2000-2001 Season Preview
It’s that time of year again. Midnight Madness has already passed through the country. Millions of fans are gearing up for the upcoming season. For some, this year is a hopeful one – anything less than a Final Four appearance would be a disappointment.
At the beginning of the season, it is difficult to pick a Number 1. Three teams seem to fit the top-ranked status. The Arizona Wildcats are loaded with talent in the starting lineup, but a lot of the hype is based on expectations, not on past performances. The same thing goes for the North Carolina Tar Heels, who have possible future NBA stars, but underachieved during the regular season last year. In Durham, the Blue Devils are aiming to forget last year’s disappearance in the NCAA tournament, and with a great group of sophomores, they could be poised to win the national championship.
Arizona is a team to be feared. Already picked by many as the Number 1 team in the nation, the Wildcats have five guys who could all be deserving of All-American honors. Led by sophomore standout point guard Jason Gardner, the team has a solid ballhandler who can score and create. Gilbert Arenas, who is Gardner’s backcourt mate, has been very impressive and is lethal offensively. Small forward Richard Jefferson is a great all-around player who has incredible speed and quickness for his size. Michael Wright, the junior power forward, is a monster, and if he improves his already dangerous offensive weapons, he could be the best at his position in the country. But the big name in ‘Zona these days is Loren Woods. The 7’2” center, who was called the next Tim Duncan back in his days at Wake Forest, is now being labeled as the best big man in the country. Look out. The talent certainly does not end there. The bench is deep and capable, and adds Eugene Edgerson, the enforcer who is back after a one-year hiatus. Justin Wessel and Luke Walton are both hardworking players who contributed well last year. Freshman Travis Hanour, at 6’6”, is a deadly three-point shooter. The only question for ‘Zona is Woods’ toughness inside. Look for the Wildcats to add physical play to finesse. Arizona will be tested early, and in a conference that includes perennial powers Stanford and UCLA, the Cats should be ready for March.
If there is any team in the country that can match up to the size of Arizona, it’s North Carolina. The only question mark is at point guard. With the great Ed Cota gone, there could be a committee at the position. Top recruit Adam Boone is likely to start, with another freshman, Brian Morrison, and football star Ronald Curry competing for the job. In addition, sensational 6’4” sophomore, Joe Forte, could move from his shooting guard position to play the point. There is a lot of promise, but it is doubtful that Cota’s shoes will be filled right away. Whoever becomes point guard, however, will have plenty of guys to get the ball to. Of course, Forte is the perimeter threat, and after last year’s great run to the Final Four, he has drawn comparisons to another great former Tar Heel. He will be a stabilizing force in the backcourt. Then there is Jason Capel, the 6’8” junior swingman who is loaded with tools, as he can shoot, dribble, create, and play some D. At power forward 6’11” Kris Lang is a towering presence over defenses. Finally 7’ Brendan Haywood is an imposing center. He is probably the X-Factor for the Heels. If he can play consistently, take initiative on offense, and get help from the perimeter shooting of Forte and Capel, then he will simply dominate. Unlike last year, the bench is deep, with talented Max Owens, Brian Bersticker, Curry, and Julius Peppers. If the point guard situation is resolved, then look for a repeat Final Four appearance in March, and possibly a national title.
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