2009-2010 College Basketball Season Preview: Centers

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.
Here are the shooting guards.
Here are the small forwards.
Here are the power forwards.
These are the centers.

Best Freshman:

• Keith "Tiny" Gallon, Oklahoma
• Alex Oriakhi, UConn
• Daniel Orton, Kentucky
• Aaric Murray, La Salle
  

Best of the Rest:

• Dwayne Collins, Miami
• Mac Kowshal, DePaul
• Chas McFarland, Wake Forest
• Keith Benson, Oakland
• Omar Samhan, St. Mary's
• Magnum Rolle, Louisiana Tech
  

Top 10:

• 10. Terrence Jennings, Louisville: Jennings is an imposing athlete. Standing 6'10", he is strong, fast, and can really jump. Where Jennings could really stand to improve is in his polish. Just a sophomore, Jennings was terrific last season at establishing position, many times because he simply beat his man down the floor. An excellent finisher when his teammates set him up, Jennings did not have much in the way of post moves. His strength allowed him to be effective with a strong drop step over his left shoulder, but beyond that he is still quite raw. But, as I said, Jennings is just a sophomore. A summer under the tutelage of Rick Pitino should have him much improved this season.
  

Terrence Jennings will be counted on for quite a bit of production
as Louisville looks to replace Earl Clark and Terrence Williams.
(photo credit: Hell in the Hall)

• 9. Dexter Pittman, Texas: For Pittman, the issue has never been talent. As a 6'10", big-bodied junior, Pittman averaged double figures while playing just 17 mpg last season. A huge reason for that is his ability to establish post position. Checking in at close to 300 lb, Pittman is able to get deep on the block and hold off defenders. He also has shown a decent array of post moves, as he has a solid touch inside of about seven feet. Blessed with nimble feet and solid mobility, Pittman needs to improve his explosiveness as he is not going to jump over many people. That explosiveness should go hand-in-hand with Pittman getting into shape. He came into Texas at close to 400 lb, and even though he has lost near 100 lb, Pittman still has very limited endurance, hence the limited playing time last season. If he gets into shape, Pittman will be a dominant force inside.
  


• 8. Solomon Alabi, Florida State: Alabi is a guy that oozes potential. Tall, long, and mobile, Alabi was the most effective last season as a defender. But he definitely has shown some potential as an offensive player. He has a nice touch out to about 15 feet, and seems to have a decent feel for the game. As is true with most players of his build (tall and skinny), Alabi will be much more effective as he adds strength, especially in his lower body.
  


• 7. Larry Sanders, VCU: Sanders is as raw of a player as you will find. While he did show some improvement in his post game last season, Sanders still is not much more than a catch-and-finish guy offensively. But as the junior has now been in college for two years, that aspect of his game should continue to improve. Where Sanders impresses is with his length. 6'10" with a 7'7" wingspan, Sanders routinely grabs impressive rebounds from outside of his area and blocks quite a few shots. As he continues to add strength and polish, keep an eye on Sanders throughout the season as he is a major reason new head coach Shaka Smart has a chance to keep VCU on the national radar after the graduation of Eric Maynor.
  

Larry Sanders may have the longest wingspan in college basketball.
(photo credit: VCU Athletics)

• 6. Jerome Jordan, Tulsa: Jordan has been on the NBA draft radar for a few years, but during conference play last season, he really came on strong averaging 17 ppg. The biggest strides Jordan has made is offensively. While his overall polish is fairly lackluster, Jordan developed a decent array of post moves and has a much better recognition of when to use them; essentially, he is starting to develop a feel for the game offensively. Defensively, Jordan's shot blocking numbers were down last season, but some of that can be attributed to players avoiding him inside. Overall, the senior is still quite raw as a prospect, but with his above average athleticism, his 7 foot frame, and his 7'6" wingspan, Jordan should produce big time numbers playing in C-USA.
  


• 5. Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State: Even with Hasheem Thabeet in Storrs last season, Varnado may have been the most dominating interior defender in college basketball. And defensively is where he will make his presence felt again this season. What makes Varnado so effective at blocking shots is that he is disciplined when it comes to biting on pump fakes and he is so quick off the floor, on both his first and second jump. His offensive game still leaves quite a bit to be desired as he is essentially a non-factor outside of dunking the ball. What impressed me the most about Varnado was what happened this off-season. Varnado declared for the draft, knowing that Mississippi State's signing of Renardo Sidney would mean that Varnado would be the Bulldog's 14th scholarship player. So he decided that he would walk-on this year, paying his own way through school.
  


• 4. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue: Johnson has certainly come a long way in the last four years. As a high school junior, Johnson was a 170 lb, 6'10" center that played JV basketball. Today, the 215 lb center (that can reportedly bench press 285 lb) is a potential Big Ten player of the year. Johnson's biggest attribute on the offensive end is his shooting touch. Johnson has excellent range and does not hesitate to shoot when he is left open from 18 feet. While his post game still leaves a bit to be desired, he has developed a fairly reliable turn around and jump hook, which is most effective when he makes quick moves. His under developed frame makes it difficult for him to hold position inside, on both ends of the floor, but you can definitely see why the agile, athletic center is drawing the attention of some NBA scouts.
  


