The 2010-2011 BIAH Preseason All-American Teams

I know all of you have been patiently waiting for us to roll these out.

A couple of notes:

• I'm not going to be providing a profile of the player's in this post. Everything I would have written can be found in the positional breakdowns. (By Position: PG, SG, SF, PF, C)
• I tried to keep these teams as true to the natural line-up of a basketball team as possible, but in some places it was tough.
  
• I want to say that this is a reflection of what I think the all-american teams will look like at the end of the season, but I'm not exactly sure what the difference is in who I think the best player's in the country are now, and who we predict to be the best players in the country this season. I guess maybe that's a long winded way of saying I'm putting freshmen in the mix.
• We love a good discussion here at BIAH, so feel free to tell me what I effed up in the comments.
  

1st Team:

• G: Jacob Pullen, Kansas State, Sr.
  
• G: Nolan Smith, Duke, Sr.
  
• F: Kyle Singler, Duke, Sr.
  
• F: Marcus Morris, Kansas, Jr.
  
• C: JaJuan Johnson, Purdue, Sr.
  

2nd Team:

• G: Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech, Sr.
  
• G: Jimmer Fredette, BYU, Sr.
  
• F: Harrison Barnes, UNC, Fr.
  
• F: Elias Harris, Gonzaga, So.
  
• C: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, Fr.
  

3rd Team:

• G: Kyrie Irving, Duke, Fr.
  
• G: Austin Freeman, Georgetown, Sr.
  
• G: LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor, Sr.
  
• F: Jon Leuer, Wisconsin, Sr.
  
• C: Trey Thompkins, Georgia, Jr.
  

4th Team:

• G: Corey Fisher, Villanova, Sr.
  
• G: Shelvin Mack, Butler, Jr.
  
• G: E'Twaun Moore, Purdue, Sr.
  
• F: Chandler Parson, Florida, Sr.
  
• F: Kevin Jones, West Virginia, Jr.
  

5th Team:

• G: Kemba Walker, UConn, Jr.
  
• G: Brandon Knight, Kentucky, Fr.
  
• F: Kris Joseph, Syracuse, Jr.
  
• F: Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State, So.
  
• F: Derrick Williams, Arizona, So.
  

Honorable Mention: Can I just say every player listed in these: PG, SG, SF, PF, C? What's that? Its my blog? Does that mean I can do what ever I want? It does? Cool.

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2010-2011 Season Preview: Top Centers

The season is fast approaching. The first games are on Nov. 8th, and the BIAH live blog during ESPN's season kickoff is just two weeks away. So with just a week until actual games are played, we figured its about time to give you our Top 10 players at each position. You know how much we love a good Top 10 list here.

A few caveats. First, we're talking about how good these guys are as college players, not how well they project as a pro. Second, while it may be too much power for me, I am making the executive decision on what "position" a player is (and it may not necessarily be what he is listed as on a roster). Third, I am putting the freshman in a separate list. As much as I've read about these guys and as many Youtube clips as I have watched, I have yet to see many of them play a real game (the all-star games don't count), and I don't think that I could give an accurate assessment compared to the rest of college basketball until I see them play at this level. Lastly, I love me a good argument, so if you think someone is too low or too high or the wrong position, leave a comment and let me hear about it.

By Position: PG, SG, SF, PF, C

Hit the jump for the centers:


1. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue, Sr: Johnson has really come a long way. As a high school sophomore, he played JV basketball. As a college senior, he is the best center in the country. Johnson is a good shot blocker, he's got a soft touch from the perimeter, and a nice finesse game in the post. The biggest knock on Johnson throughout his career is that he has always been slender and weaker than would be ideal. Well, if Seth Davis is to be believed, Johnson is now benching 315 lb. That's some serious weight. With Robbie Hummel gone, Johnson will be relied upon even more on the offensive end by the Boilermakers. Now think about this -- in the eight games Purdue played without Hummel at the end of last season, Johnson averaged 17.8 ppg and 7.3 rpg, up from 15.5 ppg and 7.1 rpg with Hummel.


2. Trey Thompkins, Georgia, Jr: Ranking Thompkins this high is completely dependent on a quick recovery from the high ankle sprain that he suffered last week. If that injury bugs him all season, this ranking -- and the idea that Georgia could end up being a bubble team -- could end up looking foolish. The biggest reason that the Bulldogs are expected by many to make a jump this season is their biggest player. Thompkins is a force on the block and has developed an above-average face-up game. When healthy, he is a legitimate 20 point, 9 board kind of player.

3. Kenneth Faried, Morehead State, Sr: By now, Faried should be a name that everybody knows despite playing for a team in the Ohio Valley Conference. At 6'9", he is a rangy, athletic player that is as active as they come. Its not a stretch to say that he is the best rebounder in the country, at any level. He's become more of an offensive threat as he has developed, and if he can improve on his free throw shooting (he hit under 60% of his 237 attempts last season), I think there is a real possibility this kid could average 20 and 15 this season. Yes, that is a lot, but Faried is that good.


4. Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, Jr: Zeller is a kid that I am expecting a big season out of. A junior, his first two years at North Carolina did not exactly go as planned. He battled injuries -- a broken wrist as a freshman, a stress fracture in his foot as a sophomore -- and dealt with playing behind a talented front court. Now is his time to shine, as the Heels will be very thin up front. Zeller has skills as well. He's got a nice touch around the rim and has developed a nice array of post moves. He's not the most important piece, but he will play a huge role in UNC's return to glory.

5. Jordan Williams, Maryland, So: Williams is a player with a promising future. Perhaps the best sign for Williams this season is that he has dropped about 20 pounds, which should help him both in his quickness and explosiveness, two skills he really struggled with last season. Even with that extra weight, Williams proved to be good at running the floor as a freshman, a skill that should continue to improve and will be important in the uptempo system the Terps want to play. The key for Williams this season will be to develop his skills -- footwork, post moves, jumper. He's great at establishing position thanks to his size and strength, and will become that much more effective as his offensive repertoire expands. That expansion will be important this season as the Terps will be dealing with the loss of Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes, and Landon Milbourne.

6. Keith Benson, Oakland, Sr: Benson was gone. He had declared for the draft and all but made the decision to stay in, but an injury to his thumb that required surgery forced him to return. That is great news for the Grizzlies, who get back one of the most productive big men in the country. Benson averaged 17.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg, and 3.3 bpg as a junior, and with games against teams like West Virginia, Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State, Tennessee, Michigan, and Ohio State, Benson will have plenty of chances to prove himself. Already a borderline first round pick, he can probably improve himself the most by getting stronger and becoming a better defender.


7. Adnan Hodzic, Lipscomb, Sr: Hodzic, like Benson, is a mid-major star that decided to return to school for his senior season after initially entering the NBA Draft. The reigning Atlantic Sun player of the year should put up some startling numbers this season as he averaged 22.7 ppg as a junior, good for second best in the nation. There isn't a lot of flair to Hodzic's game, as the native of Sarajevo tends to use his 6'9", 250 lb frame bully his way through the paint. His 12 blocks on the season and 29 assists (compared to 80 turnovers) should let you know all you need to about his all around game. But that doesn't change the fact that, offensively, Hodzic is beast.

8. Herb Pope, Seton Hall, Jr: We are lucky that we can even throw Pope into this list, as the Pirate's junior center nearly died in April from a heart defect. But now that he is back on the court and healthy, we can all get back to remembering just how dominant of a player Pope truly is. At 6'8", 236 lb, Pope isn't overly explosive and doesn't have the best post moves in the country, but he is very strong, is tremendous as establishing and holding position, has long arms and a tremendous nose for the ball. Last season, he led the Big East with 10.7 rpg. It will be interesting to see how he develops this season, as he will play a large role in the year that Seton Hall is expected to have. That said, Pope is probably just happy to still be breathing, let alone playing.

