The 2007-08 College Basketball Season Thread

[bigdog]

I know it's just exhibition.....key first words

but ESPN showed the clips, GVSU won in double OT 85-82....and Michigan St. was playing like it was regular season...big crowd, they played starters throughout the ending of the game and both OT's, so wasn't like they weren't trying.......

makes me wonder how good they are....they are talented, and well coached, but something like this has to raise eyebrows....

[The_Mayor]

i already told you that the big ten is wide open this year... no clear-cut fav imo.... just alotta questions with these teams this season, and not just in that conference

matter of fact... hold on right quick

[The_Mayor]

Rivals.com Preseason Top 64
1. North Carolina
Everything is coming together at the right time for UNC. While the bulk of the ACC teams appear to be regressing – eight other teams lost their best player – the Heels remain loaded. Going undefeated in ACC play is a reasonable goal. Postseason success will depend largely on outside shooting and defense. If the Tar Heels do a solid job in both areas, they will have their second national title in four seasons. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

2. Memphis
The Tigers are primed for a run at the national title. They have talent, size, quickness and depth at every position. The non-conference schedule is a doozy, but it's designed to push this team in a way that Conference USA has been unable to in the past two seasons. Anything less than a Final Four appearance would be a disappointment. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

3. UCLA
The main difference between the Bruins and the other national-title favorites (Memphis, Kansas and North Carolina) is depth. The Bruins lack it at certain positions. But if they remain injury-free, there's no reason this team can't make another deep NCAA Tournament run. The Bruins have a difference-maker at point guard, a roster full of players with postseason experience, one of the best coaches in the game and the kind of big man they long have coveted. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

4. Kansas
Kansas coach Bill Self returns an experienced team that boasts as much talent as any squad in the country. The Jayhawks are eyeing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and hoping to avoid another postseason disappointment. Forward Brandon Rush is expected to return from an ACL injury in Dec. 1 to complement one of the nation's deepest and most explosive backcourts. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

5. Louisville
The Cardinals will be up-tempo on both ends of the floor, and they have the horses to pull it off - for the most part. The coach wants his team to be better defensively than it was a year ago (fifth in the Big East in scoring defense), but there's no reason to believe that can't happen. No team in the conference can throw more big, able bodies at you than Louisville. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

6. Tennessee
The Vols appear loaded for a run at the national title. The roster is brimming with great athletes who fit into Pearl's system. The Vols lose only one player from last season's team, which led eventual national runner-up Ohio State by 17 points at the half in the Sweet 16. The only questions are on defense, where the Vols don't rebound well and are devoid of a real shutdown guy. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

7. Indiana
The arrival of five-star recruit Eric Gordon to the Indiana basketball program has Hoosier fans as hyped as ever. The ultra-talented guard is set to make a huge impact the first time he steps on the floor for a team that checks in at No. 7 in our Top 64 Countdown. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

8. Michigan State
Star guard Drew Neitzel carried the offensive load last season, but coach Tom Izzo would like to see his star guard shoot just as much but take better shots and play fewer minutes. That's possible with the depth in the backcourt. There is quality depth up front, too. If the big men can make some strides from last season, this could be a Final Four team. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

9. USC
With as many as three freshmen set to start, a lot of critics like to talk about the Trojans' youth. But this team is oozing with talent. O.J. Mayo is a one-and-done player. Davon Jefferson and Taj Gibson will leave for the NBA before their eligibility is exhausted. The backcourt lacks depth, but the Trojans will make a legit run at the Final Four if Mayo stays healthy. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

10. Georgetown
The Hoyas have a chance to return to the lofty heights of last season. They have arguably the nation's best center in Roy Hibbert, and they have a solid backcourt in Jonathan Wallace and Jessie Sapp. Georgetown's success - for our purposes defined as getting at least as far as last year - hinges on DaJuan Summers. He has all of the tools to be the next Jeff Green. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

11. Kansas State
With Bill Walker back from injury and his former AAU teammate Michael Beasley on campus, Kansas State may have the nation's most athletic frontcourt. The Wildcats' biggest question is whether a new coach can capitalize on that talent. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

12. Arizona
The roster is full of talent. Budinger is one of the most gifted players in the nation, and Bayless is good enough to be an instant star. If Hill can make some big strides, Olson will find a way to get back into the Sweet 16. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

13. Stanford
We haven't seen near the best this Stanford team has to offer. Their ultra-young lineup combined for 460 assists and 459 turnovers last season. That's alarming news for the rest of the Pac-10 considering they still found a way to make the NCAA Tournament. Expect fewer mistakes in 2007-08. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

14. Washington State
The Cougars enter the preseason with heavy expectations for maybe the first time ever. The longtime Pac-10 doormat hadn't won an NCAA Tournament game for 24 years until last season. Don't expect them to start another streak like that in 2007-08. As long as they stay healthy, the Cougars won't have any problems getting back into the field of 65. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

