NCAA Hoops 2007-2008

[primushead]

I know, it's still football season, but the ESPN/Coaches Poll came out today with the Heels on top.  I can't wait any longer to start this thread and to change my avatar until we cut the nets down in San Antonio!!!!!!!

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/usatpoll.htm


1. North Carolina (31-7)

Points: 739 (10 first-place votes). Final 2006-07 rank: 5 (tie). Outlook: Fs Brandan Wright and Reyshawn Terry have departed, but a wealth of talent returns after a trip to the Elite Eight. All-American Tyler Hansbrough teams with Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington to form a solid nucleus as the Heels try to rise to the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Davidson at Charlotte (ESPN, 7).  

2. UCLA (30-6)  

Points: 734 (12). Final 2006-07 rank: 3. Outlook: After consecutive trips to the Final Four, the Bruins appear primed for another strong season behind G Darren Collison, wing Josh Shipp and Fs Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Alfred Aboya. Freshman Kevin Love could be an immediate star. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Portland State.  

3. Memphis (33-4)  

Points: 731 (8). Final 2006-07 rank: 7. Outlook: One of the top contenders for the national title. The talented Tigers will return an experienced group that includes Gs Chris Douglas-Roberts, Antonio Anderson and Willie Kemp and Fs Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier. Look for freshman G Derrick Rose to make an immediate splash. Opens: Nov. 5 vs. Tennessee-Martin in 2K Sports Classic (ESPNU, 7).  

4. Kansas (33-5)

Points: 669 (1). Final 2006-07 rank: 5 (tie). Outlook: The Jayhawks should have a big year in the Big 12 behind Gs Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Sherron Collins and F Darrell Arthur. Balance and depth could take them far. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Louisiana-Monroe.  

5. Georgetown (30-7)  

Points: 625. Final 2006-07 rank: 4. Outlook: Star F Jeff Green left early for the NBA, but C Roy Hibbert decided to return for another run at Big East honors and the Final Four. He will be joined by Fs Patrick Ewing Jr. and DaJuan Summers and Gs Jessie Sapp and Jonathan Wallace. Opens: Nov. 10 vs. William & Mary.  

6. Louisville (24-10)  

Points: 620. Final 2006-07 rank: 20. Outlook: This might be the best team in the Big East, and the Cardinals could be set up for a deep tournament run behind G Terrence Williams and Edgar Sosa, Fs Derrick Caracter and Juan Palacios and C David Padgett. Opens: Nov. 17 vs. Hartford.  

7. Tennessee (24-11)  

Points: 598. Final 2006-07 rank: 18. Outlook: The experienced Volunteers should be a force in the Southeastern Conference. They are solid in the backcourt behind Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith and Ramar Smith. F Wayne Chism also returns, although coach Bruce Pearl indefinitely suspended F Duke Crews in late September. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Temple.  

8. Michigan State (23-12)  

Points: 503. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: Spartans should be major contenders for Big Ten honors behind Gs Drew Neitzel and Travis Walton, Fs Raymar Morgan and Matquise Gray and Cs Goran Suton and Idong Ibek. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Chicago State in CBE Classic (ESPNU, 7).  

9. Indiana (21-11)  

Points: 479. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: The Hoosiers are expected to take another step up in coach Kelvin Sampson's second season. F D.J. White is one of the best in the nation at his position, and G Armon Bassett should play a key role. Well-regarded recruiting class includes blue-chip G Eric Gordon. Opens: Nov. 12 vs. Chattanooga.  

10. Washington State (26-8)  

Points: 464. Final 2006-07 rank: 17. Outlook: The Cougars have been growing into a Pacific-10 power and should be right in the mix this year with an experienced cast that includes Gs Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver and Fs Daven Harmeling and Robbie Cowgill. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Eastern Washington.  

11. Duke (22-11)  

Points: 390. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: Blue Devils are hoping for a bounce-back year in the ACC behind Gs DeMarcus Nelson, Gerald Henderson, Jon Scheyer. and Greg Paulus and Fs Lance Thomas and David McClure. Highly regarded recruiting class includes F Kyle Singler.. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. North Carolina Central.

