The late, great Skip Prosser used to say “never delay gratitude.”
Gratitude.
I am so grateful for so many things around the game as we enter the 2021-22 season.
Gratitude is the overwhelming feeling after a 2021 season that was compromised by the global pandemic. There is renewed hope of a return to normalcy this season, which means fans in the stands. The play last year was great, even that games were played at all. But the environments were far from normal. They were quiet, even sterile. They lacked the energy and enthusiasm of a full house. It was like a comedy club with no crowd. The comedians’ jokes were just as funny and just as well-delivered, but the experience was lacking without people in the audience laughing. Let’s hope that the 2021-22 season brings back full, loud and boisterous crowds to cheer on the players. They deserve it. We all do.
I am also grateful that we have so many quality players returning. The game is older and more experienced than in past seasons, and there will be seniors, “Super Seniors,” and upperclassmen leading the way. We always say we want that, even though it is more of a value judgment than a reality. And, I am grateful for such a great incoming class of freshmen, full of so many Uber-talented newbies adding to the mix.
I am grateful for one more year to celebrate Mike Krzyzewski, arguably the greatest coach of all time, and watch his team make another run at a title. I am eternally grateful that we have many more years of iconic coaches like Tom Izzo, Jay Wright, Mark Few, Tony Bennett and Bill Self. The game has always had outstanding coaches, and the changing of the older guard doesn’t mean the game isn’t still in the best of hands. It is.
I am grateful that we had Roy Williams in the game for so long, and that we have an outstanding coaching talent in Hubert Davis taking over since his retirement.
And, I am forever grateful for Dick Vitale, the face and voice of the game for over forty years now. Dickie V is going through a tough bout with cancer, and fighting hard through chemotherapy so he can return to the microphone as soon as possible. I know that he will. This Opus is dedicated to the great Dick Vitale, without whom the game would simply not be the same. Get back soon, Dickie V!
As all of you know by now, the Opus is the definitive, predictive view of the game, providing the most comprehensive perspective of the college basketball landscape in the universe. The Opus is not a “preview,” it is the most accurate road map of what will happen in this upcoming season. What provides The Opus with such a crystal ball-like panorama of the game? The gigantic, supercharged cranium of The Bilastrator, which is chock full of more basketball knowledge than all Hall of Fame coaches (living and dead) combined. The Opus tells you exactly which teams, players and coaches will impact the upcoming season, and can be used by the masses to take down every wagering outlet on the planet, if one would so choose. So, use the Opus wisely, as it can crash the global economy if used for evil instead of good.
The Opus will provide you with the top title favorites, the top Final Four contenders, the best mid-majors, All-Americans, top shooters, top defenders and best basketball environments. The Opus is never wrong; it is always right. The Opus is, without reasonable debate, the $#!+. Real recognize real. And, speaking of gratitude, let’s address your gratitude for the Opus.
You’re welcome.
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Top National Championship Favorites
As is always true in the Opus, the national champion will come from this stellar group. It never fails, as the Opus annually identifies the champion and the true contenders:
Despite what the Zags lost from last season’s spectacular squad that reached the title game, Gonzaga will be formidable. Back are Drew Timme, the best offensive big man in the nation, and Andrew Nembhard, one of the top playmaking guards in the country, Add in super freshman Chet Holmgren, who can do everything at 7-feet tall, and an improved Anton Watson, and you have another Gonzaga team worthy of a No. 1 ranking and cutting down the nets at the end of the season.
Matt Painter has his deepest team ever in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers are deep, experienced, big and can really shoot it from multiple positions. Purdue is legit, returning All-Big Ten players in double-double matchine Trevion Williams and the super dynamic Jaden Ivey to go along with sharpshooter Sasha Stefanovic and floor stretcher Brandon Newman. Painter is one of the best — and also one of the most unsung coaches in the country — and he has a chance to win it all with this group. Purdue has been denied a Final Four when so close to it and lost in the first round last year to North Texas. Expect the Boilers to play with a hard edge this season — as should the entire Big Ten.
The Bruins were the surprise darling of the NCAA tournament bubble, mostly due to a reinvigorated defense that was not present for the regular season. UCLA has everybody back, including Johnny Juzang, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Tyger Campbell, and add super long and skilled freshman Peyton Watson. Mick Cronin has done a remarkable job toughening up the Bruin program, although he has yet to sport anything resembling a California sun tan.
