Monday, July 9, 2012

College Basketball Preview Sneak Peek

Yes, I know I am in the middle of my college football preview for 2012-2013. But, hey, in the middle of scorching July why not a little hoops talk? So here is a sneak peek of my college basketball preview for 2012-2013 coming later this month and in August.

Kentucky: Can I just call this One and Done University? John Calipari finally got that elusive title last year but here is a list of the players he lost: Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, Doron Lamb and Darius Miller. But Calipari has this "rebuilding" thing down. Coming in is center Nerlens Noels, forward Alex Poythress, guard Archie Goodwin and center Willie Cauley. Noels is basically another Anthony Davis and guard Archie Goodwin may be able to play at point. Back is forward Kyle Wiltjer the only notable recruit returning from last year's team.

Indiana: Indiana returns just about everyone from a Sweet 16 squad last season. Cody Zeller is the most important return as he will dominate down low. He may end up being my Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year. Not any promises. Victor Oladipo has the tools to become a star. To many people the only headlines Christian Watford made was when he hit the buzzer-beater to beat Kentucky. But, in truth Watford had a solid 2011-2012. Point guard Yogi Ferrell will make an impact right away.

Louisville: Not a lot is gone from a Final Four team in 2011-'12. Point guard Peyton Siva is back for his senior year after a very strong junior season. Gorgui Dieng should be a monster underneath for the Cardinals and Rakeem Buckles could breakout. Pitino's top two recruits from last year, Chane Behanan and Wayne Blackshear are also back for their sophomore years. If Louisville doesn't get Elijah Macon the top recruit this year will be Terry Rozier, a point guard.

San Diego State: Probably not a Top 5 team, maybe not even Top 10, but Steve Fisher has his best team here. Yes, I said it, better then the team that went 34-3. Ok, fine, maybe a bit of an overstatement. But, back is Chase Tapley who may end up as my Mountain West Preseason Player of the Year. Again, like Zeller no promises. With Tapley, Jamaal Franklin and Xavier Thames are back giving Fisher a lot of star power. Fisher managed to get a lot of transfers (like every MWC team it seems)  including former Virginia top 100 recruit James Johnson and Dwayne Polee from St. Johns. The top recruit for SDSU looks like it is going to be Findlay Prep star Winston Shepard.

Kansas: Yes Kansas lost Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor's the top two players from last year's title runner-up. But, didn't they lose this much last year and turn out okay? Actually, a little bit better than okay. The top threat returning? I'm not quite sure as various players should and will need to step up including Jeff Withey, Kevin Young, Elijah Johnson and Travis Releford. Perry Ellis could end up being a dominant freshman.




1 comment:

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