Player Index: College Prospect Stats Pg4
Posted: Fri Oct 8, 2010 10:24 pm
Warning; This is the longest post in Real GM history. The other 9 posts in the top 10 longest posts also belong to me so this shouldn't be a surprise. Simply put I love college basketball; I truly feel it is the best sport out there. The competition, the pride, the hustle, the walk on who makes a game winning shot, and the 50 or so that work hard enough to make the NBA.
This is my complete prediction and prospect index for the Big 6 conferences and the other top flight teams and players in D1 ball. Note: This is the first year for the First Four so for those that don't know there are now 68 teams in the field.
I'll start with the end; here is my field of 68 prediction:
1. Duke V. 16. Long Beach St. / Jackson State
2. Purdue V. 15. Montana
3. Texas Tech V. 14. Morgan State
4. Kentucky V. 13. Princeton / Detroit
5. UCONN V. 12. Missouri State
6. Syracuse V. 11. Minnesota
7. Memphis V. 10. Richmond
8. West Virginia V. 9. Gonzaga
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1. Michigan State V. 16. Bucknell / Quinnipiac
2. Kansas V. 15. Oakland
3. New Mexico V. 14. Siena
4. Villanova V. 13. WICHITA STATE
5. Tennessee V. 12. Saint Louis
6. North Carolina V. 11. Butler
7. Marquette V. 10. Ohio
8. BYU V. 9. Notre Dame
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1. Kansas State V. 16. Lipscomb
2. Georgetown V. 15. Boston
3. Illinois V. 14. Old Dominion
4. Texas V. 13. North Texas
5. Georgia V. 12. NC State
6. Baylor V. 11. Seton Hall
7. Maryland V. 10. Arizona
8. Wisconsin V. 9. Mississippi State
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1. Florida V. 16. Stephen F. Austin
2. Pittsburgh V. 15. Morehead State
3. Virginia Tech V. 14. Coastal Carolina
4. Washington State V. 13. Wofford
5. Vanderbilt V. 12. St. Johns / Utah State
6. Ohio State V. 11. Florida State
7. Washington V. 10. Missouri
8. San Diego State V. 9. UCLA
Please do not argue seeding until I am actually wrong. I truly love this game and follow each and every player / team very closely.
AUTOMATIC BIDS
Boston University
Lipscomb
Quinnipiac
North Texas
Jackson State
Utah State
Morehead State
Morgan State
Bucknell
Siena
Montana
Coastal Carolina
Long Beach State
Old Dominion
ACC
BOSTON COLLEGE
PG Biko Paris (SR)
SG Reggie Jackson (JR - 12.9p-5.7r-4.5a)
F Corey Raji (SR - 11.4p - 5.8r - 54.3FG%)
F Joe Trapani (SR - 14.1p - 6.4r - 80.2FT%)
C Josh Southern (SR)
Rotation: G Dallas Elmore, F Cortney Dunn
New coach Donahue has inherited a very good starting five. There are 2 star players in Jackson and Trapani (who is entereing his 9th season there) and then there is a nice 3rd scorer in Raji. Paris and Southern are solid starters as well but the issue is in depth; there isn't any. Elmore and Dunn are decent upperclass bench players but the rest of the roster has 0 reason for being in the ACC.
Prediction; 19-16 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
PG REGGIE JACKSON (6-3 200)
CLEMSON
PG Demontez Stitt (SR - 11.4p - 2.7r - 3.1a)
SG Tanner Smith
F Milton Jennings
F Jerai Grant
F Devin Booker
Rotation: G Noel Johnson, PG Andre Young
3 problems don't make a winning season; No T Booker, No bigs, No Depth. Booker, Jennings, and Grant are all undersized 4/5s but they will be relied upon heavily. This team made a good hire and should return Smith, Johnson, Jennings, and Booker next season when they should be alot better and used to Brownell's system.
Prediction; 13-22
NBA PROSPECT
F MILTON JENNINGS (6-9, 225)
DUKE
PG Kyrie Irving (FR)
SG Nolan Smith (SR - 17.4p - 2.8r - 3.0a)
SF Kyle Singler (SR - 17.7p - 7.0r - 40TP%)
PF Josh Hairston (FR)
C Miles Plumlee (JR)
Rotation: G Seth Curry, F Mason Plumlee, G Andre Dawkins, F Ryan Kelly
The best 9 man roation in the nation. Anything less than another title will be a let down for the demons.
Prediction: 31-4 TOURNY 1 SEED
NBA PROSPECTS:
PG Kyrie Irving (6-2, 180)
PG Nolan Smith (6-2, 185)
G Seth Curry (6-1, 175)
SF Kyle Singler (6-8, 230)
FLORIDA STATE
PG Derwin Kitchen (SR)
SG Michael Snaer (SO)
SF Deividas Dulkys (JR)
PF Chris Singleton (JR - 10.2p - 7.0r - 2.2a)
C Jon Kreft (JR)
Rotation: SF Luke Loucks, C Xavier Gibson, PF Bernard James, G Ian Miller
This is a very interesting team that Hamilton has. From my stance this could definitly be a surprise team. Singleton went to every camp he could over the summer the highly rated Snaer has a year under his belt. Add in 3 players not on last years team that can really play and 20 wins in an average ACC is within reach.
Prediction: 21-14 TOURNY 11 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PF Chris Singleton (6-9, 227)
SG Michael Snaer (6-5, 200)
GEORGIA TECH
PG Maurice Miller (SR)
G Iman Shumpert (JR)
G Glen Rice Jr. (SO)
F Brian Oliver (SO)
C Daniel Miller (FR)
Rotation: G Mfon Udofia, F Kammeron Holsey, SF Lance Storrs
This team will be pretty bad. Shumpert will score 15ppg more than likely but won't shoot it at high percentage. They will rely heavily on 3 very inexperienced frontcourt bigs whom I like, but just not this season.
Prediction: 12-23
MARYLAND
PG Pe'Shon Howard (FR)
SG Sean Mosley (JR - 10.1p - 5.1r - 81.1FT%)
SF Cliff Tucker (SR)
PF Dino Gregory (SR)
C Jordan Williams (SO - 9.6p - 8.6r - 51.2FG%)
Rotation: SF Mychal Tucker, G Adrian Bowie, F James Padggett, F Aston Pankey, PG Terrell Stoglin
10 deep and a great coach... That equals 20+ any year and in any conference. The biggest question will be who will run the point. To me it is Howard's ball because Mosely is going to need to score off of motion as he can not create 1-1. Mosely - Williams and a very nice 7-8 man support attack means wins.
Prediction: 23-12 TOURNY 7 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
C Jordan Williams (6-10, 260)
MIAMI
PG Malcolm Grant (JR)
SG Durand Scott (SO - 10.3p - 4.0r - 3.4a)
SF DeQuan Jones (JR)
F Adrian Thomas (SR)
C Reggie Johnson (SO)
Rotation: SG Rion Brown, SF Garrius Adams, C Julian Gamble
A good 8 man rotation lead by Scott. The real key will be getting second team scoring punch out of Brown and Adams. It's a solid team on a paper, they need to get to the line in order to get close to 20.
Prediction; 18-17 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
PG Durand Scott (6-3, 195)
NC STATE
PG Javier Gonzalez (SR)
G Lorenzo Brown (FR)
SF Scott Wood (SO)
F CJ Leslie (FR)
F Tracy Smith (SR - 16.5p - 7.3r - 52.4FG%)
Rotation: PF Richard Howell, SF CJ Williams, PG Ryan Harrow, C Jordan Vandenberg
Lowe has 3 big time players coming in to complement a very hard working Smith. This team will get better as the season goes on and should be in that bubble conversation by seasons end. Gonzalez is holding Harrow's place for a year, Leslie is cleanup and run with the best in the nation, and Brown is already a solid starter.
Prediction: 21-14 Tourny 12 SEED (Last 4 In)
NBA PROSPECT
PF Tracy Smith (6-8, 247)
F CJ Leslie (6-8, 210)
NORTH CAROLINA
PG Larry Drew (JR)
SG Harrison Barnes (FR)
F Will Graves (SR)
F John Henson (SO)
C Tyler Zeller (JR)
Rotation: PG Kendall Marshall, SF Reggie Bullock, G Dexter Strickland, C Justin Knox
The arrival of Barnes means that this team now has a go-to scorer. Drew and Marshall will battle it out for lead guard with I feel Drew winning the position for now. Henson and Zeller are multi-talented posts that need both consistent play and health to be out there all year.
Prediction; 24-11 TOURNY 6 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG HARRISON BARNES (6-7, 215)
VIRGINIA
PG Sammy Zeglinski (JR)
G Billy Baron (FR)
SG KT Harrell (FR)
PF Mike Scott (SR 12.0p - 7.2r - 50.5FG%)
C Asane Sene (JR)
Rotation: PF James Johnson, SG Mustapha Farrakhan, F Will Sherrill, F Will Regan, SF Joe Harris
Tony Bennett is one of the best coaches in the nation, make no mistake about that. Some tough loses last year that could have gotten them to 20 wins in a year most thought 10 would be difficult. Put in a good and deep class of 6 to a determined Mike Scott and this team's future is looking up but most likely a year away.
Prediction; 16-19
NBA PROSPECT
PF Mike Scott (6-8, 240)
SG KT Harrell (6-5, 200)
PF James Johnson (6-9, 234)
VIRGINIA TECH
PG Malcolm Delaney (SR - 20.2p - 3.7r - 4.5a)
SG Dorenzo Hudson (SR - 15.2p - 3.5r - 75.5FT%)
SF JT Thompson (SR)
F Jeff Allen (SR - 12.0p - 7.4r - 47.0FG%)
C Allan Chaney (SO)
Rotation: SF Terrell Bell, PF Viktor Davila, SF Jarell Eddie
This is going to be a really really dangerous team given their senior ladden team and transfer Chaney manning the middle. They should have 3 very good bench players to complement stars Delaney, Hudson, and Allen. Big expectations this year.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 3 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Malcolm Delaney (6-3, 190)
SG Dorenzo Hudson (6-5, 220)
F Jeff Allen (6-7, 230)
PF Allan Chaney (6-9, 235)
WAKE FOREST
PG Tony Chennault (FR)
G CJ Harris (SO)
SF Ari Stewart (SO)
PF Melvin Tabb (FR)
C Tony Woods (JR)
Rotation: C Ty Walker, G JT Terrell
I think they have 7 guys that can gel into a good rotation... However, unless 1 of Woods or Walker wakes up and dominates like they should then this team has no chance to compete. Harris, Chennault, and Harris form a good 3 man 1/2 crew but other than that the team is full of question marks.
Prediction: 14-21
ORDER OF FINISH
1. DUKE (31-4 TOURNY 1 SEED)
2. VIRGINIA TECH (26-9 TOURNY 3 SEED)
3. NORTH CAROLINA (24-11 TOURNY 6 SEED)
4. MARYLAND (23-12 TOURNY 7 SEED)
5. FLORIDA STATE (21-14 TOURNY 11 SEED)
6. NC STATE (21-14 TOURNY 12 SEED)
7. BOSTON COLLEGE (19-16 NIT)
8. MIAMI (18-17 NIT)
9. VIRGINIA (16-19)
10. WAKE FOREST (14-21)
11. CLEMSON (13-22)
12. GEORGIA TECH (12-23)
ALL-ACC 1st Team
PG Malcolm Delaney
SG Harrison Barnes
SF Kyle Singler
PF Chris Singleton
C Jordan Williams
ALL-ACC 2nd Team
PG Kyrie Irving
SG Reggie Jackson
SF Joe Trapani
PF Jeff Allen
C Tracy Smith
ALL-ACC 3rd Team
PG Nolan Smith
SG Seth Curry
SF Dorenzo Hudson
PF CJ Leslie
C Jon Kreft
NBA PROSPECTS:
1. SG Harrison Barnes (6-7, 215)
2. PG Kyrie Irving (6-2, 180)
3. PG Reggie Jackson (6-3 200)
4. F CJ Leslie (6-8, 210)
5. SF Kyle Singler (6-8, 230)
6. G Seth Curry (6-1, 175)
7. PF Chris Singleton (6-9, 227)
8. PG Nolan Smith (6-2, 185)
9. C Jordan Williams (6-10, 260)
10. PF James Johnson (6-9, 234)
11. PG Malcolm Delaney (6-3, 190)
12. F Milton Jennings (6-9, 225)
13. PG Durand Scott (6-3, 195)
14. SG Dorenzo Hudson (6-5, 220)
15. SG KT Harrell (6-5, 200)
16. PF Tracy Smith (6-8, 247)
17. PF Allan Chaney (6-9, 235)
18. PF Mike Scott (6-8, 240)
19. SG Michael Snaer (6-5, 200)
20. F Jeff Allen (6-7, 230)
BIG 12
BAYLOR
PG AJ WALTON (SO)
SG LACEDARIUS DUNN (SR - 19.6p - 4.8r - 41.9TP%)
SF QUINCY ACY (JR)
F ANTHONY JONES (JR)
F PERRY JONES (FR)
Rotation: F Corey Jefferson, PG Stargell Love, SG Bakari Turner, SG Nolan Dennis
Dunn is currently suspended and is expected to miss what many guess is around 10 games. That will hurt their record by 2-3 games on prediction. Easily one of the most athletic and gifted teams in the nation. The combo of Dunn-Jones should produce 30-40 points and 10-15 rebounds on average every night. The question marks lay in the depth, chemistry, and center position (lack there of).
