My 2010-2011 Dream Team

Earlier in the week, Jeff Goodman put together his choices for a 2010-2011 Dream Team. It got me to thinking: What would my dream team be? Who would be on it? How would it do this season? And that thinking got me to writing.

Some disclaimers. Like Goodman, this isn't a list of the best 10 players in the country. Instead these are the players that I would most like to have on a team that I coached, played with or rooted for. Would this team necessarily beat every other team in the country, including Goodman's Dream Team? I'm not sure, but I can tell you they would be fun to watch.

Starting Five

C/F - Jordan Williams, 6'10 Sophomore, Maryland
The only thing that has been able to slow down Williams this season has been the charity stripe. He's a dominant interior presence who demands a double team. He has slimmed down from last season and has become arguably the best frontcourt player in the ACC this season.

F - Tristan Thompson, 6'8 Freshman, Texas
I absolutely love this kid's game. He's got a long frame, can run the court well and has good back-to-the basket skills. Like Williams, he has struggled from the foul-line, but this kid has all the makings of a future All-American.

F/G - Travis Leslie, 6'4 Junior, Georgia
I told you this team would be fun to watch, and that's exactly why Leslie makes the cut. He's a bit undersized to play small forward, but the kid can fly. You don't want to stand in front of him when he's got the ball in transition.

G - Charles Jenkins, 6'3 Senior, Hofstra
This team certainly won't lack scoring power. He's averaging close to 24 points-per-game, has no problem creating his own shot and is a threat for almost anywhere on the court.

G - Talor Battle, 6'0 Senior, Penn State
You need leadership at the point and that's exactly what Battle brings to the table. Like Jenkins, he can score from almost anywhere and he has the ability to carry the entire team on his shoulders.

Bench

C/F - Kenneth Faried, 6'8 Senior, Morehead State
He is maybe the most dominant rebounder in the country. He's not a player who just plays well against inferior competition. He brings it against everybody.

PF - Ricardo Ratliffe, 6'9 Junior, Missouri
Another kid with a big frame and a nose for the ball. Doesn't get as much publicity as he should, but this is his first season playing at the D-I level. A real grinder.

PF - Jon Leuer, 6'10 Senior, Wisconsin
Leuer has nice low-post moves but is even more of a threat from outside. On this team he would be a tough match-up because of his range.

SF- Kawhi Leonard, 6'7 Sophomore, San Diego State
This is the only player who I picked who Goodman did as well. He's a tough versatile forward who can score points and rebound the basketball. He's also a relentless defender.

SF - Jae Crowder, 6'6 Junior, Marquette
I've been really impressed with Crowder as of late, and would use my final scholarship on this kid. He has a better shooting touch than I thought, and is a tough, in-your-face player. He has a knack for big plays and can get any crowd fired up.

SF/SG - Blake Hoffarber, 6'4 Senior, Minnesota
Even with all the scorers on the team, Hoffarber would be the best pure shooter. I'd put him on the floor when I need a big bucket. I might not draw up a play to get him the final shot, but he'd definitely be out there, spotting up in the corner. You don;t want to leave him open if time is expiring.

SG/PG - Norris Cole, 6'2 Senior, Cleveland State
You can never have to many leaders on a team. Cole can create shots for teammates and create his own shot. He might struggle to score points on this squad, because so many others can, but he has played well enough this season to deserve recognition.

So there you have it, my selections for a 2010-2011 Dream Team. You could obviously put together teams with more talent and more potential, but I'm not sure many teams would be more fun to watch than this one.