Third Team All-America: The selection of players is a combination of past success, hype, teammates and opportunity.
C Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut- The former project from Dar Es Salaam is now a bonafide star. His offensive numbers have slowly improved while being known for his seven-foot three frame and his gaudy 5.2 block/game average in conference play. He averaged just about 10 points and 8 rebounds a game last year. He scored 14 points in last years tournament loss to San Diego. He should be in for a huge year, offensively and defensively.
PF Jon Brockman, Washington- He has been hidden by U-Dub's recent struggles but make no mistake because Brockman has major talent. The senior from Snohomish averaged 11.6 rebounds a game last season, good for third in the nation behind only Michael Beasley and Jason Thompson, both first round picks in the NBA Draft. He grabbed 15.5 rebounds a game in his last meeting with UCLA and then Stanford. Thats 15 rebounds plus against Kevin Love and Brook Lopez, two fantastic players. Brockman can battle with the best of them.
SF Chase Budinger, Arizona- Another great Pac-10 player overshadowed by recent program maladies and an offseason in which he entered and then withdrew from the NBA draft. He passed up the pros for Lute Olsen, but now he has Russ Pennell. He still dropped 17 a game and used his slender but athletic frame to score in a multitude of ways. His wide open style will make him very attractive at the next level, but for now he can settle as an All-American.
SG Tyreke Evans, Memphis- The only freshman that will appear on this list. He already has NBA size at 6-6, 218. He also has the natural scoring ability that the Tigers will need if they want to play into the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. John Calipari is going to let him go and create his own shot in the Tigers popular offense Dribble Drive Motion. Pencil him for at least 17 points and serious consideration for Freshman of the Year.
PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse- This may some wishful thinking but you have to like his freshman stats (15.7pts and 5.3ast) and the return of guards Andy Rautins and Eric Devendorf from injury. Many scribes are touting the improvement of Center Arinze Onuaku and this will only add to the plethora of options for Flynn and the Syracuse offense. His true talent is when the pressure is on, witness his game winning three against St. Joseph's in only his second collegiate game.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Preseason Top 25
1. North Carolina
2. Connecticut
3. Purdue
4. Notre Dame
5. Pittsburgh
6. Oklahoma
7. Duke
8. UCLA
9. Michigan State
10. Louisville
11. Tennessee
12. Gonzaga
13. Texas
14. Georgetown
15. Memphis
16. Wake Forest
17. Villanova
18. Florida
19. Marquette
20. Kansas
21. UNLV
22. Southern California
23. Davidson
24. Arizona State
25. Syracuse
2. Connecticut
3. Purdue
4. Notre Dame
5. Pittsburgh
6. Oklahoma
7. Duke
8. UCLA
9. Michigan State
10. Louisville
11. Tennessee
12. Gonzaga
13. Texas
14. Georgetown
15. Memphis
16. Wake Forest
17. Villanova
18. Florida
19. Marquette
20. Kansas
21. UNLV
22. Southern California
23. Davidson
24. Arizona State
25. Syracuse
National Predictions
National Champion: North Carolina
Runner Up: Connecticut
Final Four: North Carolina, Connecticut, Michigan State, UCLA
Elite Eight: UNC, UConn, Mich. St, UCLA, Oklahoma, Texas, Gonzaga, Notre Dame
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough, F, North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: DeMar DeRozan, G/F, Southern California
Coach of the Year: Sidney Lowe, North Carolina State
Biggest Disappointment: Pittsburgh
Best Unknown Major Conference Player: Curtis Jerrells, G, Baylor
Stephen Curry NCAA Tournament Mid-Major Star: Brandon Johnson, G, San Diego
Runner Up: Connecticut
Final Four: North Carolina, Connecticut, Michigan State, UCLA
Elite Eight: UNC, UConn, Mich. St, UCLA, Oklahoma, Texas, Gonzaga, Notre Dame
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough, F, North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: DeMar DeRozan, G/F, Southern California
Coach of the Year: Sidney Lowe, North Carolina State
Biggest Disappointment: Pittsburgh
Best Unknown Major Conference Player: Curtis Jerrells, G, Baylor
Stephen Curry NCAA Tournament Mid-Major Star: Brandon Johnson, G, San Diego
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
2008-2009 College Basketball Preview: Non-BCS Teams
Memphis and Gonzaga are routinely part of the Top 25 year in and year out. What people forget is that they play in non-major conferences like Conference USA and the West Coast Conference, respectively. Here are the mid-major teams to watch this season.
Davidson:
Where they play: Southern Conference
Why we like them: Stephen Curry (25.9 ppg) is unreal and singlehandedly took Davidson to the brink of the Final Four.
Caution: Curry lost heady PG Jason Richards to graduation. Now he needs to find his teammates and his own shot.
Tests: North Carolina St, at West Virginia, at Purdue, and at Duke.
