College Football Preview: 4. Texas A&M Aggies

4. Texas A&M Aggies

It was a dream first season in the SEC for Texas A&M last year. After losing much of their 2011 disappointment it was expected the Aggies could struggle in a much tougher SEC. But, led by Johnny Manziel, Damontre Moore and Ryan Swope the Aggies won 11 games including wins over Alabama and Oklahoma. Although Moore and Swope are gone TAMU still has Manziel. And that could mean all the difference.

Johnny Manziel

Backfield: He's back. Johnny Football is back for his sophomore year and after a Heisman year, he is thinking the next step; a national title. We all know Manziel can outrun even the best defenses (Alabama) but his arm is underrated. Despite the fact Manziel can make bad decisions with the ball he seems to have matured in that category. If Manziel can repeat most of last year and make smarter decisions later in games two straight Heismans are on the horizon. Senior Ben Malena also returns and should be an instant contributor. He has some great speed and is incredibly elusive but he isn't enough of a factor on the ground to take opponent's attention off of Manziel. Sophomore Trey Williams also returns and despite being very small he can fight through contact.

Ben Malena

Receivers: If anything other than opponents can keep Manziel down it would be his receivers. His favorite, Swope, is gone and he needs to find a Number One target immediately. The top contender is sophomore Mike Evans who wasn't much of a factor last season. He is a great possession receiver and has potential to grow. Junior Malcome Kennedy could also be a factor with improvement this off season. He is a great route runner and has great hands but he still lacks big play explosiveness. With very little depth in the receiving core it appears the Aggies could lean on impact freshman. 6-5 Ricky Seals-Jones could make a huge impact, using his size to dominate on leap balls. Another freshman, Sebastian LaRue, will be also be key. Although not as big or as tough to cover as Seals-Jones he is just as explosiveness with a quick acceleration. LaQuvionte Gonzalez is small so it may be hard to see him be a full-time receiver. Though the Aggies should be creative in getting Gonzalez, one of the quickest players in the nation, the ball.

Offensive Line: A&M will have a tough time replacing tackle Luke Joeckel who is now a prospect in Jacksonville. Though, there is still an All-American caliber talent on the line in senior tackle Bruce Matthews. Big and imposing, Matthews is athletic for his position constantly using his mobility to pick up pass rushers. Junior guard Cedric Ogbuehi returns after a solid sophomore year. On the other side another junior, Jarvis Harrison, also powers an evolving ground game. The loss of center Patrick Lewis leaves a leadership void but this line is still above average.

Defensive Line: Damontre Moore left early for the NFL but the D-Line is still talented enough to get some pressure on opponents. Junior end Gavin Stansbury is ready for a bigger role after being just a plug-in guy in 2012. Also ready to become an important pass-rusher is end Julien Obioha who returns for his sophomore year. Being just a sophomore, Obioha has some things to work on but be very improved this season. The Aggies will keep teams from dominating on the ground thanks to a number of solid tackles who fill running holes. Nose guard Kirby Ennis is the team's most talented returner on the line and has All-SEC talent. Junior Ivan Robinson has proved he can be a pass rusher and stops rushers before they can break away. Freshman Justin Manning, a Dallas product is a little small for the position but has a ton of potential.

Linebackers: Texas A&M's linebacker core is one of the weakest in the nation. But, there is a lot of potential for a star to break out. Junior middle linebacker Justin Bass could turn into a star. Being a middle linebacker, he will be a top candidate to lead the team in tackles and should be a true force. Sophomore Michael Richardson also has potential but isn't proven. He can make plays across the field and could also turn into a sack machine if he becomes quicker to the ball. Junior Tyrell Taylor is yet another unproven 'backer. With some weaknesses at the end he could turn into the team's most valuable pass-rusher spending time at the RUSH position.

Secondary: The Aggies secondary has improved greatly from last year but there are still some holes. Junior cornerback Deshazor Everett could prove to be one of the team's big surprises. He struggled a lot last year which was to be expected being thrust into the SEC being just a sophomore. Though his coverage skills seem to have improved this off season. Opposite him sophomore De'Vante Harris or junior Floyd Raven should be able to pressure receivers. The safeties are also improving with players like senior Toney Hurd stepping up. He is a hard hitter and can also help in coverage plays. Howard Matthews and Johntel Franklin should emerge as depth players.

