Peyton Siva Among Athletes Poised to Emerge Out The Shadows

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

It's not un-common to see a coach reserve a player that he does not believe is ready for the challenges of College Basketball. In fact, it occurred on many occasions last season.

There have been many cases were a highly-touted recruit arrives and understands that he will have a learning season.

Then you have the players that are acquired to back up a current superstar. After the player graduates, or leaves, the acquired player will finally get the chance to come out his shadow.

This is what occurred last season with a lot of highly-touted recruits in the 2009 class, and backups during the 09-10' season.

With the upcoming season right around the corner, the notable players are starting to come to light.

There are many players that are poised to breakout for their respective squads. But here is my selection of the most notable players that are poised to break out of the shadows.

Wally Judge - Kansas State Wildcats
Wally Judge came out of high school as a McDonald's All-American. Judge drew the attention of many NBA scouts and was conceived to possible fulfill his NBA dreams after one year at Kansas State. However, that wasn't the case. Due to Luis Colon, Curtis Kelly, Jamar Samuels, and the Wildcats stacked frontcourt, Judge was only used for defensive purposes. This season, with more minutes opening up Judge will embrace the chance to "wow" and become one of the premier threat in the Big 12.

Corey Fisher - Villanova Wildcats
Playing beside a talented player like Scottie Reynolds wasn't easy for Corey Fisher. Reynolds got all the recognition for the success at Villanova. Now, with Reynolds gone, Fisher will grasp the chance to embrace success. His scoring ability will be critical for the 'Cats.

Peyton Siva - Louisville Cardinals
Last season, Rick Pitino acquired McDonald's All-American point guard Peyton Siva to back up Edgar Sosa. With Sosa, and Siva, Pitino had a duo of guards that could play at a high-level. With Sosa gone, Siva gets his crack at leading the offense for the Cardinals. I assume he will be one of the most improved players in the Big East.

Jordan Hamilton - Texas Longhorns
Jordan Hamilton's college career has been plagued with injuries thus far. Despite playing beside a player like Damion James, Hamilton was looked to contribute a lot to the Longhorns. However, the lack of staying healthy hurt the rotation of Texas. This season, with a healthy Hamilton the Longhorns key threat may be on the wing.

Kevin Jones - West Virginia Mountaineers
Despite playing beside De'Sean Butler, and Devin E'banks, Kevin Jones was able to accumulate 13.5 points, and 7.2 rebounds. With both of those players in the NBA, the buzz will now surround Jones. He will be able to get the recognition and produce at a consistent rate with more touches.

Korie Lucious - Michigan State Spartans
Last season, Lucious ended the season on a strong note. Despite losing to Butler, Lucious lead the Spartans to the Final Four and hit key shots as well. This year, with Kalin Lucas returning from injury Lucious could become the next threat for the Spartans. If he stays consistent for the Spartans he could start at point, and Tom Izzo may slide Lucas to the two.

Morris Twins - Kansas Jayhawks
The Morris Twins collectively were overshadowed by the contributions of Cole Aldrich day-in and day-out. However, with his NBA career in-sight the twin brothers will have the chance to take over the Jayhawks frontcourt. With a new guard, these two could become the favorite target.

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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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Kalin Lucas Ready to be Difference-Maker

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, it startled everyone when the Michigan State Spartans made a run to the Final Four without their point guard Kalin Lucas. Lucas was injured during the Spartans second-round game against the Maryland Terrapins, that was won at the buzzer.

He was later diagnosed with a torn achilles tendon, and sidelined for the rest of the tournament. With that said, Lucas had to watch his Spartans lose to Butler in the Final Four. 

Lucas watched desperately from the sideline as Korie Lucious attempted to purposely miss a free-throw that was rebounded by Butler's Gordon Hayward that sealed the victory for the Bulldogs.

As for Michigan State, what if Lucas had been playing? Do you think he would of allowed Durrell Summers to turn it over with under three minutes to play? Or allow Michigan State to not take the lead with under ten seconds left after a 30-second timeout?

