Shackelford Making Noise

Photo credits to highdesertpreps.com

The Truth (CA) shooting guard Jaden Shackelford had one of the best—if not the best—games in Dallas this weekend on the EYBL circuit.

Shackelford finished with 40 points on 12-of-19 shooting, knocking down seven threes, and added six rebounds and three assist in a win over E1T1.

Big 12 Pre-Season Poll, New No. 1

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Big 12 conference was conceived the best basketball conference in America last season. You had Kansas, Kansas State, Baylor, Texas, and many other Big 12 teams playing at a high level.

This season, nothing changes. You will have these teams playing with the same intensity; however, the Big 12 will embrace a new leader of the conference, if you ask the coaches.

In a poll where you cannot select your own team the Kansas State Wildcats received 10-first place votes, while the Kansas Jayhawks followed with two. Kansas State is considered to enter the season as a top-10 team. The most likely reason is senior guard Jacob Pullen.

The biggest shocker is Baylor at No. 4. The Baylor Bears returned LaceDarius Dunn, and Quincy Acey. They also acquired J'Mison Morgan, and brought in one of the best recruits in school history with Perry Jones.

My Big 12 sleeper team is the Colorado Buffaloes. Colorado returned both Alec Burks, and Cory Higgins. Last season, these two collectively kept the Buffs' competitive with teams.

This dynamic duo will certainly be a force in the Big 12. Not to mention, the Buffs' added size to their frontcourt with the 2010 recruiting class.

This year’s team to watch is the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns have reserves that are ready to step up such as J’Covan Brown and Jordan Hamilton, and was able to lure in Tristian Thompson and Corey Joseph.

However, the Longhorns do not possess a bench, nor has their point guard problems been solved. The Longhorns will need to prove to teams that they are worthy of the No. 3 ranking in the Big 12.

Last season, the Longhorns reached the No. 1 ranking in all of College Basketball. But, after the loss to Kansas State the Longhorns went downhill. To prevent that this year, the Longhorns need to establish a point guard, and post presence.

Nonetheless, the Big 12 conference will be very competitive this season. The coaches have predicted 8-of-13 Big 12 champions and could do the same this year.

Here is the conference complete coaches poll:

1. Kansas State Wildcats (10) - 119 points
2. Kansas Jayhawks (2) - 109 points
3. Texas Longhorns - 99 points
4. Baylor Bears - 96 points
5. Missouri Tigers - 82 points
6. Texas A&M - 69 points
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders - 52 points
8. Oklahoma State Cowboys - 51 points
9. Colorado Buffaloes - 46 points
10. Nebraska Cornhuskers - 31 points
11. Oklahoma Sooners - 27 points
12. Iowa State Cyclones - 11 points

Check out Collegiate Hoops Big 12 Preseason Power Rankings

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Dominique Sutton Transferring to North Carolina Central

Posted by CoHoops Paul Seaver

Family was listed as the reason for Dominique Sutton's decision to transfer out of Kansas State in early July.

After averging 7.2 ppg and 5.8 rpg, Sutton made a name for himself as a solid role player for Kansas State. The Wildcats who were a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament this past season, were looking to continue improving in 2010-2011, aided by the return of star guard Jacob Pullen.

However, Sutton decided he would not be apart of the Kansas State basketball team upon his decision to transfer. The forward has now found a new home.

Dominique Sutton has made the decision to transfer to North Carolina Central, a newly official member of the MEAC conference.

After a 7-22 season last year, NCC got its first nationally televised game in an 89-42 blowout loss to the Tar Heels of North Carolina back on November 11th, 2009, however the Eagles may have someone in Sutton who can come right in and star.

The decision to transfer to North Carolina Central allows Sutton to play immediately and he will be joined by former Oklahoma Sooner, Ray Willis in 2010-2011. With a home in the MEAC, the Eagles might have a roster that could potentially be dangerous in the smaller conference.

*Photo: Dominique Sutton *Credit: kansascity.com

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College Hoops Teams That Could Use Michael Gilchrist More Than Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Puggal.com Photo

It is no surprise that Kentucky is going to start getting more five-star players than any other college program. That get's under the skin of most college programs. In fact, have of the five-star players that Kentucky has acquired over the years could have been put to better use elsewhere.