With Johnny Football returning and a number of possibly explosive threats Texas A&M has the potential to be a national title threat. Plus the team's only real tough teams on their schedule are Alabama and LSU.

College Football Preview: 3. Ohio State Buckeyes

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State may have ended up as the best team in all of the land last year, we will never know. The Buckeyes went 12-0 dominating the weak Big Ten all year but of course, were ineligible for the postseason. With Heisman hopeful Braxton Miller returning for his junior year along with a stellar defense it is a real possibility the Buckeyes will end up as the best team this year.

Braxton Miller

Backfield: The whole season rests on the shoulders of Braxton Miller. The scrambler had a breakout sophomore year after a rollercoaster of a freshman season. He looked a lot like Terrelle Pryor last year and has nowhere to go but up with improvement in some key areas this year. Teams that will force Miller to throw will be disappointed; his passing game has developed into a force just as strong as his legs. Though the Buckeyes' offense shouldn't be doomed if Miller struggles with the return of senior back Carlos Hyde. Hyde had a 17 touchdown season (16 on ground, 1 receiving) including a four touchdown performance against Nebraska. With some speed and moves it is possible Hyde doesn't take a complete backseat to Miller.

Receiving: Tight end Jake Stoneburner is now gone but Braxton still has a ton of quality targets. Junior Devin Smith did more than just make the catch of the year last season, he turned into a consistent threat. He should have a breakout year with his great hands and ability to beat defensive backs down the field. A senior, Corey Brown, should also turn into a dangerous weapon this year as well. Junior Evan Spencer didn't do too much last year but should emerge in 2013. Other options for Miller include senior Chris Fields, massive junior tight end Jeff Heuerman and LA product Michael Thomas. With Ohio State's first four opponents (Buffalo, San Diego State, Florida A&M and California) having weak secondaries this passing game could go wild.

Offensive Line: With all that talent in that backfield the Buckeyes need a good offensive line. They definitely do. Senior tackle Jack Mewhort is a 6-7 monster who has proved he is an All-Big Ten caliber player. Along with Mewhort, this line includes two great senior guards in Marcus Hall and Andrew Norwell. Neither of them are small either, both standing at 6-6 and 300+ pounds. Even with some injuries OSU still has incredible depth along this line meaning good things for Miller and Hyde.

Defensive Line: Over the years Ohio State has been rich with fantastic pass rushers like Vernon Gholston, Cameron Heyward and John Simon. Though, this year getting pressure on opponents may prove to be a difficult task for the Buckeyes. The team doesn't have one proven returner on this line with the graduations of Simon and Nathan Williams and the loss of Johnathan Hankins to the NFL. Though even with all that it is Ohio State, meaning there is talent there. Sophomore Adolphus Washington should prove to be a disruptive force up the middle. Starting alongside Washington at the opposite defensive tackle spot should be junior Michael Bennett, who can also fill gaps. On the edge it appears the Buckeyes should rely on sophomore Noah Spence to get most of their sacks. Urban Meyer also managed to reel in a solid linemen in freshman Joey Bosa from Florida.

Linebackers: If Spence and the rest of Ohio State's D-Line struggle to get pressure on quarterbacks it should be outside 'backer Ryan Shazier filling that need. Shazier, a junior, emerged as a threat to get into the backfield and also make big tackles. Though the rest of this linebacker core is pretty weak with the loss of Storm Klein. The middle linebacker position looks like it will be filled by another junior Curtis Grant. Although unproven it appears Grant is up to the challenge of being an important piece to this defense. Sophomore Josh Perry looks like he will fill out the other outside linebacker spot. He isn't as great as Shazier but he can make plays.

Bradley Roby

Secondary: This is the strength of this Ohio State defense. Junior cornerback Bradley Roby returns after briefly flirting with the NFL. Although not incredibly big nor very quick Roby can hang with any receiver in the nation with his coverage skills. If he continues where he left off last year he could be an All-American. Senior safety C.J. Barnett wasn't as strong as hoped last year but is still a soild player in the back. Another senior, Christian Bryant, should also be expected to make contributions to this defense. The depth is also there for this secondary with the additions of impact freshman Eli Apple and Vonn Bell. Both are Top 50 recruits.

