Robbie Hummel Focusing for Next Season

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

Purdue Boilermakers power forward Robbie Hummel was ready to play this season and end his career in college basketball with his senior buddies, E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson.

After having surgery on his ACL, Hummel was ready to play this season and ready to help lead Purdue to the National Championship. Purdue came close last season, but lost in the NCAA Tournament when Hummel went down with his ACL injury.

During practice, Hummel was going for a block but then landed awkwardly on the floor with his knee. From there, Hummel knew this wasn't going to be good.

"I felt it pop again," he said, "and I knew right away it was my ACL."

Hummel helped Purdue rank No. 3 in the polls before the NCAA Tournament and led the Boilermakers, averaging 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season.

After having surgery in March, Hummel felt fine.

"I felt good," Hummel said. "I was starting to be able to dunk the ball pretty easily. I shot the basketball pretty well all summer and fall. That's what's probably part of the reason why it's so frustrating, because I felt pretty good. I was moving around pretty good, and to have this happen again is hard to swallow."

Hummel will now go for rehab along with redshirting this season to play next year. Hummel looks to have surgery sometime in November.

"It never even crossed my mind to stop playing," Hummel said. "I'm definitely not going to give up that easy."

Head coach Matt Painter said that Robbie is a mature person.

"He's been through some tough times with his injuries," Painter said. "Even though he does a good job of handling things, it's frustrating. But he doesn't come off that way. He moves forward and takes on the next challenge, and that's preparing for surgery."

He is ready to test out his knee.

"Rob started doing good things, started making improvements," Painter said. "I watched him and it's like, 'Hey, he's getting back, he's getting back to making that stride,' but he wasn't the same guy. Nobody is."

Hummel has never had injuries like these before, considering the fact he has only missed but one single game in his dynamic high school career.

"Three years of playing varsity ball, I missed one game for a concussion," he said. "I really was never hurt in high school, middle school, AAU and elementary school. I don't know what's going on. I was really never hurt."

Painter is so far impressed with his power forward.

"He worked so hard," Painter said. "You take care of your everyday business with your rehab and you do what you're supposed to do, and then it happens again."

"In terms of words, there's not much you can say," Hummel said. "I know I'm frustrated. Everybody is."

Hummel hopes to get himself back on the court soon. Very soon.

"I still think I can come back and play at a high level," he said. "I'm not concerned about not being able to come back. I know there's people who have torn their ACLs two and three times and come back."

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Texas Tech Is "Looking Forward" to the Upcoming Season

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Texas Tech Red Raiders were among the disappointing teams in the Big 12 last season. The Red Raiders finished with an (4-12) Big 12 conference record, but were granted an NIT berth based on their 16-14 regular season record.

This upcoming season for Texas Tech Head Coach Pat Knight is prepping for a huge turnaround.

"I couldn't ask for a better group of kids, especially having three of my seniors, John, Mike, and D'walyn, who I really consider all-conference caliber kids," said Coach Knight.

Texas Tech returned their four top scorers Mike Singletary, John Roberson, Nick Okorie, and David Tairu from a year ago as well.

Not to mention, Texas Tech acquired Javarez Willis, Jamal Outler, and Paul Cooper.

Coach Knight is expecting a lot of good things to come out of Texas Tech this season but his biggest concern comes from the defensive side of the ball.

"We have been last in the league in defense the last two years and rebounding," said Coach Knight. "So if we defend, I think really good things can happen. If we don't, it is going to be a long year."

This year, the Red Raiders can answer with D'walyn Roberts their 6-foot-7 senior forward. According to Coach Knight, Roberts played "50 percent" for the most part of the 2010' season due to an injury. However, he was still productive enough on the floor to acquire seven points, and 6.2 rebounds per game.

This season, with Roberts healthy Texas Tech believes he can have Ekpe Udoh effect on the team. " He is a kid that, I think, from a defensive standpoint when it comes to rebounding or shot-blocking has as much effect as a kid like Udoh did last year for Baylor," said Coach Knight.

"His huge force last year really not to have him for a lot of the Big 12."

Overall, the Red Raiders Head Coach Knight couldn't stop saying good things about his 2010-11' team. He believes they have a great chance at competing at a high level in the Big 12.

"We really have everything we need right now to be successful," said Coach Knight.

The Red Raiders will open up their season with a home game against Louisiana-Monroe, November 12th at home.