The Wolverines were an Elite Eight team a year ago without their best player (Isaiah Livers) available in the NCAA tournament. The return of Hunter Dickinson gives Michigan a chance to be special, but so does the transfer of DeVante’ Jones from Coastal Carolina. Jones was the Sun Belt’s best guard last season, and if he has the equivalent impact of Mike Smith last year, Michigan will be stable at the point. Caleb Houstan is a super-skilled NBA talent who is mature enough and good enough to be All-Big Ten as a freshman.
Chris Beard was the best hire of the season, and he chose to return to his alma mater in Austin. Beard wasted no time stocking the Longhorn cupboard with new talent, grabbing the best haul of transfers of the recruiting season. Guards Andrew Jones and Courtney Ramey return to form a fiery, experienced backcourt, but the addition of transfers Marcus Carr (Minnesota), Timmy Allen (Utah), Dylan Disu (Vanderbilt), Tre Mitchell (UMass), Christian Bishop (Creighton) and Devin Askew (Kentucky) make this team special. Seven players on this roster averaged double-figures last season. If the transfers are willing to sacrifice and defend, Texas can beat anybody.
The Jayhawks have not been quite as talented in the past couple of years, but that ends here. After a 30-point thrashing at the hands of USC in the NCAA tournament bubble, Kansas reloaded and should be the class of the Big 12 … again. Back are Ochai Agbaji, David McCormack, Jalen Wilson, Dajuan Harris and Christian Braun, all quality performers. Agbaji is the top scorer and should be more assertive. Wilson is the top rebounder and has expanded his game, including “rip and run” capability so KU can run more. Remy Martin provides scoring, leadership and stability at the point, and Jalen Coleman-Lands adds shooting from deep. Bill Self can play multiple point guards, and has a legit contender.
The Blue Devils had a tough season in 2021, but that was a familiar theme for blue blood programs (just ask Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan State and North Carolina). In Coach K’s final season roaming the sidelines of Cameron Indoor Stadium, the GOAT has some dudes. Duke has size, depth and multiple handlers and passers, which could lead to a lot of “rip and run” breaks and playing faster to stay ahead of the defense. Leading the way is lottery pick Paolo Banchero, a big guy who has serious perimeter and interior skills and versatility. Along with Banchero is freshman Trevor Keels, a “do it all” guard that can score and make plays for others. Returnees include shot-blocker and lob threat Mark Williams, leader Wendell Moore, Jr., and defender Jeremy Roach. Duke has the horses, and you know they have the guy on the bench, to reach a Final Four.
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Next Wave of Contenders
As double-digit seeds VCU, George Mason and UCLA have proven over the years, there are many teams that are capable of making an unexpected Final Four appearance. After all, a team only has to get hot and have a good path to win four games in a row. Remember, the Final Four is about a team’s particular path, as you don’t have to beat everyone, you just have to beat the teams in your path. This isn’t golf. These are the top contenders for a Final Four, after the title favorites above. And, remember, breaking through and contending can be different things.
Jay Wright had a remarkable season last year to win another Big East title and reach a Sweet 16 without Collin Gillespie, injured at the end of the year. Villanova returns experience and depth with Gillespie, the best leader and point guard in the country, Jermaine Samuels, a player that can emerge to be just as stable a contributor as Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (just not quite as good), Justin Moore, a future star … with this year as the future and Brandon Slater, who will make a big jump this season. Moore is poised for a breakout season, and could lead Villanova in scoring. The only thing Villanova lacks is interior size and bulk. What do the Wildcats do when they play the likes of Purdue?
The Illini were a quality contender for the title last year, but tripped over themselves against Loyola Chicago. Ayo Dosunmu is a rookie with the Chicago Bulls and Adam Miller transferred out, but real talent remains. Kofi Cockburn flirted with the NBA draft and the transfer portal, but found his way back to Champaign-Urbana to be the most dominant and physically imposing big man in the Big Ten. Andre Curbelo is one of the best playmaking guards in the country, and needs only to shoot it better to be a complete guard. Trent Frazier and Da’Monte Williams can both defend at a high level, and explosive Florida transfer Omar Payne will be a nice complement to Cockburn. It is hard to imagine this year’s version of the Illini being better without Dosunmu, but this team could be … if it plays with that edge it didn’t have last year.
