Friday, October 29, 2010

Southern Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

With Stephen Curry and the rest of his mates no longer at Davidson, the Southern Conference was expected to be wide-open last season. That turned out to be true, as five teams finished with double-digit league wins. The conference champion ended up being Wofford, which bounced back from a 0-2 start to finish 15-3. Charleston lost two of its final five to finish second at 14-4, while Appalachian State won the North Division at 13-5. Western Carolina and, yes, Davidson finished 11-7. In the conference tournament, the top two seeds in each division advanced to the semifinals, before the North Division champ Wofford knocked off South Division champ Appalachian State in the title game. The Terriers lost by only four to Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament, and are poised to take the next step this season. Who will stand in their way?

South Division

  • 1. Wofford: Can the Terriers win an NCAA game this season? Noah Dahlman is a beast in the paint, while Tim Johnson is also solid up front. Jamar Diggs anchors the backcourt.
  • 2. Charleston: The Cougars need to replace Tony White, but Andrew Goudelock is a big-time scorer, and Donovan Monroe and Jeremy Simmons are a good inside-outside duo.
  • 3. Davidson: Jake Cohen is a difficult match-up at the forward spot, while guards J.P. Kulhman and Brendan McKillop are both double-figure scorers in the backcourt.
  • 4. The Citadel: The Bulldogs return most of the pieces from last year’s fourth-place finish, including all-conference guard Cameron Wells and shooter Zach Urbanus.
  • 5. Furman: The Paladins have one of the better tandems in the league in Jordan Miller and Amu Saaka, but there is still a logjam in the South Division that they can’t break through.
  • 6. Georgia Southern: If Willie Powers hadn’t suffered a season-ending injury in the summer, this ranking would be higher. Freshmen Jelani Hewitt and Eric Ferguson will make immediate impacts.

North Division

  • 1. Appalachian State: Donald Sims is one of the best mid-major guards in the country, and Ike Butts is tough down low. Transfer Omar Carter will make a big-time impact.
  • 2. Chattanooga: Ricky Taylor and Keegan Bell lead a deep and balanced group. Look for Georgetown transfer Omar Wattad to start immediately after sitting out.
  • 3. Western Carolina: Last year the Catamounts had an up-and-down campaign, and they return only two starters. Mike Williams and Harouna Mutombo are solid on the perimeter.
  • 4. Elon: Guards Drew Spradlin and Chris Long will anchor the team in the backcourt, although a couple of blue-collar freshmen could make an impact up front.
  • 5. UNC-Greensboro: The Spartans struggled last season, winning just eight games. They lose four starters from that team, but return guards Kyle Randall and Brandon Evans.
  • 6. Samford: Because the Bulldogs run the Princeton offense, this could be the year they put it together and make a run. Guard Josh Davis is an all-conference candidate.

Player of the Year: Noah Dahlman, Wofford

All-Conference Team:

  • G- Donald Sims, Appalachian State
  • G- Cameron Wells, The Citadel
  • G- Andrew Goudelock, Charleston
  • F- Amu Saaka, Furman
  • F- Noah Dahlman, Wofford

Second Team:

  • G- J.P. Kuhlman, Davidson
  • G- Drew Spradlin, Elon
  • G- Jordan Miller, Furman
  • F- Jake Cohen, Davidson
  • F- Jeremy Simmons, Charleston

Mid-American Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The Mid-American Conference was annually one of the best mid-major conferences in college basketball several years ago, consistently producing an NCAA Tournament threat with a couple of at-large possibilities. Last year did not have that, but featured an excellent conference race that came down to the season’s final day, when Kent State went into Akron and knocked off the Zips to finish 13-3, one game ahead of Akron. Central Michigan won the West Division title with a 9-7 record. The postseason brought nothing but madness. The top two seeds were upset in the quarterfinals, while No. 9 seed Ohio reached the title game and then knocked off No. 3 seed Akron. It didn’t end there, as Ohio went on to blow out Georgetown in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Tennessee. Will Ohio be on top from day one this year?

