greasywheels121 Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 http://espn.go.com/dickvitale/vcolumn05091...easonTop25.html Preseason Top 25: Duke's the pick at No. 1 Dick Vitale SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM It is time to look at the crème de la crème, my preseason Top 25 teams in America. I previously posted an initial preseason Dazzling Dozen, but things have changed since then. After unveiling my Top 25 five teams at a time, we've counted down to my preseason No. 1, the team to beat, the one most likely to cut down the nets as the national champion in Indianapolis... 1. Duke 2004-05 RECORD: 27-6 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Michigan State in Sweet 16 TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G J.J. Redick, F Shelden Williams, F Lee Melchionni, G Sean Dockery TOP NEWCOMERS: G Greg Paulus, F Josh McRoberts, C Eric Boateng, G Martynas Pocius KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Daniel Ewing, F Shavlik Randolph COMMENT: Redick and Williams form the nation's best 1-2 punch. With the great freshman class, Coach K will have lots of depth and talent, and Duke is my favorite to cut down the nets in Indianapolis. 2. Villanova 2004-05 RECORD: 24-8 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to North Carolina in Sweet 16 TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Randy Foye, G Allan Ray, F Curtis Sumpter, F-C Jason Fraser, G Kyle Lowry, G Mike Nardi TOP NEWCOMERS: G-F Dwayne Anderson, G-F Bilal Benn, F Dante Cunningham, F Frank Tchuisi KEY PLAYERS LOST: None COMMENT: With so many talented veterans returning, coach Jay Wright has a national championship contender. 3. Texas 2004-05 RECORD: 20-11 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Nevada in first round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F P.J. Tucker (academically ineligible for second semester last season), G Daniel Gibson, F-C Brad Buckman, F-C LaMarcus Aldridge, F Mike Williams, G Kenton Paulino TOP NEWCOMERS: G A.J. Abrams, G J.D. Lewis, G Craig Winder KEY PLAYERS LOST: F-C Jason Klotz, G Kenny Taylor, G-F Sydmill Harris COMMENT: Coach Rick Barnes is thrilled to have Tucker back. The Longhorns are thinking about another Final Four trip. 4. Michigan State 2004-05 RECORD: 26-7 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to North Carolina in Final Four TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: C Paul Davis, G Shannon Brown, F-G Maurice Ager, G Drew Neitzel TOP NEWCOMERS: G Travis Walton, G Maurice Joseph KEY PLAYERS LOST: F-G Alan Anderson, G Kelvin Torbert, G Chris Hill COMMENT: Coach Tom Izzo's team has enough returning talent to compete for a trip to Indianapolis. 5. Boston College 2004-05 RECORD: 25-5 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Wisconsin-Milwaukee in second round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F Craig Smith, F Jared Dudley, G Louis Hinnant, G-F Sean Marshall, F Sean Williams (out first semester for disciplinary reasons) TOP NEWCOMERS: G Marquez Haynes, G Tyrese Rice, F Evan Neisler KEY PLAYERS LOST: C Nate Doornekamp, G Jermaine Watson, G Steve Hailey COMMENT: The Eagles look like the ACC's second-best team in their first year in the conference. 6. Louisville 2004-05 RECORD: 33-5 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Illinois in Final Four TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Taquan Dean, F Juan Diego Palacios, G Brandon Jenkins TOP NEWCOMERS: C David Padgett (transfer from Kansas), F Terrence Williams, G Bryan Harvey, G Andre McGee, F Brian Johnson (sat out last season injured) KEY PLAYERS LOST: F Francisco Garcia, G Larry O'Bannon, F Ellis Myles, F-C Otis George COMMENT: Welcome back to the Big East, Rick Pitino! The Cardinals will be contenders in the league in their first season as they move to the Big East from Conference USA. Pitino previously coached in the league at Providence, leading the Friars to the Final Four in 1987. 7. Kentucky 2004-05 RECORD: 28-6 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Michigan State in Elite Eight TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Rajon Rondo, G Patrick Sparks, G Joe Crawford, G Ramel Bradley, F Sheray Thomas, C Randolph Morris (eligibility to be determined) TOP NEWCOMERS: G Adam Williams, C Jared Carter, F Rekalin Sims KEY PLAYERS LOST: G-F Kelenna Azubuike, F Chuck Hayes COMMENT: The key will be Morris. How many games will he have to sit out once the NCAA determines his status after a failed bid to make the NBA? 8. Arizona 2004-05 RECORD: 30-7 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Illinois in Elite Eight TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Hassan Adams, G Mustafa Shakur, G Chris Rodgers, F Ivan Radenovic, G Jawann McClellan TOP NEWCOMERS: G J.P. Prince, F Marcus Williams, F Mohamed Tangara (redshirted last season) KEY PLAYERS LOST: C Channing Frye, G Salim Stoudamire COMMENT: Coach Lute Olson will have the favorite in the Pac-10 once again despite losing Frye and Stoudamire. 