Ole Miss has had a tough month

This season didn't exactly go as well as many hoped for Ole Miss, but things looked fairly promising for next season.

Their talented back court of Chris Warren, Terrico White, and Eniel Polynice all had eligibility remaining. In fact, the Rebels were scheduled to return their top eight scorers from last season, with 6'9" DeAundre Cranston -- who started 21 games -- the only senior on the roster in 2010. They also got news that leading scorer Warren would not be putting his name in the NBA Draft pool.

Chris Warren looks to be the only starter that is returning for Ole Miss.
(photo credit: GulfLive)

Things were looking promising in Starkville.

But that is when the defections started.

First, it was Eniel Polynice. Polynice was a junior in terms of eligibility, but as a result of redshirting his first season at Ole Miss, Polynice will graduate at the end of this semester and decided to pursue a professional career. Polynice didn't travel the smoothest path at Ole Miss. He was one of three players that missed the 2008-2009 season due to injury, and this season he saw his numbers drop across the board. He seemed to be permanently in Andy Kennedy's dog house, as well. He was benched for the first half of a game early in the season and was suspended for the finale at Arkansas before coming off the bench during the postseason.

Polynice will likely go undrafted.

Next in line was Murphy Holloway. The third leading scorer, leading rebounder, and most consistent post presence for the Rebels, Holloway has decided to transfer for to a school closer to his South Carolina home to help raise his daughter.

"This is a very difficult decision for me," Holloway said in a statement. "I've had a great two years here at Ole Miss. I'm sad to be leaving my Ole Miss family here, but I have to be a mature adult and take responsibility for my daughter and my family in South Carolina."

He's looking at Clemson, South Carolina, College of Charleston, and Winthrop, although Ole Miss may not allow him to transfer to the Gamecocks.

Its impossible to bash Holloway on this decision, but there is no question that it is going to hurt Ole Miss next season. With the graduation of Cranston, the Rebels are left with just Terrance Henry and Reggie Buckner in their front court, and Henry is more comfortable playing on the perimeter.

The latest blow comes in the form of Terrico White. White declared for the NBA Draft a while back, but has yet to sign an agent. He's an intriguing prospect, an athletic and strong 6'5" guard that has shown the ability to play both back court spots, but right now it appears he's in that group of players that could go in the 20-45 range.

There was hope that White could return to school for his junior season, but according to Draft Express, that isn't likely. Via Twitter:

Ole Miss sophomore Terrico White will stay in the NBA draft, a source close to the situation tells DraftExpress.

All told, Ole Miss looks like they are going to lose three of their top five scorers and four starters.

That isn't easy to overcome.
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2009-2010 College Basketball Season Preview: Shooting Guards

The season is fast approaching. The first games are on Nov. 9th, 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 the best way to finish up our 2008-2009 season previews is 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 not putting the freshman in the 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 until I see them play. 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.

Here are the point guards.
These are the shooting guards.

Best Freshman:

• Avery Bradley, Texas
• Kenny Boynton, Florida
• Xavier Henry, Kansas
• Lance Stephenson, Cincinnati

Best of the Rest:

• Elliot Williams, Memphis
• Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall
• Osiris Eldridge, Illinois State
• William Buford, Ohio State
• Steven Gray, Gonzaga
• Denis Clemente, Kansas State
  

Top 10

• 10. Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas: Taylor is not on this list for the numbers he is going to put up. That would be impossible playing on a team as talented as Kansas this year. But Taylor may be the best team player in the country. He's no stranger to talented teams - his St. Anthony's High School team sent seven kids to D1 schools. Taylor's biggest strength is his intelligence on the court. He makes good decisions with the ball, is an excellent passer (especially feeding the post), and is as good of a defender as you will find at the position. Offensively, he has yet to really show the country what he can do. He picks his spots well, so don't be surprised if Taylor has a couple games where he goes for 25 this year.
  


• 9. Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati: At 6'1", 195 lb, Vaughn is built like a running back, but it isn't his physical tools that make him special. Vaughn can flat out score the ball. He is a streaky shooter, but when he gets hot he can go for 30 on a given night. Vaughn also has the quickness and the handle to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. Simply put, Vaughn has all the skills you could ask for in a scoring guard. The problem the last two seasons has been his supporting cast, as Vaughn was not only asked to be the team's point guard, but to also be the team's only true perimeter threat. With Cashmere Wright back from injury and Lance Stephenson joining the team, he now has that. Don't expect Vaughn's scoring numbers to shoot through the roof, as the addition of Wright and Stephenson will reduce his shots, but do expect to see a better Cincinnati team and a much more efficient Deonta Vaughn.
  


