UCLA Rediscovers Their Identity

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The UCLA Bruins (3-3) did not generate a lot of buzz, and is currently riding a three game losing streak.

However, that three-game losing streak could possibly be in jeopardy if the referees did not bail the Kansas Jayhawks (7-0) out late in the ball game by calling a foul on a loose ball.

Nonetheless, during that game, Ben Howland's team showcased their unique talent, and ability to hang with the elite teams in the country.

The mastermind pacing the sidelines for UCLA, Howland, made a great decision electing not to start freshman Joshua Smith due to his recent foul troubles.

Smith stayed out of foul trouble for most of the game, and made the Jayhawks work for every attempts in the post.

Smith came away with 17 points, 13 rebounds, no turnovers, while shooting 50 percent from the field.

That seems to be the equation for success and I would expect to see Howland continue to bring Smith off the bench until he learns to play defense without fouling.

I would be willing to say, if Smith did not face foul trouble at VCU, or Villanova, the Bruins are (5-1).

Not to mention, Tyler Honeycutt is playing like a pro in the making. Honeycutt exploded on No. 4 Kansas for 33 points, and nine rebounds, while hitting the game tying three with five seconds left in the game.

UCLA in recent years has been able to conquer with great play from their guards and frontcourt. This season, if Smith can stay out of foul trouble, I think UCLA has a great shot at winning the conference title and possibly creating matchup problems for teams in the tournament.

The Bruins currently have two solid lead guards in Lazeric Jones, and Malcolm Lee. Honeycutt is the Bruins superstar, while Smith poses as the great competitor down low.

One game never makes your season, but it certainly dictates the pace. The Bruins have finally established themselves as competitors, and gained a lot of confidence despite falling by one in Lawrence.

UCLA has until December 18, 2010 to welcome in another top-25 opponent. The Bruins will face off against the No. 25 BYU Cougars and could pick up a marquee win as their non-conference schedule nears a close.

The Bruins displayed how well they can play with Smith on the floor, however, establishing depth will be critical.

It's not a promise that Smith can stay out of foul trouble every game. If UCLA has any shot at becoming Pac-10 champions over the Washington Huskies, or even proving that they are competitors, they'll need to establish depth.

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Jayhawks Defense In Need of Quick Improvement

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The No. 4 Kansas Jayhawks (7-0) escaped a tough one at home against the UCLA Bruins (3-3) 77-76 after a questionable call seven-tenths before the buzzer sounded.

The Jayhawks pride took a hit with the close win at home against an unestablished team like UCLA.

The game would not even have come down to a free-throw if the Jayhawks jump out on Tyler Honeycutt, who scored 33 points, and grabbed nine boards, instead of giving him a good look at the three.

This is the second straight game the Jayhawks struggled to contain the opposition. UCLA posted 76 tonight, and the Arizona Wildcats scored 79 points the game before.

Both teams used their guards to penetrate the lane, and dishing out to teammates to create offense.

Both also possessed great big men that took it to the Morris twins inside, which helped dictate the tempo.

The Jayhawks have to get their act together fast if they want to stay undefeated. Their next game is against the No. 15 Memphis Tigers at a neutral location.

Memphis has the guards to penetrate into the lane and finish around the rim. This is something Kansas has yet to stop, dribble penetration.

The dribble drive has been Kansas' weakness throughout the year, and up next is a team with some of the best guards in the country. Will Barton can break down a defense, along with 6-foot-9 wingman Wesley Witherspoon.

Kansas' huge question mark this season was who was going to match the defensive intensity that Cole Aldrich provided inside; that question has went unanswered for the most part of the season.

With, or without Josh Selby, Kansas has to defend to win. There isn't a team in the NCAA that can get by game-by-game without defending the basketball.

The Jayhawks have being aided by their offense early-on, but something tells me Memphis isn't going to allow Kansas' offense to overwhelm them.

This is a crucial game early on for both teams. Both offenses can score on every possession, but the game will ultimately be decided on which team plays defense.

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Clemson Forward Noel Johnson Will Transfer

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Noel Johnson came to Clemson to fill their void on the wing, or hopefully help it.

He didn't play a lot last year, and only logged 14.8 minutes per game, but many expected him to improve during his sophomore year at Clemson with Trevor Booker out of the way.

However, his minutes have reduced (13.1 mpg), mostly due to his lack of contribution.

He currently shoots 27 percent from the field, a 62 percent free-throw shooter, and nails 21 percent of his three-point attempts.

Johnson has the ability to ignite a team on the wing, and is very disappointed at his play through seven games. His answer to the problem is transferring schools.

According to reports, the Clemson Tigers 6-foot-6 small forward has decided he would transfer schools with no hard feelings.

