BIG EAST CONFERENCE:
Deonta Vaughn SG Cincinnati- The junior from Indianapolis scored 17.3 points a game last year while also handling the ball and often guarding the opponents best guard. The Big East is so deep that a guy like Vaughn goes unnoticed. This year he is expected to lead Cincinnati to a possible NCAA Tournament berth as well as being competitive in the best conference in the country.
Arinze Onuaku C Syracuse-Everybody thinks they know about Syracuse. Eric Devendorf, Jonny Flynn, Jim Boeheim and the despair the Orange have felt on Selection Sunday the last two years. The burly Onuaku is a possible double double threat every night and with the return of Devendorf and Andy Rautins on the perimeter, he should find more room to operate in the post.
Da'Sean Butler SF West Virginia- The long and rangy Butler has the typical small forward physique (6-7, 225) and has a game fit for an up tempo contest. His long range shot has quietly improved and this could be his national coming out season. He dropped 19 in his first game including a perfect three for three from deep, watch out.
PAC-10:
Lawrence Hill PF Stanford- With the Lopez twins gone, Johnny Dawkins really needs Hill to step up and be the man inside. He has a great inside out game and has the experience of starting and learning with two NBA rookies. He dropped 22 on Yale with an efficient 8 of 11 from the field. Hill is ready for the big time.
Dwight Lewis SG USC- Although he plays second and sometimes third fiddle in the USC offense, Lewis is no slouch and is capable of torching any defense on any night. He will see plenty of open looks because of the attention drawn to freshman DeMar DeRozan as well as the precise passes of Daniel Hackett. Don't sleep on him because you will pay.
Patrick Christopher SG California-Another great player lost on a rebuilding team. Christopher has great guard size and uses that by scoring in a variety of ways. He gets to the line and he also can pass and find his teammates. He needs to work on his rebounding to become a great all-around player but his scoring prowess will suffice for now.
SEC:
Dan Werner PF Florida-Nick Calathes garners most of the pub in Gainesville but if this team goes deep into March, Calathes will need to thank Werner for keeping the perimeter clean. The 6-9 Werner has a sweet shooting touch and can also go into the paint and mix it up with the big men. Werner has endless possibilities.
Michael Washington F/C Arkansas- The homegrown junior sat back and watched a perimeter attack last year. Now with Patrick Beverly and Sonny Weems gone, the burden falls on Washington's broad shoulders. His 30 point 14 rebound debut is just the first of many big games for the talented power player.
Chris Warren PG Ole Miss-You may have heard about him last year because of the hot start Ole Miss but after they cooled down, Warren fell off the radar. The small but speedy sophomore has a nice jump shot and can also create for his teammates. He struggled in his opener but he'll shrug that off, stars always do.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Hidden Gems: Players You Don't Know But Should. Part One
ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE:
Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest- He was learning on the job as a freshman last year but now with experience across the board, Teague will show his superb end to end speed and quality decision making. Scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games last season, including 26 in the upset of Duke.
Gani Lawal PF Georgia Tech- GT has been underachieving recently but there is no denying the talent of Lawal. The long and athletic sophomore was stuck in a t-shirt last year because of his slender physique but has now bulked up to 233. There is not much athleticism up front so Lawal will get looked at early and often.
Jeff Allen PF Virginia Tech- The burly (6-7, 240) sophomore averaged close to eight rebounds a game last year and will certainly improve on that. Allen joins forces with guard AD Vassallo to form one of the best inside-outside combos in the ACC. His 11.8 points per game also figure to rise.
BIG 10 CONFERENCE:
Demetri McCamey SG Illinois- The solid sophomore guard was an exciting addition and showed with his superb scoring ability. He put up 26 on a terrific defensive team in Purdue and flashed his ability often. He also can pass the ball a little bit and will be counted to score and also look for teammates.
Chris Allen SG Michigan State- Drew Neitzel was the focal point of the Spartans offense last year so now that he's gone, the points will be evenly distributed. He shot a decent 36 percent from deep last year and will step into the starting SG spot. Look for Allen, Durrell Summers, and the rest of the Spartans to pick up the slack.
Trevon Hughes PG Wisconsin- If you witnessed his late game heroics at Texas last year then you know what he is capable of. He is fantastic on the defensive end and will need to put in work to become a solid distributor. He has All-Big Ten possibilities.
