Bleacher Report - Articles by Daniel Damico

Lakers-Magic: NBA Finals Preview

Daniel Damico — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:08:51 -0400

The playoffs are all about matchups and how you take advantage of them.

The Orlando Magic have taken this idea to a new level and ridden it all the way to the NBA Finals.

It's natural to look to the Finals and the matchups that will make or break a team's chance at winning a title.

Point Guard: Derek Fisher, Lakers v. Rafer Alston, Magic

I will ignore the fact the Hedo Turkoglu handles the ball about 70 percent of the time, especially after opponents' baskets.

The winner of this matchup will be determined by who shoots better and turns the ball over less.

Fisher is most effective as a spot-up shooter, but his shooting numbers late in the season and in the playoffs have been pretty poor. He has averaged 26.3 minutes a game has shot 12-for-51 from distance (23.5 percent) and 35-for-118 from the field for 35.6 percent for a total of 7.1 points a game.

Alston has been scoring more, 12.7 ppg in the playoffs, but is also more prone to turnovers, 1.78 a game. But his role is very similar to Fisher: "Make open shots."

Alston is winning the ultimate PG stat, assists per game: 4.4 to Fisher's 2.4.

Advantage: Alston—In the playoffs, Alston has scored in double figures five times as many games as Fisher has not. (Excluding Game Five of the Celtics series when he was suspend.)

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant, Lakers v. Courtney Lee, Magic

Look for a continuation of a Lee-Mickael Pietrus combo, but Bryant still tops their scoring totals 26.8 to 19.2. Pietrus has taken on the Bruce Bowen role for the Magic as a defensive specialist and a master of the corner three-pointer. Lee has a nice mid-range jumper and is more of a slasher than Pietrus.

And Kobe is Kobe.

Both Lee (6'5" and 200 lbs) and Pietrus (6'6" and 215 lbs) matchup well with Bryant (6'6" and 205).

Advantage: Kobe—It's Kobe.

Small Forward: Trevor Arzia, Lakers v. Hedo Turkoglu, Magic

Arzia is long and athletic enough to matchup and stay with Turkoglu. Turkoglu has issues with players that are quicker, not bigger. But Ariza has size (6'8") and speed to stay with Turkoglu from the perimeter to the post.

Turkoglu has been shot inconsistently in the playoffs, but he's always willing and able in the clutch. His scoring is down to 15.2 ppg from 16.8, but his assists are slightly higher.

In Orlando's closest games, the Magic look to Turkoglu to make their offense go.

Arzia is definitely not the first, second, or third option on offense for the Lakers, but he is averaging 11.4 ppg while shooting 50 percent from behind the arc.

Even though this matchup will be close, I think Turkoglu will find ways to get his numbers and be the go-to guy in the fourth quarter.

Advantage: Turkoglu—Too many ways to score.

Power Forward: Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, Lakers v. Rashard Lewis, Magic

Much like the shooting guard situation with the Magic, Lamar Odom could start at the 4-spot and then Gasol would move to the 5-spot.

Lewis is Orlando's forgotten man, but the Magic would be forgotten without him. He has caught fire in the playoffs— 19.4 ppg, 40 percent shooting from deep and 44 percent total shooting) and has the best offensive low-post game on the team.

Although he is a matchup problem for 99 percent percent of the teams in the league, the Lakers are in the 1 percent and Lakers coach Phil Jackson has no problem flipping starting lineups if he feels it betters his team.While I am not convinced Gasol can or will guard Dwight Howard, he cannot guard Lewis. But Odom can.

Odom is Lewis, just a couple years older and not as consistent of a shooter. Odom does have a low-post game that is hard to stop and he is a lefty, which is always tricky. Odom is a better rebounder than Lewis (9.5 rpg vs. Lewis' 6.1 rpg) and Odom, when on and busting his butt, is the difference on this team.

This matchup comes down to Odom deciding how hard he wants to play. While Lewis has scored 14 or more points in every playoff game, Odom has only done it six times. But the Laker's are 5-1 in those six games. So if Odom plays like this is his last chance at a title, the matchup goes to the Lakers, but I am not sure he will.

Advantage: Gasol and Odom—when Odom plays well, the Lakers win.

Center: Pau Gasol, Lakers v. Dwight Howard, Magic

Can anyone say polar opposites? Gasol is finesse and Howard is strength. Gasol is crafty while Howard is a better athlete. Gasol can hit from 17 feet, Howard will hit you with an elbow—and then get suspended for it. Gasol is soft on defense, and Howard is the Defensive Player of the Year.

Howard averaged 5.33 fouls a game against the Cavs (we'll call that the LeBron Effect), and fouled out in half of the six games. Howard will be able to keep his counterpart in check by holding his ground, but he can get into foul trouble when flying to the rescue of weak defense.

While Gasol is never considered the defensive power that Howard is, it is interesting that in the playoffs, Gasol is averaging 2 blocks a game and Howard 2.2, but Howard out-rebounds Gasol 15.4 to 11.3.

Gasol has been tougher in the Lakers last two games, but he will be outworked and physically outmatched against Howard.

Advantage: Howard—Gasol can't stop Howard, but Gasol will be productive and make Howard guard him.

Bench

Both teams have a few players that can change the game.

For Orlando, it is Pietrus, Marcin Gortat, and Anthony Johnson with Pietrus as the only bench player contributing offensively and getting meaningful minutes (25.3 a game).

The Magic have shortened their bench in the playoffs, unless there is foul trouble, we may not see Tony Battie.

Gortat has been a nice surprise and has stepped up when Howard gets in foul trouble. In the game Howard was suspended, Gortat played 40 minutes, grabbed 15 boards, and had 11 points. Jameer Nelson could be a nice spark—he has been a Laker killer this season—or he could also mess up the chemistry the team has found in the playoffs.

The Lakers are deeper than the Magic and typically run with Luke Walton, Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmer, and Sasha Vujacic. They also have Josh Powell and DJ Mbenga to bang with Howard and give up their 12 fouls.

Odom should start, so Bynum will come off the bench and add height, skill, and muscle as the best defender against Howard.

Brown has jumped over Farmar as the first guard off the bench and provides a spark off the bench. Brown is a much better than he was in college, but still has the hops to throw it down. He is also shooting 44 percent from the floor and 48 percent from behind the arc.

Jackson has always relied on his bench, we saw it in Chicago and he continues to rely on them in crucial moments in the game.

Advantage: Lakers—too much talent.

Coaching: Phil Jackson, Lakers v. Stan Van Gundy, Magic

Not sure how you can argue against Jackson, so I will not—there is not much argument. Van Gundy is underrated, but not that underrated. Jackson has nine rings.

Advantage: Lakers—He needs one more ring to cover all his fingers.

Result: Magic in six.

This series will be a battle, and it always comes down to matchups. The key matchup is Odom v. Lewis. Both are will be tough guards for the other, but Odom has been unreliable.

The Lakers should win, but the Magic have lived on proving all the critics wrong.

NBA vs. College Basketball: I am the Decider

Daniel Damico — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:51:36 -0400

This argument comes down to one thing: In the NBA, players play for the name on the back of the jersey; in college, the players play for the name on the front.

Too simple? Yes.

True? I think so.

Quality arguments can be made to point out the positives and negatives on whether the NBA or college basketball is superior. Even after this article, you will still have a preference, and that is good. Yet I believe that a vast majority of sports lovers assume that the NBA is “better” because the talent is stronger and the players are more mature—last point is debatable.

One disclaimer: Everything in the NBA is about money, and a good portion of college ball is as well, but the NCAA can’t admit that. With that said, I will not need to breakdown the “Why do they play?” because we all know.

Let’s break it down by certain factors. I will decide the winner of those categories, and the side with the most “points” wins.

Jerseys

NBA—Every team in the NBA has at least three different jerseys (if you are the LeBrons, you have 17). The jerseys range from classics with the Lakers and Celtics, to the WNBA-ish with the Timberwolves and the Kings. And you will always know the players because the names are always on the back.

When the average fan purchases, a jersey they are usually supporting the individual, not the team.

College—The college jerseys are not as visually creative and rarely do you have “throw back night,” but I have not seen a jersey that makes me wonder if they accidentally put on the girls team jerseys. Certain schools will never put the names on the back, and some have removed the players name to drive the point home that we are one team—not just players.

When the average fan (or alumni) purchases a jersey, they are usually supporting the school, not the individual.

Also, you can just buy a jersey with any number and unless the player is incredible and the number is retired, you might be able to use it again and again.

Winner = Tie, both are sweet.

Arenas

NBA—The NBA is full of teams with new stadiums that are shiny, glitzy, and in HD. Now, name two famous/historic stadium? Madison Square Garden, and, huh, wait, there has to be at least one more…nope. That’s it.

College – Unlike the pros, the undergrads study in historic buildings. Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Hoosier Dome, Williams Arena (Minnesota), etc. And there are many more.

So this comes down to personal preference. Do you like the old or new?

Winner = College. I think everyone needs a reminder of those who have been there before.

Cheerleaders

NBA—They have many costume changes and get to perform a ton, and might even get to be on a calendar or two. The downside is that there are probably more implants in the NBA than in college.

College—The cheerleaders are typically less “dancy,” and there is more traditional cheer leading. Sometimes co-ed, so pyramids and flips are frequent. But my wife thinks it is weird—and a little creepy—that the fans are gawking at teenagers. Good point.

Winner = NBA. At least they get paid, and they are legal.

Rules

NBA—Six fouls, 48 minutes, 24 second shot clock, eight seconds to get over half court.

The rules in the NBA lean towards the one-on-one game. The introduction of the “zone” has made it better.

College—Five fouls, 40 minutes, 35 second shot clock, 10 seconds to get over half court.

The college game leans towards team play and strategy.

If the college game would increase the foul limit to six and increase minutes, this would not be a contest. But they have yet to do it.

Winner = NBA. Sometimes five fouls just isn't enough.

Referrees

NBA—I am not even going to factor the case of a certain ref named Tim into this equation; that would be unfair. Some experts say that refs control the games in the NBA more than any other element, and can then pick a winner and it becomes obvious in the way they call the game.

The league has been calling touch fouls on anyone in the area of their stars for years, but now, anyone can get ticky-tack fouls on their way to the basket and on the perimeter. Prime example—hand checks.

College—Every time a player steps on the court, they have to be ready to adjust to whomever calls the game. The same is true in the NBA, but I think the refs are a little more consistent. Plus, the way the game is called usually allows the players to play a little more, which is why we watch.

Winner = College. Give the players a chance to play.

Coaches

NBA—The coaches on certain teams are more high school counselor than NBA coach. Teams are made up of grown men who are trying to make a living and have egos as big—or bigger than most of their second homes.

In the association, unless you are a top-tier coach, you are more expendable than the worst players on their teams. Coaches rarely get credit for wins, but always get the blame for loses.

Breaking into the ranks of head coach is more difficult in the NBA than any other sport, but once you are in the coaching carousal, even if you are fired, you stay on the ride.

College—Coaches are the face of the program. And everyone is very aware of that. Some would say that coaches in college have bigger egos and need to be the center of attention than their counterparts in the league.

A college coach's duties are pretty year round and always changing with the different roster that appears each season. You have recruiting and players leaving early, which means the ability to adjust on the fly is very important.

There is a better chance for coaches to get their “break” and land a good job.

Winner = NBA. Longer season, but recruiting is not in the job description. And you don’t have to deal with alumni.

Crowds

NBA—One could swear that the mute button is on until halfway through the fourth quarter.

College—The stadiums are always full with students and alumni. They sing their school songs and go nuts even at 11 a.m.

Winner = College. This really wasn’t a contest—the NBA didn’t stand a chance.

Style of Play

NBA—The NBA has long been a league that allows for individuals to showcase their ability to beat defenders one-on-one. The idea of team defense is all about weak side help, doubling the post and a little zone. The NBA is quicker at times, but comes down to players making plays in crucial, end-of-game situations.

College—Each squad has to establish their own style and the ability of that team to dominate tempo. Each possession means more because there's fewer throughout the game. There are more swings in the success of the team and the crowd can really affect how teams play.

Winner = NBA. Systems are good, but players should decide games. And in the NBA they do, if the refs let them.

Postseason

NBA—Finally. I always feel that way. Getting through the regular season can be like getting teeth pulled, but the playoffs are magical (see Bulls vs. Celtics). Many feel the playoffs are too long, the seeding needs to get reworked and that good teams are left out. But that last point happens in every sport.

College—There are upsets and underdogs making runs deep into the tournament, players can take their lead their team over better teams and make names for themselves. The only issue is that many times really good get left out on selection Sunday.

Winner = College. From the brackets to watching the games online at work, every game matters.

Acquisition of Players

NBA—The NBA draft is fun to watch. It is short and you usually have a good idea of who is going where.

Free agency is a toss-up. It can help a team rebuild really fast (the Spurs are experts at this), but it also decreases the amount of players that stick with teams their whole careers. Even all stars Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter have played for at least two different teams (T-Mac has played for three, the Raptors, Magic and Rockets).

College—Recruiting is interesting to follow and you can keep busy all year round. With coaching changes and kids changing their minds, it is a very fluid situation.

I understand the “sit-out-a-year” rule when you transfer from one D1 school to another, but think it should be changed if their is a coaching change or family hardship.

Winner = College. Money is not involved, at least I hope not. Oh wait.

Final Tally

I think I have covered the majority of important issues that make each game unique unto itself. Even after this extremely logical argument, there will be some that will disagree, and that is OK. Because you are wrong, or least “less-right.”

Winner = College 6 - NBA 4.

Tuesday Night Hoopla: Review of Last Night's Action, Jan. 21, 2009

Daniel Damico — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:17:29 -0500

North Carolina State vs. No. 2 Duke

The low point was a two-point performance against Purdue in the ACC/Big-Ten challenge. In Duke’s blow out win in West Lafayette, Gerald Henderson shot 1-for-8 from the field, 0-for-0 from the foul, and 0-for-3 from the behind the arc.

Then it started. Eleven points in the first game, then 14, then two games of 19. In his last 10 games, Henderson has averaged 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals a game. His has come through for Coach K when other Duke players have been struggling.

In Tuesday night’s game with North Carolina State, Henderson continued the recent trend and took the game over when No. 2 Duke stumbled past the Wolfpack 73-56 at Cameroon Indoor Stadium.

Henderson also has the Stat line of the Night: 21 points on 10-for-16 shooting, seven rebounds (three offensive), four assists, five steals and one block.

Henderson has always been an elite athlete, and in this middle portion of his junior season, Henderson’s basketball skills seem to have caught-up with his physical gifts. And if Duke is to be a serious contender and not have a another late-season collapses, Henderson will need maintain his level of play.

Kyle Singler had a slow start but came up big in the second half scoring 14 of his 17 points.

Big-Ten Run Down

Ohio State vs. No. 24 Illinois

Illinois was not a very nice host to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday night. The Fighting Illini let the Buckeyes play around for about five minutes and then OSU was never within eight points the rest of the game, as the Illini beat OSU 67-49 in the first game as a ranked team.

Bruce Weber’s team has played well of late, the still are looking for the leader to handle a game in a tough situation. Demetri McCamey might be that person, but his play can be so up-and-down that I am not sure he can carry the team.

But against the Buckeyes, McCamey the had a solid game despite a below par shooting night. He did finish with 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

The Fighting Illini had four players in double figures with 7'1″Mike Tisdale scoring 15 - but only getting one rebound, guard Chester Frazier had 10, Dominique Keller had 12 points and six rebounds off the bench, and then McCamey with 13.

Ohio State looks like the most offensively inept team in the Big-Ten when they are not hitting from three the struggle to find buckets. Some credit should given to Illini defense, but we have seen this Ohio State before.

Penn State vs. Michigan

Now I have long said that the Big-Ten is a deeper and a more talented conference than many were giving credit, but I never would have picked Penn State to beat Michigan.

But Penn State has a veteran team that returned all starters from last season and they worked over the ice cold Wolverine team.

6'5″ 240-pound beast, Jamelle Cornley, muscled his way to 17 points and 11 rebounds, beating up the Michigan post players. But he was matched by Michigan’s DeShawn Sims as be scored 21 points and also grabbed 11 rebounds.

But Sims was the only player for Jon Bieliens team to reach double figures in either category.

The Big-Ten’s leading scorer, Penn State’s 5'11″ point guard Talor Battle finished with 15 points and xis assists, but did have four turnovers.

Manny Harris, the Big-Ten’s second leading scorer, was held to 1-for-9 shooting including 0-for-5 from deep. Michigan as a team shot only 38 percent from the floor and 17 percent from three and was out-rebounded by nine.

Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt

Tyler Smith called a player only team meeting and it might just have worked as Tennessee went to Vanderbilt to revenge last seasons lose when Vandy the Volunteers in their first game ever with a No. 1 ranking.

Bruce Pearl started 6'10″Brian Williams in place of Wayne Chism and they both played well in their new roles - even if for just one game.

Williams started the game with three rebounds and a great outlet pass to Smith for a breakaway dunk. When Chism checked in the game, he hit two straight shots from deep and he took over in the first half.

Chism scored 16 of his 10 points and looked like he was locked into the game—something he lacks unless challenged.

The only bright spot for Vandy was George Drake. The reserve guard played 26 minutes and scored 16 points, grabbed six rebounds and two steals.

Quick Hits

Homer Shoutout: North Dakota State destroyed Summit League opponent Utah Valley 98-71 with Ben Woodside scoring 28 points in 22 minutes.
In the battle for 0-2 Big 12 teams, Texas Tech beat Colorado 63-55. Someone had to win.
Maryland won over ACC bottom-feeder Virginia, 84-78. Four of Maryland starters scored 10 or more while Virgina was lead by reserve Jamil Tucker’s 21 points.
DePaul was handed another lose in Big East play. South Florida scored 35 in each half to beat the Blue Demons 70-61.
Creighton used a strong first half to get past Evansville 79-57. Evansville strong shooting 38 percent from the field and eight percent from deep.

College Basketball's All-"Do Everything" Team: Forwards

Daniel Damico — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:29:00 -0500

Every team needs them. Every team wants them. These players typically do not average a ton of points, but can score when they are needed and step up when his team needs a boost. They dive on the floor, grab the important rebound or make the defensive play to save the game. Their teams win or loose depending on how these players play. The players can be hard to label - i.e. small forward, power forward, shooting guard, etc. - but no matter what you call them, they get the job done. There are many players who are in the double-double category, but I will highlight some players who do little bit of everything with less name recognition.

Begin Slideshow

Tuesday Night Hoopla: Recap of Last Night's College Basketball Action, Jan. 13

Daniel Damico — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:17:22 -0500

Indiana vs. Ohio State

Thad Matta might not be the best coach in the Big Ten, but he is an amazing recruiter. Rivals.com ranked this season's recruiting class as the fifth-best in the country, and in Matta's last three classes, he brought in highly ranked big men, including Mr. Greg Oden.

The last two seasons Matta also brought in guards Jon Diebler and William Buford, both of whom came to Ohio State and unfortunately were overshadowed.

Diebler averaged 40 points and 13 rebounds a game his senior year of high school to became Ohio's all-time leading scorer. He also won Ohio's Mr. Basketball. Last season he was recruited by Thad Matta and was quickly overlooked for seven-footer Kosta Koufos.

Buford averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds a game his senior year of high school. He also won Ohio's Mr. Basketball. This season he was recruited by Matta and was quickly overlooked for seven-footer B.J. Mullens.

