2009-10 College Basketball Preview: Big East Conference
2009-10 College Basketball Preview
Big East Preview
1) West Virginia
2008-09 Record: (23-12, 10-8 Big East)
Coach: Bob Huggins (3rd year, 49-23 at West Virginia)
Assistants: Larry Harrison, Billy Hahn, Erik Martin
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1
Overview: Could this be the year for Huggy Bear and his Mountaineers to win the Big East and make a run at the Final Four? West Virginia has not been to a Final Four since 1959, when they had a guard named Jerry West and have never won a Big East regular-season or tournament title since joining the league in 1991. This year, they have four returing starters including senior Da’Sean Butler (6-7, 225) and sophomore Devin Ebanks (6-9, 210). Butler led the team with 17.3ppg, including 43 against Villanova. Ebanks averaged 10.5ppg and 7.8rpg, earning All-Big East Rookie team honors. The Mountaineers have to replace wing guard Alex Ruoff, but they bring in Casey Mitchell (6-4, 220), the National Junior College Athletic Association Player of the Year at Chipola (Fla.). At the other forward spot, Wellington Smith (5.2ppg, 3.8rpg) is the blue-collar worker, who defends the post at 6-7, 245, Running the point will be Darryl “Truck” Bryant (6-2, 200 lbs), a stocky sophomore who averaged 9.8 ppg and 2.7 apg, but shot just 39.6% from the field. Bryant and junior Joe Mazulla (6-2, 200) had some off-the-court issues last summer, but should be ready to go. Mazulla is a key reserve and a solid shooter. He played in just seven games last year and was given a medical redshirt. Freshman Danny Jennings (6-8, 265) adds some beef from the bench.
Outlook: Huggins doesn’t recruit or coach angels, but he’ll need Mazulla and Bryant to stay on their best behavior. Any more indiscretions could foul up one of the best teams in West Virginia history.
2) Villanova
2008-09 Record: 30-8, 13-5 Big East)
Coach: Jay Wright (9th year, 178-91 at Villanova)
Assistants: Chris Walker, Doug West, Jason Donnelly
Ret. Starters/Lost: 3/2
Overview: The Wildcats became one of the favorites to win the Big East as soon as guard Scotty Reynolds (6-2, 195) decided to return to school after withdrawing his name from the NBA Draft in June. The sharpshooting senior averaged 15.2ppg and scored 20 pts or more nine times. At the next level, he’ll have to play the point, so he’ll need to improve on his 3.4 assist per game average. At the other guard spot, junior Corey Fisher (10.8ppg) can start or come off the bench and a 6-1, 185, can play the point or wing. Junior Corey Stokes (6-5, 230) gives the Cats some physical toughness from the wing, he averaged 9.3ppg and shot 41.8 percent from 3-point range. Fisher will start early on because 6-5 senior guard Reggie Redding (7.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.1apg) will be suspended the first 10 games due to an arrest in August. Up front, the biggest issue for Villanova is replacing big man Dante Cunningham, who transformed himself from defender to team’s best overall player. F Antonio Pena (5.1ppg, 6-8, 235) has the most experience and can start at center. Duke transfer Taylor King (6-6, 230) is a sophomore who sat out last year and can play the powe forward spot, because Villanova plays four guards. King averaged 5.5ppg in his first season at Duke. The key though will be the development of Mouphtaou Yarou (6-10, 250), a West African who played at Montrose Christian (Md.) with another highly-regarded freshman Isaiah Armwood (6-7, 185).
Outlook: The future and present is bright due to an outstanding recruiting class and the return of Reynolds. The loss Cunningham will be felt early on. If Yarou or redshirt freshman Maurice Sutton (6-11, 215) can develop, look out.
