College Hoops: ESPN/USA Today Poll Snubs

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the ESPN/USA Today released its final poll and the Duke Blue Devils were featured as the No. 1 team after their National Championship victory.

Before the 2010-11' season started the Blue Devils were conceived the No. 1 team in the polls. On October 21, 2010 the ESPN/USA Today poll was released and to no ones surprise Duke was the No. 1 team overall and Michigan State followed at two.

The recent injury to Robbie Hummel allowed Kansas State to jump to the third spot in the poll.

Purdue dropped to No. 8, rather than being a lock in the top 5, while the Kentucky Wildcats cracked the top-10 of the coaches poll.

There are nine teams that are in the polls now that wasn't there when the final poll was released last year. However, 25-teams isn't enough. Here is my selection of the best teams that weren't featured in the coaches poll.

Colorado Buffaloes - The Buffs' returned their dynamic backcourt duo Cory Higgins, and Alec Burks that survived their first year together in the Big 12. This year, the Buffs' will not be at the bottom of the Big 12. With Burks, and Higgins, along with Marcus Relphorde, Austin Dufault and many other returning players the Buffs' are looking very impressive. Colorado was selected to finish ninth-overall in the Big 12 by the coaches. However, with the returning players along with Burks, and Higgins the Buffs' should finish much higher than that.

Brigham Young Cougars - Last year, when the final coaches poll was released the Cougars were No. 22 overall after losing to Kansas State in the Sweet-16. This season, the Cougars received 55 votes, but it wasn't enough to get them inside the top-25. The Cougars returned their superstar Jimmer Fredette who lead the team last year in scoring. With Fredette, the Cougars are, once again, conceived as a mid-major power in College Basketball.

San Diego State Aztecs - Last season, the Aztecs were granted an NCAA tournament berth after a 25-8 season. They did lose to Tennessee in the first-round but the young Aztecs did show potential with then-freshman Kawhi Leonard leading the way. This year, the Aztecs returned four-of-five starters from a season ago, and could surprise College Basketball this year. The Aztecs received 73-votes, and is right outside the top-25.

Murray State Racers - Murray State shocked then-No. 4 Vanderbilt in the first round of the tournament. They also were five seconds away from sinking the eventual runner-up Butler. The Racers were very impressive during the tournament and could emerge as a mid-major power this season. Murray State returned three-of-five starters from last year's second round team. Not to mention, their leader B.J. Jenkins is ready to lead the Racers to another NCAA tournament berth. The Racers received two votes by coaches.

West Virginia Mountaineers - West Virginia finished No. 3 overall in the last coaching poll released after the season ended. When the new poll was released last week, the Mountaineers weren't inside the top-25 and received only 49-votes. West Virginia lost two of their most talented players in Devin Ebanks, and Da'Sean Butler, but did acquire enough experience from last years squad that will should crack the top-25. Kevin Jones, who was an All-Big East selection, will lead the Mountaineers in the right direction.

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Who Will Be The Next Surprise In College Basketball?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Every year in college basketball a team catches us by surprise. 

Don't believe me? Ask the Jayhawks about Northern Iowa, Villanova about Saint Mary's, or Georgetown about Ohio.

Each of those teams was shocked in the tournament. None of them were conceived to be knocked off as early as they were.

The mid-major teams are starting to emerge once the tournament comes around and have started to show everyone that they can play basketball as well. 

Now last year, Butler took the tournament and switched it in their favor. Something similar to what George Mason was able to achieve back in 2006.

They're becoming so popular that the favorites are preparing hard for every team. However, there is always a chance that the favorite still loses.

The mid-major upsets have made the tournament exciting. If you don't think it will happen next season, you're out of your mind. There are some possible up-setters ready for next season. Here they are:

East Tennessee State Buccaneers (Atlantic Sun Conference)

The Buccaneers had to face off against Kentucky in their first round matchup last season. Despite the loss, the Buccaneers still came out a better team.

With Kentucky's Eric Bledsoe firing three-pointers and making them, the Bucs' were unable to match that. However, next season, the Bucs' lose two seniors but no significant playmakers.

