NCAA Men's College Basketball Preview, Part Two: Teams 11-25

2010-2011 Men’s College Basketball Preview, Part Two: Teams 11-20

(11) Wisconsin

Head coach Bo Ryan’s squad should supplant Purdue as the third team in the Big Ten, thanks in large part to the return of three starters and six players who averaged double-figure minutes last season.  The big challenge for the Badgers will be replacing a starting backcourt that averaged 26.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG and 3.9 APG. 

Hopefully, 6’1", 195 lb Jr. Jordan Taylor and 6’3", 200 lb Jr. reserve Rob Wilson will be up to the task.  While it appears Taylor will shoulder much of the backcourt scoring load, the two as a pair were slightly more effective operating as facilitators, which should bode well, since Wisconsin returns its entire starting front court. 

Manning the post is 6’6", 208 lb Sr. Tim Jarmusz, who started 27 games last year and should get the nod on the wing if his shooting from downtown can reflect his sophomore year (42.0 percent) instead of last season’s 26.0 percent effort. 

The paint will be manned by 6’10", 230 lb Sr. Jon Leuer and 6’8", 245 lb Sr. Keaton Nankivil who started every game for the Badgers last season.  The two combined for 23.5 PPG and 10.5 RPG while shooting over 70 percent from the free throw line. 

Add a decent bench of So. wings, Mike Bruesewitz and Ryan Evans, So. big Jared Berggren and the freshman trio of G Ben Brust, F Duje Dukan and G Josh Gasser, and the Badgers should be dancing into the Sweet 16 this season.     

(12) Syracuse

Last season was supposed to be a magical run for the Orange.  They were surprise Big East regular season champions, but were stunned by Georgetown in the Big East Tournament Quarterfinals.  And after two fairly easy tournament wins, most thought the 'Cuse would bully past Butler and move on to the Final Four.  Butler had other ideas, and many in upstate New York were left to ponder what could have been. 

Don’t fret, Orange fans, because Jim Boeheim is one of the best in the business for a reason.  Despite the loss of three starters (All-American Wesley Johnson, team leader Andy Rautins and bruiser Arinze Onuaku), this year's team should be able to duplicate last season’s NCAA Tournament run. 

Six-foot-four, 198 lb So. Brandon Triche will be joined by 6’2", 190 lb Jr. Scoop Jardine in a very physical backcourt.  Super sub Kris Joseph (6’7", 207 lb Jr.) will man the spot left open by Wesley Johnson’s departure and 6’9", 240 lb Sr. Rick Jackson will get much needed low post help from McDonald’s All-American big Fab Melo (7’0", 265 lb) out of Brazil. 

Two other freshman who will see serious minutes are 6’7", 200 lb Baltimore, MD native C.J. Fair and 6’3", 214 lb Dion Waiters.  Post help will come from 7’0", 233 lb So. DaShonte Riley while 6’6", 220 lb So. Mookie Jones and 6’8", 205 lb So. James Southerland will give the 'Cuse some big wings to help make the vaunted 2-3 zone a problem again.  

(13) Purdue

Midnight Madness in West Lafayette, IN was followed by a next-day nightmare.  On the first day of practice, All-American F Robbie Hummel re-injured his ACL tear that sidelined him during the end of last season.  In one minute, the Boilermakers dream of making their first Final Four in over thirty years seemed to go down with him. 

Not to worry, as with last year, the dynamic inside/outside duo of 6’4", 190 lb Sr. G E’Twaun Moore and 6’10", 216 lb Sr. C JaJuan Johnson should be good enough to have coach Matt Painter still dancing the second week of the 2011 NCAA Tournament.  Jr. Lewis Jackson returns after leading the team in assists a season ago and 6’5", 225 lb So. D.J. Byrd is back after playing in 29 games. 

Adding backcourt depth will be 6’2", 212 lb Fr. Terone Johnson, 6’5", 193 lb So. Kelsey Barlo (he started 11 games last year), 6’3", 190 lb Jr. G Ryne Smith and 6’2", 199 lb So. G John Hart.  6’8", 231 lb So. Patrick Blade returns as a front court sub.  The aforementioned is the biggest reason why Purdue may not want to make any plans aside from a potential Sweet 16 NCAA tournament exit.    

(14) Georgetown

How do you silence a Georgetown Hoya fan?  Ask them about last season’s NCAA Tournament! 

You can also ask them how they feel about the state of Ohio!  In 2007, the Buckeyes ended coach John Thompson III’s first Final Four experience, while a former assistant on that Ohio State staff guided Ohio to a stunning (and rather convincing) first round victory of a Hoya team many felt did not deserve the No. 3 seed they received. 

Addition by subtraction seems to be the word in the nation's capital as the Hoyas begin the year looking to make some noise in a postseason tournament for the first time since 2007.  Left to carry the legacy is a trio of guards who may be the envy of every team in America by season's end. 

Prior to his diabetes diagnosis, 6’4" rising Sr. guard Austin Freeman was the talk of the nation.  His heroics in the second half of the Connecticut game catapulted him into the All-American discussion.  However, his untimely illness served as the catalyst for what would be a frustrating end of the season, as the 2010-2011 Preseason Big East Player of Year was never the same again. 

The good news was that 6’1" brick house Chris Wright took over and showed why he was invited to Chris Paul’s camp this past summer.  Joining the two will be Mr. Everything, Jason Clark, who showed that, although inconsistent, he can produce at very high levels (just ask Villanova about their last trip to the MCI Center).    

In the post, former top recruit Julian Vaughn will have his chance to show that he is more than a sidekick when he takes on the mantel of Big Man U.  He should have some help, at least on the glass, from freshman Nate Lubick, who many feel will be an All-Big East Freshman team selection. 

Also vying for time will be Jr. enigma Henry Sims, who was recruited out of Baltimore, MD as a prime time shot blocker and rebounder.  While this has yet to manifest itself, this may be the time.  Additional post help will present itself in the form of another mystery, Moses “Abraham” Ayegba, who is a true prospect.

Additional bench support, something not seen in Hoya land for a while, will come from 6’7", 205 lb So. swingman Hollis Thompson, who may even battle for a starting spot.  Kentucky native So. Vee Sanford will also battle with incoming Fr. guards Aaron Bowen and Markel Starks for backcourt minutes. 

The final outcome of the season should be one that, while not living up to some of the lofty hopes of Hoya Nation, will be one to remember and should end in the Sweet 16.

(15) Kansas

Will Josh Shelby play?  That question may very well determine how far the Jayhawks go.  However, his pending eligibility only adds to what has been a rough few months for Bill Self’s squad on the basketball court. 

Flash back to March 20, 2010, when Northern Iowa ended what was to be a banner year in Lawrence, KS.  Gone from that 33-3 squad is All-American Sherron Collins, NBA Draft pick Cole Aldrich and NBA Lottery pick Xavier Henry. 

The Jayhawks do return Marcus and Markieff Morris who should both man the PF/C spots.  Joining them should be redshirt Sr. wing Mario Little, who will be joined on the perimeter by 6’3", 185 lb Jr. Tyshawn Taylor and 6’3", 185 lb Sr. Brady Morningstar (if Shelby is not eligible to play).   

Kansas's bench will get a huge boost upfront from 6’9", 230 lb So. Thomas Robinson and 7’, 225 lb So. Jeff Withey, once he returns from a right foot injury that is scheduled to have him out until mid November/early December.  A trio of guards, 6’3", 185 lb Sr. Tyrel Reed, 6’2", 183 lb So. Elijah Johnson and 6’3", 175 lb Fr. Royce Woolridge, round out what should be a solid bench. 

With or without Josh Shelby, Kansas and coach Bill Self have enough fire power to make a Sweet 16 run and should be the class of the Big 12.        

(16) Mississippi State

For the second consecutive season, the NCAA was forced to determine the eligibility of a Mississippi State basketball player.  This time it was 6’2", 180 lb Sr. G Dee Bost who foolishly entered the 2010 NBA draft and then let the deadline for withdrawal pass before making his decision to return to school.  Despite it all, the NCAA actually made the right decision and he will make his debut nine games into the season. 

