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[h4]008-09 Team Capsules[/h4]
Baylor
The Bears could be poised for back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history with the return of eight of their top nine scorersfrom last season's team. The Bears return four starters from the team that fell to Purdue in the first round of the tournament -- Baylor's first NCAAtrip in 20 years -- losing only guard Aaron Bruce. Guard Curtis Jerrells could blossom as a senior after averaging a team-leading 15.3 points per gamelast season. And the future looks bright as coach Scott Drew attracted junior college forward Artem Valov, lanky 6-9 freshman Anthony Jones and former Michigan forward Ekpe Udoh into the program. Udoh, who averaged 5.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 67 career games (31starts) for the Wolverines, will sit out the 2008-09 season with two seasons of remaining eligibility.
Colorado
Coach Jeff Bzdelik will face a big challenge after losing three starters from last season's 12-20 team, including leading scorers Richard Roby, MarcusHall and Xavier Silas, who combined for 40.7 ppg. Improvement will hinge on thecontinued development of Cory Higgins, who averaged 8.3 ppg last season as a freshman-- Colorado's only returning player who scored at least 5 ppg. The Buffaloes bring in five newcomers, headed by 6-7 forward Toby Veal and 6-8 Austin Dufault. They will be joined inside by senior Jermyl Jackson-Wilson, who has struggled in matchups with larger opponents during most of hiscollege career. Bzdelik was interviewed by Chicago general manager John Paxson before the Bulls hired Vinny Del Negro for their vacant coaching position.Bzdelik said he felt more of a responsibility to his Colorado players than the NBA job.
IowaState
The Cyclones started last season 12-6, but limped home to a disappointing 14-18 record by finishing with six straight losses and 12 losses in their final 14games. Coach Greg McDermott faces a huge rebuilding job this season after losing scoring and rebounding leader Jiri Hubalek, RahshonClark and second-leading scorer Wesley Johnson, who transferred to Syracuse afterlast season. McDermott's biggest immediate need is to find some punch for an offense that ranked 11th in scoring and last in field goal percentage and3-point field goal percentage. McDermott will be looking for a boost from forward CraigBrackins (11.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and guard Lucca Staiger, a legitimate 3-pointthreat. A deep, incoming six-man freshman class will improve the Cyclones' size with the arrival of 6-foot-11 center Justin Hamilton and three power forwards.
Kansas
The Jayhawks will be facing the biggest rebuilding job of coach Bill Self's career with five new starters. Look for Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich to become the featured players, although juco swingman Mario Little could emerge as the Jayhawks' key offensive threat. TheJayhawks had one of the most memorable NBA drafts with five players taken in the two rounds. Kansas tied Connecticut in 2006 and Florida in 2007 for the mostplayers selected in the two-round era. Self will attempt to rebuild with a deep incoming recruiting class including twin power forwards Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris, shooting guard Travis Releford, point guard Tyrone Appleton (Midland J.C.) and swift point guard Tyshawn Taylor. A trip to Canada in early September will be critical as theJayhawks attempt to build the team chemistry necessary to defend their national championship.
Kansas State
Coach Frank Martin will be challenged to rebuild after losing four starters from last season's team that made the program's first NCAA tournament tripsince 1996 and claimed its first NCAA tournament win since 1988. The Wildcats lost Big 12 Player of the Year Michael Beasley (conference-leading totals of 26.2 ppg and 12.4 rpg), who was the second pickin the NBA draft. Also gone are Bill Walker (16.1 ppg), guards Clent Stewart and BlakeYoung, and David Hoskins, who missed last season with a knee injury and won't petition the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility. Their departureswill open up featured scoring roles for guard Jacob Pullen and forward Dominique Sutton, who struggled with injuries after he was declared eligible at midterm. Andlook for jet-quick Miami transfer point guard Denis Clemente to take over a starting position.
Missouri
After suspending five players for parts of last season, coach Mike Anderson is looking for a more coachable team with better defensive production in his thirdseason. The Tigers return four starters from last season's 16-16 team that opened the conference race by upsetting Texas but played inconsistentlythroughout the season. Missouri's major loss will be point guard Keon Lawrence,who led the team in minutes played but transferred to Seton Hall to be closer to home. The group will be bolstered by a five-man freshman class and transferZaire Taylor (Delaware) and junior college forward Keith Ramsey(Okaloosa-Walton J.C.). And the core of the team will be relatively unaffected with the return of Leo Lyons and DeMarreCarroll as a tough frontcourt tandem who combined to average 26.1 ppg and 12.4 rpg.
Nebraska
A 20-win season capped by an NIT victory gave coach Doc Sadler his first postseason appearance with the Cornhuskers. But his work is cut out for him thisseason after the graduation of leading scorer and rebounder Aleks Maric. Four otherstarters are back -- guards Ryan Anderson, Ade Dagunduro, CookieMiller and Steve Harley -- but the Cornhuskers have to find some inside punch.Sadler lost top recruit Roburt Sallie, who was ruled ineligible afterhaving previously enrolled at Nebraska in 2006 without meeting initial eligibility requirements. Now he's headed for Memphis. Former Oregon State signeeEshaunte Jones arrives from Hargrave Military Academy (Va.). And raw6-11 center Christopher Niemann, a recruit from Germany,will get a shot at immediate playing time because of Maric's departure.
Oklahoma
The return of leading scorer Blake Griffin, who considered declaring for the NBAdraft, and the arrival of heralded point guard Willie Warren shouldresult in Jeff Capel's best team in Norman. The Sooners will return four starters -- forwards Blake and Taylor Griffin and guards Austin Johnson and TonyCrocker -- from last season's 23-12 team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Center Longar Longar left school, providing an immediate chance for 6-11, 270-pound center Orlando Allen from Paris (Texas) Junior College to fill in. Warren and Johnsonwill be joined by a pair of juco transfers, Juan Pattillo and Kyle Cannon, and Ryan Wright, who competed at two Final Fours at UCLA beforetransferring last season.
Oklahoma State
New coach Travis Ford arrives from Massachusetts, hoping to pick up the pieces from last season's 17-16 team that cost Sean Sutton his coaching job. Thecupboard isn't bare as four of five starters return, losing only defensive whiz Marcus Dove. OSU's four top scorers are back, but Ford's success will depend on thedevelopment of inside players Martavius Adams and Ibrahima Thomas and better rebounding. The perimeter looks solid with the return of scoringleader James Anderson (13.3 ppg), Obi Muonelo and point guard Byron Eaton, who ranked second in scoring and led the team in assists. Terrel Harris' status remains iffy after he was indefinitely suspended by Ford in lateApril.
Texas
Despite losing point guard .J. Augustin to the NBA draft, the remaining Longhornsmake Texas a solid threat to advance to the NCAA tournament for the 10th straight season. A.J. Abrams returns after backing out of the draft and could play either guard position,depending on the development of Turkish point guard DogusBalbay, who missed last season with a knee injury. Underrated guard Justin Masonis back, along with starting interior players Damion James and Connor Atchley from last season's 31-7 team that advanced to the Elite Eight. With such adeep returning backcourt, incoming freshman guards Varez Ward andJ'Covan Brown won't get much initial playing time.
Texas A&M
The Aggies struggled during much of Big 12 play before playing strongly in the NCAA tournament, losing a tight second-round game to UCLA to finish at 25-11.They lose three of their top six scorers in four-year starter Joseph Jones, startingguard Dominique Kirk and center DeAndre Jordan, a second-round NBA pick. But coach Mark Turgeon will welcome back leadingscorer Josh Carter (12.2 ppg), point guard Donald Sloan (9.5 ppg, 3.4 apg) and bullish power forward Bryan Davis (8.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg). And Turgeon landed heralded Florida high school prospectsDavid Loubeau, a power forward, and point guard Dashan Harris, who both should contend for immediate playing time.
Texas Tech
Pat Knight's first full season will be keyed by the return of four of his five leading scorers from last season's 16-15 team, losing only scoringleader Martin Zeno. Knight will be hoping for continued improvement from point guardJohn Roberson and power forward Mike Singletary, who both showed impressive flashes as freshmen. And perimeter threatAlan Voskuil (13.1 ppg) is the team's leading returning scorer. But the biggest key for Knight's program will be hitting the recruiting trail hard in order toupgrade Tech's talent, which has been lagging over the past several seasons.
