6. Can Vandy learn to protect the ball? Some preseason publications noted the presence of accomplished veterans Festus Ezeli, Jeffery Taylor and John Jenkins and projected the Commodores for a top-five status — forgetting the same group lost 11 games last season.

The Commodores have lost first-round NCAA Tournament games in three of the past four seasons. Last year, the problem mostly was efficiency with the ball. They turned it over nearly as often as someone passed for an assist. It’s not all about point guard Brad Tinsley, a fine player who is slightly miscast. It is everyone’s responsibility to be more responsible with the ball.