NCAA Basketball...It's All On You...

We learned a couple things after Wednesday night's games: 1. That #3 UNC & #1 UCONN, when at their best, are probably the two best teams in the country. 2. That the two most important pieces for those heavyweights are Ty Lawson and Hasheem Thabeet, respectively. 

North Carolina, 1-12, is hands down the most talented team in the country. And their missing Tyler Zeller and Marcus Ginyard. Regardless, they have the best, most high-octane offense in the country, but their defensive intensity isn't always there. Hence, their best bet is to outscore teams, which, as their 22-2 record indicates, they do more often than not. But I guess that's not a bad idea when you have 5 guys averaging double figures. The catalyst for that offense, though, is PG Ty Lawson. He's the one that makes it go. NO ONE can stay in front of him. The fastest guy in the country end to end with the ball, Ty Lawson pushing the ball, penetrating, and creating for himself and others is the key to North Carolina's offense, and thus, their ultimate success this season. 

The numbers don't lie: On the season, Lawson's averaged roughly 16 points and 7 assists.  In Carolina's two losses, however, it's been just 9.5 points, 28% shooting, and 4 assists for Lawson.Still not a believer? How' bout this: In their game against Duke, the Tar Heels were down 52-44 at the half. Lawson had just 4 points. In the second half: the Tar Heels outscored Duke 57-35 behind 21 points from Ty Lawson. The Tar Heels go as Lawson goes, and if he's playing well, you'll wanna bet on Carolina.

UCONN's destiny rests on the shoulders of 7-3 Hasheem Thabeet. He's the anchor. Although Thabeet's putting in 13 points per night, that's not what matters. What matters is his defensive contribution. Thabeet's yanking down 10.5 boards per game to go along with over 4 blocks. His most important contribution can't be measured by stats though: It's his mere presence on the floor. Thabeet alters an uncountable amount of shots, and opposing teams are usually scared to even attack the basket with Thabeet underneath. 

The Huskies are holding opponents to under 38% from the field - 9th best in the country. A few examples of his impact: In the Huskies win at Notre Dame, they held the Irish, who shoot 44% on the season, to just 33% that night. In their game at Louisville, they held the Cards 34% from the field. Down from the Cards' season average of 43%. Same goes for their game against Syracuse. The Orangemen usually shoot nearly 49%. Vs. the Huskies, though, just 32%. Obviously, the entire Huskies' D and Jim Calhoun's coaching deserve some credit. But Thabeet is behind it all. If he's playing well, and stays out of foul trouble, it'll be a long night for opposing teams, and a long season (a good thing) for the Huskies.

Via: ESPN