ESPN Men's Basketball

To go along with today's feature story on the return of the dominant shot-blockers, here’s my list of the nation’s best. If your favorite guy is missing from the list, let me know (@MedcalfByESPN or mmedcalf3030@gmail.com). But this is not just based on raw numbers. Efficiency is certainly a factor.

Could Nerlens Noel end up being the best swatter in college next season? Yes. In fact, probably. But it's hard to put him No. 1 five months before Midnight Madness.

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John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/MCT/Getty ImagesKansas' Jeff Withey had 31 blocks in last season's NCAA tournament, a new record.
1. Jeff Withey (Kansas): He finished the year No. 1 on Ken Pomeroy’s block-percentage chart (a rate determined by an opponent’s two-point attempts) and is the top returning shot-blocker entering the 2012-13 season, after a phenomenal Final Four that concluded with a record for blocks in a single NCAA tournament (31). With Withey inside, Kansas should remain on its Big 12 perch next season.
2. Gorgui Dieng (Louisville): Withey and Anthony Davis dominated the headlines in March. But Dieng (3.2 blocks per game), a 6-foot-11 sophomore from Senegal, was a very talented shot-blocker, too. He offered a sneak preview in New Orleans by blocking four shots in the national semifinals against Kentucky. Next season, however, he’ll be a star for a top-5 program.
3. Nerlens Noel (Kentucky): I’ve never seen a high school player dominate his peers the way Noel did during the Peach Jam AAU tournament last year. He’s a special talent. Anthony Davis claims Noel is the better shot-blocker between the two of them, and that’s not a crazy concept. It’s just scary for every team that’s scheduled to face Kentucky next season.
4. C.J. Aiken (St. Joseph’s): In a 10-point victory over No. 22 Temple in February, Aiken scored five points. But his five blocks were vital in that upset. You have to appreciate the fact that Aiken is still raw in many ways. I saw him live in Philly a few years ago and watched a bunch of St. Joe’s games this season. And I think he’s on the cusp of emerging on the national radar with his high-octane defense (3.5 blocks per game). Growing every year.
5. Isaiah Austin (Baylor): Another special talent. He’s so athletic and versatile that he played some point guard on the AAU circuit. Austin, a McDonald’s All-America center, averaged 5.0 blocks per game as a senior in high school. He’ll have a similar impact in the Big 12 next season, probably his only year as a collegiate player. His 7-foot-1 frame hasn’t filled out yet but his length and shot-blocking will be a problem for the rest of the conference.
6. Zeke Marshall (Akron): He’s an under-the-radar defensive force. But the MAC knows all about his shot-blocking skills. Mississippi State’s Arnett Moultrie had one of his worst games of the season against the Zips due to Marshall’s defense. The 7-footer blocked 2.9 shots per game. And he altered even more.
7. Rhamel Brown (Manhattan): Here’s why you have to love advanced statistics: Brown, a sophomore at Manhattan last season, averaged 2.4 blocks per game for the Jaspers. But he finished second behind Withey on Pomeroy’s block percentage rankings. He’s only 6-foot-6, but Brown disrupts offenses at a high level.
8. Steven Adams (Pittsburgh): Yes, another freshman on the list. Another guy who hasn’t competed in a collegiate game yet. But I think Davis’ success last season means these youngsters earn early credit on potential alone. This 7-footer has been a beast on the AAU and prep circuits. The standout from New Zealand also has international experience. So he’ll be a young veteran for a Pitt team that needs his physical presence inside. Adams has the athleticism to be a great shot-blocker at this level.
9. Hunter Mickelson (Arkansas): As a 6-foot-10 freshman on a lackluster Razorbacks squad, Mickelson averaged 2.3 blocks in 17.1 minutes per game. He’s an efficient defender who was fourth in the SEC in blocks per contest. And he finished fifth on Pomeroy’s block percentage chart. He’s still raw but the future seems bright for Mickelson.
10. Damian Eargle (Youngstown State): First, he has the best name on this board. But he’s an equally talented defender who squeezed 3.7 blocks out of his 6-foot-7 frame. Youngstown State struggled in most Horizon League stat categories but the squad led the conference in blocked shots thanks to Eargle, who was a junior last season.

We have now entered conference realignment's Stage 3. Or is it Stage 4? It's hard to keep track.

Part of the reason it's so hard to definitively describe the where we are in the realignment process is because Stage 1 remains alive and well. Conference realignment isn't Harold Hill. It doesn't stop by one conference, convince university presidents they need a bigger television deal, and then skip town when the con is up. Conference realignment is a virus. It infects cells one by one, but remains thriving in its previously infected hosts, even as it spreads further and further outward. We're almost two years past the Big Ten's opening moves, and the Big East is still flailing, the Big 12 is still looking, and UConn is still trying to get into the ACC. ("Come on, Boston College, let's bury the hatchet!")

The only difference now, as our Dana O'Neil examined in today's look at realignment's latest stage, is that everybody's in on the game. The WAC, the Mountain West, Conference USA, the Sun Belt -- there is no untouched, pristine land left. As Sun Belt Conference commissioner Karl Benson told Dana:

"I still think there are other changes that will occur, and it's all linked,'' said Sun Belt Conference commissioner Karl Benson, himself a realigned leader, having dashed from the fading WAC to the Sun Belt in March. "If the Big 12 does something, the Big East will react. If the Big East does something, Conference USA will react. If Conference USA does something, we'll react. You're already seeing the Colonial, Horizon and Atlantic 10 with changes, conferences that had been untouched through all of this. I think there's still a lot of movement that will occur.''

To wit: On Thursday, the Associated Press reported that Oakland, the dominant Summit League team of the past five seasons, is openly pushing for an invitation to the Horizon League. Long-time Oakland coach Greg Kampe tried to make the push a decade ago, but the University of Detroit, skeptical of sharing the Detroit market with an in-conference foe, kept the Golden Grizzlies at bay. From the AP:

"I know that's a fact because I called the athletic director then, Brad Kinsman, and he told me," Kampe said.

Kinsman said Wednesday that Kampe's recollection is accurate.

"The feeling back then was that it didn't make sense to share this market with another school in the same conference," said Kinsman, who retired in 2006. "Times have changed, coaches have changed, but I don't know what the thinking is now."

From a sheer performance standpoint, Kampe's desire is hardly outlandish. The Golden Grizzlies would have been near the top of the Horizon League in the past three seasons in attendance and RPI, which is what really matters. In terms of actual on-court performance, the Golden Grizzlies' Ken Pomeroy average adjusted efficiency rank over the past four seasons is 116.5; that would have put them right in the thick of last season's Horizon League, whose average KenPom rank was 174.6 and had only four teams rank higher than the Grizzlies overall. (In 2011, Oakland's best season in decades, Kampe's team ranked No. 66 in efficiency. Only Butler, at No. 41, ranked higher.)

