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Senior leadership
Senior didn't used to be such a dirty word in college basketball. But after a decade of early defections, an unflattering assumption goes along with the title. If you're a senior, you must not be very good. Otherwise, you'd be in the NBA by now. There may be some truth in that line of thinking, but there is also a fallacy -- namely, that talented and good are the same things. They're not. Eddie Griffin is far more talented than Shane Battier, but right now Griffin isn't nearly as good. Glamorous freshmen bring publicity and street cred to a program, but if you want to win the big trophy, you need something more. You need seniority. Here, then, are some seniors who, for better or worse, will play pivotal roles over the next six weeks. These guys may not be making millions right now, but you can't put a price on what they bring to their teams. Damone Brown, Syracuse. Does everything the Orangemen need except drive the bus. Shooting skills create matchup problems, but he still knows how to bang with the big boys. Eric Chenowith, Kansas. The big guys always take the most flak, but a lot of teams would love to have this kind of presence in the post. Knocks down his free throws, to boot. Brian Grawer, Missouri. One tough noogie who only shoots 3s when he's open -- and frequently makes them. The Tigers need him to hold things together in the wake of Kareem Rush's injury and Clarence Gilbert's suspension. Kantrail Horton, Iowa State. The bigger the game, the better he plays. Needs to be a little more consistent alongside Jamaal Tinsley, lest the Cyclones get nipped in the early rounds. Andre Hutson, Michigan State. The closest thing the Spartans have to a Cleaves in a leader. Will need to be a beast on the boards, or his team can forget about repeating. Michael McDonald, Stanford. Frequently referred to as the Cardinal's weak link, but there's something to be said for a steady, veteran hand at the point. Also a better shooter than he's given credit for, with a knack for making big buckets. Terence Morris, Maryland. Whipping boy of choice for Terps fans (especially my favorite radio posse, D.C.'s The Sports Junkies). If he doesn't step up soon, Maryland will be steppin' out. Again. Earl Watson, UCLA. Toughest point guard in the country can take you off the dribble and prevent you from doing the same to him. Brent Wright, Florida. Suffered his second major injury of the season when he broke his thumb against Arkansas last Saturday. Good news: He should be back within the next two weeks. Bad news: Gators were 1-3 when he was out last time. OTHER THINGS I'VE BEEN THINKING ... Sports Illustrated staff writer Seth Davis covers college basketball for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Hoop Thoughts will appear each week throughout the college basketball season.
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