9. Yancy Gates, Cincinnati, Jr: Gates will be an interesting player to watch develop this season. A top 25 recruit coming out of high school, a lot was expected of him. At 6'9", 260 lb, Gates has a solid skill set for someone that size. His issue has been embracing his strength on the block. With Deonta Vaughn and Lance Stephenson both gone, it will be up to Gates to carry the load for the Bearcats offensively.


10. Mike Tisdale, Illinois, Sr: Tisdale is a bit of a different player that most of the other players on this list. Standing 7'1", Tisdale is far from what you would call a bruiser. In fact, the best aspect of his game is the touch he has on his jump shot. He's a capable shot blocker and rebounder, but where he is the most is effective is on the offensive end of the floor. His ability to hit a jumper keeps the floor spread for Demetri McCamey's penetration, and in the post he has a nice finesse game -- quick baseline turnarounds and jump hooks.

11. Ryan Rossiter, Siena, Sr.
12. Denzel Bowles, James Madison, Sr.
13. Drew Gordon, New Mexico, Jr.
14. Nikola Vucevic, USC, Jr.
15. Greg Smith, Fresno State, So.
16. Mason Plumlee, Duke, So.
17. Jarrid Famous, South Florida, Sr.
18. Robert Sacre, Gonzaga, Jr.
19. Alex Oriakhi, UConn, So.
20. DeAngelo Casto, Washington State, Jr.

Top Freshman

1. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State: Sullinger could very well end up being the best low post player in the country this season. That's how much hype this kid as received coming in. Many have put him on their all-american teams. At 6'8", 250 lb, Sullinger has terrific moves on the block and really understands positioning.

2. Enes Kanter, Kentucky: The question for Kanter is simply eligibility. Will he be able to get on the floor this season? If he does, he is a strong 6'11" center that is excellent around the rim and a terrific rebounder. He, along with Thompkins, will be neck-and-neck as the best big man in the SEC.

3. Fab Melo, Syracuse: Melo isn't quite at the level of development that Kanter and Sullinger are, but he is still going to be an immediate impact player at Syracuse. More than anything, his size in the middle of that 2-3 zone will be quite important.

4. Patric Young, Florida: Part of the reason that Florida is expected to be a Final Four contender this season is because they essentially bring back their entire roster. The other reason? What they were missing last season -- a big, athletic, and physical kid to rebound, block shots, and intimidate around the rim -- was added when Patric Young came to Gainesville.

5. Josh Smith, UCLA: I'm expecting big things out of Josh Smith this season. In part because he is a talented, highly regarded recruit that should see immediate minutes at UCLA. The other part is because he has reportedly addressed his biggest knock and gotten himself into excellent shape heading into the season.
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No. 1 Duke Blue Devils

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Last Season: 35-3, 13-3 (t-1st ACC), won the national title

Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski

Key Losses: Jon Scheyer, Brian Zoubek

Newcomers: Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Tyler Thornton, Josh Hairston

Projected Lineup:

• G: Kyrie Irving, Fr.
  
• G: Nolan Smith, Sr.
  
• F: Kyle Singler, Sr.
  
• F: Mason Plumlee, So.
  
• F: Miles Plumlee, Jr.
  
• Bench: Andre Dawkins, So.; Seth Curry, So.; Ryan Kelly, So.; Tyler Thornton, Fr.; Josh Hairston, Fr.
  

Outlook: The Blue Devils won the 2010 national title, and while they lost Brian Zoubek (Who would have ever thought he would be a 'key loss'?) and an all-american in Jon Scheyer, this year's Duke team looks to be even more stacked.

It starts with the decision of Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith to return to college for their senior season. Singler, who had a rough start to his junior season, finished the year with a flurry. He carried the Blue Devils down the stretch and dominated in the postseason, winning the NCAA Tournament's MOP award. This season, with Duke's back court improved, Singler will be back to playing more of a three-four combo role, which suits his skill set just fine. He's always been a great shooter, but he has developed into a well-rounded offensive force.

Smith is as good of a player as you are going to find at the collegiate level. He doesn't really have a weakness in his game. He can shoot, he can put the ball on the floor, he can penetrate to score or pass, and he can really defend. But perhaps his best attribute as a player is that he is a willing role player despite having a legitimate shot at making first team all-america. Freshman Kyrie Irving will be joining Smith in the back court. Irving has gotten a ton of praise early on, from people saying he plays the game like a veteran to comparisons with Jay Williams and Isiah Thomas. If he lives up to this hype, Harrison Barnes will not be a shoe-in for ACC freshman of the year.


While those are Duke's big three, there is a talented supporting cast as well. Seth Curry is Steph's younger brother. As a freshman at Liberty, he averaged 20.2 ppg and spent his transfer season going against Smith and Scheyer everyday in practice last season. Its tough to imagine he hasn't gotten a great deal better. Sophomore Andre Dawkins is back as well. He got off to a great start last season, but he struggled (understandably) after his sister died in a car accident while coming to watch him play. Freshman Tyler Thornton could also see some time.

Duke has size and talent on their front line once again, but they will be looking for someone to develop that mean streak that Zoubek had at the end of last year. The favorites to do so are the Plumlee brothers. Mason is bigger, more athletic, and a better prospect, but Miles was the starter and the more productive player last year. I've heard good things about Ryan Kelly this summer and fall, as well as Josh Hairston, but I can't imagine there will be too many minutes for these two kids to play.

Duke has three legitimate stars. And those three stars don't care who scores the most points on a nightly bases. They want to win another title. The Blue Devils also have a big, athletic front line that is young, but should be developing some maturity after last season. If Duke isn't your preseason No. 1 and your early pick to win it all, then you are just trying to draw attention to yourself.
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2010-2011 Season Preview: Top Power Forwards

The season is fast approaching. The first games are on Nov. 8th, and the BIAH live blog during ESPN's season kickoff is just two weeks away. So with just a week until actual games are played, we figured its about time to give you our Top 10 players at each position. You know how much we love a good Top 10 list here.

A few caveats. First, we're talking about how good these guys are as college players, not how well they project as a pro. Second, while it may be too much power for me, I am making the executive decision on what "position" a player is (and it may not necessarily be what he is listed as on a roster). Third, I am putting the freshman in a separate list. As much as I've read about these guys and as many Youtube clips as I have watched, I have yet to see many of them play a real game (the all-star games don't count), and I don't think that I could give an accurate assessment compared to the rest of college basketball until I see them play at this level. Lastly, I love me a good argument, so if you think someone is too low or too high or the wrong position, leave a comment and let me hear about it.

By Position: PG, SG, SF, PF, C

Hit the jump for the small forwards:

1. Marcus Morris, Kansas, Jr: I had a very difficult time determining No. 1 and No. 2 on this list as I am a huge fan of both Morris and Elias Harris. I ended up picking Morris for one reason -- last season, he averaged 12.8 ppg and 6.1 rpg on the best team in the country as the fourth best player on the floor. That's impressive. As far as his skill set is concerned, there isn't much Morris cannot do offensively. He can score in the paint, he can shoot from the perimeter with range to the college three point line, he can put the ball on the floor and finish in the mid range, and he's a good ball handler with nimble feet. He's also a more-than-capable defender. Morris should put up all-american numbers in a junior season in which he will be the Jayhawk's focal point.

2. Elias Harris, Gonzaga, So: As I said earlier, I really like Harris' game. Like Morris, he has a great all-around offensive arsenal. He can score in the paint, he can drive the ball on the perimeter, and he has three point range. The difference between Harris and Morris is that the former is a much more explosive athlete. He's quicker and he's a better leaper. He doesn't quite have the polish that Morris does just yet, but that will come with time. As a player, Morris is better right now. As a pro prospect, its Harris.

3. Jon Leuer, Wisconsin, Jr: Jon Leuer is a name that you are going to be hearing a lot from this season. He really impressed people working out with Team USA over the summer. Leuer was a guard before he hit the growth spurt that sent him to 6'10", which means that he has a terrific perimeter game for someone his size. He's a confident ball-handler, a capable penetrator, and a very good shooter. He's got a finesse game in the post, utilizing good footwork and a variety of hooks and turnarounds to score. Like I said, expect to hear his name a lot this season.

