Thursday's Pick

Zach's Pick: Season Record: 54-43-5

Arkansas (-3.5) over Missouri- LOSS

Brian's Pick: Season Record: 54-43-5

Missouri (+3.5) over Arkansas- WIN

Billy's Pick: Season Record: 52-45-5

Missouri (+3.5) over Arkansas- WIN

Wednesday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 54-42-5

Boston College (-4) over Michigan State- WIN
Iowa (+9.5) over Virginia Tech- WIN
Virginia (+2) over Purdue- PUSH
Georgetown (-4.5) over Oregon- LOSS
Northern Iowa (-7.5) over Iowa State- WIN
Charlotte (+7) over Mississippi State- LOSS
North Carolina (-7.5) over Ohio State- WIN
Clemson (-5) over Minnesota- WIN
Wake Forest (+11) over Air Force- LOSS
California (-6.5) over Kansas State- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 53-43-5

Michigan State (+4) over Boston College- LOSS
Iowa (+9.5) over Virginia Tech- WIN
Purdue (-2) over Virginia- PUSH
Georgetown (-4.5) over Oregon- LOSS
Northern Iowa (-7.5) over Iowa State- WIN
Charlotte (+7) over Mississippi State- LOSS
Ohio State (+7.5) over North Carolina- LOSS
Clemson (-5) over Minnesota- WIN
Wake Forest (+11) over Air Force- LOSS
California (-6.5) over Kansas State- WIN

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 51-45-5

Boston College (-4) over Michigan State- WIN
Virginia Tech (-9.5) over Iowa- LOSS
Virginia (+2) over Purdue- PUSH
Georgetown (-4.5) over Oregon- LOSS
Northern Iowa (-7.5) over Iowa State- WIN
Charlotte (+7) over Mississippi State- LOSS
Ohio State (+7.5) over North Carolina- LOSS
Minnesota (+5) over Clemson- LOSS
Air Force (-11) over Wake Forest- WIN
California (-6.5) over Kansas State- WIN

Tuesday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 48-39-4

Maryland (+3) over Illinois- WIN
Wisconsin (-10) over Florida State- WIN
Western Kentucky (-5) over UAB- WIN
Georgia Tech (-15) over Penn State- LOSS
New Mexico State (+9) over New Mexico- WIN
Indiana (+13.5) over Duke- WIN
Miami (-1) over Northwestern- LOSS

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 49-38-4

Maryland (+3) over Illinois- WIN
Wisconsin (-10) over Florida State- WIN
UAB (+5) over Western Kentucky- LOSS
Penn State (+15) over Georgia Tech- WIN
New Mexico (-9) over New Mexico State- LOSS
Indiana (+13.5) over Duke- WIN
Northwestern (+1) over Miami- WIN

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 47-40-4

Illinois (-3) over Maryland- LOSS
Wisconsin (-10) over Florida State- WIN
UAB (+5) over Western Kentucky- LOSS
Penn State (+15) over Georgia Tech- WIN
New Mexico State (+9) over New Mexico- WIN
Indiana (+13.5) over Duke- WIN
Northwestern (+1) over Miami- WIN

Monday's Pick

Zach's Pick: Season Record: 43-37-4

Michigan (-1.5) over NC State- LOSS

Brian's Pick: Season Record: 44-36-4

Michigan (-1.5) over NC State- LOSS

Billy's Pick: Season Record: 42-38-4

Michigan (-1.5) over NC State- LOSS

Brian's Top 25: Week 3

Brian

1. Florida (2)
2. UCLA (4)
3. Pittsburgh (6)
4. North Carolina (1)
5. Alabama (7)
6. Kansas (11)
7. Georgia Tech (9)
8. LSU (3)
9. Syracuse (8)
10. Texas A&M (10)
11. Wisconsin (5)
12. Ohio State (12)
13. Georgetown (13)
14. Arizona (14)
15. Washington (17)
16. Memphis (16)
17. Duke (15)
18. Wichita State (NR)
19. Connecticut (19)
20. Butler (NR)
21. Xavier (20)
22. Texas (21)
23. Maryland (24)
24. Marquette (NR)
25. Nevada (NR)

New Additions: Wichita State, Butler, Marquette, Nevada.
Dropped out: Tennessee, Virginia, Boston College, Villanova.

Zach

1. UCLA (7)
2. Florida (1)
3. Pittsburgh (5)
4. North Carolina (2)
5. Alabama (6)
6. Kansas (11)
7. Ohio State (9)
8. Syracuse (8)
9. Texas A&M (12)
11. Wisconsin (4)
12. Georgia Tech (10)
13. Arizona (15)
14. Georgetown (13)
15. Washington (17)
16. Maryland (19)
17. Marquette (NR)
18. Wichita State (NR)
19. Memphis (16)
20. Butler (NR)
21. Gonzaga (NR)
22. Duke (14)
23. Oklahoma State (25)
24. Virginia (24)
25. Arkansas (NR)

New Additions: Marquette, Wichita State, Butler, Gonzaga, Arkansas
Dropped Out: Xavier, Southern Illinois, Tennessee, Boston College, Nevada

Sunday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 43-36-4

Southern Illinois (-1) over Virginia Tech- WIN
Wyoming (+4) over Colorado- WIN
Providence (-3) over George Washington- WIN
Arkansas (-1) over West Virginia- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 44-35-4

Southern Illinois (-1) over Virginia Tech- WIN
Wyoming (+4) over Colorado- WIN
Providence (-3) over George Washington- WIN
Arkansas (-1) over West Virginia- WIN

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 42-37-4

Virginia Tech (+1) over Southern Illinois- LOSS
Wyoming (+4) over Colorado- WIN
Providence (-3) over George Washington- WIN
West Virginia (+1) over Arkansas- LOSS

Saturday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 39-36-4

Creighton (-9.5) over George Mason- LOSS
Saint Louis (-4.5) over Houston- LOSS
Texas Tech (+1) over UTEP- WIN
Wichita State (+10.5) over LSU- WIN
Iowa (-1.5) over Arizona State- LOSS
Wisconsin (-12) over Auburn- WIN
Missouri State (-2) over Oklahoma State- LOSS
Florida (-6) over Kansas- LOSS
Bradley (+4) over Illinois- PUSH

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 40-35-4

George Mason (+9.5) over Creighton- WIN
Houston (+4.5) over St. Louis- WIN
UTEP (-1) over Texas Tech- LOSS
Wichita State (+10.5) over LSU- WIN
Iowa (-1.5) over Arizona State- LOSS
Wisconsin (-12) over Auburn- WIN
Missouri State (-2) over Oklahoma State- LOSS
Florida (-6) over Kansas- LOSS
Bradley (+4) over Illinois- PUSH

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 40-35-4

George Mason (+9.5) over Creighton- WIN
Houston (+4.5) over Saint Louis- WIN
UTEP (-1) over Texas Tech- LOSS
LSU (-10.5) over Wichita State- LOSS
Iowa (-1.5) over Arizona State- LOSS
Wisconsin (-12) over Auburn- WIN
Oklahoma State (+2) over Missouri State- WIN
Florida (-6) over Kansas- LOSS
Illinois (-4) over Bradley- PUSH

Friday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 36-31-3

Florida State (+11) over Pittsburgh- LOSS
Hawaii (+3) over California- LOSS
North Carolina (-9) over Tennessee- WIN
Gonzaga (-5.5) over Butler- LOSS
Oklahoma State (-9.5) over Auburn- LOSS
Louisville (-5) over Dayton- LOSS
Bradley (-7.5) over Rutgers- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 36-31-3

Pittsburgh (-11) over Florida State- WIN
Hawaii (+3) over California- LOSS
North Carolina (-9) over Tennessee- WIN
Butler (+5.5) over Gonzaga- WIN
Oklahoma State (-9.5) over Auburn- LOSS
Louisville (-5) over Dayton- LOSS
Bradley (-7.5) over Rutgers- WIN

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 36-31-3

Pittsburgh (-11) over Florida State- WIN
California (-3) over Hawaii- WIN
North Carolina (-9) over Tennessee- WIN
Butler (+5.5) over Gonzaga- WIN
Auburn (+9.5) over Oklahoma State- WIN
Louisville (-5) over Dayton- LOSS
Bradley (-7.5) over Rutgers- WIN

