NFN’s NBA All-Star Ballot

By David Wilson
All-Star voting closed last night and as everyone knows, the voters probably got it wrong (Yao Ming is set to be the starting center for the West). Fortunately for all you, I know who should be the starters should be.

Eastern Conference
PG- Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
The league is full of great point guards right now, but Rose is topping many people’s lists as the single best. D-Rose is seventh in the league in scoring while still dishing nine assists per game for the third-place Bulls who played much of the early part of the season without Carlos Boozer.

SG- Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
Pierce may be averaging under 20 points per game, but he is putting up 19 a game with ridiculous efficiency for a perimeter player (he’s shooting over 50-percent from the field). The Celtics remain the best team in the East in large part to the Truth who has been their best player.

SF- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
James may be the league’s villain now and may not be averaging the triple-double people were expecting, but his 26-7-7 aren’t too far off that pace and I don’t think anyone in Miami is complaining, since their slow start the Heat is now second in the East.

PF- Amar’e Stoudemire, New York Knicks
The Knicks have gone from perennial laughingstock of the Eastern Conference to legitimate playoff team with the simple addition of Stoudemire. Amar’e is second in the league in scoring with 26 points per game and is rained with “MVP” chants nightly at the Garden.

C- Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Horford has usurped shooting guard Joe Johnson as the Hawks best player, if his 16-10 aren’t proof enough for that, Atlanta scored just 59 points against the Hornets without him.

Western Conference
PG- Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
My MVP so far (though most would argue with that) has turned the Hornets into a team with a legitimate chance to come out of the Western Conference. Though New Orleans has slowed after their unbelievably hot start, Paul can’t be held accountable, CP3 is averaging nearly 16-4-10 while leading the league with 2.7 steals per game.

SG- Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are the best team in the NBA and, this season, Ginobili has been their best player. Manu is averaging just under 19-4-5 and making over two threes per game for the team that so far has been by far the best in the West.

Kevin Durant is again on pace to lead the NBA in scoring, but the way he has made the Thunder a contender in the West is what makes this year different.

SF- Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Since his slow start, Durant has picked it up and now leads the league in scoring. Though KD’s obviously gunning to take home the scoring title for a second straight year, winning games and the West are obviously his priority and if he continues to be as clutch as he was the other night hitting a buzzer beater, a wide open Western Conference can be the young Thunder’s.

PF- Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
The only player on either ballot from a non-playoff team, but that tells you just how good Love has been this season. You know about the double-doubles, but the league’s leading rebounder also shoots just under 45-percent from beyond the arc and makes 1.4 per game.

C- Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
Age has caught up to the Lakers a bit this year, but their demise has been exaggerated as they remain in the hunt for the two-seed in a wide-open Western Conference. Though Kobe Bryant hasn’t played up to his high standards, Gasol has made up for it with arguably the best season of his career, averaging a double-double and improving his assist totals while cutting down on his turnovers.

Homecoming from hell

By David Wilson
Thought we would go without an article about LeBron James’ return to Cleveland tonight. Ha! Well, actually you’re sort of right. This is a slightly edited transcript of a conversation I had with co-editor Brian Kubasik earlier today about LeBron’s return home that I think covers pretty much all the bases about The Decision, the backlash and Cleveland’s response tonight with two starkly contrasting viewpoints.

During his seven years with the Cavaliers, LeBron James brought them close, but could never lead them to an NBA Championship. The way things have started with the Heat, Miami fans could be waiting a little while too.

