The college basketball season is in full swing and far too much of my time is being spent sitting on the couch in front of the television. Thanks to the ESPN family of networks, I am guaranteed at least two games every night of the week except Friday, and on the weekend I can basically watch basketball from noon until midnight.  In case you've had your priorities mixed up and have been preoccupied with something menial like a job or schoolwork, I'll fill you in the on world of college basketball.

Before I can begin, however, I feel I have to take the time to elaborate on the worst basketball commentator in the business. I am speaking of former UCLA basketball coach Steve Lavin. My hatred of Lavin began in 2002 when his Bruins upset my No. 1-seeded Cincinnati Bearcats in the second round of the NCAA tournament, and his poor commentary skills have only fueled my rage.  Lavin makes a habit out of using catch phrases that make absolutely no sense.  He uses the term "mashed potatoes" to describe anything from a good defensive play to a made basket.  He talks about "brother-in-law defense" at least three times a game.  I think it describes poor defense, but I don't know for sure.  I feel sorry for whoever is paired with Lavin as they force out an awkward laugh whenever Lavin drops one of these ridiculous lines.  If I had my way, Bill Raftery would announce every televised basketball game. I could listen to him say "Onions," "Dagger" and "With the kiss" for the rest of life.

While Raftery's status as best commentator is up for debate, on the court Texas freshman Kevin Durant is unquestionably the best player in college basketball.  The 6-9 forward can jump out of the gym, score from the post and light it up from three-point range.  He is third in the nation in rebounding, and he even blocks shots.  In a desperate attempt to describe Durant's limitless ability, analysts have called him everything from a new generation Sam Perkins to a hybrid of Kevin Garnett and Tracy McGrady.  The bottom line is that Durant is a star in the making, and he deserves to win every player of the year award available. Voters' bias against freshmen will probably cost him the awards, but college basketball fans need to check him out while they still can because I think he will be wearing a Boston Celtics uniform next season.

Fans also need to get a look at Ohio State freshman center Greg Oden before he takes his game to the next level.  I attend OSU and happen to take a class with Oden, so I can confirm two things. Oden is very large, and he looks like he is about 40 years old. He is the best true center to come along in a while, and when he is in the game he owns the paint. Oden spends most of the game assaulting the rim with his powerful dunks and sending attempted shots flying into the seats. Honestly, he is probably a little over hyped and his offensive game needs polishing, but don't tell him I said that.  He sits too close to me in class.

The new rule forcing players to attend college for a year before going to the NBA has raised the talent level in college basketball and made the sport that much more exciting to watch. Durant and Oden are just two of the many talented freshmen making headlines, but there are plenty of upper classmen to keep an eye on, too.

My personal favorite is Wisconsin senior forward Alando Tucker. Tucker is the perfect fit for the Big Ten conference where final scores in the 60s are considered high scoring. He is a scrappy, high-energy player that isn't afraid to throw his body around. He is the heart and soul of a solid Wisconsin team. On a side note, if anyone can tell me how Tucker got his nickname – "Get Money" – I would appreciate it.

Acie Law IV is a great player who is not getting enough recognition. The Texas A&M senior guard is as good in the clutch as they come. He isn't afraid to take and make big shots in crunch time, and is the main reason for the Aggies' 19-3 record. The fade-away three-pointer he buried in the closing seconds to lift A&M by Kansas this weekend at Phog Allen Fieldhouse shows the ice water running through this guys veins.

The best team in the country is Florida – as long as they want to be. As often happens with defending champions, the Gators have made a habit of playing down to their opponents and turning it on late in games. If Billy Donovan and company are focused come tournament time, I expect to see a repeat champion for the first time since Duke in 1991 and 1992.

If Florida slips up, North Carolina and its high-powered offense is primed to bring another title to Chapel Hill. The Tarheels have the unique problem of having entirely too much talent, and Roy Williams is still perfecting his rotation to get the team chemistry right. Regardless of the players Williams puts on the court, Carolina scores and scores a lot. They are the college version of the Showtime Lakers.