9. Memphis 2004-05 RECORD: 22-16 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to St. Joseph's in NIT semifinals TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F Rodney Carney, G Darius Washington Jr., F Joey Dorsey, G Jeremy Hunt, F Simplice Njoya TOP NEWCOMERS: F-G Shawne Williams, G Antonio Anderson, F-C Kareem Cooper, F Robert Dozier, F Chris Douglas-Roberts KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Anthony Rice, F Duane Erwin, F Sean Banks, F Arthur Barclay COMMENT: Coach John Calipari's team will dominate Conference USA and return to the Big Dance. 10. Gonzaga 2004-05 RECORD: 26-5 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Texas Tech in second round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F Adam Morrison, G Derek Raivio, G Erroll Knight, C-F J.P. Batista, G Nathan Doudney TOP NEWCOMERS: G Jeremy Pargo, C-F Mamery Diallo KEY PLAYERS LOST: F Ronny Turiaf COMMENT: With the Zags, forget about the term mid-major. They will contend for a Final Four slot. 11. Wake Forest 2004-05 RECORD: 27-6 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to West Virginia in second round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Justin Gray, C Eric Williams, G-F Trent Strickland, F Chris Ellis, C Kyle Visser TOP NEWCOMERS: G Harvey Hale, F Kevin Swinton, F-C David Weaver KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Chris Paul, G Taron Downey, F Jamaal Levy, F Vytas Danelius COMMENT: Even without Paul, coach Skip Prosser's team will make noise in the ACC. 12. Iowa 2004-05 RECORD: 21-12 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Cincinnati in first round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Jeff Horner, F Greg Brunner, G Adam Haluska, G Mike Henderson, C Erek Hansen, F Doug Thomas TOP NEWCOMERS: G Tony Freeman, F-C Kurt Looby, G Nathan Skinner KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Pierre Pierce COMMENT: This is a big season for coach Steve Alford, who has a solid core of returning talent. 13. Illinois 2004-05 RECORD: 37-2 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to North Carolina in national championship game TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Dee Brown, C James Augustine, F Brian Randle (redshirted), F Shaun Pruitt, G Rich McBride, G Calvin Brock (redshirted) TOP NEWCOMERS: G Chester Frazier, F Charles Jackson, G Jamar Smith KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Deron Williams, F Roger Powell Jr., G Luther Head COMMENT: For those downgrading coach Bruce Weber's team, watch out. Guard Dee Brown is first-team All-Solid Gold, and the newcomers will help out. 14. Connecticut 2004-05 RECORD: 23-8 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to NC State in second round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F-C Josh Boone, F-G Rudy Gay, G Rashad Anderson, F Denham Brown, F Ed Nelson, F-C Hilton Armstrong TOP NEWCOMERS: F Jeff Adrien, G Craig Austrie, F-G Marcus Johnson, G Robert Garrison KEY PLAYERS LOST: F Charlie Villanueva COMMENT: The key here is the status of guards Marcus Williams and A.J. Price. Both have been suspended from the team after being charged with helping to steal laptops from a Connecticut dorm room (Williams has been given probation, but there has been no word yet regarding the school's discipline). If those two return to play, the Huskies are a top-five team. Without them, as of now, UConn still has a great front line. 15. Indiana 2004-05 RECORD: 15-14 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Vanderbilt, first round of NIT TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F D.J. White, F Robert Vaden, G Marshall Strickland, F Sean Kline, G Roderick Wilmont TOP NEWCOMERS: F Marco Killingsworth (transfer from Auburn), G Lewis Monroe (transfer from Auburn), C Ben Allen (redshirted), G Earl Calloway, G Joey Shaw, F Cem Dinc KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Bracey Wright, F-C Pat Ewing Jr. (transferred to Georgetown) COMMENT: Embattled coach Mike Davis should see some of the pressure ease, as this Hoosiers squad is improved with the two Auburn transfers. 