In last night's 77-53 win against Indiana, Diebler started strong, shooting 3-for-3 from distance, and then finished the game with 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.

Buford led the Buckeyes in scoring with 19 points and added seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Between the two starting guards, they shot 9-for-16 from behind the arc and only committed one turnover. For this team to be successful, Diebler and Buford have to continue to play at this recent level of production.

The Buckeyes will also need Mullens to live up to the hype, even coming off the bench. His play has improved as of late, and he contributed 14 points and eight rebounds in the win against Indiana. Mullens has scored in double figures four out of the last seven games, but most of his points have come once the game was decided. He has yet to have a double-digit rebound game.

The game was never close. It looked Ohio State had tipped-off against a JV squad, as Ohio State was able to get easy shots and the Hoosiers had to work for everything. While Indiana continues to improve, they will have to be content with moral victories, and this season there will be plenty.

But the rest of the Big Ten better get their shots in now, because Tom Crean has the third-best recruiting class coming next season, according to Rivals.com.

Kentucky vs. Tennessee

Stat Line of the Night: 54 points, 15-for-22 from the field, 10-for-22 from three, 14-for-14 from the charity stripe, eight rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Jodie Meeks broke Dan Issel's 39-year-old single game scoring record by scoring 54 points and led the Kentucky Wildcats into Knoxville and beat the No. 24 Tennessee Volunteers 90-72.

I am not sure what is more disturbing: the ease with which Meeks scored, the fact that no other Wildcat was in double figures, or the way Tennessee has completely fallen apart.

The typical Tennessee intensity was not present, as the Volunteers were just as excited to watch Meeks break the record, opting not to play defense.

Meeks did put on an amazing show, shooting from everywhere, but he did not force shots. He hit all his free throws and hit shots far behind the three-point line with defenders in his face.

But it was too easy for Meeks, and there was nothing Bruce Pearl and the Volunteers could have done. But they could have at least tried a little harder. Heads-up to Coach Pearl—Meeks wears No. 23 for the blue team. Just thought you should know.

Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism did their best, scoring 19 and 18 respectively and making the game interesting about midway through the second half before Meeks decided to remove all doubt and finish the game and record off.

Tulsa vs. Memphis

Tulsa turned in a solid performance and had the Tigers in a cage until Antonio Anderson hit a driving lay-up as time expired to give Memphis the win on the road, 55-54.

Memphis had led the majority of the game until Tulsa made a comeback in the second half behind juniors Jerome Jordan and Ben Uzoh. The game was tied at 39 points apiece with 12 minutes left in the second half.

The 6'3" Uzoh had a strong game with 16 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks and hit two clutch free throws with 4.5 seconds to give Tulsa their last lead.

Tulsa's Jordan is playing just his fourth year of organized basketball. Jordan gave the Tigers trouble in the post and finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks on Tuesday night. The seven-foot junior has come on strong this season, scoring in double figures in 13 of Tulsa's last 15 games.

For Memphis, the freshman Tyreke Evans finally looked comfortable. He was quick, decisive with the ball, and shot well from the floor. Evans got to the foul line eight times and was 2-for-2 from deep, but did have four turnovers.

Anderson might have carried the ball on the last play, but we won't talk about that.

Quick Hits

Dunk of the Night: Florida State freshmen Chris Singleton had a clear path down the lane. He went to the hole to grab a rebound on a missed shot that bounced straight at him. Singleton stretched way back in mid-air, grabbed the ball, and threw it down hard. It doesn't sound as impressive as it was to watch it. But it was ridiculous. FSU won the game, beating North Carolina State 78-65.

The Kansas Jayhawks beat their in-state rivals from Manhattan, Kansas 87-71 behind 24 points of Sherron Collins. This "rivalry" was really good for one season. This season, not so much.

After recently having the nation's longest home winning streak snapped, the BYU Cougars defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 73-61 to stretch their new home winning streak to two games in a row. Only 51 more to match the last one.

Homer Shout Out: The North Dakota Fighting Sioux needed overtime to beat the University of Mary 84-78. UND's Daniel Harkins led all scorers with 25 points.

An Apology to Jeff Teague of Wake Forest

Daniel Damico — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:48:45 -0500

Throughout life, we should learn from our mistakes, and I have done a good deal of learning in my time on earth. I am also a man of honor—stop laughing—and I admit when I am wrong. Trust me, I was wrong. So here it goes.

I am sorry Jeff.

I spent days, maybe even weeks, breaking down the ACC. I highlighted every team and most players on those teams. I predicted that Wake Forest would finish fifth behind Clemson—which is still possible.

In that same article, I talked about James Johnson and how talented I thought he was—he still is. I highlighted Johnson as the "most important player on your team." I wrote about the freshmen phenom Al-Farouq Aminu and the rest of the first year wonders.

You were the second player I highlighted, but all I said about you was, "Jeff Teague is a scorer and got better in conference play. He is the only double figure scorer from last season, and he and (Ishmael) Smith should compliment each other very well."

I am sorry I did not write more about you and did not highlight you as the most important player on your team, because you are.

I am also sorry that I did not put you on any of my All-ACC Teams. I am even more sorry I did not even put you on the "honorable mention" list.

I am sorry. Right now, you are the best player in the ACC and are a sure first team All-American candidate.

You led your team over UNC and scored a career-high 34 points on UNC's Ty Lawson, and then held him to only nine points and forced him into four turnovers. I am sorry I listed Lawson on my All-ACC first team and that you made Lawson look silly. You were the best player on the floor. No question.

You have stepped up for your team when they needed you, and your play has matured. You are the leader on the No. 2 ranked team in the country—or No. 3, depending on the poll. You have improved in every major statistical category.

You are raised your scoring from 13.9 to 20.6 ppg. You average four rebounds, four assists, and four steals a game, and you are shooting 54 percent from the floor and 85 percent from the free throw line.

So, in closing, I am sorry Jeff for underestimating you, and I will never do it again.

Good luck the rest of the season. Please take it easy on Duke.

Daniel Damico

College Basketball Status Report: The Bad News

Daniel Damico — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:44:40 -0500

The pageantry of the non-conference schedule has come to an end and conference play is blooming like a brand new flower. And that small flower has already rocked the national scene.

In two parts, I will look at major college basketball and highlight all that is good and all that is bad. First to the teams which have been disappointing but with room to improve.

When looking at what has already taken place, everything must be taken with a "grain of salt." Strengths can only prove so much against lesser competition, but the weaknesses can show holes in a team previously thought to be solid.

Conference play is the great equalizer, everyone knows it. So UNC losing to Boston College should not be too surprising—I am most surprised it happened on UNC's home court. But what the "pre-conference season" does for fans is give us an idea of how well our favorite team matches up against cupcakes and the occasional meeting of powerhouses in the tournaments and challenges.

Or if you are Gonzaga, you stuff your non-conference schedule with tough games because there are only two teams that SHOULD give you problems in conference play. But they are having their own troubles, losing four out of their last five games.

And now, the most disappointing teams of the 2008-09 College basketball season thus far.

Louisville Cardinals

I really don't know what to say. No team has underperformed like the Louisville Cardinals. Was this season’s team and talent over-hyped? Or was David Padgett under-appreciated? The Cardinals are 9-3 and a 30-foot, last second shot to beat Kentucky away from 8-4.

Louisville has dominated in its nine wins, only Kentucky and Mississippi lost by less than ten. In the three games they lost however, the Cardinals shot 32 percent from the field and 28 percent from behind the arc. Nowhere near their 43 percent and 35 percent averages.

The Big East is tough and this team was expected to compete for the conference title. They still could, but not in the current form.

Solution: Steady point guard play. Maybe after his game-winning shot Sunday, Edgar Sosa has earned Rick Pitino's trust and can start dishing out assists. Two other players, both forwards, average more assists per game than Sosa; Terrance Williams with 4.7 and Earl Clark with three per game.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

After years of being the tournament Cinderella, the glass slipper has been smashed to pieces this season as the Bulldogs were a Final Four pick by many of the experts. But 8-4 is not the start that shows you are now “a team to beat.”

Gonzaga is infamous for playing a difficult non-conference schedule. This season they match-up with Tennessee twice, Arizona, UConn, Washington State, and Maryland.

At moments, The ‘Zags look unstoppable. Other times, they look like a bunch a kids waiting for the teacher to tell them what to do. Mark Few needs to give direction to this offensive juggernaut and tell Austin Daye he does need to shoot EVERY TIME HE TOUCHES THE BALL. Just grab some more rebounds and block more shots. His draft status is fine.

Solution: Three-point shooting. Six players have each taken over 20 3-point shots, totaling 227 and they have made only 77 for 34 percent. Best is center/forward Josh Heytvelt at 47 percent and worst is point guard Jeremy Pargo at 26 percent.

Tennessee Volunteers

I like Tyler Smith. His game reminds me of former Wake Forrest star Josh Howard, without the America bashing. But Smith cannot do it alone. This team needs a consistent second scorer. Wayne Chism, I am talking to you.

In a game against Marquette, Chism had one of the best performances of the season. He scored 21 points in the second half and finished with 26 points and 11 boards and was un-guardable. But against a much lesser team, Belmont, Chism only puts up six points and 12 rebounds in a Volunteer two-point victory. Wayne, you are too good.

There are six players who average nine points or more. Smith leads with 17.3 and next is Chism at 12.3. Maybe Scottie Hopson can become that person, but he needs to find shots in the offense. This team can score, but at the end of games is seems no one wants to take the shot.

Solution: Wayne Chism with a little bit more from the freshmen.

Memphis Tigers

So long, Derrick Rose. Take care of yourself, Chris Douglas-Roberts. Call us soon, Joey Dorsey.

The Tigers lost too much. The team's best play-maker, best offensive player, and best banger.

Like Tennessee, Memphis cannot replace the dynamic talents that made them extremely successful last season. While Tyreke Evans is a good player—he may end up a great player—he is not yet playing at the level people were expecting.

Evans is leading the Tigers in scoring with 16.9, but at times he forces the play when the offense becomes stale. Rose was able to get to the rim against any player. Evans struggles to get much more than jumpers and he is only shooting 28 percent from distance.

As a team, they are shooting 29 percent from 3-point range. With only two players—forward Robert Dozier and guard Roburt Sallie—shooting anywhere near 40 percent. And for a team whose offense is pretty much a glorified drive and kick, The Tigers need to shoot better.

Solution: Three-point shooting mixed with a little more toughness. They miss Joey Dorsey.

*Disclaimer—Memphis lost three games. But they were to quality teams; Xavier, Gonzaga—yes I still consider them quality, and Syracuse.

USC Trojans

I had high hopes for the Trojans. I thought they would say goodbye to O.J. Mayo and move on. But with loses to Oregon State, Seton Hall, and Missouri, I think my faith is gone.

Statistically they look good. Dwight Lewis leads the team in scoring with 16.1 ppg and Taj Gibson is averaging a double-double. They also have Daniel Hackett and DeMar DeRozan in double-figure scoring as well.

But here is a stat that might tell the story. As a team, their assist to turnover ratio is 1:1.2. Hackett alone dishes out six assists per game and then loses the ball 4.1 times a game. USC gives the ball over 16 times a game which is most in the PAC-10.

DeRozan is also shooting zero percent from three. He has taken 14 shots, just missed them all. As a team the Trojans shoot 33 percent from behind the arc. With the many missed threes and amount of turnovers, there are a lot of empty possessions.

Solution: Ball handling. There are a lot of weapons on this team, but there are useless if you can't give them the ball.

Dishonorable Mention

Michigan State—you give them the loss to UNC. But not to Maryland, not by 18.

UAB—has five losses against four good teams, but will still compete in C-USA.

Tuesday Night Hoopla: Recap of Last Night's College Basketball Action

Daniel Damico — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:58:58 -0500

Arkansas—Are You Serious?

I wonder what this seasons goals were for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Having lost their five top scorers from a team that made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season, I would bet probably not too lofty.

Finish over .500 in conference
Be competitive enough to be more than a "bubble team"
Get at least one "statement" win to help previous goal. After last night, they have two.

Just days after defeating then No. 4 ranked Oklahoma Sooners, the Arkansas Razorbacks come back with another win over a top ten ranked team.

John Pelphrey's young team thrived off the excitement of a packed house and a national audeince and went blow for blow with a veteran Longhorn team Led by junior forward Michael Washington's 22 points and nine rebounds, the Razorback were confident and not afraid of the Longhorns and went on to defeat the Texas 67-61.

Arkansas guard Stefan Welsh drew the assignment of guarding Texas star A.J. Abrams and Welsh held the Texas sharpshooter to seven points. Abrams was 3-for-16 from the floor, hit one three point shot, and did not get to the foul line. Welsh did a good job of stay on Abrams hip and making him into a dribbler and not allowing to be the shooter he is known for. Welsh also add 20 pionts for Arkansas.

Texas did not have an answer for Washington and his length and activity around the rim and that no more obivous then Washington's "and one" dunk with 30 seconds left over Texas' Damian James to solidfy the win for the Razorbacks.

This game was not pretty, and should not have been as close as it was. Arkansas was on 14-21 from the foul line and was out rebounded 32-45 with the Longhorns grabbing 18 offensive rebounds.

Big Ten Clash

Michigan State hosted Ohio State in what I call the first "measuring stick" game for the Big Ten. Both teams have played the Minnesota Golden Gophers with MSU beating the Gophers 70-58, while OSU lost 68-59. This also plays to my theory that the Big Ten will be a dog fight for the top five spots.

The game was tied 20-20 with under seven to go in the first half and then MSU went on a 16-4 scoring run to close the half. Durning the run, Michigan State looked like a top five team. The Spartans ran, moved the ball quickly and shoot well from deep.

Even with the win, my biggest concern for Tom Izzo and the Spartans is Raymar Morgan.

The junior forward was mentioned as a Big-Ten player pf the year candidate and last night, he was not the best player on his team. That was sophomore guard Kalin Lucas. Morgan is talented, no question, but he can become completely ineffective at times.

Morgan went 5-for-14 and finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds matching up against OSU's star Evan Turner and Dallas Lauderdale. If Morgan is able to raise his game from his 15 points and seven rebounds per game average and be consistent, the Spartans will have a strong chance of reaching the Final Four in Detroit.

As far as the "measuring stick" aspect. Purdue and MSU have the most talented players in the Big-Ten, but teams like Minnesota, Illinois, OSU and Michigan are looking like better teams. Penn State is tough, experienced team (see below). This conference will be tight until the end.

OSU is missing athletic forward David Lighty. The last remaining player from the Buckeyes trip to the national championship game, is out for 6-12 weeks with a broken foot.

Quick Hits

Purdue lost to Penn State 67-64 with forward Robbie Hummel out with back issues and Chris Kramer out with a sprained left foot. Penn State did take advantage of Hummel's absence, out rebounding the Boilermakers 37-22.

Stat Line of the Night: Clemson's K.C Rivers had 12 points, nine rebounds—six offensive, three assists and four steals in the Tigers victory over Alabama.

West Virginia had a chance to flip the Big East up side down with a victory over UConn. But the starting front court for the Huskies of Jeff Adrien, Stanley Robinson and Hasheem Thabeet came up big finishing with 37 points and 35 rebounds, with 13 of Adrien's 17 coming in the second half.

Villanova needed overtime and 40 points from Scottie Reybnolds to beat Seton Hall 89-85. Dante Cunningham continued to improve by putting up 21 points, 15 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Homer Shout Out: North Dakota State's Ben Woodside is currently second in the nation in assists per game with 7.5. He also recently became the Bison's all-time leader scoring and is averaging 24 ppg and shooting 43 percent from deep.

Top 10 Sporting Events I Need to Attend Before I Die

Daniel Damico — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:08:05 -0500

Let me start off by saying this is not a Bucket List. At least not just yet, and hopefully not for another 40-50 years. So please stop crying and stop writing long-winded eulogies that praise me so much it makes everyone else feel awkward.

But feel free to continue writing that check to help put my children through college, even though they are only two and five months from being born—every little bit helps.

OK, now back to the point of this article.

This is merely a list of events that I would love to experience and that would rate highly using the “Goose Bump Factor.”

For those uninformed, GBF, or “Goose Bump Factor,” is used by individuals to gauge how incredible—or “freakin’ awesome”—an event, a play, or a moment truly is.

The formula was derived from the sensation that occurs at the single moment when statements such as ”That was sick!” or ”Did you see that?” or “You gotta be kidding me!” can be heard—when a moment is so breathtaking, so “I can’t believe what I just saw,” that the individual’s body is over come with the “chills”: commonly known as Goose Bumps.

Now, for some, the GBF would be greatly enhanced by witnessing a team, or players, which they have followed their entire life. The Chicago Cubs winning the World Series means more to folks—yes, I just used the word folks—in the Windy City than to Red Sox Nation, even though they did have a close relationship prior to 2004 through BCA—Baseball Curses Anonymous.

Yet some events are so big, so spectacular that it does not matter if your team is involved. You just have to be there.

So, with no further ado, in a very particular order, here are my Top 10 Events based on the GBF.

1. Duke vs. North Carolina at Cameron Indoor Stadium

As a Duke fan, and a college basketball follower, there is no other situation that breeds more adrenaline and excitement than when the Tar Heels come to Durham.

2. FIFA World Cup Final

There is little qualifying I need to do here. I have watched so many matches on TV that just the idea of being there gets my blood pumping. Someone needs to scream GOAL!

3. Final Four

Long have I wanted to go. The closest I came was in 2001, when Duke beat Arizona in Minneapolis to win their third championship. Maryland, which won the following year, and Michigan State, which won the previous year, rounded off the Final Four. Alas, I couldn’t get the money together—poor college kid.

4. The First Weekend of the NCAA Tourney

Most people barely know the names on the front and definitely don’t know the names on the back of the jerseys of the teams playing Duke, UConn, or UNC. But every year something amazing happens, and we meet someone new. Plain and simple.

5. Manchester United Vs. Arsenal at the Emirates

I wanted to list Arsenal beating Chelsea, but there is no guarantee—and I don’t need to see John Terry’s mug the whole game. Plus, with this matchup, you get to see Ronaldo sent to the ground without being touched.

6. NBA Finals

About two to three years ago, the NBA Finals would have been No. 2-4. But because of my frustration with the T’Wolves and my awareness of soccer, it has fallen to sixth. That being said, I would like to see the Celtics and Lakers rematch in June.

7. The European Championships

The Euros, the second biggest soccer tournament in the world. With powerhouses like defending champion Spain, Italy, Germany, and France—hopefully England soon—you get to see the best multiple times.

8. The Olympics

Summer or Winter—probably summer—either way, you witness athletes competing after training for four years. Everything is more significant.

9. World Series

The Twins played in one of—if not THE—greatest World Series of all time in 1991. I know the Twins are a long ways away from getting back there, but the Series gets shown on ESPN Classic a lot.

Baseball is a beautiful combination of smells and sounds, Kevin Costner starring in Field of Dreams, that takes us back to a simpler time—about 9-10 months ago. Maybe it is just the pace of the game and the relief that the 162-game season is finally come to an end.

10. Wimbledon

I used to watch the granddaddy of all tennis tournaments with my mother when I was younger. In the summer, we would get up, grab breakfast, and tune in. I remember watching Boris Becker dive on the court, the odd but shiny trophies, and I remember the child labor of the ball boys and girls. I remember all the white clothing and thinking that was not a good choice because they will get dirty. Ultimately, I remember the passion.