BIG 12 CONFERENCE:
Dominique Sutton SF Kansas State- A possesses a wide receiver like frame (6-5, 220) and can rebound with players much taller. He averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds a game last year while playing sidekick to star Michael Beasley. He is a sidekick no more, it's time for him to take on a lions share of the offense.
James Anderson G/F Oklahoma State-He was overlooked last year because of two things: OSU''s futility and the rest of the freshman class. Although OSU is still down some, Anderson's talents will not be overlooked. He has a pure jump shot and is a surprisingly strong rebounder. That 50 percent from deep is nice too.
Bryan Davis PF Texas A&M- He has an excellent inside outside game but should do most of his damage in the post. He has great strength at 6-9 and 240. He combines that girth with a nice jump shot that turned into 50 percent from deep. Don't be surprised when he makes the Big 12 first team.
Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest- He was learning on the job as a freshman last year but now with experience across the board, Teague will show his superb end to end speed and quality decision making. Scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games last season, including 26 in the upset of Duke.
Gani Lawal PF Georgia Tech- GT has been underachieving recently but there is no denying the talent of Lawal. The long and athletic sophomore was stuck in a t-shirt last year because of his slender physique but has now bulked up to 233. There is not much athleticism up front so Lawal will get looked at early and often.
Jeff Allen PF Virginia Tech- The burly (6-7, 240) sophomore averaged close to eight rebounds a game last year and will certainly improve on that. Allen joins forces with guard AD Vassallo to form one of the best inside-outside combos in the ACC. His 11.8 points per game also figure to rise.
BIG 10 CONFERENCE:
Demetri McCamey SG Illinois- The solid sophomore guard was an exciting addition and showed with his superb scoring ability. He put up 26 on a terrific defensive team in Purdue and flashed his ability often. He also can pass the ball a little bit and will be counted to score and also look for teammates.
Chris Allen SG Michigan State- Drew Neitzel was the focal point of the Spartans offense last year so now that he's gone, the points will be evenly distributed. He shot a decent 36 percent from deep last year and will step into the starting SG spot. Look for Allen, Durrell Summers, and the rest of the Spartans to pick up the slack.
Trevon Hughes PG Wisconsin- If you witnessed his late game heroics at Texas last year then you know what he is capable of. He is fantastic on the defensive end and will need to put in work to become a solid distributor. He has All-Big Ten possibilities.
BIG 12 CONFERENCE:
Dominique Sutton SF Kansas State- A possesses a wide receiver like frame (6-5, 220) and can rebound with players much taller. He averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds a game last year while playing sidekick to star Michael Beasley. He is a sidekick no more, it's time for him to take on a lions share of the offense.
James Anderson G/F Oklahoma State-He was overlooked last year because of two things: OSU''s futility and the rest of the freshman class. Although OSU is still down some, Anderson's talents will not be overlooked. He has a pure jump shot and is a surprisingly strong rebounder. That 50 percent from deep is nice too.
Bryan Davis PF Texas A&M- He has an excellent inside outside game but should do most of his damage in the post. He has great strength at 6-9 and 240. He combines that girth with a nice jump shot that turned into 50 percent from deep. Don't be surprised when he makes the Big 12 first team.
Early Season Tournaments to Watch
COACHES VS CANCER
Championship Game: November 21
Key Teams: Michigan, Southern Illinois, UCLA, and Duke
Probable Matchup: UCLA vs Duke
Bracket Buster: Southern Illinois
Players to Watch: Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday, Josh Shipp, Nolan Smith, Gerald Henderson, Manny Harris, Anthony Booker, and Kyle Singler.
Early Edge: UCLA
MVP: Darren Collison
PUERTO RICO TIP-OFF
Championship Game: November 23
Key Teams: USC, Memphis, Xavier, and Virginia Tech
Probable Matchup: USC vs Xavier
Bracket Buster: Missouri
Players to Watch: Johnathan Hon, Antonio Anderson, Tyreke Evans, Leo Lyons, Paul Gause, Taj Gibson, Daniel Hackett, DeMar DeRozan, AD Vassallo, and Derrick Brown
Early Edge: USC
MVP: Daniel Hackett
PARADISE JAM
Championship Game: November 24
Key Teams: Miami, San Diego, Connecticut, and Wisconsin
Probable Matchup: Connecticut vs Wisconsin
Bracket Buster: San Diego
Players to Watch: Jack McClinton, Lance Hurdle, Brandon Johnson, Hasheem Thabeet, AJ Price, Kemba Walker, Trevon Hughes, and Marcus Landry
Early Edge: Connecticut
MVP: Hasheem Thabeet
CBE CLASSIC
Championship Game: November 25
Key Teams: Syracuse, Kansas, Florida, and Washington
Probable Matchup: Syracuse vs Kansas
Bracket Buster: Florida International
Players to Watch: Alex Galindo, J'Nathan Bullock, Jon Brockman, Quincy Pondexter, Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich, Nick Calathes, Chandler Parsons, Jonny Flynn, and Eric Devendorf
Early Edge: Syracuse, barely.