• 3. AJ Ogilvy, Vanderbilt: Ogilvy is very different from the rest of the players on this list as he is not an athlete and doesn't have a ton of potential due to his length and athleticism. Operating one-on-one in the post, Ogilvy is so difficult to stop. He has a variety of effective post moves, and knows how to use pump-fakes and counter-moves to set them up. Where Ogivly struggles offensively is when he is forced to step away from the basket. He doesn't have a great jump shot, and his ability to put the ball on the floor is limited, but improving. While Ogilvy is probably not going to top NBA Draft boards as his athleticism and length is less than ideal, Ogilvy is hands down the best back-to-the-basket center in college basketball.
  


• 2. Ed Davis, UNC: Like Aldrich last season, Davis had limited opportunities as a freshman, playing behind Tyler Hansbrough. But that doesn't mean Davis wasn't productive. In just under 19 mpg, Davis averaged 6.7 ppg and 6.6 rpg. Davis is an excellent athlete with a ton of energy, crashing the offensive glass and defending the rim, especially when coming from the weak side. Davis should see a natural increase in his scoring simply from playing more minutes and being so effective gathering garbage points, but if he can develop a real back to the basket game, Davis could end up being a 15, 10, and 3 block center this year.
  

Cole Aldrich looks to win a second NCAA title.
(photo credit: NY Daily News)

• 1. Cole Aldrich, Kansas: Aldrich improved drastically from his freshman to sophomore season, although much of that was a result of the increased playing he got as a sophomore. Defensively, Aldrich has the ability to be a game changer. At 6'11", he has a ridiculous wingspan and a frame that will be able to hold a lot of strength. As evidenced by his triple-double against a tough Dayton team in the second round of the NCAA Tournament (13 points, 20 boards, 10 blocks), Aldrich is an excellent rebounder with the ability to dominate in the paint. Offensively is where Aldrich could still stand to improve. While he did average 14.9 ppg, much of that was off of lobs, drop-offs, and offensive rebounds. Aldrich is mechanical in the post, and he doesn't have a great touch, but he has shown some signs of developing a solid post game, especially his jump hook. All told, Aldrich is a throwback center, and should once again dominate the Big XII.
  

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2009-2010 Team Preview: Mississippi State Bulldogs

2008-2009 Record: 23-13, 9-7 SEC (t-5th)

Key Losses: None

Key Returners: Jarvis Varnado (12.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 4.7 bpg), Barry Stewart (12.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Ravern Johnson (12.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Dee Bost (10.9 ppg, 4.3 apg)

Newcomers: Renardo Sidney, John Riek, Shaunessy Smith, Charles Parker, Baxter Price, Wendell Lewis

Jarvis Varnado will be the nation's best shotblocker this season.
(photo credit: Seattle Times)

Without a doubt, Mississippi State is the toughest team in the country to predict right now. Why? Because two of their most important pieces - Renardo Sidney and John Riek - are enormous question marks.

At this point, everyone in the country should know the situation with Sidney. Originally from Mississippi, Sidney spent his last three years in high school in Southern California. It was there that the Sidney family might have gotten themselves in trouble as the NCAA is currently questioning his eligibility as an amateur (click here for more details). Sidney would easily be one of the best freshman in the country. Standing 6'10", 260 lb, Sidney is a complete package on the offensive end. He is able to score in the post, but his face-up and perimeter game is much more developed than most kids his age and size, to the point that it is his strength offensively. Riek is facing a different issue. He has already been cleared to play by the NCAA (after he sits out the first nine games), but he has knee problems. When he was healthy two summers ago, many people had Riek pegged as a lottery pick, and possibly even the first overall pick. Standing 7'2", Riek will be a great addition to the Bulldogs, not only as another shot blocking presence, but to provide depth in the front court.

With Sidney and a healthy Riek joining Jarvis Varnado up front, these Bulldogs are a top 15 team. With them, they may not be the clear cut favorite in the weak SEC West.

Without those two, the Bulldog's fate is going to rest heavily on Varnado's shoulders. As you should know, Varnado is one of the most dominating defensive presences in the country. While standing just 6'9", he has long arms, exceptional timing and body control, and a quick second jump which makes a force around the rim. He will easily break Shaq's SEC record for blocked shots, and has a very real chance of setting the national record (535). Offensively, he is still developing. Varnado's frame is too thin, he has no left hand, and his offensive moves are mechanical, which is the main reason why adding a low post scoring threat like Sidney would be so beneficial for the Bulldogs.

