Tourney Talk with Brian Edwards, Part I
__________________________________________________________________________On the weekend of February 12, 2010, I spoke with Brian Edwards of Vegasinsider.com about The 2010 College Basketball season as we head into The 2010 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Brian Edwards has been a mainstay as a handicapper with Vegasinsider.com since 2002. He regularly appears on ESPN radio, 1620 The Zone, and even hosts his own show entitled “Power Hours.” 
During our in-depth conversation, we covered a wide range of college basketball topics, and The Big Nasty Athletic Dept. will be releasing installments of “Tourney Talk” segments leading up to The March Madness Tournament.
Brian’s keen sense of sports, developed through years of expert handicapping and ATS (Against The Spread) analysis, has made him one of our favorite handicappers and a great choice to provide expert insight on how The NCAA Tournament will shape up as the smoke begins to clear. Because bracketology will only get you so far.
Big Nasty: The past few seasons in college basketball have kind of been ‘chalk’ seasons that saw the favorites end up in the Final Four. This year, with traditional powers such as UNC, Texas, and Michigan State faltering down the stretch, it’s beginning to look a bit more wide open. Do you feel this could be the year of the underdogs or will the favorites return to form come March?
Brian Edwards: I agree that this year has not been as ‘chalky’ in terms of the national picture. Although I do still consider Kansas the team to beat, even the Jayhawks have some warts. And beyond KU, I think the other spots in the Final Four are wide open. Kentucky might have as much talent as any team in the country, but there are a lot of egos and immaturity on that team. And who trusts John Calipari as a game coach in March? DeMarcus Cousins is going to have to control his emotions in the NCAA Tournament, and I’m not sure I have confidence in him being able to do so. I won’t be surprised if UK goes out as early as the Sweet 16 round.
Big Nasty: What about that Camp Cal program Calipari runs every year during the season? Do you think that could help with maturity issues
in the long run or has the effect of all that extra work already worn off?
Brian Edwards: When it comes to maturity and discipline, I think you’re better off with a lot of coaches that aren’t named John Calipari. The dude brings in studs (but at what eventual cost?), but he’s not a quality game coach — period.
–CHECK HERE TOMORROW FOR PART 2…
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