College Basketball: Giddy Times and Gritty Games
Ah, November, the month when leaves fall faster than my hopes of ever growing taller than my younger cousin! It’s that time of year when college basketball crawls out of its slumber like a bear waking up from a five-month hibernation. And isn’t it adorable? The Gonzaga Bulldogs, after spending what felt like their entire post-season lost in the woods, are back on the court and *actually* winning games. Who knew?!
1. Is It Time to Worry About Gonzaga Again?
So, Gonzaga won their match against Arizona State 88-80. For those keeping score at home, which, let’s be honest, is probably just me with a large cup of coffee and nothing but a pair of sweatpants, they’ve got some new names for us to memorize. Ryan Nembhard, Graham Ike, Nolan Hickman—it’s like a reunion tour for basketball players that got lost on their way to the snack bar. But let’s not forget, they can still shoot better than your uncle after a few beers on Thanksgiving!
2. The Plane Fight Didn’t Stop Auburn
Meanwhile, in the land of planes, trains, and awkward player quarrels, Auburn’s initial flight to Houston was grounded due to a bit of a brawl among the players. You know it’s bad when the pilot has to ask, “What’s going on back there?” But don’t you fret, because freshman Tahaad Pettiford turned out to be the hero. He dropped five three-pointers like they were hot mixtapes and led Auburn to victory—because nothing makes a plane fight feel less awkward than a 46-36 second half against Houston, am I right?
3. The Big East Could Be in Trouble
Switching gears to the Big East, where congratulatory emails for three NCAA Tournament bids are probably still ringing in their inboxes from last March. The league appears to have taken a step back—forwards to Columbia, Austin Peay, and Fordham, respectively. As a lover of basketball, I could almost feel the anguish of official emails being sent out!
4. But UConn Will Be Just Fine
Now, let’s focus on UConn and breathe a sigh of relief because they might actually be the team to watch. With Alex Karaban leading the charge, they’re poised to reclaim their glory. This guy is like the rolling stone of college basketball: unmovable and unstoppable! Their December stretch against Baylor, Texas, and Gonzaga should be a case study in tension because, let’s face it, they’ll have better competitive energy than my Saturday grocery trips!
5. Ryan Kalkbrenner Competing for Player of the Year
Ryan Kalkbrenner in Creighton is putting on more of a show than a kid with firecrackers on the Fourth of July! Averaging 49 points in the opener with a shooting performance that made 20 of 22 look like child’s play, he’s, quite frankly, dangerous. Remember his name, folks! He could be stealing headlines faster than a raccoon in a dumpster!
6. Duke Has More Than One Kid Who Can Shoot It
Duke might have more secrets in their back pocket than a magician’s hat. It’s not just Cooper Flagg who’s making ripples this season; Kon Knueppel has risen to the occasion like a well-baked soufflé. Who knew a name could be both a tongue-twister and a scoring machine? It’s like Duke has found the cheat code for college basketball.
7. Cautious Optimism for No. 1 Kansas
Over in Kansas, fans are feeling a unique blend of cautious optimism—something akin to someone cautiously checking their phone for a text from an ex. Their comeback against North Carolina was filled with thrills and chills, leaving them with a “Do we actually know how to finish?” vibe. But when all’s said and done, it’s about happy endings, not just nail-biting leads, right?
8. John Calipari’s Arkansas Blues
As for the John Calipari drama with Arkansas, things are a little messy. Think of it as a basketball soap opera where everyone has a dramatic backstory, and the plot twists come faster than my hairline recedes. After a narrow loss to Baylor, the jury’s still out on who’s winning the Calipari divorce. Seriously, does it involve alimony? I bet he’s regretting not investing in that blender he wanted!
9. St. John’s Will Be Fun to Watch
And finally, if you’re looking for some entertainment amidst all the chaos, look no further than St. John’s. They’re running up scores against lesser opponents like they’re in a fast-food drive-thru! With so many players ready to step up when another isn’t having the best day, it’ll be like watching a group of puppies trying to chase a car—adorably chaotic!
10. Cinderella? Try North Florida!
If you’re out here looking for eventual upset stories, then North Florida might just be your Cinderella this season. With victories against South Carolina and Georgia Tech in back-to-back outings, they’re on a roll where even their coach is looking slightly less like he’s going to trip over his shoes!
So grab your popcorn and settle in because college basketball is delivering a concoction of drama, rivalry, and unexpected heroes that would make even Shakespeare proud. Or at least keep him awake!
November 10, 2024; Spokane, Washington, United States; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Khalif Battle (99) and Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Michael Ajayi (1) joyfully celebrate on the court after their thrilling match against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Gonzaga Bulldogs emerged victorious with an 88-80 scoreline, showcasing their competitive spirit and skill. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Pictures
The college basketball season is once again in full swing, drawing the attention of fans nationwide. While the early November matchups may not appeal to everyone, your choice to tune into election coverage instead of witnessing exciting games like BYU facing off against Central Arkansas is perfectly understandable.
1. It’s time to worry about Gonzaga again
It’s been a few seasons since the Gonzaga Bulldogs boasted a No. 1 seed or had a standout star like Drew Timme. However, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the names Ryan Nembhard, Graham Ike, and Nolan Hickman, as these players are poised to lead the Bulldogs back into national contender status. Their commanding 101-63 victory over No. 8 Baylor on opening night, followed by a strong win against Arizona State where they consistently shot over 50 percent, underscores their potential to dominate this season.
