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**StarDust Bum** · 10-25-2010, 07:20 PM

2010-11 College Hoops Preview: No. 24 Wisconsin

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#24 WISCONSIN BADGERS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 73% (24-9)
ATS Record: 55% (17-14)
Over (Total): 40% (12-18)
Points Scored: 67.1 PPG
Points Allowed: 56.9 PPG
Scoring Margin: 10.2 PPG
BACKCOURT
Savvy Jordan Taylor is back to man the point for one of the nation's most efficient offenses. Taylor led the Big Ten in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.03-to-1) and was a big part of why Wisconsin committed the fewest turnovers in the nation last season (8.8 per game). Swingmen Tim Jarmusz, Ryan Evans and Rob Wilson will battle to try and fill the void left by departed sharpshooters Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon. The wild card in this scenario could be incoming freshman Ben Brust, a three-point shooting threat who averaged 27.5 PPG at his prep school last season.

FRONTCOURT
Jon Leuer will be the linchpin of the Wisconsin attack. The 6-10 senior is Wisconsin's top returning scorer (15.4 PPG) and rebounder (5.8 RPG). A 52% shooter who made 39% of his three-point shots last season, Leuer is arguably the Big Ten's most versatile big man. Leuer will get help up front from returning starter Keaton Nankivil (8.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG). If swingman Tim Jarmusz nabs the starting small forward spot, he could provide valuable experience to go with his shooting skills. Sophomore Jared Berggren is poised to bounce back from a shoulder injury.

OUTLOOK
When Two numbers jump off the page when you look at Wisconsin's success last year. While they lead the country in fewest turnovers with 8.8 per game, the Badgers also were number one in the Big Ten in scoring defense, holding conference foes to 56.9 PPG. They protect the ball on offense, and pressure the ball on defense. That's the mark of a well-coached basketball team. No wonder that since Bo Ryan took over this program 10 seasons ago the Badgers have the best record in conference play (107-43). Wisconsin will need to figure out how best to replace the scoring of Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon, but a healthy Jon Leuer and a crafty Jordan Taylor should be able to figure it out. Wisconsin travels to East Lansing on January 11 to take on Final Four contender Michigan State. It will be the midway point of the season, and should serve as the perfect barometer for Coach Ryan to see what kind of team he has this season.

When playing as a favorite last year, Wisconsin was 12-12 ATS. Against non-conference competition they were also .500 ATS (6-6). Keep an eye out for where the Badgers play. They were 16-1 SU in home games last season and are consistently one of the toughest home teams in the country, posting a 10-5 ATS record at Kohl Center last season.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 60-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 10-27-2010, 05:53 PM

2010-11 College Hoops Preview: No. 22 Temple

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#22 TEMPLE OWLS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 83% (29-6)
ATS Record: 63% (22-13)
Over (Total): 41% (13-19)
Points Scored: 64.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 56.8 PPG
Scoring Margin: 8.1 PPG
BACKCOURT
You can't talk Philly basketball without talking great guard play, and once again Temple has a very solid one in junior Juan Fernandez from Argentina. Fernandez is Temple's top returning scorer (12.6 PPG) and assist man (3.6 APG). While he can create his own shot, opponents would be wise to defend him beyond the arc first, where Fernandez hit a blistering 45.3% of his three point attempts, which was higher than his overall 42.7 FG %. With the departure of last year's leading scorer, Ryan Brooks, look for junior Ramone Moore to work his way into the starting lineup. Moore (7.6 PPG) was the Atlantic 10 Sixth Man of the Year last season. Fernandez and Moore are both 6-foot-4, and should create matchup problems for opposing teams on a consistent basis. Sophomore T.J. DiLeo looks to work himself into the rotation, while incoming freshman Aaron Brown from St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey might be the X factor.

FRONTCOURT
You have to go back nearly 40 years to find the last Temple player to average a double-double in points and rebounds (Ollie Johnson in '70-71). Last season Lavoy Allen matched that feat. Allen pulled down 10.7 RPG to go with 11.5 PPG. According to Fran Dunphy, Allen is one of the smartest defenders he has ever coached. Between Allen and 6-foot-11 junior Micheal Eric, the Owls can effectively seal off the paint against opposing big men. Additional depth in the frontcourt will come from junior Scootie Randall, and 6-foot-9 senior Craig Williams, who has sneaky range from beyond the arc (29 made three-pointers, 32.6 three pt FG%).

OUTLOOK
Coach Fran Dunphy's squad is deep, experienced, and well-positioned to notch its fourth straight Atlantic 10 title and the automatic NCAA bid that comes with it. Some things in Philadelphia never change, fans of the pro teams will (occasionally) boo, cheesesteaks will be plentiful, and Temple will always get in your face and play suffocating defense. Last year they led the A-10 in scoring defense (56.8 PPG) and held 10 of its opponents to less than 50 points. That defensive effort starts with big, experienced guards on the wings in Juan Fernandez and Ramone Moore, and ends with Lavoy Allen, an all A-10 first team pick last season who has also made the conference's All-Defensive Team twice. As usual, Temple's non-conference schedule is a bear, with games at defending national champion Duke, California, Maryland, Villanova and a home contest versus Georgetown. The hope is always that the tougher schedule will prepare the team for a postseason run. That hope is especially prevalent for Temple. No team likes to be "one and done" in the big dance. Temple has been one and done in the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three years. That's one Philly tradition Fran Dunphy can do without.

