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1. Duke

DukeCredentials: Nation's best shooter (J.J. Redick); one of the top forwards (Shelden Williams); one of the best coaches (Mike Krzyzewski); one of the top newcomer classes (PF Josh McRoberts, PG Greg Paulus, PF Jamal Boykin, C Eric Boateng, SG Martynas Pocius); one of the top home courts (Cameron).

 

Reason: It's going to be hard to match this talent. The Blue Devils leap to the top since our early April look because they didn't lose anyone to the NBA draft. Losing in the Sweet 16 to Michigan State adds incentive. Redick and Williams came back to win a title, nothing less.

 

Red flag: Settling on a point guard will be critical, with Paulus pushing Sean Dockery. Once that is settled, the Blue Devils look Indy-bound.

 

3. Villanova

VillanovaCredentials: How about returning the top nine scorers from last season? The Wildcats gave national champ North Carolina a serious sweat in the Sweet 16. Handling the perimeter punch of Allan Ray, Randy Foye, Mike Nardi and Kyle Lowry, along with Curtis Sumpter's face-up game, is a dizzying experience for the opposing defense.

 

Reason: Villanova went from a preseason bubble team to a Sweet 16 appearance last season. Now the hype is all over the Main Line and the 'Cats are ready, willing and able to handle the heat. Jay Wright is relishing how tasty this season might become with testing games against Texas and Oklahoma before entering the rugged Big East.

 

Red flag: It's hard to think about Villanova without worrying about injuries. The Wildcats have been riddled with them over the past few seasons. Sumpter (knee) and PF Jason Fraser (both knees and a wrist) must be healthy for the Wildcats to get to Indy.

 

17. Iowa

IowaCredentials: Iowa has a veteran team -- maybe its most experienced one under Steve Alford. Adam Haluska, Greg Brunner, Erek Hansen, Jeff Horner and Mike Henderson are all upperclassmen. This team will be solid and won't make many mistakes.

 

Reason: Is this team the most athletic? No. But it's a squad that should play smart. We're going to take Alford's word here that this is one of his best teams at Iowa. The Hawkeyes earned an NCAA berth last season through grit down the stretch, winning five straight games, including beating Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament, before losing to Wisconsin. That toughness carries over to this season.

 

Red flag: The Hawkeyes will miss Pierre Pierce, as they did at times last season after Pierce was dismissed from the team. Looking for that one player who can take someone off the dribble and score is still a concern. They also need to win more consistently on the road.

 

18. Indiana

IndianaCredentials: The Hoosiers could have one of the top frontcourts in the country with Auburn transfer Marco Killingsworth, D.J. White and Robert Vaden, with Ben Allen coming off the bench. The guard play could be solid, albeit without a star.

 

Reason: Killingsworth was a big-time talent at Auburn but can he duplicate that two years later in the Big Ten? He has one season to prove he's NBA-worthy. We're banking that he and White can lead the Hoosiers back to the NCAAs. Should be interesting to watch the Hoosiers and Iowa joust in the Big Ten.

 

Red flag: Consistent perimeter shooting could be an issue if Marshall Strickland can't make buckets on a regular basis. Also, Lewis Monroe has to be a stable point guard for this squad or Earl Calloway could be the replacement quickly. Regardless, the Hoosiers must have solid point guard play to make a run in the Big Ten.

 

21. Syracuse

SyracuseCredentials: Gerry McNamara, who is one of the toughest players in the country; a junior class in Terrence Roberts, Louie McCroskey, Demetris Nichols and Darryl Watkins that seems to be primed to take over; Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim; a freshman that Boeheim is raving about -- shooting guard Eric Devendorf.

 

Reason: The Orange could easily move up into the low teens if Roberts becomes the inside scoring threat that he says is possible. McNamara will miss playing off of Hakim Warrick and Josh Pace, and with Devendorf, he'll primarily be a point guard. The questions are whether Devendorf is a star freshman and whether Watkins can be more of a major presence in the post.

 

Red flag: Missing Pace will be a constant concern. He was one of the best third options in the country. The Orange must find someone who can be the difference when the two stars aren't making shots or are being defended well.

