Originally Posted by
TPowell
Michigan State -4 over Kentucky
Duke -4 over Kansas
Michigan State is MUCH more athletic this year than they've been in... well forever. This UK team is more on the level of Cal's second team there (Brandon Knight's team) and that is the number I used for them. I firmly expect UK to be a 1 or 2 point favorite
Why so much hype around Kansas? They lost their ENTIRE starting 5 from last season. Tarik Black is a garbage man, nothing more. He isn't on the level that Withey was for sure. The new players are pretty solid. They have Wiggins who is the best recruit in this class, as well as Wayne Selden who is a top 20 player. Hunter Mickelson is solid but not spectacular and Embiid (the big 7 footer) is a great specimen but very raw. On the other hand, Duke brings back their starting backcourt (Cook and Sulaimon). They get one of the best transfers in the country eligible in Rodney Hood. Throw in Jabari Parker and you have 4 VERY solid players. Amile Jefferson isn't a good center by any means but for Duke, he'll be fine. Tyler Thornton and Josh Hairston are two solid senior role players. I can't see Duke losing