Brian: Cleveland needs to stop whining and get in the chopper.
David: You do realize that Clevelanders have never had anything good happen to them right? Let’s start with day one: they were born in Cleveland. Their best athlete of all time is a Syracuse football player, their current best athlete is a white running back and their potentially second best athlete of all time got cancer before he ever played a game for them.
Brian: Exactly. So why did they expect LeBron to stay?
David: I don’t know, they figured one thing had to go right for them. They’re more angry that he was there for seven years and never won a championship and sucked in Game 6 of the Boston series.
Brian: I mean I’m not going to hate Alexander Semin if he signs with another team after this year.
David: But he’s not your best player of all time. Hypothetically, if Ovechkin were a free agent after this year would you be pissed if he left for like Boston?
Brian: But he’s not a free agent. He signed a 13-year contract extension.
David: But Semin’s not your best player of all time.
Brian: I’m just saying Cleveland has no right to hate him like they do. They are lucky they had him for when they did. Look at every player from Maryland who leaves the state to play college basketball somewhere else. They all have announcements on ESPN. They all leave home. I’m not trying to murder Kevin Durant any time soon.
David: College is completely different because the televised announcements are tradition. That’s how it’s done. I’m not saying they should try to kill him, but they should boo him heavily, possibly throw urine filled water balloons at him and then 15 years after he retires they should retire his number.
Brian: They are way overdoing it. Um sorry, everyone in the world knew he was leaving except Cleveland fans. That’s the goal of every kid from Cleveland or Akron, to get out.
David: The real issue is that he did it on TV and had his own little special; sorry, own massive special.
Brian: No, that’s just the media telling you this.
David: I am the media.
Brian: When I first heard the idea I thought it was awesome. That’s why the media sucks.
David: I knew it was gonna be entertaining.
Brian: And he’s an entertainer.
David: But it’s a classless move. Even entertainers (surprisingly) have ethics.
Brian: The media has no ethics.
David: False, I am failing a class on it. Unless we see The Decision becoming the start of a trend (which I don’t) then it’s nothing more than LeBron being an egotistical jerk.
Brian: No, it’s LeBron being the most marketable athlete in the world, since it got ridiculous ratings
David: Of course it was gonna get ridiculous ratings, it was hyped up by the ESPN machine competing against nothing else on television. I switched over from Gladiator for like a minute and a half.

Heisman Watch: Week 14

By David Wilson
Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
After a week off for Thanksgiving festivities a lot has changed in the college football landscape except the top two in the BCS and the top of Heisman Watch. Let’s see how the rest of the ballot shakes up after a week of unrest in college football.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
I’ve had James second on my ballot for weeks and now that Boise State has lost I think he’ll be second on most people’s, too. LMJ is the only other player with a real chance at taking home the Heisman and that’s only if the Newton allegations turn out to be true.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Now that both Luck and Kellen Moore’s teams have the same amount of losses I feel fine giving the higher position on my fictional ballot to the player who has done it against better competition. Luck has not put up the otherworldly numbers that Moore has, but he’s put up some pretty phenomenal numbers in a more difficult system and against better competition.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Let’s start with this, it is not Moore’s fault that Boise lost. I’m not gonna point any fingers like the rest of the world, but I’m pretty sure Moore throwing for nearly 350 yards and two touchdowns against a top 20 team isn’t why they lost.

Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Yeah, I’m a homer, but someone has to give Smith some love. Torrey put together a perfect game, reeling in all 14 passes intended for him for 224 yards and four touchdowns, in a win over a top 25 North Carolina State team costing the Wolfpack an ACC Championship Game berth. Maryland’s all-time leader in all-purpose yardage is second all-time among ACC players and was first team All-ACC as a receiver this season. If Torrey returns for his senior season look out for the Terrapins.

Heisman Watch: Week 13

By David Wilson
Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
Nothing new here, neither on the field nor off it. As long as Newton avoids punishment the Heisman is his.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
A bye-week doesn’t hurt James, but it doesn’t help. He remains in the two spot.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
This week is an interesting one for Moore. For now Moore and James are duking it out for the runner-up spot and the possibility to win the trophy is Newton is punished and this week can either make or break Moore’s campaign. Taking on a top 20 Nevada team led by a Heisman candidate quarterback of their own in Colin Kaepernick, a big week for Moore could vault him past LMJ, but a bad one or a Boise loss could kill his chances altogether.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Nothing Luck can do here, but hope the top three candidates falter in the last couple weeks because he sure isn’t going to. Aside from Moore, Luck has been the mark of consistency and, unlike Moore, he’s doing it against Pac-10 competition.

AJ Green, WR, Georgia
Like James, a bye-week doesn’t hurt Green. Green had his Heisman performance a week ago in a loss to Auburn and if he can match that this week against in-state rival Georgia Tech he can firmly establish his position in the top five.

NFN’s Week 11 NFL Picks

The fourth time Brett Favre faces his former team in purple doesn't mean as much as most expected.

By David Wilson
Packers (-3) over VIKINGS
Coming into this year this shaped up to be one of the best games of the year. Now both teams’ Super Bowl aspirations have taken a bit of a hit (the Vikings’ a bit more than the Packers’). Other than Brett Favre playing his former team, this game means almost nothing to the Vikes. The Pack, on the other hand, need a win to stay in the mix atop the NFC.

