2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Penn St.

Coach: Patrick Chambers- 0-0

Lost: G Talor Battle, F Jeff Brooks, F David Jackson, F Andrew Jones, G Taran Buie (transfer)

Returning:  PG Tim Frazier (Jr), G Jermaine Marshall (RS So), F Billy Oliver (So), G/F Cammeron Woodyard (Sr), F Sasa Borovnjak (RS So), G Nick Colella (Jr)

Tim Frazier will need to continue his great passing
but also add some scoring for the Lions this year.

New faces:  PG Trey Lewis, SF Ross Travis, C Patrick Ackerman, C Peter Alexis, F Jon Graham (Redshirt), G Matt Glover (transfer)

Preview:  You’ve got to feel for the returning players at Penn St.  Gone are four starters who all played more than 75% of available minutes including the best player in program history (Battle).  Also leaving is head coach Ed DeChellis who did a great job in his last two seasons even getting the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Tournament last year.  Now four new starters will need to be found under new head coach Patrick Chambers.  Tim Frazier is the one returning starter and will need to be the floor general.  He is an adept passer who can get to the rim at times but is not a strong outside shooter and often has trouble taking care of the basketball.  He’ll need to improve in these areas to help a team with serious offensive deficiencies.  Freshman Trey Lewis is the most highly regarded recruit and will likely start a lot of games this year. Hopefully he’ll be capable of picking up some of the offensive slack. Sasa Borovnjak seems another likely candidate to take a starting spot.  Borovnjak has a series of post moves and can rebound but it will be interesting to see how he stacks up against other big men in the conference. Finding two other legitimate starters will be difficult.  Of all the remaining players Billy Oliver seems to have the most promise but has had trouble staying healthy.   Patrick Ackmeran could see a lot of playing time but will probably need to add girth to take the pounding he’ll encounter during the season.  There’s not a lot to like here for this season but there is talent that over time can develop and help this program become a middle of the conference team.  That year is not this year, however, so expect some ugly losses and a last place finish.

Shot in the dark at the starting 5:

PG Tim Frazier

G Trey Lewis

F Jon Graham

F Billy Oliver

F Sasa Borovnjak

2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Ohio St.

As a freshman Jared Sullinger was a man
among boys. It's scary to think what he
can accomplish in his sophomore year.

Coach: Thad Matta – 190-57 (.769)
Lost:  G/F David Lighty, G Jon Diebler, F Dallas Lauderdale
Returning: F Jared Sullinger (So), G William Buford (Sr), G Aaron Craft (So), F DeShaun Thomas (So), G Jordan Sibert (So)
New faces: C  Amir Williams(77), PG Shannon Scott(53), SF Sam Thompson(50), PF Trey McDonald

Preview: To say the Big Ten is Ohio St.’s to lose would be an understatement.  Just like every other contender, the Buckeyes lost several contributing players. The key is what’s returning. Unanimously selected as the pre-season Big Ten POY, Jared Sullinger hopes to improve upon last season’s dominant performance.  Sullinger made 55% of his twos while posting an excellent 65.1 free throw rate (FT attempts divided by FG attempts).  Add to that his incredible rebounding ability and you have the number one candidate for national player of the year.  The only aspect he really needs to improve is his midrange game and the early rumors out of Columbus say he’s lost several pounds with an emphasis on playing away from the basket more. Scary.  I’m sure I wasn’t the only person surprised with the news of William Buford returning this season.  Buford is another excellent shooter (44% on 3’s last year) who plays good defense and can run the point in a pinch.  He’s a great compliment to Sullinger.  Point guard Aaron Craft enters his sophomore year as perhaps the most hated player in the conference. His on-ball defense can be described as a real invasion of personal space, harassing players into silly mistakes.  DeShaun Thomas could have declared for the NBA draft also but probably wanted to come back just to show he can be a significant contributor as he only played in about 30% of total minutes last year.  He’s long and athletic so expect That Matta to be able to use him just fine.  If all of this wasn’t enough reason for optimism, Ohio State also brings in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. Amir Williams and Shannon Scott could start right away while Sam Thompson and Trey McDonald could be key reserves. Ohio State is sitting pretty and I'm expecting a deep Tournament run.
Shot in the dark at the starting the 5:
PG Aaron Craft
SG William Buford
F DeShaun Thomas
F Jared Sullinger
C Amir Williams

Let the Offseason Begin!

Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals on winning the 2011 World Series.  Now it’s time for the next season to begin: the offseason.  Right away teams will need to decide if they want to keep their impending free agents by offering them arbitration or let them walk.  In the case of the Oakland A’s, they’ve already said goodbye to their entire starting outfield from this season (David DeJesus, Coco Crisp, Josh Willingham).  The deadline for offering arbitration is November 23.  Though teams can contact players and begin negotiations, the signings don’t really begin to start moving around until after this deadline.

I’m sure everyone is aware Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are the top available names this offseason.  Even most are aware that Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins have the chance to leave the teams they’ve been with their entire careers. Let me bring to your attention two players who can make a big impact whom you’re not familiar with.

2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Northwestern

I know John Shurna looks like he should be starring
for his high school J.V. team but the guy can really ball.
Too bad he plays defense like there's no foul limit. You get five, man. Just five.

Head Coach: Bill Carmody – 160-176 (.476)

Lost: G Michael Thompson, G Mike Capocci

Returning:  F John Shurna (Sr), G Drew Crawford (Jr), C Luka Mirkovic (Sr), G JerShon Cobb (So), G Alex Marcotullio (Jr), F Davide Curletti (Sr)

New faces:   SG Tre Demps, PG David Sobolewski, PF Mike Turner

Preview: Will this be the year the Wildcats finally make the Big Dance? Losing Michael Thompson is really going to hurt but the good news is the rest of their core is returning.  Northwestern’s strengths are good strengths: low turnover rate, excellent 3-point shooting, and a top-notch overall offensive efficiency which stems from their distinct style of play that can be difficult to prepare for. Unfortunately, their flaws are glaring and often debilitating. The team was opportunistic in forcing turnovers but simply could not stop their opponents from scoring. Last season the NCAA average FG% was 47.8 but when playing Northwestern, opponents shot 52.6%. Furthermore, their post players have a tendency to pick up lots of cheap fouls. A deep team can overcome this.  Northwestern, however, is not a deep team.  Fixing one of these two would flaws would seem to be enough to push Northwestern into the upper half of the conference but it doesn’t seem Carmody or this group players are able to improve on the defensive side of the ball. The starting five (Shurna, Crawfrod, Mirkovic, Cobb, and one player to bedetermined) should at least continue last season’s offensive fireworks.  And as long as Northwestern stays efficient on the offensive end they’ll have a chance for upsets.  Alas, it seems the NCAA window has passed this team by without them making an appearance.

Shot in the dark at the starting 5:

G Drew Crawford

G JerShon Cobb

G Alex Marcotullio

F John Shurna

C Luka Mirkovic

2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Nebraska

Brandon Richardson's excellent defense will fit right in
the Big Ten. Unfortunately for the Huskers, there will be
no more conference games against Colorado.

Coach: Doc Sadler – 89-70 (.560)*

Lost: G Lance Jeter

Returning:  C Jorge Brian Diaz (Jr), F Toney McCray (Sr), G Brandon Richardson (Sr), G Caleb Walker (Sr), G Drake Beranek (Sr), C Andre Almeida (Sr), F/C Brandon Ubel (Jr), G Eshaunte Jones (Jr), G Ray Gallegos (Jr)

New faces: G Bo Spencer (transfer), PG Corey Hilliard, SF Josiah Moore, SF David Rivers, SG Dylan Talley

*Sadler's career record in the Big 12

Preview: Nebraska may not fare as well in the Big Ten as they did in the Big 12 but they’re no pushover either. With nine(!) upper classmen the Huskers are an experienced bunch that is perfect for exploring unchartered territory (ie: The Big Ten and it’s raucous venues).  They play a methodical style (63.6 possessions) that was the second slowest in the Big 12 but should fit right in the BIG.  This team was an awful bunch at shooting threes and getting to the line last season but they do have one thing going for them: size.  Led by 6’11” Jorge Brian Diaz, 6’10” Brandon Ubel, and the underrated (but overweight) 6’11” Andre Almeida the Huskers have a formidable front-court that could cause teams problems.  These three helped Nebraska finish sixth in the nation last season at limiting opponent’s second chances on the glass. Guard play appears to be an issue especially now that Lance Jeter has graduated.  Caleb Walker seems the most likely candidate to pick up the slack but the team would love for one of the incoming freshmen to step up into a starting role. Adding a bit of intrigue to the team is transfer Bo Spencer. Spencer was a good player at LSU but not a star. If he can play like he did as a sophomore then the Huskers may be on to something here.  Nebraska picked the perfect year to switch to the Big Ten. The conference lost a number of upper classmen making this year’s Huskers the most experienced team.  It wouldn’t be a shock if they finish as high as sixth but a bottom half finish is more likely.