How does Dana Altman do it? He is not only a great floor coach, he has proven to be a terrific general manager that puts together rosters, year after year. Oregon has reached the Sweet 16 in four of the last five years, all with roster turnover. This year, after losing so much from last year’s outstanding Ducks team, Altman has pieced together another solid group that he will blend together by January. Altman starts with two very underrated performers in Will Richardson and Eric Williams Jr., both of whom can be All-Pac 12 this season. Transfers Quincy Guerrier (Syracuse), Jacob Young (Rutgers), and De’Vion Harmon (Oklahoma) can step in and perform right away, they just need to learn Altman’s way. Usually, by the time the ball drops in Times Square, Altman has everybody on the same page.
The only reason this may be a stretch is that Allen Flanigan, an expected All-SEC player who could be the next outstanding wing for Bruce Pearl, is out until December after Achilles surgery. Flanigan is difficult to replace, and there is uncertainty as to whether he will be conference game-ready upon his return. Let’s hope he is back sooner, and fully healthy. Still, even without Flanigan, Auburn will be very good. Big man transfer Walker Kessler (North Carolina) should be among the best big guys in the country, and he wants to stretch the floor with perimeter shooting. Jabari Smith is the real deal, a big time freshman that has the game and personality to be dominant. If the new guards perform well, Auburn will be a contender.
Don’t underestimate Hubert Davis in his first season, and don’t discount how good the Tar Heels will be in 2022. Carolina has returning talent that had rough first seasons, but that should serve to steel some Tar Heel resolve. Armando Bacot returns to run, rebound, finish and add to his offensive game. And, guards Caleb Love, R.J. Davis and Kerwin Walton will all be significantly better. Add in Oklahoma transfer Brady Manek, Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia and Virginia transfer Justin McKoy and you have a formidable roster in Chapel Hill. Lastly, North Carolina will be significantly better on the defensive end.
The Cougars reached the Final Four last season in another remarkable run for Kelvin Sampson. Marcus Sasser is among the best shooters and scorers in the American, and transfer Kyler Edwards (Texas Tech) adds another high level player. Houston has some questions, but they also have Sampson, who injects toughness and winning into his teams.
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Top Non-Power Conference Teams
Keep an eye on Kyle Lofton and Osun Osunniyi, two of the best players in the country. And Jalen Adaway can really play too. Mark Schmidt has done a phenomenal job in Olean.
Amadou Sow is right with UC Irvine’s Collin Welp as the best big man in the Big West. The Gauchos have size, depth and talent. Freshman Cole Anderson can really shoot it, and should provide some space for Sow and Miles Norris inside. UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine should battle it out for the automatic bid.
All five starters are back, and the Rams have Isaiah Stevens and David Roddy leading the way. Add in former Division II All-American Chandler Jacobs and you have a team that can dethrone San Diego State. The Mountain West will be mega-tough this season.
UCLA are not the only Bruins returning all five starters. Belmont has older, experienced, tough and talented players getting their graduate degrees, and that will be difficult for opponents to play against. Grayson Murphy and Nick Muszynski make up a great inside-outside, skilled and versatile combo. Belmont can spoil someone’s trip to the tournament by ending it.
Brian Dutcher often says, “We are going to be good, it’s just a question of when.” The Aztecs have some significant competition at the top of the Mountain West from Colorado State, Nevada and Boise State, but the top spot will have to be taken from them. Matt Bradley is the key. The Cal transfer has to be a legit player of the year performer, and should be. Bradley was the top scorer in the Pac-12 last year.
Chris Mooney has a ridiculously good, talented and old roster. The Spiders are older than the Washington Wizards, for crying out loud. Jacob Gilyard is one of the toughest and best defenders in the country, Grant Golden is ultra-productive and Tyler Burton is one of the most unsung performers in the country. This team knows how to play.
This group knows how to win. Darius McGhee is a proven star, and Kyle Rode is vastly underrated. Nobody wants to play the Flames.
The Mocs have David Jean-Baptiste leading the way, and he was Chattanooga’s top scorer last year. Lamont Paris has a chance to take Chattanooga back to the tournament from the SoCon.
When the Bulldogs returned Roman Penn and ShanQuan Hemphill, it was clear that Drake would challenge for the MVC title. Penn and Hemphill battled injuries last year, and Drake still won 18 straight and was a joy to watch. All five starters are back. Make your postseason reservations now. This team is going dancing.
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Top Women’s College Basketball Teams
The bad news for UConn? It has been a while since the Huskies won it all, something we haven’t said in this century. The bad news for everyone else? UConn has everybody back, is experienced and has Paige Bueckers for her sophomore season. Yikes. UConn is loaded.
