But there is a reason UNC is favored in this game by 7-8 points.  They look dominant right now.  Right now we have a collision of two teams playing some of, if not their best basketball of the season.

Look for the preview post in a couple days.

Bski, didn’t know you went to Temple.  It’s funny, I grew up within walking distance of Nova, and my entire high school experience involved sneaking into the Pavilion gym for pickup games with the college kids, but for some reason I’ve always rooted for Temple & St. Joe’s over Nova.  Always liked Villanova, but I bleed way more maroon red then navy blue and white…glad to hear I’m in good company!

Pete: I think even with all the slimey agents in the world whispering in Scottie’s ear,  he wouldn’t go pro right now (although if he unleashed a 25 & 10 on UNC, maybe that would sway him).   He’s just got way too much to work on with his game, like you said he is not at all NBA ready.  I have a feeling he’s aware of his draft stock status, and Wright seems like a guy that would keep Scottie’s ego well in check.  You make a great point though, and I think for most other players with more talent and more on the national radar, this would be a prime opportunity to leave. 

Dannie: You make an awesome point with how Wright has Nova’s players REALLY boxing out.  True technical boxing out is a total lost art in today’s game…that’s what makes Cunningham’s evolution as a player even more impressive.  You look at how low he squats to get a low center of gravity on postups, how he’s constantly probing his defender with hands to see the best angle to turn on a drop step, and really getting his ass on a guy and using his body to shove offensive players back for rebounds…it’s a pleasure to watch.  Huge testament to Wright that the majority of Nova players ALL put that kind of profficiency into their rebounding.

Nova doesn’t have a lack of perimeter shooting.  In fact under Jay Wright it’s been a staple and consistent strength.  Also if you put Corey Stokes on the Sixers right now he would easily be the Sixers best shooting guard.

Nova was just off last night and actually has been off in the 4 tournament games as well.

• Season average from three is 36.8% on ~18 attempts
• Tourney average from three is 29.6% on ~20.3 attempts

These numbers amplify the greatness of this run by Nova.  If Nova shot their season average they that would be about 1 more three per game.  In the NCAA tournament, especially at this stage of the game is significant.

Since we are looking at the Sixers and Nova:

Further more, about 32% of Nova’s shot attempts are threes and one fourth of their made baskets is a three.  On the flip side only 16% of the Sixers shot attempts are threes and 11% of their made baskets are threes.  Significant differences in the numbers and that speaks to the difference in half court offensive strategy.

Nova is a drive and kick, post to score (Cunningham) and kick out half court offense.  The Sixers are a drive to score and get fouled half court offense with some post to score (with Thad and Miller sometimes based on match ups).

Defensively they are nothing at all a like.  One team is very good defensively on the perimeter (Nova) the other is often quite horrible and unbearable to watch in that regard (Sixers).

The Sixers rely on their front court to pick up the defensive slack as well as limiting offensive possessions through turnovers.

Nova doesn’t have the size or shot blocking to play that way but their defense is best described as swarming.  They have been so successful against bigger teams, especially in the Big East with a “gang & hustle” defensive and rebounding mentality.  It’s great to watch.  They always have 2 or 3 guys after rebounds and good technical boxing out which allows them to rebound so well being undersized (undersized kind of by choice considering Jay’s propensity to recruit a lot of higher grade perimeter players).  Nova is text book in when the ball goes into a good offensive post player in terms of racking with their guards and strong double teaming.

Nova can win it all if they continue with the defense, but the will have to shoot better  (at least season average) to beat their next r0und opponent (UNC hopefully) and in the Championship game if they get there.

That was a heartbreaker for me, as I was a Temple student at the time.