12. Marquette (24-10)  

Points: 381. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: The Golden Eagles will field a veteran team that could do serious damage in the Big East. All-conference G Dominic James returns with backcourt mates Jerel. McNeal and Wesley Matthews. Fs Ousmane Barro.. and Dan Fitzgerald are also back. Opens: Nov. 10 vs. IUPUI.  

13. Oregon (29-8)  

Points: 360. Final 2006-07 rank: 8. Outlook: Standout G Aaron Brooks has moved on, but after a trip to Elite Eight, the Ducks welcome back long-distance shooting specialist Tajuan Porter, fellow Gs Malik Hairston and Bryce Taylor and F Maarty Leunen... Opens: Nov. 10 vs. Pepperdine in World Vision Invitational.  

14. (tie) Gonzaga (23-11)  

Points: 252. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: Sean Mallon and Derek Raivio are gone, but the Bulldogs should again be the class of the West Coast Conference with the return of F Josh Heytvelt and Gs Matt Bouldin and Jeremy Pargo. Opens: Nov. 11 vs. Montana.  

14. (tie) Texas A&M (27-7)  

Points: 252. Final 2006-07 rank: 9. Outlook: With coach Billy Gillispie. and standout G Acie. Law having moved on, the Aggies turn to former Wichita State coach Mark Turgeon. He welcomes back F Joseph Jones and sharpshooting wing Josh Carter as the team eyes the top of the Big 12. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. McNeese State.

16. Texas (25-10)

Points: 216. Final 2006-07 rank: 16. Outlook: Point guard D.J. Augustin has been named Big 12 preseason player of the year by league coaches, and the Longhorns will probably go as far as he takes them. Horns also return Gs A.J. Abrams and Justin Mason, wing Damion James and post Connor Atchley. Opens: Nov. 12 vs. Texas-San Antonio.  

17. Arizona (20-11)  

Points: 205. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: F Chase Budinger and G Jawann McClellan are back to help lead the Wildcats, who will also feature F Jordan Hill and Gs Daniel Dillon and Nic. Wise in an attempt to contend in a strong Pacific-10. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Northern Arizona.  

18. Southern California (25-12)  

Points: 189. Final 2006-07 rank: 15. Outlook: After a Sweet 16 trip a year ago, the Trojans return F Taj Gibson and Gs Daniel Hackett and Dwight Lewis. All eyes will be on freshman O.J. Mayo, one of the nation's top recruits. Opens: Nov. 10 vs. Mercer.  

19. Arkansas (21-14)  

Points: 173. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: New coach John Pelphrey is greeted by plenty of talent and experience from a team that made the NCAAs, including Gs Patrick Beverley and Gary Ervin, wing Sonny Weems and Fs Charles Thomas and Darian Townes. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Wofford.  

20. Pittsburgh (29-8)

Points: 160. Final 2006-07 rank: 10. Outlook: C Aaron Gray will be missed, but Fs Sam Young and Mike Cook and Gs Levance Fields and Ronald Ramon return and will likely step into bigger roles as the Panthers attempt another run to the NCAAs. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Houston Baptist in Hispanic College Fund Challenge.  

21. Stanford (18-13)

Points: 158. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: Cardinal will return a ton of experience from the team that made the NCAAs last year, including Fs Lawrence Hill and Fred Washington, C Robin Lopez and Gs Mitch Johnson and Anthony Goods. Second-leading scorer Brook Lopez, a 7-footer, has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Harvard in Basketball Travelers Classic.  

22. Kentucky (22-12)  

Points: 155. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: New coach Billy Gillispie. steps into the spotlight and will count on Gs Ramel Bradley, Joe Crawford, Derrick Jasper and Jodie Meeks along with freshman F Patrick Patterson, who could have a major impact right away. Opens: Nov. 7 vs. Central Arkansas in 2K Sports Classic (ESPNU, 7).  

