The friendly confines of the best rivalry

It all comes around.

Ask Laettner, or Mashburn. Ask Pitino or Krzyzewski.

I became a Duke basketball fan in 1992. And all that mattered in 1992 in basketball was Duke versus Kentucky. Anyone who knows anything at least knows of the tale of their 1992 Elite Eight battle. The game itself is arguably one of the best ever to be played on any basketball court. The shot that ended the overtime affair — you know…THE SHOT — well its merits as the best aren’t debatable. Not with me anyway.

That was — swallow — 22 and a half years ago. But what any true Duke fan, or any true Kentucky fan can tell you is that no moment is more defining of their program.

For Duke, how do you ever live up to the merits of that game? Of that shot? They went on to win another national title that year, have won two more since that (2001, 2010) and were the national runner up on two other occasions. But when you are a Duke fan and you think about your program, it all comes back to “The Shot.”

For Kentucky, how do you ever get past that moment, perhaps the most soul-crushing moment in the history of sports? Yes, they to have won three national titles since (1996, 1998 and 2012). They too have been the national runner-up on two occasions since. But when you are a Kentucky fan and you think about your program, it all comes back to “The Shot.”

In Durham, the name Christian Laettner is laid among the Gods. In Lexington, the name Christian Laettner is laid among loogies and mass vulgarity.

One thing I have learned as a Duke fan is that Kentucky people will never side with me. Why would they? It is after all, sour grapes. They lost, we won. But I also know how quickly that could be different. Hindsight, being 20/20, points out that one change in coaching technique could have sent that Wildcat squad to the Final Four. And then, in Duke circles, the name Jamal Mashburn would be whispered in hushed tones. And then we’d have all of the sour grapes. Tides and fortunes turn. The three national titles and a pair of 2^nd place finishes aren’t all we have in common. After all, our first round NCAA Tournament losses to Lehigh and Mercer are their first round NIT loss to Robert Morris. For their celebrations of Anthony Davis and Julius Randle, we’ve had the heroics of Shane Battier and Kyle Singler. For their massive downtrodden times of Nerlens Noel, we’ve had injury-killing anti-success of Kyrie Irving.

Ever since that shot, the existences of the Duke and Kentucky basketball programs have had intriguing shades of parallel.

The last year in my house has added a new element to my viewpoint. Both of my stepsons are bred from Kentucky lore. One was born in Kentucky, their father and his family are all Kentucky through and through. To them, U and K have been the only initials that matter when it comes to college basketball.

And then, there I was as a Duke fan. And by hook or crook, intrigue or irony, they (especially the youngest of the two), added some level of Duke fandom to their minds. It is never anything that I asked of them, but I am sure something engrained quickly into their subconscious because of how big of a Duke fan that I am, just as being UK fans was engrained for all of the other years of Wildcat basketball they saw or heard about.

Kids are fickle when they cheer for sports teams. For all the home team cheering there is, there are always just as many kids who pick up teams not so near. In my youth, other than becoming a Duke fan, I cheered from my Indiana home for the Atlanta Braves, another team not within 10 hours from where I lived. My youngest, Ayden — as another example — has an insane array of favorites that span from California (San Francisco 49ers) to Canada (Toronto Raptors).

But is there anything more fickle than being a fan of both Kentucky and Duke?

Bobby Hurley’s face would probably contort grossly at the question. Richie Farmer might puke.

My stepsons, again especially the youngest, have added a new space in my mind. A space where this makes sense, a space where I can actually be ok with it. In 1992, a battle like the two programs put forth brought with it a certain amount of despise and hatred. That is what 1992 was about, that was old school. But in 2014, in a world where UFC fighters bash each others heads in for 15 minutes and then hug and smile, why can’t Duke and Kentucky co-exist? Why can’t we just say good job and be happy with the magic we made together?

Last season, Ayden and I sat on the couch for many a basketball game, always cheering for the blue and white no matter what word actually appeared on the front of the jersey. He developed a favorite Duke player in Jabari Parker (he’s not happy he has to pick a new favorite already) and I took a liking to the Wildcats’ Willie Cauley-Stein. As he learned all of the names of the players on both teams, I too learned about UK. He became a true Duke fan, wore Duke clothes and cheered them on. I cheered too. No, I haven’t brought myself to slide into a Kentucky Wildcat t-shirt or anything like that, but when Kentucky played, I found myself cheering them on, especially in their close bid to become the National Champions. That alone is something that I never thought I would find myself doing.