Thursday's Pick

Zach's Pick: Season Record: 34-26-3

Southern Illinois (-2.5) over Arkansas- LOSS

Brian's Pick: Season Record: 32-28-3

Southern Illinois (-2.5) over Arkansas- LOSS

Billy's Pick: Season Record: 30-30-3

Southern Illinois (-2.5) over Arkansas- LOSS

Wednesday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 34-25-3

Purdue (-3.5) over DePaul- WIN
Kentucky (+1.5) over Memphis- LOSS
Boston College (-3) over Providence- LOSS
North Carolina (-8) over Gonzaga- LOSS
UCLA (-3.5) over Georgia Tech- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 32-27-3

Purdue (-3.5) over DePaul- WIN
Memphis (-1.5) over Kentucky- WIN
Boston College (-3) over Providence- LOSS
North Carolina (-8) over Gonzaga- LOSS
Georgia Tech (+3.5) over UCLA- LOSS

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 30-29-3

DePaul (+3.5) over Purdue- LOSS
Memphis (-1.5) over Kentucky- WIN
Boston College (-3) over Providence- LOSS
Gonzaga (+8) over North Carolina- WIN
Georgia Tech (+3.5) over UCLA- LOSS

Tuesday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 32-22-3

Oklahoma (-3) over Purdue- LOSS
Georgia Tech (+2) over Memphis- WIN
Mississippi State (+9.5) over Clemson- WIN
Kansas State (+5) over New Mexico- LOSS
Iowa State (+6.5) over Minnesota- WIN
Wake Forest (-4) over Vanderbilt- WIN
Air Force (-4) over Texas Tech- WIN
UCLA (-3.5) over Kentucky- WIN
Marquette (+5) over Duke- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 30-24-3

Purdue (+3) over Oklahoma- WIN
Georgia Tech (+2) over Memphis- WIN
Clemson (-9.5) over Mississippi State- LOSS
New Mexico (-5) over Kansas State- WIN
Minnesota (-6.5) over Iowa State- LOSS
Vanderbilt (+4) over Wake Forest- LOSS
Texas Tech (+4) over Air Force- LOSS
UCLA (-3.5) over Kentucky- WIN
Duke (-5) over Marquette- LOSS

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 28-26-3

Purdue (+3) over Oklahoma- WIN
Georgia Tech (+2) over Memphis- WIN
Mississippi State (+9.5) over Clemson- WIN
Kansas State (+5) over New Mexico- LOSS
Iowa State (+6.5) over Minnesota- WIN
Wake Forest (-4) over Vanderbilt- WIN
Texas Tech (+4) over Air Force- LOSS
UCLA (-3.5) over Kentucky- WIN
Duke (-5) over Marquette- LOSS

Monday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 25-20-3

Memphis (-6) over Oklahoma- WIN
Georgia Tech (-7) over Purdue- WIN
Duke (-5) over Air Force- WIN
Villanova (-3.5) over Iowa- WIN
Texas Tech (+4) over Marquette- LOSS
Alabama (-2.5) over Xavier- WIN
Kentucky (-6) over DePaul- PUSH

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 26-19-3

Memphis (-6) over Oklahoma- WIN
Georgia Tech (-7) over Purdue- WIN
Duke (-5) over Air Force- WIN
Villanova (-3.5) over Iowa- WIN
Marquette (-4) over Texas Tech- WIN
Xavier (+2.5) over Alabama- LOSS
Kentucky (-6) over DePaul- PUSH

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 22-23-3

Memphis (-6) over Oklahoma- WIN
Georgia Tech (-7) over Purdue- WIN
Air Force (+5) over Duke- LOSS
Villanova (-3.5) over Iowa- WIN
Marquette (-4) over Texas Tech- WIN
Xavier (+2.5) over Alabama- LOSS
Kentucky (-6) over DePaul- PUSH

Brian and Zach's Top 25: Week 2

Previous ranking in parentheses.

Brian

1. North Carolina (1)
2. Florida (2)
3. LSU (4)
4. UCLA (5)
5. Wisconsin (7)
6. Pittsburgh (8)
7. Alabama (9)
8. Syracuse (10)
9. Georgia Tech (11)
10. Texas A&M (14)
11. Kansas (3)
12. Ohio State (13)
13. Georgetown (6)
14. Arizona (15)
15. Duke (12)
16. Memphis (16)
17. Washington (20)
18. Tennessee (21)
19. Connecticut (25)
20. Xavier (24)
21. Texas (17)
22. Virginia (22)
23. Boston College (18)
24. Maryland (NR)
25. Villanova (19)

New Additions: Maryland
Dropped Out: Kentucky

Zach

1. Florida (1)
2. North Carolina (2)
3. LSU (4)
4. Wisconsin (5)
5. Pittsburgh (6)
6. Alabama (7)
7. UCLA (8)
8. Syracuse (10)
9. Ohio State (11)
10. Georgia Tech (12)
11. Kansas (3)
12. Texas A&M (15)
13. Georgetown (9)
14. Duke (19)
15. Arizona (13)
16. Memphis (16)
17. Washington (17)
18. Nevada (18)
19. Maryland (25)
20. Xavier (NR)
21. Southern Illinois (20)
22. Tennessee (23)
23. Boston College (14)
24. Virginia (24)
25. Oklahoma State (23)

New Additions: Maryland
Dropped Out: Texas

Sunday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 20-19-2

St Joe's (PK) over Bucknell- WIN
New Mexico State (+17) over Arizona- WIN
Northern Iowa (-12.5) over UW-Milwaukee- LOSS
Alabama (-6) over Iowa- WIN
Mississippi (+12.5) over Connecticut- LOSS
Xavier (-1) over Villanova- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 21-18-2

Bucknell (PK) over St. Joe's- LOSS
New Mexico State (+17) over Arizona- WIN
Northern Iowa (-12.5) over UW-Milwaukee- LOSS
Alabama (-6) over Iowa- WIN
Connecticut (-12.5) over Mississippi- WIN
Villanova (+1) over Xavier- LOSS

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 18-21-2

Bucknell (PK) over St. Joe's- LOSS
New Mexico State (+17) over Arizona- WIN
UW-Milwaukee (+12.5) over Northern Iowa- WIN
Iowa (+6) over Alabama- LOSS
Connecticut (-12.5) over Mississippi- WIN
Villanova (+1) over Xavier- LOSS

Saturday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 16-17-2

USC (-3) over St. Mary's- WIN
Wichita State (-1.5) over George Mason- WIN
Massachusetts (+12.5) over Pittsburgh- LOSS
California (+6) over San Diego State- LOSS
Creighton (-5) over Nebraska- LOSS
Air Force (-4.5) over Colorado- WIN
UAB (+2) over Wyoming- LOSS

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 18-15-2

USC (-3) over St. Mary's- WIN
Wichita State (-1.5) over George Mason- WIN
Pittsburgh (-12.5) over Massachusetts- WIN
California (+6) over San Diego State- LOSS
Creighton (-5) over Nebraska- LOSS
Air Force (-4.5) over Colorado- WIN
UAB (+2) over Wyoming- LOSS

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 15-18-2

USC (-3) over St. Mary's- WIN
George Mason (+1.5) over Wichita State- LOSS
Pittsburgh (-12.5) over Massachusetts- WIN
California (+6) over San Diego State- LOSS
Creighton (-5) over Nebraska- LOSS
Air Force (-4.5) over Colorado- WIN
Wyoming (-2) over UAB- WIN

Friday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 13-13-2

Texas (-6.5) over St. John's- LOSS
Maryland (-5.5) over Michigan State- LOSS
Northwestern (+10) over Stanford- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 14-12-2

Texas (-6.5) over St. John's- LOSS
Maryland (-5.5) over Michigan State- LOSS
Northwestern (+10) over Stanford- WIN

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 11-15-2

Texas (-6.5) over St. John's- LOSS
Maryland (-5.5) over Michigan State- LOSS
Northwestern (+10) over Stanford- WIN

Thursday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 12-11-2

Maryland (-2) over St. John's- WIN
Texas (-4) over Michigan State- LOSS
USC (-6) over South Carolina- LOSS

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 13-10-2

Maryland (-2) over St. John's- WIN
Texas (-4) over Michigan State- LOSS
USC (-6) over South Carolina- LOSS

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 10-13-2

St. John's (+2) over Maryland- LOSS
Texas (-4) over Michigan State- LOSS
USC (-6) over South Carolina- LOSS

Wednesday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 11-9-2

Kansas State (+2) over Rutgers- WIN
Georgetown (-2) over Vanderbilt- WIN
Nevada (-5.5) over Oregon State- WIN
UCLA (-13) over BYU- PUSH