This year, it's not surprising that the No. 1 overall recruit has decided to make his college choice the Kentucky Wildcats. To no one's surprise, he could go anywhere in the country.

Michael Gilchrist is considered the best three-man in the country right now. He does a lot of things right on the court that gives his team the victory.

Just what if, Gilchrist decided he didn't want to make his decision so early? I know just about every college program in the country could use a talent like him. But here are teams that need him more than Kentucky.

Indiana Hoosiers

We all know that Indiana is a basketball state. It's been home to five NCAA National Championships as well as three-time National Coach of the Year, Bob Knight and two-time National Coach of the Year, Branch McCracken.

They're known for their rich basketball history and are in need of a playmaker to restore the program. Gilchrist would be the perfect fit. He is a great all-around player that you can build your program around.

Connecticut Huskies

Graduation took away some of UConn's best contributors. Now with Kemba Walker the only playmaker left on the roster from the year before, the Huskies could definitely use the services of Gilchrist.

Walker may leave for the NBA draft after this year and the Huskies will need more playmakers for their program.

UConn would be a great fit. Not only does he get to play for one of the better coaches in college basketball but he will also reserve the chance to compete in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. And if you know Gilchrist, competitiveness runs through his blood.

Villanova Wildcats

The Villanova Wildcats team is filled with senior players that are leaving next season. With the current recruiting standing, the Wildcats could be out for a season before a turnaround comes.

The Wildcats could use Gilchrist. He is a true wing threat and to complement the young guards, the Wildcats will need a player of his caliber.

Kansas State Wildcats

The Wildcats are considered to be one of the best teams in the league. However, after this season, they'll lose their leader Pullen.

Meaning, the Wildcats need a player like Gilchrist to lead their team and continue the success.

Gilchrist would fit in perfectly on the wing. With young guards that are going to grow up after this season, he'll have plenty of chances to be around talent. Not to mention, Freddy Asprilla is a beast in the post.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Harrison Barnes out, Michael Gilchrist in! With Barnes most likely being a one-and-done candidate, the Tar Heels need another playmaker on the wing.

Gilchrist could step right in and pick up where Barnes left off.

Watch BYU's Jimmer Fredette Surprise in 2010

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

On July 4, 2010 BYU’s Jimmer Fredette was named as one of the most explosive college basketball player—according to Yahoo Sports!—for obvious reasons.


During last season, Jimmer Fredette dropped 49 points, nine assist, and seven rebounds.


He also dropped point on TCU, and 37 on the Florida Gators in OT.


However, once the BYU Cougars reached the Kansas State Wildcats, their superstar Fredette went downhill. 

Corey Joseph Could Help Fix Texas Backcourt Woes

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Texas Longhorns are known to be potent competition in the Big 12. In the past season, nobody would witness hardly a bad season out of their basketball program. 


They have a rich tradition and hoist some of the nation’s top talent. However, if you witnessed the Longhorns last season, you wouldn’t of known that.


Last season, the Texas Longhorns started the year off flawless. They began with a (17-0) record, not to mention, they seemed virtually unstoppable with Avery Bradley and top wing talent, Damion James.


However, people credit Kansas State for finding their flaws, but they really built off what Texas Tech created.


The Red Raiders had the then-number one team on the ropes in OT. Texas prevailed, but the Longhorns backcourt was definitely a problem.

The Wildcats Found Dominique Sutton's Replacement?

It is reported that Kansas State recruit Nino Williams may be enrolling at Kansas State earlier than planned. The 6-foot-5 guard does have the chance to play this season if he wants. If Williams has decided he will play this season for the 'Cats that a big plus.


He is on his way to Manhattan to enroll. The Wildcats are now loaded with talent.


More on this story coming soon...


Written by DeAnte Mitchell

Collegiate Hoops: Ridiculously Early Final Four Picks

The college basketball season is far from beginning but I'm going to give you my ridiculously early Final Four picks. 

