2005 NCAA Sleepers
NC State: Julius Hodge is still a top tier talent.
He's had an off year, but has had to do it all by his
lonesome, which has been tough to watch. Hodge will
be at the top of his game in the last month of his season,
which will mark the end of a brilliant career at NC
State. At 15-10 and a #8 ranking in the ACC, it's tough
to foresee NC State even getting a chance at being sleepers.
On the other hand, recent wins at Maryland and G-Tech,
plus a big showdown against NC at home could have the
Wolfpack sliding into the Tourney and swallowing up
some top teams. Don't count Hodge out; people have done
that too much.
Notre
Dame: The Irish can upset any team any night. Then
again they can lose any night as well. This makes them
a tough team to play in the first or second round. I've
never been a big Irish fan, but they can play good ball
when the night is right. Chris Thomas is a good point
guard. Wins at home against formerly unbeaten Boston
College and a good Georgetown team make me think the
Irish have a good shot at doing some upset work in the
Tourney, and may have solidified their ticket to The
Big Dance. Their two-point loss to Pittsburgh in Pitt
wasn't too shabby either. Don't overlook the Irish.
Georgia
Tech: BJ Elder's return could put the Yellow Jackets
back in good standing with the Tourney Selection Committee.
We'll see. Georgia Tech has had a tough year, but they
definitely have some talented guys that can get it done.
They've been a victim of the 11 tough teams in the ACC.
14-8 isn't too shabby, but they are much better than
that. If G-Tech goes into the tourney on a roll, don't
be surprised if they continue to rumble on a down hill
course toward the Sweet Sixteen.
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