15. Marquette
The Golden Eagles have plenty of reason for optimism with the top seven players back from a team that won 24 games. Their guards can play with anyone, so if Ousmane Barro and Lazar Hayward can produce consistently inside, Marquette is easily a Sweet 16 team - and possibly more. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

16. D***
The B*** D***** have the personnel to start another streak of trips to the Sweet 16; their run of nine in a row came to an end last season. But without an inside scoring threat and a frontcourt full of questions, this team has a ceiling that stops short of the Final Four. We think they'll land a solid seed in the NCAA Tournament, but don't expect them to advance past the second weekend. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

17. Mississippi State
The Bulldogs have Elite Eight potential if they can develop a little depth and maintain team chemistry. There will be games when this team looks unbeatable. If it can avoid melting down after losses, Mississippi State should post 23-25 wins and help Tennessee carry the SEC's banner late into March. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

18. N.C. State
The Wolfpack generated a lot of preseason buzz by making a shocking run to the final of the 2007 ACC Tournament. For most of last season, the team looked like a rebuilding project, finishing 5-11 in league play. So, which Wolfpack team will show up in 2007-08? We believe it will be the team you saw in March. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

19. Syracuse
Coach Jim Boeheim will have a young squad, but there's a lot of excitement over the recruiting class, and rightfully so. Boeheim would like to temper the enthusiasm, but Flynn and Greene have a chance to be very good very quickly. Look for them to deliver on their promise and for Syracuse to leave no doubt this season that it belongs in the NCAA Tournament. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

20. Texas
On the surface, it's easy to think Texas will take a big step back without Durant. But the Longhorns were a successful program before Durant arrived in Austin, reaching the Sweet 16 in four of the previous five seasons. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

[The_Mayor]

21. Connecticut
Can the Huskies bounce back from a 12th-place finish in the Big East? The short answer is yes. The talent level hardly has eroded, but there is a bit of apprehension because the talent didn't translate last season. It would be more surprising if this team goes belly up like last year than it would be if it wins 20-24 games and makes a run at the Sweet 16. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

22. Oregon
Oregon's Tajuan Porter will have to shoulder the load of being the Ducks' offensive catalyst this season. With a strong surrounding cast, Porter's ability to step in for last year's star, Aaron Brooks, may be the key to Oregon's return to the regional finals. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

23. Pittsburgh
The loss of inside forces Aaron Gray and Levon Kendall leave Pittsburgh with some question marks, but the Panthers return more than enough to find themselves in the thick of the Big East race once again. A favorable schedule in the conference won't hurt either. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

24. Alabama
When we compiled our Preseason Top 64, Alabama looked like a team with Final Four talent. But the news that point guard Ronald Steele will miss the season changes things for the No. 24 team in our countdown. Coach Mark Gottfried will be forced to rely on young point guards to survive in the SEC West. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

25. Southern Illinois
The expectations again will be high for a team that has made seven consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Randal Falker, the Missouri Valley Conference's top defender, anchors a solid frontcourt, and the Salukis figure to be as talented as last year's regional semifinalist squad. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

26. Arkansas
After some tumult in securing Pelphrey to be its next coach, the Arkansas program is poised for an uptick. The talent is there to contend in the SEC West with Mississippi State and Alabama. He has athletic wing players who can make plays on defense and get out in transition. If the point-guard play is steady and as a team the Hogs can cut down on their turnovers, they should be playing well into March. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

27. Butler
The loss of Lickliter definitely hurts, but promoting from within should allow for a smooth transition. Stevens also should benefit from the return of Graves and Green in the backcourt. The Bulldogs' combination of strong backcourt play and solid defense should produce another postseason berth. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

28. Kentucky
Expectations always are high in Lexington, and it will be interesting to watch how Billy Gillispie responds to being under the microscope. He has a team chock full of guards, but the Wildcats are thin up front. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

29. Ohio State
Is this a rebuilding year or a reloading year? The Buckeyes will be young, but they were young last season when they made a run to the national championship game. Coach Thad Matta lost a lot from that team, but Jamar Butler, is back and ready to move back to the point. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

30. Texas A&M
With Acie Law IV the playmaker last season, Texas A&M took another giant step forward. But with Law now in the NBA and Billy Gillispie now at Kentucky, the Aggies must continue their successful ways with Mark Turgeon in charge. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

31. Washington
Washington has a veteran point guard who can do a little bit of everything, a great outside shooter and a big man who can control the boards. He may have to go with an undersized lineup - in perhaps the nation's toughest conference - but Lorenzo Romar will find a way to win. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

32. Gonzaga
Gonzaga again will be one of the top teams not in a major conference, though the rest of the West Coast Conference is catching up. Last season, the Bulldogs lost three league games for the first time since 1999-2000. The goals are the same for the Bulldogs: go to the NCAA Tournament for the 10th consecutive season and win the WCC for the eighth time in a row. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense |
Outlook

33. California
Erase any memories you have of the 2006-07 Bears. That team was badly undersized and woefully unlucky. Five players missed time with knee surgeries, forcing several players to play out of their natural positions. With Hardin and Wilkes back, the Bears won't get crushed on the boards, which was the main source of their problems last season. Anderson looks ready to emerge as a go-to scorer. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