Those are situations, in which, Lucas is favorable. With Lucas, it's almost a guarantee that the Spartans do not turn the ball over 16-times, and Michigan State could have won with him on the court.

This upcoming season, Lucas will be looked on to be the difference-maker. "Kalin has such a greater appreciation for playing now than he ever had," Head Coach Tom Izzo said. "Just because it was taken away from him."

"He's rehabbed better than any player I've known since I've been here." Lucas continues to rehab his achilles while continuing to get better.

"He's been a better passer in a few practices we've had," said Izzo. "He's really shot the ball well. Now, part of that is I think, you know, again, focus and concentration."

Coach Izzo also stated that Lucas is doing virtually everything to be a better teammate. Coach Izzo may play Lucas in both guard positions due to his increased range on his jump shot.

The Spartans returned every key player from their Final Four run, and acquired key freshman to help along the way.

However, with Lucas back the Spartans have the veteran leadership that was lacked during crunch-time a season ago. With Lucas still rehabbing, he will share duties with Lucious, and Keith Appling in the backcourt.

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Freshman Tar Heel Kendall Marshall Could Retain the Starting Job

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

During his first year with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Larry Drew III was used lightly. He played behind Tar Heel great Ty Lawson, and watched North Carolina bring a National Championship to Chapel Hill.

Last season, Drew got his first crack at the starting lineup. He didn't disappoint, and came up with some stellar statistics. He ended the year with 8.5 points, 5.9 assist, 2.7 rebounds, and shot 35 percent from three.

However, Drew did turn the ball over 3.2 times a game, which contributed to the lack of success for the Tar Heels last season.

With the College Basketball season approaching the Tar Heels are ready to showcase their talented freshman acquired in the 2010 recruiting class.

Freshman Harrison Barnes is already conceived to be one of the best players in the nation, and help the Heels' right away. Not to mention, sure-handed Kendall Marshall could crack the starting lineup, and help right away as well.

Marshall was nabbed as a McDonald's All-American player out of his school. He was one of the better point guards in High School because he was a complete floor general. He controls the game, makes the right plays, and doesn't force the action.

Marshall is a point guard that could jump right in and impress Head Coach Roy Williams. He makes the right pass and sets his teammates up for success.

Not to mention, he penetrates the lane with the intention to dump it down as the defense collapses. He has a great lefty stroke and could set up and dominate the game with his jump shot.  

Marshall could be the player the Heels' need to lead their offense. He has the true feel for the guard position, a playmaker, utilizes the whole floor on offense, and has the mentality to win.

Drew's starting job could be in jeopardy with Marshall on the roster. Regardless who starts, the Heels' guard play will be a lot better than it was a season ago.

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Pac-10 Power Rankings

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Pac-10 conference was one of the weaker conferences in College Basketball. No one out of the Pac-10 made significant noise in the NCAA, and was rarely ranked. However, this season a lot of things are going to change.

The Pac-10 will rise up and compete in College Basketball. Last season, before the NCAA Tournament many people believed that only one Pac-10 team would get in the big dance.

That wasn't the case. It was the Pac-10 teams that kept the tournament interesting.

This upcoming year, the Pac-10 returns a lot of significant players. As well as bringing in talent to bolster on their upcoming rosters.

The Washington Huskies should be atop of the Pac-10 this year, but UCLA will follow and challenge them every step of the way.

Here is my look at the Pac-10 conference, and how each team stacks up.

1. Washington Huskies - The Washington Huskies were led by Quincy Pondexter, and Isaiah Thomas to a 26-win season.  The Huskies finished with an 11-7 conference record, and didn't get the chance to embrace the regular season title. However, they won the Pac-10 tournament and was able to get redemption over Cal.

This season, the Huskies return Thomas, Abdul Gaddy, Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Venoy Overton and more standouts from last season.

With lead guard Thomas, the Huskies shouldn't have a problem taking the conference crown. Especially with the efforts of freshman forward Terrence Ross.

