|
THE FAVORITES:
MEMPHIS: Don't know the name Derrick Rose? You
will. He'll run the point, feed dunk after dunk to
Chris Douglas-Roberts and Robert Dozier. Everyone
says he's as talented a passer as he is an athlete.
If so, John Calipari has the piece to get his Tigers
past the Elite 8 (Memphis lost the '06 Regional
Final to UCLA, the '07 Regional Final to Ohio
State). The problem? Memphis has to hope its
difficult preseason schedule is enough to ride it
through the mediocre Conference USA slate.
UCLA: As good as Rose is, Kevin Love may be
the best freshman in the United States (yes, OJ
Mayo, we're looking at you). Love's high school
coach thinks he may be good enough to win Pac-10
player of the year, and he could be right: He's
6-10, a great rebounder, great scorer, and a great
passer. The Bruins lost star Aaron Afflalo, but
since Florida's not in their way (The Gators beat
them for the '06 National Title, and in the '07
Final Four) this could be the Bruins year.
NORTH CAROLINA: How many teams can add no
recruits and end up the best team in the country?
Meet Roy Williams' 2007-08 North Carolina Tarheels.
Whether they get over their Elite 8 collapse against
Georgetown is another story. Tyler Hansbrough may
look awkward on the court, but he always seems to
score 15 points and grab ten rebounds. If Ty Lawson
and Wayne Ellington control the backcourt and the
'Heels forget the Hoya loss, this could be Williams'
second national title in three years.
GEORGETOWN: How good was Ohio State's Greg
Oden? Pretty talented, but not good enough to
outplay Hoya center Roy Hibbert in the NCAA
tournament. In fact, neither was UNC's Hansbrough.
How good could Hibbert be? Maybe the best player in
the nation. The Hoyas lose star forward Jeff Green,
but return the backcourt of Jonathon Wallace and
Jessie Sapp, and add frosh guards Austin Freeman and
Chris Wright. The speed on the wings will make
Hibbert and Georgetown a threat for number one all
year long.
LOUISVILLE: Flashback to 1987, when a
talented Georgetown team lost to an overachieving,
3-point shooting Providence team in the East
Regional Finals. The Friars' coach? You know: Rick
Pitino. And 11 seasons later, Pitino's team is the
biggest challenge to Georgetown's Big East takeover.
Pitino's Cards only lost hard-working guard Brandon
Jenkins, and return one of the nations fastest
teams, led by forward Terrence Williams. Pitino has
said sophomore forward Derrick Caracter, if healthy
and a bit slimmer, could be one of the best players
in the nation. If so, the Cards compete for the
national title.
THE SECOND TIER
KANSAS: How many years will a talented Bill
Self-coached Kansas team miss the Final Four? The
Jayhawks seemed primed last year, then forgot how to
control the ball, losing to UCLA in the regional
finals. KU loses star Julian Wright, and while this
team could be Self's most athletic, who knows how
healthy guard Brandon Rush will be when he returns
from a torn ACL?
TENNESSEE: OK Bruce Pearl, we realize you can
play offense, but how about a little defense? Dead
last in the SEC points given up per game and field
goal percentage? Still, UT returns everyone but
forward Dane Bradshaw (a big loss) and brings back
Chris Lofton (20.8 points per game) enough to make
them the favorites in the SEC. A little defense
could put them in the Final Four.
WASHINGTON STATE: Most of the nation won't
see them play. Doesn't matter: Wazzu will play the
nation's best defense, and will be UCLA's toughest
Pac-10 opponent. Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver will be
the conference's best backcourt, and big Aaron
Baynes will beat up opponents, including Kevin Lowe,
in the post.
MARQUETTE: OK, the uniforms stink, but
watching Jerel McNeal and Dominic James run the
court will make up for it. The Golden Eagles return
all five starters, and have enough speed to keep up
with Louisville in the Big East.
DON'T BUY THE HYPE:
MICHIGAN STATE, INDIANA, THE WHOLE BIG TEN:
Spartans' guard Drew Neitzel is a great player. Tom
Izzo has brought in a trio of talented freshman
guards. Didn't matter a bit against Grand Valley
State, an 85-84 overtime loss for MSU in preseason
play.