34. Villanova
Villanova is the kind of team that will cause matchup problems - but face them, too. The Wildcats will field a small, quick team that will make the opposition come out on defense. They'll be at a disadvantage defensively against teams with size, but that's nothing new. This will be an exciting team to watch, and it can score with anybody in the Big East. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

35. UAB
UAB is out to prove Conference USA is not all about Memphis. The Tigers cruised to a CUSA title last year, but the Blazers could make it tougher for them. A year ago, UAB effectively had six scholarship players (nine total, minus three transfers sitting out due to NCAA rules). Those three are now eligible along with an excellent freshman class. With more depth and talent, UAB should be a tournament team and a thorn in the side of CUSA-favorite Memphis. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

36. Notre Dame
Notre Dame is carrying a chip on its shoulder after the NCAA first-round exit to Winthrop. Expectations won't be quite as high with Russell Carter and Colin Falls gone, but this is a 20-plus win team that has the potential to last further into March. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

37. Florida
In this day and age freshmen can step right into the college game and make a huge impact, and that's a good thing for the Gators. Florida signed Rivals.com's top-ranked recruiting class, and it needed to because the two-time defending national champ is undergoing a roster makeover. Expect the kids to improve steadily, and by the end of the season Florida will be a viable NCAA Tournament team. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

38. Davidson
A repeat as Southern Conference champ is almost a given. But this team has its sights set on a higher goal, like making it through the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats play four teams ranked in the Rivals.com Preseason Top 25 (No. 1 North Carolina, No. 3 UCLA, No. 16 Duke and No. 18 N.C. State). Even if they lose all four (and don't bet on it) the experience will be invaluable. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

39. Virginia
Virginia went from rebuilding to a squad with real hopes of getting back into the NCAA Tournament when senior point guard Sean Singletary pulled out of the NBA Draft. But can coach Dave Leitao find enough other pieces to the puzzle around the star guard? [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

40. Vanderbilt
There's nothing like senior leadership at point guard. Alex Gordon has started 55 games for Vanderbilt career, and the Commodores are 38-17 in those contests. But the key for Vandy this season could be new big man Andrew Ogilvy, who should supply the inside presence the 'Dores have been missing. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

41. Xavier
There is no question Xavier has the best set of guards in the Atlantic 10. In fact, Drew Lavender and Stanley Burrell would probably start for many of the teams in the six major conferences. But can the Musketeers answer their frontcourt questions and return to the NCAA Tournament? [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

[The_Mayor]

42. Southern Miss
Southern Mississippi made a dramatic improvement last year under Larry Eustachy, and the Eagles should be ready to take another giant step forward. They return their top four scorers from a team that went 20-11 last season and should challenge for an NCAA bid if they can take better care of the ball. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

43. Wisconsin
A healthy Brian Butch returns to lead a Wisconsin team that must overcome the loss of Big Ten Player of the Year Alando Tucker and point guard Kammron Taylor. But coach Bo Ryan doesn't need stars to win, and this year's Badgers should get into the NCAA Tournament with blue-collar effort and a strong defense. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

44. New Mexico State
Don't cry for Marvin Menzies. After New Mexico State coach Reggie Theus left the Aggies for the NBA, Menzies was hired to build on Theus' vision. And Theus hardly left the cupboard bare. Menzies steps in with one of the nation's top recruiting classes and plenty of talent returing from last year's NCAA Tournament squad. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

45. Illinois
Illinois returns some solid veterans from an NCAA Tournament team, but coach Bruce Weber's team faces some question marks entering the 2007-08 season. The Fighting Illini need to stay healthy, mature quickly and perhaps find a little luck along the way to make the field of 64 in March. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

46. Nebraska
Aleks Maric will still be the main man for Nebraska, but coach Doc Sadler hopes the addition of seven newcomers will take some of the pressure off one of the nation's top centers. Finding some outside scoring to go with Maric's strength inside could push Nebraska into contention for a NCAA Tournament berth. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

47. George Mason
Folarin Campbell is one of two veterans from George Mason's 2006 Final Four team who hopes to lead the Patriots back to the postseason after a one-year hiatus. Coach Jim Larranaga has an experienced roster with depth in the backcourt and a strong defense, but the early season schedule could determine whether George Mason can return to the role of the Cinderella team. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

48. Maryland
Big man James Gist gives Maryland the star power and inside presence it needs. Young guards Greivis Vasquez and Eric Hayes should improve into a solid backcourt. Add in some chemistry lessons from Gary Williams and the Terps may be a team to watch in 2007-08. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

49. West Virginia
Watching this talented team transition from John Beilein to Bob Huggins will be one of the most interesting stories of the season. Expect this team to run more, pressure like it never has, and still shoot plenty of 3-pointers. If Huggins can strike the right chord, this could be an NCAA Tournament team. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