23. Southern Illinois (29-7)  

Points: 137. Final 2006-07 rank: 11 (tie). Outlook: One of the best defensive teams in the nation returns F Randal. Falker, the Missouri Valley Conference defensive player of the year, from a Sweet 16 team, along with F Matt Shaw and point guard Bryan Mullins. Opens: Nov. 17 vs. Northern Illinois

24. North Carolina State (20-16)  

Points: 119. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: The Wolfpack are starting to be heard from again in the ACC, and the progression should continue with Fs Brandon Costner, Gavin Grant and Ben McCauley and G Courtney Fells. Freshman F J.J. Hickson could help out right away. Opens: Nov. 15 vs. William & Mary.  

25. Villanova (22-11)  

Points: 111. Final 2006-07 rank: not ranked. Outlook: Wildcats don't have loads of experience, but they do have standout G Scottie Reynolds, who can make up for that. F Shane Clark needs to stay healthy. Freshman G Corey Fisher is expected to make an immediate impact. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Stony Brook.  

[ycartrob]

thanks for this GGG! You're making my
blood begin to boil with, with the, the...


[size=24]M A D D N E S S[/size]

[aMD]

GO CARDS!!!

(Boilermakers and Buckeyes!)

[BH]

I can almost hear the shoes squeeking!  Here's hoping the college hoops season gets all mixed up like football is this year.  I am so tired of seeing the NC's (No offense Triple), the Dukes, The KU's.  But I know it's not bloody likely to change.  

[sweatboard]

[size=36]GET SOME!!!!!![/size]

[primushead]

I can almost hear the shoes squeeking!  Here's hoping the college hoops season gets all mixed up like football is this year.  I am so tired of seeing the NC's (No offense Triple 

None taken.

But if you look at the last 2 seasons, it's been pretty mixed up as far as the final four goes.  The 'traditional' schools have not made it to the final four at all (except for UCLA).  

Personally, I'll take mix-ups all day as long as UNC comes out on top.  But there is a LOT of talent in the top 25 this year (i.e. Tennessee, Memphis, Louisville, Pitt) which could lead to a shake-up in the tournament.  I'm just ready for the season to start.

[primushead]

Well, the exhibitions have started, and I'm pretty stoked that the heels beat shaw (?) 126-62...or something like that.

Anyone else catch their teams this weekend?  

Regular season games kick off in a week too.  BRING ON THE MADNESS!!!!!

[ycartrob]

Gardner-Webb- 84
Kentucky- 68

"Yes, Kentucky's 84-68 loss to Gardner-Webb last night had to be among the most stunning, most embarrassing, most downright jaw-dropping in the history of Rupp Arena.
The Cats, 251/2-point favorites, were never really in the game, from falling behind 14-0, to never drawing closer than eight points in the second half. 'Life goes on,' said new head coach Billy Gillispie."

Tubby Smith's reaction?

[bowl of soup]

As a life-long Maryland fan (My dad was a graduate, we had season tickets, and went to every game including ACC and NCAA tourneys from the time I was 4 until we were banished to Florida when I was in 8th grade.  I graduated from the University of West Florida and we didn't even have men's basketball until my senior year, so my Maryland allegiance never waned.), I'll tread lightly in this thread all year.  We're middle of the pack ACC at best this year (2010 NCAA champs though).

But Gardner Webb!?  Somebody's belly-laughing in Minnesota this morning.

[primushead]

What an upset.  Didn't Ohio State and Michigan State lose opening exhibitions?  Hm...

[bowl of soup]

What an upset.  Didn't Ohio State and Michigan State lose opening exhibitions?  Hm...

Yes, I posted my insults in the football thread.  Tracy said it didn't matter, I said it did, he said I'm stupid for posting basketball thoughts in the football thread, I agreed, the Big 10 still sucks.

[ycartrob]

As a life-long Maryland fan (My dad was a graduate, we had season tickets, and went to every game including ACC and NCAA tourneys from the time I was 4 until we were banished to Florida when I was in 8th grade.