 

25. Illinois

IllinoisCredentials: Dee Brown, Big Ten player of the year; James Augustine, a developing post presence; Bruce Weber, one of the top rising coaches in the game; confidence that they can't be beaten in the Big Ten; an awesome home court that ranks with the best in the country; Orange, plenty of orange, to blind opponents.

 

Reason: The Illini could go a lot higher if Brown is able to become Mr. Everything at the point. Moving on without compadres Williams, Head and Powell won't be easy, but Brown has the confidence to forge ahead. If his broken foot is healed, Brown should be one of the hardest players in the nation to chase from end to end. The question is, what kind of help will he get from newcomers Chester Frazier and Jamar Smith or redshirts Calvin Brock and Brian Randle? If they all come through with productive seasons, the Illini could be a factor in the Big Ten again.

 

Red flag: Experience outside of Brown and Augustine will be an issue. This team won't be feared anymore on the road. Everyone will be looking for payback and the Illini will have to be able to handle the surge of emotion every time they are on the opponent's court.

 

47. Ohio State

Ohio StateCredentials: Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. ? no wait a minute, that's in 2006-07. Oops. Seriously, though, there's no reason to get too ahead of ourselves. The Buckeyes can make an NCAA Tournament run this season. Frankly, they could have a year ago had the school not put itself on a postseason ban. The Buckeyes get back J.J. Sullinger, who has had a year to work under Thad Matta, stud forward Terence Dials, complementary forwards Matt Sylvester and Je'Kel Foster and developing talents Ivan Harris and Jamar Butler. The key to this team could be Ron Lewis. The Bowling Green transfer supposedly was one of the best talents on the practice court last season. If Lewis is a major contributor (read: scores in bunches), this squad should be in the thick of the Big Ten race.

 

Reason: Remember, Ohio State did beat Illinois on the final day of the regular season. Matta is still getting mileage out of that win with his players and he has them ready to make a splash. The core returns and Lewis' eligibility means the Buckeyes have a legit perimeter scorer to go with Dials inside.

 

Red flag: Point guard will be an ongoing issue. The position essentially will be by committee until Conley Jr. gets here in 2006. If the Buckeyes can get decent playmaking, they could become a tough out every night.

47 is a joke.

 

Whatever, doesn't matter anyway.

I agree with the placement of the top team and bottom team of the first 25, but other than that, all I can say about these rankings is wow....

:plain

:plain

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Towards me or the list Katz made? I actually think Iowa should be a bit higher, but their ranking isn't too bad. Indiana at #18 (for now) is laughable, Ohio State is way underrated, Villanova is darn good but #3 in the nation?? Even IF they stay healthy (which the core of players they have this year never has) #3 is darn lofty expectations. Gonzaga is yet again WAY overrated, how can you rank a team that never wins in the NCAA Tourney when people know they are good at #8?? And I'd switch places with Texas and Arizona and Memphis and Michigan State. And that's only a small part of the list of things I don't like with the top 50. I know I sound like a know it all here (as always, ugh) but these rankings are SOOO far off, it's amazing. Ohio State at #47?!?!? are you kidding!!

Well, I'm looking forward to it anyway.

 

I think UMiami was #23.

:plain at katz.. i have a hard time getting excited over Iowa basketball. Every time I get my hopes up, every Alford squad sets me up for disappointment. I love our players tho. Haluska is gonna be a stud and Henderson should come into his own next year.

Katz needs to stick with being a sideline reporter...

I am sorry, but Dook Vitale has created a monster in JJ Redick. He is not the best shooter in the country, last year, no matter how much D.V. masturbated over him, it was clear that Salim Stoudamire from AZ was the best shooter in the country. JJ is not a good ball handler, he cant drive to the basket, and he cant create his own shots. He is one of the most over-rated players in college basketball history. He will have no pro career, and would be lucky to start for the Boise Potatoe Pickers in the Idaho Basketball Association(thats a fictional team in a fictional leage, for those wondering...but maybe the NBA can put a team there and call them that...it'd be sweet). And, he has back acne. I know, much like the Vick vs. Delhomme arguement, I will get a bunch of lame excuses as to why "JJ Rediculously Gay" is so great, with no statistical evidence to back it up.

