‘Giant Killer’ Profile: UALR Trojans

Each weekend leading up to the tournament, I will be profiling a team that you may not know very much about, but will want to when you are filling out your brackets in March. Stealing a term used by Peter Keating and Jordan Brenner of ESPN, these teams will be referred to as “Giant Killers.” These are teams that, if they can find their way into the NCAA Tournament, could take down the best teams in the country, even if you have never heard of them. The first “Giant Killer” that I will be looking at is the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans.

Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans
Sun Belt Conference
Little Rock, Arkansas
Head Coach: Chris Beard (1st Season)
Record: 13-1, 3-0 conf.
RPI: 54
KenPom: 42
SOS (Strength of Schedule): 182
Best Wins: 49-43 @ San Diego State; 64-60 @ Tulsa; 66-44 @ DePaul
Key Players:
PG Josh Hagins (11.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.6 SPG)
G Marcus Johnson Jr. (14.6 PPG, 44% 3PT)
F Jalen Jackson (9.7 PPG)

In his first season as a Division I head coach, Chris Beard has his UALR Trojans primed to win the Sun Belt Conference, and go into the NCAA Tournament with a good chance to upset a few high seeds and make a nice little run. Beard has been an assistant coach with Texas and North Texas, and he was an associate head coach at Texas Tech from 2001-2011. He spent the last two seasons as head coach at D-II Angelo State.

Beard has inherited a very experienced team, as the Trojans’ entire rotation is made up of juniors and seniors, led by senior Josh Hagins. Hagins, a 6’1″ point guard from Bossier City, LA, has been a major contributor for UALR since his freshman season in 2012-2013. Hagins puts up numbers all across the board, averaging 11.5 points and nearly 5 assists a game. He also does some work defensively, averaging just over 1.5 steals a game.

The Trojans really struggled last season, finishing with a 13-18 record, which resulted in the end of former head coach Steve Shields’ run at the helm of the program, a position he held since 2004. Beard has stepped in this season and completely turned this team around, as they would be perfect had it not been for a 65-53 loss @ Texas Tech on December 22.

There are a couple key statistics that give UALR great “Giant Killer” potential. KenPom has the Trojans ranked 10th in the country in defensive efficiency. They have held all but two opponents (Texas Tech, Central Arkansas) under 65 points this year. They are also the only team rated in KenPom’s top-10 in both offensive turnover % and defensive turnover %, meaning they force turnovers at a tremendous clip, while also limiting turnovers on the offensive side of the ball.

There is one particular stat, though, that separates UALR from other “Giant Killers,” and that is their free throw shooting percentage. The Trojans are 2nd in the country in FT shooting at 79.8 percent. Only Pitt, at 79.9 percent, is better. Every player in UALR’s rotation shoots over 70% from the free throw line. When it comes to the tournament, bad free throw shooting can lose games. If the Trojans have a lead late in a tourney game, there won’t be a weak FT shooter on the court for the other team to foul.

The Trojans are now the favorites to win the Sun Belt, but potential road blocks include UT-Arlington (12-2, 3-0) and defending league champion Georgia State (9-3, 2-1). If UALR earns the Sun Belt’s auto-bid to the tournament, expect them to be in the 11-13 seed range, and be a legitimate threat to advance to the Sweet 16, and maybe beyond.

That does it for Bracketball’s first “Giant Killer” profile of 2016. Stay tuned tomorrow for the first “Primetime Player” profile, where I will look at a player that could have a major impact on the race towards a National Championship.

Weekend Preview: 1/8-1/10

For the first time this season, the college sports weekend spotlight will be squarely on college basketball, highlighted by the return of a legendary coach, another ranked battle in the Big East and a few surging teams trying to keep their momentum going. Here is a list of the games you should be watching this weekend!

Valparaiso @ Oakland
When: Friday 1/8, 7:00 pm ESPN2
Why: This is a battle between potential “Giant Killers” come March. Valpo and Oakland are two teams expected to contend for the Horizon League title this season, and they are successful in much different ways. According to KenPom, Valparaiso sports the 2nd most efficient defense in the country, while Oakland ranks in the top-30 in offensive efficiency.
Player to Watch: Oakland G Kahlil Felder – Felder, a 5’9″ guard from Detroit, may very well be the most talented offensive player in the country. He is 3rd in the nation in scoring at 26.1 PPG, and he leads the nation in assists, averaging 9.2 a game. He has double-doubles in 3 of his last 4 games, and he will look to lead his squad to victory Friday night.
Prediction: These are two very good teams, and this should be a fun game, but at home, I like Kahlil Felder and the Golden Grizzlies to pull off the victory.

