATS (28-1) SEC AP Poll: 1, Coaches Poll: 1
The Kentucky Wildcats are the best team in College Basketball, and it’s not close. UK ranks top 5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, the only team in the nation that can attest to such accolades. They have 7 wins against my top 50, and have gone 5-1 against my top 25. Unquestionably, the most talented team in the nation. The questions sharp bettors have is, will this team fold down the stretch come tournament time due to inexperience and youth. It’s a great question, but they’ve proven time and time again this team is different in end of game situations. At Indiana down 10 with 9 minutes to go they fought back and lost on a miracle buzzer beater. Down to North Carolina the entire game and they out play a veteran ball club down the stretch. Hostile environment at Memorial? Not a problem as they held the Commodores scoreless the last 4 minutes. Down 13 at the break to Mississippi State? Why worry UK wins by nearly double digits! There are different types of ungodly talents when it comes to the game of basketball. You have the Kobe Bryant’s of the world, and then you have the Vince Carter’s. Point being, DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall aren’t winners – never have been, never will be. They lack the “it” factor. Anthony Davis has his head on shoulders and he’s a born leader and winner. His makeup is completely different than a Demarcus Cousins or John Wall. The rest of the starting line up is made up of a senior in Miller and two sophomores who know the ropes in Lamb and Jones. This version of Kentucky is far better than any other Coach Cal has had because they defend – that’s their calling card. There is nothing sharp about trying to be the cool kid who predicts Kentucky’s demise early in the tournament, this team glides to the final four.
Next Big Game: 3/4 @ Florida Gators

Missed #25 – #21 Click Here!
Missed #20 – #16 Click Here!
Missed #15 – #11 Click Here!

We’re getting to the meat and potatoes of my Top 25 college basketball Power Rankings – and it’s a perfect time with conference tournaments and march madness approaching. You must remain extremely mindful that these are to act as a guide when making your basketball picks, and not the end all say all. Meaning: Just because we have Team X rated two spots higher than Team Y, it doesn’t mean you blindly take Team X. You absolutely can not neglect pertinent elements like price point, line value, perception, motivation, situation, match up styles and the many other facets you must consider when sports betting.

Without further ado…

#10 – WISCONSIN BADGERS (20-8) BIG 10 AP Poll: 16, Coaches Poll: 15
Despite a half-dozen players auditioning for a role in the upcoming 2012 movie; Rocky VI “The Return of Drago,” Wisconsin has managed to gear their secondary focus on “breaking” the Big 10. Bo Ryan is like a robot, wash, rinse, dry, repeat, as he continues to recruit the same style of player and hasn’t veered away from a game plan he created pre-shot clock. Jokes aside, this Badgers team plays great team ball and is one of the top 3 defenses in the entire country. There’s no quit in this team, they’re tough, extremely physical – and that style of play translates well when you get outside the Big 10. No question the Badgers lack playmakers, but regardless of the talent deficiency Wisconsin has been in just about every big game they’ve had racking up 4 wins against my top 50 including; 2 wins against my top 25. For the players and coaches battling out on the court it’s all about wins and losses, but when sharp guys dissect teams we factor in “quality loses.” They fell short at North Carolina by 3 points. Lost a heart breaker at home in overtime to Michigan State. Lost by two buckets to Ohio State. At the end of the day a few bounces here or there throughout the course of a 40-minute contest could have turned the tide in Wisconsin’s favor. The Badgers have a big test Sunday at the Schottenstein Center against Ohio State, and follow that up with tough home games versus Minnesota and Illinois, so keep an eye on those 3 games and see how this team trends heading into March. This is by far the worst team of my top 10, and is on the verge of slipping out.
Next Big Game: 2/26 @ Ohio State Buckeyes

#9 – DUKE BLUE DEVILS (24-4) ACC AP Poll: 5, Coaches Poll: 4
It’s unfortunate we live in a society today where everyone is so prone to hate – and in the hoops world Duke tops the hate list. The Blue Devils are the official dead horse that everyone likes to beat. Rumor has it, mascot changes are being mulled over as I type. We spoke previously about the volatility of teams with impact freshman, and Duke is a perfect example. Their very best player is freshman point guard Austin Rivers, and boy did he have his fair share of mental lapses early on. In fact, people “in the know” were told the coaching staff was seriously concerned about his ability to play the point and contemplated moving him to off guard. Nearly 30-games later, Austin’s the savior of the Blue Devils and the unquestioned leader. He’s improved drastically on defense, became a floor leader whose cut down the mistakes, and his range from the point guard spot makes him unguardable because his unique blow by ability. Duke’s tallied 24 wins playing top rated strength of schedule in the country, and they’ve managed to pick up 8 wins against my top 50 including; 5 wins against my top 25. The Blue Devils resume is as good as anybody in the country, and for the first time in a while they will have earned whatever seed the selection committee appoints them.
Next Big Game: 3/3 Vs. North Carolina Tar Heels