3) Georgetown
2008-09 Record: (16-15, 7-11 Big East)
Coach: John Thompson III (6th year, 116-51 at Georgetown)
Assistants: Kenya Hunter, David Cox
Ret. Starters/Lost: 3/2
Overview: The Hoyas made the Final Four in 2007, but last season struggled to a 7-11 record in league play, and just could never get it going. They never were able to replace Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert, who were perfect fits for the Princeton offense due to their unselfish play. One player who wasn’t a perfect fit was DeJuan Summers, who left early for the NBA. The loss is big in terms of experience, but not in terms of size. Sophomore Greg Monroe (6-11, 250) could have flirted with the NBA, and is a potential top 3 pick. He averaged 12.7ppg and 6.5rpg and was named Big East Rookie of the Year. His ceiling is tremendous, but he tends to drift out of the paint, instead of thrive in it. At power forward, sophomore Henry Sims (6-10, 226) runs the floor well and can block shots, but averaged less than 10mpg last year. They’ll also be counting on freshman Hollis Thompson (6-6, 180), who enrolled early last season and practiced with the team. He can flat-out shoot and that’s something the Hoyas desperately need with the loss of Summers. At wing guard, junior Austin Freeman (6-4, 239) has the body of a tight end and a shot shooting touch. He averaged 11.4ppg and 4.2rpg but needs to improve his consistency. The point guard spot is held by junior Chris Wright (6-1, 201), an outstanding athlete, who averaged 12.5ppg and added 117 assists. The bench is led by sophomore guard Jason Clark (5.2ppg) and junior Julian Vaughn (6-9, 246), who struggled last year after transferring from Florida State.
Outlook: The Hoyas are probably the most difficult team in the league to project. They were extremely disappointing last season, but no team other than possibly UConn, possesses their size and athletic ability. If Thompson can contribute as a freshman, the Hoyas could make things interesting.
4) Connecticut
2008-09 Record: (31-5, 15-3 Big East)
Coach: Jim Calhoun (25th year, 557-205 at Connecticut)
Assistants: George Blaney, Andre LaFleuer, Patrick Sellers
Ret. Starters/Lost: 2/3
Overview: Jim Calhoun never rebuilds; he reloads. However, this won’t be the same Huskies’ team that got to the Final Four last season. Losing the country’s most dominant shotblocker in Hasheem Thabeet was rough enough, but they also lost their best rebounder in Jeff Adrien and top point guard and clutch scorer in A.J. Price. Senior guard Jerome Dyson (13.2ppg, 4.1rp) returns after injuring his knee last year in February. He’s an excellent shooter and if he’s available in the postseason, the Huskies might have taken the championship. Replacing Price will be sophomore Kemba Walker (6-1, 172), who averaged 8.9ppg,
who played extremely well down the stretch and showed an ability to be more than just a distributor. Up front, the Huskies return 6-9 senior Stanley Robinson (9.5ppg, 5.9rpg), who should put up bigger stats on the boards and in the paint. Freshman Ater Majok (6-10, 235), who hails from Australia, is a talented big man who won’t be eligible to play until December, but will go right into the rotation. Gavin Edwards (6-9, 230) will get more playing time until Major is eligible. Robinson can play small forward, and with Edwards at the “four”, UConn could go with Charles Okwandu (7-1, 255) at center. The big junior played in 10 games last season, but does take up space. Freshman Jamal Coombs-McDaniel (6-7, 210) will be in the rotation, along with point guard Darius Smith (6-1, 168) and 6-6 Jamal Trice-both freshmen.
Outlook: The Huskies will miss Adrien and Thabeet early on and if Majok doesn’t live up to expectations, this sould be a very difficult season. Fortunately, the Big East is down and their backcourt has a chance to be very good. If Dyson can remain healthy, the Huskies will win around 25 games again.