4. Kevin Jones, West Virginia, Jr: Jones is one of the more interesting players on this list. He's one of the best offensive rebounders in the country, as he is long, aggressive going to the glass, and has a terrific motor. He also happens to be a deadly three-point shooter when he is given time to set his feet. He's a smart player that understands his limitations and maximizes his strengths. This season, with Devin Ebanks and Da'Sean Butler gone, Jones is going to be relied upon for much more scoring this season. The question will be how much his post game developed in the offseason.

5. Derrick Williams, Arizona, So: Williams wasn't expected to be this good, and he certainly wasn't expected to be this good this quickly. A relatively unknown recruit coming out of high school, Williams burst on the scene in Tucson, winning the freshman of the year award in the Pac-10 while averaging 15.7 ppg and 7.1 rpg. As a freshman, Williams didn't have a terrific back-to-the-basket game, but he does have a great feel. He knows how to get himself open, he has a knack for getting to the offensive glass, and he's very good at finishing around the rim and drawing fouls. Williams will be relied upon quite a bit more for scoring this season, so it will be interesting to see how his post game has developed during the offseason.

6. John Shurna, Northwestern, Jr: Shurna was one of the country's most pleasant surprises last year. When Kevin Coble went down with an injury before the season started, most believed that the Wildcats were done. And while they didn't quite reach their goal of making the NCAA Tournament in 2010, the emergence of Shurna was a major reason Northwestern won an impressive 20 games. He is also the biggest reason that the Wildcats have a shot at making the dance this season. Shurna is a perfect fit at power forward in Bill Carmody's princeton offense. He can shoot the ball, he is a good passer, and he really has a feel for the game and this system.

7. John Henson, North Carolina, So: It will be interesting to see what kind of player that Henson turns into this year. A top ten recruit in 2009, Henson struggled throughout much of his freshman campaign as he was forced to play out of position on the wing. But towards the end of the season, when he began to get more minutes in the paint, he really started to come into his own as a player. Henson has added some bulk to his (very) slender frame, but he still needs more to become a truly dominant interior player. Where he should be effective this season is as a shot blocker, a rebounder, and running the floor. A lot of people expect Henson -- who is a supremely talented kid -- to have a big sophomore season. I don't disagree.

8. Tracy Smith, NC State, Sr: NC State's season was saved when Smith, who averaged 16.5 ppg and 7.3 rpg, decided that he would return to anchor a young, but talented, Wolfpack squad. Smith's numbers will likely take a hit this season as he will have more scorers to share the offensive workload. Smith is strictly a back-to-the-basket player showing very limited perimeter skills. But he has a polished post game, complete with a number of turnaround jumpers and jump hooks. Smith is going to be the anchor for an NC State team that should be dancing come March.

9. Chris Wright, Dayton, Sr: I can't imagine what it must feel like to be a Dayton fan and watch Wright's career, because I get frustrated following it from afar. Wright has a ton of athletic talent. He's athletic and coordinated enough that, if he makes the NBA, it will likely be as a three. But the problem is that he hasn't been able to develop his skills. Last year, he had all kinds of expectations, but his jumper was still suspect and his handle was still subpar. His athletic profile alone makes him one of the best forwards in the country, but did he put in the work over the summer to take that next step?

10. Lavoy Allen, Temple, Sr: There are some things that Allen does very well on a basketball court. He moves without the ball, he rebounds extremely well on both ends, and he's an excellent shot blocker. He also has a couple of solid post moves, although he needs to improve his ability to finish around the rim. But perhaps Allen's best attribute is that he is unselfish offensively, understanding the role he plays in Temple's offense.

11. Marshawn Powell, Arkansas, So.
12. JaMychal Green, Alabama, Jr.
13. Curtis Kelly, Kansas State, Sr.
14. Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Washington, Sr.
15. Damian Saunders, Duquesne, Sr.
16. Mike Davis, Illinois, Sr.
17. Matt Howard, Butler, Sr.
18. Tai Wesley, Utah State, Sr.
19. Reeves Nelson, UCLA, So.
20. Justin Rutty, Quinnipiac, Sr.


Top Five Freshmen

1. Terrence Jones, Kentucky: Jones is a face-up four man with a versatile skill set that has drawn him comparisons to Lamar Odom. The biggest issue regarding Jones' success as a freshman is Enes Kanter. Those two would work really well together.

2. Tobias Harris, Tennessee: Harris, like Jones, is a guy that can realistically play both forward sports. He's a smart player, a guy that makes the IQ play as opposed to the SportsCenter play.

3. CJ Leslie, NC State: The 6'8" Leslie surprised a lot of people when he popped for NC State. Long, lanky, and super athletic, Leslie will be an excellent complement to Tracy Smith inside.

4. Tristan Thompson, Texas: Thompson is a big, physical power forward. He's got some post moves and plays with a great motor. He should be a focal point offensively for Texas next season.

5. DeShaun Thomas, Ohio State: Thomas is a strong, lefty combo forward that really understands how to score the ball. He's got a face-up game, but at 6'6" he's a bit short for a power forward.

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2010-2011 Season Preview: Top Small Forwards

The season is fast approaching. The first games are on Nov. 8th, and the BIAH live blog during ESPN's season kickoff is just two weeks away. So with just a week until actual games are played, we figured its about time to give you our Top 10 players at each position. You know how much we love a good Top 10 list here.

A few caveats. First, we're talking about how good these guys are as college players, not how well they project as a pro. Second, while it may be too much power for me, I am making the executive decision on what "position" a player is (and it may not necessarily be what he is listed as on a roster). Third, I am putting the freshman in a separate list. As much as I've read about these guys and as many Youtube clips as I have watched, I have yet to see many of them play a real game (the all-star games don't count), and I don't think that I could give an accurate assessment compared to the rest of college basketball until I see them play at this level. Lastly, I love me a good argument, so if you think someone is too low or too high or the wrong position, leave a comment and let me hear about it.

By Position: PG, SG, SF, PF, C

Hit the jump for the small forwards:

1. Kyle Singler, Duke, Sr: Singler successfully made the transition to the perimeter last season, although it took him a while. He struggled early on in the season with his jumper and with quicker perimeter opponents, but down the stretch he took over for the Blue Devils, culminating in an NCAA Tournament MOP award. Offensively, there isn't much that Singler can't do. He's got NBA three point range, he can put the ball on the floor, he can score in the post, and he can finish around the rim. Word out of Durham is that this season, he has really chiseled out his frame.


2. Chandler Parsons, Florida, Sr: Parsons is a unique player. He's definitely a small forward in terms of his skill set, but he has continued to grow throughout his collegiate career and is now checking in at 6'10". Parsons' most notable skill throughout his career has been his perimeter jumper. The kid has range and he can flat out shoot the ball. But the rest of his game really began to come around last season. He has an excellent skill level for a player his size, as he is able to put the ball on the floor going either direction and finish around the rim as well as hit a pull-up. He's a very good passer and has a high basketball IQ. I'm high on Parsons, I love his versatility and his skill set, and I think he is going to have a very good senior season.

3. Kris Joseph, Syracuse, Jr: Joseph spent last season playing as Syracuse's hired gun off the bench. But with Andy Rautins and Wes Johnson both in the NBA, it will be Joseph who is asked to pick up the slack along the perimeter. He should be more than ready for it. Joseph's game centers around his ability to get by his man and get to the rim. He's got a quick first-step and long strides that make him a nightmare to try and stay in front of. The only thing missing from his arsenal right now is a consistent three ball. It will be interesting to see how comfortable he is in a leadership role with this team, but skill wise he is ready to dominate.

4. Chris Singleton, Florida State, Jr: Singleton has all the potential in the world, but he has yet to put together a season with enough consistency to realize that potential. He's a long and lanky 6'8" athlete with above average quickness and explosiveness. He also has excellent range on his jump shot. Defensively, he's capable on being in the NBA right now, but offensively he relies far too much on his streaky jumper and doesn't attack the rim as much as Leonard Hamilton would like. FSU will be counting on Singleton for a big season; and I think he'll provide it.

