Kevin Love/ UCLA- 21.5 points, 11 rebounds
Eric Gordon/ Indiana- 33 points, 6 rebounds
Johnny Flynn/Syracuse- 28 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds
O.J. Mayo/USC- 32 points, 7 rebounds
Nick Calethas/Florida- 18 points, 5.5 assists
Michael Beasley/Kansas St.- 31 points, 19 rebounds
Derrick Rose/Memphis- 19 points, 5.5 rebounds
These are the averages for 7 of the nation's top Freshmen so far this year. I look at that, and I am amazed at how quickly they have adapted to the college game. I remember a few years ago, you would never see Freshmen averaging these kinds of numbers. The game has evolved and changed so drastically over they years. I realize that these schools have been beating up on a bunch of little teams in the first part of the year, but with all the upsets in the so far, parity is at an all time high in college basketball. I believe you can attribute the parity to recruits shying away from the big name schools, as they look at smaller schools for more immediate playing time. Regardless of who they are playing, they are still putting up big numbers. Just like shooting a 65 on the golf course, it doesn't matter how hard the course was, you still have to play well to shoot a number like that. It will be interesting to see how these Freshmen step their games up with some big tournaments and conference schedules on the horizon. With the trend of dominant Freshmen the past few years, I don't see any letdown in these guys games.
Feel free to comment on this post. I would be interested to see what you think of these guys putting up big numbers against inferior competition? Do you believe that their numbers will drop when their competition rises, or do you think they will just keep on this pace they are on? Let me know.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
The First Week
After week on, what team do you think has the most wins against Top 25 teams? The ACC? SEC? Big East? If you guessed an of those then you're wrong. The conference I am talking about is the Atlantic-Sun. Mercer one-upped Gardner-Webb on Saturday by beating #18 ranked USC on the road. The most amazing thing to me about both of those games, was that Kentucky and USC were never in the game. Both Gardner-Webb and Mercer got up early and just poured it on the whole game. Belmont beat a Cincinnati team on Friday night by 11. Granted, Cincinnati is down, but it i still a big win. ETSU was a cold shooting performance in the last 2 minutes from or beating Dayton on the road as well. Overall, what a week for the lowly Atlantic-Sun conference. There were some other huge upsets this weekend. On Friday night UNC-Greensboro upended Georgia Tech 83-74, and Tulane beat Auburn 77-62. It's been a wacky first week so far.
It also looks like this might be the year of the Freshmen. Let's look at some guys that I talked about in my All-Freshmen teams. First, let's all forget about Kevin Durant, and say welcome to Michael Beasley. All Beasley did in the first two games is average 31points and 19 rebounds. WOW!! He's not even thinking Freshmen of the Year, he's thinking National Player of the Year. Although they are not on the pace Beasley is, there are some other Freshmen making some noise as well. Derrick Rose is off to a hot start averaging 19 ppg. and 5.5 reb. Nick Calathes is averaging 18ppg and 6 apg. Kevin Love had 22 points and 13 rebounds in his first collegiate game. Kyle Singler chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds in Duke's first win of the season. Finally we come to the most hyped Freshmen of the year according to most media, O.J Mayo. Mayo dazzled in his first game with 32 points (12-27 shooting). The only problem is that his team got whipped by Mercer. If Mayo continues shooting 27 shots a game and losing, then I'm afraid they will begin to look like another Southern California team in Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
This has been a wacky start to the season so far. Lots of upsets and Freshmen dominating games. Who would have thought? It seems the same thing has happened this year in College football. If this continues it should be fun.
It also looks like this might be the year of the Freshmen. Let's look at some guys that I talked about in my All-Freshmen teams. First, let's all forget about Kevin Durant, and say welcome to Michael Beasley. All Beasley did in the first two games is average 31points and 19 rebounds. WOW!! He's not even thinking Freshmen of the Year, he's thinking National Player of the Year. Although they are not on the pace Beasley is, there are some other Freshmen making some noise as well. Derrick Rose is off to a hot start averaging 19 ppg. and 5.5 reb. Nick Calathes is averaging 18ppg and 6 apg. Kevin Love had 22 points and 13 rebounds in his first collegiate game. Kyle Singler chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds in Duke's first win of the season. Finally we come to the most hyped Freshmen of the year according to most media, O.J Mayo. Mayo dazzled in his first game with 32 points (12-27 shooting). The only problem is that his team got whipped by Mercer. If Mayo continues shooting 27 shots a game and losing, then I'm afraid they will begin to look like another Southern California team in Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
This has been a wacky start to the season so far. Lots of upsets and Freshmen dominating games. Who would have thought? It seems the same thing has happened this year in College football. If this continues it should be fun.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Turning Point In Tennessee
In every sport there are always turning points, times when a team finally overcomes an obstacle that has notoriously been in their way. This turning points in most cases means future success. Turning Points can come in many different forms. Some are monumental, like Peyton Manning finally winning a Super Bowl, while some have a little less limelight, like Prairie View ending their 86 game losing streak in College Football. Regardless of what stage it is on, they are still turning points. In this article I would like to take a look at 3 teams in my home state of Tennessee that are at very different points in the programs, but must overcome huge obstacles that stand in front of them.