#3 Maryland @ Wisconsin
When: Saturday 1/9, 1:00 pm ESPN
Why: A nice little road test for Maryland early in the Big Ten schedule as they travel to Madison to take on a Wisconsin team looking for a return trip to the Final Four this season. Many people expect the Terrapins to make a Final Four run this year, led by backcourt stars Melo Trimble and Duke-transfer Rasheed Sulaimon. The Badgers won’t go down in this matchup without a fight, especially if F Nigel Hayes and G Bronson Koenig have anything to say about it.
Player to Watch: Maryland C Diamond Stone – The freshman center has been a nice surprise early on in the season. A highly touted recruit out of Milwaukee, Stone has scored in double-figures in eight straight for Maryland, including a 39-point outburst on Dec. 30 against Penn State. Stone is returning to his home state on Saturday, and will look to have a big impact.
Prediction: Wisconsin is a tough team, and they will be a threat in March, but this Maryland team just has too much talent. The Badgers could keep it close, but expect Maryland to come away with the win.

Baylor @ #13 Iowa State
When: Saturday 1/9, 3:00 ESPN2
Why: Iowa State is one of the most fun teams to watch this season, led by PG Monte Morris (7.4 APG), F Jameel McKay (14.4 PPG, 9.8 RPG) and F Georges Niang (19.2 PPG). Coach Fred Hoiberg left this season to become the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, and this team is trying to prove that they can make a deep run with new head coach Steve Prohm, formerly head coach at Murray State. They will face a tough test from a Baylor squad coming off a disappointing Round of 64 loss to 14-seed Georgia State in 2015. A road win over Iowa State would be a nice notch in their belt.
Player to Watch: Baylor F Taurean Prince – Prince, a 6’7″ senior from San Antonio, has seen his importance to this team grow in each of his four seasons in Waco, and he is now being relied upon to lead the Bears to great things this season. Prince has scored at least 30 points in a game twice this season, and he may need to do that again if the Bears want to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Iowa State is a team known for dominating at home in Hilton Coliseum, but they have been tested there this year, including a loss to unranked Northern Iowa. I anticipate this game being closer than expected, but the Cyclones just have too much firepower, and they should win this one.

#24 Pittsburgh @ Notre Dame
When: Saturday 1/9, 4:00 pm ESPN3
Why: Pitt is off to a great start this year, but many experts wonder just how good they are based on their schedule. They have played one team in KenPom’s top-50 this season (Purdue) and took the loss. That is their lone loss, while they have beaten all of the teams that they should beat. This is not the same Notre Dame team that won the ACC last season, but led by the returning Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste, this is a team that should make the tournament, and will give Pitt a nice test early in their ACC schedule.
Player to Watch: Notre Dame G/F Matt Ryan – No, this is not the Atlanta Falcons quarterback. Instead, it’s the 6’8″ freshman sharpshooter from Cortland Manor, NY who has been a nice complimentary piece for this Irish team. Ryan is basically on the court to shoot 3’s, but he makes a good percentage of them, and he will be key to a victory over Pitt.
Prediction: If Zach Auguste can dominate the paint early, that should open up the perimeter for ND’s shooters to put away the Panthers. This will help determine just how good Pitt really is this season. Should be a competitive game, but I like the Irish at home.

#6 North Carolina @ Syracuse
When: Saturday 1/9, 8:00 pm ESPN
Why: The marquee game this weekend pits a red-hot Tar Heel squad led by PG Marcus Paige (16.3 PPG) and F Brice Johnson (16.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG) against a scuffling Syracuse team who gets Coach Jim Boeheim back after serving a suspension for a violation of NCAA rules. The Orange are off to an 0-3 start in ACC play, with losses to Pitt, Miami and Clemson, but they do hold wins this season over UConn and Texas A&M, and it will be interesting to see if the return of Boeheim can help them pull off a massive upset.
Player to Watch: North Carolina F Brice Johnson – This past Monday against Florida State, Johnson became just the 2nd player in UNC history to have at least 30 points and 20 rebounds in a game, as he finished with 39 points and 23 boards in a 106-90 victory. Johnson is a force underneath the basket, and if the Tar Heels are to win this game, they need to beat Syracuse’s zone by getting the ball inside to Johnson.
Prediction: The return of Boeheim will motivate Syracuse to play a really good game, but the Tar Heels are just way more talented than the Orange, and that talent will allow them to overcome a game Syracuse team.