Prediction; 25-10 TOURNY 6 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG LaceDarius Dunn (6-4, 205)
F Perry Jones (6-10, 220)
COLORADO
PG NATE TOMLINSON
SG COREY HIGGINS
SF ALEC BURKS
F MARCUS RELPHORDE
C SHANE HARRIS-TUNKS
Rotation: PG Shannon Sharpe, C Austin Dufault, SG Levi Knutson, C Ben Mills
This is Higgins and Burks and not much else. A Tomlinson - Sharpe 2 headed PG rotation isn't a bad 1 and Relphorde is solid but the 3 bigs on the roster have a lot to be desired.
Prediction: 19-16 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
SG Corey Higgins (6-5, 190)
SG Alec Burks (6-6, 185)
IOWA STATE
PG DIANTE GARRETT (SR)
G DEMARCUS PHILLIPS (JR)
G SCOTT CHRISTOPHERSON (JR)
F ROYCE WHITE (FR)
C JAMES VANDERBEKEN (SR)
Rotation: SF Melvin Ejim, G Jake Anderson, PF Calvin Godfrey, C Jordan Railey, F Eric McKnight
The Mayor comes back into town and has inherited an absolute mess. Garrett is a solid point and Phillips comes in from the JC ranks to add scoring. The prize is the troubled but amazingly talented White (from Minnesota). When he starts to play I expect him to be the teams best player.
Prediction: 13-22
KANSAS
PG JOSH SELBY (FR)
G TYSHAWN TAYLOR (JR)
SF MARIO LITTLE (SR)
PF MARCUS MORRIS (JR - 12.8p - 6.1r - 57.0FG%)
C MARKIEFF MORRIS (JR)
Rotation: F Thomas Robinson, G Brady Morningstar, G Tyrel Reed, SG Travis Releford, PG Elijah Johnson, C Jeff Withey
While alot of "experts" are picking the Jayhawks to be a final 4-elite 8 team again, I am not. They will better later in the year and see their seeding increase but I believe their are 10-12 teams better than they will be. Alot will be riding on a trio of scorers in Marcus Morris, Selby, and Little. Those 3 are not as good as the departed Collins, Henry, and Aldridge. They do have good depth though and a nice backup senior guard duo of Morningstar and Reed.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 2 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Josh Selby (6-2, 183)
PF Marcus Morris (6-8, 225)
KANSAS STATE
PG JACOB PULLEN (SR - 19.3p - 2.6r - 3.4a)
SG RODNEY MCGRUDER (SO)
SF JAMAR SAMUELS (JR)
PF CURTIS KELLY (SR)
C FREDDY ASPIRILLA (JR)
Rotation: F Wally Judge, G Martavious Irving, G Will Spradling, C Jordan Henriquez-Roberts, SG Nick Russell
This is a scary good team. These 10 players listed all want to win and their crazy coach is like another player on the floor AND their home court advantage is imo the nation's best. Pullen will be the leader but he has a lot of capable scorers in Samuels, Kelly, Judge, Irving, and Aspirilla.
Prediction: 29-6 TOURNY 1 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Jacob Pullen (6-0, 200)
SF Jamar Samuels (6-7, 220)
PF Wally Judge (6-9, 248)
MISSOURI
PG MICHAEL DIXON (SO)
SG KIM ENGLISH (JR - 14.0p - 3.4r - 37.0TP%)
SF LAURENCE BOWERS (JR)
PF JUSTIN SAFFORD (SR)
C RICARDO RATLIFFE (JR)
Rotation: G Marcus Denmon, F Tony Mitchell, PG Phil Pressey
A very solid 8 man rotation led by smooth shooting guard English. Question is at point guard and also on the ready-ness of some of the new members. I expect Dixon to get the nod so that scoring comes off the bench in Denmon. Overall a solid team, but in no way a big time contender.
Prediction: 22-13 TOURNY 10 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG Kim English (6-6, 200)
NEBRASKA
PG LANCE JETER (SR)
SG BRANDON RICHARDSON (SO)
SF TONEY MCCRAY (JR)
PF BRANDON UBEL (SO)
C CHRISTOPHER NIEMANN (SO)
Rotation: C Jose Brian Diaz, SG Eshaunte Jones, F Christian Standhardinger, C Andre Almeida
A "strange" team to be honest. 4 huge bigs from all around the world and 2 decenet guards that is pretty much the entire team. The best player is Niemann by far. He should be up for newcomer of the year. Jeter and Richardson are solid, but nothing special. This is just an odd team.
Prediction: 13-22
OKLAHOMA
PG CARL BLAIR (SO)
SG TJ TAYLOR (FR)
SF CADE DAVIS (SR)
F CJ WASHINGTON (JR)
F ANDREW FITZGERALD (SO)
Rotation: SG Steven Pledger, G Calvin Neal, SF Tyler Neal
For what ever reason no one wants to play for Jeff Capal?? 3 promising players in Warren, TMG, and Gallon all bailed before they were ready to.... That leaves this team with a ton of unproven freshman and new faces. The best of the bunch will be Taylor, Washington, and Blair; all of which have good chances of starting.
Prediction: 11-24
OKLAHOMA STATE
PG KEATON PAGE (JR)
SG MARKEL BROWN (FR)
SF JP OLUKEMI (FR)
F MARSHALL MOSES (SR)
PF MATT PILGRIM (SR)
Rotation: PG Ray Penn, SF Roger Franklin, PF Darrell Williams
That is the 8 man rotation, the rest of the roster is a bunch of never-will-be's. Anyway you slice it this team will be the shortest team in the arena. Page and Penn are pushing 5'9 each and they have no centers and 2 undersized 4's to play the post. Could be a rough year.
Prediction: 12-23
TEXAS
PG COREY JOSPEH (FR)
G VAREZ WARD (SO)
SF JORDAN HAMILTON (SO)
F GARY JOHNSON (SR)
C TRISTIAN THOMPSON (FR)
Rotation: G J'Covan Brown, SF Shawn Williams, G Dogus Balbay
The inlfux of Joseph/Thompson reuniting at the next level gives the longhorns a dynamic pair of freshman. I fully expect this to be their team with a heavy dose of a very talented Hamilton. The rest of the roster is just ok. Balbay, Ward, and Brown were always just above average guards compaired to the complete Joseph.
Prediction: 24-11 TOURNY 4 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Corey Jospeh (6-3, 180)
SF Jordan Hamilton (6-7, 226)
PF Tristian Thompson (6-9, 230)
TEXAS A&M
PG DASH HARRIS (JR)
SG KHRIS MIDDLETON (SO)
SF NATHAN WALKUP (SR)
PF DAVID LOUBEAU (JR)
C KOURTNEY ROBERSON (FR)
Rotation: PG BJ Holmes, F Ray Turner, PF Keith Davis
With the loses of their top 3 players from a 24 win team the Aggies are going to find it hard to find ways to win this year. Who is going to score on this team? The incoming class adds some good size and athletic ability but they will still need time. The future is bright, but the present looks cloudy.
Prediction: 18-17 NIT
TEAXAS TECH
PG JOHN ROBERSON (SR - 14.5p - 2.3r - 5.4a)
SG DAVID TAIRU (SR)
SF D'WALYN ROBERTS (SR)
F MIKE SINGELTARY (SR - 15.0p - 6.8r - 2.3a)
PF PAUL COOPER (JR)
Rotation: SF Theron Jenkins, C Robert Lewandowski, SG Brad Reese, PG Javarez Willis
These will be the 9 players that will play the minutes... and damnit all if this isn't Tech's best team in a long long time. Everyone knows about Singeltary and Roberson but Reese, Tairu, Roberts, Willis, and Cooper are real good too. Combine all this with a weak conference and Tech really looks like a potential national sleeper.
Prediction: 25-10 TOURNY 3 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SF MIKE SINGELTARY (6-6, 235)
ORDER OF FINISH
1. KANSAS STATE (29-6 TOURNY 1 SEED)
2. KANSAS (26-9 TOURNY 2 SEED)
3. TEXAS TECH (25-10 TOURNY 3 SEED)
4. BAYLOR (25-10 TOURNY 6 SEED)
5. TEXAS (24-11 TOURNY 4 SEED)
6. MISSOURI (22-13 TOURNY 10 SEED)
7. COLORADO (19-16 NIT)
8. TEXAS A&M (18-17 NIT)
9. NEBRASKA (13-22)
10. IOWA STATE (13-22)
11. OKLAHOMA STATE (12-23)
12. OKLAHOMA (11-24)
ALL-BIG12 1st Team
PG JACOB PULLEN
SG LACEDARIUS DUNN
SF ALEC BURKS
PF MIKE SINGELTARY
C MARCUS MORRIS
ALL-BIG12 2nd Team
PG JOHN ROBERSON
SG COREY HIGGINS
SF KIM ENGLISH
PF PERRY JONES
C TRISTIAN THOMPSON
ALL-BIG12 3rd Team
PG JOSH SELBY
SG COREY JOSEPH
SF CADE DAVIS
PF JAMAR SAMUELS
C CHRISTOPHER NIEMANN
NBA PROSPECTS
1. PG Corey Jospeh (6-3, 180)
2. F Perry Jones (6-10, 220)
3. PF Tristian Thompson (6-9, 230)
4. PG Josh Selby (6-2, 183)
5. SG Alec Burks (6-6, 185)
6. SG LaceDarius Dunn (6-4, 205)
7. SF Mike Singeltary (6-6, 235)
8. SG Kim English (6-6, 200)
9. SF Jordan Hamilton (6-7, 226)
10. SG Corey Higgins (6-5, 190)
11. PF Marcus Morris (6-8, 225)
12. PG Jacob Pullen (6-0, 200)
13. SF Jamar Samuels (6-7, 220)
14. PF Wally Judge (6-9, 248)
BIG EAST
CINCINNATI
PG CASHEMERE WRIGHT (SO)
SG JAQUAN PARKER (SO)
SF RASHAD BISHOP (SR)
PF YANCY GATES (JR)
C IBRAHIMA THOMAS (SR)
Rotation: G Dion Dixon, G Larry Davis, SG Sean Kilpatrick, C Kelvin Gaines, F Justin Jackson
They lost their entire backcourt that averaged 24ppg and were the 2 main perimeter options. Gates is a beast that really is on the cusp of being a dominant big man in the Big East. Still, Wright, Dixon, and Parker will all have to shoot high percentages this season in order to win... Most nights, that won't happen.
