Season 94 pits a rebuilding Cal Tech team vs a fairly young University Conference. Cal Tech is the back to back national champs, going 35-0 each year and beating 9 top ten teams by an average of just under 24 ppg. No team got closer than 13 points last year. But 6 seniors are gone as well as a lot of speed, perimeter, and passing that was not adequately replaced. They come into the season ranked a ridiculously high #12. Because of promises I will be starting 5 new players. The University has 5 top 25 teams, including #4 Emory. Let's get to the games.
1. vs. #23 Dallas: Dallas has a very young front court (4 freshmen) but this game is won with guards, and they have the guards to beat Cal Tech. Dallas a slight favorite.
2. @ #4 Emory: Emory has 2 guards with speeds above 60 and nobody with passing above a 60. It is hard to win pressing and getting pressed that way. Cal Tech a moderate favorite
3. vs. Millsaps: Now a sim team,it still has 12 human recruits, 6 sophs and 6 juniors. They have 2 very athletic frontcourt players who can cause problems, but again only one player with passing above a 50. Cal Tech’s press should get them a win. They are a moderate favorite.
4. @ #13 Centre: Very similar to Emory in that they only have 2 guards with speed over 60 and nobody with passing over 60. Cal Tech is the slight favorite
5. vs. Stillman: 6 srs and 6 freshmen but they have the guards to give Cal Tech trouble. The defense is a little low. I’ll call Cal Tech the slightest of favorites.
6. @ Sewanee: Cal Tech’s athleticism in the front court will be hard for Sewanee to match, and again the passing is low to deal with the press. Cal Tech a moderate favorite.
7. vs. #15 Ozarks: Good speed at the guard spot and average passing. But Cal Tech will have a big advantage in the frontcourt. Cal Tech a slight favorite
8. @ Rhodes: A sim team with 6 freshmen. Cal Tech a big favorite.
9. vs. Southwestern: 6 freshmen plus two walk-ons, they won’t have the depth to handle the press. Cal Tech a big favorite.
10. vs. Trinity: 7 new players, but they have some very good scorers. Still I think it is not enough depth to handle the press. Cal Tech a slight favorite.
So I’ve got Cal Tech winning 9 - 1, though I think we are too young to actually pull that off. Should be a lot of close games. I think I’m lucky with some of the home games I have. Good Luck to all.