East Division

  • 1. Ohio: The Bobcats hope last year’s momentum carries over to this season. D.J. Cooper runs the show, but he has plenty of weapons in shooters Tommy Freeman and Steven Coleman, and athletic forward DeVaughn Washington.
  • 2. Akron: This ranking depends largely on the development of sophomore center Zeke Marshall. He combines with Brett McKnight to form a very good frontcourt duo.
  • 3. Kent State: After a disappointing finish to last season, the Golden Flashes lost several key cogs. Guard Rodriquez Sherman and forward Justin Greene are a solid inside-outside tandem.
  • 4. Miami (Ohio): Leading scorer Kenny Hayes is gone, but the Redhawks have some solid weapons back in center Julian Mavunga and guard Nick Winbush.
  • 5. Bowling Green: The Falcons look to improve on last year’s last-place finish behind all-conference forward Scott Thomas and a deep perimeter group.
  • 6. Buffalo: Six seniors – including the top five scorers – are gone from a team that had been competitive for a couple of years. Titus Robinson has to be reliable.

West Division

  • 1. Ball State: With Jarrod Jones anchoring the interior and double-figure scorers Jauwan Scaife and Randy Davis on the perimeter, the Cardinals should pace the West.
  • 2. Central Michigan: Three starters are gone from last year’s first-place team, but freshman Trey Ziegler is immediately one of the best players in the league.
  • 3. Eastern Michigan: Forward Brandon Bowdry might be the most dominant player in the league, but he will need more help on the perimeter, namely JC transfer Darrell Lampley.
  • 4. Western Michigan: David Kool had been the face of the Broncos for several years, but he is now gone. In his place will be all-conference forward Flenard Whitfield.
  • 5. Northern Illinois: Former Colorado transfer Xavier Silas is the league’s top scorer, but he has little help offensively. Freshman Kyree Jones could help.
  • 6. Toledo: The Rockets won just one game in the MAC last season, and only four overall. Moreover, three starters are gone. Justin Anyijong is the top returnee.

Player of the Year: D.J. Cooper, Ohio

All-Conference Team:

  • G- D.J. Cooper, Ohio
  • G- Xavier Silas, Northern Illinois
  • F- Justin Greene, Kent State
  • F- Brandon Bowdry, Eastern Michigan
  • F- Jarrod Jones, Ball State

Second Team:

  • G- Trey Ziegler, Central Michigan
  • F- Brett McKnight, Akron
  • F- Scott Thomas, Bowling Green
  • F- Julian Mavunga, Miami (Ohio)
  • C- Zeke Marshall, Akron

Sun Belt Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

Wow. That’s the only way one can describe the regular season race that the Sun Belt experienced last season. Three teams tied for the league title at 13-5, while Western Kentucky finished one game back, at 12-6. Arkansas State went 11-7, and three more teams went 10-8. In the end, Troy won the tiebreaker over Middle Tennessee State and West Division champ North Texas for the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. The conference tournament, not surprisingly, was wide-open. Eventual champion North Texas won the tournament, despite winning their three games by an average of just over four points per game. The Mean Green fell to Kansas State in the NCAA Tournament. Expect another wide-open race this season.

East Division

  • 1. Western Kentucky: The frontcourt trio of forwards Steffphon Pettigrew and Sergio Kerusch, and Oklahoma transfer Juan Patillo, should be formidable.
  • 2. Florida Atlantic: Mike Jarvis brings back a super sophomore backcourt of Greg Gantt and Ray Taylor, as well as Defensive Player of the Year Brett Royster.
  • 3. South Alabama: Four starters return for the Jaguars, including all-conference guard Tim Williams. Martino Brock provides scoring on the wing.
  • 4. Middle Tennessee: James Washington is the lone double-figure scorer returning, but the Blue Raiders bring in a nice recruiting class with impact players.
  • 5. FIU: If freshmen Dominique Ferguson and Phil Taylor are eligible, they form one of the more talented duos in the league. Marvin Roberts returns and transfer Alex Legion will make an impact.
  • 6. Troy: The Trojans will likely go from first to last in the East Division. They lose all five starters from last season, and will build around Vernon Taylor.