When playing as a favorite, Temple was 18-11 ATS, but 3-3 ATS in neutral site games. Against their tough non-conference schedule last season they were 12-4 SU and 9-7 ATS. Fran Dunphy's teams are 1-12 for his career in NCAA Tournament play. Temple has lost its three tournament games under Dunphy by an average of 11 PPG.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 100-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 10-27-2010, 05:54 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 21 Georgetown

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#21 GEORGETOWN HOYAS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 68% (23-11)
ATS Record: 57% (17-13)
Over (Total): 53% (16-14)
Points Scored: 73.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.1 PPG
Scoring Margin: 7.4 PPG
BACKCOURT
The Hoyas will boast one of the most experienced and deepest guard rotations in the country. Leading scorer Austin Freeman (16.5 PPG) is back with a clean bill of health after being diagnosed with diabetes in late February. Freeman led Georgetown in 3-point FG Pct. (44.4%) and was second on the team in FG Pct. (52.5%). Senior Chris Wright (15.2 PPG, 4.1 APG) returns to man the point for John Thompson III. Wright will be complemented by junior Jason Clark (10.5 PPG). Clark provided a strong defensive presence as a defender and rebounder (3.9 RPG). He also buried three-pointers to the tune of 42.4%. With Freeman, Clark and Wright all averaging between 33 and 35 MPG last season, Thompson may look to sophomore Vee Sanford, or freshman Markel Starks to lighten the load on his starters.

FRONTCOURT
Replacing All-Big East center Greg Monroe will be no easy task. The solution will start with Julian Vaughn (7.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 57.6 FG%). Vaughn started all 34 games for the Hoyas last season and is the team's most experienced player in the frontcourt. Hollis Thompson and Jerrelle Benimon will battle it out for a starting spot alongside Vaughn. Coach Thompson's crop of incoming freshmen includes center Moses Abraham and versatile forward Nate Lubick. Abraham and Lubick boast a physical style of play. Translation: they should fit in perfectly playing Big East style basketball.

OUTLOOK
Now is not the time to let your guard down against Georgetown. Despite the early departure of Greg Monroe to the NBA, this is still a Hoya team that boasts one of the country's best shooters in Austin Freeman, as well as one of the game's top point guards in Chris Wright, who will be manning the point for the third straight season. Throw in Jason Clark and you have a three-guard starting rotation that can hit the boards (10.4 RPG combined) score (42.2 PPG combined) and create matchup problems all over the court. Despite going 23-11 and making the Big East Tournament finals, depth was a problem for the Hoyas last season as the starting five registered heavy minutes. With a deep incoming class of freshmen set to reinforce the frontcourt and the backcourt, this year's team should have a unique combination of depth and experience. This is also a team that cannot wait until March, and the opportunity to wash away the taste of an embarrassing first-round NCAA Tournament loss to #14 seed Ohio.

Georgetown was 6-7 at home ATS and 5-5 on the road ATS, but in neutral-site games they were 6-1 ATS. Despite their reputation for being aggressive defensively, the Hoyas were only 10th in the Big East in rebounding margin (+2.3 PG) while giving up 66.1 PPG, good enough for 6th-best in the conference.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 50-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 10-28-2010, 12:34 AM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 20 Tennessee

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#20 TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 76% (28-9)
ATS Record: 46% (15-18-1)
Over (Total): 33% (10-20)
Points Scored: 73.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 65.2 PPG
Scoring Margin: 8.3 PPG
BACKCOURT
The Tennessee attack will start in the backcourt with the combination of senior point guard and vocal leader Melvin Goins and junior Scotty Hopson. Goins is not going to beat you with his shot (38.7 FG%) but he is a tenacious defender. Hopson is the only returning player who started at least 12 games last year. He was second in scoring (12.2 PPG), led the team in three-pointers made (52) and at 6-foot-7, has an explosive first step. Despite those numbers, Hopson will need to protect the basketball better (78 turnovers, 46 assists in 37 games). Smooth-shooting Cameron Tatum (7.4 PPG, 38.9% from 3-point land) and freshman Jordan McRae should provide ample support scoring from the wings. Meanwhile former walk-ons Skylar McBee and Josh Bone should also provide depth at shooting guard.

FRONTCOURT
There is excitement in Knoxville over the addition of incoming freshman Tobias Harris, a McDonald's All-American who some believe may be the best power forward nationally in the 2010 class. Harris has the ability to bang inside, pass over defenses, and step out on the wing to score from long range. John Fields, a transfer from UNC-Wilmington and Jeronne Maymon, a transfer from Marquette, will each be eligible to play this season. The 6-foot-9 Fields set a school record at UNC-Wilmington with 59 blocked shots last season. Senior center Brian Williams was a major contributor during Tennessee's run to the Elite Eight (7.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG during the NCAA Tournament). He will need to pick up even more of the load on the boards this year. Steven Pearl, son of the head coach, will get an opportunity to provide energy and defense off the bench.

