Vanderbilt will be stacked next year, but will they win?

While Kentucky had three players declare for the NBA Draft today, SEC East rival Vanderbilt got word that their big three would all be returning to school.

Fetsus Ezeli and Jeffery Taylor will be back to finish up their collegiate eligibility while John Jenkins will return for his junior campaign. Those three carried the Commodores to a 23-11 season in 2010-2011, earning a five seed in the NCAA Tournament. this news should immediately vault Vandy into the top 15 of every preseason poll. They return ten letter-winners -- including all five starters -- from a team that won 23 games and will have three potential first round picks on a roster loaded with experience.

That doesn't happen often, largely because few players pass on the opportunity to be a first round pick. Taylor could have snuck into the back end of the lottery this season. Jenkins probably would have found himself somewhere in the 20's, and Ezeli likely would have been a borderline first rounder. With how loaded next year's draft will be, its quite possible that these three cost themselves some money with this decision.


Reading through, their statements, however, its pretty obvious that the way Vandy's season ended struck a nerve with these 'Dores:

• Ezeli: "We're going to be a better team next year, and we still have a lot of unfinished business. After the loss in the tournament, I can't leave on that note. There’s no rush for me to want to leave. I want to play here with these guys, I enjoy playing for Coach Stallings and this staff, and I look forward to earning my degree."


• Jenkins: "I'm not too happy with the way the season ended in March. I think we all have a sour taste in our mouths from that experience in Denver. I love playing here, I want to get my education first, and I look forward to being a part of a great team next year."


• Taylor: "While playing in the NBA is a dream of mine, I feel like Vanderbilt is the best place for me right now. As a team, we have unfinished business on the court, and personally, I am focused on my work in the classroom and getting a degree. I love representing Vanderbilt University, and I have a lot of fun with my teammates and coaching staff and playing for the great fans at Memorial Gym. Hopefully, there will be a time when I can fulfill my dream, but right now, I'm focusing on getting better on and off the court here at Vanderbilt."

Will Vanderbilt finally be able to get over the hump?

The past two seasons and three of the last four years, the Commodores have lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament as a four or a five seed to a team from outside the six major conferences. This year, it was Richmond that beat Vanderbilt. Last year it was Murray State. All three of the players that are returning played in those two games.

So while Vandy will be absolutely loaded from a talent and experience perspective, there is something to be said for the kind of 'experience' that you have.

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- winning is a skill, a learned skill. As is performing under pressure.

Vanderbilt may be talented, but there is a legitimate question mark as to whether or not they are capable of turning that talent into success in the postseason -- and regular season, for the matter.

Only time will tell us whether that happens.

Only seven more months until the season starts!