2009-2010 South Florida College Basketball Predictions

2009-2010 South Florida Predictions
2008-09 Record: (9-22, 4-14 Big East)
Coach: Stan Heath (3rd year, 21-41 at USF)
Assistants: Jeremy Cox, Reggie Hanson, Eric Skeeters
Ret.Starters/Lost: 3/2

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Overview: USF returns three starters from a team that lost 22 games, tying the school record for most in a season. They shot a pathetic 59.8 percent from the free throw line and 39.9 percent from the field, so improving the shooting percentage was a main goal for head coach Stan Heath. It starts with the improvement in the backcourt, though junior guard Dominque Jones (6-4, 205) often carried the load last year. He led the team in scoring (18.1ppg), rebounds (5.6rpg) and steals (1.3spg). At the point, senior Chris Howard (6-3, 200) played well down the stretch and led the team in assists with 4.1apg, while averaging 7.7ppg. He’s a capable player, but has to improve his overall play. They do need to replace wing guar Jesus Verdejo (12.2ppg) at the wing. They do get some help as Ohio State transfer Anthony Carter (6-1, 170), comes in, though he will be eligible at mid-season. Freshman Jordan Dumars (6-5, 225), son of Detroit GM Joe, will also be in the mix along with freshman Shuan Noriega (6-4, 195). Up front, the Bulls return sophomore Gus Gilchirst (6-10, 235), who had an up-and-down freshman season. He did come on late in the season, and wound up averaging 10.2ppg, but has to improve his rebounding numbers (4.4rpg). Another son of an NBA player, Ron Anderson Jr. (6-8, 255), along with junior Jarrid Famous (6-11, 240) and 6-8 freshman Toarlyn Fitzpatrick (6-8, 230) will have to step up.

Outlook: Gilchrist has the talent to be one of the league’s top big men, but will have to get tougher this season. The backcourt is decent, but not as talented as some of the better teams in the league. It could be another long year for the Bulls, who are over-matched in this league.

This Big East conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college basketball betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com