If you listen to the IU fans, you'd think freshman
guard Eric Gordon will win not only player of the
year, but also three national titles in his first
season. He'll be good, but the distractions with
coach Kelvin Sampson's phone problems will wear on
the team (and did anyone realize forward DJ White
wasn't THAT spectacular last year?). If these two
don't ride high, the Big Ten will be the least of
the BCS leagues.
ARIZONA: So we've stricken Notre Dame
football from college sports relevance. Are we ready
to do the same for Arizona hoops? Perhaps it's too
early, but the Wildcats haven't done much in years,
and while coach Lute Olsen still produces winners,
they're not national-title contenders. Star forward
Chase Budinger runs hot and cold, and the only way
the 'Cats challenge the Pac-10 best is if he's
leading the league in scoring.
SLEEPERS
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: The Salukis have made the
NCAA tournament seven straight years. Surprised? You
shouldn't be: SIU plays tougher defense than near
every team in the nation. They lose star guard
Jamaal Tatum, but forward Randal Falker will win the
MVC player of the year, and SIU could easily make
the Sweet 16.
BUTLER: Can you be a sleeper when you make
the Sweet 16? Perhaps not, but everyone loves a
mid-major success story. Gone is coach Todd
Lickliter, in is coach Brad Stevens, who looks old
enough to be a Bulldog senior. Luckily for him,
senior guard AJ Graves returns, enough for Butler to
win the Horizon League again.
DAVIDSON: You probably don't know much about
guard Stephen Curry. In fact, if you ran into him,
you probably would think he's a high school student,
not a college hoops star. No matter: Former NBA stud
shooter Dell Curry will fire the Wildcats into the
NCAAs again, and if you're looking for the next
George Mason, it could be him and his squad.
FINAL FOUR PICKS: I'll take Louisville,
Georgetown, UCLA and Memphis, with the Bruins
beating Memphis for the national title. Then Kevin
Love and Derrick Rose can bolt for the NBA, and
we'll start this lesson all over again, forgetting
about the '08 season. |
Looking for a surprise
delicacy? Keep an eye on Texas A & M and George
Washington. The Aggies serving consists of one part
quickness, one part defense and a full throttle all
court game. George Washington has one of the best
individual main ingredients in the country with
do-everything point-guard Kimberley Beck, combined
with a full compliment of talent and experience.
Dont count out senior-laden LSU with new Head Coach
Van Chancellor or experience rich Maryland. Both of
these teams are loaded with players who have tasted
the Final Four at some point in their careers. Both
teams are out to prove that adversity can sometimes
be the path to a sweet ending.
Will this years Final Four see the return of some
West Coast flavor? Stanford, Southern Cal and
California hope so. All three programs return point
guards that missed either all or part of last season
due to injury and are hoping to allude the pesky
injury bug this season.
Relatively new to the menu and hoping to be more
than an appetizer on the national scene, are Xavier,
Georgia Tech, Florida State and Wyoming, last
seasons WNIT champion. All have vastly improved
their recruiting efforts, and are seeing the fruits
of their labor.
With some appetizing pre-season games getting
underway shortly, followed by a rugged course
through conference play, teams will be licking their
chops at a chance to make it to the Final Four, held
this year in Tampa, Florida. Below is a list of
teams that have the best chances at making it to
Tampa:
1. The defending national champion TENNESSEE
(33-3) Lady Vols served up a Pat Summitt delicacy
based on defense and rebounding, in last seasons
post-season run. The main ingredients return, led by
the best player in the college game, 6-5 junior
Candace Parker (19.7 points per game, 9.9 rebounds
per game, 2.4 assists per game, 2.7 blocks per
game). 6-4 senior center Nicky Anosike (7.6 ppg./5.9
rpg.) is a tremendous defender, while 6-2 junior
Alex Fuller (6.2 ppg./4.3 rpg.) should join Parker
and Anosike up front. 5-11 senior guard Alexis
Hornbuckle (10.4 ppg./5.9 rpg./4 apg./3.1 spg.), and
5-2 senior guard Shannon Bobbitt (8.6 ppg./2.8 apg.)