Plus, there are good common sense reasons why it could work. Kampe cites the travel footprint as beneficial; teams could play Oakland and Detroit within two days' time and "wouldn't even have to change hotels." And then there's the potential of a budding rivalry:

"I think an Oakland-Detroit rivalry would be huge in southeast Michigan," he said. "When we played, there would be full houses, we'd be on the front page of the Detroit News and Free Press. There also would be television exposure that would help both schools and the Horizon. I don't see how it would be a negative for Detroit to have us in the same league."

I admit I'm not as familiar with the dynamics of the Detroit college hoops scene as some; would an Oakland-Detroit rivalry really generate front page local interest? That seems a little ambitious, right? (Commenters, please enlighten us). But even if Kampe is overstating the case, the points are valid. Oakland almost feels like a Horizon League already. This makes sense.

But the point of this isn't the suspense -- oh, the suspense! -- of a possible Oakland-to-Horizon move. It is, as Dana wrote, that realignment is no longer merely about the big boys. It is not longer just about football. Football is still a major concern, of course, but now that conferences large and small are doing everything in their power merely to survive as leagues, the doors are opening and closing everywhere. Basketball is a concern. In many cases, it is the only concern.

I don't know what we call this stage of realignment. The "technology adoption lifecycle," originally developed by three researchers studying agricultural innovation patterns at Iowa State University, produced the Rogers' bell curve, which looks like this. Maybe we're in the "late majority" stage? Or maybe agricultural innovation adoption has nothing to do with conference realignment, and this entire paragraph was pointless?

Maybe so. But rest assured, no school and no league wants to end up labeled a "laggard." No one -- and for what seems like the first time since this whole thing started, I mean no one -- wants to risk being left behind. Everyone is moving; everyone is looking. The question is: Where do we stop?

Let me start by saying this is not a definitive list. There are hundreds of talented assistant coaches around the country.

The following, however, is a list of coaches 40 years old and under who have put themselves in a position to earn a head-coaching job in the future.

1. Orlando Antigua (Kentucky): The former Pitt standout helped John Calipari sign another top-ranked recruiting class. He’s also assisted Calipari in developing the young prodigies who have come to Lexington. After Kentucky won the national title in April, Antigua was a candidate for multiple jobs, including Duquesne. It’s just a matter of time before he’s leading his own show. He turns 40 next year.
2. Travis Steele (Xavier): Xavier has produced some of the top coaches in the country (Skip Prosser, Sean Miller, Thad Matta, John Groce). Current coach Chris Mack says assistant Steele, 27, is next in line. The Butler graduate has been on Mack’s staff for the past three seasons. Mack says Steele, who has helped develop and recruit the players who have led Xavier to four Sweet 16 appearances in five seasons, is “3-4 years” away from a head-coaching gig.
3. Tim Fuller (Missouri): When opposing coaches say you’re on the rise, that means something. Fuller has amassed a solid reputation in coaching circles. After just a season with the Tigers, Frank Haith promoted Fuller to associate head coach. Fuller, who played at Wake Forest from 1997-2000, is just 34. But his stock is rising fast.
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Cal Sport Media/AP Images Duke's Steve Wojciechowski is a hot coaching commodity after having won two national titles as an assistant to Mike Krzyzewski.
4. Steve Wojciechowski (Duke): The 35-year-old might be Coach K’s heir after a lengthy stint as one of his top assistants. He started out as an assistant in 1999 but was promoted to associate head coach in 2008. “Wojo” was known for slapping the floor on defense during his playing career and he’s equally passionate on the sidelines for the Blue Devils, who have won two national titles during his tenure.
5. Adrian Autry (Syracuse): The former Orange standout joined the staff prior to last season. And during a tumultuous year that included the firing of Bernie Fine over sexual abuse allegations and the dismissal of Fab Melo, the 39-year-old helped the program remain focused. He’s a reputable recruiter with strong ties to the D.C. area, connections that helped the Orange lock up the No. 15 recruiting class in 2012, according to ESPN.com.
6. Mike Rhoades (VCU): In a short span, Rhoades has gone from a Division III assistant at Randolph-Macon (Ashland, Va.) to a top assistant under Shaka Smart. VCU has been defined by its gritty defense, better-than-they’re-ranked prospects and passion. Rhoades has helped the Rams embrace every tenet of Smart’s philosophy, one that helped VCU reach the Final Four last season. “He’s great,” Smart says.
7. Jeff Boals (Ohio State): The former Ohio forward joined Matta’s staff in 2009. The Buckeyes have enjoyed success in all areas during his time with the program. He’s helped Matta develop top players such as Jared Sullinger and Evan Turner. And he’s an energetic and effective recruiter. Boals, 39, won’t be an assistant for long.
8. Kevin Ollie (UConn): The program went south last season. But the year that preceded it ended with a national title. And Ollie was credited with equipping Kemba Walker & Co. for that run with his coaching on and off the floor. Ollie might take over the Huskies' program if Jim Calhoun retires. But even if he doesn’t, he’ll be an attractive candidate for multiple openings in the near future.
9. Matthew Graves (Butler): Last year, Brad Stevens promoted Graves, who’s in his late 30s, to an associate head-coaching position, a credit to his role in the program’s success. You don’t reach back-to-back national title games as a mid-major program by accident. Stevens and his staff put the program on the national map. With a move to the Atlantic 10, the Bulldogs will attain even more national exposure. And Graves, who’s been vital to the program’s efforts in recent years, will end up on a multitude of lists once jobs open up again after next season.
10. James Whitford (Arizona): Sean Miller’s longtime assistant was pursued by Miami (Ohio) in the offseason but decided to stay in Tucson, where he helped the Wildcats sign one of the top recruiting classes in the country. The Wildcats struggled during the 2011-12 campaign. But with Mark Lyons and some talented recruits headed to Arizona, the Wildcats could win the Pac-12 next season. It’s easy to see why Whitford, 40, stayed put.

1. Bryce Drew made the right choice to withdraw from the Mississippi State coaching search. The first-year Valparaiso coach wouldn’t have been a fit in the deep South. He is perfect for the next Big Ten opening that may occur in the coming years. Drew has name recognition that is still strong in the Midwest. He won the Horizon League (over Butler and Detroit) in his first season and should be in contention again next season. He played in the NBA. He doesn’t need to rush to the first high-major stop that shows an interest. He’ll be fine.