It must be how my dad felt. He may have never hated Duke, but when I was a kid he was a Purdue fan. Now, I don’t think my dad would want any college basketball team to win more than he would want Duke too. Kids do that. They open yours eyes up just enough.

It is a rivalry that has lasted 22 years, but Ayden’s love of both teams has transcended that rivalry. Is he the first kid to think to their self “why can’t I just like them both?” Probably not. But it clicks. After all, Duke and Kentucky are forever intertwined. Nothing will ever change that. So why does everyone have to choose?

It is also what will make this upcoming college basketball season so much fun and possibly pretty interesting. The fact is, in my humble and moderately professional opinion, there are no better teams in college basketball this year than Kentucky and Duke. Always intertwined, we find ourselves at the top of the food chain once more.

Kentucky returned the vast majority of their near-championship core. The Harrison twins, Cauley-Stein, all back to team up with the second best recruiting class in the country that includes freshmen Karl Towns, Tyler Ulis, Devin Booker and Trey Lyles. Duke has a lot of veteran experience in tow too, even if they did underachieve last year. They also add the number one recruiting class in the country with soon-to-be NBA players Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones and Justise Winslow.

It will be another layer on one of the best rivalries in sports. There is a very good chance that the paths of the Blue Devils and Wildcats could cross in Indianapolis come April with the best trophy on the line. Sure would make for an interesting evening in my house.

I spent more than 20 years on one side of this rivalry. Duke was always greater than Kentucky. Do I still believe that to be true? Of course I do. Should they meet up in Indianapolis this Spring, or ever before, I will have one of my Duke jerseys on while Ayden sits down the couch with a UK hoodie. His brother and his mom will probably do the same as him. I know this to be true.

But I also know that win or lose; I will be content with being a fan of the greatest rivalry in sports. Content knowing that without Kentucky, there is no Duke and without Duke, there is no Kentucky. Our teams did this together. So whenever they meet again, I will be there.

I will be there, praying for the ghost of the not-dead Christian Laettner and Kentucky fans will be there, spitting and cursing his name.

But now, thanks to that space in my mind where Duke and Kentucky co-existing finally makes sense, I will be smiling the whole time.

College Basketball Preview Part 5: The Top Ten

Here is the hypocrisy of college basketball. Kentucky is almost universally considered the number one team in college basketball. As I touched on a couple weeks back in the very first part of my preview, that just sucks.

But I will not follow the trend. 6 McDonalds All-Americans is impressive for sure, but what is more impressive is tested talent. And that is what paves the way for the official In All Directions Preseason Top 10.

1. Michigan State

There is no doubt that Tom Izzo has the best core of returnees in the country. I will take Keith Appling and Gary Harris over any backcourt in the country almost any day of the week.

2. Duke

Depth. Depth. Depth. As I will expand on later, this team has a bench for days. Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood make the headlines, but my money to make this team their best is inspired play from Quinn Cook.

3. Kentucky

See, I am not a total hater, I will give the Wildcats their due because their freshman class in intriguing, just not sensational yet. But again, while all eyes are on Julius Randle, I am looking out for a breakout year from Alex Poythress.

4. Louisville

This is a tough one for me because I really think the defending champs lost a lot in Peyton Siva and Gorgui Dieng, but Russ Smith may be one of the toughest guys in the game to guard. And who won’t like the Kevin Ware storyline this year?

5. Arizona

Aaron Gordon has a huge upside and Duquense transfer T.J. McConnell is better than it sounds of the surface. How good the rest of the PAC-12 is will dictate Arizona’s long term potential, but look for them to stay hot for a while.

6. Florida

Billy Donovan has depth too and that is all he has ever really needed. He doesn’t have breakout players like his title run years, but Florida stays strong and they should power through the SEC.

7. Michigan

This is a team who really surprised me after their National Title loss. I really felt like it was all or nothing on turning pro, but instead they split. Glenn Robinson III should move into little Tim Hardaway’s spot, Mitch McGary could be the nation’s best big and I, for one, want to see what Spike Albrecht can follow up his great title game with.

8. Kansas

Yes, they have Andrew Wiggins. But what do they have around him? Skill and talent? Sure, this is Kansas after all, not NJIT. They are young, they will have a shot to win the Big 12, but I don’t expect them to be a big threat come March.

9. Oklahoma State

Not many teams can claim to have a sure top-10 NBA Draft pick back. The Cowboys can. Marcus Smart is dynamic, will be one of the very best players in the country and their team experience will drive them well throughout the season.