• 8. Jerome Dyson, UConn: Dyson was the overlooked guy on the UConn Huskies last season. With Jeff Adrien and Hasheem Thabeet inside, and AJ Price running the show, people forgot about Dyson. It didn't help that he missed the end of the season with a knee injury either. But Dyson is a star in the making. With athleticism to burn, Dyson is at his best when he is slashing to the rim and making plays in the full court. He can knock down a three when he is left open, but his slow release makes it difficult for him to get his shot off at times. The faster tempo that UConn is going to play at this season will fit in perfectly with Dyson's skill set as he is a terror in the passing lanes and always a threat to posterize a defender on a break.

Jerome Dyson will make quite a few posters this season.
(photo credit: daylife)

• 7. E'Twaun Moore, Purdue: Moore isn't a flashy player. He isn't going to wow you with cross overs or dunks. He isn't going to take over games on the offensive end. What Moore does is play a very controlled game. He isn't going to blow by his defender every time down court, but when it is there he can get to the rim. He isn't a gunner, but he is a good enough shooter that you have to contest it (although his shooting numbers dipped quite a bit last season). He's a good passer, a good rebounder, and a very good defender. And to top it off, he has led Purdue in scoring in his first two seasons. He may not be the most athletically gifted at the position, but you would be hard-pressed to find a two guard in the country better suited for the system they play in.
  


• 6. Matt Bouldin, Gonzaga: I love Matt Bouldin's game. He is such a heady, fundamental player. Playing on Gonzaga's most talented team last season, Bouldin was forced into a bit of a complimentary role. But that was more of a result of his all-around ability than a lack of ability. Bouldin can shoot, he can handle the ball, he can penetrate and kick, he can defend - there really isn't a weakness to his game, except for maybe a lack of ideal explosiveness out of a two guard. We shall see this season if he can develop into a star. If he does, don't be surprised if he wins a WCC player of the year award and Gonzaga makes another NCAA Tournament.
  


• 5. Terrico White, Ole Miss: The Rebels caught a devastating case of the injury bug last season, as they had three back court guys go down early with season ending knee injuries. While it put quite a damper on their season, the blessing in disguise was it allowed Andy Kennedy to see what he had in freshman Terrico White. White is an athlete, but he relied a bit too much on that athleticism a year ago. He also had trouble with shot selection and decision making on the offensive end, but a big reason for that was the fact he was forced to play a lot of minutes in a de facto lead guard role with Chris Warren out. Now that Warren is healthy, White will be able to move off the ball, where he shined this summer with the U19 team.
  


• 4. Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech: Delaney has put up impressive numbers during his first two seasons with the Hokies, but playing behind guys like AD Vassallo and Deron Washington kept his profile to a minimum. Don't doubt him though, because Delaney can play. He will likely handle the ball quite a bit this year for Seth Greenburg, but Delaney's at his best when he is looking to score. He is a dead eye three point shooter when he is open, but he has a tendency to force it a bit, although some of that is a result of Tech having a limited number of playmakers. If he can mature a bit in his decision making and shot selection, Delaney has the potential to be a lethal scorer this year.

Malcolm Delaney is a name you will hear a lot of this season.
(photo credit: flickr)

• 3. Isaiah Thomas, Washington: Thomas played a lot of minutes as Washington's point guard last season, but with the addition of Abdul Gaddy to run the show, Thomas will slide over to the off guard spot. Off the ball is where Thomas should be more effective as he is a natural scorer. He is at his best when he is using the bounce to penetrate. He has a tight handle and a tremendous first step, which makes him a nightmare to try and defend. That ability will be magnified as he will be playing in a Washington system that will allow him countless opportunities in the open court. Thomas's diminutive size is his biggest weakness. Standing just 5'9", he was inconsistent as a perimeter shooter when he had a hand in his face, but in the lane it is less of an issue as he has an advanced in-between game - he has an excellent floater and knows how to uses body contact to create space between himself and his defender.
  