Prediction: NCAA Second Round
Gonzaga:
Where they play: West Coast Conference
Why we like them: Jeremy Pargo, Austin Daye, Matt Bouldin, and Josh Heytvelt
Caution: Daye is coming back from a knee injury over the summer. With all the talent, expectations will be high
Tests: vs Oklahoma St, vs Maryland or Michigan State, vs Indiana, at Washington State, vs UCONN, at Tennessee
Prediction: Sweet 16
Memphis:
Where they play: Conference USA
Why we like them: A mix of veterans (Antonio Anderson, Robert Dozier) and freshman (Tyreke Evans, Wesley Witherspoon)
Caution: They lost Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Joey Dorsey. Replacing experience is always tough.
Tests: vs Seton Hall or USC, at Georgetown, Syracuse, at Tennessee
Prediction: NCAA Second Round
Nevada:
Where they play: Western Athletic Conference
Why we like them: Solid veterans with Joey Shaw and Brandon Fields. Freshman big Luke Babbit was a McDonald's All American.
Caution: A relatively young team (7 sophomores and freshman) that needs to grow up or be eaten up.
Tests: vs Oregon State, vs UNLV, vs North Carolina.
Prediction: NCAA First Round
Siena
Where they play: Metro Atlantic Athletic Association
Why we like them: They return their top three scorers in Kenny Hasbrouck, Edwin Ubiles, and Alex Franklin
Caution: They were the Cinderella darlings last season and anything less will be a disappointment.
Tests: vs Tennessee, at Pittsburgh, at Kansas
Prediction: NCAA First Round
St. Mary's (CA)
Where they play: West Coast Conference
Why we like them: They have four of their top six scorers back including Australian Olympic player Patrick Mills.
Caution: They play in the same conference as Gonzaga so anything less than a league title may not be good enough.
Tests: at Oregon, vs Wake Forest, Southern Illinois
Prediction: NCAA Bubble
UNLV
Where they play: Mountain West Conference
Why we like them: Return four of five top scorers and also welcome redshirt freshman center Beas Hamga.
Caution: Wink Adams is the team's best player, the rest of the squad must learn to play off him consistently.
Tests: California, Arizona, at Louisville
Prediction: NCAA Second Round
Xavier:
Where they play: Atlantic Ten
Why we like them: Four upperclassmen (C.J. Anderson, Derrick Brown, Jason Love, and B.J. Raymond) have tournament minutes.
Caution: Thin backcourt that will rely on many inexperienced players.
Tests: vs Missouri, vs Duke, Butler
Prediction: NCAA Second Round
Davidson:
Where they play: Southern Conference
Why we like them: Stephen Curry (25.9 ppg) is unreal and singlehandedly took Davidson to the brink of the Final Four.
Caution: Curry lost heady PG Jason Richards to graduation. Now he needs to find his teammates and his own shot.
Tests: North Carolina St, at West Virginia, at Purdue, and at Duke.
Prediction: NCAA Second Round
Gonzaga:
Where they play: West Coast Conference
Why we like them: Jeremy Pargo, Austin Daye, Matt Bouldin, and Josh Heytvelt
Caution: Daye is coming back from a knee injury over the summer. With all the talent, expectations will be high
Tests: vs Oklahoma St, vs Maryland or Michigan State, vs Indiana, at Washington State, vs UCONN, at Tennessee
Prediction: Sweet 16
Memphis:
Where they play: Conference USA
Why we like them: A mix of veterans (Antonio Anderson, Robert Dozier) and freshman (Tyreke Evans, Wesley Witherspoon)
Caution: They lost Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Joey Dorsey. Replacing experience is always tough.
Tests: vs Seton Hall or USC, at Georgetown, Syracuse, at Tennessee
Prediction: NCAA Second Round
Nevada:
Where they play: Western Athletic Conference
Why we like them: Solid veterans with Joey Shaw and Brandon Fields. Freshman big Luke Babbit was a McDonald's All American.
Caution: A relatively young team (7 sophomores and freshman) that needs to grow up or be eaten up.
Tests: vs Oregon State, vs UNLV, vs North Carolina.
Prediction: NCAA First Round
Siena
Where they play: Metro Atlantic Athletic Association
Why we like them: They return their top three scorers in Kenny Hasbrouck, Edwin Ubiles, and Alex Franklin
Caution: They were the Cinderella darlings last season and anything less will be a disappointment.
Tests: vs Tennessee, at Pittsburgh, at Kansas
Prediction: NCAA First Round
St. Mary's (CA)
Where they play: West Coast Conference
Why we like them: They have four of their top six scorers back including Australian Olympic player Patrick Mills.
Caution: They play in the same conference as Gonzaga so anything less than a league title may not be good enough.
Tests: at Oregon, vs Wake Forest, Southern Illinois
Prediction: NCAA Bubble
UNLV
Where they play: Mountain West Conference
Why we like them: Return four of five top scorers and also welcome redshirt freshman center Beas Hamga.
