Denver Post college basketball writer Tom Kensler’s hoops report
COLORADO CONNECTION
Hannah Tuomi, Vanderbilt, junior forward.
A former Horizon High School standout, the 6-foot-1 Tuomi has started every game this season, helping the Commodores (20-8, 9-6 SEC entering the weekend) challenge for an at-large bid to the NCAA Women’s Tournament. Tuomi was averaging 9.6 points and 5.4 rebounds, topping Vandy in field-goal percentage (.571) and offensive rebounds (2.2 per game).
SEED GAMES
Projecting the top 16 teams in the NCAA Tournament
No. 1 seeds:
Kansas, Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas State
No. 2 seeds:
Villanova, Duke, West Virginia, Vanderbilt
No. 3 seeds:
Georgetown, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue
No. 4 seeds:
New Mexico, Ohio State, Gonzaga, Butler
ON THE BUBBLE
School: Memphis.
An NCAA Tournament without Memphis? It could happen. In fact, the Tigers (21-8, 11-3) began the week with a No. 60 RPI and may have to win the conference tournament to get in. Never fear, Tigers fans. Memphis won’t be out for long. First-year coach Josh Pastner has reeled in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes for next season.
ON THE RISE
Denis Clemente, Kansas State, senior guard:
In preseason voting, Big 12 coaches relegated Clemente to honorable mention all-Big 12. If the voting were conducted now, the league’s coaches might include the 6-1 Clemente with the first team. Perhaps the fastest player in the conference from baseline to baseline, the Puerto Rican has fueled Kansas State’s stunning surge to No. 6 in the national polls. He ranks 10th among Big 12 scorers (16.0 average) and is sixth in assists (4.1). But his leadership skills, ability to remain calm under pressure and other intangibles set him apart.
