2008-09 College Preseason Rankings and Analysis

[Posterize246]

Now that the NBA draft is over

[Posterize246]

16.Tennessee (Seniors Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith leaving will hurt this teams experience and offense, but plenty is left over from last year’s 31-5 team. Junior Tyler Smith will be the leader of this team once again proving to be one of the best all around players in the country. Wayne Chism and J.P. Prince will also be asked to step up their roles. A rivals.com #7 ranking of incoming freshman should help to ease the scoring load, especially with #5 player Scottie Hopson.)

17.West Virginia (Losing lottery pick Joe Alexander is not as big a hit as many people believe. His 17ppg in 31 minutes isn’t anything that incoming freshman Devin Ebanks can’t replace, his rebounding wasn’t spectacular, and his outside shooting was nothing special. The Big East tournament is really where he started to make a name for himself as he was inconsistent during the year, including a stretch of 5 games where he only scored 46 points, a 9.2 average. Alex Ruoff, the sidekick scorer for Alexander last season, now becomes option 1a to Ebanks. Da'Sean Butler will also continue to develop into a great player. Another Sweet 16 finish could be in the cards

18.Baylor (Baylor returns it’s top 5 scorers from last season’s surprising 21-11 team. Curtis Jerrells will look to prove again that he is one of the top guards in the country during his senior campaign. Sophomore LaceDarius Dunn will try to improve on his impressive freshman year after scoring 14ppg in limited minutes last season. Senior Kevin Rogers and Henry Dugat also give the Bears senior leadership, essential in leading a team into the tournament.)

19.Villanova (Nova returns every starter from last year’s Sweet 16 squad including great guard Scottie Reynolds. The Wildcats will need sophomores Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher to step up this season as they struggled for a big chunk of the season, Stokes coming on strong towards the end. Coach Jay Wright will look to get a larger contribution from forward Shane Clark in his senior season, as well as seniors Dwayne Anderson and Dante Cunningham. Antonio Pena, a freshman last season, was also a welcomed addition. A five game losing streak was really the scary moment for Wildcat fans as they lost to Rutgers, Notre Dame, Pitt, Syracuse, and Saint Joseph’s, all double-digit losses. As long as Scottie Reynolds is filling up the bucket, expect Nova to improve on its 9-9 conference record.)

20.Arizona (This is of course in the case of Brandon Jennings playing next season under Lute Olsen and not in Europe. Jennings has the potential to be a lottery pick someday and could continue the Arizona point guard tradition. Chase Budinger decided that he wasn’t ready for the next step and returned to Arizona to provide scoring punch from the wing. Jordan Hill is regarded as one of the top up and coming big men in the country and is a presence on the inside. Nic Wise will be the organizer of this offense after missing 7 games last season.)

21.Memphis (I’ve seen them ranked higher, especially on espn.com at #7, but I just don’t see how. How do you lose your All-American junior shooting guard, the #1 pick in the NBA draft, and the anchor of your defense to the 2nd round of the draft, and barely slip in the rankings? Robert Dozier, Antonio Anderson, and Shawn Taggart were successful as role players, but can they be the leaders of a team? Much will rely on incoming freshman Tyreke Evans and how his scoring translates to the college game. He should be successful in John Calipari’s fast paced offense as he is a slasher similar to Chris Douglas-Roberts.)

22.USC (Losing last year’s star freshman OJ Mayo, not to mention Davon Jefferson, is a big hit to this offense. But there may be no other freshman more waited on than Compton High’s Demar Derozan. Derozan is rivals.com’s #3 overall player, #1 overall shooting guard, and was a 30.6ppg scorer in his last year of high school. Taj Gibson should be able to progress into a reliable inside scorer after having a down year last season. Dwight Lewis and Daniel Hacket should also help with the scoring burden left behind.)

23.Wisconsin (Senior Brian Butch has graduated and left a hole in the middle, but one that can be easily filled. Wisconsin returns four of its top six scorers from last year’s 31-5, Sweet 16 team. Coach Bo Ryan is one of the best in the business and always seems to make something out of nothing. Expect Marcus Landry to have a breakout season.)