Caution: Wink Adams is the team's best player, the rest of the squad must learn to play off him consistently.
Tests: California, Arizona, at Louisville
Prediction: NCAA Second Round
Xavier:
Where they play: Atlantic Ten
Why we like them: Four upperclassmen (C.J. Anderson, Derrick Brown, Jason Love, and B.J. Raymond) have tournament minutes.
Caution: Thin backcourt that will rely on many inexperienced players.
Tests: vs Missouri, vs Duke, Butler
Prediction: NCAA Second Round
Monday, October 20, 2008
2008-2009 College Basketball Preview: SEC
It's safe to say that the SEC can be had by anyone. Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, LSU, and Alabama could all possibly win the conference. LSU might falter because of a new coach in Trent Johnson and the loss of key player Anthony Randolph to the NBA. But what you can like is the return from injury of Tasmin Mitchell, the defensive toughness of Garrett a Temple, and the scoring prowess of Marcus Thornton.
Alabama is also welcoming back a key player, PG Ronald Steele. The heady guard is back from injury and will be ready to team with freshman forward JaMychal Green and senior guard Alonzo Gee. They have been picked to win the SEC West and will need to play with confidence and not let expectations bring them down.
Kentucky is another team with some nice players like sophomore Patrick Patterson, freshman guard DeAndre Liggins, and junior guard Jodie Meeks, another player coming back from...injury ( Lots of key players back). What is battling them is their lack of depth and quality options off the bench. A guy like sophomore forward AJ Stewart will need to step up off the bench and give Kentucky some quality minutes.
Florida is not bringing back someone from injury but they are trying to replace sophomore Marreese Speights who went pro. Up front will be junior Dan Werner, sophomore Alex Tyus, and freshmen Kenny Kadji and Eloy Vargas. The backcourt is stacked with Nick Calathes, Jai Lucas, and senior Walter Hodge.
Tennessee lost Chris Lofton to graduation while Ramar Smith and Duke Crews were booted. Whats left? They have an absolute star in Tyler Smith, who has to become the go-to-scorer and demand the ball in crunch time. Flanking him will be freshman Scotty Hopson, and juniors Wayne Chism and J.P. Prince. Bruce Pearl is a tremendous coach and always schedules tough non-conference games. These early battles will show a lot about what kind of team the Volunteers have.
SEC EAST:
1. Tennessee*
2. Florida
3. Kentucky
4. South Carolina
5. Vanderbilt
6. Georgia
SEC WEST:
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Ole Miss
4. Arkansas
5. Auburn
6. Mississippi State
*overall champion
AWARDS SECTION:
Player of the Year: Tyler Smith, F, Tennessee
Freshman of the Year: JaMychal Green, F, Alabama
Most Improved Player: Stefan Welsh, G, Arkansas
Coach of the Year: Trent Johnson, LSU
All-SEC 1st Team:
C AJ Ogilvy, Vanderbilt
PF Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
SF Tasmin Mitchell, LSU
G/F Tyler Smith, Tennessee
PG Nick Calathes, Florida
Alabama is also welcoming back a key player, PG Ronald Steele. The heady guard is back from injury and will be ready to team with freshman forward JaMychal Green and senior guard Alonzo Gee. They have been picked to win the SEC West and will need to play with confidence and not let expectations bring them down.
Kentucky is another team with some nice players like sophomore Patrick Patterson, freshman guard DeAndre Liggins, and junior guard Jodie Meeks, another player coming back from...injury ( Lots of key players back). What is battling them is their lack of depth and quality options off the bench. A guy like sophomore forward AJ Stewart will need to step up off the bench and give Kentucky some quality minutes.
Florida is not bringing back someone from injury but they are trying to replace sophomore Marreese Speights who went pro. Up front will be junior Dan Werner, sophomore Alex Tyus, and freshmen Kenny Kadji and Eloy Vargas. The backcourt is stacked with Nick Calathes, Jai Lucas, and senior Walter Hodge.
Tennessee lost Chris Lofton to graduation while Ramar Smith and Duke Crews were booted. Whats left? They have an absolute star in Tyler Smith, who has to become the go-to-scorer and demand the ball in crunch time. Flanking him will be freshman Scotty Hopson, and juniors Wayne Chism and J.P. Prince. Bruce Pearl is a tremendous coach and always schedules tough non-conference games. These early battles will show a lot about what kind of team the Volunteers have.