The Buckeyes should once more rule the Big Ten with an iron fist. Though, in order for them to take the next step towards a National Championship they need Miller to continue to develop and to stay healthy. If all that happens OSU could end the SEC's run of championships.

NBA Mock Draft Edition 3

Nerlens Noel

1. Cleveland Cavaliers Nerlens Noel, PF
With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters the Cavaliers scoring backcourt is fine. Now, they work on their frontcourt by adding the excellent shot-blocking Noel.
2. Orlando Magic Ben McLemore, SG
The Magic may be the least talented team in the NBA. They need help everywhere including their backcourt where they lack shooting.
3. Washington Wizards Anthony Bennett, SF/PF
Much like the Cavaliers, the Wizards backcourt is fine with improving stars Brad Beal and John Wall.  They work on their frontcourt where they are relying on aging vets Nene and Emeka Okafor.
4. Charlotte Bobcats Otto Porter, SF
Charlotte was one of the worst shooting teams in the league last year so they pick up Porter, who is a great shooter and has the size to fill a number of roles.
5. Phoenix Suns Victor Oladipo, SG/SF
Oladipo will bring some life to a Phoenix team without much excitement surrounding them. He also brings a physical defender to build around on the wing.
6. New Orleans Pelicans Trey Burke, PG
Greivis Vasquez is a quality player but he isn't talented enough to be a NBA starter. If Burke is more consistent he could turn into the best player in this draft.
7. Sacremento Kings Shabazz Muhammed, SF
With a weak fan base and little scoring help, the Kings need Muhammed here even if it is a little bit of a stretch.
8. Detroit Pistons C.J. McCollum, PG/SG
Detroit is looking to return to their glory years and with McCollum, they have the guard that can take them there. With his scoring ability and mid-major background, he will remind many of Damian Lilliard.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves Alex Len, C
If Len falls all the way to the T-Wolves here it would be nearly impossible to resist the 7-1 center from Maryland. Plus, the addition of Len will free up Kevin Love to play power forward full time where he is more comfortable.
10. Portland Blazers Kelly Olynyk, C
The Blazers have a solid team at the moment and are just waiting for Lilliard to develop and others to step in so Olynyk has time to develop, which he'll need. Although he had an excellent year for Gonzaga last year he still has some holes in his game.
11. Philadelphia Sixers Cody Zeller, PF/C
Although I have already expressed my concerns about Zeller (short wingspan, weak mid range game) the Sixers need some frontcourt help and who knows maybe Zeller could be their guy.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder Michael Carter-Williams, PG
Carter-Williams, a massive 6-5 point guard with great passing ability and an evolving shot needs some time. Behind a healthy Russell Westbrook he will get just that.
13. Dallas Mavericks Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG
Time isn't on the Mavs' side as Dirk, Shawn Marion and Vince Carter will soon be gone. They need this pick to count, so Caldwell-Pope should be their guy. Although inconsistent at Georgia he has scoring ability only matched by Muhammed and Burke in this class.
14. Utah Jazz Dennis Schroeder, PG
The Jazz have a ton of issues for a team that barely missed the playoffs. The German Schroeder brings plenty of risk but his quickness should help him in the NBA.
15. Milwaukee Bucks Mason Plumlee, PF
The Bucks backcourt looks pretty solid but they need some help up front. Plumlee is an athletic, double-double machine who has proven he can play well around big names (Austin Rivers, for example).
16. Boston Celtics Dario Saric, SF/PF
Kevin Garnett is done soon and the Celtics enter this draft looking for a replacement. The huge, gritty 6-10 Saric from Croatia is hopefully that guy.
17. Atlanta Hawks Steven Adams, C
It appears that the Hawks will move away a lot of last year's playoff team. They are going to need a center for the future and they are hoping Pitt's Adams could be a building block. He disappointed at Pitt his freshman year but has the tools to improve.
18. Atlanta Hawks Lucas Nogeira, C
If Adams isn't a building block, the seven-foot Brazilian Nogeira could be. Other than his size, Nogeira is athletic and has the raw potential to be successful.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers Giannis Adetokubo, SF/PF
International talent is at a premium in this year's draft with every team hoping they have landed the next Dirk. The Cavs pick up Noel, then help him out with a Greek forward in Adetokubo.
20. Chicago Bulls Tony Mitchell, PF
Chicago lacks depth and needs all the help they can get up front with Carlos Boozer appearing to be on the decline. A forward from North Texas, Mitchell may not end up being a superstar but he will be a quality player for years to come.
21. Utah Jazz Tony Snell SG/SF
The Jazz fill a need by picking up Snell, a big imposing guard/forward hybrid with a fantastic jump shot.
22. Brooklyn Nets Gorgui Dieng, C
Dieng has proven to be an effective rebounder and shot-blocker at Louisville and has nowhere to go but up in the NBA.
23. Indiana Pacers Sergey Karasev, SF
Yet another International star, Karasev could end up reminding a lot of people of a Russian Reggie Miller with his great jump shot. Though, Karasev is a little bit rough around the edges.
24. New York Knicks Rudy Gobert, C
New York isn't very young anywhere and the team may take a look to the future soon. A French product, Gobert could be a solid player some day for New York.
25. Los Angeles Clippers Erick Green, SG
I'm really high on Green, a Virginia Tech star who can score any time he touches the ball. And it is clear that the Clippers have a lot of areas to improve after an early exit.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves, Tim Hardaway, SG
Although Alexey Shved is a great shooter, Minnesota would love Hardaway here if he is available. They would love his shoot and great size at the shooting guard position.
27. Denver Nuggets Shane Larkin, PG
It was a mistake for Larkin to go pro this year. He doesn't have an NBA body and he forces shots. But, he should fit in well with Denver's system.
28. San Antonio Spurs Allen Crabbe, SG
The Spurs appear to be looking for their future shooting guard (assuming Danny Green doesn't replace Manu) and Crabbe, a talented guard from Cal, should do the trick.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder James Ennis SG/SF
If the Thunder have any holes in their starting lineup, it is probably at the shooting guard position where Kevin Martin doesn't appear to be a long term fix nor Jeremy Lamb. Ennis, a 6-7 wing player, should be a long term fix.
30. Phoenix Suns Jamaal Franklin, SG
After picking Oladipo the Suns continue to work on their backcourt by selecting San Diego State guard Jamaal Franklin who is a great athlete.