Not to mention, they brought in Ryan Woumn to help out in the backcourt.

The Bucs' are still contenders in the A-Sun conference. Down the road, if they make the tournament, with Tommy Hubbard at the helm, the Bucs' could pose as spoilers.

Wofford Terriers (Southern Conference)

The Wofford Terriers gave Wisconsin all they had in the tournament last season. However, after witnessing Jon Leuer take over the game in the final seconds, Wofford was sent home.

Wofford lost two senior players but also acquired a freshmen to fill the void. Josh Corry is a lights out shooter and will have the chance to fill the shoes of Junior Salters.

With four of five starters returning from last year's squad, Wofford has upset written all over them. I expect them to be atop of the Southern Conference another year with their experienced players.

Old Dominion Monarchs (Colonial Athletic Association Conference) 

In their first round match-up against Baylor, Old Dominion beat the Bears out in almost every statistical category. However, they still didn't pick up the win. 

Losing Gerald Lee was huge for the Monarchs; however, I don't believe it's a huge setback. 

Their recruit Richard Ross should come in and fill in his shoes. He is a 6-foot-7 power forward and has the ability to create havoc for the Monarchs. He can be a high-energy guy that will rebound and showcase put backs in the post.

Even with the lost of their best player from last season, the Monarchs return most of their starters and add key recruits to complement them.

Depending on the match-ups, I believe the Monarchs can upset a few teams in March.

 Murray State Racers (Ohio Valley Conference)

The Racers return three of their top-five scorers from last season. They are the only team on this list that advanced passed the first round. Not to mention, they were a shot away from sinking the eventual runner-up Butler.

However, next season with the recruits they brought in and the returning players, Murray State will be a mid-major power.

One-point away from defeating the runner-up was impressive. However, Murray State has to get back after it and I think they will.

If there is any team that can go far in the Sweet-16 it's Murray State. They have experience, talent, and a leader in B.J. Jenkins that will get the job done.

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Can Murray State Continue The Success?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Remember how Murray State almost saved us all from watching Butler advance to the National Championship? If you don't remember, let me remind you.

In a second round match up in the NCAA tournament, Murray State faced off against Butler. The game was highly competitive throughout and with less than 20 seconds left, Butler led by one.

Once the game was on the line, the Racers turned the ball over on poor execution and Butler went on to victory.

Now let's just say, Gordon Hayward didn't leave his man; would Butler have been in the National Championship?

However, he did leave his man and Butler advanced while Murray State was sent home packing. But, here's a question that you have to ask yourself: Can Murray State continue the success?

My answer, yes they can!

Three of their top five scorers will return for next season. Not to mention, the Racers pulled four recruits that will play big roles next season. 

Shawn Jackson the 6-foot-9 center will be a key contributor inside. His frame is slightly better than his predecessor Tony Easley and he will use that to advantage. In his senior season, he showed us all just how good he could be both offensively and defensively. 

He averaged 21.8 points, 12 rebounds and 7.2 blocks per game. Talk about a monster inside.

Danero Thomas will be hard to replace. But with Christian Griffin I think it won't be that hard. He is a sure scoring threat off the wing. He has a great jumper with the ability to make precise cuts on offense.

His weak point would be his defense. He needs to slim down and inherit lateral quickness.

Jeffrey Reese recently committed to Murray State back in 2009 but enrolled this year. This long forward will have the chance to crack the starting line-up. His energy and dedication to the game cannot be taught. 

Everybody wishes they had a player like Reese.

Brandon Garrett edges off the 2010 recruiting class. He isn't the greatest athlete but he will help out with depth. He took the community college route before making his way to Murray State.

He did it at the right time. Murray State needs his length and size in post. He will be a huge contributor next season as well.

With the recruiting class Murray State has been able to put together, along with the experienced players that returned, they have a great chance of coming out on top in the Ohio Valley Conference. 

Not just the Ohio Valley, but they could make noise in the NCAA tournament.

Yes, they did lose players, but they also acquired prospects to fill the void. Murray State was a 30-win team last season.

This upcoming season, I can see them being just as dominant. Watch out for the Racers, the Mid-Majors are back!