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 12-8-2

Kansas State (+2) over Rutgers- WIN
Georgetown (-2) over Vanderbilt- WIN
Nevada (-5.5) over Oregon State- WIN
BYU (+13) over UCLA- PUSH

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 10-10-2

Rutgers (-2) over Kansas State- LOSS
Georgetown (-2) over Vanderbilt- WIN
Nevada (-5.5) over Oregon State- WIN
BYU (+13) over UCLA- PUSH

Tuesday's Picks

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 8-9-1

DePaul (-5.5) over Northwestern- LOSS
New Mexico (-9) over Colorado- WIN
Washington (-9) over Northern Iowa- PUSH
Indiana (-3) over Butler- LOSS
UNC-Wilmington (+9) over Tennessee- LOSS

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 9-8-1

Northwestern (+5.5) over DePaul- WIN
Colorado (+9) over New Mexico- LOSS
Washington (-9) over Northern Iowa- PUSH
Indiana (-3) over Butler- LOSS
Tennessee (-9) over UNC-Wilmington- WIN

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 8-9-1

DePaul (-5.5) over Northwestern- LOSS
Colorado (+9) over New Mexico- LOSS
Northern Iowa (+9) over Washington- PUSH
Indiana (-3) over Butler- LOSS
Tennessee (-9) over UNC-Wilmington- WIN

Monday's Picks

(Records include tonight's games)

Another heartbreaker for the Irish. Some things never change....

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 7-6

Notre Dame (-3.5) over Butler- LOSS
Houston (-1) over Rhode Island- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 7-6

Notre Dame (-3.5) over Butler- LOSS
Houston (-1) over Rhode Island- WIN

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 7-6

Notre Dame (-3.5) over Butler- LOSS
Houston (-1) over Rhode Island- WIN

Brian and Zach's Top 25: Week 1

Previous ranking in parentheses.

Brian
1. North Carolina (1)
2. Florida (2)
3. Kansas (3)
4. LSU (4)
5. UCLA (6)
6. Georgetown (5)
7. Wisconsin (7)
8. Pittsburgh (8)
9. Alabama (11)
10. Syracuse (12)
11. Georgia Tech (14)
12. Duke (13)
13. Ohio State (10)
14. Texas A&M (15)
15. Arizona (9)
16. Memphis (16)
17. Texas (17)
18. Boston College (20)
19. Villanova (18)
20. Washington (19)
21. Tennessee (21)
22. Virginia (NR)
23. Kentucky (23)
24. Xavier (24)
25. Connecticut (22)

New Additions: Virginia
Dropped Out: Illinois

Zach
1. Florida (1)
2. North Carolina (2)
3. Kansas (3)
4. LSU (5)
5. Wisconsin (6)
6. Pittsburgh (7)
7. Alabama (8)
8. UCLA (9)
9. Georgetown (10)
10. Syracuse (13)
11. Ohio State (11)
12. Georgia Tech (12)
13. Arizona (4)
14. Boston College (15)
15. Texas A&M (14)
16. Memphis (16)
17. Washington (17)
18. Nevada (18)
19. Duke (19)
20. Southern Illinois (20)
21. Texas (22)
22. Tennessee (23)
23. Oklahoma State (24)
24. Virginia (NR)
25. Xavier (NR)

New Additions: Xavier, Virginia
Dropped Out: Marquette, UConn

Weekend Picks (Nov. 10-12)

Zach's Picks: Season Record: 6-5

UAB (PK) over Washington State- LOSS (Friday)
Hofstra (+4) over Charlotte- LOSS
DePaul (-2) over Bradley- LOSS
Washington State (-3.5) over UW-Milwaukee- WIN
Toledo (+7.5) over Missouri State- LOSS
San Diego State (+4) over St. Mary's- WIN
Ohio State (-11.5) over Loyola-Chicago- WIN
Syracuse (-11.5) over Pennsylvania- WIN
UAB (-2.5) over UW-Milwaukee- WIN
Arizona (-3) over Virginia- LOSS
Clemson (-1) over Old Dominion- WIN

Brian's Picks: Season Record: 6-5

Washington State (PK) over UAB- WIN (Friday)
Hofstra (+4) over Charlotte- LOSS
DePaul (-2) over Bradley- LOSS
Washington State (-3.5) over UW-Milwaukee- WIN
Toledo (+7.5) over Missouri State- LOSS
San Diego State (+4) over St. Mary's- WIN
Ohio State (-11.5) over Loyola-Chicago- WIN
Syracuse (-11.5) over Pennsylvania- WIN
Arizona (-3) over Virginia- LOSS
UAB (-2.5) over UW-Milwaukee- WIN
Old Dominion (+1) over Clemson- LOSS

Billy's Picks: Season Record: 6-5

UAB (PK) over Washington State- LOSS (Friday)
Charlotte (-4) over Hofstra- WIN
DePaul (-2) over Bradley- LOSS
Washington State (-3.5) over UW-Milwaukee- WIN
Toledo (+7.5) over Missouri State- LOSS
San Diego State (+4) over St. Mary's- WIN
Ohio State (-11.5) over Loyola-Chicago- WIN
Syracuse (-11.5) over Pennsylvania- WIN
Arizona (-3) over Virginia- LOSS
UAB (-2.5) over UW-Milwaukee- WIN
Old Dominion (+1) over Clemson- LOSS

NCAA Championship Odds

Who will be hoisting the NCAA trophy next April? Here are the odds:

Favorites
Florida 5/1
North Carolina 13/2
Kansas 10/1 *dont bet on it*
Ohio State 12/1
Duke 15/1
UCLA 20/1
UConn 20/1
Georgetown 20/1
Arizona 20/1 *keep an eye on*
Pittsburgh 20/1

Bigger Odds
Texas 25/1
Georgia Tech 25/1
LSU 25/1 *best bet*
Memphis 30/1
Texas A&M 30/1
Wisconsin 30/1 *decent pick*
Kentucky 35/1 *stay far far away*
Louisville 40/1
Alabama 40/1
Marquette 40/1

Best Longshot
Boston College 75/1

Brian and Zach's Preseason Top 25

A new season full of rankings, brackets, predictions, madness, and BASKETBALL.

Brian
1. North Carolina
2. Florida
3. Kansas
4. LSU
5. Georgetown
6. UCLA
7. Wisconsin
8. Pittsburgh
9. Arizona
10. Ohio State
11. Alabama
12. Syracuse
13. Duke
14. Georgia Tech
15. Texas A&M
16. Memphis
17. Texas
18. Villanova
19. Washington
20. Boston College
21. Tennessee
22. Connecticut
23. Kentucky
24. Xavier
25. Illinois

Zach
1. Florida
2. North Carolina
3. Kansas
4. Arizona
5. LSU
6. Wisconsin
7. Pittsburgh
8. Alabama
9. UCLA
10. Georgetown
11. Ohio State
12. Georgia Tech
13. Syracuse
14. Texas A&M
15. Boston College
16. Memphis
17. Washington
18. Nevada
19. Duke
20. Southern Illinois
21. Marquette
22. Texas
23. Tennessee
24. Oklahoma State
25. Connecticut

2006-2007 Big East Preview: #1

#1- Georgetown Hoyas

Last season: 23-10 (10-6), lost to Florida in the Sweet 16.
Coach: John Thompson III (3rd year). 42-23 at Georgetown.

After spending years in the shadow of his father, John Thompson III is emerging as one of the best coaches in America. After recruiting one of the best classes in the country, Thompson and Georgetown are primed for success in 2006-2007. With a lot of returning talent going along with this recruiting class, the Hoyas will be thrilling the Verizon Center crowds all season long.

This year's recruiting class includes transfer Patrick Ewing Jr. Thompson? Ewing? Is this a flashback to 1984? In all seriousness, JTIII has a gem in the younger Ewing. He will provide rebounding and help out 7-2 center Roy Hibbert in the paint. Also included in this class are DaJuan Summers, Vernon Macklin (22.4 ppg in high school), and Jeremiah Rivers, son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers. This talented bunch will be the toast of Washington for the next few years.

Two very talented frontcourt players return for Thompson this year in Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert. Both of them have the potential to be All-American selections. I am not totally sold on Hibbert yet, as every time I saw him play last season he did not impress. However, another year under his belt should help him tremendously. The strength of this Georgetown team will be up front. Freshman Vernon Macklin will also look to contribute up front.

Jonathan Wallace and Jeremiah Rivers will see a good amount of time in the backcourt. Wallace, who averaged 7.9 ppg last year, will have to be a pass first point guard, looking to get the ball down on the low blocks where Hibbert, Green, Macklin, and Ewing can take care of it. Rivers will experience some growing pains, but he will be a solid player for the Hoyas in the years to come.