The Memphis Tigers have been on the national scene for ever since John Calipari arrived. With a 181-63 record in the Calipari era, the Tigers have been a force to reckoned with each and every year. Memphis has a big hurdle in its way though, The Final Four. I know that this is a very high expectation, but that is what Calipari expects. If he can lead UMass to the Final Four, then why not Memphis? That is a question that he as well as much of the media has asked over and over again. The good news is that he is getting closer. The past two seasons, Memphis has a combined record of 66-8, which has earned them a #1 and #2 seed in the past two tournaments. In these last two years they have made it to the Elite Eight game, where they have been knocked off. What is it that makes that first elusive Final Four a reality? I'm sure if I had the answer, I would be on Coach Cal's staff and not here writing to you. This might be the year that the Tigers can finally overcome that obstacle and finally get that monkey off their back. Derrick Rose is arguably the best freshmen in the country, and maybe one of the Top Point Guards in the country already. He will lead a deep and experienced team that will probably run circles around the rest of a weak Conference USA or anyone else that wants to get in their way.
PREDICTION: They make the Final Four finally!
The Tennessee Volunteers have spent many years in the cellar of the SEC. I can remember growing up and watching the games, laughing at how bad they were. Two years ago, that all changed. The hiring of Bruce Pearl was probably the greatest coaching move at Tennessee since the hiring of Pat Summitt. Couple his hiring and success with how bad the Tennessee football team has been, and you'll soon find out why Bruce Pearl has become a Cult hero here in Knoxville. The Vols have put back-to-back successful seasons together, going 46-19 in that stretch. The Vols have two obstacles that they have not been able to hurdle, even in their last couple of years. The first is making it into the weekend of the SEC tournament. They haven't played on the weekend in the SEC tournament since 1991. That's a long stretch that Bruce Pearl will do everything in his power to end. The second obstacle is making it past the sweet 16. Pearl has been able to get his kids into the sweet 16 the past two years, but just can't seem to get over the hump. If there was ever a team that could do it, it just might be this one. With the talent they have returning and the Freshmen and transfers coming in, this team is dangerous. If they get over that hump, the Elite Eight might not be the last stop for this team.
PREDICTION: Elite Eight
The ETSU Buccaneers have in the past had some very successful seasons. They have had many great teams throughout the years that either made some noise in the tournament, or by giving some of the top seeds a big scare. The problem for the Bucs is that that play in the lowly Atlantic-Sun Conference. If you want to get to the tournament from the A-Sun you have to win your conference tournament. This is where the Bucs have had some problems. Last year they entered the tournament a heavy favorite. They had just finished the regular season at 22-8, won the regular season title, and were hosting the conference tournament on their home floor. You couldn't ask for a better scenario. They couldn't beat Belmont though, and were gladly welcomed into the NIT. Now the Bucs have a bigger problem. Belmont is back with leading scorer Justin Hare, Gardner-Webb is starting to surprise everyone, and the conference tournament has now been moved to Nashville, right in Belmont's back yard. It's going to be an uphill battle for the Bucs, but junior Guard Courtney Pigram (18.3 ppg) just might be the man to lead this team over that hump.
PREDICTION: Conference title and trip to NCAA's (gotta give my Alma Mater some love!!)
In sports, turning points for an athlete or a program are what defines their future success. If these three teams can overcome what lies before them, then the state of Tennessee will have a bright future in College basketball.
