With college basketball diving into conference play, it's time to take a look at the states of certain teams as they attempt to make a big splash in the next two months.
Kansas (20-0, 5-0 Big 12)
State of the Program: Solid. The Jayhawks have not only won, they've made it look easy. It seems as if Bill Self's team loves to show up and dominate the game regardless of the opponent, which is an attitude they lacked last year (see Oral Roberts). The question about how KU can handle March Madness lingers still in the hearts of Jayhawk fans, but for right now, you can't find a more impressive team so far than the one in Lawrence.
Indiana (17-2, 6-0 Big 10)
State of the Program: Not bad. Certainly 6-0 in the Big 10 says something great is happening in Hoosierland. However, the loss to a short-benched UConn squad definitely will be remembered when it's time to fill the brackets. IU has a great nucleus, and there is no question this team can go very far in March, including San Antonio. However, IU must prove it can rise to the occasion for the big games, and their next showdown with Wisconsin will say a lot.
Florida (18-3, 5-1 SEC)
State of the Program: Impressive. Billy Donovan loses almost all of his back-to-back national championship squad, and still manages to take a young team and mold them into a power, including a very impressive rout of Vanderbilt. The problem for Florida will be that, despite the youth, no one looks past a two-time champion, so the Gators have a trap game with Arkansas this weekend. However, the Gators are a hungry bunch, and Billy D will have them ready come March.
Arkansas (14-5, 3-2 SEC)
State of the Program: Questionable. This team has some talent (albeit they could use another good shooter or two), but this team is so inconsistent when it comes to heart that it makes them almost impossible to predict. Don't blame it on first year coach John Pelphrey, whose fiery attitude and intense desire to win have made this team win games that they would've lost a year ago (Missouri, Baylor, Alabama, etc.). However, how does this team beat Baylor and lose by 13 to Georgia? These guys need to find a way to gel to succeed in the postseason.
Drake (18-1, 9-0 Missouri Valley)
State of the Program: Dangerous. This team has Cinderella written all over them. They are solid in fundamentals, confident under pressure, and they just refuse to lose. Keno Davis has got to be up for National Coach of the Year. It's a lot harder than people think to go 9-0 in the Valley, yet the Bulldogs have done it in impressive fashion. Oh, and don't forget the win at Iowa and the blowout of Iowa State. This team is for real.
Oklahoma (14-5, 2-2 Big 12)
State of the Program: Dropping. The Sooners were impressive in December, but they remember the games in February and March more, and right now, the Sooners are struggling to open up conference play. OU must find another weapon inside besides Longar Longar, and feed Tony Crocker as much as possible to start taking off in conference play.
Washington State (17-2, 5-2 Pac-10)
State of the Program: Good. The Cougars are a great team, no doubt, and that Feb. 7 showdown with UCLA should be a lot of fun. However, Wazzu, which lacks the television exposure back east, can't afford the losses to Arizona and others in conference play. The Cougars must keep winning and staying at the top of the Pac-10 race to win fans over. However, I'd pay big money to see a rematch with Baylor again. What a game that was!
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