10. North Carolina

I am going to go ahead and give this spot to the Tar Heels. James Michael McAdoo may be an All-American and if PJ Hairston can get back and not be stupid, the Tar Heels can contend with almost anyone in the country blow for blow.

Don’t sleep on: Creighton, VCU or Marquette.

College Basketball Preview Part 4: Power Conferences

So with the fringe conferences out of the way, Cinderellas potentially appointed, it is time to look at the top 10 power conferences, the ones we will see on TV and the ones that really have the best chance to do the most damage this year.

So here are those conferences in order from weakest to strongest:

ATLANTIC 10

This conference suffered more than any with the realignment at the top of the college sports heap. That said, Juvonte Reddic is going to the NBA, but not before he leads VCU to another NCAA Tournament with Coach Shaka Smart. While there will be some strong teams in this conference, I don't see anybody here contending with VCU. Saint Louis will also be tournament bound again, but have to replace a lot of production from Kwamain Mitchell. Behind these two teams, anyone could finish anywhere in my opinion.

Is there any more respected coach these
days than VCU's Shaka Smart?

WEST COAST

Hmmm....let me see....Gonzaga. Gonzaga wins, they always win, they always will win. They sandwich the rest of the league with the best point guard and the best big man with Kevin Pangos and Sam Dower. Gerard Coleman has the potential to be the best freshman and really help the Zags dominate. Behind him, Tyler Haws at BYU could throw a wrench into things as he really is a versatile scorer, and Saint Mary's will continue to be a thorn in Gonzaga's side.

MOUNTAIN WEST

With UNLV raided for talent (two top players transferred, the best player went number one in the NBA Draft), this is clearly New Mexico's league. Kendall Williams will win the Player of the Year again and has a fringe chance at being an All-American, possibly depending on the Lobos' run come March. Behind him, New Mexico also has the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Alex Kirk to help their dominance. UNLV may still be strong with Khem Birch, and Boise State is going to put up a lot of points as well.

PAC-12

There is every chance in the world that Aaron Gordon at Arizona could surpass all of the other super freshmen in the country and that alone makes the Wildcats the top contender in this league. Brandon Ashley is phenomenal too and their 1-2 punch makes Arizona the easy favorite. Spencer Dinwiddle could have Colorado as a tournament team too, maybe their best team ever. And, UCLA's revival doesn't end with the exit of Shabazz Muhammed, because Kyle Anderson is explosive and Jordan Adams could just be insanely dominant if he can get and stay healthy for the entire season.

SEC

OK, so I have to give in to the Kentucky hype to a degree here because no team should be close to the Wildcats with Julius Randle leading the way. As much as the freshmen are hyped, Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein are huge returners for Kentucky. Florida, LSU, Tennessee and Missouri are also tournament bound teams, with the Gator's Patric Young, a 6'9''-240 pound senior center as a dominant inside presence.

BIG 12

Kansas will lead the way for one reason and one reason only: Andrew Wiggins. More hype, just like the SEC and Pac-12 favorites. Wiggins' biggest issue is that he doesn't have the help that Gordon and Randle have. Without that help, there is a good chance that Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart leads his Cowboys past Kansas to the top of the conference. Smart is fantastic and one of the toughest guys in all of college basketball to guard. Baylor is also continuing a big surge as a program and need a good year to bring in some key recruits that they are after.

Marcus Smart is such a dynamic scorer, there is a chance
that highly touted Andrew Wiggins at Kansas will
have nothing for him.

AMERICAN

A fun new conference (kind of?) will be dominated by Louisville. Losing two key players doesn't change their depth. Russ Smith is the best player in the league and Wayne Blackshear is also back. How Kevin Ware plays, back so quickly from that gruesome leg injury, could help the Cardinals to a second straight National Title. UCONN will be the secondary team with Shabazz Napier at the helm, but the undersized senior will need some help behind him. If Cincinnati can avoid punching people, they can also make a deep run.

BIG EAST

This is an interesting conference where any of the top 5-6 teams could be king. I give Creighton the nod because Doug McDermott is one of the best scorers and players in the entire country. Nobody in this league, possibly in college basketball will stop him. He gets great help in Grant Gibbs as well. Behind them, flip some coins to see where Marquette, Butler, Georgetown, Villanova and St. Johns finish.

