Connecticut ended last year’s regular season with four losses in its last five games and on the NCAA bubble. We know what happened from there — five wins in five days in the Big East tournament, followed by six more in the NCAAs.
Who are this year’s regular-season underachievers who could make a similar run after winning their conference tournaments?
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Memphis » The progress of the Tigers, who were ranked No. 8 in the preseason, was slowed by season-ending injuries to starter Charles Carmouche and sixth-man Adonis Thomas. But in the Conference USA tournament, the Tigers blasted three foes by an average of 25 points. Memphis has the backcourt to control games with two-time conference tournament MVP Joe Jackson and conference player of the year Will Barton.
Vanderbilt » After investigating their NBA stock, Festus Ezeli, John Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor returned to the Commodores, which could explain their slow start. But Kevin Stallings’ team is rolling now with three straight SEC tournament wins. The trio played a major role in Sunday’s win over Kentucky that could be considered a stunner — but not if you consider the preseason rankings. Vanderbilt was ranked as high as No. 7 in November.
Louisville » Winning the Big East tournament was the ticket for UConn last year, so why not Louisville this season? The Cardinals also have a storied coach (Rick Pitino) and a guard at the top of his game (Peyton Siva). The junior’s command and control of the Big East tournament was such that he was MVP with modest numbers — 13.7 points, 6.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game.
– Kevin Dunleavy
