Over the coming weeks, we will be counting down our Top 50 teams in the country. Teams 26-50 will be posted in groups of five, while we will count backwards from No. 25 to the No. 1 team in the country. You can find a complete schedule of our 2011-2012 Season Preview coverage here. To browse through the rest of the Top 50, click here.
50. Weber State Wildcats:
Last Season: 18-14, 11-5 (Big Sky)
Head Coach: Randy Rahe
Key Losses: Lindsay Hughey, Trevor Morris
New Additions: Gelaun Wainwright, Shai Fields, Logan Foster, Mike Brown, Ryan Van Pelt, James Hajek, Davion Berry
Projected Lineup:
- G: Damian Lillard, Jr.
- G: Scott Bamforth, Jr.
- F: Kyle Bullinger, Sr.
- F: Byron Fulton, So.
- F: Darin Mahoney, Sr.
- Bench: Jordan Richardson, So.; Kyle Tresnak, So.; Gelain Wainwright, Fr.
Outlook: The 2010-2011 season was a surprisingly successful one for the Wildcats. They lost star guard Damian Lillard to a broken foot nine games into the season and still managed to finish third in the Big Sky and make the CBI. That success was largely due to the play of Scott Bamforth, a junior sharpshooter -- he shot 55.1% from three in league play -- that will be a terrific compliment to Lillard in the back court this season, and senior Kyle Bullinger, a face-up four with three-point range. With Lillard back, the graduation of Lindsay Hughey won't hurt as much, but replacing Trevor Morris could be an issue. He was a big, physical presence in the paint. Look for Kyle Tresnak to fill his role in the paint. The x-factor may end up being Byron Fulton, a 6'7" sophomore and reigning Big Sky Freshman of the Year. Fulton averaged 7.0 ppg and 3.5 rpg while shooting 48% from beyond the arc as sixth-man. He should move into the starting lineup this season. With Montana and Northern Colorado both losing key pieces, Weber State should be the favorite to win the conference.
49. Long Beach State 49ers:
Last Season: 22-12, 14-2 (Big West)
Head Coach: Dan Monson
Key Losses: Greg Plater, Tristan Wilson
New Additions: Michael Caffey, Shaquille Hunter, Kris Gulley
Projected Lineup:
- G: Casper Ware, Sr.
- G: Shaquille Hill, Fr.
- G: Larry Anderson, Sr.
- F: Eugene Phelps, Sr.
- F: TJ Robinson, Sr.
- Bench: Edis Dervisevic, Sr.; Michael Caffey, Fr.; Kris Gulley, So.
Outlook: The good news for Dan Monson's club is that he returns four senior starters, three of whom were named all-Big West, from a team that won their league by four games. Casper Ware is a high-scoring, playmaking point guard complemented well by Larry Anderson, a 6'5" scoring guard. TJ Robinson averaged a double-double last season and is joined by Eugene Phelps on the front line. Those four have played together for four years. The bad news is that LBSU was not a deep team last season, and they lost the other three members of their rotation. The biggest loss is Greg Plater, who was the 49ers' designated shooter last season. Shaquille Hunter, a high-scoring and highly-touted freshman, might be able fill that void. Michael Caffey, a talented freshman point guard, will also contribute minutes. Edis Dervisevic should be able to help in the post, as should sophomore JuCo transfer Kris Gulley. The bottom line is that LBSU will go as far as their four main guys carry them.
48. Fairfield Stags:
Last Season: 25-8, 15-3 (MAAC)
Head Coach: Sydney Johnson
Key Losses: Warren Edney, Yorel Hawkins, Ed Cooley
New Additions: Rakim Sanders, Desmond Wade, Sydney Johnson, Adam Jones, Vince Van Ness
Projected Lineup:
- G: Derek Needham, Jr.
- G: Colin Nickerson, Jr.
- F: Rakim Sanders, Sr.
- F: Maurice Barrow, So.
- C: Ryan Olander, Sr.
- Bench: Desmond Wade, Jr.; Jamel Fields, So.; Keith Matthews, So.; Adam Jones, Fr.; Vincent Van Ness, Fr.