Prediction: 18-17 NIT
UCONN
PG KEMBA WALKER (JR - 14.6p - 4.3r - 5.1a)
SG DONNELL BEVERLEY (SR)
SF ROSCOE SMITH (FR)
PF ALEX ORIAKHI (SO)
C ATER MAJOK (SO)
Rotation: SF Jamal Combs-McDaniel, PG Shabazz Napier, F Tyler Olander, SG Jeremy Lamb, C Charles Okwandu
10 deep. 2 stars. Walker and Smith will provide Sportscenter with highlights most nights. Smith is going to be real good real fast and Walker is on the short list for player of the year. This class that Calhoun brought in is extremely well placed for this team. Watch out for Napier and Olander; they both can contribute right away.
Prediction: 24-11 TOURNY 5 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Kemba Walker (6-1, 172)
SF Roscoe Smith (6-8, 205)
DEPAUL
PG JEREMIAH KELLY (JR)
SG MIKE STOVALL (SR)
SF ERIC WALLACE (JR)
PF DEVIN HILL (JR)
C KRYS FABER (JR)
Rotation: PG Michael Bizoukas, SF Tony Freeland, F Mario Stula, SG Moses Morgan, F Cleveland Melvin
Gone are 32ppg in Koshwal and Walker. They can't replace that from an 8-23 team either. Ouch. Stovall will be solid as the main guy but he just like the rest of this roster is out-talented and out-matched.
Prediction: 9-26
GEORGETOWN
PG CHRIS WRIGHT (SR - 15.2p - 3.0r - 4.1a)
SG JASON CLARK (JR)
SF AUSTIN FREEMAN (SR - 16.5p - 3.5r - 44.4TP%)
F HOLLIS THOMPSON (SO)
C JULIAN VAUGHN (SR)
Rotation: C Henry Sims, PF Nate Lubick, PG Markel Starks
An experienced and well balanced 8 man rotation here. Wright and Freeman are now Seniors after being an extremely hyped freshman duo that were at first a little underwelming. Sims and Thompson need to show their games. If those 2 show up this year then this team is elite 8 type of good. Perimeter scoring plus good rebounding bigs always produces wins.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 2 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG CHRIS WRIGHT (6-1, 208)
SG AUSTIN FREEMAN (6-4, 227)
NOTRE DAME
PG BEN HANSBROUGH (SR - 12.0p - 3.9r - 4.4a)
SG JOEY BROOKS (SO)
F SCOTT MARTIN (SR)
F TIM ABROMAITIS (SR - 16.1p - 4.7r - 42.9TP%)
PF TYRONE NASH (SR)
Rotation: F Carleton Scott, C Tom Knight, PG Eric Atkins, PF Jack Cooley, SF Alex Dragicevich
This team can shoot, flat out. The combination of Hansbrough and Abromaitis is going to give teams fits and combine that with good rebounding undersized forwards Nash and Scott and the Irish will have at least 1 or 2 big upsets this season. The question lays in just how good is Martin after not playing for 2 straight seasons and back from injury. Once upon a time he was considered the superior recruuit to his high school teammate; Robbie Hummel. If he is good, the Irish can surprise.
Prediction: 22-13 TOURNY 9 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SF TIM ABROMAITIS (6-8, 235)
PITTSBURGH
PG TRAVON WOODALL (SO)
SG ASHTON GIBBS (JR - 15.7p - 2.8r - 38.0TP%)
SF NASIR ROBINSON (JR)
PF DANTE TAYLOR (SO)
C GARY MCGHEE (SR)
Rotation: G BRAD WANAMAKER, SF GILBERT BROWN, PF TALIB ZANNA, SF JJ MOORE, SF LAMAR PATTERSON
An extremely deep backcourt bolsters a team that has all the tools to go very far this year. The key is in the bench where they have 3-4 guys that could easily start on most teams. That is where they will win games; with their second team building leads against other's inferior benchs.
Prediction: 28-7 TOURNY 2 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Ashton Gibbs (6-2, 190)
PF Dante Taylor (6-9, 240)
PROVIDENCE
PG VINCENT COUNCIL (SO)
SG GERARD COLEMAN (FR)
SF MARSHON BROOKS (SR - 14.2p - 4.2r - 35.1TP%)
F RON GIPLAYE (FR)
C BILAL DIXON (SO)
Rotation: G Duke Mondy, PG Dre Evans
Brooks and Dixon will be looked to carry the entire team. They can't do it. The team lacks experience across the board and are out-classed by the talent in the league. Brooks could average 17-19ppg and that will be the highlight of the season.
Prediction: 8-27
RUTGERS
PG MIKE COBURN (SR)
SG DANE MILLER (SO)
SF JONATHON MITCHELL (SR)
PF GILVYDAS BIRUTA (FR)
PF AUSTIN JOHNSON (SO)
Rotation: PG James Beatty, G Tyree Graham, SG Austin Carroll
An 8 man rotation that lacks size and depth. Rosario bolted after realizing he couldn't save his home town team all by himself so they are left with little scoring punch. Small guard heavy team with little height and depth in the frontcourt. Not good.
Prediction: 11-24
LOUISVILLE
PG PEYTON SIVA (SO)
G PRESTON KNOWLES (SR)
SG ROBURT SALLIE (SR)
SF JARED SWOPSHIRE (JR)
F TERRANCE JENNINGS (JR)
Rotation: F Rakeem Buckles, C Gorgui Dieng, SG Chris Smith, PF Stephan Van Treese
Their 3 leading scorers are gonee and alot of pressure of that is going to fall on SAllie and Swopshire. SAllie transfered from Memphis and can shoot the rock with ease. Jennings is the highest rated recruit on the roster and will get his shot this season. The team has the guards to defend but the ceiling is lower than normal this year.
Prediction: 21-14 NIT
MARQUETTE
PG DARIUS JOHNSON-ODOM (JR)
SG VANDER BLUE (FR)
SF JAE CROWDER (JR)
F JIMMY BUTLER (SR - 14.7p - 6.4r - 53.0FG%)
C CHRIS OTULE (SO)
Rotation: G Dwight Buycks, PG Junior Cadougan, SF Joseph Fulce, C Davante Gardner, SF Jamail Jones, PG Reggie Smith
Deep, can shoot, very talented. I see alot of NIT talk around this team in previews. Really? I see 1 of the nation's best recruiting classes paired with 2 all-big east players. The question is size in the middle of course. If 1 of Otule or Gardner can have a good season then this team is in the mix for the elite 8.
Prediction: 24-11 TOURNY 7 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SF Jimmy Butler (6-7, 220)
SG Vander Blue (6-4, 190)
SETON HALL
PG JORDAN THEODORE (JR)
SG JEREMY HAZELL (SR - 20.4p - 3.5r - 75.8FT%)
SF ENIEL POLYNICE (SR)
F JEFF ROBINSON (SR)
PF HERB POPE (JR - 11.5p - 10.7r - 45.9FG%)
Rotation: F Ferrakohn Hall, SG Jamel Jackson, PG Keon Lawerence, SF Fuquan Edwin
They have 9 guys that can really play, led by Hazell of course. This team should be ultra competitive with every one every night. Hazell needs to up his shooting numbers and dish the rock a bit more, if that happens then this is a tourny team for sure.
Prediction: 21-14 TOURNY 11 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG Jeremy Hazell (6-5, 188)
PF Herb Pope (6-8, 236)
SOUTH FLORIDA
PG ANTHONY CRATER (JR)
SG HUGH ROBERTSON (JR)
SF JAWANZA POLAND (SO)
PF AUGUSTUS GILCHRIST (JR - 13.4p - 5.9r - 48.5FG%)
C JARRID FAMOUS (SR - 10.4p - 7.5r - 52.7FG%)
Rotation: PG Shedrick Haynes, PF Ron Anderson, F Toarlyn Fitzpatrick
It's an 8 man rotation that has the opposite problem 99% of the nation has; great bigs, bad guards. Crater a former higly regarded Buckeye recruit and Freshman Haynes will be in charge of getting Gilchrist the ball down low. Shooting from the perimeter will be the real issue this season.
Prediction: 19-16 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
PF Augustus Gilchrist (6-10, 245)
ST. JOHNS
PG PARIS HORNE (SR)
SG DJ KENNEDY (SR - 15.1p - 6.1r - 45.0FG%)
SF DWAYNE POLEE (FR)
F JUSTIN BROWNLEE (SR)
PF SEAN EVANS (SR)
Rotation: PF Justin Burrell, G Dwight Hardy, PG Malik Boothe
New coach Lavin has inherited a pretty good team. DJ is a proven player and Brownlee, Evans, and Burrell should all be solid rebounders again. Coach Lavin needs to teach better shot selection first and foremost. Boothe, Horne, Hardy all take some quesionable shots at times. This team is a little short inside but has some skillful players. A bubble team to be sure.
Prediction: 20-15 TOURNY 12 SEED (Last 4 In)
NBA PROSPECT
SG DJ KENNEDY (6-5, 214)
SYRACUSE
PG SCOOP JARDINE (JR)
SG BRANDON TRICHE (SO)
SF KRIS JOSEPH (JR)
PF RICK JACKSON (SR)
C FAB MELO (FR)
Rotation: SG Mookie Jones, SF CJ Fair, PG Dion Waiters, F James Southerland, C DaShonte Riley
Not Boeheim's best team, but not a bad team either. Joseph is the key to everything as he really needs to take over Johnson's productive role head on. Melo should come in an rebound and be disruptive, but as far as anything away from the basket goes.. It may be asking too much. A team that is a year away from dominating but still good.
Prediction: 25-10 TOURNY 6 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
C Fab Melo (7-0, 265)
PG Dion Waiters (6-3, 214)
VILLANOVA
PG COREY FISHER (SR - 13.3p - 3.9a - 77.0FT%)
SG DOMINIC CHEEK (SO)
SF COREY STOKES (SR)
PF ANTONIO PENA (SR)
C MOUPHTAOU YAROU (SO)
Rotation: SF Isaiah Armwood, PG Maalik Wayns, SG James Bell, F JayVaughn Pinkston
Much like Georgetown's Freeman and Wright, the Corey's were looked at as a huge backcourt recruiting prize 4 years ago. As Seniors now they really need to pick it up. Either Stokes or Cheek needs to step it up in order to make this an elite team. Without 1 of them in that 15ppg range then they are just another 1 and done team.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 4 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Corey Fisher (6-1, 200)
PG Maalik Wayns (6-1, 185)
C Mouphtaou Yarou (6-10, 250)
WEST VIRGINIA
PG TRUCK BRYANT (SR)
SG NOAH COTTRILL (FR)
SL CASEY MITCHELL (SR)
PF KEVIN JONES (JR)
C DENIZ KILICLI (SO)
Rotation: PG Joe Mazzulla, PF Kevin Noreen, SF John Flowers, SG Dalton Pepper, F Cam Thoroughman
Huggy Bear always gets alot out of his players and this year will be no different. Getting a late committ from Noreen over Indiana was huge as he represents a highly skilled of-size big man. Jones will be a dominant rebounder and defender no doubt but the key will be outside shooting. 1 of home grown Cottrill, Pepper, or Mitchell needs to break 10ppg.