50. Oklahoma State
With the status of Marcus Dove and Kenny Cooper undecided, it's difficult to predict where the Cowboys will finish. Wthout them, the Cowboys could easily spend another season in the bottom half of the Big 12. The most likely scenario is another trip to the NIT. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

51. St. Joseph's
Inexperience was a valid excuse for the program's downward turn last season as coach Phil Martelli fielded one of his youngest teams during the 2006-07 campaign. Unless they sustain a key injury, the Hawks have no more reasons to miss the postseason. With a schedule that includes games with Gonzaga and Creighton and a probable matchup with Syracuse in the preseason NIT, and the Hawks look like a bubble team for the NCAA Tournament. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

52. Virginia Commonwealth
VCU should continue challenging for NCAA Tournament berths as long as it has Anthony Grant on the bench and Eric Maynor in the backcourt. VCU should fight it out with George Mason for the Colonial Athletic Association title, but we expect both teams to earn NCAA bids. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

53. Georgia Tech
Many experts are expecting Paul Hewitt and Georgia Tech to take a significant step back in 2007-08 after the loss of Thaddeus Young and Javaris Crittenton to the NBA. But the Yellow Jackets are a veteran team loaded with balance, experience and depth, so don't be surprised if they land back in the NCAA Tournament. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

54. Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky will battle South Alabama for the Sun Belt title and the NCAA Tournament automatic bid. Coach Darrin Horn has six seniors, so there is plenty of leadership and experience, but he'd like to play 8-10 guys regular minutes, so some of the younger players will need to progress. If the depth develops and the frontcourt can hold its own, this team should better last season's 22 wins and be playing in the postseason. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

55. Siena
The Saints went 6-24 prior to coach Fran McCaffery's arrival. In two seasons, he has compiled a 35-25 record and a 22-14 mark in the MAAC. Siena hopes to build on a third-place finish last year – including two wins over MAAC champion Niagara. If Siena's defense catches up to its offense, the Saints should contend for a MAAC title. They should also be a threat in the conference tournament. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

56. Rhode Island
Dangerous may be the best word to describe the Rams. They are loaded with offensive weapons and experience. But they are full of question marks on defense. If they improve without the ball, they'll contend for the A-10 title and their first NCAA Tournament bid since 1999. If not, they might not make any postseason trips. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

57. Georgia
If Mike Mercer emerges from rehab fully healthy, he and Takais Brown could prove to be one of the SEC's best inside-outside tandems. Throw in a solid supporting cast, and you have the makings of a team that could go further than anyone expects. But things will have to break right for this to be an NCAA team in the always-tough SEC East. The Bulldogs are probably headed for another NIT trip. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

58. Purdue
The Boilermakers love their incoming freshmen, but it would be nice to have some pieces with experience to mix with the youthful makeover. Things would have to go almost perfectly to believe this is an NCAA team, but it's possible. We'll say NCAA bubble, but more likely NIT this season. But when this freshman class has a season under its belt, Purdue will be a tough team to beat. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

59. Saint Louis
The Billikens are going to be thin up front, but they are a veteran-laden team. Add Rick Majerus, whose career record is 422-147, to the mix and that could be enough to sneak into the NCAA Tournament. Majerus has taken teams with less talent to the Big Dance. At worst, expect the Billikens' first trip to the NIT since 2004. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

[The_Mayor]

60. Auburn
Jeff Lebo has to get his team to play better defense. It doesn't have to be good, just better than bottom three in the league. If that happens, an NCAA bid is a possibility. More likely this is an NIT team that will look improved on the court but maybe not in the standings. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

61. Brigham Young
Brigham Young should challenge for a postseason berth as long as it has Dave Rose, who has been named the Mountain West's coach of the year each of his two seasons at the school. The Cougars also play extremely well at home. Only Memphis has a longer home winning streak than Brigham Young, which has won its last 31 games at Provo. But the lack of experience could cause the Cougars to settle for an NIT bid instead of a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

62. Minnesota
Yes, on the surface it appears a little crazy to take a team that was 9-22 and put it in the top 64. But the Big Ten will be down this year, and Coleman and McKenzie are talented players. This team lost seven games by seven or fewer points. If Tubby is worth 7.5 points a game, that's 16-15. We're not saying this is an NCAA team, but you can put it down for the NIT. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

63. Fordham
No Atlantic 10 team brings back more pieces to the puzzle than Dereck Whittenburg's Fordham squad. The Rams aren't going to blow anybody out, but they have their top seven players back and the best defense in the A-10. It could all add up to a return to the postseason. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

64. Drexel
After being passed over on Selection Sunday last season, Drexel's chances of avoiding a similar fate this year depend on how well it does in conference play. The biggest strikes against them were a loss in the CAA tournament semifinals and a fourth-place finish in the regular season. The Dragons should improve quite a bit over the course of the season, but they'll probably have to settle for a second consecutive NIT bid. [ In-Depth Preview ]
MORE: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook

[The_Mayor]

RIVALS: PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS - POSITION BY POSITION

POINT GUARDS

Name Pos School Ht/Wt Hometown Stock Value
1 Jamont Gordon G-F Miss. State 6-4/225 Nashville, TN
Tempted by NBA, he returns to display explosive all-around game.