BIG TEN

Indiana is the name that pops up in everyone's mind again when talking about the Big Ten, and that is great. But Coach Tom Crean has so much to replace in top-5 pics Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller. Can anyone fill those shoes? Yogi Ferrell is a dynamic scorer, but what about his consistency? Can Evan Gordon really do anything to help the Hoosiers? My guess is, Indiana falls dramatically. Part of that is because Michigan State, behind Gary Harris and Keith Appling, is potentially the best team in the conference. Michigan is a good team behind them, who like National Title game co-stars Louisville, lost a lot but bring a lot back. Mitch McGary is so strong inside for the Wolverines. Ohio State could thrive if they can find the scoring to replace Deshaun Thomas.

Behind Gary Harris, this may be coach Tom Izzo's
best chance at another National Title for Michigan State.

ACC

Three of the better teams in the league are brand new in Syracuse, Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. But it is some of those old-faithful ACC teams that dominate. Duke should run away at the top behind freshman Jabari Parker and a lot of returners from a strong team of 2012-2013. Behind them, North Carolina has a lot of pressure on them to win without PJ Hairston, who could be gone for any amount of time. The expansion doesn't slow down Virginia either, who have Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell to make this perhaps the best Cavalier squad ever. Of the newbies, look for Syracuse to have enough depth to stay as a contender, especially with CJ Fair scoring almost at will.

College Basketball Preview: Fringe Conferences Part Two

MID-AMERICAN

This is one of those rare and odd Midwest conferences where the best schools usually aren't draped with the best players. Shayne Whittington has the chance to be dominant inside for Western Michigan in a league without much knowledgeable size. They may be the dark horse with 3 guys who red shirted last year as true freshmen. How those three do against Toledo will determine the West Division and possibly conference winner.

MISSOURI VALLEY

Wichita State is by far the class of this conference and should run away with it behind Cleanthony Early, a potential future NBA prospect. The Shockers lost 4 players from a 30-win team, but could repeat that number again. Indiana State will be a distant, but interesting second place team behind Jake Odum and newcomer Brenton Scott.

Cleanthony Early is going to be one of the best
mid-majorplayers in the nation.

NORTHEAST

Bryant may be an interesting choice because of newcomer Daniel Garvin, who has a lot of talent for this level, but Julian Boyd at Long Island may change all of that. Boyd, if healthy, is a 18-25 point per night guy which is the kind of scoring you need to be a breakout team in a league this small.

OHIO VALLEY

In the Ohio Valley, Murray State is always a frontrunner because of their history and consistency. They have some intriguing kids coming into the program, but with that said, they are quite young. I look for Belmont to top Eastern Kentucky, easier than some might thing, in the East with Southeast Missouri State leading the West. Overall, SEMS has more talent with Tyler Stone, but Belmont just has more experience and will win the Ohio Valley.

PATRIOT

Bucknell is intriguing as a repeat champion, but I just don't know if Cameron Ayers is enough fire power when it comes to topping Boston, who has a lot of depth. D.J. Irving, Dom Morris and Maurice Watson Jr. is a hell of a triple threat.

SOUTHERN

There may no longer be a Curry in town, but it is about time that Davidson rises back to power in this conference and as a legit March Cinderella threat. De'mon Brooks is going to be the Player of the Year and Andrew McAuliffe may be the best freshman at 6'8'', 225 pounds.

SOUTHLAND

The Southland is a mess. I can name 5-6 teams who shouldn't even be Division I. I mean, who is Incarnate Word? Are we taking everyone now? Eventually, this league will be like the Summit League was (Mid-Con before that) with Oral Roberts dominating year after year. But they are still feeling things out, so I'll give McNeese State the benefit of the doubt this season behind Desharick Guidry.

SUMMIT LEAGUE

I am a homer of sorts and would love to see IPFW make a run, but that is going to be hard after losing all-time leading scorer Frank Gaines, now in the NBDL. IPFW's season could be impacted by the debut of redshirt Stetson transfer Steve Forbes, Taylor Braun leads a versatile North Dakota State lineup, South Dakota State has depth with Jordan Dykstra leading the way, and Denver has the overall best player in Chris Udofia. This conference should be a sprint between these four schools, I am going to guess Denver rises to the top in the end.

Steve Forbes could be a beast at IPFW.

SUN BELT

Somehow, and for some reason, Georgia State has become an athletic darling of the low grade conferences. They are attracting decent athletes for no discernible reason. In their first year in the Sun Belt, a sophomore in R.J. Hunter is going to dominate. Behind him, Manny Atkins is strong. Louisiana-Lafayette will also be a contender, but just aren't as athletically deep as the Panthers and Coach Ron Hunter.

The fact that RJ Hunter is only a sophomore is just insane.
He is a NBA prospect with a lot more time to
make Georgia State relevant.