The Memphis Tigers have been on the national scene for ever since John Calipari arrived. With a 181-63 record in the Calipari era, the Tigers have been a force to reckoned with each and every year. Memphis has a big hurdle in its way though, The Final Four. I know that this is a very high expectation, but that is what Calipari expects. If he can lead UMass to the Final Four, then why not Memphis? That is a question that he as well as much of the media has asked over and over again. The good news is that he is getting closer. The past two seasons, Memphis has a combined record of 66-8, which has earned them a #1 and #2 seed in the past two tournaments. In these last two years they have made it to the Elite Eight game, where they have been knocked off. What is it that makes that first elusive Final Four a reality? I'm sure if I had the answer, I would be on Coach Cal's staff and not here writing to you. This might be the year that the Tigers can finally overcome that obstacle and finally get that monkey off their back. Derrick Rose is arguably the best freshmen in the country, and maybe one of the Top Point Guards in the country already. He will lead a deep and experienced team that will probably run circles around the rest of a weak Conference USA or anyone else that wants to get in their way.
PREDICTION: They make the Final Four finally!
The Tennessee Volunteers have spent many years in the cellar of the SEC. I can remember growing up and watching the games, laughing at how bad they were. Two years ago, that all changed. The hiring of Bruce Pearl was probably the greatest coaching move at Tennessee since the hiring of Pat Summitt. Couple his hiring and success with how bad the Tennessee football team has been, and you'll soon find out why Bruce Pearl has become a Cult hero here in Knoxville. The Vols have put back-to-back successful seasons together, going 46-19 in that stretch. The Vols have two obstacles that they have not been able to hurdle, even in their last couple of years. The first is making it into the weekend of the SEC tournament. They haven't played on the weekend in the SEC tournament since 1991. That's a long stretch that Bruce Pearl will do everything in his power to end. The second obstacle is making it past the sweet 16. Pearl has been able to get his kids into the sweet 16 the past two years, but just can't seem to get over the hump. If there was ever a team that could do it, it just might be this one. With the talent they have returning and the Freshmen and transfers coming in, this team is dangerous. If they get over that hump, the Elite Eight might not be the last stop for this team.
PREDICTION: Elite Eight
The ETSU Buccaneers have in the past had some very successful seasons. They have had many great teams throughout the years that either made some noise in the tournament, or by giving some of the top seeds a big scare. The problem for the Bucs is that that play in the lowly Atlantic-Sun Conference. If you want to get to the tournament from the A-Sun you have to win your conference tournament. This is where the Bucs have had some problems. Last year they entered the tournament a heavy favorite. They had just finished the regular season at 22-8, won the regular season title, and were hosting the conference tournament on their home floor. You couldn't ask for a better scenario. They couldn't beat Belmont though, and were gladly welcomed into the NIT. Now the Bucs have a bigger problem. Belmont is back with leading scorer Justin Hare, Gardner-Webb is starting to surprise everyone, and the conference tournament has now been moved to Nashville, right in Belmont's back yard. It's going to be an uphill battle for the Bucs, but junior Guard Courtney Pigram (18.3 ppg) just might be the man to lead this team over that hump.
PREDICTION: Conference title and trip to NCAA's (gotta give my Alma Mater some love!!)
In sports, turning points for an athlete or a program are what defines their future success. If these three teams can overcome what lies before them, then the state of Tennessee will have a bright future in College basketball.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Gardner Webb- 84
#22 Kentucky- 68
Alright all you Kentucky fans, it's time to come out of the hills with your shotguns! Stop by Wal-Mart and pick up plenty of ammunition? Isn't that the what happens next? Isn't that what you do to coaches that don't live up to your heightened expectations? You did it to Tubby Smith. Never mind the man won a National Championship, had 5 conference championships, 4 elite 8 appearances, and won the Naismith Coach of the Year Award. That didn't matter to you did it? You didn't care, because you suffer from Bear Bryant syndrome. Is it not true that you compare every coach to Adolph Rupp, just like Alabama fans compare every new coach to Bear Bryant? You fell fast and hard for Pitino like a high school kid with his first crush, but now he is your most bitter enemy. Oh, how funny it was when you guys hired Billy "Can't beat Gardner-Webb" Gillispie. You were on cloud nine. You thought that the glory days of Kentucky Basketball were coming back. You thought that you would be back in your "rightful" place as the SEC elite. What happened? Here we are two games into your precious season and you run straight into a train wreck named Gardner-Webb, a team that went 9-21 last year and only returned two starters. That would scare me too. Never mind that Gardner-Webb will probably be a double-digit underdog to my Alma Mater (ETSU) when they play in conference play later this year. It only gets better Mr. Kentucky fan. To add a little insult to injury, you are now a distant second to your other hated enemy, Tennessee. While you've been spending your last few years criticizing and whining, the Vols have benn making themselves into a national title contender, not to mention the SEC's elite. You want me to keep going, OK I will. Guess what, you might not even be the second best team in your state. We all know that Louisville is the creme of the crop in the state, but maybe, just maybe, Western Kentucky is the second best team. Ouch, that hurt didn't it? I'm sorry, but maybe you know how it feels now. Maybe you can understand what it was like for Tubby Smith. How critical you were of a coach that had accomplished so much. Now it's time for the rest of us to be critical of you and your program that has accomplished so much. I know it hurts, but you'll get over it. It will never last for ever, I promise. In the meantime though, all of the rest of us can bask in your misery and gladly watch as Kentucky becomes a "football school". I have an idea that might help. Why don't you do the rest of us a favor and hire Ashley Judd to be your coach? Atleast we would have something good to look at on the sidelines instead of a stressed out coach trying to live up to lofty expectations. I know Tubby is glad to be out of that mess, and I'm happy for him. Maybe he will finally get the respect he deserves. Have a great year Mr./Ms. Kentucky fan, it's been great for the rest of us so far.