Prediction: 23-12 TOURNY 8 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SF KEVIN JONES (6-8, 255)
ORDER OF FINISH
1. PITTSBURGH (28-7 TOURNY 2 SEED)
2. GEORGETOWN (26-9 TOURNY 2 SEED)
3. VILLANOVA (26-9 TOURNY 4 SEED)
4. SYRACUSE (25-10 TOURNY 6 SEED)
5. UCONN (24-11 TOURNY 5 SEED)
6. MARQUETTE (24-11 TOURNY 7 SEED)
7. WEST VIRGINIA (23-12 TOURNY 8 SEED)
8. NOTRE DAME (22-13 TOURNY 9 SEED)
9. SETON HALL (21-14 TOURNY 11 SEED)
10. LOUISVILLE (21-14 NIT)
11. ST. JOHNS (20-15 TOURNY 12 SEED)
12. SOUTH FLORIDA (19-16 NIT)
13. CINCINNATI (18-17 NIT)
14. RUTGERS (11-24)
15. DEPAUL (9-26)
16. PROVIDENCE (8-27)
ALL-BIGEAST 1st Team
PG Corey Fisher
SG Ashton Gibbs
SF Austin Freeman
PF Tim Abromaitis
C Augustus Gilchrist
ALL-BIGEAST 2nd Team
PG Kemba Walker
SG Jermey Hazell
SF Jimmy Butler
PF Kevin Jones
C Fab Melo
ALL-BIGEAST 3rd Team
PG Chris Wright
SG DJ Kennedy
SF Scott Martin
PF Terrance Jennings
C Yancy Gates
NBA PROSPECT
1. C Fab Melo (7-0, 265)
2. SF Roscoe Smith (6-8, 205)
3. PG Kemba Walker (6-1, 172)
4. PG Maalik Wayns (6-1, 185)
5. C Mouphtaou Yarou (6-10, 250)
6. SF Jimmy Butler (6-7, 220)
7. PG Dion Waiters (6-3, 214)
8. PF Augustus Gilchrist (6-10, 245)
9. SF KEVIN JONES (6-8, 255)
10. SF TIM ABROMAITIS (6-8, 235)
11. PF Dante Taylor (6-9, 240)
12. SG Jeremy Hazell (6-5, 188)
13. SG AUSTIN FREEMAN (6-4, 227)
14. SG Vander Blue (6-4, 190)
15. PF Herb Pope (6-8, 236)
16. PG Ashton Gibbs (6-2, 190)
17. PG Corey Fisher (6-1, 200)
18. SG DJ KENNEDY (6-5, 214)
19. PG CHRIS WRIGHT (6-1, 208)
BIG TEN
ILLINOIS
PG DEMETRI MCCAMEY (SR - 15.1p - 3.6r - 7.1a)
SG DJ RICHARDSON (SO)
SF JEREME RICHMOND (FR)
PF MIKE DAVIS (SR - 10.7p - 9.2r - 47.3FG%)
C MIKE TISDALE (SR - 11.9p - 6.0r - 58.5FG%)
Rotaion: G Brandon Paul, PF Bill Cole, F Tyler Griffey, C Meyers Leonard, SG Joseph Bertrand, G Crandall Head
Easily one of the deepest teams in the nation. The 3 starting seniors all want to win bad and they have a top 10 recruiting class coming in to help. This is the year that Illini have a legit shot at being a top 10 team.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 3 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Demetri McCamey (6-3, 195)
SF Jereme Richmond (6-8, 195)
C Meyers Leonard (7-0, 215)
INDIANA
PG JORDAN HULLS (SO)
SG MAURICE CREEK (SO - 16.4p - 3.8r - 44.8TP%)
SG VERDELL JONES (JR - 14.9p - 3.9r - 3.4a)
F CHRISTIAN WATFORD (SO - 12.0p - 6.0r - 80.0FT%)
C BOBBY CAPOBIANCO (SO)
Rotation: PF Derek Elston, C Tom Pritchard, PG Jeremiah Rivers, SG Matt Roth, G Victor Oladipo, SF Will Sheehey
The Hoosiers are still young but are getting a huge boost from returning injured players Roth and Creek. Both players were the team's best shooters by a mile before succoming to leg issues. Creek is the team's best offensive player right away and should get steady help from now #1 point guard Hulls and athletic Watford. Improved, absolutely... But still another year away from that 20 win mark.
Prediction: 16-19
NBA PROSPECT
SG Maurice Creek (6-5, 200)
IOWA
PG CULLY PAYNE (SO)
SG MATT GATENS (JR)
SF ERIC MAY (SO)
PF DEVON ARCHIE (JR)
PF JARRYD COLE (SR)
Rotation: G Bryce Cartwright, C Andrew Brommer, F Melsahn Basabe
As much as this team has been torn apart by loss it is still a competitive group. Gatens and May are really good collegiate players that would contribute to the biggest of programs. The depth isn't there and the bigs are out of place and inexperienced so this year likely won't lead to good things... However, Gatens Senior year should see the Iowa program rise from the ashes.
Prediction: 14-21
MICHIGAN
PG DARIUS MORRIS (SO)
SG TIM HARDAWAY (FR)
SF ZACK NOVAK (JR)
PF EVAN SMOTRYCZ (FR)
C JORDAN MORGAN (FR)
Rotation: G Stu Douglass, F Colton Christian, PF Jon Horford
These 8 just don't have the chemistry, talent, or knowledge to play at this level yet. At least 2 and likely 3 freshman will start and your best offensive weapon is Novak? The star of the team looks to be Morris combined with Hardaway but both look inconsistent to me.
Prediction: 8-27
MICHIGAN STATE
PG KALIN LUCAS (SR - 14.8p - 4.0a - 77.2FT%)
SG DURRELL SUMMERS (SR - 11.3p - 4.7r - 79.5FT%)
F DELVON ROE (JR)
F DRAYMOND GREEN (JR - 9.9p - 7.7r - 52.5FG%)
C DERRICK NIX (SO)
Rotation: PG Korie Lucious, C Garrick Sherman, G Keith Appling, PF Adrien Payne
Again the Spartans are stacked from head to toe. The second team for MSU is a top 25 team. Returning leader Lucas will have the reigns again and the only thing this team really needs is for Summers to play like he did in the tourny and down the stretch. A lock to be a great team.
Prediction: 30-5 TOURNY 1 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Kalin Lucas (6-0, 190)
SG Durrell Summers (6-4, 205)
SF Draymond Green (6-6, 235)
PF Adrien Payne (6-10, 215)
MINNESOTA
PG AL NOLEN (SR)
SG DEVOE JOSEPH (JR)
SF RODNEY WILLIAMS (SO)
PF COLTON IVERSON (JR)
C RALPH SAMPSON (JR)
Rotation: G Blake Hoffarber, C Maurice Walker, PF Elliott Eliason
Tubby has a real good team here. Both Joseph and Williams look like All-Big Ten players and this may be the year they play like it. There are 4-5 good contributing bigs here as well, with most of the offense running through Sampson by the end of last season.
Prediction: 22-13 TOURNY 11 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Devoe Joseph (6-3, 179)
SF Rodney Williams 6-7, 200)
C Ralph Sampson (6-11, 241)
NORTHWESTERN
PG MICHAEL THOMPSON (SR - 14.2p - 4.1a - 82.9FT%)
SG DREW CRAWFORD (SO)
SF JEFF RYAN (SR)
F JOHN SHURNA (JR - 18.2p - 6.4 - 77.5FT%)
C LUKA MIRKOVIC (JR)
Rotation: G Jershon Cobb, C Davide Curletti, PF Ivan Peljusic, SG Mike Capocci
This is the best chance that the cats have to make the Tourny, maybe ever. A 3 headed scoring trio of Thompson, Crawford, and Shurna should really dominate most Big Ten teams. Call me crazy, but I think they are going to do it.
Prediction: 21-14 NIT (First 4 Out)
NBA PROSPECT
PG Michael Thompson (5-10, 190)
SF John Shurna (6-8, 215)
OHIO STATE
G JON DIEBLER (SR - 13.0p - 2.8r - 42.0TP%)
SG WILLIAM BUFORD (JR - 14.4p - 5.6r - 3.1a)
SF DAVID LIGHTY (SR - 12.6p - 4.5r - 3.0a)
PF DALLAS LAUDERDALE (SR)
C JARED SULLINGER (FR)
Rotation: F Deshaun Thomas, G Aaron Craft, SG Jordan Sibert, G Lenzelle Smith, SF JD Weatherspoon
One of the most talented teams in the nation, but can they all co-exist? That is the big question here. Who will run the point? Would a Craft or Smith be ready or should they just let Diebler walk up the ball and start the offense? A very good team, but in no way great.
Prediction: 24-11 TOURNY 6 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG William Buford (6-5, 205)
PF Jared Sullinger (6-9, 280)
SF DeShaun Thomas (6-6, 230)
PENN STATE
PG TALOR BATTLE (SR - 18.5p - 5.3r - 4.2a)
SG CAMMERON WOODYARD (JR)
SF DAVID JACKSON (SR)
F JEFF BROOKS (SR)
C ANDREW JONES (SR)
Rotation: G Taran Buie, G Tim Frazier, F Jonathon Graham, PF Sasa Borovnjak
Battle comes back for his last season and the best part of it is that he recruits his half brother Taran Buie to take his place when he leaves. Buie is really good already and could start with Battle if they weren't both so ball dominant. A Brooks - Jackson - Jones supporting cast isn't bad for Battle but it isn't great either which is why another medicore season is starring at them.
Prediction: 19-16 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
PG Talor Battle (6-0, 170)
PG Taran Buie (6-2, 185)
PURDUE
PG TERONE JOHNSON (FR)
SG E'TWAUN MOORE (SR - 16.4p - 3.8r - 2.7a)
SF DJ BYRD (SO)
F ROBBIE HUMMEL (SR - 15.7p - 6.9r - 90.2FT%)
C JAJUAN JOHNSON (SR - 15.5p - 7.1r - 50.7FG%)
Rotation: PG Lewis Jackson, G Kelsey Barlow, SG Anthony Johnson, PF Patrick Bade, G Ryne Smith, C Travis Carroll, C Sandi Marcius
Everything has led up to this year. It's title or bust for the 3 seniors and they know it I'm sure. Ready-bodied recruit Terone Johnson is the key here. He is more talented than Jackson but is he ready for this gig?
Prediction: 29-6 TOURNY 2 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG E'Twaun Moore (6-4, 190)
SF Robbie Hummel (6-8, 226)
PF JaJuan Johnson (6-10, 216)
WISCONSIN
PG JORDAN TAYLOR (JR)
SG RYAN EVANS (SO)
SF TIM JARMUSZ (SR)
F JON LEUER (SR - 15.4p - 5.8r - 52.2FG%)
PF KEATON NANKIVIL (SR)
Rotation: SG Rob Wilson, C Evan Anderson, PF Jared Berggren, G Ben Brust, PG John Gasser, SF Duje Dukan
I've said it a million times, I think Coach Ryan is the best coach in the nation. He is always a sixth man on the court and gets the most of his players. This year it is all about Taylor and Leuer. The weight of the team is squarely on them. IF 1 of the bigs other than the solid Nankivil comes up big then this team can win alot of close games.
Prediction: 23-12 TOURNY 8 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
F Jon Leuer (6-10, 230)
ORDER OF FINISH
1. Michigan State (30-5 Tourny 1 Seed)
2. Purdue (29-6 Tourny 2 Seed)
3. Illinois (26-9 Tourny 3 Seed)
4. Ohio State (24-11 Tourny 6 Seed)
5. Wisconsin (23-12 Tourny 8 Seed)
6. Minnesota (22-13 Tourny 11 Seed)
7. Northwestern (21-14 NIT)
8. Penn State (19-16 NIT)
9. Indiana (16-19)
10. Iowa (14-21)
11. Michigan (8-27)
ALL-BIGTEN 1st Team
PG Kalin Lucas
SG E'Twaun Moore
SF William Buford
PF Jon Leuer
C JaJaun Johnson
ALL-BIGTEN 2nd Team
PG Demetri McCamey
SG Durrell Summers
SF Robbie Hummel
PF John Shurna
C Jared Sullinger
ALL-BIGTEN 3rd Team
PG Talor Battle
SG Maurice Creek
SF Matt Gatens
PF Draymond Green
C Ralph Sampson
NBA PROSPECT
1. PF Jared Sullinger (6-9, 280)
2. SG Maurice Creek (6-5, 200)
3. SG William Buford (6-5, 205)
4. SF Rodney Williams 6-7, 200)
5. C Meyers Leonard (7-0, 215)
6. SF DeShaun Thomas (6-6, 230)
7. PG Taran Buie (6-2, 185)
8. PG Kalin Lucas (6-0, 190)
9. SF Jereme Richmond (6-8, 195)
10. PF JaJuan Johnson (6-10, 216)
11. PG Demetri McCamey (6-3, 195)
12. PG Talor Battle (6-0, 170)
13. SF Robbie Hummel (6-8, 226)
14. F Jon Leuer (6-10, 230)
15. C Ralph Sampson (6-11, 241)
16. SG Durrell Summers (6-4, 205)
17. SG E'Twaun Moore (6-4, 190)
18. PF Adrien Payne (6-10, 215)
19. SF John Shurna (6-8, 215)
20. PG Devoe Joseph (6-3, 179)
21. PG Michael Thompson (5-10, 190)
22. SF Draymond Green (6-6, 235)
This is my complete prediction and prospect index for the Big 6 conferences and the other top flight teams and players in D1 ball. Note: This is the first year for the First Four so for those that don't know there are now 68 teams in the field.