5. Draymond Green, Michigan State, Jr: Green is Mr. Versatility. He's the best rebounder on the Spartans. He's an excellent passer and can defend three positions. The only really question mark in his game is his offensive aggressiveness. He's got the talent to be a capable scorer in the Big Ten, the question will be whether he utilizes it.


6. Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State, So: Leonard is a guy with tons of upside. He's more of a combo-forward than a pure small forward, but playing on a big SDSU team, Leonard sees much more perimeter minutes. Right now, Leonard is a guy that thrives on his physical gifts -- 6'7", athletic, long arms -- to score and rebound the ball (he nearly averaged a double-double last year). He is the most dangerous when he runs the floor and when he is attacking the offensive glass. But he is just a sophomore, and as you know, players make their biggest jump after their sophomore season. I'm expecting Leonard to be much improved next season.

7. Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt, Jr: This will be a make or break season for Taylor as a prospect. He burst on the scene as a freshman, making scouts salivate with his raw athleticism. But he didn't improve in the skill areas as much as people were hoping last year. He still struggles with his jumper -- although his mid-range stroke improved -- and his handle could use improvement as well. But with AJ Ogilvy and Jermaine Beal both gone, this will be Taylor and John Jenkins' team. Can he made that next step?

8. Scotty Hopson, Tennessee, Jr: That last paragraph can be repeated almost word for word for Hopson. Hopson is a kid with tremendous athleticism, but he's still trying to figure out how to harness it. He's more of a perimeter oriented player that Taylor, but he relies too much on an unreliable jumper and has a mediocre handle. Like Vandy, Tennessee lost quite a bit in the offseason. Can Hopson be the guy that everyone thought he could be in high school? Will he step up and take charge?

9. Travis Leslie, Georgia, Jr: When talking about Leslie, we're talking about athleticism. He's explosive, both in his first step and his leaping ability (right Cuz?), and he's got excellent length. He's a it small for a forward (6'4"), which makes his reliance on his athleticism and his noticeable lack of basketball skill a worry. Hopefully, he put in the effort this summer to get better and become one of the SEC's most dangerous 1-2 punches with Trey Thompkins.


10. DJ Kennedy, St. John's, Sr: Kennedy has flown under the radar for his entire career, but he is a kid that can really do it all. He's St. John's best scorer offensively, but he's also their facilitator on that end of the floor. He's a good rebounder for his size, and he's also the guy that draws the toughest defensive matchup on a nightly basis. He is definitely one of the more underrated players in the country.

11. Jimmy Butler, Marquette, Sr.
12. Jordan Hamilton, Texas, So.
13. Wesley Witherspoon, Memphis, Jr.
14. David Lighty, Ohio State, Sr.
15. Tim Abromaitis, Notre Dame, Sr.
16. John Holland, Boston U, Sr.
17. Ravern Johnson, Mississippi State, Sr.
18. Gerald Brown, Pitt, Sr.
19. Delroy James, Rhode Island, Sr.
20. Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA, So.


Top Five Freshman

1. Harrison Barnes, UNC: What can be said about Barnes that hasn't already been written ten times over. He's a smooth, mature 6'7" scoring wing that will have an immediate impact on the ACC and the nation.

2. Jereme Richmond, Illinois: Richmond is a versatile and athletically gifted wing. He'll be excellent running the break and on the defensive end of the floor this season for Illinois. He's the kind of player that can average 10 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, a steal and a block.

3. Terrence Ross, Washington: Ross has excellent size, athleticism, and is a knock down perimeter shooter. Washington doesn't have a lot of great shooters on their roster, and he should see some time immediately to space the floor for Isaiah Thomas and company.

4. Roscoe Smith, UConn: Roscoe Smith is a smooth, athletic 6'8" wing with perimeter skills and a jump shot. Playing for a UConn team that doesn't have a ton of talent or size this season, he should be quite effective in their pressing system.

5. Cameron Clark, Oklahoma: Clark is a talented slasher, a guy with athleticism, length, and a mid-range game. Too bad he will be playing on such a bad team this year. He should be their best offensive player, and therefore expect impressive numbers this season.

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No. 2 Michigan State Spartans

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Last Season: 28-9, 14-4 (t-1st Big Ten), lost to Butler in the Final Four

Head Coach: Tom Izzo

Key Losses: Raymar Morgan, Chris Allen

Newcomers: Keith Appling, Adreian Payne, Russell Byrd, Alex Guana

Projected Lineup:

• G: Kalin Lucas, Sr.
  
• G: Durrell Summers, Sr.
  
• F: Draymond Green, Jr.
  
• F: Delvon Roe, Jr.
  
• C: Derrick Nix, So.
  
• Bench: Garrick Sherman, So.; Adreian Payne, Fr.; Keith Appling, Fr.; Alex Gauna, Fr.; Korie Lucious, Jr.; Austin Thornton, Jr.
  

Outlook: I think we can all agree that the last year has not been ideal for Tom Izzo or the Michigan State program. It started early last season when he had to bench his star guard Kalin Lucas for what was assumed to be leadership issues. Later in the season it was starter Chris Allen was forced to ride the pine for a myriad of problems he had off the court. All this was happening while Delvon Roe tried to get his knees healthy and Durrell Summers tried to find some form of consistency. Over the summer, it was worse. Izzo nearly left East Lansing for Cleveland. Allen did leave, as he was forced out by Izzo. Lucas blew his achilles in the NCAA Tournament while Roe and Lucious both had knee surgeries. Freshman Russell Byrd may be out for the season with a stress fracture. Lucious also got a DUI, while two team members were accused of sexual assault by a fellow student. What did I miss?

And despite all of that, Izzo returns a team that may actually be better than the teams he had the last two seasons. Should I mention here that both of those teams made the Final Four?

There may not be a better coach in college basketball right now than Izzo, but he sure is going to have his work cut out for him this season. There is a ton of talent on this roster, but there may be just as many question marks. We'll start with Kalin Lucas. As a sophomore, Lucas was widely considered one of the best point guards in the country, which is why he was named Big Ten player of the year as he led the Spartans to the national title game. When he came back as a junior, he just didn't appear to be that much better. As I mentioned earlier, he was benched at the beginning of the season. When he came back, he still didn't seem like the same Kalin Lucas. The skills and the numbers were there, but he didn't seem to be quite as effective or dominant as he was the year prior. And now he will be heading into the season coming off of a serious injury. How effective is he going to be? Which Kalin Lucas will show up? Can he really be back to where he was as a sophomore is the last six months were spent getting him healthy instead of improving his jumper and adding a move or three to his offensive repertoire?

Two guard Durrell Summers has just as many question marks. His upside is seemingly limitless -- he has all the tools of a kid that will one day be a first round pick -- but he is as consistently inconsistent as anyone in the country. One of the (many) x-factors for MSU this season will be with Summers' shows up -- the one that took over in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 18.8 ppg and winning Midwest Regional MOP, or the one that scored in double figures just once in the last eight regular season games. The rest of the Spartan back court will be Korie Lucious and Keith Appling. Appling is a big-time scorer, but he is also a freshman. Who knows what, exactly, he is going to be able to produce this season. Lucious is coming off of surgery as well and is already going to miss the first game of the season due to a DUI.


Up front, there are question marks as well. Delvon Roe has as much talent as any four man in the talent, but his knees are in terrible shape. Can he make it through a full season at 100%? Will he be able to practice for a full season? Starting alongside Roe will be likely be a rotation of Izzo's three other post players. Derrick Nix is a 6'9", 270 lb sophomore that was a highly regarded recruit, but he didn't do much on the court as a freshman to prove himself to be any kind of a prospect. And he shot 13-48 from the free throw line. Garrick Sherman is a 6'10" sophomore who, like nix, was pretty unimpressive as a freshman. Freshman Adreian Payne has all the tools you look for in a big man, but he's a 6'10", 225 lb post player in a physical league who has been criticized for a lack of effort at times.

