We'd all be ecstatic if this season can finish anything like 2011. And while, at the time, the 2011 season seemed to come out of nowhere, I think people really underestimate the talent that squad had.
Kemba had one of the best seasons in NCAA history. We all know this, nothing more to add. Down the stretch, Lamb developed into a reliable, lethal, and efficient second scoring option; something we don't really have on this squad right now. Shabazz, while not the player he is now, was a perfect fit as a second ball-handler, shooter, playmaker, and since we had Kemba, he was able to exert more energy as an on-ball defender. Despite how his career ended here, Oriakhi was a beast down the stretch, both on the boards and protecting the rim. Roscoe Smith was a warrior and he's showing his immense talent this year by leading the entire NCAA in rebounds for most of the season.
Then we had the perfect role players. Chuck protected the rim and could rebound. Beverly added leadership and an additional ball-handler off the bench. Olander gave use a stretch big guy. Giffey and Coombs-McDaniel were good shooting wings off the bench, who provided good defense. That team played great defense down the stretch.
I'm very high on this year's squad, and think we have the pieces to make a run, but they still need to put it all together. After the regular season finale against Notre Dame in 2011, no one could have predicted what happened next. This year, we have Shabazz. Just like in 2011 we had Kemba. And when you have the best player on the floor, you're always in a good position to win. But at this juncture, you'd be very hard pressed to make an argument for this year's team over the 2011 National Champions.
