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

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

College Basketball Preview: 7. Kansas State Wildcats

An always consistent team only loses Clemente but returns the explosive Pullen.

Kansas State Wildcats Key Losses: G Denis Clemente, C Luis Colon Key Returnees: G Jacob Pullen, F Curtis Kelly, F Wally Judge

Two seniors will be key to the Wildcats success this season. Guard Jacob Pullen and forward Curtis Kelly. Neither were the number one option but with the departure of Denis Clemente and Luis Colon they likely will be. Pullen came out of nowhere but has to improve on shooting where Clemente beat most teams. Wally Judge was the team's star recruit last year but didn't do much. He'll be more of a factor with no more Colon. Jamar Samuels is another strong sophomore and Martavious Irving could get the chance to start this season. Coach Frank Martin also recruited forward Shane Southwell and guard Will Spradling. A player to watch: monster 7 foot sophomore center Jordan Henriquez-Roberts.

Big 12 Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 29-8, lost to Butler in Elite Eight
Key Recruits: F Shane Southwell(123+), G Will Spradling, C Freddy Asprilla
+=Rivals.com Recruiting Ranking

College Basketball Preview: 6. Butler Bulldogs

Hahn is one of the many-but important-no name Butler Bulldogs who will be key to the team's success.


Butler Bulldogs, Key Losses: F Gordon Hayward,G Avery Jukes, G Willie Veasley Key Returnees: F Matt Howard, G Shelvin Mack, G Ronald Nored

The surprise of the tournament, Butler will try to recreate a great '09-'10 even with losses of three important players: Gordon Hayward, Avery Jukes and Willie Veasley. Luckily for the Bulldogs they return forward Matt Howard who was a very big reason why the team did make the run and will gain even more experience in his senior year. Ronald Nored, who was an underrated part of the team's success is part of a weird hybrid who leads the team in passing and steals but doesn't score much. Also Shawn Vanzant, who played off the bench last year is psychical and smart. Shelvin Mack and Zach Hahn have great shots and will be the big pieces of their attack in the perimeter. The Bulldogs are fully ready to repeat as runner ups or possibly, even better.

Horizon League Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 33-5, lost to Duke in NCAA tournament final
Key Recruits: F Khyle Marshall(113+), F Eric Fromm, G Christian Hopkins
+=Rivals.com Recruiting Ranking

College Basketball Preview:5. Pittsburgh Panthers

Robinson(35), who averaged just 6.6 points per game last year, will play more of a role with the loss of Dixon.


Pittsburgh Panthers, Key Losses: F Jermaine Dixon Key Returnees: G Ashton Gibbs, F Nasir Robinson, C Gary McGhee

The Panthers only lose Jermaine Dixon from a solid Big East team last season. The loss of Dixon shouldn't be a big problem if Ashton Gibbs can take over as the big scorer. He is also a good passer which will be key also as center Gary McGhee returns, who wouldn't put up 15 points a game regularly but will challenge in the post. Nasir Robinson, the effective forward is going to also be a threat. The junior who averaged just 6.6 points will take more of a role with no more Dixon. Guard Brad Wanamaker is the perfect compliment to Gibbs. The recruiting class brings up guard Isiah Epps, who will mostly be a bench player for the Panthers and forward J.J. Moore who could beat out the rest of the team for Dixon's spot.

Big East Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 25-9, lost to Xavier in second round of NCAA tournament
Key Recruits: G Isiah Epps(69+), F J.J. Moore(107+)
+=Rivals.com Recruiting Ranking

College Basketball Preview: 4. UNC Tar Heels

Henson, now the big man inside with the losses of both Davis and Thompson is the reason the Tar Heels are in line to make a historical turnaround.

Tar Heels, Key Loss: G Marcus Ginyard, F Ed Davis, F Deon Thompson Key Returnees: F John Henson, G Dexter Strickland, C Tyler Zeller

After a dismal season last year, winning just five games in you might think this pick is crazy. But, with the return of Dexter Strickland, John Henson and Larry Drew the Heels have a high scoring three who will improve in their second years. Henson the main threat inside for UNC now that both Ed Davis and Deon Thompson. Coach Roy Williams also returns 7 foot tall junior Tyler Zeller. Recruit Harrison Branes may not play every second of each game but possibly the prize of the 2010 recuiting class will make a difference. Leslie McDonald is another interesting guard.

ACC Rank:2
Last Season Result: 20-17, lost in NIT to Dayton
Key Recruits: F Harrison Barnes(2+), G Reggie Bullock(10+), G Kendall Marshall(32+)
+=Rivals.com Recruiting Ranking

College Basketball Preview: 3. Purdue Boilermakers

Moore(33) will be key dishing inside to Hummel and JaJuan Johnson.

Purdue Boilermakers, Key Losses: G Chris Kramer, G Keaton Grant Key Returnees: PF Robbie Hummel, E'Tuwan Moore

Purdue should have a serious shot at the championship this season because of the returns of Robbie Hummel. He is a good pyschical defender and can rebound fine too, but his offense is where he excels. E'Tuwan Moore will do a good job getting it into him inside along with center JaJuan Johnson. The losses of both guards Keaton Grant and Chris Kramer hurt more on defense than offense. The recruiting class is decent led by guard Terone Johnson, who will take over Kramer's spot, and Anthony Johnson. Both Donnie Hale and Travis Carrol will key off the bench inside the post.

Big Ten Rank: 2
Last Season Results: 29-6, lost in Sweet Sixteen to Duke
Key Recruits: G Terone Johnson(46+), G Anthony Johnson(100=), F Donnie Hale, C Travis Carrol

College Basketball Preview: 2. Michigan State Spartans

In order to get back to the Final Four, the Spartans need big play from post players including Derrick Nix(50).

Michigan State Spartans, Key Losses: F Raymar Morgan Key Returnees: G Kalin Lucas, F Draymond Green, G Durrell Summers

Few teams can beat the Spartans when they are at top strength. That was true last NCAA tournament when even losing star Kalin Lucas to an Achilles injury rolled to a Final Four appearance. The team lost just Raymar Morgan but with the returns of Lucas, Durrell Summers and Draymond Green they have a big three can score 60 points a game between them. To load up their backcourt they brought in star recruit Adreian Payne and and Keith Appling, both guards. Post play was an upcoming issue for Tom Izzo's squad. Center Derrick Nix will likely gain a starting job at the spot. New forwards Alex Gauna and Russell Byrd could attract some interest from Izzo and gain a starting job.

Big Ten Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 28-9, lost to Butler in Final Four
Key Recruits:G Adreian Payne(20+), G Keith Appling(34+), F Russell Byrd(108+)

College Basketball Preview: 1. Duke Blue Devils

With Kyle Singler, Coach K's squad has a legit shot at repeating.

Duke Blue Devils Notable Losses: C-PF Brian Zoubek, G Jon Scheyer Key Returnees: G Nolan Smith, F Kyle Singler

Duke doesn't look a lot different after it's title win over Butler. They have a loaded backcourt despite the loss of Jon Scheyer. Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler and Andre Dawkins return. New freshman guard Kyrie Irving fill soften the loss of Scheyer. New transfer Seth Curry could even be better than his brother, Stephen. Size will be more an issue especially after the loss of both Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas. New recruits Joshua Hariston will hopefully solve that issue. If the Blue Devils get productive play from new additions Irving and Curry they have a realistic shot at repeating.

ACC Rank: 1st
Last Season Result: 35-5, Beat Butler in National Championship
Key Recruits:G Kyrie Irving(9+), F Joshua Hariston(49+), G Tyler Thornton(129+)