Remember Herman Veal? Went to my high school, Callaway, Jackson, Miss.

I also had the honor of watching one of my all-time favorite players Steve Blake, when Maryland came to Nashville in the 2002 NCAA Tourney and Nichols hit a jumper at the buzzer to beat Xavier. More on Blake, I heard his dad was afraid to fly, so he freakin' drove to every one of Steve's home games at UM, all 4 years. And where did his dad drive from? Miami, Florida! That's a little over 1,100 miles. My dad couldn't get off his drunk ass and drive 2 miles to watch me play basketball or baseball.

[bowl of soup]

Not only do I remember Herman Veal, I actually have his autograph on a ball along with the rest of the members of one of my favorite Maryland eary 80's teams (Buck Williams, Albert King, Ernie Graham, Dutch Morely, etc...)  He was a freshman on that team and my dad got me the ball.  It was arguably Lefty's best Maryland team (allthough the '74 team that lost to NC State in the greatest game in NCAA history my beg to differ).

Herman was a bridge player for us Maryland freaks.  He connnected that great team to the Len Bias years and he was a really good player.  It's a shame, but he's probably best remembered for being charged (never convicted, I think the charges were actually dropped) with some sexual escapades at Maryland and the asshole Duke fans responding by throwing inflated condoms and such at him during a game - how intellectual!  Those wacky Duke fans are sooooo clever.

Steve Blake is in my and alot of other Maryland fan's top 5 favorite players list and he's a vary underrated pro, there's a reason the Nuggets are limping out of the gate.  My top 5:
1.  Len Bias (Best player I've ever seen, damn shame).
2.  Juan and Lonny (Can't seperate the 2, finally brought us the prize).
3.  Buck Williams (Is he really not in the Hall of Fame?)
4.  Steve Blake (Yes, his dad was crazy, in a good way).
5.  Keith Booth (He was 6'5" and basically played center, tough mother fucker).

[rugbird]

Bruce Pearl is GROSSS!  >:(

And Derrick Rose is killin me already. :'(

-Illini Fan

[tower]

The Big 10 doesn't suck in bball...I'm an MSU grad (I'm in the picture they sell with the first shot ever made in a game in Breslin Arena) and love me some Izzo!  Rough start so far but I'm not too worried about exhibition games for obvious reasons. One thing about Izzo's teams is that they always get better through the season.

My neighbor is a UM grad and flies a stupid flag when they win in football. He won't make the same deal with bball...wonder why.

[ycartrob]

The Big 10 doesn't suck in bball...I'm an MSU grad (I'm in the picture they sell with the first shot ever made in a game in Breslin Arena) and love me some Izzo!  Rough start so far but I'm not too worried about exhibition games for obvious reasons. One thing about Izzo's teams is that they always get better through the season.

I'm a big fan of Drew Neitzel

[tower]

He was a beast last year, so far he's struggling with his shot apparently. We definitely need him.

You from Michigan originally or something?

[ycartrob]

He was a beast last year, so far he's struggling with his shot apparently. We definitely need him.

You from Michigan originally or something?

no, I just identify with the white point guard...

Plus, I like watching Izzo coach.

NCAA basketball rules (IMO)

[bowl of soup]

He was a beast last year, so far he's struggling with his shot apparently. We definitely need him.

You from Michigan originally or something?

no, I just identify with the white point guard...

Plus, I like watching Izzo coach.

NCAA basketball rules (IMO)

Hmmmmm...

[ycartrob]

He was a beast last year, so far he's struggling with his shot apparently. We definitely need him.

You from Michigan originally or something?

no, I just identify with the white point guard...

Plus, I like watching Izzo coach.

NCAA basketball rules (IMO)

Hmmmmm...

oh, and I'm a racist. If it was up to me, it'd be 3-on-3 half court ball, all white players, none of them over 5'11" and all games would be played below the Mason-Dixon line.