Introduction to the Article Series

Saturday, 27 February 2010 12:31 Dana Sparkman, ClassActSports.com, College Hoops Analyst

With a mere two weeks left until the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and the office bracket contest, it is time to start scoreboard watching, ranking your teams, and watching who gets hot and who does not. To get you warmed up for the best time of the year – March Madness - here are ten teams to watch down the stretch. These are not the teams that are guaranteed to make it to the Final Four in Indianapolis, or even to get into the dance at all. But there are no teams that are more compelling, surging more at the end, or just plain fun to watch than these ten. Start here with the #1 team to watch, then come back soon to see the rest.

#1 Team to Watch: Syracuse Orange

This team makes a yearly appearance in the tournament, and this year is no exception. Currently ranked number 2 in the AP poll, and carrying only one loss thus far this season, the Orange is eyeing a run straight into the Final Four. They are led by likely one-and-done high-flying forward Wesley Johnson, who averages a little over 16 points and 8.8 rebounds a game. This team is long and athletic – the guards are 6’4”, and they are backed by 6’7 Johnson, and big men Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson, both at 6’9”. Coach Jim Boeheim has put together a team that has excellent chemistry, and the Orange faithful are hoping for another national championship run.

Two reasons the Orange will win the national championship: Andy Rautins (Getty Images)

1. The best 2-3 defense in the country. Even the most casual fan knows that Syracuse is going to run a 2-3 defense on every play. However, no team seems to be able to penetrate it successfully. The tenacious zone is holding opponents to 64 points per game, while the Orange is scoring 81. Unless SU runs into a team that can shoot 3s at a high percentage, look for them in Indianapolis.

2. Andy Rautins. This 5th year senior can do everything. At any given time, he may make five 3-pointers in a half. He takes charges, plays 30 minutes a game, and provides the senior leadership that is critical for any championship team.

Two reasons the Orange will not win the national championship:

1. Lack of depth. The Orange is the only team in the country that has 7 players who have scored at least 20 points in a game this year. The reason for that is that they only play 7 players. Seriously. There are only 2 players who come off the bench, with the possible exception of when SU is up 30 with 2 minutes to play. This lack of depth could hurt them as they have to play 2 games per weekend during the tournament, particularly after playing in the always competitive Big East tournament the week before.

2. They can’t shoot free throws. SU shoots approximately 65% from the foul line. Orange fans cover their eyes when either of the centers – Onuaku or Jackson – 43% and 50% FT percentage respectively, are fouled. If a tight game comes down to foul shots inside one minute left, the Orange could be in trouble.