Perhaps the only sure thing on this roster is Draymond Green, who should slide into Raymar Morgan's starting role at the three. Green is a do-it-all kind of player. He is the best rebounder on this team, he can really pass the ball, and he's a good defensive player. He'll be looked upon to shoulder a bigger scoring load this season and to be more aggressive offensively to help take some of the pressure off of the MSU back court.

There are so many question marks with this Spartan team. Can the back court live up to their substantial potential? Is Lucas healthy? Will anyone besides Green be an impact player along the Spartan front court? If all the pieces get put together, this is a team with the talent, the size, and the veterans to make a run at a national title. It will require a heck of a coaching job, and I expect the Spartans to have some ups-and-downs throughout the season. But I don't think there is another coach that can better handle the task in front of him than Izzo.
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2010-2011 Season Preview: Top Shooting Guards

The season is fast approaching. The first games are on Nov. 8th, and the BIAH live blog during ESPN's season kickoff is just two weeks away. So with just a week until actual games are played, we figured its about time to give you our Top 10 players at each position. You know how much we love a good Top 10 list here.

A few caveats. First, we're talking about how good these guys are as college players, not how well they project as a pro. Second, while it may be too much power for me, I am making the executive decision on what "position" a player is (and it may not necessarily be what he is listed as on a roster). Third, I am putting the freshman in a separate list. As much as I've read about these guys and as many Youtube clips as I have watched, I have yet to see many of them play a real game (the all-star games don't count), and I don't think that I could give an accurate assessment compared to the rest of college basketball until I see them play at this level. Lastly, I love me a good argument, so if you think someone is too low or too high or the wrong position, leave a comment and let me hear about it.

By Position: PG, SG, SF, PF, C

Hit the jump for the shooting guards:

1. Nolan Smith, Duke, Sr: Smith has slowly and steadily developed as a basketball player, from a promising freshman to the kid that started over Greg Paulus to Kyle Singler's all-american sidekick. You would be hard-pressed to find a better all-around back court player than Smith. He's probably more of a point guard than he is a shooting guard, but sharing a back court with Kyrie Irving, Smith is going to spend most of this season playing off the ball. Smith doesn't have one skill that sets him apart from the crowd, but rather is one of these kids without a weakness in his game, the kind of player whose fundamentals and basketball IQ more than make up for relatively average tools. He can shoot with range. He can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim or create for a teammate. He's a crafty ballhandler that under stands how to change speeds. He gets after it on the defensive end. And most importantly, he is willing to play a role for this Duke team. Why are the Blue Devils so good this season? Because their third option offensively is the best two-guard in the country.


2. Austin Freeman, Georgetown, Sr: Freeman looks more like a tight end than he does a shooting guard, but make no mistake, this kid is as good as anyone in the country. His game centers around his jump shot, which is deadly on a bad day. When he gets hot, its over. Ask UConn, who saw Freeman score 28 in a half, or Louisville, who got 24 in a half from Freeman. Both of those games saw Georgetown trail by double figures in the first half. As a senior, he'll be counted on to attack the rim more often and to be more aggressive looking for his shot as the offense will run through him. Perhaps the biggest reason Freeman is so dangerous is that he is the perfect guard for John Thompson III's offensive system. He understands when and where his shots will come from in their sets, and he knows that if he is patient, he will be put in a spot to succeed.

3. LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor, Sr: Dunn is a 6'4" scoring guard that will make an appearance on quite a few first team preseason all-american lists. In a league full of talent, Dunn may just be the potent scorer in the Big XII. His offense centers around his jump shot, which he can hit with range and under pressure. In fact, his ability to hit contested threes may be his biggest fault; he tends to force jumpers early in the shot clock. He's not great when he puts the ball on the floor, but if he is able to beat his man, Dunn is very good at drawing contact and getting to the line. With Tweety Carter and Ekpe Udoh both gone, he will be relied upon even more for scoring as a senior.

4. E'Twaun Moore, Purdue, Sr: Moore is an interesting player. He's almost been the forgotten man for the Boilermakers during this run to prominence. Robbie Hummel, when healthy, was probably Purdue's most important player. JaJuan Johnson is the best NBA prospect. But I think I'd argue that Moore was the best player of the three. He's not the best three point shooter, but he'll make you pay if you leave him open. He's not a slasher per se, but he can get by you and finish in the paint if you crowd him. He's not Steve Nash, but he'll find the open man. He's smooth, he's intelligent, and he is a well-rounded player.

5. Isaiah Thomas, Washington, Jr: Thomas is unique in that he is listed at 5'8"; not many major college shooting guards are 5'8". And while he may be diminutive in stature, Thomas can certainly score with the best of them. He's at his best when he is putting the ball on the floor and slashing to the basket. He's very good with his short-to-mid-range game, and he's a crafty finisher around the rim. Where Thomas get into trouble is when he starts settling for jump shots. He's a good shooter and can get hot and knock down a few in a row, but he also takes some tough, quick, ill-advised shots from deep. You don't want a sub-33% shooter taking 200 threes in a season. If he can improve his shot selection while not losing any of his aggressiveness as a scorer, Thomas -- and Washington -- will be that much more efficient.


6. William Buford, Ohio State, Jr: This season will be a pivotal one for the development of Buford as a player. Thus far in his career, he's been basically a catch-and-shoot player, a guy that has thrived in the mid-range, coming off of screens, and knocking down the open jumpers created for him by Evan Turner. With Turner now out of the picture, we will get a chance to see the rest of Buford's repertoire. He will be the primary offensive weapon on Ohio State's perimeter, with Jared Sullinger roaming the paint. Without a proven point guard on the roster, it will be interesting to see if Buford can pick up some of that slack left by Turner's departure. It he does become a better scorer and creator in isolation, then this ranking looks smart. If he doesn't, it will look high. I think he will develop. Keep in mind, were talking about a guy that averaged 14.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg for a Big Ten tri-champion last year.

7. Durrell Summers, Michigan State, Sr: Summers has all the talent in the world. He has all the tools you like for in a two guard. He's athletic. He can get to the rim. He can finish above the rim. He has good size and strength. His problem is that he has never been able to put it all together for an entire season. So the question will be with Durrell Summers shows up this season. Is it the one that averaged 18.8 ppg in the NCAA Tournament, carried the Spartans to the Final Four, and was named the Midwest Regional MOP, or the one that scored in double figures just once in the last eight regular season games?

8. Kim English, Missouri, Jr: With the number of players that the Tigers are going to have in their rotation this season, it may be difficult for English to put up the same numbers as some of the other guys on this list. But don't think that doesn't mean English is just as good. At 6'6", English has excellent size for a guard, which allows him to get off his excellent jumper just about any time he wants too. He was strictly a jump shooter when he got to college, but has since expanded his repertoire offensively. I expect to seem him improve even more as a slasher and a finisher this year. He's also very good defensively, which you have to be playing in Mike Anderson's 40 minutes of hell system. I expect English to have a big year in 2011 as the best scorer on an underrated Missouri team.

9. Klay Thompson, Washington State, Jr: Thompson put up absolutely fantastic scoring numbers early last season, but as the year wore on, teams started to figure out that the Cougars didn't really have another viable option offensively. As defenses were geared more and more to slowing him down, he got fewer and fewer good looks. That should be less of an issue this year, as DeAngelo Casto and Reggie Moore will have gotten better over the summer. Don't let that fool you, either. Seeing defenses blanket Thompson should only reinforce how potent of a scorer he truly is.


10. Alec Burks, Colorado, So: In high school, Burks was largely ignored by the major scouting services. As a freshman as Colorado, he made those scouting services look foolish for not ranking him. Burks averaged a cool 17.1 ppg as a freshman, and he still has quite a bit of room to develop. He was at his best last season when he was able to put the ball on the floor. He's an excellent shooter in the mid-range, and has the size and athleticism to finish in and amongst the trees. As his perimeter shot continues to develop, he is only going to become a more complete player.