5) Syracuse
2008-09 Record: (28-10, 11-7 Big East)
Coach: Jim Boeheim (34th year, 799-288 at Syracuse)
Assistants: Bernie Fine, Mike Hopkins, Rob Murphy
Ret. Starters/Lost: 3/2
Overview: The Orange return just two starters and lose Jonny Flynn, Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris. That’s an entire backcourt, but fortunately for the Cuse, they just re-load. Brandon Triche (6-4, 195) comes in from upstate New York and give them a big, physical point guard to replace the quicker Flynn. Senior Andy Rautins (6-5, 205) returns after an injury-plagued career. He was an excellent sixth man last season, pouring in 10.4ppg and finishing second in assists. The most impressive newcomer is junior Wes Johnson (6-7, 198, 12.4ppg, 4pg), a transfer from Iowa State who gives the team a taller version of Paul Harris, though he has to improve his shooting (39.6% FG). Up front, Rick Jackson (6-9, 240) returns after averaging 8.3ppg and 5.8rpg. He’s a dependable post player, but a terrible foul shooter (48%). At center, senior Arinze Onuaku (6-9, 275) was hampered by knee problems last year, averaging10.3ppg and 7.3rpg, but his numbers fell after a low start. Off the bench, Boeheim usually uses about 7 or 8 players anyway. Kris Joseph (6-7, 220) and sophomore guard Scoop Jardine (5.5ppg) are quality backups. They also brought in James Southerland (6-8, 190) out of Queens, who should be apart of the rotation.
Outlook: Syracuse returns a talented team, despite losing Flynn. But at some point, they’ll miss the explosiveness of Flynn along with Harris. The frontcourt is solid, but the lack athleticism in the post.
6) Cincinnati
2008-09 Record: (18-14,8-10 Big East)
Coach: Mick Cronin (4th year, 42-52 at Cincinnati)
Assistants: Larry Davis, George Jackson. Tonny Stubblefield
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1
Overview: The Bearcats have been afterthought as of late in the Big East. Last year, was just another example of a pretty good team that was overwhelmed by their conference. This season should be different with four starters returning and the addition of one of the most talented freshman in the nation in shooting guard Lance Stephenson (6-5, 210). The big guard from New York may be a one-and-done, but he first must learn to play with teammates, which wasn’t exactly his rep in high school. Stephenson won’t have to carry the load because senior Deonta Vaughn (6-1, 190) returns after averaging 15.3ppg and was a third-team selection on last year’s All-Big East squad. Freshman guard Cashemere Wright (6-0, 175) also returns after missing last season with a knee injury. Wright is a natural point guard, who can allow Vaughn to play some shooting guard and Stephenson to play small forward, if they go with a smaller lineup. Sophomore
Yancy Gates (6-9, 260) was the team’s second-leading scorer (10.6ppg, 6.1rpg) and top rebounder as a freshman. Cronin can also use junior Ibrahima Thomas (6-11, 230), a tasnfer from Oklahoma State, if he really wants to go big. He is eligible in the second semester and but will have a big impact as he averaged 8.3ppg and 5.3rpg as as freshman for the Cowobys. Junior Rashad Bishop (6-6, 225) adds versatility as the big forward. he averaged 5.4ppg and 4rpg, but is the team’s best defender. Sophomore guard Dion Dixon (7.3ppg) and junior guard
Larry Davis (6.8ppg) are outstanding reserves.
Outlook: This team is very deep and could really push the upper echelon of the Big East if Stephenson and Wright are the real deal. Cronin has brought this team along slowly, and it would be a huge disappointment if they don’t make some huge strides towards the NCAA Tournament and beyond.
7) Notre Dame
2008-09 Record: (21-15, 8-10 Big East)
Coach: Mike Brey (10th year, 188-101 at Notre Dame)
Assistants: Anthony Soloman, Rod Balanis, Martin Ingelsby
Ret. Starters/Lost: 2/3
Overview: The offseason could have been a lot worse for Mike Brey and the Irish. He could have lost his star forward Luke Harangody (6-8, 251) and returned just one starter. Insteady, Harangody decided to skip the NBA Draft, since he was not likely to be drafted in the first round. He’s back and a Player of the Year candidate, averaging 25.2ppg and 11.3rpg. He’s the anchor of this team, but he was not enough last year to get them in the NCAA’s. they need help from a pair of transfers in Scott Martin and Ben Hansbrough (Tyler’s bro). They’ll join senior
Tory Jackson (10.6ppg, 4.9apg), who runs the show. Martin (8.5ppg, 3.8rpg) is a transfer from Purdue, who adds size at 6-8, 212 and three more years of experience. Hansbrough (6-3, 205) is a junior transfer from Mississippi State, who averaged 10.5ppg and is a physical guard who can shoot the three. If they need more size, they can go with junior Tyrone Nash (6-8, 220, who provides athleticism up front. They will miss guard Kyle McAlarney, who’s a sharpshooting guard with unlimited range. Freshman Joey Brooks (6-5, 200) can provide scoring in the bakcourt. The lack of proven depth is a an issue and they’ll need some youngsters to step up.