OUTLOOK
There were so many components to the Vols 2009-10 season: the suspension of four key players in January, followed by home victories over No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Kentucky, and then the drive to the Elite Eight which culminated in a devastating one-point loss to Michigan State. Now Tennessee begins the 2010 season with another cloud hanging over the program. On Sept. 10, the school held a news conference, where head coach Bruce Pearl tearfully admitted that he lied to NCAA investigators regarding a barbecue that took place at his home where recruits and parents were invited (hosting such an event is a violation of NCAA rules). The University publicly castigated him by docking his pay, and an NCAA investigation continues. What impact this will have on Tennessee's team on the court, no one can say at this point. But the potential for distraction is certainly there. The Volunteers are the only team in the SEC to make the NCAA Tournament in each of the past five years. Three of those seasons they reached the Sweet 16. Last year they made it to the Elite Eight. Despite losing three key seniors from last year’s team (Wayne Chism, J.P. Prince and Bobby Maze) the Vols are still poised to make some noise in the SEC this season. Circle February 8 on the calendar. The Vols will visit Lexington to take on Kentucky. We should know much more about Bruce Pearl's team and its state of mind by then.

As a favorite the Vols were 10-13-1 ATS last year. After a SU loss they were 1-5-1 ATS. Against SEC conference opponents, Tennessee was 7-12 ATS. Tennessee was 15-1 SU at home, but just 6-7 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 50-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2010, 07:10 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 17 Washington

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 72% (26-10)
ATS Record: 46% (16-19)
Over (Total): 52% (16-15)
Points Scored: 79.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 70.0 PPG
Scoring Margin: 9.2 PPG
BACKCOURT
The Huskies backcourt will be led by a little man with a legendary basketball name and a dynamic game. Five-foot-8 Junior Isaiah Thomas (16.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.2 APG) will be relied upon to both score and distribute in head coach Lorenzo Romar’s up-tempo attack. Thomas will get a helping hand from senior Venoy Overton (8.5 PPG, 3.1 APG) a tenacious defender who provides instant offense, and sophomore Abdul Gaddy. Though he started 29 games, Gaddy struggled to generate offense as a freshman (3.9 PPG, 2.3 APG). No one is expecting Gaddy’s woes to carry over into his sophomore year. Junior Scott Suggs (4.7 PPG, 37.4 three-point FG%) and incoming freshman Terrence Ross will be available to provide some offensive punch. Redshirt freshman C.J. Wilcox has the ability to bolster the Huskies perimeter game with his prowess from beyond the arc.

FRONTCOURT
The Huskies attack up front will center around two returning starters, senior Matthew Bryan-Amaning (8.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG) and senior Justin Holiday (5.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG). Bryan-Amaning elevated his game at tournament time (10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG in NCAA Tournament) and is becoming one of the league’s top big men. Junior Darnell Gant and sophomore wide body Tyreese Breshers will also bring experience to the fold. Then there is JUCO transfer Aziz N’Diaye, a 7-footer from Senegal. While N’Diaye’s offensive arsenal is a work in progress, his ability to block shots and run the floor is intriguing.

OUTLOOK
Once again, Lorenzo Romar will arguably have the most talented, experienced and versatile team in the Pac-10. The frontcourt is loaded with size, emerging stars and a number of seniors with a lot of winning under their belt. Romar will still need one of his forwards to become a consistent double-digit scoring threat. Smart money is on Matthew Bryan-Amaning to fill that role. Isaiah Thomas has already scored 1,134 points in just two years in Seattle, and seems to be continuing the tradition of athletic guard play started by former Huskies Brandon Roy and Nate Robinson. The wild card will be puzzling sophomore Abdul Gaddy (41.7 FG%, 15.0 three-point FG%). As Gaddy develops, so to will the offensive prowess of a team that led the conference in scoring (79.2 PPG) as well as rebound margin (3.6). He could be the difference between a good Washington squad, and a team that makes noise deep into March.

In 19 home games Washington was 17-2 SU, but only 8-10 ATS. As a favorite, the Huskies were 23-4 SU but just 14-13 ATS. Washington is the only Pac-10 team to win an NCAA Tournament game in each of the past two seasons.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 30-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2010, 07:11 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 16 Illinois

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#6 ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 58% (21-15)
ATS Record: 44% (14-8-2)
Over (Total): 63% (20-12)
Points Scored: 70.8 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.8 PPG
Scoring Margin: 4.0 PPG
BACKCOURT
After testing the NBA Draft waters, Demetri McCamey decided to return to the Illini for his senior season. That’s good news for head coach Bruce Weber, and bad news for the opponents. McCamey is the Illini’s top returning scorer and assist man (15.1 PPG, 7.1 APG, 34.1 three-point FG%). He will team in the backcourt with D.J. Richardson (10.5 PPG, 39.0 three-point FG%) who was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Sophomore Brandon Paul (7.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG) is a dazzling athlete, but must improve on his lackluster shooting numbers (33.3 FG%, 27.9 three-point FG%) to reach his full potential. Look for redshirt freshman Joseph Bertrand to back up McCamey at point guard.

FRONTCOURT
Illinois will showcase an impressive and experienced frontline in senior center Mike Tisdale (11.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG) and fellow senior forward Mike Davis (10.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG). At 7-foot-1, Tisdale has a deft shooting touch from the field as well as the line (58.5 FG%, 83.9 FT%). He even made five of the six three-pointers that he attempted. Davis is the closest Illinois has to a true banger in the paint. His 9.2 RPG makes him the conference’s top returning rebounder. Though he may not start, reserve forward Bill Cole (4.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG) will work his way prominently into the rotation purely based on hustle. The X factor up front will be incoming freshman Jereme Richmond, a McDonald’s All-American with an assortment of skills that could land him in coach Weber’s starting lineup.