2 Darren Collison G UCLA 6-0/160 Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Addition of freshman Kevin Love will only bolster numbers for Collison.

3 D.J. Augustin G Texas 5-11/175 New Orleans, LA
Will be an even bigger factor in absence of Mr. Durant.

4 Ty Lawson G N. Carolina 5-11/193 Clinton, MD
Runs the show for preseason No. 1 on Rivals.com.

5 Dominic James G Marquette 5-11/185 Richmond, IN
James returned to show NBA scouts he can run a team and make good decisions.

6 Sean Singletary G Virginia 6-0/185 Philadelphia, PA
He will have to carry the Cavaliers, and he is certainly capable.

7 Eric Maynor G Virginia Com. 6-2/165 Fayetteville, NC
An NCAA Tourney revelation will keep the Rams running in the Colonial.

8 Derrick Rose G Memphis 6-4/195 Chicago,
Tigers veterans are saying the frosh is the fastest player they have ever seen.

9 Tyrese Rice G Boston College 6-1/190 Richmond, VA
Rice will have to shoulder the load with much of his help gone.

10 Greg Paulus G D*** 6-1/180 Syracuse, NY
Averaged 14.8 ppg from February till premature end of season.

11 Eugene Harvey G Seton Hall 6-0/165 Brooklyn, NY
Leader of Pirates turned out to be one of the best in the Big East.

12 Mike Green G Butler 6-1/175 Philadelphia, PA
Powerful point teams with A.J. Graves to form stellar back court.

13 Jonathan Wallace G Georgetown 6-1/188 Harvest, AL
Steady, heady and a terrific outside shooter is trusted to run show.

14 Devan Downey G South Carolina 5-9/173 Chester, SC
Speedy Cincinnati transfer should be a breakout star for Gamecocks.

15 Jerryd Bayless G Arizona 6-3/193 Phoenix, AZ
Five-star freshman brings a dynamic skill set to the Wildcats.

16 Drew Lavender G Xavier 5-7/153 Columbus, OH
Diminutive, yes, but a great decision-maker who also can knock down the 3.

17 Ramar Smith G Tennessee 6-2/200 Mt. Clemens, MI
No less than his own coach says he will be in the NBA before his UT days are over.

18 Stefhon Hannah G Missouri 6-1/175 Chicago, IL
Junior-college transfer lit up the Big 12 in his first season.

19 Jeremy Pargo G Gonzaga 6-2/219 Chicago, IL
Showed great improvement last season, and has loads of talent around him.

20 Darris Nichols G West Virginia 6-2/200 Radford, VA
His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.44 is beyond sublime.

[The_Mayor]

SHOOTING GUARDS

Name Pos School Ht/Wt Hometown Stock Value
1 Chris Lofton G Tennessee 6-2/200 Maysville, KY
Vols sharpshooter takes aim at the top of the 3-pointers list.

2 Eric Gordon G Indiana 6-4/215 Indianapolis, IN
Rivals No. 2 prospect is ready to deliver a monster season.

3 O.J. Mayo G Southern Cal 6-5/215 Huntington,
When he is right he can be a dominant force all over the court.

4 Mario Chalmers G Kansas 6-1/195 Anchorage, AK
Can score from anywhere for powerful Jayhawks.

5 Drew Neitzel G Michigan State 6-0/180 Grand Rapids, MI
Poised for big season with less pressure to carry scoring load.

6 Chris Douglas-Roberts G Memphis 6-6/200 Detroit, MI
Leading scorer (15.4 ppg) for preseason No. 2 team by Rivals.

7 Patrick Beverley G Arkansas 6-1/172 Chicago, IL
Monster summer with U.S. U-19 team portends great things for Hogs.

8 Shan Foster G-F Vanderbilt 6-6/205 Kenner, LA
Commodores star had a great summer with U.S. Pan-Am team.

9 Scottie Reynolds G Villanova 6-2/195 Herndon, VA
Will bounce back from miserable summer showing on U.S. Pan-Am team.

10 Stephen Curry G Davidson 6-0/180 Charlotte, NC
Son of former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry is the real deal.

