by Andrew S.
1. Duke Blue Devils- Even with the loss of Scheyer and Zubek, this team is poised to
repeat. Sprinkle in top PG recruit Kyrie Irving and transfer Seth Curry and this team is
easily the best team in the country and ready for a nice run into April.
2. Michigan State Spartans- Back to back Final 4’s and has the entire team back. Tom
Izzo made the right choice in coming back to East Lansing. What a game it will be in
Durham in the beginning of December.
3. Kansas State Wildcats- Yeah, I know, WHO? If you aren’t familiar with Frank Martin get to know him ASAP. He has put together a squad in the Big XII that can really play. Jake “Fear the Beard” Pullin can score from anywhere on the court and Curtis Kelly has really come along on the inside for the Wildcats. This is an exciting team to watch.
4. Pittsburgh Panthers- Everyone is back and Ashton Gibbs is one of the best pure
shooters in the country. Add tough nose Brad Wanamaker and Gary McGhee on the
inside and you have the best team in the Big East and a Final Four favorite.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes- Even though they lost Evan Turner, they may actually be a better team this year. Thad Matta has brought in the number 1 recruiting class in the nation led by big man Jared Sullinger. A weak early schedule should help build confidence in this young team and get them ready for a tough Big Ten schedule.
6. Syracuse Orange- A lot of people have them a little lower in the rankings, but I think Jimmy B has put together a squad that will quietly make a hard push in the Big East and onto the NCAA Tourney. They lost a lot of talent through graduation and the draft, but Chris Joseph is ready for a breakout year. Watch out for the new “Melo” on campus too.
7. Kansas Jayhawks- Tough for me to put them here because of the question mark above Josh Selby’s eligibility, but can you ever really doubt Bill Self? The Morris brothers are back anchoring the front court and T. Taylor is a solid guard. If Selby play’s there is going to be a battle for top spot in the Big XII.
8. Villanova Wildcats- Everyone says the Big East isn’t as strong as it has been in the past. WRONG! Scottie Reynolds is gone but Jay Wright has groomed the best floor leader in the nation in Corey Fisher. Fisher will lead a backcourt heavy team that will also push the Wild Cats towards first in the Big East.
9. North Carolina Tar Heels- It hurts to say this but I think the Baby Blues are going to surprise a lot of people this year. The bandwagon’ers won’t be, but they don’t really ever know what’s going on. Last year was a huge disappointment for Roy Williams and Co, but will Harrison Barnes, a preseason All American, UNC is poised to make some noise in 2010.
10. Florida Gators- Ever since Billy D left for a few days, then came back, his Gator’s
haven’t been the same. But with all 5 starters returning and a weak SEC, the Gators
shouldn’t have a problem running through their conference and being there in March.
Enes Kanter Player of the Year
ReplyDeleteIf he is cleared to play, Kentucky vaults into the top 10 ... but he is a major question mark. Especially since he took money while playing over seas.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Schrum, can't wait to see Fab Melo rock the hardwood this season. How bad is Tennessee? Is Bruce Pearl even going to make it through the season? The Big East is down this year but I can't wait to see the new-look St. John's Red Storm
ReplyDeleteCalipari is just waiting til next year when he will have possibly the greatest recruiting class ever.
ReplyDeleteAnd then his squad will lose close games at the free throw line and his program will fall under NCAA investigation.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rash. I think the Johnnies will take a year or two to climb out of the Big East basement, but I am excited to see Lavin back in the coaches box.
ReplyDeleteCuse should be fun to watch. Triche really needs to step it up this year. Last year he kind of took a back seat to AR and Wes, but I think with no real leader this year, he will come out of his shell.
Calipari is a scum bag. He has never not been under NCAA review (yes double negative). Going all the way back to UMASS and the Camby Man, he has always been in trouble. I'm not saying he is the only one that breaks the rules recruiting, bc you have to these days to get the best players, but come on ... cover your tracks a little better Cals.
Calipari is a scumbag because he's the best recruiter in the country. It's his fault the NCAA clears guys to play and then fnd guys ineligible. Every program in the country does the same thing. He's the king of one and dones, but that's because he gets the best players. Take a look at Willie Warren who would've been probably a top 15 pick had he left a year earlier. He stays and his stock plummets.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing information. I like it.
ReplyDeleteThis is the spot for NCAA picks! Great NCAA picks blog, enojoyed reading everything you had to say. Looking forward to the NCAA basketball season. Will bookmark and return. Thank you.
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