Wiggins to Kansas

Andrew Wiggins

Today, Canadian star Andrew Wiggins, the consensus Number One overall high school prospect in the nation finally announced where he will be playing ball next year. Many thought he might head to Kentucky, where John Calipari landed six of the nation's elite high school players or maybe even Florida State who is pretty new to landing superstar recruits. But, in the end Wiggins decided it was in his best interests to head to Kansas next year. With a team losing seniors Jeff Withey and Elijah Johnson, the 6-7 forward Wiggins should be the star for the Jayhawks immediately. Wiggins averaged 23.6 points, 4.3 assists and 11.7 rebounds per game last year for West Virginia's Huntington Prep. Wiggins has the perfect set of skills to make a great transition to Kansas and the rest of the Big 12. He can score easily using his big frame and amazing athleticism to get to the rim and also is a pretty solid shooter. He also proved to be a more than capable rebounder getting to the ball quicker than anybody else. Wiggins has also proved he can play a guard role, seeing the floor well and playing great defense. Coaches other than just Bill Self are really high on him as well. Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg explained "He's the best high school player who has come around in a long time."

Wiggins should only strengthen Kansas' already fantastic recruiting, one that should rival Kentucky as the best in the nation. Although the Wildcats landed the Harrison twins, James Young and Julius Randle Kansas landed their fair share of talented prospects. Wayne Selden has proved he can score at any level and the nation's top center Joel Embid is already on board.

It appears Wiggins should be drafted number one overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. The last few Number One prospects in the land, in order, Nerlens Noel, Anthony Davis and Harrison Barnes have all gone in the top 10 in the last few drafts (assuming Noel does indeed go in the top 10 which he likely will). Scouts should love his athleticism and size. Right away Wiggins should join next year's list of Wooden Award candidates that include Louisville's Russ Smith and other high school prospects such as Randle, Duke's Jabari Parker and Arizona's Aaron Gordon.

Any way you look at it Kansas and Wiggins should be ready for a dream 2013-2014 season.