West Division

  • 1. North Texas: Look out for the Mean Green if they make it to the NCAA Tournament. Tristan Thompson and Josh White form a dynamite backcourt, and George Odufuwa is a double-double monster.
  • 2. Arkansas State: The loss of Brandon Reed to Georgia Tech hurts, but big man Martavius Adams is solid and Daniel Bryant can fill it up.
  • 3. Denver: Four starters return for a Pioneers team that finished in third place. Brian Stafford is the top returnee, but frosh Brian Udofia will make an impact.
  • 4. Louisiana-Lafayette: If Chris Gradnigo didn’t leave in the summer, this team might be higher. As it stands, Randell Daigle will have to carry the offense.
  • 5. UALR: Five players with starting experience return for the Trojans, but they finished in sixth place last season. Solomon Bozeman is a playmaker.
  • 6. Louisiana-Monroe: The key player for the Warhawks will be Kansas State transfer Fred Brown, who will lead a depleted roster for new coach Keith Richard.

Player of the Year: George Odufuwa, F, North Texas

All-Conference Team:

  • G- Tim Williams, South Alabama
  • G- Ray Taylor, Florida Atlantic
  • G- Tristan Thompson, North Texas
  • F- George Odufuwa, North Texas
  • F- Stepphon Pettigrew, Western Kentucky

Second Team:

  • G- Greg Gantt, Florida Atlantic
  • G- Josh White, North Texas
  • G- Fred Brown, Louisiana-Monroe
  • F- Sergio Kerusch, Western Kentucky
  • C- Martavious Adams, Arkansas State

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Big West Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

Does the Big West ever produce a season that isn’t entertaining with a tight race for first-place? Last year was no different, as UC Santa Barbara and Pacific finished in a tie at the top of the standings, with both teams going 12-4. By virtue of UCSB sweeping Pacific, the Gauchos got the first seed in the conference tournament. After those two, there was a drop off to spots three through five, as Long Beach State, Cal State Fullerton and UC Davis each finished 8-8. In the conference tournament, UCSB defeated Long Beach State in the title game – might we see a rematch for a championship this season? Ohio State defeated UCSB in the first round, but the Gauchos are looking to win a game this season.

  • 1. UC Santa Barbara: Look out for this team in the NCAA Tournament. The Gauchos return five starters from last year’s team, including Orlando Johnson and James Nunnally.
  • 2. Long Beach State: The 49ers have plenty of talent; they just need to play to their potential. T.J. Robinson is a double-double monster, and Larry Anderson is athletic.
  • 3. Pacific: The Tigers are always in the mix for a conference title, and this year will be no different. Sam Willard and Demetrece Young form a solid inside-outside tandem.
  • 4. UC Davis: When a team can throw match-up problems Mark Payne and Joe Harden out there, they can’t be counted out. Payne’s health is a big factor.
  • 5. Cal Poly: There is plenty of excitement in San Luis Obispo due to the arrival of Amaurys Fermin and the return of three double-figure scorers.
  • 6. UC Irvine: If Maxime Chupin is cleared to play, this team could move up. As it stands, Darren Moore and Eric Wise are a formidable inside-outside combo.
  • 7. Cal State Fullerton: The Titans will revolve around all-conference candidate Jer’Vaughn Johnson, but need a host of newcomers to contribute.
  • 8. Cal State Northridge: Lenny Daniel is the team’s lone returning double-figure scorers, but a return to healthy by Rashaun McLemore could make a difference.
  • 9. UC Riverside: The Highlanders finished last in the conference a year ago, and only one player who saw minutes last season returns. This is a rebuilding job.

