Preseason College Basketball Top 25 for 2009-10 Season

Written by Paul Banks of NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com



Now that there is a clearer picture on which players are returning to college and which are heading to the NBA, we can more accurately predict next year's pre-season Top 25. The SEC will be back. The Big Ten will be deep. The Big East won't be nearly as powerful as it was this past season. The Pac-10 will down again. Here is my take. (The number in the parentheses next to all in-coming freshmen is their national ranking according to Scout.com)

1. Kansas - Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins are returning to Lawrence, meaning KU will have everybody back from a team that won the Big 12. Add in three top 30 recruits, including the recent commitment from Xavier Henry, and the Jayhawks will have it all next year; size, speed, scorers, and depth. It is also likely that Aldrich replaces Tyler Hansbrough as college basketball's favorite player to hate.
   
   Starters:
   
   C-Cole Aldrich (Jr)
   F-Marcus Morris (So)
   SG-Xavier Henry (Fr #6)
   G-Sherron Collins (Sr)
   G-Tyshawn Taylor (So)
   
   Bench: SG-Brady Morningstar (Jr), F-Markieff Morris (So), G-Travis Releford (So), G-Tyrel Reid (Jr), G-Mario Little (Sr), PF-Thomas Robinson (Fr #24), SG-Elijah Johnson (Fr #29), PG-C.J. Henry (So), C-Jeff Withey (Fr, Arizona transfer)
   
   Gone: Nobody
   
   
2. Kentucky - Even if John Calipari didn't come to Lexington, I would be drinking the Kool-Aid. How good this team will actually be will depend on Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson who have both declared for the draft but have not signed agents meaning they could still return to the Wildcats. Kentucky already had two top 40 recruits committed before the hiring of John Calipari, plus DeMarcus Cousins (#3) has followed Cal from Memphis to UK, and Derrick Rose clone John Wall (#2) could join them as well. I think Patterson will stay in the Draft, but if Wall commits, which looks like his most viable option, and Meeks returns, Kentucky will without a doubt return to the top of the college basketball landscape.
   
   Starters:
   
   C-DeMarcus Cousins (Fr #3)
   F-Ramon Harris (Sr)
   F-Perry Stevenson (Sr)
   SG-Jodie Meeks (Sr)
   PG-John Wall (Fr #2)
   
   Bench: F-Darius Miller (So), G-Kevin Galloway (Sr), G-DeAndre Liggins (So), C-Josh Harrellson (Sr), C-Daniel Orton (Fr #17), SF-Jon Hood (Fr #45)
   
   Gone: PF-Patrick Patterson (most likely), PG-Michael Porter
   
   
3. North Carolina - Despite losing four starters, the Heels have another loaded recruiting class and enough talent returning to Chapel Hill that they should once again be in the hunt for a National Title. Getting Marcus Ginyard back from injury and Will Graves from suspension will definitely help. Scouts are expecting Ed Davis to turn into one of the dominant big men in the country next season.
   
   Starters:
   
   C-Ed Davis (So)
   PF-Deon Thompson (Sr)
   SF-Jon Henson (Fr #4)
   SG-Marcus Ginyard (Sr)
   PG-Larry Drew II (So)
   
   Bench: G/F-Will Graves (Jr), C-Tyler Zeller (So), SG-Dexter Strickland (Fr #34), PF-Travis Wear (Fr #55), PF-David Wear (Fr #54), SG-Leslie McDonald (Fr #52)
   
   Gone: PF-Tyler Hansbrough, SF-Danny Green, PG-Ty Lawson, SG-Wayne Ellington (Sr), G-Bobby Frasor
   
   
4. Texas - Damion James' status is still up in the air as to whether or not he will stay in the draft. Even if he does not return for his senior season, the Horns should be a top ten team. Florida transfer Jai Lucas will be eligible in December and two top 15 recruits will certainly boost this team's status, especially if Avery Bradley is as good as advertised.
   
