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This is a big one. We all understand that the AAC is a terrible conference relative to where we've been, and one game will not and should not do much to change that perception.
But there's a big difference between playing in a bad league and playing in a league that is barren of any legitimate competition. And, while one game isn't going to change the intrinsic value of what Cincinnati is as a team, the results of tonight's game matters greatly to the selection committee.
If UConn, Cincinnati, and SMU all finish the season at 15-3 in conference play, you want those records to be viewed as a product of them being good teams and not them beating poor competition. Obviously, the truth will fall somewhere in the middle, but if tonight's game can tilt the arrow slightly in favor of the AAC, it could be the difference between a seed line or two in March.
Tulsa and Memphis are OK. Houston and Temple are merely not atrocious. The conference needs the three at the top to be considered great teams independent of their affiliation. It's a lot easier to make that case when Cincinnati has beaten George Washington, VCU, and Iowa State, SMU has beaten Michigan and Gonzaga, and UConn has beaten Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, and Georgetown.
So, while the holiday season has clearly exposed my lack of a life, I did find the time to write a few paragraphs about the importance of an early-season college basketball game, and if I write much more I will have convinced myself that it determines the fate of the free world.
Cincinnati is favored by 4.5.
But there's a big difference between playing in a bad league and playing in a league that is barren of any legitimate competition. And, while one game isn't going to change the intrinsic value of what Cincinnati is as a team, the results of tonight's game matters greatly to the selection committee.
If UConn, Cincinnati, and SMU all finish the season at 15-3 in conference play, you want those records to be viewed as a product of them being good teams and not them beating poor competition. Obviously, the truth will fall somewhere in the middle, but if tonight's game can tilt the arrow slightly in favor of the AAC, it could be the difference between a seed line or two in March.
Tulsa and Memphis are OK. Houston and Temple are merely not atrocious. The conference needs the three at the top to be considered great teams independent of their affiliation. It's a lot easier to make that case when Cincinnati has beaten George Washington, VCU, and Iowa State, SMU has beaten Michigan and Gonzaga, and UConn has beaten Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, and Georgetown.
So, while the holiday season has clearly exposed my lack of a life, I did find the time to write a few paragraphs about the importance of an early-season college basketball game, and if I write much more I will have convinced myself that it determines the fate of the free world.
Cincinnati is favored by 4.5.
" it seems running the team could be the answer. Jim Calhoun may have a good point. If Hamilton is running the team and breaking down defenders do you think it would be best to surround him with shooters? That's why I was thinking Hamilton on the court with Purvis and any combo of Omar/Gibbs in the back court. I wouldn't mind starting Gibbs but seeing long stretches with Hamilton, Purvis, Omar, Miller and the Facey/SE/PN trio up front. Rodney could guard the 1 if necessary (he could guard the 1-3 positions). Omar has been very serviceable on defense this year. So Omar could guard the 2. That leaves us back to the status quo with DHAM, Miller and our three bigs splitting minutes. Omar/Gibbs fight for minutes at the 2. Adams continues to grow (with hard work) as the season progresses without rushing him.