College Football Preview: 2. Stanford Cardinal

2. Stanford Cardinal

The Cardinal have turned into a legitimate perennial BCS bowl threat. They won the Pac 12, beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl and upset Oregon late in the season. Now, quarterback Kevin Hogan returns along with a stacked front seven meaning another BCS bowl, maybe even a National Championship is on the horizon for Stanford.




Backfield: Hogan, the leader of the team late in the season returns for his

Kevin Hogan

sophomore year hoping for a breakout year. He doesn't have any amazing tools but he is very efficient. He has an accurate arm and can make big plays and he is also dangerous running out of the pocket. Though the Cardinal aren't known for throwing the ball over the field and scoring 50 a game. They score thanks in big part to their power running game. Though, star back Stepfan Taylor graduated this off season leaving a big hole. The top candidate to replace Taylor is senior Anthony Wilkerson, a 6-1 monster who hasn't lived up to the hype since arriving in Palo Alto. Smaller, more agile back Ricky Seale should also get a lot of carries to provide a chance of pace to Wilkerson.

Receiving: Hogan a lot of quality targets to pass too. They include players like junior Ty Montgomery, sophomore Kelsey Young and Kodi Whitfield. Montgomery is the most dangerous of these three, with fantastic, home-run speed and the ability to stretch the field. Both Young and Whitfield both have great hands and should be consistent options for an improving Hogan. The tight end position, a real strength for Stanford last year is likely a weakness for the Cardinal this year. Star Zach Ertz is now in the NFL and Levine Toilolo is also gone.

Offensive Line: Once again the Stanford offensive line is stacked with talent. David Yankey had an All-American year last season as a junior and he could still improve in a number of different ways. He is a very versatile linemen, with the ability to protect Hogan as a tackle, and the ability to lead the way for Stanford's ground game as a guard. Another senior, Kevin Danser is also back at the guard position. He is massive, standing at 6-6 and 300 plus pounds. It will be very tough for any of the Pac 12's star pass rushers to gain entry into the Cardinal backfield. Also returning is junior Cameron Fleming who could have a huge year at the tackle position and guard Khalil Wilkes.

Defensive Line: The Cardinal front seven may be the best in the nation. Junior Henry Anderson is one of the best defensive ends in the Pac 12 and has great speed from the edge. He should rack up a ton of sacks and gain a ton of tackles for loss. Another star end is also back to be a possible All-American in senior Ben Gardner. He isn't as big as Anderson but is quicker and gets to the ball as quickly as a lot of linebackers do. He is also smart and is one of the team's leaders on the defensive side of the ball, being a senior. Nose tackle is a question now with the loss of Terrence Stephens. Though, junior David Parry should fill that role nicely. Although he doesn't look like a typical nose tackle being a little small, he should fill in.

Linebackers: This linebacker core is amazing, maybe even historical. Senior All-American Trent Murphy returns to be the leader in the middle. Not a lot of linebackers can make plays all across the field like Murphy when they are 6-6, 260 pounds. Though he can read plays like many experienced NFL linebackers and is a sure tackler. Senior Shayne Skov also returns this year after struggling through injuries much of his career. Though when Skov is healthy he has proved he can be a tackling machine. If he doesn't get any injuries it isn't crazy to think Skov could be right around the 100 tackles mark this year. Junior A.J. Tarpley is also back to have a big year as an inside linebacker. He may take a backseat to Murphy and possibly Skov but he should still be effective. Jarek Lancester should also make some plays possibly starting at the outside linebacker opposite

Ed Reynolds

Murphy.

Secondary: Don't think defensive back Ed Reynolds will take a backseat to the stardom of Anderson, Murphy and Gardner. He is an aggressive, hard-hitting safety who had a breakout sophomore season. If teams want to pass on Stanford, which they will likely want to do more than run at this fantastic rush defense, he should be there a lot. Cornerback Alex Carter is back and could prove to be shutdown. Senior Usua Amanam can also make plays all across the field.

If the Cardinal can find a back and tight end, their ceiling is National Championship. Even if their offense, led by Hogan struggles this season their fantastic defense should make them a title threat.