Outlook: Harangody is a superstar, with the ability to go inside or out. He’s a monster on the boards, but he’s not a great defender. This team should have no problem scoring points with Hansbrough getting get looks from the outside. It’s the lack of depth and defense that could end up putting a talented team on the bubble.
8)L ouisville
2008-09 Record: (31-6, 16-2 Big East)
Coach: Rick Pitino (8th year, 200-73 at Louisville)
Assistants: Ralph Willard, Steve Masiello, Walter McCarty
Ret. Starters/Lost: 2/3
Overview: Rick Pitino lost his best player in Earl Clark (14.2ppg, 8.7rpg) along with Terrence Williams (12.5ppg, 8.6rpg) and G Andre McGee. However, he could have lost his job after a major controversy involving blackmail, sex and money with a woman who was not his wife. The image and credibility of a ocach who has won 552 games were tarnished forever. Now, Pitino has to rebuild Louisville with two returning starters. It starts up front where he returns sophomore Samardo Samuels (6-9, 260), who averaged 11.8ppg annd 4.9rpg. He has immense potential to become one of the best centers in the Big East. With Clark and Williams gone, he’ll have to rebound more. Sophomore Terrence Jennings (6-9, 220) is a lanky and talented player who blocked 1.6 shots per game in limited minutes. He should become a force in his second season. The backcourt will be led by a pair of senior guards in 6-2 Edgar Sosa (7.3ppg, 2.4apg) and 6-2 Jerry Smith (7.8ppg, 41.2% 3pt). Smith is a tremendous long-range shooter, but doesn’t do much else. Sosa is a solid playmaker, but below-average shooter. Freshman Peyton Siva (5-11) is the future point guard and will need some time to blossom. Preston Knowles (6.1ppg) is a 6-1 combo guard and a tremendous sixth-man. Freshman Mike Marra (6-4, 200) is another long-range shooter who should get some time off the bench.
Outlook: Louisville should be decent, but this will be a tough test for Pitino. He usually gets an inexperienced group like this that lacks great talent to overachieve. Samuels could be a beat and Smith and Sosa are solid, but who wil be the next Clark or Williams? The next do-it-all forward? Will Jennings be that guy as a sophomore?
9) Pittsburgh
2008-09 Record: (31-5, 15-3 Big 10)
Coach: Jamie Dixon (7th year, 162-146 at Pitt)
Assistants: Tom Herrion, Pat Sandle, Brandin Knight
Ret. Starters/Lost: 1/4
Overview: Pittsburgh won 31 games and went to the Elite Eight, though that seems like a disappointment considering the talent they had. Well, most of that talent is gone as big man DeJuan Blair (15.7ppg, 12.3rpg) and wing Sam Young (19.2ppg) are off to the NBA, while Levance Fields (10.7ppg, 7.5apg) and F Tyrell Biggs 96.4ppg, 4.3rpg) have graduated. Jamie Dixon’s strong recruiting will have to pay off this season, but it’s impossible to replace a leader like Fields or a brute like Blair. Jermaine Dixon (6-3, 195) is the lone returning starter, who averaged 8.4ppg and 2apg, and will have to take on that leadership role. Sophomore Ashton Gibbs (6-2, 190) averaged 4.3ppg in a reserve role and shot 43.9 percent form beyond the arc. Junior Brad Wannamaker (5.8ppg, 6-4, 205) could start or come off the bench. Up front, the Panthers add a top 25 recruit in Dante Taylor (6-9, 235), a McDonald’s All-American, who will have to play right away. Junior Gilbert Brown (6-6, 200), who averaged 5.4ppg off the bench will be part of the rotation. Redshirt freshman Dwight Miller (6-8, 230), freshman Lamar Patterson (6-5, 220) and freshman J.J. Richardson (6-7, 235) will all vie for time in the rotation.