SWAC

The lowest of the low on the totem pole is the Southwestern Athletic Conference, who wouldn't come close to field a tournament team unless they were required to do so. If it wasn't for the explosive Demarquelle Tabb, this conference would be lost. Because of Tabb, who at 6'5'', almost averaged a double-double in points and rebounds last season, Alabama A&M will plow through the conference.

WESTERN ATHLETIC

In this geographically irresponsible conference, familiarity is king. New Mexico State is always the class of this field and they have a great coach back that probably should have left for greener pastures in the off season. Travel lag may become an issue, especially for the Chicago States and UMKCs of the world.

College Basketball Preview: Fringe Conferences Part One

Outside of the power and high major conferences exist 22 other Division 1 conferences in college basketball. They are the schools you might not know of, those with witty nicknames, the Cinderellas and those who will not even make the smallest blip on most of society's radar.

So here today is part one of taking a look at those leagues, their top players and top teams.

AMERICAN EAST

Vermont has been, for some time, in their own class here in the American East, even if they didn't happen to get the conference's bid that year. This year, it should be clear that the Catamounts run away with all five starters returning. Stony Brook possesses a solid three-man front, but I just don't see them topping Vermont.

Bernard Thompson could lead another very high profile run.

ATLANTIC SUN

People are calling Torrey Craig from USC Upstate a possible can't miss NBA Draft steal come next year. I'm going to pass, because this league is CLEARLY ALL ABOUT FLORIDA GULF COAST. The have the hype, they have the interest and they are the only thing salvageable about the A-SUN. They return four starters, Brett Comer and Bernard Thompson are back and Jamail Jones is going to be the best frosh. No stopping this team, who may be the next Butler or Gonzaga when it comes to Tournament time.

BIG SKY

This is like looking at Vermont in the American East because Weber State is insane. Kyle Tresnak is a beast inside at 6'10'', 255 and Davion Berry is the best player in the league. Kareem Jamar will be unseated this year and his Montana team doesn't have the depth to stop Weber State, who could easily see their second straight 30-win season and could even win all 20 conference games.

BIG SOUTH

I am a big fan of Javonte Green at Radford, and I really think he could be a breakout star because of the fact that he, like Demarquelle Tabb (Alabama A&M – SWAC), plays so much bigger than his mid-size guard frame. But VMI is my pick to topple High Point for the conference crown because of big man DJ Covington and his point man Rodney Glasgow. I'm also intrigued to see newcomer Trey Chapman at VMI, who could add a lot to this dry conference.

BIG WEST

The “Cali League” could be a very a close one this year with an array of UC teams at the top in any particular order between Irvine, Santa Barbara and Davis. And perhaps just out of sheer love for their mascot, the Anteaters, I am going to go with UC-Irvine this year. Will Davis II will be strong inside for this team and although I don't think they have a top-5 league player and Davis himself may be 8^th or 9^th best, they have some strong depth. The best part is, behind Davis are players of 6'10'', 7'2'' and 7'5''. That is a lot of REALLY BIG depth. Corey Hawkins and UC Davis will be a close second, while Hawaii could end up being the spoiler for Cali.

COLONIAL

Drexel couldn't shoot to save their lives last season, but I expect them to remedy that this season behind POTY candidate Damion Lee. They were 7^th in the Colonial last season, but they are so much more experienced now and bring back a lot of scoring. I expect a duel between them and Towson to come down to the wire for the Colonial, with the possibility that one could win the regular season and the other could head to the field of 68. Towson's Jerrelle Benimon is explosive and has the right pieces behind him in Four McGlynn and Marcus Damus.

CONFERENCE USA

That is right, I am throwing Conference USA into the world of fringe. Part of that is the now seemingly constant flux of the teams. There are eight....that's right, EIGHT new teams this year and next year, they will add another one while losing three of this year's teams. That is ridiculous. That said, maybe Southern Miss? It is hard to tell exactly what happens here. I go with Southern Miss because of their depth, which is why I pick most of these conference winners, but this may be the one conference where depth doesn't matter. I am intrigued by Rob Rucker of UAB, but I question if he has enough leadership qualities outside of his on-court play to help UAB rise to the top. I expect Louisiana Tech to be the top challenger to Southern Miss this season.

HORIZON

Consistency from top to bottom is the key in the Horizon, where the best players are on middle of the road teams. Youngstown State should be happy that they have such a dynamic player in guard Kendrick Perry, they should go back to the drawing board in that they basically have nothing else. Kelsey Barlow is a fantastic newcomer who could be what takes Illinois-Chicago to the top of the league by the time he graduates, but this is not the year.