OUTLOOK
There are a number of factors that could make Illinois a dangerous team this season. The Illini backcourt is big and athletic, with two double-figure scorers with a year of experience playing together. The frontcourt has an improving center in Tisdale (who has bulked up to 252 pounds) and a classic power forward in Davis. Both Tisdale and Davis each scored in double figures last season. Jereme Richmond could be the high-impact freshman sensation fans in Champaign have been waiting on. Then there is the redemption factor. Illinois went 21-15 last season, 10-8 in conference play, and had to settle for a trip to the NIT. With a ton of attention being accorded to fellow Big Ten rivals Michigan State, Purdue and Ohio State, one could easily see how Bruce Weber’s squad could get overlooked by the competition. That would not be wise. By December 5, Illinois will have played road games at Texas and Gonzaga, as well as a home contest against North Carolina. By then we could all know just how much fight will be in the Fighting Illini this season.

Illinois has lost 19 games at home over the past four years. While Illinois was 13-5 SU at home last season, they were only 5-11 at home ATS. Playing as a favorite, the Illini were 6-12-1 ATS. Illinois was 1-6 SU (1-5-1 ATS) in neutral-site games.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 30-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2010, 07:18 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 15 Missouri

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#15 MISSOURI TIGERS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 68% (23-11)
ATS Record: 54% (15-13)
Over (Total): 50% (13-13)
Points Scored: 77.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.2 PPG
Scoring Margin: 11.1 PPG
BACKCOURT
The Missouri attack will begin with the return of its top two scorers, 6-foot-6 junior Kim English (14.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG) and 6-foot-3 junior Marcus Denmon. English is an explosive scorer, but must improve on his 39.3 FG%, as well as cut down on his team high total of 71 turnovers. Denmon (10.4 PPG, 40.7 three-point FG%) hopes to crack the starting lineup full-time after coming off the bench last year in 30 of the 34 games the Tigers played. Sophomore Michael Dixon (7.5 PPG, 1.6 APG) is the front-runner to take over the point. Head coach Mike Anderson is also counting on key contributions from brothers Phil and Matt Pressey (sons of former NBA player Paul Pressey). Phil Pressey is considered one of the nation’s top freshman prospects at the point, while brother Matt was a junior college All-American.

FRONTCOURT
Coach Anderson will have a lot of pieces to work with up front this year. Some of them will be old faces, and some of them will be new. Junior Laurence Bowers is the top returning scorer and rebounder (10.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG) among the forwards. He is joined by the lone senior on the team, Justin Safford (8.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG) who is looking to bounce back strong after a knee injury ended his season prematurely. The big excitement in Columbia centers around newcomer Ricardo Ratliffe (27.4 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 44% three-point FG at Central Florida Community College), a 6-foot-9 banger considered by many to be the nation’s top JUCO player last season. Ratliffe will be eligible at the start of the season, the same cannot be said for freshman Tony Mitchell, a high-profile recruit with NBA caliber athleticism. Mitchell is hoping to be eligible for action by the second half of the season. If he is not, Anderson will still have an impressive combination of depth and talent on his frontline.

OUTLOOK
Buoyed by the return of last season’s top three scorers, and an incoming recruiting class rated among the top-10 nationally, confidence is high in Columbia. Coach Mike Anderson once again is ready to unleash his “40 minutes of hell” pressing attack on the Big 12 this year, the same defense that forced 659 turnovers last year, tops in the nation. The addition of stud JUCO transfer Ricardo Ratliffe is already opening eyes in Columbia. Ratliffe’s game has the ability to open up scoring chances for fellow forwards Laurence Bowers and the energetic Justin Safford. Perimeter threats Kim English and Marcus Denmon can also benefit from the arrival of Ratliffe as space to operate on the perimeter becomes more plentiful. It remains to be seen how well these new parts (two JUCO transfers, plus four incoming freshmen) will coexist together in the vehicle that is Anderson’s pressing, scoring, turnover forcing machine. But if the Tigers’ deep talent pool clicks, they could be in the running for a road trip to Houston next April.

Why is it so vital for Missouri to force turnovers? The Tigers outscored their opponents by 11 PPG, and their turnovers created extra possessions, making up for the fact that opponents out- rebounded Mizzou by three boards per game. Missouri was 16-2 at home SU, but only 8-5 ATS. Against Big 12 opponents, the Tigers were 10-7 SU, but 9-8 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 40-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 11-01-2010, 07:18 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 14 Baylor

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#14 BAYLOR BEARS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 78% (28-8)
ATS Record: 62% (18-11)
Over (Total): 68% (19-9-1)
Points Scored: 77.0 PPG
Points Allowed: 65.6 PPG
Scoring Margin: 11.4 PPG
BACKCOURT
The return of LaceDarius Dunn in the starting backcourt for coach Scott Drew’s Baylor squad is a big reason why many expect the bears to occupy a spot in the top-10 for most of the season. Dunn (19.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 41.9% three-point FG) took a pass on the NBA Draft because he wanted a chance for this year’s team to exceed last year’s accomplishment of reaching the Elite Eight. Dunn will be joined in the backcourt by either sophomore A.J. Walton (3.8 PPG, 2.0 APG, 45.9 three-point FG) or freshman Stargell Love. Sophomore Nolan Dennis and freshman Bakari Turner should also provide some backcourt depth.

