The BCS

Time too sack the BCS now with Boise State losing. I have always been in favor of a tournament. It works in Division II and in college basketball. Now, their is absolutely no chance that anybody but Oregon and Auburn make it in. TCU gets left out again and just because they lost to a good team in overtime Boise falls to probably a Poinsettia Bowl appearance. And, I still don't think Auburn is good enough to play with Oregon in the championship game. They've been in a number of close games including Alabama and LSU both I believe to be overrated. We all know if something happens to Cam Newton the Tigers wouldn't have close to the same record as they do now. Oregon has killed some teams but only comes alive in the second half. That doesn't necessarily hurt them, they're still winning. Arizona and Stanford top their undefeated records. TCU destroyed Utah and is still undefeated and just like Boise they are blowing out oppenents. Plus the Horned Frogs destroyed Baylor 45-10 who ended up beating Texas who beat Nebraska.

Early Top 25

1. Duke Blue Devils- The preseason number one is yet to lose. Why not?
2. Kansas State Wildcats
3. Pittsburgh Panthers
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
5. Michigan State Spartans- Loss to UConn hurts but did beat Washington in the third place game.
6. Kansas Jayhawks
7. Villanova Wildcats- Jay Wirght may have even better tem than last year with explosive guard Corey Fisher.
8. Syracuse Orange
9 Purdue Boilermakers- No Robbie Hummel, no problem. The Boilermakers have three solid starters in E'Tuwan Moore, JaJuan Johnson and Lewis Jackson.
10. Baylor Bears- You ahev to give them respect. No matter who they play, they manage to win.
11. Missouri Tigers- Two young guards will go along way for the Tigers.
12. Memphis Tigers
13. Kentucky Widcats- They were hurt by the loss to UConn where they were destroyed but will still contend in the SEC.
14. Minnesota Gophers
15. UConn Huskies-Jump up a lot because of wins over Kentucky and Michigan State.
16. Georgetown Hoyas- 5-0 start looking good for the Hoyas. November 30th game against Missouri looms.
17. San Diego State Aztecs- Lefties Billy White and Kahwi Leonard will lead the Aztecs to the top of the Mountain West.
18. Florida Gators
19. Gonzaga Bulldogs
20. Illinois Fighting Illini
21. Texas Longhorns
22. Temple Owls- Loss of Ryan Brooks will hurt but they still have Juan Fernandez.
23. Butler Bulldogs- Struggled early last season too. Then looked what happened.
24. BYU Cougars
25. UNC Tar Heels

Names You Need To Know For College Basketball '10-'11

The college basketball season has already started but here are the rest of the names you need to know when the season finally gets going big time:

The High Profile Stars
Jacob Pullen, Kansas State, Senior The lightning to Denis Clemente's thunder, or maybe the other way around. Now the senior stud takes even more of a role with no more Clemente. He has great vision and can shoot the ball effectively. Don't let that fool you: he can go hard to the basket.
Kyle Singler, Duke, Senior Key to the Blue Devils postseason run Singler returns as the number one option on offense with the loss of Jon Scheyer. Singler might be a Gordon Hayward type of guy-someone who's big but can shot like a guard and dribble like a guard. Don't be surprised if Singler guides Duke back to the title game.
Under The Radar Sensations
Joey Rodriguez, Virginia Commonwealth, Senior Over the years Rodriguez has been key to Virginia Commonwealth's domination over the CAA. He returns after solid numbers in scoring (12.9 ppg) and assists (5.8 apg).
Troy Gillenwater, New Mexico State, Junior The potent Gillenwater does it all for the Aggies: he scores(14.6 ppg in '09-'10), rebounds(6.8 rpg) and can block shots(1.3 bpg). He is one of the top returning players out of the WAC.
The Freshman Powerhouses
Harrison Barnes, UNC, Freshman This hard worker from Ames, Iowa is one of the key reasons that the Tar Heels are ready to get back to the top. Barnes, who was finally won by Roy Williams a few months ago reminds me of John Wall: an explosive presence who is a decent ball handler and can change the game with one play.
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, Freshman The Buckeyes do return F-C Dallas Lauderdale and recruited F DeShaun Thomas but Sullinger will get the thick of playing time inside. Through the first two games though they were pretty much cupcakes Sullinger has fulfilled the promise by averaging 22.5 points per game.
The Cerebral Coaches
Tom Izzo, Michigan State I guess you could call him smart for no going to the NBA. Izzo has turned the Spartans into an every year Big Ten contender to an every year national title contender. His calm presence in the face of controversy is amazing: with a five seed and injuries galore he lead Michigan State to another Final Four appearance last season.
Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Sure you could argue a lot of coaches have done a lot more than this guy(Hello Coach K and Roy Williams) but you could argue that the reason the Orange surprised everyone is because of this man. His good defense-leads to good offense has always impressed me.
The Sleeper Programs
San Diego State Aztecs The Aztecs are a strong favorite to win the Mountain West this season. Not only that they could advance far into the Big Dance. They have a smart player in Billy White who isn't the biggest but can hang and sophomore Kawhi Leonard who was great in his freshman year could be even better this year.
Dayton Flyers Dayton is building a home in the NCAA tounrmaent. They always consistent team returns three key forwards- throw-it-all-down Chris Wright, effective Josh Benson and bruiser Chris Johnson- enough to win them the A-10 over others like Temple.