Johnson initially wanted to attend the University of Southern California but changed his mind and gave the Tigers the nod. However, that hasn't worked in his favor, which could be a positive for the USC Trojans.

Johnson could be a key asset for a Trojans team that need a dynamic wing threat.

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The Rebirth: Five Freshman Who Can Counter Disappointing Start

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

College Basketball recruiting is as misleading as the hype that surrounds it. Many players are highly-touted coming out of high school, and are proclaimed as super freshman, but not many have stepped up to the plate.

There are many freshman that have already made their mark on the College Basketball world.

Take Duke's Kyrie Irving for example. Irving currently is tied for first in scoring for the No. 1 team in the nation at 16.8 points, as well as 5.5 assist per game.

Kentucky freshman Brandon Knight, and Terrence Jones have also made major noise as the top players in the game.

However, some players aren't as fortunate, and isn't currently in the right situation coming in.

Here is a look at some of the freshman that hasn't lived up to their high expectations.

C.J. Leslie (NCSU) - 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks per game
C.J. Leslie was looked on to be the superstar of this young Wolfpack team that has just three seniors. Despite starting the season off with a 21 point, six rebound, six block campaign, Leslie has looked like a non-factor from there on. Leslie has scored in double-figures twice this whole season. Leslie has struggled from the field in his last three games nailing 6-of-21(28%) shots and NC State is (1-2) over that stretch. His jumpshot, and ability to work for his shot has to improve if he wants to live up to his lofty expectations.

Patric Young (FLA) - 4.2 points, 3.0 rebounds per game
When Patric Young committed to Florida nobody expected him to start, but most expected him to be a fearsome competitor off the bench. However, coach Billy Donavan hasn't seen much aggressiveness out of his 6-foot-9 freshman and it shows both on the court and on the stats sheet. Young, converts on a lot of his attempts but doesn't seem to take many shots. The Gators need Young to be aggressive off the bench, and ignite the second unit with great post play.

Fab Melo (SYR) - 2.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.0 blocks per game
Fab Melo was considered the No. 1 center in the 2010 recruiting class. However, he has yet to live up to the expectations of being a go to post threat down low. Melo has started all seven games for Syracuse, but only logging an average of 13.4 minutes per game. Melo has struggled getting into a groove, which really hurts his playing time. Syracuse needs Melo to attack the boards, and become what everyone pegged him as, which was the best low post scorer in the 2010 class.

Terrence Ross (WASH) - 5.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist per game
Ross was brought to Washington with the belief that he could ignite the wing. However, early he has done everything but that. Ross comes off the bench for the Huskies and rarely produces in his 13.7 minutes of play. Ross is on a cold streak hitting on 20 percent of his shots during this stretch. For Ross to bounce back, he needs to continue to work on his jumper, and build confidence in his jump shot.

Harrison Barnes (UNC) - 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assist per game
Barnes had so much unbearable pressure placed on him before he touched a basketball. He was pegged as AP Preseason All American, and is the main reason the 'Heels were a top-10 team when the season started. Barnes hasn't necessarily played bad, more so, hasn't played good. Barnes has been off from the field, but that is definitely commendable and could be curbed in no time. I expect Barnes to shake his cold shooting and become the leader the 'Heels need.

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Marcus Jordan Leads the Knights Over No. 16 Gators

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The UCF Knights (6-0) continued their flawless record against the No. 16 Florida Gators (5-2) after handing them their second loss on the season.

The Knights took care of the ball all night only turning the ball over six times.

UCF also nailed five three-point attempts and watched Marcus Jordan, and Keith Clanton nail crucial free-throws as the Knights pull of the biggest win of their young season.

Florida had a hard time containing the spectacular play of Jordan. 

Late in the second half, Jordan crossed over Macklin, intially had his shot blocked, switched to his left hand, and nailed the layup. Soon after, UCF never let Florida contain them offensively and rolled to a 57-54 upset.

Jordan led the upset with 18 points, nine second half points, four rebounds, two assist, while shooting 6-of-11 (54%) from the field.

Jordan scored five straight late in the second half to keep UCF in the lead.

Clanton was also in double figures with 12 points, and seven rebounds.

The Gators were unable to produce at the line shooting 10-of-18 (55%), and only nailed 2-of-13 (15%) from three.

Despite the struggles from the line, the Gators had three players in double-figures. Vernon Macklin lead all scorers with 20 points, and eight rebounds. Erving Walker also chipped in 16 points, with Kenny Boynton producing 10 points of offense as well.

Florida's star Chandler Parsons was held to one field goal and finished the game 1-of-9 with two points, seven rebounds and five assist.

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