#8 – WICHITA STATE SHOCKERS (25-4) MISSOURI VALLEY AP Poll: 19, Coaches Poll: 19
Do not adjust your computer screen this is for real – and the Shockers are for real, too! Wichita State is far and away the most underrated team in the country, and it’s not close! This might not look that dramatic compared to the AP and Coaches poll, but this is the first week all year they’ve cracked both polls top 25. Meanwhile, the Shockers have been a resident of my top 15 for the last 8 weeks. Don’t let the smaller Missouri Valley conference fool you, Wichita State has still played a top 60 schedule. They hang 78 points per game off 49% shooting, share the ball well, and for a smaller team are absolute glass eaters – they do everything extremely well. Wichita State is equally good on the road (10 wins) as they are in the comfy confines of the Charles Koch Arena – and that’s key come tournament time. The shockers have 3 big wins against my top 50, and they’ve made some really quality opponents look pathetic beating UNLV by 19, Creighton by 21, and Davidson by 17. Wichita State was snubbed from the big dance last season, and instead of sulking and getting bounced early in the NIT they decided to man up and crush the competition on their way to cutting the nets – So they’re no stranger to making a tournament run. If this team can make it to the elite 8 the sharp guys are going to yell; “Yahtzee” as we have futures on the Shockers as high as 250-1.
Next Big Game: N/A

#7 – MISSOURI TIGERS (25-3) BIG 12 AP Poll: 3, Coaches Poll: 3
I was never a fan of Frank Haith during his tenure at Miami, so to say I’m surprised at how well Missouri is doing would be an understatement. His Tigers are an offensive machine that can do it all on that end of the court – one of the best passing teams in the country and that’s led to lights out shooting with Missouri draining nearly 50% of its shots. The Tigers are far and away the most efficient offense in all of college basketball, but the question every sharp bettor has about Missouri is; “at what point does this team wear down?” They play a frenetic style of basketball on both ends of the floor and only 6-guys are seeing major minutes. Most thought the tread would wear off the tires after a loss to Oklahoma State in late January, but Missouri has rebounded winning 7 of 8 since that time including; wins against Texas, Baylor, and Kansas. I continue to look for “chinks in the armor,” when talking Tigers hoops, but as you dig deeper and deeper they keep on impressing with a perfect 4-0 record against my top 25, and 8 total victories against my top 50. Missouri is a match up nightmare as they have 4 guys on the court at all times that can dribble, drive, and shoot. You do not want to see these guys in March.
Next Big Game: 2/25 @ Kansas Jay hawks

#6 – NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS (24-4) ACC AP Poll: 7, Coaches Poll: 7
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting for the Carolina team from the end of last season to appear before me. I originally thought this Tar Heels group was simply going through the motions knowing what the ultimate goal at the end of the road was, but something’s missing. Despite my leeriness, North Carolina has made tremendous strides on the defensive end – and is one of the more balanced teams in the country ranking top 15 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They catapulted those accomplishments into 5 wins against my top 50 including; 2 big time wins against my top 10. In addition, they have a “quality loss” by 1-point against Kentucky at Rupp Arena where the Wildcats currently hold a 50-game win streak, the longest in the nation. North Carolina closes out the season at Duke, and I feel like if either of these teams can parlay an regular season ACC championship with ACC tournament championship they can land a #1 seed overall from the selection committee come March.
Next Big Game: 3/3 @ Duke Blue Devils

Missed #25 – #21 Click Here!
Missed #20 – #16 Click Here!

We’re back with teams #15 – #11 without diatribes against those who contribute to the AP and Coaches polls. Instead, we’ll harness that energy towards mainstream media. This is simply an effort to better educate those in the Sports Betting racket as much as humanly possible. Admittedly, we all love to tune into the major sports outlets on television, radio, and in print, but remain mindful that their goal is to entertain. Clearly, solid information is passed along the way but without an entertainment value they know your eyes and ears won’t oblige. Now, what you do with that information can sometimes be detrimental to your money if you’re using it as a guideline for sports betting. It’s great when former players and coaches give you a Free Pick on the big game, but telling you Duke is going to beat Maryland in Cameron is about as valuable as a fart in a space suit when the betting line is Duke -16. Proceed with caution!