FRONTCOURT
Normally replacing a big man who went on to become the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft would be cause for concern for a head coach, but Drew thinks he has an answer to the void left by Ekpe Udoh’s (13.9 PPG, 9.8 PPG, 3.7 BPG) early departure. Enter Perry Jones, a 6-foot-10 McDonald’s and Parade All-American who was ranked among the top-10 players in the 2010 recruiting class. So electric is the anticipation around Jones’ Waco arrival in 2010, that many insiders do not expect him to stick around in 2011, but declare for the NBA Draft instead. Jones is expected to join returning starter Anthony Jones (6.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG) on the starting frontline along with last year’s top reserve junior Quincy Acy (9.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG). Other players cracking the rotation up front should be 6-foot-9 sophomore Cory Jefferson and the big 7-foot sophomore from Croatia, Dragan Sekelja.

OUTLOOK
Not only did Baylor win its first NCAA Tournament game since 1950, the Bears won three games, en route to a spot in the South Regional final where they lost to eventual national champion Duke. If success breeds great expectations, Baylor Coach Scott Drew is up to the challenge. The return of LaceDarius Dunn for his senior year elevates spirits in Waco. Dunn finished second in the Big 12 in scoring last season, and only needs 451 points to become the school’s all-time scorer. Perry Jones is the most high-profile signee in the history of Baylor basketball, and will team with the athletic Quincy Acy and the experienced Anthony Jones to form one of the top frontlines in the conference. Just how deep this Baylor team is after the starting five will be a question mark. Nonetheless, with a first unit that could have at least two NBA lottery picks for 2011 on the team, pity not for Scott Drew. Last March, Baylor’s magical season ended on the hardwood floor of Reliant Stadium. One win shy of the Final Four. This year Drew and his squad would like nothing more than for this season to end in Reliant Stadium again, because that would mean that they made the Final Four, and were able to take that next step.

Baylor was 15-1 SU playing at home, but only 6-3 ATS. As a favorite the Bears were 16-3 SU and 12-7 ATS. Key stat to track throughout the season: rebounding. Baylor finished 2nd in the Big 12 just behind Kansas in rebounding margin (+6.4). If the Baylor big men can continue to produce dominant rebounding and shot-blocking advantages, then an extended run in the month of March could definitely be in the Bears future.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 25-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 11-02-2010, 07:45 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 13 Syracuse

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#13 SYRACUSE ORANGE

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 86% (30-5)
ATS Record: 68% (21-10)
Over (Total): 44% (12-15)
Points Scored: 80.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.4 PPG
Scoring Margin: 14.5 PPG
BACKCOURT
The Syracuse backcourt attack will start with a man whose best work last season came off the bench. Scoop Jardine garnered several honors last year for National Sixth Man of the Year recognition. This year Jardine (9.1 PPG, 4.3 APG, 39% three-point FG) will bring his energy to the starting lineup alongside sophomore Brandon Triche (8.1 PPG, 2.8 APG, 40% three-point FG). Triche was also recognized last year for making the Big East’s All-Freshman team. For additional scoring punch, Coach Jim Boeheim will look to sophomore swingman Mookie Jones (5.8 PPG, 44.6% three-point FG) and incoming freshman Dion Waiters to provide some offense on the wings. Waiters could earn backup minutes at the point. As for Jones, depending on his development, he has a chance to become the team’s top perimeter scoring threat.

FRONTCOURT
Boeheim will have to rebuild the frontline in the wake of the departures of center Arinze Onuaku and Big East Player of the Year Wesley Johnson (16.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG). That rebuilding job starts with 6-foot-9 bruiser Rick Jackson (9.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 59% FG). Jackson is the team’s top returning rebounder. Last season Kris Joseph was a super sub off the bench en route to earning Big East Sixth Man of the Year honors. This year Joseph (10.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG) looks to move his talents into the starting lineup, where he hopes to improve on his shooting numbers from beyond the arc (22% three-point FG). The big buzz in town is around some of the size the Orange have to work with this season. Incoming freshman Fabricio Melo (yes, another ‘Melo’ in Syracuse), a 7-footer from Brazil looks to take over things in the middle. Melo played only one year of basketball here in the states, yet still was good enough to be named a McDonald’s All-American. He will draw competition from another 7-footer, sophomore DaShonte Riley, who only saw action in 17 games last season. Two more freshmen, C.J. Fair and Baye Moussa Keita should combine with sophomore James Southerland to make an already deep (albeit young) frontline even deeper.

OUTLOOK
Most programs that lose a starting center, a conference player of the year, and a double-digit scoring guard (Andy Rautins) from a 30-win team usually refers to the following year as a “rebuilding” season. Fans of college basketball in upstate New York know better. Jim Boeheim doesn’t rebuild. He reloads. This year Syracuse will be in the hunt for a Big East title by incorporating a mix of proven bench players (Jardine and Joseph averaged 22 and 27 MPG respectively off the bench), experienced starters Brandon Triche and Rick Jackson (both players started all 35 games last year) and the addition of Fab Melo to man the middle of the paint. If Melo struggles in any way transitioning to the collegiate game (he has played just one year of basketball in the states), there is plenty of size behind him ready for a chance to contribute. The Orange were the best shooting team in the league last season (51.6 FG%). On the defensive end, they led the conference in steals and defending the three-pointer, proving once again that like a 2-button suit, the 2-3 zone never goes out of style. For an early gauge of where this year’s team will fit into the national discussion, circle December 7. That’s when Syracuse will take on powerful Michigan State at Madison Square Garden, giving college hoop fans a first-hand look at just how much reloading Boeheim has been doing this offseason.