Player of the Year: Orlando Johnson, G, UC-Santa Barbara

All-Conference Team:

  • G- Orlando Johnson, UC-Santa Barbara
  • G- Mark Payne, UC-Davis
  • F- Eric Wise, UC-Irvine
  • F- James Nunnally, UC-Santa Barbara
  • F- T.J. Robinson, Long Beach State

Second Team:

  • G- Joe Harden, UC-Davis
  • G- Demetrece Young, Pacific
  • G- Casper Ware, Long Beach State
  • F- Sam Willard, Pacific
  • F- Lenny Daniel, Cal State Northridge

Ohio Valley Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

Expected to be a tight race for the top spot between Murray State and preseason favorite Morehead State, the Ohio Valley Conference was Murray State’s race to lose from early December. That is when the Racers knocked off Morehead State by 30 points and sent a message. Murray State went on to get off to a 16-0 start before falling to Morehead in the next-to-last game of the season. Morehead finished in second at 15-3, two games back of Murray State. Three teams tied at 11-7, while five teams finished below .500. The Racers struggled in the conference tournament, but knocked off Morehead State in the title game and then upset Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They took Butler to the wire in the second round before losing by two. They are the favorite once again in the conference.

  • 1. Murray State: The defending OVC champions were two points from the Sweet Sixteen, and they could get there this season. They are loaded on the perimeter, and have Ivan Aska down low.
  • 2. Morehead State: Can Kenneth Faried carry the Racers to the Big Dance? He will have help in the backcourt with all-conference guard Demonte Harper.
  • 3. Eastern Kentucky: Justin Stommes is one of the tougher match-ups in the league, while Joshua Jones and New Orleans transfer Devin McDonald are solid guards.
  • 4. Eastern Illinois: The Panthers won seven straight games to end the regular season last year, and have a very good guard duo in Tyler Laser and Jeremy Granger.
  • 5. Austin Peay: The Governors return four starters from a third-place finish last year, including all-conference forward Anthony Campbell and center John Fraley.
  • 6. Tennessee Tech: Look for the Golden Eagles to improve from last season, due to the return of Kevin Murphy and the addition of Zac Swansey.
  • 7. Southeast Missouri State: The Redhawks finished ninth last season, but they return three starters and bring in JC transfer Marcus Brister at guard.
  • 8. Jacksonville State: The late loss of Trenton Marshall really hurts, but guard Nick Murphy is a very good scorer and rebounder, while Jeremy Bynum is solid.
  • 9. Tennessee State: The inside-outside trio of guards Jacquan Nobles and Will Peters and forward Robert Covington will carry the Tigers this season.
  • 10. Tennessee-Martin: Don’t completely write off the Skyhawks, who won only one OVC game last season. Benzor Simmons is a solid go-to-guy.

Player of the Year: Kenneth Faried, F/C, Morehead State

All-Conference Team:

  • G- Isaiah Canaan, Murray State
  • G- B.J. Jenkins, Murray State
  • G- Tyler Laser, Eastern Illinois
  • F- Anthony Campbell, Austin Peay
  • F/C- Kenneth Faried, Morehead State

Second Team:

  • G- Isacc Miles, Murray State
  • G- Demonte Harper, Morehead State
  • G- Nick Murphy, Jacksonville State
  • F- Kevin Murphy, Tennessee Tech
  • F- Justin Sommes, Eastern Kentucky

Summit League Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The Summit League was pegged as Oakland’s conference to lose from the outset of the season a year ago, and the Golden Grizzlies didn’t disappoint. While they didn’t necessarily dominate the competition, they still won the conference by two games over IUPUI, which finished 15-3. They were also Oakland’s lone league loss. Oral Roberts came in third at 13-5, while South Dakota State was the only other team to finish above .500 in Summit League play. The Golden Grizzlies rolled in the conference tournament as well, winning their three games by an average of 13.3 points. However, they fell to Pittsburgh by 23 in the NCAA Tournament; can Oakland win a game in the Big Dance this time around?