I'll start with the end; here is my field of 68 prediction:
1. Duke V. 16. Long Beach St. / Jackson State
2. Purdue V. 15. Montana
3. Texas Tech V. 14. Morgan State
4. Kentucky V. 13. Princeton / Detroit
5. UCONN V. 12. Missouri State
6. Syracuse V. 11. Minnesota
7. Memphis V. 10. Richmond
8. West Virginia V. 9. Gonzaga
------------------------------------------------------------
1. Michigan State V. 16. Bucknell / Quinnipiac
2. Kansas V. 15. Oakland
3. New Mexico V. 14. Siena
4. Villanova V. 13. WICHITA STATE
5. Tennessee V. 12. Saint Louis
6. North Carolina V. 11. Butler
7. Marquette V. 10. Ohio
8. BYU V. 9. Notre Dame
------------------------------------------------------------
1. Kansas State V. 16. Lipscomb
2. Georgetown V. 15. Boston
3. Illinois V. 14. Old Dominion
4. Texas V. 13. North Texas
5. Georgia V. 12. NC State
6. Baylor V. 11. Seton Hall
7. Maryland V. 10. Arizona
8. Wisconsin V. 9. Mississippi State
------------------------------------------------------------
1. Florida V. 16. Stephen F. Austin
2. Pittsburgh V. 15. Morehead State
3. Virginia Tech V. 14. Coastal Carolina
4. Washington State V. 13. Wofford
5. Vanderbilt V. 12. St. Johns / Utah State
6. Ohio State V. 11. Florida State
7. Washington V. 10. Missouri
8. San Diego State V. 9. UCLA
Please do not argue seeding until I am actually wrong. I truly love this game and follow each and every player / team very closely.
AUTOMATIC BIDS
Boston University
Lipscomb
Quinnipiac
North Texas
Jackson State
Utah State
Morehead State
Morgan State
Bucknell
Siena
Montana
Coastal Carolina
Long Beach State
Old Dominion
ACC
BOSTON COLLEGE
PG Biko Paris (SR)
SG Reggie Jackson (JR - 12.9p-5.7r-4.5a)
F Corey Raji (SR - 11.4p - 5.8r - 54.3FG%)
F Joe Trapani (SR - 14.1p - 6.4r - 80.2FT%)
C Josh Southern (SR)
Rotation: G Dallas Elmore, F Cortney Dunn
New coach Donahue has inherited a very good starting five. There are 2 star players in Jackson and Trapani (who is entereing his 9th season there) and then there is a nice 3rd scorer in Raji. Paris and Southern are solid starters as well but the issue is in depth; there isn't any. Elmore and Dunn are decent upperclass bench players but the rest of the roster has 0 reason for being in the ACC.
Prediction; 19-16 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
PG REGGIE JACKSON (6-3 200)
CLEMSON
PG Demontez Stitt (SR - 11.4p - 2.7r - 3.1a)
SG Tanner Smith
F Milton Jennings
F Jerai Grant
F Devin Booker
Rotation: G Noel Johnson, PG Andre Young
3 problems don't make a winning season; No T Booker, No bigs, No Depth. Booker, Jennings, and Grant are all undersized 4/5s but they will be relied upon heavily. This team made a good hire and should return Smith, Johnson, Jennings, and Booker next season when they should be alot better and used to Brownell's system.
Prediction; 13-22
NBA PROSPECT
F MILTON JENNINGS (6-9, 225)
DUKE
PG Kyrie Irving (FR)
SG Nolan Smith (SR - 17.4p - 2.8r - 3.0a)
SF Kyle Singler (SR - 17.7p - 7.0r - 40TP%)
PF Josh Hairston (FR)
C Miles Plumlee (JR)
Rotation: G Seth Curry, F Mason Plumlee, G Andre Dawkins, F Ryan Kelly
The best 9 man roation in the nation. Anything less than another title will be a let down for the demons.
Prediction: 31-4 TOURNY 1 SEED
NBA PROSPECTS:
PG Kyrie Irving (6-2, 180)
PG Nolan Smith (6-2, 185)
G Seth Curry (6-1, 175)
SF Kyle Singler (6-8, 230)
FLORIDA STATE
PG Derwin Kitchen (SR)
SG Michael Snaer (SO)
SF Deividas Dulkys (JR)
PF Chris Singleton (JR - 10.2p - 7.0r - 2.2a)
C Jon Kreft (JR)
Rotation: SF Luke Loucks, C Xavier Gibson, PF Bernard James, G Ian Miller
This is a very interesting team that Hamilton has. From my stance this could definitly be a surprise team. Singleton went to every camp he could over the summer the highly rated Snaer has a year under his belt. Add in 3 players not on last years team that can really play and 20 wins in an average ACC is within reach.
Prediction: 21-14 TOURNY 11 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PF Chris Singleton (6-9, 227)
SG Michael Snaer (6-5, 200)
GEORGIA TECH
PG Maurice Miller (SR)
G Iman Shumpert (JR)
G Glen Rice Jr. (SO)
F Brian Oliver (SO)
C Daniel Miller (FR)
Rotation: G Mfon Udofia, F Kammeron Holsey, SF Lance Storrs
This team will be pretty bad. Shumpert will score 15ppg more than likely but won't shoot it at high percentage. They will rely heavily on 3 very inexperienced frontcourt bigs whom I like, but just not this season.
Prediction: 12-23
MARYLAND
PG Pe'Shon Howard (FR)
SG Sean Mosley (JR - 10.1p - 5.1r - 81.1FT%)
SF Cliff Tucker (SR)
PF Dino Gregory (SR)
C Jordan Williams (SO - 9.6p - 8.6r - 51.2FG%)
Rotation: SF Mychal Tucker, G Adrian Bowie, F James Padggett, F Aston Pankey, PG Terrell Stoglin
10 deep and a great coach... That equals 20+ any year and in any conference. The biggest question will be who will run the point. To me it is Howard's ball because Mosely is going to need to score off of motion as he can not create 1-1. Mosely - Williams and a very nice 7-8 man support attack means wins.
Prediction: 23-12 TOURNY 7 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
C Jordan Williams (6-10, 260)
MIAMI
PG Malcolm Grant (JR)
SG Durand Scott (SO - 10.3p - 4.0r - 3.4a)
SF DeQuan Jones (JR)
F Adrian Thomas (SR)
C Reggie Johnson (SO)
Rotation: SG Rion Brown, SF Garrius Adams, C Julian Gamble
A good 8 man rotation lead by Scott. The real key will be getting second team scoring punch out of Brown and Adams. It's a solid team on a paper, they need to get to the line in order to get close to 20.
Prediction; 18-17 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
PG Durand Scott (6-3, 195)
NC STATE
PG Javier Gonzalez (SR)
G Lorenzo Brown (FR)
SF Scott Wood (SO)
F CJ Leslie (FR)
F Tracy Smith (SR - 16.5p - 7.3r - 52.4FG%)
Rotation: PF Richard Howell, SF CJ Williams, PG Ryan Harrow, C Jordan Vandenberg
Lowe has 3 big time players coming in to complement a very hard working Smith. This team will get better as the season goes on and should be in that bubble conversation by seasons end. Gonzalez is holding Harrow's place for a year, Leslie is cleanup and run with the best in the nation, and Brown is already a solid starter.
Prediction: 21-14 Tourny 12 SEED (Last 4 In)
NBA PROSPECT
PF Tracy Smith (6-8, 247)
F CJ Leslie (6-8, 210)
NORTH CAROLINA
PG Larry Drew (JR)
SG Harrison Barnes (FR)
F Will Graves (SR)
F John Henson (SO)
C Tyler Zeller (JR)
Rotation: PG Kendall Marshall, SF Reggie Bullock, G Dexter Strickland, C Justin Knox
The arrival of Barnes means that this team now has a go-to scorer. Drew and Marshall will battle it out for lead guard with I feel Drew winning the position for now. Henson and Zeller are multi-talented posts that need both consistent play and health to be out there all year.
Prediction; 24-11 TOURNY 6 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG HARRISON BARNES (6-7, 215)
VIRGINIA
PG Sammy Zeglinski (JR)
G Billy Baron (FR)
SG KT Harrell (FR)
PF Mike Scott (SR 12.0p - 7.2r - 50.5FG%)
C Asane Sene (JR)
Rotation: PF James Johnson, SG Mustapha Farrakhan, F Will Sherrill, F Will Regan, SF Joe Harris
Tony Bennett is one of the best coaches in the nation, make no mistake about that. Some tough loses last year that could have gotten them to 20 wins in a year most thought 10 would be difficult. Put in a good and deep class of 6 to a determined Mike Scott and this team's future is looking up but most likely a year away.
Prediction; 16-19
NBA PROSPECT
PF Mike Scott (6-8, 240)
SG KT Harrell (6-5, 200)
PF James Johnson (6-9, 234)
VIRGINIA TECH
PG Malcolm Delaney (SR - 20.2p - 3.7r - 4.5a)
SG Dorenzo Hudson (SR - 15.2p - 3.5r - 75.5FT%)
SF JT Thompson (SR)
F Jeff Allen (SR - 12.0p - 7.4r - 47.0FG%)
C Allan Chaney (SO)
Rotation: SF Terrell Bell, PF Viktor Davila, SF Jarell Eddie
This is going to be a really really dangerous team given their senior ladden team and transfer Chaney manning the middle. They should have 3 very good bench players to complement stars Delaney, Hudson, and Allen. Big expectations this year.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 3 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Malcolm Delaney (6-3, 190)
SG Dorenzo Hudson (6-5, 220)
F Jeff Allen (6-7, 230)
PF Allan Chaney (6-9, 235)
WAKE FOREST
PG Tony Chennault (FR)
G CJ Harris (SO)
SF Ari Stewart (SO)
PF Melvin Tabb (FR)
C Tony Woods (JR)
Rotation: C Ty Walker, G JT Terrell
I think they have 7 guys that can gel into a good rotation... However, unless 1 of Woods or Walker wakes up and dominates like they should then this team has no chance to compete. Harris, Chennault, and Harris form a good 3 man 1/2 crew but other than that the team is full of question marks.
Prediction: 14-21
ORDER OF FINISH
1. DUKE (31-4 TOURNY 1 SEED)
2. VIRGINIA TECH (26-9 TOURNY 3 SEED)
3. NORTH CAROLINA (24-11 TOURNY 6 SEED)
4. MARYLAND (23-12 TOURNY 7 SEED)
5. FLORIDA STATE (21-14 TOURNY 11 SEED)
6. NC STATE (21-14 TOURNY 12 SEED)
7. BOSTON COLLEGE (19-16 NIT)
8. MIAMI (18-17 NIT)
9. VIRGINIA (16-19)
10. WAKE FOREST (14-21)
11. CLEMSON (13-22)
12. GEORGIA TECH (12-23)
ALL-ACC 1st Team
PG Malcolm Delaney
SG Harrison Barnes
SF Kyle Singler
PF Chris Singleton
C Jordan Williams
ALL-ACC 2nd Team
PG Kyrie Irving
SG Reggie Jackson
SF Joe Trapani
PF Jeff Allen
C Tracy Smith
ALL-ACC 3rd Team
PG Nolan Smith
SG Seth Curry
SF Dorenzo Hudson
PF CJ Leslie
C Jon Kreft
NBA PROSPECTS:
1. SG Harrison Barnes (6-7, 215)
2. PG Kyrie Irving (6-2, 180)
3. PG Reggie Jackson (6-3 200)
4. F CJ Leslie (6-8, 210)
5. SF Kyle Singler (6-8, 230)
6. G Seth Curry (6-1, 175)
7. PF Chris Singleton (6-9, 227)
8. PG Nolan Smith (6-2, 185)
9. C Jordan Williams (6-10, 260)
10. PF James Johnson (6-9, 234)
11. PG Malcolm Delaney (6-3, 190)
12. F Milton Jennings (6-9, 225)
13. PG Durand Scott (6-3, 195)
14. SG Dorenzo Hudson (6-5, 220)
15. SG KT Harrell (6-5, 200)
16. PF Tracy Smith (6-8, 247)
17. PF Allan Chaney (6-9, 235)
18. PF Mike Scott (6-8, 240)
19. SG Michael Snaer (6-5, 200)
20. F Jeff Allen (6-7, 230)
BIG 12
BAYLOR
PG AJ WALTON (SO)
SG LACEDARIUS DUNN (SR - 19.6p - 4.8r - 41.9TP%)
SF QUINCY ACY (JR)
F ANTHONY JONES (JR)
F PERRY JONES (FR)
Rotation: F Corey Jefferson, PG Stargell Love, SG Bakari Turner, SG Nolan Dennis
Dunn is currently suspended and is expected to miss what many guess is around 10 games. That will hurt their record by 2-3 games on prediction. Easily one of the most athletic and gifted teams in the nation. The combo of Dunn-Jones should produce 30-40 points and 10-15 rebounds on average every night. The question marks lay in the depth, chemistry, and center position (lack there of).