 

NBA Mock Draft Edition 2

1. Orlando Magic Ben McLemore, SG
With J.J. Reddick gone the Magic shooting is very weak. So they pick up McLemore, the three-point sniper who is an immediate scoring threat.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers Anthony Bennett, SF
I think the Cavs know Alonzo Gee nor C.J. Miles is the answer at small forward meaning the big rebounding Bennett will be.
3. Charlotte Bobcats Nerlens Noel, C
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has improved the Bobcats' weak frontcourt. But, their center position is an issue especially with Bismack Biyombo struggling so Charlotte picks up another Kentucky product in Noel. 
4. Phoenix Suns Otto Porter, SF
The smart passing, high-scoring Porter is a perfect fit into the Suns' system. He should be the Suns' star from the very beginning.
5. Sacramento Kings Alex Len, C

Victor Oladipo

The inconsistent Demarcus Cousins may never live up to his potential so the Kings pick up the high potential Len to become their beast in the post.
6. Detroit Pistons Kelly Olynyk, C
Olynyk is a risk here this high but the Pistons should love the versatility and efficiency of Olynyk. Even if he has some struggles who wouldn't love a seven-footer with some scoring potential?
7. New Orleans Pelicans Trey Burke, PG
Burke is the best available point guard in this year's class and the Pelicans really need him. They need somebody to get the ball to Anthony Davis in the post and would love his three-point shot.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves Victor Oladipo, SG/SF
The T-Wolves have really missed on wing players (Wes Johnson, Corey Brewer) but they won't miss on the psychical Oladipo.
9. Washington Wizards Shabazz Muhammed, SF
There is a lot of risk involved with Muhammed, who needs the ball in his hands constantly but John Wall should get him the ball as much as possible.
10. Philadelphia Sixers C.J. McCollum, PG/SG
Lehigh product McCollum is an elite scorer already and should remind a lot of people of last year's mid-major scoring threat Damian Lilliard.
11. Portland Trail Blazers Cody Zeller, C
I have a ton of reservations about Zeller who disappointed a lot of people in his sophomore year. His short wingspan could keep him from being a center but he could fill a need at power forward.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder Michael Carter-Williams, PG
If you haven't been watching the playoffs the Thunder are very weak without Russell Westbrook. The stacked Thunder have a lot of time to develop Carter-Williams who needs to work on his shot.
13. Dallas Mavericks Dario Saric, PF
The Mavericks are very close to complete rebuild mode. They should pick up Croatian talent Saric to replace the aging Shawn Marion.
14. Utah Jazz Rudy Gobert, C
The future of Al Jefferson in Utah is definitely in question meaning the Jazz pick up Gobert, a 7-1 French beast who has a lot to work on.
15. Boston Celtics Mason Plumlee, PF/C
It is unknown whether Kevin Garnett will be pick for next season so the Celtics pick up 6-10 Mason Plumlee who can play both power forward and center well and adds rebounding and scoring help.
16. Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Adetokoubo, SF/PF
Milwaukee has a lot of natural talent but a lot of holes to fill. It is time for another International product to step in, in Adetokoubo who has a lot of solid potential.
17. Atlanta Hawks Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG
The complete rebuild for Atlanta begins likely this summer and they should build around Caldwell-Pope in the backcourt. In two years at Georgia, Caldwell-Pope showed his scoring potential and considerable skill.
18. Cleveland Cavaliers Steven Adams, C
It looks as though the Cavaliers have figured out their backcourt with Kyrie and Dion Waiters. It is time to focus up front with Adams, a player who isn't polished but is a seven-footer with the ability to dominate on the boards.
19. Atlanta Hawks Lorenzo Brown, PG/SG
Scouts have some questions about Brown and they should after a rollercoaster season at NC State last year. Though the Hawks like what they see in Brown picking him up over German Dennis Schroeder.
20. Utah Jazz Tim Hardaway, SG
We don't know what the Jazz are getting in Colorado's Alec Burks so they pick up Hardaway, a sniper with a lot of size.
21. Brooklyn Nets Gorgui Dieng, C
Kris Humphries is getting way too minutes in the Nets' frontcourt so their new coach (whoever replaces Carleismo) needs Dieng for depth and minutes.
22. Chicago Bulls Lucas Nogeira,C
Brazil star Nogeira gives Chicago a quality center who should back up Joakim Noah early in his career. Though if Noah struggles with injuries Nogeira should be a more than capable center.
23. Indiana Pacers Deshaun Thomas, SF/PF
Thomas has a ton of scoring ability which should be an interesting change of pace for a lockdown defensive team.
24. Los Angeles Clippers Shane Larkin, PG
Sure Eric Bledsoe is a quality backup to Chris Paul but it will be tough for the Clippers to pass up on a talent like Larkin who can hit the three ball as well as anyone in the land.
25. New York Knicks Tony Mitchell, SF/PF
Behind 'Melo the Knicks are pretty weak on the wing. And, Rasheed Wallace retired leaving the power forward position a little bit weak as well.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves Isaiah Canaan, PG
The high-scoring Canaan should add the perfect mix to a backcourt that includes pass-first guards Ricky Rubio and Luke Ridnour.
27. San Antonio Spurs Jeff Withey, C
The Spurs are also close to a complete rebuild and they should start by picking up an elite shot-blocker in Kansas star Jeff Withey. He will learn under Tim Duncan early in his career then should be San Antonio's froncourt star.
28. Denver Nuggets Sergey Karasev, SF
Karasev gives Denver a gritty guard/forward hybrid who should be an intimidating presence on the wing from the very beginning of his career.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder Dennis Schroeder, PG
The German Schroeder helps an improving Thunder backcourt. Schroeder, with his potential could be a steal here for OKC at 29.
30. Phoenix Suns Jamaal Franklin, SG/SF
If Phoenix does pick up Porter with the fourth pick they should look to San Diego State stud Jamaal Franklin here to further strengthen a team that doesn't score too much. 