A Closer Look At College Basketball

Don't be surprised if it's another Butler-Duke title game. Both return a strong team- for Duke it's led by Nolan Smith and Kyle Single for Butler it's Matt Howard and Ronald Nored. . .Syracuse doesn't too push the pace in order to win. They have many options inside with Kris Joseph, Rick Jackson, Mookie Jones and new recruit Fabricio de Melo. . .Even though they both lost two key players Nevada and Utah State in the WAC should not be overlooked. Three key returning starters might mean another WAC crown for the Aggies. . .If anything the loss of Robbie Hummel means the Boilermakers will contend. . .next season. Still don't count out Purdue, they still have E'Tuwan Moore and JaJuan Johnson. . .I think many teams are overrated in the first poll. 14 Baylor lost Ekpe Udoh and Tweety Carter and also lost LaceDarius Dunn for the season. I guess high recruit Perry Jones makes people think the Bears will contend. Plus, with the loss of Matt Bouldin who does Gonzaga have?

College Basketball Preview: The Rest Of the Top 25

11. Kentucky Wildcats Key Returnee:G Darnell Dodson Key Recruit: G Stacey Poole
12. Illionis Fighting Illini Key Returnee:G Demetri McCamey Key Recruit: F Jerome Richmond
13. Georgetown Hoyas Key Returnee: G Austin Freeman Key Recruit: F Nathan Lubick
14. Vanderbilt Commodores Key Returnee: C A.J. Oglivy Key Recruit: F Rod Odom
15. Villanova Wildcats Key Returnee:C Mouphtaou Yarou Key Recruit:F James Bell
16. Kansas Jayhawks Key Returnee: G Tyshawn Taylor Key Recruit: G Royce Woolridge
17. Memphis Tigers Key Returnee: G-F Wesley Witherspoon Key Recruit:F Jelan Kendrick
18. Washington Huskies Key Returnee: G Isiah Thomas Key Recruit: F Desmond Simmons
19. Ole Miss Rebels Key Returnee: G Chris Warren Key Recruit: C DeMarco Cox
20. Tennessee Volunteers Key Recruit: F Scotty Hopson Key Recruit: F Tobias Harris
21. West Virginia Mountaineers Key Returnee: F-C John Flowers Key Recruit:G Noah Cottrill
22. Texas Longhorns Key Returnee: F Jordan Hamilton Key Recruit: F Tristian Thompson
23. UNLV Rebels Key Returnee: G-F Tre'Von Willis Key Recruit: C Henry Buckley
24. BYU Cougars Key Returnee: G Jimmer Fredette Key Recruit: F Kyle Collinsworth
25. Florida State Seminoles Key Returnee: G Michael Snaer Key Recruit: F Okaro White
Other Contenders
Wisconsin Badgers
Baylor Bears
Utah State Aggies
New Mexico Lobos
Temple Owls
Missouri Tigers

College Basketball Preview: 10. Syracuse Orange

The speedy Jardine gives the Orange a quick scoring threat.

