A midseason look at who's hot, who's not

Sporting News, The, Jan 23, 1995 by Gene Wojciechowski

Just in case the NCAA Tournament selection committee hasn't been paying attention, we offer this midseason, conference-by-conference scouting report of who's hot and who's not.

Atlantic Coast

Playing Better Than Expected: Clemson, North Carolina State. The no-name Tigers got blown out by Virginia last week, but not before starting the season 10-0, including a rare road victory against Duke. N.C. State, which upset then-No. 1 but roster-thin North Carolina, is playing hard almost every night. Good for Coach Les Robinson, who has heard more than his share of rumblings from Wolfpack followers.

As Expected: North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Florida State, Wake Forest.

Worse Than Expected: Duke, Georgia Tech. The Dookies knew this would be a transition season, but nobody figured the Blue Devils to struggle this early, this often. The problems: no Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who is out indefinitely with back problems; there hasn't been enough consistent production out of veteran guards Jeff Capel and Chris Collins; and too much is being asked of senior center Cherokee Parks and three freshmen. Georgia Tech has a great core of starters but is hurting in the paint.

Big Ten

Better Than Expected: Iowa, Illinois, Penn State, Michigan State. The Hawkeyes were a presason eighth in conference polls. Now you'll have a hard time getting them out of the Top 25. Illinois has started 4-0 in conference play and has a chance to win the Big Ten title. Penn State has center John Amaechi and that recent suitable-for-framing victory against Michigan. Michigan State guards Eric Snow and Shawn Respert give the Spartans a premier backcourt. Snow has stepped up his game.

As Expected: Minnesota, Purdue, Northwestern, Ohio State, Indiana.

Worse Than Expected: Michigan, Wisconsin. The Fab Five Jr. is fine, but Michigan isn't getting as much as it wants out of its veterans, especially Dugan Fife. Wisconsin is a two-player team -- Rashard Griffith and Michael Finley -- and if either struggles, so do the Badgers.

Big East

Better Than Expected: Connecticut, Seton Hall. With star Donyell Marshall in the NBA, the Huskies have succeeded in spreading the scoring responsibilities up and down the lineup. Ray Allen is the key reason for UConn's surge. Big East coaches thought so much of Seton Hall that they picked the Pirates to finish last in the league. Guess what? The Pirates reached 10 victories by early January. If they win 16, George Blaney is Big East Coach of the Year.

As Expected: Boston College, Pittsburgh, Miami, Syracuse, St. John's, Providence, Villanova, Georgetown. With second-leading scorer and veteran shooting guard George Butler gone for academic reasons, the Hoyas will have to depend more on freshman Allen Iverson. Center Othella Harrington has been a non-factor.

Worse Than Expected: None.

Big Eight

Better Than Expected: Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri. Quick-learning Kansas center Raef LaFrentz has flourished in Roy Williams' Carolina-like system. K-State Coach Tom Asbury, a conference coach of the year candidate, has the talent-thin Widcats running a better offensive scheme than former coach Dana Altman and a much more aggressive defense. Oklahoma lost by two to Arkansas and four to Georgia Tech, and shot a combined 31 for 61 from the line in those two defeats. Colorado started the season 8-2, and the losses were by a combined three points. Missouri lost eight players from last season's Final Eight team, but sometimes you wouldn't know it.

As Expected: Iowa State, Nebraska.

Worse Than Expected: Oklahoma State. When the Cowboys lost to Providence, Bryant Reeves and Randy Rutherford scored 64 of Oklahoma State's 78 points.

Pacific 10

Better Than Expected: Orgon, Washington State, Arizona State, Stanford. Oregon has seven seniors on the roster who play as if their scholarships are at stake. They'll win their share of games at home. Washington State is no sure victory -- ask California. For a change, Arizona State is injury free. Coaches around the league aren't shocked by Stanford's record -- not with Brevin Knight on the roster.

As Expected: UCLA, California, Washington, Oregon State.

Worse Than Expected: Arizona, Southern California. The Wildcats seem to be struggling as newcomer Ben Davis is squeezed into the rotation. Guard Damon Stoudamire remains the make-or-break player. USC is showing how much it misses George Raveling.

Southeastern

Better Than Expected: Auburn, Georgia. Auburn is sort of the Clemson of the SEC. Georgia's record finally matches its talent level.

As Expected: Arkansas, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana State, Kentucky. The Razorbacks have struggled with a tough early schedule, lots of travel and assorted injuries. They still have the most talented roster in the country.

Worse Than Expected: Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina. Ole Miss beat Arkansas, but also lost to McNeese State. The Gators ranked 10th nationally in the preseason, but might fade away if they don't solve their guard problems. South Carolina has less talent than anyone thought.