Honorable Mention

UEFA Champions League Final

The Super Bowl

Michigan and Ohio State Football

The Masters

Tuesday Night Hoopla: Recap of Last Night's College Basketball Action (Dec. 16)

Daniel Damico — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:34:00 -0500

Main Event in Two Acts

SEC/Big East Invitational.

No. 18 Tennessee Vs. No. 24 Marquette.

Highlight of the First Act: 6′7″ Volunteer Scotty Hopson made a smooth backdoor cut that left his defender guarding air. The bounce pass came on time and target. Hopson caught the ball and elevated for the easy dunk.

The moment he started to jump, so did Marquette’s Dominique James. They went up together and met at the rim, and James sent the shot away. James is 5′11″—Block of the Year!

The first half was close, as the Volunteers looked and played hungover from the Temple game. Tennessee was content to stand on the perimeter and launch from deep. Marquette was okay with that as well.

Highlight of the Second Act: 6′9″ junior forward Wayne Chism and his 21 points.

Wayne Chism must have reintroduced himself to his teammates at halftime, because the rest of the Volunteers did not get him the ball. Maybe they forgot Chism was on their team. How can you? He is the only guy who wears his headband like that.

The first two plays in the second half were sets for Chism on the block, and there was no looking back. The Volunteers have talented wings, but Chism is the only viable post option. If you don’t at least attempt to get the ball in the post, your offense is limited strictly to jumpers.

Chism finished with a career-high 26 points and also grabbed 10 rebounds.

For Chism, this is a game that Bruce Pearl has been waiting for. Hopefully this is only the beginning. If Tennessee wants to get back to the top of SEC quickly—and stay there—Chism needs to be a consistent double-double player. He is talented enough.

After watching the game, I was surprised by what I saw in the box score. Tennessee’s Tyler Smith had 14 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the field and 4-for-6 from the foul line. That is why I like him. You don’t need to talk about him or have to force the ball to him—he just gets the job done.

Marquette’s Wesley Matthew scored a career-high 30 points in an attempt to carry his team. He also had four rebounds and three assists.

Texas Shooter

In basketball terms, Texas guard A.J. Abrams is short; he stands at only 5′11″. But outside of Davidson’s Stephen Curry, there is no other player in the country who carries his team's success more squarely on his shoulders.

Now his name must be put into the Player of the Year conversation.

In No. 5 Texas’ 88-72 victory over Texas Southern, Abrams shot 59 percent from the floor, 3-for-3 from the charity stripe, and 4-for-8 from long distance. His most important stat of the night: zero turnovers.

Texas again had Justin Mason run the point, and he had four rebounds, six assists, and zero turnovers. It seems Texas finally found a solution for the “replacing D.J. Augustin” problem.

Big boy Dexter Pittman (6'10") continued to show confidence and improvement. Playing strong for the Longhorns in the middle, he finished with a career-high 19 points and added five rebounds and three blocks.

Texas is still a team that makes me nervous. They seem to play up or down on their opponent—which can be good and bad, but definitely frustrating. If you take Abrams off this team, the Longhorns don’t make the NCAA Tournament.

Texas forward Damion James is solid, averaging 14 points and 7.8 rebounds a game. I am still waiting for him to explode—in a good way. James has yet to prove that he is any better than he was last season, and that can’t be sitting well with NBA scouts.

Bull in a China Shop

Both starting forwards for the South Florida Bulls fouled out. Backup center Alex Rivas Sanchez had four fouls in six minutes. Vanderbilt center A.J. Ogilvy attempted 13 free throws—the Bulls made 12.

The 6′11″ Ogilvy was the dominant player in the lane, and along with fouling out the starting post players, he finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Ogilvy checked in and out of the game many times—supposedly he is struggling with endurance. Aren’t we all.

Note to Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings: Burn that tie.

Fear the Ospreys?

No. 25 Clemson could have stopped at halftime. If they had, they would have won the game by one point as they destroyed North Florida 76-36. Clemson scored 37 in the first half. The North Florida Ospreys entered the matchup 0-7 to start the season.

An Osprey is a fish-eating hawk that can have a wingspan up to six feet wide.

The Clemson Tigers are good—the North Florida Ospreys are not. Even if they can fly.

I Told You So

Last week I said that North Dakota State’s point guard Ben Woodside should be a write-in candidate for National Player of the Year. And look what happened.

He scores 60 points in a single game and then follows that up with a 31-point, 10-assist performance. He is third in the nation in scoring at 26.9 and third in assists at 7.6. NDSU now ranks third in nation in total offense, scoring 90.3 points a game, and fourth in three-point shooting at 45.7 percent a game. Go Bison.

Annoyance of the Evening

In the middle of the Vanderbilt game—and at the end of the Tennessee and Marquette game—certain commentators felt the need to bring up Tyler Hansbrough, though he had no connection whatsoever to what was happening in the game.

I have heard his name more this holiday season than Jesus. Maybe Ricky Bobby will pray to baby Hansbrough. Apparently, Hansbrough can shuffle his pivot foot on water too.

What Is Duke's Gerald Henderson Waiting for?

Daniel Damico — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:19:33 -0500

We have seen flashes of brilliance. He had a knack for making shots in crucial moments, and his jump shot was closing in on the rank of “consistent.” His ability to read the court and defenders was improving, and his shot selection was much better. His basketball skills were about to catch up to his athletic talents.

Through Gerald Henderson’s career, his athletic gifts—specifically his vertical—have elevated his status. His ability to jump over and around defenders gave us the comfort that a blossoming into greatness would happen soon.

At the end of last season, Henderson was on the cusp. All the signs pointed that way. Everyone could see it, and we all jumped on the bandwagon. Henderson was about to move from a potential big-time talent to a bona fide Division I superstar.

But that hasn’t happened yet.

This season, we have seen those same moments of jaw-dropping athleticism: dunks over bigger players and blocks at the rim when it seemed an easy lay-up for the opponents. Those moments are spectacular, they are memorable, and they will get Henderson on SportsCenter.

What makes the great players truly great? They dig down deep and find ways to put those moments together—moments which turn into portions of games, and portions that turn into whole games of greatness. And then maybe, just maybe, a season where everything “clicks.”

But that hasn’t happened yet.

Burden to Bear?

The expectations are here. The criticism is coming on faster and heavier, and Henderson knows something is out of whack. So why is this different? Why is this more difficult? Henderson has risen to the occasion before. He has been playing with high expectations his whole basketball career—both direct and indirect.

Henderson grew up while his father, Gerald Henderson Sr., won three NBA Championships—two with the Boston Celtics and one with the Detroit Pistons. During his 13-year career, Henderson Sr. played with many of the greatest players in NBA history.

Henderson Sr. wore the Celtics jersey with the greatest frontcourt of all time: Larry Bird, Robert Parrish, and Kevin McHale. He also suited up alongside Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, Isiah Thomas, and Joe Dumars throughout his NBA career.

As a five-star recruit coming out of high school, Henderson was selected a McDonald’s All-American. When recapping his play against players like Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, and Brandan Wright in the all-star-type game in 2006, DraftExpress.com called Henderson “the most complete player on the floor.”

Rivals.com rated Henderson as the 11th-best player in the country and second-best shooting guard behind his former high school teammate and current underrated UNC star, Wayne Ellington. Of the 10 players that were rated ahead of Henderson on Rivals.com, all but three—Ellington, Ty Lawson of UNC, and Chase Budinger of Arizona—are in the NBA.

Sophomore to Junior

This preseason, Henderson was selected to the All-ACC First Team with UNC’s Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough, Boston College guard Tyrese Rice, and Miami guard Jack McClinton. Henderson also appeared on the Preseason Wooden Award Top 50 as an athlete to watch as a possible winner of the award.

There have been plenty of ups and downs this season. In a tough game against Southern Illinois, Henderson scored a season-high 20 points while shooting 50 percent from the floor and going six for seven from the foul line.

In Duke’s next five games, Henderson's highest scoring output was 14 points facing I-AA Montana, and in Duke’s 76-60 win over Purdue in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Henderson had a season-low two points.

In his defense, in that same game at Purdue, Henderson had nine rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal. While Henderson is struggling to find offensive consistency, he is too talented and is finding other ways to contribute.

I Think I Can

We always hear about players who are pressing. Players press because the moment is so big, the other team is highly ranked—or a rival—and they want their individual play to reflect the importance of the game.

As a Duke player, Henderson is no stranger to crucial games in front of a national audience.

Henderson personally extended the Blue Devils' season when he went coast to coast to score on a finger roll with 11 seconds left in the game to beat Belmont in the first round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament. Duke plays in the ACC, and you can see at least one of their games a week on ESPN. To top it all, Henderson has played in the greatest rivalry in college basketball against UNC.

In the nine “biggest” games last season for Duke; two UNC, two Clemson (one in ACC Tourney), one GT (ACC Tourney), one Davidson, one Wisconsin, and two games in the NCAA Tourney (Belmont and West Virginia), Henderson performed above his season averages, averaging 14.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks in those games.

Henderson averaged 12.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks a game throughout the season.

But why is he pressing?

College Education

I believe there are a few reasons.

Other than Grant Hill’s last two seasons, Duke will never feature a “one-man team.” Henderson is on the most talent-rich team Duke has had since 2004. This year's team has multiple McDonald’s All-Americans and other top-tier talent, and Henderson is not the first option on offense.

Like a lot of talented players who are not utilized at every moment, Henderson’s attention goes in and out. At times, he becomes invisible on the floor.

Duke uses a very fluid offense that favors no one player, other than Kyle Singler. Coach K features him only because he is a versatile and talented ”big man.” At times Duke will run a set to get Henderson the ball and let him create, but he is not called on to carry a team like Stephen Curry does at Davidson.

Secondly, I do think Henderson is forcing the issue and not allowing the game to happen. Whenever he gets the ball on the perimeter, he is in a hurry. It looks unnatural. There is almost the sense that Henderson needs to dunk on the entire opposing team to validate the Blue Devil fans' belief in him.

Lastly, Henderson figured this would be his last season at Duke, so everything means more and needs to be more memorable than before. The NBA is calling, and Henderson wants to bolster his résumé.

Like any good college student, he wanted to show interested employers that he not only spent the time in the classroom learning the theory, but also that he is talented and experienced enough to put the theory into practice.

No Madness Yet

Coach K is not panicking—at least not yet. No Duke player is in the top five of any major offensive statistical category in the ACC, but Duke is still the third highest scoring team in the conference at 81.7 points per game. The Blue Devils are fourth in shooting percentage—even after the horrible game against Michigan.

They are also third in threes per game, making 6.1 three pointers a game, but are only shooting 30.7 percent behind the arc, which is the fourth-worst in the conference.

Everyone can take a deep breath. Duke has only lost one game to a better than advertised Michigan team who also beat UCLA earlier this season.

Here is Henderson’s saving grace: Everyone will forget by March.

Duke and Henderson will be in enough high profile games and have enough opportunities to erase all the worries and show that he is still a relevant player in college basketball and the NBA—that he still has the potential to, and can, live up to all the hype. Ultimately, that his future is yet to be determined.

Years down the road, when Henderson has been drafted into the NBA and is making millions of dollars playing a game for a living, we all will look back at these struggles and call this a journey. A journey to the top of the mountain—a mountain he can probably jump over.

Minnesota Vikings and Tarvaris Jackson: Back Together Again

Daniel Damico — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:28:18 -0500

We thought it was over. We thought the better choice had been made. The error was corrected. Yet here we are again. With our hopes and dreams tied to a quarterback out of Alabama State University, no one in Minnesota knew prior to the moment he was drafted a few years ago.

After a rough start, Tarvaris Jackson was pulled and replaced by 38 year-old veteran Gus Frerotte. Other than a starting stint with the Washington Redskins, Frerotte has mostly been a back-up quarterback for seven different teams.

Jackson is a young, inexperienced, mobile quarterback who has yet to show the ability to play and make decisions when the game in on the line. He does not know now to “manage” the game and at times tries to make plays all by himself.

Frerotte is more of a typical NFL quarterback. He sits in the pocket and used his strong arm to get the ball to teammates and lets them make plays.

After the change was made, success slowly came with Frerotte, and he has led the Vikings to an 8-5 record. Going into Sunday's game at Arizona, Minnesota is in first place in the NFC North and would be the No. 3 seed if the playoffs started this week.

Last week, during a win over the Detroit Lions, Frerotte left the game with a back injury. Jackson was called on to lead the Vikings to the win and played well enough to do just that. Barring a Christmas miracle, Jackson will start the game against the Cardinals.

How will this affect the Vikings' game plan? What does that mean for Adrian Peterson? How do the natives feel with Jackson under center and the playoffs are on the line?

So instead of trying to speak for all who proudly wear the purple and yellow, I asked some of the guys in my fantasy football league how they feel and what the think will happen.

The major concern for me is how, and if, the Vikings will change the playbook.

The major critique of the Vikings early in the season, was that coach Brad Childress decided to cut the play book in half trying to protect Jackson from self-inflected mistakes. The coaching staff also tried to play on Jackson’s mobility.

Yet, if you never throw the ball down field, opposing safeties are going to creep into the box and wait to pounce on the run with either running backs Peterson or Chester Taylor. Or on the occasion the Vikings do pass, the Cardinals will bring a ton of pressure.

Chris, first of our fantasy footballers, stated, “Even though T-Jack is mobile and can be a definite threat out of the pocket, if he can’t move the ball in the air, defenses only have two things to concentrate on, No. 28 and No. 29.

"No matter how good of a 1-2 punch Peterson and Taylor are, opposing defenses will be able to stack the box if T-Jack can’t find targets downfield.”

Matching up against a Cardinals defense that only gives up 96.5 rushing yards per game, you would imagine the Vikings to pass more with Jackson than they did in the first two games. But if the first two games of the season are any indicators, don’t be too sure.

Eric throws out the idea of a different formation; “Run split backs! Let the Cardinals key on Peterson, and then give Taylor the ball. It won’t take long for the magnets teams have on Peterson to abandon him.”

I love the idea of using both backs and keeping the Cardinals on the heels. Taylor’s play has been strong in recent weeks and might be the best “back-up” in the NFL. Once a team gets used to running at Taylor, then you give the ball to Peterson, who has another gear.

Jackson’s accuracy has been an issue since coming into the league. In his first two starts, Jackson’s completion rate was on 52 percent. Last week, coming off the bench, Jackson went 8-for-10 for 105 yards and one touchdown. So which will we get?

Looking at this start for Jackson, fantasy footballer Ben stated that “the fact of the matter is that T-Jack has been given a chance to resurrect his status as starter position with a NFC North play-off contender.”

Going to Arizona, Jackson will have a shot at leading this team to a win and regaining some of the faith lost by the fans. I do think if Frerotte is healthy next week, we will see him starting regardless of how Jackson plays this week.

So to Jackson, be smart, stay positive. You have weapons on offense, and don’t be afraid to use them.

All we need is one win. And on Sunday, that’s the best you can do.

Tuesday Night Hoopla: Recap of Last Night's College Basketball Action Dec. 9

Daniel Damico — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:45:14 -0500

Ugly Until the End

In the first game of the Jimmy V Classic, No. 20 Davidson defeated West Virginia 68-65 at the Madison Square Garden. All the publicity leading up to this game was on Davidson guard Stephen Curry and his ability to score. He did score 27 points, but it took 27 shots to get there.

Davidson's whole team played poorly, to put it nicely, and this game was West Virginia's to win—but they did not.

Let me paint you a picture of the ugliness that was this game. Both teams shot 26 percent from three and 59 percent from the foul line. West Virginia shot 33 percent from the floor, while Davidson shot 43 percent. Ugliness all over.

Curry shot nine for 27, matching Texas' A.J. Abrams for the most shots in a single game. I am not sure if that stat is true, but that is a lot of freakin' shots.

With all that mess, what puts Curry in a class by himself is that he is the most clutch player I have seen in my lifetime. West Virginia threw many different players at Curry, sometimes matching him up with forwards six inches taller, and that seemed to make him rush.

Curry missed shots he usually makes and forced passes when there were easier options. Curry did finish with 10 assists, but he had did have eight turnovers. Still, Curry finished the game scoring 13 of Davidson's last 14 points, hitting his last three shots.

The injured Mountaineers were lacking guards, and the offense struggled. But West Virginia did have two bright spots who each finished with double-doubles.

6'9" freshman Devin Ebanks had 13 points and 17 rebounds and was always around the rim. De'Sean Butler, a 6'7" junior forward, scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds and had to create the majority of his offense.

Davidson's Andrew Lovedale and Ben Allison held the game close until Curry took over, scoring 15 and 10 respectively.

Dynamic Duo

Every Batman needs a Robin—except when Batman is Christian Bale. Then all he needs is Alfred and Morgan Freeman.

For the No. 8 Texas Longhorns, two things had to happen against the No. 16 Villanova Wildcats. First, Texas' "Caped Crusader" A.J. Abrams needed scoring support, and it would help if it was a post player to force defenses to sag into the lane. Second, someone had to step out and play point guard—not "lead guard," but a pass-first point guard.

Texas did beat 'Nova 67-58, and both problems were taken care of.

First off, Damion James broke out the "Boy Wonder" cape and stepped up with 16 points and six rebounds, which was solid. His efficiency is what was really impressive. James shot seven for 11 from the floor and two for three from behind the arc and lea the Longhorns' frontcourt in a physical battle against 'Nova's frontcourt, led by Dante Cunningham.

Secondly, in last night's game, Justin Mason only scored three points. But that is not really important. What is important? Six assists and zero turnovers. Mason is a confident ball handler who does not hesitate to move the ball. Ultimately, having Mason on the ball allows Abrams to run off picks and get to open areas for good looks.

'Nova's Cunningham continues to improve this season, and for much of Tuesday night's game, he was the best player on the court. Like James, he made it look easy. Cunningham shot nine for 14 and was five for seven from the charity stripe for 23 points. He also had 12 rebounds and three blocks.

For Texas, this game was proof that Texas is very good. Having already beaten UCLA, and now Villanova, and losing a close game to Notre Dame, we may not have seen the best of the Longhorns yet. The defense is ready, and the offense will get there. Then watch out.

Shortly after the game at the Madison Square Garden, Villanova coach Jay Wright had the NYPD issue a restraining order that will not allow ESPN's Dick Vitale to speak about how good-looking he is or how well he dresses for more than a combined 5.7 minutes a game.

Seriously, it was a bit awkward. Sean McDonough was uncomfortable.

Quick Hits

- In the matchup of teams from major conferences who will be playing in the NIT come March, A.D. Vassallo scored 23 points shooting four for six from distance in Virginia Tech's 66-67 loss to the balanced attack of Georgia.

- Following back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Duke, the Purdue Boilermakers played the second game of the "Lick Our Wounds" tour by going to Ball State and winning 68-39 before they play Davidson at home on Dec. 20. Purdue will not play a road game until Jan. 6, when they head to Penn State to start conference play.

- The four teams of Iowa played last night to gain the crown of the Corn Palace State. In the first game, Iowa beat out a less talented Northern Iowa team 65-46, led by Jake Kelly's 19 points and Jeff Peterson's 18.

- The second game showcased Iowa State's Lucca Staiger shooting seven for eight from distance, scoring 21 points in the first. He then made one more basket and finished with 24 points. Drake came back from 13 down to win 66-63. The Bulldogs made 17 out of 25 free throws, and the Cyclones only shot six.

