Another edition of the Red Cup Inbox talks College Football, College Basketball, and a little bit of NBA draft talk. Remember, if you want to ask a question, follow @redcupcollegesports on Instagram to watch out for updates on the next Inbox post.
“Who will make the final 4 this year?”- @cooperhill8
I believe that it would be a major upset to have happened if Duke doesn’t make the Final 4. This is the most talented Kansas team in over 5 years that should make the Final 4. Outside of that, there is a list of about 6-8 teams that could find their way in. I believe Gonzaga and Virginia will be the other 2 making it into the final 4 with Nevada having a Cinderella run before falling to Duke in the elite 8. Kentucky has a good chance as well to make it.
“Why is Duke number one instead of UNC?” -@brandonsocool006
Duke had the most dominant game we’ve seen in years to begin the year. Duke quite possibly has 3 of the top 5 NBA draft picks (not even including Tre Jones). Duke is deep and showed this could be the most dominant team in nearly a decade. North Carolina will hover around the Top 5, but I don’t see a reason why to put UNC at number 1, when Duke played that well.
“How will Syracuse do this year?” – @_imranhassan10
Syracuse has been stumbling during the regular season, but has been able to have postseason success with that with 2 sweet sixteen appearances, both times being a double digit seed. Syracuse is led this year by former ESPN top 50 prospect, now junior PG Tyus Battle and Oshae Brissett. Their non-conference is pretty weak outside of Buffalo (who has already upset West Virginia on the road). The ACC is a gauntlet and it won’t be easy. Syracuse might get another double digit seed or I could see them reaching their ceiling as a 6 or 7. But don’t be surprised if they make noise once March rolls around.
“Will Kerwin Roach be Drafted? If so, what pick?” – @redcuptexas
The former top 50 prospect out of Houston has been very solid for Texas for his 4 years so far. The unfortunate Diagnosis to Andrew Jones gave Kerwin more playing time and he took advantage of that last year with nearly 13 PPG and nearly 4 assist with 4 rebounds. Kerwin shows excellent ability to drive and find an open big man for a dunk or the ability to catch and shoot. With being 6’4, he show the ability to block shots from behind and able to drive on offense. I’m really high on Kerwin and think he could be a middle first round pick this year.
“Does Syracuse have a chance against Notre Dame?” – @lucas21ortiz
Absolutely. I have always been high on Dino Babers and he has turned around that Syracuse program and implemented an offense that is very similar to the one that was used at Baylor from 2010-2015. Eric Dungey is truly the most underrated QB in the ACC and the offense has been one of the best in the country. Syracuse’s lone losses are to Clemson by 4 and an OT game on the road to Pitt. On a neutral field, Syracuse plays very well, but Notre Dame gets the win. Syracuse does have a good chance to win this game and impresses a lot of people in the process.
“Bowl Prediction for WVU?”- @tracewvu
West Virginia has been playing extremely well on offense and each week, I think they have a better chance of winning the Big 12. Their ceiling is the Fiesta Bowl against a Penn State or Ohio State, which would be huge for the Mountaineers as this is the first year WVU has broken out since joining the Big 12 back in 2012. Worst case is they lose back to back games against Oklahoma and falls to the Alamo Bowl against a upper tier Pac 12 team like Utah.
“Best CBB player right now?” – @cheif_keef33
This is such a tough question to answer through one week of the season. An obvious answer would be Zion Williamson or RJ Barrett. And although those are guys that are extremely talented and pro ready, I’m going to pick a player that’s not from Duke. It’s Carsen Edwards, Point Guard out of Purdue. The Junior could’ve declared for the NBA last year, but deicded to come back and take Purdue to the final 4. He averaged 18 PPG a year ago on shooting over 40% from beyond the arc and is a vocal leader that shows all of what you want in an upperclassmen floor general. Nevada F Caleb Martin as well as freshman phenom Nassir Little also headline a list of top CBB that’s not from Duke.
Thank you to all that had questions for us this week, remember to follow @redcupcollegesports for you to have a chance to have your question answered on the next Red Cup Inbox.
Image Credit: https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/index.ssf/2017/10/how_syracuse_football_qb_eric_dungey_took_care_of_his_generic_look_on_the_field.html
