Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Paulus
BREAKING NEWS : Greg Paulus has 3 limbs severed when he was mauled by a bear!
Oh the humanity, oh such a young talent to go.
Why were you in the bear cage, Gregory?
Why did you leave the tour group?
In a recent visitation to Africa, Greg Paulus was humbly eaten by a bear. Rumor has it that Paulus challenged the 2000 pound grizzly to a fist fight. But the bear didn't want to fight with his fists, as his first instinct was to bite his head off.
Duke is screwed. No one remains to fill the shoes of the mighty Gregorian Paulus III. Yet, in the distance, one man is clouded in shadows. I see his silhouette in the distance, his name streaming in banners across the sky. Behold, Martynas Pocius is here! The wreckage is coming to the ACC - 2007!
Oh the humanity, oh such a young talent to go.
Why were you in the bear cage, Gregory?
Why did you leave the tour group?
In a recent visitation to Africa, Greg Paulus was humbly eaten by a bear. Rumor has it that Paulus challenged the 2000 pound grizzly to a fist fight. But the bear didn't want to fight with his fists, as his first instinct was to bite his head off.
Duke is screwed. No one remains to fill the shoes of the mighty Gregorian Paulus III. Yet, in the distance, one man is clouded in shadows. I see his silhouette in the distance, his name streaming in banners across the sky. Behold, Martynas Pocius is here! The wreckage is coming to the ACC - 2007!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Bos Coll
SPEARS THE NEXT BC DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Nov 11, 2006 | 11:47AM | (credit - Foxsports.com)
It'll only be natural to compare Boston College freshman Shamari Spears to Craig Smith.
When Smith came to Boston (actually, he was placed by BC at nearby Worcester Academy), he had a similar body build as Spears.
However, Smith was more explosive and had at least a couple of inches on Spears.
Spears led the Eagles with 23 points in a rout over UNH on Friday night, but he displayed his terrific footwork and soft hands as he got to the line and finished inside despite being only 6-foot-4 and some change.
The height (or lack thereof) is what scared many ACC programs away from the Salisbury, N.C., native - who spent the last two seasons at Blair Academy (N.J.).
Look for Spears to keep hold of his starting power forward spot even when Akida McLain returns from his suspension in eight more games. Spears is an Al Skinner type of guy - he works hard, does what he's asked - unlike McLain, who seems to have missed more games than he's played since arriving at BC.
Nov 11, 2006 | 11:47AM | (credit - Foxsports.com)
It'll only be natural to compare Boston College freshman Shamari Spears to Craig Smith.
When Smith came to Boston (actually, he was placed by BC at nearby Worcester Academy), he had a similar body build as Spears.
However, Smith was more explosive and had at least a couple of inches on Spears.
Spears led the Eagles with 23 points in a rout over UNH on Friday night, but he displayed his terrific footwork and soft hands as he got to the line and finished inside despite being only 6-foot-4 and some change.
The height (or lack thereof) is what scared many ACC programs away from the Salisbury, N.C., native - who spent the last two seasons at Blair Academy (N.J.).
Look for Spears to keep hold of his starting power forward spot even when Akida McLain returns from his suspension in eight more games. Spears is an Al Skinner type of guy - he works hard, does what he's asked - unlike McLain, who seems to have missed more games than he's played since arriving at BC.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Pac 10
PAC-10 FULL OF SURPRISES
1. Arizona - Lute's ready to take back the PAC, and he's got plenty of talent to do it. I'm expecting big years from Mustafa Shakur and Ivan Radenovic to complement Marcus Williams, to vault the Wildcats back into powerhouse status.
2. UCLA - Jordan Farmar doesn't replace himself. He was this team's MVP, but they're bringing everyone back except 7-0 genome freak Ryan Hollins.
3. USC - Since last March, I was picking this years USC team to surprise everyone. I really like their talent. They'll have the ability to score like crazy, especially when Gabe Pruitt returns in December. They'll compete for the 3rd spot in the conference with Oregon, Washington, and maybe Cal.
4. Oregon - Oregon has too much talent to have a losing record. With coach Ernie Kent in danger of losing his job, he'll need breakout seasons from his players. They can hang with anyone in the conference if they don't get al the bad breaks and miserable luck of seasons past.
