As the NBA lockout continues, our thirst for basketball must be quenched by the thrilling game that is college basketball. In a sport that recently has been highlighted by “one and done” players, this year should be refreshing in that many of last year’s star freshmen decided to return for their sophomore years. In fact 4 of the 5 preseason all-Americans this season are sophomores, including Jeremy Lamb of the defending champion Connecticut Huskies and unanimous selection Jared Sullinger of Ohio State. With the nation’s attention focused solely on college basketball we could be in for a wild year.
5 Players to Watch Out For
1) Harrison Barnes
After becoming the first freshman ever to be voted a preseason all-American last year, Barnes disappointed the North Carolina faithful with a poor start to his collegiate career. However, he turned it around and showed people why he had been so highly coveted. After skipping out on the NBA draft, where he likely would have been a top 5 pick, Barnes returns to UNC as the likely front runner of the Naismith award and to lead the Tar Heels to a National championship.
2) Tu Holloway
The reigning Atlantic-10 player of the year from Xavier was thought by many to have earned all-American status. Although he wasn’t selected, the senior made his case by scoring 24 points in his first game of the year after he was suspended one game by the NCAA for playing in too many summer league games. The senior is one of the top shooting guards in the country and is looking to lead the Musketeers to a third straight conference title.
3) Jordan Taylor
The only senior to make the preseason all-American team, Taylor looks to add on the stunning season he had last year. The point guard led Wisconsin to having the least amount of turnovers per game, which will lead to success for any team. Jordan jumped into the national spotlight when he led the Badgers over the top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes by scoring 27 points and shooting 5-8 from beyond the 3 point line. If Jordan can continue his efficient play from last year, we can expect great things from the Badgers.
4) Austin Rivers
Rivers, who is the son of Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, was the top recruit in the country according to rivals.com and was swept up by Coach K and Duke this last summer. After the success first-overall pick Kyrie Irving had at Duke his only year, we can expect great things from the most recently coveted freshman.
5) Perry Jones III
Jones, another star player returning for his sophomore year, chose to return knowing he would be suspended for the first 5 games of the season after it was made known that he had received improper benefits from his AAU coach prior to enrolling at Baylor. Once this whole controversy settles in the past, it will be very interesting to see if Perry becomes the dominant inside force most scouts think he is capable of becoming.
My Top 10
1. North Carolina
2. Kentucky
3. UConn
4. Ohio State
5. Duke
6. Syracuse
7. Baylor
8. Louisville
9. Florida
10. Wisconsin
The National Champion will be:
Drum roll, please….
…the Kentucky Wildcats. This team’s ability to score any way possible along with its depth and experience from last year’s final four run will help coach Calipari get his first title.