Georgetown has a fairly easy non-conference schedule, aside from a trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium and Ann Arbor, Michigan. In Big East play, they will have two games against Villanova, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. A 5-1 record in those six games is not an unrealistic goal for Georgetown, considering how much talent is on the roster. All in all, I expect Georgetown to be the class of the Big East and compete for a national title.

Schedule and predictions:

11/11 vs. Hartford- W
11/15 @ Vanderbilt- W
11/19 vs. Old Dominion- W
11/22 @ Fairfield- W
11/27 vs. Ball State- W
11/29 vs. Oregon- W
12/2 @ Duke- L
12/5 vs. James Madison- W
12/9 vs. Oral Roberts- W
12/16 vs. Winston-Salem State- W
12/20 vs. Towson- W
12/23 vs. Navy- W
12/30 @ Michigan- W
1/6 vs. Notre Dame- W
1/8 vs. Villanova- W
1/13 @ Pittsburgh- L
1/17 @ Rutgers- W
1/19 @ Seton Hall- W
1/24 vs. DePaul- W
1/27 vs. Cincinnati- W
2/1 @ St. John's- W
2/7 @ Louisville- W
2/10 vs. Marquette- W
2/12 vs. West Virginia- W
2/17 @ Villanova- W
2/21 @ Cincinnati- W
2/24 vs. Pittsburgh- W
2/26 @ Syracuse- W
3/3 vs. Connecticut- W

Projected record: 27-2 (15-1).
Postseason: NCAA Final Four.

2006-2007 Big East Preview: #2

#2- Pittsburgh Panthers

Last season: 25-8 (10-6), lost to Bradley in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Coach: Jamie Dixon (4th year). 79-22 at Pittsburgh.

After, to say the least, a tumultuous off season, Jamie Dixon returns for his 4th year at the helm of the Panthers. He had to deal with the loss of his sister Maggie, in addition to losing two assistant coaches and his top player from last year. Dixon has dedicated this season to Maggie, and his team figures not to disappoint.

Pittsburgh returns eight of its top ten players, including center Aaron Gray. Rated amongst the best centers in the nation, Gray will lead Pitt in his final year in the steel city. The Panthers are perhaps the most balanced team in the nation this year. In their backcourt, Keith Benjamin, Ronald Ramon, Antonio Graves, Levance Fields, and junior transfer Mike Cook all figure to see plenty of playing time under Dixon. With such a deep backcourt, Pitt will be able to rest players while not losing much talent on the floor. Up front, Pitt is even more talented. With Gray, Sam Young, Levon Kendall, and sophomore Tyrell Biggs all competing for time, the Panthers have a very formidable frontcourt.

The balance on this team is amazing, and that will enable Pittsburgh to go deep into the bench, keeping players fresh for late in games. They will be very difficult to beat with all this talent, but it can be done. If Gray is shut down, teams will be able to pressure the wings against Pitt and force them to make shots, and that's how I feel they will lose games. Dixon has compiled a difficult schedule this year, something that has been missing in his tenure at Pittsburgh. They draw Georgetown, Marquette, and West Virginia twice in the conference. All six of those games should be wars, even if WVU is down as they are expected to be. The backyard brawl will rear its ugly head once again. The games versus Georgetown could turn into classics.

Schedule and predictions:

11/12 vs./@ Western Michigan- W
11/14 vs. Delaware State- W
11/17 vs. Northeastern- W
11/18 vs. UMass- W
11/19 vs. Oakland- W
11/24 vs. Florida State- W
11/29 vs. Robert Morris- W
12/3 @ Auburn- W
12/6 vs. Duquesne- W
12/9 @ Buffalo- W
12/16 @ Wisconsin- L
12/21 @ Oklahoma State- W
12/23 vs. Dayton- W
12/30 vs. Florida A&M- W
1/4 @ Syracuse- L
1/7 vs. South Florida- W
1/10 @ DePaul- W
1/13 vs. Georgetown- W
1/16 vs. Connecticut- W
1/21 vs. Marquette- W
1/24 @ Cincinnati- W
1/27 vs. St. John's- W
1/29 @ Villanova- W
2/7 @ West Virginia- W
2/10 vs. Providence- W
2/12 vs. Louisville- W
2/17 vs. Washington- W
2/19 @ Seton Hall- W
2/24 @ Georgetown- L
2/27 vs. West Virginia- W
3/3 @ Marquette- L

Projected record: 27-4 (13-3).
Postseason: NCAA Elite Eight.

2006-2007 Big East Preview: #3

#3- Syracuse Orange

Last season: 23-12 (7-9), lost to Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Coach: Jim Boeheim (31st year). 726-253 at Syracuse.

After scrambling to win the Big East Tournament last year in order to make the NCAA Tournament, Syracuse is hoping not to have to do that this year. It will be different, however, without Gerry McNamara. He was the go to man for the Cuse for the past four years, one of which included a national championship. The Orange do return four starters this year, and should be able to put McNamara behind them sooner rather than later.

The headliner in upstate New York this winter will be freshman Paul Harris. A physical 6-5 forward, Harris will have a tremendous impact on this year's Syracuse team. Boeheim believes Harris will be one of the top freshmen in the country this season.

In the backcourt will be Josh Wright, a 6-2 guard who saw limited time playing behind McNamara the past two years. Joining Wright will be Eric Devendorf (12.2 ppg). He figures to be a big part of the Syracuse absence after the loss of McNamara. Andy Rautins is a good shooter off the bench and should see considerably more time this season.

Up front, Syracuse is very strong. Demetris Nichols, Terrence Roberts, and Darryl Watkins are all returning seniors that will provide tons of leadership, not to mention talent. Watkins blocked 99 shots last year, good for third in the Big East. Boeheim has a very balanced team with all the talent in the backcourt and the returning strength in the frontcourt. They may be a bit thin off the bench, but Boeheim has six very good players who will provide much of the scoring and spend the most time on the court.

Just as in recent years, Syracuse does not leave the state of New York until January 7 (@ Marquette). While the schedule is a bit tougher than it usually is, the tremendous homecourt advantage will give Syracuse a great chance to be undefeated going into Big East play. In conference play, they draw Villanova, St. John's, and Connecticut twice. Those teams will be solid and give Syracuse six good games. If Paul Harris is as good as advertised, Syracuse will be a team capable of making a deep run into the NCAA Tournament come March. With Boeheim on the bench, no Syracuse team can ever be counted out. I expect a big season out of the Orange this year.

Schedule and predictions:

11/10 vs. St. Francis (NY)- W
11/11 vs. UTEP/Penn- W
11/12 vs. UTEP/Penn- W
11/15 vs. Northeastern- W
11/22 vs. Charlotte- W
11/25 @ Canisius- W
11/27 vs. Holy Cross- W
12/2 vs. Wichita State- W
12/5 vs./@ Oklahoma State (Jimmy V. Classic)- W
12/9 vs. Colgate- W
12/16 vs. Baylor- W
12/19 vs. Drexel- W
12/22 vs. Hofstra- W
12/30 vs. St. Bonaventure- W
1/4 vs. Pittsburgh- W
1/7 @ Marquette- W
1/10 @ Rutgers- W
1/13 vs. Villanova- W
1/17 vs. Cincinnati- W
1/21 @ St. John's- W
1/27 @ Louisville- L
1/30 vs. Notre Dame- W
2/3 vs. DePaul- W
2/5 @ Connecticut- L
2/11 vs. St. John's- W
2/14 @ South Florida- W
2/17 vs. Connecticut- W
2/24 @ Providence- W
2/26 vs. Georgetown- L
3/3 @ Villanova- L

Projected record: 26-4 (12-4).
Postseason: NCAA Sweet 16.

More Predictions

Hey, I write here, too. Yeah, me, the lazy one. This whole prediction thing sounds like a blast. My turn.

