Is Texas Back?

There’s no question we learned from the Champions Classic last night. Two young teams (Duke and Kentucky) raced out to early leads before a pair of experienced sides in Michigan State and Kansas surged after halftime to win.

But while the action between the bluebloods may have claimed center stage Tuesday, I’d argue the most intriguing result was one from Maui. Er, rather Ashville. How about we just call it Mashville, okay?

Texas routing Indiana in the early afternoon was very much surprised me (our Best Bets experts would probably agree), especially after what we saw Monday. The Longhorns had to grind out a 40-minute victory against Davidson in their opener before the Hoosiers smothered Providence in a game that was relatively in hand by halftime.

So what changed? Well, it helps when your opponent shoots 11-of-46 from the field and Trayce Jackson-Davis was the only Indiana player in double figures. But Texas’ defense was a large reason for that — it’s currently second in KenPom adjusted D. Shaka Smart’s squad has a really nice balance of experience with grizzled vets like Matt Coleman, Courtney Ramey and Andrew Jones mixed with the young talent of Greg Brown and Kai Jones.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself here but with a win against North Carolina in the finale of the Mashville Invitational (yes, we’re rolling with that), I think it would be more than fair for Longhorn fans to be saying…

FOUR-POINT PLAY

Each Wednesday, we’ll check in with one of our podcast hosts and see what they’re up to — besides creating 🔥🔥 content for us at The Field of 68.

Today, it’s time Indiana alum A.J. Guyton, the host of House of Hoosier, to step into the spotlight:

1. Why did you want to join The Field of 68 and what’s been the best part about it thus far?COVID allowed me the opportunity to do some self-reflection and self-improvement. One thing I wanted to improve on is doing things I normally wouldn’t do. A podcast is one of those things! The call came at the right time. I decided to step out of my box and have a little fun. The best part has been getting to know the participants. I’d never had a personal conversation with anyone I’ve interviewed, and to hear their stories and see the similarities in our journeys has been the most surprising thing.

2. Besides podcasting, what are you doing on a daily basis now that your basketball career is done?Due to family reasons, I had to postpone my college coaching aspirations. I was coaching at Loyola (Md.) with my friend, Tavaras Hardy. The next best thing is being part of athletics and inspiring youth. I took a job as athletic director of Peoria public schools in my hometown of Peoria, Ill. Before COVID we started the process of reimagining sports. As COVID subsides, I’ll be able to continue to work to achieve that goal! My dream is to be part of IU’s staff one day!

3. Of your podcasts that you’ve recorded, which has been your favorite conversation or moment?A.J. Moyes, Calbert Cheaney and Yogi have been my favorites so far. They didn’t feel like interviews — they felt like conversations. I related so much to the Steve Alford story about making him walk home from the airport. That was hilarious. Yogi and I discussing Vic [Oladipo’s] singing and dancing was funny too!

AND-ONE!!!

1. The Hoosiers had a really nice performance Monday but obviously, today was a bit of a setback. Where do you think this team needs to grow most as the season progresses?Offensive confidence. Their defense is always stellar but in today’s game, you have to score 80-85 points. Get stops, push the tempo a little more and get more threes up. I see too much offense being run. [Trayce Jackson-Davis] has to be more efficient when playing against length. As the leader, he has to stymie runs by making multiple plays. He gets small playing against length. I’d try to get some threes out of [Anthony] Leal and play 4 guards some. [Khristian] Lander has to get in the lab and get back to the fundamentals of his shot. They need those freshmen alone with Armon [Bassett] to make shots.

THE MIXTAPE

We’ve already had some great moments this week on The Field of 68 and there will be more coming later today. But until then, here’s what you might’ve missed:

SECURE THE BAG

So, we’re only two days in — at least as far as the games I’m keeping track of — but it’s been a mixed start for our Best Bets hosts, Rob Dauster and Jeff Goodman. Jeff has leaned on Toledo thus far and got another W from the Rockets with a late layup to cover the 8.5 points in the game’s final seconds Tuesday evening.

And while both guys were spot-on with Michigan State winning, Indiana was a miss and Kansas’ slow start prevented the Jayhawks from covering despite their victory. They’ll both look to get back to .500 with a handful of big games from Mashville plus the Jimmy V Classic today, so check our Twitter feed at 9 AM and check the podcast feed to see who Rob and Jeff will have their money on.

Records (through Dec. 1)

Dauster: 4-5

Goodman: 4-6

If you haven’t already, hit that subscribe button and please, please, please keep sharing The Field of 68 with anyone in your life who cares about college hoops. We want to keep growing and expanding our network, but we can’t do it without y’all.

Stay safe, wear your masks and we’ll be back on Friday!

Mitchell is a freelance sports journalist and a producer for The Field of 68 Media Network. He’s previously written for The Dallas Morning News, Sports Illustrated and The Philadelphia Inquirer. You can follow him on Twitter at @mpgladstone13 or reach him via email at [email protected].