11. Tre'Von Willis, UNLV, Sr.
12. John Jenkins, Vanderbilt, So.
13. Kenny Boynton, Florida, So.
14. Ashton Gibbs, Pitt, Jr.
15. Randy Culpepper, UTEP, Sr.
16. Maurice Creek, Indiana, So.
17. Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette, Jr.
18. Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall, Sr.
19. Charles Jenkins, Hofstra, Sr.
20. Cory Higgins, Colorado, Sr.


Top Five Freshman

1. Will Barton, Memphis: Barton is a lanky, athletic wing that can do a lot of different things on the basketball court. He has range on his jumper, he can run the floor, he rebounds the ball well, he can lead a break, he's a good passer. Perhaps most importantly, he is going to get a chance to make an impact immediately at Memphis.

2. Dion Waiters, Syracuse: Waiters is a 6'3" combo-guard that can really shoot the ball. While Fab Melo, the Orange's seven foot freshman center, is the guy getting a lot of the hype in this freshman class, Waiters might turn out to be the best of the bunch. Jim Boeheim isn't a guy to mince words when talking about his team. He said that Waiters was the most talented freshman guard they've had in "a long time." Take that as you will.

3. Reggie Bullock, UNC: While Harrison Barnes is off being named a first team all-american and the preseason national player of the year, Bullock, like Waiters, is flying a bit under the radar hype-wise. But hype or not, Bullock will be filling an important void in UNC's lineup. He's a 6'6" guard with a deadly perimeter jumper, a role that was missing from last year's Tar Heel team.

4. Vander Blue, Marquette: Blue played with the the U-19 national team this summer and started alongside Kyrie Irving and Austin Rivers, which should give you an idea of this kid's talent level. He's a tough, physical two guard that defends, runs the floor in transition, and attacks the rim. If he improves his jump shot, I see Blue being the second coming of Jerel McNeal.

5. Doron Lamb, Kentucky: Lamb is kind of a throw back player. He doesn't survive on raw athleticism and he doesn't live and die with the three ball. He's a smooth guard that thrives in the mid-range.

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No. 3 Villanova Wildcats

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Last Season: 25-8, 13-5 (t-2nd Big East), lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to St. Mary's

Head Coach: Jay Wright

Key Losses: Scottie Reynolds, Taylor King, Reggie Redding

Newcomers: James Bell, Jayvaughn Pinkston

Projected Lineup:

• G: Corey Fisher, Sr.
  
• G: Maalik Wayns, So.
  
• F: Corey Stokes, Sr.
  
• F: Antonio Pena, Sr.
  
• C: Mouphtaou Yarou, So.
  
• Bench: Dominic Cheek, So.; Maurice Sutton, So.; Jayvaughn Pinkston, Fr.; Isaiah Armwood, So.
  

Outlook: Villanova had a disappointing finish to the 2009-2010 season. After starting the year 22-2 and 11-1 in the Big East, the Wildcats lost four of their last six games before getting dropped in the first round of the Big East tournament and fizzling out in the second round of the Big Dance. The Wildcats also lost a couple of key pieces this offseason, as Reggie Redding and all-american Scottie Reynolds both graduated and Taylor King transferred out.

But one thing that Jay Wright has proven is that he will always have a roster that is stocked with talent and experience. This year is no different. It starts with Corey Fisher, who will take the reins of this team after spending three subservient seasons behind Scottie. Fisher has a chance to be great this season. He's a tough, aggressive penetrater that is fearless attacking the rim. Despite being on the smaller side, he's a good finisher around the rim and can get to the foul line. He is also a good enough three point shooter that you cannot give him space. I'll be looking for him to become more of a distributor this season, drawing defenders and dropping the ball off the Villanova's group big men (more on then in second). Fisher was a consistent producer last season -- he averaged 13.9 ppg last year, but only hit 20 three times while missing double figures in just four games -- and without having Reynolds on the floor to defer to, I think Fisher will turn into the best point guard in the Big East.

As we've come to expect with Jay Wright teams, Fisher is not alone in the back court, but there will be a bit of a different makeup. Maalik Wayns is the only one other small guard on the roster, and he is quite talented. Right now, Wayns is at his best when he is in attack mode, either in a half court setting or in transition. He's very quick with the ball and able to get by defenders. His jumper needs some work, but perhaps the biggest improvement he needs to make is as a distributor. Had had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio last season, which is never a good thing when you are dealing with lead guards. Wayns has a high ceiling, but he has a way to go to truly reach that potential.

Corey Stokes looks like he'll be the third starter on the perimeter. He'll play the two and the three for the Wildcats, depending on their line up. He's probably their best perimeter defender right now and is still a knock down three point shooter. He's also improved putting the ball on the floor, and is always a threat to go for 20. With freshman James Bell out with stress fractures, Dominic Cheek will round out the back court rotation for the Wildcats. Cheek is an excellent athlete, and at 6'6" has the length to be a good defender for this team. The question will be whether he takes that next step as a sophomore to become a legitimate impact player.

The perimeter isn't the only place that Villanova will have more size this season. Up front, they have a good mix of youth, experience, bulk, and athleticism. Returning for his senior season is their rock up front in Antonio Pena. He's one of those guys who seems like he has been in college for a decade. He is a capable rebounder, he can score on the block, he'll defend in the post. He's not going to be found on any NBA Draft boards, but he's a solid big man in the Big East.


The rest of the front court is young, but oozes potential. There is the 6'10" Mouph Yarou. A very highly regarded recruit, Yarou had a tough time getting back into the rotation after battling hepatitis early in the season. A lot of people are expecting a big year from this strong, athletic forward, and he will definitely help provide a presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. Maurice Sutton is a lanky, 6'11" sophomore that can be a presence as a shot blocker, but he still needs to add some weight and strength.

The x-factors up front will be Isaiah Armwood and Jayvaughn Pinkston. Armwood is a very athletic, 6'7" combo-forward. He's versatile enough that he can play the three or the four, and that versatiliy could make him very effective when Villanova goes zone (again, more on that in a second). Pinkston has a very different body type and skill set from Armwood, but he will be used in a similar role. At 6'6" and 260 lb of muscle, Pinkston is a bruiser. But his best attribute may be his perimeter game. He's big enough to bang inside, but with his ability to hit a three and put the ball on the floor, he could end up being quiet a match-up nightmare down the road.

Part of the reason that I have Villanova ranked this high is that I think they will have a different makeup as a team. While I expect Wayns and Fisher to start, I think that the Wildcats are going to play quite a few minutes with Stokes or Cheek at the two. Rebounding and defense were two of their bigger issues last season, and with that added size, I think Jay Wright has addressed those problems without sacrificing the Wildcats offensive potency. He's even said that he is willing to use a 2-3 zone with this group, which could be quite effective if he puts a lineup on the floor with Stokes, Cheek, and Armwood at the 2-3-4.

If Corey Fisher blossoms into an all-american candidate and the big guys can rebound and provide a scoring presence inside, Villanova has a chance to be a very, very good basketball team.
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2010-2011 Season Preview: Top Point Guards

The season is fast approaching. The first games are on Nov. 8th, and the BIAH live blog during ESPN's season kickoff is just two weeks away. So with just a week until actual games are played, we figured its about time to give you our Top 10 players at each position. You know how much we love a good Top 10 list here.

A few caveats. First, we're talking about how good these guys are as college players, not how well they project as a pro. Second, while it may be too much power for me, I am making the executive decision on what "position" a player is (and it may not necessarily be what he is listed as on a roster). Third, I am putting the freshman in a separate list. As much as I've read about these guys and as many Youtube clips as I have watched, I have yet to see many of them play a real game (the all-star games don't count), and I don't think that I could give an accurate assessment compared to the rest of college basketball until I see them play at this level. Lastly, I love me a good argument, so if you think someone is too low or too high or the wrong position, leave a comment and let me hear about it.