24.Oklahoma State (The surprise of this year’s top 25, expect the Cowboys to be in the thick of things in this year’s Big12 title race. A 17-16 finish was not what they wanted last year, but Oklahoma State had some memorable moments including a double-digit win over Baylor and a one-point win over eventual NCAA champion Kansas. Marcus Dove is the lone graduating senior from last year’s squad. Sweet-stroke shooter James Anderson should be able to lead the team into the tournament this year, and hopefully even further.)

25.Georgetown (The loss of seniors Roy Hibbert, Patrick Ewing Jr. and Jonathan Wallace aren’t going to hurt Georgetown’s stats, but will be a big loss in their leadership and team defense. No one seemed to be better in the clutch than Jonathan Wallace who made big shot after big shot, and was there a better half court option in the nation than Hibbert? DaJuan Summers, Chris Wright, Jessie Sapp, and Austin Freeman should be enough to replace the points put out by their seniors. The addition of five star recruit Greg Monroe is a big body plug in the middle to help continue the Georgetown big man tradition.)

[LBJ 4 MVP]

I don't follow college ball much but it seems like you really know what you're talking about. I'm not a big fan of Louisville or Gonzaga, I feel they're too high.

[Buffalobraves]

Lets get Syracuse on thisssss

[Interminator]

I don't follow college ball much but it seems like you really know what you're talking about. I'm not a big fan of Louisville or Gonzaga, I feel they're too high.
Louisville could possibly be higher and Gonzaga is about right.

Memphis should at least be ranked in the teens and Kansas unlike Florida of last year is returning contributing players including Sherron Collins & Cole Alrich along with a good recruiting class led by the Morris twins.

Syracuse shouldn't be any higher than #24 they look good on paper but they are one of the biggest underachievers in the country.

Was anybody else sickened by how they played against Pitt and then against UMass in the NIT.:oldlol:
Jim Boeheim might need to have a retirement thing set in place so he can retire while people still remember his NC.

[Buffalobraves]

Syracuse shouldn't be any higher than #24 they look good on paper but they are one of the biggest underachievers in the country.

Was anybody else sickened by how they played against Pitt and then against UMass in the NIT.:oldlol:
Jim Boeheim might need to have a retirement thing set in place so he can retire while people still remember his NC.

Yeah I watched those games, made me sick to my stomach. I'd settle for 24 I think they are a tournament team this year.

http://realnba.s2.bizhat.com/realnba.html

[Interminator]

Yeah I watched those games, made me sick to my stomach. I'd settle for 24 I think they are a tournament team this year.

http://realnba.s2.bizhat.com/realnba.html
Stop posting that link before you get Banned.

And hopefully Syracuse is a Tournament team but I wouldn't bet money on them being so.

Damn I swear Paul Harris could be a great player but his decision making is on a pre-school level.

[Posterize246]

Syracuse was strongly considered for the 25 spot and I love Jonny Flynn. Donte Greene leaving hurt and they're getting Devendorf back. Just wasn't ready to put them in. They're kind of a bubble team. And I thought Louisville was about right given the departure of Padgett, Caracter, and in a smaller sense Juan Palacios. It's not like 5 is a low seeding.

[Posterize246]

Interminator, I'm still unsure about Kansas. Yes they have Sherron Collins but he didn't even score double digits last season. Also what did Cole Aldrich do until the last quarter of the season? They do have a nice recruiting class, just uncertain if that's enough.

[Interminator]

Interminator, I'm still unsure about Kansas. Yes they have Sherron Collins but he didn't even score double digits last season. Also what did Cole Aldrich do until the last quarter of the season? They do have a nice recruiting class, just uncertain if that's enough.
Winning the NC and returning some contributors is enough to keep a team in the top 25.

Florida lost everyone,they returned nobody who contributed to their team other than Walter Hodge.

[Posterize246]

Winning the NC and returning some contributors is enough to keep a team in the top 25.

