Who should I root for?

[TheMatrix31]

I've posed this question to some friends on Twitter but figured I'd ask it here.

Most of you know I'm a massive Suns fan, and most of you know that I've kinda soured on the NBA in recent years. With the NBA season in jeopardy, I figured I might need to pick up college basketball to get my basketball fix. I'm not very big on college sports, but its probably going to be the only game in town.

I'm originally from Fresno so I root for Fresno State. Unfortunately, nationally, they don't get much play or TV coverage so that pretty much goes by the wayside. I went to UCLA for school, so obviously there's that tie, and while I root for them to do well, ultimately I can't stand their playing style and don't know if I can exactly be "a fan", considering they're pretty much the antithesis of Phoenix Suns basketball.

So there it is. I want a team with a great PG who is somewhat Nash-like, an energetic big man in the mold of Gortat, some support shooters and perimeter D guys, a team that's generally classy (i.e. not full of thugs and idiots and not corrupted Calipari-style), plays quickly with an emphasis on offense, etc. Would prefer a team that isn't always a championship contender but is good enough to not be worthless, lol.

I know it's a lot to ask since the college game is so much different than the NBA game, but I hope maybe you guys can help me out.

Thanks!

[Husker_OS]

I'll be honest, I didn't read a word of that post other than the subject because of the following..


I know you went to undergrad at UCLA. That's a slam dunk, cheesy pun intended, to me. They have a good coach, good recruiting base, best tradition in all of basketball, and are on TV all the time.


Or join me and be a Utah State fan.

[TheBrothers24]

Michigan State Spartans sounds like a perfect fit. Izzo is a great no nonsense coach. Most of his players stay at least 3 years so you can expect them to grow and learn the fundamentals. They are never short on talent but are not a contender every year.

Izzo gets the most out of his players with last year being an exception. They are always a good defensive team and are more substance than style. They aren't a "run n gun" like the sun's but their style is perfect for the players they recruit.

If I wasn't a Tar Heel fan, MSU would definitely be the program I would follow. They recruit well enough to be competitive with other top programs year in and year out but don't "the top 5" classes all the time to be a "favorite" every year.

Other Schools you could look at would be Gonzaga or Washington. Both uptempo teams with strong perimeter play and skilled bigs.

[TripleCrown9]

Since you're a Suns fan, how about Arizona? Don't know much about them, but they could be a good choice.

[TheMatrix31]

UCLA's a proper option due to ease of viewing and ties but its just the playing style. I can't really get down with games in the 40s and 50s. Might suck it up. Too bad their games arent at Pauley this year. I live like 5 miles away from campus. Would have been a piece of cake to attend games.

MSU, ehh. Properly run but I don't know. I know Gonzaga and Washington generally have uptempo programs. Might have to give shot.

Doesn't Arizona have a star PG?

[Marino]

I know how much your sports teams let you down and disappoint you, so NC State would be the perfect fit for you.

We do have a new coach and a top 3 recruiting class coming in next year though.

[ProfessaPackMan]

You could come support Maryland.

Got a new Coach and basically rebuilding from the ground up again so it's probably going to be rough couple of years but considering the area they're located at(in terms of talent and is probably the best in the country)the rebuild might not take as long.

Only downside is considering where you're at, you probably won't be able to see them more than maybe 2-3 times a year or unless you watch them online, which is the route I have to go unfortunately.

[OSUFan_88]

Matrix, Gonzaga. It's gotta be your team.

Either that or UCLA.