By Marc Lawrence — Resident PLAYBOOK Expert Joe Nelson reminds us that Selection Sunday is less than two weeks away and some of the top contenders for the NCAA Tournament are clear. Many expect a wide-open field this season. However, here are some possible concerns for 11 teams that have a good shot to wind up seeded in favorable spots on the bracket … KANSAS: Bill Self’s past tournament failures. The Jayhawks won the 2007-08 title but since that championship season Kansas has been a #1 seed six different times – while at least a #4 seed in every other year – and yet have been back to the Final Four just twice in those in 11 seasons, while failing to escape the opening weekend six different times – all as a top four seed … GONZAGA: Not a championship caliber defense. A one-point overtime win over Oregon is the best non-conference win for the Bulldogs but that result was cancelled out the next day in the Bahamas with an 18-point loss to Michigan … For more observations from Joe on this year’s Big Dance concerns Click here. |
Top Trends Of The Day |
From this week’s Playbook Basketball Newsletter: The Minnesota Timberwolves are 11-0 OVER at home on Fridays, and 5-1 OVER in their last six meetings with Orlando … Oklahoma City is 19-2 ATS on the road since December 1st. |
Grinding Out The Profits |
It’s been reported that Jose Bautista is hoping to return to MLB as a two-way player. He’s been working out as a pitcher this offseason and reportedly has a 94 MPH fastball in addition to a decent slider. Thus the question begs: Is Joey Bats about to become Joey Bullpens? |