Florida lost everyone,they returned nobody who contributed to their team other than Walter Hodge.
I would really only name Collins as a contributor. Aldrich barely played. Do you think Kansas will be better than Syracuse next year? Because I know you said they shouldn't be higher than 24 and wouldn't put money on them making the tournament.

Syracuse likely starting lineup...

Flynn
Devendorf
Jardine
Paul Harris
Onuaku

Kansas likely starting lineup

Collins
Releford
Tyshawn Taylor?
Marcus Morris?
Aldrich

[Interminator]

I would really only name Collins as a contributor. Aldrich barely played. Do you think Kansas will be better than Syracuse next year? Because I know you said they shouldn't be higher than 24 and wouldn't put money on them making the tournament.

Syracuse likely starting lineup...

Flynn
Devendorf
Jardine
Paul Harris
Onuaku

Kansas likely starting lineup

Collins
Releford
Tyshawn Taylor?
Marcus Morris?
Aldrich
Kansas would get the nod though in the actual rankings when they're released.

[Posterize246]

Kansas would get the nod though in the actual rankings when they're released.
It's true. They get the benefit of the doubt. But that's why these are my rankings.:rockon:

[Buffalobraves]

haha i didnt think the link would get me banned sorry just trying to get some publicity (its cool sign up).

I've met Jonny Flynn in person before and after he went to Syracuse and hes taught me a lot. He learned a lot from Syracuse coaches which means they are probably very good. He is the most explosive point guard in the Big East.

Their team looks great with Devendorf back I say 24 seed still.

[Grinder]

You don't think Kansas will start Markieff Morris as well? I played against both these guys in high school, Markieff can play the 4 and Marcus can play the 3 even though they're 6'10 and 6'9. If Kansas goes with this lineup, they're going to be dangerous.

Looking forward to seeing how BJ Mullens does in Ohio State and another guy I played against in high school, Tyreke Evans.

[Posterize246]

You don't think Kansas will start Markieff Morris as well? I played against both these guys in high school, Markieff can play the 4 and Marcus can play the 3 even though they're 6'10 and 6'9. If Kansas goes with this lineup, they're going to be dangerous.

Looking forward to seeing how BJ Mullens does in Ohio State and another guy I played against in high school, Tyreke Evans.
I honestly haven't seen the Morris twins play a lick of basketball even though they're from nearby. Wasn't sure if either was capable of playing the 3, figured they were both big guys. Just an assumption on my part.

[Grinder]

I honestly haven't seen the Morris twins play a lick of basketball even though they're from nearby. Wasn't sure if either was capable of playing the 3, figured they were both big guys. Just an assumption on my part.

Marcus is a real good ball handler and can shoot the 3 pretty well. I'd say if he plays like a Dermarr Johnson a little bit. Markieff likes to bang down low more, but he can hit the three and is good from midrange. His game is similar to Al Harrington, I would say. Should be fun to see these guys play at KU.

[ShowtymeCA2NC]

[QUOTE=Posterize246]16.Tennessee (Seniors Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith leaving will hurt this teams experience and offense, but plenty is left over from last year

[Posterize246]

Watch out fa them Gators!!!!
I thought about them. But with Speights gone I think their only guys over 6'10" are freshmen?

[d_white089]

i don't like all the joe bashing:confusedshrug: but i like the ranking..EVERY year the mounties are underrated and underappreciated and EVERY year they prove everyone wrong. it was actually a few weeks before the big east tourney when joe started tearing it up

[Posterize246]

i don't like all the joe bashing:confusedshrug: but i like the ranking..EVERY year the mounties are underrated and underappreciated and EVERY year they prove everyone wrong. it was actually a few weeks before the big east tourney when joe started tearing it up
:oldlol: I knew you wouldn't. I was more trying to get my point across that he won't be missed too badly. I thought he was a good player. Just trying to get my point across D White

[d_white089]

:oldlol: I knew you wouldn't. I was more trying to get my point across that he won't be missed too badly. I thought he was a good player. Just trying to get my point across D White

hahaha..i understand :oldlol:

[Posterize246]

hahaha..i understand :oldlol:
The bad part is I forgot to mention Ruoff and the boys in my WVU part so it's really incomplete. I'll have 2 edit that

[d_white089]

The bad part is I forgot to mention Ruoff and the boys in my WVU part so it's really incomplete. I'll have 2 edit that

Ruoff is underrated. And most college bball fans will know this name at season's end: Wellington Smith...athletic guy great defensive player has a knack for shot-blocking

[d_white089]

Good read by the way. I have UNC & Pitt #1 and #2 as well.

