Ten things I learned on the road

Published Nov. 26, 2009 12:34 a.m. ET

foxsports

After spending six days watching 16 teams, I figured it was a chance to collect my thoughts.

Here are the 10 things I learned while I was on the road.

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10. Ole Miss will be a factor in the SEC. I was the only one who had the Rebels ranked in the preseason, and they will make their way back in the top 25 at some point soon (maybe as quickly as next week). Andy Kennedy's team played careless against a Villanova team that has already learned how to win close games.

9. Villanova can make back-to-back Final Four appearances. Jay Wright still misses the production and leadership of Dante Cunningham, but once he gets Reggie Redding and Mouphtaou Yarou back, they will be a legitimate 10 deep. Two keys this week in San Juan were the play of big men Antonio Pena and Taylor King — especially on the glass.

8. Dayton's Chris Wright needs to stay another year in college. Wright didn't play well in Puerto Rico, and I just can't imagine an NBA team taking him in the first round this season despite his off-the-charts athleticism.

7. There may be no more intimidating coach on the sidelines than Kansas State's Frank Martin. He's one of the nicest guys in the country off the court, but he's loud and has a scowl that could scare off a bear. In fact, I might take Martin in a fight with a bear.