form one of the quickest and most tenacious
backcourts in the country. The biggest loss from
last season is sharp-shooting Sidney Spencer,
however, Bobbitt finished with more made 3-point
field goals and shot at a higher percentage by
seasons end. Legendary Coach Summitt knows she
needs a balanced contribution, and added some new
spice with this seasons outstanding recruiting
class, as well as those already on the shelf. Parker
is the top chef, but she cannot do it alone. Look
for the Vols to again search for a complimentary
consistent, double-figure scoring option to keep the
offense bubbling. Anosike, Fuller and 5-11 senior
Alberta Auguste are all capable, but dont be
surprised to see 6-0 freshman shooter Angie
Bjorklund get a shot at the wing postition.
2. The CONNECTICUT (32-4) Huskies were a
youthful team last year, not quite ripe enough to
gain another Final Four appearance. However, this
years version is a year older, and has four senior
leaders ready to make a traditionally strong UConn
run. Most great dishes have three key ingredients
and UConn possesses all of them: 5-7 junior point
guard Renee Montgomery (13.3 ppg./2.8 rpg./4.5apg.),
6-4 sophomore center Tina Charles (12.7 ppg./8.2 rpg./2.25
bpg.) and 6-2 senior forward Charde Houston (12.5
ppg./7.5 rpg.) who has overcome the inconsistent
warning label. Head Coach Geno Auriemmas has a
special additive in 5-10 Kalana Greene, while 6-2
Kaili McLaren, 5-7 Ketia Swanier and 5-9 Mel Thomas
add to the mix. The future of UConn basketball will
be realized this season with the arrival of 6-1
freshman Maya Moore, the consensus national player
of the year in high school. With a talented veteran
roster and the infusion of Moore to the recipe,
Auriemma should not have to worry about inexperience
this season as the Huskies again look to make yet
another championship run.
3. Last years national runner-up, RUTGERS
(27-9) returns as a favorite for another trip to the
Final Four. Though Rutgers taste of post-season
success was interrupted by Imus-gate, Head Coach C.
Vivian Stringer has the necessary items on her
grocery list to get back to the championship table.
Seniors Matee Ajavon (12 ppg./3.1 rpg./3.8 apg.),
Essence Carson (12.3 ppg./6.3 rpg./2.9 apg.) and
sophomore Epiphanny Prince (12.2 ppg./4.1 rpg./2.8
apg.) are the most complete guard set in the
country. On the inside, Rutgers returns powerful and
improved 6-4 junior center Kia Vaughn (12.8 ppg./9.3
rpg./2.6 bpg.). Rutgers is usually overmatched
inside, where they are somewhat bare and have little
depth. To overcome this, the Scarlet Knights will
focus on defense a Stringer hallmark. RUs
defensive effort, a not-so-secret to success, held
opponents to 54.4 points per game on 36% field goal
shooting. Look for Stringers Knights to again turn
up the heat defensively as a mainstay of their
success.
4. The LSU (30-8) Tigers are coming off a
tumultuous, but successful campaign. New Head Coach
Van Chancellor returns to the Southeast Conference
with a cupboard full of speed and experience. 6-6
center Sylvia Fowles (16.9 ppg./12.6 rpg./2 bpg),
one of the most intimidating low post players in the
country, leads a roster peppered with nine seniors
back into the fire of the SEC. Guards Quianna Chaney
(11.8 ppg), RaShonta LeBlanc (6.1 ppg./3.1 apg.),
Erica White (8.2 ppg.) and Allison Hightower (6.2
ppg.) will all be counted on to serve up the
defensive intensity as well as open up the Tiger
inside game with their outside shooting prowess. The
Tigers recipe for success will again be focused on
pushing tempo and getting Fowles the ball inside. If
LSU can follow this recipe, as well as develop an
inside complement to help Fowles inside (namely 6-0
Ashley Thomas, and 6-3 Mesha Williams), they will
keep their Final Four appearance streak intact and
once again contend for the national championship.
