To the editor:

In reading Bill Mayer’s article comparing this year’s team to last year, I have to disagree. Yes, the injury to Wayne Simien is unfortunate and will set this team back, but it will also prepare this team and bench for a February and March to remember.

Last year’s team was so much fun to watch but did not play the schedule necessary to prepare them. Drew Gooden and Jeff Boschee were offensive players that make delightful viewing but were weak on defense, particularly Gooden. This team is much better defensively and that is what wins championships.

This team has improved more than any team that Roy Williams has had. Most of our teams play their best ball in December. This bench will gel; watch Jeff Graves and Michael Lee during the next two weeks. We have the horses (and they will not be dark-horses) and a team that will be feared by any No. 1 seed in the bracket.

John Ranson,

Pagosa Springs, Colo.