Feb. 1, 2006

The beauty of college basketball, compared to college football, is simple: You don't need a lot of bodies to help turn things around. One player can change the complexion of a team. If a player gets hurt or you lose him academically, a team can suffer big time. If you add a player who increases productivity, you can change things quickly. Sometimes it is a coaching change that makes a difference.

There have been many turnarounds in college basketball this season because players gained eligibility, a transfer has come in, players have returned from injuries, or a diaper dandy arrives. One special talent can make all the difference in the world. Let's look at some teams that have turned things around:

Tennessee was 14-17 last season, and 6-10 in SEC play. The addition of Bruce Pearl as head coach has helped and the duo of C.J. Watson and Chris Lofton have kept Vols fans smiling. Tennessee has already won five conference games and matched last year's overall victory total of 14.

Tommy Amaker's Wolverines are trying to make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1998. Michigan has already passed last year's conference win total of four and overall victory mark of 13. The return of Daniel Horton and Dion Harris has helped.

Colorado has also surpassed the 2004-2005 season marks of 14-16 overall and 4-12 in league play. Richard Roby is one of the most unsung players in the Big 12. The Buffaloes, off of last weekend's win over Kansas State, are in the hunt in the conference, following Texas' loss at Oklahoma.

San Diego State appears to be the front-runner in the Mountain West. Steve Fisher's club was 4-10 in the league and 11-18 last season. Rhode Island got back injury-plagued Dawan Robinson and he has been a factor as the Rams have been consistent in Atlantic 10 play. The Rams were 6-22 last season, with four of those wins coming in league play.

Jimmy Patsos has done a good job at Loyola-Maryland. After going 6-22 last season, the Greyhounds won 11 of their first 18 this time around. In the same state, Pat Kennedy has Towson playing more competitive basketball after the school went 5-24 last season.

Seton Hall, with wins at N.C. State and Syracuse, matched last season's 12-win total. Louisiana Tech, 14-15 overall last season, matched the win mark while racing to a 7-1 start in conference play in the WAC. We will see how some of these turnaround teams fare down the stretch.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.