Duke vs. UConn

It is amusing to read the "Power Rankings" and "Power 16" analysis on SI and ESPN respectively. Duke or UConn, UConn or Duke as number 1. I humbly submit that this is an interesting question, but there is still a better then even chance that NEITHER one will cut down the nets in April.

Duke or UConn? In Duke's favor are simply two things: J.J. Reddick and Sheldon Williams. Andy Katz says that Duke's resume is stronger, but I do see that as the case. Duke should should have lost the BC game. The no-call saved them. The only thing on Duke's resume that is impressive is the win over Texas (more impressive at the time though then now). They beat Indiana at IU by 8 when the Hoosiers were getting their act together and beat Memphis by 3 at Cameron. And they lost to Georgetown at GTown. Duke is mopping up the ACC, but the ACC is less impressive this year. But Reddick and Williams are money.

UConn has beat Gonzaga on a neutral court and Pitt by 4 in Hartford. UConn also beat Arizona at a neutral court, though time has deminished the significance of that win. UConn's loss came at Marquette on Marcus Williams' first game back. UConn is the far deeper team, but there is no clear go-to guy. Rudy Gay clearly has the potential but has been inconsistent. UConn is also playing a much tougher conference schedule then Duke.

As an aside, don't throw UConn's December schedule in its face. In the Calhoun era, December is about touring New England and giving teams that would NEVER have the chance to play a top ranked team the opportunity. Calhoun does not do it to play a soft schedule, but does it to "spread the wealth." This same pundits will be lamenting the fact that the mid-majors and smaller conferences "never get the chance" to play the big boys, so never get any respect come March. You can't have it both ways.

So who is the best team?

Two weeks ago, I felt it was Duke by a nose. Now I feel that in 10 games, the teams would split 5-5. In two weeks, I think UConn will be better by a nose. In summary, I think Duke is as good as they will get, UConn has more room to get better.

That said, I think there are several team that have the opportunity to cut down the nets: 'Nova, Illinois, Texas, Pitt, West Virginia, Michigan State. I do not think Memphis will do it because CUSA is just the wrong training ground for the NCAAs. (That said, Memphis is far more likely to be there then Gonzaga.)

Of course, there is still a lot of basketball to play.