Prediction; 25-10 TOURNY 6 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG LaceDarius Dunn (6-4, 205)
F Perry Jones (6-10, 220)
COLORADO
PG NATE TOMLINSON
SG COREY HIGGINS
SF ALEC BURKS
F MARCUS RELPHORDE
C SHANE HARRIS-TUNKS
Rotation: PG Shannon Sharpe, C Austin Dufault, SG Levi Knutson, C Ben Mills
This is Higgins and Burks and not much else. A Tomlinson - Sharpe 2 headed PG rotation isn't a bad 1 and Relphorde is solid but the 3 bigs on the roster have a lot to be desired.
Prediction: 19-16 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
SG Corey Higgins (6-5, 190)
SG Alec Burks (6-6, 185)
IOWA STATE
PG DIANTE GARRETT (SR)
G DEMARCUS PHILLIPS (JR)
G SCOTT CHRISTOPHERSON (JR)
F ROYCE WHITE (FR)
C JAMES VANDERBEKEN (SR)
Rotation: SF Melvin Ejim, G Jake Anderson, PF Calvin Godfrey, C Jordan Railey, F Eric McKnight
The Mayor comes back into town and has inherited an absolute mess. Garrett is a solid point and Phillips comes in from the JC ranks to add scoring. The prize is the troubled but amazingly talented White (from Minnesota). When he starts to play I expect him to be the teams best player.
Prediction: 13-22
KANSAS
PG JOSH SELBY (FR)
G TYSHAWN TAYLOR (JR)
SF MARIO LITTLE (SR)
PF MARCUS MORRIS (JR - 12.8p - 6.1r - 57.0FG%)
C MARKIEFF MORRIS (JR)
Rotation: F Thomas Robinson, G Brady Morningstar, G Tyrel Reed, SG Travis Releford, PG Elijah Johnson, C Jeff Withey
While alot of "experts" are picking the Jayhawks to be a final 4-elite 8 team again, I am not. They will better later in the year and see their seeding increase but I believe their are 10-12 teams better than they will be. Alot will be riding on a trio of scorers in Marcus Morris, Selby, and Little. Those 3 are not as good as the departed Collins, Henry, and Aldridge. They do have good depth though and a nice backup senior guard duo of Morningstar and Reed.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 2 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Josh Selby (6-2, 183)
PF Marcus Morris (6-8, 225)
KANSAS STATE
PG JACOB PULLEN (SR - 19.3p - 2.6r - 3.4a)
SG RODNEY MCGRUDER (SO)
SF JAMAR SAMUELS (JR)
PF CURTIS KELLY (SR)
C FREDDY ASPIRILLA (JR)
Rotation: F Wally Judge, G Martavious Irving, G Will Spradling, C Jordan Henriquez-Roberts, SG Nick Russell
This is a scary good team. These 10 players listed all want to win and their crazy coach is like another player on the floor AND their home court advantage is imo the nation's best. Pullen will be the leader but he has a lot of capable scorers in Samuels, Kelly, Judge, Irving, and Aspirilla.
Prediction: 29-6 TOURNY 1 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Jacob Pullen (6-0, 200)
SF Jamar Samuels (6-7, 220)
PF Wally Judge (6-9, 248)
MISSOURI
PG MICHAEL DIXON (SO)
SG KIM ENGLISH (JR - 14.0p - 3.4r - 37.0TP%)
SF LAURENCE BOWERS (JR)
PF JUSTIN SAFFORD (SR)
C RICARDO RATLIFFE (JR)
Rotation: G Marcus Denmon, F Tony Mitchell, PG Phil Pressey
A very solid 8 man rotation led by smooth shooting guard English. Question is at point guard and also on the ready-ness of some of the new members. I expect Dixon to get the nod so that scoring comes off the bench in Denmon. Overall a solid team, but in no way a big time contender.
Prediction: 22-13 TOURNY 10 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG Kim English (6-6, 200)
NEBRASKA
PG LANCE JETER (SR)
SG BRANDON RICHARDSON (SO)
SF TONEY MCCRAY (JR)
PF BRANDON UBEL (SO)
C CHRISTOPHER NIEMANN (SO)
Rotation: C Jose Brian Diaz, SG Eshaunte Jones, F Christian Standhardinger, C Andre Almeida
A "strange" team to be honest. 4 huge bigs from all around the world and 2 decenet guards that is pretty much the entire team. The best player is Niemann by far. He should be up for newcomer of the year. Jeter and Richardson are solid, but nothing special. This is just an odd team.
Prediction: 13-22
OKLAHOMA
PG CARL BLAIR (SO)
SG TJ TAYLOR (FR)
SF CADE DAVIS (SR)
F CJ WASHINGTON (JR)
F ANDREW FITZGERALD (SO)
Rotation: SG Steven Pledger, G Calvin Neal, SF Tyler Neal
For what ever reason no one wants to play for Jeff Capal?? 3 promising players in Warren, TMG, and Gallon all bailed before they were ready to.... That leaves this team with a ton of unproven freshman and new faces. The best of the bunch will be Taylor, Washington, and Blair; all of which have good chances of starting.
Prediction: 11-24
OKLAHOMA STATE
PG KEATON PAGE (JR)
SG MARKEL BROWN (FR)
SF JP OLUKEMI (FR)
F MARSHALL MOSES (SR)
PF MATT PILGRIM (SR)
Rotation: PG Ray Penn, SF Roger Franklin, PF Darrell Williams
That is the 8 man rotation, the rest of the roster is a bunch of never-will-be's. Anyway you slice it this team will be the shortest team in the arena. Page and Penn are pushing 5'9 each and they have no centers and 2 undersized 4's to play the post. Could be a rough year.
Prediction: 12-23
TEXAS
PG COREY JOSPEH (FR)
G VAREZ WARD (SO)
SF JORDAN HAMILTON (SO)
F GARY JOHNSON (SR)
C TRISTIAN THOMPSON (FR)
Rotation: G J'Covan Brown, SF Shawn Williams, G Dogus Balbay
The inlfux of Joseph/Thompson reuniting at the next level gives the longhorns a dynamic pair of freshman. I fully expect this to be their team with a heavy dose of a very talented Hamilton. The rest of the roster is just ok. Balbay, Ward, and Brown were always just above average guards compaired to the complete Joseph.
Prediction: 24-11 TOURNY 4 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Corey Jospeh (6-3, 180)
SF Jordan Hamilton (6-7, 226)
PF Tristian Thompson (6-9, 230)
TEXAS A&M
PG DASH HARRIS (JR)
SG KHRIS MIDDLETON (SO)
SF NATHAN WALKUP (SR)
PF DAVID LOUBEAU (JR)
C KOURTNEY ROBERSON (FR)
Rotation: PG BJ Holmes, F Ray Turner, PF Keith Davis
With the loses of their top 3 players from a 24 win team the Aggies are going to find it hard to find ways to win this year. Who is going to score on this team? The incoming class adds some good size and athletic ability but they will still need time. The future is bright, but the present looks cloudy.
Prediction: 18-17 NIT
TEAXAS TECH
PG JOHN ROBERSON (SR - 14.5p - 2.3r - 5.4a)
SG DAVID TAIRU (SR)
SF D'WALYN ROBERTS (SR)
F MIKE SINGELTARY (SR - 15.0p - 6.8r - 2.3a)
PF PAUL COOPER (JR)
Rotation: SF Theron Jenkins, C Robert Lewandowski, SG Brad Reese, PG Javarez Willis
These will be the 9 players that will play the minutes... and damnit all if this isn't Tech's best team in a long long time. Everyone knows about Singeltary and Roberson but Reese, Tairu, Roberts, Willis, and Cooper are real good too. Combine all this with a weak conference and Tech really looks like a potential national sleeper.
Prediction: 25-10 TOURNY 3 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SF MIKE SINGELTARY (6-6, 235)
ORDER OF FINISH
1. KANSAS STATE (29-6 TOURNY 1 SEED)
2. KANSAS (26-9 TOURNY 2 SEED)
3. TEXAS TECH (25-10 TOURNY 3 SEED)
4. BAYLOR (25-10 TOURNY 6 SEED)
5. TEXAS (24-11 TOURNY 4 SEED)
6. MISSOURI (22-13 TOURNY 10 SEED)
7. COLORADO (19-16 NIT)
8. TEXAS A&M (18-17 NIT)
9. NEBRASKA (13-22)
10. IOWA STATE (13-22)
11. OKLAHOMA STATE (12-23)
12. OKLAHOMA (11-24)
ALL-BIG12 1st Team
PG JACOB PULLEN
SG LACEDARIUS DUNN
SF ALEC BURKS
PF MIKE SINGELTARY
C MARCUS MORRIS
ALL-BIG12 2nd Team
PG JOHN ROBERSON
SG COREY HIGGINS
SF KIM ENGLISH
PF PERRY JONES
C TRISTIAN THOMPSON
ALL-BIG12 3rd Team
PG JOSH SELBY
SG COREY JOSEPH
SF CADE DAVIS
PF JAMAR SAMUELS
C CHRISTOPHER NIEMANN
NBA PROSPECTS
1. PG Corey Jospeh (6-3, 180)
2. F Perry Jones (6-10, 220)
3. PF Tristian Thompson (6-9, 230)
4. PG Josh Selby (6-2, 183)
5. SG Alec Burks (6-6, 185)
6. SG LaceDarius Dunn (6-4, 205)
7. SF Mike Singeltary (6-6, 235)
8. SG Kim English (6-6, 200)
9. SF Jordan Hamilton (6-7, 226)
10. SG Corey Higgins (6-5, 190)
11. PF Marcus Morris (6-8, 225)
12. PG Jacob Pullen (6-0, 200)
13. SF Jamar Samuels (6-7, 220)
14. PF Wally Judge (6-9, 248)
BIG EAST
CINCINNATI
PG CASHEMERE WRIGHT (SO)
SG JAQUAN PARKER (SO)
SF RASHAD BISHOP (SR)
PF YANCY GATES (JR)
C IBRAHIMA THOMAS (SR)
Rotation: G Dion Dixon, G Larry Davis, SG Sean Kilpatrick, C Kelvin Gaines, F Justin Jackson
They lost their entire backcourt that averaged 24ppg and were the 2 main perimeter options. Gates is a beast that really is on the cusp of being a dominant big man in the Big East. Still, Wright, Dixon, and Parker will all have to shoot high percentages this season in order to win... Most nights, that won't happen.
Prediction: 18-17 NIT
UCONN
PG KEMBA WALKER (JR - 14.6p - 4.3r - 5.1a)
SG DONNELL BEVERLEY (SR)
SF ROSCOE SMITH (FR)
PF ALEX ORIAKHI (SO)
C ATER MAJOK (SO)
Rotation: SF Jamal Combs-McDaniel, PG Shabazz Napier, F Tyler Olander, SG Jeremy Lamb, C Charles Okwandu
10 deep. 2 stars. Walker and Smith will provide Sportscenter with highlights most nights. Smith is going to be real good real fast and Walker is on the short list for player of the year. This class that Calhoun brought in is extremely well placed for this team. Watch out for Napier and Olander; they both can contribute right away.