11 A.J. Graves G Butler 6-1/155 Switz City, IN
Sound, savvy player who will figure out how to score in any situation.

12 Marcelus Kemp G Nevada 6-5/210 Seattle, WA
With Nick Fazekas and Ramon Sessions gone it is his show.

13 Wayne Ellington G N. Carolina 6-4/195 Wynnewood, PA
Look for former five-star prospect to make leap as soph.

14 Derrick Low G Wash. State 6-2/196 Honolulu, HI
Steady Cougar was major scoring surprise for U.S. Pan-Am team.

15 Jerel McNeal G Marquette 6-3/200 Chicago, IL
NBA-ready defender needs to improve shooting touch.

16 Jeremy Wise G Southern Miss. 6-2/165 Jackson, MS
Exploded on the scene as a frosh; preseason all-conference pick.

17 Bryce Taylor G Oregon 6-5/210 Encino, CA
Consistent outside shooter contributes in other areas, too.

18 A.J. Abrams G Texas 5-10/155 Round Rock, TX
Plenty of scoring slack (read: Durant) needs to be taken up.

19 Eric Devendorf G Syracuse 6-4/189 Bay City, MI
Freshman PG Jonny Flynn will make him more of a threat.

20 Richard Roby G Colorado 6-6/205 San Bernardino, CA
He can score from anywhere on the floor and has nice size to boot.

[The_Mayor]

SMALL FORWARDS

Name Pos School Ht/Wt Hometown Stock Value
1 Brandon Costner F NC State 6-9/238 Montclair, NJ
Should have no trouble backing up sensational freshman season.

2 Chase Budinger F Arizona 6-7/205 Encinitas, CA
Another super sophomore with an advance offensive game.

3 Josh Shipp F UCLA 6-5/207 Los Angeles, CA
Says he is ready to go after arthroscopic hip surgery in April.

4 Kyle Weaver G Wash. State 6-6/201 Beloit, WI
Stat-sheet filler teams with Derrick Low to keep Cougars.dangerous.

5 Terrence Williams F Louisville 6-6/210 Seattle, WA
Led Cardinals in scoring, rebounding and assists.

6 Tyler Smith F Tennessee 6-7/215 Pulaski, TN
Iowa transfer eligible immediately, bolsters explosive Vols lineup.

7 Malik Hairston G Oregon 6-6/215 Detroit, MI
Time is now for former five-star prospect to reach full potential.

8 Robert Vaden F UAB 6-5/225 Indianapolis, IN
Indiana transfer with all-around game will make big splash in C-USA.

9 Lawrence Hill F Stanford 6-8/205 Glendale, AZ
Led the Cardinal in scoring and rebounding, will have to carry load ealy.

10 Bill Walker F Kansas State 6-6/220 Huntington, WV
Big--time athlete returning from ACL surgery, key to sky-high Wildcat hopes.

11 Raymar Morgan F Michigan State 6-7/220 Canton, OH
Poised for breakout season riding shotgun with Drew Neitzel.

12 Tasmin Mitchell F LSU 6-7/230 Denham Springs, LA
Without Big Baby he will do a lot of the heavy lifting for the Tigers.

13 Courtney Lee F Western Kentucky 6-5/200 Indianapolis, IN
One of the top seniors in the nation can really fill it up.

14 Geoff McDermott F Providence 6-8/235 New Rochelle, NY
A terrific rebounder and passer who had one triple-double last season and has more ahead.

15 K.C. Rivers F Clemson 6-5/215 Charlotte, NC
Emerged as Tigers leading scorer after raising average 7 ppg.

16 Kyle Singler F D*** 6-8/220 Medford, OR
Five-star prospect has gotten the attention of Coach K.

17 Alonzo Gee G Alabama 6-6/219 Riviera Beach, FL
Athletic wing teams with Richard Hendrix to propel Tide.

18 JaJuan Smith G Tennessee 6-2/195 Cleveland, TN
UT website even calls him "one of the most overlooked players in the nation."

19 Sonny Weems F Arkansas 6-6/201 West Memphis, AR
Athletic wing fit in well for Hogs after transferring from JuCo ranks.

20 David Hoskins F Kansas State 6-5/230 Canton, MI
Max-effort guy will be perfect complement to Michael Beasley and Bill Walker.

[The_Mayor]

POWER FORWARDS

Name Pos School Ht/Wt Hometown Stock Value
1 Tyler Hansbrough F N. Carolina 6-9/245 Poplar Bluff, MO
When coaches throw out "plays hard," this is what they have in mind.

2 D.J. White F Indiana 6-9/251 Tuscaloosa, AL
Solid summer as leader of U.S. Pan-Am team.

3 Michael Beasley F Kansas State 6-9/235 Washington, DC
Will the next Big 12 Player of the Year be a freshman, too?

4 Taj Gibson F Southern Cal 6-9/210 Brooklyn, NY
Huge NCAA Tourney propels him toward breakout soph season.

5 Ryan Anderson F California 6-10/235 El Dorado Hills, CA
A revelation in his freshman season with nine double-doubles.

6 Richard Hendrix F Alabama 6-8/265 Athens, AL
Consistent performer is leading returning rebounder in SEC.

7 Jon Brockman F Washington 6-7/245 Snohomish, WA
Works as hard on the glass (16th nationally) as anybody.

8 Darrell Arthur F Kansas 6-9/230 Dallas, TX
Started only seven games but showed wide array of skills.

9 Blake Griffin F Oklahoma 6-10/243 Oklahoma City,
Five-star prospect will have every opportunity to be go-to guy.

10 Randal Falker F Southern Illinois 6-7/230 St. Louis, MO
Tenacious defender will not let Salukis slide from national picture.