- Now for the "write-in candidate for Player of the Year" portion of the show—North Dakota State's Ben Woodside is sitting fifth in the country averaging 7.2 assists a game. Woodside is also averaging 21 points a game and making 53 percent from beyond the arc.

ACC/Big Ten Challenge: In Defense of the Big Ten

Daniel Damico — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:31:49 -0500

There have been many college basketball types complaining that the ACC/Big Ten Challenge is lopsided and pointless.

Some say that the Big Ten will never be able to play to the level of ACC and that the ACC will never lose. So why play?

And if you were to quickly glance at only a couple of games, you could easily find evidence to back up that claim.

I understand that North Carolina ran over Michigan State at Ford Field—a somewhat “neutral” site. Duke finally left Durham to play a road game in West Lafayette, IN and even though is was on the Boilermakers home court, Purdue didn’t even show up to play.

But many of the games were hard-fought and close in the final minutes. There were many showcased teams that focused on the team concept versus teams with a lot of individual talent. It paired four highly ranked teams against each other and featured at least six others who will hear their names on Selection Sunday.

While the ACC has never lost the challenge, to say that the Challenge is pointless is a little ridiculous.

A couple of weeks ago, I made a comment that I thought the Big Ten could win or at least earn a draw in this season's ACC/Big Ten Challenge. I was almost right.

Even though they did not win, the Big Ten performed better than it has the last few years of this early season basketball extravaganza. (Now that is a great word.)

The difference this season was the scheduling committee decided to have teams face each other that will end up in the same relative position in their respective conferences. So the matchups were more even in nearly every game.

Since 2003 the ACC has won the challenge; 7-2, 7-2, 6-5, and 8-3 in both 2006 and 2007. This season the challenge ended up 6-5 in the ACC’s favor.

Each conference has had teams that were head and shoulders above the rest of the opposing conference in years past. Yet this season, the play of the teams in the middle of the pack in each conference has been fairly level and is what ultimately made this year's challenge entertaining.

The matchup of Boston College and Iowa came down to a missed free throw in the final seconds. Maryland came back to beat Michigan. Northwestern took over the game with their style of play against Florida State. And Georgia Tech had a last-second heave at the buzzer to steal the game from Penn State, but could not.

In 2007, the three closest games were VT over Penn state by five, Clemson over Purdue by three, and Indiana over GT by four. The total was a combined point difference of 12.

In 2008 the three closest games were Wisconsin over VT by two, Clemson over Illinois by two, and Boston College over Iowa by two. The point difference of those three games was six. There were also four other games with a total point difference of 16.

As the Big Ten is reasserting itself as a power conference , I would like for the schools to consistently play each other. Have UNC host Michigan State next year. Next season Purdue goes to Cameron to face off with Duke. Send Minnesota to Virginia to continue with the Ralph Sampson story line.

Establishing rivalries would add another layer of significance to the games and prove that each individual game is as important to win as part of the rivalry, not just a part of the challenge. There are very few non-conference or non-border-sharing rivalries in college basketball and we could use some more.

Every season the ACC is involved in the same old debate about which conference is the best. The Big Ten has recently fallen very far from an “honorable mention” in that conversation. And I can not totally disagree.

Yet since the ACC/Big Ten started in 1999, each conference has had a total of eight teams in the ten Final Fours that have taken place in the same amount of time. With the ACC winning three national championships and the Big Ten only one.

Below is the break down for each season with the champions in bold...

1999 - Duke, Michigan State and Ohio State (because of violations they have forfeited this appearance) - UConn

2000 - Wisconsin, MSU and UNC, 2001 - Duke and MSU, 2002 - Indiana and Maryland

2003 - none - Syracuse

2004 - Duke and Georgia Tech - UConn, 2005 - UNC and MSU, 2006 - none - Florida

2007 - Ohio State - Florida

2008 - UNC - Kansas

So to claim that the ACC is a more dominant conference is false. They are definitely the most hyped conference and the choice favorites of some ESPN “experts.”

But here is the reality: there are always going to be conferences who have more high exposure players, more future NBA draft picks, more Hall of Fame coaches. Yet, that does not guarantee a championship, let alone a trip the Final Four.

We have also seen that players who were not draft-worthy when they were freshmen are now projected as a top-ten pick as a junior. We have seen juniors who were guaranteed first round picks come back to take one more shot at finally winning the last game of the season.

Now more than ever in college basketball, “the playing field is level,” and every team is a twist of fate away from making a run deep into March or losing in the first round to a mid-major.

Case in point: UNC is a Ty Lawson or Tyler Hansbrough twisted ankle away from booking flights to Detroit in the spring—even though Detroit will still have snow.

So to the the decision makers of the Big-Ten and ACC: You have a good product, it just needs a little tweaking to get the most out of it. Just get rid of the East Coast bias, promote rivalries when possible, and continue to make fair match-ups.

Even if the ACC continues to win, it will at least be entertaining.

Tuesday Night Hoopla: Review Of College Basketball

Daniel Damico — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:06:56 -0500

This Game Should Have Been Better

Two minutes. Jon Scheyer made a three-pointer after two fast paced, hard-fought minutes. Two minutes later, Purdue finally scored when Chris Kramer hit a jumper to make the game 7-2. It would seem the Boilermakers were a little too hyped to play Duke Tuesday night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

In the second half, Purdue had another scoring drought of over four minutes. If JaJuan Johnson had not scored eight points in a row, Purdue would have not scored until 10:48 left in the game when E’Twaun Moore hit a jumper.

In the match-up of star 6’8” sophomore forwards, Duke’s Kyle Singler out-played Purdue’s preseason Big Ten player of the Year candidate, Robbie Hummel. Even if the stat lines don’t look as such.

I must admit, even as a Dukie, I did not buy into Singler until a few games into the season. Working hard over the summer to add 10 pounds of muscle, Singler looks the part of a McDonald's All-American. And the game at Purdue furthered my belief—he can lead and make plays in big games when needed.

Coaches will say no game is more important than any other. That's crap. And you could see the evidence all over the court Tuesday night. Players were diving for loose balls, attempting to take charges, and giving hard fouls from the beginning of the game.

Even Singler seemed to be amped up for Duke's first real test of the season.

Singler finished the evening with 20 points and 12 rebounds—six offensive—and hit shots when his team needed them. Singler was all over the place with hustle plays, guarded Hummel, and did not allow any east shots.

Hummel was completely invisible until halfway through the second half and then he ended with 15 points and eight rebounds. But his play did not affect the game nearly as much as Singler. For that matter, none of the Purdue players affected the outcome as much as Singler, as Purdue looked rushed on offense and over-matched on defense.

I have never been one to believe stats alone can tell the whole story of a game. Well, Tuesday night it certainly did. Two key stats showed how lopsided this game truly was; Duke out rebounded Purdue 43-26. And the Boilermakers shot 2-13 from the 3-point line, as Duke went 8-22. Jon Scheyer also finished with 20 points.

Colt - 45

Ralph Sampson’s kid is coming to Minnesota. Tubby Smith had instantly proved his importance to the Gopher Nation as Sampson highlighted the 23rd best recruiting class in the country, but there was another tall post player who was a part of the recruiting class. That player has started all seven games, and Tuesday night in the Gophers' toughest game this season, he had the best game of his short career.

The 6’10”, 235-pound Colton Iverson came into his senior season under the radar in Yankton, South Dakota. Not many people knew who he was, much less knew anything about his game.

Iverson's stock rose to be ranked among the top 150 recruits after a strong senior season when he averaged 17.5 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 2.7 blocks, and a summer where his AAU team won the Hoosier Shootout—he won the tourney's MVP. His stock rose so high, even Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators were interested.

In Minnesota’s win against Virginia, the Gophers looked for Iverson on offense, and Iverson responded, finishing 5-6 from the floor and 4-6 from the foul line, scoring 14 points. He also grabbed seven rebounds—four offensive.

Iverson didn't block any shots, but altered several. Along with Ralph Sampson III and Damian Johnson, the Gophers' frontcourt finished with seven blocks, 14 rebounds, and 20 points—compared to the four best Cavalier post players, who had 11 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks.

Quick Hits

What was Miami’s Jack McClinton’s best shot of the night? After starting off the game 4-4 from distance, McClinton took a shot at Ohio States guard Anthony Carter and slapped Carter in the face. After a quick conference with the refs, McClinton was ejected. Ohio State won 73-68.
The Memphis Tigers blew out the Marist Red Foxes 100-61. Here is the stat-line for Memphis guard Tyreke Evans: 10-13 from the floor, 2-4 from behind the arc, 2-6 from the charity stripe—weak. Six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and 24 points. Marist was tough.
In the same “why the hell are you playing each other” vein, Notre Dame beat South Dakota 102-76. Notre Dame’s Randy Ayers finished with 35 points, six rebounds, shot 9-14 from distance, and 12-20 from the field.
New Jersey Institute of Technology lost again. Stony Brook outscored the Highlanders, 60-39.
By the end of Tuesday's games, the ACC/Big Ten Challenge was all tied-up at 3-3.

2008-09 College Basketball All-Headband Team

Daniel Damico — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:42:49 -0500

A couple years ago, the headband was everywhere in college basketball. Along with high socks and sleeveless t-shirts, in it's time, the headband was a pretty big deal.

Carmelo Anthony and Hakeem Warrick lead the headband-ed Oragemen to the national championship in 2003 over Kansas. The Florida Gators won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007 with a headband-ed Corey Brewer winning the 2007 Final Four MOP.

Sadly, the headband is not as popular with the kids these days and we are seeing fewer and fewer. There is, however, a few dedicated top-tier players who sweat enough on the face and head-area to warrant a headband.

So I decided that the few that still rock the headband, need a little love.

I know the anticipation is almost too much to handle and you might be sweating just a little bit. Grab yourself a headband, wipe off the forehead and meet the team of players just like you, expect they are much better at basketball.

Here is my All-Headband Team:

Starting Five

G Jonny Flynn, Syracuse

G Tyrese Rice, Boston College

F Tyler Smith, Tennessee

F Paul Harris, Syracuse

F Wayne Chism, Tennessee

Off the Bench

G Byron Eaton, Oklahoma State

G Austin Johnson, Oklahoma

F Robert Dozier, Memphis

G Levance Fields, PITT

Pure Shooter: Don’t Read the Labels, the Ingredients Are Deadly

Daniel Damico — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:58:33 -0500

On any list describing almost everything connected to this season of men's college basketball, you are sure to find Stephen Curry’s name. This 6'2″ junior that led Davidson within a basket of reaching the 2008 Final Four, is a son of one of the best shooters in NBA history, Dell Curry.

And the son is widely recognized as the best shooter in the nation. There is no question he deserves that label, but Curry is mostly known as ”only” a pure shooter. But Curry is much more talented than that label indicants.

Many sports types have used the label as ” pure shooter” as an extremely broad description for skinny players who or don’t—or can’t—dunk on a regular basis. Yet, their influence on the game is undeniable.

In recent years, those with the skills to be classified as “pure shooters” have been in high demand. As teams are looking for every advantage, the three-point line has become more and more important, and teams are designing offenses around those skill players.

Duke alumni, and current Orlando Magic bench warmer, J.J. Redick wore the badge proudly like few others in recent history. He wore it straight to the top of the All-Time ACC Scoring List and multiple Player of the Year Awards his senior season.

Yet, he did have an ability—be it a rather limited ability—to put the ball on the floor and then pull up from mid-range. But his best weapon was the “catch and shoot” off of screens, drawing fouls and getting to the foul line.

Their ability to shoot the ball from nearly anywhere on the court is where the comparisons end for Redick and Curry.

After losing senior point guard Jason Richards, Curry was asked to handle the ball and initiate the offense. In his first five games running the offense, Curry is averaging 7.8 assists and 35 points per game.

Granted, this is only the beginning of the season, but it shows he is capable. Remember, we have seen it before in very important games played in March against the best teams in the country.

Shot Fake

Since Bobby Knight has joined ESPN and does commentary on a regular basis, he has made a couple statements that I actually agree with—really. In Monday's game with Syracuse and Florida, Knight made a comment about how the “pump-fake is the greatest offense weapon”.

Why would he say that, and why does it matter in this article?

If you are a defender and your assignment is Curry, your suicide mission is to limit his looks from deep. So every time Curry even looks in the vicinity of the basket, you are off your feet and swatting like you are engulfed by killer bees.

Now Curry can do two things: If he hasn’t used his dribble, he can calmly dribble to an open shot. Or if he has picked-up his dribble he can: try to get the shot off or stay on the floor a split second, rise-up into the your flailing body and then go the foul line where he is shooting 91 percent. Easy points.

Of Curry’s 175 points he has scored this season, 40 of them are free-throws. His scoring average drops to a mortal-like 27 ppg if you take those 40 points away.

In Redick’s career at Duke he made a total of 652 free throws, only missing 64 combined. If you take away those free throw, Redick’s career scoring averages goes from 19.9 to 15.1 per game.

Ultimately, each player is unique and both Redick and Curry are deadly from distance. But they did find other ways to score and Curry is even more lethal because he has the ball in his hands and defenders become his personal puppet.

Other “Pure shooters”

Tyrese Rice, senior point guard from Boston College, is not afraid to pull the trigger from deep. Yet last season, of the 462 shots he took only 32 percent were threes and he averaged 21 ppg, 5 apg and shot 85 percent from the foul line.

Even more impressive than his shot is Rice’s ability to get past defenders, get into the lane and make tough shots in traffic.

Kyle McAlarney, senior shooting guard from Notre Dame, get’s his feet set and his shot off quicker than anyone else outside of Curry. Through the first five games of his senior season, McAlarney averages 17 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds per game and is shooting 50 percent from three point range and 100 percent from the foul line.

He has handles the ball more than most off guards and has a 2.33:1 assist to turnover ratio.

Wayne Ellington, a junior shooting guard from UNC, is smooth. Every aspect of his game flows nicely to the next. Ellington is a good athlete who is able to stop on a dime, pull up and drain his shot.

This season, he is shooting 44 percent from distance and his scoring has dipped from 16.6 to 13.5. The scoring average will go back up when he plays more minutes in meaningful games.

Curtis Jerrells, senior point guard from Baylor, took 387 shots last season and only 43 percent were from three point distance. He is a solid ball handler, aggressive and with a quick first step. He is currently averaging 17 points, 7 assists, 3 rebound and shooting 44 percent from distance.

Jon Scheyer, junior shooting guard from Duke, came to Durham right after Redick and was quickly compared to him, even became known as the “poor mans JJ”. He averages 37 percent from distance and shoots 89 percent from the foul line.

In Scheyer’s freshmen year, three pointers made-up 59 percent of his total shot attempt. This season they make up only 32 percent and his scoring average is up from 12.2 to 12.5.

Pure Shooters until Proven Otherwise

A.J. Abrams, senior guard from Texas, is a streaky shooter with a quick release. Every season, his scoring average has increased while maintaining career averages of 88 percent from the foul line and 41 percent from distance.

Against Notre Dame Abrams shot nine for 27 from the field and five for 17 from deep. But managed to hit clutch shots to make the game close.

Robert Vadan, senior guard/forward from UAB, is another volume scorer who shot 355 three-pointers out of a total of 539 shot attempts.

He is stronger and bigger than most “pure shooters”, at 6'5″ and 205 pounds, and is not the most athletic player. Vadon still pulls down seven rebounds per game along with 19 ppg.

Blake Hoffarber, sophomore guard from Minnesota, is best known for hitting heroic shots in big games. Seventy-five percent of his shot attempts as a freshmen were from three point distance.

He did manage to shot 44 percent from the field and 43 percent from the behind the arc. He is a consistent shooter and who is also averaging five rebounds per game.

Tuesday Night Hoopla: College Basketball Recap

Daniel Damico — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:31:28 -0500

Basketball on the Beach with An Umbrella in Your Drink

When it comes to deciding what preseason tournament to play in, I wonder how difficult that choice must be. You could play in locations you probably already know, scenery that is nothing too exciting, maybe even a little cold. Or you can go to Hawaii. Not much of a choice if you ask me.

Every year the Maui Invitational continues to gives us one really good match—if we are lucky, two. Last night's marquee matchup featured two highly ranked teams in No. 7 Texas losing to No. 8 Notre Dame 80-81. Each team has its All-American players, but only one school played like a team.

Luke Harangody is a beast on the block who finished with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Texas did not have a player on their roster that could match him. The Longhorns started with 6'10", 299-pound center Dexter Pittman on Harangody. Pittman's sorry stat line for the game: five minutes, four points, three rebounds, and four fouls.

Now this is why Notre Dame is such a good team. After getting run over by Harangody, you now have Kyle McAlarney and the rest of the Fighting Irish shooting 46 percent from distance.

From the tip-off, Notre Dame looked more comfortable in their offense. When they needed a bucket, the team knew who needed the ball in what position on the court. Meanwhile, Texas looked sloppy and very unorganized in their efforts.

Their defense has been top-notch, but the major problem spot for the Longhorns is their offense, more specifically at point guard. A.J. Abrams is supposed to be the man for the job, but he finished with zero assists while Justin Mason led the team with seven. I think Mason is the single most important player in a Longhorn uniform.

Abrams shot 9-27 from the field. 27 shots, are you serious? But with all the struggles Abrams and the Longhorns are going through, they were only six inches from winning the game when Abrams' last-second shot hit the front of the iron.

OrangeMAN

Jonny Flynn has arrived. Flynn endured a rough freshman year, when Syracuse asked a little too much of the 6'0" point guard, but now he has led Syracuse to wins over two ranked teams in two days.

After beating No. 18 Florida on Monday, Syracuse needed overtime to drive the point home against the defending champion and 23rd-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 89-81 in the Championship game of the CBE Classic.

To further the theme of team, if you were to compare the Orange from last season to this season, you would see a bunch of individuals who turned into a team. Granted, injuries and inexperience were a big part of the chaos that was the 2007-08 season.

Even losing freshman Donte Greene was a blessing in disguise. Greene was never able to buy into the college game and was only looking to create a highlight reel for draft day.

Syracuse showed a handful of things in the CBE Classic. First, the Big East is by far the deepest conference in the country. Second, the Orange are a solid team with only a few weak spots that can be improved on. Third, they will be in the top 25 come Monday. Last, Flynn has taken over the leadership role for Jim Boeheim.

Flynn looked in control of the offense, and he affects every aspect of this team. He is scoring 21 points per game, dishing out five assists, two rebounds, two steals, and shooting 46 percent from three-point range. He has climbed my All-American list from not appearing on any team in the preseason to my second team.

And he still rocks the headband!

Quick Hits

Texas Tech pulled back the offense and only scored 74 in beating Southeastern Louisiana after scoring 167 against East Central. Apparently they only play teams with two directions in the school name.

North Dakota State's Ben Woodside scored 29 against Northern Arizona in a game where the Phoenix Suns had a scout drive two hours to look at Woodside.

Finally Sam Young decided to play and scored 33 points, shooting 12-17 and grabbing seven rebounds in No. 4 Pitt's win over powerhouse Belmont.

Stephen Curry scored 0 points and Davidson beat Loyola (MD) 78-48! Yes, you are not going insane—it actually happened. Loyola ran the triangle and two, and Curry sat in the corner, letting the rest of his team play four against three.

Tuesday Night Hoopla: Review of Last Night's College Basketball Action

Daniel Damico — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:45:26 -0500

There was enough college basketball played last night, and shown on television, to last a solid month. There were great matchups, and there were complete lopsided affairs. Here are my highlights of all things that matter from a night of true college basketball bliss.

All-American Showdown

Stephen Curry is sick. Blake Griffin is also sick. The flu, it's going around. Curry went for 44 points and Griffin went for 25 points and 21 rebounds, and the game was exciting. In typical Davidson fashion, they pulled closer in the last couple of minutes.

But here is the truly sick part: Curry and Davidson could have played much better. Look out. And those of you who say Curry is only a shooter are dead wrong. He is primarily a shooter, but the guy can handle and get to the basket.

Two sets of brothers played yesterday. Three brothers all played in the game featuring No. 14 Oklahoma against No. 21 Davidson: Blake and Taylor Griffin for Oklahoma and Stephen Curry for Davidson—in case you forgot from three sentences ago.

Early in the day, Stephen's younger brother Seth Curry started for Liberty and scored 18 points. Stephen had 17 points with six minutes left in the first half. Both of the Curry kids wear number 30.

Worst Jersey on Television?

Kentucky. Sorry, but it is one step away from going back to the mid-'90s—and just the thought of anything "mid-'90s" makes me throw up a little in my mouth.

Apparently Tyler Hansbrough should have gone to the NBA, or he should just sit out the whole year. Sorry, the Blue Devil on my shoulder told me to say that. Deon Thompson played 29 minutes, scored 20 points, and had nine rebounds—seven offensive. His matchup with Kentucky's Patrick Patterson was a wash—he scored 20 and grabbed 11 rebounds.

The interesting stat for me is that Danny Green started and played 28 minutes and only scored six points. Maybe he danced too much before the game and wore himself out, because it definitely could not have been Kentucky's defense—they let VMI score 111 points.

After further review and a closer examination, the jerseys were not that bad. The defense, however, still made me throw up in my mouth.

Four Inches and 28 points

Four inches is the amount of Boston College's Tyrese Rice's leg you can see between the bottom of his shorts and his socks. I might be over estimating—it was probably less. Rice dropped 28 points on St. John's, shooting 8 for 12 from the floor and 10 for 13 from the foul line. BC also had two others in double figures, Joe Trapani with 19 and Rakim Sanders with 12.

The hardest hitting play of the game came in the second half when St. John's guard Malik Boothe dove into press row and gave a solid forearm to ESPN's Sean McDonough's forehead and then flew into Bill Raftery. The announcers milked it for the rest of the game.

Balancing Act

No. 10 Purdue beat Loyola (IL) 78-46 with five different players scoring in double figures—three starters and two off the bench. E'Twaun Moore lead the team with 14 points and had seven rebounds. Robbie Hummel added 13, going 5 for 5 from the foul line and shooting 2 for 3 from distance.

This team Purdue team is more athletic and more complete then I remember—and their crowd looked tough in all black.

Bears and Gents

Even with guard Tweety Carter out for the game, Baylor still had three guards score at least 14 points. The team shot 64 percent from the floor and 47 percent from three. The team was led by Curtis Jerrells with 20 points and eight assists. He is my new favorite player named Curtis.

There is a strong feeling that many people are not buying into the Bears and their style of play. The supposed fault is that they do not commit to defense, but Baylor held the Gentlemen to only 20 points in the first half and then completely stopped playing defense and allowed 35 in the second.

Waterboy

Baylor also has the most talented, wealthiest, and best-known student manager in the country. Former NBA player David Wesley attended Baylor but came up short of his degree. He recently went back to fulfill his promise to his mother and is now getting towels and water for Baylor.

Tulane Wrangled by Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns beat the Tulane Green Wave 76-51. Texas had five players scoring in double figures while holding the Green Wave to 31 percent shooting. Here is a great stat about the team's defense from www.texassports.com:

"Texas is 153-14 in the Coach Barnes era when holding its opponent under 40 percent FG shooting."

Quick Hits

Most Hyped Team

Connecticut Huskies—and they did not even play. I have them ranked in my top five, and I am starting to wonder why.

Offensive Juggernaut

Wisconsin scored 88 points, so you know SIU Edwardsville must be horrible.

Best Basketball Name

Richmond Center Josh Duinker—pronounced Dunker.

Highest Scoring Team

North Dakota State Bison—scored 128 points against Mayville State. NDSU beat Wisconsin a couple seasons ago. Had to say it.

Most Improved Team After Last Night

Memphis Tigers. Overall No. 1 recruit Xavier Henry committed to Memphis. Upgrade!

ACC Men's Basketball 2008-09 Preview, Part Four: UNC, Duke, 'Canes and All-ACC

Daniel Damico — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:33:50 -0500

Here it is, the best of the best of the Atlantic Coast Conference: the conference that houses some of the best teams in the country, the one team many are picking to win it all, and some guy named Tyler Hansbrough.

No major surprises—maybe in the All-ACC teams, but not in the schools in the top three.

Player of the Year

Tyler Hansbrough, UNC

Freshman of the Year

Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest

All-ACC First Team

G Ty Lawson, UNC
G Jack McClinton, Miami
G James Johnson, Wake Forest
F Gerald Henderson, Duke
C Tyler Hansbrough, UNC

All-ACC Second Team

G Tyrese Rice, Boston College
G K.C. Rivers, Clemson
G Wayne Ellington, UNC
F Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
F Kyle Singler, Duke

Honorable Mention

G Jon Scheyer, Duke; F Danny Green, UNC; G James Dews, Miami; G Greivis Vasquez, Maryland; F Rakim Sanders, BC; G Lewis Clinch, GT; F Trevor Booker and G Terrance Oglesby, Clemson; G A.D. Vassallo and F Jeff Allen, VT

1. UNC No. 1 on Bleacher Report top 25

2. Duke No. 8

3. Miami No. 17

4. Clemson

5. Wake Forest No. 22

6. Virginia Tech

7. Georgia Tech

8. Boston College

9. Maryland

10. North Carolina Sate

11. Florida State

12. Virginia

Conference Rank: 1
North Carolina Tar Heels

Head Coach: Roy Williams
2007-08 Recap: 36-3 (14-2 ACC)

2008-09 Roster
Key Losses: C 6’9” Alex Stepheson, G 6’3” Quentin Thomas
Key Additions: G 6’1” Larry Drew, F 6’10” Ed Davis, C 7’0” Tyler Zeller

Starting Lineup
G Ty Lawson 5’11” Jr. 12.7 ppg, 5.2 apg
G Wayne Ellington 6’4” Jr. 16.6 ppg, 4.5 apg
F Marcus Ginyard 6’4” Sr. 6.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg
F Deon Thompson 6’8” So. 8.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg
F Tyler Hansbrough 6’9” Sr. 22.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg

Tyler Hansbrough came back to complete the mission. After winning every award and being announced that his jersey will be retired at UNC, Hansbrough could cement himself as one of the greatest college players ever.

Even at only 5’11”, there is no more important player on this team then Ty Lawson. While Hansbrough gets the accolades, it is Lawson that drives this team. When he was out a handful of games last season, UNC looked slow and uncomfortable in their offense.

Smooth shooter Wayne Ellington is the Tar Heels' first option on the perimeter. While shooting over 40 percent from behind the arc, Ellington will have to focus on defense.

Marcus Ginyard is the defensive stopper and has guarded most players from point to power forward.

The Tar Heels are expecting improvement from Deon Thompson. After Alex Stepheson transferred, Thompson’s play must become more consistent.

Sixth man extraordinaire Danny Green, despite being the only player off the bench that provides double-digit scoring, is a Carolina favorite because of his hustle and defense.

In the backcourt the Tar Heels have experience at backup in Bobby Frasor, and we should see Larry Drew III as the “point guard in training” to replace Lawson when he leaves.

The freshman forwards each have their specialty: Ed Davis is the rebounder and Tyler Zeller is the shooter. They bring added height and depth to a rather short frontcourt.

FORECAST

Roy Williams has to be pacing in anticipation of the 2008-09 season. The Tar Heels roster is stuffed full of talent, and the expectations are higher than they have been since Williams has been on the UNC bench.

If there is a weakness on this team, it is that they are not a very tall team. Their two tallest players are incoming freshmen Davis and Zeller, and neither is going to be expected to add much more than five fouls and garbage time. Drew could see some time if Lawson gets hurt.

The only thing that could keep the Tar Heels from bringing the championship back to Chapel Hill would be injury—and a couple good teams!

Conference Rank: 2
Duke Blue Devils

Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
2007-08 Recap: 28-6 (13-3 ACC)

2008-09 Roster
Key Losses: G 6’4” DeMarcus Nelson, F 6’6” Taylor King
Key Additions: G 6’4” Elliot Williams, F 6’1” Miles Plumlee, F 6’8” Olek Czyz

Starting Lineup
G Nolan Smith 6’2” So. 5.9 ppg, 1.3 apg
G Jon Scheyer 6’5” Jr. 11.7 ppg, 2.4 apg
G Gerald Henderson 6’4” So. 12.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg
F Kyle Singler 6’8” So. 13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg
F Lance Thomas 6’8” Jr. 4.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg

At 6’4”, he is the Duke player who takes the jump ball at tip-off. Gerald Henderson is a phenomenal athlete, and his basketball game is finally catching up. At times he has flashes of the best player in the ACC, and then at other moments he is completely invisible. Henderson must find a personal compromise and also find ways, in the offense, to get his shots.

Sophomore guard Nolan Smith was declared the starter by Coach K just a couple weeks ago. Smith is a budding offensive threat and a much better defender than people give him credit.

After living in the sixth man role for two years, Jon Scheyer gets the chance in the starting lineup. When he first came to Durham he was known as a distance shooter, but his game has evolved and he is really a threat from anywhere on the floor.

Kyle Singler added 20 pounds of muscle to his wiry frame, which should help in the post. Teams must keep track of him everywhere he goes on the court. He is a solid post scorer, good outside shooter, and is the main weapon in the screen and pop. His defense will be an issue as he will be matched up with bigger post players, depending on who is in the lineup for Duke.

The second forward or center spot is a toss-up right now. Lance Thomas started last season, but he very well could be plucked from the lineup for 6’10” Miles Plumlee or 7’1” Brian Zoubek. No matter the decision, the three of them will be need for added muscle along with David McClure. Olek Czyz can get off the floor and thinks every shot should be a dunk.

Greg Paulus is going to play his senior year off the bench after starting since his freshman year. Don’t let this fool you—he will split minutes with Smith, and whoever is having the better game will be in at the end. He is deadly from distance and is the most experienced player on the roster.

McDonald’s All-American Elliot Williams is explosive. He has the handle of a point guard and is not afraid to get to the basket. Finding him minutes is a must, but where? This season he will back up Scheyer and Henderson—and then next season start in place of Henderson.

FORECAST

Since Josh McRoberts left a few seasons ago, Duke has been thin on the front line. But this season, Coach K actually has options. While all the offense will flow through Singler, there are many bodies to help with defense and rebounding.

Even though Duke lives by the three, the new distance will not hurt them. Most of their guys stood five feet behind the old line.

Coach K will have this team play its signature pressure defense but will look to find different ways to get all the players to their full potential on offense.

Conference Rank: 3
Miami Hurricanes

Head Coach: Frank Haith
2007-08 Recap: 23-11 (13-3 ACC)

2008-09 Roster
Key Losses: C 6’9” Anthony King, F 6’7” Raymond Hicks
Key Additions: F 6’6” Fr. DeQuan Jones, F 6’9” Fr. Cyrus McGowan

Starting Lineup
G Lance Hurdle 6’2” Sr. 8.0 ppg, 2.4 apg
G Jack McClinton 6’2” Sr. 17.7 ppg, 2.6 apg
G James Dews 6’3” So. 10.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg
F Brian Asbury 6’7” Sr. 8.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg
F/C Dwayne Collins 6’9” Jr. 8.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg

Who was the biggest impact player in the ACC not playing for a team in the Carolinas? That would be Jack McClinton. At 6’1” he is a major threat from deep, is very capable of getting to the foul line and then shooting over 91 percent when he gets there, and is confident in the clutch.

After considering jumping to the NBA, McClinton came back to Miami, and his stock should rise, along with the number of wins for this team.

Super quick point guard Lance Hurdle is one of four key seniors on this team. Along with McClinton, the offense starts with Hurdle. Hurdle must improve on his ability to deliver passes to the open shooter. Averaging only 2.4 apg with scorers like McClinton and James Dews is ridiculous. Hurdle needs to connect to the rest of the offense in the natural flow of the offense to get easy and open shots.

James Dews is the last guard in this three-headed monster. He also shots over 90 percent from the foul line and 40 percent from the field. While he might have the stats of McClinton, he must elevate his game if this team wants to succeed.

Brian Asbury, another experienced senior for the Canes, should start at the beginning of the season. But Asbury has sixth man written all over him for the season.

At 6’9”, Dwayne Collins is one of three players at that height. The Canes are not tall, but they take up space. He is a tough defender, great leaper, and solid rebounder—especially on the offensive end—and can score on the block.

Arkansas transfer Cyrus McGowan is the most likely new face to compete for a starting spot.

Sophomore guard Eddie Rios is a starter in training and is a stellar ball-handler to take over next season.

McQuan Jones will see plenty of playing time at the three spot. He is a very talented recruit and is the cornerstone for the future.

FORECAST

When would you have thought that the University of Miami would have a basketball team that has higher expectations that is football team?

Coach Haith knows that he is about to turn Miami from a cellar dweller into a top five ACC program.

Miami has talented pieces on offense, but it was their defense that was second in the ACC. If they can keep that a focus while getting a lift from the newcomers to the roster, this team should be ranked all season and make some of those Carolina teams very upset.

ACC Men's Basketball 2008-09 Preview, Part Three: Tigers, Wake, and the Hokies

Daniel Damico — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:11:16 -0500

In Part Three of four looks at the ACC, I break down Clemson, Wake Forest, and Virginia Tech.

In the next and last installment, I will have my All-ACC Awards, as well as the top three teams in the conference.

1. UNC
2. Duke
3. Miami
4. Clemson
5. Wake Forest
6. Virginia Tech
7. Georgia Tech
8. Boston College
9. Maryland
10. North Carolina Sate
11. Florida State
12. Virginia

Conference Rank: 4
Clemson Tigers

Head Coach: Oliver Purnell
2007-08 Recap: 24-10 (4-12 ACC)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G 6’3” Cliff Hammonds, F 6’8” James Mays, F 6’5” Sam Perry

Key Additions: G 5’9” Fr. Andre Young, C 7’1” Fr. Catalin Baciu, G/F 6’5” Fr. Tanner Smith, F 6’6” Bryan Narcisse

Starting Lineup

G Demontez Stitt 6’2” So. 8.8ppg, 3.0 apg
G Terrence Oglesby 6’2” So. 10.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg
F K.C. Rivers 6’5” Sr. 14.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg
F Trevor Booker 6’7” Jr. 11 ppg, 7.3 rpg
C Raymond Sykes 6’9” Sr. 4.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg

K.C. Rivers showed he is capable of doing everything. While leading the team in scoring, he was second on the team in rebounding and assists per game. He will be the leader for the Tigers and should compete for All-ACC accolades.

Super quick sophomore Demontez Stitt showed he could handle ACC competition in his freshman year. Not only can he find open looks for others, he will get to the basket with ease when needed.

In his first season, long distance bomber Terrence Oglesby proved he could make the big shots. After scoring 24.4 ppg with the Under-20 Norwegian National team this summer—he has dual citizenship—he will work to bring that scoring average aboard his second year and evolve his game to be dangerous from anywhere on the court, not just behind the three-point line.

Trevor Booker will not have James Mays to keep opponents from double-teaming in the post, but Booker will still be the primary post presence. His scoring average should go up, and Booker should end up with quite a few double-doubles.

Senior Raymond Sykes will not be a scoring threat like Booker. He will be needed to block shots, crash the boards and throw down the occasional lob pass. Sykes has exceptional jumping ability.

Incoming freshmen will be slotted into backup roles. Andre Young is an outstanding shooter from distance and was a Top-100 recruit out of high school.

Offense can wait for Catalin Baciu, but his shot blocking will be felt immediately, and Jerai Grant will continue to develop and see more minutes.

FORECAST

What a year for the Clemson Tigers. They finished the regular season in third place in the ACC, beat Duke in the ACC tournament, and lost to UNC by only five points in the championship game.

So what does Clemson do to continue the success? Shoot better from the free throw line. As a team they shot only 62 percent from the charity stripe—only three players shot over 70 percent from the line—while shooting 37 percent from three. Improving in both would likely lock up at least two more wins.

This team has quality options on offense. They have good post play and great perimeter shooters.

The major question is on defense. Last season the Tigers outscored their opponents 79-69 and outrebounded them by only two rebounds per game. Look for Clemson to try to outscore the other team, not shut them down.

The Tigers will again compete to play in the ACC tournament championship game while making a push into the top three in the regular season.

Conference Rank: 5
Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Head Coach: Dino Gaudio
2007-08 Recap: 17-13 (7-9 ACC)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: None

Key Additions: F 6’8” Fr. Al-Farouq Aminu, C 7’0” Fr. Ty Walker, F 6’10” Fr. Tony Woods

Starting Lineup

G Ishmael Smith 6’0” Jr. 8.6 ppg, 4.7 apg
G Jeff Teague 6’2” So. 13.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg
F Al-Farouq Aminu 6’9” Fr. 23.1 ppg, 11.2 rpg *High School Stats
F James Johnson 6’8” So. 14.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg
C Chas McFarland 7’0” Jr. 8.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg

While the Demon Deacons have a top five recruiting class, this team is still James Johnson's. Johnson is an elite athlete who is extremely versatile. But this Wake Forest team is extremely talented, and his averages could dip as the shots will be more spread through out the team. In the clutch, though, the ball will be in his hands.

Point guard Ishmael Smith's free throw shooting issues are a well-documented liability. Shooting 29 percent from the charity stripe and 43 from the field is unbelievable as a backcourt player. He is a pass-first point guard who has a ton of talent that needs their shots.

Jeff Teague is a scorer and got better in conference play. He was the only double figure scorer from last season, and he and Smith compliment each other very well.

Stud freshman Al-Farouq Aminu will have high expectations, but he will be given some time to grow. He is a skill player who is very quick off the floor.

There is not shortage of centers on this team. Chas McFarland saw his numbers and minutes jump under Gaudio, but he will be challenged for the starting spot by freshmen Tony Woods and Ty Walker. Both are top-notch defenders with shot blocking ability, but their offensive games need improvement. They will see plenty of time off the bench.

6’4” guard L.D. Williams is the best perimeter defender and will get many chances to shut down players.

Harvey Hale played 23 minutes a game last season. His minutes might depend on how steadily Smith is able to play.

FORECAST

This team is very tough to feel out. The Demon Deacons are obviously talented individually, but how will they play together as a team?

The team has depth and height in the frontcourt, but finding a rotation would a problem most coaches would like to have. Yet it is a problem. With three impact freshmen and a player in Johnson who will complete for Player of the Year honors, minutes could be hard to find.

The Demon Deacons are on their way back to the top of the ACC, and I really think they could end up anywhere from second to seventh in the conference. Ultimately, they are too talented to finish in the bottom half. If they can find that perfect mix, they could make a run deep into March.

Conference Rank: 6
Virginia Tech Hokies

Head Coach: Seth Greenberg
2007-08 Recap: 21-14 (9-7 ACC)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: F 6’7” Deron Washington

Key Additions: F 6’9” Fr. Victor Davila, C 6’11” Fr. Gene Swindle

Starting Line-up
G Malcolm Delaney 6’3” So. 9.6 ppg, 3.1 apg
G A.D. Vassallo 6’6” Sr. 16.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg
F J.T. Thompson 6’6” So. 5.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg
F Jeff Allen 6’7” So. 11.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg
C Cheick Diakite 6’9” Sr. 1.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg

It is now or never for A.D. Vassallo. This team will need him to take the leadership role and continue to expand his scoring. At 6’6”, Vassallo is a matchup problem for most guards in the ACC. He is a volume scorer and is dangerous behind the arc.

Point guard Malcolm Delaney is the third option in this offense, but he might be the most important. He was the Hokies' best shooter from distance, shooting 40 percent last season.

The second wing spot could go to a number of players, but J.T. Thompson adds hustle and takes up space. He will never get shots in the offense but should get some buckets cleaning up.

Jeff Allen had a freshman season filled up moments of good and bad. The good was his production on the court. The bad was his weight and a suspension after making contact with an official. Coach Greenberg has been hard on him regarding his conditioning, but that should improve.

Multiply players could step in at center, and while he lacks an offensive game, the defense of Cheick Diakite is what is needed.

Freshman Victor Davila figures to battle for the starting center spot. Having played for the Puerto Rican national team, his game is more sophisticated than most incoming freshmen.

Hank Thorns and Dorenzo Hudson will make up the backcourt support for the Hokies.

FORECAST

Jeff Greenberg will not have the most athletic team in the ACC, but he has some very good “basketball” pieces. He just has to complete the puzzle by finding the right mix of players.

Where this team finishes in the ACC will depend heavily on how consistently Vassallo and Allen can play. There are not a lot of offensive options on this team, but there are plenty of bodies to help out defensively.

Virginia Tech lost one of the best pure athletes in the ACC in Deron Washington but did not do much to replace him. The concern will not only be finding another double figure scorer, but replacing all the other aspects of the game where Washington contributed, especially on defense.

Last season Virginia Tech had the best scoring defense in the ACC, and if they want to win and play in March, they must repeat the feat.

College Basketball Players to Watch in 2008-09: Big 12

Daniel Damico — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:15:13 -0500

Two years, two players of the year, two No. 2 NBA draft picks.

There is no question the Big 12 has some of the best talent in the country, and the last two years have driven the point home even more. While Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant took over college basketball for just a little while, other players have quietly made clutch plays, made All-Big 12 teams, and won national championships.

With no freshmen drawing the attention of the two aforementioned standouts, the emphasis this season will be on team and experience. Here is a look at some of those players that have been around awhile and are this season's players to watch.

Damion James, Jr. Forward, Texas

There is just something I like about the way he plays. James is athletic and willing to do what his team asks of him. Having played power forward when Durant stopped by, James is now living and loving at the small forward spot.

But James is not your typical 3. Not only did he average a double-double, 13.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, but he gives the Longhorns easy buckets on lob passes and putbacks and has a reliable jumper out to 15 feet. Look for him to increase his productions as the inside option to AJ Abrams outside.

AJ Abrams, Sr. Guard, Texas

Welcome back, Mr. Abrams, the Longhorn fans are rejoicing! I don’t think there is a player who will benefit from staying in college more than Abrams. While he is an outstanding scorer, Abrams can use this year to solidify his ball handling skills.

Shooting guard is his natural—and best—position, but if he is truly looking to play in the Association, he must show he can handle the ball through pressure and find open players. Abrams showed he is more than just a three-point shooter, shooting 42 percent from the field and averaging 16.5 points per game. The Longhorns are going to expect even more from him this season, and so are the NBA scouts.

Sherron Collins, Jr. Guard, Kansas

Can you say, “Now is your time to shine”? After taking the last two seasons to perfect his roles as “instant offense” and “sparkplug off the bench,” Collins will be the Jayhawks team leader this season. He has the ability to play at a pace many cannot, but I believe his weight could play an issue. Having played 24 minutes a game last season, Collins will need to be on the court more for Kansas to win, and losing the extra pounds would help.

Byron Eaton, Sr. Guard, Oklahoma State

There are many similarities between Collins and Eaton. Like Collins, he is quicker than quick, his team’s success now depends on how he plays, and his weight has been an issue. But this season, with Travis Ford’s new up-tempo offense, you should see Eaton at his lightest and best.

Last season, Eaton produced 11.5 points and 3.5 assists per game, but over a five-game stretch he averaged 20.6 points and the team won all five games. He also made one of the most incredible shots in the history of basketball in one of the greatest college games I have ever seen.

Josh Carter, Sr. Guard, Texas A&M

After testing the draft waters and deciding they were a little too cold, Carter comes back to the heat of Texas to improve his stock. He led the nation in three-point percentage as a sophomore, but Carter’s percentage slipped last season. Going into his last season, he will be more of a focus on offense and he might not return to the percent he shot two seasons ago. At 6’7”, if he can show he is capable of consistently scoring in a verity of ways and improve his passing skills, Carter will be drafted in June.

Curtis Jerrells, Sr. Guard, Baylor

Talented guards are aplenty in the Big 12, and Jerrells is arguably the best. He finished last season second in the conference in scoring at 15.3 points per game and first in assists with 3.8 per contest. He is most dangerous behind the arc, but if he could improve his percentage by even two percentage points, he would easily average over 20 points per game.

Jerrells is quick, handles the ball very well, and is an improving passer. Even though he is a shoot-first guard, the Bears would like his assist numbers to go up because there are other options on this team.

Blake Griffin, So. Forward, Oklahoma

So there is a guy named Griffin in Oklahoma that is really good and is going to be one of the first overall draft picks next June. Nope, not Taylor—he is pretty good, too—but I am talking about Blake.

Everyone knows what Blake can do, but he will be better, stronger, and healthier than last season. There is not a more dominant force in all of college basketball, and at 6’10” with a 37" vertical, Griffin is a monster at both ends of the court.

Craig Brackins, So. Forward, Iowa State

Brackins came to Iowa State last season as top-20 freshman. While the majority of the players ranked ahead of him are now in the NBA, Brackins is about ready to explode on the national scene. But, unfortunately, he plays for Iowa State. Rarely is the team shown on television, so he will continue to be the “best-kept secret” in the Big 12.

Scoring only 11 points per game does not tell the whole story; he scored 20 points in five different games and was second on the team in blocks. He is quick off the ground, runs the floor very well, and got stronger as the season went on. He posted a school freshman record when he dropped 33 points on Baylor.

DeMare Carroll, Sr. Forward, Missouri

The former Vanderbilt transfer was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last season. While averaging 13 points and a team-high 6.7 rebounds per game, he scored double figures 26 times. At 6’7”, he is undersized in the post but makes it up with quickness, hustle, and hard-nosed play. He could very well creep toward a double-double in his last season of eligibility.

Alan Voskuil, Sr. Guard, Texas Tech

If you expect Voskuil to sit behind the three-point line and wait for an open shot, your team will lose. His game has developed to include a solid mid-range jumper and he will run the break. But he still is a great outside shooter—he shot 50 percent last season.

During his sophomore year, Voskuil played about 11 minutes a game, then 34 minutes last season. The Red Raiders rely on his production and leadership, and I would not be surprised to see him in the mix for All-Big 12.

Others to keep an eye on:

Mario Little, Kansas

Willie Warren, Oklahoma

Leo Lyons, Missouri

James Anderson, Oklahoma State

Connor Atchley, Texas

Josh Carter, Texas A&M

Big Ten Men's Basketball 2008-09 Preview Part Three: Better Days Ahead and IU

Daniel Damico — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:00:51 -0400

Conference Rank: 9

Illinois Fighting Illini

Head Coach: Bruce Weber

2007-08 Record: 16-19 (5-13 Big Ten)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: C 6’10” Shaun Pruitt, F 6’8” Brian Randle

Key Additions: G 6’5” Alex Legion, F 6‘7” Dominique Keller, F/C 6’9” Stan Simpson

Starting Lineup

G Demetri McCamey So. 6’3” 8.2 ppg, 3.3 apg

G Trent Meacham Sr. 6’2” 10.1 ppg, 2.4 apg

G Chester Frazier Sr. 6’2” 4.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg

F Dominique Keller Jr. 6’7” 25.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg *Junior College Stats

F Mike Tisdale So. 7’1” 3.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg

The backcourt is full of experience, and the offense starts with Trent Meachem. Meachem is a 49 percent three-point shooter, but he might have trouble get his shot off if defenses lay-off the Illini post players..

Demetri McCamey had an incredible Big-Ten tournament, scoring 31 points against Indiana and finishing two rebounds away from a triple-double against Minnesota. Now he just has to play that way all the time.

Averaging 4.9 rebounds per game is a lot for a 6’9” forward. It is more impressive when you are 6’2”. Chester Frazier is the leading returning rebounder and will be asked to crash the boards even more.

Junior college transfer Dominique Keller will get a chance to show he is a Division I talent. He was the second-leading scorer in the nation in junior college last season. The Illini will look to him to score and rebound from the first minute.

When you lose two of the better post players in the Big-Ten, where do you go? Mike Tisdale is tall enough at 7’1”, but he weighs only 235 pounds. He has shown the ability to shoot when he faces the basket, but post moves are not his strong suit.

Coming from Kentucky, Alex Legion might be the best player on this roster. He will not be able to play until late December because of the transfer rules. Legion is a former top 50 recruit and will finally have a school to play for.

Stan Simpson and 6’10” Mike Davis will add support in the frontcourt.

FORECAST

Not so long ago this team was putting on a once in a lifetime performance, only to run into the talented UNC Tar Heels in the championship game. Since then, their win total has decreased every season, and last season they missed the NCAA Tournament—the first time since Bruce Weber has been at Illinois.

This team is going to struggle with new players asked to contribute right away and not a lot of talent in the frontcourt.

The goal is simple: Play hard, stay consistent, and wait for the recruits to come in 2009.
Conference Rank: 10

Iowa Hawkeyes

Head Coach: Todd Lickliter

2007-08 Record: 13-19 (6-12 Big Ten)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G 6’1” Tony Freeman, G 6’6” Justin Johnson, C 7’0” Seth Gorney,

F 6’10” Kurt Looby

Key Additions: G 6’5” Matt Gatens, G 6‘5” Devan Bawinkel, G 6’4” Jermain Davis,

G 6’4” Anthony Tucker

Starting Lineup

G Jeff Peterson So. 6’0” 5.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg

G Jake Kelly So. 6’6” 7.3 ppg, 1.9 apg

F Jarryd Cole So. 6’7” 6.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg

F Cyrus Tate Sr. 6’8” 8.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg

C Andrew Brommer Fr. 6’9” 18 ppg, 11 rpg *High School Stats

Cyrus Tate started 19 games last season and is the focal point for the Hawkeyes' post attack. He is a physical force on the block. After being a role player most of his career, Tate will be looked to for leadership.

The Hawkeyes has a crew of talented incoming guards, but early in the season, Jeff Peterson will run the point.

Having a 6’6” player like Jake Kelly at shooting guard will create matchup problems. He is a 43 percent three-point shooter but must find other ways he can consistently score.

Jarryd Cole will be back healthy and ready to improve on what was a solid season before he got injured. The Hawkeyes will rely on double-figure scoring and rebounding help from this talented forward.

Minnesotan Andrew Brommer will show that he is able to score in a variety of ways. His shot-blocking ability puts him in the starting lineup.

Look for freshmen guards Matt Gartens, Anthony Tucker, and Devan Bawinkel to add quality minutes off the bench. Tucker and Gartens could very well end up in the starting lineup by the end of the season.

FORECAST

After winning 25 games and the conference championship in 2004, the Hawkeyes have dramatically declined. Granted, Todd Lickliter was not around then, but he still has to display that the team is making strides.

Iowa is stacked with players 6'4" to 6'9", meaning the bigs will have to play bigger and guards will have to guard smaller on defense.

Cole and Kelly should present matchup problems for opposing teams, but they could very well go both ways.

I would imagine the Hawkeyes to go through some difficult times as they try to find the right mix at the point and figure out how to get those talented guards on the court.
Conference Rank: 11

Indiana Hoosiers

Head Coach: Tom Crean

2007-08 Record: 25-8 (14-4 Big Ten)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G 6’4” Eric Gordon, F 6’9” D.J. White, G 6’1” Armon Bassett,

G 6’4” Jordon Crawford, G/F JaMarcus Ellis

Key Additions: G 6’2” Devan Dumes, G 6‘3” Nick Williams, G 6’3” Matt Roth,

G 6’5” Malik Story, C 7’0” Tijan Jobe, G 6’4” Verdell Jones, F/C 6’8” Tom Pritchard

Starting Lineup

G Devan Dumes Jr. 6’2” 16.9 ppg, 4 rpg *Junior College Stats

G Verdell Jones Fr. 6’5” 17.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg *High School Stats

F Nick Williams Fr. 6’4” 19 ppg, 8 rpg *High School Stats

F Kyle Taber Sr. 6’7” 1.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg

C Tom Pritchard Fr. 6’8” 18 ppg, 10 rpg *High School Stats

The only returning player that was of any consequence is Kyle Taber. He played 11 minutes a game, and as one of only three players over 6’5”, his production will increase with more playing time. An offseason knee surgery could slow him down in the early season.

Welcome to Indiana, Devan Dumes—you have the most experience. Can you please lead the team? Dumes is a capable scorer and is strong from behind the arc. He will be looked to provide leadership and a calm presence while the freshmen find their way.

Lanky Verdell Jones has point guard skills but will start at shooting guard. He must improve his shot and not rely on just creating off one-on-one situations.

Nick Williams committed to Marquette when Tom Crean was still there but followed his coach to the Hoosier state. He is an athletic wing that will need to aid the post players and grab his share of rebounds.

After losing 25 pounds since he came to campus, Tom Pritchard is confident in his abilities to be a force on the block for the Hoosiers.

At 7’0” and 255 lbs, Tijan Jobe will see a good number of minutes backing up Pritchard. He is massive in the post and has a 7’5” wingspan but needs to learn how to stay out of foul trouble.

Both Matt Roth and Malik Story will be used a lot to back up both guard spots and add scoring and shooting ability when they hit the floor.

FORECAST

Remember when D.J. White’s weight and motivation were Indiana’s biggest problems? Then Kelvin Sampson came to campus and destroyed the immediate future of this program.

Fortunately for the Hoosiers, Tom Crean is here to save the program. I think Crean is an underrated coach. Hoosier fans will have to be patient, but he will get Indiana back to the tournament in due time.

It is tough to expect new players to carry teams. Usually they come to be a role player and then develop into a star. Not this year. Even though none of the guards are on the Eric Gordon level, they are talented and must prove that can play at the Big Ten level.

All I can say is, good luck!

Big Ten Men's Basketball 2008-09 Preview Part Two: The Race for Fifth

Daniel Damico — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:30:32 -0400

Conference Rank: 5

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Head Coach: Tubby Smith

2007-08 Record: 20-14 (8-10 Big Ten)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G 6’2” Lawrence McKenzie, F 6’9” Dan Coleman, C 6’9” Spencer Tollackson

Key Additions: F/C 6’11” Ralph Sampson III, G 6’5” Devron Bostick, F/C 6’10” Colton Iverson, G 6’3” Devoe Joseph

Starting Lineup

G Lawrence WestbrookJr. 6’0” 8.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg

G Al Nolen So. 6’1” 4.3 ppg, 3.5 apg

G Devron Bostick Jr. 6’5” 18.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg *Junior College Stats

F Damian Johnson Jr. 6’7” 7.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg

F Ralph Sampson III Fr. 6’11” 19.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 7.0 bpg *High School Stats

One Lawrence is gone. But the other Lawrence is still on the roster. Lawrence Westbrook is getting ready to take over where McKenzie left off. Westbrook is quick to the rim, can shoot from behind the arc, and can score in transition.

Al Nolen will find other ways to control the game besides scoring. He is a good on the ball defender and gets to the rim with ease.

National Junior College Player of the Year Devron Bostick has experience that you cannot find in freshmen. He will need to score right away and will get playing time to do so.

At 6’7”, Damian Johnson was the leading shot blocker of last season, averaging 1.4 blocks per game. He will find most of his playing time at power forward.

Ralph Sampson III is a couple post moves and a soft jump hook away from being a dominant post player. He already has the defensive game.

Improbable shotmaker Blake Hoffarber has the outside game but needs a stronger game inside the three-point line to get into the starting lineup.

The Gophers have depth throughout their roster. Colton Iverson and Jonathan Williamsgive other options for the frontcourt.

Three-time Canadian Player of the Year Devoe Joseph will get experience as a backup, and Jamal Abu-Shamala will extend the defense with his three-point shooting.

FORECAST

After a season that exceeded expectations, Tubby Smith’s Golden Gophers are now enjoying the fruits of their labor by welcoming in the 23rd-best recruiting class.

With the recruiting class and a 20-win season, Smith has shown what he is capable of bringing to the table.

The Gophers will improve from last season, but they are going to need the youngsters to step up. This team is talented but young and could fall on rocky times early in the season before they work things out and make the tournament.

Conference Rank: 6

Michigan Wolverines

Head Coach: John Beilein

2007-08 Record: 10-22 (5-13 Big Ten)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: C 6’10” Ekpe Udoh, F 6’6” Ron Coleman

Key Additions: G 6’3” Laval Lucas-Perry, C 7’0” Ben Cronin

Starting Lineup

G Kelvin Grady So. 5’11” 5.6 ppg, 2.8 apg

G Manny HarrisSo. 6’5” 16.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg

F Anthony Wright So. 6’6” 5.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg

F DeShawn Sims Jr. 6’8” 12.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg

C Zach Gibson Jr. 6’10” 5.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg

Last season Manny Harris went under the radar, but that won't happen again. Harris is a good shooter, he can drive to the basket, and he will get to the line often. He will be the first option of the offense but needs to shot better from distance and take care of the ball.

The only other returning player that averaged double-figure scoring last season is DeShawn Sims.If he can find a way to stay focused and play at a consistently high level, he could be All-Conference. He is the team's most versatile post player as he can shoot from the perimeter and play lock-down defense.

Kelvin Gradywill have the early part of the season to establish himself as the starting point guard. He will be a force in transition but needs to learn how to run the halfcourt offense.

Streaky shooter Anthony Wright must shoot more consistently, only 33 percent from the field and 29 percent from behind the arc, if he wants to start.

In losing Ekpe Udoh and Ron Coleman, the Wolverines lost 10.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Zack Gibsonhas been targeted to step-up and fill the void. He shot 48 percent from the field, is a decent outside shooter and is a good rebounder.

Arizona transfer Laval Lucas-Perry will not be able to play until late December. Once he can play, I would expect him to get minutes at point guard and take pressure off Grady, who struggled at times last season.

At seven feet, Ben Croninis skilled and able to shoot. He will come off the bench to add size and strength.

FORECAST

In the past five years the Wolverines have averaged 18 wins and have not made a single NCAA appearance. This once proud program has fallen on hard times, but winds of change are blowing in Ann Arbor.

John Beilein and Michigan had a disappointing first season together, winning only five games in the Big Ten, but this year should be a small step forward. The Wolverines will not make the tournament, but that shouldn’t take away from the progress that will be made.

They will be back very soon.

Conference Rank: 7

Penn State Nittany Lions

Head Coach: Ed DeChellis

2007-08 Record: 15-16 (7-11 Big Ten)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G/F 6’5” Geary Claxton

Key Additions: G 6’5” Chris Babb, F 6’8” Billy Oliver, G 6’5” Cammeron Woodyard

Starting Lineup

G Talor Battle So. 5’11” 10.2 ppg, 3.5 apg

G Stanley Pringle Sr. 6’1” 6.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg

F David Jackson So. 6’6” 5.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg

F Jamelle CornleySr. 6’5” 12.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg

F Andrew Jones So. 6’9” 4.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg

Even standing only 6’5”, Jamelle Cornley is willing to take on anyone. The senior leader had an injury-plagued season and still managed to shoot 50 percent from the floor. He will be the major post scoring threat as well as team leader.

Talor Battle had many up and downs in his first season running the point but got better later in the season. He shot 169 shots from three, only making 48, for an average of 28 percent. That is just not good enough.

The Nittany Lions will look to Stanley Pringle to take hold of the shooting guard position and push the fast break offense when it is possible.

After starting the last 10 games of last season, David Jackson will be expected to contribute from the first practice.

Stepping up in the middle will be Andrew Jones. He appeared in all 31 games, playing only 17 minutes. He will have to guard bigger players in the post.

Danny Morrissey, the resident three-point specialist, managed to make 58 three-pointers last season, but he needs to be more efficient to see more playing time.

Two 6’5” freshman guards are slated to provide a spark off the bench. Chris Babb and Cammeron Woodyard are competing for the starting shooting guard spot next season.

FORECAST

With the Nittany Lions, you know what you are going to get with Cornley. But for Penn State to even be a bubble team, all of their guards must produce.

The biggest question surrounds the post play. They have a number of players who will have a chance to show their worth.

Penn State might win 20 games, or they could lose 20 games. Ed DeChellis has coached the Nittany Lions for six seasons, and his highest win total of 15 has been reached twice.

DeChellis will need to make major improvements with this team if he wants to be around to see his young stars mature.

Conference Rank: 8

Northwestern Wildcats

Head Coach: Bill Carmody

2007-08 Record: 8-22 (1-17 Big Ten)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G 6’1” Jason Okrzesik

Key Additions: C 7’0” Kyle Rowley, F 6’8” John Shurna, F/C 6’11” Luka Mirkovic,

F 6’9” Davide Curletti

Starting Lineup

G Michael Thompson So. 5’10” 11.6 ppg, 4.3 apg

G Craig Moore Sr. 6’3” 13.4 ppg, 3.1 apg

F Kevin CobleJr. 6’8” 15.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg

F John Shurna Fr. 6’8” 22.9 ppg, 12.1 rpg *High School Stats

F Luka Mirkovic Fr. 6’11” 25 ppg, 15 rpg

After missing the non-conference position of the last season’s schedule, Kevin Coble still managed to lead the team in scoring. He is a good outside shooter and is willing to get on the floor and grab rebounds.

Michael Thompson shot 43 percent from the field and was fourth in the Big Ten in assists per game. He played a ton of minutes last season, and it took a toll on him.

The only senior starter is Craig Moore. He led the Big Ten in three-pointers made and shots well from the field and the line.

The starting frontcourt will be manned by freshmen. John Shurnais very much like Coble in the fact that they are able to shot and drive to the basket.

6’11” Luka Mirkovic is another Northwestern big that can shoot. He is comfortable facing the basket and can be a force around the basketball.

Kyle Rowley is potentially the best player in the recruiting class, but he is raw. He is a strong passer and is strong on the block. He will see a lot of minutes and could take over the starting spot.

Even with having the early part of last season taken away by injuries, the team will use Jeremy Nash to give a boost of energy off the bench.

FORECAST

This team is good and deep with options at every position. Where the Wildcats will end up in the Big Ten is anyone's guess. They could finish as high as fifth or as low as 11th, but I think it could the former and not the latter.

Moore and Thompson played 35 minutes a game last season and were worn down by the end of the season. Having a chance to take a breather will give them the energy to compete at the highest level.

Coble is the leader of a team that will challenge every team in the Big Ten. They will stretch defenses and shot a good share of three-pointers.

Watch for the Wildcats.

Click here for Part Three: Better Days Ahead and IU.

ACC Men's Basketball 2008-09 Preview, Part Two: GT, BC, and the Terps

Daniel Damico — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:58:00 -0400

The second installment of my look at the teams in the ACC.

Conference Rank: 7

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Head Coach: Paul Hewitt
2007-08 Recap: 15-17 (7-9 ACC)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G - 6'5" Anthony Marrow, F - 6'8" Jeremis Smith, F - 6'10" Ra’Sean Dickey, G - 6'0" Matt Causey

Key Additions: G - 6'4" Fr. Iman Shumpert, F/C - 6'9" Sr. Bassirou Dieng

Starting Lineup

G - Maurice Miller So. 6'1" 8.1ppg, 3.3 apg
G - Lewis Clinch Sr. 6'3" 9 ppg, 1.9 rpg
F - D’Andre Bell Sr. 6'5" 6.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg
F - Gani Lawal So. 6'8" 7.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg
F - Zack Peacock Jr. 6'8" 9.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg

42.3 points per game and 19.4 rebounds are gone, and so is the last player from the 2004 Final Four Team. The Yellow Jackets still have plenty of depth and experience to make up the difference.

Lewis Clinch is the leading returning scorer from last season and came off the bench. Clinch will have to do more than just shoot to stay on the court. His defense is a well-known issue.

Along with Clinch, Maurice Miller will be the focus of the offense and will give them steady play at the point in his second season.

The frontcourt lost a lot of talent but will have enough left over to be competitive. D’Andre Bell is the team’s defensive stopper and will not be asked to do much more than that.

A pair of 6'8" forwards will be the focus of the team's low-post attack. Zack Peacock should be a double-double threat every game and will take the leadership role. Gani Lawal will give the Yellow Jackets a mismatch with his length and athletic ability.

Senior forward 6'10" Alade Aminu will see plenty of time backing up both big men, and McDonald's All-American freshman guard Iman Shumpert will see minutes doing the same for the guards.

FORECAST

It is rare for a team to have so much of their production gone and yet still have a team that will compete. I would expect Paul Hewitt’s team to struggle defensively in the early part of the season but still be able to put points on the board.

The Yellow Jackets have a even mix of veterans and talented youngsters, and this year should build momentum for next year, even if they don’t make the NCAA Tournament.

Conference Rank: 8

Boston College Eagles

Head Coach: Al Skinner
2007-08 Recap: 14-17 (4-12 ACC)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: F - 6'6" Shamari Spears, C - 6'11" Tyrelle Blair

Key Additions: F - 6'8" So. Joe Trapani, G - 6'3" Fr. Reggie Jackson, G - 6'5" Fr. Dallas Elmore

Starting Lineup

G - Biko Paris 6'1" So. 5.7ppg, 2.9 apg
G - Tyrese Rice 6'1" Sr. 21 ppg, 5.0 apg
F - Rakim Sanders 6'5" So. 11.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg
F - Joe Trapani 6'8" So. 11.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg
C - Josh Southern 6'10" So. 5.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg

The recent glory days of Craig Smith and Jared Dudley seem so long ago. Tyrese Rice came to Boston with All-Americans in front of him and now he is a senior with a lot of talented underclassmen looking to him as their undeniable leader.

Biko Paris showed last season he is capable of being a point guard in the ACC. With Paris running the point, Rice will be able to run off picks to get open shots.

After a up and down freshman season, Rakim Sanders is set for a breakout sophomore season. If the Eagles want to make any noise in the ACC, he will need to be more consistent.

Big man Josh Southern will see more playing time and might just pan out to be a high quality big man. To do that, he needs to stay out of foul trouble.

Vermont transfer Joe Trapani will bring some toughness around the basket and will be asked to do more scoring than Southern. Junior Tyler Roche must help out on the glass the same way he is able to provide long range shooting and scoring.

FORECAST

Rice will get scoring help from Sanders, and he will get help with ball handling from Paris. But don’t expect everything to be nice and balanced at all times. The offense will still depend on Rice. The Eagles are a step closer to returning to the "glory days" than they were last season, but the NIT looks like a strong possibility.

Conference Rank: 9

Maryland Terrapins

Head Coach: Gary Williams
2007-08 Recap: 19-15 (8-8 ACC)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: F - 6'8" James Gist, F - 6'8" Bambale Osby

Key Additions: G - 6'4" Fr. Sean Mosley, F - 6'8" Fr. Jin Soo Kim (waiting approval)

Starting Lineup

G - Greivis Vasquez 6'6" Jr. 17 ppg, 6.8 apg
G - Eric Hayes 6'4" Jr. 9.9 ppg, 4.5 apg
G - Landon Milbourne 6'7" So. 8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg
F - Jerome Burney 6'9" So. 1.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg
C - Braxton Dupree 6'8" So. 2.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg

At 6'6", Greivis Vasquez was an interesting matchup at point guard for most teams last season, but he will not play the point as much as this season. The ACC assist leader is an emotional roller coaster, and this team better hang on.

Eric Hayes, the second-highest returning scorer after Vasquez, will take on a larger scoring load and will be the primary ball handler.

The Terrapins lost their two best post players in James Gist and Bambale Osby. Trying to find suitable replacements will be difficult.

Braxton Dupree will be the first option for Maryland if he can control his weight. Jerome Burney, a one-time Miami signee, played only 7.4 minutes a game and did not have much time to prove himself. He will have a chance this year.

Maryland will run a three guard offense with Landon Milbourne as the big guard. Shooting 39 percent is a decent start for him, and hopes are he will get better as he gets more looks.

The wild card in the whole mix is Jin Soo Kim. This South Korean is an athletic player that could potentially play three positions if the NCAA Clearinghouse allows it. If approved, Kim would add minutes and scoring off the bench and make a push for the starting lineup.

FORECAST

This season could be Gary Williams' last. 2002 seems like a lifetime ago, and the Terrapins have only made the NCAA Tournament three out of the last six seasons.

Much of this team’s success falls on Vasquez and how Williams decides to use him. Keeping him at the point is not productive when he does not have proven options to pass to. Look for him to be off the ball more and Hayes to initiate the offense. The big men need to prove themselves, because next season’s recruits will challenge from day one.

Here is the first installment.

NCAA Men's Basketball Preseason All-Americans

Daniel Damico — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:37:00 -0400

What do you look for when trying to put together a preseason All-American team? Is it just name recognition and the uniform they wear? Is it the players who will be the best pro prospects, or the players who will have the best college season?

I feel it is a combo of all those points, plus a look at their production from last season and changes to the team that will affect the roles these players assume and ultimately their productivity.

There are two or three players that are guaranteed first team All-Americans. After those players, it really is up to personal preference. Each player is talented, skilled, and is a winner—and each will have a large influence on the 2008-09 college basketball landscape.

All-American First Team

Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina: 6'9" Sr. Forward 22.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg

After UNC fell short of the National Championship, there was no doubt Hansbrough would come back for his senior season, because his trophy case is missing the most important one. His work ethic and team first mentality gives him a chance at being the first four-time first-team All-American.

Hansbrough could break J.J. Redick’s ACC scoring record this year—and the rebounding record as well. I have never seen a player with the ability like Hansbrough to make so many tough shots after contact.

Stephen Curry, Davidson: 6'2" Jr. Guard 25.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg

There is very little Stephen Curry has to do to make this list. After leading Davidson to an incredible run to the Sweet 16 last season, the expectations will be very high and teams will key on Curry.

He will be tested early as Davidson will face another tough non-conference schedule. Curry will also take over at point guard, and having the ball in his hands more this season could mean his scoring will take a slight dip.

Curry plays for a small school in North Carolina, but any big school in the state would gladly add him to their starting lineup.

Blake Griffin, Oklahoma: 6'10" So. Forward 14.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg

Unlike Hansbrough, many were surprised to see Blake Griffin announce he would come back to wear the Sooner jersey. Griffin would have been a top five pick in the last NBA draft, and minus a complete disaster, should be top two next June.

Last season Griffin showed what an elite athlete he is, and the Big 12 better watch out as his game continues to expand.

Darren Collison, UCLA: 6'1" Sr. Guard 14.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg

After missing the first six games of last season, Collison was able to pick right back up and provide steady play as the Bruins ran to the Final Four. With the departure of Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook to the NBA, Collison will have the opportunity to demonstrate the whole of his talent.

UCLA will rely on Collison even more this season if they hope to return to the Final Four as they have in his first three seasons.

Luke Harangody, Notre Dame: 6'8" Jr. Forward 20.4 ppg, 10.6 rpg

Imagine having a frontcourt with Luke Harangody and Hansbrough. No loose ball will go “unhustled” for. Like Hansbrough, Harangody is more skilled than people give him credit. As an athletic monster, you do not expect him to make the basketball plays he does. Opposing teams will plan to stop him, but that does not mean they will.

With Notre Dame needing more production then last season, he is guaranteed to better his numbers and repeat as the Big East Player of the Year.

SECOND TEAM

Chase Budinger, Arizona: 6'7" Jr. Forward 17.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg

After a year of uncertainty, the Wildcats will finally be Chase Budinger’s team. With his shooting ability and insane vertical, the Wildcat offense will revolve around Budinger, and his numbers will go up—and he could come back next year.

James Harden, Arizona State: 6'4" So. Guard 17.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg

ASU has a lottery pick coming back for a second season. He slashes through defenses and has the complete offensive package. Harden is a hard worker and is extremely skilled. He will lead the highly ranked Sun Devils against a very top heavy Pac-10.

Patrick Patterson, Kentucky: 6'8" So. Forward 16.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg

Everything about Patrick Patterson's game is solid. After he fell to injury the last five games of the season, I would expect him to come out with drive to prove that he is worth the hype. There is no reason he should not average a double-double and lead the Wildcats into March Madness.

Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut: 7'3" Jr. 10.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 4.5 blk

UConn has not had a defensive anchor of this quality since Emeka Okafor in 2004. He is not the most athletic player you will see this season, but his defensive influence on each game just proves what a standout player he could be. Since he has only been playing basketball for a few years, he will only get better.

A.J. Abrams, Texas: 5'11" Sr. Guard 16.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg

Like Curry, A.J. Abrams lost a talented point guard and will have to take over the role until others prove worthy. But I would not expect him to be shy about taking his shots. The Longhorns are talented but inexperienced in the backcourt, so they will rely on Abrams to do what he does best: score.

THIRD TEAM

Sam Young, Pittsburgh: 6'6" Sr. Forward 18.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg

Ty Lawson, North Carolina: 5'11" Jr. Guard 12.7 ppg, 5.2 apg

Tyler Smith, Tennessee: 6'7" Jr. Forward 13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg

B.J. Mullens, Ohio State: 7'0" Fr. Center 27.4 ppg, 15.1 rpg (Senior Season in High School)

Robert Vaden, UAB: 6'5" Sr. Guard 21.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg

Here is the first installment of my ACC Preview:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/70653-acc-mens-basketball-2008-09-conference-preview-part-one-the-bottom-three

ACC Men's Basketball 2008-09 Preview - Part One: The Bottom Three

Daniel Damico — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:30:00 -0400

The Atlantic Coastal Conference is always in the argument of which conference plays the best basketball. And rightfully so. With schools such as UNC, Duke, Wake Forrest, Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia, Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, Clemson, Maryland and Florida State, the ACC houses some of the best teams in the country, as well as a number of NBA prospects.

I will take a look at the ACC in four groups. In each group I will give a snapshot of three schools and preview their teams. I will start with the bottom three and work are way up to North Carolina who we all know are the best.

Once we have finished our team preview, I will give you my All ACC-Team as well as my predictions for the individual awards.

The Bottom Three

Conference Rank: 10
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Head Coach: Sydney Lowe
2007-08 Record: 15-16 (4-12 ACC)

2008-09 Roster
Key Losses: F - 6-8 J.J Hickson, F - 6-8 Gavin Grant
Key Additions: G - 6-2 Fr. Julius Mays , F - 6-5 Fr. C.J. Williams

Starting Line-Up

G - Farnold Degand Jr. 6-3 6.9 ppg, 3.2 apg
G - Courtney Fells Sr. 6-6 10.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg
G - Tracy Smith Jr. 6-5 3.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg
F - Brandon Costner Jr. 6-9 8.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg
F - Ben McCauley Sr. 6-9 6.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg

J.J. Hickson’s early exit and Gavin Grant's gaduation leaves a large gap (27.9 ppg and 13 rpg) in the front court of the Wolfpack's starting line-up. Brandon Costner will have to return to the form of his sophomore season and Ben McCauley will just have to be better and assume some leadership on a young and inexperienced team.

Courtney Fells shot 45% from behind the arc and he might need to find other ways to score if Costner and McCauley can not pick-up the slack.

Point guard play will be an adventure for the Wolfpack. Farnold Degand started strong, but feel to injury and Javie Gonzalez had a hard time competing in his freshmen year. Look for a combination of Degand, Gaonzalez, and freshman Julius Mays. Mays will see plenty of minutes and could crack the starting line-up if there are problems.

FORECAST

The short-term does not look good for the Wolfpack. Head Coach Sydney Lowe is only three games over .500 at NC State and this team will not help improve his record. If Costner and McCauley struggle, so will NC State. If the point guards struggle, so will NC State. If they all struggle, the will be hard pressed to win 10 games.

Conference Rank: 11
Florida State Seminoles
Head Coach: Leonard Hamilton

2007-08 Record: 19-15 (7-9 ACC)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G - 6-3 Jason Rich, G - 6-3 Ralph Mims, G - 6-2 Isaiah Swann, F/C - 6-10 Julain Vaighn, F - 6-7 Matt Zitani
Key Additions: F - 6-9 Fr. Chris Singleton, G - 6-5 Fr. Luke Loucks, F - 6-4 So. Derwin kitchen

Starting Line-Up
G - Toney Douglas Sr. 6-1 15.4 ppg, 2.8 apg
G - Derwin Kitchen So. 6-4
F - Chris Singleton Fr. 6-4
F - Uche Echefu Sr. 6-8 10 ppg, 7.3 rpg
C - Solomon Alabi Fr. 7-1 3.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg

Everyone jump on Toney Douglas’ shoulders. Having lost 42 points a game and 15 rebounds a game, the Seminoles will need Douglas to lead this team and up his 15 ppg.

Uche Echefu is the only other returning starter from last season and should have the opportunity to be a double-double threat every game.

Chris Singleton is a McDonalds’s All-American who has the ability to shoot the three and get to the rim. He will be asked to contribute from the beginning of the season.

After missing 10 games last season, Solomon Alabi was granted a medical hardship and he retains his freshmen status. Alabi’s ability to get off the floor will affect the Seminoles at both ends of the court, but his skills will be needed more on the defensive end.

All-American junior college transfer Derwin Kitchen should provide solid play at the point, allowing Douglas to move to his natural position of shooting guard.

Watch out for Luke Loucks. At 6-5, he is a mismatch at point guard and has no problem distributing the ball. He should come off the bench, but might also challenge for the starting spot.

FORECAST

Rebuilding? Yes. Time to abandon ship? Not yet. This Florida State team will win a couple games and should give a game to the teams at the top of the conference. Do not wait for them to make a run into the NCAA tournament, but they should settle back nicely into the NIT. The only way to go is up for FSU.

