Post your team's 2013-14 rosters and Analysis
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SportsAndLady
Cannot wait for this season. Not only for KU, but for how many great players we are going to have in college bball this year.
Kansas is going to be loaded with the addition of 3 5-star recruits, 2 4-star recruits, and a very good big man transfer in Tarik Black.
My projected starting lineup for KU:
Naadir Tharpe
Wayne Selden
Andrew Wiggins
Perry Ellis
Joel Embiid
Bench:
Brannen Greene
Jamari Traylor
Tarik Black
Conner Frankamp (leading scorer of USA U-17 team)
Andrew White
God damn I can't wait! -
Terry_Tate
Ohio State:
Projected Starters (MPG):
Aaron Craft (33)
Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (24)
Sam Thompson (28)
LaQuinton Ross (29)
Amir Williams (24)
Bench (MPG):
Shannon Scott (30)
Trey McDonald (14)
Amedeo Della Valle (6)
Marc Loving (7)
Kameron Williams (3)
Others (2)
I would love to see Shannon Scott in the starting line-up and having Lenzelle be the 6th man, but Matta won't do that with Smith being a 2 year starter and a senior. This will be a veteran group that should be a top 10 team based on maturity and talent. If Shannon Scott and Sam Thompson can each make some strides this offseason then Ohio State can make another Final Four run.
I would also almost say as Amir Williams goes this team will go. If he can hit the glass strong and block shots and stay out of foul trouble(big ifs) then I would say Ohio State has a strong chance at competing with Michigan State for the B1G title. 1-4 I think Ohio State has the chance to be a borderline top 5 team, but if Williams doesn't develop then they will get killed against teams with a good big man.
The depth on this team doesn't seem as good last year mainly because of the loss of Deshaun Thomas and also with adding nobody who will get significant minutes, so I would guess Matta will basically only play 7 in the bigger games. Should be another good year for the Buckeyes though. -
reclegend22
For those who do not know, my team is the Duke Blue Devils.
My Projected Starting Lineup
F - Jabari Parker
F - Rodney Hood
SG - Andre Dawkins
SG - Rasheed Sulaimon
PG - Quinn Cook
Bench:
Matt Jones - Aside from Andre Dawkins, he will be the best shooter on the team
Tyler Thornton
Semi Ojeleye - Again, aside from Andre Dawkins, Ojeleye is the most gifted leaper on the team. Explosive as hell
Alex Murphy
Marshall Plumlee
Josh Hairston
The biggest question mark is the center position. Who will play the most minutes at that spot is yet to be determined. I envision the position being filled by committee, most likely a combination of Amile Jefferson, Josh Hairston and Marshall Plumlee taking turns playing the role, but it is my hope that somebody steps up and breaks out as a go-to big man in the post. Until that happens, however, I foresee Duke playing small, with Jabari Parker topping the lineup. Which, on the one hand, might actually be an advantage for Duke. Parker, with his effortless ability to play both inside and out, would be a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Although, on the flipside, playing up would make Parker more susceptible to foul trouble and fatigue early on during games.
Fortunately, the lack of a reliable big man isn’t as worrisome to me as it might be during other years. That’s because Duke is as good as anyone else in the country at the other four positions.
It is national championship or bust for Duke. -
Azubuike24
2013-14 Kentucky Wildcats.
Projected Starters
PG Andrew Harrison, Fr.
SG Aaron Harrison, Fr.
SF Alex Poythress, So.
PF Julius Randle, Fr.
C Willie Cauley-Stein, So.
Key Reserves
PG Jarrod Polson, Jr.
PG/SG Dominique Hawkins, Fr.
SG/SF James Young, Fr.
SF/PF Kyle Wiltjer, Jr.
PF/C Marcus Lee, Fr.
C Dakari Johnson, Fr.
Leading Scorer: Julius Randle
Leading Rebounder: Willie Cauley-Stein
Team MVP: Andrew Harrison and Julius Randle
The X-Factor: Alex Poythress
Most Surprising: James Young
The biggest strength is depth. UK has 3 legit centers including the best returning NBA prospect and the top 2 centers out of high school. They also have numerous options at the2, 3 and 4, with Randle, Poythress, Young, Harrison, Wiltjer and Lee who could all rotate into 3 spots. There are so many possible lineups and combos, which will also make the in-team competition that much better. I don't think starting slow or not catching on will be a factor, like it was a year ago (and in 2011) because if you fall behind, you likely just won't play. This team has the potential to simply overwhelm people with player after player, and opponents wondering where these guys came from and different points.