2. The plane fight didn’t stop Auburn
In an unexpected twist, the initial flight carrying the Auburn Tigers to Houston for their game against the Cougars had to be rerouted due to a scuffle involving two reserve players. Instead of letting this incident derail their momentum, freshman Tahaad Pettiford stepped up magnificently, sinking five 3-pointers and contributing significantly to the Tigers’ 46-36 scoring advantage in the second half of their impressive victory over Houston. Currently ranked No. 1 on KenPom, Auburn is making headlines and counteracting the struggles of the football team.
3. The Big East could be in trouble
After feeling unjustly overlooked with just three NCAA Tournament bids last March, Big East officials were hoping for a turnaround in the 2024-25 season. However, in a disheartening start, Villanova fell to Columbia, Butler faced a loss against Austin Peay, and Seton Hall succumbed to Fordham. While my admiration for the Big East remains strong, it’s hard to ignore the rocky beginning this season.
4. But UConn will be fine
The Connecticut Huskies appear well on track to achieve their ambitious goal of a national treble. Alex Karaban, who happens to be the only returning starter from last season’s championship team, has emerged as a leading scorer in back-to-back games. Additionally, freshman Liam McNeeley has been making headlines with impressive double-doubles in both contests. Many fans are eagerly anticipating UConn’s grueling three-game stretch in December against powerhouse teams like Baylor, Texas, and Gonzaga.
5. Ryan Kalkbrenner will compete for Player of the Year
Continuing in the Big East, Creighton’s towering 7-foot center Ryan Kalkbrenner is shaping up to be a formidable presence on the court this season. This three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year not only impressed with a standout 49-point performance, hitting an astonishing 20-of-22 attempts during the Bluejays’ season opener against UT Rio Grande Valley, but he has also shown versatility by draining 3-pointers effectively, finishing 3 of 3 from beyond the arc across two games.
6. Duke has more than one kid who can shoot.
Duke boasts standout freshman Cooper Flagg, touted as the top newcomer of the class, widely recognized as a strong contender for the prestigious Wood Award. However, the Blue Devils’ leading scorer and shooter through two games is none other than fellow freshman Kon Knueppel, who has been thriving amidst the competitive atmosphere of Tobacco Road, despite his distinctly Wisconsin roots and appearance that are often subjects of discussion.
7. Cautious optimism for No. 1 Kansas
After a nearly disheartening conclusion to the previous season, Jayhawks fans are feeling a wave of cautious optimism following Kansas’ 92-89 triumph over North Carolina, a game that showcased their resilience even after a blown 20-point lead. It’s still early in the season, and the integration of transfers Zeke Mayo and AJ Storr appears to be pivotal in strengthening and deepening the Kansas squad.
9. At the very least, it will be fun to see St. John’s
In a display of offensive prowess, St. John’s showcased their athleticism by decisively defeating both Fordham and Quinnipiac, with notable second-half scoring explosions. The team features multiple guards such as Kadary Richmond, RJ Luis Jr., and Simeon Wilcher, all ready to step up if one falters. Under the leadership of Rick Pitino, this team is unlikely to be labeled as lacking in athleticism anytime soon.
10. Looking for Cinderella? Try North Florida
The North Florida Ospreys are off to a phenomenal start with a perfect 3-0 record and have surprised many with their consistent performance. After their initial victory over South Carolina, they astounded fans by defeating Georgia Tech with a stunning score of 105-93. This surprising success can be credited to veteran coach Matthew Driscoll, known previously for his animated antics that turned into viral sensations.
D. If Duke can keep this momentum going, they’ll have a formidable lineup this season, with both Flagg and Knueppel leading the charge.
7. Cautious Optimism for No. 1 Kansas
Fans of the Kansas Jayhawks are holding their breath while experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. Their nail-biting win over North Carolina has left supporters cautiously optimistic. It’s like riding the wave of excitement and anxiety all at once—can they maintain this level of performance throughout the season? The talent is there, but execution will be key in keeping the vibes positive in Lawrence.
8. John Calipari’s Arkansas Blues
The drama surrounding John Calipari and Arkansas is unfolding like a cliffhanger in a soap opera. Following a narrow defeat against Baylor, the Razorbacks find themselves in a precarious position. Questions about team chemistry and coaching strategies linger in the air. Calipari might just be wishing he had taken that blender investment a little more seriously. Only time will tell if he can steer his team back on track.
9. St. John’s Will Be Fun to Watch
For fans looking for an exciting team to follow, St. John’s is sure to deliver some thrilling moments this season. They’re racking up points like kids with a newfound stash of candy! With depth on the roster and the ability to produce standout performances from multiple players, it’ll be an entertaining ride watching them light up the scoreboard against their competition.
10. Cinderella? Try North Florida!
In the realm of underdogs, North Florida is making a name for themselves with surprising victories over South Carolina and Georgia Tech. As they dance through the season, their unexpected success has ignited conversations about potential Cinderella stories. Keep your eyes peeled for these underdogs; they just might pull off the stunning upset everyone loves to rally behind!
With the college basketball season heating up, expect to see thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and stories that won’t just keep fans entertained but might also turn into the stuff of legends. This season promises to deliver the kind of drama and heart-pounding action that can make anyone fall in love with the game all over again!
