Thread Rating:
04-20-2009, 11:21 PM
1. Kansas
The buzz: If Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich come back to school instead of entering the NBA draft, the Jayhawks will return everyone who played at least 2.5 minutes per game this season. In that case, don't be surprised if Kansas wins its second national title in three years.
2. Syracuse
The buzz: The Orange advanced to the Sweet 16 without a senior who averaged more than 3.1 points per game. If point guard Jonny Flynn stays in school, Syracuse should be the class of the Big East and a legitimate national title contender.
3. North Carolina
The buzz: Keep in mind that this ranking is based on the idea that Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington stay in school, and recent history suggests that scenario is unlikely. After North Carolina won the national title in 2005, all its top underclassmen chose to enter the draft.
4. Purdue
The buzz: The Boilermakers should return six of their top seven scorers from a team that won the Big Ten tournament and reached a regional semifinal this year. Purdue's top three players - E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson and Robbie Hummel - could develop into one of the top trios in the nation next season.
5. Michigan State
The buzz: Michigan State must find replacements for center Goran Suton and defensive specialist Travis Walton, but the Spartans should return all the other key players from the team that reached the national championship game. Raymar Morgan showed against Connecticut what he could do if he stays healthy for the entire season.
6. Duke
The buzz: Assuming nobody leaves early for the NBA draft, Duke will return all five starters from the team that reached the Sweet 16 this season. Once again, though, Duke's lack of an elite point guard and center could keep the Blue Devils from being a legitimate Final Four contender.
7. USC
The buzz: USC barely made it into the NCAA tournament this season, but the Trojans got there without a senior averaging more than 3.1 points per game. DeMar DeRozan came on strong late in the season and could develop into an All-American if he sticks around for his sophomore season.
8. Villanova
The buzz: Villanova must replace all three of the frontcourt starters (Dante Cunningham, Shane Clark and Dwayne Anderson) from its Final Four team, but the Wildcats also bring in a recruiting class that includes three of the nation's top 25 prospects.
9. Texas
The buzz: Dexter Pittman already has indicated he will return to school next season, and he could emerge as one of the nation's top big men if he picks up where he left off at the end of the season. The Longhorns now must hope that Damion James also decides to come back.
10. Tennessee
The buzz: Tyler Smith hasn't announced his intentions for the NBA draft. If he returns, the Volunteers won't lose any key players off this season's team, for better or worse.
11. Butler
The buzz: With a full season of experience from Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack and all five starters back, the Bulldogs should be improved from the team that lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament this season. An undefeated season in the Horizon League is a possibility.
12. Connecticut
The buzz: No word yet on Hasheem Thabeet. With the 7-3 center, the Huskies will be a factor in the Big East even with A.J. Price and Jeff Adrien gone. What is coach Jim Calhoun going to do?
13. West Virginia
The buzz: The Mountaineers are poised to make a leap to the top of the Big East, especially if Devin Ebanks builds on his late-season momentum.
14. Wake Forest
The buzz: James Johnson is gone, and Al-Farouq Aminu and Jeff Teague might follow. If that duo returns, the Demon Deacons should be a factor in the ACC.
15. Ohio State
The buzz: Center B.J. Mullens declared for the draft after a season as the Buckeyes' sixth man. Ohio State should get David Lighty back from injury to team with Evan Turner and William Buford.
16. Washington
The buzz: The Huskies will miss the steady leadership of Jon Brockman and Justin Dentmon. But Pac-10 freshman of the year Isaiah Thomas will team with five-star recruit Abdul Gaddy in the backcourt.
17. Arizona State
The buzz: There's no word yet on star guard James Harden, who could be a lottery pick. If Harden follows senior Jeff Pendergraph out of town, it will be a rebuilding season in Tempe.
18. Michigan
The buzz: Michigan shouldn't go another 11 years between tournament appearances with four starters returning to a team that upset Clemson in the first round. Do-it-all guard Manny Harris is a great fit in John Beilein's offense.
19. Georgetown
The buzz: The young Hoyas flopped in Big East play. Georgetown loses Jessie Sapp and DaJuan Summers, but will count on center Greg Monroe to take on a bigger role as a sophomore.
20. Siena
The buzz: Fran McCaffrey has things going with the Saints. Siena loses just one starter from a mid-major team that has been to the second round of the NCAA tournament in each of the past two seasons.
21. Minnesota
The buzz: The top eight players are back for Tubby Smith. The Golden Gophers have the tough defense part down pat. Next season, they need to become more proficient offensively.
22. Louisville
The buzz: Coach Rick Pitino is losing a lot of talent. But he also has some good recruits coming in, and some reserves this season will be expected to become key starters next season (we're talking about you, Preston Knowles and Terrence Jennings).