Shot in the dark at the starting 5:

G Brandon Richardson

G Caleb Walker

G Bo Spencer

F Brandon Ubel

C Jorge Brian Diaz

Bring Clarity Soon (BCS) - 11/6/11

The new "Game of the Century" didn't disappoint in intensity, but 15 points scored over 60 minutes of football is definitely disappointing for the casual CFB fan. So I think everyone will agree that LSU and Bama have positioned themselves for a BCS National Championship rematch IF the other major players falter. And sadly, I think they will. Which means we're headed for our 6th (?!) straight SEC representation as national champion.

Oh, and Nebraska disappoints me every time I put them anywhere near that top 10.

I need a drink.

2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Minnesota

Trevor Mbakwe is the best rebounder in the BIG and
quite possibly the country. His skills around the basket
will keep Minnesota in hunt for a NCAA bid.

Head Coach: Tubby Smith – 80-53 (.602)

Lost:  SG Blake Hoffarber, G Al Nolen, C Colton Iverson (transfer)

Returning: F Trevor Mbakwe (Sr), C Ralph Sampson III (Sr), F Rodney Williams (Jr), PG Chip Armelin (So), PG Austin Hollins (So), G Maverick Ahanimisi (So), PF Maurice Walker (So), F Oto Osenieks
New faces:  SG Joe Coleman(121), SG Andre Hollins(110), PG Julian Welch(transfer)

Preview: Last season’s team was a tale of two halves.  The team started off 11-1 including neutral court wins over North Carolina and West Virginia. Then the wheels came off. Devoe Joseph, disgruntled with his role in the offense, unexpectedly quit and decided to transfer. Starting PG Al Nolen broke his foot in January and didn’t return in time to finish the season. After a five game winning streak in January, the Gophers finished 1-10 down the stretch to eliminate themselves from NCAA consideration. What a rough end for Hoffarber, maybe the best pure shooter in Minnesota history.  So what should expectations be for Tubby’s team in 2011-12?  The Gophers are going to continue to be a force in the paint with the Mbakwe (the nation’s premiere offensive rebounder) and Ralph Sampson III.  Where the team will be hurting is along the perimeter.  There’s not a single player on this team who should scare opponents from 3-point range.  Rodney Williams, despite NBA buzz due to his ridiculous athletic ability, will need to finally become a decent basketball player and someone out of Chip Armelin, Julian Welch, and Austin Hollins will need to improve by leaps and bounds in all areas of their game in order for this team to be more than middle of the pack. The biggest question, fair or not, is if the Gophers have another disappointing season will Tubby Smith be willing to stick around and attempt to right the ship or will he head off for greener pastures?

Shot in the dark at the starting 5:

G Austin Hollins

G Andre Hollins

SF Rodney Williams

PF Trevor Mbakwe

C Ralph Sampson III

2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Michigan St.

Coach: Tom Izzo – 383-161 (.704)

Lost: G Kalin Lucas, F Delvon Roe (retired), G Darrell Summers, G Mike Kebler, F Garrick Sherman

Returning:  F Draymond Green (Sr), G Korie Lucious (Sr), PG Keith Appling (So), F Derrick Nix (Jr), F Adreian Payne (So), G Austin Thornton (Jr),

Draymond Green is a joy to watch and is hands down
the most versatile player in the Big Ten.

New faces: SG Brandon Wood (transfer), SF Branden Dawson(20), PG Travis Trice, SG Dwaun Anderson(95), SG Brandan Kearney(127), F Russell Byrd (Redshirt)

Preview: Last season is likely considered the most disappointing season in MSU history. A year after making the Final 4 with largely the same team, Michigan St. finished in the middle of the pack in the conference and squeaked into the NCAAs as a 10 seed where they were bounced in the first round by UCLA.  Luckily for Izzo there’s plenty of new talent on hand to replace the four starters he lost.  The heart and soul of this team is PF Draymond Green.  Green is one of the most versatile players you’ll find; at 6’6” 235 lbs he’s able to bang with the big boys (he finished 56^th nationally in defensive rebound rate) and step outside and drain a perimeter shot (36.6 3-point % last year).  He’s also an excellent defender and good ball handler. Joining him in the starting lineup will likely be Derrick Nix who after two years finally seems to be in shape. Nix is tough to handle on the block but really offers little else on the offensive end.  His partner in crime is fellow big man Adreian Payne. Unfortunately these two combined to make only 51% of their free throws.  Izzo will look to sophomore Keith Appling to run the point and although he struggled last year he has the skills to be a big time player in the BIG.  Valpo transfer Brandon Wood is an excellent find by Izzo and should start right away and incoming guards Brandan Kerney and Dwaun Anderson may have their moments.  But the true star is likely freshman Branden Dawson. Dawson can light up the gym on any given night but will need to focus defensively if he’s going to be great.  Izzo has the pieces to have an excellent season but does he have the depth?  Either way things should be better than last year.

