From the “Talk Too Much studios,” let’s go.
Kentucky’s Anthony Davis (23) dunks against South Carolina during the first half of their NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 in Columbia, S.C. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 86-52. (AP Photo/Mary Ann ChastainElite eight
Kentucky remains the class of college basketball, and before we get to our Elite Eight – the eight teams that are built and position to have the best chance to win the whole thing – let’s review a local weekend that would hardly be considered elite on any level.
First, the UT Vols went to Alabama and had their four-game winning streak ended. Barring an unbelievable and near-impossible turn of events – a run to the SEC final that would need to include a win over UK – the Vols’ loss put to rest any lingering hopes about an NCAA bid. That said, we’re still on board with Cunzo “The Conz” Martin and the magic he has worked with this bunch in his first year. The Vols are in position to make the NIT, and while that normally carries the energy of a trip to your Aunt Edna’s house for fruit cake and punch that could give a Cigar Store Indian diabetes, for these Vols an NIT trip is a reward. And it could be quite valuable for a team that will return a lot of pieces and is finding an outside shooter or two in an effort to replace Skyler McBee’s mustache from being really stout next season. (Side note: What to know how popular Skylar McBee’s wispy mustache – When you Google “Skylar McBee” – the Vols’ shooting guard – references for Skylar McBee’s mustache come up even before references to Skylar McBee. So there.)
Next, the UTC Mocs went to McKenzie Arena and lost to The Citadel. Barring an unbelievable and impossible turn of events – a run through the SoCon tournament, and through the opening Tuesday night of the NCAA tournament, continuing through the first weekend of the tournament and on to the Sweet 16 – the Mocs’ loss put to rest any lingering doubts that this will be the worst UTC basketball season in its 30-plus-year history in Division I. The Citadel was the eighth-worst team in the country, according to the RPI. And it won. AT McKenzie. Against a senior-laden team that was picked to win its division. Maybe the fact that expectations were high has contributed to the level of angst and disappointment for Johnny Mocs Fans everywhere, but there’s no way to sugarcoat how bad this team is playing. (The Citadel? Really?)