Blog

You know, to get my Inspector’s license, I had to spend a lot of time studying on college campuses. When things got too busy, I liked to take a break by watching a game of college basketball. Nothing better! Even with my college years long behind me, I still love the old college game and I’m very excited for this upcoming season. Bone-rattling dunks, nylon tickling 3-pointers, outrageous crossovers and fancy no look passes are all things I love about the old college game. And of course, what makes the college game different from the pro game is the atmosphere, passion and pageantry. From the Cameron Crazies to the “Rock Chalk Jayhawk!” chanters at Allen Fieldhouse to the rabid Big Blue Nation of Kentucky, the fans are part of what makes college basketball special. The players are unique and different too. In college basketball you can find point guard gunners, 6-foot shooting guards, short stocky big men who battle in the post against skinny giants. Unconventional players with weird, idiosyncratic games can thrive in college hoops. Many of these players will never play professionally but the impression that they leave in the college game is indelible. And of course, the other great aspect of following college basketball is making predictions! I use my skills as an inspector to inspect the top teams, players and coaches. Which team plays the best defense What player has the most dunks Who are the coaches that are best at designing scoring plays after timeouts I know all of those things, because I inspect all the most relevant statistics. Read below for my predictions.  And I haven't even mentioned March Madness yet! March Madness is simply the best event in sports. It’s still a few months until that glorious time but there will be plenty of classic games, wild plays, memorable moments and general fun along the way. It’s going to be great, so start watching now. College Basketball Tip-off As befits Veterans Day, the season officially tips off with the Armed Forces Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii. Four games between ranked teams will provide a veritable cornucopia of delights for the college hoops fan. In the first game, (7 PM EST on ESPN) the #12 Michigan State Spartans will take on the #10 Arizona Wildcats. Both traditional powers are smarting from early exits suffered in last year’s tournament, so expect an intense game. In the second game, the #11 Indiana Hoosiers will play the #3 Kansas Jayhawks in a clash of Midwestern titans. The College Basketball Rankings Here’s my projected rankings of the best 16 teams in the country. As an inspector, I have access to a variety of advanced statistics and algorithms, so I’m pretty confident in my predictions. Think you’re smarter Let us know in the comments! Pump Products will have a bracket that everyone can participate in when March Madness comes around but until then: Duke: The Blue Devils are always strong under coach Mike Krzyzewski and they’ve added one of the most talented freshman classes of all time to support established star Grayson Allen. Kentucky: Another school that never lacks for star power, the Wildcats once again have a cast of one-and-done superstars that could take them all the way. Villanova: The defending national champions lose senior leaders (Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu) but still have Kris Jenkins and Phil Booth, both of whom starred in last season’s thrilling title game. Josh Hart may be a darkhorse for national player of the year awards. Kansas: Coach Bill Self will try to win his 13th straight Big 12 title with a solid mix of returning players and new faces. Here’s betting that he’ll succeed.   The rest: Oregon Michigan State Indiana UNC Syracuse Gonzaga Virginia Wisconsin Louisville Xavier California UCLA