The University Daily Kansan asked its readers to submit letters citing what teams they thought were the best teams,the most overrated teams and the dark horses. The replies are printed on pages 27-30.
North Carolina has it all to be the best
Another big reason for Carolina's supremacy is a longtime characteristic: poise. Far too often in the college game, tight games are decided by mistakes. North Carolina does not beat itself. At Kansas we're used to that as well, but many talented teams shoot themselves in the foot in the clutch. It's quite possible to write 2,000 words
The best team this season was the best team last season. If North Carolina weren't in the Atlantic Coast Conference, there would be talk of an unbeaten season. Everyone knows how Eric Montross physically dominates inside for the Tar Heels, but what really puts this team in a class of its own are the guards. Derrick Phelps plays an Adonis Jordan-like point. Any team expecting greatness in the Carolina system must have a great point guard, as Kansas fans can surely appreciate. And alongside Phelps is Donald Williams, who emerged last year as a game-breaking three-point threat. His mere presence makes it impossible to focus too much on Montross.
on how excellent a team the Tar Heels are, but that's just not possible here. This team has it all. The Tar Heels play defense all over, they're big, they shoot well, they're deep, they have great on-court leadership and they have Coach Dean Smith and his staff. Watch them if you get the chance, they could be one of the all-time greats.
Aaron Rosenthal St. Louis senior
Temple will prevail Seton Hall underrated
No.1 — Temple. Not only do the Owls return all five starters that reached the West regional finals, but the trio of Rick Brunson, 14 points a game; Eddie Jones, 17 points a game; and Aaron McKie, 20.6 points a game, is perhaps the best in the nation. Temple's match-up zone defense baffles teams offensively and John Chaney's unorthodox 5 a.m. practices instill discipline and toughness in his players. A tough schedule and depth are concerns, but this team thrives on overcoming adversity. Chaney maximizes his talent, and his team's unselfish play should make the Owls national champions.
Overrated: Indiana. The Hoosiers lost All-American Calbert Cheaney and Greg Graham to the NBA, and Damon Bailey, although steady, isn't the world-bearer everyone made him out to be coming out of high school. Promising forward Alan Henderson is coming off a knee injury, and Indiana has a void at the center position. It all adds up to a down year in Hoosier land.
Surprise: Everyone knew that Seton Hall would lose Terry Dehere and Jerry Walker, two of its best players. Then sophomore Luther Wright, who was projected to be a force, declared himself available for the NBA. Experts are forecasting a rocky season for the Pirates. However, their demise has been grossly exaggerated. Bryan Caver and Arturas Karnishovas are solid returning starters. Add capable backups John Leahy and Danny Hurley to the mix, and suddenly things don't look so bleak. Also, keep your eye on sleeper Adrian Griffin, who played at Wichita East. As a freshman last season, Griffin was the Pirate's sixth man. The pressure and never count out team.
Overland Park sophomore
Tarheels are No.1 but could stumble
Houston in 1983. UNLV in 1987. UNLV in 1991. Should we add North Carolina in 1994?
How often have seeminglyinvincible teams lost championships because of one game? This season, everyone and his dog (like that dog that licks fire hydrants to pick winners for a Topeka news channel) knows that Carolina is the one to beat. Yet, chances are pretty good that they could stumble in a 40-minute game. Let's see, that leaves us 300 teams to choose from.
Michigan, last year's second-best team, split two close games with North Carolina, but despite saving some timeouts, the loss of Chris Webber may be too much for the Fab Five minus one.
Arkansas took North Carolina to overtime with "40 minutes of hell," and then realized 40 minutes weren't enough. Maybe a team with quickness could beat North Carolina, but Arkansas had to play flawlessly to compete. They'd have trouble doing that again or for the whole NCAA Tournament.
That leaves Kentucky, a team that lost Jamal Mashburn but seems to improve every year. They have the size, quickness and poise to stop the Tar Heels.
But basketball championships are determined on the court, not in preseason polls or fancy computers. Ijust hope Roy's Boys are cutting down the nets in Charlotte.
The most overrated team in the nation this year is Purdue. The Boilermakers have Glenn Robinson, a play-
Will North Carolina three-peat? That's the question college basketball fans will be asking after North Carolina repeats as national champions. The Heels will be returning four starters, including 7-foot terror Eric Montross. They have an army of reserves and newcomers to replace NBA first-round pick George Lynch, including high-flying freshman Jacky Stackhouse. Add the legendary Dean Smith to the mix, and everyone else will be singing the blues.
Ali Norbash Lawrence senior
Tar Heels will reign as national champs
See LETTERS,Page 28.
Before you head home for the holidays, stop by
Fantastic Sam's the Original Family Haircutters
NEWOWNER'S SPECIALS
QUICK&EASY PERM $23.95 SHAMPOOING PRECISION CUT QUALITY PERM
(long hair/design wraps)
extra)
Plus $5.00 for Vial or Style with coupon--expires
ADULT PRECISION CUT
$6.95
•FREE SHAMPOOING
•CONDITIONING RINSE
•PRECISION CUT
with coupon--expires
12//31/93
23rd & Louisiana in the Louisiana Purchase Shopping Center 749-1976
BUY·SELL·TRADE
Lawrence's Most Liberal Loan Company Purchase New & Used Items! We loan on almost anything of value!
- Tools * Bicycles * Microwaves
- Car Stereos * Scanners * CB's
- Musical Instruments * TV's & VCR's
- Radar Detectors * Vacuums
*CD's & Tapes* Cameras
*Firearms/supplies * Typewriters
- Dorm Refrigerators * & More
Jayhawk Pawn & Jewelry
749-1919 • 1804 W. 6th
2 Blocks east of Iowa
9:00 - 6:00 Mon-Fri. 9:00 - 5;00 Saturday
BUY·SELL·TRADE
November 17, 1993 University Daily Kansan • COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW