Bleacher Report - Articles by Kurt Wirth

SEC Basketball's First Week Not Kind to Most Teams

Kurt Wirth — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:13 -0500

While Arkansas exploded in its first game, it got brought down to reality by 20th-ranked Louisville. Several other SEC teams have lost already as well. One of those teams included 18th-ranked Mississippi State. The biggest surprise for the conference, however, was a positive one. Rotnei Clarke blew past SEC and Arkansas records on his way to a 13-of-17 performance from downtown to post 51 points against Alcorn State. Here are Week One's awards. PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Rotnei Clarke (33.5 ppg, 2.0 stl, 66.7% 3PT) COACH OF THE WEEK: Trent Johnson (3-0 with win over Western Kentucky) FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Marshawn Powell (16.0 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 2.5 blk) A breakdown of each team's performance thus far follows.

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Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida Gators Finalize SEC Basketball Exhibition Slate

Kurt Wirth — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:52:49 -0500

SEC Basketball exhibition play has ended with Florida and Alabama winning their outings on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. While the Gators continue to impress and have begun making a name for themselves, the Tide have some questions to answer. Regular-season action begins on Friday for SEC teams, when nine of the conference's 12 teams will compete.

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More Arkansas Razorback Players Suspended

Kurt Wirth — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:31:55 -0500

John Pelphrey is losing control of the Arkansas Razorback team.

We already received news that Stefan Welsh was suspended indefinitely.

Today comes news that several others are being suspended. As if Arkansas could afford any other losses.

The biggest surprise is that Courtney Fortson, who will play a major role when he finally gets back to the hardwood, has been suspended indefinitely as well. Fortson averaged 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds last year and is the team's only point guard with floor experience.

Marcus Britt, who is set for a breakout season, will miss six games while Glenn Bryant will miss two. Walk-on Nick Mason is gone for the entire semester at least.

This leaves, to my count, three players with returning experience—and just eight overall—available on Friday when Arkansas opens against Alcorn State.

If this doesn't get reigned in, and quickly, Pelphrey might find himself without a job sooner than he thought.

SEC Exhibition Outings Wrapping Up on the Hardwood

Kurt Wirth — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:50:19 -0500

Only a few exhibition games remain for the Southeastern Conference, as most teams have played at least one. Here's a recap of those played since the 2nd, my last update of them. The rest will come tonight and tomorrow, while the regular-season begins at the end of this week. I'm adding a new feature into all of my stories...a grade for each team's performance. It will be entirely subjective (obviously) and will focus on how well the team should have done compared to how it actually performed. It's A-F and will use pluses and minuses. The game reviews will be in chrolonological order.

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SEC Basketball Sees First Exhibition Action

Kurt Wirth — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:58:43 -0500

In their exhibition debuts, both Kentucky and Arkansas registered lackluster performances, while Mississippi State rebounded from a poor first-half showing with a second-half blowout. Florida and Tennessee wasted no time in their domination.

Let's discuss the games in chronological order.

No. 10 Tennessee (117) vs. North Alabama (79)
Knoxville, Tenn., Oct. 30, 2009

The Volunteers dominated North Alabama in every way and lent evidence to my prediction of their taking the SEC Eastern Division title. The squad shot 65.7 percent from the field, including a barn-burning 58.8 percent from behind the arc.

While six UT players registered double-digit efforts, sophomore Scotty Hopson finally showed a flash of his potential by nailing 8-of-10 of his shots from the floor, including 4-of-5 from three. The Vols put up a 1.23 assist-to-turnover margin, forced 28 turnovers, and won the rebounding battle 46-30.

In his debut as a Volunteer, freshman power forward Kenny Hall impressed the crowd by shooting a perfect 5-of-5 from the floor, hitting all four of his free throws, and grabbing seven rebounds. He fouled out, however, which looks to be an issue he needs to work on.

While almost all of the game was positive for the Orange fans, one thing was not: defense. Allowing 79 points to UNA isn't a positive sign, and Tennessee won't be averaging 117 points a game. The Vols need to work on defense if they truly want to contend for a National Title.

Player of the Game: Scotty Hopson (20 pts, 80.0% FG, 80.0% 3PT, 4 ast, 2 stl)
Stat of the Game: +16 Tennessee rebounding margin

No. 18 Mississippi State (82) vs. Oklahoma City (54)
Starkville, Miss., Oct. 31, 2009

The Bulldogs of the SEC West struggled with consistency and offensive smoothness in this game's first half, despite never trailing. MSU led just 38-33 at the half. State figured out OCU's zone defense in the second, however, and dominated the rest of the game.

Four MSU players registered double-digit scoring, led by outstanding junior shooter Ravern Johnson's 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including a 6-of-10 effort from behind the arc. All-everything senior Jarvis Varnado led the game with 11 rebounds on top of eight points and four blocks. The Bulldogs finished the game well ahead in every major category.

Renardo Sidney is still awaiting an NCAA decision on his eligibility, and big man John Riek was benched in hopes his exhibition game would count toward his nine-game suspension. Wendell Lewis continued his impressive preseason performance, grabbing eight rebounds in just 13 minutes. Shaunessy Smith had four assists without a turnover, but not much else.

As a team, this was a very nice performance against a solid lower-division team. If Johnson continues his streak of hot shooting as he did during last season's non-conference schedule, this will be a very dangerous team.

Player of the Game: Ravern Johnson (23 pts, 5 rbs, 53.3% FG, 60.0% 3PT)
Stat of the Game: MSU +15 rebound margin after trailing at halftime

Arkansas (77) vs. Dillard (59)
Fayetteville, Ark., Nov. 2, 2009

The Razorbacks could have very well lost this game if it weren't for Michael Washington's tremendous 25-point, 10-rebound double-double effort. Even with him, the 'Backs shot just 39.2 percent from the field and just 21.9 percent from three.

Ranked as the best shooting guard in the nation this offseason, Rotnei Clarke managed just 5-of-15 shooting and 4-of-13 from behind the arc. Courtney Fortson handed out nine assists to four turnovers.

Hyped freshman Marshawn Powell didn't play, though power forward Glenn Bryant stood out amongst the remainder of the newcomers. He put up the 'Backs' second double-double with 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting and 10 rebounds.

Julysses Nobles and Jemal Farmer, the team's other two participating freshmen, each grabbed six rebounds and combined for seven points.

This team is as expected thus far—talented but thin. Most will be willing to shake this performance off as preseason jitters and hope that Powell makes a big difference, but Clarke and Fortson (who combined for 7-of-25 shooting) need to improve their efforts if this team wants to make a run for the postseason.

Player of the Game: Michael Washington (25 pts, 10 rbs, 62.5% FG, 3 blks)
Stat of the Game: Arkansas without Washington: 32.7% FG

Florida (95) vs. Saint Leo (46)
Gainesville, Fla., Nov. 2, 2009

Florida came out about as hot as the Vols did, on both ends of the floor. The big story was incoming all-star freshman Kenny Boynton, who led the team with 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three, and grabbed six rebounds. Not to be lost was Erving Walker's nine assists and no turnovers, coupled with 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting.

Florida outshot Saint Leo by 30.3 percent and held them to 4.8 percent shooting from three.

Erik Murphy, the team's other freshman, had a nice game as well: nine points on 3-of-4 shooting and six rebounds.

If Walker can keep up his impressive team-leading and Boynton remains this dominating, I might just be wrong about Florida. Granted, the competition was weak, but this could mean Florida might very well have a stake in the SEC East title after all.

Player of the Game: Kenny Boynton (22 pts, 6 rbs, 50.0% FG, 55.5% 3PT, 3 stl)
Stat of the Game: Five Florida players with at least five rebounds

No. 4 Kentucky (74) vs. Campbellsville (38)
Lexington, Ky., Nov. 2, 2009

The Wildcats got off to a fast start, holding CU to just 11 points in the first half. There were large stretches in the second half, however, where UK was bogged down and was outscored. For a top-five team, this was a disappointing debut.

While the team shot well (50.0 percent) from the floor, my prediction as to its lack of outside shooting presence rang true (21.4 percent). This team is seriously going to miss Jodie Meeks.

Freshman Darnell Dodson was the star of the game, scoring 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting along with six rebounds.

Turnovers look to be a serious issue for the young team as well, as it handed the ball over 23 times, though it forced 25 CU turnovers.

John Wall is still serving a two-game suspension, while results from the other freshmen were mixed. Behind Dodson's big game, DeMarcus Cousins pulled down a respectable 11 points and six rebounds and blocked four shots. Eric Bledsoe looks talented if he can limit the turnovers, as he managed nine points, four rebounds, four assists (to four turnovers), and four steals.

Jon Hood and Daniel Orton weren't as impressive: They combined for seven points on 3-of-7 shooting.

Lots of great pieces to the puzzle, but no glue to make them stick. I hear there's a brand of Wall Glue being released this month, so stay tuned.

Player of the Game: Darnell Dodson (19 pts, 6 rbs, 50.0% FG, 2 stl)
Stat of the Game: Kentucky's 3-of-14 (21.4%) three-point shooting

Tennessee Volunteers Suffer Setback, Guard Josh Tabb Leaves Team

Kurt Wirth — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:36:13 -0400

Josh Tabb has left the Tennessee Volunteer men's basketball team after being suspended indefinitely by Bruce Pearl for the infamous "violation of team rules."

Tabb, who stands 6'4" and weighs 196 lbs., was an extremely talented guard who started 11 games for the Vols last season.

He ranked third on the team—and best amongst guards—in field-goal percentage at 50.6 percent and easily led the team with a 42.4 three-point percentage, though he only attempted 33.

He also recorded an impressive 1.7 assists-to-turnover ratio and 24 steals.

Statistically, this reduces Tennessee's returning scoring to 93.06 percent and keeps them in first place in the league, while they now return 89.66 percent of their rebounding—second behind Vanderbilt.

More importantly, however, the Vols lose a potential threat from behind the arc and have even less depth in the backcourt. Only four guards remain on the team, and none arrive on scholarship.

This might even out the field a bit in the SEC, as Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and even Kentucky seem to have a better shot at toppling the Vols for the league title.

As for the national implications, this severe lack of guard depth might cost the team a deep run in March, as uni-dimensional teams tend not to fare well in the Big Dance.

One thing is for certain: This team cannot afford any injuries or suspensions of any kind to any of its guards in 2009-10.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Conference Preview

Kurt Wirth — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:02:57 -0400

For the second-straight season, the Southeastern Conference finished last amongst BCS leagues and sixth overall in RPI standings in 2008-09.

Just three teams made the NCAA Tournament, none of which made the Sweet Sixteen.

My, how a year can change everything.

While the nation was as experienced and talented as it had ever been, the SEC was struggling to reload and patiently waiting for its younger stars to grow into full-bodied threats.

That day has come for several league teams.

"There are eight teams in the league that return four starters," Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl explained. "So the league is going to be a lot better and part of the reason is because of returning players. That experience is going to put us in a position to not get too high when we win and not get too low when we lose, because this league is going to beat up on each other and I think the team that handles adversity and handles success the best is the team that is going to win the championship."

Couldn't say it better myself.

The most well-known example is Kentucky, who let an embattled Billy Gillispie go after just two seasons at the helm and its first NCAA absence in 15 years. In stepped Memphis' John Calipari, and an outrageous recruiting class alongside. Returning Second-Team All-American Patrick Patterson plus adding three five-star along with two four-star recruits means high expectations.

High they are indeed. Many publications have ranked Kentucky second pre-season, and all have them in the Top 10. They have been picked overwhelmingly to win the SEC by the media, though much hinges on the NCAA's verdict of John Wall's elligibility. Wall, the nation's top recruit, could make an immediate impact for the Wildcats at point guard.

"We are very big, athletic and fast," Calipari said. "We don't shoot the ball well, and have a lot of room to grow."

That loss of shooting comes in the form of Jodie Meeks, who bolted to the NBA after leading the team—and the SEC—in scoring. His 23.7 points per game was over 33 percent of Kentucky's scoring last year and with his loss, the team loses more offensive production than any other team in the league.

Often joining the True Blue in top ten lists across the country are the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols looked to bring back every single player on its roster before highly talented forward Emmanuel Negedu went down recently to heart trouble. His future with the team looks dim, though the squad's outlook on this season remains steadfast.

Third-Team All-American Tyler Smith can quite literally do it all, and Kentucky's amount of talent may be matched, or even exceeded, by the team in orange. The Vols are looking to prove the nation wrong and dethrone the Wildcats.

"As far as our team’s chemistry, we are going to learn from last year to play together," Pearl stated.

Yet another national contender resides in Starkville, Mississippi. That town endured a wild off-season, as Fourth-Team All-American Jarvis Varnado—who should become the nation's leading shot-blocker of all time this season—chose to return to the team. Then, a couple of high-profile recruits with elligibility issues signed on.

Sidney, who most consider the most talented player in this year's class, hasn't received his elligibility yet, former Top Five recruit John Riek has, though he will sit out nine games. Riek is 7'2" with a much bigger wingspan and should immediately contribute.

The Bulldogs return every starter and lose a few back-ups, mostly to injury. This team is the prohibitive favorite to win a Western Division which it seemingly owns, and could make a run at the league title.

"It is the most experience I have had in a long time and we only have two seniors coming back," MSU coach Rick Stansbury expressed. "There is no question that we are better off at this point in the year than we were at this point last year."

Four other SEC teams have been ranked in the nation's Top 25 in various preseason selections this season.

Ole Miss has received some increased expectations for a few reasons. Several players, including Second-Team All-SEC point guard Chris Warren, return from season-ending injuries in 2007-08. Much-hyped sophomore Terrico White will look to continue his momentum from last season, as he was selected on the media's First-Team All-SEC list.

South Carolina returns a great deal of power from last year's SEC East co-champion team, including star point-guard and First-Team All-SEC selection Devan Downey.

Florida lost its heart and soul in Nick Calathes, but the amount of pure talent and depth on the team should lend itself to a competitive season.

The biggest darkhorse of the 2009-10 season, however, is Vanderbilt. The Commodores return nearly every player from last season and add five-star recruit John Jenkins. With perhaps the league's most physically talented player in Second-Team All-SEC choice A.J. Ogilvy and two players in Jermaine Beal and Brad Tinsley who compete with the conference's best at their respective positions, this team is set to compete for the overall SEC title.

No surprise, then, that the league coaches have high expectations for themselves and their competition.

"I am excited about where the league is," Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy said. "I think from a balanced stand point it is as strong as it has been in quite some time and our marquis players are back. The top of the league is going to be where I believe we are going to have three, four, five teams in the top 25 week in and week out. I think there is a buzz in the league and rightfully so."

ALABAMA

Last Year : 18-14, 7-9 (Nationally: #95 )
Postseason : None
Returning : 69.67% of scoring (6th), 66.02% of rebounding (10th)

The Crimson Tide return a great deal of talent, and a solid recruiting class. The team does, however, lose a lot of offense which could hurt, considering it ranked near the bottom of the league in points scored a year ago. If Grant can find some reliable shooters to complement talented big-man JaMychal Green, they could challenge Ole Miss for second place in the Western Division and a post-season appearance.

Prediction : (18-12, 7-9), No Postseason

ARKANSAS

Last Year : 14-16, 2-14 (Nationally: #126 )
Postseason : None
Returning : 84.63% of scoring (4th), 77.66% of rebounding (5th)

The Razorbacks will struggle again this year due only to their severe lack of depth. Washington, Clarke and Fortson each are among the most talented at their respective positions, but there simply isn't much below them. Word is that Welsh is suspended indefintiely, and Sanchez is out indefinitely with foot issues. That leaves the team with four non-freshman players. The freshmen will need to step up in a big way, and expect at least Marshawn Powell too—he's already impressing the coaches—if the team is to improve upon their utter collapse last season.

Prediction : (15-16, 6-10), No Postseason

AUBURN

Last Year : 24-12, 10-6 (Nationally: #55 )
Postseason : NIT Quarterfinals
Returning : 61.60% of scoring (10th), 49.33% of rebounding (11th)

Lebo saved his job a year ago by making the NIT Quarterfinals. This season, he won't be so lucky. The Tigers lose three of the league's most talented players, including highly-underrated big-man Korvotney Barber, and bring in a sub-par recruiting class. Expect the War Eagle to retain its spot at the bottom of the SEC West and be looking for a new head coach next off-season.

Prediction : (13-18, 3-13), No Postseason

FLORIDA

Last Year : 25-11, 9-7 (Nationally: #42 )
Postseason : NIT Quarterfinals
Returning : 63.63% of scoring (8th), 73.80% of rebounding (7th)

With the loss of Nick Calathes to the Greecian professional leagues, along with the graduation of Walter Hodge, a true team-leader and decision-maker needs to step up. Florida is always immensely talented, but Calathes was the heart and soul of this team and the Gators will miss him badly. If a player steps into that leadership role, Florida might be able to make a step up into the Big Dance.

Prediction : (20-10, 10-6), NCAA Tournament

GEORGIA

Last Year : 12-20, 3-13 (Nationally: #200 )
Postseason : No Postseason
Returning : 62.21% of scoring (9th), 68.92% of rebounding (9th)

Losing two starters—including the squad's top scorer—is a hit for any basketball team. Moreso for one struggling like Georgia is. Former Nevada skipper Mark Fox inherits a bad situation in Athens with no immediate promise for improvement. This season is certainly one of rebuilding and restructuring, as anything but last place in the conference would be a miracle.

Prediction : (10-19, 3-13), No Postseason

KENTUCKY

Last Year : 22-14, 8-8 (Nationally: #52 )
Postseason : NIT Quarterfinals
Returning : 56.95% of scoring (11th), 75.76% of rebounding (6th)

Kentucky loses offensive juggernaut Jodie Meeks, and despite what the talking heads say, they will suffer because of it. The Blue bring in one of the greatest recruiting classes of all time, but none of those players are known for explosive offensive potential. The entire offense can't rest on the shoulders of the frontcourt, much less only All-SEC star Patrick Patterson. This team will struggle at times offensively and is far too imbalanced to warrant their sky-high expectations. An NCAA Tournament bid is probable, a Final Four run is not.

Prediction : (21-9, 10-6), NCAA Tournament

LSU

Last Year : 27-8, 13-3 (Nationally: #43 )
Postseason : NCAA Second Round
Returning : 41.61% of scoring (12th), 36.17% of rebounding (12th)

Trent Johnson has proven he can coach (no word yet on his teams' motivation, though). He will manage to upset some teams this season, but the Tigers lose six scholarship athletes and are going to be awfully young. This may be a reloading year for LSU, but don't expect it to last very long. Don't count me surprised if the Tigers manage to heavily overachieve and receive an invitation to the postseason.

Prediction : (13-14, 4-12), No Postseason

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Last Year : 23-13, 9-7 (Nationally: #61 )
Postseason : NCAA First Round
Returning : 90.85% of scoring (3rd), 86.53% of rebounding (4th)

The Bulldogs caught on fire toward the end of last season, winning their last six games (including an SEC Tournament title) before bowing out in the NCAA Tournament to Washington. The SEC West mainstay returns nearly every player and adds at least one former five-star recruit and is immensely talented and deep. This team could make some serious noise in March.

Prediction : (24-6, 12-4), NCAA Tournament

OLE MISS

Last Year : 16-15, 7-9 (Nationally: #97 )
Postseason : No Postseason
Returning : 65.93% of scoring (7th), 69.40% of rebounding (8th)

Andy Kennedy struggled with off-the-court issues last season and loses his top scorer, but return a talented core of players from injury. The Rebels join the Gators as one of the biggest question-marks in the league. If star point guard Chris Warren can return to form after a serious knee injury and the team can find enough front-court depth to suffice, it could challenge for an NCAA bid.

Prediction : (18-10, 8-8), NIT

SOUTH CAROLINA

Last Year : 21-10, 10-6 (Nationally: #68 )
Postseason : NIT First Round
Returning : 77.61% of scoring (5th), 87.94% of rebounding (3rd)

Darrin Horn underachieved last season in a weak SEC, despite a postseason bid and a SEC East co-title. With the sudden strengthening of the league, particularly the East, things just get harder from here. The Gamecocks don't have the talent or depth to keep up in the East, and could struggle this year. An NCAA Tournament bid isn't out of the question, but would be an impressive achievement.

Prediction : (16-12, 7-9), No Postseason

TENNESSEE

Last Year : 21-13, 10-6 (Nationally: #31 )
Postseason : NCAA First Round
Returning : 97.30% of scoring (1st), 94.50% of rebounding (1st)

The Volunteers look to be loaded for another chance at a Final Four run. There are, though, some weaknesses that became apparent last season. The team has little depth a the point-guard position, and struggles from outside the arc as well as on defense. That said, the Orange are one of the league's most talented and deepest teams. If Pearl can find some shooters and get his team to play hard on both ends of the court, this could be a National Title contender.

Prediction : (24-4, 13-3), NCAA Tournament

VANDERBILT

Last Year : 19-12, 8-8 (Nationally: #77 )
Postseason : No Postseason
Returning : 92.58% of scoring (2nd), 92.25% of rebounding (2nd)

If you're looking for an SEC dark-horse, look no further. The Commodores return every important piece of their squad, including outstandingly talented big-man A.J. Ogilvy. Added to the mix is five-star recruit John Jenkins, who will add some firepower to the team's offense. With this amount of talent and experience, expect the 'Dores to challenge for the SEC and push its way well into March.

Prediction : (22-6, 12-4), NCAA Tournament

Now, as for the conference predictions...

SEC EAST

1. Tennessee - 24-4, 13-3

2. Vanderbilt - 22-6, 12-4

t3. Kentucky - 21-9, 10-6

t3. Florida - 20-10, 10-6

5. South Carolina - 16-12, 7-9

6. Georgia - 10-19, 3-13

SEC WEST

1. Mississippi State - 24-6, 12-4

2. Ole Miss - 18-10, 8-8

3. Alabama - 18-12, 7-9

4. Arkansas - 15-16, 6-10

5. LSU - 13-14, 4-12

6. Auburn - 13-18, 3-13

And on to the 2009-10 SEC Pre-Season Awards...

SEC Pre-Season Awards

SEC Player of the Year: Jarvis Varnado (Mississippi State)

While this may be an unpopular pick, no one in the conference alters the game as much as Varnado. His offense is underrated, as he shoots 54.9 percent from the floor as it is, and should only increase this season. His rebounding is nearly untouched in the league, and he should break the national career blocking record this season.

SEC Coach of the Year: Kevin Stallings (Vanderbilt)

The Commodores enter the season with not nearly as much hype as they deserve. Expect them to be one of the toughest teams in the league and challenge for an Elite Eight spot when it's all said and done.

SEC Freshman of the Year: John Wall (Kentucky)

Assuming he becomes elligible to play, Wall should have an immediate impact for Kentucky. The Wildcats desperately need his decision-making and ball-handling to become competitive once again.

All-SEC First Team

Jarvis Varnado (Mississippi State)
Patrick Patterson (Kentucky)
Tyler Smith (Tennessee)
A.J. Ogilvy (Vanderbilt)
Chris Warren (Ole Miss)

All-SEC Second-Team

Michael Washington (Arkansas)
Rotnei Clarke (Arkansas)
Tasmin Mitchell (LSU)
Wayne Chism (Tennessee)
Alex Tyus (Florida)

Non-Conference Viewing Guide

Arkansas vs. Louisville (Tue, Nov. 17)
Florida vs. Michigan St. (Fri, Nov. 27)
Vanderbilt vs. Missouri (Wed, Dec. 2)
Kentucky vs. North Carolina (Sat, Dec. 5)
South Carolina @ Clemson (Sun, Dec. 6)
Vanderbilt vs. Illinois (Tues, Dec. 8)
Kentucky vs. UConn (Wed, Dec. 9)
Florida vs. Syracuse (Thu, Dec. 10)
Mississippi St. vs. UCLA (Sat, Dec. 12)
Alabama vs. Purdue (Sat, Dec. 12)
Auburn @ Florida St. (Thu, Dec. 17)
LSU @ Washington St. (Tue, Dec. 22)
Ole Miss @ West Virginia (Wed, Dec. 23)
LSU @ Xavier (Tue, Dec. 29)
South Carolina @ Boston College (Wed, Dec. 30)
Tennessee @ Memphis (Thu, Dec. 31)
Georgia @ Missouri (Sat, Jan. 2)
South Carolina vs. Baylor (Sat, Jan. 2)
Kentucky vs. Louisville (Sat, Jan. 2)
Mississippi St. @ Western Kentucky (Mon, Jan. 4)
Arkansas vs. Texas (Tue, Jan. 5)
Tennessee vs. Kansas (Sun, Jan. 10)
Florida vs. Xavier (Sat, Feb. 13)

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Vanderbilt

Kurt Wirth — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:27:43 -0400

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.

He's an excellent mid-range scorer with a great touch on the basketball, and has the athleticism to get to the basket. He's also a decent defender.

Taylor will likely join Beal in starting every game this season.

Brad Tinsley - 6'3", 210lb Sophomore SG
(11.0ppg - 2.5rpg - 41.1% 3PT - 1.34 A/TO)

Tinsley was even more impressive than Taylor last season, if that was possible. Vanderbilt was looking at a rebuilding year last season with so many freshmen being relied upon, but Tinsley in particular stepped up to the plate and dominated the backcourt for the 'Dores.

Tinsley shot an unbelievable 41.1 percent from three despite 168 attempts, and could very well be this year's Jodie Meeks with this amount of potential.

His poise is unmatched. As a freshman, he brought down 56 of 68 free throws for 82.4 percent. He ranked second on the team with 86 assists and a 1.34 assist-to-turnover ratio.

His numbers exude experience, and he was just a freshman. He looks to be the heart and soul of this year's Vanderbilt squad.

Lance Gouldbourne - 6'8", 225lb Sophomore SF
(5.1ppg - 3.3rpg - 47.2% FG - 71.0% FT)

Gouldbourne knows how to get to the basket and score and has great size for his position, which creates mismatches for defenders. What he can't do effectively, however, is drive to the basket without turning the ball over.

He was more than capable as a freshman, and should improve this season. He won't start, but he is a solid player off the bench.

Festus Ezeli - 6'11", 255lb Sophomore C
(3.8ppg - 2.6rpg - 54.7% FG - 22 blk)

Ezeli has more potential than he showed last year. His post moves around the basket are solid and he ranks as one of the best in the league at getting to the free-throw stripe because of his assertiveness and competitive nature.

His up-side is sizeable and he could become a competent role-player in a year or two.

Steve Tchiengang - 6'9", 240lb Sophomore PF
(3.6ppg - 3.2rpg - 71.9% FT - 32.9% FG)

Tchiengang is less serviceable than most on the roster. His offense seems to have little upside, and his decision-making is weak. He also has little confidence, and effectively serves as a big body to put on the floor in worst-case scenarios.

Darshawn McClellan - 6'7", 240lb Junior PF
(2.1ppg - 3.0rpg - 1.03 A/TO - 29.1% FG)

McClellan is not completely unusable, and can provide some rebounding while on the floor in limited minutes. He's also a smart and aware player who doesn't turn the ball over, though somewhat inept as a scorer or defender.

Charles Hinkle - 6'6", 195lb Sophomore SF
(2.0ppg - 0.9rpg - 0.92 A/TO - 86.7% FT)

Hinkle is a decent free-throw shooter who can be substituted when games are out of hand and be counted on to make free throws without being a liability to turn the ball over. Not much else.

Joe Duffy - 6'8", 225lb Junior PF
(1.0ppg - 1.2rpg - 40.0% FG - 75.0% FT)

Duffy serves well as a place-holder on the floor, but not much else. He doesn't receive many chances to show his skill, but when he does he simply doesn't have the assertiveness to compete.

Andre Walker wasn't included because he didn't play last year, but he should compete for a starting position. The team is heavily talented and deep, and has every chance at winning the SEC this season.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes : Limpscomb (H), DePaul (H), Tennessee St. (H), Mercer (H), Manhattan (H), Southern Mississippi (H), Middle Tennessee St. (H)

Real Games : at St. Mary's (A), Cincinnatti (N), Western Kentucky (N)

Marquee Matchups : Missouri (H), Illinois (N)

Opposite Division : Alabama (A), Auburn (H), Mississippi St. (H), LSU (H), Ole Miss (A), Arkansas (A)

Predicted Result : (22-6, 12-4), NCAA Tournament

Analysis : The Commodores have a brutal non-conference schedule; what I'd call the toughest in the league. Despite this, I think the team loses just two of those and compete for the overall SEC title.

What's Returning

Points : 92.58 percent (2nd—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds : 92.25 percent (2nd—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

The Commodores have everything it takes to take the SEC by storm this season. Everything is there, with the only potential weakness is talent under the basket to back up Ogilvy. If that is straightened out, this team could pose a strong threat for a Final Four.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Tennessee

Kurt Wirth — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:39:57 -0400

The pile of drool that has become Kentucky basketball this offseason has overshadowed a lurking menace to the SEC in the form of Bruce Pearl's Volunteers.

I personally see very few arguments against the Vols being the heavy favorites in the SEC East. The Vols return every major contributor from last year's SEC East co-title team, add a talented newcomer, and have possibly the best coaching staff in the league.

Unlike the Wildcats, the Vols' preseason rankings—that all seem to be hovering around 10th—are deserved.

Pearl is an offensive coach, and this is well understood. He also likes his guards.

Both of these began to appear to be too obvious to Vols fans last season, as the team struggled to shut down opponents defensively and when the guards couldn't live up to their end of the bargain, their own offense collapsed.

In fact, in a Bruce Pearl oddity, it was the big men who carried Tennessee in 2008-09.

The Vols were physical and rebounded well, but struggled with ball-handling and shooting. Highly-touted freshman Scotty Hopson didn't live up to expectations and only one [backup] player averaged more than a third of their three-point attempts.

Despite the struggles in specific areas of the game, the Volunteers pushed their way into the NCAA Tournament and lost in the first round.

The offseason wasn't kind to the Vols, as their second potential all-star freshman Emmanuel Negedu went down to a heart condition and most assume his basketball career is over.

Josh Tabb, one of the most potential-filled players on the roster, was also suspended in September for an unspecified amount of time so he can "focus on academics". Look for his situation to be reassessed in December.

The Vols' recruits this season could help fill that void.

Kenny Hall
(No. 54 overall—No. 11 PF—6'9"—215lbs)

Hall is a versatile big-man. He's quick and has a limited face-up game, and is a competent shot-blocker.

His work ethic and competitive attitude make him stand out, and he should help with the Vols' depth under the basket this season.

While depth nor talent will be an issue for Pearl this season, the team needs to click on both offense and defense. An extra season with nearly the exact same players should help.

Tyler Smith —6'7", 215lb Senior SF
(17.4 PPG—5.8 RPG—1.63 A/TO—43.9% FG)

Smith is as close to as unclassifiable as is physically possible. The only thing he surely is NOT is a center. Past that, take your best guess.

He is an ultra-reliable player in every respect. He has an unlimited supply of energy and competitiveness, and is a dominating leader on the floor.

I'm a number Nazi, I admit this. But Smith is the only case in which I will shamelessly say his impact and ability hugely outstretches his efficiency.

He's the best ball-handling big(ish) man in the conference, and he is likely the smartest player in the league as well.

As Tyler Smith goes, the Vols go. He was named First-Team All-SEC this preseason, and will make a push for SEC Player of the Year.

Wayne Chism —6'9", 246lb Senior PF
(13.7 PPG—8.0 RPG—46.6% FG—32.0% 3PT)

Chism is easily amongst the most underrated players in the SEC. He ranks in the league's top 10 most efficient scorers, outranking even Tyler Smith. He's the third-most efficient returning rebounder. And that's just what the numbers can say.

Chism is dynamic and a massive mismatch for opponents. With his size, defenders tend to give him space at range, despite his numbers, and he more often than not makes them pay.

Chism is a game-changer overshadowed by game-changers. He should be a crucial piece of the puzzle for the Volunteers this season.

J.P. Prince —6'7", 205lb Senior PG
(9.9 PPG—4.2 RPG—57.2% FG—1.49 A/TO)

Prince is a slasher by default, as only 24 of his 222 attempts last season were from behind the arc. Good thing, though, as only three of those went in.

He's an explosive and athletic scorer, with speed and ball-handling skills. He's also a very talented on-ball defender and capable rebounder.

Prince plays an important role for the Vols, and should continue to do so this season.

Scotty Hopson —6'7", 200lb Sophomore SG
(9.2 PPG—2.7 RPG—42.8% FG—35.7% 3PT)

Hopson wasn't the one-and-done talent most expected, and the Vols needed, him to be a year ago.

Not only did he disappoint to some degree, he also limited team chemistry as a ball-hog. He attempted more threes than any other team member, despite making just 35.7 percent of them. His effort from the floor also left much to be desired.

Hopson needs to step up his effort on the defensive end of the floor and either shoot more reliably or become more of a team-player to keep from becoming a liability while on the floor.

Bobby Maze —6'3", 195lb Senior PG
(8.2 PPG—2.4 RPG—2.02 A/TO—109 AST)

Most pointed to point-guard play as the weakness for the Vols in 2008-09, and this wasn't the case for the most part.

In fact, Maze ranked second in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio and ninth in average assists.

He did, however, tend to shoot first and pass second. If either Smith or Chism wasn't available on the inside, he tended to shoot the ball a bit too often considering his lack of game-changing ability from that distance.

Maze should be solid for the Vols once again, though he needs to be more aware of the off-ball movements of his guards to maximize his team's offensive fluidity.

Cameron Tatum —6'6", 197lb Sophomore SF
(7.6 PPG—2.2 RPG—41.9% FG—32.1% 3PT)

Tatum is merely a roleplayer who gives his teammates some breathing time. His decision-making is suspect, his shooting is weak, and his effort level is questionable.

Tatum has a while to go before he can contribute to any degree on this talent-laden team.

Brian Williams —6'10", 278lb Junior C
(5.0 PPG—5.6 RPG—53.8% FG—20 BLK)

Williams is yet another thoroughly talented big-man that Pearl has filtered into the program, though not as versatile as the others. Williams' range is limited to near the basket—as most centers' are—and his rebounding is literally the most prolific and efficient in the league.

His sheer size is no doubt his strength. If he could work on his free-throw percentage, he could be a star for the Orange.

Josh Tabb —6'4", 195lb Senior PG
(3.4 PPG—1.8 RPG—50.6% FG—42.4% 3PT)

As I mentioned earlier, Tabb could be Tennessee's most potential-laden player. His stroke is phenomenal, but his motivation is lacking.

His effort is poor and his work ethic isn't great. If he would put his head into the game, he could be an X-Factor for the Vols.

Renaldo Woolridge —6'8", 208lb Sophomore SF
(2.6 PPG—1.3 RPG—1.55 A/TO—31.1% FG)

Woolridge provides some depth off the bench and handles the ball well, but does very little else.

Melvin Goins —5'11", 195lb Junior PG
(Transfer from Ball State)

Goins looks to provide competition for Maze at the starting point-guard spot. He is a pass-first point, who plays selflessly and has great awareness on fast-breaks. He's also more adept than Maze at defending in the press-style defense, which Pearl plans on employing more this season.

Goins could very well become the Vols' starting point-guard by SEC play.

The Volunteers have so many playmakers on the squad, that very well could be their weakness. With that number of players willing and able to score, it could be holding back the team's chemistry.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes : Austin Peay (H), UNC Asheville (H), East Carolina (N), College of Charleston (H), East Tennessee St. (H), Middle Tennessee St. (N), Wyoming (H), North Carolina A&T (H), Charlotte (H)

Real Games : USC (A)

Marquee Matchups : Memphis (A), Kansas (H)

Opposite Division : Auburn (H), Ole Miss (H), Alabama (A), LSU (A), Arkansas (H), Mississippi State (A)

Predicted Result : (24-4, 13-3), NCAA Tournament

Analysis : The Vols' strength of schedule decreased a good bit this season from last season, with the non-conference losing a good number of high-powered mid-majors. There's only one truly difficult non-conference game, with the Jayhawks coming to Knoxville, and the SEC schedule sets up nicely for an SEC title run.

What's Returning

Points : 97.30 percent (1st—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds : 94.50 percent (1st—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

Outlook

This team has the pieces to make an NCAA Championship run. The talent is there. The depth is there.

The trick will be for those pieces to fit together.

For that to happen, a long-distance threat or two will need to emerge, and consistent pass-first point-guard play must emerge.

If it does, the nation could turn orange in April.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: South Carolina

Kurt Wirth — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:33:10 -0400

For the second-straight season, the Gamecocks return nearly every single player on their roster.

Second-year head coach Darrin Horn is hoping that, for the second-straight season, the Gamecocks won't underachieve.

Despite being one of the most experienced rosters in the league last season, USC only managed 21 wins and a first-round NIT exit.

Last year's squad was dangerous, but inconsistent. And there certainly was significant improvement from the previous two years, but not nearly as much as many expected, despite tying for the SEC Eastern Division Championship.

The issue this coming year is that, though the team is likely the most experienced in the league with eight upperclassmen on the roster, the SEC has caught up. Last year, the league was weak, but specifically the East has retooled and every team but Georgia could legitimately challenge for the division this season.

Last year seemed to be USC's shot at making a statement and although the team improved heavily, it fell just short of making a name for itself.

This season, it will be much, much harder to do so.

The team brings back every major contributor to that team minus Zam Fredrick, the team's top shooter. Also gone are Branden Conrad and Mitchell Carter, neither of who played more than 20 games last season.

To replace them, Horn has some respectable talent coming into Columbia.

Lakeem Jackson
(No. 68 overall, No. 15 SF, 4 stars, 6'5", 200lbs)

Jackson has energy to spare, both on offense and defense. His strength, speed, and aggressiveness will suit him well if they translate into college. His tendency to turn the ball over while slashing to the basket, however, needs to be limited and his shooting touch could improve.

Ultimately, he's a big guard-type that, once the learning process is complete, has the body of a successful SEC player. Could start.

Ramon Galloway
(No. 13 PG, 3 stars, 6'2", 170lbs)

Galloway has blinding speed and huge hops, and is very long for his size. He's great driving to the rim, but can see the floor as a point, as well.

He will probably endure some growing pains in college, but he should be ready to step into Downey's shoes next season.

Steve Spinella
(No. 44 SG, 3 stars, 6'5", 180lbs)

The Gamecocks desperately needed to add size on their perimeter, and have done so in this long, sizeable shooter.

Spinella is not much more than a shooter, but his shooting touch could be potent if it can endure SEC defenses. With his size, I suspect he'll have a better shot than most.

Johndre Jefferson
(PF, 2 stars, 6'9", 205lbs)

With the Gamecocks suffering at times last season due to their lack of size in all areas of the floor, Jefferson should help provide a big body to take some pressure off defensively.

Jefferson is a capable shot-blocker and is relatively quick for his size, but isn't much of a scorer.

Hard to tell whether the offseason brought a net gain or loss for the Gamecocks, as Fredrick was crucially important for the team but the addition is substantial. Jackson may get the start, or may be the first man off the bench. He might be able to provide a spark offensively to compensate for Fredrick's departure.

Devan Downey , 5'9", 170lb Senior PG
(19.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 89 stl, 1.3 A/TO)

Downey is one of the most well-known names in the SEC, but also one of the more overrated.

What he does well, he does very well. He handles the ball with care, is an excellent passer and is the best on-ball defender in the league.

His scoring prowess, however, is less potent than most would have you believe. Downey is potent slashing to the rim, but despite his 150 attempts from long-range last season he only managed to make 34.7 percent of those.

Downey is a tremendous player and dynamic offensive and defensive force, but his shooting needs to improve this season if he hopes to compete for SEC Player of the Year.

Dominique Archie , 6'7", 216lb Senior SF
(10.9ppg, 6.4rpg, 50.8% FG, 47 stl)

Archie is a powerful all-around player who can do everything required of him. He is one of the best rebounders in the league at his position, his length makes him a dangerous defender both on and off the ball, and he has a solid jumper to complement his offensive package.

He can also shoot competently behind the arc, making him incredibly difficult to defend. His energy will be crucial to the Gamecocks' success this season.

Mike Holmes , 6'7", 230lb Junior PF
(10.8ppg, 7.7rpg, 37 blk, 40 stl)

Holmes is one of the more under-appreciated big-men in the league because of his relative lack of offensive skill.

His shooting is pretty close to awful, and his ball-handling is worse. On top of this, his mark from the charity stripe was 45.8 percent last season.

However, his rebounding is highly efficient and he is a lockdown defender. He should either opt to shoot less or improve his shot-selection, but he is a valuable starter regardless.

Brandis Raley-Ross , 6'2", 194lb Senior SG
(7.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.09 A/TO, 41.8% FG)

Raley-Ross struggles in most areas of the game. His shooting touch is nothing more than adequate, his rebounding leaves room to be desired, and his defense is flat-out bad.

Despite starting seven games last season, it's tough to imagine Raley-Ross playing more than a backup role on this year's team.

Evaldas Banilius , 6'7", 215lb Senior SF
(6.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 48.0% 3PT, 47.5% FG)

Banilius is an underused shooter. That percentage isn't a trick —he attempted 100 shots last season and made 48 of them. Some serious shooting.

His ability to hold onto the ball and defense are lacking, but his shooting alone could sneak him into the starting lineup if it continues to be as consistent as it was a year ago.

Sam Muldrow , 6'9", 220 Junior C
(5.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 56.5% FG, 39 blk)

Though he's no Varnado, Muldrow is a great shot-blocker. In fact, he's the SEC's second-most efficient returning swatter.

He's reliable offensively, as well. His range is as limited as you'd expect a center's to be, but he is great in and around the paint.

He's the clean-up kind of guy who can do everything that's required. He's got size and can rebound. Not a great ball-handler, but he isn't asked to do much with the ball.

Muldrow could very well compete for a starting spot for the small USC team to add size and experience underneath the basket.

Austin Steed , 6'8", 235lb Junior C
(3.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 49.4% FG, 31blk)

Steed is pretty close to a twin of Muldrow, ability-wise. Neither can hold onto the ball, but both are potent shot-blockers and reliable scorers. Steed has a bit more size and is more assertive offensively, but takes riskier shots.

Robert Wilder , 6'1", 188lb Senior PG
(0.2ppg, 0.2rpg, 42.9% FT, 3 stl)

Despite seeing a little less than five minutes per game and action in 29 of them, Wilder put up eye-poppingly horrible numbers. He has zero confidence and is one of the most irrelevant and inefficient players in the league.

The Gamecocks don't have a ton of depth, but do have a good deal of talent in the top seven or eight-man rotation. The peculiar aspect of USC's roster is that nearly every player has some glaring weakness at their own position, and those weaknesses will need to be complemented with a consistent rotation of players if the Gamecocks hope to make the NCAA Tournament this season.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes : Alabama A&M (H), Georgia Southern (H), Jacksonville (H), Wofford (A), Furman (H), Longwood (H)

Real Games : La Salle (N), Western Kentucky (H), Richmond (H),

Marquee Matchups : Clemson (A), Boston College (A), Baylor (H)

Opposite Division : Auburn (A), LSU (H), Ole Miss (A), Arkansas (A),
Mississippi State (H), Alabama (H)

Predicted Result : (16-12, 7-9), No Postseason

Analysis : While South Carolina may be a better team than last year, it won't show. Losing its second-leading scorer and bringing in only one sure-fire immediate contributor, coupled with the massive strengthening of the SEC East, should prove a setback for the Gamecocks this season.

What's Returning

Points : 77.61 percent (5th—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds : 87.94 percent (3rd—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

Surprisingly to some, USC has an uphill battle to fight this season. Points must be replaced, balance must be found and an all-out dogfight with the SEC East must be waged.

The Gamecocks have the talent to contend for an NIT birth, but the NCAA's will be a massive over-achievement.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Ole Miss

Kurt Wirth — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:43:25 -0400

Considering the Rebels' limited success under Andy Kennedy, the team seems to be facing a relatively high amount of expectations heading into 2009-10.

The Rebels have overachieved under Kennedy, this much is true. After struggling for years at the bottom of the SEC West, Kennedy took the team in his first year at the helm to 21 wins and its first postseason appearance in five years.

This, however, was in a downturn in the conference's strength. In fact, Kennedy has yet to finish above .500 in the league, or make the NCAA Tournament.

Most agree Kennedy has coaching talent, but off-the-court issues and injuries are holding his teams back, and Ole Miss fans are beginning to wonder when excuses won't be enough to explain the poor performance.

Last year handed the Rebels one of the worst cases of bad luck of any team in the nation.

Sophomore Trevor Gaskins dropped to a knee injury before the season began. Versatile wing Eniel Polynice had to have surgery after playing one game. Eleven games into the season, the Rebels' most important player in Chris Warren also fell to a knee injury and was done for the season.

After the season, Zack Graham underwent surgery after playing most of the season with a patella tendon tear.

And then there was the Cincinnatti incident.

Depending on whose story you believe, the details differ. The facts are that Kennedy was out late, past his team's curfew in fact. He had been drinking, and ordered a cab. Words were exchanged between the cabbie and Kennedy, the police were called. Kennedy was arrested, and is currently on probation.

The cabbie claims Kennedy verbally and physically assaulted him, Kennedy denies this.

The problems didn't end there. Not long after, the head coach's wife filed a lawsuit against the cabbie, claiming the whole fiasco was hurting, among other things, their love-life.

Imagine the jokes he heard after that one.

Regardless, it's easy to see why the Rebels struggled to a 16-15 overall record, 7-9 in the SEC.

With several Rebels returning from injury, suddenly the team is receiving votes for the Top 25 and expectations are growing.

If the team can avoid injury and the injured players can return to their former selves (and that's a big "if"), the Rebels might actually make a push for the postseason.

The Rebels' top scorer, David Huertas, opted to travel back home and play in Puerto Rico's professional league. Malcolm White, who would have been the team's anchor under the basket this season, also decided to leave and transferred to LSU.

Here's a look at the two newcomers for the Rebels.

Reggie Buckner
(No. 25 PF—Four stars—6'9"—205lbs)

Buckner was Tennessee's Mr. Basketball, and set the state's high-school career blocking record. That says enough.

Buckner is a very talented player and is highly athletic for his size. He's quick, handles the ball well, and rebounds tremendously.

On the flip side, his offense needs a lot of refining to be competitive in the SEC. Should start due to the team's lack of talent/depth up front.

DeAngelo Riley
(PF—Two stars— 6'9"—235lbs)

Riley also comes in with a reputation for blocking shots, though his career began at the junior college level.

Like Buckner, Riley is a work in progress offensively, but has further to go. Will provide depth.

While the Rebels may be lacking in experienced, talented depth under the basket, the same can not be said for their backcourt. Ranked by many outlets as the best in the league, it will need to carry the squad this year.

Chris Warren : 5'10", 168lb Junior PG
(19.6ppg—1.5rpg—1.63 A/TO—85.5% FT)

Warren has more potential than almost any player in the league. His masterfulness with the basketball sets him apart, and his leadership skills were second last year only to now-departed Florida starter Nick Calathes..

While during his freshman campaign he shot almost 39 percent from behind the arc, that percentage dropped nine percent last season. He only played barely a third of the season last year, but his offensive efficiency should improve to maximize his impact on the floor.

Warren was chosen Second-Team All-SEC by the media pre-season and will start for the Rebels at the point.

Terrico White : 6'5", 213lb Sophomore SG
(13.7ppg—3.4rpg—1.31 A/TO—35.4%)

White was the single most over-hyped player in the league in 2008-09. White had big scoring nights and stepped up in the league, but finished the season with a below-par mark from behind the arc and has yet to prove he can be a reliable threat from deep.

He was forced into the limelight with the team's massive injuries, but simply attempted too many shots at too low a percentage.

All eyes will be on White this coming season, as he was chosen First-Team All-SEC this preseason. He is a force and has the potential to be a great player, but consistency will be a must this season.

Zach Graham : 6'6", 218lb Junior SG
(8.5ppg—3.1rpg—38.2% 3PT—80.0% FT)

Graham is an unheralded shooter who could start at the small forward position this season. He is athletic, a solid rebounder for his position and has an outstanding touch from all areas of the floor.

Murphy Holloway : 6'7", 230lb Sophomore PF
(8.4ppg—6.6rpg—54.8% FG—1.00 A/TO)

Holloway ranked second in the league amongst freshmen last season in double-doubles, with six. His field-goal percentage led all freshmen.

His ball-handling is excellent for a big-man, and even more so for a freshman.

Holloway will need to continue his impressive performances this season, as the Rebels will be relying upon him heavily under the basket.

Eniel Polynice : 6'5", 222lb Junior SF
(6.0ppg—5.0rpg—28.6% FG—66.7% FT)

Polynice is one of the most intrinsic ball-handlers in the league, even better than teammate Chris Warren. He's physical and dynamic, energetic, and a mismatch-creating rebounder.

What he is not, however, is a shooter. In 2007-08, Polynice shot just 27.0 percent from three and 50.5 percent from the charity stripe.

His defense is also outstanding, and he will certainly start.

Terrance Henry : 6'9", 202lb Sophomore SF
(4.2ppg—3.6rpg—39.3% FG—71.7% FT)

Henry is yet another large guard/small forward in the stable Kennedy has created. His speed in the open floor is his strength, though his range is limited. If he can find some range from the three-point line, he could turn into a solid contributor.

DeAundre Cranston : 6'9", 260lb Senior PF
(3.1ppg—4.2rpg—45.1% FG—18 ast)

Cranston is Ole Miss' most efficient rebounder, and is useful if not for that very reason. He also has a decent stroke from most anywhere on the floor except the charity stripe oddly enough, where he shot just 50.0 percent last season.

Will Bogan : 6'1", 172lb Sophomore SG
(2.3ppg—0.8rpg—34.1% 3PT—1.22 A/TO)

Bogan is a serviceable guard with a good handle on the basketball. His shooting is poor, but is a capable three-shooter when he's not closely guarded. Started seven games a year ago, but shouldn't see nearly as much playing time with his team healthy.

Kevin Cantinol : 6'10", 255lb Sophomore C
(0.8ppg—0.7rpg—70.0% FG—1.5 A/TO)

Cantinol is one of the meekest and most understated players in the league, ranking amongst the league's worst in minutes per field-goals attempted. If he were to be more assertive, he could give some meaningful minutes to the team.

Trevor Gaskins wasn't included because he didn't play a year ago, though he is a very capable shooter that could, and should, have a big impact for Ole Miss this season.

As is obvious, the play of Holloway will be the X-factor for the Rebels this season. The team should naturally struggle with rebounding, and Holloway absolutely must play consistently, and with energy for the Rebels to pose a danger to opposing teams.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes : Arkansas-Little Rock (H), Alabama St. (H), TAMCC (H), Arkansas St. (A), Southern Miss (H), McNeese St. (H), Centenary (H), Jacksonville St. (H), UCF (H)

Real Games : Indiana (N), UTEP (N)

Marquee Matchups : West Virginia (A)

Opposite Division : Georgia (A), Tennessee (A), South Carolina (H), Kentucky (A), Vanderbilt (H), Florida (H)

Predicted Result : (18-10, 8-8), NIT

Analysis : The Rebels will suffer because of this schedule for two reasons. First of all, the team's RPI will be greatly harmed because of the lack of decent opponents. Secondly, Ole Miss' draw against the opposing division is not favorable, as they will play two of the division's top three teams on the road.

What's Returning

Points : 66.93 percent (7th—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds : 69.40 percent (8th—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

While expectations are increasing in Oxford, the reality isn't friendly. The team is uni-dimensional and has no depth under the basket. The non-conference schedule is weak. The conference schedule isn't friendly.

If Holloway turns into an All-SEC caliber player and the Rebels avoid injuries, the NIT is a good goal for the Rebels and an NCAA bid isn't out of the question.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Mississippi State

Kurt Wirth — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:15 -0400

Senior Jarvis Varnado entered his freshman year as a scrawny, long psuedo-athlete with little conditioning, little offense and a keen eye for blocking shots. He wasn't ranked in the nation's top 100 recruits, and he served as a backup as a freshman.

As a sophomore, Varnado grabbed some of the league's limelight. In just his second year as a collegiate player, and first as a starter, he tied Shaquille O'Neal's SEC single-season block record with 157 swats to lead the nation and garner National Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Last year was much the same, with improved offense. Varnado stands 12th in the league's returning scorers and 4th in field-goal percentage. He also is one of the league's most efficient rebounders and increased his blocking total to 170 - more than over 300 Division 1 schools and again leading the nation and earning National Defensive Player of the Year honors.

And he's the nation's best walk-on, and one of the best of all time.

That's right. He's a walk-on.

After his experimentation with the NBA draft last spring/summer, Varnado learned that MSU had the chance to sign Renardo Sidney and John Riek, both of which are former top five players. Knowing that would put State over the scholarship limit, Varnado offered to give up his scholarship.

Hard to find positive stories involving athletes in the presses nowadays.

As a team, the Bulldogs didn't expect much going into last year. The team had lost one of the most dynamic duos to play in the league this decade in Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes, and were starting a freshman point guard.

After an average non-conference season, the Bulldogs pulled some upsets and finished third in the West, far worse than they were used to. However, a spirited march through the SEC Tournament landed them in the Big Dance and gave Rick Stansbury more than 20 wins yet again.

This year is different. Expectations are very high for Stansbury, as the team returns every significant player and loses only one benchwarmer. With the addition of former top five player John Riek and the possible inclusion of infinitely-talented Renardo Sidney, the Bulldogs have the school's second Final Four appearance in sight.

Despite losing just one player, the Bulldogs' signing class was actually pretty sizeable.

Renardo Sidney
(#9 overall - #2 PF - 5 stars - 6'11" - 255lbs)

Sidney is repeatedly mentioned as the nation's most talented recruit. Questions exist about his effort level, but his talent level simply can't be matched.

Although he's been cleared by the NCAA academically, his amateur status has been a long, ugly fight throughout the summer and continues to be in doubt.

Whether or not he plays for State, every scout in the nation knows Sidney would dominate in college. His shooting touch is extremely rare for a big-man, he would be the best-passing big-man in the collegiate game and he is a massive scoring threat.

If he receives clearance, he could elevate MSU from a deep-March team to one that could challenge for a title. Look for him to start immediately if he were to be declared elligible.

John Riek
(C - 4 stars - 7'2" - 240lbs)

Riek also faced challenges to his amateur status, and will sit nine games as punishment.

Those nine game will serve him well, however, as he is still recovering from an ACL tear that took his stock from Top Five to nearly-forgotten prep-school player.

Riek is much like Varnado when he entered college: raw offensively but with great size, rebounding and defending skills. His wingspan alone is a force to be reckoned with, and should provide a tremendous impact for the team when he is elligible.

Riek likely won't start, but will be a force off the bench.

Shaunessy Smith
(#26 SG - 3 stars - 6'5" - 180lbs)

Smith comes out of high school as one of the most heralded shooters to ever graduate from the state of Mississippi.

His size and body are beneficial to him, and his shooting touch is outstanding. If that touch can translate effectively to the college game, Smith should contribute immediately for the Bulldogs.

Wendell Lewis
(C - 2 stars - 6'8" - 220lbs)

Lewis is an underrated inside player with a strong offensive set of skills. Coaches say that Lewis has been a surprise and could challenge for minutes off the bench, despite a deep Bulldog rotation.

The Bulldogs are one of the deepest teams in the league, if not the nation, and one of the most experienced as well.

Jarvis Varnado - 6'9", 230lb Senior C
(12.9ppg - 8.8rpg - 170blk - 54.9% FG)

Varnado's acclaims say it all. First-team All-SEC, two-time National Defensive Player of the Year, Fourth-Team All-American.

Varnado is quite literally the best shot-blocker the nation has ever seen, while his rebounding and scoring skills tend to be overlooked.

While he has a tendency to foul and is attempting to add bulk on his wiry frame, Varnado will easily challenge for SEC Player of the Year honors this season.

Barry Stewart - 6'3", 170lb Senior SG
(12.4ppg - 3.8rpg - 36.5% 3PT - 46 stl)

Stewart is a rare case, in that he began his collegiate career with a bang and has faded since. He shot nearly 40 percent from behind the arc as a freshman and was down about three percentage points by last year.

Stewart is still a very capable shooter with the capability of 20-point nights. He's a smart player with a good handle on the basketball, and is a great defender.

Look for him to back up Dee Bost at the point with the offseason loss of Twany Beckham to surgery.

Ravern Johnson - 6'7", 175lb Junior SG
(12.1ppg - 3.1rpg - 39.5% 3PT - 84.8% FT)

Johnson was one of the more underrated shooters in the nation a year ago, as he led the nation from behind the arc at several points last season.

His shooting touch is helped by his height, which creates mismtaches for his defenders. He's also a speedy and dynamic player who can streak to the rim.

His defense needs work, as does his ball-handling, but Johnson could be one of the best shooters in the league this season.

Dee Bost - 6'2", 170lb Sophomore PG
(10.9ppg - 3.6rpg - 1.53 A/TO - 156 ast)

Bost was one of the better true point guards in the league last season, but saw his shooting plummet once SEC play started. His size causes his shooting mark to struggle occasionally under pressure, and he tended to be a bit impatient with the ball.

Selfish, however, he is not. He ranked third in the league in assists as a freshman.

His ball-handling and defense are very solid, but his shooting touch needs to improve if he plans on attempting over 300 shots again this season.

Phil Turner - 6'3", 170lb Junior SF
(8.5ppg - 5.5rpg - 46stl - 37.7% 3PT)

Turner is a surprising jumper and a dynamic, energetic player. He's yet another Bulldog that is capable of 20-point scoring nights and has a tall tear-drop shot that is effective most of the time.

He's also very potent defensively because of his energy and length. He will challenge for a starting spot, depending on if Stansbury goes big or small.

Kodi Augustus - 6'8", 220lb Junior PF
(6.2ppg - 3.4rpg - 48.1% FG - 79.2% FT)

Augustus sparked MSU's run through the SEC Tournament last season, and has offensive firepower to boot. He's one of the team's most versatile players, and can extend his reach out to behind the arc.

He is a poor decision-maker and ball-handler however, and needs to work on his defensive effort before he can challenge for a starting spot.

Romero Osby - 6'8", 230lb Sophomore PF
(4.1ppg - 2.6rpg - 43.2% FG - 67.2% FT)

Osby is a physically gifted player who hasn't learned the game of basketball well enough to be truly effective in college. His shot-selection must improve, but if it comes around he will be a very effective player.

Riley Benock - 6'4", 180lb Junior SG
(2.3ppg - 0.9rpg - 37.5% - 1.47 A/TO)

Benock is a rather unidimensional player, but is pretty good at what he does, which is shoot. However, his confidence level is very low and he has very little assertion on the court.

Bailey is likely out this season, as he is still recovering from an injured ankle. Beckham is recovering from surgery and is also out.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes : Rider (H), Southeastern Louisiana (H), Bethune-Cookman (H), Texas Pan-American (H), St. Bonaventure (H), DePaul (N), Centenary (N), Mississippi Valley St. (H), San Diego St. (A)

Real Games : Richmond (N), Wright St. (H), Houston (A)

Marquee Matchups : UCLA (N), Western Kentucky (A)

Opposite Division : Georgia (H), Vanderbilt (A), Florida (A), Kentucky (H), South Carolina (A), Tennessee (H)

Predicted Result : (24-6, 12-4), NCAA Tournament

Analysis : The Bulldogs aren't playing a particularly difficult schedule, with a reasonable chance of running through the non-conference slate undefeated. The team plays more games on neutral and away courts than most any team in the conference, and that should help out when the SEC schedule hits in January.

What's Returning

Points : 90.85 percent (3rd—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds : 86.53 percent (4th—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

The Bulldogs seem to be set for a big season in 2009-10. If things go well and Sidney is allowed to play, MSU could make a run for April.

One thing is for sure, with or without Sidney, Stansbury's lack of Sweet Sixteen appearances has no excuse not to end this season.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: LSU

Kurt Wirth — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:08:16 -0400

Trent Johnson inherited a quite favorable situation last year in his first year as head coach of the LSU Tigers.

The Tigers had a Final Four appearance still rather close-by in their rear-view mirrors and returned an excellent amount of depth and talent. Granted, from a team that massively underachieved the year before.

LSU had all the pieces to surprise some teams in the West entering November 2008.

The rest, however, was coaching.

Johnson quickly seized his opportunity and LSU tore through their schedule (other than a massive 30-point blowout loss at Utah) and seemed poised to lose just a single game in-conference heading into March.

And then, rather inexplicably, LSU fell apart. The Tigers lost four of their last six games, and flamed out of an outstanding season which carried heavy post-season expectations.

Ironically, Johnson and his squad find themselves in a similar position this preseason.

LSU loses around 15 percent more production than any other SEC squad, including SEC Player of the Year Marcus Thornton, who ranked second in the league at 21.1 points per outing and second amongst league guards in field-goal percentage.

Also gone is the league's second-best defensive big-man in Chris Johnson, one of the better ball-handlers in Garrett Temple, and talented all-around contributors in Terry Martin, Quintin Thornton and Delwan Graham.

With more to replace than any other team in the league, LSU's recruiting class leaves a lot to be desired.

Aaron Dotson
(#27 SG - 3 stars - 6'4" - 194lbs)

Dotson has lots of potential and great size for his position. His shooting has nice form, but the range needs to increase a bit. Considering the utter lack of depth, Dotson has a good chance of starting, and will see heavy minutes regardless.

Eddie Ludwig
(#39 SF - 3 stars - 6'7" - 195lbs)

Ludwig is an all-around player, but needs to work on his speed and man-to-man evasiveness to maximize his impact at the collegiate level.

So, by my calculations, LSU is left with seven available scholarship players heading into 2009-10. Looks like Arkansas isn't the only SEC team that needs to hold open tryouts.

Here's a look at what remains on the LSU roster.

Tasmin Mitchell - 6'7", 245lb Senior PF
(16.3ppg - 7.2rpg - 52.2% FG - 55 stl)

Mitchell will undoubtedly step into the position of big-time scorer that Thornton vacated for the Tigers, and could be a darkhorse for the league's Player of the Year.

Mitchell is one of the league's most efficient rebounders, scorers and on-ball defenders, and will be relied upon very heavily this season. Will start.

Bo Spencer - 6'2", 186lb Junior SG
(11.4ppg - 2.9rpg - 40.3% 3PT - 1.38 A/TO)

Spencer is one the SEC's most unheralded shooters and overall players. He is outstandingly potent from behind the arc as well as the charity stripe and handles the ball with care.

Spencer is marketedly unselfish, though his defense is severely lacking. He also is not particularly adept at shooting under pressure. Should start.

Storm Warren - 6'7", 230lb Sophomore PF
(2.0ppg - 1.8rpg - 15 blk - 42.9% FG)

Warren is more talented than his numbers show, though he's very rough around the edges on on-ball defense and ball-handling.

If he can figure out the game and learn some decision-making, he could play a valuable role for the Tigers.

Alex Farrer - 6'5", 200lb Senior SG
(1.7ppg - 0.8rpg - 72.2% FT - 1.06 A/TO)

Farrer isn't a standard bench-warmer, as he can provide some valuable minutes without being a liability. His ball-handling and decent mark from the charity stripe alone warrants him playing time.

Although there's simply no denying Johnson's coaching talents, 2009-10 should be a long season without some miracles.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes : UL-Monroe (H), Indiana St. (H), UL-Lafayette (H), Northwestern St. (H), Southeastern Louisiana (H), Nicholls St. (H), Rice (H), McNeese St. (H)

Real Games : Utah (H)

Marquee Matchups : Washington St. (A), Xavier (A)

Opposite Division : South Carolina (A), Florida (A), Tennessee (H), Kentucky (H), Vanderbilt (A), Georgia (H)

Predicted Result : (13-14, 4-12), No Postseason

Analysis : This is an appropriate schedule for a team that should struggle. Some chances at big upsets and plenty of cupcakes.

What's Returning

Points : 41.61 percent (12th—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds : 36.17 percent (12th—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

One of many positives of a talented coach is that the possibility of a surprisingly positive season is always present. Johnson won't have much depth to work with this season, but stranger things have happened.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Kentucky

Kurt Wirth — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:07:28 -0400

Bandwagon [band-wag-uhn]—Noun: A cause or movement that, by its mass appeal or strength, readily attracts many followers. (www.dictionary.com)

What bigger fanbase is there in college basketball? Certainly none more rabid or anxious for success than Kentucky.

When a large mass of people begin to buy into something (a belief, a political party, Kentucky basketball, etc.), the buzz spreads. Who better to create that buzz than God himself (for practical purposes, the previous can be assumed to be John Calipari)?

Granted, Calipari has numbers. He's 403-137 (.746) as a head coach, including wildly successful stints at UMass—five straight conference titles, five straight conference tournament titles, five straight NCAA appearances, one Elite Eight appearance, and one Final Four appearance—and Memphis—four straight conference titles, four straight conference tournament titles, six NCAA appearances, two Elite Eight appearances, and one National Championship Runner-up.

Easy to see, then, why the True Blue are in a frenzy over their new head coach.

This is a different level of coaching prestige. Billy Gillispie came into Kentucky as one of the hottest mid-major coaches, yes, but Calipari's achievements make Gillispie look like the slow kid from the house next door that always won a ribbon no matter how many times he ran the bases the wrong way.

Despite being the cynic I am regarding this year's Kentucky team, I admit that Calipari is a very talented program leader and is a massive step up from the now-alcoholic Gillispie.

Expectations are undeniably at a level that even the majestic Wildcats haven't seen in some time.

Kentucky is ranked second in many national top-25 publications I've viewed and in the top five in nearly all of them. The Wildcats are fully expected to challenge for a national title with the help of the [insert NBA Hall-of-Famer here] protege freshman John Wall.

In fact, it seems as if anything short of a Final Four would be a severe disappointment for most Kentucky fans approaching 2009-10.

My, how memories are short and rationale is scarce.

Unless I've suffered an offseason stroke, this is the same backbone of experience that missed the NCAA Tournament in 2009, a feat that hadn't been achieved since before some of their players had been born. Despite the undeniable talent of Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks, the team simply had no chemistry and relied on Meeks for more than 40 percent of its scoring.

Well, guess what? That 40-plus percent is gone. Meeks opted to stay in the NBA draft, leaving Patterson as the only player to average more than eight points last season.

The amount of talent added in Meeks' place is understood. Calipari's first recruiting class in Lexington is mathematically one of the best the game has ever seen. The stars fell in Lexington this offseason.

While the freshmen will, in my opinion, vault Kentucky from a non-NCAA team to a Sweet 16-type team, freshmen simply don't win championships. A freshman, perhaps even two, being relied upon to help carry a team can be doable (Calipari and Derrick Rose comes to mind), but not a whole roster full of freshmen.

That's not my only reasoning here, Kentucky fans. Stop writing the hate mail you've undoubtedly begun and hear my second point.

Truly great teams require a healthy dose of experience, talent, depth, and balance. Experience I've discussed, talent will be ample, and depth should be okay. Let's break down Kentucky's balance.

Five freshmen in the entire conference hit more than 36 percent of their three-pointers last season. Most, if not all, of these came in as shooters. With the loss of Meeks, Kentucky does not have a single returning player that hit over a third of his three-pointers.

Let me re-emphasize that: Kentucky does not have a single returning player that hit over a third of his three-pointers.

Thus, it would seem relatively important for this all-star incoming freshman class to have some shooters. This is common logic. Let's break down that recruiting class now.

John Wall
(No. 1 Overall - No. 1 PG - five stars - 6'4" - 175 lbs.)

Wall is everyone's (yes, everyone) preseason favorite for National Freshman of the Year. He's also garnered many picks as preseason favorite for National Player of the Year. Yes, it happens, but no, it doesn't happen often.

I've never been a fan of all-league or non-freshman-related national honors for incoming freshmen, but that's a different article for a different day.

Wall is very, very quick, has a great layup touch, and is particularly talented at taking contact in the lane. He's also has an excellent knowledge of the game and superior passing skills.

His weaknesses (yes, he does have them) all involve shooting. His accuracy is subpar, especially for someone with his expectations, from mid-range and flat-out suspect from behind the arc. This will almost certainly become more so against collegiate-level players.

Wall will start—shock, I know—at the point and should obviously challenge for every freshman award there is both in the SEC and in the nation.

DeMarcus Cousins
(No. 10 overall - No. 2 C - five stars - 6'9" - 245 lbs.)

Cousins is an aggressive, physical athlete with an excellent work ethic. Think Patrick Patterson with more range. Cousins is pure potency offensively either on the block or face-up and will almost certainly start alongside Patterson.

Defensively, Cousins needs work—like most freshmen—and his range is limited to about 10 to 12 feet. As it stands, Cousins is not a perimeter shooter in the college game.

Daniel Orton
(No. 18 overall - No. 4 C - five stars - 6'9" - 260 lbs.)

Think of Orton as a mirror image of Cousins—at least in some ways.

Like Cousins, Orton is big, physical, and aggressive. Unlike him, he favors defense instead of offense.

Orton is an instinctual shot blocker and has a tremendous presence under the basket defensively. His offense needs a lot of refining, however, as his mechanics lead him to be block-prone himself.

That lack of basic offensive mechanics also leads to a lack of free throw opportunities.

Orton is tremendously talented and has a great deal of potential, but he needs some work to become an all-around threat.

Eric Bledsoe
(No. 30 overall - No. 6 PG - four stars - 6'0" - 185 lbs.)

Bledsoe will quickly become one of the purest point guards in the conference. His leadership and ability to see the open man will be nearly unrivaled in the SEC, and he should share a decent amount of time with Wall because of it.

However, Bledsoe is a weak scorer. He's not particularly aggressive with the ball, and his stroke needs work. His perimeter shot is particularly questionable.

Jon Hood
(No. 48 overall - No. 10 SF - four stars - 6'6" - 180 lbs.)

A weak defender, Hood is a unique player overall due to his serious work ethic and passion for the game.

Hood is a classic student of the game and plays as such. He reads the floor masterfully, though he has a tendency to turn the ball over, and has an excellent mid-range jump shot, though he will find it tough to out-step his defender in college because of his lack of dynamic speed.

His perimeter shot is average, perhaps slightly above average, and that should translate better to college than most due to his versatile shot-selection portfolio.

Hood is a solid all-around backup, but he will need to utilize that basketball knowledge to find open opportunities because of his lack of speed.

Darnell Dodson
(JC - SF - three stars - 6'8" - 180 lbs.)

Dodson, a junior-college transfer, comes in as the sophomore of the class known for his shooting. Dodson is a talented scorer who can rebound very well for his thin size.

Dodson's length helps his long-range shot as well, and he should be able to provide the Wildcats some amount of backcourt presence.

See a trend here? The Wildcats are looking to have one player, just one, who may actually provide any consistent long-term threat from deep. That is a junior college transfer, no less, whose game may or may not translate efficiently into the Southeastern Conference.

With those transitions, there are success stories and there are failure stories.

Hood has the potential to complement Dodson if the chips fall correctly and he is able to continue to improve his long-range shot against quality competition.

While it's easy to argue that I'm simply hating or being pessimistic, I'm simply not.

I'm not saying Kentucky won't be a very good team, and I'm not saying their offense is going to fall apart. What I am saying is that an inordinate amount of their offense will run through the frontcourt due to a lack of backcourt depth, and in return the Wildcats will struggle with teams with talented low-block defenders.

With this glaring weakness, Kentucky simply isn't well-rounded enough to win a national championship and is not deserving of a top-10 spot at the moment.

Here's analysis of Kentucky's current roster.

Patrick Patterson: 6'9", 235-lb. Junior PF
(17.9ppg - 9.3rpg - 60.3% FG - 1.02 A/TO)

Patterson is clearly the more rational and sane option on Kentucky's roster in the 2009-10 National Player of the Year discussion.

There's simply nothing Patterson doesn't do nearly perfectly. He is the second-most dominating offensive big man in the conference (to Vanderbilt's A.J. Ogilvy, based on efficiency numbers), his rebounding speaks for itself, and his defense is also second-best in the conference (to Mississippi State's Jarvis Varnado).

What's most surprising about Patterson is not the standard scoring/defending numbers. It's what else he does well.

He registered more assists than turnovers last year, which is nothing short of remarkable for a big man. In fact, only five forwards return with better ratios.

He also blocked 70 shots, third-best in the conference.

Patterson is, to me, the All-American superman of college basketball. Think Tim Tebow of college hoops.

Patterson will, once again, garner First-Team All-SEC honors and likely jump to the draft after this season.

Perry Stevenson: 6'9", 207-lb. Senior PF
(7.8ppg - 5.9rpg - 67 blk - 54.0% FG)

Stevenson is one of the more underrated low-block defenders in the conference, as his blocking efficiency ranks in the conference's top 10.

His range is fairly impressive, stretching out to the three-point line at times, though he's not a huge offensive threat. His rebounding, however, is excellent. Stevenson will likely play backup to an incoming freshman but will be a solid player in his own right.

Ramon Harris: 6'7", 218-lb. Senior SF
(5.5ppg - 3.8rpg - 53.1% FG - 28 starts)

Harris believes he has deep range. His 24 percent three-point percentage from last year suggests otherwise.

Harris is a typical backup, with questionable offensive numbers but with decent rebounding and defensive numbers. He is also above average in the turnover department.

Darius Miller: 6'7", 223-lb. Sophomore SF
(5.3ppg - 3.1rpg - 80.4% FT - 1.13 A/TO)

Miller has more upside than most backups, as his efficiency and effort are above average in nearly every department.

His performance at the stripe alone means he will be an asset on the floor, though his in-game shot selection could be better. He's smart with the ball and a very good defender. Should see a decent amount of playing time.

DeAndre Liggins: 6'6", 202-lb. Sophomore PG
(4.2ppg - 2.4rpg - 1.23 A/TO - 24 stl)

Liggins is the perfect example of high incoming freshman expectations that don't see fruition. Liggins was a consensus top-25 and four-star player out of high school, but he struggled mightily on offense (as his 23.5 percent effort on 51 three-point attempts shows) and ultimately saw little floor time.

His skills for his position are solid, as is his knowledge of the game. But his offensive ability, along with his assertiveness, will need to increase before he can challenge for a starting spot.

Josh Harrellson: 6'10", 265-lb. Junior PF
(3.6ppg - 2.5rpg - 20 blk - 72.2% FT)

Harrellson caused waves in last season's exhibition debut, but those waves have turned to ripples and faded out since.

His game simply isn't, and never will be, refined enough to make him more than another big body on the floor to provide others with downtime. His shooting touch isn't too bad, but his ball-handling makes him a liability every time he sees the floor.

Kentucky is, without a doubt, both very deep and very talented in the frontcourt. In fact, it could be the best in the nation, much less the league.

The backcourt, however, will be key.

Freshmen aren't known for their consistency, and Dodson/Hood will absolutely have to be better than 36-percent shooters. At least two other Wildcat players will need to become relative threats from deep as well if Kentucky has any hope of matching the incredible expectations placed upon them.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes: Morehead State (H), Miami-OH (H), Sam Houston State (H), Rider (H), UNC-Asheville (N), Indiana (A), Austin Peay (H), Drexel (H), Long Beach State (H), Hartford (H)

Real Games: Cleveland State (N)

Marquee Matchups: North Carolina (H), Connecticut (N), Louisville (H)

Opposite Division: Auburn (A), Arkansas (H), Ole Miss (H), LSU (A), Alabama (H), Mississippi State (A)

Predicted Result: 21-9, 10-6; NCAA Tournament

Analysis: Kentucky's schedule is very favorable, with several mid-majors at home that should build the RPI. Having UNC and Louisville at home are both positives.

What's Returning

Points: 56.95 percent (11th—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds: 75.76 percent (6th—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

I fully realize Kentucky fans will be ripping this to shreds, and only because I refuse to agree to an opinion simply because others have it.

Logic and evidence suggest that Kentucky will be competitive and probably a top-25 team, but not the world-beaters that the Kentucky faithful insist they will be.

Calipari is well on his way (further than he should be in his first year) to building a juggernaut in Lexington, but this isn't the year for the Wildcats to compete for a national title.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Georgia

Kurt Wirth — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:39 -0400

Georgia is a football school. When you're a Georgia athlete, you want to play between the hedges...not in Stegeman Coliseum.

This is well-known. This is fact.

No surprise, then, that Georgia's men's basketball team isn't exactly the most successful in the league. In fact, it's perennially one of the least-respected and mediocre programs in the SEC.

Dennis Felton is the latest victim to this fact, as he was unable to revive the Bulldogs past a dream run through the 2008 SEC tournament as the East's six seed. Georgia, put simply, is a tough place to coach.

This is the situation former Nevada coach Mark Fox inherits. Little talent, no devotion to success, and no history on which to build.

And to be certain, 2009-10 doesn't appear to be a year to build upon. The Bulldogs lose two starters, including their top scorer, from a squad that went 12-20 overall and 3-13 in the league.

Terrance Woodbury was the team's main scoring threat, averaging a team-best 14 points per game. He led the team with 141 attempts from behind the arc despite a 33.1 percent mark from that distance.

Corey Butler also graduated, and was possibly the more talented of the two and certainly the more versatile.

With the head-coaching loss, a couple of reserves opted to transfer as well. Zac Swansey, who started 17 games last season, is gone after seeing limited success as a Bulldog. And Troy Brewer left after enduring several off-the-court issues that limited his playing time.

Filling those vacancies are a trifecta of three-stars, who need to step up quickly if Georgia even has hopes of finishing above .500 this season.

Marlon Brown
SF—Three stars (Rivals)—6'5", 205 lbs

Information on Brown is limited, but his size is substantial for his position and this could create some mismatches.

Vincent Williams
PG—Three stars (Rivals)—6'1", 150 lbs

Williams is a speedy ball-handler, but severely undersized. Decent upside.

DeMario Mayfield
SG—Three stars (Rivals)—6'3", 175 lbs

With his only offer from Georgia, his skills need improvement before he will see heavy floor-time.

Only one current Bulldog is more than an average role-player, as the Bulldogs suffer from a bare talent cupboard.

Trey Thompkins

6'10", 247lb Sophomore PF
(12.6ppg - 7.4rpg - 38.4% 3PT - 31 blk)

Thompkins, in all seriousness, could be SEC Player of the Year someday. His pure talent at nearly every aspect of the game is nearly impeccable. His three-point mark included a respectable 86 shots attempted, so it's no fluke.

He's one of the most unfairly overlooked players in the league and has super potential, if only he could protect the ball a bit more. Will start.

Dustin Ware

5'11", 182lb Sophomore SG
(7.2ppg - 1.7rpg - 36.4% 3PT - 1.44 A/TO)

Ware is a surprisingly efficient sophomore who has a solid stroke from everywhere on the court. He handles the ball very well, especially for his age, and should be a staple for the Bulldogs this season. Will start.

Travis Leslie

6'4", 202lb Sophomore SF
(6.3ppg - 3.9rpg - 21 stl - 44.7% FG)

Leslie, who started four games a year ago, is merely a sub-par roleplayer on a sub-par team. He doesn't specialize in any one area, has a poor shot and turns the ball over prolifically. He does, however, defend fairly well. May start.

Jeremy Price

6'8", 264lb Junior PF
(5.1ppg - 2.9rpg - 10 starts - 25 ast)

Obviously, Price is a big guy and big guys don't like to hold onto the ball typically. Such is the case for Price. He also doesn't perform well either offensively nor defensively. Another body to have on the court. May start.

Albert Jackson

6'11", 265lb Senior C
(4.5ppg - 3.8rpg - 48.3% FG - 28 starts)

Jackson also has size, and also can't handle the ball. He is, however, efficient offensively but not nearly as aggressive as he should be. Defensively, he can hold his own. Likely to start.

Chris Barnes

6'8", 240lb Junior PF
(4.4ppg - 3.9rpg - 52.9% FG - 25 blk)

Unlike most Georgia reserves, Barnes has a good amount of potential if he were to see more playing time. He uses his time wisely offensively and defensively, and could easily be a starter under a good coach.

Look for him to challenge for a starting spot at some point this season if he can learn to hang onto the ball.

Ricky McPhee

6'1", 184lb Senior SG
(3.6ppg - 1.5rpg - 36.4% 3PT - 1.00 A/TO)

McPhee is a serviceable player who can shoot and defend well. He's a versatile player that can handle the ball, but the main knock against him is his aggressiveness. He ranks amongst the 10 worst in the league in minutes/field goal made despite a solid shooting percentage.

McPhee needs to find some purpose on the floor if he wants to challenge for a starting spot, as he well could given his ability.

Drazen Zlovaric

6'9", 210lb Sophomore SF
(1.2ppg - 0.9rpg - 37.5% FG - 17 games)

Zlovaric is amongst the worst in the league in most categories, and is more a practice body than anything.

With such a lack of talent and depth, the Bulldogs look to struggle yet again.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes: New Orleans (H), Wofford (H), UNC-Asheville (H),
Jacksonville St. (H), Florida Atlantic (H), Pepperdine (H)
Real Games: UAB (A), St. Louis (H), St. John's (N)
Marquee Matchups: Virginia Tech (A), Illinois (N), Missouri (A),
Georgia Tech (H)
Opposite Division: Ole Miss (H), Mississippi State (A), Arkansas (H), Auburn (A), Alabama (H), LSU (A)
Predicted Result: (10-19, 3-13), No Postseason
Analysis: This is a surprisingly tough schedule for a team who is struggling to rebound from years of mediocrity. The Bulldogs will be pushing it to make it to the double-digits in wins.

What's Returning

Points: 62.21% (9th - SEC Avg: 73.81%)
Rebounds: 68.92% (9th - SEC Avg: 75.80%)

Mark Fox has a long way to go to get this program back to respectability. Unfortunately, there simply isn't much room for improvement in 2009-10.

Any kind of postseason for the Bulldogs, barring another miracle SEC Tournament streak, is deserving of National Coach of the Year honors.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Florida

Kurt Wirth — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:19:14 -0400

This offseason could have gone from a bad one to a disastrous one for Billy Donovan.

The heralded coach was expecting to approach 2009-10 as a favorite to take the SEC crown, but he saw his phenom point guard opt for the pro league—in Greece.

Losing Nick Calathes was a devastating blow for the Gators. The junior-to-be would have easily been the most talented player in the SEC to return, as his ability to not only handle the ball but also manage the team's intangibles couldn't be overstated.

Let the stats talk for themselves. Calathes was consensus First Team All-SEC, ranked seventh in the league with 17.2 ppg, had the highest field-goal percentage amongst conference guards with a 48.2 percent mark, led the conference with 6.42 assists per game, ranked second with 1.89 steals per game, and finished fourth with a 1.94 assist-to-turnover ratio.

As bad as the loss of Calathes was, it could have been worse. Over the summer, it was announced that the team's only other big-time all-conference player had decided to transfer. Florida's NCAA Tournament chances hung in the balance of Alex Tyus' decision to follow through with this decision.

Luckily for the Gators, he chose not to and returned to school. The reasons for this random drama were never released, but Tyus is returning for his junior season.

Donovan is hailed as possibly the best coach in the Southeastern Conference, but dissenters claim he has consistently underachieved sans the two National Championships, where he simply got lucky with the players on the roster.

This year provides him a chance to quiet those claims. If Florida can manage to make the NCAA Tournament, especially if it wins its first game, the Gators certainly wouldn't have underachieved.

Here's the breakdown of this year's Florida freshmen.

Kenny Boynton
(No. 15 overall - No. 4 SG - five stars - 6'2" - 185 lbs.)

Boynton is one of the biggest scoring threats out of this year's freshman class and is fiercely competitive. His scoring potential alone will earn him a starting spot from the beginning, and this kid could be all-conference in no time.

The Gators need someone to step into Calathes' shoes at the point, and Boynton may or may not be able to do so. His passing isn't stellar, and his basketball intelligence needs some work. His height could factor into his effectiveness at the collegiate level as well, as he is a bit short.

Erik Murphy
(No. 12 PF - four stars - 6'9" - 210 lbs.)

Heart is a good word for Murphy, who has a great work ethic and a desire to compete. Murphy is strong on the inside offensively under the basket but has little range or defensive presence. His rebounding could use work as well, along with his ball-handling.

To be truly effective on this level, Murphy needs to master the skills necessary to find himself a bit further away from the basket.

The entire state of Florida effectively recruits itself, no less the most prestigious athletic university in the state. Florida is already filled with more stars than the night sky.

Alex Tyus: 6'8", 220-lb. Junior PF
(12.5ppg - 6.2rpg - 59.1% FG - 222 reb)

Tyus is tremendously talented, though not very versatile. He ranks second in the league for field-goal percentage shooting and is an absolute glass cleaner. With the loss of Calathes, Tyus will be called on to score more, and the ball will be in good hands. Will start.

Erving Walker: 5'8", 171-lb. Sophomore SG
(10.1ppg - 1.5rpg - 41.9% 3PT - 36 stl)

Walker was one of the most underrated freshmen in 2008-09, as his three-point shooting alone should garner him a lot of attention this year. Knocking down over 40 percent of your shots from outside is no easy task, much less when you've attempted 167 of them. The returning All-SEC Freshman is a great all-around player and should start this season.

Chandler Parsons: 6'9", 215lb Junior PF
(9.2ppg - 5.7rpg - 1.28 A/TO - 46.0% FG)

Parsons is a bit rough around the edges, as his overall shooting touch could improve and his decision-making is sometimes suspect. However, he can be relied on to not turn the ball over and is a talented rebounder. Parsons is a solid role player and should start this year.

Dan Werner: 6'8", 230-lb. Senior PF
(8.9ppg - 4.9rpg - 1.45 A/TO - 35.7% 3PT)

Werner is one of the biggest mismatches in the SEC. His pure size suggests an opposing big man should be guarding him, but his ability to shoot from outside, strong ball-handling, and speed make that a bad idea. Werner is a dynamic offensive and defensive on-ball threat and will likely start this year.

Kenny Kadji: 6'10", 248-lb. Sophomore C
(4.4ppg - 2.7rpg - 24 blk - 48.4% FG)

Kadji is a former five-star who is inarguably talented, but is also one of the most prolific turnovers-in-waiting in the league. The sophomore's assist-to-turnover ratio was 0.14 last season, and that has to be corrected if he expects to see more playing time. Kadji is a formidable low-block defender and has upside.

Ray Shipman: 6'5", 210-lb. Sophomore SF
(3.8ppg - 2.1rpg - 27 stl - 49.0% FG)

Shipman is, and always will be, a moderately talented role player. His range is very limited, but he has a nice stroke within that range. His effort at the charity stripe is admirable, and he provides a net gain when on the court both offensively and defensively.

The Gators have a solid core of talent but have little depth. Making the NCAA Tournament would be an accomplishment for Donovan's squad this year.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes: Stetson (H), Georgia Southern (H), Troy (H), Florida A&M (H), Jacksonville (A), South Alabama (H), Presbyterian (H)

Real Games: Richmond (N), American (H), N.C. State (A)

Marquee Matchups: Florida State (H), Michigan State (N), Syracuse (N), Xavier (H)

Opposite Division: LSU (H), Arkansas (A), Alabama (A), Mississippi St. (H), Auburn (H), Ole Miss (A)

Predicted Result: 20-10, 10-6; NCAA Tournament

Analysis: After Florida's embarrassingly weak schedule in 2008-09, this is impressive. Florida should have a tough time with this schedule, and this RPI will likely carry them into the NCAAs.

What's Returning

Points: 63.63 percent (8th—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds: 73.80 percent (7th—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

Billy Donovan is facing a challenging season and a perfect opportunity to silence his doubters. With a tough schedule ahead of them, the Gators have the potential to make some noise if their key players can stay healthy and Boynton takes quickly to the collegiate game.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Auburn

Kurt Wirth — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:51:39 -0400

Jeff Lebo has a comparatively long coaching history—and it's an ugly one.

Lebo is barely over .500 as a head coach at 81-76, and this season is looking like the end of the road for the Auburn head coach.

In fact, last year likely would have done it had it not been for a late resurgence. After a slow start to the SEC slate, Auburn's experience—not coaching—managed to pull them into second place in the Western Division...highest ever under Lebo.

2008-09 was Lebo's second year over .500 in five years at Auburn and easily the best record at 24-12 overall, along with an NIT quarterfinal appearance.

Those days are gone as the Tigers lose three starters, including possibly the most underrated big man in the nation in Korvotney Barber. Barber at times led the nation in field goal percentage and fell just 0.4 rebounds per game short of averaging a double-double.

Also gone is Rasheem Barrett, who was a steady role player capable of big nights, as well as the league's best true point guard in Quantez Robertson.

The War Eagle is losing its heart, and it is likely going to equate to a messy season in 2009-10. The three losses combined for 2,865 minutes last season alone, along with 814 shots attempted.

Trying to fill those massive shoes are five lesser-known recruits.

Andre Malone
(No. 27 SG - three stars - 6'4" - 200 lbs.)

Malone is a big shooting guard who creates a mismatch for his defender. He should see decent minutes as a freshman.

Earnest Ross
(No. 40 SG - three stars - 6'4" - 185 lbs.)

Ross is a versatile player with a very strong body. He will likely come in at the three spot, as his long-range touch isn't the best—neither is his ball-handling. Expect him to play off the bench but struggle with turnovers.

Ken Gabriel
(PF - three stars - 6'7" - 200 lbs.)

Gabriel comes in as yet another smaller big man for Lebo. He's thick but a bit short for his position; he should come off the bench a good bit due to a lack of depth.

Robert Chubb
(PF - two stars - 6'9" - 200 lbs.)

This afro-armed big man has work to do and will serve as a role player off the bench.

Ty Armstrong
(PF - one star - 6'8" - 190 lbs.)

While this big man has some work to do, he had several high-major offers and has some upside.

With such limited talent replacing some outstanding losses, Auburn's chances both short and long-term are not good for competing in any kind of postseason.

Auburn brings back a few SEC-caliber players.

DeWayne Reed: 6'1", 175-lb. Senior PG
(13.2ppg - 2.6rpg - 1.46 A/TO - 67 stl)

Reed will step into Quantez Robertson's position and run the Tigers this season, as he is a very talented ball-handler and all-around defender. Will start.

Tay Waller: 6'2", 193-lb. Senior SG
(12.1ppg - 2.8rpg - 1.32 A/TO - 36.8% 3PT)

Another leader who handles the ball effectively and has a nice stroke from anywhere on the floor. Waller dominates the team's three-point shooting. Will start.

Lucas Hargrove: 6'6", 218-lb. Senior SF
(8.1ppg - 5.3rpg - 46.4% FG - 40 stl)

Yet another Tiger that's good on defense and at handling the ball. Hargrove is the most versatile player on the team and has plenty of range, but he should work on his effort from the charity stripe. Will start.

Frankie Sullivan: 6'1", 195-lb. Sophomore SG
(7.6ppg - 1.9rpg - 1.24 A/TO - 39 stl)

Sullivan is a typical Lebo-style player, small and lean who can defend and handle the ball well. Despite attempting 124 shots from beyond the arc, Sullivan barely hits a third of them and must work on his long-range effort to be truly effective. Likely to start.

Johnnie Let: 6'8", 210-lb. Senior PF
(2.8ppg - 3.4rpg - 52.2% FG - 8 starts)

Let has limited use outside of a big body on the block, though he's efficient near the basket on offense. His defensive presence is average, and he has an absolutely awful stroke from outside of five feet.

Brendon Knox: 6'10", 238-lb. Senior C
(2.5ppg - 1.7rpg - 66.0% FG - 10 stl)

Knox is a specialist who sees most games, but not a huge number of minutes. He's good for a dunk every now and then and has a good eye for knocking the ball out of a dribble-drive.

While Auburn lost a ton from a season ago, imagine how much more difficult 2010-11 will be, when just a single player will be an upperclassman.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes: Missouri St. (A), IUPUI (N), High Point (H), Alabama A&M (A), Troy (H), Alabama St. (H), Charleston Southern (H), Georgia Southern (H), West Georgia (H)

Real Games: Niagara (H), UCF (N), N.C. State (N), Sam Houston St. (H)

Marquee Matchups: Virginia (H), Florida St. (A)

Opposite Division: South Carolina (H), Tennessee (A), Kentucky (H), Vanderbilt (A), Georgia (H), Florida (A)

Predicted Result: 13-18, 3-13; No Postseason

Analysis: The Tigers have a fairly weak schedule, but it works for them due to this team's complete lack of depth or experience.

What's Returning

Points: 61.60 percent (10th—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds: 49.33 percent (11th—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

The Tigers have massive voids that will be nothing short of impossible to fill, and this should be a rough year for Lebo's squad. Lebo will join John Pelphrey on the hot seat, although Lebo is much more likely to be searching for a job next March.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Arkansas

Kurt Wirth — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:35:07 -0400

In December of 2008, John Pelphrey looked like a reincarnation of Nolan Richardson. He had driven the Razorbacks of Arkansas to a 12-1 record, a Jim Thorpe Classic title, and wins over No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 7 Texas.

Arkansas seemed ready to pounce on the SEC like it hadn't in over a decade.

And then, rather inexplicably, the squad took a nose-dive of the likes the league hasn't seen in a very, very long time. Arkansas lost 12 of its next 13 games, and finished with a 14-16 record—including a 2-14 mark in the SEC.

Off-the-court issues also seem to be a recurring theme under Pelphrey. Various legal and school-related instances resulted in the transfer of three Razorbacks this offseason, one player losing his eligibility, another leaving the team completely and yet another with an undetermined suspension.

After an impressive 23-13, 9-7 start in his first year and last year's 12-1 beginning, Pelphrey seemed to have a glorious halo around him. Less than a year later, his job seems to be at risk.

Arkansas is in complete disarray at the moment, although the roster is heavily talented but top-heavy.

The three transfers accounted for 872 minutes last season and all were solid role players. The biggest name was potential-laden Jason Henry who drew two starts a year ago.

Andre Clark and Brandon Moore also transferred out, while impressive but underused forward Marcus Monk was deemed ineligible. Serviceable backup Montrell McDonald opted to leave the team as well.

Stefan Welsh—a star guard who started 24 games and has a big-game potential—is suspended until further notice.

Replacing the many Arkansas defections this year is a set of five newcomers highlighted by four-star recruit Marshawn Powell.

Marshawn Powell

No. 62 Overall—No. 15 PF—4 stars—6'8", 225 lbs

Powell is an excellent on-the-block big-man, and is solid on both offense and defense. Although he can't step away from the rim very much and has some learning to do, he will be a future star for the 'Backs.

Glenn Bryant

No. 47 PF—3 stars—6'6", 190 lbs

Bryant is versatile, as his shooting can be impressive for his size. Should be a solid role player this season.

Jemal Farmer

SF—3 stars

Farmer is a big-time shooter with size, and could make an impact as a backup for Arkansas this season.

Anthony Borden

C—3 stars—6'10", 205 lbs

Borden can be dominant defensively at times, but struggles offensively both in practice and in attitude. Borden has some work to do before he will contribute for the 'Backs.

Julysess Nobles

PG—2 stars—6', 165 lbs

Nobles will likely never be more than a roleplayer for Arkansas, though his work ethic is solid.

What Arkansas does bring back, however, is thoroughly talented. The group includes as many as four All-SEC caliber players.

Michael Washington

6'9", 239 lb Senior F/C

(15.5ppg - 9.8rpg - 55.1% FG - 39 blk)

Washington is one of the best offensive bigmen in the conference, and perhaps the best all-around.

He ranks third among returning SEC players in field-goal percentage and even attempted 30 threes a year ago. Washington was named to the All-SEC Second-Team last year and should make the First-Team cut this year.

Courtney Fortson

5'11", 180 lb Sophomore G

(14.8ppg - 5.5rpg - 1.34 A/TO - 33 stl)

Fortson has been a dynamic player from the start, showing tons of energy and leadership potential even as a freshman. Although his shooting severely needs improvement, his defense and rebounding were both enough to place him on last year's All-SEC Freshman team.

Rotnei Clarke

6', 184 lb Sophomore SG

(12.2 ppg - 1.9 rpg - 39.3% 3PT - 93.5% FT)

Clarke is one of the very few players that I will, without hesitation, claim has a very real chance at taking SEC Player of the Year honors in his career. And this for a freshman.

Clarke is super-dynamic and is one of the best long-range shooters in the league. If he had attempted enough, he would have led the league in free-throw shooting.

He handles the ball exceptionally well and is almost certainly the best all-around shooter in the league, if not the country.

Clarke stands as the league's top returning three-point shooter at 39.3 percent last year on 211 attempts. That's some incredible shooting. Look out for this kid. He's a serious scorer.

Stefan Welsh

6'3", 185 lb Senior SG

(11.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 31 stl, 36.1% FG)

Welsh has talent and explosiveness, but isn't efficient or consistent. He tends to make poor decisions and can be selfish.

Welsh needs to work on his touch from both the charity stripe and the floor, along with decision-making, before he is a real threat for opposing teams.

Michael Sanchez

6'8", 236 lb Sophomore PF

(5.9ppg, 4.9rpg, 72.2% FT, 44.8% FG)

Sanchez was a particularly interesting freshman last year, as there were times that he showed flashes of an ability to dominate offensively as well as on the boards.

He is very talented, but not adept defensively. If he can refine his moves around the basket and be more aggressive on defense, Sanchez could make some waves in a couple of years.

Marcus Britt

6'3", 198lb Junior G

(3.7ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.57 A/TO, 85.0% FT)

Britt is the definition of a diamond in the rough. Although severely under-utilized, Britt brings an all-around improvement to his team.

He started just eight games but sports a 2.57 assist-to-turnover ratio: good enough for first in the conference if he had more playing time.

He also shoots 50 percent from three out of 30 shots. Britt has potential oozing out of his ears and should see a massive increase in playing time this season.

Due to the heavy offseason losses, Arkansas joins Binghamton as the only Division I school that I'm aware of that is holding open tryouts.

That's right, open tryouts at an SEC institution.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes: Alcorn St. (H), Appalachian St. (H), South Alabama (H), Mississippi Valley St. (H), Delaware St. (H), Alabama St. (H),
Missouri St. (H)
Real Games: Morgan St. (H), East Tennessee St. (H),
Stephen F. Austin (H), UAB (H)
Marquee Matchups: Lousiville (N), Oklahoma (A), Baylor (N), Texas (H)
Opposite Division: Florida (H), Kentucky (A), Georgia (A),
South Carolina (H), Vanderbilt (H), Tennessee (A)
Predicted Result: (15-16, 6-10), No postseason
Analysis: Considering the situation in Fayetteville, this should prove to be a difficult schedule.

What's Returning

Points: 84.63% (4th - SEC Avg: 73.81%)
Rebounds: 77.66% (5th - SEC Avg: 75.80%)

The Razorbacks are one of the most top-heavy teams in America for 2009-10. The squad's top three players are insanely talented, but the drop-off after man number four or five is massive. Despite the super trio, I see little way Arkansas can pull out a postseason berth in 2009-10.

Unfortunate for both Washington, who hasn't seen much success in his career despite his incredible skill, and for Pelphrey, whose job will be threatened because of it.

2009-10 SEC Basketball Previews: Alabama

Kurt Wirth — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:34:50 -0400

The Crimson Tide faithful have shed the shadows of Mark Gottfried's mediocrity and are hoping for a resurgence to being once again regarded as a powerhouse in the SEC Western Division, and the conference as a whole. Most respect new head coach Anthony Grant and his job at VCU, and most expect him to turn the Tide against their recent history.

But just how fast will that U-turn be?

If Alabama hopes to compete for the postseason, it will need a quick one.

The Tide slid a long way from their 2003-04 Elite Eight appearance. Since then, the team has won 20 games just twice, flirted with the .500 mark in 2007-08 (17-16) and went 18-14 last year. Despite some talent on the roster, turbulence and a lack of consistency played a major role in the team's struggles.

Gottfried resigned mid-season, shortly after star point guard Ronald Steele announced he was leaving the team and implied being mistreated by his former coach.

This year's team is without a four-year mainstay in do-it-all Alonzo Gee. As a guard, Gee could shoot it and was a great dunker, but was most adept at driving to the basket. Many comparisons were drawn between Alonzo and recent Mississippi State standout Jamont Gordon, and they were largely appropriate. Gee's strength and aggressive attitude provided the squad with some much-needed leadership that will be difficult to replace in 2009-10.

Monstrously inefficient shooter Brandon Hollinger and under-talented big man Yamene Coleman join the list of 'Bama players who don't return.

Filling their spots will be a set of talented newcomers, with highly-respected four-star Tony Mitchell leading the way.

Tony Mitchell (#38 overall, #7 SF, 4 stars)

Mitchell is the highlight of the class. He's 6'6" and 185lbs, quick and athletic. He can shoot and drive the basket and should see a great deal of playing time this year.

Ben Elben (#28 PG, 3 stars)

This 6-foot, 185-pound point guard is the kind of leader Grant needs to take the reins of this year's Alabama squad. Elben fits the hole that Steele left very well, as he is known for his intelligence, patience, and leadership. Though he isn't exactly quick in either his running or shooting, his presence alone should help 'Bama organize its offense better. Expect Elben to push for a starting position from day one.

Charvez Davis (SG, 3 stars)

Junior College transfer known for his three-point accuracy. Should see some playing time if he lives up to his shooting potential.

Chris Hines (3 stars)

Hines is 6'7" and 225 pounds, a thick "small forward" who can shoot. A Junior-College All-American, Hines is three years removed from high-school and should help 'Bama with their lack of depth in the paint.

Returning, though, is a crew that is moderately talented and—with good coaching—could turn 2009-10 into a respectable year.

Senario Hillman 6'2", 192-pound junior SG
(12.9ppg - 2.5rpg - 42.6% FG - 28.7% 3PT)
Hillman came out of high school with a reputation for lights-out shooting, but hasn't provided on the college court. Hillman is a combined 24.6 percent shooter from three in his career, despite attempting over 101 long-range shots for the Tide last year, easily the most on the team.

He's a great on-ball defender, ranking third-best amongst league returnees in steals per game, but must refine his shot and give Alabama some semblence of a deep threat. Should start.
JaMychal Green 6'9" 220-pound sophomore F/C
(10.3ppg - 7.6rpg - 51 blks - 71.0% FT)
Green is easily the Alabama player with the biggest upside. He is ultra-reliable, is the sixth-best returning rebounder in the conference, and a formidable shot-blocker.

If he can manage to take care of the ball—he was the most apt to turn it over on the team a year ago—he will prove to be one of the SEC's most reliable and efficient big-men. Should start.
Mikhail Torrance 6'5" 210-pound senior PG
(10.0ppg - 2.3rpg - 31.9% 3PT - 88.4% FT)
Torrance is a very versatile guard who is particularly adept at handling the ball, with a 1.6 assist-to-turnover ratio. His shooting is average at best, but he's a threat at the end of the game with outstanding numbers from the charity stripe, as he leads all returning SEC players in that category. Should start.
Justin Knox 6'9" 240-pound junior PF
(5.7ppg - 5.1rpg - 48.3% FG - 22 blks)
Knox has the physical gifts to become a superstar in the Southeastern Conference. He's a big, physical body down low who is one of the league's most efficient rebounders. With a little more aggression, Knox could be a surprise force down low for the Tide. Should start.
Anthony Brock 5'9" 165-pound senior PG/SG
(5.6ppg - 1.3rpg - 44.9% 3PT - 32 stl)
Brock is a ticking time-bomb, in the best possible way. He has a rare finesse that was under-utilized by Gottfried that should blossom under Grant. He's the team's best long-range shooter by a long shot, and is the league's most efficient returning on-ball defender. Brock could be the "X" factor for Alabama this season. Could start.
Andrew Steele 6'3" 215-pound sophomore PG
(3.3ppg - 1.9rpg - 1.53 A/TO - 73.0% FT)
The brother of departed superstar Ronald Steele, Andrew has a lot less potential. Andrew was an average shooter in his freshman campaign and only excels in ball-handling, where is he exemplary. A solid backup point guard.
Demetrius Jemison (6'8" 240-pound senior PF
(3.1ppg - 3.1rpg - 52.8% FG - 62.5% FT)
Jemison is a big body underneath and is a serviceable player, but certainly not one that seems to be challenging for a starting point anytime soon. Jemison is a back-to-the-basket guy and a very efficient rebounder. There are some questions as to his health this season, but I have yet to find anything to verify that.

Grant has a history of success at VCU, where he went a combined 76-25, including a Colonial Athletic Association league title each of the three years at the helm of VCU. Now, returning to the league he once served as an assistant in, hopes are high in Tuscaloosa he can bring that level of success to UA.

He's got the pieces to surprise this year.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes: Jackson St. (H), North Florida (H), LA-Monroe (H), Samford (H), Mercer (H), Tennessee St. (N), Toledo (A)
Real Games: Cornell (H), Providence (H)
Marquee Matchups: Baylor (N), Purdue (H), Kansas St. (N)
Opposite Division: Vanderbilt (H), Tennessee (H), Florida (H), Kentucky (A), Georgia (A), South Carolina (A)
Predicted Result: (18-12, 7-9), No postseason
Analysis: Just one true road game in the non-conference portion of the slate might hurt the Tide in the SEC.

What's Returning

Points: 69.67% (6th - SEC Avg: 73.81%)
Rebounds: 66.02% (10th - SEC Avg: 75.80%)

While Mississippi State is the prohibitive favorite to take the SEC Western Division crown this year, the Tide seems to be underrated in discussion for that No. 2 spot. While Ole Miss tends to be offered that title, Grant's Alabama team very well could knock the Rebels off of that stoop and challenge for an NIT berth.

Upcoming Posts and Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook

Kurt Wirth — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:56:15 -0400

Wanted to let everyone know my life has gotten beyond insane, but posts will be coming soon!

With that said, I wanted to direct all of you college hoops junkies to a book that if, in some stroke of bad luck on your part, you aren’t aware of is simply the single-most necessary item you could ever own.

It’s called the Blue Ribbon College Yearbook, and it’s appropriately called the “Bible of College Basketball." It is a massive book and includes…

Feature stories, complete with quotes, of every single Division A school. Every one. Mount Saint Mary’s? Done. Stony Brook? Done. It’s all there.
In-depth analysis of every single Division A player for every team, predictions of starting lineups, and injury reports.
Massively extensive breakdowns of its top 25 teams, 3,000-4,000 words apiece.
Analyses of each conference, its weaknesses and strengths, and predictions of placement.

There’s tons more I don’t even have the space to include, but this is the single most-read book of my entire life. I inhale every single word of this book every year.

On top of all of this, the price has drastically dropped (thanks, recession!) and is down to just $22.95! For this amount of information, research and dedication I seriously am unable to understand how these guys offer this book for that price and stay afloat.

If I’ve sparked your interest, you can purchase it online here or by phone at 1-877-807-4857.

2008-09 SEC Floor General Award

Kurt Wirth — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:54:21 -0400

After the big move, I continue this series, which is nearing its completion.

This category obviously focuses on talented point guards in the league, based on assists-per-minute. However, as I research more I’ve noticed this statistic is hugely dependent on the shooting prowess of the players around the point guard.

Now, for the standard explanation of this whole process (you can skip this if you’ve read it before):

These awards are meant to effectively and accurately pick the best (and worst) performers in each category. Thus, a line was drawn roughly around the area of 15 games played and/or 40 minutes—one full game—played as a minimum. This was done to limit the effect of outliers bringing to our attention surprising walk-on's that could be, according to the stats, future superstars
Obviously, these awards are not all-encompassing. Players that transferred or any other players that didn’t play for any reason last season are not included.
Be sure to understand that each of these categories, alone, are misleading. For example, if a player won Least Minutes/Assist but also finished last in Least Minutes/Turnover, it is not as impressive. Combining these rankings and statistics will give a more clear and well-rounded picture, but these rankings are fun nonetheless.

The winner is...

Nick Calathes—Florida, Overseas—5.19—Last Year: 5.31

Calathes was one of the greatest true point guards this league has seen in a long while. Calathes was a spectacular leader on and off the court, could handle the ball with extreme care, was a dead-eye shooter, and possessed an outstanding knowledge of the game.

Florida’s chances at making noise this season dropped drastically when Calathes decided to go pro in Greece.

The others...

2. Courtney Fortson—Arkansas, Sophomore—5.53—Last Year: N.A.

The Razorbacks would have been absolutely lost without Fortson a year ago. Fortson has energy to spare and is a solid shot, but may be the league’s only player who can compare his awareness to that of Nick Calathes as a freshman/sophomore.

Fortson could stand to be a bit less selfish, as he took too many shots at too small a percentage, but he looks to be one of the league’s future stars.

3. Kevin Galloway—Kentucky, Senior—5.77—Last Year: N.A.

Galloway saw a decent amount of minutes last season, and started five times, but isn’t a talented enough all-around player to be a true role-player for the Kentucky Blue. His ability to see the open man is impressive, however, and he should serve as a legitimate option off the bench at point guard for Kentucky next season.

4. DeAndre Liggins—Kentucky, Sophomore—6.00—Last Year: N.A.

Liggins had one goal as a freshman: get the ball to Meeks. With Meeks gone to the NBA and a couple of much-hyped ball-handlers recruited into the program, Liggins will likely be playing backup in 2009-10.

Complementing that fact was Liggins’ poor shooting and aptitude to turn the ball over, as this stat was fluffed big-time by Meeks’ 40 percent three-point percentage.

5. Chris Bass—LSU, Sophomore—6.42—Last Year: N.A.

Bass’ assist-to-turnover ratio in his limited minutes were nothing short of jaw-dropping, but he did nothing else well. He was a liability as a shooter, and shied away from physical contact. Bass has a lot of improving to do before he can contribute heavily for the Tigers.

6. Zac Swansey—Georgia, Transfer—6.92—Last Year: 10.24

Plagued with off-court issues, Swansey and Felton agreed that a transfer would be best for his future playing opportunities. Georgia lost a very competent ball-handler, but a ball-hog who didn’t bring down nearly as many shots as he should have.

7. Twany Beckham—Mississippi State, Sophomore—7.10—Last Year: N.A.

Recently discovering two bone spurs, one in each hip, Beckham learned that he won’t be able to play this season. This will give the red-shirted sophomore an opportunity to work on his aggression and ball-handling, both of which need to improve.

Beckham played point for State’s “second team” as it was known, and that spot should fall to either Stewart or Turner this season.

8. Devan Downey—South Carolina, Senior—7.28—Last Year: 6.96

Most hoops fans across the nation know about Downey at this point, as he is small, quick, and agile along with serving as a massively potent leader for the Gamecocks. Downey shoots well and makes excellent decisions, and this stat sagged almost entirely due to his surrounding cast and not himself.

9. Dee Bost—Mississippi State, Sophomore—7.29—Last Year: N.A.

Perhaps one of the most all-around impressive freshman in 2008-09, Bost seems destined to be a star in the SEC. Bost showed senior-like leadership, was one of the league’s best ball-handlers, and shot competently. Regardless of who you are, an assist-to-turnover ratio of more than 1.5 is impressive for a freshman.

10. Dustin Ware—Georgia, Sophomore—7.44—Last Year: N.A.

Ware would certainly be nominated for a most underrated SEC freshman award, as his performance was very, very solid in every aspect of the game. Ware is a very good shooter and impressive decision-maker, and handles the ball very well—especially for a sophomore-to-be. Ware should be a talented anchor for Fox’s upcoming Georgia squad.

The opposite end of the spectrum...

