College Basketball: The Achilles Heel of Each Team in the Top 10

There are no perfect teams in college basketball this year. There probably never has been—or will be—any team without weakness. The champion is the team that overcomes its weakness or gets on a roll at the right time.

The top 10 teams in the country all have at least one weakness that could cost them their one shining moment.

Here is that potential Achilles heel for each team.

10. Memphis

The Tigers have plenty of scoring and athleticism, but they lose focus on the glass at times. This could make them extremely vulnerable against teams with a large front-line and disciplined wing players that crash the offensive glass.

That is an issue they can likely get by, but their Achilles Heel is their poor free throw shooting. They shot sub 70 percent last year, and this year hasn't started any better.

This will lose them a close game come tournament time.

9. Pittsburgh

The Panthers have already had their Achilles heel exposed. Clearly, it's their transition defense. The 49ers of Long Beach State ran the Panthers ragged, shooting 59 percent from the floor as they upset the Panthers on the road.

This could have been complacency, but the 49ers looked far more athletic and the Panthers could not keep pace.

8. Louisville

Rick Pitino has another talented bunch; they are not as dependent on the three as many of his team's in the past have been.

This team has nine underclassmen, so inexperience could be an issue—but not the biggest issue.

As of now, injuries could be devastating to the Cardinals. Point guard Peyton Siva will likely miss the big matchup with Butler on Saturday. Siva is one of the players Louisville can't afford to be without for an extended period of time, especially in the tournament.

They must be healthy to maximize their potential.

7. Florida

The Gators don't have a ton of bulk on the inside, but they are very athletic and Brad Beal is a future star. That kid can flat out put in the hole. As they lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 15, it occurred to me, the Gators are just too young.

They have only one senior on the squad, and the lack of leadership showed as the veteran Buckeye backcourt out played the Gators' youngsters down the stretch.

Like many of the fros-soph lead teams in the nation, inexperience is their potential downfall.

6. Duke

The Blue-Devils are very top heavy with Austin Rivers, Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins and Mason Plumlee, but their bench is questionable. 

I think the reserves will develop, and Duke will be one of the top three teams in the country come March, but Austin Rivers must become the driver of the offense.

The Blue-Devils potential Achilles heel is a lack of creators offensively. Curry is a jump shooter, and Dawkins is a slasher. Rivers is the only player that can create for others; he needs the ball in his hands more.

If and when he gets the opportunity, he must be ready to carry that type of load.

5. Syracuse

The Orange have a great inside presence with sophomore Fab Melo. Scoop Jardine gives the team veteran leadership in the backcourt.

They have recruited well, adding players like Rakeem Christmas. The Orange's issue is the same as Memphis, but it is a little worse.

As a team, they are shooting just over 60 percent from the stripe. 

4. UConn

The Huskies have so much talent it is scary. They have great point guard play and awesome wing play from Jeremy Lamb. Alex Oriakhi and Tyler Olander hold down the paint and anchor the tough defense.

All this, and I haven't even mentioned the kid that is likely to be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, freshman Andre Drummond.

Drummond's presence on the floor may be a potential issue. Chances are, he will only be at UConn for one season. The Huskies have to make sure the team chemistry is thrown off. This team won it all last year, this is largely the same group, minus Kemba Walker of course.

Allowing Drummond to blend in without forcing a major role on him is important. Honestly, I don't see that happening, but I had to choose something—no team is perfect.

3. Ohio State

Jared Sullinger is the best low post scorer in the nation, and the Bucks play tenacious defense. Their win over Florida was impressive, and it showed their grit and experience.

The one problem they can run into is consistent outside shooting. Sullinger is going to have defenses collapse on him all season. He must find his teammates, and they must knock down shots.

If not, not even their stingy defense will save a stagnant offense.

2. Kentucky

The Wildcats have the single most talented roster in the nation, the only team even close is UConn. John Calipari has had ultra talented clubs in the past, but he always seems to fall short.

Those teams had the same Achilles Heel as this Wildcats team could have, and that is Calipari.

The sports premier recruiter, is not even close to a premier coach. Calipari is the only thing that can stop this group from the top.

1. North Carolina

The Tar Heels have one of the leading candidates for player of the year in Harrison Barnes, they are well coached and they have excellent size with John Henson and Tyler Zeller. 

They are the most complete team in the country when you look at talent, athleticism and experience. They should win it all because they excel in all of those things. The only thing that can stop the Heels is cold shooting spells.

Having to depend on Zeller and Henson as go to scorers is a bit of a mixed bag. The Heels need Barnes taking and making threes along with Kendall Marshall to create floor spacing.

That said, it looks like a UConn vs North Carolina final, should seating permit.