Friday Night Lights

      This is the spot where our "Weekend Watch" post would usually drop.  However, we are just going to discuss tonight's games as they are the most intriguing and feature 131 games. "The Weekend Watch" will usually highlight 5 games each weekend that Hoop Vision will be keeping a close eye on.  However, with this just being a "Friday Night Lights" post, we have decided to just discuss two games and a host of other things that has peaked out interest (besides getting a look at VCU and Butler after their magical tournament runs of a year ago).


      I know it's obvious and what every website is talking about, but how can you not start with the Carrier Classic?  UNC-Michigan State, a game featuring two high profile programs and two of the most illustrious coaches in the collegiate level today.  I will be interested in watching how Keith Appling leads the Spartans and how Carolina looks with their much acclaimed returning players.
Oh, this is a very neat video courtesy of our friends at Ballin' is a Habit: Timelapse of court being assembled

      In a rematch of the 2008 first round NCAA tournament game in which the Bruins almost upset the Blue Devils, Belmont plays Duke in a game I am very much looking forward to watching.  Belmont had a terrific year last year but received, in my opinion, a terrible draw in the tournament and could not handle the Badgers of Wisconsin.  This is Belmont's best chance to show that they are for real, and I expect them to keep it close even in front of the Cameron Crazies.

      Tomorrow marks Robbie Hummel's first game back in what has seemed like forever...  I am anxious to see how a new look Jared Sullinger will perform in his first meaningful game of the season...  I will have an eye on how Ashton Gibbs performs in his first try as a "full-time" point guard...  The Boston games will interest me as bragging rights are on the line in Northeastern-Boston U and Harvard-MIT...  I also want to see how Javon McCrea, Andrew Nicholson, and Maalik Wayns perform...  Indiana begins its quest for its first winning season with Tom Crean at the helm...  Vanderbilt-Oregon features one team with Final Four aspirations and another who is just trying to finish in the top four of a weak Pac-12...  BYU will be interesting to watch post-Jimmer.  With the reinstatement of Brandon Davies, BYU is looking for a top-3 finish in its inaugural season in the WCC.