5. Washington - They return enough to be a solid Pac-10 team. Thing is - people are praising Spencer Hawes like he's the second coming. They'll be good enough to make the tournament, but won't compete for the Pac 10 crown.
6. California - Even without Leon Powe, I like the looks of this team. Ayinde Ubaka will emerge as a star, and DeVon Hardin can fill Powe's spot well. They could compete for higher spots, and I don't see them finishing any lower than this.
7. Stanford - Returning nobody that averaged more than 5 ppg from a half-decent Stanford team of last year, they'll be looking toward 2008.
8. Arizona State - I like their chances in coming years, and even right now they could surprise a few teams.
9. Oregon State - The Beavers have a sweet sweet shooter in Sasa Cuic, and a solid returning frontcourt.
10. Washington State - New coach, loss of everyone over 10 ppg = Failing season for the Cougars.
Friday, November 03, 2006
139 Edit
Changes made to the Top 139 on 11/3
A. Ohio State up to #5, LSU down to 6
I've never had that strong of a feeling when it comes to LSU. I may drop them a little further come next update, too.
B. Pittsburgh up from 11 to 9
The more I think about it, the more I jump on the Pitt bandwagon. I still have Georgetown ahead of them, but Pitt will be really solid and probably more consistent. I see Georgetown taking out Pitt once they play each other though.
C. UCONN from 19 to 17, Texas from 17 to 19
Kevin Durant, blah blah. They're depending too much on young players, no matter how talented they may be. I might move Oklahoma State back up to 3rd in the Big 12 like I originally had it, simply because I think Texas can lose on any given night. UCONN's got more returning talent to lead their sweet freshman class. AJ Price and Jeff Adrien will be the main 2, then Hasheem Thabeet will be a force in the paint and a block shot monster.
D. USC back over Oregon
I'm very high on both of these teams for surprise years. Since last March, I've liked USC to finish 3rd. Just recently, I convinced myself that Oregon was primed to go crazy with their talent getting more experienced, wise, blah yadda blah. I still believe that, but USC will just be better.
E. Illinois bumped up closer to Michigan for 4th and 3rd respectively in the Big 10
These guys are serious athletes who will finish above Indiana in my opinion. Everyone is underrating Illinois though, who returns 3 starters from last years top 10-ish team. This is the lowest I can see them finishing - 4th.
F. Kansas State over Texas Tech
Texas Tech loses Jarrius Jackson indefinitely.
Kansas State gains Bill Walker.
Hilarity ensues.
A. Ohio State up to #5, LSU down to 6
I've never had that strong of a feeling when it comes to LSU. I may drop them a little further come next update, too.
B. Pittsburgh up from 11 to 9
The more I think about it, the more I jump on the Pitt bandwagon. I still have Georgetown ahead of them, but Pitt will be really solid and probably more consistent. I see Georgetown taking out Pitt once they play each other though.
C. UCONN from 19 to 17, Texas from 17 to 19
Kevin Durant, blah blah. They're depending too much on young players, no matter how talented they may be. I might move Oklahoma State back up to 3rd in the Big 12 like I originally had it, simply because I think Texas can lose on any given night. UCONN's got more returning talent to lead their sweet freshman class. AJ Price and Jeff Adrien will be the main 2, then Hasheem Thabeet will be a force in the paint and a block shot monster.
D. USC back over Oregon
I'm very high on both of these teams for surprise years. Since last March, I've liked USC to finish 3rd. Just recently, I convinced myself that Oregon was primed to go crazy with their talent getting more experienced, wise, blah yadda blah. I still believe that, but USC will just be better.
E. Illinois bumped up closer to Michigan for 4th and 3rd respectively in the Big 10
These guys are serious athletes who will finish above Indiana in my opinion. Everyone is underrating Illinois though, who returns 3 starters from last years top 10-ish team. This is the lowest I can see them finishing - 4th.
F. Kansas State over Texas Tech
Texas Tech loses Jarrius Jackson indefinitely.
Kansas State gains Bill Walker.
Hilarity ensues.
Big 12 Shuffle
January is a key month for a couple mid-level Big 12 basketball teams.
It's a month where Jarrius Jackson could return to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He was recently "dismissed" from the team for academic reasons, but if he gets his act together he'll probably be back for the conference slate.Texas Tech needs him to be taken seriously as an NCAA tournament team.