Aliyah Boston is the best interior defender and rebounder in the country, and Dawn Staley has a great crop of newcomers, including Kamilla Cardoso, a transfer from Syracuse. This is a Final Four roster.
Ashley Owusu returns after winning a gold medal with USA Basketball at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup over the summer break. The Terps had the nation’s highest-scoring offense last season (90.8 PPG), and have a nucleus back to make a legit run at the Final Four. Expect Diamond Miller to blossom into a star this season.
The reigning champs have a dozen players back from last year, including Haley Jones, the NCAA tournament MOP and Cameron Brink, one of the best defenders and teammates in the nation. This team knows how to play.
The Cardinals have suffered some personnel losses, but made up for it in the transfer portal.
I thought the Wolfpack were a Final Four team last season, but got clipped in the Sweet 16. Elissa Cunane is an All-American and one of the most complete and athletic players in the country. NC State is the class of the ACC … again.
Caitlin Clark is the most polished scorer and passer in the country. She is unguardable one-on-one, and led the nation in scoring and assists. Expect that again this year. Iowa will lead the nation in scoring.
The Hoosiers do it with pressure defense. Last year, it was an Elite Eight run and beating NC State in the Sweet 16. With almost everybody back, the next step is the Final Four. The whole is greater than the sum of Indiana’s parts. This is a together team.
Te-Hina Paopao was out for the last part of the 2021 season, but the Ducks still reached the Sweet 16 without her. This year, with Paopao back and healthy, and with Sedona Prince and Nyara Sabally back, the Ducks will challenge Stanford in the Pac-12.
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Women’s All-America Team
NaLyssa Smith, Baylor
Paige Beuckers, UConn
Aliyah Boston, South Carolina
Caitlin Clark, Iowa
Naz Hillmon, Michigan
Ashley Owusu, Maryland
Ashley Joens, Iowa State
Elissa Cunane, NC State
Haley Jones, Stanford
Rhyne Howard, Kentucky
Christyn Williams, UConn
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Men’s All-America Teams
First Team
Drew Timme, Gonzaga
Johnny Juzang, UCLA
Max Abmas, Oral Roberts
Paolo Banchero, Duke
Trevion Williams, Purdue
Second Team
Kofi Cockburn, Illinois
Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
Collin Gillespie, Villanova
Isaiah Wong, Miami
Third Team
Buddy Boeheim, Syracuse
Jaden Ivey, Purdue
E.J. Liddell, Ohio State
Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee
Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga
Fourth Team
Tyson Etienne, Wichita State
Hunter Dickinson, Michigan
Scotty Pippen Jr., Vanderbilt
Marcus Carr, Texas
Kendric Davis, SMU
2021-22 Bilastrator’s All-Underrated Team
These guys just don’t get enough press or praise:
Keegan Murray, Iowa
Isaiah Wong, Miami
Osun Osunniyi, St. Bonaventure
Will Richardson, Oregon
Grayson Murphy, Belmont
Paul Scruggs, Xavier
Amadou Sow, UC Santa Barbara
Chuck Harris, Butler
Taevion Kinsey, Marshall
Julian Champagnie, St. John’s
Jared Rhoden, Seton Hall
AJ Green, Northern Iowa
Noah Kirkwood, Harvard
Timmy Allen, Texas
Tevian Jones, Southern Utah
Iverson Molinar, Mississippi State
Isaac Likekele, Oklahoma State
Justin Bean, Utah State
Azuolas Tubelis, Arizona
Aaron Thompson, Butler
Kenneth Lofton Jr., Louisiana Tech
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Best Shooters
These guys can drill it, spread the floor and make perimeter shots better than anyone else:
Buddy Boeheim, Syracuse
Jordan Bohannon, Iowa
Michael Devoe, Georgia Tech
Keisei Tominaga, Nebraska
Max Abmas, Oral Roberts
Kerwin Walton, North Carolina
AJ Green, Northern Iowa
Michael Devoe, Georgia Tech
Brandon Mahan, UCF
Hyunjung Lee, Davidson
Noah Locke, Louisville
Antoine Davis, Detroit
Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona
Nate Johnson, Xavier
Isaiah Stevens, Colorado State
Marcus Sasser, Houston
Sean McNeil, West Virginia
Darius McGhee, Liberty
Kaiden Rice, Georgetown
Alex Barcello, BYU
Rashad Williams, Saint Louis
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Best Defenders
