I'm always skeptical basing team expectation on the out of conference play. I remember the hype that the team was going to base their success on perimeter shooting and getting easy baskets on fastbreaks. It's very hard to make the switch from a offense-oriented team to one that emphasizes defense. There is just a lot more contact involved when you play to the second emphasis and it takes a lot out of you physically.

Also, skeptical of recruits who are from New England and Canada because of the level of competition.