For Kansas State, its the month when a big time newcomer and teammate of OJ Mayo named Bill Walker can step in for Kansas State. He was expected to be a high school senior this year, and one of the best in high school hoops. Several weeks ago, it was revealed that he'd already used up his high school eligibility. He'll have a positive impact on an already improved Kansas State squad.
Come January, I see these teams on an equal playing field, competing for a bid to March Madness. If Kansas State takes advantage of some early season opporunities and gets a leg up on Texas Tech, they could be dancing in March. However, if they put out weak performances and Texas Tech gets Jackson back, the Red Raiders could go. I see one or the other, not both, unless they both piece together very surprising seasons.
It's a month where Jarrius Jackson could return to the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He was recently "dismissed" from the team for academic reasons, but if he gets his act together he'll probably be back for the conference slate.Texas Tech needs him to be taken seriously as an NCAA tournament team.
For Kansas State, its the month when a big time newcomer and teammate of OJ Mayo named Bill Walker can step in for Kansas State. He was expected to be a high school senior this year, and one of the best in high school hoops. Several weeks ago, it was revealed that he'd already used up his high school eligibility. He'll have a positive impact on an already improved Kansas State squad.
Come January, I see these teams on an equal playing field, competing for a bid to March Madness. If Kansas State takes advantage of some early season opporunities and gets a leg up on Texas Tech, they could be dancing in March. However, if they put out weak performances and Texas Tech gets Jackson back, the Red Raiders could go. I see one or the other, not both, unless they both piece together very surprising seasons.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Conference Rankings
ACC
1. UNC - It's unanimous; UNC is primed to be a top 3 team in the nation.
2. Duke - They lost Redick, Shelden Williams, and Dockery to graduation. But this is Duke; their scars heal like Wolverine's.
3. Boston College - Losing Craig Smith won't hurt BC as bad as some people think. They can grab some monsterous wins.
4. Georgia Tech - 4th place talent, but they could place between 3rd and 7th in the conference.
5. Florida State - Al Thornton can pick up the slack of fat-man Alexander Johnson in the paint and become a first team all-ACC'er.
6. Virginia - Strong backcourt but shaky frontcourt.
7. Maryland - Not sure what to think of this team. We'll see how they manage without crucial players Chris McCray and Caner-Medley, and see if DJ Strawberry stops playing like a fruit.
8. Virginia Tech - A bunch of decent players who should mount up and soar to greater heights!
9. Wake Forest - Last years awful team lost its 2 best players, but I have faith in their Top 10 recruiting class.
10. Clemson - They might take down some big names, and be taken out by no-names.
11. Miami (FL) - Depleted backcourt, lucky they're not last
12. NC State - With about a 4 player roster and a new coach, this mangled and inexperienced team will struggle violently.
Atlantic 10
1. Xavier - Experience and new big-impact players make Xavier the team to beat in the A-10 this year.
2. Charlotte - With the loss of Curtis Withers, size and rebounding becomes a question for the 49ers. But with their sensational backcourt, they can be a major player if they only get a couple big guys to step it up
3. St Louis - There's no reason that the Billikens should take a step back this year; I think their stock is about steady.
4. UMASS - I originally had this team pegged as my ultra-sleeper. As more and more previews came out, I found I wasn't alone. Now I've turned on them. They'll take a step forward, sure, but this team is experienced only in mediocrity and they won't content for the best record in the A-10. However, they could make a run in the A-10 tourney...
5. George Washington - They lost a lot, yet somehow I feel bad ranking them this low. They could very well be a tourney team when all is said and done.
6. Fordham - This is a good team that could take the league by surprise.
7. Dayton - They're tough inside, but they won't make a huge impact anywhere else.
8. St Joseph's - Another building year before the Hawks once again become the face of the A-10
9. Duquesne - I'm not following the recovery of their players too closely, but they have a couple major impact players that could tear it up in the near future.