SEC
1. Florida- the clear preseason #1, with Horford, Noah and Co, great chance to repeat
2. LSU- Redshirts and transfers finally playing vault LSU back into the top ten
3. Alabama- Strong frontcourt led by Hendrix and Davidson can contend vs. big boys
4. Kentucky- Coach Smith needs to demand more team-oriented ball and consistency
5. Tennessee- Great coach and great point guard give Tennessee a fighting chance
6. Arkansas- Will win games they’re supposed to and might be sleeper come March
7. Mississippi State- Strong frontcourt gives fans optimism of tourney birth
8. Georgia- Strong backcourt gives fans optimism of tourney birth
9. Auburn- Speed, transition game, shooting Auburns’ strengths, not quite tourney
10. Vanderbilt- Lack of rebounding and defense gives Vandy no chance
11. Ole Miss- Talent in Cerasoli and Curtis, but can’t put together entire package
12. South Carolina- Struggle this season for Odom and the Cocks, no NIT championship

Big 12
1. Kansas- Talented, athletic, can shoot the lights out, losses of Kaun and Giles hurt
2. Texas A&M- Ready to make an impact on the national stage with stars Law, Jones
3. Texas- Hats off to Barnes for losing all five starters, still ranked preseason top 25
4. Oklahoma State- Studs Boggan and Curry will lead ‘Boys to NCAA with new coach
5. Kansas State- The Huggins signing was genius and will really pay off in 2007-08
6. Oklahoma- Postseason streak is at risk, Sooners will start slow and end fast
7. Baylor- Depth at guard and a rising program give Baylor fans hope for NCAA
8. Texas Tech- Zeno will shoulder all of the scoring load with Jackson sidelined
9. Iowa State- Cyclones got some much-needed JUCO aid for a depleted backcourt
10. Colorado- Roby’s presence, and emergence of PG Hall, give Buffs some hope
11. Missouri- Anderson adopting patience to turn around this catastrophic program
12. Nebraska- Sadler was step 1, now for step 2-225 in the life of Nebraska hoops

Big 10
1. Wisconsin- Consistency, defense, depth and coaching give Badgers edge
2. Ohio State- You know what’s coming: A Big 10 crown depends on Oden’s return
3. Illinois- Bruce Weber is a premiere coach, and Randle, McBride are no slouches
4. Michigan- Not asking for that much: If UM misses the NCAA, Amaker is canned
5. Indiana- Much like K-State, 07-08 could be the year with Gordon and maybe Rose
6. Michigan State- Role players last year (Neitzel, Suton) step into big shoes
7. Penn State- Cupcake N-C schedule gives Penn St some chance, but there’s that RPI
8. Purdue- Will be thrown into the fire immediately at Maui, likely NIT destination
9. Iowa- If Haluska can score 78 a game, Iowa will be a force to be reckoned with
10. Northwestern- They just plain suck and don’t have any reason to get better
11. Minnesota- Below Northwestern…self explanatory, right?

ACC
1. North Carolina- Overflowing talent at nearly every position, 16-0 in the ACC?
2. Duke- Zach can deny it all he wants, Coach K has built a team stronger than 4th
3. Georgia Tech- Love the combo of freshmen talent and returning scorers
4. Boston College- Too many question marks, Duds is great but Rice and Williams…
5. Virginia Tech- All five starters return on a balanced squad, NCAA birth in pen
6. Florida State- Thornton and Douglas give Seminoles duo to lead them into NCAA
7. Virginia- I can’t deny the backcourt is incredible, but I’m doubting the big fellas
8. Clemson- Hamilton may emerge as vaunted point guard, upset-caliber team
9. Maryland- Not buying this group, and it baffles me Williams isn’t on the hot seat
10. Miami- Losses of Diaz and Hite way, way too much to overcome
11. Wake Forest- They don’t have scorers and cannot play defense, bad recipe
12. NC State- Simmons turning pro is a blow, as he would have excelled this year

Big East
1. Pittsburgh- Reliable players, scorers in the paint, wings and point for balanced Pitt
2. Georgetown- Green will win BE POY, but Hibbert needs to get to next level
3. Syracuse- Longing to find out if Harris is real deal, Devendorf can also hoop
4. Connecticut- Gay, Boone, Armstrong, Williams…and Calhoun will still contend
5. Marquette- Need to find a frontcourt presence and defense to contend in March
6. Louisville- Too many individual issues- grades, injuries, weight- to put any higher
7. Villanova- Nova will go from a backcourt-loaded team to frontcourt-focused
8. St. John’s- Hill, Mason and other three starters make Johnnies perfect bubble team
9. Providence- Henke and Hill in the frontcourt aren’t just tall, but talented
10. DePaul- Sold on Mejia and his capabilities, not so much the rest of the roster
11. Seton Hall- Nutter and Gause are underrated, so is their coaching hire
12. Notre Dame- Too much 3-pt shooting, too much Mike Brey = bad makeup
13. Rutgers- Inman and Webb need to get even better for Rutgers to have any shot
14. West Virginia- Any team relying on Frank Young as their star will struggle
15. Cincinnati- New players, new coach, new philosophy will result in no postseason
16. South Florida- You don’t know how bad I wanted to get this team out of 16th

ACC Preview: #1 North Carolina Tar Heels

Projected Starters
C-Tyler Hansbrough 6'9 240 SO- 18.9ppg 7.8rpg 57%FG 74%FT
PF-Brandon Wright 6'9 200 FR- Top 10 recruit
SF-Reyshawn Terry 6'8 220 SR- 14.3ppg 6.2rpg 47%FG 80%FT
SG-Wayne Ellington 6'4 195 FR- Top 5 recruit
PG-Tywon Lawson 5'11 185 FR- Top 10 recruit

Background
Wow. What else can you really say? North Carolina is loaded, and Roy Williams looks like George Steinbrenner right about now. This offseason, UNC grabbed two of the top five recruits in the nation, another top 10, a top 50 and two more top 100’s to go along with four potential double-digit scorers this season. And I almost forgot, arguably the best player in the entire country. Nobody will be surprised if North Carolina makes it two out of three come early April.

Premiere Players
Tyler Hansbrough put up one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in North Carolina basketball history last season, scoring almost 19 a game, 8 on the boards, making shots at 57% and leading the charge into Cameron to knock off Duke on Senior Night, a game diehard Tar Heel fans will never forget (and an excuse for me to bring it up once again). Hansbrough is a bully in the post who can back a defender down and practically score at will. He never takes a play off and works harder than all of his opponents, courting himself as the strongest rebounder in the country, hands down. Less scoring will be thrown on Tyler this year with Wayne Ellington and Tywon Lawson completing an all-frosh starting backcourt. Ellington will prove himself as the best ball-handler in the nation. His ability to break down a defender for an open jumper, which he never misses, is uncanny. His athleticism impresses, as well as his leaping and dunking ability if the defense gives Wayne any crease in the post to work with. Lawson is another blessed athlete with superb ball-handling. He’s quick, can run the break with perfection and finish in the lane with absolute ease. His playmaking has no ceiling. With Lawson and Ellington working the two guard positions, North Carolina’s turnover tendencies will be practically obsolete. Brandon Wright is the final top 10 freshman, widely considered the top freshman power forward by many recruiting experts. His defense and shot-blocking will give UNC the best post duo, in terms of stopping intruding players, in the country. He is mobile and very agile for a big man that allows Wright to show off different skills of his sound offensive game. In two years, Brandon Wright could be the next Tyler Hansbrough on Chapel Hill.

Role Players
Reyshawn Terry, a role player? On this years Tar Heel team, the likely NBA first-round pick could play that exact part. Forget the freshmen, Terry is the best shooter on this team, especially from behind the arc. It’ll be so difficult for opposing defenses to focus on any one player on this NC team around the perimeter that Terry will get even more open looks from three than last season. If Roy Williams is looking for senior leadership and a big shot at the end of the game, Terry is his man. His mobility and strong court vision gives him the talent to find an open look anywhere on the court and deliver. Bobby Frasor may start at point guard, as he brings experience and the familiarity with Williams’ offense. He was hot and cold from deep last year, but I know Frasor is an outstanding three-point popper, he just needs to avoid inconsistency. I’m sure he’s become much more relaxed and ready this summer. Wes Miller is another hot and cold player that loves shooting the three. I’ve seen Wes unconscious behind the arc, but also tentative and out of control. Danny Green will come off the bench as well for North Carolina, a 7.5 PPG scorer last year, along with top 50 recruits Alex Stephenson and Deon Thompson, who would start on most teams in the nation. On North Czrolina, Stephenson, a more finesse post player, and Thompson, a bulky horse around the paint, will be the eighth or ninth men. The best defensive player on the Heels, Marcus Ginyard, will also play key second half minutes because of that strength.

Final Thoughts
The total package is right here. They’re the best shooting team in the nation with Wayne Ellington, Bobby Frasor, Wes Miller and Reyshawn Terry. They can grab rebounds whenever they need to with Hansbrough and Wright. They’re unbelievably deep, giving Williams the opportunity to juggle superior lineups in different situations. Without three of the top ten recruits in the country, NC would still be in the preseason top ten. A national championship is the goal, and it may very well be fulfilled.