CHIEFS (-7) over Cardinals
Never take an NFC West team on the road.

Ravens (-10.5) over PANTHERS
Congratulations Panthers, you are now in the driver’s seat for the number one pick!

Texans (+7) over JETS
While I still like the Jets to win this one, New York hasn’t blown teams out this year. They’ve needed last minute heroics against the Broncos and overtime against the Browns to squeak out wins the past couple weeks. The Texans are better than both these teams.

TITANS (-7) over Redskins
Two of the league’s more inconsistent teams, this game is near meaningless now to the Redskins whereas the Titans need a win to stay in the AFC Wild Card mix.

Lions (+6.5) over COWBOYS
I would like to say Jerry Jones won’t fire Jason Garrett this week to inspire his team again, but you never know with him.

Bills (+5.5) over BENGALS
Not only are the Bills hot and arguably the better team than the Bengals, but Gus Johnson is calling the game guaranteeing the game will be decided by less than a touchdown.

STEELERS (-7) over Raiders
The Raiders may well win the AFC West, but if the Steelers are the best team in the NFL like many think then they win this game.

Browns (+1.5) over JAGUARS
The Browns pushed the Jets to overtime last week only to lose in its final seconds while the Jaguars won in literally the last second of regulation over the Texans. A perfect storm of bounce back and letdown game.

Falcons (-3) over RAMS
ESPN.com ranked the Falcons atop their power rankings. If ESPN knows anything the Falcons win this game.

Buccaneers (+3.5) over 49ERS
Don’t look now but the Buccaneers are 6-3 and Josh Freeman is playing like a Pro Bowler. Playoffs may not be in the cards for the Bucs this year, but the future looks promising.

SAINTS (-11.5) over Seahawks
NFC West team on the road.

Colts (+4) over PATRIOTS
Don’t people in New England seem just a little too excited about the Patriots. Has everyone forgotten that Peyton Manning is still the Colts quarterback?

Giants (+3) over EAGLES
Once a year, everything comes together for the Eagles offense and every “expert” says they are unstoppable, then they lay an egg and everyone hops off the bandwagon.

CHARGERS (-10) over Broncos
When has it been long enough to fire Josh McDaniels?

2011 NFL Mock Draft 11/18

By Brian Kubasik
1. Carolina Panthers – AJ Green, WR, Georgia
While many of people consider Andrew Luck the top player in this years draft, the Panthers just selected Jimmy Clausen a year ago. While it may be wise to just pick Luck, they aren’t going to want to draft a QB in the first two rounds two years in a row. Green is the most talented player in the draft and is the kind of weapon Clausen will need if he wants to become a quality quarterback.

2. Detroit Lions – Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The Lions have done a good job rebuilding the offense and drafting Ndamukong Suh is a good start on defense. Peterson gives them a playmaker in the secondary who has the potential to be a true lock down corner. The Lions could also use a tackle here, but there aren’t any that are as highly regarded as Peterson.

3. Buffalo Bills – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
The Bills finally got their first win but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still a mess. While Ryan Fitzpatrick has played well, Luck is the prototypical NFL quarterback and comes from a pro style system at Stanford. The Bills need a face of their franchise and Luck will be the guy.

4. Dallas Cowboys – Marcell Darreus, DE/DT, Alabama
Dallas wasn’t expecting to pick this high, but here they are. Marcus Spears is a free agent after this season so Dallas will look to replace him with Marcell Darreus who is force and fits the 3-4 scheme perfectly.

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Cincinnati will be looking to upgrade their defense and Bowers has absolutely dominated the ACC this year. He can come in and be an impact player right away and has the athleticism to make huge plays for their defense.

6. Arizona Cardinals – Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The Cardinals have a serious drop off at the cornerback position after Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, and drafting Amukamara will fix that. Pairing the two up will give ‘zona one of the most dominant duos of lockdown corners in the league.

7. Denver Broncos – Allen Bailey, DE/DT, Miami
The Broncos defense has been absolutely terrible, especially against the run. With Elvis Dumervil returning their linebackers will improve but they still need to fix the defensive line. Bailey is a good 3-4 end who can play the run and rush the passer.

8. San Fransisco 49ers – Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Harris is good enough to be the best corner in the draft most years, but in 2010 he is clearly a step below Peterson and Amukamara. The 49ers have a talented team but they need at upgrade over William James as their second corner.