I am sorry, but Dook Vitale has created a monster in JJ Redick. He is not the best shooter in the country, last year, no matter how much D.V. masturbated over him, it was clear that Salim Stoudamire from AZ was the best shooter in the country. JJ is not a good ball handler, he cant drive to the basket, and he cant create his own shots. He is one of the most over-rated players in college basketball history. He will have no pro career, and would be lucky to start for the Boise Potatoe Pickers in the Idaho Basketball Association(thats a fictional team in a fictional leage, for those wondering...but maybe the NBA can put a team there and call them that...it'd be sweet). And, he has back acne. I know, much like the Vick vs. Delhomme arguement, I will get a bunch of lame excuses as to why "JJ Rediculously Gay" is so great, with no statistical evidence to back it up.

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Well, you're clearly wrong. JJ Redick is awesome. He didn't shoot a high percentage last year, but a lot of times it was basically his job to carry the offense and he got forced into some very tough shots. To put this another way, Duke was a #1 seed last year (very few people expected them get a #1) in a year where Duke's only two other threats--Ewing and Shelden--had disappointing seasons when compared to most fans' expectations.

 

You're wrong on another count, too, which is that Redick can't drive. He's not exactly Dwyane Wade out there, but what was so improved about his game last season was that he actually was able to score a bunch of points driving to the basket. He also got to the FT line over 6 times a game, where he's nearly automatic.

 

I agree with on you some points--he's not a great ballhandler, he's not as good a shooter as Salim, and he probably won't be great in the NBA--but he's a great college basketball player, and he's got a good shot at the NCAA player of the year award.

I am sorry, but Dook Vitale has created a monster in JJ Redick. He is not the best shooter in the country, last year, no matter how much D.V. masturbated over him, it was clear that Salim Stoudamire from AZ was the best shooter in the country. JJ is not a good ball handler, he cant drive to the basket, and he cant create his own shots. He is one of the most over-rated players in college basketball history. He will have no pro career, and would be lucky to start for the Boise Potatoe Pickers in the Idaho Basketball Association(thats a fictional team in a fictional leage, for those wondering...but maybe the NBA can put a team there and call them that...it'd be sweet). And, he has back acne. I know, much like the Vick vs. Delhomme arguement, I will get a bunch of lame excuses as to why "JJ Rediculously Gay" is so great, with no statistical evidence to back it up.

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while I didnt think JJ was the best shooter in the nation last year, he was certainly one of the best

 

his range is anywhere in the gym

 

and who cares if he has a pro career? dude can shoot the rock

I am sorry, but Dook Vitale has created a monster in JJ Redick.? He is not the best shooter in the country, last year, no matter how much D.V. masturbated over him, it was clear that Salim Stoudamire from AZ was the best shooter in the country.? JJ is not a good ball handler, he cant drive to the basket, and he cant create his own shots.? He is one of the most over-rated players in college basketball history.? He will have no pro career, and would be lucky to start for the Boise Potatoe Pickers in the Idaho Basketball Association(thats a fictional team in a fictional leage, for those wondering...but maybe the NBA can put a team there and call them that...it'd be sweet).? And, he has back acne.? I know, much like the Vick vs. Delhomme arguement, I will get a bunch of lame excuses as to why "JJ Rediculously Gay"? is so great, with no statistical evidence to back it up.

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I hate JJ and Duke, but you are just wrong, flat out wrong. He improved his driving to the bucket last year. He probably won't have much of a pro career, but that does not make him overrated at all. He is a GREAT college basketball player! He averaged just under 23 points and was the nations 5th leading scorer. Stoudamire wasn't even top 25. Where was Stoudamire in the elite 8 against Illinois? He was nowhere he got shut down and he was awful.