• 2. James Anderson, Oklahoma State: Anderson is first and foremost a shooter. His entire offensive repertoire is based on his catch and shoot ability from deep. An excellent athlete, Anderson is also able to use one or two dribbles and elevate over defenders in the mid-range. Where he struggles is with his ball-handling. He is very much a straight line dribbler without the ability to change direction or change speed. While it may be tough to top the 18.2 ppg he posted last season, if he improved this aspect of his game in the off-season, Anderson will be a much more complete player.

Willie Warren and James Anderson will compete for the Big XII scoring crown.
(photo credit: kfor.com)

• 1. Willie Warren, Oklahoma: Warren struggled at the beginning of his freshman campaign, but by the end of the year many considered him a lottery pick. Warren is a fantastic athlete, but what makes him so dangerous is his exceptional scoring instincts. With a quick first step, the ability the change gears and change directions, great body control in the lane, and the explosiveness to finish above the rim, it isn't hard to see that Warren was built to score. The fact that he can handle the ball (he played a lot of point last season for the Sooners) and shoot it from deep (he struggled to start the year, but shot 38% in Big XII play) only makes him more dangerous. With Tommy Mason-Griffin headed to Norman, Warren will be allowed to move off the ball where he can focus on, what else, scoring.
  

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2009-2010 College Basketball Season Preview: Overlooked Stars

Utah State's Gary Wilkinson averaged 17 and 7 for the Aggies as they won 30 games last season and came a couple possessions away from upsetting Marquette in the NCAA tourney's first round.

Had you ever heard of him?

Dionte Christmas was one of the most explosive scorers in the country as a senior, averaging 19.5 ppg in leading Temple to the Big Dance with a season's worth of performance's like this.

But was he on anyone's all-american lists?

Craig Brackins averaged close to 20 and 10 for Iowa State as a sophomore last season, but I'm willing to bet the first time you will see Brackins play is when the Cyclones play Duke on ESPN2 in January.

Every season, the college basketball landscape is littered with talented kids that, for whatever reason, never make it into the national consciousness. Who will be this season's Overlooked Stars?

Evan Turner, Ohio State: I debated whether or not to put Turner on this list, as most pundits will have Turner somewhere on their all-american teams. I eventually decided to keep him here because, well, to the general public, Turner is still a fresh face. For a guy as talented as Turner is, it is a bit puzzling that he hasn't garnered more of a profile. The reason for that may be because Turner doesn't have a stand out skill. You hear about a guy like Stanley Robinson because he can dunk; Jarvis Varnado because he can blocks shots; Sherron Collins because he is a big time scorer, especially in the clutch. Turner's game is based on versatility - a 6'7" forward that averaged 17.3 ppg and 7.1 rpg, Turner will be playing a lot of minutes as Ohio State point guard this year. Turner is arguably the best all-around player in the country, a guy that deserves a spot as a first-team all-american. It is time he gets that much credit.

Despite being a 6'7" forward, Turner will see time running the point this year.
(photo credit: Times Union blog)

Terrico White, Mississippi: Ole Miss could not catch a break last season. They lost three players (two starters including star point guard Chris Warren) to season-ending knee injuries and head coach Andy Kennedy was arrested after hurling racial slurs, and then fists, at a cab driver in Cincinnati. But if those players had not gotten injured, Kennedy may have never found out what he had in Terrico White. White, who was the SEC's freshman of the year before an impressive performance for the U-19 national team, is a terrific athlete who managed to average 13.7 ppg while playing out of position as the Rebels lead guard. With Warren back in the mix, White's scoring numbers may not make a huge jump, but with an off-season's worth of work, expect White to be one of the best all-around two guards in the SEC.

Matt Bouldin, Gonzaga: Last season, Matt Bouldin played on arguably the most talented Gonzaga team to date. With guys like Jeremy Pargo, Josh Heytvelt, and Austin Daye on the roster, Bouldin played more of a complimentary role, as he is a heady player and a good passer. With those three guys gone, this will be Bouldin's team. Offensively, Bouldin is one of the best all-around wings that you will find. His game is based off of his ability to put the ball on the floor. He has a good mid-range game, is a smart passer that significantly cut down his turnovers last season, and has developed a dead-eye three point shot. While Gonzaga maybe a bit down compared to the last few seasons, don't be surprised if Bouldin posts impressive numbers as the Zags make another NCAA Tournament.