Outlook: Taylor is a big-time talent and will have to be one of the best freshmen in the Big East for the Panthers to have a chance to return to the tournament. They should be more athletic with more height, but you can’t beat experience and basketball IQ that last year’s team had.
10) Seton Hall
2008-09 Record: (17-15, 7-11 Big East)
Coach: Bobby Gonzalez (4th year, 47-46 at Seton Hall)
Assistants: Dermon Player, Kevin Murphy, Scott Adubato
Ret. Starters/Lost: 4/1
Overview: Bobby Gonzalez hopes to take the next step with a Pirate club that is talented and also experienced. Gonzalez also brought in an excellent recruiting class that includes three transfers from major programs and one juco transfe. Herb Pope (6-8, 235) is a well-travelled junior, who comes over from New Mexico State after sitting out last year. Pope is a former McDonald’s All-American who will start at power forward alongside junior SF Robert Mitchell (14.6ppg, 8rpg), who tried to play the post at 6-6, 180 last season. Another transfer, Jeff Robinson (6-5, 2350, was a reserve on the Memphis team that wen to the national title game in 2007. He has tremendous athleticism and should thrive on the wing. The backcourt is led by junior shooting guard Jeremy Hazell (6-5, 185), who attempted 290 three-pointers last year and averaged 22.7ppg, finishing second in the Big East. Hazell will average less this year, because there many more options. Junior Keon Lawrence (6-2, 175) arrives from Missouri to add more quicknes. He averaged 11ppg and will make the team an uptempo-one. JC transfer Jamel Jackson (6-3, 195) comes in as a sharpshooter off the bench. Senior point guard Eugene Harvey (6-0, 165) directs the offense.
Outlook: The big challenge for Gonzalez is to try and mold this team because there so many new pieces to the puzzle. Pope is a big-time talent and Lawrence will push the transition game.
11) St. John’s
2008-09 Record: (16-18, 6-12 Big East)
Coach: Nolan Roberts (7th year, 64-85 at St. John’s)
Assistants: Glenn Braica, Fred Quarterlbaum, Chris Casey
Ret. Starters/Lost: 5/0
Overview: The Red Storm return all five starters from a team that was competitive, but near the bottom of the league. They have a chance to
move up, but they need a healthy senior F Anthony Mason Jr. (6-7, 213), who averaged 14.ppg, who missed last season due to a foot injury and now is rehabbing from a hamstring injury with a possible return in mid-January. With Mason out last year, juinor Sean Evans (6-8, 250) emerged last year with a 10.3ppg and 7rpg average. Junior Justin Burrell (6-8, 235) also returns and provides another dependable inside presence (9ppg, 4.5rpg). The backcourt features point guard Malik Boothe (5-9, 185), who was overused last year due to no depth. He averaged 6.5ppg and 4.4apg. Freshman Malik Stith (5-11, 175) comes in to help out Boothe and provide depth. Junior swingman Paris Horne (6-3, 185) led the team in scoring last year at 14.6 points per game, while averaging 3.4 rebounds. Dwight Hardy (6-2, 190) is a juco transfer and excellent
three-point shooter, while wing Quincy Roberts (6-5, 195) also provides athleticism. Hardy averaged 39 points per game in high school and
was a third-team All-American at Indian Hills JC.
Outlook: St. John’s could be one of the surprises in the Big East if they get Mason back and players like Hardy produce. They need to
produce offensively, as they averaged just 65.9ppg last season and allowed 67.6ppg.