Ohio State @ Indiana
When: Sunday 1/10, 1:30 pm CBS
Why: Two teams that could end up squarely on the bubble come March look to get a win that could separate one from the other early on in conference play. Indiana was dealt a major blow earlier this week when it was announced that their 2nd leading scorer, G James Blackmon Jr., would have knee surgery and miss the remainder of the season. The Hoosiers have won eight straight, including the last three without Blackmon, but they now know that Blackmon is out for the year, and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the team deals with that news.
Player to Watch: Ohio State F Jae’Sean Tate – If the Buckeyes are going to pull of the victory over Indiana, Tate, a sophomore from Pickerington, OH, needs to play well. Tate is probably the most talented player on the team, but he has been very inconsistent during his Ohio State career. He has the ability to take over the game, and look for him to do so on Sunday if the Buckeyes are to be victorious.
Prediction: This is a big opportunity for Ohio State, as a road win over Indiana will look really good on their tournament resume. I expect Indiana to struggle some without Blackmon, and I think the Buckeyes will be good enough to take advantage and pull off the road victory.

#11 Villanova @ #18 Butler
When: Sunday 1/10, 7:30 FOX Sports 1
Why: The top of the Big East is loaded this season, and it will provide us with a lot of entertaining match-ups, including this one between the Wildcats and the Bulldogs. These are two of the most efficient offenses in the country (KenPom ranks Nova 5th and Butler 6th), and that should result in a shootout of epic proportions, unless Villanova’s defense, ranked 6th in the country in efficiency, has something to say about it.
Player to Watch: Butler G Roosevelt Jones – It seems like Jones has been in Indianapolis for a decade now, but amazingly it’s only been four years. The senior from O’Fallon, IL is averaging 14.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG and 4.9 APG, and he is a game-changer. If Butler is going to defeat Villanova, Jones needs to have a big game, as he struggled in two meetings last year, scoring a combined 14 points on just 6-26 shooting.
Prediction: While Villanova has one of the country’s best defenses, I fully expect this game to be a shootout between to premier offenses. Butler has struggled early on in Big East play, with losses to Providence and Xavier, and the way Villanova is playing, I expect the Wildcats to hand Butler its 3rd conference loss.

That does it for the weekend preview for January 8-10! I hope you get some time to watch some of these great games. As far as what’s coming up on Bracketball this weekend, look for my first “Giant Killer” profile, where I will tell you everything you need to know about a team that you probably know nothing about, but will need to know a lot about when filling out your bracket in March. Also, look for a “Primetime Player” profile, where I will highlight a player who I think will have a huge impact in the postseason. And on Monday, you can look forward to my first Bracketology post of the season. I will post what I think the bracket would look like if the season ended right now, with a little analysis as to why I placed teams where I did. Have a good weekend everybody!

Recap: January 7

There was a nice slate of games last night, some of which ended in thrilling fashion. Here is a recap of last night’s action!

UCLA 87, #7 Arizona 84

With Kevin Durant and UCLA alum Russell Westbrook in attendance, the Bruins were able to hold off a late Arizona rally when G Bryce Alford (25 pts, 6 ast) nailed a go-ahead 3-pointer with just 1.8 seconds left on the clock. The Bruins dominated most of the game, but the Wildcats were able to tie the game late, before Alford’s dagger. With the upset, UCLA gets its first win in Pac-12 play after opening with road losses to Washington and Washington State.

#15 SMU 59, Cincinnati 57

The Mustangs don’t have much to play for this season, as they are ineligible for the postseason due to NCAA sanctions, but despite that, they were able to pull off a big come-from-behind victory over Cincinnati to remain unbeaten (14-0). PG Nic Moore (14 pts, 4 ast) and F Ben Moore (15 pts, 5 blks) led the charge for SMU, who won despite a big effort from Cincy G Farad Cobb (18 pts, 6-11 3PT),

#5 Michigan State 79, Illinois 54

In what looks to be their last game without star G/F Denzel Valentine, Michigan State improved Coach Tom Izzo’s record in Big Ten home openers to 18-3 with a throttling of Illinois. G Bryn Forbes (17 pts, 7-13 FG) did most of the damage for the Spartans, while F Deyonta Davis chipped in with 10 points, 6 boards and 4 blocks off the bench. Valentine is expected to return from injury this Sunday against Penn State.