 

 

VICK>>>>>>>>>DELHOMME

JJ>STOUDAMIRE

JJ>>>>>>>>>>>STOUDAMIRE

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eh, dont judge Salim on one game

JJ>>>>>>>>>>>STOUDAMIRE

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eh, dont judge Salim on one game

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I wasn't but JJ is still better. Trust me I was at the OK St. vs. Arizona game and Stoudamire was great in that game and won them the game on a last second shot, but I just think JJ is a better player.

JJ>>>>>>>>>>>STOUDAMIRE

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eh, dont judge Salim on one game

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I wasn't but JJ is still better. Trust me I was at the OK St. vs. Arizona game and Stoudamire was great in that game and won them the game on a last second shot, but I just think JJ is a better player.

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it's fine you think he is better but >>>>>>>>>>>> is going a bit overboard

JJ>>>>>>>>>>>STOUDAMIRE

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eh, dont judge Salim on one game

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I wasn't but JJ is still better. Trust me I was at the OK St. vs. Arizona game and Stoudamire was great in that game and won them the game on a last second shot, but I just think JJ is a better player.

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it's fine you think he is better but >>>>>>>>>>>> is going a bit overboard

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Ok is that better?

By the way FeLo...Salims 3pt % was 14 points higher than JJ Redick, he had the same amount of field goals while taking half the shots, he's a superior ball handler, and the only thing that put Redick up in the scoring was at the free throw line, which he was there for all the cheap fouls that Dook gets. Salim's overall field goal % was better, his 3 pt % was WAY better. And, also, I statistically proved to you that Delhomme is better than Vick. The only thing you have going for you is opinion, which is, of course, dead wrong, much like your assumption that Redick and his back acne are better than Stoudamire and his kickass hairdo.

The only thing you have going for you is opinion, which is, of course, dead wrong, much like your assumption that Redick and his back acne are better than Stoudamire and his kickass hairdo.

 

1st if all what the hell odes that have to do with anything? And yes ok you can say the 1 year wonder is better then Mike Vick if you want to. If JJ made so many more free throws then how can't he drive to the hoop? Noramlly you get fouls when you drive to the hoop right? JJ WAS THE 5TH LEADING SCORER!!!! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM THE GUY??

By the way FeLo...Salims 3pt % was 14 points higher than JJ Redick, he had the same amount of field goals while taking half the shots, he's a superior ball handler, and the only thing that put Redick up in the scoring was at the free throw line, which he was there for all the cheap fouls that Dook gets. Salim's overall field goal % was better, his 3 pt % was WAY better. And, also, I statistically proved to you that Delhomme is better than Vick. The only thing you have going for you is opinion, which is, of course, dead wrong, much like your assumption that Redick and his back acne are better than Stoudamire and his kickass hairdo.

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get this Vick/Delhomme argument out of here

 

and JJ Redick is a helluva player man, and so what if he gets "cheap" fouls. He knocks down his FTs too

 

you hate way too much

The only thing you have going for you is opinion, which is, of course, dead wrong, much like your assumption that Redick and his back acne are better than Stoudamire and his kickass hairdo.

 

1st if all what the hell odes that have to do with anything? And yes ok you can say the 1 year wonder is better then Mike Vick if you want to. If JJ made so many more free throws then how can't he drive to the hoop? Noramlly you get fouls when you drive to the hoop right? JJ WAS THE 5TH LEADING SCORER!!!! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM THE GUY??

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I like how you call Delhomme a 1 year wonder when this upcoming season will be a 3rd as a starter, and his "down year" last year was far superior to Vicks. Anyway, back to point, I dont want Redick to A)Not whine to his mommy and daddy about those mean Maryland fans calling him names boo flippin hoo, B)wear a shirt with sleeves so I dont have to see his nasty bumpy back, C)Not whine to the non-ACC refs when they call a charge on him instead of the expected foul, and D)to never have a special segment on Sportscenter again where he is reading his Redickulously gay poetry...the Stefan Lefors story was great, inspirational, the Redick Poetry Time made me want to shoot myself in the foot.

