When winter rolled around, basketball fans in Iowa had no idea what was about to hit them.
The mighty Drake Bulldogs have been the butt of most basketball jokes in the state since..well since forever.
Drake has not only been the hot topic in Iowa this season, but all throughout college basketball. The Bulldogs boast a 23-2 record overall with a solid 14-1 mark in the conference. Drake has officially wrapped up the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title and has high hopes heading into the tournament.
However what does Drake have to do to get people to believe they are the real deal?
With just two losses (at No. 20 St. Mary's, at Southern Illinois), the Bulldogs believe their case is settled. Many, however, tend to disagree.
Of their 23 wins, Drake has won 15 games by ten points or less. Despite their early season success against no name schools, Drake is still looking for a signature win. The Bulldogs do have a few solid wins in the conference, but until they step out and beat a legit team, I have a hard time believing people will find them to be the real deal.
With a chance to prove themselves at No. 8 Butler next week, Drake could really establish themselves as a high seed for the NCAA tournament. Until they have a win against a major conference team that is not from the state of Iowa, I don't see Drake being a real threat.
In fact, I'd go as far as to say that Drake might be priming themselves for an early upset come March Madness.
12 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
I beg to differ. I live in Memphis (so I have watched a pretty good bball team here!). Have seen Drake play twice in person-on the road at Evansville & So. Illinois. They are solid...great point guard, great shooters and good defenders. Unless they get screwed by the NCAA and get a low seed, this team can make the sweet 16. And by the way-they won at Iowa-something Mich State couldn't do.
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Jon Altena about 1 year ago
I agree they are very talented. I just dont think they will be able to handle a big school from a big conference. Their win at Iowa was a good one but Iowa didnt have their starting point guard Freeman either. They might win their first round game but I dont see a sweet 16. What a great year to be living in Memphis thought two great teams in the state battling it out! have fun with that.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
LOL this is a great article. And I love Drake because Drake rhymes with cake. Cake is really sweet and delicious. SO IS DRAKE! LOL! Good job Jon :)
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
Thanks Brent
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Good topic, terrible writing.
Amatuer...
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
Thanks again Brent
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Stop drinking HATERaide!!!!!
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
Appreciate it Cory
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Does it matter how many you win by a W is a W. Did memphis really win the othernight just because they flirted with defeat????? I guess if it was SIU you would be OK with that huh?
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
I see what youre saying I just think it hurt them in the tournament.
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Ari Kramer about 1 year ago
Jon,
I wrote a very similar article before I read this. Funny because we actually point out the same reasons why Drake is overhyped.
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Jon Altena about 1 year ago
I can't agree with your article more. They are a solid team I just dont think they have what it takes to make any kind of run. Hopefully they'll prove me wrong though I loved watching George Mason doing it, why not Drake (besides the reasons we listed).
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