23. Xavier
The buzz: We're showing some faith in the Xavier athletic department with this pick, as there is no coach in place. But there is good talent in place.
24. Kansas State
The buzz: The Wildcats lose only one starter and bring in touted recruit Wally Judge, meaning a top-four finish in the Big 12 will be a legitimate goal.
25. Illinois
The buzz: The Fighting Illini won't sneak up on anyone next season. They'll be expected to contend for the Big Ten title thanks to defense and a good frontcourt.
Thought????
The buzz: If Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich come back to school instead of entering the NBA draft, the Jayhawks will return everyone who played at least 2.5 minutes per game this season. In that case, don't be surprised if Kansas wins its second national title in three years.
2. Syracuse
The buzz: The Orange advanced to the Sweet 16 without a senior who averaged more than 3.1 points per game. If point guard Jonny Flynn stays in school, Syracuse should be the class of the Big East and a legitimate national title contender.
3. North Carolina
The buzz: Keep in mind that this ranking is based on the idea that Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington stay in school, and recent history suggests that scenario is unlikely. After North Carolina won the national title in 2005, all its top underclassmen chose to enter the draft.
4. Purdue
The buzz: The Boilermakers should return six of their top seven scorers from a team that won the Big Ten tournament and reached a regional semifinal this year. Purdue's top three players - E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson and Robbie Hummel - could develop into one of the top trios in the nation next season.
5. Michigan State
The buzz: Michigan State must find replacements for center Goran Suton and defensive specialist Travis Walton, but the Spartans should return all the other key players from the team that reached the national championship game. Raymar Morgan showed against Connecticut what he could do if he stays healthy for the entire season.
6. Duke
The buzz: Assuming nobody leaves early for the NBA draft, Duke will return all five starters from the team that reached the Sweet 16 this season. Once again, though, Duke's lack of an elite point guard and center could keep the Blue Devils from being a legitimate Final Four contender.
7. USC
The buzz: USC barely made it into the NCAA tournament this season, but the Trojans got there without a senior averaging more than 3.1 points per game. DeMar DeRozan came on strong late in the season and could develop into an All-American if he sticks around for his sophomore season.
8. Villanova
The buzz: Villanova must replace all three of the frontcourt starters (Dante Cunningham, Shane Clark and Dwayne Anderson) from its Final Four team, but the Wildcats also bring in a recruiting class that includes three of the nation's top 25 prospects.
9. Texas
The buzz: Dexter Pittman already has indicated he will return to school next season, and he could emerge as one of the nation's top big men if he picks up where he left off at the end of the season. The Longhorns now must hope that Damion James also decides to come back.
10. Tennessee
The buzz: Tyler Smith hasn't announced his intentions for the NBA draft. If he returns, the Volunteers won't lose any key players off this season's team, for better or worse.
11. Butler
The buzz: With a full season of experience from Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack and all five starters back, the Bulldogs should be improved from the team that lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament this season. An undefeated season in the Horizon League is a possibility.
12. Connecticut
The buzz: No word yet on Hasheem Thabeet. With the 7-3 center, the Huskies will be a factor in the Big East even with A.J. Price and Jeff Adrien gone. What is coach Jim Calhoun going to do?
13. West Virginia
The buzz: The Mountaineers are poised to make a leap to the top of the Big East, especially if Devin Ebanks builds on his late-season momentum.
14. Wake Forest
The buzz: James Johnson is gone, and Al-Farouq Aminu and Jeff Teague might follow. If that duo returns, the Demon Deacons should be a factor in the ACC.
15. Ohio State
The buzz: Center B.J. Mullens declared for the draft after a season as the Buckeyes' sixth man. Ohio State should get David Lighty back from injury to team with Evan Turner and William Buford.
16. Washington
The buzz: The Huskies will miss the steady leadership of Jon Brockman and Justin Dentmon. But Pac-10 freshman of the year Isaiah Thomas will team with five-star recruit Abdul Gaddy in the backcourt.
17. Arizona State
The buzz: There's no word yet on star guard James Harden, who could be a lottery pick. If Harden follows senior Jeff Pendergraph out of town, it will be a rebuilding season in Tempe.
18. Michigan
The buzz: Michigan shouldn't go another 11 years between tournament appearances with four starters returning to a team that upset Clemson in the first round. Do-it-all guard Manny Harris is a great fit in John Beilein's offense.
19. Georgetown
The buzz: The young Hoyas flopped in Big East play. Georgetown loses Jessie Sapp and DaJuan Summers, but will count on center Greg Monroe to take on a bigger role as a sophomore.
20. Siena
The buzz: Fran McCaffrey has things going with the Saints. Siena loses just one starter from a mid-major team that has been to the second round of the NCAA tournament in each of the past two seasons.