5. The MARYLAND (28-6) Terrapins are two
years removed from their national title, though
several of the players who cooked up that
championship are on this years roster. Lefty 6-3
senior forward Crystal Langhorne (14.9 ppg./8.2 rpg./70%
field goals) has been the lead chef inside since her
freshman year, and is joined on the front burners by
fellow senior, 6-4 center Laura Harper (10.4 ppg./6.4
rpg.). Junior point guard Kristi Tolliver (12.3 ppg./4.8
apg.) runs the show and is a solid outside scoring
threat, while 6-1 junior Marissa Coleman (13.2 ppg./7.5
rpg./3.2 apg.) is one of the most talented players
in the country, capable from scoring anywhere on the
floor. 6-1 Jade Perry and 5-10 Ashleigh Newman have
provided pivotal roles off the bench for the Terps
since their freshman seasons, and will be asked to
do so again this year. Head Coach Brenda Frese, who
has her own bun in the oven (twins due at post
season), has two areas of concern with her team:
taking care of the ball on offense and developing
better team defense. The Terps had more turnovers
(nearly three per game) than their opponents last
year, a salty stat that wont get you another
natty.
6. GEORGE WASHINGTON (28-4) is another team
rebounding from an injury, as Head Coach Joe McKeown
returns to the sidelines following last seasons
knee surgery (ouch). A seasoned squad await the
coach, led by the backcourt duo of 5-8 point guard
Kimberley Beck (11.3 ppg./2.9 rpg./5.3 apg./2.3 spg.)
and 5-11 senior Sarah-Jo Lawrence (13.4 ppg./4.1 rpg./3
apg./2 spg), two of the best guards in the country.
5-11 senior Whitney Allen (6.1 ppg./6 rpg.) and the
Adair twins - 6-4 junior center Jessica Adair (12.9
ppg./ 7.6 rpg./52 blocks) 6-3 junior Jazmine Adair
(4.9 ppg./3.9 rpg.), are back to anchor the inside.
This may very well be the best Colonial team that
McKeown has ever had, and hes sampled several in
his 19 seasons. Combining experience, size and speed
with their substantial talent, look for GW to be the
surprise main course in the country this year. The
Colonials should feast on their Atlantic-10
competition, with their eyes fixed on a national
dessert.
7. Its been awhile since the Final Four has had
some West Coast flavor on the menu, and once again,
the STANFORD (29-5) Cardinal are the favorite
to provide the representation. 5-11 senior Candice
Wiggins (16.9 ppg./4.1 rpg./ 3.3 apg.), one of the
best players to ever play on the farm, is the key
ingredient on the roster and will lead a relatively
youthful squad. 6-4 sophomore Jayne Appel (13.2 ppg./7.5
rpg.) is a strong low-post player and will keep the
inside game boiling, along with 6-1 junior Jillian
Harmon (7.7 ppg./4.9 rpg.). After watching her top
two lead cooks go down with injury, Coach Tara
VanDerveer is hoping to avoid the injury bug at
point guard this year. Ros Gold-Onwude and JJ Hones
return along with Melanie Murphy to dish the rock.
Four highly regarded recruits will look to add
flavor, led by 6-4 Kayla Pedersen. Chez VanDerveer
will again be tested by conference foes Arizona
State, California and Southern Cal. To be the best
in the Pacific-10 and challenge nationally, Wiggins
must serve up a stellar senior season and the
injuries must be minimal.
