Friday, August 29, 2008

Men's College Basketball Top 13 and Sleepers

My Preseason Men’s College Basketball Top 13

1. Pittsburgh- The deepest, best team in the country. I don’t see how any team in the nation will be able to match up against DeJuan Blair this season. Blair was an absolute beast as a freshman last season, and this season I have him and Hansbrough going toe to toe for the top team in the country. While Hansbrough may get all the votes, Blair, without question, will own Tyler in the paint. Blair is a man’s man in the post and other than Blake Griffin is the top college player in the nation in my opinion. Add in a healthy Levance Fields and solid big man Sam Young and you got one heck of a physical team.

2. UNC- This is easily the most talented group of kids in the nation, led by top college player Tyler Hasbrough, this is a make or break season for the Tar Heels. In other words, it will be a massive failure for North Carolina not to win the national championship. Ty Lawson, although I am not a firm believer of this guy, is one of the top college point guards in college. Although he has skills, Lawson is simply too small and doesn’t display enough point guards skills to make it in the NBA, but in college he is a big time play maker and the spark of UNC with his speed and defense. Philly guard Wayne Ellington is ready to explode and become a regular household name in college basketball. Simply put, if UNC wants to cut down the net this year, it is up to Wayne Ellington. He needs to show more than his silky smooth shooting and become a reliable, impact scorer. Either way, this team is a lock for the Elite Eight. Look out for freshman Ed Harris to round out a weaker PF spot on the tar heels.

3. Gonzaga- I like this roster so much I could have easily put them ahead of UNC. Although elite prospect Austin Daye was a massive disaster last season, I expect him to have a stellar season for the Bulldogs. This might be the best starting lineup in college basketball. A healthy Josh Heytvelt, one of the top power forwards in college, will only make this team better. PG Jeremy Pargo is a very underrated leader, and Matt Bouldon and Micah Downs are very, very strong players to make a very, very effective back court. This team will be on easy street all the way to the tournament with such a strong lineup, which could be a bad thing come tourney time as they will not face difficult competition.

4. Michigan State- Raymour Morgan is one of the best players in the country, bar none. Similar to Pitt, this team doesn’t have many top prospects but are very deep with solid guys all the way around. Add in Tom Izzo who is the best coach in college basketball and Michigan State is a lock for the Elite Eight. Look out for top power forward, freshman prospect Delvin Roe who just adds even more talent to an already extremely deep Spartan roster.

5. UCLA- I simply cannot go against tradition. Every year this team simply recruits and performs. Although the Bruins lost Kevin Love to the lottery, they add in another elite prospect guard in Jrue Holiday and top center, freshman prospect J’Mison Morgan. Don’t forget about the top college point guard in the country in Darren Collison, and the Bruins are primed and ready for another tournament run. Youngest, best team in the country? Without a doubt.

6. Texas- This team really surprised me last season. Gary Johnson and especially Connor Atchley showed up to be very solid players last season. Top player Damion Jones makes this Texas team a top 13 team, and AJ Abrams is no slack. Although they lost DJ Augustin to the draft last year, this is another deep Texas team that is deep and solid all the way around.

7. Tennessee- Always an underrated squad, the Vols look to build upon last season with a run to the national championship. The SEC is in for another low season in basketball imo, and Tennessee is the best out of the bunch. JP Morgan and Tyler Smith lead the way for the Vols, while Wayne Chism is no slouch in the paint. Look out for top SF prospect Scotty Hopson to make an instant impact for Tennessee.

8. Oklahoma- Although I think Oklahoma is a bit overrated and playing in a poor conference this year, you can’t put away the team that has the best player in the country. Blake Griffin is a man among boys in college basketball, and should continue to show the same kind of dominance he showed as a true freshman last season. They’re not very deep, but elite freshman shooting guard Willie Warren hopes to make the Sooners an early powerhouse in 2008.

9. Duke- I always believe Duke is one of the most overrated teams in the country. Although they have a budding superstar in Kyle Singler, I don’t think this season will be any different. Greg Paulus is what he is, a decent college point guard who doesn’t do anything great. Philly boy Gerald Henderson has been in Wayne Ellington’s shadow his whole career and better put up more of a fight or this is going to be a long season for the Blue Devils. I have always thought that the ACC has been overrated, and this year is no different, so it will be the Tar Heel/Blue Devil show once again on ESPN. Look out for elite SG prospect Elliott Williams to round out a solid backcourt for the Blue Devils.