Outlook: Fairfield is in the middle of a change in regime, as former head coach Ed Cooley, who is now coaching at Providence, was replaced by Sydney Johnson. Cooley certainly didn't leave the cupboard empty. Fairfield is coming off of a season where they won a school-record 25 games and return four starters and most of the rotation from that team while adding two impact transfers. Junior point guard Derek Needham is one of the best players in the conference, and he'll be joined on the perimeter by fellow junior Colin Nickerson, sophomore Jamel Fields and Houston transfer Desmond Wade. Even with that much talent on the perimeter, the strength of this team will be up front. Ryan Olander averaged double figures as a junior and will be back to provide a presence in the paint. Sophomore Maurice Barrow made the all-freshmen team and could be primed for a big season. The x-factor will end up being Rakim Sanders. Sanders averaged double figures in his three years at Boston College before transferring. The Stags will battle it out with Iona for the MAAC title this season.
47. Marshall Thundering Herd:
Last Season: 22-12, 9-7 (C-USA)
Head Coach: Tom Herrion
Key Losses: Tirrell Baines, Johnny Thomas
New Additions: Jamir Hanner, DeVince Boykins, Chris Martin, Robert Goff, Dennis Tinnon, Justin Coleman, Yaos Mbao
Projected Lineup:
- G: Damier Pitts, Sr.
- G: DeAndre Kane, So.
- G: Shaquille Johnson, Sr.
- F: Dago Pena, Sr.
- C: Nigel Spikes, Jr.
- Bench: Justin Coleman, Fr.; Yaos Mbao, So.; DeVince Boykins, Fr.; Jamir Hanner, Fr.; Chris Martin, Jr.
Outlook: Quite a bit is expected out of Marshall this season. After winning 22 games a season ago, the Thundering Herd lose just two seniors and bring in a loaded class of freshmen and transfers. It starts, however, with the back court. Senior Damier Pitts is one of the best point guards in the conference while shooting guard DeAndre Kane, only a sophomore, has a chance to be Player of the Year in Conference USA by the time he graduates. Nigel Spikes will provide size in the paint while both Dago Pena and Shaquille Johnson return and will provide experience. Tom Herrion has an impressive influx of talent, as well. Yaos Mbao, a 7'2" Marquette transfer, should provide size inside. Justin Coleman, who was ruled academically ineligible at Louisville, also joins the program. Freshmen DeVince Boykins and Jamir Hanner and JuCo transfers Chris Martin and Robert Goff should also see some minutes. The Thundering Herd have enough talent to be Memphis' strongest contender in Conference USA.
46. Virginia:
Last Season: 16-15, 7-9 (ACC)
Head Coach: Tony Bennett
Key Losses: Mustapha Farrakhan
New Additions: James Johnson, Malcolm Brogdon, Paul Jesperson, Darion Atkins
Projected Lineup:
- G: Sammy Zeglinski, Jr.
- G: KT Harrell, So.
- F: Joe Harris, So.
- F: Mike Scott, Sr.
- C: Assane Sene, Sr.
- Bench: Paul Jesperson, Fr.; James Johnson, Fr.; Malcolm Brogdon, Fr.; Jontel Evans, Jr.
Outlook: Despite losing Mustapha Farrakhan, who became the Cav's leader after Mike Scott went down with a season ending injury, Virginia will be a sleeper in the ACC this season. The biggest reason? The return of Scott, who averaged a double-double before seeing his season come to an end. He was granted a medical redshirt and will once again anchor the front line. Another reason is the injuries that Scott and Sammy Zeglinski sustained. With those two out, freshmen guards KT Harrell and Joe Harris and center Assane Sene got a chance to play a ton of minutes in an important role, which is invaluable experience. Throw in a talented group of freshmen -- Paul Jesperson, Malcolm Brogdon, James Johnson (who redshirted last year) -- and junior Jontel Evans, and this is as deep of a roster has Virginia has had since the days of Sean Singletary. If the pieces come together, the Cavs could be looking at double-figure wins in ACC play.
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Monday, September 26, 2011
2011-2012 Top 50 Countdown: Nos. 50-46 |
Friday, May 6, 2011
UVa's Mike Scott receives extra year of eligibility; Cavs now a sleeper? |
In a piece of news that flew under the radar yesterday, Mike Scott -- Virginia's leading scorer and rebounder a season ago -- was granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA.
Scott averaged 15.9 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 10 games last year, but he underwent a pair of surgeries on his left ankle. Scott never suited up after December, and since he only played in 10 games, he remained under the 30% maximum the NCAA requires to grant an extra year of eligibility.