[h4]Big 12's best[/h4]By Fran Fraschilla
ESPN Fran Fraschilla counts down the best teams in the Big 12 for the upcoming season: 1. Texas: Damion James is the Longhorns' next lottery pick. And if Turkish freshman Dogus Balbay is the real deal, this team should play into the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. 2. Kansas: The defending national champions may be reloading but there is fresh talent here. Lots of it. Even with the baby brigade, they are not losing much at Allen Fieldhouse. 3. Oklahoma: Blake Griffin is a solid favorite to be the first pick in next June's NBA draft. If freshman Willie Warren is the real deal, OU can contend for the Big 12 title. 4. Baylor: The Bears will improve on a school-record nine conference wins this season on the strength of explosive guard play. If the defense tightens up, you are talking about a Sweet 16 team. 5. Texas A&M: If freshman point guard Dashan Harrris is ready to step in and run the show, look for Josh Carter and the Aggies to have a big year. 6. Missouri: It's been a rough first two years for coach Mike Anderson, but there is talent here and, if the team's chemistry is good, the Tigers are an NCAA sleeper. 7. Oklahoma State: If new coach Travis Ford can get the players to buy into his up-tempo system, the Cowboys, led by sophomore James Anderson, will be a wild card in the Big 12 race. 8. Nebraska: Coach Doc Sadler has a bunch of relatively unknown players, but nobody plays harder and defends like the Huskers. Ade Dagunduro is a senior shooting guard who could make a name for himself. 9. Kansas State: Recruiting has gone well for the Wildcats, but you don't replace Michael Beasley and Bill Walker, although Miami transfer Denis Clemente will try. 10. Texas Tech: Sophomore John Roberson is a scoring point guard around whom coach Pat Knight will build, so don't be surprised if the Red Raiders' tempo is sped up a bit. 11. Colorado: Coach Jeff Bzdelik is pleased with his first recruiting haul, but learning the Princeton/Air Force system will take awhile. 12. Iowa State: Greg McDermott is a fine coach, but defections and injuries have brought the Cyclones' rebuilding process to a halt.
BaylorThe Bears could be poised for back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history with the return of eight of their top nine scorersfrom last season's team. The Bears return four starters from the team that fell to Purdue in the first round of the tournament -- Baylor's first NCAAtrip in 20 years -- losing only guard Aaron Bruce. Guard Curtis Jerrells could blossom as a senior after averaging a team-leading 15.3 points per gamelast season. And the future looks bright as coach Scott Drew attracted junior college forward Artem Valov, lanky 6-9 freshman Anthony Jones and former Michigan forward Ekpe Udoh into the program. Udoh, who averaged 5.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 67 career games (31starts) for the Wolverines, will sit out the 2008-09 season with two seasons of remaining eligibility.
ColoradoCoach Jeff Bzdelik will face a big challenge after losing three starters from last season's 12-20 team, including leading scorers Richard Roby, MarcusHall and Xavier Silas, who combined for 40.7 ppg. Improvement will hinge on thecontinued development of Cory Higgins, who averaged 8.3 ppg last season as a freshman-- Colorado's only returning player who scored at least 5 ppg. The Buffaloes bring in five newcomers, headed by 6-7 forward Toby Veal and 6-8 Austin Dufault. They will be joined inside by senior Jermyl Jackson-Wilson, who has struggled in matchups with larger opponents during most of hiscollege career. Bzdelik was interviewed by Chicago general manager John Paxson before the Bulls hired Vinny Del Negro for their vacant coaching position.Bzdelik said he felt more of a responsibility to his Colorado players than the NBA job.
IowaStateThe Cyclones started last season 12-6, but limped home to a disappointing 14-18 record by finishing with six straight losses and 12 losses in their final 14games. Coach Greg McDermott faces a huge rebuilding job this season after losing scoring and rebounding leader Jiri Hubalek, RahshonClark and second-leading scorer Wesley Johnson, who transferred to Syracuse afterlast season. McDermott's biggest immediate need is to find some punch for an offense that ranked 11th in scoring and last in field goal percentage and3-point field goal percentage. McDermott will be looking for a boost from forward CraigBrackins (11.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and guard Lucca Staiger, a legitimate 3-pointthreat. A deep, incoming six-man freshman class will improve the Cyclones' size with the arrival of 6-foot-11 center Justin Hamilton and three power forwards.