Schedule and Projection
11/14 vs. Sacred Heart- W
11/15 vs. Winthrop- W
11/19 vs. Gardner-Webb- W
11/22 (N) vs. Gonzaga- W
11/24 (N) vs. Tennessee- W
11/29 vs. Ohio State- W
12/2 vs. Kentucky- W
12/9 vs. High Point- W
12/16 vs. UNC-Asheville- W
12/19 vs. Florida Atlantic- W
12/22 @ St. Louis- W
12/28 vs. Rutgers- W
12/31 vs. Dayton- W
1/3 vs. Penn- W
1/7 vs. Florida State- W
1/10 vs. Virginia- W
1/13 @ Virginia Tech- W
1/17 @ Clemson- W
1/20 vs. Georgia Tech- W
1/24 @ Wake Forest- W
1/27 @ Arizona- W
1/31 vs. Miami- W
2/3 @ NC State- W
2/7 @ Duke- L
2/10 vs. Wake Forest- W
2/13 vs. Virginia Tech- W
2/17 @ Boston College- W
2/21 vs. NC State- W
2/25 @ Maryland- W
3/1 @ Georgia Tech- W
3/4 vs. Duke- W

Projected Record: 30-1 (15-1)

ACC Preview: #2 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Projected Starters
C-Ra'Sean Dickey 6'9 255 JR- 13.2ppg 6.8rpg 1.5blk 60%FG 72%FT
PF-Jeremis Smith 6'6 230 JR- 11.0ppg 8.2rpg 49%FG 55%FT
SF-Thaddeus Young 6'8 205 FR- Top 5 recruit
SG-Anthony Morrow 6'5 205 JR- 16.0ppg 4.5rpg 44%FG 89%FT
PG-Javaris Crittenton 6'4 185 FR- Top 10 recruit

Background
Out of any team in the country, Georgia Tech fans have the most to be excited about. With their mix of talented veterans and a top 5 freshman class, the Yellow Jackets have very high expectations heading into the season. After their 4-12 ACC campaign last year, coach Hewitt and the team will be itching to return Georgia Tech to national prominence.

Premiere Players
After 2004, Tech lost its top five scorers and coach Hewitt was desperate for someone to emerge as the go-to scorer on a brand new Yellow Jacket team. Anthony Morrow filled that role and more, easily taking the honor of most improved player in the ACC. Now Morrow will likely garner all-ACC honors, and should feed well with the outstanding group surrounding him as the scoring load won’t be completely placed on his shoulders. Morrow is the best shooter on the team, boasting outstanding good three-point and field goal percentages. Elsewhere, Georgia Tech will get great contributions out of their two star freshmen- guard Javaris Crittenton and forward Thaddeus Young. For Paul Hewitt to go out and get these two heralded high school talents shows his recruiting rivals the best in college hoops. Crittenton is a valuable point guard who can shock a defense with his speed and moves to the basket. His mid-range shooting game is at a college level. With his height, Crittenton will be able to work well without the ball, getting into the paint and adding a strong post game to his repetoire. I’m sure Hewitt will want to polish his point guard skills before that, though. The other freshman is Thaddeus Young, who is basically the perfect basketball player. His all-around game makes Young the biggest recruit in school history and maybe the best high school player not named Greg Oden. Young has height, can shoot, can post-up, possesses NBA ball control and you get that vibe watching him that he knows he’s going to score. Young is surely an NBA lottery pick whenever he decides to enter the draft.

Role Players
Ra’Sean Dickey and Jeremis Smith were reliable, double-digit scorers for Tech last year, but with the flood of incoming scoring ability, look for those numbers to go down. All this means is that Georgia Tech is one of the deepest teams in the conference. Dickey really blossomed last season into a boatload of potential for Hewitt, and at times looked like an unstoppable force in the post. Other times, he would get into foul trouble easily, play out of control and be too passive. Tech will need his rebounding and shot-blocking ability more than his scoring this season. Jeremis Smith is an undersized power forward who plays with 100% effort and hustle every minute of the game. He’s my favorite Georgia Tech player- scrappy, fighting for rebounds, always diving for loose balls, getting key offensive boards and put-backs when the team needs them most, etc. Smith is the leading returning rebounder in the ACC heading into this season and he is 6’6. That is all the evidence you need right there. On the bench, GT shows their depth. Lewis Clinch is a deadly three-point shooter, and Mario West is the defensive specialist. It’s this great mix of talent that makes me so excited about GT’s prospect in 2006-07.

Final Thoughts
Don’t play the inexperience card with Georgia Tech. Thaddeus Young and Javaris Crittenton will impress hoops fans around the nation with their scoring ability and senior-like control the game. Hewitt has the total package for a strong run this season with three double-digit returning scorers, the leading rebounder in the ACC, the best defensive player in the ACC and a top five recruiting class.

Schedule and Projection
11/10 vs. Elon- W
11/13 vs. Jackson State- W
11/16 vs. Georgia State- W
11/20 (N) vs. Purdue- W
11/21 (N) vs. Memphis- W
11/22 (N) vs. UCLA- L
11/28 vs. Penn State- W
12/3 @ Miami- W
12/9 @ Vanderbilt- W
12/18 vs. Centenary- W
12/22 vs. Georgia- W
12/28 vs. Troy- W
12/30 vs. St. Francis- W
1/13 vs. Winston-Salem State- W
1/6 @ Clemson- W
1/10 vs. Duke- W
1/13 vs. Florida State- W
1/20 @ North Carolina- L
1/24 @ Maryland- W
1/28 vs. Virginia Tech- W
1/30 @ Wake Forest- L
2/3 vs. Clemson- W
2/6 vs. NC State- W
2/11 vs. Connecticut- W
2/13 @ Florida State- W
2/18 @ Duke- L
2/21 vs. Wake Forest- W
2/24 @ Virginia- W
3/1 vs. North Carolina- L
3/4 vs. Boston College- W

Projected Record: 25-5 (12-4)

ACC Preview: #3 Boston College Eagles

Projected Starters
C-Sean Williams 6'10 235 JR- 3.1ppg 3.4 rpg 2.0blk 55%FG 51%FT
PF-Akida McLain 6'8 220 JR- 4.2ppg 2.7rpg 50%FG 72%FT
SF-Jared Dudley 6'7 225 SR- 16.7ppg 6.6rpg 3.2apg 49%FG 35%3pt
SG-Sean Marshall 6'6 212 SR- 11.1ppg 3.9rpg 2.3apg 43%FG 61%FT
PG-Tyrese Rice 6'0 183 SO- 9.3ppg 2.5apg 43%FG 39%3pt

Background
Al Skinner always seems to get the most out of his players and is finally getting the credit he is due for building a top-fleet program at BC. The recruiting class arranged for 2007 is shaping up to be the best in school history and top 25 in the nation. Craig Smith was the glue, the mold, the center of a BC philosophy that will be sorely missed this upcoming season. But with Al on the sidelines, any overachievement will come as no surprise.

Premiere Players
Jared Dudley is the total package on offense. He can play around the perimeter, nail shots from behind the arc and possesses astounding ball control. His arrangement of post moves allows Dudley to add a post game and be effective against any defender. His basketball IQ is abnormally high and relishes performing in the clutch. When Dudley has the ball, you always know you’re in good hands. Tyrese Rice takes over the point guard control from three-year starter Louis Hinnant, who led the ACC in assist/turnover ratio last season. Skinner and BC fans will go through some growing pains with Rice running the offense, as he is very prone to playing out of control and committing foolish turnovers, almost the anti-Hinnant. Other times, Skinner will be grateful to trade the turnovers for his lethal outside shooting. Rice is easily the best three-point popper on the roster. Also starring for the Eagles is center Sean Williams, who some are projecting as a future NBA prospect. Williams is the biggest question mark on the team- if he developed some form of an offensive game over the summer, possibly a mini-hook shot or some Craig Smith-esque post moves, the Eagles stock will rise. He’s already got the shot-blocking and defense down to handle the best big men in the ACC such as McRoberts and Hansbrough. The Eagles cannot survive, though, with less than six points per game out of their starting center.