10. Temple - One less Mardy Collins and John Chaney = stuggles for Temple.
11. Rhode Island - It's beyond my feeble mind how these last 4 teams will finish.
12. LaSalle - Their Batman and Robin have graduated. Now they will get crushed by the Joker's of the league.
13. St Bonaventure - They were bad last year, and I don't see much of a turnaround
14. Richmond - They could be anywhere from 10-14.
BIG EAST
1. Georgetown - I think they'll run away with this conference. They boast one of the best frontcourts around, and they're ready to make an impact on this season
2. Pittsburgh - I'm not buying into all the Pittsburgh hype so much; I think they'll fight with Syracuse for this spot.
3. Syracuse - Without G-Mac, E-Dorf (or Eric Devendorf) has the green light to show off his excellent shot. Demetris Nichols and Darryl Watkins will step up in the frontcourt.
4. UCONN - I can see why some are dropping UCONN to 6th and 7th, but this is still UCONN. AJ Price may be the best point guard in the nation, and their all-star recruiting class can step in.
5. Villanova - A weakened backcourt is going to slow down Villanova, but they're still a force to be reckoned with.
6. Marquette - People are getting carried away with Dominic James mania. They're going to need their shooters to step up for them to make an impact.
7. Louisville - It hurts to drop them this far, but after last year they just failed to live up to expectations, and their big time scorer is gone.
8. St. John's - This defensive minded squad will be a minor surprise in the Big East this year.
9. DePaul - They need to stay consistent this year
10. Cincinnati - If the junior college players can step up, this scrappy team can compete for a tournament spot.
11. Providence - After a lot of thought, I've decided that Providence has the experience for a sleeper team, but doesn't really have Big East talent all around.
12. Notre Dame - The ghost of Chris Quinn haunts the Irish.
13. West Virginia - Coming off a good NCAA tourney run, I don't think West Virginia will be ready for another one in a while.
14. Rutgers - The ghost of Quincy Douby leaves Rutgers hopeless...
15. Seton Hall - A few years away from doing anything...
16. South Florida - Recruits need to realize that this is a Big East school too.
BIG 10
1. Ohio State - I'm buying into all the Greg Oden hype. Also, I'm buying into the rest of Ohio State to hold down the fort until Oden debuts.
2. Wisconsin - A lot of talent, but they didn't prove much last year. The most disappointing of a season I can see them having is being 2nd in the weakened Big 10, though.
3. Michigan - They have the athleticism and reason not to be the NIT team of years past. They could make a big splash this year.
4. Illinois - "In transition", although they are returning a load of talent. The loss of Dee Brown and James Augustine are rough, but outside than that, we have a well rounded team that could be the surprise of the Big 10.
5. Indiana - They're a wild card. D.J. White could disappoint if he doesn't immediately fill Killingsworth's shoes. They could finish anywhere from 3rd (which I doubt) to 7th, or even 8th behind hungry teams like Purdue and Penn State.
6. Penn State - They're on their way up; while other teams rebuild, these guys are returning serious talent, including F Geary Claxton.
7. Michigan State - Izzo's most challenging coaching job yet. Minus their Big 3 and Matt Trannon from a mediocre MSU squad last year, it all depends on how fast the young guys are willing to step it up.
8. Iowa - They'll build around guard Adam Haluska, who's really all that remains from that surprising Iowa squad from a year ago.
9. Purdue - After being in shambles due to injuries last year, those guys are back. I can't rate them too high though, because they've proven nothing. This was a lousy team last year, and they're relying on 2 players to carry the responsibility
10. Northwestern - A step back from the decent team that coach Bill Carmody was able to assemble.
11. Minnesota- Way too young, not ready to make any kind of noise except cries of despair and torture.
Missouri Valley Conference (MVC)
1. Creighton - Nate Funk, after sitting out for last year's NIT season, is now the face of Creighton. I see them taking this conference's regular season crown with relative ease.
2. Southern Illinois - This team will be dangerous in the tournament. Returning their top 9 scores (top NINE freaking scorers) from last year's 11 seed team, I see them making a Sweet 16 run.
3. Wichita State - A shocker (lolz) from last year, this team can do damage again this year. Third is about right for them, though, after losing a couple key players to graduation.
4. Missouri State - A screwjob; that's what it was when MO State's top 20 RPI couldn't get them into the NCAAs. This year it might be the same story; they won't take the conference, but they'll compete. Will that be enough though?
5. Evansville - Absolutely underrated team. All 5 starters return from an improving squad, who's very well rounded and should surprise in the MVC.