Prediction: 24-11 TOURNY 5 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Kemba Walker (6-1, 172)
SF Roscoe Smith (6-8, 205)
DEPAUL
PG JEREMIAH KELLY (JR)
SG MIKE STOVALL (SR)
SF ERIC WALLACE (JR)
PF DEVIN HILL (JR)
C KRYS FABER (JR)
Rotation: PG Michael Bizoukas, SF Tony Freeland, F Mario Stula, SG Moses Morgan, F Cleveland Melvin
Gone are 32ppg in Koshwal and Walker. They can't replace that from an 8-23 team either. Ouch. Stovall will be solid as the main guy but he just like the rest of this roster is out-talented and out-matched.
Prediction: 9-26
GEORGETOWN
PG CHRIS WRIGHT (SR - 15.2p - 3.0r - 4.1a)
SG JASON CLARK (JR)
SF AUSTIN FREEMAN (SR - 16.5p - 3.5r - 44.4TP%)
F HOLLIS THOMPSON (SO)
C JULIAN VAUGHN (SR)
Rotation: C Henry Sims, PF Nate Lubick, PG Markel Starks
An experienced and well balanced 8 man rotation here. Wright and Freeman are now Seniors after being an extremely hyped freshman duo that were at first a little underwelming. Sims and Thompson need to show their games. If those 2 show up this year then this team is elite 8 type of good. Perimeter scoring plus good rebounding bigs always produces wins.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 2 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG CHRIS WRIGHT (6-1, 208)
SG AUSTIN FREEMAN (6-4, 227)
NOTRE DAME
PG BEN HANSBROUGH (SR - 12.0p - 3.9r - 4.4a)
SG JOEY BROOKS (SO)
F SCOTT MARTIN (SR)
F TIM ABROMAITIS (SR - 16.1p - 4.7r - 42.9TP%)
PF TYRONE NASH (SR)
Rotation: F Carleton Scott, C Tom Knight, PG Eric Atkins, PF Jack Cooley, SF Alex Dragicevich
This team can shoot, flat out. The combination of Hansbrough and Abromaitis is going to give teams fits and combine that with good rebounding undersized forwards Nash and Scott and the Irish will have at least 1 or 2 big upsets this season. The question lays in just how good is Martin after not playing for 2 straight seasons and back from injury. Once upon a time he was considered the superior recruuit to his high school teammate; Robbie Hummel. If he is good, the Irish can surprise.
Prediction: 22-13 TOURNY 9 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SF TIM ABROMAITIS (6-8, 235)
PITTSBURGH
PG TRAVON WOODALL (SO)
SG ASHTON GIBBS (JR - 15.7p - 2.8r - 38.0TP%)
SF NASIR ROBINSON (JR)
PF DANTE TAYLOR (SO)
C GARY MCGHEE (SR)
Rotation: G BRAD WANAMAKER, SF GILBERT BROWN, PF TALIB ZANNA, SF JJ MOORE, SF LAMAR PATTERSON
An extremely deep backcourt bolsters a team that has all the tools to go very far this year. The key is in the bench where they have 3-4 guys that could easily start on most teams. That is where they will win games; with their second team building leads against other's inferior benchs.
Prediction: 28-7 TOURNY 2 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Ashton Gibbs (6-2, 190)
PF Dante Taylor (6-9, 240)
PROVIDENCE
PG VINCENT COUNCIL (SO)
SG GERARD COLEMAN (FR)
SF MARSHON BROOKS (SR - 14.2p - 4.2r - 35.1TP%)
F RON GIPLAYE (FR)
C BILAL DIXON (SO)
Rotation: G Duke Mondy, PG Dre Evans
Brooks and Dixon will be looked to carry the entire team. They can't do it. The team lacks experience across the board and are out-classed by the talent in the league. Brooks could average 17-19ppg and that will be the highlight of the season.
Prediction: 8-27
RUTGERS
PG MIKE COBURN (SR)
SG DANE MILLER (SO)
SF JONATHON MITCHELL (SR)
PF GILVYDAS BIRUTA (FR)
PF AUSTIN JOHNSON (SO)
Rotation: PG James Beatty, G Tyree Graham, SG Austin Carroll
An 8 man rotation that lacks size and depth. Rosario bolted after realizing he couldn't save his home town team all by himself so they are left with little scoring punch. Small guard heavy team with little height and depth in the frontcourt. Not good.
Prediction: 11-24
LOUISVILLE
PG PEYTON SIVA (SO)
G PRESTON KNOWLES (SR)
SG ROBURT SALLIE (SR)
SF JARED SWOPSHIRE (JR)
F TERRANCE JENNINGS (JR)
Rotation: F Rakeem Buckles, C Gorgui Dieng, SG Chris Smith, PF Stephan Van Treese
Their 3 leading scorers are gonee and alot of pressure of that is going to fall on SAllie and Swopshire. SAllie transfered from Memphis and can shoot the rock with ease. Jennings is the highest rated recruit on the roster and will get his shot this season. The team has the guards to defend but the ceiling is lower than normal this year.
Prediction: 21-14 NIT
MARQUETTE
PG DARIUS JOHNSON-ODOM (JR)
SG VANDER BLUE (FR)
SF JAE CROWDER (JR)
F JIMMY BUTLER (SR - 14.7p - 6.4r - 53.0FG%)
C CHRIS OTULE (SO)
Rotation: G Dwight Buycks, PG Junior Cadougan, SF Joseph Fulce, C Davante Gardner, SF Jamail Jones, PG Reggie Smith
Deep, can shoot, very talented. I see alot of NIT talk around this team in previews. Really? I see 1 of the nation's best recruiting classes paired with 2 all-big east players. The question is size in the middle of course. If 1 of Otule or Gardner can have a good season then this team is in the mix for the elite 8.
Prediction: 24-11 TOURNY 7 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SF Jimmy Butler (6-7, 220)
SG Vander Blue (6-4, 190)
SETON HALL
PG JORDAN THEODORE (JR)
SG JEREMY HAZELL (SR - 20.4p - 3.5r - 75.8FT%)
SF ENIEL POLYNICE (SR)
F JEFF ROBINSON (SR)
PF HERB POPE (JR - 11.5p - 10.7r - 45.9FG%)
Rotation: F Ferrakohn Hall, SG Jamel Jackson, PG Keon Lawerence, SF Fuquan Edwin
They have 9 guys that can really play, led by Hazell of course. This team should be ultra competitive with every one every night. Hazell needs to up his shooting numbers and dish the rock a bit more, if that happens then this is a tourny team for sure.
Prediction: 21-14 TOURNY 11 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG Jeremy Hazell (6-5, 188)
PF Herb Pope (6-8, 236)
SOUTH FLORIDA
PG ANTHONY CRATER (JR)
SG HUGH ROBERTSON (JR)
SF JAWANZA POLAND (SO)
PF AUGUSTUS GILCHRIST (JR - 13.4p - 5.9r - 48.5FG%)
C JARRID FAMOUS (SR - 10.4p - 7.5r - 52.7FG%)
Rotation: PG Shedrick Haynes, PF Ron Anderson, F Toarlyn Fitzpatrick
It's an 8 man rotation that has the opposite problem 99% of the nation has; great bigs, bad guards. Crater a former higly regarded Buckeye recruit and Freshman Haynes will be in charge of getting Gilchrist the ball down low. Shooting from the perimeter will be the real issue this season.
Prediction: 19-16 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
PF Augustus Gilchrist (6-10, 245)
ST. JOHNS
PG PARIS HORNE (SR)
SG DJ KENNEDY (SR - 15.1p - 6.1r - 45.0FG%)
SF DWAYNE POLEE (FR)
F JUSTIN BROWNLEE (SR)
PF SEAN EVANS (SR)
Rotation: PF Justin Burrell, G Dwight Hardy, PG Malik Boothe
New coach Lavin has inherited a pretty good team. DJ is a proven player and Brownlee, Evans, and Burrell should all be solid rebounders again. Coach Lavin needs to teach better shot selection first and foremost. Boothe, Horne, Hardy all take some quesionable shots at times. This team is a little short inside but has some skillful players. A bubble team to be sure.
Prediction: 20-15 TOURNY 12 SEED (Last 4 In)
NBA PROSPECT
SG DJ KENNEDY (6-5, 214)
SYRACUSE
PG SCOOP JARDINE (JR)
SG BRANDON TRICHE (SO)
SF KRIS JOSEPH (JR)
PF RICK JACKSON (SR)
C FAB MELO (FR)
Rotation: SG Mookie Jones, SF CJ Fair, PG Dion Waiters, F James Southerland, C DaShonte Riley
Not Boeheim's best team, but not a bad team either. Joseph is the key to everything as he really needs to take over Johnson's productive role head on. Melo should come in an rebound and be disruptive, but as far as anything away from the basket goes.. It may be asking too much. A team that is a year away from dominating but still good.
Prediction: 25-10 TOURNY 6 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
C Fab Melo (7-0, 265)
PG Dion Waiters (6-3, 214)
VILLANOVA
PG COREY FISHER (SR - 13.3p - 3.9a - 77.0FT%)
SG DOMINIC CHEEK (SO)
SF COREY STOKES (SR)
PF ANTONIO PENA (SR)
C MOUPHTAOU YAROU (SO)
Rotation: SF Isaiah Armwood, PG Maalik Wayns, SG James Bell, F JayVaughn Pinkston
Much like Georgetown's Freeman and Wright, the Corey's were looked at as a huge backcourt recruiting prize 4 years ago. As Seniors now they really need to pick it up. Either Stokes or Cheek needs to step it up in order to make this an elite team. Without 1 of them in that 15ppg range then they are just another 1 and done team.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 4 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Corey Fisher (6-1, 200)
PG Maalik Wayns (6-1, 185)
C Mouphtaou Yarou (6-10, 250)
WEST VIRGINIA
PG TRUCK BRYANT (SR)
SG NOAH COTTRILL (FR)
SL CASEY MITCHELL (SR)
PF KEVIN JONES (JR)
C DENIZ KILICLI (SO)
Rotation: PG Joe Mazzulla, PF Kevin Noreen, SF John Flowers, SG Dalton Pepper, F Cam Thoroughman
Huggy Bear always gets alot out of his players and this year will be no different. Getting a late committ from Noreen over Indiana was huge as he represents a highly skilled of-size big man. Jones will be a dominant rebounder and defender no doubt but the key will be outside shooting. 1 of home grown Cottrill, Pepper, or Mitchell needs to break 10ppg.