Devan Downey, South Carolina: There are few players in the country that can post the numbers that Downey does - 19.8 ppg, 4.5 apg, 2.9 spg. While some of that can be attributed to the faster pace that Darrin Horn's Gamecocks play, it become all the more impressive when you consider Downey is all of 5'9". Downey is a high-risk, high-reward kid. He takes a lot of shots, and a lot of tough shots at that (he often settles for tough threes or forces shots in the lane), but when he is hitting them, he is one of the most fun players in the country to watch. Any given night, Downey can explode for 30.

Kenneth Faried, Morehead State: Faried was one of the best rebounders in the country last year. Despite playing at a low-major, Faried's length, athleticism, and incredible motor has him on NBA Draft boards after averaging 13.9 ppg and 13.0 rpg as a sophomore. Faried's offensive game could use quite a bit of development still, but expect another season chock full of double-doubles. Faried will get quite a test early in the season, as the Eagles open the season at Rupp Arena against Kentucky.

Kenneth Faried made a believer out of Rick Pitino in last year's first round.
(photo credit: MSU Eagles nation)

Matt Howard, Gordon Hayward, and Shelvin Mack, Butler: Sure, you may know that Butler is all over pre-season top 10 lists. But can you name their three stars? Howard is a 6'8" horse on the block that is as good in the low post as anyone in the country. Hayward is a lights out shooter, but as a 6'8" wing with less-than-ideal athleticism, he thrives on a wide variety of shot-fakes, jab steps, and crafty dribble moves. Mack is a tough point guard that defends and rebounds well, but also showed the ability to be a big time scorer for the Bulldogs. These three guys should be household names by February.

Talor Battle, Penn State: While the Nittany Lions did not quite make it back to the NCAA Tournament last season, they were actually relevant down the stretch for the first time in recent memory. A huge reason for that was the play of Talor Battle. Battle's game is based around his perimeter shot, and while he could stand to improve its consistency, one thing that you can't question is his ability to stick shots in the clutch. Battle runs the point for Penn State, and if he can improve on his passing ability, especially once he gets into the lane and draws an extra defender or two, he could be the best point guard in the conference not named Kalin Lucas.

Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt: Taylor was one of the best freshman you never heard about last year. Averaging over 12 points and 6 boards per, Taylor projects as more of a small forward despite playing a lot of minutes as Vandy's four last season. Taylor is one of the most athletic players in the SEC, and will provide the Commodores with defense and energy. But with an off-season to work on developing his offensive game, Taylor could turn into one of the best all-around forwards in the SEC. That potential is a big reason Vandy is picked as a sleeper in a deep SEC East.

Rodney Green, La Salle: A lot of people are predicting La Salle to make some noise in the A-10, and Green is a big reason why. Green is one of the best scorer's in the conference, averaging 17.8 ppg while using his size and strength to get to the rim and draw contact. Green stuffs the stat sheet - 5.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.9 spg, but also 3.3 t/o's, which is a bigger problem when you consider Green spent some time running the point. If he can cut down on some of those turnovers, La Salle could make a tournament run which would put Green in the conversation as the best player in Philly.

Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech: Delaney has been putting up solid numbers for a few years for Seth Greenburg, but he was overshadowed by talents like AD Vassallo and Deron Washington. As a junior, this Virginia Tech team will be Delaney's to lead. Delaney has talent to burn. At 6'3", he has excellent size and athleticism to be a combo guard. His quick first step allows him to beat just about any defender off the dribble in either direction. He also has an excellent three-point stroke, although he tends to force up contested shots from deep. Virginia Tech is down this season, but Delaney is talented enough to carry this team to the dance.

Malcolm Delaney will put up impressive numbers as the star of the Hokies this year.
(photo credit: flickr)

Jerome Randle, Cal: Most people are going to say that Washington has the best guards on the West Coast. While that may be true, there is a pretty good player down in Berkeley that should make some reconsider. Randle (who might be my favorite player in the country) is generously listed at 5'9", but he is blessed with outstanding speed and quickness. It is ability to change speeds, however, that makes him so effective. Difficult to stay in front of as you have to respect his jumper out to 25 feet, Randle is excellent at getting into the lane and finding an open man or finishing amongst the trees.

