West Regional

Sporting News, The, March 20, 2000

HURTS TO GO DEEP

The team that survives the West--yes, Arizona, that includes you--has to show it can play on fumes. Teams definitely lack depth in this corner of the bracket. Examples: Arizona is playing with freshman guards and likely without center Loren Woods; St. John's goes seven deep, which changes daily depending on Erick Barkley s status and the NCAA's whims; Oklahoma may be the deepest team, but it relies heavily on two players, Eduardo Najera and J.R. Raymond. Give the nod to St. John's. A tight group, the Red Storm has fought off controversy and still looks good to go.

Saturday

(1) ARIZONA WILDCATS

Jason Gardner is a steady point guard whose court presence and mental toughness belie his freshman status. He's also the Wildcats' only proven 3-point shooter. The team is strong defensively, especially when C Loren Woods plays. His presence makes it easier for Arizona's perimeter players to deny shots without worrying about getting beat off the dribble. The team's biggest weakness is its perimeter shooting. Woods, who hurt his back in late February, is the key. If he plays as he did before his injury, a deep run is possible. If not, they still have the talent--with Gardner and Fs Michael Wright and Richard Jefferson--to reach the Sweet 16.

Coach: Lute Olson (31-20 in NCAAs).

Record: 26-6; 15-3 in Pac-10 (1st).

Last NCAA: Lost in 1999 Midwest Regional first round to Oklahoma.

(16) JACKSON STATE TIGERS

A team with an imposing power forward/center combination or an up-tempo club with offensive prowess will cause the Tigers big problems. In other words, the Tigers, who were mediocre during the regular season and entered the SWAC tourney 14-15, shouldn't make it past their first-round game against Arizona. But SWAC defensive player of the year Vincent Jones, who's 6-11 and 205 pounds, is adept at swatting shots and has NBA potential. The rebounding of Jones, Deon Burns and Richard Bradley is vital for a team that doesn't shoot well. Gs Timmy Marks and Marino Walker provide poise and leadership.

Coach: Andy Stoglin (0-1 in NCAAs).

Record: 17-15; 10-8 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (T 4th).

Last NCAA: Lost in 1997 Southeast Regional first round to Kansas.

Thursday

(8) WISCONSIN BADGERS

The Badgers are coming together at the right time. However, just when Wisconsin is going great, it II play a clunker game. If the Badgers can avoid becoming inept on offense, they could make waves. Dick Bennett's teams always are built on tough defense. On offense, Wisconsin runs a deliberate attack that features many passes. The Badgers like to wear down foes mentally and physically. If opponents shoot (and miss) too quickly, they could be in trouble. The Badgers, who lack creators, could pull an upset against undisciplined Fresno State. F Maurice Linton, F Mark Vershaw, F Andy Kowske, G Duany Duany are go-to guys by committee.

Coach: Dick Bennett (2-4 in NCAAs).

Record: 18-13; 8-8 in Big Ten (6th).

Last NCAA: Lost in 1999 East Regional first round to Southwest Missouri State.

(9) FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS

When you talk about Fresno State, you begin and end with senior SG Courtney Alexander. He leads the nation in scoring, but his leadership might be more impressive. Alexander takes over games when the Bulldogs are in trouble, and he plays extremely well in the clutch. Fresno State is extremely athletic, but it has many weaknesses--lack of depth, inconsistent effort on the boards after Larry Abney (11.7 rpg, T 3rd in nation) and an aversion to pressing defenses. A fundamentally sound club like Wisconsin could create trouble for the Bulldogs, who regularly fail to concentrate against lesser teams.

Coach: Jerry Tarkanian (37-16 in NCAAs).

Record: 24-9; 11-3 in WAC (2nd).

Last NCAA: Lost in 1984 Midwest Regional first round to Louisiana Tech.

(5) TEXAS LONGHORNS

C Chris Mihm's focus is on leading his team to an impressive March run, and all indications are that he's ready. His presence changes the game on both ends, especially for teams that are lacking a post presence. Few teams have an answer for the powerful front line of Mihm and Fs Gabe Muoneke and Chris Owens. As well as Texas' guards have played in spurts, all but Ivan Wagner remain inconsistent. That inconsistency ranges from poor shooting to committing turnovers. So, defenses will continue to pack it around Mihm to keep him from dominating inside, forcing Texas to win from the outside.

Coach: Rick Barnes (2-7 in NCAAs).

Record: 23-8, 13-3 in Big 12 (2nd).

Last NCAA: Lost in 1999 East Regional first round to Purdue.

(12) INDIANA STATE SYCAMORES

Defense carried the Sycamores to their first Missouri Valley regular-season title since 1978-79 and first NCAA bid since Larry Bird guided them to the national title game that season. Indiana State also has thrived because it has limited turnovers. Nate Green and Michael Menser provide balance in the backcourt. Green is the man, having been named the MVC's Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Menser is a long-range bomber. F Matt Renn is an underrated option. But Indiana State doesn't overwhelm teams with its offense. And aside from Renn, inside firepower is limited. It's likely one and done for Indiana State.