Prediction Record: 28-7 (ATS: 15-16-1)
Georgetown vs. Tennessee (-3.5): Prediction: Tennessee 79, Georgetown 71
UAB vs. Boston College (+3.5): Prediction: UAB 75, Boston College 69
Oklahoma vs. Purdue (-2): Prediction: Purdue 70, Oklahoma 67
Gonzaga vs. Maryland (+6): Prediction: Gonzaga 87, Maryland 77
Washington State vs. Mississippi State (+3.5): Prediction: Washington State 65, Mississippi State 61
Texas Tech vs. Pittsburgh (-13): Prediction: Pittsburgh 78, Texas Tech 66
California at UNLV (-6.5): Prediction: UNLV 75, California 63
Kent State vs. Illinois (-3.5): Prediction: Kent State 72, Illinois 66
Oklahoma State vs. Michigan State (-5.5): Prediction: Michigan State 81, Oklahoma State 72
Texas A&M vs. Tulsa (+5.5): Prediction: Texas A&M 74, Tulsa 67
Wake Forest vs. UTEP (+8.5): Prediction: Wake Forest 76, UTEP 64
Kentucky vs. Kansas State (+2.5): Prediction: Kentucky 71, Kansas State 68
Arizona State vs. Baylor (+1.5): Prediction: Arizona State 80, Baylor 76
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 26 Predictions
Prediction Record: 23-7 (ATS: 12-14-1)
Alabama vs. Saint Joseph's (-1.5): Prediction: Alabama 73, Saint Joseph's 69
Oregon vs. Texas (-11): Prediction: Texas 79, Oregon 66
Boston College vs. Purdue (-8.5): Prediction: Purdue 72, Boston College 60
UAB vs. Oklahoma (-5.5): Prediction: Oklahoma 75, UAB 68
North Carolina vs. Notre Dame (+10.5): Prediction: North Carolina 90, Notre Dame 83
Alabama vs. Saint Joseph's (-1.5): Prediction: Alabama 73, Saint Joseph's 69
Oregon vs. Texas (-11): Prediction: Texas 79, Oregon 66
Boston College vs. Purdue (-8.5): Prediction: Purdue 72, Boston College 60
UAB vs. Oklahoma (-5.5): Prediction: Oklahoma 75, UAB 68
North Carolina vs. Notre Dame (+10.5): Prediction: North Carolina 90, Notre Dame 83
GameNight Preview, Nov. 26
Preseason NIT Semifinals: No. 10 Purdue vs. Boston College
Typically one of the best preseason tournaments in college basketball, the Preseason NIT has entered its semifinals stage, with an excellent stage set for Madison Square Garden over the next couple of days. One of the nation’s most consistent programs – last year notwithstanding – in Boston College (3-1) takes on a team looking to return to its powerhouse days, Purdue (4-0). BC is projected to finish towards the bottom of the ACC again this season, but the Eagles started the season with three wins, including one over St. John’s. They did fall in their most recent game, by three at Saint Louis. Purdue is a Big Ten favorite and a top-10 team in many circles, and the Boilermakers have done nothing to disprove that so far, winning their first four games by more than 28 points per game.
Boston College is led by All-American candidate Tyrese Rice, one of the most explosive guards in the country. His scoring numbers are down slightly from last year, as the team has more options and his shooting percentage has dipped somewhat. The trio of Rakim Sanders, Vermont transfer Joe Trapani and Corey Raji create match-up problems for defenders with their ability to score in a variety of ways and play inside and out. Each of the three averages in double-figures, and all put up at least five rebounds per contest. On the other side, Purdue is a young and balanced team that has plenty of options and can beat you in different ways. Robbie Hummel is one of the most versatile players in the country, while E’Twaun Moore can do a variety of things on the court. Guards Marcus Green and Keaton Grant are solid, and Namanja Calasan and JaJuan Johnson anchor the interior. Chris Kramer is the ultimate glue guy.
Despite Boston College’s successes in recent years and Purdue’s abundance of youth, this game won’t be that close. The Boilermakers have the advantage at nearly every position on the court, and their overall talent level and versatility make them very difficult to play against. Purdue is going to be a team to reckoned with this season, in the Big Ten and nationally, while Boston College will be lucky to reach the NIT. That will be evident tonight in NYC.
WINNER: Purdue MARGIN: 10-12
Typically one of the best preseason tournaments in college basketball, the Preseason NIT has entered its semifinals stage, with an excellent stage set for Madison Square Garden over the next couple of days. One of the nation’s most consistent programs – last year notwithstanding – in Boston College (3-1) takes on a team looking to return to its powerhouse days, Purdue (4-0). BC is projected to finish towards the bottom of the ACC again this season, but the Eagles started the season with three wins, including one over St. John’s. They did fall in their most recent game, by three at Saint Louis. Purdue is a Big Ten favorite and a top-10 team in many circles, and the Boilermakers have done nothing to disprove that so far, winning their first four games by more than 28 points per game.
Boston College is led by All-American candidate Tyrese Rice, one of the most explosive guards in the country. His scoring numbers are down slightly from last year, as the team has more options and his shooting percentage has dipped somewhat. The trio of Rakim Sanders, Vermont transfer Joe Trapani and Corey Raji create match-up problems for defenders with their ability to score in a variety of ways and play inside and out. Each of the three averages in double-figures, and all put up at least five rebounds per contest. On the other side, Purdue is a young and balanced team that has plenty of options and can beat you in different ways. Robbie Hummel is one of the most versatile players in the country, while E’Twaun Moore can do a variety of things on the court. Guards Marcus Green and Keaton Grant are solid, and Namanja Calasan and JaJuan Johnson anchor the interior. Chris Kramer is the ultimate glue guy.
