West: Yes, it's true, UCLA is really that good
Best post player: Love. This kid carries himself like he has been in the NBA for 10 years. A pox on those taunting Oregon fans.
Best coach: Howland. Took a working man's style and plugged it into Westwood. Just like the man himself, his teams do not back down.
Best reputation: UCLA. This is getting old, isn't it?
Seven stars on display
Only five can play at a time but I'm feeling generous, especially since there are so many good guards in this region.
1. Kevin Love, C, UCLA: Please, Kevin, lose the leprechaun beard action. Lead with your clean-shaven chin.
2. Darren Collison, G, UCLA: Started the season with strained ligaments. Might end it in San Antonio.
3. A.J. Price, G, Connecticut: Medical and legal problems slowed his development, now Price is leading the Huskies.
4. Curtis Jerrells, G, Baylor: A poor man's D.J. Augustin.
5. Adam Emmenecker, G, Drake: From walk-on to Missouri Valley Player of the Year. What does it is that he got there averaging less than 10 points per game.
6. Robbie Hummel, point forward, Purdue : The leader of the "Baby Boilers" might be the best Purdue freshman ever. Just wait until he starts to fill out.
7. Drew Lavender, G, Xavier : An incredible assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.4-1.7.
Five random notes
1. Lute looms: Regarding the, uh, "relationship" between former/future coach Lute Olsen and current/soon-to-be former coach Kevin O'Neill at Arizona: These guys aren't exactly on the same page. Wouldn't it be great if O'Neill got the Wildcats to the Final Four, something the 73-year-old Olsen doesn't have the time or chops to do anymore?
2. Felton finale? Georgia pulled one out of its -- you know. Is it enough to save coach Dennis Felton's job. He was as good as gone before the Dawgs won as many games in the SEC tournament (four) as they did in the conference play.
3. Get a good look, they'll be gone soon: Georgia won three games in 28½ hours in the SEC tournament to get its first NCAA berth since 2002. That would be back when Jim Harrick (gag reflex inserted) was coaching. The Dawgs had lost 11 of 13 coming into the tournament. Xavier should have an easy time of it in the opening game, but it was fun while it lasted.
4. Welcome back, Huggie: Anybody notice that West Virginia's Bob Huggins is back in the bracket for the first time since 2005?
5. BY-Who?: The Cougars are a middle-of-the-pack No. 8 once again which means a brutal second-round game. They have lost their last five first-round games. But a senior backcourt of Ben Murdock and Sam Burgess provides hope.
