Dick Vitale, College Basketball analyst 9y

Roundball chatter

Men's College Basketball, Kentucky Wildcats, Texas Longhorns, New Mexico Lobos, San Diego State Aztecs, Colorado State Rams, Michigan State Spartans, Syracuse Orange, Incarnate Word Cardinals

• Each week I'll write about the sport I love, college basketball:

• Kentucky is deeper than any team in my 36 years of broadcasting college basketball games. But will John Calipari keep the platoon system in place all season long? I think at some point he has to decide on a rotation of his best eight players. Of course, foul trouble and injuries will also dictate his decisions. Players will have to work hard to keep earning playing time.

• Injuries are a factor early on. Texas guard Isaiah Taylor is expected to miss about a month due to a wrist injury suffered during the 2K Sports Classic in New York. New Mexico lost top scorer Cullen Neal with a foot injury. Don't expect to see him in the Lobos lineup for a while.

• Congratulations to San Diego State coach Steve Fisher, who received a three-year contract extension. My friends, that should end speculation of retirement. Colorado State also gave Larry Eustachy a contract extension through 2019.

• After seeing Michigan State battle Duke last week, I believe the Spartans will have a solid season. Tom Izzo needs his team to get healthy and stay out of foul trouble. When Michigan State has its full compliment of players, they will be tough.

• I was really impressed with Syracuse forward and diaper dandy Chris McCullough. He has a world of potential and will develop into a super player for Jim Boeheim. He is so active and has great length.

• Don't let the NCAA basketball Selection Show lose its value by changing the current setup! That would be a mistake in my view. I know a lot has been said about transparency after seeing the process of college football this season.

• Congratulations to the newest inductees into the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill led the newest class.

• This was not a misprint. Incarnate Word 79, Princeton 68 at Jadwin Gym in New Jersey. Incarnate Word, from San Antonio, is a member of the Southland Conference, in its second season of Division I.

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