11 Ben McCauley F NC State 6-10/238 West Newton, PA
Teams with Brandon Costner to make Wolfpack formidable up front.

12 Josh Heytvelt F Gonzaga 6-11/238 Clarkston,
Skilled big man can score in post or out on the perimeter.

13 Charles Rhodes F Miss. State 6-8/240 Jackson, MS
Blue-collar type was coaches pick for All-SEC second team.

14 James Gist F Maryland 6-8/223 Silver Spring, MD
Long, lean athlete will have lots of work to do without Ekene Ibekwe.

15 Maarty Leunen F Oregon 6-9/215 Redmond, OR
Terrific perimeter shooter does all of the little things well.

16 Kyle Hines F UNC-G'boro 6-6/240 Sickleville,
Returning SoCon Player of the Year. Can do damage at both ends.

17 DeMarre Carroll F Missouri 6-8/225 Birmingham, AL
Vanderbilt transfer will hit the boards hard, find ways to score.

18 Jeff Adrien F Connecticut 6-7/238 Brookline, MA
Hard worker finds a way to post a double-double just about every night out.

19 Will Daniels F Rhode Island 6-8/225 Hyde Park,
His improved outside shooting only makes him more dangerous.

20 Rob Kurz F Notre Dame 6-9/235 Lower Gwynedd, PA
Lone Irish senior plays physically, smart and can step out and shoot it, too.

[The_Mayor]

CENTERS

Name Pos School Ht/Wt Hometown Stock Value
1 Roy Hibbert C Georgetown 7-2/278 Adelphi, MD
Surprising decision to return makes Hoyas a threat to win it all.

2 Joey Dorsey F Memphis 6-9/260 Baltimore, MD
Beast on the boards for explosive Tigers squad.

3 Aleks Maric C Nebraska 6-11/270 Sydney,
Averaged an eye-popping 25.1 ppg and 11.4 rpg over last eight games.

4 Kevin Love C UCLA 6-10/250 Lake Oswego, OR
Five-star prospect could be missing piece for Ben Howland.

5 Luke Nevill C Utah 7-1/265 Perth,
Aussie big man was consistent performer for Utes.

6 Kentrell Gransberry C South Florida 6-9/270 Baton Rouge, LA
Leading returning rebounder in nation gives Stan Heath a building block.

7 DeVon Hardin C California 6-11/235 Newark, CA
Few college players his size can run and jump like he can.

8 Chris Daniels C TAMU C.C. 7-0/265 San Antonio,
Southland Conference Player of the Year returns for more.

9 Joseph Jones F-C Texas A&M 6-9/250 Normangee, TX
Aggies welcome back solid post presence after losing key seniors.

10 Shaun Pruitt C Illinois 6-10/245 Aurora, IL
Made strides as junior; similar strides as senior could push his NBA stock.

11 Hasheem Thabeet C Connecticut 7-3/255 Dar Es Salaam, OU
If the scoring can complement the shot-blocking a litlte more, look out.

12 Jeff Pendergraph F Arizona State 6-9/230 Etiwanda, CA
A physical player who does his damage in the paint.

13 Robin Lopez C Stanford 7-0/245 Fresno, CA
The eligible Lopez twin is more advanced defensively at the moment.

14 Marreese Speights F-C Florida 6-10/250 St. Petersburg, FL
Spent a year playing behind Noah and Horford; he should be ready.

15 Andrew Ogilvy C Vanderbilt 6-10/250 Canberra, OU
Skilled Aussie has a high basketball IQ and nice footwork.

16 Ahmad Nivins F St. Joseph's 6-9/235 Jersey City, NJ
All-conference pick shot school-record 63.1 percent from field last season.

17 Trent Plaisted F-C BYU 6-11/245 San Antonio, TX
Cougars post is a consistent force on the offensive end.

18 Longar Longar C Oklahoma 6-11/234 Rochester, MN
Justified increased minutes with six double-doubles.

19 DeAndre Jordan C Texas A&M 7-0/240 Houston, TX
Five-star prospect is long and athletic and could make a major impact.

20 Steven Hill C Arkansas 7-0/250 Branson, MO
A defensive force who is not asked to do much else for talented Hogs.

[bigdog]

come on now mayor, it don't matter if the big ten is wide open, door closed, half open.....its GVSU beating MSU! i dont' care which side of the door they on, they shouldnt be losing to GVSU!