These players can lock you up, protect the rim, take your lunch money and/or throw your shot into the third row. No player likes being guarded by these guys:
Keegan Murray, Iowa
Jamari Wheeler, Ohio State
Jacob Gilyard, Richmond
Lucas Williamson, Loyola Chicago
Myles Johnson, UCLA
Manny Bates, NC State
Gabe Osabuohien, West Virginia
Posh Alexander, St. John’s
Terrence Shannon Jr., Texas Tech
Jared Rhoden, Seton Hall
Grayson Murphy, Belmont
Eli Parquet, Colorado
Isaiah Whaley, UConn
Kihei Clark, Virginia
Josiah-Jordan James, Tennessee
Jaren Holmes, St. Bonaventure
Phlandrous Fleming Jr., Florida
Miles Norris, UC Santa Barbara
Theo Akwuba, Louisiana
Darryl Morsell, Marquette
C.J. Walker, UCF
Warith Alatishe, Oregon State
Jaden Ivey, Purdue
Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA
Da’Monte Williams, Illinois
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Best Playmakers
These are the QBs that take care of the ball, distribute it and handle it. They can make plays for themselves and others, and they do it the best:
Prentiss Hubb, Notre Dame
Andrew Nembhard, Gonzaga
DeVante’ Jones, Michigan
Jalen Moore, Oakland
Roman Penn, Drake
Kendric Davis, SMU
Posh Alexander, St. John’s
Kyle Lofton, St. Bonaventure
Paul Scruggs, Xavier
Collin Gillespie, Villanova
Sahvir Wheeler, Kentucky
Tommy Kuhse, Saint Mary’s
AJ Green, Northern Iowa
Isaiah Stevens, Colorado State
Jovan Blacksher Jr., Grand Canyon
Andre Curbelo, Illinois
Juan Felix Rodriguez, Stony Brook
Scotty Pippen Jr., Vanderbilt
Yuri Collins, Saint Louis
Sincere Carry, Kent State
Caleb Burgess, Hofstra
Darius McGhee, Liberty
Tyson Etienne, Wichita State
Tyger Campbell, UCLA
Grant Sherfield, Nevada
Taevion Kinsey, Marshall
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Best Freshmen
Experience matters, but so does talent. These freshmen are so talented, they will have an impact. And, when they gain experience, look out. This will also serve as a good list for the NBA draft green room.
Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga
Paolo Banchero, Duke
Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee
Jalen Duren, Memphis
Emoni Bates, Memphis
Jabari Smith, Auburn
Caleb Houstan, Michigan
JD Davison, Alabama
Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee
Max Christie, Michigan State
Trevor Keels, Duke
Peyton Watson, UCLA
TyTy Washington, Kentucky
Harrison Ingram, Stanford
Bryce McGowens, Nebraska
Hunter Sallis, Gonzaga
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Top Transfers
The transfer portal is here to stay, even though it is flawed. Some coaches don’t like it, but they all have to use it. It’s sort of like when coaches complain about social media, yet promote their programs daily on … social media. Here are the transfers that will make the biggest difference this season:
Timmy Allen, Texas
DeVante’ Jones, Michigan
Walker Kessler, Auburn
Qudus Wahab, Maryland
Marcus Carr, Texas
Remy Martin, Kansas
Kyler Edwards, Houston
Caleb Mills, Florida State
Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky
Garrison Brooks, Mississippi State
Boogie Ellis, USC
Matt Bradley, San Diego State
Sahvir Wheeler, Kentucky
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Most Improved Players
These players will take the next step and be real difference-makers this season:
Keion Brooks Jr., Kentucky
Keegan Murray, Iowa
Justin Moore, Villanova
Jared Rhoden, Seton Hall
Mark Williams, Duke
Caleb Love, North Carolina
Jaden Shackelford, Alabama
Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona
Marcus Bagley, Arizona State
Anton Watson, Gonzaga
Jalen Wilson, Kansas
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Final Four Most Impactful Coaching Hires
Chris Beard, Texas: Beard brings energy, recruiting and a togetherness to Austin. Home run hire.
Hubert Davis, North Carolina: Davis is the perfect person to succeed Roy Williams. Don’t be fooled by how nice he is, Davis is a tough competitor. Carolina is going to be damn good, and tough defensively.
Tommy Lloyd, Arizona: Fully prepared, knowledgeable and a great recruiter. Killer hire.
Shaka Smart, Marquette: Smart did well at Texas, but didn’t kill it as I thought he would. I believe it was fit and timing. This is a great coach that checks every box for success.
