Triple Threat: College basketball contenders

By:

Posted: 11/12/08

It may be November, but it is never too early to start thinking about March Madness. Just ask "Dickie V." College hoops tipped off Monday with Duke laying waste to Scrub State (Presbyterian) 80-49. Eastern begins its 2008-2009 season Saturday against Ball State. The Panthers are hoping to get a berth to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2001.

Here are three teams that are contenders to cut down the nets in March.

1. North Carolina

Tyler Hansbrough returns for his senior year with the Tar Heels to win a national title and prove that America loves slow white people who hustle. The Tar Heels should be a favorite to return to the Final Four as they return the top six scorers from last year's team.

2. Connecticut

The fate of the Huskies may fall on their All-American center Hasheem Thabeet. Like Hansbrough, Thabeet could have been a first round pick in this year's NBA Draft, but elected to stay in college. With the 7-3 center on the floor it will be nearly impossible for teams to score inside.

3. UCLA

The Bruins may have lost center Kevin Love to the NBA, but that doesn't mean they will not be a threat this season to return to the Final Four. Coach Ben Howland is one of the best in the country with young talent and could make the Bruins a surprise Final Four team.

-Dan Cusack