The biggest weakness is youth and potentially, point guard depth. Great talent, but of the 11 guys who will see consistent minues, 7 are Freshman and 2 are Sophomores. Poythress and Cauley-Stein, touted as "the experience" returning, weren't exactly spot-on last year. Both were questioned at times for specific things, especially Poythress who many would consider a disappointment (albeit, unfair IMO). You will also hear that UK is weak at PG after Andrew Harrison, but I think Polson proved he can fill in a few minutes and Dominique Hawkins is a tough-nosed kid who will answer the bell if he is called on. Surprisingly, Aaron Harrison could run some PG if needed. Barring Andrew going down with a season-ending injury, the PG depth is fine.
The schedule breakdown is nice for UK. They will get challenged early with a neutral game against Michigan State (in Chicago) and Providence (in Brooklyn) along with road games at North Carolina and at Baylor (in Dallas). They will host Louisville, Boise State and Belmont at Rupp before the new year and then face what I hope is an improved SEC (can't get a whole lot worse).
The expectations are quite simply...a national title. The Cats will likely be preseason #1 despite their youth and the 2012 struggles. -
reclegend22
Dropping X-Factors and Most Surprising Players. When Azubuike24 does something, he does it big. Haha. Nice analysis.
Great thread idea. It's nice to get a feel for teams this early in advance. The start to the season feels like forever..... -
Laley23
Indiana:
Starters:
PG - Yogi Ferrell -- 6'0, SO
SG - Evan Gordon -- 6'2, SR
SF - Will Sheehey -- 6'7, SR
PF - Noah Vonleh -- 6'9, FR
C - Luke Fischer -- 6'11, FR
BENCH:
SG/PG - Stan Robinson - 6'4, FR
PF/C - Hanner Perea -- 6'8, SO
SG/SF - Troy Williams -- 6'6, FR
SF/PF - Jeremy Hollowell -- 6'8, SO
SG/SF - Collin Hartman -- 6'6, FR
SF/PF - Devin Davis Jr. -- 6'6, FR
SG/SF - Austin Etherington -- 6'6, SO
C - Peter Jurkin -- 7'0, SO
Indiana is going to be EXTREMELY young, which is a 180 from last year. On the flip side, they do a positive 180 and get significantly more athletic and add a ton of height. The only player on the roster below 6'4 is Yogi Ferrell at 6'0 (Evan Gordon entered College at 6'1, but I think he has matched his brother at 6'4 now as a SR.)
You could potentially see a line-up of Yogi, Sheehey, Hollowell, Vonleh, Fischer (6'0, 6'6, 6'8, 6'9, 6,11). I would think Crean will utilize this at times. Substitute any others and you can keep those sizes relatively the same. That will be their best weapon, size and athleticism.
I think this team is more talented than the previous squad, but they dont have a go to guy yet. There is a LOT more depth, but its young and inexperienced. It will be really interesting to see how this season plays out. My starters are a projection, and I think Yogi and Sheehey are the only guarantees. I would assume Vonleh is going to be there and then you have Evan Gordon who I assume cause he is a SR, but wouldnt be surprised at the big line-up I mentioned or having Stan Robinson in there. Fischer is a natural C, but you could see Vonleh move there and then have Hollowell or Perea sub in at the 4. Lots and lots of options. Guys are going to really have to play well to keep their spots.
As for the season, I think IU got a great draw, schedule wise, getting OSU and Iowa at home and not having the return trip. I think they can knock off both of them in their only meeting if they play well. I hope they dont play early on in the year. If it all goes well, a 12-6 record is for sure attainable. In fact, that is the O/U point I think. That will be good for a top 5 position in the B1G and a 5 Seed or better in the NCAAs. IU could stumble and finish worse, or have a couple great games and finish even higher. But I think the consensus has to be shooting for a 12-6 record in league play.
Getting way ahead of myself, 2013-14 is the next year Hoosier fans are pointing towards. Only losing Sheehey and Gordon from this roster and possibly Vonleh (will have to lose 1 more to make room for a 2014 (4)-man class of Blackmon, Exum, Goodluck and someone else). -
Azubuike24
Rumor is Exum could be eligible midseason too...
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Laley23
That would be huge. I know just yesterday Exum confirmed to Jeff Rabjohns that IU is his #1 choice right now...but after Pinson and Kyrie, Ill wait till he commits.Azubuike24;1446656 wrote:Rumor is Exum could be eligible midseason too...
But to get 1.5 years out of him would be awesome. BUT, you might end up only getting .5 out of him lol. Could backfire. -
Midstate01
Isn't Stein a sophomore? -
Azubuike24
He is nowMidstate01;1446662 wrote:Isn't Stein a sophomore?