With Bost back along with several other key players, Coach Rick Stansbury may be the happiest coach in America.  Joining Bost in the backcourt should be 6’4", 180 lb Sr. Riley Benock.  Also returning form last season’s 24-12 NIT team are 6’7", 175 lb Sr. wing Ravern Johnson and 6’8", 220 lb Sr. F Kodi Augustus. 

They will get much needed help up front from 7’1", 242 lb So. John Riek and the long overdue debut of 6’10", 260 lb C Renardo Sidney.  Sidney was forced to sit out all of last year while the NCAA investigated his eligibility status.

Bench support will come in the form of 6’3", 165 lb versatile Jr. Brian Bryant, 6’8", 240 lb So. Wendell Lewis, 6’3", 195 lb Fr. Jalen Steele, 6’5", 190 lb So. Twany Beckham and 6’6", 195 lb Fr. Shaun Smith.  The balance and bodies should make Coach Stansbury a very happy man this season and have the Bulldogs in the Sweet 16.

(17) Maryland

What almost was: That is the theme in College Park, MD going into this college basketball season.  Terrapin fans are probably still hung over from last season's NCAA tournament when a last second miracle prevented coach Gary Williams from making his first Sweet 16 appearance since 2003.  This season, the Terps hope to finish the task!

While it should not be overlooked that the Terrapins lost three key starters, 6’4", 210 lb Jr. G Sean Mosley and 6’10", 260 lb So. C Jordan Williams should be enough to get the team by.  Their presence is bolstered by the arrival of two key freshmen who should make an immediate impact. 

Six-foot-three, 200 lb G Pe’Shon Howard and 6’5", 190 lb wing Mychal Parker should give Maryland a solid backcourt.  If the freshman can’t make it, then 6’2", 190 lb Sr. G Adrian Bowie and 6’6", 205 lb Sr. Cliff Tucker should fill the void well. 

The front court will be fortified by 6’7", 230 lb Sr. F Dino Gregory and 6’9", 220 lb Fr. Ashton Pankey.  Gregory started two games a year ago and gives Maryland 4.2 PPG and 3.4 RPG while playing 20 each night.  He also shot 80 percent from the free throw line on 45 attempts. 

Come March 2011, Maryland should find itself in a similar situation (a tight second-round game that comes down to the final seconds), and this time it may work out better for them. 

(18) Gonzaga

No team has dominated its conference like the Bulldogs the last twelve years.  Gonzaga is 64-6.  Despite their West Coast Conference success, the Bulldogs have had limited success in the NCAA tournament. 

Although they have made the Big Dance the last twelve years, they have managed to make it out of the opening weekend on only four occasions.  During that same time period, the Zags have 11 WCC regular season titles and 9 WCC tournament titles.

This year may be different, because the Zags lose only one starter from a team that finished 27-7 (12-2) and bowed out in the Round of 32.  Leading the charge is 6’8", 215 lb So. Elias Harris.  The versatile big led the team in rebounding (7.1 RPG) while also hitting 23-51 three point attempts (good for 45.1 percent). 

He will be joined down low by 7’, 247 lb Jr. C Robert Sacre, who was second on the team with 5.4 RPG to go along with 10.3 PPG.  Six-foot-eleven, 215 lb So. F Olynk should also provide some help down low. 

Back to man the backcourt will be 6’5", 208 lb Sr. Steven Gray, who was the team's third leading scorer a year ago (13.6 PPG). 

The team’s on-court guidance will come from 5’11", 164 lb Jr. G Demetri Goodson.  The Spring, TX native played in 34 games (33 starts) but must significantly increase the 1.8 assists he averaged in over 25 minutes of play a year ago.  Freshman Sam Dower (6’9", 228 lb) will also have an opportunity to showcase his talents after redshirting a year ago. 

Wing help will come from Jr. G Marquise Carter, So. G/F Mangisto Arop, and 6’4", 180 lb Fr. G Keegan Hyland.  Carrter is a junior college transfer who can play both guard positions.  Arop played in 31 games a year ago, and he should see his minutes go up given his solid productivity (3.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG in only 11.9 MPG).