Honorable Mentions:

Butler Bulldogs

They did lose their star Gordon Hayward, but let's not forget they won games with team defense.

If you play defense the way the Bulldogs did, you can beat anybody in the league. Not to mention, everybody on the team has returned except Hayward.

You still have Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard to ignite a championship run. Oh yeah, Mack could have been the player of the game in the Kansas State game. He kept the game out of reach, and made the key defensive play and pass to seal the victory.

With all the other guys returning and a wonderful Head Coach in Stevens, the Bulldogs will have a chance to prove to the world that they're not one-hit wonders.

Illinois Fighting Illini

The Fighting Illini lost Dominique Keller and Stan Simpson but is still a top team. They returned All-Star point guard Demetri McCamey that could have been Big Ten Player of the Year or at least talked about if it wasn't for some guy named Evan Turner.

They also returned players Mike Davis and Tisdale. Not to mention, their recruiting class is right up there with the best programs in the league.

They have a nice fantastic four in Davis, Tisdale, McCamey and Jereme Richmond.

Watch out for the Illini, I guarantee they won't be snubbed in this year’s tournament. With McCamey progressing as a player, I think he can lead them deep into the tournament. 

(In no particular order)

4. Kansas State Wildcats 

So the Wildcats lost three players from their Elite-Eight run in last year's tournament—two role players and one key contributor.

However, with the return of superstar Jacob Pullen the Wildcats are my favorite to reach the Final Four.

Kansas State was known for its backcourt duo last year, but now it's going to be all about the frontcourt. They brought in Freddy Asprilla, the 6'10'' monster in the paint. Jamar Samuels a junior at Kansas State said that he was Luis Colon with more skill.

Another freshman standout is Will Spradling. He stole the ball away from his teammate on the first play and scored. 

So they definitely have one of the deepest teams in the NCAA.

3. Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilermakers were fortunate enough to return both E'Twaun Moore and Jajuan Johnson. Both players are one of the reasons that Purdue will be huge players in the NCAA tournament.

Along with Johnson and Moore is Robbie Hummel. If you don't remember, once Hummel went down with season ending surgery, Purdue season did the same.

Now with the big three, and Lewis Jackson healthy, they are favorites to reach the Final Four.

They have brought in combo-guard Terone Jackson and that is going to make a huge splash on the offensive end.

If they stay healthy, and get contributions from their bench they'll have a chance to get to the Final Four and National Championship game.

2. Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State Spartans returned every single player from their Final Four team except Raymar Morgan. 

Now let's put this into consideration: The Spartans almost won a National Championship without their facilitator Kalin Lucas.

They have their Head Coach Tom Izzo back and that's all they need.

To add more depth and strengthen the roster, Izzo brought in Keith Appling and Adreian Payne—two freshmen that can come in and make huge contributions immediately. 

You might want to note this as well: Every player that stayed at least four-years with Izzo had the chance to compete in the Final Four.

That sounds like some good stuff and the freshman's should get a taste of what that is like once they start playing Spartan basketball.

1. Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils has a very good chance at repeating for the first time since Florida did it earlier in the decade.

They returned Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith. They lost Jon Scheyer and Brian Zoubek, but also brought in some of the best young talent.

Stand-out point guard, Kyrie Irving is said to be the most polished point guard we've seen in a while. He has great vision, and passing skills; on top of that, he can score the basketball at will.

Mason and Miles Plumlee will take the services down-low, while Seth Curry--the transfer from Liberty--helps out in the backcourt.

The Blue Devils squad is going to run about a 10-to-12 man rotation. They have a lot of depth and have a lot of talent on their roster.

With experience, and depth, they have the best chance at a repeat.

(Tell me what you think. Did I miss a team, or did I put a team on here that didn't deserve it? Hit me up at CollegiateHoops@gmail.com or simply reply below)

Written by DeAnte Mitchell

Collegiate Hoops: KU to The Pac-10 Hurts Kansas State

Every since expansion talks started to heat up; there has been a lot of speculation about the Big 12 breaking apart.

The Big 12's status hinged on Nebraska and Mizzou; but now it's all up to Texas. 

Texas is reportedly leaving for the Pac-10, which killed any thoughts of the Big 12 staying intact.

