College Ball is Here

Well, the first results are in, and the early-going exposed Kansas and North Carolina as, at the least, still far from the well-oiled machines they will be in January.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/gamecenter/recap/NCAAB_20061115_ORAL@KS
-- Oral Roberts over Kansas, 78-71? Don't give me the "Parity, parity, parity!" argument. This is a classic example of an overrated team underestimating its opponent. It's not parity -- it's a parody of the No. 3 ranking. It's a joke. And frankly, that should drop the Jayhawks into the double-digit rankings until they win a game that matters. Sure, they're talented. So is every team in the NFL, but it takes certain teams with the ability to play together that separates them. Talent gets rankings, athleticism wins a few games but teamwork takes titles.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/gamecenter/recap/NCAAB_20061115_WINTHR@NC
-- UNC is legit. This was a case of a strong, lesser-conference team putting in a tough, gritty performance. UNC will be fine. This was UNC's chance to incorporate the youngsters and see how they fit. They will keep rolling.

-- I think Kansas' loss should propel Pitt to No. 3 in the rankings in both polls.

-- Read my last post for the previews of this weekend's trio of games for Pitt. Make sure you listen to me at www.wpts.org/live if you aren't in the crowd at the games. I'll be doing the Northeastern-Pitt game.

Take it easy, folks.