Random Thoughts from NCAA Hoops Marathon

1. Let me introduce you to Ian Clark. This kid can flat out shoot. Last year as among the freshman he was 5th in 3-Pointers made (74) and FT% (78%) and 8th in PPG (14.9). This was a freshman class that included John Wall, Xavier Henry, Demarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe among others. If Belmont makes it into the Big Dance come March, don't be surprised if this kid hits a last minute shot to upset a BCS school in the first round.

2. Bruce Pearl is a schmuck. Here is a guy that turned Illinois in for recruiting violations and now he is working without a contract at Tennessee because of recruiting violations. This occurred before the marathon, but since I am watching Belmont play Tennessee, I feel the need to whine about Bruce.

3. Does momentum shift back to the Blue Bloods? #15 Butler gets smoked by an unranked Louisville St. 88-73. Don't be surprised if there is more of this to come.

4. Create a Title IX like legislation for women's basketball. Until there is parity, I declare, which is already obvious to many, that women's basketball is irrelevant. Essentially it is UConn kicking the crap out of everyone else and then they get a trophy at the end. I am done with Geno Auriemma. Hey coach, you want to impress me? Coach in a league that actually has competition. When you start winning in that league then we can tell you how great you are.

5. If any conference will put 2 teams in the Final 4 this year, my money is on the Big 10 (or are they the Big 12 now?). Sparty returns practically everyone from last year's Final 4 team. Moreover, Tom Izzo has coached Michigan State to 6 Final Fours in the last eleven years. Come tournament time he may be one of if not the best active post season coaches. Watch out for Ohio State as well. The loss of Evan Turner will be hard to overcome; however they bring in one of the top prospects from last years recruiting class, Jared Sullinger. Thad Matta will have his guys tough this year and it will be a dog fight for the Big 10 title.