2. John Groce may get the Frank Haith treatment at Illinois from those critical of the hiring. But he shouldn’t. Fans and Chicago high schools should give Groce a chance. Haith’s hiring was mocked at first by Mizzou loyalists because he wasn’t the first choice and Miami wasn’t a consistent NCAA team. Groce didn’t top the list at Illinois after the Illini lost out on Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens. But Groce has proven he is tremendous late-season coach more than anything else. His teams improve and are a tough out in the postseason. Groce has strong Midwest ties and an infectious energy that should be celebrated upon arrival.

3. The SEC confirmed that it does have a rule that a player must have two years of eligibility left in order to transfer to a member school. That would mean Florida, Kentucky and Missouri couldn’t stay in the Alex Oriakhi sweepstakes. A waiver could be sought since this is an unusual circumstance. Another interesting curveball: Would Oriakhi be able to play immediately if UConn were to win its appeal and earn back the right to play in the 2013 NCAA tournament? Oriakhi might be given a special circumstance since he is transferring at a point when the Huskies are currently ineligible to play in the postseason during his senior year.

The coaching carousel is in full swing these days, with jobs opening and vacancies filling and Illinois news conferences just begging to be held. (How has this not happened yet?) But forget Frank Martin and South Carolina. The best hire of the week goes to ... Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Ind.

Why? Because Brownsburg tapped Butler senior guard Ronald Nored -- whose final season at the school concluded in recent weeks -- to be its newest head boys' basketball coach. Nored was introduced at a news conference Wednesday morning. According to Indianapolis Star preps reporter Kyle Neddenriep -- and no surprise to anyone that covered Nored in his four seasons at Butler -- the 22-year-old already has the whole "win the news conference" routine down pat. Oh, and he already has a particularly important alum in his corner: Current Utah Jazz guard, former Butler star and Brownsburg native Gordon Hayward:

“I texted him and said, ‘Gotta talk,’” Nored said. “He wrote, ‘What do we gotta talk about? So when he called me back I told him I had the chance to be the head basketball coach at Brownsburg. He said, ‘What? Are you serious? You better do that. You can’t turn that down.’ The fact that Gordon was so excited about it was good for me because Gordon and I are so close that he can be honest about things with me. If he thought it wasn’t a good decision, he would have told me that and I would have respected it. But his excitement got me excited for it as well and definitely had some input in my decision.”

That almost makes Nored's decision sound like a lark -- Dude! You should totally do that! It'd be awesome! -- but the man is dead serious about his coaching career. He's been spotted coaching on the sidelines at AAU events, and he's made clear his desire to one day join Butler coach Brad Stevens' full-time staff.

The Brownsburg job will be both a challenge and an opportunity. According to Neddenriep, Brownsburg is one of the "best jobs" in the Indianapolis area, replete with young talent. As such, there was no shortage of interest in the gig: Nored beat out 50 other applicants, including many with long-time head coaching experience, for the gig. But Nored will be by far the most inexperienced coach in his conference: Only two of his Hoosier Crossroads Conference counterparts have fewer than 11 years experience.

In any case, Brownsburg's hire strikes this humble blogger as incredibly smart. Not only is Nored an excellent coach in the making -- a funny, energetic dude that studied under Stevens for four years and went to two national title games in the process -- but his hiring is the ultimate media coup.

After all, I did just write a post about Brownsburg High School boys' basketball. So, you know, case in point.

OMAHA, Neb. -- The Kansas basketball team spent Friday afternoon at the Embassy Suites hotel, watching Missouri lose to Norfolk State.

Hours later, moments before they trotted out of the locker room to play Detroit, the Jayhawks saw the final moments of Duke’s defeat against Lehigh.

It’d been 11 years since a No. 2 seed lost in the NCAA tournament. Now it had happened twice in one day.

Could Kansas make it No. 3?

“It opened our eyes a little bit,” point guard Tyshawn Taylor said. “It made us understand that it can happen.”

Even before Friday, Kansas knew the pain of March upsets all too well. Since 2005 it has lost to mid-majors Bucknell, Bradley and Northern Iowa in the first or second round of the NCAA tournament.

On Friday the Jayhawks made sure it didn’t happen again.

Thomas Robinson scored 16 points and snared 13 rebounds to boost Kansas -- the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region -- to a 65-50 victory over No. 15 Detroit at the CenturyLink Center. Elijah Johnson added 15 points for the Jayhawks, who advanced to play No. 10 seed Purdue on Sunday for a chance to go to the Sweet 16.

“It’s great for the tournament when lower seeds win,” center Jeff Withey said. “But we were watching [the upsets] today, and we didn’t want to be the one to lose.”

Kansas closed the first half on a 15-3 march and led 34-24 at intermission. When the Jayhawks opened the second half on a 10-2 run, the game was basically over.

Still, a side story developed in an otherwise mundane game when Taylor, a fourth-year starter and the team’s leading scorer in Big 12 play, left the court with cramps with about 16 minutes remaining. He was taken to the locker room and didn’t return.

“The [cramps] started in my calf and kept coming up to my hammy, my feet, my back, all over,” said Taylor, who scored 10 points. “I’ve been taking stuff for a cold and it dehydrates you.

“I’ve been drinking a lot of Gatorade. I guess I’ve got to drink a lot more -- and some pickle juice. This happened to me the first game in Maui. I was fine the next two games.”

In an odd way, Taylor’s absence could’ve been good for the Jayhawks, because it forced players such as Johnson and reserve guard Naadir Tharpe into more pressure-packed roles. Tharpe’s 13 minutes were the most he’s played since Dec. 29.

“I kept thinking about [Taylor] sitting in the locker room,” Johnson said. “I was like, ‘I know he’s back there watching. I want to keep him calm. I want to keep my senior guard calm.’

“Ty has been carrying us for a long time. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves. People think, ‘He should be doing well. He’s been here for four years.’ But [he’s] playing with four people that haven’t done it. When everything goes bad, who do they point to? Tyshawn Taylor, whether he played good or not. I’m there to back him up whenever. Whatever he needs me to do, I’ll do it.”

The Jayhawks will need another banner effort from Johnson -- and plenty of others -- if they hope to beat Purdue. The Boilermakers may not be as strong as they’ve been the past few seasons, but Matt Painter is still regarded as one of the top defensive coaches in the country. There’s no doubt he’ll have his team ready.

Purdue upended No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s 72-69 earlier Friday.

“We can’t take anybody lightly, from today until whenever,” Taylor said. “Once you get into the tournament, those seeds go away. It really doesn’t matter. A No. 2 can beat a No. 15. It might mean they’re the better team, it might not. But all it takes is for them to be better that day.

“We’ve got to treat everyone like they’re Kentucky or a North Carolina.”

OMAHA, Neb. -- Quick thoughts from Kansas' 65-50 victory over Detroit on Friday at the CenturyLink Center.

