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News » College NewsCollege Basketball Preview By: Nathan McCauley 
It’s the 11th hour of college basketball’s preseason and just like Mario Chalmers’ shot at the end of regulation in the 2008 national title game, we have beat the clock.
So without further ado, we present to you the HoopsReport.com 2009-2010 “11th Hour College Basketball Preview”. Enjoy. INDEX Part I: Top 25 Part II: All-Americans Part III: Breakout Players Part IV: Freshmen to Watch Part V: Recruiting Class Rankings Part VI: Top Point Guards Part VII: Top Shooting Guards Part VIII: Top Small Forwards Part IX: Top Power Forwards Part X: Top Centers Preseason Top 25 Final Four
1. Kansas 27-8 (14-2) Experience? Check. Proven Coach? Check. Veteran playmaker, dominant big man, and a bench full of future pros? Check, check, and check! Coach Self appears to have all the ingredients to cook up his second national title in the last three years. In fact, most analysts believe this team has even more depth and talent than his 2008 championship squad. Hell, half his returning players were on that team. When Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich (both bonified superstars) decided to come back to school, Jayhawks fans were convinced they would be the team to beat this year; when Xavier Henry added his name to the mix, we also became convinced. 2. Kentucky 22-14 (8-8) It didn’t take long for Cats fans to get over their breakup with former coach Billy Gillispie and the way things are shaping up in Lexington the honeymoon with new head coach John Calipari could last well into March. Point guard John Wall is the best talent in America and the frontcourt duo of Patrick Patterson and DeMarcus Cousins could prove unstoppable. Throw in Eric Bledsoe, John Hood, Darnell Dodson, DeAndre Liggins, Darius Miller, Ramon Harris, Perry Stevenson, Josh Harrelson and Daniel Orton and this team has more depth than a C.S. Lewis novel. If Coach Cal’s team has the chemistry to match, all of the ’96 Cats comparisons we’ve been hearing could be justified. 3. Villanova 30-8 (13-5) How many all-conference caliber guards does a team need to be a title contender? Well apparently, the answer is six if you ask Nova head coach Jay Wright. Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher, Reggie Redding, Corey Stokes, Maalik Wayns, and Dominic Cheek make up the nation’s deepest backcourt. And while the Wildcats will miss Dante Cunningham in the frontcourt, Duke-transfer Taylor King and freshmen Mouphtaou Yarou and Isaiah Armwood should be able to pick up the slack. Does all this add up to a trip back to the Final Four? It sure looks that way.
4. Michigan State 31-7 (15-3) The Spartans made one helluva run through the Big Dance last March only to be outclassed in the title game by a North Carolina team that was almost unbeatable. The worst part about that game is that it was a 17-point beatdown in their own backyard. The good news is reigning Big Ten POY Kalin Lucas, in addition to Chris Allen, Durrell Summers, Delvon Roe and Raymar Morgan are back for another try and you can bet they are using that loss as motivation. With a coach like Tom Izzo, and the experience of “having already been there”, this team is a major threat to make it back to the promise land. Elite 8 5. Texas 23-12 (9-7) Which team has the best shot of knocking off Kansas in the regular season? The Longhorns get our vote (February 8th when the Jayhawks travel to Austin, to be exact). Coach Barnes’ squad was going to be pretty good this season with the likes of Damion James, Justin Mason, Gary Johnson and Dexter Pittman all back for another year; but it’s the additions of transfer Jai Lucas and McDonald’s All-Americans Avery Bradley and Jordan Hamilton that gives this team the look of a title contender. 6. Purdue 22-10 (11-7) When March rolls around experience can go a long way, and this Boilermakers squad looks more experienced than a young Benjamin Button. All five starters return from last season’s Sweet 16 team, including All-Big 10 candidates E’Twaun Moore, Robbie Hummel and JaJuan Johnson. If Moore blossoms into the star that we believe he can become he could lead this team to a Final Four… or beyond. 