  • 1. Oakland: The defending champions return Player of the Year Keith Benson, and have a solid backcourt tandem in Larry Wright and UMKC transfer Reggie Hamilton.
  • 2. Oral Roberts: The Golden Eagles have the best forward tandem in the conference in Michael Craion and Dominique Morrison, while Warren Niles is a good guard.
  • 3. IUPUI: Last year’s runner-up, the Jaguars return a terrific forward in Alex Young and a solid wing in Leroy Nobles. They need to replace Robert Glenn, though.
  • 4. North Dakota State: After a huge dropoff last season, the Bison are looking to bounce back behind forwards Michael Tveidt and Eric Carlson.
  • 5. South Dakota State: The Jackrabbits lose three starters from a year ago, but the backcourt tandem of Clint Sargent and Nate Wolters is solid.
  • 6. IPFW: Dane Fife has the Mastodons improving every season, and this year they will look to take the next step behind guard Ben Botts.
  • 7. Western Illinois: Ceola Clark III, one of the most versatile and productive all-around players at the mid-major level, will carry the Leathernecks.
  • 8. UMKC: The Kangaroos could be a sleeper this season, as they have forwards Jay Couisnard and Spencer Johnson and a solid backcourt.
  • 9. Southern Utah: The Thunderbirds have a variety of options and some good balance, but they failed to qualify for the league tournament last season.
  • 10. Centenary: Centenary will move to Division-III next season, which led to several of the top players transferring. Don’t expect much from the Gents.

Player of the Year: Keith Benson, C, Oakland

All-Conference Team:

  • G- Ceola Clark III, Western Illinois
  • F- Dominique Morrison, Oral Roberts
  • F- Alex Young, IUPUI
  • F- Michael Tveidt, North Dakota State
  • C- Keith Benson, Oakland

Second Team:

  • G- Jay Couisnard, UMKC
  • G- Clint Sargent, South Dakota State
  • G/F- Leroy Nobles, IUPUI
  • F- Michael Craion, Oral Roberts
  • F- Eric Carlson, North Dakota State

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Atlantic Sun Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

One of the best conference races in the country took place in the Atlantic Sun, and it wasn’t settled until the conference tournament. Four teams ended up tying for first place at 14-6, including Lipscomb, Campbell, Belmont and Jacksonville, while East Tennessee State finished one game back at 13-7. Lipscomb won the tie-breaker and the top seed, with Jacksonville nabbing the second spot, and Belmont and Campbell following them. In the conference tournament, the best team that didn’t finish tied for first emerged the victor. ETSU was certainly helped by Kennesaw State upsetting the No. 1 seed and Mercer making a run to the title game, but the Buccaneers won the conference tournament before losing to Kentucky. Will we see another great title race?

  • 1. East Tennessee State: Last year’s tournament champion returns four starters and brings back forward Mike Smith from a season-ending injury.
  • 2. Lipscomb: The Bison have the league’s best inside-outside duo in Player of the Year Adnan Hodzic and guard Josh Slater. Jordan Burgason can score.
  • 3. Belmont: The Bruins return four starters from a team that tied for the league title. Ian Clark can shoot from three and Mick Hedgepeth is improving.
  • 4. Jacksonville: The Dolphins will have to replace Ben Smith and Lehmon Colbert, who were the team’s most productive players. Ayron Hardy is solid.
  • 5. Kennesaw State: The Owls showed their potential last season, upsetting Lipscomb in the tournament. Markeith Cummings is a tough forward.
  • 6. Campbell: Without highly-productive forward Jonathan Rodriguez, the Camels will have to rely on the backcourt of Lorne Merthie and Junard Hartley.
  • 7. North Florida: The Ospreys will look to take another step forward in their second year of eligibility. They are balanced, but they need to improve offensively.
  • 8. Mercer: The Bears had two of the league’s best players in James Florence and Daniel Emerson, but they are gone. Jeff Smith is the top returnee.
  • 9. Stetson: The Hatters relied in a big way on their freshmen last season, and those players now have a year under their belt. Look for Ridge Graham.
  • 10. Florida Gulf Coast: While they are not eligible for the conference tournament yet, the Eagles have solid parts in Anthony Banks and Reed Baker.
  • 11. USC Upstate: The Spartans finished last in the conference last season, and it doesn’t look much better this year. They do have plenty of newcomers, though.