MVP: Jonny Flynn
MAUI INVITATIONAL
Championship Game: November 26
Key Teams: Alabama, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Texas
Probable Matchup: North Carolina vs Notre Dame
Bracket Buster: St. Joseph's
Players to Watch: Ronald Steele, JaMychal Green, Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Luke Harangody, Kyle McAlarney, Tajuan Porter, Michael Dunigan, AJ Abrams, and Damion James
Early Edge: North Carolina
MVP: Tyler Hansbrough
NIT SEASON TIP-OFF
Championship Game: November 28
Key Teams: Oklahoma, Purdue, Davidson, and Arizona
Probable Matchup: Oklahoma vs Purdue
Bracket Buster: UAB
Players to Watch: Robbie Hummel, E'Twaun Moore, Blake Griffin, Willie Warren, Stephen Curry, Andrew Lovedale, Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill, and Tyrese Rice
Early Edge: Purdue
MVP: Robbie Hummel
ANAHEIM CLASSIC
Championship Game: November 30
Key Teams: Wake Forest, Arizona State, Baylor, and St. Mary's
Probable Matchup: Wake Forest vs Arizona State
Bracket Buster: Providence
Players to Watch: Patty Mills, Jeff Teague, James Johnson, James Harden, Jeff Pendergraph, Sharaud Curry, Curtis Jerrells, and LaceDarius Dunn.
Early Edge: Arizona State
MVP: James Harden
OLD SPICE CLASSIC
Championship Game: November 30
Key Teams: Gonzaga, Georgetown, Tennessee, Michigan State, and Maryland
Probable Matchup: Tennessee vs Michigan State
Bracket Buster: Siena
Players to Watch: Austin Freeman, DaJuan Summers, Austin Daye, Jeremy Pargo, Greivis Vazquez, Raymar Morgan, Kalin Lucas, James Anderson, Kenny Hasbrouck, Tyler Smith, and Wayne Chism
Early Edge: Michigan State
MVP: Raymar Morgan
Championship Game: November 21
Key Teams: Michigan, Southern Illinois, UCLA, and Duke
Probable Matchup: UCLA vs Duke
Bracket Buster: Southern Illinois
Players to Watch: Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday, Josh Shipp, Nolan Smith, Gerald Henderson, Manny Harris, Anthony Booker, and Kyle Singler.
Early Edge: UCLA
MVP: Darren Collison
PUERTO RICO TIP-OFF
Championship Game: November 23
Key Teams: USC, Memphis, Xavier, and Virginia Tech
Probable Matchup: USC vs Xavier
Bracket Buster: Missouri
Players to Watch: Johnathan Hon, Antonio Anderson, Tyreke Evans, Leo Lyons, Paul Gause, Taj Gibson, Daniel Hackett, DeMar DeRozan, AD Vassallo, and Derrick Brown
Early Edge: USC
MVP: Daniel Hackett
PARADISE JAM
Championship Game: November 24
Key Teams: Miami, San Diego, Connecticut, and Wisconsin
Probable Matchup: Connecticut vs Wisconsin
Bracket Buster: San Diego
Players to Watch: Jack McClinton, Lance Hurdle, Brandon Johnson, Hasheem Thabeet, AJ Price, Kemba Walker, Trevon Hughes, and Marcus Landry
Early Edge: Connecticut
MVP: Hasheem Thabeet
CBE CLASSIC
Championship Game: November 25
Key Teams: Syracuse, Kansas, Florida, and Washington
Probable Matchup: Syracuse vs Kansas
Bracket Buster: Florida International
Players to Watch: Alex Galindo, J'Nathan Bullock, Jon Brockman, Quincy Pondexter, Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich, Nick Calathes, Chandler Parsons, Jonny Flynn, and Eric Devendorf
Early Edge: Syracuse, barely.