SEC EAST:
1. Tennessee*
2. Florida
3. Kentucky
4. South Carolina
5. Vanderbilt
6. Georgia
SEC WEST:
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Ole Miss
4. Arkansas
5. Auburn
6. Mississippi State
*overall champion
AWARDS SECTION:
Player of the Year: Tyler Smith, F, Tennessee
Freshman of the Year: JaMychal Green, F, Alabama
Most Improved Player: Stefan Welsh, G, Arkansas
Coach of the Year: Trent Johnson, LSU
All-SEC 1st Team:
C AJ Ogilvy, Vanderbilt
PF Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
SF Tasmin Mitchell, LSU
G/F Tyler Smith, Tennessee
PG Nick Calathes, Florida
Sunday, October 19, 2008
2008-2009 College Basketball Preview: Pac-10
It seems like every year UCLA is the favorite to win the Pac-10 and this year is no different. Back are familiar faces Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, and Alfred Aboya. Joining them will be the slowly emerging James Keefe, sharp shooter Michael Roll, and a fabulous freshman class highlighted by guard Jrue Holiday and forward Drew Gordon. With the talent on the floor and the brain trust on the bench, a fourth straight Final Four is not out of the question.
Challenging UCLA will primarily be USC and Washington State. The Trojans lost OJ Mayo to the NBA but have a capable replacement in freshman DeMar DeRozan. The steady hand of Daniel Hackett will be key because he knows how to spread the ball and how to lead. Junior Taj Gibson returns up front and will look to regain the positive draft buzz he had after his freshman year.
Washington State returns three solid contributors in big man Aron Baynes, forward Daven Harmeling, and guard Taylor Rochestie. Many of the authorities on college basketball have been touting freshman forward Klay Thompson as a possible star. If Thompson can fulfill these lofty expectations, then coach Tony Bennett should have another successful season on his hands.
A team to watch will be Arizona State. Kevin Love and Mayo outshined James Harden last year as Pac-10 freshman so now Harden will have his time to shine. The Sun Devils have a nice inside out combo with Harden and senior forward James Pendergraph. Pendergraph needs to be as productive on the inside as Harden is on the outside for ASU to be successful.
You also can't count out Arizona as well as a possible surprise team in Oregon. Brandon Jennings shocked the world when he bypassed college for a year of European basketball. Lute Olsen still has junior star Chase Budinger as well as solid big man Jordan Hill. The 'Zona role players like Nic Wise, Jamelle Horne, and Fendi Onobun will have to step up or Arizona will be close to the bubble come March. For Oregon, their hopes will rest on the small shoulders of TaJuan Porter. The 5-foot-6 junior is the Ducks' best player and will need to score early and often every game. Senior Churchill Odia has one more year to fulfill the potential many people thought he had and will need to step up for his team. In the post, Maarty Leunen is gone and now the bulk will fall to talented freshman Michael Dunigan from Chicago. Keep an eye on Joevan Catron, he could in for a big season.
1. UCLA, 2. USC, 3. Washington State, 4. Arizona State, 5. Arizona, 6. Stanford, 7. Washington, 8. Oregon, 9. California, 10. Oregon State
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: James Harden, SG, Arizona State
Freshman of the Year: DeMar DeRozan, G/F, USC
Most Improved Player: Jamelle Horne, F, Arizona
Coach of the Year: Herb Sendek, Arizona State
All Pac-10 1st team:
C Jon Brockman, Washington
PF Taj Gibson, USC
SF Chase Budinger, Arizona
SG James Harden, Arizona State
PG Darren Collison, UCLA
Challenging UCLA will primarily be USC and Washington State. The Trojans lost OJ Mayo to the NBA but have a capable replacement in freshman DeMar DeRozan. The steady hand of Daniel Hackett will be key because he knows how to spread the ball and how to lead. Junior Taj Gibson returns up front and will look to regain the positive draft buzz he had after his freshman year.
Washington State returns three solid contributors in big man Aron Baynes, forward Daven Harmeling, and guard Taylor Rochestie. Many of the authorities on college basketball have been touting freshman forward Klay Thompson as a possible star. If Thompson can fulfill these lofty expectations, then coach Tony Bennett should have another successful season on his hands.
A team to watch will be Arizona State. Kevin Love and Mayo outshined James Harden last year as Pac-10 freshman so now Harden will have his time to shine. The Sun Devils have a nice inside out combo with Harden and senior forward James Pendergraph. Pendergraph needs to be as productive on the inside as Harden is on the outside for ASU to be successful.
You also can't count out Arizona as well as a possible surprise team in Oregon. Brandon Jennings shocked the world when he bypassed college for a year of European basketball. Lute Olsen still has junior star Chase Budinger as well as solid big man Jordan Hill. The 'Zona role players like Nic Wise, Jamelle Horne, and Fendi Onobun will have to step up or Arizona will be close to the bubble come March. For Oregon, their hopes will rest on the small shoulders of TaJuan Porter. The 5-foot-6 junior is the Ducks' best player and will need to score early and often every game. Senior Churchill Odia has one more year to fulfill the potential many people thought he had and will need to step up for his team. In the post, Maarty Leunen is gone and now the bulk will fall to talented freshman Michael Dunigan from Chicago. Keep an eye on Joevan Catron, he could in for a big season.