Experience, a solid rotation and a good combination of inside/outside/slashing should make the Zags a tough out come March.   

(19) Connecticut

Focus!  That will be key for Connecticut to have any success this year.  Amidst an ongoing NCAA investigation, coach Jim Calhoun will have to hope that this year’s version of Midnight Madness is the only thing missed the next few years.  While the off-the-court issues may take awhile, UConn should be NCAA competitive on the court. 

A year removed from the Final Four, the Huskies imploded and spent the year wondering how they ended up a NIT second-round team.  After starting 11-3 and coming off of consecutive Big East home wins, the Huskies watched a 15-point halftime lead dwindle into an improbable comeback by the Georgetown Hoyas. 

While some felt it was just a bad game, it ultimately initiated a free fall that saw the Huskies manage only 7 wins in their last 19 games, including a shocking first round Big East Tournament loss to St. Johns.

Three starters are gone, but UConn does bring back All-Big East Conference PG Kemba Walker.  The 6’1", 175 lb Bronx, NY native averaged 14.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 5.1 APG a season ago.  Six-foot-four, 190 lb Sr. G Donnell Beverely will join him in the backcourt after playing 9.8 minutes per game. 

Shabazz Napier, a 6’ freshman out of Randolph, MA, will provide the Huskies with backcourt depth while top recruit Roscoe Smith (6’8", 205 lb) will battle 6’7", 210 lb So. F Jamal Coombs-McDaniel for time on the wing.  Coombs-McDaniel provided the Huskies with 11.2 solid MPG while playing in all 34 games a season ago. 

Up front, Connecticut will rely on a rotation by committee of 6’11", 233 lb So. F/C Ater Majok, 6’9", 240 lb So. F/C Oriakhi Alex, 7’, 255 lb Sr. Charles Okwandu and 6’9", 225 lb Fr. F Tyler Olander.  Majok and Oriakhi played 14-plus minutes per game a year ago and combined for 51 starts in 60 games played in.  Okwandu is a huge body who started 12 games a year ago but was very quiet statistically. 

While the Huskies lack the experience, the team should be able to overcome the distractions and return to the NCAA tournament after a one-year absence.  However, unless the front line can get better on the boards, their dancing may end very early!   

(20) BYU

Last year, coach Dave Rose’s Cougars picked up their first NCAA tournament win in 16 years.  They also won a school record 30 games. While they may not duplicate last season’s win total, this year's squad should be just as successful come March.

Back to lead the charge is 6’2", 195 lb Sr. G Jimmer Fredette.  Fredette averaged 22.1 PPG and even set a school record with 49 points against Arizona.  He scored 30 or more in seven games including a 45-point effort versus TCU in the Mountain West Conference Tournament.  In the NCAA tournament, he single-handedly carried the Cougars past Florida with 37 points, including 10 in the second overtime period.  He returns this year with the hopes of improving on his .458 FGP, .892 FTP and .440 three-point shooting.    

Joining Fredette in the backcourt will be 6’3", 190 lb Sr. Jackson Emery, who averaged 12.5 PPG a year ago.  Bench support will come in the form of 6’ So. Nick Martineau, who returns from his church mission, and 6’3", 195 lb Fr. Anson Winder, who played his high school ball at powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Nevada. 

Coach Rose returns his entire starting front line, led by 6’8", 230 lb Jr. F Noah Hartsock.  Joining him in the paint will be 6’10", 240 lb Jr. James Anderson and 6’5", 215 lb wing Charles Abouo.  A pair of 6’9" big men, Fr. Chris Collinsworth and So. Brandon Davies, will be joined by junior college transfer Stephen Rogers.  

BYU will be very competitive this year, should vie for the school's fourth conference title in the last five years and may bring home the Western Athletic Conference tournament title for the first time since 2001.  They should also be dancing, albeit for a game or two, in the school’s 26th NCAA tournament. 

(21) Baylor

(22) North Carolina State

(23) Butler

(24) Washington

(25) Memphis