#22 Kentucky- 68
Alright all you Kentucky fans, it's time to come out of the hills with your shotguns! Stop by Wal-Mart and pick up plenty of ammunition? Isn't that the what happens next? Isn't that what you do to coaches that don't live up to your heightened expectations? You did it to Tubby Smith. Never mind the man won a National Championship, had 5 conference championships, 4 elite 8 appearances, and won the Naismith Coach of the Year Award. That didn't matter to you did it? You didn't care, because you suffer from Bear Bryant syndrome. Is it not true that you compare every coach to Adolph Rupp, just like Alabama fans compare every new coach to Bear Bryant? You fell fast and hard for Pitino like a high school kid with his first crush, but now he is your most bitter enemy. Oh, how funny it was when you guys hired Billy "Can't beat Gardner-Webb" Gillispie. You were on cloud nine. You thought that the glory days of Kentucky Basketball were coming back. You thought that you would be back in your "rightful" place as the SEC elite. What happened? Here we are two games into your precious season and you run straight into a train wreck named Gardner-Webb, a team that went 9-21 last year and only returned two starters. That would scare me too. Never mind that Gardner-Webb will probably be a double-digit underdog to my Alma Mater (ETSU) when they play in conference play later this year. It only gets better Mr. Kentucky fan. To add a little insult to injury, you are now a distant second to your other hated enemy, Tennessee. While you've been spending your last few years criticizing and whining, the Vols have benn making themselves into a national title contender, not to mention the SEC's elite. You want me to keep going, OK I will. Guess what, you might not even be the second best team in your state. We all know that Louisville is the creme of the crop in the state, but maybe, just maybe, Western Kentucky is the second best team. Ouch, that hurt didn't it? I'm sorry, but maybe you know how it feels now. Maybe you can understand what it was like for Tubby Smith. How critical you were of a coach that had accomplished so much. Now it's time for the rest of us to be critical of you and your program that has accomplished so much. I know it hurts, but you'll get over it. It will never last for ever, I promise. In the meantime though, all of the rest of us can bask in your misery and gladly watch as Kentucky becomes a "football school". I have an idea that might help. Why don't you do the rest of us a favor and hire Ashley Judd to be your coach? Atleast we would have something good to look at on the sidelines instead of a stressed out coach trying to live up to lofty expectations. I know Tubby is glad to be out of that mess, and I'm happy for him. Maybe he will finally get the respect he deserves. Have a great year Mr./Ms. Kentucky fan, it's been great for the rest of us so far.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Scores from Tuesday, November 6th
#3 Memphis-80
Richmond- 63
-Derrick Rose came up big again scoring 21 pts. and grabbing 5 reb. to lead a second half surge and avoid the upset. My prediction on hom has been right on target so far. This kid is a jewel.
#22 Kentucky-67
Central Arkansas- 40
- The Billy Gillispie era started off on a great note with Joe Crawford leading the way with 20 pts.
- If you recall in one of my previous posts, I showed the score of Michigan St. getting beat by Grand Valley St. Well, the upset bug has stung the Big-10 again, this time it was Ohio St. Ohio St went down to Division II, Findlay last night 70-68. We all knew it was going to be a rebuilding year in Columbus, but is it this bad? The Big-10 has not made a very strong showing so far, and it looks like it might be another ACC romp in the ACC-Big 10 Challenge again.
