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Sporting News, The, March 19, 2001

14 SOUTHERN UTAH THUNDERBIRDS

The frontcourt unit is quite balanced, especially for a mid-major team. There is size (John Wheeler), muscle, energy (Dan Beus) and a dynamic scorer (Fred House). House will break down just about any defender and get into the paint. Once in the paint, he's a junkyard-type player who can score in just about every acrobatic way imaginable. In the backcourt, Jeff Monaco makes the team go. Although he is not a true point guard, the offense goes through him in clutch situations because of his quickness with the ball and his ability to break down defenders and create his own shot or get the ball to open teammates. The senior-dominated team is very unselfish, athletic and strong.

Coach: Bill Evans (0-0 in NCAAs):

Record: 25-5; 13-3 in Mid-Continent (2nd).

Last NCAA: First appearance.

The regions ...

Best draw:

Kentucky. If Iowa's Luke Recker isn't back at near full strength, the Wildcats easily could meet Duke in Philly. Prepare yourself for countless highlights of Christian Laettner's shot.

Worst draw:

Southern California. The Trojans have to beat one surging team (Oklahoma State), then the Big East's tourney and regular-season champ (BC)just to make the Sweet 16.

Most feared coach:

Mike Krzyzewski, Duke. Eight Final Fours tells you all you need to know.

Least feared coach:

Henry Bibby, USC. The Trojans began the year thinking they could be the best team in LA.; if you throw in Irvine they might be No. 3.

The region's best possible ...

Second-round matchup:

Iowa vs. Kentucky. With a healthy Luke Recker the Hawkeyes are one of the top 15 teams in the country. Without him, they won the nation's toughest conference tournament. That's a heck of a second-round match for a No. 2 seed.

One-on-one matchup:

Ken Johnson, Ohio State, vs. Dan Gadzuric, UCLA (possible second-rounder). Gadzuric is at his best when playing the best. Johnson will be the toughest defender he has faced.

The East's top 5

1. Shane Battier, F, Sr., Duke

2. Jason Williams, PG, So., Duke

3. Troy Bell, PG, So., Boston College

4. TAYSHAUN PRINCE, F, Jr., Kentucky

5. Ken Johnson, C, Sr., Ohio State

Saturday

7 IOWA HAWKEYES

G Luke Recker means everything to this squad. His teammates feed off of his energy, and the double-teams he draws open shots for others. After Recker went down with a broken kneecap on January 27, however, the Hawkeyes went 2-7 and even lost to Northwestern. G Dean Oliver became Iowa's go-to guy in Recker's absence and did an admirable job, averaging 18 points and 5.5 assists in those nine games, but if Recker can't play, Iowa is unlikely to go much farther than the second round. Even if he is available, it would be a tall order for the Hawkeyes to grab a Sweet 16 berth. The rust from a 1 1/2-month layoff likely will be too great for him to overcome.

Coach: Steve Alford (2-1 in NCAAs).

Record: 22-11; 7-9 in Big Ten (T 6th).

Last NCAA: Lost to Connecticut in 1999 West Regional semifinals.

10 CREIGHTON BLUEJAYS

If the tournament is about guard play, you can look at Creighton as the model. Coach Dana Altman needn't worry about Ben Walker or Ryan Sears making mistakes. They'll either create opportunities for teammates or score on their own. If you're taking this team lightly, look at its RPI ranking after the MVC tournament (26th) or at some of its non-conference wins (Providence on a neutral court, at Nebraska). The Jays, with Walker and Sears, upset Louisville two years ago and nearly beat Auburn in the first round last year. They certainly have a chance to win their opener against Iowa. But playing a No. 2 seed in the second round likely will be too tough to overcome.