MVP: Jonny Flynn
MAUI INVITATIONAL
Championship Game: November 26
Key Teams: Alabama, North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Texas
Probable Matchup: North Carolina vs Notre Dame
Bracket Buster: St. Joseph's
Players to Watch: Ronald Steele, JaMychal Green, Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Luke Harangody, Kyle McAlarney, Tajuan Porter, Michael Dunigan, AJ Abrams, and Damion James
Early Edge: North Carolina
MVP: Tyler Hansbrough
NIT SEASON TIP-OFF
Championship Game: November 28
Key Teams: Oklahoma, Purdue, Davidson, and Arizona
Probable Matchup: Oklahoma vs Purdue
Bracket Buster: UAB
Players to Watch: Robbie Hummel, E'Twaun Moore, Blake Griffin, Willie Warren, Stephen Curry, Andrew Lovedale, Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill, and Tyrese Rice
Early Edge: Purdue
MVP: Robbie Hummel
ANAHEIM CLASSIC
Championship Game: November 30
Key Teams: Wake Forest, Arizona State, Baylor, and St. Mary's
Probable Matchup: Wake Forest vs Arizona State
Bracket Buster: Providence
Players to Watch: Patty Mills, Jeff Teague, James Johnson, James Harden, Jeff Pendergraph, Sharaud Curry, Curtis Jerrells, and LaceDarius Dunn.
Early Edge: Arizona State
MVP: James Harden
OLD SPICE CLASSIC
Championship Game: November 30
Key Teams: Gonzaga, Georgetown, Tennessee, Michigan State, and Maryland
Probable Matchup: Tennessee vs Michigan State
Bracket Buster: Siena
Players to Watch: Austin Freeman, DaJuan Summers, Austin Daye, Jeremy Pargo, Greivis Vazquez, Raymar Morgan, Kalin Lucas, James Anderson, Kenny Hasbrouck, Tyler Smith, and Wayne Chism
Early Edge: Michigan State
MVP: Raymar Morgan
Sunday, November 9, 2008
First Team All-America
C Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina- This is a fairly obvious pick. Hansbrough was named the Player of the Year by virtually every publication last year and returned to UNC for his senior year. He is being hampered by a stress reaction but when he comes back, he will be fantastic. He has tremendous players around him but the focal point of every defense remains number 50. If he actually improves on his numbers from last year, then 23 and 12 is not out of the question.
PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma- Another trendy pick poised for a huge year. He has more NBA potential than Hansbrough because of his superb athleticism, developing jump shot, and his tireless work ethic. He averaged about 15 points and 9 rebounds a game last year and those numbers will certainly improve. Griffin is ready to shoulder the load offensively and should post a double double. If Oklahoma goes deep into March, it will because of Griffin.
SF Tyler Smith, Tennessee- Smith is another guy who is going to step forward and become the go-to guy. Smith possesses a terrific all-around game and it reflects in his stats. 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He is a perfect fit in Bruce Pearl's offense and may lead it because of the point guard concern and the graduation of Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith. His options aren't completely diminished because of big man Wayne Chism and freshman wing Scotty Hopson. Smith will shine.
SG Stephen Curry, Davidson- Another no-brainer after what he did last season, specifically what he did in March against Gonzaga, Georgetown, Wisconsin, and Kansas. His scoring barrage and contagious smile endeared him to the fans of basketball. He will be handling the ball more this year because of Jason Richards' departure. Make no mistake, Curry's job will always be to find his shot first and his teammates second. 30 a game is not out of the question. Curry is so dynamic.
PG Darren Collison, UCLA- The last time we saw Collison, he was getting man-handled by the Memphis defense and specifically Derrick Rose. Collison has been to three Final Four's and shot an unbelievable 51 percent from deep last year. He is a tough and smart point guard who looks for his teammates first and then himself. What sets him apart from other guards is his defensive ability. He has quick feet and can hound anybody. He is a leader.
PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma- Another trendy pick poised for a huge year. He has more NBA potential than Hansbrough because of his superb athleticism, developing jump shot, and his tireless work ethic. He averaged about 15 points and 9 rebounds a game last year and those numbers will certainly improve. Griffin is ready to shoulder the load offensively and should post a double double. If Oklahoma goes deep into March, it will because of Griffin.
SF Tyler Smith, Tennessee- Smith is another guy who is going to step forward and become the go-to guy. Smith possesses a terrific all-around game and it reflects in his stats. 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He is a perfect fit in Bruce Pearl's offense and may lead it because of the point guard concern and the graduation of Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith. His options aren't completely diminished because of big man Wayne Chism and freshman wing Scotty Hopson. Smith will shine.