7. Tennessee 21-13 (10-6) The Vols were inexperienced last season and it showed with a first round loss in the NCAA Tournament. Everyone is back for another try, including All-American candidate Tyler Smith and sophomore sensation Scotty Hopson. With Coach Pearl’s club a year older and wiser, expect them to have an easier time living up to expectations this year. 8. North Carolina 34-4 (13-3) With guys like Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, and Wayne Ellington long gone, the Tar Heels of this year don’t look anything like the team that won it all last April; but don’t count them out just yet. Four McDonald’s All Americans – John Henson, Dexter Strickland, David Wear, and Travis Wear – join sophomores Ed Davis, Larry Drew and Tyler Zeller (former McDonald’s All Americans in their own right) to form one of the nation’s most talented rosters. Add seniors Marcus Ginyard and Deon Thompson to the mix and the Heels look dangerous as ever. Sweet 16 9. Duke 30-7 (11-5) The Blue Devils will certainly feel the loss of Gerald Henderson (not to mention Paulus and Williams) but they return one of college basketball’s top trios in Nolan Smith, Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler. Singler, who played power forward his first two seasons at Duke out of necessity, will have the luxury of moving to small forward (his natural position), thanks to the addition of freshmen big men Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee. With that move, expect Singler to have an All-American type year. Coach K’s team is going to have to learn how to win big games without a true point guard, but if they figure that out they should be awfully tough come March. 10. Connecticut 31-5 (15-3) The Huskies lost four key players from last season’s Final Four team, but return enough firepower to take another shot at the title. Senior Jerome Dyson is back from a knee injury and could emerge as the team’s go-to scorer. Also back is 6’9 forward Stanley Robinson, who blossomed into a legit NBA prospect last season, and sophomore Kemba Walker, who ranks among the nation’s top floor generals. Newcomers Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, Ater Majok and Alex Oriakhi will help carry the load in the frontcourt. Coach Calhoun has just the right mix of talent and experience to keep this team competitive in the (always) loaded Big East. 11. California 22-11 (11-7) It’s been some 50 years since Cal has won the Pac 10 title, but Mike Montgomery is in great shape to accomplish the improbable in just his second year as the team’s head coach. He returns one of the nation’s top backcourts, in seniors Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher, both reigning all-conference first teamers. The supporting cast isn’t half-bad, either, with the likes of Jamal Boykin, Theo Robertson, and Jorge Gutierrez. Increasing the Golden Bears’ chances of taking home the title is the fact that the league is down across-the-board this season. With no UCLA or Arizona powerhouses to stand in the way, this could be Cal’s year. 12. Mississippi State 23-13 (9-7) All five starters are back for the reigning SEC Champs, including 6’9 senior Jarvis Varnado, an All-American candidate and the nation’s top shotblocker. Assuming freshman Renardo Sidney (not to mention seven-footer John Riek) gains his eligibility, this State team has a frontcourt that rivals any in America. Don’t underestimate the Dogs this season; when all the eligibility drama is settled they could prove to be much better than their #12 ranking. 13. Butler 26-6 (15-3)
Every player is back from a 26-6 team that made the NCAA Tournament, including conference POY Matt Howard and the sharpshooting sophomore Gordon Hayward. Last season, most of their top players were underclassmen; with another year of experience under their belt, this team will be one to fear come tournament time.
14. West Virginia 23-12 (10-8)
It hasn’t taken long for Coach Huggins to turn West Virginia into a major contender nationally. Four starters are back from last season’s NCAA Tournament team, including All-Big East 2nd teamer Da’Sean Butler and sophomore Devin Ebanks who made the league’s All-Rookie team. Also back, is point guard Darryl Bryant, who started as a freshman, and forward Kevin Jones who is prime for a breakout season. With the addition of Junior College Player of the Year Casey Mitchell to the roster, it’s easy to see why expectations are high in Morgantown.
15. Washington 26-9 (14-4)
The Huskies are expected to be better than they were last season when they fell just short of making it to the Sweet 16. Gone from that team is one the best players in school history, John Brockman; but leading scorer Isaiah Thomas (15.5PPG) and swingman Quincy Pondexter (12.1PPG) are back, as are a number of others – notably Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Elston Turner, Jr. – that are ready become major contributors. The ace in the hole for this team is freshman point guard Abdul Gaddy, a McDonald’s All-American. If Cal fails to live up to the hype, you can bet Coach Romar’s squad will be ready to take over the top spot in the West.