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sportswizuhrdYou guys will save me money on buying a preview magazine. Thanks! Haha.
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sportswizuhrdUConn Huskies...
G-Napier SR
G-Boatright JR
G-Cook SO
F-Daniels JR
F/C-Olander SR
Bench
Giffey - SR G/F
Kromah - SR SG
Facey - FR PF
Samuel - FR SG
Brimah - FR C
Wolf - SR C
Nolan - SO F
Tolksdorf - FR -
SportsAndLady
sportswizuhrd;1446789 wrote:UConn Huskies...
G-Napier SR
G-Boatright JR
G-Cook SO
F-Daniels JR
F/C-Olander SR
Bench
Giffey - SR G/F
Kromah - SR SG
Facey - FR PF
Samuel - FR SG
Brimah - FR C
Wolf - SR C
Nolan - SO F
Tolksdorf - FR
I feel like Napier has been there for 7 years. -
ironman02North Carolina Tar Heels
Projected Starters
PG - Marcus Paige, SO
WG - Leslie McDonald, SR
WF - PJ Hairston, JR
PF - James Michael McAdoo, JR
C - Desmond Hubert, JR
I do expect Johnson or Hicks to play alongside McAdoo in the post. Hubert may "start", but he won't get starter minutes.
Bench Players
PG - Nate Britt, FR /Luke Davis*, JR
WF - JP Tokoto, SO
PF - Brice Johnson, SO / Isaiah Hicks, FR / Jackson Simmons*, JR
C - Joel James, SO / Kennedy Meeks, FR
Key Returning Players
PJ Hairston, after being inserted into the starting lineup last season, was one of the best wing players in the country. After struggling with his shooting stroke during his first season in Chapel Hill, Hairston began to live up to the lofty expectations that had been placed upon him coming out of high school. Hairston is a potential All-American candidate this season, and is quite possibly the most important player for this team. His offensive production will be a major key for the Heels.
With the early departure of Kendall Marshall, Marcus Paige was thrust into the starting PG role last season a year ahead of schedule. At times, he certainly struggled, but by the end of the season, Paige was beginning to play with much more confidence. He was scoring, taking care of the basketball, and getting his teammates involved. If he can get stronger this off-season, while continuing to improve his overall game, he could be an outstanding PG for Carolina.
James Michael McAdoo spent most of last season playing out of position, while also playing with a back injury, and still put up about 15 and 7. He hasn't been the player he was expected to be yet, but playing at PF this season should allow him to be much more comfortable. McAdoo is expected to finally become the player that everyone expected him to be after his freshman season. If that happens, he'll make the Heels a very dangerous team. If not, Carolina will win its fair share of games, but won't be a serious contender once tourney time rolls around.
New Editions
Nate Britt was a highly-touted PG just a couple years ago, but injuries derailed the latter part of his HS career and caused him to drop in recruiting rankings. He should prove to be a serviceable back-up for Paige, and eventually will be a good player. Kennedy Meeks is a big, physical presence that Carolina was lacking last year, but he will have to work hard to get into shape. Until that happens, it'll be tough for him to contribute meaningful minutes. Isaiah Hicks, however, is expected to make the biggest impact of the freshmen. He's a great rebounder, good shot blocker, and has an underrated, and versatile offensive game. He could end up playing alongside McAdoo inside, rather than backing him up, if none of the other big men step up.
Overall Outlook
Carolina should be very solid at PG with Paige, at one wing position with Hairston, and at PF with McAdoo. There are several post players who have the potential to step up and be key contributors, most notably Brice Johnson and Isaiah Kicks. Desmond Hubert was a starter last season until Carolina began playing small ball, and he may start again this year, but I doubt that he'll play extensive minutes. James and Meeks will also probably see limited action, along with walk-ons Jackson Simmons and Luke Davis. The key to the season, other than getting production out of Johnson and Hicks inside, will certainly be the play of Leslie McDonald at the other wing position. McDonald is a fifth year senior who sat out the 2011-2012 season with an ACL tear. He has shown glimpses of being a very good player, but has lacked consistency throughout his career. At times, he's a deadly shooter, but he'll need to be that guy against the tougher competition, and not just against mediocre teams.
Depth on the wing is an obvious concern as well, with only three players that are true shooting guards and small forwards. This is the reason that Roy Williams is on a mission in the 2014 class to sign several outstanding wing players, and he already has 5* recruits Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson in the fold, to go along with 5* PG Joel Berry. Until those guys arrive on campus for the 2014-15 season, Carolina will be thin on the wing, and absolutely cannot afford any injuries to Hairston, McDonald, or Tokoto.
