I’ll answer some of your questions regarding certain teams.

-Kentucky: Obviously, this was written before the season started and before Kentucky embarrassed itself, again. Right now, I don’t like the Wildcats either, but then again, didn’t we all have the same thoughts last year before Kentucky went 12-4 in the SEC. I do think Jodie Meeks has the ability to take over games when Patterson is shut down. He’s averaging 29 points per game through the first two. Like last season, Kentucky should rebound, though that No. 6 seed might be a bit of a reach. The good news for Wildcat fans is Delaware State comes to town Saturday. That should be Kentucky’s first win of the season.

-UAB: I remember Robert Vaden when he played at Indiana and he was solid in crimson and cream. I do like UAB, but chose Tulsa as the team with the second C-USA bid. I’m not sure the conference gets three bids. The win over Arizona, in my opinion, highlights the fact Arizona will be a bubble team at best, just like UAB. Obviously, the odd head-to-head win could benefit UAB on Selection Sunday.

-San Diego: Like C-USA, the WCC is a two-bid league with Gonzaga and St. Mary’s as Nos. 1 and 2. And, like you said, unless the conference tournament is at Jenny Craig Pavilion, I don’t think San Diego makes the field. And, about that win over Nevada – it was at home. If San Diego can record a bunch of good road wins, I’ll be more of a believer, but an at-large team from the WCC has to win away from home.

-Louisville: The Cardinals are loaded but to be different and not project a UNC, Connecticut, Louisville, UCLA Final Four, I had to leave out a few of those “obvious” picks. I wouldn’t be shocked if Louisville made the Final Four, but I’m a firm believer that Louisville relies so much on the 3-pointer that one cold shooting night will be lethal for Rick Pitino’s team.

-Purdue: Many people have labeled the Boilermakers the biggest “likely bust” this season. While I wouldn’t go that far, I have a hard time predicting a defensive juggernaut to go deep in the tournament. Purdue reminds me of a more physical Washington State team with slightly more offense (not much more). I think Purdue will finish near the top of the Big Ten (wouldn’t be shocked if Purdue won it) but I don’t think Purdue will match up with about a dozen other teams that will be dancing deep into March.

-Arizona: I don’t have much to say about Arizona. Like you said, I think the Wildcats make the tournament by default. But, I wouldn’t be shocked if Arizona didn’t make it.

As far as the College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon, I worked most of the day, so I only caught parts of the Memphis game at midnight and nearly all of the UNC-Kentucky game the next evening. I did see some highlights, but it was tough to get excited to watch UNC-Asheville host Liberty. I’m more excited to watch Southern Illinois-Duke and UCLA-Michigan tonight in the 2K Sports Classic.

Agreed that USD is under the radar despite their first-round upset a year ago…but I think the WCC Tournament is in Vegas this year at Orleans Arena. At least that’s what was announced over the loudspeaker at Saturday night’s Portland-Washington game.

Kentucky is not making the NCAA Tournament. They gave up 111 points to VMI(although that is VMI’s style.) They also were non-competitive at North Carolina in the beginning of that game. Teams will take Patrick Patterson away and i’m not sure you can say Kentucky has another player you can count on to score. The SEC is a guard-oriented league and UK’s guard just don’t measure up.

UAB should be in the field. This is a team with athleticsm, speed and the ability to shoot as evidenced by their 13 3-pointers at Arizona. Robert Vaden is one of the best players no one knows about. I think you are grossly undervaluing this team.

San Diego is a team to keep an eye on. With Gyno Pomare leading the way, this is a team that can definitely challenge for a at-large bid, although if they are hosting the conference tournament, they will win it. In the only 2 times the WCC Tournament has been contested at Jenny Craig Pavilion(2003, 2008) they have won it both times. They also beat a solid Nevada team the other night which is a nice win.

Louisville will make the Final Four. Terrence Williams, Samardo Samuels and Earl Clark is a load in the paint. They need consistent play out of Edgar Sosa and if they get that, they, not Connecticut will be in Detroit.

Purdue is a Final Four sleeper. Not to insult you or anything, but the Boilermakers are the best team in the Big Ten. Robbie Hummel, Keaton Grant, E’Twuan Moore and Chris Kramer are a solid nucleus. They are tough, physical, and defensive minded. This is a terrific team which will show it in March.

Arizona will only make the NCAA Tournament because the Pac-10 is weak this year. Outside of Chase Budinger, I was not impressed with the rest of the Wildcats team. Jordan Hill, in my opinion, is vastly overrated. His height is a plus, but he can never stay out of foul trouble. Nic Wise is, to me, an average guard. UCLA, USC and Arizona State will make the NCAA Tournament, but outside of that, the Pac-10 has very little to offer. Washington State will be solid as usual and i’m interested to see Johnny Dawkins as a head coach now at Stanford. The Wildcats will feast on other Pac-10 weaklings and therefore make the Tournament for a 25th straight season.

On a lighter note, how much of that College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon that ESPN was showing did you see?