Conference Rank: 12
Virginia Cavaliers
Head Coach: Dave Leitao

2007-08 Record: 17-16 (5-11 ACC)

2008-09 Roster

Key Losses: G - 6-0 Sean Singletary, F - 6-7 Adrian Joseph, F - 6-8 Laurynas Mikalauskas
Key Additions: G - 6-6 Fr. Sylven Landesberg, C - 7-0 Fr. Assane Sene, C - 6-11 Fr. John Brandenburg

Starting Line-up
G - Jeff Jones Sr. 6-4 4.8 ppg,
G - Sammy Zeglinski Fr. 6-0 8.6 ppg, 2.3 apg
F - Mamadi Diane Sr. 6-5 11.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg
F - Mike Scott So. 6-8 5.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg
F - Jamil Tucker Jr. 6-8 5.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg

The Virginia Cavaliers will rely heavily on freshmen to support Mamadi Diane as he takes over the leadership role left by Sean Singletary. Diane’s scoring will no doubt increase with more shots that will come his way.

Jeff Jones’ production should go up given he will have more chances, but he needs to increase his three-point shooting which was only 36 percent.

The only frontcourt returning player is Mike Scott. At 6-8 he is a strong rebounder who will need to score more.

Jamil Tucker is a physical presence who will see more time and Sammy Zeglinski will start at the point after an injury filled season. He has excellent ball handling skills and is quick off the dribble.

Look for freshmen Sylven Landesberg to take a hold of the sixth man spot and work his way into the starting line-up.

FORECAST

The Cavs only won five ACC games last season with Sean Singletary. What are they going to do without him? I am hoping that the team will lift its play to make-up the production void left by the star, like Texas did when Kevin Durant left. You know what I mean. I do not expect them to break .500, but they could play the spoiler. This team is young and will be experimenting with tactics and variations of line-ups to help solidify next season.

Click here for the second installment.

Duke Blue Devils Men's Basketball 2008-09 Preview

Daniel Damico — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:36:37 -0400

Duke may have overachieved in the first half of last season, starting 21-1, and then they either underachieved or played exactly like they were supposed to in the second half, finishing the season 6-5 and exiting the NCAA Tournament in the second round with a loss to West Virginia.

Going into the start of last season, there were many questions about Duke’s roster. Could junior point guard Greg Paulus show leadership and composure? How would Duke fare with its lack of quality big men? Could the offense be effective with the new “spread and launch” approach?

Some of those same questions apply to the 2008-09 season.

Duke lost its leading scorer and rebounder from last season, DeMarcus Nelson, to the NBA, and 6’6” freshman Taylor King transferred to Villanova. But the Blue Devils brought in the 23rd-ranked recruiting class, headlined by McDonald's All-American guard Elliot Williams.

2007-08 Recap

Record: 28-6 (13-3 ACC)

Postseason: NCAA Tournament—lost in second round to West Virginia, 73-67

Statistical Leaders

Points per game: G DeMarcus Nelson – 14.5

Rebounds per game: G DeMarcus Nelson and F Kyle Singler – 5.8
Assists per game: G Greg Paulus – 3.2

Key Players Out

DeMarcus Nelson: 14.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, and 1.5 steals pg
Taylor King: 5.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 38 percent 3pt

Key Returning Players

Kyle Singler: 13.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg
Gerald Henderson: 12.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 blocks pg
Jon Scheyer: 11.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 steals pg, 38 percent 3pt
Greg Paulus: 11.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 42 percent 3pt
Nolan Smith: 5.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.3 apg, 39 percent 3pt

Key Players In

Olek Czyz: F 6'7" 240, Freshman; Reno, Nevada; Reno
Miles Plumlee: F 6"10" 220, Freshman; Warsaw, Indiana; Christ School (NC)
Elliot Williams: G 6'4" 180, Freshman; Memphis, Tennessee; St. George's

FRONTCOURT

The Duke frontcourt could be separated into two groups: Kyle Singler and everyone else. The expectations and skill set for the two groups will be vastly different. Singler will carry the majority of shots and scoring for the frontcourt, while the other group will focus on defense and rebounding.

2007-08 ACC Rookie of the Year Singler leads a very thin and inexperienced front line for the Blue Devils. Singler showed leadership and the ability to play in the ACC last season, but he needs to become a better defender and shot blocker if he wants to lead Duke to the Final Four.

Miles Plumlee, whose brother Mason is a five-star recruit committed to Duke for the '09 season, will bring the shot blocking Singler is currently lacking and has the potential to develop into a solid player on both ends of the floor. He needs to add strength to his thin, lanky frame.

Freshmen Olek Czyz is a Poland native who went to high school in Nevada. He comes to campus already bred with the “Duke hustle,” athleticism, and toughness the frontcourt was missing last season.

6’8” junior Lance Thomas started 28 games last season and is the most experienced frontcourt player on the roster. He will compete for the starting spot. Thomas is athletic and plays tough defense—like Singler, he will guard players taller than him.

Look for Coach K to try to plug in 7’1” Brian Zoubek into the starting lineup when the matchup calls for it, but he needs to stay healthy and stay out of foul trouble. Zoubek will not do much offensively—his focus will be defense.

David McClure is the only other player that saw meaningful minutes last season. He might be pushed closer to the end of the bench by Plumlee and Czyz, but when he comes in, he bring the typical Duke tenacity.

BACKCOURT

Unlike the frontcourt, the backcourt has a wealth of talent that is able to do everything. Greg Paulus has been in the starting lineup since early his freshman year, and Coach K will put the ball in the senior’s hands again this season. Look for Paulus to increase his scoring through even better shot selection.

Nolan Smith had a better than expected freshmen year. Duke was able to take Paulus out of the game and still have a very good ball handler to direct the offense. That was something lacking two seasons ago.

Smith should see more time as Coach K looks to develop him to take over the point next season. He will have greater opportunity to be creative in the offense but needs to step up on defense to help support Paulus, who is a poor on the ball defender.

If there is a Duke player on the verge of breaking out this season, it is junior G/F Gerald Henderson. With Nelson gone, Henderson will be the only player left with the ability to create his own shot.

There is very little he can’t do offensively. He is able to get to the rim—and finish—and his mid-range jumper has become more consistent each season. When Duke is shooting poorly from behind the arc, the Blue Devils will need Henderson to create one on one.

The only possible option to create shots outside the spread and kick attack is five-star recruit Elliot Williams.

Williams is an explosive athlete. Like Henderson, Williams is able to get to the rim and finish in traffic. His height and ability to play either guard spot will lead to matchup problems and will allow the Blue Devils to play many different lineups. It is tough to say if Williams will start or not, but he will see plenty of minutes.

Sixth man and three-point specialist Jon Scheyer has the ability to spread the court. Last season he flashed moments that showed his game has developed past just being a standstill shooter. Either way, when he is on the court, the defense has to be aware.

FORECAST

Interior play is still a weakness for this team. Coach K will have to address this issue from the beginning of practice. This season there will be more options on offense. Duke will come at teams with a barrage of threes in the spread offense and off the pick and roll with any of the guards and Singler.

Duke's offense will create problems for the opposing team’s zone defense. If you drop the zone too far into the lane, it will allow for wide-open looks behind the arc. But if you keep the zone stretched to guard against the three, the lane will be open for Duke’s guards get to the rim.

The Blue Devils will never be a “sleeper,” but with all the focus on the UNC Tar Heels, Duke will not get the national attention of their rivals from Tobacco Road—and that is just fine with Duke.

With Duke returning many key players—83 percent of their scoring—and the addition of the depth and height of the freshman class, look to the Blue Devils to once again compete for the ACC title and make a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament.

STARTING LINEUP

G Paulus, G Williams, G/F Henderson, F Singler, F Thomas

NEXT OFF THE BENCH

G Scheyer, G Smith, C Zoubek, F/C Plumlee, F Czyz, F McClure

Check out my preview of the MN Golden Gophers.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/65251-minnesota-golden-gophers-mens-basketball-2008-09-preview

Minnesota Golden Gophers Men’s Basketball 2008-09 Preview

Daniel Damico — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:15:00 -0400

In Tubby Smith’s first season coaching the Golden Gophers, they won 20 games. With his first recruiting class, they almost cracked the top 20 (25 on ESPN.com). Can anyone say Immediate Impact?

In his first full year at the University of Minnesota, Smith changed the culture of college basketball and the players bought in from the beginning. Winning 20 games was even more proof that hiring Smith was the greatest coaching hire in U of MN history.

Moving into the 2008-09 season, the natural step in this Smith revolution is higher expectations. Minnesota is the new “it pick” in the Big Ten with many experts picking them in the top third of the league and making the NCAA Tournament.

With a good core of returning players with; sophomore guards Al Nolen and Blake Hoffarber, juniors forward Damian Johnson, and guard Lawrence Westbrook, the Gophers had added a talented recruiting class that adds quality depth, something lacking in previous seasons.

2007-08 Recap

Record: 20-14 (8-10 in Big Ten)

2007-08 Statistical Leaders

Points per game: G – Lawrence McKenzie – 11.8

Rebounds per game: F/C –Dan Coleman – 5.8

Assists per game: G – Al Nolen – 3.5

Key Players Out:

Lawrence McKenzie, Guard (11.8 ppg and 2.6 apg)
Dan Coleman, Forward/Center (11.3 ppg and 5.8 rpg)
Spencer Tollackson, Forward/Center (9.3 ppg and 3.7 rpg)

Key Returning Players:

Al Nolen, Guard Soph. (4.3 ppg, 1.9 steals pg, and 3.5 assist pg)
Blake Hoffarber, Guard Soph. (8.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, and 42% 3 point shooting)
Damian Johnson, Forward Jr. (7.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, and 1.4 blocks pg)
Lawrence Westbrook, Guard Jr. (8.5 ppg, 1.9 steals pg, and 3.5 assist pg)

Key Players In:

Devron Bostick, Guard Fr. 6-5 210 Racine, Wis./Southwestern Illinois CC
Devoe Joseph, Guard Fr. 6-3 170 Ajax, Ontario, Canada/Pickering
Colton Iverson, Forward Fr. 6-10 235 Yankton, S.D./Yankton
Ralph Sampson III, Forward Fr. 6-11 220 Duluth, Ga./Northview
Paul Carter, Forward So. 6’8” 195 Little Rock, Ar./Missouri State-West Plains JC

FRONTCOURT

Smiths first recruiting class addresses the lack of talent and depth in the front court. Losing Tollackson and Coleman is a huge lose, but the addition of Sampson and Iverson should turn out to be an up-grade. Sampson was a late bloomer in high school, but he has shown a nice jump shot out to about 17 feet.

While not as physically gifted as his father, Virginia All-American and NBA player Ralph Sampson Jr., he is strong and athletic enough to be a defensive force and seems to have a solid grasp of the game. Iverson comes to campus with a offense game stronger than Sampson. He has good post moves and is an aggressive all-around rebounder, but he needs to improve on defense.

The only player returning from last season that is over 6'7" is the 6’9” center Jonathan Williams. While he is a senior, he has not been off the bench to often, averaging only 13.1 minutes and 3.0 points per game.

Johnson is the most experienced and athletic forward on the squad. While only standing 6’7”, Johnson averaged 1.4 blocks and 1.7 steals per game, saw most of his minutes last season at power forward. Incoming sophomore Carter, who is an athletic slasher with a decent perimeter game, will have a hard time finding time and but if he is on the court, it will be at PF.

Sampson, Iverson, Williams, and Johnson will be competing for the PF and C starting spots.

BACKCOURT

The backcourt will be the strength of the Golden Gophers. The Gophers will look to Westbrook to pick-up his scoring to fill the void left by McKenzie. Westbrook has the range to do it and has a greater ability than McKenzie to get to the basket. Smith will look to Nolen to not only increase his numbers offensively, but also put constant pressure on the opposing ball handler. Both of these players are expected to see the majority of minutes at PG.

If Hoffarber never makes another basket in his life, he would still be a Minnesota basketball legend. As a sophomore in high school, Hoffarber hit a last second shot while sitting on the three-point line, not only did it send the state championship game into a second overtime - which his team went onto win - he also won an ESPY. In his first season in college, he again hit an important last second shot in the Big Ten tourney that won the game for the Gophers—click here to see both highlighted on ESPN.

Last season saw Hoffarber receive more playing time than many expected, as he was used mostly as a 3-point specialist. But he needs to expand his game of the dribble if he wants to see more playing time. Bostick will come in a provide help in scoring and could potentially make the starting line-up at SF.

Joseph will add even more outside shooting plus the ability to get to the rim but majority of his minutes - at least early in the year - will be off the bench. Junior Jamal Abu-Shamla contributed 13.1 minutes and 3.4 point a game last year, but might be hard-pressed to get off the bench unless he improved his game while playing the Jordon National team, if he did, he will add depth at SF.

FORECAST

The early portion of Minnesota’s schedule is filled with cupcakes. Match-ups in December with Virginia in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and Louisville in the Stadium Shootout, will be the toughest games until they run into the big boys of the Big Ten to start conference play - Michigan Sate Dec. 31st and Ohio State Jan. 2nd, which are both at home.

Other than Purdue, the rest of the Big Ten is pretty mediocre and the Gophers should be able to add a couple wins to the 20 season of last season and improve on their 8-10 record in conference.

ROTATION

For the first time in a while, the Golden Gophers have quality depth and could go eleven deep. And depending on the situation, you might see Smith go to a four guard line-up or go “small” with Johnson as the big.

STARTING LINE-UP

G Nolen, SG Westbrook, SF Bostick, PF Johnson, C Sampson III

FIRST OFF THE BENCH

G Hoffarber,G Joseph, F/C Iverson, F Abu-Shamla, C Williams, F Carter

Check out my preview of the Duke Blue Devils:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/68320-duke-blue-devils-mens-basketball-2008-09-preview

ESPN Seeking English Premier League TV Rights. Do They Deserve Them?

Daniel Damico — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:33:01 -0400

On September 15^th, there was an article on www.si.com—click here to read it—about Fox Soccer Channel getting rated by Nielsen starting in October. The article quickly moved to ESPN trying to acquire the TV rights to the English Premier League.

Now the first part of that article is not that exciting. Yet the second part is something to talk and write about.

At first thought, ESPN and EPL seem like a match made in heaven. The most popular, and largest, sports network in the US and the most popular soccer league in the world in High Definition would be an amazing way to watch the beautiful game on a Saturday morning (the MLS looks great on ESPN2 HD, even if the play is so-so).

To be able to see Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool (and all the other stars of the league) play, would be a great tool to elevate the game to the masses in the US.

It might have the “flash in a pan” feel of David Beckham, but would most likely have a greater long-term effect. It would be the first time ESPN has added a solely international league to its regular schedule. They have showed the World Cup, the Ryder Cup in golf, and other World Championships, but never had an international league with only international teams. That alone is a great reason to sign the contract.

But I am not convinced that ESPN deserves it and FCS deserves to have it taken away. Here is a quick look at some of my issues.

1. FSC is Soccer ONLY! ESPN is not.

Let me first make this statement. This whole "issue" is void if ESPN comes out with an ESPN Soccer Channel.

Imagine, waking up Saturday morning. Sitting in your chair or favorite spot on the couch. Eating breakfast, showered or not. The remote in your hand and Manchester United playing on EPSN in HD.

It would be fantastic to see match-ups of the some of the best clubs in the world. It would be pure soccer bliss. Until college football comes on and then what happens on Sunday?

NFL preview shows. They start early and run until kick-off. We would miss out on matches. Now, maybe the EPL would rework the schedule to have less appealing games on Sunday and then not be televised. But, I watch those games for a reason. To see those unfamiliar faces, to see those players who will be bought by the big boys in the next transfer window and then play on Saturday.

The EPL season is very long and could find more time filling the holes between football, basketball, and baseball. But that is not good enough.

ESPN is spread out in so many directions that you will never get the coverage you do with FSC, at least not in its current situation. An “ESPN Soccer” channel might evolve down the road. But as it stands right now EPSN has five major channels; ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN News, ESPN Classic, and now ESPN U.

At any moment you can have any sport on any network. ESPN U focuses on college athletics; ESPN Classic relives great games, players and events, new and older. ESPN News has continuous Sport Center type programming. So that leaves ESPN and ESPN2.

Depending on the time of year, soccer will be hard pressed to find time out side of the Saturday morning slot and occasional UEFA Champions League game on ESPN Classic. There will be converge, but not like that of FCS.

2. Knowing the Game.

I know this is going to come off extremely picky of the “sports leader”, but it is an example of a bigger issue that will be there from the beginning.

I have watched two very recent broadcast of Sportscenter and every time a soccer player was mentioned, the name was said wrong. Two of the biggest names in all of soccer, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, were pronounced wrong.

Gerrard was turn into Steven “Jared” and Lampard was “Lamp-ard”. Even my wife, who knows very little of soccer, laughed. AND THOSE ARE THE EASY NAMES!

What will happen during the highlights of Arsenal versus Chelsea? What with players like; Manuel Almunia, Bacary Sagna, Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas, Petr Cech, Michael Essien, Florent Malouda, Franco Matias Di Santo and Didier Drogba?

Granted, in the games ESPN will have Tommy Smyth, Julie Foudy, and Allen Hopkins to keep the names and soccer termanolgy straight, but the Sportscenter folk are going to need to learn quickly.

If you are in a job interview and you mess up the company’s name, you probably are not going to be offered the job. ESPN needs to build a resume that shows interest and expertise in understanding soccer, not just showing a couple games and talking about Beckham.

They will use their experts in the beginning to cover the ignorance factor, but the whole network has to show it is as much about soccer as any other sport. ESPN has to show it wants the EPL, because the EPL is watching.

3. What will happen to FSC?

The EPL is only one league, but it is the biggest league with the easiest crossover to the US audience. But what does FSC do to fill the void? Maybe they will get some of the games not including the "Big Four" (maybe now five?). That will depend on the contract between ESPN and EPL.

Meaning FSC may not be able to show any games.

Typically on a weekend you can see four to five EPL matches, plus another three to four from Serie A in Italy, and then a couple from either Spain or Argentina. But the majority of non-match programming is about the English; Sky Sports broadcasts, match day preview and review shows, English fan broadcasts, and various other shows.

So much of their programming is based on the fans interest of players in the EPL and every aspect of those clubs. What then happens when you take those matches away?

While I love to watch them both, in my opinion Serie A and La Liga are nowhere near as popular in the US as EPL. So filling those games slots with matches from Italy and Spain probably won’t be a saving grace. But adding other top-tier soccer by way of the German League Bundesliga and French League Ligue1 could help bring new viewers and maybe, just maybe, retain some of the soccer die-hards.

While my interest in following soccer has been rather a new venture, I do have great respect for what FSC has been able to do in bringing soccer of every sort to the masses. They know the game, the history, the rivalries, and most importantly they understand the importance of soccer in other countries.

ESPN has to show that it cares enough to be able to meet the needs of us soccer folk who wake-up Saturday to catch the early game and then watch Fox Football Fone-In to get the latest news and rumors.

ESPN has to learn to understand the energy, excitement, and passion of a game that has long been seen as a lesser sport to American football. As much as American football is culture in the US, soccer is even more so everywhere else in the world.

Good Luck ESPN. Do well by the fans and the sport we love.

I would love to hear other opinions on the issue. I am sure there are pros and cons and other issues for each FSC and ESPN.

Here is my highlights of managers and coaches that have been given time to win;

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/63184-loyalty-plus-patience-equals-winning-part-1