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Is Harrison Barnes The Next Kevin Durant?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Kevin Durant is currently one of the best players in the NBA at a young age. He played for Texas in 07' and lead them to the NCAA Tournament before being selected No. 2 overall by the Seattle Supersonics.

As a Longhorn, Kevin Durant scored 25.8 points, and grabbed 11.1 rebounds, while shooting 40 percent from three.

The Maryland native took Texas by storm, and even did enough to get his jersey retired after one year of College Basketball.

He was the National Player of the Year as a freshman, and almost every award you would want to receive--AP National Player of the Year, John R Wooden Award, Adolph Rupp Trophy, and Oscar Robertson Award Trophy.

This year, College Basketball will get a similar player in North Carolina Tarheel freshman Harrison Barnes.

Barnes comes out of high school as the 2010 Morgan Wooten Player of the Year, McDonald's All-American Team Selection, and Jordan Brand Classic Team Selection. He was also the No. 1 rated player overall by Scout.com, and ESPN but came second in the Yahoo Rivals rankings.

He shared an MVP selection in both the Jordan Brand Classic, and McDonald's All-American game. We also got a glimpse of Barnes ability during the NC Pro AM this summer.

Now with that said, Barnes is the closest thing I've seen to Durant. His ability to handle the ball at 6-foot-7 is amazing. Not to mention, he will be able to influence the game as Durant did in '07.

Many media outlets are considering Barnes a possible National Player of the Year as a true freshman. I believe he will recieve top honors in almost every category Durant did in 07' even more.

Regardless of if Barnes is the next Durant or not, the Tarheels posses a very special player. With Barnes, the Tarheels and Roy Williams will move on from the dreaded season they had before.

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Harrison Barnes Leads ACC's Top Players

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The ACC Conference is home to the defending champion Duke Blue Devils. They are conceived to take the conference by storm next season with the freshman acquired and firepower contained.

However, the Duke Blue Devils will not embrace one of the best playmakers in the conference.


Harrison Barnes is considered one of the best players in all of College Basketball as a true freshman by many media outlets.

That is why he edges out everyone else as the top playmaker in the ACC Conference. Here are the top-10 athletes in the ACC Conference.

1. Harrison Barnes (Freshman) - North Carolina Tarheels


Harrison Barnes, a very skilled freshman from Ames, Iowa landed in the arms of Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tarheels. Words can't explain how easily Barnes puts the ball in the basket.

Barnes is equipped with an great jump shot that he let's off with confidence. With that comes ball-handling skills that allows him to get anywhere he wants on the court. Not to mention, he has the ability to play on the low block and dominate in the paint.

With Barnes, despite the lack of frontier force, the Tarheels will be one of the best teams in the ACC.

2. Nolan Smith (Senior) - Duke Blue Devils


This summer Duke's senior guard Nolan Smith put up 50-plus in a NC Pro Am game. He expands the defense, takes you inside, and utilizes his versatility.

Smith is one of those players that are tough to guard. If you want to take away his shot, he drives and finishes around the lane with floaters, and lay-ups. Same with if you want to take away his driving lane, you have to account for his shot.

Last year, Smith accounted for 17.4 points per game on a Blue Devils team that won the National Championship.

3. Durand Scott (Sophomore) - Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Durand Scott, along with Dwayne Collins had the 'Canes flying last season. He didn't exactly "wow" people with his scoring ability, but he did pose a threat every time he stepped foot on the court.

Scott is at his best when he is the main facilitator. He averaged just under four assist per outing. However, he was able to pull down four rebounds per game, acquire 1.2 steals and score 10.3 points per game.

His all around effort was a plus for the 'Canes and he is considered an NBA-prospect because of it.

4. Kyrie Irving (Freshman) - Duke Blue Devils

Kyrie Irving, a freshman guard for Duke is one of the better playmaking guards in the ACC. His ability to get anywhere on the court with his elite ball-handling skills is a plus for the Blue Devils.

Not to mention, he has great leaping ability, a jump shot, and his finishing ability is above-average.

Irving is a walking highlight reel. Every time Irving steps foot on the floor expect the crowd on their feet all 40-minutes of the contest. Yes, Irving is that good.

Malcolm Delaney/V-Tech Hokies

5. Malcolm Delaney (Senior) - Virginia Tech Hokies

Malcolm Delaney is one of the better athletes in the ACC. Delaney's is an complete lead guard that will excel with four starters healthy with the season right around the corner.