The Freshman of 2013-2014

Although the 2013-2014 season ended just about a month ago it is time to look in the future. This year's freshman class is amazing with a ton of great forwards. So let's take a look at the near future of college basketball.

Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins, G/F
Wiggins is the consensus number one overall high school player in America. He is extremely athletic with a ton of abilities. He can score any time he touches the ball and excels in a ton of different areas. His athleticism has been on show more than once in the high school ranks. He is yet to declare though he is considering Kansas, Florida State and UNC and of course Kentucky. If he goes to Kentucky he'll improve a class that has been labeled the best ever.

Jabari Parker, F Committed to Duke
Coach K got a frontcourt stud in 6-8 forward Jabari Parker from Simeon High in Chicago. Parker is truly dangerous because of his versatility on the court. He can power down in the paint and has the ability to nail a deep shot. Expect Parker, to live up to all the hype. He will be an All-American at Duke and then head on to be a Top 5 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Julius Randle, F Committed to Kentucky
Although it is going to be tough to live up to the hype of former Kentucky big men Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel, Randle could have an incredible year at Kentucky next year. He has the size (6-9) to dominate at the power forward position and is very strong. Expect him to get a ton of rebounds, score consistently and even block some shots.

Aaron Gordon, F Committed to Arizona
If you have seen any clips of Aaron Gordon you know how good he will be at Arizona next year. He is extremely athletic and he lives above the rim. He constantly gets put-back slams and tip-ins. He has huge hands which should help on the glass and his evolving offensive game. Although his perimeter game is something to be desired he should be a talent next year at 'Zona.

The Harrison Brothers, G Committed to Kentucky
John Calipari landed the jackpot, one of his many in this year's class by bringing in the Harrison twins in Andrew and Aaron. Both are incredibly gifted with good handles and good shots. Andrew is the higher rated of the two and standing at 6-5 should use his big frame to bully defenders until he gets to the rim. Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall, Brandon Knight and Marquis Teague. Now it is turn for the Harrisons to be the stars of this Kentucky backcourt.

Noah Vonleh, F Committed to Indiana
Senior Christian Watford and center Cody Zeller are both likely out to the NBA leaving room for Vonleh, a forward from Massachusetts. He decided to head West to become the next star froncourt player for Tom Crean at Indiana. Vonleh is beginning to grow into his large frame meaning bad things for all of the Hoosiers' opponents in the Big Ten.

Other Freshman to Watch
James Young, G/F Committed to Kentucky
Wayne Selden, F Committed to Kansas
Kasey Hill, G Committed to Florida
Nigel Williams-Goss, G Committed to Washington