As a favorite, Syracuse was 22-5 SU and 17-10 ATS. Playing as an underdog, the ‘Cuse was 3-0 SU and ATS. The Orange also had the same record in neutral-site game ATS (5-2) as they did SU in those neutral-site games (5-2). Finally, some things never change in the Big East: Syracuse ranked 11th in the conference in free-throw percentage (67.7%).

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 20-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 11-02-2010, 07:46 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 12 Gonzaga

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#12 GONZAGA BULLDOGS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 80% (27-7)
ATS Record: 57% (16-12-2)
Over (Total): 55% (16-13-1)
Points Scored: 76.9 PPG
Points Allowed: 67.4 PPG
Scoring Margin: 9.5 PPG
BACKCOURT
The foundation that will key Gonzaga’s backcourt this year is actually a Gray area, as in Steven Gray. The 6-foot-5 senior guard is a defensive stalwart, and generally brings a little bit of everything to the table in terms of his skill set (13.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.9 APG). Between Gray and returning starter Demetri Goodson (6.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG) the backcourt tandem brings athleticism and experience to the table. Combined, Gray and Goodson started all but one game last year. Head coach Mark Few still has some questions about who will be his point guard this season. He is hoping that role will be filled by JUCO transfer Marquise Carter (17.2 PPG, 5.5 APG at Three Rivers (Mo.) Community College). There could also be minutes for sophomore Mike Hart, or redshirt freshman David Stockton, the son of Gonzaga legend and NBA Hall-of-Famer John Stockton.

FRONTCOURT
Emerging forward Elias Harris (14.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 54.7 FG%) will be the man opponents will game-plan against. The 6-foot-8 Harris displayed a versatile offensive game last season that featured strong back-to-the-basket moves to go with the occasional deadly jumper from beyond the arc (23-of-51, 45.1 three-point FG%). The sophomore Harris will form a prolific 1-2 punch on the frontline with 7-foot junior center Robert Sacre (10.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 52.5 FG%). Few is hoping that sophomore Kelly Olnyk (3.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG in 34 games) along with redshirt freshman Sam Dower will contribute when called upon. All things considered, this should be one of the deepest collections of big men the Zags have had in years..

OUTLOOK
Despite losing WCC Player of the Year honoree Matt Bouldin, Mark Few will still boast four returning starters and seven of his top eight scorers remaining on this year’s team. The X factor could be at point guard, where JUCO transfer Marquise Carter will try to keep Gonzaga’s chemistry intact. The simple way to do that is to keep feeding Elias Harris the basketball. Harris continues to emerge as a potential superstar among power forwards in the nation. Gonzaga led the WCC in FG Pct. (49.1%) which was also good enough for sixth-best in the nation. The Zags were also tops in the WCC in terms of rebounding margin (+4.5). Give Few credit for this much, the Bulldogs do not know the meaning of the word cupcake. Gonzaga’s early season schedule is brutal with road games at Kansas State and Baylor (both Elite Eight teams) plus Wake Forest and Notre Dame. The home schedule includes contests versus Oklahoma State, Xavier, and San Diego State (all NCAA Tournament teams) as well as a game against preseason top-20 pick Illinois. With a schedule like that, Few and the fan base should have a lot of answers about the ’10 squad by Christmas.

Gonzaga was 13-1 SU at home, but only 4-5-1 ATS. As a favorite, Gonzaga was 17-4 SU, but only 9-10-2 ATS. Against conference opponents, the Zags were 13-3 SU, but 8-7-1 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 40-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 11-03-2010, 08:04 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 11 Florida

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#11 FLORIDA GATORS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 62% (21-13)
ATS Record: 52% (15-14)
Over (Total): 46% (11-13-1)
Points Scored: 72.2 PPG
Points Allowed: 66.4 PPG
Scoring Margin: 5.8 PPG
BACKCOURT
The Gators starting backcourt may be short on size, but it is long on experience. Erving Walker (12.6 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.3 RPG) and Kenny Boynton (14.0 PPG, 2.7 APG) each started all but one game last season as Florida returned to the big dance for the first time since its championship season of 2007. Walker is only 5-foot-8, and sometimes can be a defensive liability. Boynton led the Gators in scoring last season, yet only shot 37.6% from the field. Coach Billy Donovan will have some needed reinforcements in the backcourt this season. Incoming freshman Scottie Wilbekin, a pure point guard, will be relied upon to fulfill a key role, subbing for Boynton and Walker and making sure that the exorbitant minutes the two guards logged last season (each averaged 32.9 MPG) will be reduced considerably.

FRONTCOURT
Alex Tyus surprised many in Gainesville when he withdrew his name from the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-8 Tyus (11.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG) will return to team up with center Vernon Macklin (10.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG) and small forward Chandler Parsons (12.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG) to give Billy Donovan three seniors who all averaged double figures in scoring on his frontline, a rare luxury in today’s college game. Macklin, a Georgetown transfer, shot 60.7% from the field in his first season playing in Gainesville. Parsons shot 35.8% from beyond the arc. Sophomore Erik Murphy is expected to contribute off the bench, as will incoming freshman and McDonald’s All-American Patric Young out of Jacksonville.

