For the fans, by a fan. Bracketologist/Analyst who watches 40+hrs of CBB, every week | Chicago State Super Fan | @usbwa | inquiries: t3bracketology@gmail.com
Aug 13 • 45 tweets • 15 min read
Arizona announced a new, absolutely fire, court design with a throwback style.
It inspired a question. Who else in D1 has a fun/unique court design?
No need to go look it up. In this thread, I’ve done the work for you.🧵
Over 40 courts detailed in two comment threads below, and I’m sure I forgot a few. Enjoy!
Oregon
Let’s get this one out of the way. The often controversial, Oregon Ducks!
Not everyone loves the Forest look, but this is a major improvement, and within the school colors, to what Oregon had previously.
Do you like it?
Mar 18 • 7 tweets • 11 min read
Did not have time to watch some of the more niche programs seeded 12-16?
No problem, I did. I watched all 364 teams this season 3+ times, and in this thread, I breakdown some of the key areas of every 12-16 seed.
Hope you enjoy! Please share!
12 seeds! Most seasons 2/4 beat a 5. But at least pick 1.
UC San Diego
-I love the Big West. In its first year of D1 NCAAT eligibility, UCSD goes 30-4, wins the BW regular season & tourney title. Tritons lead NCAA in TO margin, commit the fewest turnovers and are Top 3 in TOs forced. Top 45 in APG, 37% from three, and a Top 30 opponent adjusted defense. Lack of size is an issue. No true traditional center, but New Zealand’s own Aniwaniwa Tait Jones is a back to the basket player first, and a terrific passer out of a double to a number of good shooters. UCSD often goes with 6-7 guys, but is nota team that fouls often. Rebounding, while a potential concern against P5 teams, hasn’t been an issue. Going about even on avg in the rebound battle all season. UCSD has won 15 in a row, and is 28-2 in its last 30 with a road win at Utah St. No P5 would schedule them, so let’s see if they are ready for the task in March.
Colorado State
-not many are hotter than the Rams. So much so that some sites have CSU as a favorite over Memphis in R1. We must start with Nique Clifford. He is a Top 50 player in CBB, maybe even higher, and his leap from last season to this year is immense, taking direct advice from NBA scouts to put on weight and work on the jumper further. It’s paid off. CSU finished 2nd in a MW that sent 4 teams dancing and they’ve won 10 in a row. The outside shot has really been working lately, Rams are making 9+ threes much more often on this run than in the non con. It has also held all 10 opp under 74pts during this win streak. Top 50 in both offense and defense, but a Top 10 team in all of CBB via Torvik since mid Feb. Its possible they peaked early, but this could also be an NC State situation to monitor. Nique Clifford may just be the next DJ Burns American Hero.
Liberty
-Liberty is 6th in CBB at 39% from 3, 6th in FG% at over 49%, but is a bottom 20 team from the FT line. Fascinating, and something to watch in a close game. This is a top 50 defense, partially driven by its offense methodically using the clock and looking for the best shot. Liberty beat K State & Charleston while winning the double in an extremely competitive CUSA. Almost every league game was tight, & while FT is an issue, they have practice in many close games. Kaden Metheny is the man to watch. He has “in the gym” range. 16/31 from deep in 3 CUSA tourney games. He’s coming in red hot. Only 1 6’8+ rotation player and a 7 man typical rotation could be an issue, but a stingy defense and volume threes allows Liberty the chance to upset anyone on a given night.
McNeese
-McNeese will not push the pace much, but it is consistent on both ends. Top 70 in offensive and defensive eff. 22-1 in its last 23 stands out too. They know how to win. A Top 70 NCSOS, McNeese lost by just 8 to Alabama, holding the Tide to its second lowest point total of the entire season. That defense showed again in a 4pt loss to Liberty. Holding the flames to its 4th lowest point total all season. It’s not a high volume 3P team, but they can get to the line and its athleticism can compete with P5 comp. Usually a 7-8 man rotation, preferring to force TOs, and switch on defense vs multiple big bodies. McNeese is T-19 in turnovers forced per game. If it defends like it has all season and the game can get ugly, this team can win a few games. But it may take some individual brilliance from its guards offensively too.