Baylor Bears Forward Perry Jones Suspended

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Baylor Bears (18-2, 7-9) star freshman Perry Jones was suspended for tonights game against the Oklahoma Sooners (13-17, 5-11) and could be done for the season.

According to many media outlets, Jones received improper benefits and the NCAA looks to end his season.

Jones III averaged 13.9 points, and was the second-leading rebounder with 7.2 per game. He was a big part of Baylor's long 2-3 zone that featured two other players with 7-foot plus wingspans.

Without a frontcourt force, Baylor's tournament hopes could be diminished. Especially, seeing that the Bears are on the outside looking in.

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Perry Jones Among The Talented Big 12 Newcomers

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Big 12 conference is consistently one of the best conferences in College Basketball. You can credit the coaches, and players for playing hard year-in and out.

You can also credit some of the efforts to recruiting. The Big 12 is notorious for bringing in elite talent. The Kansas Jayhawks are usually the program to bring in the most talented recruiting class.

However, this year that goes to the Baylor Bears. Freshman Perry Jones is ready to show people in Waco that he is the real deal.

But, Jones isn't the only talented newcomer. Josh Selby from Kansas is also among the talented newcomers.

Cameron Clark will have a big year as a Sooner. Not to mention, Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe was selected by Big 12 coaches as the top newcomer this season.

Here is an complete list of the top newcomers in the Big 12 this season.

Corey Joseph (UT) - Corey Joseph reminds me a lot of former Longhorn Avery Bradley. Joseph isn't a true point guard but can lead the Longhorn attack. Not to mention, his scoring ability brings another dimension to the backcourt. Joseph's weak point is defense, but I see that improving with more minutes on the court. With the ball, Joseph is one of the most entertaining guards.

Perry Jones (BU) - Perry Jones, was the highest rated recruit to sign with the Baylor Bears. He has a 6-foot-10 frame, with the ability to play on the wing. He has the ability to handle the ball at 6-foot-10, which allows him to create mix-matches outside the paint. Every time the ball is in Jones hands Coach Scott Drew can expect production. With Jones at Baylor, the Bears are among the favorable teams with a chance to win the Big 12.

Josh Selby (KU) - Selby's scoring ability is favorable and creates problems for any opposition. His passing is improving, and playing with an experienced frontcourt will take pressure off the freshman. Selby is battling for eligibility but he is still one of the top newcomers. If eligible, Selby will have the chance to navigate a No. 7 ranked team in the nation. That would be too much pressure for most freshman, but not Selby.

Ricardo Ratliffe (MU) - Ricardo Ratliffe made Mizzou's recruiting class significant. With Ratliffe, and Tony Mitchell, the Tigers would have had one of the best frontcourts in the Big 12. With Mitchell not eligible expect even more contributions from Ratliffe. His ability to score the ball puts pressure on the opposition. Not to mention, his versatility always present problems. Ratliffe was selected by the coaches as the top newcomer, and could overtake Jones if Mizzou can get him a lot of touches.

Tristian Thompson (UT) - Thompson is one of the best frontier freshmen this season. Thompson can face up, or score with his back to the basket. Thompson attacks the rim, and finishes strong. He is a big-time threat down low. The lefty is a mix-match waiting to happen. With the ball in his hands, Coach Barnes can expect Thompson to make the right play.

Cameron Clark (OU) - Cameron Clark is one of those freshman that has the ability to take over the game with a blink of an eye. With Clark the sky is the limit. He is one of the most talented players the Sooner will embrace since Blake Griffin. His athletic ability is off the charts, and will benefit Jeff Cappel when the season starts. He is listed as a forward, but I could see him play the two-guard as well for Coach Capel.

Freddy Asprilla (KSU) - Freddy Asprilla, the transfer from Florida International, made his way to Kansas State with Frank Martin. Asprilla has made key strides to get in tip-top shape. K-State Head Coach Frank Martin loves his scoring ability on offense. But, his biggest improvement needs to come from the defensive end. The 6-foot-10 center has lost up to 60-pounds and is mobile as ever. With Asprilla, K-State's frontcourt is arguably the best in the Big 12.

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It's Time To Take Notice Of The Baylor Bears

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Last season, the Baylor Bears were able to compete in one of the toughest basketball conferences. They came away (11-5) in Big 12 as well as (24-6) overall.

They competed with Kansas State in a game that could have gone either way. They also gave the Jayhawks all they could handle.

So once the Big 12 tournament came around teams understood they couldn't subside on the talent of the Bears. They advanced in the Big 12 tournament before being defeated by the Wildcats for the second time on the season.

But once the NCAA tournament came around the Baylor Bears were granted a No. 3 seed. They continued to win games and battle their way to an Elite Eight berth.

All along, Kansas and Kansas State stood atop of the Big 12. But once the tournament came around, Baylor was one of the last Big 12 teams standing. If you want to get technical, Baylor was the last Big 12 team standing.

After their hard-fought loss against the eventual National Champion-Duke Blue Devils, the Baylor Bears looked very solid heading into next season.

They lost Ekpe Udoh but brought in Perry Jones who is said to be the highest rated recruit in Baylor history. The Bears will have to do without Tweety Carter in the backcourt as well. However, they did bring in Stargell Love to fill the void.

Now with Jones, Love, LaceDarius Dunn along with Quincey Acy the Bears should be considered threats this year.

Their roster definitely catches the eye. They have depth at the guard position with Dunn and Love. Not to mention, with Acy on the wing it'll create matchup problems for the opposition.

Jones is Mr. Versatility with tremendous upside. You can place him on the wing or in the post and still receive steady contributions.

He has the ability to handle the ball, shoot as well as post up. Jones is the main reason Baylor caught my attention.

Once you combine the 2010 recruits with the experience players you see versatility and depth. Most importantly, the Bears have experienced players that I assume will step up and lead the team.

It's time to take notice in the Baylor Bears. They have done a great job of constructing a great roster and it'll pay off this winter.

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The Short Stint: Reviewing The Possible One-and-Done Players

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Believe it or not, the one-and-done rule has gotten under a lot of people's skin.

The one-and-done players are usually the players that do not belong in the college game at all. These are the players that could have gone straight from high school to the NBA.

However, since the rule has incorporated, we have bad student-athletes, speculations, recruiting violations and more.

If you ask me, I think the one-and-done rule should be dead-and-gone. Forcing players to the college game is doing more bad than good. You have players that only pass their first semester classes then throw away the second semester.

That takes a toll on academics as well as the school’s reputation.

The Coming Out Party: Luke Mergerson Edition

College basketball players are starting to look more impressive now-a-days. That means, some players can be overlooked.

Then you have those players that haven’t had their time to shine because of another star on their team. Once they finally get the chance, they take over and surprise scouts.

If you don't remember, Luke Mergerson was fortunate enough to give Collegiate Hoops an interview.

During the interview, he stated his interests, things he likes to do, and just things about his future as a basketball player.