8. With the departure of Ivory Latta, the end of an
era comes to a close at NORTH CAROLINA
(34-4). As she did when Latta was a freshman, look
for Head Coach Sylvia Hatchell to give 5-8 newcomer
Italee Lucas a shot at stirring the pot for the Tar
Heels. 5-7 senior Alex Miller will help in showing
Lucas how to prepare Tar Heel specialties. The
Heels recipe for success has always been to run,
run, run, and though they will be driven by 6-2
senior power forward Erlana Larkins (12.9 ppg./9.4
rpg.), the game plan is still the same. Scoring
support will be given by 6-1 junior Rashanda McCants
(9.4 ppg./4.3 rpg.) and 6-3 senior LaToya Pringle
(9.7 ppg./7.5 rpg./3.2 bpg.). Hatchell recruits
athletes who can run and all of her players, even
her posts, can get up and down the floor like
guards. Look for Lucas, 6-3 sophomore Jessica
Breland and 5-6 freshman Cetera DeGraffenreid to
make significant contributions as roster changes are
made to the UNC bistro staff.
9. The TEXAS A & M (25-7) Aggies have gone
from flash in the pan to full burning fire over the
last few years, and this could be Coach Gary Blairs
best A & M team ever. The break-neck paced Aggies
are led by senior point guard AQuonesia Franklin
(9.9 ppg./4.7 apg./33% 3-point range) and 5-8
sophomore guard Takia Starks (14.2 ppg./4.2 rpg./38%
3-point range) to form one of the quickest
backcourts in the country that forced opponents into
nearly 22 turnovers per game. Versatile 5-11 junior
Danielle Gant (10.8 ppg./7.3 rpg./2 spg.) plays
guard, forward and center as needed, while 6-3
junior center LaToya Micheaux (6.2 ppg./7.4 rpg.)
and 6-0 junior forward Patrice Reado (7.1 ppg./3.7
rpg.) form a solid defensive front. Gifted 5-10
senior Morenike Atunrase (10 ppg./3.8 rpg.), was one
of the best players in the country her freshman
season. If Atunrase returns to form following two
years of chronic injuries, she could be the x-factor
that takes A & M from the buffet of good teams to
one of elite status.
10. If the top chef resides in Tennessee, the Iron
Chef surely resides in OKLAHOMA (28-5). 6-4
junior center Courtney Paris (23.5 ppg./15.9 rpg./3.5
bpg.) is the strongest and most challenging low post
player in the country. Already re-writing individual
record books, Paris would like to find the recipe
for success for her team in the post-season. Head
Coach Sherri Coale has assembled some of the best
young gourmet talent in the country, but how quickly
she can develop her bounty of ingredients will
determine if she has an award winning dish. Four
freshman, led by 5-9 Danielle Robinson are in the
mix, along with a stellar sophomore class led by 5-4
sophomore point guard Jenna Plumley (5.2 ppg./team
leading 69 assists), 6-1 forward Amanda Thompson
(5.7 ppg./5.2 rpg), 5-9 guard Nyeshia Stevenson, and
6-4 center Abi Olajuwon. With no seniors on the
roster, Courtney and 6-2 junior twin sister Ashley
Paris (7.4 ppg./6.8 rpg.) are now the leaders at
both ends of the house. Coales youthful squad will
be thrown into the frying pan immediately, as the
Sooners play Maryland, Tennessee and Arizona State
to kick off their season.
11. Head Coach Andy Landers always has something
cooking down in GEORGIA (27-7). This season,
Landers is talking about redemption. This years
brand of Bulldog basketball will focus on the inside
game with the loss of some outstanding guards and 11
roster players at 6-1 or taller. 6-3 senior Tasha
Humphrey (16.1 ppg./7.6 rpg.), one of the most
talented players in the country had a disappointing
junior season that saw her sit for five games.
Humphrey, a former All-American, never got into
shape and never hit her stride. 6-5 sophomore Angel
Robinson (8 ppg./5.4 rpg.) rebounded from a knee
injury and put together a solid season inside, while
6-3 seniors Megan Darrah and Rebecca Rowsey are
polished and consistent. 5-6 sophomore point guard
Ashley Houts (9.4 ppg./3.1 rpg./3.6 apg.) will be
the focus of the guard play. Keep an eye on 6-1
sophomore Christy Marshall, a player with phenomenal
athletic skills. If Humphrey plays to her potential,
Georgia could again percolate to the top.
