This morning we covered CBS Sports’ Basketball Candid Coaches poll, which has been a project from Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander, specifically their poll picking who they think will be the best player in the NCAA this season, of which 50% of the coaches polled selected Cassius Winston to be the best player in Men’s College Basketball this year. Well, they also picked who they thought would win the NCAA Tournament, and 54% of the coaches polled picked Michigan State.
Here are a few anonymous quotes from the coaches:
- “I think it’s hard to pick someone other than Michigan State at this point. All the other top teams had lots of turnover and new faces, and it’s hard to think a veteran team under (Tom) Izzo won’t make real noise very late into March.”
- “I wanted to go against the grain but just too many cases to be made for them. With them returning a number of key guys and them getting a taste of the Final Four last year, I think they are primed to get back. Cassius Winston may just be the best winner and leader in college basketball. Add that with Izzo’s experience and drive and I think they have a national-championship-winning formula. The bull’s-eye will be on their back all season, so that could be the slight knock against them if that proves to be too much pressure.”
- “Michigan State is my first pick. Most of their core back with an elite coach that’s been there before. Also, Cassius Winston is one of the best players in college basketball at the most important position.”