16. Georgetown 16-15 (7-11)
After starting last season 10-1, including wins over UCONN, Memphis and Maryland, the Hoyas looked like a legit national title contender. But it all went downhill from there, as they lost seven of their next nine games and failed to earn an NCAA Tournament birth. The Hoyas are once again loaded with talent. All-American candidate Greg Monroe turned down the riches of the NBA to return to school for his sophomore season, while juniors Chris Wright and Austin Freeman will try to back up the hype that once made them prep superstars. The question is whether they’re going to live up to their potential. If they do, they’ll be a force in the Big East and could develop into a Final Four caliber team. If they don’t… Well, we saw what happened last year. Best of the Rest
17. Georgia Tech 12-19 (2-14)
The Yellow Jackets are going to have to be the nation’s most improved program if they want to live up to this ranking (after going 12-19 last season including 2-14 in the ACC), but they certainly have all of the tools to do just that. The team’s best returning players are Iman Shumpert and Gani Lawal, both former McDonald’s All Americans that could blossom into all conference-caliber players this season. Shumpert is a 6’5 combo guard that led the ACC in assists as a freshman; Lawal is an athletic 6’9 post player that averaged close to 15 points and 10 rebounds a game last season. The most talented player on Coach Hewitt’s roster, however, is 6’10 newcomer Derrick Favors. He is the highest rated freshman big man in the country and he’ll team with Lawal to form one of the nation’s strongest frontcourts. It’s not easy to go from a losing season to a top 25 national ranking, especially if you play in the ACC. But, with three future pros in the starting lineup and a solid supporting cast, the Yellow Jackets look ready to play with the big boys.
18. Ohio State 22-11 (10-8)
For the first time in recent memory, the Buckeyes don’t have a boatload of hyped freshmen joining the roster. But what they do have is experience, which is something that’s been missing in Columbus. Junior Evan Turner, one of the nation’s most versatile players, was a Big Ten first teamer last season and is now a leading All American candidate. Also back is solid role-player David Lighty, sharpshooter Jon Diebler, and returning starter Dallas Lauderdale, a 6’8 post player. The player most likely to have a breakout year is sophomore shooting guard Will Buford, who averaged 11 points a game as a rookie, but could emerge as the team’s top scoring threat. Who said Michigan State and Purdue have it easy in the Big Ten? 19. Louisville 31-6 (16-2)
Louisville was one of the best teams in the nation last season, but the losses of Terrence Williams and Earl Clark in addition to the offseason drama surrounding Coach Pitino are almost enough to keep this team out of the top 25. Almost. Luckily for Cards fans, there is enough firepower on the roster to keep them near the top of the Big East. Experienced guards Edgar Sosa and Jerry Smith are back for their senior season, but both are in jeopardy of losing minutes to freshman Peyton Siva, who could contend for a starting position. The team’s real strength is in the frontcourt where sophomores Samardo Samuels and Terrence Jennings will takevoer. Samuels has the talent to blossom into an All-Big East caliber player, while Jennings’ could easily double his stats from a year ago. This team might experience growing pains, but one thing you can count on with Coach Pitino is that they will be peaking at the right time. 20. Oklahoma 30-6 (13-3)