16. Syracuse 2004-05 RECORD: 27-7 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Vermont in first round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Gerry McNamara, F Terrence Roberts, F Demetris Nichols, G Louie McCroskey, F-C Darryl Watkins, G Josh Wright TOP NEWCOMERS: G Eric Devendorf, F Arinze Onauku KEY PLAYERS LOST: F Hakim Warrick, F-G Josh Pace, G Billy Edelin COMMENT: Coach Jim Boeheim's team will always be dangerous, with McNamara and his clutch outside shooting leading the way. 17. Oklahoma 2004-05 RECORD: 25-8 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Utah in second round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F Taj Gray, F Kevin Bookout, G Terrell Everett, G David Godbold TOP NEWCOMERS: G-F Nate Carter (transfer from UC-Riverside), F Taylor Griffin, G Chris Walker, G Austin Johnson, G Michael Neal KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Drew Lavender (transfer to Xavier), G Lawrence McKenzie (transfer to Minnesota), G Jaison Williams, F Johnnie Gilbert COMMENT: Even without Lavender and McKenzie, the Sooners will challenge in the Big 12 thanks to a solid frontcourt. Everett is an underrated factor in the backcourt. 18. Stanford 2004-05 RECORD: 18-13 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Mississippi State in first round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Chris Hernandez, F Dan Grunfeld, C Matt Haryasz, F Fred Washington TOP NEWCOMERS: G Anthony Goods, F Lawrence Hill, G Mitch Johnson KEY PLAYERS LOST: F Nick Robinson, C Rob Little COMMENT: The Cardinal will be a dangerous team in the Pac-10. When Hernandez pulled out of the NBA draft, there were lots of smiles in Palo Alto. 19. West Virginia 2004-05 RECORD: 24-11 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Louisville in Elite Eight TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Mike Gansey, C Kevin Pittsnogle, G Joe Herber, G Patrick Beilein, G J.D. Collins TOP NEWCOMERS: G Joe Alexander, G Alex Ruoff, F Josh Edwards, G Ted Talkington KEY PLAYERS LOST: F Tyrone Salley, C D'or Fischer COMMENT: The Mountaineers won't sneak up on anyone this season. 20. UCLA 2004-05 RECORD: 18-11 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Texas Tech in first round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Jordan Farmar, G Arron Afflalo, F Josh Shipp, G-F Cedric Bozeman (missed last season -- knee) TOP NEWCOMERS: F-C Alfred Aboya (should be ready after recent knee surgery), F Ryan Wright, G-F Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, G Darren Collison, G Michael Roll KEY PLAYERS LOST: F Dijon Thompson, G Brian Morrison, F Josiah Johnson COMMENT: Coach Ben Howland is building a fine program in a short time. 21. NC State 2004-05 RECORD: 21-14 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Wisconsin in Sweet 16 TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F Ilian Evtimov, G Engin Atsur, G Tony Bethel, G-F Cameron Bennerman, F Andrew Brackman, C Cedric Simmons, F-G Gavin Grant TOP NEWCOMERS: F Brandon Costner, G Courtney Fells, F Ben McCauley KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Julius Hodge, F-C Levi Watkins COMMENT: Despite the loss of Hodge, coach Herb Sendek's team might surprise people. 22. Washington 2004-05 RECORD: 29-6 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Louisville in Sweet 16 TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: G Brandon Roy, F Bobby Jones, F Mike Jensen, F Jamaal Williams TOP NEWCOMERS: F Jon Brockman, G Ryan Appleby (transfer from Florida), G Harvey Perry, C Artem Wallace, C Joe Wolfinger KEY PLAYERS LOST: G Nate Robinson, G Tre Simmons, G Will Conroy COMMENT: The Huskies lost a lot of talent, but coach Lorenzo Romar has enough talent back to crack the Top 25. Brockman will be a top diaper dandy. 23. Maryland 2004-05 RECORD: 19-13 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to South Carolina in NIT semifinals TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F Nik Caner-Medley, G Chris McCray, F Travis Garrison, G D.J. Strawberry (missed most of last season), F Ekene Ibekwe, F James Gist, C Will Bowers, G Sterling Ledbetter TOP NEWCOMERS: F Dave Neal, G Parrish Brown (F Shane Clark has been declared academically ineligible) KEY PLAYERS LOST: G John Gilchrist COMMENT: Coach Gary Williams' team will bounce back after a bit of an off season in 2004-05. 24. Kansas 2004-05 RECORD: 23-7 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to Bucknell in first round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F Christian Moody, G Jeff Hawkins, F Darnell Jackson, C Sasha Kaun, G Russell Robinson, C C.J. Giles TOP NEWCOMERS: G Rodrick Stewart (transfer-USC), G Mario Chalmers, F Julian Wright, G Micah Downs, F Brandon Rush KEY PLAYERS LOST: F Wayne Simien, F-G Keith Langford, G Aaron Miles, G J.R. Giddens (transfer to New Mexico) COMMENT: Coach Bill Self has a lot of young talent ... can he blend it together to keep the fans happy in "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk" land? 25. Charlotte 2004-05 RECORD: 21-8 TOURNAMENT RESULT: Lost to NC State in first round TOP RETURNING PLAYERS: F Curtis Withers, G Mitchell Baldwin, F E.J. Drayton, G Leemire Goldwire, F Chris Nance TOP NEWCOMERS: G-F