9. Minnesota Vikings – Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Another team that didn’t think they’d be drafting in the top 10, but as a result they get Quinn who is who is one of the most talented players in the draft fits their 4-3 perfectly. Ray Edwards is gone after this year and they need someone to go alongside Jared Allen.

10. St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.
Blackmon has come out of nowhere this year and put up huge numbers at OSU. The Rams have nothing at reciever this year but Blackmon should give Sam Bradfords a big time target.

11. Cleveland Browns – Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Colt McCoy has provided an unexpected boost to the browns offense, but now they need to get him some weapons. Jones is a physical specimen who can come in and help McCoy and Peyton Hillis carry the Browns offense.

12. Washington Redskins – Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
The Redskins are still transitioning to a 3-4 and need some talented D-lineman. Fairley fits the bill as he has been the best player on Aubrun making less than $200,000. If he and Albert Haynesworth play together they have the potential to destroy offensive lines.

13. Houston Texans – Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
The Texans pass defense has always been horrendous and this year is no different. Eugene Wilson is way past his prime and the Texans can continue to makeover thier secondary by getting the best safety in the draft.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars – Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
The Jaguars need to upgrade their secondary especially at corner. Jenkins and Aaron Williams are the best corners available, but Jenkins has the benefit of being from nearby Florida.

15. Chicago Bears – DeMarcus Love, T, Arkansas
The Bears are 6-3 despite giving Jay Cutler no time to throw the ball. Love is used to protecting Ryan Mallett’s blindside and can come in and improve the Bears horrendous pass protection.

16. San Diego Chargers – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Chargers completely mishandled the Vincent Jackson situation and now have a gaping hole at receiver. Floyd put up nice numbers at Notre Dame and should give Philip Rivers a big time target.

17. Kansas City Chiefs – Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
The Chiefs have suddenly become a young exciting team with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Matt Cassel is neither young nor exciting so look for them to upgrade the position with Mallett, who has a huge arm and a ton of upside.

18. Miami Dolphins – Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Even if the Dolphins are able to bring back Ronnie Brown Mark, Ingram is the best player on the board and gives them a lethal one-two punch. Ingram is a powerful runner that should be able to come in and contribute right away.

19. Tennessee Titans – Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State
Tennessee may have finally found their receivers in Kenny Britt and Randy Moss, so now they are a team without a ton of needs. They can upgrade their defense with Jones who has helped turn around a surprising Michigan State team.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Tampa has done a nice job rebuilding around Josh Freeman, but there is still a hole at defensive end. Clayborn is very talented and can join Gerald McCoy to give the Bucs a dominant defensive line.

21. Seattle Seahawks – Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Locker was once considered the number one pick but has fallen off a bit. Somehow Seattle could luck into getting a franchise quarterback with Matt Hasselbeck on the verge of retiring. Pete Carroll will be looking for a franchise QB and in Locker he may have one.

22. New England Patriots (from Oakland) – Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
The Patriots traded Rany Moss leaving them without any sort of deep threat, Baldwin changes that. He has all the physical tools to be an elite receiver in the league and if he can put it all together he can be great. The Patriots are the type of team that could help him realize his potential.

23. Indianapolis Colts- Anthony Costanzo, T, Boston College
Peyton Manning always makes the best of whatever he has, but this year in particular he hasn’t had a lot of time. Costanzo is one of the best tackles albeit in a weak pool.

24. New Orleans Saints – Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
The defending champs still have an explosive offense, but they need to upgrade their outside linebackers. Lewis is probably the best outside linebacker on the board here and is the kind of player that can come in and start from day one.

25. New York Giants – Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
The Giants love to improve their defense and cornerback is a position they will be looking to upgrade. Aaron Williams is a super talented corner who has shined this year despite the Longhorns struggles.

26. Green Bay Packers – Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
Williams was the best player in the ACC as a freshman and, despite coming off a knee injury, is still a first round talent. Ryan Grant is also coming off season ending surgery and the Packers don’t know what they can get out of him.

27. Philadelphia Eagles – Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
The Eagles offense appears to be explosive so look for Philadelphia to go for a defensive back here. Dowling has the ability to play anywhere in the secondary and could eventually be the number two corner behind Asante Samuel.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
The Steelers are strong just about everywhere and these teams always seem to upgrade their offensive line. Pouncey struggled at first this year at center, but expect him to play guard and instantly upgrade the Steelers defensive line.