6. Northern Iowa - They graduate their best player from a disappointing 05-06 club. I see them falling to the bottom half of the conference this year.
7. Drake - Bad luck last year with many losses by tiny margains. Now they're more experienced and ready to make a serious impact.
8. Illinois State - They're depending on a good recruiting class to put them over the edge.
9. Bradley - 9 looks ugly for last years Sweet 16 team, but the bottom half of the conference is pretty close-knit and they could finish anywhere from 5-10.
10. Indiana State - They lost their one big scorer. This team will suffer.
PAC-10
1. Arizona - Lute's ready to take back the PAC, and he's got plenty of talent to do it. I'm expecting big years from Mustafa Shakur and Ivan Radenovic to complement Marcus Williams, to vault the Wildcats back into powerhouse status.
2. UCLA - Jordan Farmar doesn't replace himself. He was this team's MVP, and without him they might have a tough time.
3. Oregon - Oregon has too much talent to have a losing record. With coach Ernie Kent in danger of losing his job, he'll need breakout seasons from his players. They can hang with anyone in the conference if they don't get al the bad breaks and miserable luck of seasons past.
4. USC - It hurts me to rank them this low, because I really like their talent. They'll have the ability to score like crazy, especially when Gabe Pruitt returns in December. They'll compete for the 3rd spot, and if Oregon fails to live up to my hype then USC will be the ones to fill in.
5. Washington - They return enough to be a solid Pac-10 team, and are hoping Spencer Hawes makes an instant impact. The young guy could feel a lot of pressure from the expectations of him having to step right in and lead them.
6. California - Even without Leon Powe, I like the looks of this team. Ayinde Ubaka will emerge as a star, and DeVon Hardin can fill Powe's spot well. They could compete for higher spots, and I don't see them finishing any lower than this.
7. Stanford - Returning nobody that averaged more than 5 ppg from a half-decent Stanford team of last year, they'll be looking toward 2008.
8. Arizona State - I like their chances in coming years, and even right now they could surprise a few teams.
9. Oregon State - The Beavers have a sweet sweet shooter in Sasa Cuic, and a solid returning frontcourt.
10. Washington State - New coach, loss of everyone over 10 ppg = Failing season for the Cougars.
1. UNC - It's unanimous; UNC is primed to be a top 3 team in the nation.
2. Duke - They lost Redick, Shelden Williams, and Dockery to graduation. But this is Duke; their scars heal like Wolverine's.
3. Boston College - Losing Craig Smith won't hurt BC as bad as some people think. They can grab some monsterous wins.
4. Georgia Tech - 4th place talent, but they could place between 3rd and 7th in the conference.
5. Florida State - Al Thornton can pick up the slack of fat-man Alexander Johnson in the paint and become a first team all-ACC'er.
6. Virginia - Strong backcourt but shaky frontcourt.
7. Maryland - Not sure what to think of this team. We'll see how they manage without crucial players Chris McCray and Caner-Medley, and see if DJ Strawberry stops playing like a fruit.
8. Virginia Tech - A bunch of decent players who should mount up and soar to greater heights!
9. Wake Forest - Last years awful team lost its 2 best players, but I have faith in their Top 10 recruiting class.
10. Clemson - They might take down some big names, and be taken out by no-names.
11. Miami (FL) - Depleted backcourt, lucky they're not last
12. NC State - With about a 4 player roster and a new coach, this mangled and inexperienced team will struggle violently.
Atlantic 10
1. Xavier - Experience and new big-impact players make Xavier the team to beat in the A-10 this year.
2. Charlotte - With the loss of Curtis Withers, size and rebounding becomes a question for the 49ers. But with their sensational backcourt, they can be a major player if they only get a couple big guys to step it up
3. St Louis - There's no reason that the Billikens should take a step back this year; I think their stock is about steady.
4. UMASS - I originally had this team pegged as my ultra-sleeper. As more and more previews came out, I found I wasn't alone. Now I've turned on them. They'll take a step forward, sure, but this team is experienced only in mediocrity and they won't content for the best record in the A-10. However, they could make a run in the A-10 tourney...
5. George Washington - They lost a lot, yet somehow I feel bad ranking them this low. They could very well be a tourney team when all is said and done.
