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TSN Basketball Analyst

Archive

1. VILLANOVA VS. UNC (NCAA FINAL): Should be a dandy this evening with two teams playing their best ball of the season. When I evaluate these squads the one thing that jumps out at me is the front court size and dominance of the Tar Heels, led by Brice Johnson. Villanova gives up size and strength on the glass and Carolina has dominated folks in the paint (50 points in the paint against Syracuse's top-notch zone on Saturday). The Villanova guards, led by Josh Hart, are excellent and will need to be stellar to give themselves a chance tonight. I'm rooting for the Wildcats, but I think the Tar Heels have too much. My pick: UNC 74-68.

2. TOM IZZO (Michigan State): The Michigan State head coach was announced today as one of the 10 honorees that will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the fall. It’s a well-earned and deserved honour. I'm sure my man Mo-Pete is thrilled for his mentor. Izzo has had a wonderful career and has carried himself with the utmost of class during his time in East Lansing. Nice to see one of the truly good people in the business get this kind of recognition. His teams are always tough minded and well prepared, regardless of talent level. I'm always impressed when I watch the Spartans play.

3. BRANDON INGRAM (Duke): It’s no surprise that the Duke forward has declared for the NBA Draft. He's an impressive prospect who is very skilled around the basket with good moves and footwork. Ingram has a very good feel for how to get his game off and does it in fluid fashion. He brings a sound face-up game with good shooting range, and he can put it on the floor and finish at the rim. Has to get a lot stronger and his stamina needs to improve, but in time those issues will work themselves out with the proper dedication.  He and LSU's Ben Simmons are the clear top two prospects in this draft class.

4. RAPTORS VS. SPURS: Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan weren’t in the lineup, yet the Raps played very hard and hung in there for major portions of the game against a championship contender on the road Saturday night. It was an impressive team effort. When you watch Norman Powell and Delon Wright and you've got to be impressed with the draft preparation done by Masai Ujiri and his staff. They're sound additions to the organization with terrific attitudes and talent level. The presence of the 905 D-League team has brought great benefits to the Raptors. It was a wise investment by MLSE.

5. EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS: What a race! The Cavs and Raptors look pretty firm for the top two spots, but there’s much to be determined beyond that. It should be fascinating to watch in the final 10 days as we have the four teams fighting for the three through six seeds that are separated by a half a game. The Pistons and Pacers are tied for the seventh and eighth spots, while the Bulls are just two games back. I have no idea how it will all turn out, but the fact that the games are so meaningful should prepare all of these teams for the rigours of the playoffs. The Raptors have their hands full in the next three games, hosting Charlotte, at Atlanta and then home for Indiana. It’s good that the Raptors play teams that need to win. It brings your focus and play to the level it has to be this time of year. The last three games against the Knicks, 76ers and Nets are for balancing minutes and rest, but the next three are the best tests and preparation for what lies ahead.