Prediction: 23-12 TOURNY 8 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SF KEVIN JONES (6-8, 255)
ORDER OF FINISH
1. PITTSBURGH (28-7 TOURNY 2 SEED)
2. GEORGETOWN (26-9 TOURNY 2 SEED)
3. VILLANOVA (26-9 TOURNY 4 SEED)
4. SYRACUSE (25-10 TOURNY 6 SEED)
5. UCONN (24-11 TOURNY 5 SEED)
6. MARQUETTE (24-11 TOURNY 7 SEED)
7. WEST VIRGINIA (23-12 TOURNY 8 SEED)
8. NOTRE DAME (22-13 TOURNY 9 SEED)
9. SETON HALL (21-14 TOURNY 11 SEED)
10. LOUISVILLE (21-14 NIT)
11. ST. JOHNS (20-15 TOURNY 12 SEED)
12. SOUTH FLORIDA (19-16 NIT)
13. CINCINNATI (18-17 NIT)
14. RUTGERS (11-24)
15. DEPAUL (9-26)
16. PROVIDENCE (8-27)
ALL-BIGEAST 1st Team
PG Corey Fisher
SG Ashton Gibbs
SF Austin Freeman
PF Tim Abromaitis
C Augustus Gilchrist
ALL-BIGEAST 2nd Team
PG Kemba Walker
SG Jermey Hazell
SF Jimmy Butler
PF Kevin Jones
C Fab Melo
ALL-BIGEAST 3rd Team
PG Chris Wright
SG DJ Kennedy
SF Scott Martin
PF Terrance Jennings
C Yancy Gates
NBA PROSPECT
1. C Fab Melo (7-0, 265)
2. SF Roscoe Smith (6-8, 205)
3. PG Kemba Walker (6-1, 172)
4. PG Maalik Wayns (6-1, 185)
5. C Mouphtaou Yarou (6-10, 250)
6. SF Jimmy Butler (6-7, 220)
7. PG Dion Waiters (6-3, 214)
8. PF Augustus Gilchrist (6-10, 245)
9. SF KEVIN JONES (6-8, 255)
10. SF TIM ABROMAITIS (6-8, 235)
11. PF Dante Taylor (6-9, 240)
12. SG Jeremy Hazell (6-5, 188)
13. SG AUSTIN FREEMAN (6-4, 227)
14. SG Vander Blue (6-4, 190)
15. PF Herb Pope (6-8, 236)
16. PG Ashton Gibbs (6-2, 190)
17. PG Corey Fisher (6-1, 200)
18. SG DJ KENNEDY (6-5, 214)
19. PG CHRIS WRIGHT (6-1, 208)
BIG TEN
ILLINOIS
PG DEMETRI MCCAMEY (SR - 15.1p - 3.6r - 7.1a)
SG DJ RICHARDSON (SO)
SF JEREME RICHMOND (FR)
PF MIKE DAVIS (SR - 10.7p - 9.2r - 47.3FG%)
C MIKE TISDALE (SR - 11.9p - 6.0r - 58.5FG%)
Rotaion: G Brandon Paul, PF Bill Cole, F Tyler Griffey, C Meyers Leonard, SG Joseph Bertrand, G Crandall Head
Easily one of the deepest teams in the nation. The 3 starting seniors all want to win bad and they have a top 10 recruiting class coming in to help. This is the year that Illini have a legit shot at being a top 10 team.
Prediction: 26-9 TOURNY 3 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Demetri McCamey (6-3, 195)
SF Jereme Richmond (6-8, 195)
C Meyers Leonard (7-0, 215)
INDIANA
PG JORDAN HULLS (SO)
SG MAURICE CREEK (SO - 16.4p - 3.8r - 44.8TP%)
SG VERDELL JONES (JR - 14.9p - 3.9r - 3.4a)
F CHRISTIAN WATFORD (SO - 12.0p - 6.0r - 80.0FT%)
C BOBBY CAPOBIANCO (SO)
Rotation: PF Derek Elston, C Tom Pritchard, PG Jeremiah Rivers, SG Matt Roth, G Victor Oladipo, SF Will Sheehey
The Hoosiers are still young but are getting a huge boost from returning injured players Roth and Creek. Both players were the team's best shooters by a mile before succoming to leg issues. Creek is the team's best offensive player right away and should get steady help from now #1 point guard Hulls and athletic Watford. Improved, absolutely... But still another year away from that 20 win mark.
Prediction: 16-19
NBA PROSPECT
SG Maurice Creek (6-5, 200)
IOWA
PG CULLY PAYNE (SO)
SG MATT GATENS (JR)
SF ERIC MAY (SO)
PF DEVON ARCHIE (JR)
PF JARRYD COLE (SR)
Rotation: G Bryce Cartwright, C Andrew Brommer, F Melsahn Basabe
As much as this team has been torn apart by loss it is still a competitive group. Gatens and May are really good collegiate players that would contribute to the biggest of programs. The depth isn't there and the bigs are out of place and inexperienced so this year likely won't lead to good things... However, Gatens Senior year should see the Iowa program rise from the ashes.
Prediction: 14-21
MICHIGAN
PG DARIUS MORRIS (SO)
SG TIM HARDAWAY (FR)
SF ZACK NOVAK (JR)
PF EVAN SMOTRYCZ (FR)
C JORDAN MORGAN (FR)
Rotation: G Stu Douglass, F Colton Christian, PF Jon Horford
These 8 just don't have the chemistry, talent, or knowledge to play at this level yet. At least 2 and likely 3 freshman will start and your best offensive weapon is Novak? The star of the team looks to be Morris combined with Hardaway but both look inconsistent to me.
Prediction: 8-27
MICHIGAN STATE
PG KALIN LUCAS (SR - 14.8p - 4.0a - 77.2FT%)
SG DURRELL SUMMERS (SR - 11.3p - 4.7r - 79.5FT%)
F DELVON ROE (JR)
F DRAYMOND GREEN (JR - 9.9p - 7.7r - 52.5FG%)
C DERRICK NIX (SO)
Rotation: PG Korie Lucious, C Garrick Sherman, G Keith Appling, PF Adrien Payne
Again the Spartans are stacked from head to toe. The second team for MSU is a top 25 team. Returning leader Lucas will have the reigns again and the only thing this team really needs is for Summers to play like he did in the tourny and down the stretch. A lock to be a great team.
Prediction: 30-5 TOURNY 1 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Kalin Lucas (6-0, 190)
SG Durrell Summers (6-4, 205)
SF Draymond Green (6-6, 235)
PF Adrien Payne (6-10, 215)
MINNESOTA
PG AL NOLEN (SR)
SG DEVOE JOSEPH (JR)
SF RODNEY WILLIAMS (SO)
PF COLTON IVERSON (JR)
C RALPH SAMPSON (JR)
Rotation: G Blake Hoffarber, C Maurice Walker, PF Elliott Eliason
Tubby has a real good team here. Both Joseph and Williams look like All-Big Ten players and this may be the year they play like it. There are 4-5 good contributing bigs here as well, with most of the offense running through Sampson by the end of last season.
Prediction: 22-13 TOURNY 11 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
PG Devoe Joseph (6-3, 179)
SF Rodney Williams 6-7, 200)
C Ralph Sampson (6-11, 241)
NORTHWESTERN
PG MICHAEL THOMPSON (SR - 14.2p - 4.1a - 82.9FT%)
SG DREW CRAWFORD (SO)
SF JEFF RYAN (SR)
F JOHN SHURNA (JR - 18.2p - 6.4 - 77.5FT%)
C LUKA MIRKOVIC (JR)
Rotation: G Jershon Cobb, C Davide Curletti, PF Ivan Peljusic, SG Mike Capocci
This is the best chance that the cats have to make the Tourny, maybe ever. A 3 headed scoring trio of Thompson, Crawford, and Shurna should really dominate most Big Ten teams. Call me crazy, but I think they are going to do it.
Prediction: 21-14 NIT (First 4 Out)
NBA PROSPECT
PG Michael Thompson (5-10, 190)
SF John Shurna (6-8, 215)
OHIO STATE
G JON DIEBLER (SR - 13.0p - 2.8r - 42.0TP%)
SG WILLIAM BUFORD (JR - 14.4p - 5.6r - 3.1a)
SF DAVID LIGHTY (SR - 12.6p - 4.5r - 3.0a)
PF DALLAS LAUDERDALE (SR)
C JARED SULLINGER (FR)
Rotation: F Deshaun Thomas, G Aaron Craft, SG Jordan Sibert, G Lenzelle Smith, SF JD Weatherspoon
One of the most talented teams in the nation, but can they all co-exist? That is the big question here. Who will run the point? Would a Craft or Smith be ready or should they just let Diebler walk up the ball and start the offense? A very good team, but in no way great.
Prediction: 24-11 TOURNY 6 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG William Buford (6-5, 205)
PF Jared Sullinger (6-9, 280)
SF DeShaun Thomas (6-6, 230)
PENN STATE
PG TALOR BATTLE (SR - 18.5p - 5.3r - 4.2a)
SG CAMMERON WOODYARD (JR)
SF DAVID JACKSON (SR)
F JEFF BROOKS (SR)
C ANDREW JONES (SR)
Rotation: G Taran Buie, G Tim Frazier, F Jonathon Graham, PF Sasa Borovnjak
Battle comes back for his last season and the best part of it is that he recruits his half brother Taran Buie to take his place when he leaves. Buie is really good already and could start with Battle if they weren't both so ball dominant. A Brooks - Jackson - Jones supporting cast isn't bad for Battle but it isn't great either which is why another medicore season is starring at them.
Prediction: 19-16 NIT
NBA PROSPECT
PG Talor Battle (6-0, 170)
PG Taran Buie (6-2, 185)
PURDUE
PG TERONE JOHNSON (FR)
SG E'TWAUN MOORE (SR - 16.4p - 3.8r - 2.7a)
SF DJ BYRD (SO)
F ROBBIE HUMMEL (SR - 15.7p - 6.9r - 90.2FT%)
C JAJUAN JOHNSON (SR - 15.5p - 7.1r - 50.7FG%)
Rotation: PG Lewis Jackson, G Kelsey Barlow, SG Anthony Johnson, PF Patrick Bade, G Ryne Smith, C Travis Carroll, C Sandi Marcius
Everything has led up to this year. It's title or bust for the 3 seniors and they know it I'm sure. Ready-bodied recruit Terone Johnson is the key here. He is more talented than Jackson but is he ready for this gig?
Prediction: 29-6 TOURNY 2 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
SG E'Twaun Moore (6-4, 190)
SF Robbie Hummel (6-8, 226)
PF JaJuan Johnson (6-10, 216)
WISCONSIN
PG JORDAN TAYLOR (JR)
SG RYAN EVANS (SO)
SF TIM JARMUSZ (SR)
F JON LEUER (SR - 15.4p - 5.8r - 52.2FG%)
PF KEATON NANKIVIL (SR)
Rotation: SG Rob Wilson, C Evan Anderson, PF Jared Berggren, G Ben Brust, PG John Gasser, SF Duje Dukan
I've said it a million times, I think Coach Ryan is the best coach in the nation. He is always a sixth man on the court and gets the most of his players. This year it is all about Taylor and Leuer. The weight of the team is squarely on them. IF 1 of the bigs other than the solid Nankivil comes up big then this team can win alot of close games.
Prediction: 23-12 TOURNY 8 SEED
NBA PROSPECT
F Jon Leuer (6-10, 230)
ORDER OF FINISH
1. Michigan State (30-5 Tourny 1 Seed)
2. Purdue (29-6 Tourny 2 Seed)
3. Illinois (26-9 Tourny 3 Seed)
4. Ohio State (24-11 Tourny 6 Seed)
5. Wisconsin (23-12 Tourny 8 Seed)
6. Minnesota (22-13 Tourny 11 Seed)
7. Northwestern (21-14 NIT)
8. Penn State (19-16 NIT)
9. Indiana (16-19)
10. Iowa (14-21)
11. Michigan (8-27)
ALL-BIGTEN 1st Team
PG Kalin Lucas
SG E'Twaun Moore
SF William Buford
PF Jon Leuer
C JaJaun Johnson
ALL-BIGTEN 2nd Team
PG Demetri McCamey
SG Durrell Summers
SF Robbie Hummel
PF John Shurna
C Jared Sullinger
ALL-BIGTEN 3rd Team
PG Talor Battle
SG Maurice Creek
SF Matt Gatens
PF Draymond Green
C Ralph Sampson
NBA PROSPECT
1. PF Jared Sullinger (6-9, 280)
2. SG Maurice Creek (6-5, 200)
3. SG William Buford (6-5, 205)
4. SF Rodney Williams 6-7, 200)
5. C Meyers Leonard (7-0, 215)
6. SF DeShaun Thomas (6-6, 230)
7. PG Taran Buie (6-2, 185)
8. PG Kalin Lucas (6-0, 190)
9. SF Jereme Richmond (6-8, 195)
10. PF JaJuan Johnson (6-10, 216)
11. PG Demetri McCamey (6-3, 195)
12. PG Talor Battle (6-0, 170)
13. SF Robbie Hummel (6-8, 226)
14. F Jon Leuer (6-10, 230)
15. C Ralph Sampson (6-11, 241)
16. SG Durrell Summers (6-4, 205)
17. SG E'Twaun Moore (6-4, 190)
18. PF Adrien Payne (6-10, 215)
19. SF John Shurna (6-8, 215)
20. PG Devoe Joseph (6-3, 179)
21. PG Michael Thompson (5-10, 190)
22. SF Draymond Green (6-6, 235)
. Would be best in the Isreal league.