De'Angelo Alexander (transfer from Oklahoma), F Courtney Williams, F-G Jerell Jamison, F Antwon Coleman, F Mitch Mullis KEY PLAYERS LOST: G-F Eddie Basden, G Brendan Plavich, C Martin Iti (transfer to New Mexico State) COMMENT: Now in the Atlantic 10, coach Bobby Lutz has a team with the potential to make some noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buehrle>Wood Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 The Big Ten is going to be way overhyped this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 I'm liking UConn on that list if things play out well for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buehrle>Wood Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Sep 17, 2005 -> 04:21 PM) I'm liking UConn on that list if things play out well for them. Wayyy to many off-court problems for me to like them right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balta1701 Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 Man, it's been a while since anyone has had Indiana ranked anywhere. That's an improvement, I hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxFanForever Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 Iowa will do their usual mid-season meltdown under Alford. I'm sure it will be amusing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 Quick intial thoughts..... -- Louisville is rated too high at #6 -- Iowa is rated too high at #12 -- While I like IU's talent, there are an awful lot of newcomers to rank them at #15 after not making the tournament the past two years -- It will be interesting to see how Kansas does. I can't remember the last time they were ranked that low, but they lost a lot. My gut tells me they should be higher nonetheless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balta1701 Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 Not really disagreeing with anything, but anyone else amazed how UNC, the defending champs, lost so much last year that they're not even on the list? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AirScott Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Sep 17, 2005 -> 01:48 PM) Not really disagreeing with anything, but anyone else amazed how UNC, the defending champs, lost so much last year that they're not even on the list? not really, they lost, what, their top 4-5 players? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balta1701 Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 QUOTE(AirScott @ Sep 17, 2005 -> 12:25 PM) not really, they lost, what, their top 4-5 players? Like I said, I'm not disagreeing with anything, I'm just amazed that they lost that much. Wouldn't you be amazed if a championship team suddenly disappeared completely the next year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punch and Judy Garland Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 It seems to me people are glowing about Indiana's young recruits and talent each of the last few years and it hasn't translated. I like UConn too. I do however think Texas won't be that good and I also feel BC at 5 might reflect a future ranking but they aren't goign to do much when it counts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greasywheels121 Posted September 17, 2005 Author Share Posted September 17, 2005 QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ Sep 17, 2005 -> 02:36 PM) It seems to me people are glowing about Indiana's young recruits and talent each of the last few years and it hasn't translated. I like UConn too. I do however think Texas won't be that good and I also feel BC at 5 might reflect a future ranking but they aren't goign to do much when it counts That definitely wasn't the same thing. We haven't really been considered a top 25 team since Dec/Jan of the 2002-2003 season. I was saying earlier, I'm surprised IU's already getting a ranking that high before they even play a game, but I have no doubts they'll be there or better when it's said and done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 He forgot the SALUKIS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoomSlowik Posted September 17, 2005 Share Posted September 17, 2005 (edited) I don't buy BC, Louisville, Syracuse, Kansas, Wake Forest, Kentucky, or Indiana being as high as they are (that's my rough order of disagreement in descending order). I don't understand how BC can lose in the second round, make no impact additions, and suddenly be in the top 10. Louisville still has some talent with Dean, Palacios, and Padgett coming in, but they aren't top 10 good. I really think Syracuse is going to struggle. The only guys that have proved their worth are McNamara, who is horribly inconsistent, and Edelin, who never seems to be able to stay on the floor. Everyone else needs to get significantly better, and someone