I'm going to go with Wisconsin-Green Bay to rise to the top. The 5'11''/7'1'' combo of Keifer Sykes and Alec Brown bookends a deep squad that should rise over Wright State and Cleveland State in a league that has lost some flare since Butler's exit.

On a Horizon League side note, I am really intrigued to to see how Oakland does in this new league. They may provide the flare that the league needs and doesn't have. Greg Kampe has done such a fantastic job in his years at Oakland, making them a threat and perennial top team in the Summit League. I can only imagine he will do the same in the Horizon.

Tommy Amaker has changed the entire
way of thinking at Harvard.

IVY LEAGUE

OK, so Harvard wins and everyone else is busy in class. Does that about sum up the Ivy League in the Tommy Amaker era. Wesley Saunders is miles above anyone else in the Ivy League and Siyani Chambers is a strong play maker.

MEAC

Norfolk State proved two Marchs ago to be the top team in the MEAC and they will pick that up this year as one of the best fringe teams in the realm of having the potential to run away with a Cinderella story again. Pendarvis Williams is phenomenal and should destroy anyone who tries to guard him

METRO ATLANTIC

One of the many low level leagues completely up for grabs. Canisius, Iona, Niagara and Marist could all be top dogs here. I'm going with Canisius only because I think that senior guard Billy Baron, who is quite versatile in how he plays, could be the type of guy to give them a March moment coming off a 20-win season in 2012-2013. Chris Perez, a transfer from the often-transferred from Stetson, will help as well.

Coming Tuesday, Oct.29: Fringe Conferences Part Two
Coming Thursday, Oct.31: Major Conferences
Coming Friday, Nov.1: Final Analysis before Tipoff

College Basketball Preview Day 1: The Hype Train is to Much

So this is how it goes in college basketball today.

1)      Have an over hyped and under talented recruiting class.

2)      Lost top player to injury.

3)      Miss the NCAA Tournament.

4)      Lose in the first round of the NIT to Robert Morris.

5)      Have previously mentioned top player go pro. (Why? We are still trying to figure that out.)

6)      Bring in new, possibly equally over hyped recruiting class.

7)      Be ranked #1 in the preseason.

Moral of the story: yesterday’s Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel is today’s Julius Randle. Welcome to the wonderful world of Kentucky Wildcat basketball.

Nerlens Noel's plight last season is part of a sad trend of over hyping freshmen

.

 John Calipari is a talented coach and a solid recruiter. But why is it that we continue to kid ourselves with thinking that these freshman talents, or super teams, are going to actually be so dominant when all evidence is to the contrary. No, the 2013-2014 Kentucky Wildcats are not going to be the next (or better) Fab Five. And no, Julius Randle is not going to be the next Michael Jordan (or Lebron, or Kobe, or whatever today’s skewed standard of “greatest player” is.)

We have been doing this to ourselves for years. The last three “stud” freshmen have all been riddled by unrealistic standards. I swear, I am not just picking on Kentucky. But, for the last four seasons (including the upcoming one), Kentucky has supposedly had “that guy” for three of them.

Kyrie Irving. Duke. 2010-2011. Injured. Missed most of college career. Left School. All-Star caliber NBA career.

Anthony Davis. Kentucky. 2011-2012. Great college career. Left School. Injured. Mediocre/Underachieving rookie season.

Nerlens Noel. Kentucky. 2012-2013. Injured. Left School.

Julius Randle. Kentucky. 2013-2014. TBD.

Let’s just say, that immediate history does not bode well for Mr. Randle. Injuries? Missing most of his season? Going pro because…well why not? Maybe missing some time in that rookie year? A bench spot next to Darko Milicic?

And I know, we can all say it, Andrew Wiggins is supposed to the best player in this class (or is it Jabari Parker? I get lost in the whipping and winding crazy hype train.) But it has been recently that people (including ESPN) have been comparing Randle to Lebron. I assume they mean it as a good thing. If I said it, I would mean it as he is a crybaby underachiever who can’t win on his own and is afraid of pressure.

The fact of the matter is this: I cannot honestly see Kentucky being that good. Six All-Americans? Great. Your real “veteran” players are both sophomores. There is this thing called growing pains and I expect a lot for a team who couldn’t get by Robert Morris last season with arguably comparable talent.

So who is, in my humble opinion, the team with the best shot to win it all in March (slash April)? Stay tuned this week to find out!