This left the remaining teams in the Big 12 victims of conference expansions. Not only that, but there is no conferences with a lot interest in the other Big 12 teams.

Until today. The Mountain West Conference has an interest in KU and Kansas State, but hasn't made a huge push for either team. 

On the other hand, the Pac-10 has recently expressed am interest in the Jayhawks. 

After Texas A&M turned down the bid to join the Pac-10 in favor of the SEC, its mind has been set on the Jayhawks. In fact, the Pac-10 officials are supposed to be headed to Kansas City to speak with the Jayhawks.

Let's take a look at the possible departure of the schools:

Kansas to the Pac-10

This would be the ideal place for the Jayhawks considering that Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Texas Tech will most likely be in the conference. It'll seem like a new home because they'll be playing the same teams in both football and basketball.

From a football prospective, they are not the better team for a possible expansion. 

They were able to grab a few stellar seasons in the Big 12, but as of late, it has all vanished. 

From a basketball prospective, the Jayhawks could join the conference and not skip a beat. 

Kansas has, and always will be, a great basketball powerhouse. They're going to be set-up perfectly by the Pac-10. Joining the conference puts more money in the Jayhawks pocket; which allows them to acquire more scholarships

Now you're probably thinking about how good of a deal that is considering the fact that Kansas could have been homeless when all this played out. But if you understand what the word loyalty means, it's not.

Think about all the rivalries and history that will be diminished if Kansas decides to bail for the Pac-10.

Kansas and Kansas State have been linked for some time and the Kansas Board of Regents even stepped in and said they wanted this to continue.

However, with the current allegations about the Pac-10 reaching out for KU's service, could break apart this bond we all know as the Sunflower Showdown.

Think about the recruiting battles for Kansas high school recruits, or the grant money they split every year, or how about the fact that if they split Kansas State could be the loser of all this instead of Kansas.

I think the best possible situation for Kansas is to join the Pac-10 but I don't believe they'll be loyal in the eyes of many. They'll most likely be seen as money-hungry Jayhawks that left Kansas State to fend for themselves.

College Basketball: Boise State to Mountain West; KU, K-State and Mizzou Next?

Boise State has always been interested in joining the Mountain West conference. However, things never worked out and they had to stick with the WAC.

Things were sure to work out in the long run, considering how much sense this made for both schools.

Today, it finally worked out and the Broncos gave the Mountain West its tenth program. Similar to the Pac-10 and Big Ten they're headed towards the expansion gates as well.

Everybody knows conference expansions and if you don't I'll give you a rundown.

This off-season, the Big Ten and Pac-10 conferences have been reaching out to teams, mostly in the Big 12, to form a power conference. 

However, the only dilemma with that is, they're only looking at it from one perspective; the football perspective.

Colorado and Nebraska have found their new homes. Nebraska was accepted into the Big Ten, while Colorado bolted to the Pac-10.

Other Big 12 teams like Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are all reportedly proceeding to the Pac-10 as well. 

Meaning the Big 12 could be a distant memory, inspecting that, Texas enclosed the future of the conference in its hands. If they jump to the Pac-10 the Big 12 can't be a power conference anymore. Meaning the remaining teams will have to find new homes.

The Mountain West may have a considerable chance of landing Kansas State or Iowa State. This makes the most sense for the conference, in my opinion.

Kansas and Missouri on the other hand, are too much of a powerhouse for a conference like the Mountain West. They're a lot more competitive, and the teams in the Mountain West wouldn't match the same intensity they would prefer.

That doesn't mean they couldn't join either. Without the offer from the Big Ten, Mizzou may only have a few preferences, interchangeable with Kansas. 

The Big East is an option for all these teams left in the Big 12. I've even heard of a potential SEC jump for Kansas to develop a rivalry with Kentucky.

It's all just a lot of speculation, confusion and nobody really understands, to a certain extent, what is next for these teams. KU, K-State, Mizzou, Texas A&M, and Iowa State are the remaining teams in the Big 12. Where they'll land is a huge mystery. Just don't be stunned if some of these teams land in the Mountain West conference.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell