ForumsAfter seeing Michigan throw up all over themselves at Notre Dame, I decided to continue the Trap’s recent trend of tying what’s happening on the gridiron to college hoops commentary for one more week. In that spirit, here is a list of one traditionally successful program from each of the Big Six conferences that will be shadows of their former selves in ‘08-’09.
1. Big East. St. John’s. The Red Storm has been bad for some time now. However, it is still shocking for longtime basketball fans to see the program of Mulllin, Berry, Jackson, Artest, et al playing the role of Big East doormat. Anthony Mason. Jr. and Justin Burrell are solid, but the rest of the team is suspect at best.
2. ACC. Maryland. It seems like an eon ago that Gary Williams was basking in the glory of cutting down the nets after leading his alma mater to the National Championship. The glory days of Joe Smith, Steve Francis, Juan Dixon, Steve Blake and Co. are a distant memory. The Terrapins are in danger of becoming perpetual NIT participants. Greivis Vasquez and Eric Hayes will try to lead a turnaround this season.
3. SEC. Arkansas. The Hogs have been a perennial NCAA tournament team. Not this year. John Pelphrey has some good young talent at his disposal, but not near enough experience to compete for an SEC West title.
4. Big Ten. Indiana. Make no mistake. Tom Crean will win big at IU. That said, this season will be an utter disaster. The Hoosiers have no experience or size. If they finish anywhere but the cellar of the league, Crean deserves Coach of the Year consideration. It’s that bad right now.
5. Big Twelve. Iowa State. The winning days of Johnny Orr, Tim Floyd, and Larry Eustachy are in the rearview mirror. Bad luck and defections have decimated the Cyclones in recent seasons. Greg McDermott is a quality coach, but ISU has a huge hill to climb to get back into conference contention.
6. PAC 10. Arizona. An ugly offseason will give way to a season that will bear scant resemblence to Lute Olson’s glory days in Tucson. Recent allegations of NCAA violations related to a letter requesting boosters help fund an AAU event on the U of A campus just make the mood even gloomier in the desert. The commitment of Abdul Gaddy does give the Wildcats a glimmer of hope.
Until next week, stay classy, Volnation.