Richmond- 63
-Derrick Rose came up big again scoring 21 pts. and grabbing 5 reb. to lead a second half surge and avoid the upset. My prediction on hom has been right on target so far. This kid is a jewel.
#22 Kentucky-67
Central Arkansas- 40
- The Billy Gillispie era started off on a great note with Joe Crawford leading the way with 20 pts.
- If you recall in one of my previous posts, I showed the score of Michigan St. getting beat by Grand Valley St. Well, the upset bug has stung the Big-10 again, this time it was Ohio St. Ohio St went down to Division II, Findlay last night 70-68. We all knew it was going to be a rebuilding year in Columbus, but is it this bad? The Big-10 has not made a very strong showing so far, and it looks like it might be another ACC romp in the ACC-Big 10 Challenge again.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Up and Down the Recruiting Trail
While watching Memphis blow out Tennessee-Martin last night I was amazed in watching Derrick Rose. Rose is the highly touted Freshman from Chicago that I talked about in an earlier post. He had good stats (17pts, 6ast, 4reb), not eye-popping, but solid. What amazed me was how in control of the game he seemed to be. He played like he was a Senior, granted it was Tennessee-Martin, but who cares. It seems to me that Freshmen are getting better and better every year. It started in 2003 with Carmelo Anthony, and has continued with players like Kevin Durant and Greg Oden. These guys are just far and above anyone else in their class, or in college basketball for that matter. The one year requirement in college basketball has been a great addition that has allowed the collegiate ranks to see some of the greats before they begin making their millions in the NBA. This years class is no different. I think you will see Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and possibly Eric Gordon rise to that elite status. It's to bad that this is the only year we will see them in a college uniform, but it will definitely be worth it. So what happens when these guys are gone. Who are the next guys in line to take over the college game. Truth is, I don't believe that there is someone like that in the 2008 class. What the 2008 class does have though is a bunch of talent that will probably stay 3 to 4 years. With that being said, I thought it would be good to talk about the nation's best recruiting classes for the 2008 season. Since there really isn't a Durant or Oden in this class, I think it's better to look at them collectively from a team prospective. Here are the top 10 classes in my opinion for 2008. (The rankings are from rivals.com)
1) Louisville- F- Samardo Samuels (7), F- Terrance Jennings (15), 3 other three-star recruits. If they land Tyreke Evans (5), this class will be a monster!!
2) Wake Forest- F- Al Farouq-Aminu (11), C- Tony Woods (18), C- Ty Walker (24).
Wake will turn the corner with this class.
3) Arizona- G- Brandon Jennings (8), F- Emmanuel Negedu (31), C- Jeff Witney (39).
Brandon Jennings might be the best guard in this class.
4) UCLA- G- Jrue Holiday (4), G- Jeremie Anderson (48), F- Drew Gordon (49), G- Malcolm Lee (51). If Jennings isn't the best guard in America, then Jrue Holiday is!!
5) Georgetown- C- Greg Monroe (1), F- Chris Braswell (63), C- Henry Sims (64), G- Jason Clark (89). Monroe will be the next in line for great Hoya big men.
6) Alabama- F-Jamychal Green (25), F- Tony Mitchell (38), G- Andrew Steele (50).
The SEC has another Steele to deal with for 4 years.
7) Florida- F- Eloy Vargas (10), C- Kenny Kadji (17), F- Allan Chaney (96), G- Erving Walker (131), F- Ray Shipman (141). The rebuilding continues in Gainseville.
8) UNC- C- Tyler Zeller (20), F- Ed Davis (22), G- Larry Drew (78).
Zeller is the next great Indiana born center for the Heels (Montross & May)
9) Ohio St.- C- B.J Mullins (4), G- William Buford (19), G- Walter Offuet (101)
Just like Florida, they just keep rebuilding.
10) Oregon- C- Michael Dunigan (32), G- matthew Humphrey (71), G- Teonde Williams (98),
F- Drew Wiley (134). The Ducks are becoming a huge player nationally.
Other great recruiting classes; Kentucky, Mississippi St., Michigan St., Kansas, and Florida St.
1) Louisville- F- Samardo Samuels (7), F- Terrance Jennings (15), 3 other three-star recruits. If they land Tyreke Evans (5), this class will be a monster!!
2) Wake Forest- F- Al Farouq-Aminu (11), C- Tony Woods (18), C- Ty Walker (24).
Wake will turn the corner with this class.