21. Minnesota
The buzz: The top eight players are back for Tubby Smith. The Golden Gophers have the tough defense part down pat. Next season, they need to become more proficient offensively.
22. Louisville
The buzz: Coach Rick Pitino is losing a lot of talent. But he also has some good recruits coming in, and some reserves this season will be expected to become key starters next season (we're talking about you, Preston Knowles and Terrence Jennings).
23. Xavier
The buzz: We're showing some faith in the Xavier athletic department with this pick, as there is no coach in place. But there is good talent in place.
24. Kansas State
The buzz: The Wildcats lose only one starter and bring in touted recruit Wally Judge, meaning a top-four finish in the Big 12 will be a legitimate goal.
25. Illinois
The buzz: The Fighting Illini won't sneak up on anyone next season. They'll be expected to contend for the Big Ten title thanks to defense and a good frontcourt.
Thought????
![[-]](https://bluegrassrivals.com/forum/images/lifestyle/collapse.png)
04-21-2009, 04:36 AM
TheONLY1 Wrote:A top 25 before the draft, and before the final signing period is over is just dumb. Delete this thread.
:thatsfunn
04-21-2009, 09:14 AM
Based on what teams have at this moment, this ranking is pretty vaild. I can agree with the top 10. After that, it's suspect. I only think people are saying it's dumb because their team is not listed at this moment.
04-21-2009, 10:12 AM
Stardust Wrote:Based on what teams have at this moment, this ranking is pretty vaild. I can agree with the top 10. After that, it's suspect. I only think people are saying it's dumb because their team is not listed at this moment.
No its not Valid and this must have been from a couple weeks ago, because there is talk of teams being good if players stay when they have already announced they are leaving.
04-21-2009, 10:47 AM
List really doesnt make any logical sense to me, the reason is because the rosters from each of these schools could be overhauled, new people coming in and players that may jump to the league that people didnt think would go. Its just hard to say who is going to be the best next year before you get a solid roster of players. Right now a list of top twenty five with players that may not be there next year is kinda nuts.
04-21-2009, 11:02 AM
Well let's play the game then... justify why UK would not be in this list over Georgetown, K-State, Illinois, Tennessee, Xavier, and yes, your beloved UL.
Even without taking the possible addition of Wall and Henry into account UK still returns everyone from a 20 win team, two potential All-Americans (if we aren't takin the draft into account obviously), and a top 10 recruiting class.
If you can accurately justify why UK would no be a top 25 team then I have no problem with this poll.
Georgetown was a poor excuse for a team last year and lost several key pieces.
Kansas State and UK were similar teams last yea but UK won head to head on a neutral court. Kentucky returns as much talent and brings in a better recruiting class.
Illinois was a poor excuse for a tournament team last year, they lose a couple key contributors as well.
Tennessee was swept by UK by double digit scores.
Xavier loses their had coach and a couple key players.
UL @ home only beat UK on a last second shot, they lose their best player in Williams as well as their best defensive player McGee and a key player in Clark.
Even without taking the possible addition of Wall and Henry into account UK still returns everyone from a 20 win team, two potential All-Americans (if we aren't takin the draft into account obviously), and a top 10 recruiting class.
If you can accurately justify why UK would no be a top 25 team then I have no problem with this poll.
Georgetown was a poor excuse for a team last year and lost several key pieces.
Kansas State and UK were similar teams last yea but UK won head to head on a neutral court. Kentucky returns as much talent and brings in a better recruiting class.
Illinois was a poor excuse for a tournament team last year, they lose a couple key contributors as well.
Tennessee was swept by UK by double digit scores.
Xavier loses their had coach and a couple key players.
UL @ home only beat UK on a last second shot, they lose their best player in Williams as well as their best defensive player McGee and a key player in Clark.
04-21-2009, 11:35 AM
Expect this Top 25 to change quite a bit between now and November as players shuffle in and out of the draft. Here is the first of at least four Top 25 lists before the opening tip.
1. Kansas: The Jayhawks bring back all five starters, assuming Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins don't change their minds and depart. The Jayhawks stunned the Big 12 by winning the league outright. The Jayhawks were close to knocking off Michigan State in the NCAA tournament. This team is primed for another deep run with experienced stars in 2010.
2. Michigan State: The Spartans do lose key players Goran Suton and Travis Walton but retain the backcourt of Kalin Lucas and Chris Allen. Wing Durrell Summers and shooter Korie Lucious are back, and, assuming Lucious is OK after foot surgery, Raymar Morgan and Delvon Roe inside should make the Spartans the favorite in the Big Ten and a threat to get to Indianapolis.
3. North Carolina: The Tar Heels will likely say goodbye to juniors Lawson and Ellington, who are expected to declare for the draft. Tyler Hansbrough, Green and Bobby Frasor are also gone, but that won't crush this team. North Carolina should have the best frontcourt next season with Ed Davis, Deon Thompson and Tyler Zeller.
4. Texas: The Longhorns lose their top scorer and shooter in A.J. Abrams. But the rest of the crew returns in Damion James, Dexter Pittman, Gary Johnson, Justin Mason, Varez Ward, Dogus Balbay and two of the top players at their respective positions -- shooting guard Avery Bradley and small forward Jordan Hamilton.
5. Villanova: The Wildcats were one of the most improved teams in the country. Regardless of who returns to Syracuse, Villanova should be the pick in the Big East. Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher and Reggie Redding provide the core for Nova with an infusion of talent arriving led by Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek. Losing Dante Cunningham hurts, but the Wildcats' incoming class can make up for the departure.
6. Syracuse: Point guard Jonny Flynn wants to stay, but Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris declared for the draft. But with Andy Rautins, Arinze Onuaku and Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson, the Orange will be one of the top teams in the Big East.
7. Duke: Gerald Henderson is likely to leave since he'll be in the lottery. But Kyle Singler will probably stay. If he does, the Blue Devils still might be the second pick in the ACC with Jon Scheyer back to join Elliot Williams, Nolan Smith and Brian Zoubek.
8. Purdue: The Boilermakers continue to get better each year under Matt Painter. Next season should be no different with the return of E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson and a healthy Robbie Hummel.
9. West Virginia: Still don't know whether freshman Devin Ebanks is going to stay or go. Alex Ruoff was a senior. But several players are returning, led by big-time scorer Da'Sean Butler, a healthy Joe Mazzulla and fleet-footed point Darryl Bryant.
10. Cal: The Bears return all five starters from an NCAA tournament team now that Patrick Christopher isn't declaring for the draft. Jerome Randle and Christopher provide the Bears one of the top backcourts in the country. Theo Robertson, Jamal Boykin and Jorge Gutierrez picked up Mike Montgomery's system quite well. Give Montgomery another season, and the Bears are the pick to win the Pac-10.
11. Michigan: John Beilein has made the Wolverines relevant again. He got the Wolverines to the NCAA tournament and won a game. Expect even more from Michigan with a true Michigan State-Michigan rivalry in hoops. These should be two of the top three teams in the league. Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims might flirt with the NBA draft, but both are unlikely to stay in it.
12. Kentucky: This might be a bit of a reach with the Wildcats. But give them time. Jodie Meeks probably won't hear what he wants and will return to Kentucky. Patrick Patterson may do the same. If they do -- and with DeMarcus Cousins now on board -- the Wildcats will have the necessary offensive pop for John Calipari to make a huge splash in his first year. The Wildcats still need a true point guard, and that will be an issue if they can't get John Wall. But Calipari will have Kentucky in the mix.
13. Tennessee: The Vols could never find a consistent stride this past season. Tyler Smith declared for the draft, and coach Bruce Pearl didn't sound optimistic that Smith would return. But there is still plenty to work with to make the Vols one of the top teams in the SEC. Brian Williams and Emmanuel Negedu will have to do a better job of being reliable inside scorers next to Wayne Chism, the anchor inside. The perimeter shouldn't be an issue with Bobby Maze, Renaldo Woolridge, Cameron Tatum, J.P. Prince and Scotty Hopson back.
14. Xavier: Forget the coaching situation. The talent is too good for the Musketeers to drop. They will be the pick in the Atlantic 10 despite losing seniors B.J. Raymond and C.J. Anderson. If there are no defections, the Musketeers will be fine with Derrick Brown, Dante Jackson and Terrell Holloway providing the scoring pop and Jason Love and Kenny Frease the beef inside. An impact newcomer in Kevin Parrom is also expected to arrive.
15. Butler: The Bulldogs were a year ahead of schedule with their youthful team. Butler was a consistent Top 25 team this season and gave LSU fits before losing by four in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Matt Howard and Gordon Hayward are both back for a Butler squad that should be once again a tough out.
16. Gonzaga: Yes, seniors Josh Heytvelt, Jeremy Pargo and Micah Downs are gone. But the Zags should have just as tough a starting five with Matt Bouldin, Demetri Goodson, Steven Gray in the backcourt and Austin Daye (assuming he doesn't declare and stay in the draft) and Robert Sacre inside.
17. Washington: The Huskies will lose their anchor inside in Jon Brockman and a leader on the perimeter in Justin Dentmon. But the Huskies add point guard Abdul Gaddy to go along with Isaiah Thomas, giving the Huskies a difficult backcourt to disrupt. Thomas and Gaddy could provide quite a 1-2 pop on the perimeter with a third guard in Venoy Overton to make them an even tougher matchup. Quincy Pondexter will be featured more inside with Darnell Gant and newcomer Clarence Trent sharing the production there.