While Oklahoma fans will surely miss National Player of the Year Blake Griffin, they have another guy ready to prove he’s POY quality in Willie Warren. The 6’3 sophomore guard showed last season that he has the potential to be one of the nation’s most electrifying scorers and there’s enough talent around him this year to get the Sooners back to the NCAA Tournament. Coach Capel has brought in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes; one that features McDonald’s All-Americans Tommy Mason-Griffin and Keith “Tiny” Gallon. Mason-Griffin is a small, but well-built point guard that knows how to run a team. The 6’9-300 pound Gallon, on the other hand, looks like he belongs on OU’s offensive line, but don’t let that heavy frame fool you. The kid’s a skilled athlete that will be ready to contribute from day one. If this team can overcome their youth, Kansas and Texas had better watch their back. 21. Vanderbilt 19-12 (8-8)
All five starters are back for the Commodores, including SEC POY candidate AJ Ogilvy, a 6’11 junior that averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds last season. Other returning double-figure scorers include senior point guard Jermaine Beal, sharpshooter Brad Tinsley, and athletic swingman Jeff Taylor. A guy that could have a breakout year is forward Lance Goulbourne who never realized his full potential as a freshman because of health reasons. Coach Stallings added one of the best shooters in the nation to his roster in the offseason in 6’4 guard John Jenkins. Jenkins averaged over 42 points per game as a high school senior and gives the team another outside scoring threat. After taking a one year hiatus from the NCAA Tournament, the Commodores are in great shape to make it back. 22. Michigan 21-14 (9-9)
It appears third-year head coach John Beilein has the Michigan program on the right track. The Wolverines were one of the nation’s most improved teams last season, when just one year after losing 22 games, they advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That was the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 11 years. This year, almost everyone returns, including do-it-all guard Manny Harris (16.9PPG, 6.8RPG, 4.4APG) and senior forward DeShawn Sims (15.4PPG, 6.8RPG). With another step forward, Coach Beilein’s squad looks poised for a trip back to the Big Dance. 23. Dayton 27-8 (11-5)
The Flyers have made it to the NCAA Tournament each of the past two seasons and they’re in a good position to make it three-straight. Four starters are back from last season’s 27-8 squad, including junior forward Chris Wright, a dynamite athlete that is the preseason favorite for conference POY. The backcourt will be led by seniors London Warren, an A-10 All-Defensive team selection, and Marcus Johnson who averaged over 11 points a game last season. It’s hard to believe that Dayton has never won an outright Atlantic 10 regular season title; could this be their year? 24. Maryland 21-14 (7-9)
Coach Williams should have his best team in years, with eight of the top nine players back from a team that made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season. Leading the way will be 6’6 senior guard Greivis Vasquez, who led the team in scoring, rebounding and assists as a junior. Helping Vasquez on the perimeter will be Eric Hayes (10.3PPG, 3.2APG), Adrian Bowie (9PPG 3RPG), and Sean Mosley, who is expected to be the team’s most improved player. Landon Milbourne, a 6’7 forward that averaged 11.4 points per game last season is also back. With UNC and Duke appearing down this year – on paper, at least – the Terps could contend for the ACC title. 25. Siena 27-8 (16-2)
The Saints, who play in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, won’t ever get the respect they deserve, mainly because they don’t play in a league like the Big East or ACC. But this isn’t a team you want to sleep on. Just ask Vandy and Ohio State. Siena upset Vandy in the 2008 NCAA Tournament and they did the same to Ohio State this past March. With senior swingman Edwin Ubiles – and three other starters – back, there’s reason to believe this will be their best team, yet. HoopsReport.com Preseason All-American Teams First Team
