ForumsI’d like to begin this week’s Trap by giving kudos to Jim Boeheim. 800 wins is an amazing feat, but getting them all at the same school is mind boggling. Congratulations on a marvelous career, Coach Boeheim.
Now, let’s get down to business. The first weekend of regular season action is upon us. While there are plenty of the kind of mismatches we expect this time of year, there are more than a few intriguing tilts. Here are six the Trap is keeping an interested eye on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
1. Niagra-Auburn (Friday). Jeff Lebo saved his job with a strong finish in ‘08-’09. That’s the good news. Unfortunately, many of the players responsible for the Tigers’ strong finish have exhausted their eligibility. With that as a backdrop, Joe Mihalich brings his Purple Eagles to the Plains. Siena has gotten all the hype the last couple of years in the MAAC, but Mihalich’s squad is also an NCAA Tournament quality group. This is exactly the kind of game coaches with tenuous job security should never schedule. Alums and fans will see this as an embarrassing loss if Lebo’s guys fall. The truth of the matter is that Niagra is the better team.
2. Cornell-Alabama (Saturday). The Anthony Grant Era begins with a bang in Tuscaloosa. Two time defending Ivy League champ Cornell arrrives at the Capstone with an experienced, deep group that has faced plenty of bigtime programs the last couple of seasons. Senario Hillman and JaMychal Green give Grant a solid base to build on in his intial season. Steve Donahue’s Big Red, led by Ryan Wittman, will be a staunch initial opponent. A Crimson Tide victory would constitute a strong start for their new leader.
3. Morehead State-Kentucky (Friday). Few positions in sport are as scrutinized as the head basketball coach in Kentucky. Some, like Adolph Rupp and Rick Pitino, bask in the intense spotlight. Others, notably Eddie Sutton and Billy Gillispie, melt under the heat said spotlight produces. Into that caldron steps John Calipari. There may be no coach in America who would more readily embrace all that being the lead dog in Lexington entails. A stunning spring recruiting haul has the Wildcats in most every preseason Top 10 and Big Blue fans are dreaming of a return to Final Four glory. However, the last two season openers should have taught them the danger of underestimating an opponent. This year’s David is Donnie Tyndall’s defending OVC champion. Kenny Faried battling UK’s imposing frontline will be worth the price of admission.
4. New Mexico State-St. Mary’s (Friday). Life without Patrick Mills starts with a bang for the Gaels. Randy Bennett’s international mix welcomes the Aggies to their cozy gym. Marvin Menzies club is expected to be in the hunt for the WAC title, despite the usual academic upheaval in Las Cruces. Whoever survives this one gets a nice jolt of momentum out of the gate. St. Mary’s could really use it as the start of something big. Mountain West favorite San Diego State and Vanderbilt follow NMSU into Moraga. Three wins would give Bennett’s crew the nonconference wins they lacked in missing the NCAA field last year.
5. Creighton-Dayton (Saturday). This shapes up as the best game of the weekend. Dana Altman brings the Bluejays to UD Arena for a matchup of two teams likely to hear their names called on Selection Sunday. Brian Gregory’s group got over the hump and made the NCAA field last season, even winning a first round game against West Virginia for good measure. In one of college basketball’s best venues, this pairing of a couple of college hoop’s best non BCS programs promises to give the nation a preview of good things to come for both sides. Chris Wright and P’Allen Stinnett give this game marquee talent not usually associated with an MVC v. A-10 game.
6. Oregon State-Texas Tech (Sunday). Lost in all the hype surrounding his sister becoming the First Lady was the spectacular job Craig Robinson did in raising Oregon State basketball from its two decade long coma. Now, the Beavers add a touted recruiting class and are expected to challenge for an NCAA bid out of the weakened PAC 10. This is their first opportunity to show that expectations won’t be a millstone for this team. On the other hand, Pat Knight is still looking to prove himself to skeptics who question the succession plan that gave him the job in Lubbock. With a number of returning standouts, notably John Roberson and Mike Singletary, the time is now for The General’s son to show he’s the man for the job. A win in this early season homecourt battle would be an encouraging sign.
Until next week, stay classy, Volnation.