3) Arizona- G- Brandon Jennings (8), F- Emmanuel Negedu (31), C- Jeff Witney (39).
Brandon Jennings might be the best guard in this class.
4) UCLA- G- Jrue Holiday (4), G- Jeremie Anderson (48), F- Drew Gordon (49), G- Malcolm Lee (51). If Jennings isn't the best guard in America, then Jrue Holiday is!!
5) Georgetown- C- Greg Monroe (1), F- Chris Braswell (63), C- Henry Sims (64), G- Jason Clark (89). Monroe will be the next in line for great Hoya big men.
6) Alabama- F-Jamychal Green (25), F- Tony Mitchell (38), G- Andrew Steele (50).
The SEC has another Steele to deal with for 4 years.
7) Florida- F- Eloy Vargas (10), C- Kenny Kadji (17), F- Allan Chaney (96), G- Erving Walker (131), F- Ray Shipman (141). The rebuilding continues in Gainseville.
8) UNC- C- Tyler Zeller (20), F- Ed Davis (22), G- Larry Drew (78).
Zeller is the next great Indiana born center for the Heels (Montross & May)
9) Ohio St.- C- B.J Mullins (4), G- William Buford (19), G- Walter Offuet (101)
Just like Florida, they just keep rebuilding.
10) Oregon- C- Michael Dunigan (32), G- matthew Humphrey (71), G- Teonde Williams (98),
F- Drew Wiley (134). The Ducks are becoming a huge player nationally.
Other great recruiting classes; Kentucky, Mississippi St., Michigan St., Kansas, and Florida St.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Preseason Scores of Interest
I thought it would be good to update some preseason scores that my be of some interest. There is a bunch of blowouts, and one big surprise. The rankings are my rankings, not the AP or USA Today polls.
(1) North Carolina- 114 (5) Tennessee- 106 (6) Kansas- 94
Shaw University- 62 California (PA)- 46 Pittsburgh St.- 57
(7) Michigan St.- 82 (8) Louisville- 93 (9) Indiana- 121
Grand Valley St.- 85 Georgetown College- 66 North Alabama- 76
(10) Oregon- 101 (13) Washington St.- 80 (14) Arizona- 68
St. Martin- 58 Lewis-Clark St.- 42 Concordia- 50
(15) Duke- 133 (18) Kentucky- 82 (19) Arkansas- 117
Shaw- 54 Seattle Univ.- 63 W. Florida- 43
(20) Texas A&M- 85 (22) N.C State- 94 (24) Kansas St.- 95
Emporia St. - 73 Barton College- 57 Fort Hayes St.- 59
A few of the guys that were on my First-team all Freshmen squad had some great coming out parties in their first exhibition games.
Eric Gordon/Indiana- 24pts.
Michael Beasley/Kansas St. 35 pts.
Kyle Singler/Duke- 23 pts.
The Michigan St. game was a shocker. It is almost unheard of to get beat in an exhibition game for anyone, much less the #8 team in America. The season starts tonight with #3 Memphis blowing out Tennessee-Martin in the Coaches vs. Cancer classic. :) Let's get ready to roll, it's going to be a great season.
(1) North Carolina- 114 (5) Tennessee- 106 (6) Kansas- 94
Shaw University- 62 California (PA)- 46 Pittsburgh St.- 57
(7) Michigan St.- 82 (8) Louisville- 93 (9) Indiana- 121
Grand Valley St.- 85 Georgetown College- 66 North Alabama- 76
(10) Oregon- 101 (13) Washington St.- 80 (14) Arizona- 68
St. Martin- 58 Lewis-Clark St.- 42 Concordia- 50
(15) Duke- 133 (18) Kentucky- 82 (19) Arkansas- 117
Shaw- 54 Seattle Univ.- 63 W. Florida- 43
(20) Texas A&M- 85 (22) N.C State- 94 (24) Kansas St.- 95
Emporia St. - 73 Barton College- 57 Fort Hayes St.- 59
A few of the guys that were on my First-team all Freshmen squad had some great coming out parties in their first exhibition games.
Eric Gordon/Indiana- 24pts.
Michael Beasley/Kansas St. 35 pts.
Kyle Singler/Duke- 23 pts.
The Michigan St. game was a shocker. It is almost unheard of to get beat in an exhibition game for anyone, much less the #8 team in America. The season starts tonight with #3 Memphis blowing out Tennessee-Martin in the Coaches vs. Cancer classic. :) Let's get ready to roll, it's going to be a great season.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Braketology- My futile attmpt to pick the 65 tournament teams
ACC (6)- UNC, Duke, N.C State, Clemson, Maryland, and Virginia
SEC (6) - Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi St.