There are four other big men on the Mississippi State roster whose minutes will vary depending on what happens with Sidney. The best of the group is probably 6'8" junior Kodi Augustus. Augustus, who came very close to transferring out of Mississippi State during the off-season, started early on in the season, but was benched midway through the year. Augustus has the ability to play out on the perimeter, giving coach Rick Stansbury some options if he wants to shuffle the line-up. Romero Osby should also see some minutes regardless of how the Sidney situation plays out. At 6'8" and a strong 230 lb, Osby is more of pure post than Augustus, but he can known down a perimeter jumper, which could help stretch the defense and create space inside. Junior Elgin Bailey and freshman Wendell Lewis are both big bodies that give the Bulldogs depth inside.

The perimeter is where the Bulldogs will get the majority of their scoring from. After Augustus was benched, Stansbury went to a four-guard line-up. One of the biggest reason this was successful was freshman point guard Dee Bost. Bost is a quick kid who can get by his defender and into the lane. He is not yet a great shooter, but Bost is fairly adept at drawing fouls as well as finding an open man. If he can cut down a bit on his turnovers (2.8 per game), Bost has a chance to be one of the best point guards in the south.

The Bulldogs have two solid scorers on the perimeter in senior Barry Stewart and junior Ravern Johnson. At 6'3", Stewart is more of on an all-around player. He gets to the line more, he's a better passer, and he is a better defender. That said, Johnson, who is the better shooter, is 6'7" and athletic, which allows Stansbury a bit of versatility with his line-ups. If he decides to go with four guards again, Johnson is the guy that will be forced to play inside. If Sidney does get eligible, the Bulldogs will likely go with a more traditional three guard line-up, using Phil Turner, who moved into a starting role after Augustus was benched, as a reserve. Turner is a tough kid. He is just 6'3", 170 lb, but Turner was the team's second leading rebounder at 5.5 rpg in just 24 mpg. Turner is a solid scorer, as he hit double figures 12 times last season. If Sidney gets eligible, Turner will be a dangerous option coming off the bench. Also expect junior Riley Benock, sophomore Twany Beckham, and freshman Shaunessy Smith to make a push for some back court minutes.

Outlook: As I said earlier, so much of what MSU does this season relies on the amateur standing of Renardo Sidney. If Sidney is granted eligibility by the NCAA, Mississippi State has a real chance of winning the SEC outright as they play in the much weaker West division. Without Sidney, this should still be an NCAA tournament team. Varnado is arguably the best defensive player in the country and the Bulldogs have a very underrated group of perimeter players. That should be enough for 22-25 wins and a bid.
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Jarvis Varnado will be a walk-on this year

You heard that right.

The nation's leading shot-blocker will not be a scholarship player.

Right now, Mississippi State has 12 scholarship players eligible. Plus Renardo Sidney and John Riek. That equals 14, which is one more scholarship than the NCAA allows. And if you remember, Varnado entered the draft after last season but decided (correctly) to return to school, putting Rick Stansbury in a bind.

"We had discussed it with coach (Rick) Stansbury and he let us know that if Jarvis put his name in the draft, and he had a chance to get Renardo Sidney, we'll take out a loan so he can come back to school," Winston Varnado told Kyle Veazey of the Clarion-Ledger.

That's one way to solve the problem of testing the waters.

On a side note, that is an extremely selfless act by Varnado. That's $5,151 out of his own pocket so that Sidney and Riek can play ... IF they get cleared.

Which is by no means a guarantee.

Jarvis Varnado will pay his own tuition as a walk-on at MSU this season.
(photo credit: Pike County Times)

The only time I can remember something like this happening is when Taylor Rochestie, a point guard who graduated from Washington State last season, paid his own tuition for a year to allow a teammate who couldn't afford to pay for school to take his scholarship.
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Kentucky may have some competition in the SEC

Well, if they land John Wall, they probably won't.

But there is a chance that they may not have the best front line anymore.

Two weeks ago, Mississippi State looked like a team that was going to struggle to compete with bigger teams. Their only inside presence from a year ago, Jarvis Varnado, had declared for the NBA Draft and the only big man recruit they had coming in was 6'9" Wendell Lewis, a three-star recruit.

Fast forward to today, and the Bulldogs look they may have not only one of the best front lines in the SEC, but one of the best in the country. This morning, Varnado, who led the team with averages of 12.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, and 4.7 bpg, decided that he would be pulling his name out of the draft.

Rick Stansbury also managed to land two of the best big man available late in the recruiting process. Renardo Sidney's story has been well documented (here and here), but the MSU coach also landed John Riek. If you've never heard of Riek, well, you are probably not the only one. In 2007, Riek was considered one of the best recruits big man prospects, and a dark horse to be the first pick in the 2008 draft. But knee problems changed those plans. He declared for the draft, but eventually pulled out. Last year, he committed to Cincinnati, but never became eligible.

Riek still needs to get back to 100% and Sidney needs to be cleared as eligible. But with the Varnado's decision, the Bulldogs now return everyone of significance from last season's team that won the SEC tournament to reach the big dance, including wing players Barry Stewart, Dee Bost, Ravern Johnson, and Phil Turner.

It is still too early in the process to pencil the Bulldogs in as an SEC darkhose, it is safe to say things are looking good right now in Starkville.

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