Role Players
Sean Marshall is a very formidable role player for the Eagles. His movements with the ball and ability to create his own jumper are his one glaring weakness, but otherwise, he is very solid in all other areas. His three-point shot is quite accurate but he needs to avoid droughts throughout the season. Marshall’s defense is also often overlooked. He is easily the Eagles best shutdown defender and did a good job against J.J. Redick last season. Akida McLain will have to take a huge step forward to keep that starting power forward role from freshman Shamari Spears. McClain is tall and lanky and showed spurts of encouraging potential in various games, but also disappears in some. His post moves are his strength and he can operate well in the post for someone of his stature. The two freshmen that will see action for BC is Tyler Roche and Shamari Spears. Roche is a deadly shooter who will be very valuable off the bench for a big trey. Spears could evolve into Craig Smith by his senior year, and all reports out of practice indicate he is the real deal. He’s well built, has a strong mid-range jumper for a freshman and will benefit from BC’s offensive philosophy. John Oates and Tyrelle Blair are the big men in the middle off the pine. Oates started last season and showed hints of solid three-point range but gets into foul trouble easily and is not a strong post presence. Blair is a transfer from Loyola who is the sleeper for the Eagles this season.

Final Thoughts
There are looming question marks for almost every player on the BC roster. The biggest ones are on projected starters Sean Williams and Tyrese Rice. If those two improved their weaknesses greatly over the summer and prove this season Williams can score and Rice can handle running the offense, BC could be in for a top-10 season. With question marks, though, comes potential problems, which means BC could also wind up out of the top 30.

Schedule and Projection
11/10 vs. New Hampshire- W
11/13 vs. Vermont- W
11/22 @ Providence- W
11/25 vs. Rhode Island- W
11/29 vs. Michigan State- W
12/2 @ Massachusetts- L
12/6 vs. Fairfield- W
12/10 vs. Maryland- W
12/17 vs. Sacred Heart- W
12/23 @ Kansas- L
12/28 vs. Duquesne- W
12/31 vs. Northeastern- W
1/3 vs. Yale- W
1/6 @ NC State- W
1/9 @ Wake Forest- W
1/13 vs. Virginia- W
1/16 vs. Miami- W
1/20 @ Clemson- W
1/23 vs. Florida State- W
1/28 @ Duke- L
1/31 vs. Hartford- W
2/3 vs. Virginia Tech- W
2/7 @ Miami- W
2/11 @ Florida State- W
2/14 vs. Duke- W
2/17 vs. North Carolina- L
2/21 @ Virginia Tech- L
2/24 vs. Clemson- W
3/4 @ Georgia Tech- L

Projected Record: 23-6 (12-4)

ACC Preview: #4 Duke Blue Devils

Projected Starters
C-Josh McRoberts 6'10 240 SO- 8.7ppg 5.3rpg 1.5apg 61%FG 66%FT
PF-Lance Thomas 6'9 210 FR- Top 25 recruit
SF-Gerald Henderson 6'5 205 FR- Top 10 recruit
SG-DeMarcus Nelson 6'3 195 JR- 7.1ppg 3.4rpg 45%FG 41%3pt
PG-Greg Paulus 6'1 190 SO- 6.7ppg 5.2apg 37%FG 31%3pt

Background
Coach K will be dealing with his youngest team in years this season. With the loss of central players like Redick, Williams and Dockery, Duke will go into this season with differed expectations, as it appears their archrival North Carolina might run away with the league title. Now it’s up to the usual favorites to play underdog and finally get past that Sweet 16 obstacle. Maybe this young group is just the formula.

Premiere Players
The two guys that must step into enormous roles for Duke who served as role players last year are center Josh McRoberts and point guard Greg Paulus. McRoberts, a projected lottery pick this past summer, decided to return to Duke to polish his game and become the central player in the offense. With the departure of Shelden Williams, the touches for McRoberts will lead the team easily. He contains a post game that is strong along the baseline and he can finish in the face of any defender. His mid-range game came along nicely for Duke last year. He also has lesser known strengths, such as being a very competent ball handler and perimeter player, sometimes even better than his point guard Greg Paulus. At times Paulus made utterly foolish turnovers in growing pain games vs. North Carolina and Georgetown, but those experiences will make him that much better this year. Yet when you dissect every Duke game, Paulus is an exceptional passer with gifted court vision and a sense for Coach K’s offense. Oh by the way, he led the ACC in assists in 2005-06. The all-time leading scorer in California high school basketball history, DeMarcus Nelson, will have to step up his game in a big way for Duke to win this conference. We all know DeMarcus can attack the basket and fill up the box score with layups and mid-range jumpers, but can he be a threat from deep? And will Coach K be able to rely on Nelson handling the ball in tight situations?

Role Players
Instead of the previous two sophomores, a variety of freshmen will be role players for Duke this season. A possible starter could be Lance Thomas, a typical grinder who plays strong defense, can rebound and has superb athleticism. He’s strong in the post at 6’9 and will work well with McRoberts. Gerald Henderson may also start for Coach K. He is the #1 recruit entering Durham this season and will have many opportunities early. Henderson is my kind of player- always moving without the ball, moving to the post for easy layups, tiring defenders, very athletic, lethal mid-range shooter. Brian Zoubek may start for Duke, another freshman in the post with strong post capabilities. He reminds me of Paul Davis in many ways. Jon Scheyer is Mr. Illinois and comes to Duke with outstanding outside shooting. We’ll see if Coach K gets him any playing time this year, or designates those minutes for guys like Jamal Boykin and Martynas Pocious.

Final Thoughts
Duke, Georgia Tech and Boston College are practically identical at the 2-3-4 slots, so Duke is in no way a lock for second. They’ve been overrated in the preseason polls. Duke has an extremely young roster that may need to develop chemistry as the season progresses, but it’s tough to discount all of this talent. McRoberts and Paulus have all the hype in the world, almost too much, and I don’t feel they’ll be all-ACC performers, but they’ll do enough for Duke to finish 11-5.

Schedule and Projection
11/12 vs. Columbia- W
11/13 vs. UC-Davis (likely)- W
11/16 vs. UNC-Greensboro- W
11/20 (N) vs. Stanford (likely)- W
11/21 (N) vs. Marquette (likely)- W
11/25 vs. Davidson- W
11/28 vs. Indiana- W
12/2 vs. Georgetown- L
12/6 vs. Holy Cross- W
12/9 vs. George Mason- W
12/19 vs. Kent State- W
12/21 (N) vs. Gonzaga- W
12/31 vs. San Jose State- W
1/2 vs. Temple- W
1/6 vs. Virginia Tech- W
1/10 @ Georgia Tech- L
1/14 @ Miami- W
1/18 vs. Wake Forest- W
1/20 @ NC State- W
1/25 vs. Clemson- W
1/28 vs. Boston College- L
2/1 @ Virginia- L
2/4 vs. Florida State- W
2/7 vs. North Carolina- W
2/11 @ Maryland- W
2/14 @ Boston College- L
2/18 vs. Georgia Tech- W
2/22 @ Clemson- L
2/25 @ St. John’s- L
2/28 vs. Maryland- W
3/4 @ North Carolina- L

Projected Record: 24-7 (11-5)

2006-2007 Big East Preview: #4

#4- Villanova Wildcats

Last season: 28-5 (14-2), lost to Florida in the Elite Eight.
Coach: Jay Wright (6th year). 104-59 at Villanova.

Villanova is a different team this year, having lost Randy Foye, Allan Ray, and Kyle Lowry to the NBA. All of these players were obviously guards, so gone will be the four guard offense used by Jay Wright's team last year. The two returning starters are both seniors, guard Mike Nardi and forward Will Sheridan. These players, along with fellow senior Curtis Sumpter, will provide critical leadership to the rest of the young wildcats. Sumpter, who sat out last season with a knee injury, was an all-Big East performer in 2004-2005.

In the backcourt, Villanova has Nardi, along with freshman Scottie Reynolds. I expect Reynolds to be a tremendous player for Villanova in the years to come. Also joining the Nova backcourt this year is Reggie Redding.

The frontcourt will be Villanova's strength this year, a stark contrast from last season. Sumpter, Sheridan, Dante Cunningham, and freshman Casiem Drummond form what could be the best frontcourt in the Big East. Sheridan and Sumpter will provide much of the scoring, but Drummond is going to be a beast down the road. Jay Wright has really solidified himself as one of college basketball's best coaches and recruiters.

A lot of people aren't so sure Villanova will finish this high in 2006-2007, but I just love their senior leadership and talented freshman class. They have a very balanced team experience and talent-wise. A tremendous home court advantage, whether it be at the Pavillion on campus or down the Main Line at the Wachovia Center, will make them extremely tough to beat at home. They have an average non-conference schedule, playing a good share of cupcakes but also some tough teams. In the Big East season, they will play Syracuse, Georgetown, and Notre Dame twice. A record of 4-2 in those games would be a hell of an achievement. I think people are underestimating Villanova this season due to the loss of the three NBA guards. Hopefully they will prove me correct in giving them a high ranking.