1. Festus Ezeli—Vanderbilt, Sophomore—360.00—Last Year: N.A.

2. Malcolm White—Ole Miss, Transfer—255.67—Last Year: N.A.

3. Sam Muldrow—South Carolina, Junior—182.00—Last Year: 53.88

4. Kenny Kadji—Florida, Sophomore—106.50—Last Year: N.A.

5. Yamene Coleman—Alabama, Left Team—91.50—Last Year: 51.00

6. Austin Steed—South Carolina, Junior—89.80—Last Year: 29.00

7. Mike Holmes—South Carolina, Junior—71.08—Last Year: 51.25

8. Albert Jackson—Georgia, Senior—55.36—Last Year: 37.07

9. Elgin Bailey—Mississippi State, Junior—48.33—Last Year: 212.00

10. Lance Gouldbourne—Vanderbilt, Sophomore—46.43—Last Year: N.A.

John Calipari Is a Dirty Man

Kurt Wirth — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:45:34 -0400

John Calipari has been caught. Or at least the NCAA thinks so.

Calipari will become the first college basketball coach ever to have Final Fours vacated at two different schools.

After previously having his Final Four appearance at UMass vacated by the NCAA, improper benefits—including free trips on the chartered team jet—and a questionably fraudulent SAT resulted in the NCAA deeming Derrick Rose ineligible.

Thus all 38 Memphis wins in 2007-08, including the Final Four, are being vacated.

Calipari is known as a great recruiter, but this seems to lend evidence and credibility toward it being not just his bubbly personality.

And here’s a thought to the UK fans: If Cal takes UK to a Final Four, will Calipari make it an unprecedented three FF’s vacated at three different schools?

2008-09 SEC Boardmaster Award

Kurt Wirth — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:28:13 -0400

Quickly moving on to rebounding, one of the most important categories on the list.

This stat will point out the most efficient glass cleaners in the league, those who aggressively and accurately are able to grab their share of rebounds on a consistent basis.

These rankings are filled with almost exclusively big men, as height and good hands tends to help.

Now, for the standard explanation of this whole process—you can skip this if you’ve read it before…

These awards are meant to effectively and accurately pick the best (and worst) performers in each category. Thus, a line was drawn roughly around the area of 15 games played and/or 40 minutes—one full game—played as a minimum. This was done to limit the effect of outliers bringing to our attention surprising walk-ons that could be, according to the stats, future superstars.

Obviously, these awards are not all-encompassing. Players that transferred or any other players that didn’t play for any reason last season are not included.

Be sure to understand that each of these categories, alone, is misleading. For example, if a player wins "Least Minutes/Assist" but also finishes last in "Least Minutes/Turnover," is not as impressive. Combining these rankings and statistics will give a more clear and well-rounded picture, but these rankings are fun nonetheless.

The winner is…

BRIAN WILLIAMS—Tennessee, Junior—2.96—Last Year: 3.22

Williams is one of the more underrated players in the league, and certainly the most underrated rebounder. Get this number: Assuming Williams’ numbers would increase proportionally and if he were to play 40 minutes per game, he’d average 13.7 rebounds per game.

Oh, and he shoots over 50 percent from the floor and is a solid post defender as well. Williams will never be a star, but is probably the single best role player in the league.

The others…

2. Michael Washington - Arkansas, Senior—3.06—Last Year: 3.39

Washington was one of the biggest surprises of the SEC last year, and likely would have challenged for SEC Player of the Year had Arkansas not tanked. He nearly has no weakness other than ball-handling, and is an absolutely dominating offensive presence in the paint.

3. Korvotney Barber - Auburn, Graduated – 3.09 - Last Year: 3.85

Barber was one of many players in the league last year who had to nearly carry his team on his back, and he did so in impressive fashion.

He had, at times in his collegiate career, led the nation in shooting percentage but suffered from the same drawbacks as most big men: poor free throw shooting and ball-handling.

4. Jarvis Varnado—Mississippi State, Senior—3.19—Last Year: 3.67

Varnado is often billed as a one-trick pony, but he is anything but. Varnado, with his extreme length and huge hands, is a phenomenal rebounder, efficient scorer, and will break the all-time NCAA record for blocks, assuming he avoids injury.

This guy changes the game in many, many ways and is one of the best on the glass.

5. Wayne Chism—Tennessee, Senior—3.20—Last Year: 3.97

Chism is my vote for more underrated player in the SEC, as his efficiency numbers are absolutely through the roof for a big man. He handles the ball very well, has a very effective jump shot, is solid from the charity stripe, and is even a great defender.

There’s not much this guy can’t do with his great skill.

6. Delwan Graham—LSU, Left Team—3.22—Last Year: N.A.

Graham was probably the single most potential-filled freshman from a year ago, and no one knew it because of Marcus Thornton. Graham, as a big man, had a one assist-to-turnover ratio. That’s an admirable number for any player, much less a big guy.

Needless to say, he shot over 50 percent from the floor and rebounded like crazy. Shows what a waste off the court issues can be for young, talented players.

7. Jamychal Green—Alabama, Sophomore—3.29—Last Year: N.A.

Green played up to expectations last season, as he entered the league as one of the most heralded freshmen. To say Green had little surrounding support is a drastic understatement, but he still managed to pose a huge threat offensively and was a great rebounder.

If he can manage to hold on to the ball a bit better and work on his decision-making, he has a shot at the next level.

8. Murphy Holloway—Ole Miss, Sophomore—3.33—Last Year: N.A.

Holloway is a rare breed. He’s one of few big men that can honestly claim he is among the best on both offense and defense. His hoops instincts are obvious, and his scoring/rebounding prowess is formidable. He should, however, work on his face-up game.

9. Chris Johnson—LSU, Graduated—3.49—Last Year: 4.52

Johnson was much like Varnado last year in that he was underweight but extremely long with big hands, seeming to be able to leap up and just wiggle his arms until a rebound fell into his grasp.

Johnson was more of a rebounding/blocking specialist, as he wasn’t very adept offensively.

10. Trey Thompkins—Georgia, Sophomore—3.54—Last Year: N.A.

Thompkins is extremely versatile, shooting nearly 40 percent from long distance. His decision-making is awful, however. He has the tools to be an absolute star for Mark Fox’s Bulldogs, but he’s got some refining to do.

It would be difficult to find someone as purely talented on both ends of the floor as he is, though.

The opposite end of the spectrum…

1. Robert Wilder – South Carolina, Senior – 28.60 – Last Year: 7.00

2. Chris Warren – Ole Miss, Junior – 22.24 – Last Year: 15.73

3. Walter Hodge – Florida, Graduated – 19.00 – Last Year: 14.50

4. Brandon Hollinger – Alabama, Graduated – 17.75 – Last Year: 15.69

5. Will Bogan – Ole Miss, Sophomore – 17.27 – Last Year: N.A.

6. Rotnei Clarke – Arkansas, Sophomore – 16.86 – Last Year: N.A.

7. Erving Walker – Florida, Sophomore – 16.40 – Last Year: N.A.

8. Dustin Ware – Georgia, Sophomore – 14.87 – Last Year: N.A.

9. Michael Porter – Kentucky, Left Team – 13.89 – Last Year: 13.28

10. Anthony Brock – Alabama, Senior – 12.96 – Last Year: N.A.

2008-09 SEC Pinball Award

Kurt Wirth — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:27:56 -0400

So my titles are creative, what of it?

This award will cap off the shooting awards, as it focuses on the players who are most aggressive with the ball and least afraid to draw a foul. This, obviously, is calculated by minutes per free throws attempted.

This category is unique in that it has absolutely nothing to do with shooting, and everything to do with less tangible aspects of the game. A player who gets to the line a lot tends to…(A) Handle the ball a great deal, (B) Be very physical and fearless, and (C) Be a post player. This category can help single out potential leaders for teams as well as identify young players who understand the game well.

Now, for the standard explanation of this whole process—you can skip this if you’ve read it before…

These awards are meant to effectively and accurately pick the best (and worst) performers in each category. Thus, a line was drawn roughly around the area of 15 games played and/or 40 minutes—one full game—played as a minimum. This was done to limit the effect of outliers bringing to our attention surprising walk-ons that could be, according to the stats, future superstars.

Obviously, these awards are not all-encompassing. Players that transferred or any other players that didn’t play for any reason last season are not included.

Be sure to understand that each of these categories, alone, are misleading. For example, if a player won Least Minutes/Assist but also finished last in Least Minutes/Turnover, it is not as impressive. Combining these rankings and statistics will give a more clear and well-rounded picture, but these rankings are fun nonetheless.

The winner is…

A.J. OGILVY – Vanderbilt, Junior – 4.08 – Last Year: 3.91
Ogilvy places as the first player in the league to claim two titles, and he does so from the charity stripe. Ogilvy is often regarded as “soft”, but this statistic alone proves otherwise. Despite his quiet demeanor on the court, Ogilvy is fierce offensively and is super-aggressive under the basket.

The others…

2. Tyler Smith – Tennessee, Senior – 4.99 – Last Year: 6.36
Smith has a well-known mean-streak, and handles the ball excessively due to his extreme versatility. Smith is a decent three-point shooter, has a solid jumper and can drive the basket along with handling the ball unlike most any other big-man in the league.

3. Brian Johnson – Mississippi State, Graduated – 5.14 – Last Year: 14.36
Johnson was never more than a solid role-player for the Bulldogs, and tended to be haphazardly aggressive in his limited minutes. He had a very poor 0.30 assist-to-turnover ratio, and served often times as more of a liability than an extra body.

4. Michael Washington – Arkansas, Senior – 5.27 – Last Year: 7.67
Washington had to all but carry his entire team, much less the paint, a season ago. He did so by becoming one of the league’s most outstanding big-men, absolutely dominating his area offensively. Washington also has a fiery temper, and is clearly the emotional leader for the Razorbacks.

5. Jodie Meeks – Kentucky, NBA Draft – 5.29 – Last Year: 7.50
Meeks was probably the best all-around player in the league last season, as he once again makes a Top Ten list. Especially impressive here, as he was also the league’s best three-point shooter. Meeks served as about 40 percent of his team’s offense, and in the process handled the ball a great deal. That coupled with his speed to the basket earned him this spot.

6. Chris Warren – Ole Miss, Junior – 5.48 – Last Year: 10.54
Warren would’ve been in the discussion for SEC Player of the Year if he hadn’t gone down in his 11th game last season. Warren is tremendously talented and is extremely potent on every end of the floor. Serving as the Rebels’ point guard, he serves as the team’s ball-handler and also owns impressive speed.

7. Marcus Thornton – LSU, Graduated – 5.58 – Last Year: 9.07
Yet another guard who shows up on this list. Thornton, to be fair, is the least guard-like of them as his frame says more forward. His shot doesn’t, though. Thornton was much like Meeks in that he carried his team offensively, and was aggressive with the ball in his hands.

8. Storm Warren – LSU, Sophomore – 5.74 – Last Year: N.A.
For a freshman to show up on this list is nothing short of impressive. Warren is a bit of a work-in-progress and effectively served as a big-man for Johnson’s squad. His shooting isn’t exactly impressive, and neither is his ball-handling, but with this passion Warren could step up into the shoes of the departing Thornton as the team’s leader on the court.

9. David Huertas – Ole Miss, Overseas – 5.76 – Last Year: 16.27
Huertas, much like Meeks and Thornton, carried his team offensively a year ago. Unlike those two, however, Huertas was forced into that position by a string of injuries that sidelines three Rebel starters. Huertas had speed and athleticism to spare, and certainly filled the roles of “leader” exceptionally well.

10. Jeffery Taylor – Vanderbilt, Sophomore – 5.79 – Last Year: N.A.
As impressive as Warren’s appearance on this list was, Taylor’s is probably moreso. Taylor exhibited a much higher willingness to take a jumper and proved to be a solid all-around defender and ball-handler. Taylor has the makings of a future SEC star.

The opposite end of the spectrum…

1. Michael Porter – Kentucky, Left Team – 38.50 – Last Year: 48.13

2. Riley Benock – Mississippi State, Junior – 34.08 – Last Year: 28.50

3. Joe Duffy – Vanderbilt, Junior – 31.50 – Last Year: 9.50

4. Marcus Britt – Arkansas, Junior – 28.30 – Last Year: 20.22

5. Brandon Hollinger – Alabama, Graduated – 25.82 – Last Year: 24.00

6. Ravern Johnson – Mississippi State, Junior – 23.91 – Last Year: 18.70

7. Dan Werner – Florida, Senior – 23.79 – Last Year: 14.85

8. Evaldas Banilius – South Carolina, Senior – 22.68 – Last Year: 76.29

9. Branden Conrad – South Carolina, Graduated – 22.58 – Last Year: 7.67

10. Darshawn McClellan – Vanderbilt, Junior – 21.79 – Last Year: 10.89

2008-09 SEC Mr. Clutch Award

Kurt Wirth — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:25:49 -0400

Having triumphantly returned to the South after driving over 5,500 miles to California and back, I return this series back to its former glory.

The Mr. Clutch Award is awarded to the player with the least amounts of minutes per free-throws made. This award is clearly representative of a player who can not only challenge his defender (mostly in the paint) but has a clean and efficient stroke from the line as well.

These guys generally have good numbers from any range and are crucial to have on the floor late in games.

Now, for the standard explanation of this whole process – you can skip this if you’ve read it before…

These awards are meant to effectively and accurately pick the best (and worst) performers in each category. Thus, a line was drawn roughly around the area of 15 games played and/or 40 minutes – 1 full game – played as a minimum. This was done to limit the effect of outliers bringing to our attention surprising walk-ons that could be, according to the stats, future superstars.

Obviously, these awards are not all-encompassing. Players that transferred or any other players that didn’t play for any reason last season are not included.

The winner is…

A.J. OGILVY – Vanderbilt, Junior – 5.83 – Last Year: 5.09
Ogilvy was the all-around subjective winner a year ago, but his efficiency numbers fell drastically from a year ago due to his increased burden after Foster’s departure. Ogilvy is one of the most purely talented players in the league and remains one of the most efficient. Despite a rap for being “weak”, Ogilvy’s ability to get to the line proves otherwise.

The others…

2. Jodie Meeks – Kentucky, NBA Draft – 5.86 – Last Year: 9.44
This number is especially impressive considering Meeks’ specialty as an outside shooter. Meeks attempted more free throws than anyone else in the league (234) and had the best percentage from that range as well (90.2%). Meeks was likely the best performer at the charity stripe that the league has seen in quite some time, if ever.

3. Chris Warren – Ole Miss, Junior – 6.41 – Last Year: 13.14
Warren is very Meeks-like in his speed and athleticism, but not the shooter and a better ball-handler. Warren speed and aggressiveness to the basket gets him a healthy amount of attempts from the stripe, and he is liekly the league’s best returning free-throw shooter.

4. Tyler Smith – Tennessee, Senior – 6.51 – Last Year: 9.00
Smith is one of the most well-known and well-respected big men in the conference, and certainly for his extreme versatility. Smith is easily the most versatile player in the conference, with one of the most aggressive attitudes – as this stat certainly proves.

5. David Huertas – Ole Miss, Overseas – 7.15 – Last Year: 20.70
Huertas had to step up in a big way after Ole Miss’ devastating injuries, and he did so with style. Huertas was an excellent slasher and great shooter, combining to make him a force on the free throw stripe.

6. Marcus Thornton – LSU, Graduated – 7.49 – Last Year: 11.10
Thornton was a do-everything, immortal SEC Player of the Year and this number comes straight from his load of carrying his team offensively. Thornton worked on increasing his driving efficiency and requiring less treys, and it paid off.

7. Kodi Augustus – Mississippi State, Junior – 7.81 – Last Year: 13.00
Augustus was one of the more unheralded players in the league last year, as most SEC fans knew he was a sleeping giant forced on the bench due to off-the-court issues. He proved himself in the SEC Tournament, and showed himself to be one of the most fierce competitors in the league.

8. Mikhail Torrance – Alabama, Senior – 7.92 – Last Year: 17.43
Torrance is an example of an exception, where his jumper isn’t the best around but his effort from the charity stripe is outstanding. Torrance is a solid role-player, but won’t be a force for the Tide next year, as this number comes mostly from his percentage: 88.4 percent.

9. Jeffery Taylor – Vanderbilt, Sophomore – 8.39 – Last Year: N.A.
Taylor was a tremendous player for the Commodores last year, starting every game. His overall percentages were outstanding, but his outside shot – and even free-throw shot – needs to increase. With his ability to make plays offensively, Taylor could be a force with a refined stroke.

10. Emmanuel Negedu – Tennessee, Sophomore – 8.43 – Last Year: N.A.
Negedu is a major work-in-progress for the Vols, but an efficient and potential-filled one. Negedu has a nice stroke but needs to work on his rebounding to be a consistent source of minutes.

The opposite end of the spectrum…

1. Drazen Zlovaric – Georgia, Sophomore – 85.00 – Last Year: N.A.

2. Chris Bass – LSU, Sophomore – 55.20 – Last Year: N.A.

3. Riley Benock – Mississippi State, Junior – 51.13 – Last Year: 45.60

4. Michael Porter – Kentucky, Left Team – 49.82 – Last Year: 55.00

5. Robert Wilder – South Carolina, Senior – 47.67 – Last Year: N.A.

6. Darshawn McClellan – Vanderbilt, Junior – 43.58 – Last Year: 21.77

7. Josh Tabb – Tennessee, Senior – 43.54 – Last Year: N.A.

8. Kevil Cantinol – Ole Miss, Sophomore – 43.50 – Last Year: N.A.

9. Joe Duffy – Vanderbilt, Junior – 42.00 – Last Year: 9.50

10. DeAundre Cranston – Ole Miss, Senior – 40.31 – Last Year: N.A.

2008-09 SEC Bomber Award

Kurt Wirth — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:14:47 -0400

The next addition to the series is the SEC’s player most willing to fire the bomb from long-range.

Considering this is formulated as minutes per three attempted, this category relies heavily upon a player’s three-point percentage and the amount of minutes played, along with other intangibles such as what role the player filled on the team. So, needless to say, this isn’t necessarily a positive category nor a negative one.

Wanted to note that I’ve gotten a couple of tips that these rankings seem to be a bit dry. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the beast with these rankings, and there’s not much I can do to improve that. These posts are serving as something interesting and unique to quell the true college hoops fan’s hunger for the sport until the season comes around.

Once the categories have been exhausted, I’ll be breaking down incoming recruits, and eventually moving onto preseason awards and rankings. Until then, skim over (or absorb) these posts!

Now, for the standard explanation of this whole process—you can skip this if you’ve read it before...

Obviously, these awards are not all-encompassing. Players that transferred or any other players that didn’t play for any reason last season are not included.

The winner is...

TROY BREWER—Georgia (transfer): 3.75—Last Year: 3.29

Brewer was a work in progress from the moment he stepped foot on Georgia’s campus. Brewer had talent but was an absolutely awful shooter, considering his 22.5 percent effort from behind the arc, despite attempting an average of over 10 per every 40 minutes.

Brewer never saw the amount of minutes he wanted, and opted to transfer after two years under Dennis Felton.