needs to be a threat from outside. Kansas just has too many young guys to make major noise. Yes, they're good. However, they need three guys to be major players in order to warrant top 25 status. Wake has a lot of question marks outside of Eric Williams. Gray is a solid player, but can he play the point? The other guys they have are getting much bigger roles. People are seriously overrating Kentucky. Unless Randolph Morris is eligible, they have a massive hole in the post, and although Rondo and Sparks are good, they aren't good enough to carry the team. Indiana has some talent up front but they need some guards to step up. UConn has much more talent than most of the teams ahead of them, but their PG problem needs to be resolved. If Williams comes back, they immediately move to #1 in my book. If Price becomes eligible but not Williams, they're more like 4 or 5. If neither do, I still see them as top 10. I don't see how a Michigan State team that also didn't have a true PG was pre-season top 10 last year and UConn isn't this year. MSU had better guards, but only the underachieving Davis up front and no real star. UConn has a rising star in Rudy Gay, who is probably the most talented player still in college. They have Josh Boone, who is a solid rebounder and shot-blocker that's a go-to post move away from being a major impact player. They have Rashad Anderson, who is a great shooter and a dangerous scorer now that he is healthy again. They have Denham Brown, who is a pretty solid all-around G/F. They also have other solid but less experienced options up front in Armstrong and Boone, and decent newcomers in Marques Johnson and Jeff Adrien. If they get any kind of credible play at PG, they'll be really tough to beat. Edit- I guess Edelin is no longer at Cuse. That makes me dislike their ranking even more. Edited September 17, 2005 by ZoomSlowik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palehosefan Posted September 18, 2005 Share Posted September 18, 2005 Carolina actually lost their top 7 in the rotation. But UNC isn't completely in the cellar now. Tyler Hansbrough has a chance to be the best freshman in the nation, he's tenacious. Reyshawn Terry will get his chance to shine, he's always had tons of talent being 6'9 with a very good handle and nice range. David Noel will be the leader of the team, and will likely be asked to play PF some this year. Outside of Duke, the ACC is up for grabs 2-12. If UNC gels well, they have a chance to win 18-19 games and sneak into the tourney. UNC will be back into the top 10 after this year. Right now, even if Marcus Williams comes back, I don't see anyone overtaking Duke. Duke is absolutely loaded with talent and experience, if K doesn't win it all this year its a major chokejob. Josh McRoberts will be one of the top 5 freshmen in the nation, he's unbelievably talented at 6'11. However, if Shelden Williams goes down, Duke could have alot of problems on the inside with toughness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balta1701 Posted September 18, 2005 Share Posted September 18, 2005 QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Sep 17, 2005 -> 12:41 PM) That definitely wasn't the same thing. We haven't really been considered a top 25 team since Dec/Jan of the 2002-2003 season. I was saying earlier, I'm surprised IU's already getting a ranking that high before they even play a game, but I have no doubts they'll be there or better when it's said and done. I think we have to have doubts as to whether or not they'll be better, just because we haven't seen Mike Davis do anything recently that deserves credit. You can put all the talent in the world on a basketball court, but if you have a coach who's just not fit for the job, they won't succeed. Davis really h asn't done jack squat since he was coaching Bobby Knight's team. The players we've seen him moving around just haven't lived up to what they should be, and people have been leaving/avoiding IU because of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greasywheels121 Posted September 18, 2005 Author Share Posted September 18, 2005 QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Sep 17, 2005 -> 11:10 PM) I think we have to have doubts as to whether or not they'll be better, just because we haven't seen Mike Davis do anything recently that deserves credit. You can put all the talent in the world on a basketball court, but if you have a coach who's just not fit for the job, they won't succeed. Davis really h asn't done jack squat since he was coaching Bobby Knight's team. The players we've seen him moving around just haven't lived up to what they should be, and people have been leaving/avoiding IU because of it. I hate that argument, "Bobby Knight's team." Bobby Knight didn't take that team to the Final Four. I'm