John Wall 6’3 Fr. G Kentucky*
Sherron Collins 5’11 Sr. G Kansas Kyle Singler 6’8 Jr. F Duke Patrick Patterson 6’8 Jr. F Kentucky Cole Aldrich 6’11 Sr. C Kansas Second Team E’twaun Moore 6’3 Jr. G Purdue
Willie Warren 6’4 So. G Oklahoma Evan Turner 6’7 Jr. F Ohio State Luke Harangody 6’8 Sr. F Notre Dame Craig Brackins 6’10 Jr. F Iowa State Third Team Kemba Walker 6’0 So G UCONN
Scottie Reynolds 6’2 Sr. G Villanova Manny Harris 6’5 Jr. G Michigan Greg Monroe 6’10 So. F Georgetown Derrick Favors 6’10 Fr. F Georgia Tech *POY
Sleepers- 16 players ready for breakout seasons Solomon Alabi 7’1 So. C Florida State 8.4PPG 5.6RPG
Could blossom into one of the best centers in the ACC Will Buford 6’5 So. SG Ohio State 11.3PPG Lights out shooter could be among the leading scorers in the Big 10 Ed Davis 6’10 So. PF North Carolina 6.7PPG 6.6RPG Looks ready to become the next great big man at UNC Michael Dunigan 6’10 So. C Oregon 8.4PPG 4.6RPG Imposing postman has the potential to double his stats from last season Devin Ebanks 6’9 So. F West Virginia 10.5PPG 7.8RPG Expected to star for the Mountaineers this season Greg Echenique 6’9 So. PF Rutgers 8.4PPG 8.4RPG
Polished forward is as solid as they come Malcolm Grant 6’1 So. G Miami 5.6PPG 1.4APG
Villanova transfer will takeover where Jack McClinton left off Ja’Mychal Green 6’9 So. PF Alabama 10.1PPG 7.6RPG
Will be an impact player in the SEC Scotty Hopson 6’7 So. SG Tennessee 9.2PPG Could prove to be one of the top NBA prospects in the nation Travis Leslie 6’4 So. W Georgia 6.4PPG 3.9RPG
Vince Carter-esque wing is a human highlight-reel Delvon Roe 6’8 So. F Michigan State 5.6PPG 5.2RPG Expect his stats to double Samardo Samuels 6’9 So. PF Louisville 11.8PPG 4.9RPG
Will soon become a household name Nolan Smith 6’3 Jr. SG Duke 8.4PPG No reason to think this won’t be his breakout season Corey Stokes 6’5 Jr. SG Villanova 9.3PPG
One of the nation’s top outside shooters could lead Nova in scoring Kemba Walker 6’1 So. PG UCONN 8.9PPG 2.9APG Not just knocking on the door to superstardom… he’s breaking the door down Elliot Williams 6’4 So. G Memphis 4.2PPG 0.7APG
Could become Memphis’ best player Freshmen to Watch- 12 diaper dandies that will have an immediate impact John Wall 6’4 PG Kentucky The nation’s best point guard regardless of class Derrick Favors 6’10 F/C Georgia Tech Reminds us of Dwight Howard Avery Bradley 6’3 SG Texas Could be the best player on a loaded Texas team DeMarcus Cousins 6’11 F/C Kentucky Highly skilled seven-footer is a future lottery pick John Henson 6’10 F North Carolina Joins a loaded frontline at UNC Xavier Henry 6’6 W Kansas Ultra talented wing will be an impact player on the nation’s top team Renardo Sidney 6’10 F Mississippi State Has more raw talent than any incoming freshman; but more drama, too Lance Stephenson 6’6 W Cincinnati Another big-time talent with big-time drama Kenny Boynton 6’2 SG Florida Could have the same impact at Florida that Eric Gordon did at Indiana John Jenkins 6’4 SG Vanderbilt Lights out shooter will help Vandy back to the NCAA Tournament Chris Gaston 6’7 W Fordham One of the best freshmen in the nation will have to carry one of the nation’s worst teams Tommy Mason-Griffin 5’10 PG Oklahoma He’ll rack up plenty of assists as Willie Warren’s running mate Top 10 2009 Recruiting Classes 1. KENTUCKY Recruits: John Wall (5-star), DeMarcus Cousins (5-star), Daniel Orton (5-star), Eric Bledsoe (5-star), Jon Hood (4-star), Darnell Dodson (4-star) The 4-1-1: Four 5-star recruits and a couple of 4-stars? This could be the best recruiting class in history. 