The others...

2. Tay Waller—Auburn (senior): 3.82—Last Year: N.A.

Waller, already awarded the 2008-09 Nothin’ But Net Award, was arguably a more potent three-point threat than the famed Jodie Meeks of the Wildcat Blue last season. Waller served as Auburn’s main (if not only) offensive weapon from long-range, and he was an extremely effective one.

He’d challenge for SEC Player of the Year is the Tigers had a chance to be a good team in 2009-10.

3. Renaldo Woolridge—Tennessee (sophomore): 4.10—Last Year: N.A.

Woolridge excelled in no area other than ball-handling and selflessness in his freshman season with the Vols. The guard/forward barely hit 30 percent from the floor, and was under 28 percent from three. Still, he hoisted 69 of his 90 shot attempts on the year from there.

Woolridge has an enormous amount of improvement to endure before truly becoming competitive in the SEC.

4. Rickey McPhee—Georgia (senior): 4.26—Last Year: N.A.

Proving the ineptitude of Georgia’s offense under Felton, McPhee ranks as the second UGA player in the SEC’s top-four most prolific three-point shooters. Unlike Brewer, however, McPhee has a workable game with a nice jump-shot.

If McPhee could become more versatile inside the three-point line, he could play an important role in Georgia’s backcourt next season.

5. Jodie Meeks—Kentucky (NBA Draft): 4.30—Last Year: 5.10

Meeks, one of the league’s biggest superstars in 2008-09, clocks in with his fourth-consecutive positive mention and the only player to have made all four lists thus far. Meeks has always been a dangerous shooter, and he was called upon to step up last season by Gillispie.

He did so in an enormous way, serving as the only SEC player to qualify for the league’s minimum attempts and shoot over 40 percent from three. Meeks’ departure was a massive blow for Kentucky.

6. David Huertas—Ole Miss (overseas): 4.38—Last Year: 4.38

Although it’s irrelevant, this was the first player I’ve noticed to match his efficiency number from the previous year. Pretty neat.

Anyway, Huertas’ loss should limit or destroy the Rebels’ chances at overtaking MSU in the West next season, as he poured in over 18 points per game from all over the floor.

7. Rotnei Clarke—Arkansas (sophomore): 4.47—Last Year: N.A.

Clarke is one of, if not the single-most talented rising sophomore in the league. Clarke did everything for the Razorbacks last season, and did so with efficiency numbers generally saved for upperclassmen.

Clarke will be an SEC superstar if Arkansas can ever find its feet, although this seems unlikely for 2009-10 due to the team’s heavy off-season losses.

8. Chris Warren—Ole Miss (junior): 4.67—Last Year: 4.22

Warren suffered a season-ending injury toward the early part of the season, and his team suffered heavily because of it. Warren is nothing short of a genius at the point-guard position, and is a tremendous all-around asset for the Rebels.

Warren shot effectively from three during his freshman season, but barely hit 30 percent of them last season.

9. Cameron Tatum—Tennessee (sophomore): 4.67—Last Year: N.A.

Tatum is a talented guard/forward who suffered from the Vols’ lack of guards a season ago. He put up 134 threes in 217 attempts and brought down just 32.1% of those.

Tatum is competitive at every aspect of the game, but needs to improve to challenge for a starting position. His free-throw percentage, defense and rebounding all need tweeking.

10. Brandon Hollinger—Alabama (graduated): 4.98—Last Year: 7.49

Hollinger was a backup shooter whose effectiveness absolutely plummeted when senior Ronald Steele left the team. Steele was one of the league’s best point guards, and was able to build chemistry with Hollinger that led him to hit over 43 percent of his threes during his junior year. During his last year for the Crimson Tide, he shot just 17.5 percent from that range.

The opposite end of the spectrum…
Minimum of 10 total threes attempted set

1. Perry Stevenson—Kentucky (senior): 101.00—Last Year: N.A.

2. Tasmin Mitchell—LSU (senior): 59.84—Last Year: 13.20

3. Brian Williams—Tennessee (junior): 55.90—Last Year: 185.00

4. Terrance Henry—Ole Miss (junior): 34.65—Last Year: N.A.

5. J.P. Prince—Tennessee (senior): 34.08—Last Year: 39.08

6. Michael Washington—Arkansas (senior): 30.03— – Last Year: 17.33

7. A.J. Ogilvy—Vanderbilt (junior): 29.59—Last Year: 448.00

8. Ramon Harris—Kentucky (senior): 27.36—Last Year: 24.36

9. Ray Shipman—Florida (sophomore): 23.70—Last Year: N.A.

10. Darshawn McClellan—Vanderbilt (junior): 22.74—Last Year: 47.90

2008-09 SEC Nothin' but Net Award

Kurt Wirth — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:07:01 -0400

Continuing the series, this award goes to the most efficient three-point shooter in the conference. This category, as a whole, is mostly positive and doesn't rely too heavily on any others, although three-point percentage and number of attempts would be relevant. While it's possible for a poor shooter to make this list, it’s not likely.

Now, for the standard explanation of this whole process – you can skip this if you’ve read it before…

These awards are meant to effectively and accurately pick the best (and worst) performers in each category. Thus, a line was drawn roughly around the area of 15 games played and/or 40 minutes—one full game—played as a minimum. This was done to limit the effect of outliers bringing to our attention surprising walk-ons that could be, according to the stats, future superstars.

Obviously, these awards are not all-encompassing. Players that transferred or any other players that didn't play for any reason last season are not included.

The winner is...

TAY WALLER – Auburn, Senior – 10.40 - Last Year: N.A.

This is a pretty shocking upset, as Waller was practically unknown amongst the media types who regularly drooled over Kentucky's Jodie Meeks. Waller provided a vast majority of Auburn's points from behind the arc—272 attempts worth—and brought down a solid percentage of those shots.

Waller is a reliable ball-handler, a somewhat streaky shooter overall, and a great shot from the charity stripe.

The others…

2. Jodie Meeks – Kentucky, NBA Draft – 10.57 – Last Year: 15.94

Meeks was the super-star shooter of the SEC last season, and for good reason. Meeks easily led the conference by hitting 40.6 percent of his 288 attempts from long-range, which also led the league. Meeks carried the Wildcats a season ago, with his speed and pure shooting ability nearly unstoppable for five opponents to guard, much less one.

3. Rotnei Clarke – Arkansas, Sophomore – 11.37 – Last Year: N.A.

One of only two Razorbacks to start every game last season, Clarke likely would have challenged, if not won, SEC Freshman of the Year had he played for a team that didn't crash and burn worse than the Hindenburg.

Clarke—as a freshman, mind you—shot nearly 40 percent from behind the arc, 93.5 percent from the charity stripe, and managed a 1.28 assist-to-turnover ratio. This kid will be a superstar if and when Arkansas ever gets some feet beneath its program.

4. Rickey McPhee – Georgia, Senior – 11.71 – Last Year: N.A.

McPhee was little-used last season for the Bulldogs, as he saw just 25 games, but proved to be a solid contributor. Just 14 of his 80 shots were not from three-point distance, as he didn't necessarily favor being guarded. McPhee isn't a big-time player, but a solid shooter on a team in desperate need of role-players.

5. Evaldas Banilius – South Carolina, Senior – 11.81 – Last Year: 12.71

Banilius is likely the best shooter in the league, if not one of the best in the nation, that noone has heard about. He didn't come close to attempting enough shots to be counted, but if he had he’d be the best three-point shooter in the league barring outliers at 48.0 percent with 100 attempts.

Banilius needs to work on his ball-handling and defense, but is a dangerous shooter that thrives with Downey at the point.

6. David Huertas - Ole Miss, Overseas - 12.35 – Last Year: 12.15
Huertas became the prime offensive weapon for the Rebels after the team suffered a loss of three starters as the season began. Huertas led the team with 18.1 points per game, but took an inordinate amount of shots from long-range and wasn’t spectacularly efficient.

Huertas was the best option for the Rebels last season, but if the returning players can get healthy, some more efficient scorers need to pick up the slack left by his departure.

7. Erving Walker – Florida, Sophomore – 12.41 – Last Year: N.A.

Walker joins Clarke and a select few other SEC sophomores that could have garnered SEC Freshman of the Year in better circumstances and have the potential to be SEC Player of the Year eventually. Walker is an outstanding shot from three—and everywhere else on the court—is admirably selfless with the ball, and is solid on defense.

8. Ravern Johnson – Mississippi State, Junior – 13.25 – Last Year: 26.71

Johnson, who led the nation in three-point percentage after the halfway-point last season, is one of the most dangerous pure-shooters in the league. His slashing skills began to surface last season, but his height of his body and his jump-shot are nearly impossible for most guards to defend.

Johnson is a Meeks-like shooter with SEC Player of the Year potential if he could work on his turnovers.

9. Brad Tinsley – Vanderbilt, Sophomore – 13.91 – Last Year: N.A.

Tinsley falls into the previously mentioned list of super-star freshmen who are set to hit the league big-time. Tinsley put up huge efficiency numbers as a freshman in the wake of Shan Foster’s departure, and is an outstanding shooter.

Tinsley can score from anywhere on the floor and defends very well. Tinsley and Ogilvy should make an exciting pair in 2009-10.

10. Marcus Thornton – LSU, Graduated – 14.31 – Last Year: 11.59

Thornton's production-per-minute dropped severely from a season ago, and it's surprising to see such a talented shooter so low on the list. Thornton worked on shot selection and his percentages increased while his timed efficiency took a hit.

Thornton—the league's Player of the Year in 2008-09—was still overwhelmingly potent on the offensive end and clearly the best overall player in the league.

The opposite end of the spectrum...

Minimum of 10 total threes made set

1. Tasmin Mitchell – LSU, Senior – 113.70 – Last Year: N.A.

2. Quantez Robertson – Auburn, Graduated – 58.82 – Last Year: 36.00

3. George Drake – Vanderbilt, Senior – 52.20 – Last Year: 66.00

4. Zac Swansey – Georgia, Transfer – 51.33 – Last Year: 55.30

5. DeAndre Liggins – Kentucky, Sophomore – 45.50 – Last Year: N.A.

6. Dominique Archie – South Carolina, Senior – 43.43 – Last Year: 42.04

7. Darius Miller – Kentucky, Sophomore – 42.44 – Last Year: N.A.

8. Josh Tabb – Tennessee, Senior – 40.43 – Last Year: 65.25

9. Tyler Smith – Tennessee, Senior – 39.54 – Last Year: 72.64

10. Alonzo Gee – Alabama, Graduated – 38.04 – Last Year: 27.61

The Stefan Welsh Situation at Arkansas

Kurt Wirth — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:31:59 -0400

This Arkansas situation is getting deeper.

First, understand that all of this is purely speculation and may or may not have any accuracy. I struggle tirelessly to bring the most accurate and truthful information, and to this date I haven’t been wrong, but I continue to emphasize the importance of understanding that all of this could be completely incorrect.

With that said, the word is that Stefan Welsh both failed a drug test as well as dropping a course he needed to pass to remain eligible for the fall. Welsh very well could not see any playing time next season, but almost certainly won’t be kicked off of the team for several reasons.

First, coach John Pelphrey’s contract supposedly states that if Arkansas’ APR falls to the point of losing a scholarship, he may be fired at any point without severance pay. Arkansas’ APR is supposedly at 888 at the moment, 37 points shy of the NCAA’s 925 minimum.

In addition, Welsh has close ties to recently departed Arkansas guard/forward Jason Henry and the Razorbacks’ biggest incoming recruit, Marshawn Powell. Powell is supposedly so close with Welsh that if Welsh and his playing time were to be endangered, Powell would reconsider attending Arkansas.

This much is clear; Pelphrey has dug himself a very deep hole.

Arkansas Suspends Stefan Welsh Indefintely

Kurt Wirth — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:41:25 -0400

As the remainder of the SEC crouches, poised to attack the national scene in a big way in 2009-10, the tiny wheels that the Razorback train was running on have begun to fall off, and in a massive way.

After suffering four defections this summer, coach John Pelphrey today suspended stand-out senior guard Stefan Welsh.

While there is very little solid information regarding the situation out there, the commonly-accepted rumor is that the suspension is drug-related and won’t include just offseason time.

More substantiated rumors claim that Welsh dropped out of a summer class he needed to qualify for the fall, so he will not be returning to the team until at least January, where any game suspensions would then go into play.

Rumor is he will not be released from the team for this, mainly due to Arkansas’ absolutely abysmal APR rating.

Arkansas will be lucky not to lose a scholarship following this season due to the huge losses over this summer.

Welsh is a huge piece of the Arkansas puzzle, as he contributed 11.5 points per game last year and looked to be one of just two scholarship seniors on the team in 2009-10. Whatever amount of time the ‘Backs play without Welsh will be embarassing—the squad will be down to five scholarship players plus five freshmen, only one of whom has four stars or more.

Things are not looking good in Fayetteville at the moment, and I’d be shocked if Pelphrey has a job come next April.

2008-09 SEC Hot Hands Award

Kurt Wirth — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:16:52 -0400

Time to pick up the pace around here, people. This award is given to the player who puts up the most shots in the amount of time he is on the floor. The calculation is simple; field goals attempted per minute played. This category isn’t necessarily positive or negative – that would rely heavily on these players’ percentages and turnover rates. What it does show, however, is a surplus of confidence and eagerness to be in the limelight.

Now, for the standard explanation of this whole process – you can skip this if you’ve read it before…

These awards are meant to effectively and accurately pick the best (and worst) performers in each category. Thus, a line was drawn roughly around the area of 15 games played and/or 40 minutes – 1 full game – played as a minimum. This was done to limit the effect of outliers bringing to our attention surprising walk-ons that could be, according to the stats, future superstars.
Obviously, these awards are not all-encompassing. Players that transferred or any other players that didn’t play for any reason last season are not included.
Be sure to understand that each of these categories, alone, are misleading. For example, if a player won Least Minutes/Assist but also finished last in Least Minutes/Turnover, it is not as impressive. Combining these rankings and statistics will give a more clear and well-rounded picture, but these rankings are fun nonetheless.

The winner is…

DEVAN DOWNEY – Senior, South Carolina – 1.93 – Last Year: 2.32
Downey and Thornton finished 1 and 2 for the second-straight year, while Downey jumped a spot this year to claim first place. Downey is a dynamic pint-sized (5′9″) point guard who has blazing speed and the moves to drive to the basket while the lumbering bodies of those around him stumble over themselves trying to stop the layup. Downey will be a favorite for SEC Player of the Year in 2009-10.

The others…

2. Marcus Thornton – Graduated, LSU – 2.06 – Last Year: 2.15
Thornton increased his already extreme output from a year ago, but was just surpassed by Downey. Thornton is quick and dynamic, but more of a pure shooter than Downey as he was one of the most dangerous outside threats in the conference. Thornton was everything for LSU a year ago, and he carried the load again this year despite a bit more help around him on and off the sidelines.

3. Jodie Meeks – NBA Draft, Kentucky – 2.18 – Last Year: 2.90
Meeks was the SEC’s superstar last year, taking his name from outsie any All-SEC lists to the NBA draft. He’s always liked to shoot, but he bursted onto the scene this season in a big way, leading the conference in scoring at 23.7 points per game. Meeks was Kentucky’s only true shooting threat, and thus the offense ran through him and big-man Patrick Patterson.

4. Chris Warren – Junior, Ole Miss – 2.21 – Last Year: 2.42
Warren is a potential superstar who had a phenomenal freshman year before suffering an injury 11 games into the 2008-09 season. If he can return to form, he’ll be one of the league’s scorers and one of the nation’s best ball-handlers. Warren is an excellent all-around player, as his percentages and efficiency numbers are through the roof. Warren will vie for SEC Player of the Year honors by his senior season if he can return to 100 percent.

5. Travis Leslie – Sophomore, Georgia – 2.33 – Last Year: N.A.
Leslie, while admirably brave for a freshman, was a bit of a ball-hog last season. His numbers can’t be overlooked, as he was pretty efficient at bringing home the points as well, but his 0.59 assist-to-turnover ratio and 57.5 percent mark from the charity stripe will have to improve for him to truly have a significant impact for the Bulldogs.

6. Trey Thompkins – Sophomore, Georgia – 2.36 – Last Year: N.A.
Thompkins was easily the most underrated freshman in the league last year, as he shot nearly 40 percent from three – and this is a 6′9″, 247 pound big-man. Thompkins is one of the most versatile players in the conference, and he will once again be relied upon heavily by a talent-starved Georgia team.

7. David Huertas – Overseas, Ole Miss – 2.39 – Last Year: 2.72
While Ole Miss fans will likely brush this loss off, losing Huertas to professional play overseas was a massive blow to the Rebels’ chances at a breakout season in 2009-10. Huertas led the team in scoring and was one of the team’s most prolific rebounders and ball-handlers. Huertas needed tp step up after three starters fell to season-ending injuries, and he did so with flair.

8. Zam Fredrick – Graduated, South Carolina – 2.39 – Last Year: 2.58
Fredrick was an under-the-radar type who was a reliable shooting presence to take some defensive heat off of Downey. Fredrick was Downey’s favorite target outside the arc, and he brought treys down at nearly a 38 percent clip.

9. Senario Hillman – Junior, Alabama – 2.40 – Last Year: 3.40
Hillman is a pure slasher, and not much else. He attempted over 100 threes a season ago and barely made over 27 percent of them, while he had a tendency to turn the ball over as well. Hillman was one of the Tide’s few options last year, but more of the offense should have been flowing through Gee and Green.

10. Wayne Chism – Senior, Tennessee – 2.47 – Last Year: 2.79
If a man named Tyler Smith didn’t play for the Vols, Chism would be a superstar. Chism is without a doubt better at his position than Smith, although not as versatile. Chism is one of the league’s best inside-men both offensively and defensively, and his efficiency numbers are outstanding. While he won’t get the publicity, Chism is the scariest player on Tennessee’s roster.

The opposite end of the spectrum…

1. Robert Wilder – Senior, South Carolina – 35.75 – Last Year: 4.67

2. Chris Bass – Sophomore, LSU – 10.62 – Last Year: N.A.

3. Kevin Cantinol – Sophomore, Ole Miss – 8.70 – Last Year: N.A.

4. Demetrius Jemison – Senior, Alabama – 7.42 – Last Year: 4.57

5. Quintin Thornton – Graduated, LSU – 7.37 – Last Year: 16.77

6. Steven Pearl – Junior, Tennessee – 7.30 – Last Year: 4.73

7. Branden Conrad – Graduated, South Carolina – 7.13 – Last Year: 15.33

8. Josh Tabb – Senior, Tennessee – 6.66 – Last Year: 7.91

9. Marcus Britt – Junior, Arkansas – 6.66 – Last Year: 6.74

10. Darshawn McClellan – Junior, Vandebrilt – 6.62 – Last Year: 6.22

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