Overview: Thomas Robinson had 16 points and 13 rebounds and Elijah Johnson added 15 points to spark Kansas to an easy win over No. 15 seed Detroit in the Midwest Region. The No. 2 seed Jayhawks will play Purdue at approximately 9 ET Sunday night.

One of the biggest stories of the game was the health status of Kansas point guard Tyshawn Taylor, who left the contest with about 15 minutes remaining, reportedly because of cramps. Taylor was taken to the locker room and didn't return. He appeared to injure himself during a play in which he was called for a charge with about 16 minutes remaining. He went to the bench and then headed to the locker room about a minute later.

Detroit, which shot just 31.7 percent from the field, got 15 points from Doug Anderson and 10 from Eli Holman. Ray McCallum Jr., a McDonald's All-American in high school who chose Detroit over KU so he could play for his father, finished with just 8 points on 4-of-15 shooting.

Turning point: The Jayhawks ended the first half on a 15-3 run, which gave them a 34-24 lead at intermission. They opened the second half on a 10-2 tear that made it 44-26. At that point, the game was essentially over.

Key player: Robinson notched his NCAA-leading 24th double-double. The Jayhawks also got a boost from Johnson, who made three of his four 3-point attempts. Center Jeff Withey had 7 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Key stat: Detroit's 3-point shooting continued to be its Achilles' heel. The Titans were just 3-of-17 from long range (17.6 percent).

Miscellaneous: Kansas' 2008 NCAA title run began in Omaha.

Up next: Kansas takes on No. 10 seed Purdue on Sunday. The Boilermakers defeated No. 7 seed Saint Mary's earlier Friday. Detroit ends its season 22-14.

OMAHA, Neb. -- Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for in Friday’s afternoon games in Omaha.

No. 7 Saint Mary’s (27-5) vs. No. 10 Purdue (21-12), 7:27 ET

For Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett, Thursday’s shootaround at the CenturyLink Center was gratifying for two reasons. His Gaels are back in the national spotlight -- and Bennett caught a glimpse of a celebrity.

“He’s a legend,” Bennett said of Purdue’s Robbie Hummel. “I’ve heard about him for six years. I finally got to see him up close.”

Bennett was only halfway kidding.

Hummel, after all, has garnered national public sympathy after missing the past two NCAA tournaments because of knee injuries. The fifth-year senior -- who didn’t play at all last season after tearing his ACL on the first day of practice -- is hoping his return to the postseason isn’t short-lived.

“Sitting out the last two years ... it’s been frustrating,” said Hummel, who averages 16.3 points. “I think it’s made this time all the more special for me. I think we’re all excited to be here and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

The Boilermakers face a tough task in their first game.

Saint Mary’s became the first team in 11 years other than Gonzaga to win the West Coast Conference title outright. The Gaels, who reached the Sweet 16 in 2010, are led by point guard Matthew Dellavedova. The Cousy Award finalist is the school’s all-time assists leader. He averages 15.6 points.

Things appeared bleak for Saint Mary’s after a 14-point loss at Murray State in a BracketBusters game Feb. 18. But Bennett’s squad bounced back with four straight wins to end the season.

Saint Mary’s, which is comprised largely of Australian players, has won 25 or more games in each of the past five seasons. On Friday the Gaels will attempt to beat a Purdue squad that has won its past 13 games in the round of 64.

“They’ve got a lot of depth, a lot of talented guys,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said. “We’re going to have our hands full.”

Players to watch:

Robbie Hummel, Purdue -- The senior’s 16.3-point scoring average is a career high, and so are his 7.1 rebounds per game. He's averaging just 10.6 points in his past three contests.

Matthew Dellavedova, Saint Mary’s -- One of the more fundamentally sound point guards in the country averages 15.6 points and 6.4 assists.

Rob Jones, Saint Mary’s -- The senior forward is a bit undersized at 6-foot-6, but you’d hardly be able to tell by looking at the stat sheet. Jones averages 14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds.

No. 2 Kansas (27-6) vs. No. 15 Detroit (22-13), 9:57 p.m. ET

For all the thrills they’ve experienced in the regular season, the Kansas Jayhawks still have painful memories from their past two NCAA tournaments.

More than the defeats, it’s who the Jayhawks lost to that has been hard for Bill Self’s team to stomach.

Two years ago it was Northern Iowa. Last season, Virginia Commonwealth.

When Kansas drew No. 15 seed Detroit in the round of 64 in this year’s tournament, more than a few fans feared that another upset loss to a mid-major team could be in store.

“We didn’t come to play,” point guard Tyshawn Taylor said of the past two years. “We thought if we just showed up, we’d beat those teams.”

The Jayhawks probably don’t have that opinion of Detroit, which features a McDonald’s All-American in Ray McCallum Jr. and a pro-caliber center in Eli Holman, who began his career at Indiana.

The Titans, who earned an automatic bid by beating Valparaiso by 20 points on their home floor, may be the most talented No. 15 seed in the history of the tournament. Seven of their 13 losses came without Holman, who was suspended for the fall semester.

Holman will be one of the main players charged with defending Big 12 Player of the Year Thomas Robinson, who averages 17.9 points and 11.8 rebounds. He certainly sounded confident when asked about the matchup earlier in the week.

“Robinson?” Holman said. “I can handle Robinson. He has to handle me.”

Detroit head coach Ray McCallum -- the father of the star point guard -- said the last thing his players intended to do was disrespect Kansas.

“I think some of those comments have been exaggerated,” the coach said. “We’ve been a team that hasn’t bragged or boasted about anything. Some of the things in print, I scratch my head, like 'Where did that come from?'

“I don’t think [it’s] arrogance. We’ve got great respect for their team. We know they’re truly one of the best. We’re going to have to play our best game of the year to win.”

Players to Watch:

Thomas Robinson, Kansas -- The first-team All-American and Wooden Award candidate has gone from a nonstarter to one of the best players in America. The NCAA tournament will likely mark the final time he will be in a Kansas uniform, as he’s expected to enter the NBA draft.

Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas -- Not many point guards in the country were as good during the second half of the season as Taylor, who led the Jayhawks in scoring in Big 12 play. The senior is a fourth-year starter

Ray McCallum Jr., Detroit -- The son of the Titans’ head coach averages 15.6 points per game but shoots just 25 percent from beyond the arc. He chose Detroit over schools such as Kansas, Florida and UCLA.