   Starters:
   
   C-Dexter Pittman (Jr)
   F-Gary Johnson (Jr)
   G-Avery Bradley (Fr #5)
   G-Justin Mason (Sr)
   PG-Jai Lucas (So)
   
   Bench: PG-Dogus Balbay (Jr), G-Varez Ward (So), F/C-Clint Chapman (Jr), SF-Jordan Hamilton (Fr #14), SF-Shawn Williams (Fr #46)
   
   Gone: F-Damion James (most likely), G-A.J. Abrams, PF-Connor Atchley
   
   
5. Purdue - Matt Painter will return his top six players from this season, but does lose a little bit of depth. If the Boilermakers stay healthy, which was a major issue this year and will be a factor next season considering that lack of depth, they should be a top ten caliber team.
   
   Starters:
   
   C-JaJuan Johnson (Jr)
   F-Robbie Hummel (Jr)
   G-Chris Kramer (Sr)
   G-E'Twaun Moore (Jr)
   PG-Lewis Jackson (So)
   
   Bench: G-Keaton Grant (Sr), G-Rhyne Smith (So)
   
   Gone: C-Nemanja Calasan, F-Marcus Green
   
   
   
   
6. Michigan State - Sparty loses a few important pieces to their team, but still brings back some very talented players, especially in the backcourt. If they can find some consistency up-front, State will be once again be contending for the Big Ten title.
   
   Starters:
   
   PF-Delvon Roe (So)
   PF-Draymond Green (So)
   SF-Raymar Morgan (Sr)
   SG-Durrell Summers (Jr)
   PG-Kalin Lucas (Jr)
   
   Bench: G-Chris Allen (Jr), PG-Korie Lucious (So), C-Tom Herzog (So), PF-Derrick Nix (Fr #73)
   
   Gone: C-Goran Suton, PF-Marquise Gray, G-Travis Walton, C-Idong Ibuk
   
   
7. West Virginia - Bob Huggins has everybody back except for Alex Ruoff. The expected return of Joe Mazzula from a season-costing shoulder injury has been sidetracked as Mazzula was suspended indefinitely for his second involvement in an alcohol related abuse incident. Still, the Mountaineers have a maturing group of long, athletic forwards and will likely be the team to beat in the Big East. Watch out for Devin Ebanks next season.
   
   Starters:
   
   F-Wellington Smith (Sr)
   F-Devin Ebanks (So)
   F-De'Sean Butler (Sr)
   F-John Flowers (Jr),
   G-Truck Bryant (So)
   
   Bench: F-Kevin Jones (So), F-Cam Thoroughman (Jr), SG-Casey Mitchell (Jr-juco player of the year), SG-Dalton Pepper (Fr #98), PG-Joe Mazzula ??? (Sr)
   
   Gone: SG-Alex Ruoff
   
   
8. Florida - Calathes is the charge in the Gators offense. He has put his name in the draft, but has not signed an agent. If decides not to return to school, Florida likely drops into the lower teens. For now, I will assume he returns. The addition of Georgetown transfer Vernon Macklin will give Billy Donovan the low post presence he lacked this past season and freshman Kenny Boynton should make an immediate impact.
   
   Starters:
   
   C-Vernon Macklin (Jr)
   F-Dan Werner (Sr)
   F-Alex Tyus (Jr)
   G-Erving Walker (So)
   G-Nick Calathes (Jr)
   
   Bench: F-Chandler Parsons (Jr), G/F-Ray Shipman (So), C-Kenny Kadji (So), SG- Kenny Boynton (Fr #15), PF-Erik Murphy (Fr #51)
   
   Gone: G-Walter Hodge
   
   
9. Villanova - The Wildcats lose their three starting forwards, but do return the best guard play in the country. If Jay Wright can get his four top 100 recruits to contribute right away, especially Yarou, Nova should once again be a factor on the national scene.
   
