The RP’s Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Hoops

The polls were not kind to North Carolina after their shellacking at the hands of the mighty Seminoles of Florida State.  North Carolina dropped 5 spots to #8.  The most interesting state in college basketball is my home: Kentucky, which contains not only #2 Kentucky, but also the intriguing #10 Murray State Racers, who may finish the season undefeated (they play no team in the top half of Division 1 RPI), and the faltering #21 Louisville Cardinals, who will likely not be ranked after their loss tonight at the hands of Marquette. [ESPN]

USA Basketball announced its 20 man roster for the 2012 Olympic games.  The roster must be cut to 12 before the games start, and that’s a shame, because this team is EPIC. [USA Basketball]

Dwight Howard is on that 20 man roster, and its almost a given that he will be on the 12 man roster, as he is the best big man in the world.  He also desperately wants out of Orlando.  He has stated that he is open to trades to a few very good teams (and the Nets), but now says he is open to playing for the LA Clippers.  CP3, Blake Griffin, and Dwight Howard would be a very fun team to watch.  [Deadspin]

Here is an interesting piece about Ricky Rubio and the translation of European basketball statistics into NBA performance.  The post makes the case that Euro hoops are less about numbers and therefore opaque.  Given Rubio’s stats for Barcelona and his play in the NBA this year, as well as the Brandon Jennings episode from a few years ago, I tend to agree. [Sheriden Hoops]

Last night, there was a battle between two top 10 teams in the Big XII(minus II), wherein Kansas shellacked #3 Baylor.  That conference goes through Lawrence, Kansas, which is a shame, because that is a very boring place. [Rock Chalk Talk]