OUTLOOK
If there is a coach in the SEC who knows what its like to deal with high expectations, its Billy Donovan (no offense Coach Cal). Donovan returned an NCAA championship team intact to repeat as champs in 2007. This year Donovan has a team that will boast five starters who scored in double figures last season, three of them seniors. In addition, Donovan will supplement them with an incoming class of freshmen, highlighted by the additions of 6-foot-2 guard Scottie Wilbekin and 6-foot-9 forward Patric Young. Wilbekin is expected to allow Donovan to revive his pressing-full-court style of play, something he had to abandon as Walker and Boynton wilted under the weight of playing so many minutes per night. The only remaining question marks are how will the new talent mesh with the old talent, especially on a team that is so heavily fortified with seniors and juniors. Look for big early-season contests against Ohio State on November 16, and Kansas State December 18 (both ranked in the preseason Top 5) to give us an indication of whether or not the great expectations associated with the program are warranted. If this team performs up to the hype, an April trip to Houston could be in Donovan’s future.

Florida shot only 31.3% from beyond the arc, unusually poor for a Donovan team. That figure placed them 11th in the SEC. The gators were 13-4 SU at home, but only 6-7 at home ATS. As an underdog, Florida was only 5-8 SU but 7-6 ATS. The Gators were 5-5 SU and 6-3 ATS on the road.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 20-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 11-03-2010, 08:05 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 10 Kentucky

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#10 KENTUCKY WILDCATS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 92% (35-3)
ATS Record: 56% (20-16)
Over (Total): 54% (19-16)
Points Scored: 79.3 PPG
Points Allowed: 64.9 PPG
Scoring Margin: 14.4 PPG
BACKCOURT
One of the most high-profile jobs in college basketball belongs to the man who will play point guard for Coach John Calipari’s team. Considering that the last three young men who filled that role all became NBA lottery picks (and two of them were named Rookie of the Year), the next in line will garner more than a little attention. Brandon Knight, welcome to the show. Knight is a two-time Gatorade National player of the Year recipient. He is a strong passer who may not be quite as athletic as Derrick Rose or John Wall, but is probably a better shooter. Knight should be part of a three-guard backcourt with junior Darius Miller (6.5 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 21.2 MPG), Kentucky’s lone returning starter from last season, and freshman Deron Lamb. Junior DeAndre Liggins, a defensive specialist, will be part of the rotation. Calipari will also look to work in freshman Stacey Poole Jr. and sophomore Jon Hood for added depth.

FRONTCOURT
It won’t be easy replacing big men like Patrick Patterson and DeMarcus Cousins, both first round picks in the 2010 NBA Draft. Calipari will try and do just that with 6-foot-10 Enes Kanter from Turkey. Kanter is physical, long and the highest-rated power forward among freshmen in the country. Kanter has also seen some action with a semi-pro team in his native Turkey. Because of that, the NCAA has a key decision to make regarding Kanter’s eligibility and whether or not he will be allowed to play. Calipari hopes to start Kanter alongside of another freshman sensation, Terrence Jones, a 6-foot-9 banger who ranked as the #13 overall player in the 2010 class. JUCO transfer Eloy Vargas will provide some additional depth up front, along with Josh Harrelson, who will hold the distinction of being the only senior on this year’s team.

OUTLOOK
What do you do when you have the No. 1 recruiting class in the country that takes your team within a game of the Final Four, and then they leave early for the NBA? If you are John Calipari, you replace them with . . . the number one recruiting class in the country. Calipari has reloaded his lineup with a handful of new thoroughbreds who are ready to challenge for the SEC title and another national championship. For that to happen, the question regarding the eligibility of Enes Kanter must be clarified. What also must happen is Kentucky must be as complete on the defensive end as they were a year ago. The Wildcats led the SEC in FG Pct. defense (37.8%) and rebounding margin at +8.1 RPG. Combine that with an offense that produced a league-leading 79.3 PPG and you have a recipe for how to win 30-plus games and a conference title. But Calipari and his talented bunch still came up short. This year he hopes that the combination of talent and veteran leadership from returning starter Miller and reserve Liggins will help these “kiddie Cats” overcome the rough patches, such as last year’s Elite Eight loss to West Virginia, when the youth and inexperience finally seemed to catch up to Kentucky. A great early-season test for this team will come December 4 at North Carolina in a game that will feature two of the nation’s top recruiting classes, and the best freshman in the country not wearing a Kentucky jersey this season: Tar Heel forward and preseason All-American pick Harrison Barnes.

Kentucky was a perfect 18-0 SU at home last season, but just 8-9 ATS. Versus SEC competition they were 17-2 SU but only 10-9 ATS. After an ATS win, the Wildcats were 17-3 SU and 8-12 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 20-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 11-04-2010, 07:28 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 9 North Carolina

#9 NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 54% (20-17)
ATS Record: 38% (13-21-1)
Over (Total): 33% (11-22)
Points Scored: 74.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 71.9 PPG
Scoring Margin: 2.6 PPG

BACKCOURT
Despite rumors that a transfer seemed imminent, junior Larry Drew is back to man the point for North Carolina. Drew (8.5 PPG, 6.0 APG, 2.7 RPG) struggled at times last season, but his stats are better than his critics would lead you to believe. Sometimes the greatest challenge he has endured in Chapel Hill has been trying to make tar heel fans forget just how dominant his predecessor Ty Lawson was. Drew came on during Carolina’s postseason NIT run. He should benefit from the addition of McDonald’s All-American Reggie Bullock, the knockdown perimeter sniper this team lacked last season (Carolina ranked ninth in the ACC in three-point shooting) and Kendall Marshall, another McDonald’s All-American who can spell Drew at the point. Streaky shooting senior Will Graves (9.8 PPG, 37.1% three-point FG) also needs to provide some relief. Returning sophomores Leslie McDonald (3.4 PPG) and Dexter Strickland (5.4 PPG) will look to build on humbling freshman seasons.