2. NORTH CAROLINA Recruits: John Henson (5-star), Dexter Strickland (5-star), Leslie McDonald (4-star), David Wear (4-star), Travis Wear (4-star) The 4-1-1: The Heels don’t rebuild; they reload. 3. VILLANOVA Recruits: Mouphtaou Yarou (5-star), Dominic Cheek (5-star), Maalik Wayns (5-star), Isaiah Armwood (4-star) The 4-1-1: Well-balanced and high quality recruiting class compliments Nova’s returning players. 4. TEXAS Recruits: Avery Bradley (5-star), Jordan Hamilton (5-star), Shawn Williams (4-star) The 4-1-1: The addition of Bradley and Hamilton, both top-10 prospects, makes Texas an instant national title contender. 5. KANSAS Recruits: Xavier Henry (5-star), Elijah Johnson (5-star), Thomas Robinson (5-star) The 4-1-1: The nation’s best team adds three 5-star recruits. 6. GEORGIA TECH Recruits: Derrick Favors (5-star), Mfon Udofia (4-star), Glen Rice (4-star), Kammeon Holsey (4-star), Brian Oliver (3-star) The 4-1-1: A nice recruiting class even without Derrick Favors, who is the nation’s top incoming big man. 7. MISSISSIPPI STATE Recruits: Renardo Sidney (5-star), John Riek (5star), Shaunessy Smith (3-star), Wendell Lewis (2-star) The 4-1-1: Big men Renardo Sidney and John Riek were both #1 players in the class of 2009 at one time; now they’re battling eligibility issues. 8. OKLAHOMA Recruits: Keith Gallon (5-star), Tommy Mason-Griffin (4-star), Andrew Fitzgerald (3-star), Kyle Hardrick (3-star), Steven Pledger (3-star) The 4-1-1: Mason-Griffin and Gallon will help ensure Oklahoma makes it back to the Big Dance. 9. DUKE Recruits: Andre Dawkins (5-star), Ryan Kelly (5-star), Mason Plumlee (4-star) The 4-1-1: Kelly and Plumlee give the Blue Devils some much-needed help in their frontcourt. 10. CONNECTICUT Recruits: Alex Oriakhi (5-star), Jamaal Coombs (4-star), Darius Smith (4-star), Jamaal Trice (3-star) The 4-1-1: This solid class will help offset the loss of many key players from last season’s Final Four team. JUST MISSED THE CUT: Arizona (Lamont Jones, Solomon Hill, Kyryl Natyazhko, Kevin Parrom, Derrick Williams); Louisville (Rakeem Buckles, Peyton Siva, Mike Marra, Stephan Van Treese); UCLA (Tyler Honeycutt, Brendan Lane, Reeves Nelson, Mike Moser, Anthony Stover); Indiana (Bawa Muniru, Christian Watford, Jordan Hulls, Maurice Creek, Bobby Capobianco, Derek Elston); Kansas State (Wally Judge, Rodney McGruder, Nick Russell, Jordan Henriquez) Top 20 point guards in college hoops 1. John Wall 6’4 Fr. Kentucky N/A
Ready for the pros, but will have to settle for dominating the college ranks for now 2. Sherron Collins 5’11 Sr. Kansas 18.9PPG 5.0APG
Veteran playmaker is going for his second national title 3. Kalin Lucas 6’0 Jr. Michigan State 14.7PPG 4.6APG
Returning Big 10 POY tries to lead the Spartans back to the title game 4. Kemba Walker 6’1 So. UCONN 8.9PPG 3.5RPG 2.9APG
One of the best young PG’s in America; Calhoun compares him to Chris Paul 5. Jerome Randle 5’10 Sr. Cal 18.4PPG 4.9APG
Compact floor general is the best in the west 6. Devan Downey 5’9 Sr. South Carolina 19.8PPG 4.5APG 2.9SPG
Fast playmaker and excellent defender is the SEC’s leading returning scorer 7. Chris Warren 5’11 Jr. Mississippi 19.6PPG 4APG
Was quickly becoming a star before his injury 8. Greivis Vasquez 6’6 Sr. Maryland 17.5PPG 5.4RPG 5APG
Venezuela native has been a top guard in the ACC for years 9. Abdul Gaddy 6’3 Fr. Washington N/A
The best frosh PG not named John Wall joins a talented roster at Washington 10. Jon Scheyer 6’5 Sr. Duke 14.9PPG 2.8APG
Just doesn’t feel right listing him with PG’s, but truth is: he’s a very good lead man 11. Talor Battle 5’11 Jr. Penn State 16.7PPG 5.3RPG 5APG
All-Big Ten first teamer shined for Team USA at World University Games 12. Nic Wise 5’10 Sr. Arizona 15.7PPG 4.6APG