#20 Purdue 87, Michigan 70

Michigan hung tough with Purdue for most of this contest, but the Boilermakers proved to be too much in the end, pulling away and finishing with a 17-point triumph. C A.J. Hammons was the leader for Purdue, tallying 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. He was aided by G Raphael Davis, who finished with 16 points and 6 assists. Michigan’s leading scorer, G Caris LeVert, sat this game out due to injury.

Top-25: January 7

Rankings are an easy way to see how teams stack up, and each Thursday, I will post what I think are the Top-25 teams in the country. Any statistics included are courtesy of kenpom.com, which looks at college basketball teams using advanced analytics. This ranking is based on my opinion, and I am open to debate. If you have any comments, please leave them on this post. Without further ado, here are my current Top-25 teams!

*Featured photo courtesy of National Sun Times*

25. Michigan (12-3, 2-0)

The Wolverines are among the best offensive teams in the country, led by SG Caris LeVert (17.6 PPG, 45% 3PT). Michigan has wins over Texas and NC State, but will be tested over the next few weeks, with their next three games against teams in KenPom’s Top-15.
Upcoming Games: Thu 1/7 @ Purdue; Tue 1/12 vs Maryland

24. Texas A&M (12-2, 2-0)

Texas A&M had lofty expectations last year, and just never really lived up to them. Led by G/F Danuel House, PG Alex Caruso and F Jalen Jones, the Aggies look like they are on their way to competing for an SEC title.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 @ Tennessee; Tue 1/12 vs Florida

23. LSU (9-5, 2-0)

The resume isn’t there yet, but this team is way too talented to not figure it out. They showed glimpses of greatness in their win Tuesday over Kentucky, with G/F Tim Quarterman flirting with a triple-double, and Super-Frosh Ben Simmons dominating the game down the stretch. LSU has some bad losses (Coll. of Charleston, Houston), but they are a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 @ Florida; Wed 1/13 vs Ole Miss

22. West Virginia (13-1, 2-0)

The Mountaineers lone loss this season came on a neutral floor to KenPom’s #5 ranked Virginia, but their best win so far is a 2OT win over Kansas State. They lead the country in Offensive Rebound %, which will help come tournament time, but they struggle with 3PT shooting and FT shooting, which could hurt them in the postseason.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 vs Oklahoma St; Tue 1/12 vs Kansas

21. Butler (12-3, 1-2)

Having to face Providence and Xavier to open up their Big East schedule was a little difficult for the Bulldogs, but they got their first Big East win over DePaul on Tuesday to get back on track. KenPom has Butler 7th in the country in offensive efficiency, and they are talented enough to beat anyone.
Upcoming Games: Sun 1/10 vs Villanova

20. Pittsburgh (13-1, 2-0)

Pitt has faced one team ranked in KenPom’s Top-50 this season, and that was a home loss to Purdue. They are 9th in the country in offensive efficiency, led by PF Michael Young (16.9 PPG) and F Jamel Artis (15.8 PPG), and we will find out this coming week if they are for real.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 @ Notre Dame

19. Kentucky (11-3, 1-1)

This Kentucky team has all the talent in the world, but they lack chemistry, and that is going to hurt them big time this year. Marcus Lee and Alex Poythress struggle with fouls, and they lack the 3PT shooting threat that they normally have. That being said, they have time to figure it out, and they are still dangerous.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 @ Alabama; Tue 1/12 vs Mississippi State

18. South Carolina (14-0, 1-0)

Frank Martin has proven again why he is one of the best coaches in the country. His Gamecocks are one of two undefeated teams remaining, fueled by an efficient defense (13th on KenPom) and the ability to get to the free throw line at a rate better than any other team.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 vs Vanderbilt; Wed 1/13 @ Alabama

17. Duke (13-2, 2-0)

This just has the feel of a Duke team that will be eliminated early in the tournament. KenPom has them rated #1 in offensive efficiency, led by Player of the Year candidates Grayson Allen and Brandon Ingram. But they have struggled against bigger teams, losing to Kentucky and Utah. If they run into a team that can dominate the paint, they could be in trouble.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 vs Virginia Tech; Wed 1/13 @ Clemson