FRONTCOURT
Chapel Hill is wild about Harry. McDonald’s All-American Harrison Barnes has made history before even slipping into that Carolina blue jersey. Barnes was named a preseason All-American by the Associated Press, becoming the first freshman to receive that honor since the preseason picks were first made in 1986. The 6-foot-7 Barnes can score on the inside, from the perimeter and all points in between. He also should help the heels on the boards. Expect Barnes to team up on the starting frontline with 7-footer Tyler Zeller (9.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 17.4 MPG) who needs to stay healthy for a full season, and emerging forward John Henson (5.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG). Justin Knox, a transfer from Alabama should also provide some depth.

OUTLOOK
There are a handful of gold standard programs in the country where the letters NIT just will never satisfy anyone at postseason time. Especially when you have averaged 31 wins per season the previous four years with an NCAA title to boot. North Carolina is one of those programs. Carolina’s 17 losses last season were a record for a defending NCAA champion, and that’s the kind of history Roy Williams wants no part of this year. Williams hopes that his top-5 recruiting class, highlighted by a trio of McDonald’s All-Americans, including preseason AP All-American Harrison Barnes, will turn things around in a dynamic way. But it can’t just be about the kids. Junior Larry Drew and senior Will Graves must provide poise and leadership in the backcourt. Tyler Zeller must stay healthy for an entire season. If he does, it will be a first for his career, and a boost to whatever success the Heels have in the paint. John Henson must also pick up where his surging game left off when the Tar Heels season ended in the NIT Championship game loss to Dayton.

Last season, Carolina posted some very troubling numbers. The Heels were 12th in the ACC in scoring defense, 11th in FT Pct., and shot the three-pointer as poorly as they ever have (33% three-point FG). There is plenty of room for improvement in Chapel Hill, and Williams believes he’s got the horses to get it done. Expect a November 30 road contest against Illinois, followed by a home showdown with Kentucky on December 4 to provide an early hint of whether this Carolina program will be contenders or pretenders in the national championship discussion. That’s NCAA championship discussion, not NIT.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 10-to-1

**StarDust Bum** · 11-04-2010, 07:29 PM

2010-11 College BB Preview: No. 8 Purdue

#8 PURDUE BOILERMAKERS

2009-10 Statistics:
SU Record: 83% (29-6)
ATS Record: 44% (15-19-1)
Over (Total): 43% (13-17-2)
Points Scored: 70.5 PPG
Points Allowed: 61.3 PPG
Scoring Margin: 9.2 PPG

BACKCOURT
The story in the backcourt begins with E’Twaun Moore. The senior (16.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.7 APG) has led the Boilermakers in scoring for three straight seasons, and was the team’s top assist man as well. He will likely be joined in the backcourt by freshman Terone Johnson, a guard with a fullback body who can also score. Five-foot-9 junior Lewis Jackson only played 16 games last season, but had the highest assists-per-game average on the team (3.4) is an option, or sophomore Kelsey Barlow, who started 11 games last season. Sophomores John Hart, D.J. Byrd and junior Ryne Smith should also give head coach Matt Painter a plethora of offensive options to mix and match with.

FRONTCOURT
The attack on the frontline begins and ends with preseason All-American pick JaJuan Johnson. The senior (15.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 50.7 FG%) returns as the team’s leading rebounder and could rotate between center and power forward. He was also second in the Big Ten in blocked shots with 72. The Boilermakers will need all the offense they can get out of Johnson now that fellow senior Robbie Hummel (15.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG) will miss the entire 2010-11 season after re-tearing his right ACL in October. That’s the same injury that ended his season last February at Minnesota. He plans to take a medical redshirt this season. With Hummel out of the mix, Painter will have to lean on a trio of inexperienced forwards -- sophomore Patrick Bade (35 games, 7.3 MPG) and freshmen Travis Carroll and Sandi Marcius.

OUTLOOK
Only the cruelest of basketball gods would put such a burden on one player and one team. Robbie Hummel spent the entire offseason rehabilitating the right knee that robbed him and his team of challenging for a national title last year. Hummel was poised to return to the court this season with fellow seniors JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore to form a trio of talent that combined for 47.6 PPG last season. But on October 16, in the first practice of the year, the ACL of Hummel’s right knee tore again, and his season was over. Now the leadership mantle falls on the shoulders of Johnson and Moore, who will battle for spots on the All-Big Ten first team. Painter’s squad will draw upon a deep backcourt with a mix of size and athleticism, a frontcourt that is long on length, but short on experience, and the knowledge of knowing how to play and win big games without Hummel. Last season they made it to the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual champion Duke. No matter which Boilermakers take the court, they will know how to get in your grill. Purdue was second in the conference in scoring defense, and held opponents to a very impressive 39.9 FG%, but will need to improve on its poor rebounding numbers (-1.6 RPG, third-lowest in Big Ten) to get the most out of its efforts. They may not have the array of talent that they thought they would have this season, but they do have two of the best players in the conference, and a record of toughness and resiliency. These factors should serve them well as March rolls around, when the basketball gods are prone to throw some more adversity their way.

As a favorite, the Boilermakers were 25-5 SU, but only 11-18-1 ATS (38%). On its home floor of Mackey Arena, Purdue was 14-2 SU and 7-9 ATS. In conference play, Purdue went 15-5 SU, but 6-13-1 ATS.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NCAA Championship: 15-to-1

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