The Huskies should be unanimous for anybody. They have talent, retained it, and is ready to showcase it come conference time.

2. Arizona Wildcats - Last season, you could see how talented, but young, the Arizona Wildcats were. The Wildcats possessed a strong roster with strong young talent. However, they were still able to only obtain 10 Pac-10 wins, and rack up eight losses.

With last year out of the way, the Wildcats may be the team to beat in the Pac-10. The Wildcats returned five of it's six top scorers. Not to mention, Arizona acquired Daniel Bejarano to replace the departed Nic Wise.

The Wildcats have improved dramatically without making significant moves towards their roster. Arizona will be atop of the Pac-10 standings when it's all said and done.

3. UCLA Bruins - Two things that helped the UCLA Bruins make a dramatic leap atop of the Pac-10 is recruiting, and returning players. Nonetheless, the recruiting class the Bruins acquired this season will aid them come conference time.

Freshman center Josh Smith will be a physical monster in the paint. His frame will present mix-matches to other centers in the conference with the notion that nobody can contain his physical ability.

Malcolm Lee, Tyler Honeycutt, and Reeves Nelson will also help out. They are returning Bruins that will guide the others in hopes of a NCAA tournament bid. However, the Bruins lack a true point guard.  Lazeric Jones could step up and run the show, or combo guard Tyler Lamb. But without guard play the Bruins will not get anywhere.

4. Arizona State Sun Devils - Last season, the Sun Devils were a win away from tying for the Pac-10 regular season title. Arizona State ended with a 12-5 Pac-10 conference record, and lost in both the Pac-10, and NIT tournament in the first round.

Despite losing their point guard, the Sun Devils did return their two leading scorers from last season. Not to mention, the Sun Devils acquired Keala King a highly-touted wing threat.

However, guard play will be a huge factor for the Sun Devils. If Arizona State can embrace a lead guard they might be able to accomplish higher feats than the season before.

5. Washington State Cougars - Klay Thompson paced the Cougars with 19.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assist last season. That wasn't enough to keep the Cougars from being last place in one of the weaker conferences in College Basketball.

This upcoming season, the Cougars returned Thompson, Reggie Moore, and DeAngelo Casto. The Cougars will need to take care of the ball this season. Last season, the Cougars turned the ball over more than they dished out assist. If that trend continues, the Cougars might waste another talented roster sitting last place in the conference.

6. Oregon State Beavers - Leading scorer Calvin Haynes was the only of three leading scoeres to return to lead the Beavers attack in '10-11. However, they did retain Jared Cunningham, Joe Burton, and Lathan Wallace.

If the Beavers can get consistent effort from their returning players to commend freshman Devin Collier, Ahmad Starks, Chris Brown, and Eric Moreland.

7. USC Trojans - The Trojans lost their leading assist man, and scorer from a team that went 8-10 in the Pac-10 conference. However, they did require a stellar recruiting class that includes players such as Bryce Jones, and Maurice Jones.

With the nucleus of players returning the Trojans have a chance to compete in the Pac-10. However, they need to establish a point guard to cut down on the 14.5 turnovers they committed last season.

8. Cal Bears - The Cal Bears lost their top four scorers from a year ago. Their most significant return came when Jorge Gutierrez decided to return for his junior year in College. However, they did pick up Allen Crabbe, and Gary Franklin Jr who will have a major impact on their roster.

I expect to the Bears to possible surprise in the Pac-10. Cal might be the sleeper team this year. 

9. Oregon Ducks - The Ducks got their coaching situation out of the way, and Dana Altman is in a situation where he has talent. 

Coach Altman will have to put the pieces together for this Oregon team to be successful.

10. Stanford Cardinals - Last season, Landry Fields did everything possible to keep Stanford competitive. He scored 20 points, while grabbing around eight rebounds per game, and dished out almost three assist as well.

His efforts are now gone, and the Cardinals do not have a player to fall back on. They have to rely heavily on their strong 2010 recruiting class that features really good players.

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