Despite Boston College’s successes in recent years and Purdue’s abundance of youth, this game won’t be that close. The Boilermakers have the advantage at nearly every position on the court, and their overall talent level and versatility make them very difficult to play against. Purdue is going to be a team to reckoned with this season, in the Big Ten and nationally, while Boston College will be lucky to reach the NIT. That will be evident tonight in NYC.
WINNER: Purdue MARGIN: 10-12
Stephen Curry Sits in Corner, Davidson Still Wins by 30
Stephen Curry scored 0 points and took just three shots -- and Davidson still won by 30 points over Loyola (Md.). The reason? Curry decided to see how far Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos was willing to go with his triangle-and-two defense by standing by himself in the corner of the court and having two defenders follow him. And it worked -- Patsos, for some reason, never went away from his planned zone defense, even when it was clear the Greyhounds were going to lose. Basically, Davidson was able to play four-on-three the entire night, leading to four Wildcats in double-figures, including a 20-point, 10-rebound performance from Andrew Lovedale.
Not surprisingly, everyone was left slightly confused.
Davidson head coach Bob McKillop: "When you put two people on somebody and you do it for 30 minutes and at the end of the game, you have to wonder what the reasons for that are."
Mr. Left Out himself, Stephen Curry: "Every dead ball I asked them how long they were going to do this. They really didn't say anything. They weren't very conversational about it."
And here's a classic explanation by Patsos: "Anybody else ever hold him scoreless? I'm a history major. They're going to remember that we held him scoreless or we lost by 30?"
Seems like a reasonable explanation: hey, don't worry that we lost by 30 -- people will remember we held Curry scoreless. Yeah, that or the fact that your ridiculous strategy didn't work but you continued to use it for 40 minutes.
Can't wait to see what Patsos has up his sleeve next: maybe exiling himself from the team by sitting at the end of the bench or in the stands. Oh wait, he's already done that. But it's fine; as he said, "I'm not some rookie coach."
Nope, but he's probably going to be "some former coach" if this continues.
Photo Credit: AP
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 25 Predictions
Prediction Record: 19-7 (ATS: 10-12-1)
Notre Dame vs. Texas (-3): Prediction: Notre Dame 87, Texas 81
Washington vs. Florida (-15.5): Prediction: Florida 79, Washington 71
Oregon vs. North Carolina (-17): Prediction: North Carolina 92, Oregon 76
Kansas vs. Syracuse (+3): Prediction: Syracuse 77, Kansas 72
Notre Dame vs. Texas (-3): Prediction: Notre Dame 87, Texas 81
Washington vs. Florida (-15.5): Prediction: Florida 79, Washington 71
Oregon vs. North Carolina (-17): Prediction: North Carolina 92, Oregon 76
Kansas vs. Syracuse (+3): Prediction: Syracuse 77, Kansas 72
GameNight Preview, Nov. 25
CBE Classic Final: No. 22 Kansas vs. Syracuse
In a rematch of the 2003 NCAA Tournament title game, tonight’s CBE Classic championship will pit Kansas (3-0) and Syracuse (4-0) against each other in a contest between two of the last six national title winners. Both teams are undefeated and were thought of as borderline top-25 teams heading into the season. The Jayhawks lost seven of their top nine players from last season, yet have won their first three games by an average of almost 25 points per game, including a surprising thrashing of Washington in last night’s semifinal. Syracuse is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament, and the Orange are off to a good start, winning their first four games, including last night’s victory over No. 18 Florida.
Kansas is led by its two main returnees from last season, guard Sherron Collins and center Cole Aldrich. They are the only two double-figure scorers on the roster, and control the perimeter and paint, respectively. Besides those two and guards Tyrel Reed and Brady Morningstar, the rest of the rotation is newcomers. Guards Tyshawn Taylor and Travis Releford see time on the perimeter, while the Morris twins, Markieff and Marcus, and Quintrell Thomas anchor the frontcourt. On the other side, an experienced Syracuse side has four double-figure scorers and plenty of offensive options. Jonny Flynn is one of the best point guards in the country, while Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins seem fully recovered from their injuries that kept them out most of last season. Paul Harris is one of the most versatile players in the country at forward. Arinze Onuaku is a load to handle down low.
Both teams are trying to get back somewhere – Kansas to the Final Four and Syracuse to the NCAA Tournament. Each is off to a good start, but one will fall short here. The Jayhawks are a young group that is still getting their feet wet in college, while the Orange have plenty of experience and talent. Tonight, that experience will make the difference, despite the fact Syracuse’s defense was torched by Florida all night in the semifinals; Kansas simply doesn’t have the offensive firepower to take advantage of the Orange’s deficiency.
WINNER: Syracuse MARGIN: 4-6
In a rematch of the 2003 NCAA Tournament title game, tonight’s CBE Classic championship will pit Kansas (3-0) and Syracuse (4-0) against each other in a contest between two of the last six national title winners. Both teams are undefeated and were thought of as borderline top-25 teams heading into the season. The Jayhawks lost seven of their top nine players from last season, yet have won their first three games by an average of almost 25 points per game, including a surprising thrashing of Washington in last night’s semifinal. Syracuse is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament, and the Orange are off to a good start, winning their first four games, including last night’s victory over No. 18 Florida.
Kansas is led by its two main returnees from last season, guard Sherron Collins and center Cole Aldrich. They are the only two double-figure scorers on the roster, and control the perimeter and paint, respectively. Besides those two and guards Tyrel Reed and Brady Morningstar, the rest of the rotation is newcomers. Guards Tyshawn Taylor and Travis Releford see time on the perimeter, while the Morris twins, Markieff and Marcus, and Quintrell Thomas anchor the frontcourt. On the other side, an experienced Syracuse side has four double-figure scorers and plenty of offensive options. Jonny Flynn is one of the best point guards in the country, while Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins seem fully recovered from their injuries that kept them out most of last season. Paul Harris is one of the most versatile players in the country at forward. Arinze Onuaku is a load to handle down low.