16. Purdue (13-2, 1-1)

This is a team that could give Duke problems. KenPom rates Purdue as the most efficient defense in the country, led by big men A.J. Hammons (8.0 RPG, 2.7 BPG), Isaac Haas (11.4 PPG) and Caleb Swanigan (8.9 RPG). This team will contend for a Big Ten title and be a threat in March.
Upcoming Games: Thu 1/7 vs Michigan; Sun 1/10 @ Illinois; Wed 1/13 vs Penn State

15. Iowa (12-3, 3-0)

The Hawkeyes are one of the hottest teams in the country right now, with back-to-back wins over Michigan State and Purdue. They are led by Player of the Year candidate F Jarred Uthoff (18.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.3 BPG). This is a solid team across the board that will cause problems for the top of the Big Ten Conference.
Upcoming Games: Thu 1/14 @ Michigan State

14. Providence (14-2, 2-1)

PG Kris Dunn is one of the best players in the country, and paired up with F Ben Bentil, the Friars are a team with a legitimate chance to win a national championship. They already hold wins over Butler and Arizona, and while the Big East will take its toll on every team in it, the Friars have a chance to come out on top.
Upcoming Games: Tue 1/12 @ Creighton

13. Louisville (12-2, 1-0)

The Louisville basketball program has had its fair share of controversy this season, with the escort scandal in the preseason, to Coach Rick Pitino’s alleged inappropriate gesture toward the crowd following the Kentucky game. Hidden in all of that is a team rated in KenPom’s Top-20 in offensive and defensive efficiency, led by Drexel transfer Damion Lee (17.6 PPG, 89.6% FT).
Upcoming Games: Thu 1/7 @ NC State; Sun 1/10 @ Clemson

12. SMU (13-0, 2-0)

Larry Brown is a terrific basketball coach. He’s had success at both levels, and this SMU team is one of his greatest accomplishments. Led by PG Nic Moore and Villanova transfer Markus Kennedy, the Mustangs are the favorites to win the American Athletic Conference, with KenPom’s 3rd most efficient offense.
Upcoming Games: Thu 1/7 vs Cincinnati; Sun 1/10 vs UCF; Wed 1/13 @ ECU

11. Miami (FL) (12-1, 1-0)

Jim Larranaga took a George Mason team with a bunch of unknown players to the Final Four, and now, at the helm of a Miami team with stars like PG Angel Rodriguez, G Sheldon McClellan and C Tonye Jekiri, he once again has a team capable of not only competing for an ACC Championship, but a team that can get him back to the Final Four in 2016.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 vs Florida State; Tue 1/12 @ Virginia

10. Xavier (14-1, 2-1)

Xavier was on an absolute tear through non-conference play, but were dealt a huge blow in their Big East opener, losing to Villanova by 31, and in the process, losing star Freshman PG Edmond Sumner to injury. The Musketeers were able to defeat Butler and St. John’s without him, but it remains to be seen if this is still a top team without Sumner.
Upcoming Games: Tue 1/12 vs DePaul

9. Iowa State (12-2, 1-1)

The Cyclones are one of the most athletic teams in the country, led by PG Monte Morris, F Jameel McKay and F Georges Niang, who is in his 19th year of eligibility (kidding of course, but he has been there a long time). After suffering a disappointing upset loss to UAB in Round 1 of the tournament last year, Iowa State looks motivated to make a deep run in 2016.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 vs Baylor; Tue 1/12 @ Texas

8. Villanova (13-2, 3-0)

The Wildcats are, in my opinion, the most underrated team in the country. Jay Wright has another guard-heavy team, but the best player on this team might be C Daniel Ochefu. He can dominate a game whenever he wants to, and he could be the key to Nova making a deep run in the tourney.
Upcoming Games: Sun 1/10 @ Butler; Wed 1/13 vs Marquette

7. Virginia (12-2, 1-1)

This team is coming off a brutal loss to rival Virginia Tech, but before that game, this looked like one of the best teams in the country, and I have them ranked accordingly. They don’t miss open shots, and they always have a great defense. This is a title contender once again, as Mike Bennett continues to do a great job in Charlottesville.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 @ Georgia Tech; Tue 1/12 vs Miami (FL)