1. UCLA, 2. USC, 3. Washington State, 4. Arizona State, 5. Arizona, 6. Stanford, 7. Washington, 8. Oregon, 9. California, 10. Oregon State
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: James Harden, SG, Arizona State
Freshman of the Year: DeMar DeRozan, G/F, USC
Most Improved Player: Jamelle Horne, F, Arizona
Coach of the Year: Herb Sendek, Arizona State
All Pac-10 1st team:
C Jon Brockman, Washington
PF Taj Gibson, USC
SF Chase Budinger, Arizona
SG James Harden, Arizona State
PG Darren Collison, UCLA
Saturday, October 18, 2008
2008-2009 College Basketball Preview: Big Twelve
Big 12 member Kansas took home the title last season but after massive graduation and NBA defections, they are full of newcomers and while possessing tremendous talent, will falter early on because their youth and inexperience. The contenders for the Big 12 title fall to Oklahoma and Texas.
It seems like Rick Barnes loses NBA talent every season and still puts together a quality team. He is a fantastic recruiter and this team is no different from some of his others in the past. His main scoring option will be senior AJ Abrams. He may be short in stature at 5-11 but his ability to shoot and score points in unparalleled. If Rick Barnes chooses to go with three guards, watch out for the steady handed Justin Mason to play the small forward spot and freshman PG Dogus Balbay to handle the point. If Balbay emerges, it could free up Abrams to primarily focus on scoring. Up front are Damion James, Gary Johnson, and Connor Atchley. James has made significant strides the last two seasons and this could be the year he becomes an All-American.
Oklahoma looks like the slight favorite over Texas because of their experience (three starters back) and especially sophomore PF Blake Griffin, a possible top five NBA draft pick in 2009. Along side Griffin will be his brother, Taylor, sweet shooting senior Austin Johnson, and McDonald's All-American guard Willie Warren. Look for UCLA transfer Ryan Wright to have a nice impact in the post off the bench for the Sooners.
Nipping at the heels of the top two will be Baylor. Scott Drew has stockpiled talented guards and is working with Curtis Jerrells, LaceDarius Dunn, Henry Dugat, and Demond "Tweety" Carter. They will push the ball at every opportunity and will make every game a track meet. The big question will be if Kevin Rogers, Qunicy Acy, Josh Lomers, and Mamadou Diene can hold down the fort up front. The long term success of this team depends on the development of their frontcourt players.
1. Oklahoma, 2. Texas, 3. Baylor, 4. Kansas, 5. Kansas State, 6. Texas A&M, 7. Missouri, 8. Oklahoma State, 9. Texas Tech, 10. Nebraska, 11. Iowa State, 12. Colorado.
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Blake Griffin, F/C, Oklahoma
Freshman of the Year: Marcus Morris, F, Kansas
Most Improved Player: Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
Coach of the Year: Frank Martin, Kansas State
All- Big 12 1st Team:
F/C Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
PF Damion James, Texas
SF James Anderson, Oklahoma State
SG AJ Abrams, Texas
PG Curtis Jerrells, Baylor
It seems like Rick Barnes loses NBA talent every season and still puts together a quality team. He is a fantastic recruiter and this team is no different from some of his others in the past. His main scoring option will be senior AJ Abrams. He may be short in stature at 5-11 but his ability to shoot and score points in unparalleled. If Rick Barnes chooses to go with three guards, watch out for the steady handed Justin Mason to play the small forward spot and freshman PG Dogus Balbay to handle the point. If Balbay emerges, it could free up Abrams to primarily focus on scoring. Up front are Damion James, Gary Johnson, and Connor Atchley. James has made significant strides the last two seasons and this could be the year he becomes an All-American.
Oklahoma looks like the slight favorite over Texas because of their experience (three starters back) and especially sophomore PF Blake Griffin, a possible top five NBA draft pick in 2009. Along side Griffin will be his brother, Taylor, sweet shooting senior Austin Johnson, and McDonald's All-American guard Willie Warren. Look for UCLA transfer Ryan Wright to have a nice impact in the post off the bench for the Sooners.
Nipping at the heels of the top two will be Baylor. Scott Drew has stockpiled talented guards and is working with Curtis Jerrells, LaceDarius Dunn, Henry Dugat, and Demond "Tweety" Carter. They will push the ball at every opportunity and will make every game a track meet. The big question will be if Kevin Rogers, Qunicy Acy, Josh Lomers, and Mamadou Diene can hold down the fort up front. The long term success of this team depends on the development of their frontcourt players.
1. Oklahoma, 2. Texas, 3. Baylor, 4. Kansas, 5. Kansas State, 6. Texas A&M, 7. Missouri, 8. Oklahoma State, 9. Texas Tech, 10. Nebraska, 11. Iowa State, 12. Colorado.
