Vanderbilt is used to being the underdog.

With academic expectations unmatched in the SEC—and most of the nation—it's not necessarily easy to compete on such a high level of physicality in sports such as football and basketball.

Stallings has found a way to do it.

And 2009-10 is no different. Vanderbilt is forgotten and passed over, despite bringing in a rare five-star recruit (per Rivals) and featuring two of the league's best at their respective positions.

In fact, their starting five might be as talented as any in the league.

Vanderbilt, however, is consistently placed in this year's second-tier programs such as South Carolina and Florida. Most rank the former two nationally without regard to the Commodores. That's a mistake.

This team has the makings of a dark-horse the size of a Trojan one.

Balance, experience, talent, and depth are the four basic essentials for success in this sport, and this year's Vanderbilt team has a solid mix of these.

The 'Dores return two shooters who averaged better than 40 percent from behind the arc and bring in a big-time freshman who can stroke it. They also return seven players who can play in at the four or five.

Balance, check.

The team returns all but one [bench] player on its roster, even walk-ons.

Experience, check.

Vanderbilt brings in a five-star (per Rivals) recruit to join Second-Team All-SEC and former SEC Co-Freshman of the Year A.J. Ogilvy along with one of the league's best overall point-guards and shooting guards.

Talent, check.

Eight players shared starting minutes last season, with a five-star likely to join them. There were 11 players who averaged over 6.5 minutes per game last season. They also return a redshirt forward, Andre Walker, who is a capable scorer.

Depth, check.

This team would have had huge potential without an addition, and it's a heck of an addition.

 

John Jenkins
(No. 47 overall - No. 10 SG - Four stars - 6'4" - 180lbs)

Jenkins is a shooter by trade. He doesn't defend, he doesn't handle the ball, but he can drain the threes. He's got a good mentality and strong work ethic, but isn't as aggressive or assertive on offense as he would need to be, especially if he hopes to expand his game into slashing into the lane.

With that said, Jenkins will give the 'Dores a third lethal long-range weapon and should contribute immediately. He likely won't start, though, due to the team's excessive depth.

 

Despite the talent and offensive capabilities of its individual players, the Commodores ranked second-to-last in the league in scoring offense. Jenkins hopes to provide that extra spark.

 

A.J. Ogilvy  - 6'11", 250lb Senior C
(15.4ppg - 7.1rpg - 54.3% FG - 48blk)

Ogilvy is perhaps not in the right system for him to truly stand out. Stallings has always favored his big-time shooting guards, and Ogilvy is the main anchor under the basket.

Despite this, Ogilvy's efficiency ranked amongst the league's best in nearly every category. His offensive numbers are the best, considering minutes played, of any SEC big-man.

He's also an excellent rebounder and underrated defender, though he's not nearly as aggressive on defense as he should be.

Ogilvy should have yet another great season and his decision to jump to the draft next spring will be a good one.

 

Jermaine Beal  - 6'3", 205lb Senior PG
(12.5ppg - 3.5rpg - 40.3% 3PT - 2.02 A/TO)

Beal certainly isn't a pass-first point in the typical sense; he is also a big-time scorer as well.

That said, don't doubt his ability to dish the ball out. In fact, he led the entire conference with a 2.02 assist-to-turnover ratio and ranks ninth among returning players in total assists.

Beal shoots over 80 percent from the charity stripe and is a capable defender as well. He doesn't have many weaknesses, and should once again start every Commodore game this season.

 

Jeffery Taylor  - 6'7", 210lb Sophomore SF
(12.2ppg - 6.2rpg - 50.2% FG - 29 stl)

Returning All-SEC Freshman Jeffery Taylor is an all-around great player whose numbers were all that more impressive considering his youth.

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