29. Baltimore Ravens- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
The Ravens are pretty much stacked everywhere but corner, which was evident when Ryan Fitzpatrick picked them apart. Burton is the best corner here, but don’t be surprised if Ozzie Newsome takes the best player available.

30. New York Jets – Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State
The Jets love to run the football and drafting Hudson lets them do it. He is an extremely athletic guard who has been a force for the Seminoles this year.

31. New England Pats – Von Miller, DE/LB, Texas A&M
Miller is the perfect fit as a pass rushing linebacker in the 3-4 scheme the Patriots like to run. The Pats went to a youth movement on defense and Miller continues that by giving them a player who will record double digit sacks multiple times in his career.

32. Atlanta Falcons – Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
The Falcons have a solid defense, but no players who really stand out. Kerrigan is a guy who could potentially be an impact player at defensive end and will try to make the Falcons average pass rush great.

Heisman Watch: Week 12

By David Wilson
Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
In the wake of allegations, Newton led Auburn to arguably their most crucial win of the season in comeback fashion over Georgia. For now Cam Newton still gets my (fictional) vote and likely will unless he is suspended or his records are vacated.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
One “mediocre” week shouldn’t derail James (plus is 90 yards really that mediocre?), but with the way Kellen Moore is playing LMJ can’t slip up much more if he wants to keep hold on second place. Ultimately though, if Newton is suspended James is more likely to take home the trophy than Moore.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Moore continues to do no wrong. The greatest knock against him is the lack of competition he has faced, but keep in mind he has played his best in clutch moments against Virginia Tech and Oregon State.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
For Luck to appear in New York, Stanford will likely have to go to a BCS game. Right now they are in great position to do that, but if Luck or Stanford slip he could find himself on the outside looking in on a lot of Heisman ballots.

AJ Green, WR, Georgia
This spot has been looking for some consistency all season and after Green’s performance this weekend we may have a permanent resident. Green came into the season as the consensus top wide receiver in the country and after that marquee performance I doubt he’ll put in a no-show that would force voters to drop him from their ballots entirely.

Heisman Watch: Week 11

By David Wilson
Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
Right now the only thing keeping Cam Newton from winning the award are these allegations, but even that shouldn’t stop him. Worst case for Newton now seems to be not winning by the largest margin of all time.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
James is averaging over 165 rushing yards per game. He is by far the nation’s leading rusher and most exciting non-quarterback. In another year, the award could very easily be LMJ’s, but for now he seems to have no more than an outside shot.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Boise State actually played a legitimate team this weekend in Hawaii and proceeded to throttle them. Moore threw for over 500 yards and proved that when he can play the whole game his numbers can be out of this world.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
The top four are becoming a little predictable and it’s getting hard to write good things about them every week. Stanford proved that they are the best team in the Pac-10 other than Oregon after their victory over Arizona this weekend and Luck is the reason why.

Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
It’s hard to ignore Dalton now. He’s the best player on a TCU team that is now the third ranked team in the country. Moore may have the more impressive numbers, but Dalton’s Horned Frogs have been the more impressive team. TCU could be the mid-major in the national championship and that is in large part thanks to Dalton.

National Basketball Preview

By Brian Kubasik
Now that we have covered the ACC and Big East in depth, it’s time to look around the rest of the country.

Big Ten
Winner: Michigan State Spartans
Michigan State made an improbable run to the Final 4 last year and return most of the core from that team. Kalin Lucas leads the Spartans attack which also features Durrell Summers and Draymond Green. The only team in the conference that can really challenge the Spartans this year is Ohio State but a Tom Izzo coached team should never lose to one coached by Thad Matta.

Player of the Year: JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
While he may not be the first team All American some predict him as Johnson is a player who will carry a solid Purdue team. With Robbie Hummell once again hurt Johson will be forced to do handle all of the dirty work for the Boilermakers and he will have the opportunity to put up impressive numbers.

Big 12
Winner: Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas lost leader Sherron Collins and big man Cole Aldrich, but still have more than enough talent on the wings to win the Big 12. Josh Selby may be the most talented freshman in this class and if he can keep his head on straight for one year before jumping to the NBA. The Morris Twins will have to handle the post for the Jayhawks but both, especially Marcus, are more than capable.

