Various ramblings (long post)

1. On Saturday, the AP's No. 19, 21, 23, 24, and 25th ranked teams lost. Hello Top 25.

2. The Utes are getting recognition in Missouri. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's college basketball writer ranked them 16th last week.

3. The Missouri Tigers are coming on. They have a freshman point guard (Keyon Dooling) who is finally getting some clock and is beginning to dominate. He has led the Tigers to three wins in a row, including a win at Kansas. I tell you this only because if I were Jason Kapono, playing with Dooling, a potential all-American, at the point for three years would certainly be attractive. However, many Missouri fans are getting down on Coach Norm Stewart. Many are calling for his job. I question whether Kapono would want to get involved in that.

4. Nate Altoff is a huge concern for me. I guess I'm used to the center position being a focal point of the offense, and that is not going to happen this year. But when your center takes only 2-3 shots a game, pretty soon the other teams are going to quit guarding him.

5. I think Jeremy Killion has been a disappointment. I keep waiting for him to break out of his shooting slump. I hope it happens soon.

6. Andre is a stud. I wouldn't trade him for any college player in the country.

7. Hanno and Alex are finally playing up to their abilities. I can finally say they both are playing better than last year.

8. Imagine this team with David Jackson, Britton Johnson, Trace Caton, and Jon Carlisle. We would be talking top 5, at least.

9. Tony Harvey has been a huge addition. From the little I've seen him, he has a nice shot and is athletic. I think one of his biggest attributes is giving Andre some rest at the point.

10. Adam Sharp is a very valuable reserve. I love his defense and hustle. I would be surprised, however, if he becomes a starter in the next three years. Rick does love the hardworking player who can play D, however.

11. UTEP had three assists last night! That is incredible. What a tribute to the Utes defense.

12. A victory tomorrow night would be huge. Despite New Mexico's poor play on the road, they are undefeated at home, including a win over Arizona. And we all know how the refs react at the Pit.

13. If the Utes can win tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised to see them run the table in the WAC. If they do that, and win the WAC Tournament, a 2 or 3 seed is likely. That would be an incredible turnaround from how they were playing early in the season.

14. Rick Majerus is the best basketball coach in the country, pro or college. Period.

15. I posted earlier in the season that I was concerned with the rebounding. That area seems to be much improved. They outrebounded the Miners (the second best rebounding team in the WAC) by 14. (But I remember hearing the Utes were outrebounded in the first half. That would be quite a turnaround in the second half.)