I think Carolina is a Top 15 team, with the potential to be even better than that, but they'll need McDonald and one of the other big men to be better than average to really compete against the best teams on what should be a loaded schedule that will include OOC games against Louisville, Michigan State, and Kentucky. -
reclegend22
Connecticut's backcourt is going to be so good. Maybe the best in the country.sportswizuhrd;1446789 wrote:UConn Huskies...
G-Napier SR
G-Boatright JR
G-Cook SO
F-Daniels JR
F/C-Olander SR
Bench
Giffey - SR G/F
Kromah - SR SG
Facey - FR PF
Samuel - FR SG
Brimah - FR C
Wolf - SR C
Nolan - SO F
Tolksdorf - FR -
Azubuike24
No kidding.
And BTW...what about expanding the horizon's here? I mean I'd love to read opinions on even MAC teams or other mid-majors. I know we have Xavier, Akron, Kent State, Cincinnati, Butler and many other teams on here. I'd also be willing to do some previews on other teams too.
Like someone said...when all is said and done...we don't need a preview mag. -
GOONx19
Azubuike24;1446537 wrote:2013-14 Kentucky Wildcats.
Projected Starters
PG Andrew Harrison, Fr.
SG Aaron Harrison, Fr.
SF Alex Poythress, So.
PF Julius Randle, Fr.
C Willie Cauley-Stein, So.
Key Reserves
PG Jarrod Polson, Jr.
PG/SG Dominique Hawkins, Fr.
SG/SF James Young, Fr.
SF/PF Kyle Wiltjer, Jr.
PF/C Marcus Lee, Fr.
C Dakari Johnson, Fr.
Leading Scorer: Julius Randle
Leading Rebounder: Willie Cauley-Stein
Team MVP: Andrew Harrison and Julius Randle
The X-Factor: Alex Poythress
Most Surprising: James Young
The biggest strength is depth. UK has 3 legit centers including the best returning NBA prospect and the top 2 centers out of high school. They also have numerous options at the2, 3 and 4, with Randle, Poythress, Young, Harrison, Wiltjer and Lee who could all rotate into 3 spots. There are so many possible lineups and combos, which will also make the in-team competition that much better. I don't think starting slow or not catching on will be a factor, like it was a year ago (and in 2011) because if you fall behind, you likely just won't play. This team has the potential to simply overwhelm people with player after player, and opponents wondering where these guys came from and different points.
The biggest weakness is youth and potentially, point guard depth. Great talent, but of the 11 guys who will see consistent minues, 7 are Freshman and 2 are Sophomores. Poythress and Cauley-Stein, touted as "the experience" returning, weren't exactly spot-on last year. Both were questioned at times for specific things, especially Poythress who many would consider a disappointment (albeit, unfair IMO). You will also hear that UK is weak at PG after Andrew Harrison, but I think Polson proved he can fill in a few minutes and Dominique Hawkins is a tough-nosed kid who will answer the bell if he is called on. Surprisingly, Aaron Harrison could run some PG if needed. Barring Andrew going down with a season-ending injury, the PG depth is fine.
The schedule breakdown is nice for UK. They will get challenged early with a neutral game against Michigan State (in Chicago) and Providence (in Brooklyn) along with road games at North Carolina and at Baylor (in Dallas). They will host Louisville, Boise State and Belmont at Rupp before the new year and then face what I hope is an improved SEC (can't get a whole lot worse).
The expectations are quite simply...a national title. The Cats will likely be preseason #1 despite their youth and the 2012 struggles.
This! Polson will be a senior, though. He actually walked at graduation two weeks ago. -
SportsAndLady
Doesn't touch Kansas or Kentucky's backcourt, imo.reclegend22;1446821 wrote: Maybe the best in the country. -
reclegend22
With all due respect to Kentucky's backcourt, both of its projected starters are currently in high school. Time will tell.SportsAndLady;1446910 wrote:Doesn't touch Kansas or Kentucky's backcourt, imo.
Shabazz Napier is one of if the the craftiest and most skilled point guards in the country at the college level, and he'll be an upperclassman next season. He's almost unguardable in the half-court. He can create and score at will. Napier is Kemba Walker good. And Boatright is damn good also. This pair, they will single handedly give UConn a shot at a Final Four. I think they are that good. -
Azubuike24
Talent, totally agree.SportsAndLady;1446910 wrote:Doesn't touch Kansas or Kentucky's backcourt, imo.