You’ve kept up with his projections for the past few months, but Joe Lunardi doesn’t go into hibernation once the real bracket comes out. Our resident Bracketologist is a hardcore basketball fan who knows his stuff. Here are his picks for the Big Dance:

SOUTH

Second round
1 Kentucky over 16 Western Kentucky
9 Connecticut over 8 Iowa State
5 Wichita State over 12 VCU
13 New Mexico State over 4 Indiana
6 UNLV over 11 Colorado
3 Baylor over 14 South Dakota State
7 Notre Dame over 10 Xavier
2 Duke over 15 Lehigh

Third round
1 Kentucky over 9 Connecticut
5 Wichita State over 13 New Mexico State
3 Baylor over 6 UNLV
2 Duke over 7 Notre Dame

Sweet 16
1 Kentucky over 5 Wichita State
3 Baylor over 2 Duke

Elite Eight
1 Kentucky over 3 Baylor

WEST

Second round
1 Michigan State over 16 LIU Brooklyn
9 Saint Louis over 8 Memphis
5 New Mexico over 12 Long Beach State
4 Louisville over 13 Davidson
6 Murray State over 11 Colorado State
3 Marquette over 14 BYU
7 Florida over 10 Virginia
2 Missouri over 15 Norfolk State

Third round
1 Michigan State over 9 Saint Louis
5 New Mexico over 4 Louisville
3 Marquette over 6 Murray State
2 Missouri over 7 Florida

Sweet 16
1 Michigan State over 5 New Mexico
2 Missouri over 3 Marquette

Elite Eight
2 Missouri over 1 Michigan State

EAST

Second round
1 Syracuse over 16 UNC Asheville
8 Kansas State over 9 Southern Miss
5 Vanderbilt over 12 Harvard
4 Wisconsin over 13 Montana
6 Cincinnati over 11 Texas
3 Florida State over 14 St. Bonaventure
10 West Virginia over 7 Gonzaga
2 Ohio State over 15 Loyola (Md.)

Third round
1 Syracuse over 8 Kansas State
4 Wisconsin over 5 Vanderbilt
3 Florida State over 6 Cincinnati
2 Ohio State over 10 West Virginia

Sweet 16
4 Wisconsin over 1 Syracuse
2 Ohio State over 3 Florida State

Elite Eight
4 Wisconsin over 2 Ohio State

MIDWEST

Second round
1 North Carolina over 16 Lamar
9 Alabama over 8 Creighton
5 Temple over 12 California
4 Michigan over 13 Ohio
11 NC State over 6 San Diego State
3 Georgetown over 14 Belmont
7 Saint Mary's over 10 Purdue
2 Kansas over 15 Detroit

Third round
1 North Carolina over 9 Alabama
4 Michigan over 5 Temple
11 NC State over 3 Georgetown
2 Kansas over 7 Saint Mary's

Sweet 16
1 North Carolina over 4 Michigan
2 Kansas over 11 NC State

Elite Eight
1 North Carolina over 2 Kansas

NATIONAL SEMIFINALS
Kentucky over Missouri
North Carolina over Wisconsin

NATIONAL TITLE GAME
Kentucky over North Carolina

Call in sick for work. Play hooky from school. Plop onto your favorite sofa or reserve a table at the local sports bar.

You’ve been waiting all year for the next two days.

It’s going to be worth it.

For sports fans, the first weekend of the NCAA tournament is as good as it gets. The Super Bowl may receive more hype, and watching your hometown team play in the World Series or NBA Finals is hard to beat.

But on a national level, no event is as highly anticipated by such a wide range of fans as the NCAA tournament. And no sport can match the excitement that will unfold time and time again during the “round of 64” games that take place Thursday and Friday.

Now that most of you have made your picks and turned in your brackets, here are some things to keep an eye on over the next two days.

Five best round of 64 games

No. 8 Iowa State vs. No. 9 Connecticut (South Region) -- After finishing ninth in the Big East last season, the Huskies won their final 11 games en route to a national championship. The chances of that happening again this year appear slim, especially with a potential round of 32 game looming against Kentucky. Still, Jim Calhoun’s squad is loaded with NBA talent (Andre Drummond and Jeremy Lamb) and experience. Its tilt with the Royce White-led Cyclones should be an entertaining one.

No. 8 Creighton vs. No. 9 Alabama (Midwest Region) -- Any little league basketball coach should have his team watch Creighton. Greg McDermott’s squad plays the game the right way. The Bluejays share the ball on offense, take high-percentage shots and genuinely relish each others’ success. They also feature one of the nation’s top players in Doug McDermott (Greg’s son). The 6-foot-7 sophomore will be challenged by an Alabama squad that’s known as one of the top defensive teams in the country.

No. 6 San Diego State vs. No. 11 North Carolina State (Midwest Region) -- Don’t let the Wolfpack’s low seed fool you. With players such as C.J. Leslie and Lorenzo Brown, Mark Gottfried touts the most talented team in the ACC behind North Carolina and Duke. NC State, which is making its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2006, has won four of its past five games. San Diego State, though, will be a tough out. The Aztecs had won six in a row before falling to New Mexico in the Mountain West Conference tournament title game.

No. 5 Wichita State vs. No. 12 VCU (South Region) -- VCU became the biggest story of last year’s NCAA tournament when it went all the way from the “First Four” in Dayton to the Final Four in Houston. This year Wichita State hopes to end the Rams’ run before it truly starts. The Shockers are generally regarded as the top mid-major team in America. Gregg Marshall’s squad is a solid seven deep, with underrated point guard Joe Ragland leading the way along with 7-foot center Garrett Stutz. Both players are seniors.

No. 5 New Mexico vs. No. 12 Long Beach State (West Region) -- Steve Alford’s New Mexico squad shared the Mountain West regular-season title with San Diego State before winning the league tournament. In Drew Gordon (13.4 points, 10.9 rebounds) the Lobos feature one of the field’s best-kept secrets. Led by Cousy Award finalist Casper Ware, Long Beach State is a senior-laden team that played nonconference games at Kansas, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Louisville. The 49ers won’t be intimidated by the big stage.

Best round of 64 coaching matchups

Gonzaga’s Mark Few vs. West Virginia’s Bob Huggins (East Region) -- By their own standards, Few and Huggins have had somewhat “down” years. Gonzaga failed to win at least a piece of the West Coast Conference title for the first time in 11 years. West Virginia squeaked into the tournament despite losing eight of its final 12 games. Still, these are two of the top game tacticians in the country.

Florida’s Billy Donovan vs. Virginia’s Tony Bennett (West Region) -- The Gators have won two NCAA titles under Donovan, who likes to push the tempo. Meanwhile, no coach is as good at controlling the pace of a game as Bennett, whose team averages 63.1 points a game. Only one team in the last month (Maryland) has cracked the 70-point barrier against Virginia, and the Terps needed overtime to do it. The contrast in styles between these two coaches should make the game interesting.