18. Oklahoma: The Sooners will have a decidedly different look without Blake Griffin and Taylor Griffin. But if Willie Warren returns, the Sooners will still have a star. The Sooners have a top defender in Tony Crocker, too. Expect more run for Juan Pattillo and Cade Davis. Newcomers Keith "Tiny" Gallon, Tommy Mason-Griffin, Andrew Fitzgerald, Steve Pledger and Kyle Hardrick will all get serious attention from the first practice.
19. Clemson: The Tigers do lose guard K.C. Rivers, but the rest of the crew is back. Trevor Booker decided against declaring for the draft. Having Booker and Raymond Sykes inside means the Tigers should have one of the better frontcourts in the ACC behind North Carolina. Terrence Oglesby is still the biggest game-changer of any shooter in the country. Demontez Stitt has to become a better playmaker for the Tigers to excel.
20. Boston College: The Eagles lose scoring point guard Tyrese Rice. But that's it. And when the Eagles were most successful this season, Rice wasn't always on the court. Biko Paris should fit in seamlessly as the starting point with scorers Reggie Jackson, Rakim Sanders and Joe Trapani around him. The key will be the continued offensive development, especially on the backboard, of Corey Raji, Josh Southern and a potential sleeper in Evan Ravenel.
21. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs came on strong at the end of the season, winning the SEC tournament with a bubble-busting win over Tennessee in the title game. If shot-blocker and high-flying dunker Jarvis Varnado returns, the Bulldogs will be the favorite in the SEC West. Barry Stewart provides experience as a senior in the backcourt, and the addition of freshman shooting guard Shaunessy Smith gives the Bulldogs a productive perimeter.
22. Ole Miss: Andy Kennedy did a phenomenal job with the Rebels despite season-ending injuries to Chris Warren and Eniel Polynice. In Warren's absence, freshman Terrico White shined by averaging 13.7 points a game. Warren, White and David Huertas give the Rebels the best backcourt in the SEC West. The Rebels simply need to ensure they can board. If they can rebound, they will be one of the surprise teams in the country.
23. Dayton: The Flyers were second to Xavier this season, and next season might be more of the same. That's OK. That shouldn't keep them out of the Top 25. Dayton will be one of the more experienced teams with Chris Wright, Marcus Johnson and Rob Lowery, the latter two rising seniors. Dayton coach Brian Gregory doesn't have superstars, but he has players who understand his system and are winners.
24. Illinois: The Illini shouldn't be heading back to the NIT anytime soon. Getting into the NCAA this season is the direction this program will continue. Mike Davis will be even more featured, and Demetri McCamey will continue to improve. Give Alex Legion an offseason to get more acquainted with Bruce Weber's system. The Illini's recruiting class has been highly anticipated; four players -- D.J. Richardson, Brandon Paul, Tyler Griffey and Joseph Bertrand -- rate in the top 50 at their respective positions.
25. Texas A&M: The Aggies do lose 3-point shooter Josh Carter. But everyone else is back for the Aggies, led by Donald Sloan, Bryan Davis, David Loubeau and Chinemelu Elonu. The recruiting class is loaded with top 30 players at their positions like Naji Hibbert, Khris Middleton, Kourtney Roberson and Jeremy Adams. Mark Turgeon should have the Aggies in the NCAAs yet again.
Andy Katz is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
This is the Top 25 poll from ESPN..... where is yours from?
1. Kansas: The Jayhawks bring back all five starters, assuming Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins don't change their minds and depart. The Jayhawks stunned the Big 12 by winning the league outright. The Jayhawks were close to knocking off Michigan State in the NCAA tournament. This team is primed for another deep run with experienced stars in 2010.
2. Michigan State: The Spartans do lose key players Goran Suton and Travis Walton but retain the backcourt of Kalin Lucas and Chris Allen. Wing Durrell Summers and shooter Korie Lucious are back, and, assuming Lucious is OK after foot surgery, Raymar Morgan and Delvon Roe inside should make the Spartans the favorite in the Big Ten and a threat to get to Indianapolis.
3. North Carolina: The Tar Heels will likely say goodbye to juniors Lawson and Ellington, who are expected to declare for the draft. Tyler Hansbrough, Green and Bobby Frasor are also gone, but that won't crush this team. North Carolina should have the best frontcourt next season with Ed Davis, Deon Thompson and Tyler Zeller.
4. Texas: The Longhorns lose their top scorer and shooter in A.J. Abrams. But the rest of the crew returns in Damion James, Dexter Pittman, Gary Johnson, Justin Mason, Varez Ward, Dogus Balbay and two of the top players at their respective positions -- shooting guard Avery Bradley and small forward Jordan Hamilton.
