But what about trying Southerland at the 5 spot defensively. Lately, he seems to have more blocks than anyone other than Fab. He has rebounded at a C- level. That is as good as Keita and Christmas (except for the UConn game). Nobody on the team has any girth whatsoever... so we are going to be outmuscled at the 5 anyway.

I do agree with using Keita when we are pressing and using the press. But when we are not pressing--is there a different between Southerland and Fair?

In retrospect, it would have been better for Fab to be ineligible for all games and for this team to have learned how to play without him. As always, having a #1 seed is nice... but being ready for March is nicer. Being a 28-5 team as a 3-seed would not have been the end of the world.

Let me also say that this team was not making a Final Four with Melo either. We just were not playing that well. Not exactly riding momentum. Something was off. It started being off when Melo left, but it really never came back. Credit to the team for winning--but plowing through this year's Big East was not as impressive as some other years.

Unfortunately, we have a limited time to redefine ourselves. Without Fab, there will be nobody to rely on for rebounds--everyone needs to step up.