While the 'Hoos lose second-leading scorer Mustapha Farrakhan to graduation, they return the core of a team that had some promising young talent; four of Tony Bennett's top eight were freshmen or sophomores a year ago, when UVa went 7-9 in the ACC and 16-15 overall.
KT Harrell and Joe Harris, who combined to average over 18 points a year ago, are back for their sophomore years, as it Akil Mitchell. Point guard Jontel Evans will be a junior. Sammy Zeglinski, like Scott, will be a fifth-year senior while seven-footer Assane Sene will help Scott provide muscle inside on a team with a lot of depth on the perimeter.
Throw in highly-regarded freshmen Malcolm Brogdon and Paul Jesperson, and the Cavaliers have a chance to surprise some people next season.
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
POSTERIZED: Put Mustapha Farrakhan on the short list for Dunk of the Year nominees |
Javy Gonzalez gets a face full of Wahoo.
The best part is Farrakhan's reaction after the dunk.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday's Shootaround: Michigan State survives, Auburn wins on a tip-in |
Michigan State 69, Citadel 56: The Citadel's game plan was simple - run their offense for 25-30 seconds, working the shot clock, before trying to get a good shot at the basket at the end of the shot clock. It worked to perfection, as they buried their first seven threes and hit 12-20 from deep on the game. With 12 minutes to go in the game, however, the Spartans finally locked down defensively. Up 48-47, Michigan State ended the game on a 21-9 surge, taking control as the Bulldogs finally cooled off.
Raymar Morgan had 11 points and 10 boards in the win.(photo credit: Washington Post)
While Sparty fans may be bothered by how close this game was, remember that Michigan State traveled to South Carolina to play a favorite in the Southern Conference and got a good test. Being able to win on the road is a difficult thing to do, especially when you are playing a team that is as hot as the Citadel was. Chalk this up as a learning experience that didn't cost MSU a loss.
Auburn 68, Virginia 67: Sammy Zeglinski hit two free throws with 7.7 seconds to give Virginia a 67-66 lead. On the ensuing possession, DeWayne Reed drove the length of the court. He missed a lay-up, but Brandon Knox was there for the tip-in with 1.4 seconds left. While this game probably doesn't have NCAA Tournament implications, the SEC will always take a win over the ACC, and it was well worth the price of admission for those that attended.
Texas 107, Long Beach State 74: Texas found some of that offensive inefficiency that they were lacking as they forced 23 turnovers while exploding for 107 points, their most in five seasons. Three back court newcomers, Jordan Hamilton, J'Covan Brown, and Avery Bradley, combined for 43 points and Dogus Balbay added 11 assists as Texas shot 59% from the field.
Texas A&M 75, North Texas 65: Donald Sloan led four players in double figures with 21 points as the Aggies used a 26-4 run midway through the first half to open up a 19 point lead.
Siena 73, Iona 60: The Saints used a 24-8 run midway through the second half after Iona cut Siena's lead to three. Edwin Ubiles led four Saints in double figures with 19 points.
Seton Hall 86, UMass 68: Jeremy Hazell scored 15 of his 21 points in the first, and Herb Pope added 16 of his 22 in the first half as the Pirates jumped out to a 44-19 lead at the break. Pope added 15 rebounds.
Arkansas 71, Delaware State 53: Marshon Powell led the Razorbacks with 20 points and 9 boards, and Arkansas used 66% shooting from the floor to beat the Hornets.
Tuesday's best:
- Herb Pope, Seton Hall: Pope had 16 of his 22 points in the first half and added 15 rebounds in the Pirate's blowout win of UMass.
- Andrew Goudelock, Charleston: Goudelock scored 28 points and added 6 boards as the Cougars improved to 3-0 in the Southern Conference.
- Donald Sims, Appalachian State and Noah Dahlman, Wofford: Sims scored 25 points to lead App. State to a win over Wofford despite 25 from Dahlman.
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday's Pregame Beat |
7:00 pm: UNC-Asheville @ Kentucky: The Wildcats have not been as good as advertised this season. They don't give consistent effort on the defensive end, and offensively they are either too selfish or don't quite understand the dribble-drive motion offense. Eric Bledsoe has been a turnover machine, and DeMarcus Cousins does not seem like he grasps the notion of team play. That said, isn't this what everyone expected? This is a team who's best players are mostly freshman. Give them some time and more experience against teams like Asheville. The Wildcats will get there.