5. Villanova: The Wildcats were one of the most improved teams in the country. Regardless of who returns to Syracuse, Villanova should be the pick in the Big East. Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher and Reggie Redding provide the core for Nova with an infusion of talent arriving led by Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek. Losing Dante Cunningham hurts, but the Wildcats' incoming class can make up for the departure.
6. Syracuse: Point guard Jonny Flynn wants to stay, but Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris declared for the draft. But with Andy Rautins, Arinze Onuaku and Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson, the Orange will be one of the top teams in the Big East.
7. Duke: Gerald Henderson is likely to leave since he'll be in the lottery. But Kyle Singler will probably stay. If he does, the Blue Devils still might be the second pick in the ACC with Jon Scheyer back to join Elliot Williams, Nolan Smith and Brian Zoubek.
8. Purdue: The Boilermakers continue to get better each year under Matt Painter. Next season should be no different with the return of E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson and a healthy Robbie Hummel.
9. West Virginia: Still don't know whether freshman Devin Ebanks is going to stay or go. Alex Ruoff was a senior. But several players are returning, led by big-time scorer Da'Sean Butler, a healthy Joe Mazzulla and fleet-footed point Darryl Bryant.
10. Cal: The Bears return all five starters from an NCAA tournament team now that Patrick Christopher isn't declaring for the draft. Jerome Randle and Christopher provide the Bears one of the top backcourts in the country. Theo Robertson, Jamal Boykin and Jorge Gutierrez picked up Mike Montgomery's system quite well. Give Montgomery another season, and the Bears are the pick to win the Pac-10.
11. Michigan: John Beilein has made the Wolverines relevant again. He got the Wolverines to the NCAA tournament and won a game. Expect even more from Michigan with a true Michigan State-Michigan rivalry in hoops. These should be two of the top three teams in the league. Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims might flirt with the NBA draft, but both are unlikely to stay in it.
12. Kentucky: This might be a bit of a reach with the Wildcats. But give them time. Jodie Meeks probably won't hear what he wants and will return to Kentucky. Patrick Patterson may do the same. If they do -- and with DeMarcus Cousins now on board -- the Wildcats will have the necessary offensive pop for John Calipari to make a huge splash in his first year. The Wildcats still need a true point guard, and that will be an issue if they can't get John Wall. But Calipari will have Kentucky in the mix.
13. Tennessee: The Vols could never find a consistent stride this past season. Tyler Smith declared for the draft, and coach Bruce Pearl didn't sound optimistic that Smith would return. But there is still plenty to work with to make the Vols one of the top teams in the SEC. Brian Williams and Emmanuel Negedu will have to do a better job of being reliable inside scorers next to Wayne Chism, the anchor inside. The perimeter shouldn't be an issue with Bobby Maze, Renaldo Woolridge, Cameron Tatum, J.P. Prince and Scotty Hopson back.
14. Xavier: Forget the coaching situation. The talent is too good for the Musketeers to drop. They will be the pick in the Atlantic 10 despite losing seniors B.J. Raymond and C.J. Anderson. If there are no defections, the Musketeers will be fine with Derrick Brown, Dante Jackson and Terrell Holloway providing the scoring pop and Jason Love and Kenny Frease the beef inside. An impact newcomer in Kevin Parrom is also expected to arrive.
15. Butler: The Bulldogs were a year ahead of schedule with their youthful team. Butler was a consistent Top 25 team this season and gave LSU fits before losing by four in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Matt Howard and Gordon Hayward are both back for a Butler squad that should be once again a tough out.
16. Gonzaga: Yes, seniors Josh Heytvelt, Jeremy Pargo and Micah Downs are gone. But the Zags should have just as tough a starting five with Matt Bouldin, Demetri Goodson, Steven Gray in the backcourt and Austin Daye (assuming he doesn't declare and stay in the draft) and Robert Sacre inside.
17. Washington: The Huskies will lose their anchor inside in Jon Brockman and a leader on the perimeter in Justin Dentmon. But the Huskies add point guard Abdul Gaddy to go along with Isaiah Thomas, giving the Huskies a difficult backcourt to disrupt. Thomas and Gaddy could provide quite a 1-2 pop on the perimeter with a third guard in Venoy Overton to make them an even tougher matchup. Quincy Pondexter will be featured more inside with Darnell Gant and newcomer Clarence Trent sharing the production there.
18. Oklahoma: The Sooners will have a decidedly different look without Blake Griffin and Taylor Griffin. But if Willie Warren returns, the Sooners will still have a star. The Sooners have a top defender in Tony Crocker, too. Expect more run for Juan Pattillo and Cade Davis. Newcomers Keith "Tiny" Gallon, Tommy Mason-Griffin, Andrew Fitzgerald, Steve Pledger and Kyle Hardrick will all get serious attention from the first practice.