12) Marquette
2008-09 Record: (25-19, 12-6 Big East)
Coach: Buzz Williams (2nd year, 25-10 at Marquette)
Assistants: Tony Benford, David “Aki” Collins, Scott Monarch
Ret. Starters/Lost: ¼
Overview: Few teams have been as devastated by graduation as Marquette. They lost one of the best backcourts in the Big East comprising of Dominic James, Wesley Matthews, and Jerel McNeal, who combined for 49 points per game. Senior Lazar Haywood (6-8, 225) is the only returning starter and will have to carry evenmore of a scoring load this season. He averaged 16.3ppg and 8.6rpg last season as the team’s only big man. He’ll have some help this season in the form of Jeronne Maymon (6-6, 250), a freshman and Top 100 recruit. Newcomer Erik Williams (6-7, 200) should also help in the rotation, but it’s still Haywood’s team. The backcourt will be completely revamped. Instead of inserting freshmen, Coach Buzz Williams decided to go the juco route by landing two All-Americans in Darius Johnson-Odom (6-2, 200) and Dwight Buycks (6-3, 190). Buycks should fill the shooting guard spot, after averaging 17.5ppg at juco power Indian Hills (Iowa) Junior College. Johnson-Odom, who is a sophomore, filled it up with 21.6ppg at another JC power in Hutchinson (Kansas) Junior College. The point guard spot will be the biggest key this season adn that should go to freshman Junior Cadougan (6-1, 205), another Top 100 recruit. If he can’t go right away, senior David Cubillan (6-0, 175) can handle it temporarily, or they can use Johnson-Odom. Swingman Jimmy Butler (6-6, 215), is also in the rotation, as he averaged 5.6yppg and 3.9rpg as a key reserve last year.
Outlook: The Golden Eagles have some talent, but they are just loaded with question marks, It could take the entire season to develop chemistry with so many new parts. Even though last season was a bit of disappointment, Marqette fans will be feeling nostalgic for one of their greatest trio of guards after this year.
13) Rutgers
2008-09 Record: (11-21, 2-16 Big East)
Coach: Fred Hill (4th year, 32-60 at Rutgers)
Assistants: Jim Carr, Craig Carter, Darren Savino
Ret.Starters/Lost: 3/2
Overview: Rutgers has some hope and should improve this season. They are just in a difficult league that recruits at a higher level and has more established coaches. Fred Hill doesn’t have the big name of Rick Pitino. Jim Calhoun or Jim Boeheim. What he does have is a pretty good recruiting class coming in led bu JC standout James Beatty, a 6-2, 195-pound point guadr, who starred at Miami-Dade Junior College (13.4ppg, 7.9apg). Sophomore Mike Rosario (16.2ppg) returns as the wing guard, who is coming off a tremendous freshman season. Another sophomore, 6-9, 265-pound Greg Echenique (8.4ppg, 8.4rpg), set the school’s freshman rebounding record and also recorded 78 blocks. Now the Sacrlet Knights need to find help surronding those three players. Wing Patrick Jackson (6-6, 210) is one of those players with talent, who played sparingly his freshman seaon, but has the talent to contribute. Up front, senior center Hamady Ndiyae (6-11, 235) is a shot-blocking specialist (5.6ppg, 5.8rpg), who was hampered by back problems last year. Florida transfer Jonathan Mitchell (6-7, 225) will slide into the rotation in the front court immediately. Freshman Dane Miller (6-7, 210) is another talented youngster who will also be involved in the rotation.
Outlook: Rutgers is a player or two away from moving up to the top half of the Big East. They made some improvements last season, and still wound up with just two wins in the league last year. If they come clsoe to .500. this season will be considered a great successs.
14) Providence
2008-09 Record: (19-14, 10-8 Big East)
Coach: Keno Davis (3rd year, 47-19 at Providence)
Assistants: Chris Davis, Rodell Davis, Pat Skerry
Ret.Starters/Lost: 1/4
Overview: Providence was another Big East squad hurt by losses. Keno Davis’ squad loses four starters including Weyinmi Efejuku (15.7ppg, 4rpg). The Friars do return Sharaud Curry (5-10, 169), who averaged 11.8ppg and 4.2apg. They could move him to off-guard to allow freshmen Johnny Lacy (5-10, 160) or Vincent Council (6-2, 180) to play point guard. Up front, the Friars have some huge holes to fill. Geoff McDermott (8.2ppg, 9.5rpg), Randall Hawke (8.9ppg) and Jonathan Kale (10.1pppg, 6rpg) were key cogs to an overachieving team. If the Friars can find some way to replace those three frontcourt players, they can match last year’s record. Redshirt freshman forward Bilal Dixon (6-8, 235) and junior redshirt Jamine Peterson (6-6, 235) will get the opportunity to play up front. They also recruited a JC forward in Russ Permenter (6-9, 230), who is the most experienced player up front. True freshmen James Still (6-9, 219) and Kadeem Batts (6-9, 230) are also in the picture.