Player of the Year: Jacob Pullen, Kansas State
Pullen had his coming out party last year in the NCAA tournament, but he dominated for the Wildcats all season long. He matured as his junior season went on and averaged over 19 points a game. Look for his improvements to continue as he leads the Wildcats who enter this season with lofty expectations.

SEC
Winner: Florida Gators
The Gators fell off the map after their back to back national titles, but Billy Donovan has reloaded in Gainseville. Kenny Boynton leads a young Gators squad. Seniors Chandler Parsons and Vernon Macklin give the Gators one of the best and most experienced frontcourts in the conference.

Player of the Year: Brandon Knight
He may not be John Wall, but Brandon Knight is more than good enough to fill the void left by Calipari’s first highly touted class. Knight will come in and be expected to lead this young team from day one and is next in line for John Calipari’s highly touted one and done point guards.

PAC 10
Winner: Washington Huskies
The PAC 10 was terrible last year. The only thing that kept the conference from being completely humiliated was Washington’s surprise run to the Sweet 16. They are lead by guard Isaiah Thomas and hope that a talented freshman class, led by Terrence Ross, will lead them to a PAC 10 title.

Player of the Year: Derek Williams, Arizona
Williams was the PAC 10’s freshman of the year last season and will be expected to carry the load for Sean Miller’s squad this season. He led the team as a freshman in scoring and rebounding, and managed to shoot an unbelievable 57% from the floor. If Arizona wants to start a new string of tournament appearances Williams will have to lead the way.

Five Games to Watch

Michigan State at Duke, December 1st
Tom Izzo takes his squad into Cameron indoor to in what may very well be a matchup of the two top teams in the counrty. If the Spartans can win this game they have to be considered among the favorites to win the National championship.

Kansas State at Kansas, January 29th
Kansas has always dominated Kansas State in basketball. However this year the “little brother” Wildcats come into the the season ranked higher in preseason polls. But before K State wants to be taken seriously they have to prove they are the best team in their own state, and winning in Allen Fieldhouse will do that.

Duke at Maryland, Febuary 2nd
Duke doesn’t lose a lot of games in the ACC. Maryland doesn’t lose a lot of games at the Comcast Center. Gary Williams is famous for knocking off top ranked teams and this years Blue Devils fit the bill. While this matchup may not determine the ACC it will be without a doubt one of the most intense games in college basketball this season.

Florida at Kentucky, Febuary 26th
Perhaps the two best teams in the SEC matchup in a game that features two of the nations top point guards in Kenny Boynton and Brandon Knight. Last year the Wildcats stormed through the SEC, so this year the other eleven teams in the conference are going to be out for revenge.

Villanova at Pittsburgh, March 5th
The Big East may come down to the last day of the season when we get an old fashion Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh showdown. Pitt has always been one of the physical teams in the country and Nova has always relied on their guard play. The contrasting styles and potential huge implications make this a much watch.

Big East Season Preview

By David Wilson
1. Syracuse– The Orange surprised the Big East last season winning the conference after beginning the season unranked, but after laying an egg in the NCAA Tournament they have some unfinished business. Wesley Johnson deciding to take his talents to the NBA will obviously hurt ‘Cuse, but it will give reigning Big East Sixth Man of the Year Kris Joseph a chance to step into the starting small forward role, not as much of a downgrade as you might think. Syracuse also adds highly touted freshman Fabricio Melo who should fill the void left at center by Arinze Onuaku and Scoop Jardine shouldn’t have to much trouble replacing Andy Rautins at the point.

2. Pittsburgh– The Panthers return four starters from a team that won 26 games a year ago to give coach Jamie Dixon one of his best teams and that’s saying something. Point guard Ashton Gibbs will be asked to carry much of the load, he is Pitt’s returning leading scorer, but expect sophomore forward Dante Taylor to finally live up to his McDonald’s All-American hype. He will be the difference for Pittsburgh.

3. Villanova– All-American Scottie Reynolds may be gone, but Corey Fisher could make Wildcat fans forget about the guard. ‘Nova disappointed in the tournament, falling in the second round as a two-seed after a first round scare, but coach Jay Wright clearly knows how to motivate a team, since his arrival in Philadelphia, Villanova has been among the nation’s elite. With Fisher and the addition of freshman forward JayVaughn Pinkston, things shouldn’t be any different this year.