Both teams are trying to get back somewhere – Kansas to the Final Four and Syracuse to the NCAA Tournament. Each is off to a good start, but one will fall short here. The Jayhawks are a young group that is still getting their feet wet in college, while the Orange have plenty of experience and talent. Tonight, that experience will make the difference, despite the fact Syracuse’s defense was torched by Florida all night in the semifinals; Kansas simply doesn’t have the offensive firepower to take advantage of the Orange’s deficiency.
WINNER: Syracuse MARGIN: 4-6
CHN Player of the Week, Nov. 24
Player of the Week: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Despite the lack of true opening day like many of the other major sports, college basketball did not enter without a bang this season. Most of the marquee teams and players were on center stage throughout the week, and ESPN’s 24-hour marathon of college basketball really got people excited for the season – even though the real season began two weeks ago, on December 10 (Duke vs. Presbyterian? Houston vs. Georgia Southern? Really?).
As expected, the cream of the crop rose to the top immediately – several of the major All-American candidates had great weeks right off the bat. Stephen Curry averaged almost 36 points per game last week; James Harden put up 25, 6 and 5 through his first three games; Luke Harangody had back-to-back monster games where he combined for 57 points and 31 rebounds; and the list goes on. But the best week in the country? Blake Griffin of Oklahoma.
The preseason All-American lived up to his billing through his first games, putting up at least 20 points and 18 rebounds in each games, and averaging 26 points and almost 20 rebounds per game in his opening quartet of contests. He also shot 74.5 percent from the floor. Griffin dominated Davidson in the Sooners’ biggest game of the week, dropping 25 points and grabbing 21 rebounds as Oklahoma won 82-78. If he continues to put up these kind of performance, Oklahoma is going to be right there with Texas for the Big 12 title – and could be in the mix for a Final Four run.
Despite the lack of true opening day like many of the other major sports, college basketball did not enter without a bang this season. Most of the marquee teams and players were on center stage throughout the week, and ESPN’s 24-hour marathon of college basketball really got people excited for the season – even though the real season began two weeks ago, on December 10 (Duke vs. Presbyterian? Houston vs. Georgia Southern? Really?).
As expected, the cream of the crop rose to the top immediately – several of the major All-American candidates had great weeks right off the bat. Stephen Curry averaged almost 36 points per game last week; James Harden put up 25, 6 and 5 through his first three games; Luke Harangody had back-to-back monster games where he combined for 57 points and 31 rebounds; and the list goes on. But the best week in the country? Blake Griffin of Oklahoma.
The preseason All-American lived up to his billing through his first games, putting up at least 20 points and 18 rebounds in each games, and averaging 26 points and almost 20 rebounds per game in his opening quartet of contests. He also shot 74.5 percent from the floor. Griffin dominated Davidson in the Sooners’ biggest game of the week, dropping 25 points and grabbing 21 rebounds as Oklahoma won 82-78. If he continues to put up these kind of performance, Oklahoma is going to be right there with Texas for the Big 12 title – and could be in the mix for a Final Four run.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Another Injury for St. John's?
Just three days after it was revealed that St. John's forward Anthony Mason Jr. would miss the rest of the season with a torn tendon in his right foot, another long-term injury could be on the horizon for the Red Storm.
In the first half of tonight's game against Eastern Michigan, leading scorer D.J. Kennedy, one of the most versatile players in the Big East, came crashing down to the floor in a heap, grabbing his knee. He needed to be helped off the court and his return is questionable. It seems that the injury did not look good at all and the immediate outlook could be dim.
Kennedy was averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds coming into the game, and already had seven points and four rebounds when he left the contest.
Update: Kennedy jogged off at the half with a slight limp. The injury forecast could be brighter than originally expected.
Update, Part 2: Kennedy will start the second half. Looks like it's not going to be a problem.
In the first half of tonight's game against Eastern Michigan, leading scorer D.J. Kennedy, one of the most versatile players in the Big East, came crashing down to the floor in a heap, grabbing his knee. He needed to be helped off the court and his return is questionable. It seems that the injury did not look good at all and the immediate outlook could be dim.
Kennedy was averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds coming into the game, and already had seven points and four rebounds when he left the contest.
Update: Kennedy jogged off at the half with a slight limp. The injury forecast could be brighter than originally expected.
Update, Part 2: Kennedy will start the second half. Looks like it's not going to be a problem.
Monday, November 24 Predictions
Prediction Record: 12-6 (ATS: 4-10-1)
Texas vs. Saint Joseph's (+8.5): Prediction: Texas 74, Saint Joseph's 63
Notre Dame vs. Indiana (+15): Prediction: Notre Dame 89, Indiana 70
North Carolina vs. Chaminade (+31): Prediction: North Carolina 109, Chaminade 57
Alabama vs. Oregon (+4.5): Prediction: Alabama 72, Oregon 64
San Diego vs. Miami (Fl.) (-6): Prediction: Miami (Fl.) 71, San Diego 67
Florida vs. Syracuse (+4): Prediction: Syracuse 86, Florida 81
Wisconsin vs. Connecticut (-5): Prediction: Connecticut 81, Wisconsin 70
Washington vs. Kansas (-6): Prediction: Kansas 76, Washington 69
Texas vs. Saint Joseph's (+8.5): Prediction: Texas 74, Saint Joseph's 63
Notre Dame vs. Indiana (+15): Prediction: Notre Dame 89, Indiana 70
North Carolina vs. Chaminade (+31): Prediction: North Carolina 109, Chaminade 57
Alabama vs. Oregon (+4.5): Prediction: Alabama 72, Oregon 64
San Diego vs. Miami (Fl.) (-6): Prediction: Miami (Fl.) 71, San Diego 67
Florida vs. Syracuse (+4): Prediction: Syracuse 86, Florida 81
Wisconsin vs. Connecticut (-5): Prediction: Connecticut 81, Wisconsin 70
Washington vs. Kansas (-6): Prediction: Kansas 76, Washington 69
Maui Invitational Predictions
As usual, one of the major highlights of the non-conference portion of the season is the annual Maui Invitational held in Hawaii. Thanksgiving week always brings the top teams in the country together in a variety of tournaments, and Maui is typically the most jam-packed event of the holiday period. This year, three top-10 teams are in the field (North Carolina, Notre Dame, Texas), as well as two more NCAA Tournament contenders (Alabama, Saint Joseph's). Who will come out on top? Here's a look at one person's bracket predictions.
First Round
Texas 74, Saint Joseph's 63
Notre Dame 89, Indiana 70
North Carolina 109, Chaminade 57
Alabama 72, Oregon 64
Winner's Bracket
Notre Dame over Texas
North Carolina over Alabama
Championship: North Carolina over Notre Dame
Third Place Game: Texas over Alabama
Loser's Bracket
Saint Joseph's over Indiana
Oregon over Chaminade
Fifth Place Game: Saint Joseph's over Oregon
Seventh Place Game: Indiana over Chaminade
First Round
Texas 74, Saint Joseph's 63
Notre Dame 89, Indiana 70
North Carolina 109, Chaminade 57
Alabama 72, Oregon 64
Winner's Bracket
Notre Dame over Texas
North Carolina over Alabama
Championship: North Carolina over Notre Dame
Third Place Game: Texas over Alabama
Loser's Bracket
Saint Joseph's over Indiana
Oregon over Chaminade
Fifth Place Game: Saint Joseph's over Oregon
Seventh Place Game: Indiana over Chaminade
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, November 20 Predictions
Prediction Record: 10-3 (ATS: 4-5-1)
Southern Illinois vs. Duke (-12.5): Prediction: Duke 71, Southern Illinois 62
USC vs. Seton Hall (+8.5): Prediction: USC 85, Seton Hall 71
Illinois at Vanderbilt (-6.5): Prediction: Vanderbilt 73, Illinois 66
Tulsa at Oklahoma State (-9): Prediction: Oklahoma State 82, Tulsa 75
Michigan vs. UCLA (-9.5): Prediction: UCLA 77, Michigan 65
Southern Illinois vs. Duke (-12.5): Prediction: Duke 71, Southern Illinois 62
USC vs. Seton Hall (+8.5): Prediction: USC 85, Seton Hall 71
Illinois at Vanderbilt (-6.5): Prediction: Vanderbilt 73, Illinois 66
Tulsa at Oklahoma State (-9): Prediction: Oklahoma State 82, Tulsa 75
Michigan vs. UCLA (-9.5): Prediction: UCLA 77, Michigan 65
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Did Lute Olson Brainwash his Players Before Leaving?
For those who stayed up to watch Arizona play UAB last night (ended at almost 2:00 a.m on the east coast), you witnessed one of the most bizarre endings I've seen in years.
First, after being down 64-53, the Wildcats made a nice comeback to cut the lead to three. Then, freshman Garland Junkins got fouled. He hit the first free throw and missed the second -- but fellow frosh Josh Fogg picked up the loose offensive rebound and laid it back in to tie the game at 71. On the ensuing inbounds pass, Fogg -- for some reason -- decided to foul UAB's Aaron Johnson. Sure, he's just a freshman and may have thought the Wildcats were down one, so maybe we can excuse that one.
Luckily for Fogg, Johnson missed the front end of his one-and-one, giving Arizona the ball in a tie game. Despite having two of the best players in the country in Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill, interim head coach Russ Pennell's choice for a last shot was an isolation for Nic Wise, who missed an off-balance jumper with four seconds left.
Paul Delaney III of UAB grabbed the long rebound and started heading up court for a desperation heave from midcourt -- except Arizona's Jamelle Horne decided to intentionally foul Delaney about 60 feet from the basket with just 0.8 seconds left. Yup, you read that right. In a tied game, Horne intentionally fouled a player in his own half of the court with under a second left -- after seeing his teammate do almost the same thing about 25 seconds earlier. Not surprisingly, Delaney hit one of the two free throws to give UAB the win.
I mean, a lot of people thought Arizona would struggle this season after the abrupt departure of Olson in October -- but having two players commit almost equally dumb fouls (I take that back, Horne's was far worse) within 25 seconds of each other took those potential struggles to a whole new level.
Here's video of the ridiculous ending: Arizona-UAB NIT Season Tip-Off Ending
First, after being down 64-53, the Wildcats made a nice comeback to cut the lead to three. Then, freshman Garland Junkins got fouled. He hit the first free throw and missed the second -- but fellow frosh Josh Fogg picked up the loose offensive rebound and laid it back in to tie the game at 71. On the ensuing inbounds pass, Fogg -- for some reason -- decided to foul UAB's Aaron Johnson. Sure, he's just a freshman and may have thought the Wildcats were down one, so maybe we can excuse that one.
Luckily for Fogg, Johnson missed the front end of his one-and-one, giving Arizona the ball in a tie game. Despite having two of the best players in the country in Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill, interim head coach Russ Pennell's choice for a last shot was an isolation for Nic Wise, who missed an off-balance jumper with four seconds left.
Paul Delaney III of UAB grabbed the long rebound and started heading up court for a desperation heave from midcourt -- except Arizona's Jamelle Horne decided to intentionally foul Delaney about 60 feet from the basket with just 0.8 seconds left. Yup, you read that right. In a tied game, Horne intentionally fouled a player in his own half of the court with under a second left -- after seeing his teammate do almost the same thing about 25 seconds earlier. Not surprisingly, Delaney hit one of the two free throws to give UAB the win.