still pro-Davis, but I've started going the other way the past few years. If this team doesn't go at least sweet 16, he'll be gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoomSlowik Posted September 19, 2005 Share Posted September 19, 2005 QUOTE(Palehosefan @ Sep 17, 2005 -> 08:04 PM) Right now, even if Marcus Williams comes back, I don't see anyone overtaking Duke. Duke is absolutely loaded with talent and experience, if K doesn't win it all this year its a major chokejob. Josh McRoberts will be one of the top 5 freshmen in the nation, he's unbelievably talented at 6'11. However, if Shelden Williams goes down, Duke could have alot of problems on the inside with toughness. I think we've been through this before, but I just don't see Duke as being this unbeatable powerhouse. He's had much better teams, and as for the "major chokejob" part, it would be nothing compared to the 1999 team that lost in the title game. I wouldn't even call this the best 1-2 punch he's had. I'd much prefer Williams/Battier or Hill/Laettner, and both of those pairings had a better supporting cast. They're also not that "loaded with talent and experience." Redick and Williams are both solid players with a lot of talent, but after that it gets a little more thin. Dockery and Melchionni are upper-classmen, but neither is exactly a gamebreaker. Dockery is okay at managing a game and can play some decent defense, but does little else. Melchionni is basically Redick, only much less proficient. Reggie Love falls into this category too. He's a minute eater at best. The real keys for them are going to be DeMarcus Nelson and the incoming freshmen, of which probably McRoberts and Paulus are going to get more than garbage time. At least one of them has to be an impact player, otherwise it looks like they could have some major problems if Redick has an off-night or Williams gets in foul trouble, similar to Kansas last year when no one but Simien did anything. Ewing did that for them last year, they'll need something similar. They need to average around 80 a game to really be good. They averaged about 78 last year, and lost almost 20 in Ewing and Randolph, which is at least what they need to make up in scoring improvements and from newcomers, and that's assuming no dropoffs (which I could see from Redick with a more diverse scoring attack, much like McCants did last year). They'll be fine if McRoberts, Melchionni or Ewing turns into a consistent low-double figures scorer, but if they struggle to find a consistent 3rd option (which looks highly possible), it'll hurt their chances a bit. McRoberts looks like the most likely choice, but I personally think that he's most likely to average between 8-12, with only a slight chance of matching Ewing's production. Melchionni will probably be a bit erratic in his scoring because of his dependence on his shot, and although Nelson has talent, he needs to improve his shooting a bit. Before you say Paulus, his greatest attribute is not his scoring ability, and he probably won't take many shots as a freshmen. They're still one of the more talented teams, but frankly no matter what they do it wouldn't surprise me. They need some of the former role players to make a bigger impact to really reach their potential, especially since they're probably only going to go 8 deep tops. I like Villanova more because they have less reliance on individual players. Ray, Foye, and Sumpter are all solid scorers, Lowry looks like he's going to play a bigger role this year, Fraser is solid in the post when healthy, and Sheridan and Nardi are solid role players. Another option or two of the bench could be nice, but all of those guys are pretty solid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilsox7 Posted September 19, 2005 Share Posted September 19, 2005 QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Sep 18, 2005 -> 12:13 AM) I hate that argument, "Bobby Knight's team." Bobby Knight didn't take that team to the Final Four. I'm still pro-Davis, but I've started going the other way the past few years. If this team doesn't go at least sweet 16, he'll be gone. My threshold for Davis is Elite Eight or hit the road this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted September 19, 2005 Share Posted September 19, 2005 Wow, Iowa's rated pretty high. They got a lot of talent and they definately have the bulk of their players coming back (would have Pierce back too, if he weren't such a screw up) so they should be one of the better teams in the big 10. We'll see if Alford can finally put it together. He'd of gotten canned last year if the team didn't unite and go on a pretty good run to earn themselves a bid into the tourney. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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