By Position: PG, SG, SF, PF, C

Hit the jump for the point guards:

1. Jacob Pullen, Kansas State, Sr: I've said it before and I will say it again -- I did not think Pullen was going to end up being this good. He proved last season to be capable of putting up points with the best of them. He's got range on his jumper, he hits tough shots, and he's shown a penchant for being a guy that makes big plays. It will be interesting to see how he, and Kansas State in general, handles being a target. Neither Pullen nor the Wildcats are a secret this season, and with a lack of back court experience around him, Pullen, for better or worse, is going to be the guy with the ball in his hands when K-State needs a bucket. If there is an area he needs to improve on, its as a distributor. If he gets better at drawing defenders and finding one of the legion of big men at Frank Martin's disposal, he could put up scary numbers this year.


2. Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech, Sr: I absolutely love Delaney's game. And like Pullen, he is going to be relied upon quite a bit to create points for the Hokies this season. Delaney is a big time scorer, arguably the best in the ACC. His quickness allows him to get into the paint fairly easily, and while he isn't great at finishing around the rim, he's become quite good at getting to the free throw line. There is definitely room for improvement when it comes to his shot selection, as he is prone to taking a couple of forced jumpers every game, but some of that is a result of his team's reliance upon him on the offensive end. I'd like to see him develop more of a floor game and become more of a leader, but the bottom line is that there are few players out there capable of getting buckets like Delaney.

3. Jimmer Fredette, BYU, Sr: Everyone in the country should be familiar with Jimmer at this point. A big time scorer, Fredette has a bit more of an all-around game than a lot of people realize. The first thing you have to talk about is his jumper, which is deadly off the dribble or off the catch out to about 25 feet. But he's also very good at getting into the paint. He's got a really nice handle, and while he is far from what you would consider an NBA athlete, he's crafty around the basket, using an array of floaters and nifty layups to finish amongst the trees. He's also capable of creating shots for others, as his 4.7 apg last season indicates. When Fredette gets it going, he's a nightmare to try to defend. Ask Arizona.

4. Corey Fisher, Villanova, Sr: I think Corey Fisher is in line for a very good season. After spending the past three seasons defering to an all-american in Scottie Reynolds, this is now Fisher's team. Fisher is your typical NYC point god. He's tough when he puts the ball on the floor, he is strong enough to finish in amongst the trees, he's fearless attacking the basket, and he is a very good long range shooter. As the focal point of an offense that is always centered around Jay Wright's talented back court players, Fisher has the talent to put his name on the map nationally as one of the best players in the country.

5. Kalin Lucas, Michigan State, Sr: Lucas was probably the most difficult player on this list to rank. On the one hand, he's a former Big Ten player of the year, having won the award in 2009 as a sophomore. But as a junior, he didn't exactly show much improvement, and even got benched due to a lack of leadership. To top it off, he's coming off of a serious injury to his achilles tendon that occurred in March. Will Lucas be back to 100%? If he regains his 2009 form, he's a dynamic point guard that is near impossible to stay in front of. But coming off of the injury, is he going to have his quickness, which is such a valuable weapon for him?


6. Demetri McCamey, Illinois, Sr: McCamey was one of the surprises of last season. Not because people didn't know he had talent, but because he had never been able to put it all together for an entire season. Combine that with a move to being a full time point guard, and there were some doubts. I think it is safe to say that McCamey answered those doubters quite emphatically, leading the country in assists. McCamey is at his best when he is able penetrate and find Illinois' shooters on the perimeter. If he can continue to cut down on the ill-advised shots -- he was drastically better last season, but still was good for one or two a game -- he'll be in the running for Big Ten player of the year.

7. Shelvin Mack, Butler, Jr: Shelvin Mack, like Jacob Pullen, was never supposed to be this good. He's from Lexington. How many collegiate all-americans from Lexington make it out of Kentucky's grasp? He's not as much of a pure point guard as his is a combo-guard, but he will absolutely be the guy that Butler runs their offense through this season. The Bulldogs are a tricky team to peg this season with Gordon Hayward now a member of the Jazz, and Mack is much the same. He did average 14.1 ppg and 3.0 apg last year, but how much of that was a result of team's keying on Gordon Hayward? Mack's numbers will go up this season as he becomes the centerpiece of the Butler attack, but will he be as efficient and as effective? Much of Butler's season is going to ride on the answer to that very question.


8. Kemba Walker, UConn, Jr: Walker may have the most physical gifts of any player on this list. He's arguably the quickest player in the country, both with the ball and on the ball defensively, and would rival Ty Lawson with his end to end speed. He excels at putting the ball on the floor and getting into the paint, and has shown he is more than capable of finding open teammates when he does. Walker is a much improved shooter as well. Where he can take his game to the next level is if he learns how to hit a short pull-up or floater. Too often last season, Walker took the ball into the trees only to get his shot blocked by a taller defender. UConn will need Walker to be at his best this season if they want to have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament.

9. Kevin Anderson, Richmond, Jr: Anderson is the reigning A-10 player of the year, and for good reason. He led Richmond, a team good enough to earn a seven-seed in the NCAA Tournament, to a 26-win season and a third place finish in the league by averaging 17.8 ppg and putting up impressive performances (31 in a loss to Wake Forest, 29 in a win over Temple, 27 is a win at Xavier) against good competition. With his back court mate David Gonzalvez departing, that means there will be just that many more shots available for Anderson, although he could run into some of the same trouble as Pullen if a back court partner doesn't emerge. He is a cat-quick, 6' guard that can get into the lane against just about anyone. With an improved jump shot, Anderson will be near unstoppable at this level.

10. Talor Battle, Penn State, Sr: Battle is clearly a talented individual. He led the Big Ten in scoring last season at 18.5 ppg, while also grabbing 5.3 rpg and handing out 4.2 apg. His offense is set up by the range on his jump shot, which extends out to around 25 feet. He's also a capable driver, getting into the paint, drawing defenders, and finding open teammates on the perimeter. the biggest knock against Battle how bad Penn State truly is. The Nittany Lions went just 3-15 in the Big Ten last season, and lost quite a bit off of that team. Battle will once again be forced to play 37 minutes a night with every defense he faces specifically aimed at slowing him down.

11. Chris Wright, Georgetown, Sr.
12. Tu Holloway, Xavier, Jr.
13. Dairese Gary, New Mexico, Sr.
14. Juan Fernandez, Temple, Jr.
15. Chris Warren, Ole Miss, Sr.
16. Joey Rodriguez, VCU, Sr.
17. Ronald Nored, Butler, Sr.
18. Mickey McConnell, St. Mary's, Sr.
19. Derek Needham, Fairfield, So.
20. Damian Lillard, Weber State, Jr.

Top Five Freshmen

1. Kyrie Irving, Duke: It appears as if Irving is going to be as good, if not better, than advertised. He's got an excellent skill-set as a point guard -- terrific handle, great vision, range to the NBA three point line, dunk-on-you athleticism. What sets Irving apart is that he appears to truly understand the cerebral aspect of being a point guard. One way I have seen it described is that he plays like an NBA veteran. That will be important considering the amount of talent he will have around him at Duke.

2. Brandon Knight, Kentucky: Knight is the 2011 installment of the John Calipari star point guard. Knight, however, is a different kind of player than Derrick Rose or John Wall. His physical tools differ from Tyreke Evans, but his shoot-first mindset makes him closer to Evans as a player. Knight is a streaky shooter from deep, but other than that he has a full arsenal offensively. He'll be the guy taking the big shots for Kentucky this season.

3. Joe Jackson, Memphis: Jackson is an obscenely quick and athletic little point guard. He's got a terrific handle and can hit a three. Think Monta Ellis or Aaron Brooks. He's can be a big scorer when he needs to be, but the question for him this season will be whether or not he can run an offense.

4. Cory Joseph, Texas: Joseph is a very talented freshman joining a back court that has a couple of experienced point guards already on the roster in Dogus Balbay and J'Covan Brown. He understands how to run a team, and should start for Rick Barnes.

