College Basketball's Lockdown Defensive Teams for 2012-13

College Basketball's Lockdown Defensive Teams for 2012-13


After Kentucky spent 2011-12 proving the old adage that “defense wins championships,” it’s only fitting to give some preseason credit to the teams that will make opposing offenses miserable next year. Whether they’re swatting away shots like the record-setting national champs, pressuring the ball or just forcing opponents into low-percentage shots, these squads will be dangerous foes even if their own offenses are having an off night.

One team that’s made its living on defense for the last few seasons—and will continue doing so next year—is Shaka Smart’s Virginia Commonwealth squad. VCU plays as tough a pressure defense as any team in the country, and their ability to force turnovers will be vital as they try for a third straight trip to March Madness in their first season in the Atlantic 10.

1. Louisville
2. Wisconsin
3. VCU
4. Kansas
5. Kentucky
6. Saint Louis
7. Ohio
8. South Florida
9. Harvard
10. Saint Joseph's
11. Drexel
12. Memphis
13. Stephen F. Austin
14. UMass
15. Delaware State


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...660-cbbs-lockdown-defensive-teams-for-2012-13

It'll be interesting to see how Richmond defends. When we play our matchup zone to its potential, we are a top 25 defensive team.

Agreed. UR's match-up zone is a night-mare when running properly, and it is particularly perplexing (!) for teams that like to get out and move. Mooney is a good defensive coach too. He teaches all the fundamentals well. VCU and UR are doing two completely different types of things, but both defensive schemes can be devastating when running on all cylinders. That's another reason why the head-to-head games are interesting.

The A-10 is loaded with D- according to the article. I think we already knew this. But cool to see the conference getting the recognition. The A-10 is tough. Period. No cake-walks for anyone...... that should be for certain. I just hope we don't all beat each other up so bad- as to hurt the leagues bid chances. It would be cool to get 5 or 6 teams in. But hey- early for all that type of talk, I guess. This article makes you start thinking about all of it though. Can't wait!!

we'll be fine in March
IF
the "D" shows up in the OOC schedule

Hit the nail on the head BigE. The A-10 gets a lot of bids when we do well in November and December. When November/December is ugly, Mr. Juan Bid is at the door in March.

Agreed. We should all be fine. But need strong showings in the early going. Man- Atlantis is going to be a really tough test, and an opportunity to get tough- early on. The schedule this year is a nite-mare! But bring it on!

FSU's Leonard Hamilton said something along the lines of "Defensively, Bona was the most physical team we played all season." Without Nicholson and Cook down low, the second line will be supported by 6'11" Youssou Ndoye, 6'8" Marquise Simmons, and 6'11" Matthias Runs. I certainly don't expect ESPN or really anyone who hasn't followed SBU to include them in a list like this, but defensive physicality won't be an issue as long as Charlon Kloof, Jordan Gathers, and Demitrius Conger continue to guard the perimeter as they have. It's a joy to watch young guys buy in on the defensive end.

St. Bonaventure will be fun to watch this year! Absolutely!!

Yep. They will.