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Blake Griffin, F/C, Oklahoma
Freshman of the Year: Marcus Morris, F, Kansas
Most Improved Player: Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas
Coach of the Year: Frank Martin, Kansas State
All- Big 12 1st Team:
F/C Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
PF Damion James, Texas
SF James Anderson, Oklahoma State
SG AJ Abrams, Texas
PG Curtis Jerrells, Baylor
Friday, October 17, 2008
2008-2009 College Basketball Preview: Big Ten
The top five from last year, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana, Michigan State, and Ohio St will still be tough this year, except for Indiana because of their gutting and subsequent rebuilding this season. Purdue and Michigan State look like the favorites on paper. Purdue is returning every important player minus Scott Martin (transfer) and Tarrance Crump (senior). Still on board are Robbie Hummel, Chris Kramer, Keaton Grant, and budding star guard E'Twaun Moore. Matt Painter's baby Boilermakers finished second last year and figure to stay in second or ascend to the top. The development of Hummel, Moore, and especially Johnson will be the key. Development will equal a Big Ten regular season championship.
Nipping at their heels will be a familiar face, Michigan State. Tom Izzo looks like he may finally have the right combination of size and speed that he has been looking for since his first and only title in 2000. Raymar Morgan, Travis Walton, Goran Suton, and Kalin Lucas are back. Drew Neitzel is gone but MSU fans could have an addition by subtraction deal on their hands. Neitzel was a supreme talent but his teammates defferred to him too much, now it's their turn to shine. Lucas, along with Chris Allen and Durrell Summers will need to step up and show that they deserved their lofty expectations coming out of high school two years ago. Throw in super freshman Delvon Roe and you have size, speed, and depth at every position. Even if they don't win the Big Ten, the Spartans could make noise in March.
Ohio State has been stockpiling talent for several years now but this talent is still young and may not be ready for the big stage. The frontcourt will be anchored by freshman BJ Mullens and sophomores Dallas Lauderdale and Evan Turner. Mullens, who some said was the best high school player in the nation, will be counted on early and often to score and rebound consistently. In the backcourt is David Lighty, a strong 6-foot-5 guard who can score and also provide leadership to a young team. Lighty will need to help out because it could be a point guard by committee with freshman Anthony Crater and junior PJ Hill.
A team to look out for is Tubby Smith's Minnesota team. They lose three out of their top five but Smith's coaching abilities can't be overlooked. They return Big Ten Tournament hero Blake Hoffharbar and quick guard Lawrence Westbrook. Smith also brought in a highly touted freshman class with guard Devoe Joseph, forward Colton Iverson, and center Ralph Sampson III (yes that Ralph Sampson). The excitement is there, watch out for this team late in the season.
Outside the top four, the rest of the Big Ten is relatively weak.
1. Purdue, 2. Michigan State, 3. Ohio State, 4. Wisconsin, 5. Penn State, 6. Michigan, 7. Iowa, 8. Minnesota, 9. Illinois, 10. Northwestern, 11. Indiana.
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Raymar Morgan, F, Michigan State
Freshman of the Year: BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State
Most Improved Player: JaJuan Johnson, F, Purdue
Coach of the Year: Ed DeChellis, Penn State
All-Big Ten 1st team:
C BJ Mullens, Ohio State
PF Raymar Morgan, Michigan State
SF Robbie Hummel, Purdue
SG E'Twaun Moore, Purdue
G Manny Harris, Michigan
Nipping at their heels will be a familiar face, Michigan State. Tom Izzo looks like he may finally have the right combination of size and speed that he has been looking for since his first and only title in 2000. Raymar Morgan, Travis Walton, Goran Suton, and Kalin Lucas are back. Drew Neitzel is gone but MSU fans could have an addition by subtraction deal on their hands. Neitzel was a supreme talent but his teammates defferred to him too much, now it's their turn to shine. Lucas, along with Chris Allen and Durrell Summers will need to step up and show that they deserved their lofty expectations coming out of high school two years ago. Throw in super freshman Delvon Roe and you have size, speed, and depth at every position. Even if they don't win the Big Ten, the Spartans could make noise in March.
Ohio State has been stockpiling talent for several years now but this talent is still young and may not be ready for the big stage. The frontcourt will be anchored by freshman BJ Mullens and sophomores Dallas Lauderdale and Evan Turner. Mullens, who some said was the best high school player in the nation, will be counted on early and often to score and rebound consistently. In the backcourt is David Lighty, a strong 6-foot-5 guard who can score and also provide leadership to a young team. Lighty will need to help out because it could be a point guard by committee with freshman Anthony Crater and junior PJ Hill.
A team to look out for is Tubby Smith's Minnesota team. They lose three out of their top five but Smith's coaching abilities can't be overlooked. They return Big Ten Tournament hero Blake Hoffharbar and quick guard Lawrence Westbrook. Smith also brought in a highly touted freshman class with guard Devoe Joseph, forward Colton Iverson, and center Ralph Sampson III (yes that Ralph Sampson). The excitement is there, watch out for this team late in the season.
Outside the top four, the rest of the Big Ten is relatively weak.