10. Arizona State- 2008 Player of the year candidate James Harden was the surprise freshman of the year last season. James Harden is a tall, smooth scorer that can finish, run, jump and score at any point on the court. Harden should put up staggering numbers this season. After last season’s dominance, it is a bit of a down year for the PAC 10 and the Sun Devils should coast into the tournament. Jeff Pendergraph looks to continue his success this season as the second scorer.

11. Notre Dame- Luke Harangody, the country boy who came out of no where last season, but I have a feeling this Notre Dame team is a bit overrated this season. Plus being in the top conference in the country doesn’t help the Fighting Irish. Although they’ll surely make the tournament, I see difficult times for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

12. Villanova- The one team I can see sky rocketing up the charts are the Villanova Wildcats. Although they aren’t nearly as good as Pitt, the Nova backcourt is as good as any in college basketball. Playmaker Scottie Reynolds is one of the most electrifying guards in the country, but needs to work on his shot selection as he had difficulty with his field goal percentage last season. Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes are very good, young guards who should lead Nova into the tournament.

13. Syracuse- I have feeling that Jonny Flynn is going to take the world by storm. Jonny Flynn is more than a dynamic scoring point guard and Paul Harris is the do it all type of forward that should be on a powerhouse team.

Top Sleepers

Al-Farouq Aminu- top freshman in the country imo
Marquette- another year for McNeal and James could be huge
Georgetown- if Greg Monroe puts it together Gtown could make some noise in the Big East

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Extensive Sixers 2008 Season Preview

Guards

Andre Miller- Has to show- Mid range game

Andre Miller was easily the best player on the Sixers last season. Statistically, Andre Miller did not blow anyone away, but his leadership, getting others involved and control the offense was a pleasant surprise for Sixers fans that haven’t seen a true point guard play at an elite level in years. The Sixers made the 2007 playoffs with one of the least talented rosters in the NBA, a direct reflection upon Miller’s true ability to make those around him improve significant areas of their game. What Andre Miller must show this season is to continue to show the ability to hit the mid range jump shot at, again, a high frequency. With Brand and Iguodala spreading the court, Miller will gain the opportunity to receive much more, wide open jump shots around the perimeter. With defenses likely crowding the paint, our strength, to force the Sixers to shoot from the perimeter, our weakness, Miller must show efficiency in the mid range game on a team that lacks shooters.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 13-14 points, 8-8.5 assists, 3-4 rebounds

Royal Ivey- Has to show- Perimeter Defense/Ball Handling

Lets be honest…Royal Ivey was not brought here for his offense, we all know that. Royal Ivey’s main role for the Sixers will be to provide ball handling and defense to allow an emerging star guard, Louis Williams, to play his natural position and allow him to do what he does best: to put the ball in the hoop. Ivey is in a very good situation here. Although, not much will be asked of the young guard in this spot, but Ivey has real potential to surprise fans with his scoring ability. While not the most talented, Ivey does have skills to put it in the hoop. I have a strong feeling that Ivey, with his energy and defense, will become an instant fan favorite among Sixer fans. With a strongly defined role, Royal Ivey could really thrive in this position on the Sixers as a 3rd or 4th guard off the bench to provide hustle and defense.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 6 points, 3 assists

Andre Iguodala- Has to show- Range on his Jumpshot/Scoring

Andre Iguodala can’t even justify his own, overpaid contract, which literally makes him an upper echelon player in the NBA. Despite continuing to show improvements in all facets of his game, Iguodala is an above average player getting paid like a star. While his stats put him right up there as a top 30 or 40 player in the NBA, for a player that doesn’t do anything ‘great,’ that contract is pretty hefty. There is no doubt that this contract came from the Elton Brand signing, which quickly represented the Sixers’ willingness to go for a championship within the next 4 to 5 years. What Andre Iguodala must show this season, unless he wants to be a quick target from Philly fans, is that he is not just a run and gun scorer. Iguodala is being paid like a top scorer, and must display improvements in his ability to shoot with range and efficiency. If Iguodala develops a consistent mid range jump shot with range out to the 3 spot, Iguodala will certainly justify such a contract. The Sixers were, however, in no position to lose a player of his caliber. All things aside, it is good to have Iggy back in the fold. With Elton Brand giving the Sixers a true post presence, Iggy will have all the opportunities in the world to become a premiere scorer. With wider lanes, less double teams and less pressure, Iguodala is in prime position to make the All Star team this year, which his contract basically suggests he will be, but we all know that is all dependent on wins and losses.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats- 20 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals

Louis Williams- Has to show- Point Guard Instincts

There is no doubt, at all, that the biggest key to the Sixers’ season revolves around a budding star in Louis Williams. With Andre Miller continuing to stress that he will not stay in Philadelphia after this season, all eyes will be on the incumbent Louis Williams. Is LouWill a combo guard or a natural shooting guard? Will Louis Williams performance force the Sixers’ front office to trade Andre Miller? After receiving a very fair contract extension, we will certainly find out where Louis Williams stands in his development. Regardless, Louis Williams is the first player coming off a very good bench and a premiere candidate for sixth man of the year. Williams is primed and ready to jump into the spot light as a house hold name in the NBA. While Williams showed an improved handle and ability to find the open man last season, Williams still has ways to go until he becomes the starting point guard for the Sixers, especially with Iggy getting a large contract to be the SG and an emerging star at SF with Thaddeus Young. Despite the challenges to being a point guard, Louis Williams is a natural born scorer and an integral part to a Sixer playoff run.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats- 14-16 points, 5 assists, 1 steal

Willie Green- Has to show- Consistency

Every offseason Sixer fans demand to see consistency from Willie Green. A good scorer from the perimeter, Willie Green has shown flashes of being a solid starting NBA two guard. Unfortunitely, those streaks of brilliance are far and away thrown off by long patches of inconsistency and poor defense. Willie Green has potential to be an excellent option off the bench, it is a shame, however, that a player like Willie Green cannot possibly succeed in such a role. Willie Green is a rhythm player, therefore needing more touches to get in the rhythm of the game and thus be effective in the offense. With such a deep bench and the additions of Ivey and Rush, Willie Green is on the way out looking in at this point.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats- 2-3 points, 1 assist, 1 rebound

Forwards

Thaddeus Young- Has to show- Mid range game

Everyone couldn’t have been more impressed with the rook that took the world by storm once inserted into the starting lineup. Thaddeus Young was a huge factor in the second half surge that took the Sixers to the playoffs in 2007. With his elite defense, ability to finish around the hoop, run the court and play to his strengths, Thaddeus Young put up averages of 12 and 7 as a starter and looks to build upon those numbers in 2008. What was most impressive for such a young rookie last year was Thad’s ability to play the game to the best of his strengths, which was using his athleticism and wingspan to crash the rim, scoring off putbacks and in transition and playing defense on the perimeter. Although he showed a natural ability to hit big shots from the key, Thad’s biggest area of improvement must be his mid range shooting. As Thad moves from power forward to his natural position at small forward, he must continue to do all the things that allowed him adjust well to the challenges of the NBA. Thad is the key to the 2008 season, as it is his progress and development that’ll make the Sixers a playoff team to a championship team. How long will that be? I don’t know about you, but I’ll put my money on Thad.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block

Kareem Rush- Has to show- 3 point shooting

Another one of Ed’s FA signings, Kareem Rush was brought here for one reason, to shoot the three. Similar to Ivey, and with a smooth stroke, Rush is in another excellent position to thrive on a team that needs shooting. Kareem Rush will idol Kyle Korver’s role on the Sixers a year prior, providing a spark with his long range jay and a steal every now and then. Rush is in a great position because of the player in front of him. Although Thaddeus Young showed excellent strides last season, no one is quite positive as to how many minutes Young will ever put forth for an entire season. Enter Kareem Rush, Thad’s lone back up who could get more minutes than any other back up on the bench other than Louis Williams. Rush is another player on the bench that could become an instant fan favorite with Philly fans.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 6-7 points