4. West Virginia– They may not return to the Final Four, but they’re still one of the four best teams in the Big East. The losses of Da’Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks to the NBA will obviously hurt the Mountaineers, but it will open up more opportunities for guards Darryl Bryant and Joe Mazulla and forward Kevin Jones. Don’t worry Bob Huggins haters, WVU will still be on a big enough stage to hate.

5. Georgetown– No Greg Monroe, no problem. The center departed for the NBA this offseason and no one is going to deny that it hurt their National Championship hopes, but forward Austin Freeman could make people forget that. A popular Big East Player of the Year pick, Freeman averaged 16.5 points-per-game a year ago and that should increase as he will take on even more of the scoring load.

6. Connecticut– Much to the delight of many, the past two seasons have been a disaster for Jim Calhoun and the Huskies. That being said, there are still high expectations in Connecticut. The inconsistency of Jermoe Dyson and Stanley Robinson is gone and Kemba Walker is here to take their place. Calhoun may have his haters now, but if UConn wins, the critics could be silenced.

7. Louisville– Last year was a bit of a down year for the Cardinals, after winning at least 25 games in each of the two prior seasons they won just 20, but despite some offseason distractions, coach Rick Pitino has his team in place for a rebound season. Louisville’s hopes lie on a pair of talented junior forwards Terrence Jennings and Jared Swopshire. The Cardinals could ultimately go as the duo goes.

8. Marquette– Even if the Golden Eagles always kill my bracket, there’s no denying they always put in regular season success. Marquette returns two of their top three scorers from a year ago including swingman Jimmy Butler and have one of the nation’s top recruits in Vander Blue. If Blue can make an immediate impact, Marquette could even exceed these expectations.

9. Notre Dame– On paper, Luke Harangody’s departure looks huge, but on the court the Fighting Irish oftentimes played better without the star center in their lineup. The Irish can win without him. Senior sharpshooting forward Tim Abromaitis will be asked to carry the team this year, but for the most part it should be a balanced effort.

10. Cincinnati– Lance Stephenson disappointed in his lone season in Cincinnati. Now the Bearcats can move on from the failed experiment. An NCAA Tournament bid could be a bit of a stretch, but if they do make it there it will be because of junior forward Yancy Gates.

11. DePaul– And here is where there is a noticeable drop in talent. The Blue Demons have little name recognition outside of coach Oliver Purnell, the best excuse for that would be senior swingman Mike Stovall, but Purnell is known for turning programs around. This is where it starts for the Demons.

12. South Florida– Thanks to Dominique Jones the Bulls were the surprise of the Big East a season ago. However, Jones is gone and there is little talent left in Tampa. Big man Augustus Gilchrist is the teams returning scorer with just over 13 points-per-game. He and fellow big Jarrid Famous are the Bulls’ best chance for success.

13. St. John’s– Once one of the great programs in the nation, the Red Storm have fallen upon hard times. New coach Steve Lavin hopes to change that. Despite a 6-12 Big East record last year, the Storm played competitively with the conference’s best and have a returning potential star in swingman DJ Kennedy.

14. Rutgers– This is the year of new coaches in the Big East, Mike Rice in Piscataway is just one of them. Rice led Robert Morris to two NCAA Tournament berths in the last three years, two more than the Scarlet Knights can boast, but he doesn’t have much to work with at Rutgers; senior forward Jonathan Mitchell is the team’s only returning double digit scorer.

15. Seton Hall– Well would you look at that, another new coach. Kevin Willard has been successful at Iona, but could be in for a bit of a reality check in the Big East. Fortunately he has the Big East’s third leading scorer from a year ago in Jeremy Hazell to ease him in.

16. Providence– The Friars concluded the season with 11 straight losses and lost their top scorer from a year ago. Coach Keno Davis’ offense first system could be even worse than it was a year ago without Jamine Peterson who was dismissed from the team for violating team rules. Providence’s D ranked 333rd among 334 Division I teams last year and without Peterson, this sort of defense is even more unacceptable.

All Conference First Team
Corey Fisher, G-Villanova
Kemba Walker, G-UConn
Austin Freeman, F-Georgetown
Kevin Jones, F-WVU
Kris Joseph, F-Syracuse

Second Team
Darryl Bryant, G-WVU
Scoop Jardine, G-Syracuse
Jimmy Butler, F-Marquette
Jared Swopshire, F-Louisville
Dante Taylor, F-Pittsburgh

Freshman of Year– Fabricio Melo
Player of the Year– Austin Freeman