I mean, a lot of people thought Arizona would struggle this season after the abrupt departure of Olson in October -- but having two players commit almost equally dumb fouls (I take that back, Horne's was far worse) within 25 seconds of each other took those potential struggles to a whole new level.
Here's video of the ridiculous ending: Arizona-UAB NIT Season Tip-Off Ending
Injuries Mount for North Carolina
Will all these injuries eventually catch up to top-ranked North Carolina?With Player of the Year favorite Tyler Hansbrough and starting forward Marcus Ginyard already out, another injury has hit the Tar Heels. Freshman center Tyler Zeller is likely to miss the rest of the season after breaking his left wrist in UNC's win over Kentucky last night, according to Jeff Goodman of FOXSports.com. The injury occurred when Zeller came down on his hand after missing a dunk.
"It doesn't look good; it doesn't give us a good feeling right now," head coach Roy Williams said. Zeller scored 18 points in the season-opener against Penn, but had just two points against Kentucky in his second start in place of Hansbrough.
Photo Credit: AP
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Poor Ol' Ole Miss
After winning 45 games the past two seasons under new head coach Andy Kennedy, Mississippi had high hopes heading into this season. The Rebels were expected to be right in the mix for an NCAA Tournament bid out of the SEC West -- and Blue Ribbon even picked them to win the division. However, just two weeks after Ole Miss lost Trevor Gaskins for the season to a torn ACL, the Rebels have now lost another guard for the year. Arguably the Rebels' most versatile player, Eniel Polynice, will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery this morning showed damage to both knee cartilage and the bone -- more than originally anticipated. "Unfortunately for him, and for us, the rehab process doesn’t look like it will allow him to be back this season," head coach Andy Kennedy said. "Obviously, we’re disappointed, but we’ve got to regroup."
Polynice had problems with his knee last year, and underwent surgery after the season ended. However, it swelled up during the Rebels' season-opener against Arkansas State, forcing him to leave the game. Polynice was the team's second-leading scorer last season, averaging 10.7 points per game to go with 5.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals. With Polynice and Gaskins out, sophomore Chris Warren (15.8 ppg and 4.4 apg last season) and junior David Huertas (24 points and six rebounds in the opener) will have to take on a bigger role, while 6-6 freshman wing Terrico White could get pushed into the starting lineup.
Photo Credit: AP
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 17 Predictions
Prediction Record: 0-0 (ATS: 0-0)
With ESPN kicking off their college basketball coverage with a 23-hour marathon of college hoops coverage, I've decided it's time to get started with my daily game predictions. As I did last year, I will be predicting games with the spread, and will post my prediction record, both straight-up and ATS. If my score seems close to the spread, it's purely coincidence -- I type in my predictions, then add the spread at the end.
Note: For tonight, I will predicting each game in the ESPN marathon; normally, I select the top games of the night to predict.
Massachusetts at Memphis (-15.5): Prediction: Memphis 92, Massachusetts 77
Fresno State at Saint Mary's (-21): Prediction: Saint Mary's 79, Fresno State 65
Idaho State at Hawaii (-5): Prediction: Hawaii 71, Idaho State 67
Penn at Drexel (-2): Prediction: Penn 68, Drexel 65
Liberty at UNC-Asheville (OFF): Prediction: Liberty 70, UNC-Asheville 62
Centenary at Baylor (OFF): Prediction: Baylor 104, Centenary 61
Richmond at Syracuse (-16.5): Prediction: Syracuse 88, Richmond 72
Loyola-Chicago at Purdue (-18.5): Prediction: Purdue 78, Loyola-Chicago 62
St. John's at Boston College (-8): Prediction: Boston College 70, St. John's 63
Kentucky at North Carolina (-16): Prediction: North Carolina 85, Kentucky 74
Florida Gulf Coast at Kansas (OFF): Prediction: Kansas 109, Florida Gulf Coast 66
Davidson at Oklahoma (-5): Prediction: Oklahoma 76, Davidson 70
UAB at Arizona (-5.5): Prediction: Arizona 79, UAB 75
With ESPN kicking off their college basketball coverage with a 23-hour marathon of college hoops coverage, I've decided it's time to get started with my daily game predictions. As I did last year, I will be predicting games with the spread, and will post my prediction record, both straight-up and ATS. If my score seems close to the spread, it's purely coincidence -- I type in my predictions, then add the spread at the end.
Note: For tonight, I will predicting each game in the ESPN marathon; normally, I select the top games of the night to predict.