Senior leader will shoulder much of the load in Tucson this season 13. Malcolm Delaney 6’3 Jr. 18.1PPG 4.5APG 4RPG Blossomed into one of the best guards in the ACC last season 14. Chris Wright 6’1 Jr. Georgetown 12.5PPG 3.8APG
The most underrated point guard in the Big East 15. Corey Fisher 6’1 Jr. Villanova 10.8PPG 2.8APG
One of many talented guards at Nova 16. Iman Shumpert 6’5 So. Georgia Tech 10.6PPG 5APG 3.9RPG
Smooth sophomore guard is the leading returning assist man in the ACC 17. John Roberson 5’11 Jr. Texas Tech 13.9PPG 6.4APG
The best point guard you’ve never heard of 18. Deonta Vaughn 6’1 Sr. Cincinnati 15.1PPG 4.7APG 4RPG
Former All-Big East first teamer won’t have to do it all this season 19. Jai Lucas 5’9 Jr. Texas 8.5PPG 2.3APG (freshman stats)
Smart playmaker could be the final piece to the puzzle at Texas 20. Tommy Mason-Griffin 5’10 Fr. Oklahoma N/A
Heady playmaker should start from day one for the Sooners Top 20 shooting guards in college hoops 1. Willie Warren 6’4 So. Oklahoma 14.6PPG 3.4APG
Now that Blake Griffin is gone, it’s Willie’s time to shine 2. E’Twaun Moore 6’4 Jr. Purdue 13.8PPG 4.6RPG 3APG
Silky smooth guard could have an All-American type year 3. Scottie Reynolds 6’2 Sr. Villanova 15.2PPG 3.4APG
Veteran has been putting up big numbers his entire career 4. Manny Harris 6’5 Jr. Michigan 16.9PPG 6.8RPG 4.4APG
Big Ten POY candidate scored 25 points or more 7 times last season 5. Jerome Dyson 6’3 Sr. UCONN 13.2PPG 4.2RPG 3.1APG
Could top this list if he’s retained his explosiveness 6. Patrick Christopher 6’5 Sr. California 14.5PPG
Senior sharpshooter teams with Jerome Randle in a talented Cal backcourt 7. Avery Bradley 6’3 Fr. Texas N/A
The best freshman shooting guard in America 8. Mike Rosario 6’3 So. Rutgers 16.2PPG
Could have a Stephen Curry type year 9. Isaiah Thomas 5’9 So. Washington 15.5PPG
He’s tiny for a scoring guard, but they still can’t stop him 10. Kenny Boynton 6’2 Fr. Florida N/A
We expect him to lead Florida (and maybe even the SEC) in scoring 11. Terrico White 6’5 So. Mississippi 13.7PPG
SEC Freshman of the year is expected to star this season 12. Jeremy Hazell 6’5 Jr. Seton Hall 22.7PPG 3.8RPG
The most prolific scorer in the country 13. Scotty Hopson 6’6 So. Tennessee 9.2PPG
Future pro should see a significant increase in his scoring production 14. Austin Freeman 6’4 Jr. Georgetown 11.4PPG 4.2RPG
We thought he’d be All-Big East by now (at least) 15. Durrell Summers 6’4 Jr. Michigan State 8.4PPG 3.4RPG
Don’t be surprised if he leads the Spartans in scoring 16. Will Buford 6’5 So. Ohio State 11.3PPG 3.7RPG
Former McDonald’s All American can really shoot the ball 17. Nolan Smith 6’3 Jr. Duke 8.4PPG
Could this be his breakout season? 18. Tyshawn Taylor 6’3 Jr. Kansas 9.7PPG 3APG
Kansas starter had a productive summer playing for the U-19 team 19. Rotnei Clarke 6’0 So. Arkansas 12.2PPG 39% 3FG
One of the best shooters in the country 20. John Jenkins 6’4 Fr. Vanderbilt N/A
Averaged 42PPG as a high school senior Top 20 small forwards in college hoops 1. Tyler Smith 6’7 Sr. Tennessee 17.4PPG 5.8RPG 3.4APG
Back to back All-SEC first-teamer is back for his senior season 2. Evan Turner 6’7 Jr. Ohio State 17.3PPG 7.1RPG 4.0APG
Do-it-all wing is a legit All American candidate 3. James Anderson 6’6 Jr. Oklahoma State 18.2PPG 5.7RPG
Outstanding perimeter shooter should compete for Big 12 POY honors 4. Robbie Hummel 6’7 Jr. Purdue 12.5PPG 7RPG
Versatile junior will help the Boilermakers become one of the nation’s best teams… if he’s healthy 5. Sylven Landesberg 6’6 So. Virginia 16.6PPG 6RPG 2.8 APG
Crafty wing had a dynamite freshman season and is expected to be even better 6. Xavier Henry 6’6 Fr. Kansas N/A
The nation’s top incoming wing prospect will play an important role for the nation’s top ranked team 7. Devin Ebanks 6’9 So. West Virginia 10.5PPG 7.8RPG