Memphis’ Josh Pastner vs. Saint Louis’ Rick Majerus (West Region) -- Pastner is the 34-year-old wunderkind who is regarded as one of the profession’s rising stars. Majerus has 516 career wins and took Utah to the NCAA title game in 1998. Beating such a highly regarded coach in the NCAA tournament would do wonders for Pastner, whose reputation has already begun to soar. Memphis has won 11 of its past 12 contests and won the Conference USA title by a commanding two games.

Saint Mary’s’ Randy Bennett vs. Purdue’s Matt Painter (Midwest Region) -- Bennett has turned Saint Mary’s into a mid-major power by winning 25 or more games in each of the past five seasons. This season his Gaels became the first team in 11 years other than Gonzaga to win the outright West Coast Conference title. Painter’s Purdue squads are always among the top defensive teams in the country. The Boilermakers aren’t as good as they’ve been in years past, but Painter will have them prepared for Saint Mary’s.

Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall vs. VCU’s Shaka Smart (South Region) -- Both coaches are rumored to be in line for bigger jobs (and bigger paychecks) at the end of the season. Granted, they may not want to leave their current schools. Marshall has the Shockers back in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2006. Smart took VCU to the Final Four last season and is hoping for another big run this month.

Best Round of 64 Individual Matchups

Florida State’s Bernard James vs. St. Bonaventure’s Andrew Nicholson (East Region) -- The 6-foot-10 James, who averages 2.3 blocks, will have his hands full trying to stop a forward who has averaged more than 16 points in each of the past three seasons. James is fortunate in that he has already faced some of the country’s top big men (Tyler Zeller, John Henson, Mason Plumlee, Mike Scott, etc.) in the ACC.

UNLV’s Mike Moser vs. Colorado’s Andre Roberson (South Region) -- Two of the nation’s top rebounders will go head-to-head when the Runnin’ Rebels meet the Buffaloes. Moser averages 10.6 rebounds per game, while Roberson snares 11.6 per contest.

Gonzaga’s Elias Harris vs. West Virginia’s Kevin Jones -- Jones would’ve likely been the Big East Player of the Year and a first-team All-American had the Mountaineers not floundered so badly down the stretch. With averages of 20.1 points and 11.1 rebounds, the 6-8 260-pounder is one of the most versatile players in the country. His size makes him a tough matchup, but Harris (6-7, 240) is big enough to handle the chore.

Alabama’s JaMychal Green vs. Creighton’s Doug McDermott (Midwest Region) -- Green had better get plenty of sleep before his team takes on Creighton. He’ll need all the energy he can muster to keep up with the 6-7 McDermott, who can score from anywhere on the court. McDermott ranks third in the country with a scoring average of 23.2 points per game.

Baylor’s backcourt vs. South Dakota State’s Nate Wolters (South Region) -- Wolters averages 21.3 points per game and, at 6-4, he’s a tough matchup for opposing guards. The Bears have plenty of backcourt depth, so expect Pierre Jackson, A.J. Walton, Brady Heslip, Deuce Bello and Gary Franklin to take their turns pestering Wolters, who scored 34 points against Washington earlier this season.

Five potential round of 64 upsets

No. 14 Belmont over No. 3 Georgetown (Midwest Region) -- The Hoyas lost their opening game in each of the past two seasons and haven’t made it to the second weekend since 2007. Belmont lost to Duke by one point in its season opener at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Bruins, who have won 14 straight, are a strong No. 14 seed.

No. 12 Long Beach State over No. 5 New Mexico (West Region) -- The 49ers won at Pittsburgh and lost by single digits at Kansas and North Carolina. They’ll have a chance in this one, but only if guard Larry Anderson (knee) is able to play. Long Beach State is led by former Gonzaga and Minnesota head coach Dan Monson.

No. 13 Montana over No. 4 Wisconsin (East Region) -- The Grizzlies have lost just one game since Dec. 10. Wisconsin, which finished fourth in the Big Ten, has had a solid season. The Badgers, however, play a slow style that makes them vulnerable to upsets. Eight of Wisconsin’s last nine wins have been by single digits.

No. 15 Detroit over No. 2 Kansas (Midwest Region) -- Kansas’ history of floundering against mid-major teams (Bucknell, Bradley, Northern Iowa, VCU) makes this game interesting. Detroit touts a McDonald’s All-America point guard in Ray McCallum Jr., and 6-foot-10 center Eli Holman began his career at Indiana before transferring to Detroit. He and 6-foot-11 teammate LaMarcus Lowe could create problems for Thomas Robinson.

No. 13 Davidson over No. 4 Louisville (West Region) -- This isn’t Stephen Curry’s Davidson team, but Bob McKillop’s squad is dangerous, nonetheless. Davidson defeated Kansas 80-74 in Kansas City back on Dec. 19. And the Wildcats went an impressive 16-2 in their conference. Louisville is one of the country’s best defensive teams, but overall, the Cardinals have a small margin for error.

As you all are filling out your brackets, you’re searching for possible upsets. Well, put down your pens and read about the following mid-major stars who could send shockwaves through the field of 68:

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AP Photo/Ricardo ArduengoIona point guard Scott Machado will lead the Gaels against BYU in the tournament's first round.
1. Scott Machado (Iona): Now that Iona is in the field, the field has to worry about Iona. The Gaels have star power with Machado, Michael Glover and Lamont “Momo” Jones. Machado is one of the best point guards in America, as he’s leading the nation with 9.9 apg. And he’s the key to Iona’s top-ranked scoring offense (83.3 ppg). The Gaels open up the tournament with a matchup against BYU in Dayton. Machado will be the best player on the floor.
2. Will Cherry (Montana): He’s scored 20 or more in 10 games this season. He’s a versatile scorer (16.0 ppg) and he’s also a stubborn defender (2.6 spg, sixth in the nation). He’s the explosive, under-the-radar star that could break a multitude of brackets. Wisconsin is a strong defensive team, but Cherry could give the Badgers a lot of problems on both ends of the court.
3. Doug McDermott (Creighton): He’s a finalist for the Wooden Award. A true star. Yes, everyone knows what McDermott is capable of. But he will shift to another gear in the Big Dance. Proof? He’s averaged 25.3 points in his team’s last six games. I think the 8-seed is low for the Bluejays. But the Midwest region presents an opportunity for McDermott to meet former high school teammate Harrison Barnes in a third-round matchup against North Carolina. McDermott could be the star of that game.
4. Joe Ragland (Wichita State): The Shockers open up the tournament with a tough matchup against VCU. But with Ragland, a senior guard averaging 13.4 ppg, they can get through the first weekend. Ragland had 30 points during a BracketBusters matchup against Davidson. Most casual fans have never heard of the senior from West Springfield, Mass. Well, give it a few days, especially if the Shockers end up in the Sweet 16.
5. Nate Wolters (South Dakota State): I saw the Minnesota native in high school. Even as a prep, he had the same offensive savvy that’s translated to the collegiate level. The Jackrabbits star is averaging 21.3 ppg, ninth in the nation. He’s the reason some Baylor fans are worried about their team’s matchup against South Dakota State in the second round. He’s scored 30 or more in six games.
6. Casper Ware (Long Beach State): The 49ers won’t be complete without Larry Anderson (knee injury). But even if the defensive standout can’t go against New Mexico, Long Beach State will still be dangerous. Ware (17.4 ppg) is a 5-foot-10 assassin. He scored 33 points in the 49ers’ Big West tournament title game victory over UC-Santa Barbara. Not impressed? He scored 29 against North Carolina, 26 against San Diego State and 16 against Kansas. Don’t let the mid-major tag fool you. Ware has high-major game.
7. D.J. Cooper (Ohio): The junior guard is averaging 14.6 ppg for the Bobcats. He’s a threat, however, for a multitude of reasons. He’s an efficient distributor (5.7 apg). He’s a game-changing defender (2.4 spg). And he’s experienced. Two years ago, the Bobcats played in the NCAA tournament. Cooper was only a freshman then, but those early experiences helped him and the other youngsters on that team prepare for tough matchups away from home. I don’t think the Bobcats will beat the Wolverines. But John Beilein won’t take them or Cooper lightly in their second-round matchup.
8. Kerron Johnson (Belmont): One of the catalysts for a Belmont team that averages 81.5 ppg, Johnson could help the Bruins send Georgetown home early. In the Bruins’ first two games of the year -- road losses to Memphis and Duke -- Johnson recorded 28 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds and five steals combined. If he can keep his turnovers down (2.4), he might lead Belmont to an upset against the Hoyas.
9. Ray McCallum Jr. (Detroit): It has taken McCallum (15.6 ppg) two seasons to really showcase his potential. But he dominated the Horizon League tournament and looked like the coveted prospect who had a multitude of high major offers before he decided to play for his father at Detroit. Great players show up in March, and McCallum has really taken his game to the next level in recent weeks during his team’s five-game winning streak.
10. Wendell McKines (New Mexico State): He’s an interesting guy (just check his Twitter feed). But he’s also an underrated athlete. McKines (18.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg) scored 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in his team’s 82-57 victory over Louisiana Tech in the WAC title game. With McKines leading the way, the Aggies have won nine out of their last 10 games.

Members of the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee made a crucial mistake before allowing its 2012 bracket to be released on national television Sunday.

They didn’t run it by me first.

Given a chance to analyze the 68-team field, I could’ve easily pointed out the flaws and poor decisions that have already caused a stir throughout college basketball circles. Players have coaches, writers have editors, blackjack dealers have pit bosses.

If only the committee would’ve realized it needed someone like me. A supervisor, a don to make sure everything went smoothly.

Here are some things I would’ve changed about this year’s bracket if I were “King of the Committee.”

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   Jeremy Brevard/US PresswireCould Gregg Marshall lead his Wichita State team to the Sweet 16?
   I hate that Wichita State and Virginia Commonwealth are playing in the opening round. The fifth-seeded Shockers are the best mid-major team in the tournament and VCU is a fan favorite after reaching the Final Four last season. It’s a shame one of these schools will be out after just one game. No offense Shaka Smart and the No. 12 seed Rams, but I’m picking Wichita State in this one. I think Gregg Marshall’s squad will advance all the way to the Sweet 16.
2. Does West Virginia really deserve a No. 10 seed? The Mountaineers have lost eight of their last 12 games, and their only wins during that stretch were against DePaul, Providence, Pittsburgh and South Florida. I’m not saying Bob Huggins’ squad didn’t earn its bid. But this seemed a bit generous.
3. I’ve got to think that a more than a handful of people choked on their cheese puffs when committee chair Jeff Hathaway said during a live interview that Missouri was the fourth No. 2 seed behind Kansas, Duke and Ohio State. Seriously, at what point does the “eyeball factor” come into play? The Tigers are 30-4 and completely dominated a strong Baylor team in the championship game of the Big 12 tournament Saturday. Sure, Missouri’s non-conference strength of schedule was poor. But to imply Frank Haith’s squad would’ve been a No. 3 seed had it lost on Saturday is concerning.
4. Speaking of the eyeball factor, did no one on the committee watch Detroit annihilate Horizon League regular-season champion Valparaiso on its home court last week? This is a team with a McDonald’s All-American at point guard and a center (Eli Holman) who will make a living playing pro ball somewhere. The only reason Detroit has 13 losses is because Holman missed the first semester while on suspension. In terms of pure talent and potential, Detroit could be the best No. 15 seed in the history of the NCAA tournament. If No. 2 seed Kansas plays tight — remember Bucknell, Bradley, Northern Iowa and VCU? — an upset isn’t out of the question. If I’m Bill Self, I’m ticked right now.
5. I’m not sure I agree with the committee’s decisions regarding a few SEC teams. Alabama finished fifth in the league with a 9-7 record and has suspended its second-best player (Tony Mitchell) for the remainder of the season. The Crimson Tide lost all of their marquee conference games against Florida, Vanderbilt and Kentucky. I’m not sure they deserve a No. 9 seed. Florida has lost four of its last five games, but three of them were to Vanderbilt and Kentucky (twice). The Gators played an excellent non-conference schedule that included road games against Ohio State and Syracuse. A No. 7 seed seems too low.
6. Not many teams were as disappointed Sunday as Creighton, which received a No. 8 seed despite going 28-5 and winning the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. If they get by Alabama in the first round, a matchup with North Carolina awaits. And while it would be neat to see Doug McDermott face off against his former high school teammate (Tar Heels forward Harrison Barnes), Creighton is not athletic enough or good enough defensively to challenge Roy Williams’ squad.
7. I probably would’ve found a way to include Drexel in the field, although I can’t really argue with the committee’s “last four teams in.” Iona is the one that evokes some question marks, but its strength of schedule was much better and, selfishly, I’m looking forward to seeing Michael Glover, Scott Machado and MoMo Jones do their thing on a national stage.
8. The last thing I’d do if I were the “King of the Committee” is clock out early and take my underlings out for an adult beverage or four. Despite a few minor head-scratchers, the group did an excellent job with this season’s bracket. The committee members’ task is never easy, but this season things were likely even more difficult. There was so much parity in college basketball this season, so many teams outside of the top 10 with similar resumes and strengths and weaknesses. Producing a bracket that left little room for debate was a tough chore, but this year, the committee managed to pull it off. Maybe this group didn’t need a king after all.