Massachusetts at Memphis (-15.5): Prediction: Memphis 92, Massachusetts 77
Fresno State at Saint Mary's (-21): Prediction: Saint Mary's 79, Fresno State 65
Idaho State at Hawaii (-5): Prediction: Hawaii 71, Idaho State 67
Penn at Drexel (-2): Prediction: Penn 68, Drexel 65
Liberty at UNC-Asheville (OFF): Prediction: Liberty 70, UNC-Asheville 62
Centenary at Baylor (OFF): Prediction: Baylor 104, Centenary 61
Richmond at Syracuse (-16.5): Prediction: Syracuse 88, Richmond 72
Loyola-Chicago at Purdue (-18.5): Prediction: Purdue 78, Loyola-Chicago 62
St. John's at Boston College (-8): Prediction: Boston College 70, St. John's 63
Kentucky at North Carolina (-16): Prediction: North Carolina 85, Kentucky 74
Florida Gulf Coast at Kansas (OFF): Prediction: Kansas 109, Florida Gulf Coast 66
Davidson at Oklahoma (-5): Prediction: Oklahoma 76, Davidson 70
UAB at Arizona (-5.5): Prediction: Arizona 79, UAB 75
Monday, November 10, 2008
Preseason Bracket Breakdown
FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2008-2009 SEASON, CLICK HERE
2008-2009 Preseason Bracket Breakdown
Breakdown by Conference
ACC (6): North Carolina, Duke, Miami (Fl.), Wake Forest, Clemson, Virginia Tech
Big East (9): Connecticut, Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Marquette, Georgetown, Syracuse, West Virginia
Big Ten (4): Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Ohio State
Big 12 (5): Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, Kansas, Texas A&M
Pac-10 (5): UCLA, Arizona, USC, Washington, Arizona
SEC (5): Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Alabama
Atlantic-10 (2): Xavier, Saint Joseph’s
Conference-USA (2): Memphis, UAB
Missouri Valley (2): Creighton, Illinois State
Mountain West (2): UNLV, BYU
West Coast (3): Gonzaga, Saint Mary's, San Diego
One-Bid Conferences (20): America East (Vermont); Atlantic Sun (Jacksonville); Big Sky (Portland State); Big South (Radford); Big West (Cal State Northridge); Colonial (VCU); Horizon (Cleveland State); Ivy (Cornell); MAC (Kent State); MAAC (Siena); MEAC (Morgan State); Northeast (Mount St. Mary's); Ohio Valley (Tennessee-Martin); Patriot (American); Southern (Davidson); Southland (Stephen F. Austin); Summit (Oakland); Sun Belt (Middle Tennessee); SWAC (Jackson State); WAC (Nevada)
Last Four In: Saint Joseph’s, Illinois State, Alabama, Arizona
Last Four Out: Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Temple, Massachusetts
Next Four Out: Providence, Southern Illinois, Tulsa, Missouri
NCAA TOURNAMENT PREDICTIONS
National Champion: North Carolina
National Runner-up: Connecticut
Final Four: Louisville
Final Four: Michigan State
Elite Eight: Notre Dame
Elite Eight: Gonzaga
Elite Eight: UCLA
Elite Eight: Villanova
Cinderella: Siena
Bust: Marquette
2008-2009 Preseason Bracket Breakdown
Breakdown by Conference
ACC (6): North Carolina, Duke, Miami (Fl.), Wake Forest, Clemson, Virginia Tech
Big East (9): Connecticut, Louisville, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Marquette, Georgetown, Syracuse, West Virginia
Big Ten (4): Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Ohio State
Big 12 (5): Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, Kansas, Texas A&M
Pac-10 (5): UCLA, Arizona, USC, Washington, Arizona
SEC (5): Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Alabama
Atlantic-10 (2): Xavier, Saint Joseph’s
Conference-USA (2): Memphis, UAB
Missouri Valley (2): Creighton, Illinois State
Mountain West (2): UNLV, BYU
West Coast (3): Gonzaga, Saint Mary's, San Diego
One-Bid Conferences (20): America East (Vermont); Atlantic Sun (Jacksonville); Big Sky (Portland State); Big South (Radford); Big West (Cal State Northridge); Colonial (VCU); Horizon (Cleveland State); Ivy (Cornell); MAC (Kent State); MAAC (Siena); MEAC (Morgan State); Northeast (Mount St. Mary's); Ohio Valley (Tennessee-Martin); Patriot (American); Southern (Davidson); Southland (Stephen F. Austin); Summit (Oakland); Sun Belt (Middle Tennessee); SWAC (Jackson State); WAC (Nevada)
Last Four In: Saint Joseph’s, Illinois State, Alabama, Arizona
Last Four Out: Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Temple, Massachusetts
Next Four Out: Providence, Southern Illinois, Tulsa, Missouri
NCAA TOURNAMENT PREDICTIONS
National Champion: North Carolina
National Runner-up: Connecticut
Final Four: Louisville
Final Four: Michigan State
Elite Eight: Notre Dame
Elite Eight: Gonzaga
Elite Eight: UCLA
Elite Eight: Villanova
Cinderella: Siena
Bust: Marquette
Preseason All-Americans and Awards
FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2008-2009 SEASON, CLICK HERE
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: DeMar DeRozan, USC
First Team All-America:
G- Darren Collison, UCLA
G- Stephen Curry, Davidson
F- Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
F/C- Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
F/C- Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Second Team All-America:
G- Ty Lawson, North Carolina
G- A.J. Price, Connecticut
G/F- James Harden, Arizona State
F- Tyler Smith, Tennessee
F- Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
Third Team All-America:
G- Tyrese Rice, Boston College
G/F- DeMar DeRozan, USC
F- Sam Young, Pittsburgh
F- Damion James, Texas
F- Jon Brockman, Washington
Just Missed: Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga; Eric Maynor, VCU; Patty Mills, Saint Mary's; Chase Budinger, Arizona; Austin Daye, Gonzaga; A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt; Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
All-Freshman Team:
G- Jrue Holiday, UCLA
G- Tyreke Evans, Memphis
G- Willie Warren, Oklahoma
G/F- DeMar DeRozan, USC
F- Samardo Samuels, Louisville
Second Team:
G- Kemba Walker, Connecticut
G- Scotty Hopson, Tennessee
F- Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
F- Greg Monroe, Georgetown
C- B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Freshman of the Year: DeMar DeRozan, USC
First Team All-America:
G- Darren Collison, UCLA
G- Stephen Curry, Davidson
F- Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
F/C- Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
F/C- Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Second Team All-America:
G- Ty Lawson, North Carolina
G- A.J. Price, Connecticut
G/F- James Harden, Arizona State
F- Tyler Smith, Tennessee
F- Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
Third Team All-America:
G- Tyrese Rice, Boston College
G/F- DeMar DeRozan, USC
F- Sam Young, Pittsburgh
F- Damion James, Texas
F- Jon Brockman, Washington
Just Missed: Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga; Eric Maynor, VCU; Patty Mills, Saint Mary's; Chase Budinger, Arizona; Austin Daye, Gonzaga; A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt; Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
All-Freshman Team:
G- Jrue Holiday, UCLA
G- Tyreke Evans, Memphis
G- Willie Warren, Oklahoma
G/F- DeMar DeRozan, USC
F- Samardo Samuels, Louisville
Second Team:
G- Kemba Walker, Connecticut
G- Scotty Hopson, Tennessee
F- Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
F- Greg Monroe, Georgetown
C- B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Preseason Top 25
FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2008-2009 SEASON, CLICK HERE