1. Purdue, 2. Michigan State, 3. Ohio State, 4. Wisconsin, 5. Penn State, 6. Michigan, 7. Iowa, 8. Minnesota, 9. Illinois, 10. Northwestern, 11. Indiana.
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Raymar Morgan, F, Michigan State
Freshman of the Year: BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State
Most Improved Player: JaJuan Johnson, F, Purdue
Coach of the Year: Ed DeChellis, Penn State
All-Big Ten 1st team:
C BJ Mullens, Ohio State
PF Raymar Morgan, Michigan State
SF Robbie Hummel, Purdue
SG E'Twaun Moore, Purdue
G Manny Harris, Michigan
Thursday, October 16, 2008
2008-2009 College Basketball Preview: Big East
You look at the teams and talent in this league and you can only say wow. This could be the best conference top to bottom in the history of college basketball. Talented bigs? Luke Harangody, Hasheem Thabeet, DeJuan Blair, Earl Clark, check. Floor leaders? Levance Fields, Jonny Flynn, Dominic James, AJ Price, check. It's going to be a dogfight once conference play opens and the team who survives and excels will be the team that wins the regular season conference title. The tournament is up for grabs because all sixteen teams are in and if you get hot, you can make a run.
You must start with the top tier teams of the conference in Connecticut, Notre Dame, and Louisville. UCONN has another potent three guard lineup with AJ Price, Jerome Dyson, and McDonalds All-American Kemba Walker. Up front is Jeff Adrien and Hasheem Thabeet. They may get hit on the offensive boards, but their speed will be the difference because they can control the tempo. Add Stanley Robinson from his hiatus in December and your looking at a Final Four possibility.
Notre Dame has the inside-outside combination of Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney. Throw in Tory Jackson, Luke Zeller, and the underrated Zach Hillesland to create a smart, veteran, and talented core. The Irish were stymied by the stingy Washington State defense last March and are motivated to move past that and into the Sweet 16. This is Mike Brey's most talented team to date.
Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals also boast depth and talent. In the backcourt are veterans Andre McGee and the sweet shooting Jerry Smith. Edgar Sosa looms on the bench after a season in Pitino's doghouse. If Sosa can find his game, then the team will take off. Earl Clark and freshman Samardo Samuels will carry the load upfront. Athletic freshman big Terrance Jennings could be a darkhorse contributor off that bench as well.
Even with those talented teams, Pittsburgh (Levance Fields, DeJuan Blair, Sam Young), Syracuse (Jonny Flynn, Paul Harris, Eric Devendorf, Marquette (Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, Wes Matthews, and Villanova (Scottie Reynolds, Corey Stokes, Dante Cunningham) have the talent to play big-time basketball. The talent is sublime and it will be an absolute treat to watch the conference this season.
DISCLAIMER: Every lower ranked team has the potential and talent to move up. That's West Virginia, Georgetown, Cincinnati, DePaul etc.
1. Connecticut, 2. Notre Dame, 3. Louisville, 4. Pittsburgh, 5. Marquette, 6. Syracuse, 7. Georgetown, 8. Villanova, 9. Cincinnati, 10. West Virginia, 11. Rutgers, 12. DePaul, 13. South Florida, 14. St. Johns, 15. Providence, 16. Seton Hall
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Sam Young, F, Pittsburgh
Freshman of the Year: Samardo Samuels, F, Louisville
Most Improved Player: Chris Wright, G, Georgetown
Coach of the Year: Jim Boeheim, Syracuse
All-Big East 1st Team:
C Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
PF Earl Clark, Louisville
SF Sam Young, Pittsburgh
SG AJ Price, Connecticut
PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
You must start with the top tier teams of the conference in Connecticut, Notre Dame, and Louisville. UCONN has another potent three guard lineup with AJ Price, Jerome Dyson, and McDonalds All-American Kemba Walker. Up front is Jeff Adrien and Hasheem Thabeet. They may get hit on the offensive boards, but their speed will be the difference because they can control the tempo. Add Stanley Robinson from his hiatus in December and your looking at a Final Four possibility.
Notre Dame has the inside-outside combination of Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney. Throw in Tory Jackson, Luke Zeller, and the underrated Zach Hillesland to create a smart, veteran, and talented core. The Irish were stymied by the stingy Washington State defense last March and are motivated to move past that and into the Sweet 16. This is Mike Brey's most talented team to date.
Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals also boast depth and talent. In the backcourt are veterans Andre McGee and the sweet shooting Jerry Smith. Edgar Sosa looms on the bench after a season in Pitino's doghouse. If Sosa can find his game, then the team will take off. Earl Clark and freshman Samardo Samuels will carry the load upfront. Athletic freshman big Terrance Jennings could be a darkhorse contributor off that bench as well.