SG Stephen Curry, Davidson- Another no-brainer after what he did last season, specifically what he did in March against Gonzaga, Georgetown, Wisconsin, and Kansas. His scoring barrage and contagious smile endeared him to the fans of basketball. He will be handling the ball more this year because of Jason Richards' departure. Make no mistake, Curry's job will always be to find his shot first and his teammates second. 30 a game is not out of the question. Curry is so dynamic.
PG Darren Collison, UCLA- The last time we saw Collison, he was getting man-handled by the Memphis defense and specifically Derrick Rose. Collison has been to three Final Four's and shot an unbelievable 51 percent from deep last year. He is a tough and smart point guard who looks for his teammates first and then himself. What sets him apart from other guards is his defensive ability. He has quick feet and can hound anybody. He is a leader.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Second Team All-America
C Luke Harangody, Notre Dame- The reigning Big East Player of the Year was absolutely dynamite last year. He had 17 double doubles and had a career-high 40 points against Louisville late last season. He does not possess the natural athleticism that other skilled big men have but he gets around it by having superior position and going all out every possession. This season he will not sneak up on anyone so it remains to be seen how Harangody can handle the pressure of being a marked man.
PF Patrick Patterson, Kentucky-The Class of 2007 with Beasley, Rose, and Mayo was so deep that guys like James Harden and Patrick Patterson were overlooked, no more. Patterson was the only inside force Kentucky had last year and working against double and sometimes triple teams, he put up 16.4 points and 7.7 rebounds a game. He will again need to be a force in the middle if UK wants to dance in March. He lost solid guards Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford to graduation so he will be the number one option on offense. He's poised for a big year.
SF Damion James, Texas- Plays the four in the Texas offense but is closer to a small forward because of his ever evolving perimeter game, which displays his soft touch and shot selection. He shot 41 percent from beyond the arc and may have the most dynamic offensive game in the Big 12. He's been overshadowed by Kevin Durant, AJ Augustin,and now AJ Abrams. He is ready to stake his claim as possibly one of the best small forwards in the nation.
SG James Harden, Arizona State- Just like Patterson, James Harden was overlooked because of Kevin Love and Mayo, who both played for Pac-10 teams. Harden is a true shooting guard who possess excellent size (6-4, 218) and touch (40 percent from deep). He also grabbed five rebounds a game to round out his very polished game. Expect Harden to hover around 20 points a game and to be a lottery pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
PG Tywon Lawson, North Carolina- He has been hyped since he step foot on campus three years ago and has delivered but not to the level that people have expected. With all of UNC's main cogs back, it's finally time for Lawson to emulate what Raymond Felton did in 2005, run the show and win a National Championship. Lawson gets up and down the floor and if he improves his jump shot, the possibilities are endless.
PF Patrick Patterson, Kentucky-The Class of 2007 with Beasley, Rose, and Mayo was so deep that guys like James Harden and Patrick Patterson were overlooked, no more. Patterson was the only inside force Kentucky had last year and working against double and sometimes triple teams, he put up 16.4 points and 7.7 rebounds a game. He will again need to be a force in the middle if UK wants to dance in March. He lost solid guards Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford to graduation so he will be the number one option on offense. He's poised for a big year.
SF Damion James, Texas- Plays the four in the Texas offense but is closer to a small forward because of his ever evolving perimeter game, which displays his soft touch and shot selection. He shot 41 percent from beyond the arc and may have the most dynamic offensive game in the Big 12. He's been overshadowed by Kevin Durant, AJ Augustin,and now AJ Abrams. He is ready to stake his claim as possibly one of the best small forwards in the nation.
SG James Harden, Arizona State- Just like Patterson, James Harden was overlooked because of Kevin Love and Mayo, who both played for Pac-10 teams. Harden is a true shooting guard who possess excellent size (6-4, 218) and touch (40 percent from deep). He also grabbed five rebounds a game to round out his very polished game. Expect Harden to hover around 20 points a game and to be a lottery pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
PG Tywon Lawson, North Carolina- He has been hyped since he step foot on campus three years ago and has delivered but not to the level that people have expected. With all of UNC's main cogs back, it's finally time for Lawson to emulate what Raymond Felton did in 2005, run the show and win a National Championship. Lawson gets up and down the floor and if he improves his jump shot, the possibilities are endless.
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