Player of the Year: Adnan Hodzic, C, Lipscomb

All-Conference Team:

  • G- Ian Clark, Belmont
  • G- Josh Slater, Lipscomb
  • F- Markeith Cummings, Kennesaw State
  • F- Mike Smith, East Tennessee State
  • C- Adnan Hodzic, Lipscomb

Second Team:

  • G- Micah Williams, East Tennessee State
  • G- Tommy Hubbard, East Tennessee State
  • G- Junard Hartley, Campbell
  • F- Anthony Banks, Florida Gulf Coast
  • F/C- Mick Hedgepeth, Belmont

Big Sky Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The Big Sky Conference had a solid race for the league title, as Weber State eventually edged out Northern Colorado by one game. However, Northern Colorado’s loss to Weber State on Feb. 13 essentially clinched the league championship for Weber State, as it gave them a two-game lead with four games left. Weber State finished at 13-3, with Northern Colorado went 12-4. Montana and Montana State both finished 10-6 in Big Sky play, while Northern Arizona went 8-8. In the conference title game, Montana overcame a 22-point deficit behind Anthony Johnson’s 42 points (34 in the second half) to knock off Weber State by one. Montana almost pulled off another comeback in the NCAA Tournament, but fell to New Mexico by five. With Johnson gone, nothing should stop Weber State this time.

  • 1. Weber State: After last season’s heart-breaking loss in the finals, Player of the Year Damian Lillard and forward Kyle Bullinger are hungry for more.
  • 2. Northern Arizona: The Lumberjacks could have the league’s best inside-outside combo in guard Cameron Jones and forward Shane Johannsen.
  • 3. Montana: Despite the loss of Anthony Johnson, the Grizzlies should be in the mix again. Brian Qvale is a dominant center and Will Cherry is solid.
  • 4. Northern Colorado: The Bears won a surprising 25 games last season, but lost coach Tad Boyle to Colorado. Devon Beitzel is the star for this team.
  • 5. Eastern Washington: The Eagles could be a sleeper in the conference, as guard Glen Dean and newcomer Tramayne Johnson form a great duo.
  • 6. Montana State: The Bobcats will have all-conference forward Bobby Howard and scorer Erik Rush back, but they will have to mesh eight newcomers.
  • 7. Portland State: The Vikings are ineligible for the postseason this season due to poor academic performance, but Phil Nelson is a match-up problem.
  • 8. Idaho State: The Bengals were a supreme disappointment last season, winning just seven games in league play. Moreover, only Broderick Gilchrest returns.
  • 9. Sacramento State: The Hornets have nowhere to go but up after finishing in last a year ago. They bring in nine new players who will get immediate time.

Player of the Year: Damian Lillard, G, Weber State

All-Conference Team:

  • G- Cameron Jones, Northern Arizona
  • G- Devon Beitzel, Northern Colorado
  • G- Damian Lillard, Weber State
  • F- Bobby Howard, Montana State
  • C- Brian Qvale, Montana

Second Team:

  • G- Glen Dean, Eastern Washington
  • G- Will Cherry, Montana
  • G- Broderick Gilchrest, Idaho State
  • F- Phil Nelson, Portland State
  • F- Shane Johannsen, Northern Arizona