19. Clemson: The Tigers do lose guard K.C. Rivers, but the rest of the crew is back. Trevor Booker decided against declaring for the draft. Having Booker and Raymond Sykes inside means the Tigers should have one of the better frontcourts in the ACC behind North Carolina. Terrence Oglesby is still the biggest game-changer of any shooter in the country. Demontez Stitt has to become a better playmaker for the Tigers to excel.
20. Boston College: The Eagles lose scoring point guard Tyrese Rice. But that's it. And when the Eagles were most successful this season, Rice wasn't always on the court. Biko Paris should fit in seamlessly as the starting point with scorers Reggie Jackson, Rakim Sanders and Joe Trapani around him. The key will be the continued offensive development, especially on the backboard, of Corey Raji, Josh Southern and a potential sleeper in Evan Ravenel.
21. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs came on strong at the end of the season, winning the SEC tournament with a bubble-busting win over Tennessee in the title game. If shot-blocker and high-flying dunker Jarvis Varnado returns, the Bulldogs will be the favorite in the SEC West. Barry Stewart provides experience as a senior in the backcourt, and the addition of freshman shooting guard Shaunessy Smith gives the Bulldogs a productive perimeter.
22. Ole Miss: Andy Kennedy did a phenomenal job with the Rebels despite season-ending injuries to Chris Warren and Eniel Polynice. In Warren's absence, freshman Terrico White shined by averaging 13.7 points a game. Warren, White and David Huertas give the Rebels the best backcourt in the SEC West. The Rebels simply need to ensure they can board. If they can rebound, they will be one of the surprise teams in the country.
23. Dayton: The Flyers were second to Xavier this season, and next season might be more of the same. That's OK. That shouldn't keep them out of the Top 25. Dayton will be one of the more experienced teams with Chris Wright, Marcus Johnson and Rob Lowery, the latter two rising seniors. Dayton coach Brian Gregory doesn't have superstars, but he has players who understand his system and are winners.
24. Illinois: The Illini shouldn't be heading back to the NIT anytime soon. Getting into the NCAA this season is the direction this program will continue. Mike Davis will be even more featured, and Demetri McCamey will continue to improve. Give Alex Legion an offseason to get more acquainted with Bruce Weber's system. The Illini's recruiting class has been highly anticipated; four players -- D.J. Richardson, Brandon Paul, Tyler Griffey and Joseph Bertrand -- rate in the top 50 at their respective positions.
25. Texas A&M: The Aggies do lose 3-point shooter Josh Carter. But everyone else is back for the Aggies, led by Donald Sloan, Bryan Davis, David Loubeau and Chinemelu Elonu. The recruiting class is loaded with top 30 players at their positions like Naji Hibbert, Khris Middleton, Kourtney Roberson and Jeremy Adams. Mark Turgeon should have the Aggies in the NCAAs yet again.
Andy Katz is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
This is the Top 25 poll from ESPN..... where is yours from?
04-21-2009, 11:40 AM
It is crazy to do a top 25 poll right now and just as Katz said there will be a lot of shuffling around in the top 25 due to players declaring for the draft and new commitments from recruits. This poll is a week old and there are already people that some might have thought would stay and decided to leave so i dont even know if it is accurate at the time.
04-21-2009, 02:40 PM
EKUAlum05 Wrote:Well let's play the game then... justify why UK would not be in this list over Georgetown, K-State, Illinois, Tennessee, Xavier, and yes, your beloved UL.Well so whats the big deal a buzzer beater wow wee....a w is w if you still remember what that is.....and yes Uk has cousins and Orton who outstanding players and can make a difference but no PG yet.....
Even without taking the possible addition of Wall and Henry into account UK still returns everyone from a 20 win team, two potential All-Americans (if we aren't takin the draft into account obviously), and a top 10 recruiting class.
If you can accurately justify why UK would no be a top 25 team then I have no problem with this poll.
Georgetown was a poor excuse for a team last year and lost several key pieces.
Kansas State and UK were similar teams last yea but UK won head to head on a neutral court. Kentucky returns as much talent and brings in a better recruiting class.
Illinois was a poor excuse for a tournament team last year, they lose a couple key contributors as well.
Tennessee was swept by UK by double digit scores.
Xavier loses their had coach and a couple key players.
UL @ home only beat UK on a last second shot, they lose their best player in Williams as well as their best defensive player McGee and a key player in Clark.
04-21-2009, 03:08 PM
theVILLE Wrote:Well so whats the big deal a buzzer beater wow wee....a w is w if you still remember what that is.....and yes Uk has cousins and Orton who outstanding players and can make a difference but no PG yet.....