6. Fordham - This is a good team that could take the league by surprise.
7. Dayton - They're tough inside, but they won't make a huge impact anywhere else.
8. St Joseph's - Another building year before the Hawks once again become the face of the A-10
9. Duquesne - I'm not following the recovery of their players too closely, but they have a couple major impact players that could tear it up in the near future.
10. Temple - One less Mardy Collins and John Chaney = stuggles for Temple.
11. Rhode Island - It's beyond my feeble mind how these last 4 teams will finish.
12. LaSalle - Their Batman and Robin have graduated. Now they will get crushed by the Joker's of the league.
13. St Bonaventure - They were bad last year, and I don't see much of a turnaround
14. Richmond - They could be anywhere from 10-14.
BIG EAST
1. Georgetown - I think they'll run away with this conference. They boast one of the best frontcourts around, and they're ready to make an impact on this season
2. Pittsburgh - I'm not buying into all the Pittsburgh hype so much; I think they'll fight with Syracuse for this spot.
3. Syracuse - Without G-Mac, E-Dorf (or Eric Devendorf) has the green light to show off his excellent shot. Demetris Nichols and Darryl Watkins will step up in the frontcourt.
4. UCONN - I can see why some are dropping UCONN to 6th and 7th, but this is still UCONN. AJ Price may be the best point guard in the nation, and their all-star recruiting class can step in.
5. Villanova - A weakened backcourt is going to slow down Villanova, but they're still a force to be reckoned with.
6. Marquette - People are getting carried away with Dominic James mania. They're going to need their shooters to step up for them to make an impact.
7. Louisville - It hurts to drop them this far, but after last year they just failed to live up to expectations, and their big time scorer is gone.
8. St. John's - This defensive minded squad will be a minor surprise in the Big East this year.
9. DePaul - They need to stay consistent this year
10. Cincinnati - If the junior college players can step up, this scrappy team can compete for a tournament spot.
11. Providence - After a lot of thought, I've decided that Providence has the experience for a sleeper team, but doesn't really have Big East talent all around.
12. Notre Dame - The ghost of Chris Quinn haunts the Irish.
13. West Virginia - Coming off a good NCAA tourney run, I don't think West Virginia will be ready for another one in a while.
14. Rutgers - The ghost of Quincy Douby leaves Rutgers hopeless...
15. Seton Hall - A few years away from doing anything...
16. South Florida - Recruits need to realize that this is a Big East school too.
BIG 10
1. Ohio State - I'm buying into all the Greg Oden hype. Also, I'm buying into the rest of Ohio State to hold down the fort until Oden debuts.
2. Wisconsin - A lot of talent, but they didn't prove much last year. The most disappointing of a season I can see them having is being 2nd in the weakened Big 10, though.
3. Michigan - They have the athleticism and reason not to be the NIT team of years past. They could make a big splash this year.
4. Illinois - "In transition", although they are returning a load of talent. The loss of Dee Brown and James Augustine are rough, but outside than that, we have a well rounded team that could be the surprise of the Big 10.
5. Indiana - They're a wild card. D.J. White could disappoint if he doesn't immediately fill Killingsworth's shoes. They could finish anywhere from 3rd (which I doubt) to 7th, or even 8th behind hungry teams like Purdue and Penn State.
6. Penn State - They're on their way up; while other teams rebuild, these guys are returning serious talent, including F Geary Claxton.
7. Michigan State - Izzo's most challenging coaching job yet. Minus their Big 3 and Matt Trannon from a mediocre MSU squad last year, it all depends on how fast the young guys are willing to step it up.
8. Iowa - They'll build around guard Adam Haluska, who's really all that remains from that surprising Iowa squad from a year ago.
9. Purdue - After being in shambles due to injuries last year, those guys are back. I can't rate them too high though, because they've proven nothing. This was a lousy team last year, and they're relying on 2 players to carry the responsibility
10. Northwestern - A step back from the decent team that coach Bill Carmody was able to assemble.
11. Minnesota- Way too young, not ready to make any kind of noise except cries of despair and torture.
Missouri Valley Conference (MVC)
1. Creighton - Nate Funk, after sitting out for last year's NIT season, is now the face of Creighton. I see them taking this conference's regular season crown with relative ease.