Lets get it on…

#15-SAINT LOUIS BILLIKENS (22-5) A 10 AP Poll: NR, Coaches Poll: NR
I love Temple this year, but Rick Majerus and the Billikens are the king of the castle in the A-10 conference. Before you say; “But wait, Temple beat St. Louis and will likely win the conference, how can they be better?” I know, sharp bettors are weird! It’s great you match up well against a specific team but reality is there are 343 other teams in the country, and Saint Louis has been better against them. Temple ranks slightly better than St. Louis in offense, but the Billikens are one of the best defensive teams in the country. Come tournament time you can always rely on defense, but offense at the college level tends to pull a Houdini-act as pressure mounts (just ask Butler after last year’s final). The Billikens aren’t as tested as I would like having only played 2 teams in my top 25, but they weren’t outclassed in those match ups by any means losing both by an average of 4.5 points. St. Louis has racked up 7 wins against my top 100 and I like a team that’s savvy, has some experience, plays defense, and has an all-world coach that can prepare them for the ins and outs of the NCAA tournament. The Billikens are one of the most underrated teams in the country and will offer value on college basketball’s biggest stage.
Next Big Game: 2/28 Vs. Xavier Musketeers

#14-MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES (23-5) BIG EAST AP Poll 10, Coaches Poll 10
Buzz Williams always has his Golden Eagles swarming as they play a relentless brand of basketball from tip to final whistle. The kids on this team would do anything for their coach, and because of that this is one of the tightest knit groups in all of college basketball. Marquette can score with the best of them and that’s because they share the ball as well as anybody in the country translating into a team capable of shooting lights out. Despite how the program reads, their tallest starter stands at 6’6″, so to have the success Marquette is having they’ve earned the award of being my “All Effort Team.” With the potential to win 15 Big East games you know it’s been a solid season regardless if the conference is down. Marquette’s reeled off 4 wins against my top 50, and as it stands has the opportunity to tally up 3 more on that list as they close out the regular season. Keep an eye on the Golden Eagles over the next 10 days as they have an opportunity to prove their worth, or let us know they’re an overvalued commodity heading into March.
Next Big Game: 2/24 @ West Virginia

#13-INDIANA HOOSIERS (21-7) BIG 10 AP Poll: 23, Coaches Poll: 24
Hats off to Tom Crean, he’s quickly becoming a legend in the State of Indiana as he rejuvenates this Hoosiers team and leads them back to where Indiana basketball should be. Nobody thought the fix would be this quick, but when you knock off #1 Kentucky, #2 Ohio State, and #13 Michigan it shows people you’re back on the map and can compete with the very best. In addition to the three monumental achievements previously mentioned, Indiana has tacked on 2 more wins against my top 50, so they’re as battled tested as they come. In fact, showing a potential to beat anybody on any given night is the sole reason the Hoosiers are even ranked this high. Their struggles away from Assembly Hall are extremely alarming as the gauntlet that is March Madness rapidly approaches. As big as the game against Michigan State on the 28th is, I want to see what this Hoosiers team does in their last Big 10 road game. If Indiana can pick up a road win at Minnesota in an unfriendly environment it will go a long way in convincing those that have justified concerns. Ease our minds, IU!
Next Big Game: 2/26 @ Minnesota Golden Gophers

#12-FLORIDA GATORS (22-6) SEC AP Poll: 12, Coaches Poll: 11
The Florida Gators have one of the highest powered offenses in the country behind coach Billy Donovan. Their efficiency rating on that end of the floor is through the roof and the talent on this Gators team matches up with anybody in the country. Before I continue, this team goes as far as Erving Walker takes them. He’s a liability on defense, and his shot selection and decision making is horrific at best. Can he be one of the better players on this Gators team? Yes! The good version of Erving Walker isn’t hoisting 30-footers over larger defenders, but is breaking down his man off the dribble, finding Boynton and Beal on the wings and getting the ball down low to Young. When he does that, it allows the Gators to compete against anybody – and that’s the reason they have 4 wins against my top 50 including; 2 wins against my top 25. Florida is another team to pay attention to as the regular season concludes, they go on the road to Georgia and Vanderbilt, then finish the year at home against Kentucky. I took a flyer on Florida earlier in the season at 45-1 to cut the nets down, but remember, we take positions on long shots like this to come back later and earn off them. Can they win the National Championship? Probably not, but they certainly can make an elite 8 run to where we can hedge off that and earn profits.
Next Big Game: 2/28 @ Vanderbilt Commodores

#11-NEW MEXICO LOBOS (21-7) MOUNTAIN WEST AP Poll: 18, Coaches Poll: 21
This doesn’t look like a drastic difference to what both the AP and Coaches polls put out. However; the difference is New Mexico just cracked the top 25 in both the aforementioned polls this week, while New Mexico has been in my top 15 since the middle of January. It’s all about getting ahead of the market place on these teams. Bottom line, the Lobos were riddled with injuries early in the season and it caused them to drop games they wouldn’t lose now. They also had a big man that was more concerned about his future NBA team, than his present team. Drew Gordon had bulked up and put on weight at the advice from scouts, but he was extremely uncomfortable playing at his increased mass. Gordon has since shed the excess pounds throughout the season as he’s found a comfortable playing weight, and now he’s back to being one of the best bigs’ in the country. They play in the unheralded Mountain West so not many people get to see their games, but they’ve managed 3 wins against my top 50 including; 2 wins against my top 25. This New Mexico team can do just about everything well, and I expect the Lobos to make some noise come tournament time under coach, Steve Alford.
Next Big Game: 2/25 @ TCU Horned Frogs