   Starters:
   
   F-Antonio Pena (Jr)
   G/F-Reggie Redding (Sr)
   SG-Corey Stokes (Jr)
   G-Corey Fisher (Jr)
   PG-Scottie Reynolds (Sr)
   
   Bench: PF- Mouphtauo Yarou (Fr #9), SF- Dominic Cheek (Fr #22), PG- Maalik Wayns (Fr #26), PF- Isaiah Armwood (Fr #81)
   
   Gone: F-Dante Cunningham, F-Shane Clark, F-Dwayne Anderson
   
   
10. Xavier - New head coach Jeff Mack will return a lot of talent assuming Derrick Brown pulls his name out of the Draft. Indiana transfer Jordan Crawford will be a welcome addition on the wing and the development of seven-footer Kenny Frease will be essential if the Musketeers want to be a true contender.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Kenny Frease (So)
    PF-Jason Love (Sr)
    SF-Derrick Brown (Sr)
    SG-Jordan Crawford (Jr)
    PG-Terrell Holloway (So)
    
    Bench: SG-Dante Jackson (Jr), G-Brad Redford (So), F-Jamel McLean (Jr)
    
    Gone: G/F-B.J. Raymond, G/F-C.J. Anderson
    
    
11. Duke - The likely loss of Gerald Henderson to the NBA hurts. Still, the Dukies return four starters and add a pair of much-needed big men. If Elliott Williams can develop into a Henderson-type player on the wing, the Blue Devils could be a top 10 team.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Lance Thomas (Sr)
    F-Kyle Singler (Jr)
    G-Elliott Williams (So)
    G-Nolan Smith (Jr)
    PG-Jon Scheyer (Sr)
    
    Bench: C-Brian Zoubek (Sr), PF-Miles Plumlee (So), PF-Ryan Kelly (Fr #12), PF-Mason Plumlee (Fr #18)
    
    Gone: G-Greg Paulus, SG-Gerald Henderson (most likely)
    
    
12. Mississippi State - The recent commitment from Renardo Sidney combined with the probable return of Jarvis Varnado means the Bulldogs will have one of the top frontcourts in the SEC. Add in some versatile role players who have a year or two under the belt and MSU could be one of the surprise teams in the country.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Jarvis Varnado (Sr)
    PF-Renardo Sidney (Fr #7)
    SF-Ravern Johnson (Jr)
    SG- Barry Stewart (Jr)
    PG-Dee Bost (So)
    Bench: G-Phil Turner (Jr), F-Kodi Augustus (Jr), F-Romero Osbey (So), SF-Jacquise Holcombe (Sr), F/C-Elgin Bailey (Jr)
    
    Gone: Nobody
    
    
13. Ohio State - Just going to throw this out there; B.J. Mullens is dumb for turning pro. He needed another year at the Ohio State and would have been a top 10 pick in the NBA Draft next year. Without Mullens, the Buckeyes are still stacked led by all-around stud wing player Evan Turner and the return of David Lighty who missed all of last season due to injury. If Mullens would have stayed in school, OSU would have been in my top five.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Dallas Lauderdale (Jr)
    F-David Lighty (Sr)
    SF- Evan Turner (Jr)
    G-William Buford (So)
    PG-P.J. Hill (Sr)
    Bench: G-Jon Diebler (Jr), PG-Jermaine Simmons (Sr), G-Walter Offutt (So)
    
    Gone: C-B.J. Mullens
    
    
14. Oklahoma - The loss of Blake Griffin is HUGE. I cannot emphasize that enough. But Willie Warren returned to the Sooners with the intention of being "the guy" and will get every chance to do so. He is one of the top returning scorers in the country and should easily lead Jeff Capel's group to a top-20 ranking.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Keith "Tiny" Gallon (Fr #11)
    F-Juan Pattillo (Sr)
    G/F-Tony Crocker (Sr)
    SG-Willie Warren (So)
    PG-Tommy Mason-Griffin (Fr #27)
    
    Bench: SG-Cade Davis (Jr), PF-Ryan Wright (Sr), PF-Andrew Fitzgerald (Fr #85)
    
    
15. Tennessee - If Bruce Pearl can get this team to play "team basketball" and D' up, they should help the SEC re-gain status as a power conference. There will be no star on the Vols, just a group of guys who can bring a little bit of everything to the table.
    