[JellyBean]

#3!!!?? I mean, I like pressure but dang. UConn at the #3 spot. Even coach Calhoun has said it, "this is a team that has more questions than answers." On paper, my beloved Huskies are scary as all get up. Its what happens on the court that really counts.

Plus, you throw in Price's knee. Stanley Robinson leaving UConn. We are in for an interesting season.

[Posterize246]

#3!!!?? I mean, I like pressure but dang. UConn at the #3 spot. Even coach Calhoun has said it, "this is a team that has more questions than answers." On paper, my beloved Huskies are scary as all get up. Its what happens on the court that really counts.

Plus, you throw in Price's knee. Stanley Robinson leaving UConn. We are in for an interesting season.
Is Robinson really leaving? This is the last I've heard

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/06/29/stanley-robinson-leaves-uconn-sort-of-but-will-return-maybe/

[sixerfan3511]

Nova is better than 19, book that

[disco]

Great list! Of course everyone has different opions -and especially in the off season - so no point to list what I think is right or wrong. One thing I'd like to bring up is the fact that yours and most other lists at this point has Notre Dame in top ten. I don't think they will be that good and here's why:

1) Schedule: Big East will be extremely tough next year, and of the top tier teams, ND has the hardest schedule. They are the only top team to play both Louisville and UConn twice. Also, they play WVU, Pitt and Syracuse only away.

2) Talent: yes they have talent, but not the kind of talent that Big East powerhouses like UConn and Louisville and Georgetown have

3) No surprise element: Last year it seemed that Harangody and McAlarney surprised everyone and teams didn't know how to stop them. But by the tournament time, oppositions had figured it out. When you shut down Harangody, you shut down ND. It was almost painful to watch them play against Washington State in the tournament. They simply didn't know what to do.

Don't get me wrong, ND are a really good team, but I think there are quite many question marks and I think a ranking nearer to 20 than 10 would be more justified.

[disco]

Nova is better than 19, book that

Their back court is good, but I think they will struggle against bigger big east teams. They made the Sweet 16 only because of the bracket. Siena and Clemson were perferct opponents for Villanova. I think they'll find it hard to finish in Big East Top 5. UConn, Pitt, WVA, Georgetown, Marqutte, NOtre Dame, Louisivlle and even Providence and Syracuse are all pretty good teams.

[Hawker]

Ok state over Texas A&M? No way.

[Posterize246]

Ok state over Texas A&M? No way.
They're almost even to me. Both lost I think 4 of their top 6 scorers? They split the series last year 1-1. Texas A&M won by 3, OK State by 5. OK State had some good wins over Baylor and Kansas. I'm a believer.

I don't think there's too big of a difference between them. You could surely be correct though.

P.S.- I really need to update this with Jennings leaving, Pitt losing Cook, etc.

[disco]

They're almost even to me. Both lost I think 4 of their top 6 scorers? They split the series last year 1-1. Texas A&M won by 3, OK State by 5. OK State had some good wins over Baylor and Kansas. I'm a believer.

I don't think there's too big of a difference between them. You could surely be correct though.

P.S.- I really need to update this with Jennings leaving, Pitt losing Cook, etc.

I think both Texas A&M and Oklahoma St could actually compete for the Big 12 title. Okla St. weren't great last year, but they definitely have talent, and I think Travis Ford's appointment was a good move. James Anderson could be the conference player of the year.

But I like T A&M too. Davis and Sloan are ready to take more responsibility and Harris will be a great addition and helps the back court. I'm not sure how much upside Carter has, but he can certainly improve if Harris is as good playmaker as advertised. Carter will get more free looks and I wouldn't be surprised if his scoring average would be near 20.

