I anointed this team as a Final Four squad in the preseason and I am not backing off it. Josh Cunningham has returned from injury, when he finds his rhythm, and he will, this team will begin to assume the look of a team poised for a deep March run. The roster is full of upperclassmen who know what it takes to win in March. Charles Cooke is a playmaker and he is surrounded by tough minded, versatile pieces that make it hard on the opposition.

This team is as balanced as any as you’ll find in the nation. All five starters average double figures, but it’s has been the play of Marcus Marshall, the Missouri State transfer, that has been the real difference. Marshall possesses a quick trigger and he can score in bunches. The wealth of scoring options around him allow him to find spots to be most effective.

Last year’s Cinderella is ready to prove to the nation, once again, they belong with the big boys. Giddy Potts and Reggie Upshaw became household names when the they knocked off Michigan State last year in the first round, but the focus needs to be on JaCorey Williams, the Arkansas transfer. The teams’ leading scorer does the majority of his work inside the arch. His ability to dominate inside allows of this team to space you out and hurt you with the long ball. Love the Blue Raiders to make noise once again.