12. With the departure of Gail Goestenkoers to
Texas, the face of the DUKE (32-2) cookbook
has changed. New Head Coach Joanne P. McCallie (from
Michigan State) looks to bring some Big Ten cooking
to the ACC. Leading the way for the Devils is junior
guard Abby Waner (14.1 ppg./4.1 rpg./36% 3-point
shooting), one of the fiercest competitors in the
game, 5-11 senior guard Wanisha Smith (9.4 ppg./4.3
rpg.) and 6-2 junior forward Carrem Gay (8.8 ppg./5.8
rpg.). Cameron Crazies will eagerly anticipate the
return of 6-5 junior center Chante Black (7.9 ppg./6.1
rpg. in 2005-06), a promising, athletic post who
red-shirted last year and will be counted on to step
up in place of departed 6-7 Alison Bales. In
addition to the pantry of experienced talent in
place, Goestenkoers left McCallie a welcome (basket)
gift in the form of this years recruiting class.
6-4 Krystal Thomas, 5-9 Jasmine Thomas and 5-11
Karima Christmas, all of whom join the mix and
should have their hand in cooking up a new brand of
Blue Devil basketball.
13. Head Coach Joanne Boyle and her CALIFORNIA
(23-9) Golden Bears have quickly gone from a team
being at the bottom of the barrel in the Pac-10 to
the cream of the crop. The junior class heads the
list of gourmet ingredients, led by the tremendous
inside combination of 6-0 Ashley Walker (17.3 ppg./8.7
rpg.) and 6-3 junior center Devanei Hampton (16.6
ppg./8 rpg.), the reigning Pac-10 Player of the
Year. Point guard Alexis Gray-Lawson went down nine
games into last season, and her return should
bolster the Bears even higher. 5-10 sophomore Lauren
Greif (8.2 ppg.) and sophomore guard Natasha Vital
(4 apg.) have provided scoring and depth at the
guard positions, while 6-5 sophomore Rama NDiaye
showed flashes of dominance. Cal is still a young
team, but the sophomore and junior classes have
played since their first days on campus, so Boyles
Bears are experienced. The freshman class was
expected to make an impact, and though 6-1 Canadian
import Kelsey Adrian should get minutes, prized 6-2
Lenita Sanford was declared ineligible and will not
play. A healthy Gray-Lawson should set the table for
the inside power game of Hampton-Walker and make the
Bears contenders once again.
14. The ARIZONA STATE (31-5) Sun Devils came
one game shy of reaching the fruits of the Final
Four last year. 5-8 junior Briann January (10.2 ppg./4
apg./2.2 rpg./2.1 spg.) gets the Devils cooking at
point guard. Guards Jill Noe (8.9 ppg./38% 3-point
shooting) is back for a sixth season following a
hardship ruling, along with fellow guards Danielle
Orsillo (9.9 ppg.) and uber-quick Dymond Simon (9.4
ppg.). Head Coach Charli Turner-Thornes inside game
has a new look following the graduation of Emily
Westerburg and Aubree Johnson. Though new to the ASU
line-up, these inside ingredients are anything but
unproven or untested - 6-3 junior transfers Sybil
Dosty (Tennessee) and Lauren Lacey (Minnesota) are
power players who will turn up the heat for the ASU
post game. Also returning inside is 6-6 junior
Kirsten Thompson. The Sun Devils have become a main
dish in the Pac-10 as well as on the national scene,
and Coach Turner-Thorne has to be optimistic with
the combination of talent, depth and experience of
this years squad. In the past, ASU has had the
knock of not having a go-to player, but January is a
player capable of creating for herself or a teammate
when the heat is on.
15. Head Coach Kim Mulkey will have her coaching
plate full this season at BAYLOR (26-8), as
the Bears are again looking to replace their top
players. Following the losses of their top point
producer, establishing a go-to player is the first
priority. Lone senior and point guard Angela Tisdale
(10.8 ppg./3.7 apg), is top returning player. 6-2
junior wing Jessica Morrow (9.6 ppg./3.3 rpg.) and
6-3 sophomore post Danielle Wilson (8.4 ppg./4.9 rpg./2.5
bpg.) are prime candidates to become Baylors main
|