[bigdog]

IMO, the 4 most talented teams in the nation is pretty clear cut, and in a watered down year talent wise i see these teams as being the teams to beat

UNC
UCLA
Kansas
Kansas State

A couple other good teams out there, that get by on some talent but mostly great teamwork and coaching, like Washington State, USC but now they have O.J. so they do have talent with him and Gibson, don't know how Oregon will be this year....i'm not sold on Memphis because i think Dorsey is a bust, and I don't think Indiana will be great...I think good, maybe top 10 but I don't consider them title worthy....but Pac-10 looks strong again

[The_Mayor]

i said it at the end of last season, and ill say it again....

imo kansas is the clear-cut favorite for the natl title this year... even losing julian wright wont hurt much because they've got front court depth... its all about mario chalmers (the key), brandon rush, darrell arthur staying healthy and handling business against k-state's twin towers and the rest of the big 12


all-american team:
dominic james - best pg in the nation, fuck what they talkin bout lol
chris lofton - prolly the best sec off-guard ive seen in 5-6 years
brandon rush - the new paul pierce. offense, defense, experience, what else is there? lol
tyler hansbrough - if he and lawson can build a real chemistry at some pt, he'll be twice as good as we've seen
roy hibbert - he was easily the 2nd best C in the nation last year and didnt even have legit offfensive skills; i dont think they miss a step without jeff green


final four: kansas, memphis, georgetown and n.carolina

2008 National Championship:
Kansas over North Carolina

[MidWest]

To think Bill self will not let the team down is crazy. He will cause them not to win.

[The_Mayor]

they used to say that about roy williams... then he finally got a team with real depth and they won the natl title... kansas is the deepest team in the country, its time

EDIT: i forgot you hate self... nevermind

[jamalicious]

all-american team:
dominic james - best pg in the nation, fuck what they talkin bout lol
chris lofton - prolly the best sec off-guard ive seen in 5-6 years
brandon rush - the new paul pierce. offense, defense, experience, what else is there? lol
tyler hansbrough - if he and lawson can build a real chemistry at some pt, he'll be twice as good as we've seen
roy hibbert - he was easily the 2nd best C in the nation last year and didnt even have legit offfensive skills; i dont think they miss a step without jeff green

I give you one chance to change that...

[The_Mayor]

^ lol, i know you want budinger on the team, but i dont know if the east coast media's gonna get his name out there enough to put him on the team... i told you last yr hes a top 10 pick easy if he enters the '08 draft, but its a tight pipeline on forwards this year for the AA team

on second thought, b-rush may have a slow recovery from it and force chalmers to carry the load til he gets right... lets try this then:

dominic james
derrick rose
chris lofton
hansbrough/beasley/budinger
roy hibbert

hansbrough will have the hype since hes in the acc... my picks for this group doesnt mean theyre the best 5 in the country, just who i think will be on the team by years end

[Cowboy13012]

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona coach Lute Olson is taking a leave of absence for unspecified personal reasons.

In a statement issued by his public relations firm on Sunday, the 73-year-old Hall of Famer said the matter was not health related.

"For the past 25 years, I have always given 110 percent to the team and this job," Olson said. "In light of this personal matter, I feel it is in the best interest of the team and the University of Arizona to take a leave of absence."

Olson said he wanted to "reassure everyone that this isn't a health scare, but rather a personal matter that needs my undivided attention."

The specific reason was not given.

"I want to thank everyone in advance for their support and prayers and request that the media respect my family's privacy during this time," he said.

Assistant coach Kevin O'Neill will assume Olson's duties in his absence.

"Lute will be back coaching our team shortly," O'Neill said before 17th-ranked Arizona beat Concordia 68-50 in an exhibition game Sunday. "He has been a great ambassador of the game. He has led our team for 25 years, and he will continue to lead our team for a long time."

Olson has a 780-280 record in 34 seasons as a major college coach. In 24 years at Arizona, he is 589-187 with 23 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. His Wildcats have won 11 Pac-10 championships, reached the Final Four four times and won the 1997 NCAA title.

"This is a guy who cares about a lot of things, not just a guy who caress about a round ball going through a hoop," athletic director Jim Livengood said. "He cares about people, and he cares about kids and everything -- everything. Right now he has things he wants to take care of. We are going to honor that."

Olson took an extended leave of absence in 2001 when his wife Bobbie was terminally ill with cancer. He eventually returned and led that Arizona team to the Final Four. Olson has since remarried.

"We will allow Lute this time that he needs," Livengood said. "That time schedule has not been set. He will be the person who will determine that. Today, we are going to move forward. Kevin O'Neill has taken responsibility to lead our basketball team and our basketball program."

Livengood and O'Neill met with the team on Sunday.

"Lute recruited every one of those guys," O'Neill said. "They love him. They admire him, and they respect him, and they know what he stands for. They handled it very well. They are concerned for Lute personally, not how they will respond."

O'Neill, a former Olson assistant who returned to the program this offseason, has been a head coach at Marquette, Tennessee and Northwestern. He said he expected to talk with Olson regularly.

"I feel bad for the players and for the community," O'Neill said. "Let's face it, we deserve every bit of Lute that we can get. I came here to coach with Lute and coach at the University of Arizona. I love this city and I love Lute. I thought it was the right thing to do. It is not how I feel about how I feel or what is going on with me.

"My main concern is Lute and [his wife] Christine and the players. That is where my focus will be."

Arizona opens its regular season Nov. 13 at home against Northern Arizona.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

[Cowboy13012]

What happened Jamal?