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HERE THEY GO AGAIN |
| Tuesday, December 9th 2008 |
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Don't look now, but the Davidson Wildcats are starting to roll again. Starting where
they left off last season, the Wildcats have compiled a 7-1 record taking down N.C.
State and West Virginia the last 4 days. Granted, these two teams are currently
unranked but are acknowledged solid big conference schools who should have no
problem taking down mid-major Davidson on paper. But this isn't your Father's
Davidson squad and these games are not played on paper.
Once again, the Wildcats are led by Stephen Curry who is putting up a modest 31.3 points per game and I do not say that tongue in cheek. I believe this kid could put up 45 a game if he wanted to. But one thing that is going overlooked with this team is that his supporting cast is elevating their play. Particularly, Andrew Lovedale. He is adding a nice inside presence scoring 14.4 a game and bringing down 10.4 rebounds a game. He adds a nice compliment to Curry's outside game and driving ability. If you were not sold on Davidson going into this season, you should be by now. The Wildcats have one loss and that is to Oklahoma by four points in a game played in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners are currently the 4th ranked team in the Country. They could not give the Wildcats the knockout punch, holding on for dear life down the stretch. Two games that could define the season for Davidson loom on the horizon. Both are road games and both are against heavyweights. On December 20, Davidson takes on Purdue, arguably the best team in the Big Ten this season. A couple of weeks later, the Wildcats go to the friendly confines of Cameron Indoor Stadium and take on Duke in what could be a terrific ball game. Let me play the roll of soothsayer for a moment. Here is my take. If Davidson is able to sweep or split against Purdue and Duke, they could end up as high as a two or three seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Before you call me crazy, I realize that it is very early and there is a lot of basketball to be played and there are always upsets to contend with. But Davidson is current 22nd in the Country. I do not believe they will lose a conference game this season, much like last season. That is how good I believe Stephen Curry and the Wildcats are. That being the case, Davidson would gradually climb in the rankings while most teams currently ahead of them batter each other in their conference play. The difference this season is that Davidson will not sneak up on anybody and they were awarded with a preseason ranking for that. I do not expect them to lose that this season. Imagine, Davidson with a three or even a two seed. Folks, it is not that far fetched. This team has the makings of a two or three loss team who will have some quality wins under their belt when the committee starts sorting things out. I realize that I have jumped way ahead and you sure do not want to miss the journey of the Davidson Wildcats this season.. Enjoy the ride, because it looks like there will be a big payoff at the end of this season from a team who was only one win away from making the Final Four last season. This is a good basketball team with the most exciting player in the Country leading the charge. Keep an eye on them. |