Others to watch:

• Trevor Booker, Clemson
  
• Aubrey Coleman, Houston
• James Florence, Mercer
  
• Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall
• Troy Jackson, Alcorn State
  

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2009-2010 Team Preview: Ole Miss Rebels

2008-2009 Record: 16-15, 7-9 SEC (t-9th)

Key Losses: David Huertas (18.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Malcolm White (7.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Key Returners: Chris Warren (19.1 ppg, 4.0 apg), Terrico White (13.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Zach Graham (8.5 ppg)

Newcomers: Reginald Buckner, DeAngelo Riley

Terrico White had a surprising freshman season before making the U-19 National Team.
(photo credit: daylife)

Mississippi had what you might call a hard luck season in 2008-2009. They lost three players, including star sophomore Chris Warren, to season ending knee injuries, had their coach involved in a potential hate crime after he allegedly beat up a cabbie in Cincinnati, and then leading scorer David Huertas bolted for pro ball in his native Puerto Rico.

But it wasn't all bad for the Rebels. If Warren, Eniel Polynice, and Trevor Gaskins hadn't gone down with their injuries, odds are good that Ole Miss never would have found out how talented sophomore Terrico White is. White has shown a ton of promise, both in winning the SEC Freshman of the Year and during his performance with Team USA this summer. Standing 6'5" and 211 lb, White is a terrific all-around athlete - quick and strong, with some bounce. While he is still a bit toolsy, he knows how to score. If he can improve his understanding of the game - don't settle for as many three's, stop over dribbling, learn off the ball defense - White can be a special player at this level.

What is going to help White the most during his sophomore season is the return of point guard Chris Warren, which will allow White to move back to his more natural off-guard spot. Warren was in the midst of a huge sophomore campaign, averaging 19.6 ppg when he landed awkwardly on a drive to the rim in the last minute of a loss to Louisville. Warren is small (5'11") but quick and crafty with his dribble, knowing how to get his defender off-balance. He can get into the paint and score but, like White, he has a tendency to settle for tough, deep three's too often.

It will also help to get back Eniel Polynice and Trevor Gaskins. In '07-'08, Polynice was arguably the Rebels most versatile player, averaging 10.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, and 4.1 apg. A tough defender and good play maker, Polynice should be an excellent complement to White and Warren in the Rebel's back court. Gaskins was an all-SEC freshman pick in '07-'08, averaging 5.9 ppg. He can shoot the ball pretty well, and will probably be counted on for an offensive spark off the bench. Also expected to see time in the back court is 6'6" wing Zach Graham. Graham is the Rebels best perimeter defender, although during conference play last year he boosted his averaged from 8.5 ppg to 10.8 ppg.

The inside is where the question marks will be for this team. The Rebels will basically be working with a five man rotation. The best of the bunch is probably 6'7" Murphy Holloway. A 225 lb bruiser, Holloway is mostly athleticism right now, but he plays with energy to burn and has shown a developing touch on the interior. I would expect freshman Reginald Buckner to start alongside Holloway. Standing 6'9", Buckner is a phenomenal athlete who was known for his shot-blocking ability in high school. A lefty, Buckner can run the floor like a deer and should provide us with a couple youtube moments this season. Sophomore Terrance Henry and senior DeAundre Cranston should be the first two bigs off the bench for Ole Miss, which JuCo transfer DeAngelo Riley and sophomore Kevin Cantinol should also make a push for minutes.

Outlook: Ole Miss is probably the second most talented team in the SEC West, behind Mississippi State. The Rebels have a very good back court, led by Warren and White. The issue is up front. Holloway is tough, and Buckner could end up being a star at this level, but they really do not go all that deep up. The key to the season is going to be how well Warren, Polynice, and Gaskins recovered from their injuries, and whether or not they can work effectively on the court with White and Graham. I think these guys have an outside shot at making the NCAA Tournament, but they are going to need to have an impressive resume as the play in the SEC West.






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POSTERIZED: Terrico White of Ole Miss on Patrick Patterson and Perry Stevenson, and Billy Gillispie puts Jeannine Edwards in her place

Patrick Patterson averages 2.0 blocks per game. Perry Stevenson averages 2.2. Ole Miss freshman Terrico White dunked on both of them last night.



In case you missed the game, Billy Gillispie had a pretty funny halftime interview, where he tells ESPN sideline reporter not Erin Andrews, so who cares Jeannine Edwards that she asked "a really bad question".

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