Big Ten (5)- Michigan St., Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio St., and Illinois
Big East (8)- Louisville, Georgetown, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, UCONN, West Virginia, Providence
Pac-10 (6)- UCLA, Washington St., Arizona, Stanford, Oregon, and USC
Conference USA (2)- Memphis, UAB
Big 12 (5)- Kansas, Texas A&M, Texas, Kansas St., Missouri
Missouri Valley (2)- Southern Illinois, Missouri St.
WAC- New Mexico St.
American East- Vermont
Atlantic 10 (2)- Xavier, St. Josephs
Atlantic Sun- ETSU
Big Sky- Montana
Big South- High Point
Big West- UC Santa Barbara
Colonial Athletic (2)- VCU, George Mason
Horizon- Butler
Ivy- Cornell
Metro-Atlantic- Siena
Mid-American- Kent St.
Mid-Eastern- Hampton
Mountain West- BYU
Northeast- Robert Morris
Ohio Valley- Austin Peay
Patriot- Holy Cross
Southern- Davidson
Southland- Lamar
Southwestern Atletic- Jackson St.
Summit- IUPUI
Sun Belt- Western Kentucky
West Coast- Gonzaga
SEC (6) - Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi St.
Big Ten (5)- Michigan St., Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio St., and Illinois
Big East (8)- Louisville, Georgetown, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, UCONN, West Virginia, Providence
Pac-10 (6)- UCLA, Washington St., Arizona, Stanford, Oregon, and USC
Conference USA (2)- Memphis, UAB
Big 12 (5)- Kansas, Texas A&M, Texas, Kansas St., Missouri
Missouri Valley (2)- Southern Illinois, Missouri St.
WAC- New Mexico St.
American East- Vermont
Atlantic 10 (2)- Xavier, St. Josephs
Atlantic Sun- ETSU
Big Sky- Montana
Big South- High Point
Big West- UC Santa Barbara
Colonial Athletic (2)- VCU, George Mason
Horizon- Butler
Ivy- Cornell
Metro-Atlantic- Siena
Mid-American- Kent St.
Mid-Eastern- Hampton
Mountain West- BYU
Northeast- Robert Morris
Ohio Valley- Austin Peay
Patriot- Holy Cross
Southern- Davidson
Southland- Lamar
Southwestern Atletic- Jackson St.
Summit- IUPUI
Sun Belt- Western Kentucky
West Coast- Gonzaga
Bracket Busters- Mid-Majors you need to watch out for!
Every year there are a hand full of teams that are capable of playing the role of Cinderella. These are the teams that any major teams and fans hate playing, because you have nothing to gain and everything to lose. Here is a list of this year's Top 5 Mid-Major teams that will make some noise. Keep in mind, I do not consider Gonzaga a Mid-Major anymore. They have proved they are an elite team year in and year out.
1) Davidson
With a non-conference schedule that includes North Carolina, Duke, N.C State, and UCLA will have this team battle tested when they get to the tournament. They are led by sensational Sophomore Stephen Curry (21.5 ppg.), who might be the best shooter in the country. (Sorry Tennessee fans). This team returns all five starters and will be a nightmare for any school big or small to play this year.
2) Butler
The Bulldogs made a sweet sixteen run last year before falling in the regionals to eventual National Champions Florida. They are back this year and led by do-everything Guard A.J Graves (16.9 ppg). Two other starters are back to take some pressure of of Graves. Alabama transfer Avery Jukes (6-8) will be eligible in December, and will give some size to a very small frontcourt. Out of Conference games with Michigan, Ohio St., and Florida St. should be interesting.
3) Virginia Commonwealth
Who can forget the mighty Dukies going down almost single-handily to Eric Maynor (13.9 ppg. 6.4 apg.) and VCU in the first round of last years tournament? I know I won't!! Well Maynor is back and looks to lead his team to another NCAA tournament birth. He will be joined by returning starters Will Fameni (8.9 ppg) and Michale Anderson (6.4 ppg). Maryland should be there only real test out of conference.
4) Southern Illinois
What would a Mid-Major list be without a team from the MVC? This conference has been the darling of Mid-Majors over the past few years, and Southern Illinois has been the darling of the conference. This year is no different. Senior Randal Falker (12.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg) is back and ready to lead the Salukis to their 6th conference championship in the last 7 years.