    Starters:
    
    F-Wayne Chism (Sr)
    F-J.P. Prince (Sr)
    G/F-Renaldo Woolridge (So)
    G-Scotty Hopson (So)
    G-Bobby Maze (Sr)
    
    Bench: G-Cameron Tatum (So), C-Brian Williams (Jr), F-Emmanuel Nedegu (So),
    
    G-Josh Tabb (Sr), PF-Kenny Hall (Fr #49)
    
    Gone: SF-Tyler Smith (Sr)
    
    
16. Butler - The Bulldogs will once again be the elite of the mid-major programs in the country. Brad Stevens' group loses nobody from last year's team and will only grow in statue. By the way, if I were at a major conference school looking to re-invent itself, I would hire Stevens in a second.
    
    Starters:
    
    F-Matt Howard (Jr)
    F-Willie Veasley (Sr)
    G/F-Gordon Hayward (So)
    G-Shelvin Mack (So)
    G-Ronald Nored (So)
    
    Bench: F-Avery Jukes (Sr), G-Shawn Vanzant (Jr), F-Garrett Butcher (So), G-Zach Hahn (Jr)
    
    Gone: Nobody
    
    
17. Michigan - The return of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims combined with another year under John Beilein and the Wolverines are one step closer to returning to the cream of the Big Ten crop.
    
    Starters:
    
    F-DeShawn Sims (Sr)
    G-Manny Harris (Jr)
    G-Zack Novak (So)
    G-Stu Douglass (So)
    G-Laval Lucas-Perry (So)
    
    Bench:
    
    C-Zack Gibson (Sr), F-Anthony Wright (So), SG-Matt Vogrich (#Fr 96)
    
    Gone: PG-C.J Lee, PG-David Merritt, G-Kelvin Grady
    
    
18. Cal - This may be a little low to have the first Pac-10 team, but I think the best of the west will definitely be down even more so this year than last. Cal returns everybody under second year head coach Mike Montgomery and should be the team to beat in the conference.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Jordan Wilkes (Sr)
    F-Jamal Boykin (Jr)
    F-Theo Robertson (Sr)
    G-Patrick Christopher (Sr)
    PG-Jerome Randle (Sr)
    
    Bench: G-Jorge Gutierrez (So), G-D.J. Seeley (So), F-Harper Kamp (Jr)
    
    Gone: Nobody
    
    
19. Dayton - One of the surprise teams of this past season definitely will not sneak up on anybody next year. The Flyers return all but one of their top players and have a prospect in Chris Wright who many scouts feel can be a lottery pick next year due to his outstanding athleticism. Expect them to challenge Xavier as the big dog in the Atlantic Ten.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Kurt Huelsman (Sr)
    F-Chris Wright (Jr)
    G-Chris Johnson (So)
    G-Marcus Johnson (Sr)
    PG-Rob Lowery (Sr)
    
    Bench: PG-London Warren (Sr), G-Mickey Perry (Sr), SG-Paul Williams (So), C-Devin Searcy (Jr), F-Luke Fabrizius (So)
    
    Gone: F-Charles Little
    
    
    
    
20. Washington - Filling the void inside left by double-double machine Jon Brockman will be the Huskies' biggest obstacle to overcome. Abdul Gaddy has tremendous abilities and should step in right away in what will likely be a guard heavy line-up for Washington. Starters:
    