Delaney's ability to manage the game and get his team in prime position to win the game is a plus for the Hokies. Not to mention, his scoring ability is off the charts. He scored an outstanding 20.3 points per game last season.

With better scheduling of tougher opponents for the Hokies, I expect to see them dancing. Especially with Delaney at the helm.

6. Kyle Singler (Senior) - Duke Blue Devils


Singler was one of the main reasons the Blue Devils won the National Title. His leadership ability lifted the Blue Devils over both Duke and Butler.

He came through big time in both of those games, and with him returning the Blue Devils can compete for the National title once again.

7. C.J. Leslie (Freshman) - NC State Wolfpack

C.J. Leslie was considered one of the best forwards, better yet players, in the 2010 recruiting class. He is a 6-foot-9 forward with no designated position.

You can place Leslie on the wing, or in the post and expect the same intensity. Leslie has a high motor, and is determined to put his team in prime position to win it all.

8. John Henson (Sophomore) - North Carolina Tarheels

Last season, John Henson faced the learning curve until former-Tarheel Ed Davis was injured. Thereafter, Henson filled in for the injury star. He didn't do so well, but this season Henson is a completely different player.

Henson added bulk, enhanced his game, and is ready to show his doubter his progression.

9. Tracy Smith (Senior) - NC State Wolfpack 

Tracy Smith last season during an upset against the defending champion Duke Blue Devils, Smith scored 23 points. He had the Wolfpack fired up about the ACC conference race.

Smith headed into his senior year will start for a team surrounded by talented freshman. Smith will continue his scoring and rebounding dominance, in hopes to get the Wolfpack into the NCAA Tournament.

10. Jordan Williams (Sophomore) - Maryland Terrapins

Jordan Williams almost averaged a double-double during his first season with the 'Terps. Now without Grevis Vasquez, Williams will have the chance to impress more with his ability.

Last season, the sophomore averaged 9.8 points, and 8.6 rebounds. His scoring ability will be embraced by many Terp' fans this year. Williams is a sensational athlete and with his contributions Maryland could surprise in the ACC.

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Look For a Better Decision-Making McCamey in 11'

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Illinois Fighting Illini might open up the season as one of the best teams in the NCAA. Thank Demetri McCamey for coming back, and Head Coach Bruce Weber for surrounding him with hot young talent.

But let's be clear here, McCamey wasn't always the favorable player in late game situations. Do you remember when Illinois played Utah and McCamey turned the ball over seven times?

The Illini ended up losing the game by two, and McCamey finished with three assist, and seven turnovers. How about the time McCamey lost his head during the Wisconsin game where they were blown out.

During both of those games, and throughout the season McCamey displayed poor decision-making. On the season, McCamey turned the ball over almost four times a game, 3.4 to be exact.

However, this upcoming season the Illini senior guard will be a better decision maker. Last year, McCamey wanted to do too much because he lacked enough talent to keep his team competitive.

You would often see him try to force the offense in late-game situations, or whenever the Illini needed a bucket.

This season, the Illini brought in Jereme Richmond, Meyers Leonard, and Crandell Head to help McCamey. The Fighting Illini also retained Mike Davis, Mike Tisdale, and D.J Richardson from last year's squad.

However, Richmond will be the recruit to open-eyes and will most likely be on the end of many McCamey assist. According to McCamey, Richmond is the Illini's Evan Turner. He can play multiple positions and should rack up a lot of stats for the Illini.

Not only will added talent help his decision-making, but the summer experience will help as well. McCamey was present to the LeBron James Skills Academy were he was paired with many other top players in the country.

An experience like that is favorable for any player looking for an edge. McCamey is a key asset to the Fighting Illini.

Coach Weber embraces one of the top guards in the country. Last season, McCamey improved his assist drastically from a year ago. He averaged 7.1 assist, compared to the 4.1 acquired his sophomore year.

With the betterment of his game, I expect McCamey to be a far better decision maker then he was last year. He will strive with the added talent, cut back on turnovers, and possibly lead his team through the challenges of the NCAA Tournament.

The Illini returned all five starters from last year's NIT team, but brought in stellar freshman. The expectations are high for the Illini, and Illinois' fans cannot wait until the season tips-off.

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