KansasThe Jayhawks will be facing the biggest rebuilding job of coach Bill Self's career with five new starters. Look for Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich to become the featured players, although juco swingman Mario Little could emerge as the Jayhawks' key offensive threat. TheJayhawks had one of the most memorable NBA drafts with five players taken in the two rounds. Kansas tied Connecticut in 2006 and Florida in 2007 for the mostplayers selected in the two-round era. Self will attempt to rebuild with a deep incoming recruiting class including twin power forwards Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris, shooting guard Travis Releford, point guard Tyrone Appleton (Midland J.C.) and swift point guard Tyshawn Taylor. A trip to Canada in early September will be critical as theJayhawks attempt to build the team chemistry necessary to defend their national championship.
Kansas StateCoach Frank Martin will be challenged to rebuild after losing four starters from last season's team that made the program's first NCAA tournament tripsince 1996 and claimed its first NCAA tournament win since 1988. The Wildcats lost Big 12 Player of the Year Michael Beasley (conference-leading totals of 26.2 ppg and 12.4 rpg), who was the second pickin the NBA draft. Also gone are Bill Walker (16.1 ppg), guards Clent Stewart and BlakeYoung, and David Hoskins, who missed last season with a knee injury and won't petition the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility. Their departureswill open up featured scoring roles for guard Jacob Pullen and forward Dominique Sutton, who struggled with injuries after he was declared eligible at midterm. Andlook for jet-quick Miami transfer point guard Denis Clemente to take over a starting position.
MissouriAfter suspending five players for parts of last season, coach Mike Anderson is looking for a more coachable team with better defensive production in his thirdseason. The Tigers return four starters from last season's 16-16 team that opened the conference race by upsetting Texas but played inconsistentlythroughout the season. Missouri's major loss will be point guard Keon Lawrence,who led the team in minutes played but transferred to Seton Hall to be closer to home. The group will be bolstered by a five-man freshman class and transferZaire Taylor (Delaware) and junior college forward Keith Ramsey(Okaloosa-Walton J.C.). And the core of the team will be relatively unaffected with the return of Leo Lyons and DeMarreCarroll as a tough frontcourt tandem who combined to average 26.1 ppg and 12.4 rpg.
NebraskaA 20-win season capped by an NIT victory gave coach Doc Sadler his first postseason appearance with the Cornhuskers. But his work is cut out for him thisseason after the graduation of leading scorer and rebounder Aleks Maric. Four otherstarters are back -- guards Ryan Anderson, Ade Dagunduro, CookieMiller and Steve Harley -- but the Cornhuskers have to find some inside punch.Sadler lost top recruit Roburt Sallie, who was ruled ineligible afterhaving previously enrolled at Nebraska in 2006 without meeting initial eligibility requirements. Now he's headed for Memphis. Former Oregon State signeeEshaunte Jones arrives from Hargrave Military Academy (Va.). And raw6-11 center Christopher Niemann, a recruit from Germany,will get a shot at immediate playing time because of Maric's departure.
OklahomaThe return of leading scorer Blake Griffin, who considered declaring for the NBAdraft, and the arrival of heralded point guard Willie Warren shouldresult in Jeff Capel's best team in Norman. The Sooners will return four starters -- forwards Blake and Taylor Griffin and guards Austin Johnson and TonyCrocker -- from last season's 23-12 team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Center Longar Longar left school, providing an immediate chance for 6-11, 270-pound center Orlando Allen from Paris (Texas) Junior College to fill in. Warren and Johnsonwill be joined by a pair of juco transfers, Juan Pattillo and Kyle Cannon, and Ryan Wright, who competed at two Final Fours at UCLA beforetransferring last season.