Check back Friday morning for Joe Lunardi's full bracket, but here are his basic projections through Thursday night's action.

SINCE THE LAST UPDATE

• Texas moves above “Last Four In” (No. 47 overall) with its victory over Iowa State.
• Mississippi State drops to “Last Four In” with its loss to Georgia.
• South Florida stays in the field (No. 46 overall) despite its loss to Notre Dame.
• Oregon moves from "First Four Out" to the last spot on "Next Four Out."

LAST FOUR IN

Washington
Mississippi State
Drexel
Seton Hall

FIRST FOUR OUT

Tennessee
Northwestern
NC State
Miami (Fla.)

NEXT FOUR OUT

Iona
Arizona
Saint Joseph's
Oregon

Also considered: Dayton, Marshall, Ole Miss

CONFERENCE BREAKDOWN

Big East (10)
Big Ten (6)
Big 12 (6)
SEC (5)
ACC (4)
Mountain West (4)
Atlantic 10 (3)
West Coast (3)
Colonial (2)
Conference USA (2)
Missouri Valley (2)
Pac-12 (2)

AUTOMATIC QUALIFIERS

Belmont (Atlantic Sun)
Creighton (Missouri Valley)
Davidson (Southern)
Detroit (Horizon)
Harvard (Ivy)
Lehigh (Patriot)
LIU Brooklyn (Northeast)
Loyola-Md. (MAAC)
Montana (Big Sky)
Murray State (OVC)
Saint Mary's (West Coast)
South Dakota State (Summit)
UNC Asheville (Big South)
VCU (Colonial)
Western Kentucky (Sun Belt)

1. Stan Heath has had quite a run in his career. He was at Kent State for one season and went to the Elite Eight. He landed a big money job in Arkansas and when he got run out of Fayetteville, he landed on his feet at South Florida. It appeared he could be on shaky ground, but now the Bulls are on the verge of a getting a possible NCAA berth. He was named Big East coach of the year Tuesday after winning 12 conference games. The Bulls better beat Villanova Wednesday to ensure the selection committee doesn’t leave out USF.

2. Marquette coach Buzz Williams was genuinely giddy about Jae Crowder being named Big East player of the year. Williams fully grasped the value and all-around play of Crowder as he was the most consistent player for the Golden Eagles. Kevin Jones had a phenomenal season for West Virginia. But it’s hard to give Jones the award since the Mountaineers finished much lower in the standings.

3. It’s odd how some times these seasons come full circle. Detroit was the preseason favorite in the Horizon League but fumbled its way through the season. But Tuesday night, Ray McCallum and his son, Ray McCallum Jr., led the Titans to a convincing road win at Valparaiso to earn the NCAA’s automatic berth. Valpo will at least go to the NIT after winning the regular season. It has been quite a season for Valpo coach Bryce Drew and his family, as his parents Homer and Janet battled cancer. Drew has done a tremendous job coaching that team and deserves plenty of praise for doing so under emotional duress.

The Butler Bulldogs won’t be participating in this year’s NCAA tournament, but the Horizon League is sending a more-than-capable replacement.

Ray McCallum Jr. scored 21 points and Jason Calliste added 17 to lead Detroit to a 70-50 victory over regular-season champion Valparaiso in the championship game of the Horizon League Tournament.

The victory gives the Titans a berth in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999. Head coach Ray McCallum -- the father of the Titans’ star player -- said five busloads of students made the 250-mile trip for Tuesday’s game.

“I’m happy for the city of Detroit,” said McCallum, the former Ball State and Houston head coach. “We’re Detroit’s team. This gives the city a program to follow in the tournament with its name on it.”

Coaches of teams predicted to be seeded No. 2 or No. 3 probably grew nervous as they watched Detroit dismantle Valparaiso. The Titans, who will likely be a No. 14 or a No. 15 seed, played with the kind of confidence and swagger that is imperative for a team seeking a first-round upset next week.

Detroit trailed by three points at halftime before erupting after intermission. The Titans shot 58 percent in the second half to stun Valparaiso on its home court. The Crusaders had defeated Detroit twice this season by a combined seven points.

“We just played with a lot of emotion, a lot of intensity,” McCallum said. “We got stronger as the game went on.”

Resilience has been a theme for Detroit all season.

Some preseason publications picked the Titans to win the Horizon League title, but things turned sour when star center Eli Holman -- one of the best players in the country at his position -- was suspended before the start of the season for a violation of team rules.

Detroit lost six of the 10 games that Holman missed (including two league contests). Even after Holman returned, it took McCallum’s squad a while to find its groove. Detroit certainly has it now, though. It will enter the tournament having won 10 of its past 11 games.

“These guys have hung together,” McCallum said. “We’re playing our best basketball at just the right time.”

Detroit may compete in a small conference, but there is nothing “mid-major” about many of its players.

Holman began his career at Indiana before transferring after head coach Kelvin Sampson was fired. McCallum was on Sampson’s Indiana staff and had helped recruit Holman, so the switch to Detroit made perfect sense for the 6-foot-10, 270-pound senior. Holman averages 11.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.4. blocks. Impressive numbers, considering he plays just 23 minutes a game. Holman only had five points Tuesday.

“Still,” McCallum said, “with that size ... he’s just a presence.”

Forward LaMarcus Lowe, who is also 6-10, had 14 points and 10 rebounds against Valparaiso, but it’s no secret that the biggest strength of this team is its guards. Chase Simon, a 6-7 senior, struggled Tuesday but is averaging 13.7 points on the season. Calliste is the Titans’ top threat from 3-point range.

Neither player, however, is as highly-medaled as McCallum Jr., who spurned offers from schools such as Kansas and UCLA to play for his father at Detroit.

“It was a big decision for him,” the elder McCallum said. “A lot of people said, ‘Why do you want to go to Detroit? They’re not going to go to the tournament. At our school you’ll go every year.’

“I said, ‘If you come here, you’ll have to do more.’ He embraced that.”

McCallum Jr.’s 21-point performance against Valpairso -- which came on 10-of-16 shooting -- was the perfect birthday present for his father, who turned 51 on Tuesday.

McCallum deserves just as much credit as his son for Detroit’s turnaround. The Titans went just 7-23 in McCallum’s first season in 2008-09, but they haven’t had a losing season since. The current team is 22-13.

Detroit has just four NCAA tournament appearances in school history.

“In our meeting last night, all we talked about was winning a league [tournament] championship,” McCallum said. “We’ve got guys on this team that have been around for four years, guys that can appreciate how far we’ve come.

“This is what it’s all about. Hopefully there are even better things to come.”

Butler advanced to the NCAA title game as the Horizon League’s representative the last two seasons. The Bulldogs lost to Duke in 2010 and Connecticut in 2011.