Had a terrific freshman campaign; could be ready to become a star 8. Gordon Hayward 6’8 So. Butler 13.1PPG 6.5RPG
Extremely skilled and a deft outside shooter; loads of upside 9. Chris Wright 6’8 Jr. Dayton 13.3PPG 6.6RPG
Dynamite athlete has earned the nickname Chris “Top Flight” Wright 10. Corey Stokes 6’6 Jr. Villanova 9.3PPG 3.4RPG
One of the best outside shooters in the country; ready for a breakout season 11. Al-Farouq Aminu 6’9 So. Wake Forest 12.9PPG 8.3RPG
Could have an All-ACC type year 12. Tasmin Mitchell 6’7 Sr. LSU 16.3PPG 7.2RPG
Senior leader will be the go-to guy for the Tigers 13. Lance Stephenson 6’6 Fr. Cincinnati
New York’s all time scoring leader should make the Big East’s All-Rookie Team… at least 14. Quincy Pondexter 6’6 Sr. Washington 12.1PPG 5.9RPG
Has always shown flashes of talent, but needs to be more consistent 15. Delvon Roe 6’8 So. Michigan State 5.6PPG 5.2RPG
Expect his numbers to double from last season 16. Jordan Hamilton 6’7 Fr. Texas
One of the top freshman wing prospects joins a talented Texas team 17. Klay Thompson 6’6 So. Washington State 12.5PPG 4.2RPG
Had an impressive summer playing for Team USA’s U19 championship team 18. Edwin Ubiles 6’6 Sr. Siena 15PPG 5RPG
Impressed at Lebron Camp. Will be counted on to get Siena back to the Big Dance 19. Wesley Johnson 6’7 Jr. Syracuse 12.4PPG
The Orange have high hopes for this Iowa State transfer 20. Chandler Parsons 6’9 Jr. Florida 9.2PPG 5.7RPG
Has played in Nick Calathes shadow his entire career; now his time to shine? Top 20 power forwards in college hoops 1. Patrick Patterson 6’9 Jr. Kentucky 17.9PPG 9.3RPG Top 20 centers in college hoops 1. Cole Aldrich 6’11 Jr. Kansas 14.9PPG 11.1RPG 2.7BPG
The best big man in the country is a big reason why Kansas is the best team 2. Craig Brackins 6’10 Jr. Iowa State 20.2PPG 9.5RPG A true 20-and-10 performer 3. Jarvis Varnado 6’9 Sr. Mississippi State 12.9PPG 8.8RPG 4.3BPG The nation’s best shotblocker also has an improving offensive game 4. Derrick Favors 6’10 Fr. Georgia Tech N/A The best freshman big man in America 5. AJ Ogilvy 6’11 Jr. Vanderbilt 15.4PPG 7.1RPG One of the most skilled big men in the country 6. Ed Davis 6’10 So. North Carolina 6.7PPG 6.6RPG Carolina fans have high hopes for this improving post player 7. DeMarcus Cousins 6’11 Fr. Kentucky N/A Diaper dandy will team with Pat Patterson to form the nation’s top frontcourt 8. JaJuan Johnson 6’10 Jr. Purdue 13.4PPG 5.6RPG 2.1BPG All-Big 10 candidate improved dramatically last season 9. Mac Koshwal 6’10 Jr. DePaul 12.2PPG 9.6RPG The best player in the Big East no one’s heard of 10. Solomon Alabi 7’1 So. Florida State 8.4PPG 5.6RPG Expect him to be one of the nation’s most improved players
11. Michael Washington 6’9 Sr. Arkansas 15.5PPG 9.8RPG Became one of the SEC’s best big men last season 12. Deon Thompson 6’8 Sr. North Carolina 10.6PPG 5.7RPG Been patiently waiting his turn at Chapel Hill 13. Larry Sanders 6’10 Jr. VCU 11.3PPG 8.6RPG Preseason favorite for CAA POY honors 14. Jerome Jordan 7’0 Sr. Tulsa 13.8PPG 8.6RPG Seven footer has pro potential 15. Daniel Orton 6’10 Fr. Kentucky N/A Potential #1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft 16. Michael Dunigan 6’10 So. Oregon 8.4PPG 4.6RPG Could blossom into one the Pac 10’s top big men 17. Terrence Jennings 6’9 So. Louisville 4.2PPG 2.9RPG 1.6BPG Expect his stats to improve dramatically this season 18. Tony Woods 6’11 So. Wake Forest 3.2PPG 2.6RPG Sitting on a breakout season 19. John Riek 7'2 Fr. Mississippi State The next Hasheem Thabeet? 20. Zeke Marshall 7’0 Fr. Akron An absolute steal for Akron; he’ll dominate the MAC in a couple of years (assuming he’s not in the NBA)
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