Oklahoma StateNew coach Travis Ford arrives from Massachusetts, hoping to pick up the pieces from last season's 17-16 team that cost Sean Sutton his coaching job. Thecupboard isn't bare as four of five starters return, losing only defensive whiz Marcus Dove. OSU's four top scorers are back, but Ford's success will depend on thedevelopment of inside players Martavius Adams and Ibrahima Thomas and better rebounding. The perimeter looks solid with the return of scoringleader James Anderson (13.3 ppg), Obi Muonelo and point guard Byron Eaton, who ranked second in scoring and led the team in assists. Terrel Harris' status remains iffy after he was indefinitely suspended by Ford in lateApril.
TexasDespite losing point guard .J. Augustin to the NBA draft, the remaining Longhornsmake Texas a solid threat to advance to the NCAA tournament for the 10th straight season. A.J. Abrams returns after backing out of the draft and could play either guard position,depending on the development of Turkish point guard DogusBalbay, who missed last season with a knee injury. Underrated guard Justin Masonis back, along with starting interior players Damion James and Connor Atchley from last season's 31-7 team that advanced to the Elite Eight. With such adeep returning backcourt, incoming freshman guards Varez Ward andJ'Covan Brown won't get much initial playing time.
Texas A&MThe Aggies struggled during much of Big 12 play before playing strongly in the NCAA tournament, losing a tight second-round game to UCLA to finish at 25-11.They lose three of their top six scorers in four-year starter Joseph Jones, startingguard Dominique Kirk and center DeAndre Jordan, a second-round NBA pick. But coach Mark Turgeon will welcome back leadingscorer Josh Carter (12.2 ppg), point guard Donald Sloan (9.5 ppg, 3.4 apg) and bullish power forward Bryan Davis (8.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg). And Turgeon landed heralded Florida high school prospectsDavid Loubeau, a power forward, and point guard Dashan Harris, who both should contend for immediate playing time.
Texas TechPat Knight's first full season will be keyed by the return of four of his five leading scorers from last season's 16-15 team, losing only scoringleader Martin Zeno. Knight will be hoping for continued improvement from point guardJohn Roberson and power forward Mike Singletary, who both showed impressive flashes as freshmen. And perimeter threatAlan Voskuil (13.1 ppg) is the team's leading returning scorer. But the biggest key for Knight's program will be hitting the recruiting trail hard in order toupgrade Tech's talent, which has been lagging over the past several seasons.
[h4]Big 12's best[/h4]By Fran Fraschilla
ESPN Fran Fraschilla counts down the best teams in the Big 12 for the upcoming season: 1. Texas: Damion James is the Longhorns' next lottery pick. And if Turkish freshman Dogus Balbay is the real deal, this team should play into the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. 2. Kansas: The defending national champions may be reloading but there is fresh talent here. Lots of it. Even with the baby brigade, they are not losing much at Allen Fieldhouse. 3. Oklahoma: Blake Griffin is a solid favorite to be the first pick in next June's NBA draft. If freshman Willie Warren is the real deal, OU can contend for the Big 12 title. 4. Baylor: The Bears will improve on a school-record nine conference wins this season on the strength of explosive guard play. If the defense tightens up, you are talking about a Sweet 16 team. 5. Texas A&M: If freshman point guard Dashan Harrris is ready to step in and run the show, look for Josh Carter and the Aggies to have a big year. 6. Missouri: It's been a rough first two years for coach Mike Anderson, but there is talent here and, if the team's chemistry is good, the Tigers are an NCAA sleeper. 7. Oklahoma State: If new coach Travis Ford can get the players to buy into his up-tempo system, the Cowboys, led by sophomore James Anderson, will be a wild card in the Big 12 race. 8. Nebraska: Coach Doc Sadler has a bunch of relatively unknown players, but nobody plays harder and defends like the Huskers. Ade Dagunduro is a senior shooting guard who could make a name for himself. 9. Kansas State: Recruiting has gone well for the Wildcats, but you don't replace Michael Beasley and Bill Walker, although Miami transfer Denis Clemente will try. 10. Texas Tech: Sophomore John Roberson is a scoring point guard around whom coach Pat Knight will build, so don't be surprised if the Red Raiders' tempo is sped up a bit. 11. Colorado: Coach Jeff Bzdelik is pleased with his first recruiting haul, but learning the Princeton/Air Force system will take awhile. 12. Iowa State: Greg McDermott is a fine coach, but defections and injuries have brought the Cyclones' rebuilding process to a halt.