Shot in the dark at starting the 5:

PG Keith Appling

SG Brandon Wood

SF Branden Dawson

PF Draymond Green

C Derrick Nix

2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Michigan

Coach: John Beilein – 67-67 (.500)

Lost:  G Darius Morris

Returning:  G Tim Hardaway Jr, (So), G/F Zack Novak (Sr), G Stu Douglass (Sr),  F Jordan Morgan (So), F Evan Smotrycz (So), F Jon Horford (So), G Matt Vogrich (Jr), F Blake McLimans (Jr)
New faces:  SG Carlton Brundidge(106), PG Trey Buke(142), PF Max Bielfeldt

Tim Hardaway, Jr. performed beyond
Michigan's wildest dreams last year.
Now that expectations have been
raised can he do it again?

Preview:  It’s too bad Darius Morris left for the NBA because if he had stayed one more year in Ann Arbor there would be a lot of talk about how this team could challenge Ohio St. for the Big Ten title.  Now it’s Tim Hardaway’s team and his continued improvements last season make me believe he’s up for the challenge.  A 6’5” guard, Hardaway has a nice outside shot but excels in drawing contact penetrating to the rim.  Hardaway will need to improve his efficiency though if the Wolverines are going to be successful in March. Seniors Zack Novak and Stu Douglass are perfect role players, doing the little things such as rebounding and guarding the opponent’s top player that help take the pressure off the younger guys.  Three of the aforementioned young guys are Jordan Morgan, Evan Smotrycz, and freshman Max Biefeldt who the team expects will bring a presence on the blocks.  Point guard duties will likely fall to Trey Buke, a promising recruit with excellent ball handling skills and a better three point shot than Darius Morris.  Michigan will continue to employ their crazy offense; relying heavily on threes (36.9% of Michigan’s points came on three pointers last season), this team is loaded in guys who will make you pay for leaving them open. Defensively, the Wolverines run a variety of looks including zone and a 1-3-1 which is either highly effective or worthless.  Beilein’s squads have made marked improvement in his time in Ann Arbor and I don’t think this year will be any different.

Shot in the dark at the starting 5:

PG Trey Buke

G Tim Hardaway, Jr

G Stu Douglass

F Zak Novak

F Jordan Morgan

2011-12 BIG Basketball Preview: Iowa

Melsahn Basabe was an absolute force last year. Hawkeye fans
should thank their lucky stars he followed McCafferey to Iowa City.

Coach: Frank McCaffery – 11-20 (.355)

Lost:  F Jarryd Cole, PG Cully Payne (transfer)

Returning: G Matt Gatens (Sr), F Melsahn Basabe (So), G Bryce Cartwright (Sr), G Eric May (So), F Zach McCabe (So), F Andrew Brommer (Sr), F Devon Archie (Sr), G Roy Devyn Marble (So)

New faces:  SG Josh Oglesby(122),  C Gabe Olaseni, PF Aaron White

Preview: Last year the Hawkeyes showed drastic improvements in McCafferey’s first season. Unfortunately they still finished 4-14 in the Big Ten and their second best player graduated.  There’s plenty to like about the future though.  Bryce Cartwright is an exciting player who led the conference in assists per game and Eric May showed flashes of being a reliable complimentary player.  What’s got to get you excited if you’re a Hawkeye fan is the how this year’s recruiting class is shaping up.  No, it’s not a top 10 class but it is leaps and bounds better than the ones brought in by Todd Lickliter. Aaron White and sharpshooter Josh Oglesby may start from the get-go while Gabe Olaseni offers a nice developmental player who should make an impact as an upper classman.  Furthermore, Melsahn Basabe was the first or second best freshman in the conference last season and was at times unstoppable (vs. OSU last year he put up 22-13 and 6 blocks while guarding Jared Sullinger). He’s a future All Big Ten player in the making.  This program is definitely moving in the right direction but it’s still at least two years away from making an NCAA Tournament appearance.  That’s really too bad for Matt Gatens who is a heck of a player but is underrated due to having been on some awful teams. Gatens suffered from Lickliter’s offensive style and was constantly misused due to having no other impact player on the floor with him for two years.  Here’s to hoping for a breakout season from the hometown senior.

Shot in the dark at the starting 5:

PG Bryce Cartwright

G Matt Gatens

G Josh Oglesby

F Aaron White

F Melsahn Basabe