Outlook: Providence takes a major step backwards after playing so well in Davis’ first season at the helm. They had a lot of experience and toughness up front, despite not featuring many superstars. This club will have to develop that toughness and cohesiveness to get close to matching last year’s production.
15) Depaul
2008-09 Record: (9-24, 0-16 Big East)
Coach: Jerry Wainright (5th year, 52-72 at Depaul)
Assistants: David Booth, Billy Garrett, Tracy Webster
Ret.Starters/Lost: 3/2
Overview: There are hot seats and then there’s Jerry Wainwright. Nobody has a warmer seat than Wainwright, who had to release three assistant coaches in the offseason including his son Scott. He also lost Dar Tucker (18.5pp), the league’s No. 5 scorer to the NBA Draft and he was never selected. The new staff can’t hurt and the loss of Tucker may not be the worst thing in the world, since he was not a team player and they could not win a game in the league with him. The good news is that senior guard Will Walker (6-0, 190) returns after averaging 14.6ppg last year and really turned it up in the last 12 games, making 43 3-pointers and avearaging 19.8ppg. Walker may go back to the point as Ohio State transfer Eric Wallace (6-6, 215) comes in to add great athleticism along with defense. JC transfer Mike Stovall (6-5, 200) can also play the wing and started originally at Oregon State. Sophomores Jeremiah Kelly (6-1, 170) and Mike Bizoukas (6-1, 175) can handle the point if Walker moves to the bench or shooting guard. Up front, the Blue Demons return junior Mac Koshwal (6-10, 250), who briefly test the NBA waters during the spring, but wisely returned. He averaged 12.2ppg and 9.6rpg as a sophomore. He’ll get help from sophomore center Krys Faber (6-11, 260) and Kene Obi (7-2, 275). Devin Hill (6-9, 200) adds some length on defense and will improve with more minutes this year.
Outlook: The Blue Demons shouldn’t go winless this year or Wainright may not last the season.
16) South Florida
2008-09 Record: (9-22, 4-14 Big East)
Coach: Stan Heath (3rd year, 21-41 at USF)
Assistants: Jeremy Cox, Reggie Hanson, Eric Skeeters
Ret.Starters/Lost: 3/2
Overview: USF returns three starters from a team that lost 22 games, tying the school record for most in a season. They shot a pathetic 59.8 percent from the free throw line and 39.9 percent from the field, so improving the shooting percentage was a main goal for head coach Stan Heath. It starts with the improvement in the backcourt, though junior guard Dominque Jones (6-4, 205) often carried the load last year. He led the team in scoring (18.1ppg), rebounds (5.6rpg) and steals (1.3spg). At the point, senior Chris Howard (6-3, 200) played well down the stretch and led the team in assists with 4.1apg, while averaging 7.7ppg. He’s a capable player, but has to improve his overall play. They do need to replace wing guar Jesus Verdejo (12.2ppg) at the wing. They do get some help as Ohio State transfer Anthony Carter (6-1, 170), comes in, though he will be eligible at mid-season. Freshman Jordan Dumars (6-5, 225), son of Detroit GM Joe, will also be in the mix along with freshman Shuan Noriega (6-4, 195). Up front, the Bulls return sophomore Gus Gilchirst (6-10, 235), who had an up-and-down freshman season. He did come on late in the season, and wound up averaging 10.2ppg, but has to improve his rebounding numbers (4.4rpg). Another son of an NBA player, Ron Anderson Jr. (6-8, 255), along with junior Jarrid Famous (6-11, 240) and 6-8 freshman Toarlyn Fitzpatrick (6-8, 230) will have to step up.
Outlook: Gilchrist has the talent to be one of the league’s top big men, but will have to get tougher this season. The backcourt is decent, but not as talented as some of the better teams in the league. It could be another long year for the Bulls, who are over-matched in this league.
Popularity: unranked [?]