Even with those talented teams, Pittsburgh (Levance Fields, DeJuan Blair, Sam Young), Syracuse (Jonny Flynn, Paul Harris, Eric Devendorf, Marquette (Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, Wes Matthews, and Villanova (Scottie Reynolds, Corey Stokes, Dante Cunningham) have the talent to play big-time basketball. The talent is sublime and it will be an absolute treat to watch the conference this season.
DISCLAIMER: Every lower ranked team has the potential and talent to move up. That's West Virginia, Georgetown, Cincinnati, DePaul etc.
1. Connecticut, 2. Notre Dame, 3. Louisville, 4. Pittsburgh, 5. Marquette, 6. Syracuse, 7. Georgetown, 8. Villanova, 9. Cincinnati, 10. West Virginia, 11. Rutgers, 12. DePaul, 13. South Florida, 14. St. Johns, 15. Providence, 16. Seton Hall
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Sam Young, F, Pittsburgh
Freshman of the Year: Samardo Samuels, F, Louisville
Most Improved Player: Chris Wright, G, Georgetown
Coach of the Year: Jim Boeheim, Syracuse
All-Big East 1st Team:
C Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
PF Earl Clark, Louisville
SF Sam Young, Pittsburgh
SG AJ Price, Connecticut
PG Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
2008-2009 College Basketball Preview: ACC
Clearly the class of the ACC and of the nation is North Carolina. They are far and away the most talented team in the nation. They bring back Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Marcus Ginyard, Danny Green, Deon Thompson, and a guy named Tyler Hansbrough. Don't forget Bobb Frasor and highly touted freshman bigs Luke Zeller and Ed Davis. Their only problem is on defense, if they can hustle back and play tough man-to-man defense and possibly win a slowdown game, then they can win the title. Fix the halfcourt offense and defense, the title will be all but guaranteed.
Many of the teams in the ACC have questions that, with favorable answers, will translate into success. Maryland has an amazing player in Greivis Vazquez but they also have questions about who will shoulder the load in the post. Miami also has talent with Jack McClinton, who established himself as one of the premier ACC guard last season. He is aided by blue-chip freshman DeQuan Jones. Once again, inside scoring will be a problem. Anthony King is gone so all eyes on Dwayne Collins to see if he can really be as talented as everyone thinks he is.
Once again Duke is a threat to UNC because of their unbelievable array of slashing and shooting talent. Greg Paulus, Nolan Smith, Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer the list goes on. Keep an eye on Clemson, Miami, and especially Wake Forest. The Deamon Deacons return all their key players and add a stacked frontcourt class of Al-Farouq Aminu, Tony Woods, and Ty Walker.
Even NC State, the last place team in the conference last season, has a chance to make some noise. The team admittedly had some chemistry problems last year but this year the chi looks better. Brandon Costner needs to forget his sophomore slump and become ready to carry the Wolfpack like the star player he can be.
1. North Carolina, 2. Duke, 3. Miami, 4. Wake Forest, 5. NC State, 6. Clemson, 7. Virginia Tech, 8. Georgia Tech, 9. Maryland, 10. Florida State, 11. Boston College, 12. Virginia
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough, F/C, North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest
Most Improved Player: Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech
Coach of the Year: Sidney Lowe, NC State
All-ACC 1st Team:
C Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
PF James Johnson, Wake Forest
G/F Greivis Vazquez, Maryland
SG Jack McClinton, Miami
PG Tyrese Rice, Boston College
Many of the teams in the ACC have questions that, with favorable answers, will translate into success. Maryland has an amazing player in Greivis Vazquez but they also have questions about who will shoulder the load in the post. Miami also has talent with Jack McClinton, who established himself as one of the premier ACC guard last season. He is aided by blue-chip freshman DeQuan Jones. Once again, inside scoring will be a problem. Anthony King is gone so all eyes on Dwayne Collins to see if he can really be as talented as everyone thinks he is.
Once again Duke is a threat to UNC because of their unbelievable array of slashing and shooting talent. Greg Paulus, Nolan Smith, Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer the list goes on. Keep an eye on Clemson, Miami, and especially Wake Forest. The Deamon Deacons return all their key players and add a stacked frontcourt class of Al-Farouq Aminu, Tony Woods, and Ty Walker.
Even NC State, the last place team in the conference last season, has a chance to make some noise. The team admittedly had some chemistry problems last year but this year the chi looks better. Brandon Costner needs to forget his sophomore slump and become ready to carry the Wolfpack like the star player he can be.
1. North Carolina, 2. Duke, 3. Miami, 4. Wake Forest, 5. NC State, 6. Clemson, 7. Virginia Tech, 8. Georgia Tech, 9. Maryland, 10. Florida State, 11. Boston College, 12. Virginia
Awards Section:
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough, F/C, North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest
Most Improved Player: Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech
Coach of the Year: Sidney Lowe, NC State
All-ACC 1st Team:
C Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
PF James Johnson, Wake Forest
G/F Greivis Vazquez, Maryland
SG Jack McClinton, Miami
PG Tyrese Rice, Boston College
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