2. Southern Illinois - This team will be dangerous in the tournament. Returning their top 9 scores (top NINE freaking scorers) from last year's 11 seed team, I see them making a Sweet 16 run.
3. Wichita State - A shocker (lolz) from last year, this team can do damage again this year. Third is about right for them, though, after losing a couple key players to graduation.
4. Missouri State - A screwjob; that's what it was when MO State's top 20 RPI couldn't get them into the NCAAs. This year it might be the same story; they won't take the conference, but they'll compete. Will that be enough though?
5. Evansville - Absolutely underrated team. All 5 starters return from an improving squad, who's very well rounded and should surprise in the MVC.
6. Northern Iowa - They graduate their best player from a disappointing 05-06 club. I see them falling to the bottom half of the conference this year.
7. Drake - Bad luck last year with many losses by tiny margains. Now they're more experienced and ready to make a serious impact.
8. Illinois State - They're depending on a good recruiting class to put them over the edge.
9. Bradley - 9 looks ugly for last years Sweet 16 team, but the bottom half of the conference is pretty close-knit and they could finish anywhere from 5-10.
10. Indiana State - They lost their one big scorer. This team will suffer.
PAC-10
1. Arizona - Lute's ready to take back the PAC, and he's got plenty of talent to do it. I'm expecting big years from Mustafa Shakur and Ivan Radenovic to complement Marcus Williams, to vault the Wildcats back into powerhouse status.
2. UCLA - Jordan Farmar doesn't replace himself. He was this team's MVP, and without him they might have a tough time.
3. Oregon - Oregon has too much talent to have a losing record. With coach Ernie Kent in danger of losing his job, he'll need breakout seasons from his players. They can hang with anyone in the conference if they don't get al the bad breaks and miserable luck of seasons past.
4. USC - It hurts me to rank them this low, because I really like their talent. They'll have the ability to score like crazy, especially when Gabe Pruitt returns in December. They'll compete for the 3rd spot, and if Oregon fails to live up to my hype then USC will be the ones to fill in.
5. Washington - They return enough to be a solid Pac-10 team, and are hoping Spencer Hawes makes an instant impact. The young guy could feel a lot of pressure from the expectations of him having to step right in and lead them.
6. California - Even without Leon Powe, I like the looks of this team. Ayinde Ubaka will emerge as a star, and DeVon Hardin can fill Powe's spot well. They could compete for higher spots, and I don't see them finishing any lower than this.
7. Stanford - Returning nobody that averaged more than 5 ppg from a half-decent Stanford team of last year, they'll be looking toward 2008.
8. Arizona State - I like their chances in coming years, and even right now they could surprise a few teams.
9. Oregon State - The Beavers have a sweet sweet shooter in Sasa Cuic, and a solid returning frontcourt.
10. Washington State - New coach, loss of everyone over 10 ppg = Failing season for the Cougars.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Western Kentucky
Where's the Hilltopper?
Former CEO of Western Kentucky University has disappeared from the college scene. Reporters have come on the scene asking, "Where's the Hilltopper?"
Mug shots of the man suggest that the one in question stole the Hilltopper mascot and is rumored to be wearing the suit on Zanzibar island, just east of Tanzania, Africa. Reporters also say that he might be heading to Ascension, a remote island halfway between South America and Africa.
University officials don't know when he will return, but it will be a dark future for Western Kentucky until he does.
Former CEO of Western Kentucky University has disappeared from the college scene. Reporters have come on the scene asking, "Where's the Hilltopper?"
Mug shots of the man suggest that the one in question stole the Hilltopper mascot and is rumored to be wearing the suit on Zanzibar island, just east of Tanzania, Africa. Reporters also say that he might be heading to Ascension, a remote island halfway between South America and Africa.
University officials don't know when he will return, but it will be a dark future for Western Kentucky until he does.
Kevin Durant
Better than Oden?
As you very well know, Greg Oden is a freshman recruit for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Standing 7'1" tall he is predicted to be the next big thing since Shaquille O'Neal. What people don't know is that Kevin Durant, a freshman recruit for the Texas Longhorns, aspires to be better than Oden. He is often heard saying when asked, "Greg who?" or "Oden, who's he?"
These are just some of the instances where you can feel Durant's anger. Be sure to be ready coming the 06-07 season for Kevin Durant lighting up the college stage and become a basketball wizard the likes of which Oden has never seen!