Want the most prolific/best returning backcourt? Boise State with Drmic and Marks or Michigan State with Harris and Appling. Boatwright and Napier are right there. -
Mulva
God that bench is miserable. Unless Ross emerges as a star, I'm expecting a down year.Terry_Tate;1446454 wrote:Ohio State:
Projected Starters (MPG):
Aaron Craft (33)
Lenzelle Smith, Jr. (24)
Sam Thompson (28)
LaQuinton Ross (29)
Amir Williams (24)
Bench (MPG):
Shannon Scott (30)
Trey McDonald (14)
Amedeo Della Valle (6)
Marc Loving (7)
Kameron Williams (3)
Others (2) -
Pick6
I'd post, but doubt anybody cares about a MAC school -
Azubuike24
Post it. People aren't reading this in May if they aren't basketball junkies haha.Pick6;1447604 wrote:I'd post, but doubt anybody cares about a MAC school -
SportsAndLady
Pick6;1447604 wrote:I'd post, but doubt anybody cares about a MAC schoolAzubuike24;1446884 wrote:And BTW...what about expanding the horizon's here? I mean I'd love to read opinions on even MAC teams or other mid-majors. I know we have Xavier, Akron, Kent State, Cincinnati, Butler and many other teams on here. I'd also be willing to do some previews on other teams too.
Like someone said...when all is said and done...we don't need a preview mag.
Post away -
Pick6
Ok...
Akron Zips (2013-2104)
Key losses: Zeke Marshall and Alex Abreu
Zeke was an absolute game changer in the MAC. He left the as the leader in the conference for all-time blocks. There is no doubt the Zips will have a different look next season. Abreu was very important to the team, as they lacked ball handlers with experience. This was very evident during the tourney game against VCU as their strength was going up against our biggest weakness.
Key Additions: Nyles Evans, Quincy Diggs, Isiah Johnson, and BJ Gladden
Keith Dambrot probably had his best recruiting class ever this year, but because of the depth we return, I think there are only 3 guys that will get playing time next season. Nyles Evans is a JUCO transfer feels, IMO, the biggest need at PG. He is more of a score-first PG. He had an offer from MTSU as well. Quincy Diggs being back is huge. He is the former 6th man of the year in the MAC, who was kicked out of school last season for political BS. He was accused of assaulting his girlfriend (who I know personally, and she is crazy), but no charges were ever filed. Quincy at 6'6" can play 1-4 if needed. He is a great ball handler, scorer, and defender. My only concern is that he is sort of a head case on the court. Hopefully he has matured and will make the most out of his second chance. Isaiah Johnson is the incoming center who had offers from Kent, Ohio, and Xavier. He is a big boy (6'10" 275). Hopefully he can give meaningful minutes and help Pat Forsythe replace Marshall by committee. BJ Gladden is the best recruit. I dont know how much playing time he will get this season, because there is sort of a log jam with talent at the wing. He had some nice offers (VCU, Xavier, Tennessee, and Wake Forest to name a few).
Depth Chart should look something like:
PG: Nyles Evans/ Carmelo Betancourt
SG: Quincy Diggs/ Reggie McAdams
SF: Nick Harney/ BJ Gladden
PF: Demetrius Treadwell/ Jake Kretzer
C: Pat Forsythe/ Isaiah Johnson
Treadwell is probably the best player, and somebody who I think has pro potential. Dambrot went out of his was last season to say he is already the best player he has coached at Akron, and he was only a Sophomore. He is an absolute beast in the paint, and is quite versatile on defense as well. Last season, he guarded DJ Cooper and did a great job. Kretzer and McAdams are both great 3 point shooters. Harney is an athletic slasher and great defender when he applies himself. One could argue Forsythe (transfer from WVU) was playing better than Zeke Marshall during the OOC of last season, but for some reason he regressed as the season went on. He has potential, just has to put it together.
Expectations: Just the lineup is good enough to win the MAC, but Akron is all too familiar and tired of just winning the MAC. The goal is to make the tournament and win a game or two. For that to happen, I think Quincy Diggs needs to come back as good as he was before his complications and Nick Harney needs to consistently bring his best game. Also, last season the team had to overcome a ton of hurdles, especially suspensions. Harney and Treadwell were suspended the first 3 games due to a "clerical error" that the University made. The resulted in an absolute horrible OT loss to Coastal Carolina and a great resume building loss to Ok St in OT. Its imperative that none of this happens this year for the potential of an at-large just in case they slip up in MAC championship.
Sorry it's a little lengthy, but figured I would go into some depth since people aren't very familiar with the team.