College Basketball Weekend Takeaways 12/28-12/29

The impact of Nick Richards has given for Kentucky has been crucial. His versatility defensively with the ability to defend the perimeter and be strong enough to match the physicality inside has been impressive. Also, the second chance opportunities have given Kentucky a spark inside that they are voiding. The energy that Richards showcased on Saturday against Louisville is a player who will be among the best bigs in the country. If Kentucky can get consistent play out of Nick Richards they will be on their way to an SEC title.

Bob Huggins has an extremely tough team that is young and hungry to compete for the Big 12 title. Further, the interior for West Virginia is imposing as any in the country with Derek Culver and Oscar Tshiebwe who will only become more consistent offensive threats. Getting steady point guard play from Jordan McCabe and Brandon Knapper off the bench has been crucial. Next, Miles McCribe has very good scoring ability and consistency off the bench for West Virginia. Also, Jermaine Haley and Emmitt Matthews give really good size on the perimeter and have the ability to defend at a high level. The West Virginia defense and tenacity gives them an opportunity to make a run in the NCAA tournament.

When Jordan Nwora struggles to score the basketball Louisville has a difficult time operating their offense. Next, Steven Enoch and Dwayne Sutton are good catalysts to Nwora who need to be featured consistently for Louisville. Also, they must get Ryan McMahon going from the perimeter as a shooter, because Fresh Kimble and Darius Perry are limited scorers. The x-factor for this team could be Samuel Williamson as he has major potential as a small forward. He can get to the basket and get his own shot he must develop for Louisville. If Louisville is going to compete for a national championship, Nwora needs to be very consistent and additional scorers will need to emerge.

Eric Mussleman knows how to come into programs and immediately start winning. He did it at Nevada and now at Arkansas. They are now 11-1 after a huge road win at Indiana now entering SEC play. Mussleman has the ability to adapt to his player’s style rather than force his system which is key to his immediate success. Furthermore, the backcourt for Arkansas has been terrific with Isaiah Joe and Mason Jones leading the way as terrific scorers. Additionally, getting guard production from Jimmy Whitt and Desi Sills as Arkansas is a guard-heavy team. Adrio Bailey has been a vital piece to their success with no true big playing above his position. Mussleman knows what he has and most importantly knows how to get the most out of his roster. Arkansas will be in play for an NCAA tournament bid year one under Mussleman.

Markus Howard’s scoring is at an all-time high and needs to be noticed across the nation. He is averaging 26.3 points a game and is shooting 48.4 percent from three-point range and 43.9 percent from the field. His ability to shoot this efficiently with the number of shots he takes and the load he has is impressive. He’s the biggest reason Marquette is entering Big East play at 10-2. He has an opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament. Howard is must-watch and he continues to put up insane numbers the rest of the way.

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