5. Josh Selby, Kansas: The question with Selby isn't necessarily his talent. Its his amateur status. Will he play this season? He's a very good scorer as a lead guard and would be walking into an opportunity to play big minutes in Sherron Collins' stead. If he gets eligible.
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No. 4 Kansas State Wildcats

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Last Season: 29-8, 11-5 (t-2nd Big XII), lost to Butler in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament

Head Coach: Frank Martin

Key Losses: Denis Clemente, Dominique Sutton, Luis Colon

Newcomers: Nino Jackson, Shane Southwell, Will Spradling, Freddy Asprilla, Juevol Myles, Devon Peterson

Projected Lineup:

• G: Jacob Pullen, Sr.
  
• G: Rodney McGruder, So.
  
• F: Jamar Samuels, Sr.
  
• F: Wally Judge, So.
  
• F: Curtis Kelly, Sr.
  
• Bench: Martavious Irving, So.; Nino Williams, Fr.; Shane Southwell, Fr.; Freddy Asprilla, Jr.; Jordan Henriquez-Roberts, So.
  

Outlook: Frank Martin has really done wonders for a Kansas State program that was defunct for a decade before Michael Beasley showed up in Manhattan. And now, coming off of their first trip to the Elite 8 in 22 years, the Wildcats are the consensus favorite to win what could end up being the toughest conference in college basketball.

It all starts with Jacob Pullen. We can argue about whether or not Pullen is the best guard in the country and whether or not he should be placed on the preseason all-american first team, but what we can't argue about is how far this kid has come since he was a freshman. I sincerely doubt I am alone in saying that I never expected Pullen to be this good. Heading into last season, the talk about the K-State back court seemed to center around the dynamic Denis Clemente, but after Pullen had a string of big games against impressive non-conference competition, that focus shifted. And deservedly so. Pullen is a big-time scorer and shooter with a penchant for coming through in the clutch. Kansas State is big and athletic along the front line this season, but when it comes to legitimate offensive threats, there is not much beyond Pullen. The ball is almost assuredly going to be in Pullen's hands for the majority of K-State's possessions. He'll need to improve his ability to create for his teammates and distribute the ball, but there is no reason that he cannot average 20+ ppg and 4 apg this season.

The issue is going to be who steps up alongside Pullen in the back court. Sophomore Rodney McGruder seems like the safe bet to start. He proved to be a threat from distance as a freshman, although he didn't play a ton of minutes or get a ton of shots. But he did have enough promise in high school to be ranked as a top 100 player. Martavious Irving is another sophomore that could earn some starts in the back court. Irving is more of a point guard than McGruder. Sophomores Nick Russell and Juevol Myles and freshman Will Spradling will provide some depth, while freshmen Nino Williams and Shane Southwell will allow Martin some versatility with his lineups, as both are bigger, more athletic wing players. It will be interesting to see who earns the minutes, but the Wildcats are going to need at least one kid from this group to step up this season.


While the back court has some issues behind Pullen, this year the K-State front court is loaded. It starts with Curtis Kelly, who was one of the more improved players in the country this past season. The 6'8" lefty has become a low-post scoring threat while also being the best rebounder on one of the best rebounding teams in the country, as well as a shot blocking threat. Jamar Samuels, the Wildcat's 6th man last season, will likely slide into the starting role at small forward. Samuels is a super-athletic senior that can knock down a three and is relentless going to the glass. The other front court starter should end up being Wally Judge, a 2009 McDonald's all-american. Judge got off to a slow start, but performed better down the stretch. With his size, length, and athleticism, its only a matter of time before he becomes a force on this team.

There's more. Jordan Henriquez-Roberts is a seven-foot sophomore that still needs to develop offensively, but he is ready to be a rebounder and a defender in the Big XII. Freddy Asprilla may be the x-factor on this team. At 6'10", 280 lb, Asprilla will be the biggest player on a big front line. He was a high-major recruit coming out of high school, but he ended up at Florida International. He averaged nearly a double-double as a freshman before transferring out of the program. He'll provide some muscle in the paint, and should be able to score and rebound effectively in the Big XII.

It will be more of the same from K-State this season. This is a team that is going to play physical, aggressive basketball. They are going to crash the offensive glass, and they are going to be in your jock defensively for 40 minutes, both of which will provide easy baskets for them. I expect both Kelly and Samuels to be improved this season, which will help offset the loss of Clemente's scoring.

The biggest concern I have is in the back court. Can anyone else be a capable ball handler? Are there any other reliable shot creators? Jacob Pullen is a horse, and he can carry this team, but if no one else steps up I worry that he will be worn down at the end of games and by the end of the season.
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No. 5 Pitt Panthers

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Last Season: 25-9, 13-5 (t-2nd Big East), lost to Xavier in the second round of the NCAA Tournament

Head Coach: Jamie Dixon

Key Losses: Jermaine Dixon

Newcomers: Talib Zanna, JJ Moore, Isaiah Epps, Aron Nwankwo, Cameron Wright

Projected Lineup:

• G: Ashton Gibbs, Jr.
  
• G: Brad Wanamaker, Sr.
  
• F: Gilbert Brown, Sr.
  
• F: Nasir Robinson, Jr.
  
• C: Gary McGhee, Sr.
  
• Bench: Travon Woodall, So.; Cameron Wright, Fr.; Isaiah Epps, Fr.; Dante Taylor, So.; JJ Moore, Fr.; Talib Zanna, Fr.
  

Outlook: 2010 was supposed to be a down year for the Panthers, as they lost DeJuan Blair, Levance Fields, and Sam Young. But Pitt, who has officially become the Wisconsin of the East Coast, got some breakout performances and used their typical stingy defense to finish tied for second in the Big East and rack up 25 wins.

This year, Pitt returns just about everyone from last season's team. It starts with Ashton Gibbs, who went from being a spot up shooter off the bench as a freshman to one of the best players in the Big East as a sophomore. An unheralded kid coming out of high school, Gibbs is a knock-down shooter. He has range well beyond the three point line, and he can hit that shot with consistency even when pressured. Joining him in the back court will be Brad Wanamaker. Wanamaker has turned into Pitt's do-it-all player. He rebounds, he scores the ball, he led the team in assists last season. He's not exactly a point guard, as his handle leaves something to be desired, but his ability to create shots, either for himself of for a teammate, is valuable for this Pitt team that can, at times, struggle offensively.

The Panther's third guard this season will be Travon Woodall. Woodall is everything you would expect out of a point guard from Brooklyn. He's quick, he can get into the lane, he finds assists, and he's a pest playing on-the-ball defense. Isaiah Epps and Cameron Wright, two highly regarded freshmen, should see time in the back court as well.


At the small forward, Gilbert Brown should start. Brown is a superb athlete that has begun to show flashes of being more than just a leaper. While he only took 53 threes last season (he missed the first semester with academics, then came off the bench), he hit almost 40% of them. Despite playing just 23 mpg, he was the third leading scorer for the Panthers, and went for 20 three times. Brown is definitely a guy that could have a big season for Pitt in a starting role. Freshman JJ Moore looks to be the guy that will spell Brown.

Up front, Gary McGhee returns to anchor the front line. McGhee never has been and never will be anything special, but he is a big, strong kid that can defend on the block, rebound the ball, block some shots, and finish at the rim. Nasir Robinson, an undersized but scrappy forward, will likely be the other starter at forward, but he will miss about the first ten games after undergoing knee surgery.

That surgery may end up being a blessing in disguise, however. Dante Taylor and Talib Zanna are the two big guys that come off of Pitt's bench. Zanna is redshirt freshman that is big and athletic, but he's raw. Taylor was a top 15 recruit last season, but he never quite found a rhythm. If Dixon can get these two guys minutes, get them some experience, and get their confidence level up, it could be huge for Pitt down the road. Especially for Taylor, a guy who has all-Big East potential.

You know what you are going to get with this Pitt team. Tough defense and aggressive rebounding. Nothing is going to change with Jamie Dixon's system. I don't know how much better Gibbs and Wanamaker can get, but if Brown and Taylor both improve this year, this Pitt team can win the Big East and make it to the Final Four.

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