In general, I think Big 12 will be really tough. I think Texas can be a top 5 team nationally, and Oklahoma, Oklahoma St, Kansas, Baylor, T A&M and even Texas Tech can all be really good.

[Hawker]

They're almost even to me. Both lost I think 4 of their top 6 scorers? They split the series last year 1-1. Texas A&M won by 3, OK State by 5. OK State had some good wins over Baylor and Kansas. I'm a believer.

I don't think there's too big of a difference between them. You could surely be correct though.

P.S.- I really need to update this with Jennings leaving, Pitt losing Cook, etc.
A&M only lost Joseph Jones and Dominique Kirk and we are bringing Dashan Harris who should be a better ball handler than Donald Sloan. We didnt have a true PG last year and had to make do with Sloan who's a better PG. Bryan Davis should be a good center and Josh Carter is still around. I think we are better then them. You just think of Ok state in basketball and not A&M, typically. It's fine, we're still young.

I also think you're overrating Texas.

[boozehound]

A&M only lost Joseph Jones and Dominique Kirk and we are bringing Dashan Harris who should be a better ball handler than Donald Sloan. We didnt have a true PG last year and had to make do with Sloan who's a better PG. Bryan Davis should be a good center and Josh Carter is still around. I think we are better then them. You just think of Ok state in basketball and not A&M, typically. It's fine, we're still young.

I also think you're overrating Texas.
deandre and joe both leaving leave a lot of room to fill in the middle (even if deandre did suck ass the last 2/3rds of the season). Im looking forward to seeing how they do, but my expectations are particularly high.

[Hawker]

deandre and joe both leaving leave a lot of room to fill in the middle (even if deandre did suck ass the last 2/3rds of the season). Im looking forward to seeing how they do, but my expectations are particularly high.

Same here. F*ck Denandre. I'm glad he left. I wont be rooting for him in the NBA.

Elonu isnt too bad. He can play some defense and gives us some fouls.

David Loubeau will hopefully fill the PF void.

And just so yall know, Texas' top recruit J'Covan Brown will not enroll into UT due to academic reasons. Sucks but UT seems to be doing sh!t like this non-stop.

[sofly ent.]

Lester Hudson Will Be A Top-20 Pick In 2009 Draft He Has The Talent And The Will If He Takes His Team To The Big Dance He Is Lock In The Draft The Small School Stuff Is Out The Picture Tougher Schedule This Year ....................lester Hudson Is The Best Player In College Basketball..............watch Out As Ut Martin Will Beat Usc And Tennessee................... Go Skyhawks

[Posterize246]

Lester Hudson Will Be A Top-20 Pick In 2009 Draft He Has The Talent And The Will If He Takes His Team To The Big Dance He Is Lock In The Draft The Small School Stuff Is Out The Picture Tougher Schedule This Year ....................lester Hudson Is The Best Player In College Basketball..............watch Out As Ut Martin Will Beat Usc And Tennessee................... Go Skyhawks
he was getting schooled in predraft workouts

[Posterize246]

Same here. F*ck Denandre. I'm glad he left. I wont be rooting for him in the NBA.

Elonu isnt too bad. He can play some defense and gives us some fouls.

David Loubeau will hopefully fill the PF void.

And just so yall know, Texas' top recruit J'Covan Brown will not enroll into UT due to academic reasons. Sucks but UT seems to be doing sh!t like this non-stop.
I'm lookin out for Bryan Davis. A 30/14/1 game last year on Baylor? A 14/11 game on Missouri?

[sofly ent.]

Lester Hudson Best Player In College Basketball Notice I Said Player He Will Destroy Tennessee And Usc This Year And Carry His Team To The Dance

[boozehound]

I'm lookin out for Bryan Davis. A 30/14/1 game last year on Baylor? A 14/11 game on Missouri?
yeah both he and jr elonu were pretty solid for us last year and davis had some flashes. frankly, they were both better than deandre down the stretch. aTm has had pretty solid frontcourts the last 3 years (I loved the marlon pompei, kavaluskiss (sp), jones rotation 2 years ago).