5) Western Kentucky
Courtney Lee (17.3 ppg.) is one of the best players in America that nobody has ever heard of. The Hilltoppers have all 5 returning starters and top 7 players back from last years 22-11 team. To make things even better, Stefpphon Pettigrew, Kentucky's Mr. Basketball in 06-07 has signed. He will look to add depth to an already deep and explosive team.
Others to watch for: Missouri St. U.C Santa Barbara, High Point, Austin Peay, Vermont, Holy Cross
1) Davidson
With a non-conference schedule that includes North Carolina, Duke, N.C State, and UCLA will have this team battle tested when they get to the tournament. They are led by sensational Sophomore Stephen Curry (21.5 ppg.), who might be the best shooter in the country. (Sorry Tennessee fans). This team returns all five starters and will be a nightmare for any school big or small to play this year.
2) Butler
The Bulldogs made a sweet sixteen run last year before falling in the regionals to eventual National Champions Florida. They are back this year and led by do-everything Guard A.J Graves (16.9 ppg). Two other starters are back to take some pressure of of Graves. Alabama transfer Avery Jukes (6-8) will be eligible in December, and will give some size to a very small frontcourt. Out of Conference games with Michigan, Ohio St., and Florida St. should be interesting.
3) Virginia Commonwealth
Who can forget the mighty Dukies going down almost single-handily to Eric Maynor (13.9 ppg. 6.4 apg.) and VCU in the first round of last years tournament? I know I won't!! Well Maynor is back and looks to lead his team to another NCAA tournament birth. He will be joined by returning starters Will Fameni (8.9 ppg) and Michale Anderson (6.4 ppg). Maryland should be there only real test out of conference.
4) Southern Illinois
What would a Mid-Major list be without a team from the MVC? This conference has been the darling of Mid-Majors over the past few years, and Southern Illinois has been the darling of the conference. This year is no different. Senior Randal Falker (12.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg) is back and ready to lead the Salukis to their 6th conference championship in the last 7 years.
5) Western Kentucky
Courtney Lee (17.3 ppg.) is one of the best players in America that nobody has ever heard of. The Hilltoppers have all 5 returning starters and top 7 players back from last years 22-11 team. To make things even better, Stefpphon Pettigrew, Kentucky's Mr. Basketball in 06-07 has signed. He will look to add depth to an already deep and explosive team.
Others to watch for: Missouri St. U.C Santa Barbara, High Point, Austin Peay, Vermont, Holy Cross
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Preseason All-Freshmen Teams
First Team
F- Michael Beasley- Kansas St.
F- Kyle Singler- Duke
F- Kevin Love- UCLA
G- Eric Gordon- Indiana
G- Derrick Rose- Memphis
Second Team
F- Donte Green- Syracuse
F- J.J Hickson- N.C State
F- Anthony Randolph- LSU
G- O.J Mayo- Southern Cal
G- Nick Calethas- Florida
Most, if not all of these guys will make an immediate impact this year. Some like Nick Calethas (Florida), will step in to a rebuilding role, while others like Kevin Love (UCLA) and Derrick Rose (Memphis) will be thrust into the National Champioship Spotlight. Michael Beasley will be an absolute beast in the Big 12, following up on a monster big year of a another Big 12 Freshman, Kevin Durant. Eric Gordon will finally give D.J White some help at Indiana. Overall, this is a very good class that is strong at the top, but not overly deep. Look for there to be a a few one-and-dones from this group.
F- Michael Beasley- Kansas St.
F- Kyle Singler- Duke
F- Kevin Love- UCLA
G- Eric Gordon- Indiana
G- Derrick Rose- Memphis
Second Team
F- Donte Green- Syracuse
F- J.J Hickson- N.C State
F- Anthony Randolph- LSU
G- O.J Mayo- Southern Cal
G- Nick Calethas- Florida
Most, if not all of these guys will make an immediate impact this year. Some like Nick Calethas (Florida), will step in to a rebuilding role, while others like Kevin Love (UCLA) and Derrick Rose (Memphis) will be thrust into the National Champioship Spotlight. Michael Beasley will be an absolute beast in the Big 12, following up on a monster big year of a another Big 12 Freshman, Kevin Durant. Eric Gordon will finally give D.J White some help at Indiana. Overall, this is a very good class that is strong at the top, but not overly deep. Look for there to be a a few one-and-dones from this group.
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