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Baker’s Dozen Best Basketball Environments
1. Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas: If you have never experienced Allen Fieldhouse, you are missing a bucket list experience in college basketball. There is no place better to see a game, and the traditions are simply amazing.
2. Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke: Cameron is one of the great venues in sports. Loud, hot and cozy, it is never better than when Duke and North Carolina are playing. Magic.
3. Breslin Center, Michigan State: In the past twenty years, The Izzone has set itself apart. And, the new Hall of Fame displays out front are fantastic except the wax figure of Tom Izzo (because it looks more like Jamie Dixon). Give Izzo a statue!
4. Assembly Hall, Indiana: Old school, yet still cool. The walls of Hoosier faithful on the sides and the longest banners in the world in the end zones … very cool.
5. McCarthey Center, Gonzaga: The newest building on this list, Gonzaga has a charm to it, with so many nice people that welcome you … until the game starts and they kick your ass.
6. Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler: Tradition. It still has windows where the sun comes through. You can smell the popcorn through the halls. So cool.
7. Rupp Arena, Kentucky: Ice cream has nothing to do with this, but the ice cream is still epic. Rupp is all about hoop, and blends the old and new. Love being three.
8. Mackey Arena, Purdue: I first spent time in Mackey in 1985 when I played for Gene Keady on the U.S. National Select Team. Since then, I have LOVED Mackey Arena. It is much like Hinkle, Cameron or Assembly Hall. It is the hoop equivalent of Fenway or Wrigley. And, it has a huge drum. Love it.
9. Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State: There is only one reason Hilton is on this list: the crowd. The building itself is unremarkable. The crowd makes it special. So special.
10. Smith Center, North Carolina: The Dean Dome gets a bad rap. It is a great place for a game, and a greater place for a big game.
11. Carrier Dome, Syracuse: Crazy big, crazy loud, and surprisingly good views.
12. UD Arena, Dayton: Blend of old school and newer amenities, and as knowledgeable a crowd as there is in the game.
13. McKale Center, Arizona: It isn’t the building that makes the experience with McKale, it is the crowd and the product on the floor. Combine those and it is among the very best in the country. And, when you leave the building, street tacos are not far away.
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Best College Town Burgers
On the road, I eat burgers, dammit. And, I know my $#!+. I do not care whether it is good for me or not, and I have grown tired of my healthy friends looking at my burger as if it is a suicide attempt. I eat burgers on the road, and these are the best burgers out there.
1. Citizen Burger, Charlottesville, VA (Virginia)
2. BGR Burger Joint, Clemson, SC (Clemson)
3. Phillips Grocery, Oxford, MS (Ole Miss)
4. Burger Bach, Durham, NC (Duke)
5. Krazy Jim’s Blimpie Burger, Ann Arbor, MI (Michigan)
6. Ace No. 3, Charlotte, NC (UNC Charlotte)
7. Study Hall, Los Angeles, CA (USC)
8. Al’s Burger Shack, Chapel Hill, NC (North Carolina)
9. Ale & Angus Pub, Syracuse, NY (Syracuse)
10. The Peanut Barrel, East Lansing, MI (Michigan State)
2021-22 Bilastrator’s Best College Hoop Logos
1. Duke Basketball: The block D with the basketball in the middle is iconic. The school went away from the sport-specific logo, but the hoop logo is unbeatable.
2. Kansas: The KU and the Jayhawk uniforms are just wonderful.
3. Michigan State Spartan helmet: The original MSU hoop logo from the 1970’s was fantastic (it even looked good on Jud Heathcote), but the Spartan helmet is equally awesome.
4. North Carolina: The NC logo is fabulous. Once, Hubert Davis took me into the Carolina locker room and almost had a heart attack when I nearly walked across it. “Stop! You can’t step on the logo!” Forgive me. When I don’t want someone to walk on something, I put it on the wall, not the floor.
5. Notre Dame: The block ND is tough to top. Just ask Digger Phelps.
6. UCLA: The cursive UCLA conjures up Pauley and championships. The blue and gold is spectacular.
7. Arizona: I love the big A, with the blue and red. Fantastic.
8. Indiana: The interlocking IU (with candy stripe pants) conjures up Hoosiers and hoops.
9. Kentucky: The big blue UK is the bomb. Simple and classy.
10. Villanova: The big V is way cool. OK, anything Jay Wright wears is way cool.
11. Oregon: I love Oregon’s uniforms, all of them, and the big O. The design on the court, though, has to go. Busy!