Well the point is Uk lost on a buzzer beater at louisville and now louisville is losing there two studs plus a starter in McGee and there recruiting class coming in isn't that great. On the other hand Uk is only losing michael porter lol. We returing two all sec players and one of those players was a 2nd team all-american, we have a better coach, and a top 5 recruiting class which could potentially be one of the best classes ever. So really how is louisvillle ahead of Uk in that poll.:moon:
04-21-2009, 03:18 PM
TheONLY1 Wrote:Well the point is Uk lost on a buzzer beater at louisville and now louisville is losing there two studs plus a starter in McGee and there recruiting class coming in isn't that great. On the other hand Uk is only losing michael porter lol. We returing two all sec players and one of those players was a 2nd team all-american, we have a better coach, and a top 5 recruiting class which could potentially be one of the best classes ever. So really how is louisvillle ahead of Uk in that poll.:moon:
I don't know about the better coach part...either way, I can't wait to see that game!!!!
04-21-2009, 03:21 PM
ImagineThat! Wrote:I don't know about the better coach part...either way, I can't wait to see that game!!!!
I didn't mean he was a better coach then pitino, just a better coach then we had last year. I think when its all said an done he will be better then pitino though and yea I can't wait to watch the game this year. I'd love to see meeks bust a 3 in sosa's eye for the game.
04-21-2009, 03:40 PM
theVILLE Wrote:Well so whats the big deal a buzzer beater wow wee....a w is w if you still remember what that is.....and yes Uk has cousins and Orton who outstanding players and can make a difference but no PG yet.....
Still no valid arguement why those teams should be ranked ahead of UK......:yawn:
04-21-2009, 04:50 PM
theVILLE Wrote::lmao: :biggrin: Ok I will wait till Uk is in the top 25 and post another one that way you all will stop complaining...lol
I love how you completely ignore the top 25 poll I posted (the one ESPN is going with by Andy Katz) and keep referring to the one that you posted (which you still havent given a source for). Whats wrong did it hurt your feelings so bad that your Cards weren't on an official top 25 poll that you had to go and create one yourself?
04-21-2009, 10:37 PM
TheONLY1 Wrote:I didn't mean he was a better coach then pitino, just a better coach then we had last year. I think when its all said an done he will be better then pitino though and yea I can't wait to watch the game this year. I'd love to see meeks bust a 3 in sosa's eye for the game.
Dont worry it want happen....Sosa will do it again:Cheerlead
04-21-2009, 10:38 PM
goBIGblue82 Wrote:I love how you completely ignore the top 25 poll I posted (the one ESPN is going with by Andy Katz) and keep referring to the one that you posted (which you still havent given a source for). Whats wrong did it hurt your feelings so bad that your Cards weren't on an official top 25 poll that you had to go and create one yourself?
Well go to rivals and its on there....and yes louisville will be a top 15 team next year
04-21-2009, 11:42 PM
TheONLY1 Wrote:I didn't mean he was a better coach then pitino, just a better coach then we had last year. I think when its all said an done he will be better then pitino though and yea I can't wait to watch the game this year. I'd love to see meeks bust a 3 in sosa's eye for the game.
Keep dreaming my man. Come back to reality and realize that UL will destroy UK again this year!!! :biggrin:
04-22-2009, 01:05 AM
TheONLY1 Wrote:So what makes you think Louisville will beat UK this year? BTW you beat us by a buzzer beater on your home floor lol with a team thats alot better then the team that your going to have next year.:thatsfunn
You're dumb if you think UK will do anything with UL next year!!! UK has no answer for Samuals underneath and has NO answer for SIVA either!! :dontthink
04-22-2009, 02:25 AM
UofL Wrote:You're dumb if you think UK will do anything with UL next year!!! UK has no answer for Samuals underneath and has NO answer for SIVA either!! :dontthink
What was Samuel's stat line again? I think Patterson, Cousins, and Orton all three will do just fine.
UL didn't have an answer for Jodie Meeks last year, how will they solve that problem?
04-23-2009, 02:05 PM
U of L chances are gonna be slim next year against UK, they lost most of their talent, and UK gains a new coach, and great players. At the end though it doesn't matter as Michigan State is going to have a walk to the NCAA championship game.
I'm tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok -Shaquille O'Neal
04-25-2009, 09:20 PM
Stardust Wrote:Based on what teams have at this moment, this ranking is pretty vaild. I can agree with the top 10. After that, it's suspect. I only think people are saying it's dumb because their team is not listed at this moment.
TN is not in the top ten no way no how! and yes that is a (period)
11-21-2009, 04:39 PM
stonesteven Wrote:TN is not in the top ten no way no how! and yes that is a (period)
Umm, they are #10......
Users browsing this thread: 3 Guest(s)