Syracuse Orange Key Loss: F Wes Johnson, F Andy Rautins Key Returnees: F Kris Joseph, G Brandon Triche

It was a pretty surprising year for the Orange last season. After the loss of key guards Johny Flynn and Eric Devendorf Syracuse rolled all the way to a number one seed. Most of this was the great play of Wes Johnson and Andy Rautins. Another key factor was the play of freshmen guard Brandon Triche and sophomore Scoop Jardine. Luckily both of these guys return. Plus, they also return dominant post players Kris Joseph and Rick Jackson who will soften the loss of Arize Onuaku. New recruits Fabricio de Melo and C.J. Fair will also help Jim Boeheim's team. Boeheim must also hope young player mature quickly like forward DaShonte Riley who may have to start at small forward with the loss of team leader Andy Rautins. If the Orange can contend with the loss of leadership they can return to the top of the Big East once more.

Big East Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 30-5, lost to Butler in Sweet 16
Key Recruits: Fabricio de Melo(16+), G Dion Waiters(29+)
+=Rivals.com Recruiting Rank

College Basketball Preview: 9. Ohio State Buckeyes

The good defender Lighty now must be a scorer with no more Turner.

Ohio State Buckeyes, Key Losses: G Evan Turner, G P.J. Hill Key Returnees: F Dallas Lauderdale, G-F David Lighty, G Jon Diebler

It might be hard to imagine the Buckeyes this high up after the loss of Evan Turner. But, their is still a lot of talent in Ohio. Most notably guard/forward David Lighty who's not explosive but works hard. Hard nosed power forward Dallas Lauderdale could be moved to center but it shouldn't matter much one way or another. The question may be who will take the ball up now with no Turner. It will be likely be guard William Buford who isn't as quick or as good of a ball handler as Turner but can still make plays. The Buckeyes may also put sharpshooter Jon Diebler at shooting guard which would be a better fit for him than at small forward where he played a lot last season. A huge reason Ohio State is so high is the recruiting. They gained 5 top 150 recruits including 3 ranked center Jared Sullinger, who could start and F DeShaun Thomas(18).

Big Ten Rank: 3rd
Last Season Results: 29-8, lost to Tennessee in Sweet 16
Key Recruits: C Jared Sullinger(3+), F DeShaun Thomas(18+), G Jordan Sibert(37+)
+=Rivals.com Recruiting Rank

My Early BCS Solution

It's been another crazy year. Their have been few teams that have stayed consistently at the top. Auburn is ranked number one because of their wins over Arkansas and LSU, both impressive. They play Alabama later this year, who is still in the title talks but must win this game. And I think they will which pushes the Tigers out. Whoever wins this weekend between TCU and Utah will help a little bit. But both don't have great resumes. If TCU does end up winning though they could sneak in. Oregon doesn't have alot to worry about to end the season except for Arizona which I think they can win. That probably puts them in. Don't count Boise State out. They beat Oregon State more impressively than TCU, beat Virginia Tech who is rolling and I think they can win over Hawaii and Nevada, their two biggest challenges to end the season. Nobody else looks like they can challenge. Utah maybe but Ohio State lost, same goes for Michigan State, and I just don't see Missouri or Oklahoma getting in. Basically I have Oregon playing Boise in the BCS Championship Game.

College Basketball Preview: 8. Florida Gators

Tyus, one of the many inside options for the Gators will be key to the Gators success.

Florida Gators Key Losses: F Dan Werner Key Returnees: F Chandler Parsons, F Alex Tyus, G Kenny Boynton

Last year the Gators got a taste of what will come this season. Led by swift Kenny Boynton and versatile shooter Chandler Parsons the Gators made an NCAA tournament appearance after their absence the two years pervious. They return Boynton and Parsons return along with two other post options: Alex Tyus and Vernon Macklin both seniors. They only lost Dan Werner inside too. In the backcourt Billy Donavan has a number of options in Boynton and Erving Walker. The small forward position is unknown. The Gators could decide to start either Tyus, Macklin or Chandler Parsons at the position or could use new recruit Casey Prather number 64 on Rivals.com Recruitng list.

SEC Rank: 1st
Last Season Result: 21-13, lost to BYU in first round of NCAA tournament
Key Recruits: C Patric Young(28+), G-F Casey Prather(64+)
+=Rivals.com Recruitng Ranking