7:00 pm: Penn State @ Virginia: The ACC/Big Ten Challenge kicks off in Charlottesville tonight.
9:00 pm: Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Arizona State: ASU has visions of the NCAA Tournament. With how weak the Pac-10 is, these are games they need to win and need to win big.
Other notable games:
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Cancun Challenge: Ballroom ... ballin'? |
Did anyone get a chance to watch any of the games from the Cancun Challenge?
If the games happened to be televised in your area, did you happen to notice anything weird about the "gym" they were in?
Like, that it wasn't actually a gym?
Take a look at these pictures, courtesy of Kentucky Sports Radio: 
Yea, that's a ballroom.
The Cancun Challenge is being played in a ballroom, complete with chandeliers and tacky wallpaper. As you could imagine, the floor, which was floor in from the Boston Garden, is not in quite the same shape. Just ask Patrick Patterson and John Calipari:"It's a floor, at least," Patrick Patterson said. "There are cracks in the floor, spacing missing, parts in the floor where it dips in and makes a 'V' shape all the way down the floor. We were dribbling the other day and balls were going left and right. John (Wall) lost a couple balls. A couple teammates tripped on the court cause of the cracks. The court is in pretty bad shape, but it's still a basketball court."
This is a major college basketball tournament.
"It doesn't make sense," Patterson said. "We walked in there were chandeliers on the ceiling. Someone said, 'Make sure you don’t shoot the ball so high.' I was like, 'That's so crazy.'"
"[The locker room is] just a small ballroom," he said. "I figured we would have a basketball court and a real lockerroom but this is what the resort does for us."
"There is a little seam," he said. "Balls are gonna fly. . . . There is a gap in front of our bench you could sprain your ankle. There is a gap about three inches,and I said you could lose your foot down there. So, there are some dead spots in the floor.
"It's a ballroom. You're playing in a ballroom. We go from 24,000 to playing in a ballroom. Which is fine. The good news is the other team is playing on in a ballroom on the same floor too."
There isn't any other gym in the vicinity of Cancun that can be used and is, you know, an actual gym? A real basketball court that doesn't have to, you know be imported?
Let's just hope it didn't play a factor in Patrick Patterson's ankle injury.
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Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday Morning Shootaround: Duke, Clemson, and Butler all get upset |
Sylvan Landesberg scored 23 points, including six in OT, as Virginia won their first game since early January 85-81. Virginia was up eight at the half, but Clemson rallied in the second half scoring the first 14 points. At the end of regulation, the Cavs were down two when Landesberg hit a spinning lay-up in the lane with 13 seconds on the clock, which eventually forced OT after Clemson misfired on three shots at the other end. Trevor Booker, Terrence Oglesby, and KC Rivers combined for 48 points, but it wasn't enough as Clemson could never find their rhythm offensively or defensively.
The loss drops the Tigers into a four-way tie in third place in the ACC (with Florida State, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest) two and a half games behind UNC. Coming in third and fourth is going to be so important come March because they get first round byes in the ACC tournament, while fifth and sixth place have first round games. Clemson has their work cut out for them - they still play each of the other three this year.
Duke blew a double-digit first half lead as Boston College knocked off another top ACC team 80-74 in front of a packed house in Beantown. After a Kyle Singler lay-up tied the game at 74, Reggie Jackson scored with 47 seconds left to give BC their last lead. On Duke's next possession, Tyrese Rice grabbed the defensive rebound and was fouled, knocking down both shots to essentially close out the game. Singler finished with 25, while Gerald Henderson had 20 in a losing cause. Joe Trapani, the BC transfer from Vermont, finished with 20 and 7 boards.
Tyrese Rice was the best player on the floor, finishing with 21 points and 6 dimes. But it was more than just the point and assist production. Rice led BC to this win. He helped settle his team down when Duke's press was killing them in the first half. He handled the ball down the stretch, even hitting a number of big shots (including a three that gave BC a 74-72 lead). While he still turned the ball over too many times, Rice made great decisions down the stretch, leading the Eagles to the win.
Duke has now lost three of four, and has fallen two games behind UNC for the ACC lead. The biggest reason? Defense. For the second straight game, a team shot right around 60% (58.8% yesterday) and Duke has given up a total of 181 points. That is not an acceptable number for a team that allows just 62.7 ppg.
The rest of Sunday's hoops action:
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