I like how you call Delhomme a 1 year wonder when this upcoming season will be a 3rd as a starter, and his "down year" last year was far superior to Vicks. Anyway, back to point, I dont want Redick to A)Not whine to his mommy and daddy about those mean Maryland fans calling him names boo flippin hoo, B)wear a shirt with sleeves so I dont have to see his nasty bumpy back, C)Not whine to the non-ACC refs when they call a charge on him instead of the expected foul, and D)to never have a special segment on Sportscenter again where he is reading his Redickulously gay poetry...the Stefan Lefors story was great, inspirational, the Redick Poetry Time made me want to shoot myself in the foot.

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If your agruement is that you hate Redick, you win. If your arguement is that Redick is not a great college basketball player, this post was your white flag.

As for your ballhandling argument

 

Stoudamire

 

2.4 turnovers 2.2 assits a game= 1/1.1

 

Redick

2.5 to's 2.6 assits= 1/1 assit to turnover ratio

 

So Redick had a better assist to tunrover ratio, so really Stoudamire isn't much of a better ballhandler.

The only thing you have going for you is opinion, which is, of course, dead wrong, much like your assumption that Redick and his back acne are better than Stoudamire and his kickass hairdo.

 

1st if all what the hell odes that have to do with anything? And yes ok you can say the 1 year wonder is better then Mike Vick if you want to. If JJ made so many more free throws then how can't he drive to the hoop? Noramlly you get fouls when you drive to the hoop right? JJ WAS THE 5TH LEADING SCORER!!!! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM THE GUY??

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I like how you call Delhomme a 1 year wonder when this upcoming season will be a 3rd as a starter, and his "down year" last year was far superior to Vicks. Anyway, back to point, I dont want Redick to A)Not whine to his mommy and daddy about those mean Maryland fans calling him names boo flippin hoo, B)wear a shirt with sleeves so I dont have to see his nasty bumpy back, C)Not whine to the non-ACC refs when they call a charge on him instead of the expected foul, and D)to never have a special segment on Sportscenter again where he is reading his Redickulously gay poetry...the Stefan Lefors story was great, inspirational, the Redick Poetry Time made me want to shoot myself in the foot.

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What does any of that have to do with him as a player?

I like how you call Delhomme a 1 year wonder when this upcoming season will be a 3rd as a starter, and his "down year" last year was far superior to Vicks.? Anyway, back to point, I dont want Redick to A)Not whine to his mommy and daddy about those mean Maryland fans calling him names boo flippin hoo, B)wear a shirt with sleeves so I dont have to see his nasty bumpy back, C)Not whine to the non-ACC refs when they call a charge on him instead of the expected foul, and D)to never have a special segment on Sportscenter again where he is reading his Redickulously gay poetry...the Stefan Lefors story was great, inspirational, the Redick Poetry Time made me want to shoot myself in the foot.

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If your agruement is that you hate Redick, you win. If your arguement is that Redick is not a great college basketball player, this post was your white flag.

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The reasons why I hate Redick are spelled out right there...the having your parents call the Dean(or was it AD) of Maryland becuz their fans were saying mean things is what really does it. He's a man, ignore it, dont run to mommy. And it's not that I dont think he's good, probably the best white player in a long time, but I dont think he is as good as everyone thinks.

I like how you call Delhomme a 1 year wonder when this upcoming season will be a 3rd as a starter, and his "down year" last year was far superior to Vicks. Anyway, back to point, I dont want Redick to A)Not whine to his mommy and daddy about those mean Maryland fans calling him names boo flippin hoo, B)wear a shirt with sleeves so I dont have to see his nasty bumpy back, C)Not whine to the non-ACC refs when they call a charge on him instead of the expected foul, and D)to never have a special segment on Sportscenter again where he is reading his Redickulously gay poetry...the Stefan Lefors story was great, inspirational, the Redick Poetry Time made me want to shoot myself in the foot.

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If your agruement is that you hate Redick, you win. If your arguement is that Redick is not a great college basketball player, this post was your white flag.

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The reasons why I hate Redick are spelled out right there...the having your parents call the Dean(or was it AD) of Maryland becuz their fans were saying mean things is what really does it. He's a man, ignore it, dont run to mommy.

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while I agree, weren't they saying things about his young sister?...