NCAA Basketball: Top 10 Most Disappointing Teams

The pundits thought they had it right when the season began but, oh, how they were proven wrong.

For every Richmond or UTEP providing a potential Cinderella story, there's a North Carolina or Michigan who proved to be more disappointing than the current season of 24.

You know the Tar Heels and Wolverines are on the list. Hit the button and see the eight other teams whose reality is in stark contrast to the lofty expectations heaped upon them in October.

No. 10: Houston (14-13, 6-7 in Conference USA)

October Fantasy:

With Memphis expected to finally loosen its reign on CUSA, the door appeared open for a Cougars team that was considered to be coach Tom Pender's best squad since arriving at U of H-Town.

February Reality:

Despite having the nation's leading scorer in G Aubrey Coleman, the Cougars have played like kittens, especially in close games. Ten of Houston's defeats have been by less than seven points, a clear sign UH lacks mental toughness. Barring a miracle, the team could be lacking its current coach at season's end.

No. 9: LSU (10-17, 1-12 in SEC)

October Fantasy:

The defending SEC regular season champs were expected to take a step back but, with leading scorer Tasmin Mitchell in fold, coach Trent Johnson's squad looked like a sure bet to return to the NCAA Tournament.

February Reality:

Wednesday night's 65-54 win over Arkansas was the Tigers' FIRST win in SEC play, avoiding the school's first winless season in conference since World War II. Prior to that, the Tigers' last victory came against Southland Conference mid-carder, McNeese State, on Jan. 3. But not to worry, Louisiana: At least you still have the Saints.

No. 8: Oregon (12-14, 4-10 in Pac-10)

October Fantasy:

The Ducks, who finished in the Pac-10 cellar last season, had G Tajuan Porter returning to anchor a young squad that looked ready to return to the conference's upper-rent district.

February Reality:

Coach Ernie Kent's team was 10-4 after a Jan. 2 upset at then-No. 17 Washington. Since then, the Ducks have shown little quack offensively en route to a 2-10 nose dive that was low-lighted by an embarrassing 62-42 loss to rival Oregon State on Feb. 6. The loss completed a sweep of the season series for OSU, who had not achieved the feat since 1992-93.

No. 7: Oklahoma (13-14, 4-9 in Big 12)

October Fantasy:

Sure, life without Blake Griffin was going to be different, but there wasn't any reason to think the Sooners would flounder, right?

February Reality:

Wrong. After a 9-2 start, OU's lack of depth began to catch up with them. G Willie Warren went down with an ankle injury, depriving coach Jeff Capel of his primary offensive weapon. Freshmen Tommy Mason-Griffin and Andrew Fitzgerald have shown flashes, but have not been able to replace the 16.3 points per game that Warren provided.

No. 6: Arkansas (14-14, 7-6 in SEC)

October Fantasy:

With the SEC West projected to be wide open, the Razorbacks had enough firepower to convince fans they were capable of not only winning the West, but much more.

February Reality:

A slew of suspensions early on appeared to be offset when Arkansas took control of the West earlier this month. However, three losses in their last four games—including Wednesday's loss to LSU—may have been the kill-shot to a possible at-large bid. NIT, anyone?

No. 5 UCLA (12-14, 7-7 in Pac-10)

October Fantasy:

Another crop of NBA talent gone, another group comes in. So it was supposed to go in Westwood, where Ben Howland's squad was expected to simply reload and make yet another Final Four bid.

February Reality:

Howland hasn't been able to find a starting five he feels comfortable with, and the results have shown on the scoreboard. The Bruins suffered a defeat to Long Beach State and a 21-point loss to USC. Last weekend's 97-68 drubbing to Washington is a back-breaking blow to UCLA's tourney hopes.

Not like they would have lasted long, anyway. Not with free throw shooting that ranks dead last in the Pac-10.

No. 4: Notre Dame (18-10, 7-8 in Big East)

October Fantasy:

All-American F Luke Harangody returned for his senior season, which gave coach Mike Brey reason to feel confident about the Fighting Irish's chances to hang with the Big East's elite. Guards Ben Hansborough and Tory Jackson comprised a backcourt that would complement Harangody's low-post presence.

February Reality:

Despite Harangody's 24.1 points per game, Notre Dame's basketball team has been (almost) as disappointing as its football team. Brey won't suffer the same fate as Charlie Weis, but the Irish have been too streaky at times—although Wednesday's win over Pittsburgh may be the difference between them sliding into the Tournament or chilling in the NIT.

No. 3: Connecticut (17-11, 7-8 in Big East)

October Fantasy:

Fresh off a Final Four appearance, coach Jim Calhoun's squad looked primed to return. With the likes of Jerome Dyson and Stanley Robinson, the Huskies had the requisite firepower to hold their own in the Big East.

February Reality:

The team swooned, losing six of nine at one point. Calhoun took a medical leave of absence, making things more bleak in Stoors. Depth remains a major issue, as three starters average more than 34 minutes a night. However, life has begun to look better for the Huskies, who have ripped off three straight wins, including victories over Villanova and West Virginia.

No. 2: Michigan (13-14, 6-9 in Big Ten)

October Fantasy:

This was to be the year the Wolverines returned to national prominence on the court. Four returning starters, including Manny Harris, and two seasons to digest coach John Beilein's system were an indication Big Blue would be a factor in the Big Dance.

February Reality:

Michigan couldn't buy a basket even if they found Bill Gates' American Express card. The Wolverines have scored more than 70 points just three times in conference play, capped by a horrid shooting performance in a loss to Illinois (24.6 percent from the field). They've lost three straight games at Crisler Arena and are last in the conference in rebounding margin.

No. 1: North Carolina (14-14, 3-10 in ACC)

October Fantasy:

So what if the Tar Heels lost Tyler Hansborough and Ty Lawson? Roy Williams had the nation's premier recruiting class coming in, and sophomore F Ed Davis was slated to become next in line on a long list of UNC-made men.

February Reality:

The warning signs began to show during losses to Kentucky and Texas, but the air raid sirens really started to shrill after a Jan. 4 loss to Charleston. Davis played well before being sidelined with an injury, but the guard play—the foundation to last year's title run—has been shoddy at best.

UNC will likely miss the NCAA Tournament, a thought that is almost unspeakable. Not to worry, though: The Tar Heels will reload next season as elite prep guard, Kendall Marshall, will arrive in Chapel Hill to solve the woes at point.