1. North Carolina
2. Connecticut
3. Louisville
4. UCLA
5. Duke
6. Notre Dame
7. Michigan State
8. Pittsburgh
9. Purdue
10. Texas
11. Gonzaga
12. Oklahoma
13. Tennessee
14. Memphis
15. Arizona State
16. Villanova
17. Marquette
18. Miami (Fl.)
19. Georgetown
20. USC
21. Saint Mary's
22. Baylor
23. Wake Forest
24. UNLV
25. Wisconsin
Just Missed: Syracuse, Florida, Davidson, Ohio State, Kansas, Kentucky
1. North Carolina
2. Connecticut
3. Louisville
4. UCLA
5. Duke
6. Notre Dame
7. Michigan State
8. Pittsburgh
9. Purdue
10. Texas
11. Gonzaga
12. Oklahoma
13. Tennessee
14. Memphis
15. Arizona State
16. Villanova
17. Marquette
18. Miami (Fl.)
19. Georgetown
20. USC
21. Saint Mary's
22. Baylor
23. Wake Forest
24. UNLV
25. Wisconsin
Just Missed: Syracuse, Florida, Davidson, Ohio State, Kansas, Kentucky
Friday, November 7, 2008
Big East Conference Preview
FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2008-2009 SEASON, CLICK HERE
Player of the Year: Luke Harangody, F, Notre Dame
Newcomer of the Year: Samardo Samuels, F/C, Louisville
All-Conference Team:
G- A.J. Price, Connecticut
G- Jerel McNeal, Marquette
F- Sam Young, Pittsburgh
F- Terrence Williams, Louisville
C- Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Second Team:
G- Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
G- Scottie Reynolds, Villanova
F- Earl Clark, Louisville
F- DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
F- Jeff Adrien, Connecticut
Third Team:
G- Levance Fields, Pittsburgh
G- Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati
G- Kyle McAlarney, Notre Dame
F- Paul Harris, Syracuse
F- DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Projected Order of Finish
1. Connecticut
2. Louisville
3. Notre Dame
4. Pittsburgh
5. Villanova
6. Marquette
7. Georgetown
8. Syracuse
9. West Virginia
10. Providence
11. Cincinnati
12. Seton Hall
13. Rutgers
14. South Florida
15. DePaul
16. St. John's
Player of the Year: Luke Harangody, F, Notre Dame
Newcomer of the Year: Samardo Samuels, F/C, Louisville
All-Conference Team:
G- A.J. Price, Connecticut
G- Jerel McNeal, Marquette
F- Sam Young, Pittsburgh
F- Terrence Williams, Louisville
C- Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Second Team:
G- Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
G- Scottie Reynolds, Villanova
F- Earl Clark, Louisville
F- DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
F- Jeff Adrien, Connecticut
Third Team:
G- Levance Fields, Pittsburgh
G- Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati
G- Kyle McAlarney, Notre Dame
F- Paul Harris, Syracuse
F- DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Projected Order of Finish
1. Connecticut
2. Louisville
3. Notre Dame
4. Pittsburgh
5. Villanova
6. Marquette
7. Georgetown
8. Syracuse
9. West Virginia
10. Providence
11. Cincinnati
12. Seton Hall
13. Rutgers
14. South Florida
15. DePaul
16. St. John's
Thursday, November 6, 2008
ACC Preview
FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2008-2009 SEASON, CLICK HERE
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough, F/C, North Carolina
Newcomer of the Year: Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest
All-Conference Team:
G- Ty Lawson, North Carolina
G- Tyrese Rice, Boston College
G- Jack McClinton, Miami (Fl.)
F- Kyle Singler, Duke
C- Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Second Team:
G- Wayne Ellington, North Carolina
G- K.C. Rivers, Clemson
G- Greivis Vasquez, Maryland
G/F- Gerald Henderson, Duke
F- James Johnson, Wake Forest
Third Team:
G- Toney Douglas, Florida State
G/F- A.D. Vassallo, Virginia Tech
F- Brandon Costner, North Carolina State
F- Jeff Allen, Virginia Tech
F- Trevor Booker, Clemson
Projected Order of Finish
1. North Carolina
2. Duke
3. Miami (Fl.)
4. Wake Forest
5. Clemson
6. Virginia Tech
7. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech
9. North Carolina State
10. Florida State
11. Boston College
12. Virginia
Player of the Year: Tyler Hansbrough, F/C, North Carolina
Newcomer of the Year: Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest
All-Conference Team:
G- Ty Lawson, North Carolina
G- Tyrese Rice, Boston College
G- Jack McClinton, Miami (Fl.)
F- Kyle Singler, Duke
C- Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Second Team:
G- Wayne Ellington, North Carolina
G- K.C. Rivers, Clemson
G- Greivis Vasquez, Maryland
G/F- Gerald Henderson, Duke
F- James Johnson, Wake Forest
Third Team:
G- Toney Douglas, Florida State
G/F- A.D. Vassallo, Virginia Tech
F- Brandon Costner, North Carolina State
F- Jeff Allen, Virginia Tech
F- Trevor Booker, Clemson
Projected Order of Finish
1. North Carolina
2. Duke
3. Miami (Fl.)
4. Wake Forest
5. Clemson
6. Virginia Tech
7. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech
9. North Carolina State
10. Florida State
11. Boston College
12. Virginia
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Pac-10 Conference Preview
FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2008-2009 SEASON, CLICK HERE
Player of the Year: Darren Collison, G, UCLA
Newcomer of the Year: DeMar DeRozan, G/F, USC
All-Conference Team:
G- Darren Collison, UCLA
G/F- James Harden, Arizona State
G/F- DeMar DeRozan, USC
F- Chase Budinger, Arizona
F- Jon Brockman, Washington
Second Team:
G- Jrue Holiday, UCLA
G- Josh Shipp, UCLA
F/C- Jeff Penderaph, Arizona State
F/C- Taj Gibson, USC
F/C- Jordan Hill, Arizona
Third Team:
G- Patrick Christopher, California
G- Daniel Hackett, USC
G- Taylor Rochestie, Washington State
G- Tajuan Porter, Oregon
F- Lawrence Hill, Stanford
Projected Order of Finish
1. UCLA
2. Arizona State
3. USC
4. Washington
5. Arizona
6. Washington State
7. California
8. Oregon
9. Stanford
10. Oregon State
Player of the Year: Darren Collison, G, UCLA
Newcomer of the Year: DeMar DeRozan, G/F, USC
All-Conference Team:
G- Darren Collison, UCLA
G/F- James Harden, Arizona State
G/F- DeMar DeRozan, USC
F- Chase Budinger, Arizona
F- Jon Brockman, Washington
Second Team:
G- Jrue Holiday, UCLA
G- Josh Shipp, UCLA
F/C- Jeff Penderaph, Arizona State
F/C- Taj Gibson, USC
F/C- Jordan Hill, Arizona
Third Team:
G- Patrick Christopher, California
G- Daniel Hackett, USC
G- Taylor Rochestie, Washington State
G- Tajuan Porter, Oregon
F- Lawrence Hill, Stanford
Projected Order of Finish
1. UCLA
2. Arizona State
3. USC
4. Washington
5. Arizona
6. Washington State
7. California
8. Oregon
9. Stanford
10. Oregon State
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Big 12 Conference Preview
FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2008-2009 SEASON, CLICK HERE
Player of the Year: Blake Griffin, F/C, Oklahoma
Newcomer of the Year: Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma
All-Conference Team:
G- Curtis Jerrells, Baylor
G- A.J. Abrams, Texas
G- Sherron Collins, Kansas
F- Damion James, Texas
C- Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Second Team:
G- James Anderson, Oklahoma State
G- Byron Eaton, Oklahoma State
G/F- Josh Carter, Texas A&M
F- DeMarre Carroll, Missouri
F- Kevin Rogers, Baylor
Third Team:
G- LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor
G- Willie Warren, Oklahoma
G- Alan Voskuil, Texas Tech
F- Leo Lyons, Missouri
F- Craig Brackins, Iowa State
Projected Order of Finish
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Baylor
4. Kansas
5. Texas A&M
6. Oklahoma State
7. Missouri
8. Nebraska
9. Kansas State
10. Texas Tech
11. Iowa State
12. Colorado
Player of the Year: Blake Griffin, F/C, Oklahoma
Newcomer of the Year: Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma
All-Conference Team:
G- Curtis Jerrells, Baylor
G- A.J. Abrams, Texas
G- Sherron Collins, Kansas
F- Damion James, Texas
C- Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Second Team:
G- James Anderson, Oklahoma State
G- Byron Eaton, Oklahoma State
G/F- Josh Carter, Texas A&M
F- DeMarre Carroll, Missouri
F- Kevin Rogers, Baylor
Third Team:
G- LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor
G- Willie Warren, Oklahoma
G- Alan Voskuil, Texas Tech
F- Leo Lyons, Missouri
F- Craig Brackins, Iowa State
Projected Order of Finish
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Baylor
4. Kansas
5. Texas A&M
6. Oklahoma State
7. Missouri
8. Nebraska
9. Kansas State
10. Texas Tech
11. Iowa State
12. Colorado
Monday, November 3, 2008
SEC Preview
FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2008-2009 SEASON, CLICK HERE
Player of the Year: Tyler Smith, F, Tennessee
Newcomer of the Year: Scotty Hopson, G, Tennessee
Steele, Thornton, Barber, Chism, Varnado, Johnson
All-Conference Team:
G- Devan Downey, South Carolina
G- Nick Calathes, Florida
F- Tyler Smith, Tennessee
F- Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
C- A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt
Second Team:
G- Chris Warren, Mississippi
G- Marcus Thornton, LSU
F- Tasmin Mitchell, LSU
F- Alonzo Gee, Alabama
C- Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State
Third Team:
G- Ronald Steele, Alabama
G- Scotty Hopson, Tennessee
F- Korvotney Barber, Auburn
F- Wayne Chism, Tennessee
C- Chris Johnson, LSU
Projected Order of Finish
East
1. Tennessee
2. Florida
3. Kentucky
4. Vanderbilt
5. South Carolina
6. Georgia
West
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Mississippi
4. Mississippi State
5. Auburn
6. Arkansas
Player of the Year: Tyler Smith, F, Tennessee
Newcomer of the Year: Scotty Hopson, G, Tennessee
Steele, Thornton, Barber, Chism, Varnado, Johnson
All-Conference Team:
G- Devan Downey, South Carolina
G- Nick Calathes, Florida
F- Tyler Smith, Tennessee
F- Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
C- A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt
Second Team:
G- Chris Warren, Mississippi
G- Marcus Thornton, LSU
F- Tasmin Mitchell, LSU
F- Alonzo Gee, Alabama
C- Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State
Third Team:
G- Ronald Steele, Alabama
G- Scotty Hopson, Tennessee
F- Korvotney Barber, Auburn
F- Wayne Chism, Tennessee
C- Chris Johnson, LSU
Projected Order of Finish
East
1. Tennessee
2. Florida
3. Kentucky
4. Vanderbilt
5. South Carolina
6. Georgia
West
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Mississippi
4. Mississippi State
5. Auburn
6. Arkansas
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