As you very well know, Greg Oden is a freshman recruit for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Standing 7'1" tall he is predicted to be the next big thing since Shaquille O'Neal. What people don't know is that Kevin Durant, a freshman recruit for the Texas Longhorns, aspires to be better than Oden. He is often heard saying when asked, "Greg who?" or "Oden, who's he?"
These are just some of the instances where you can feel Durant's anger. Be sure to be ready coming the 06-07 season for Kevin Durant lighting up the college stage and become a basketball wizard the likes of which Oden has never seen!
Coaches Poll
Format - #. Team Name (# of first place votes)
NATIONAL USA TODAY/ESPN RANKINGS
1. Florida
2. North Carolina
3. Kansas
4. Ohio State
5. (T) Pittsburgh
5. (T) UCLA
7. LSU
8. Georgetown
9. Wisconsin
10. Arizona
11. Duke
12. Alabama
13. Texas A&M
14. Memphis
15. Boston College
16. Washington
17. Marquette
18. Connecticut
19. Texas
20. Syracuse
21. Georgia Tech
22. Kentucky
23. Creighton
24. Tennessee
25. Nevada
POWER CONFERENCES
BIG EAST
1. Pittsburgh (10)
2. Georgetown (4)
3. Syracuse (1)
4. Marquette (1)
5. UCONN
6. Louisville
7. Villanova
8. DePaul
9. St John's
10. Providence
11. Notre Dame
12. West Virginia
13. Cincinnati
14. Rutgers
15. Seton Hall
16. South Florida
BIG 12
1. Kansas (11)
2. Texas A&M (1)
3. Oklahoma State
4. Texas
5. Kansas State
6. Texas Tech
7. Baylor
8. Missouri
9. Oklahoma
10. Nebraska
11. Iowa State
12. Colorado
MID-MAJORS
Atlantic 10
1. Xavier (59)
2. UMASS (4)
3. St Louis (1)
4. Charlotte
5. George Washington
6. Dayton
7. Fordham
8. St Joe's
9. Temple
10. LaSalle
11. Rhode Island
12. Richmond
13. Duquesne
14. St Bonaventure
NATIONAL USA TODAY/ESPN RANKINGS
1. Florida
2. North Carolina
3. Kansas
4. Ohio State
5. (T) Pittsburgh
5. (T) UCLA
7. LSU
8. Georgetown
9. Wisconsin
10. Arizona
11. Duke
12. Alabama
13. Texas A&M
14. Memphis
15. Boston College
16. Washington
17. Marquette
18. Connecticut
19. Texas
20. Syracuse
21. Georgia Tech
22. Kentucky
23. Creighton
24. Tennessee
25. Nevada
Others receiving votes: Gonzaga 88, Wichita State 78, Louisville 77, Southern Illinois 70, Illinois 52, Xavier 44, Villanova 39, Air Force 26, San Diego State 24, Hofstra 20, Oklahoma State 19, Michigan 17, Michigan State 15, Maryland 12, DePaul 11, Florida State 9, George Mason 6, Indiana 5, Houston 3, BYU 2, George Washington 2, Winthrop 2, Bucknell 1, New Mexico State 1, Saint Louis 1, Utah 1.
POWER CONFERENCES
BIG EAST
1. Pittsburgh (10)
2. Georgetown (4)
3. Syracuse (1)
4. Marquette (1)
5. UCONN
6. Louisville
7. Villanova
8. DePaul
9. St John's
10. Providence
11. Notre Dame
12. West Virginia
13. Cincinnati
14. Rutgers
15. Seton Hall
16. South Florida
BIG 12
1. Kansas (11)
2. Texas A&M (1)
3. Oklahoma State
4. Texas
5. Kansas State
6. Texas Tech
7. Baylor
8. Missouri
9. Oklahoma
10. Nebraska
11. Iowa State
12. Colorado
MID-MAJORS
Atlantic 10
1. Xavier (59)
2. UMASS (4)
3. St Louis (1)
4. Charlotte
5. George Washington
6. Dayton
7. Fordham
8. St Joe's
9. Temple
10. LaSalle
11. Rhode Island
12. Richmond
13. Duquesne
14. St Bonaventure