    PF-Matthew Bryan Amaning (Jr)
    F-Quincy Pondexter (Sr)
    G-Abdul Gaddy (Fr #10)
    PG-Venoy Overton (Jr)
    PG-Isaiah Thomas (So)
    
    Bench: G-Elston Turner (So), PF-Darnell Gant (So), F-Justin Holliday (Jr)
    
    Gone: C-Jon Brockman, SG-Justin Dentmon
    
    
21. UConn - Despite losing four of their top seven players, Jim Calhoun still has a very talented, but inexperienced squad. Ater Majok could be something special inside while Kemba Walker will not miss a beat in running the team.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Ater Majok (Fr)
    PF-Gavin Edwards (Sr)
    SF-Stanley Robinson (Sr)
    SG-Jerome Dyson (Sr)
    PG-Kemba Walker (So)
    
    Bench:
    
    C-Charles Okwandu (Jr), SG-Scottie Haralson (So), SG-Donnell Beverly (Jr), C-Jonathan Mandeldove (Sr), F/C-Alex Oriakhi (Fr #20), SF-Jamal Coombs-McDaniel (Fr #59), G-Darius Smith (Fr #82)
    
    Gone: C-Hasheem Thabeet, PF-Jeff Adrien, PG-A.J. Price, SG-Craig Austrie
    
    
22. Minnesota - Tubby returns a lot of depth and talent from a team that exceeded expectations this past season. Two top-tier recruits come in and should help the Gophers take another step in the right direction.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Ralph Sampson III (So)
    PF-Colton Iverson (So)
    SF-Damian Johnson (Sr)
    SG-Al Nolen (Jr)
    PG-Russell Westbrook (Sr)
    
    Bench: SG-Blake Hoffarber (Jr), SG-Devron Bostick (Sr), G-Devoe Joseph (So), G/F- Travis Busch (Sr), F-Paul Carter (Jr), PF-Royce White (Fr #32), SF-Rodney Williams (Fr #34)
    
    Gone: G/F-Jamal Abu-Shamala
    
    
23. Clemson - The Tigers return an experienced group led by bruising power forward Trevor Booker. Clemson will be a very deep, well-balanced squad when you include signees Milton Jennings and Booker's younger brother, Devin.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Raymond Sykes (Sr)
    PF-Trevor Booker (Sr)
    SF-David Potter (Sr)
    SG-Terrence Oglesby (Jr)
    PG-Demontez Stitt (Jr)
    
    Bench: PF-Jerai Grant (Jr), G/F-Tanner Smith (So), PG-Andre Young (So), PF-Milton Jennings (Fr #23), PF-Devin Booker (Fr #65)
    
    Gone: G/F K.C. Rivers
    
    
24. Gonzaga - Despite losing three starters to graduation, the Zags have enough talent in their starting five to be a top 25 team, assuming Austin Daye takes his name out of the draft which is expected. Gonzaga will need its freshman class to contribute off the bench right away or else this will not be a deep team.
    
    Starters:
    
    C- Will Foster (Sr)
    F-Austin Daye (Jr)
    G-Steven Gray (Jr)
    G-Matt Bouldin (Sr)
    PG-Demitri Goodson (So)
    
    Bench: C-Robert Sacre (Jr)
    
    
25. Illinois - The Illini lose some experience and leadership in their backcourt, but return a pair of solid post players in Davis and Tisdale. The Big Ten should be very solid next season having six teams in my top 25.
    
    Starters:
    
    C-Mike Tisdale (Jr)
    PF-Mike Davis (Jr)
    G/F-Alex Legion (So)
    G-Demetri McCamey (Jr)
    PG-Jeff Jordan (Jr)
    
    Bench: F-Dominique Keller (Sr), C-Richard Semrau (Jr), SG-D.J. Richardson (Fr #42), SG-Brandon Paul (Fr #57)
    
    Others considered: Georgetown, UCLA, Louisville, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Oregon State, Florida State

Written by Paul Banks of NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com



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