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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No. 25: 2009-2010 Team Preview: Tulsa Golden Hurricanes

2008-2009 Record: 25-11, 12-4 C-USA (2nd)

Key Losses: Ray Reese (10.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg)

Key Returners: Jerome Jordan (13.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.5 bpg), Ben Uzoh (14.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.6 apg)

Newcomers: Kodi Maduka, Bryson Pope

Jerome Jordan could be a lottery pick come June.
(photo credit: SlamOnline)

Doug Wojcik has done a fantastic job rebuilding the Tulsa basketball program in his four seasons at the helm. After winning just 11 games his first season, Tulsa has reached a national post-season tournament the past two seasons. In '07-'08, it was the CBI (which they won). Last season, it was the NIT. With a roster that returns four starters and will be loaded with upperclassmen, it will be NCAA or bust this season for the Golden Hurricane.

The star of this team is senior center Jerome Jordan. Jordan might be the best big man in the country that you've never seen play, and could be picked as high as the lottery come June. After a slow start to the '08-'09 season, Jordan came on very strong in conference play, averaging over 17 ppg against C-USA opponents. While his offensive repertoire is still fairly raw - he doesn't have great footwork and his body is still developing the strength needs to compete in the post - the seven-footer did show some improvement, developing a solid groundwork to improve upon. A lot of his moves are a bit mechanical (and until he puts on some extra strength, it is going to be tough for him to be a dominant low post scorer), but he has developed a consistent righty hook and turn-around jumper. Offensively, he is still probably going to be the most dangerous hitting the glass and cutting to the rim. Defensively is where he will make his mark. While his shotblocking numbers did drop a bit in his junior season (from 3.7 bpg to 2.5 bpg), a lot of that had to do with teams challenging him less.

Joining Jordan in the starting front court will be fellow senior Bishop Wheatley. Wheatley, who started 31 games last season, is a 6'6" forward. While he is not much to talk about offensively (4.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg), what Wheatley provides the Golden Hurricane is defense, energy, and a motor that doesn't quit. Wheatley is a valuable piece for Wojcik because he can play either the three or the four spot. Also seeing minutes up front will be 6'7" sophomore Joe Richard, 6'10" sophomore Stephen Idlet, and 6'10" freshman Kodi Maduka. Richard and Idlet will both be counted on for by Wojcik to provide depth, defense, and fouls. Idlet is probably further along at this point, especially on the offensive end, than Richard, and could be a nice compliment to the athletic Jordan along their front line. Maduka has some promise, as he is a long 6'10" and athletic. But coming off of a broken ankle, which sidelined him from much of his senior season, he will struggle to see time; especially since he is listed at just 210 lb.

Their back court is going to be very good this year. It starts with Ben Uzoh. Uzoh is an intriguing player. He is a point guard, but he isn't your prototypical point guard. Uzoh is a strong 6'3" and looks to score, but he isn't a great play maker and has a less-than-desirable assist-to-turnover ratio. Uzoh is an excellent rebounder and defender, however. Wojcik will also have the option of going to freshman point guard Donte Medder. Medder is a bit of an under-the-radar recruit, but a lot of good things are expected from him. Where he excels is his court savvy - he is an excellent passer and a smart player. While he has shown the ability to get to the rim, he isn't an overly impressive scorer or shooter. He should be a nice change of pace, and I would expect that he and Uzoh will also share the back court at times.

Starting alongside Uzoh will probably be 6'2" junior Glenn Andrews and/or 6'3" junior Justin Hurtt, depending on how big Wojcik wants to play. Andrews began last season as the starter, but never could find the scoring touch that allowed him to average 7.9 ppg in 15 mpg as a freshman (he shot 31.6% from the floor and 25.2% from deep despite taking 122 three-balls during his sophomore year). Hurtt is much more of a pure shooter than Andrews, and Tulsa will be counting on his range to help keep the floor spread. Don't be surprised to see freshman Bryson Pope, a strong 6'6" wing, to get some minutes as well.

Outlook: Tulsa is probably the best team in C-USA this season. While it is tough to anoint them the favorite in the pre-season, it is not unreasonable to predict them making a run through the conference and unseating Memphis. Seeing as the conference will be a bit stronger overall than it has been since the Big East raids, Tulsa should be able to earn themselves an at-large bid if they don't win the automatic bid. The Golden Hurricanes have a golden opportunity few teams on the bubble will have late in the season - a chance to beat a potential top ten team on the road (Duke) in February. Win or lose in Durham, I still think this is the year Tulsa makes a return trip to the NCAA's.
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