Elton Brand- Has to show- Durability

The Sixers finally obtained their superstar in Elton Brand, a defensive minded power forward who is arguably a top 15 player in the NBA. Last season the Sixers went as far as their post play took them. Without a legit post threat, the Sixers were in a large hole every game as opposing teams used their lack of a post presence to their advantage. Although starting Thaddeus Young at the 4 spot helped with their fast break, when it came to the playoffs where the half court offense is almost required, the Sixers did their best to manage with Reggie Evans. Elton Brand gives the Sixers a legit threat in the paint that will command double teams and open up the entire game plan for the Sixers. With so many athletic wingmen and a pass first point guard, the addition of Elton Brand should lead an offense that is aggressive and physical to say the least. The only area Elton Brand needs to improve upon is durability, and to earn the contract he received. As Elton Brand goes, so do the Sixers.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 19-20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4 assists

Marreese Speights- Has to show- Hustle

Lets be frank… Despite how good Speights looked in the Summer League, he will receive ample playing time this season due to being the back up of Elton Brand. Speights’ playing time will most likely come during garbage and/or the latter parts of the season when Brand will need more time off to get ready for the playoffs. Still, one cannot simply ignore the skills displayed last Summer. Speights showed incredible athleticism, an incredibly smooth mid range jumper, the ability to finish with both hand and excellent ability to rebound and block shots from the weakside. In other words, Speights has all the tools in the world to succeed in the NBA along with excellent frame, size and wingspan. Due to receiving ample playing time, Marreese Speights must show the effort and hustle he displayed in the Summer League. Why? Due to the depth of our front court, Speight’s role will be to hold on his in the paint and play defense.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block

Reggie Evans- Has to show- Leadership

In my opinion, Reggie Evans can be saved until the playoffs. He is an absolute lock to make this roster due to the youth on the roster, and his physical play, combined with the fundamentals of Elton Brand, has a great chance of rubbing off on Marreese Speights on how to play the game (which is huge). I’ll admit, I was against bringing Reggie Evans in for Steven Hunter…. But shit was I wrong… Reggie Evans, with the way the Sixers play, is the life and soul of this team. His leadership is an absolute must for our roster because he symbolizes how the Sixers should play. With the Sixers size advantage, athleticism, defense and rebounding, Reggie Evans should show our youngsters a thing or two about the life of the NBA. Evans, ironically, almost single handedly carried us in the playoffs against Detroit, and he is a perfect bench player to have on any team trying to make a run in the playoffs.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 3 points, 2 rebounds

Centers

Samuel Dalembert- Has to show- Role

Last year WAY too much was being asked of Samuel Dalembert… to the point where the Sixers turned him into a jump shooting big man that stayed clear of the paint. Not happening this year. With Elton Brand commanding double teams, Samuel Dalembert should be primed and ready to catch any kind of lob or pass headed his way for an open bucket. What I want to see out of Samuel Dalembert is a more defined role for the offense and defense. Instead of staying outside on offense, Dalembert should focus on centering around the paint and looking for the lob or dish around the hoop, period. On defense, where he should shine, Dalembert should, like on offense, stay in the paint and simply look to rebound and block shots. Dalembert should have a huge year defensively for the Sixers, and this should be his primary concern. No more long bombs from the perimeter. Dalembert should get plenty of looks from a slashing Iggy, double teamed Elton Brand or on the fast break.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 9-10 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks

Theo Ratliff- Has to show- Energy

Theo Ratliff has been brought back to do one thing, provide energy off the bench and spell Samuel Dalembert in case of foul trouble. Not much is expected of Ratliff, but one thing is for sure, he was a fan favorite in Philadelphia and should get a ton of rousing applauses from the fans. In fact, I would be shocked if he doesn’t get a standing ovation each time he runs onto the court this season. People say he’s oft-injured and he certainly is, but he definitely looked pretty good albeit horrible front court last year in the playoffs when he played for Detroit. If he gives us half of what he gave us in 2000-2001, our front court should simply be nasty, and not fall off a bit when Sammy D takes a few minutes off to relax on the bench.

Likely 2008 NBA Stats: 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks

In total that is about 102 points per game, exactly where I expect the offense to be around this season.

In summary, the Sixers have excellent wingmen, a top 10 point guard in my opinion, one of the best front courts in the NBA as well as one of the best benches in the entire NBA.

Wins 56.