Schedule and predictions:

11/11 @ Northwood- W
11/17 vs./@ College of Charleston- W
11/18 vs./@ Xavier (likely)- W
11/20 vs./@ Alabama (likely)- W (two great games there at the Paradise Jam)
11/25 vs. Navy- W
11/30 @ Stony Brook- W
12/2 @ Pennsylvania- W
12/6 @ Oklahoma- W
12/9 vs. Drexel- W
12/20 vs. Rider- W
12/23 @ La Salle- W
12/30 vs. Temple- W
1/3 @ West Virginia- W
1/6 vs. DePaul- W
1/8 @ Georgetown- L
1/13 @ Syracuse- L
1/17 vs. Notre Dame- W
1/20 vs. Texas- W
1/23 @ Providence- W
1/27 @ Notre Dame- W
1/29 vs. Pittsburgh- L
2/3 vs. Louisville- W
2/6 vs. St. Joe's- W
2/10 @ Seton Hall- W
2/14 vs. Cincinnati- W
2/17 vs. Georgetown- L
2/19 @ Marquette- L
2/24 vs. Rutgers- W
2/28 @ Connecticut- W
3/3 vs. Syracuse- W

Projected record: 25-5 (11-5).
Postseason: NCAA Sweet 16.

2006-2007 Big East Preview: #5

#5- Connecticut Huskies

Last season: 30-4 (14-2), lost to George Mason in the Elite Eight.
Coach: Jim Calhoun (21st year). 485-177 at UConn.

Jim Calhoun must recover from the loss of his top six scorers in 2006-2007. But with a recruiting class that he calls one of his best ever, I wouldn't count anything out. After a disappointing loss to upstart George Mason in the NCAA Tournament last year (in which Calhoun complained about the partisan crowd, since Washington, D.C. is only 18 miles from the George Mason campus), the Huskies will be determined to advance deep into the NCAA Tournament again. Whether or not they can is another question.

Returning for Calhoun's squad are Jeff Adrien, Craig Austrie, and A.J. Price who sat out last year due to suspension in laptop-gate. Austrie and Price form a formidable backcourt if they live up to expectations. Adrien is UConn's top returning player and figures to be the team leader.

At the center position, Calhoun will put his trust in 7-3, 265 pound freshman Hasheem Thabeet. Thabeet, who was recently cleared by the NCAA, is a shot blocker and rebounding extraordinaire. He will compete for the ball on offense with fellow freshman Jonathan Mandeldove.

UConn is a very young team (no juniors or seniors on the roster) that will mature quickly under Calhoun's leadership. They have only three tough non-conference games (they don't leave Connecticut until December 30) and draw Louisville, Syracuse, and Rutgers twice during the Big East season. While Louisville and Syracuse will be tough, I think Connecticut will win a few of the four games with those two teams. Calhoun says, "By February, we could be pretty good." I concur.

Schedule and predictions:

11/10 vs. Quinnipiac- W
11/17 vs. Central Arkansas- W
11/18 vs. Fairfield- W
11/19 vs. Ole Miss- W
11/26 vs. Albany- W
11/29 vs. Sacred Heart- W
12/3 vs. Texas Southern- W
12/6 vs. Northeastern- W
12/17 vs. St. Mary's- W
12/20 vs. Pepperdine- W
12/27 vs. Coppin State- W
12/30 @ West Virginia- W
1/2 vs. South Florida- W
1/6 @ LSU- L
1/10 vs. Marquette- W
1/13 @ St. John's- W
1/16 @ Pittsburgh- L
1/20 vs. Indiana- W
1/22 @ Louisville- L
1/27 vs. Providence- W
1/31 @ DePaul- W
2/3 vs. Rutgers- W
2/5 vs. Syracuse- W
2/11 @ Georgia Tech- L
2/14 vs. Seton Hall- W
2/17 @ Syracuse- L
2/21 @ Rutgers- W
2/25 vs. Louisville- W
2/28 vs. Villanova- L
3/3 @ Georgetown- L

Projected record: 23-7 (11-5).
Postseason: NCAA 2nd round.

ACC Preview: #5 Virginia Cavaliers

Projected Starters
C-Jason Cain 6'10 220 SR- 7.4ppg 7.6rpg 48%FG 69%FT
PF-Laurynas Mikalauskas 6'8 240 SO- 6.2ppg 4.5rpg 57%FG 54%FT
SF-Adrian Joseph 6'7 195 JR- 9.4ppg 4.5rpg 40%FG 34%3pt
SG-J.R. Reynolds 6'2 197 SR- 17.0ppg 3.1apg 41%FG 35%3pt
PG-Sean Singletary 6'0 175 JR- 17.7ppg 4.2apg 40%FG 85%FT 35%3pt

Background
Virginia has much to be excited about heading into this season. They haven’t fielded an NCAA-caliber team in a while, so a successful postseason year will be greatly supported and followed by a loyal fan base in Charlottesville. Coach Dave Leitao has instilled an up-tempo, rapid style of play that will fit right in with the Cavs three-point shooting capabilities and their excellent backcourt.

Premiere Players
You have to start with arguably the best backcourt in college basketball. Virginia returns both guard starters in J.R. Reynolds and Sean Singletary, both utterly capable of putting up 20 points a night this season. The season swings with these two players. When the offense meshes, Singletary and Reynolds are out in transition, nailing threes one by one and this team might score 90 points any given night. Singletary is the point guard and led the team in scoring and assists last year. He still has many critics, and will be looking to prove them wrong with an all-ACC season. Reynolds is absolutely lethal from outside. He can shoot the three-pointer with ease and anywhere on the court. He’s a lot like J.J. Redick in being able to come off screens, score with a defense right in his face, and make defenses completely focus on him. It’s all about consistency. Even if these two guards are average, Virginia has a chance. Any sour games will cost the Cavs.

Role Players
Small forward Adrian Joseph still has a lot of room for improvement, but he has strengths in his rebounding and three-point shooting. His partner at the forward position is Laurynas Mikalauskas, who is the interior scorer for the Cavaliers, carrying much of the weight and scoring down low. If they can get a quality season out of Mikalauskas, it will take loads of pressure off Reynolds and Singletary. Unfortunately, sometimes is looks like he has bricks attached to his shoes and was smoked by Craig Smith and Shelden Williams last season. Jason Cain, the center, works well with the offense and gets plenty of easy looks. This will happen again with most of the players returning for Virginia and the same offensive philosophy kept for this season. The recruiting class for Virginia is very good; two top 75 recruits in Jamil Tucker and Will Harris lead the pack. Tucker is tall and lanky and has decent post moves. Harris is an undersized forward who can pop the three but also drive to the paint and get some easy buckets.

Final Thoughts
The starting backcourt is simply awesome. These guys have total all-around games that will stun casual college hoops fans all over the nation. The frontcourt returns everyone, so doubters of those players will be surprised when Virginia is able to feed the ball down low and get scores. They have talent in that area. Regardless, it’s obvious the backcourt controls the Virginia offense and the team will revolve around their play. The NCAA Tournament is likely for the Cavaliers and coach Dave Leitao.

Schedule and Projection
11/12 vs. Arizona- L
11/19 vs. Morgan State- W
11/22 vs. UNC-Asheville- W
11/26 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore- W
11/29 @ Purdue- W
12/3 vs. NC State- W
12/16 vs. Hampton- W
12/19 (N) vs. Appalachian State- W
12/20 (N) vs. Utah (likely)- W
12/21 (N) vs. Vanderbilt (likely)- W
12/28 vs. American- W
1/3 vs. Gonzaga- W
1/7 vs. Stanford- W
1/10 @ North Carolina- L
1/13 @ Boston College- L
1/16 vs. Maryland- W
1/21 vs. Wake Forest- W
1/24 @ NC State- W
1/28 @ Clemson- W
2/1 vs. Duke- L
2/3 vs. Miami- W
2/6 @ Maryland- L
2/10 @ Virginia Tech- L
2/13 vs. Longwood- W
2/17 vs. Florida State- W
2/21 @ Miami- W
2/24 vs. Georgia Tech- L
3/1 vs. Virginia Tech- W
3/3 @ Wake Forest- W

Projected Record: 22-7 (10-6)