6. Arizona (13-1, 1-0)

Arizona has been one of the quietest good teams in recent memory. They are 13-1, and barely a peep has been made about them. Seniors F Ryan Anderson (15.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG) and G Gabe York (13.7 PPG, 43.6% 3PT) have done a nice job leading this team without star C Kaleb Tarczewski for much of this season.
Upcoming Games: Thu 1/7 @ UCLA; Sat 1/9 @ USC

5. Maryland (14-1, 3-0)

PG Melo Trimble is the player that gets all the glory for the Terrapins, but Freshman C Diamond Stone is possibly the best player on this team, which looks to challenge Michigan State, Purdue and Iowa for the Big Ten crown. KenPom rates Stone as one of the best offensive rebounders in the country, and the team is rated 4th in 2-pt FG%, thanks in most part to Stone’s efforts underneath the basket.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 @ Wisconsin; Tue 1/12 @ Michigan

4. North Carolina (14-2, 3-0)

The Tar Heels have one of the best wins this season, an 8-point home triumph over Maryland, and with a healthy Marcus Paige, this is easily one of the best teams in the country. Brice Johnson exploded for 39 points and 23 rebounds against Florida State, and Justin Jackson is one of the best all-around players in the country. When Kennedy Meeks returns, this team could be the best in the nation.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 @ Syracuse

3. Oklahoma (12-1, 1-1)

Oklahoma’s 3OT loss to Kansas on Monday will probably end up being the best game we’ll see this season. It was a showcase for star G Buddy Hield, who erupted for 46 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, shooting 8-13 from 3PT range. Hield is probably the leading candidate for Player of the Year, but the Sooners will need to do more around him if they want to win a national championship this season.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 vs Kansas State; Wed 1/13 @ Oklahoma State

2. Michigan State (14-1, 1-1)

It was expected that Michigan State would be a top team once again this year, but a drop-off seemed likely. That was because nobody could see the emergence of G Denzel Valentine as one of the best players in the country. The Spartans fell to Iowa with Valentine on the shelf, but that is their lone blemish thus far. Without Valentine, MSU is a great team. With Valentine, they are elite.
Upcoming Games: Thu 1/7 vs Illinois; Sun 1/10 @ Penn State

1. Kansas (13-1, 2-0)

The Jayhawks only loss this season is to Michigan State, and with a win over Oklahoma, Kansas is the top team in the country right now. Perry Ellis, Frank Mason, Wayne Selden, Devonte Graham, Cheick Diallo, Brannen Greene, Jamari Traylor, Landen Lucas, Hunter Mickelson. Kansas has an impressive roster, maybe the deepest in the country, and that will help lead them to a potential title.
Upcoming Games: Sat 1/9 @ Texas Tech; Tue 1/12 @ West Virginia

And with that, Bracketball’s first post is complete! I hope you enjoy this, and all of the other content that I will be posting in the coming months! Tomorrow you can look forward to a preview of this weekend’s slate of games.

Welcome to Bracketball!

For those of you who may not know me, my name is Jayson Loose, and I LOVE SPORTS (capitalization for emphasis). Sports have been the main part of my life for as long as I can remember. I followed that passion by graduating this past May from Temple University in Philadelphia with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. I currently work part time on the sports production crew at Blue Ridge Communications TV-13 in Lehighton, PA.

One of the sports that I am most passionate about is basketball, and more specifically, college basketball. The NCAA Tournament, popularly known as “March Madness,” is like a holiday for me. I take off work/school every year so that I can spend the entire first weekend of the tourney watching all of the games. Now that college football season is basically over (One more game, Go Clemson!), I can focus lots of time and energy on college basketball, and that is my inspiration for starting this blog.

I want this to be an open forum for college basketball discussion! I will be looking to post at least once a day, and there will be a variety of topics discussed, including, but not limited to, team evaluations, team comparisons, rules debates, Bracketology (my personal favorite, and the inspiration for the name of this blog), and just any and all things college basketball.

I hope to reach as many people as I can! If you are a lover of college basketball like me, or just a casual fan, I hope this blog can be great for you! You can follow Bracketball on Twitter or Facebook to engage in conversation, ask a question or even make a suggestion. I want this to be for you guys, so if there is anything you’d like to see me post, discuss or research, please let me know, and I will do everything in my power to make it happen!

Share this with your friends, co-workers, classmates, anybody who loves college basketball! We are about two and a half months away from Selection Sunday, so let’s have some fun!