Rambling with Alex

I hope all college basketball fans recognize that this has the potential to be an epic year in college basketball across the board. Based in part on the uncertainty of the NBA lockout, more superstars returned to college this season than in any since the onset of the one-and-done era. Stars such as Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones and Terrence Jones have returned to combine with freshman studs such as Austin Rivers, Andre Drummond and Anthony Davis to ensure that the talent level in college basketball will be its highest in morethan a decade. Without further ado, here’s a brief outlook at the 2011-2012 season.

Pre-season Power Rankings

1.) North Carolina

The 2008-09 Tarheels were one of the best teams in the history of college basketball. Their average margin of victory in the tournament was over 20 points per game. Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson were selected in the first round of
the 2009 draft. Danny Green scratched his way into the league and found playing time. Ed Davis went in the lottery a year later. The 2011-12 team is more talented than that team was.  They have a super talented and efficient point guard in Kendall Marshall and a sweet-shooting wing with a knack for knocking down big shots  in Harrison Barnes. They have a five-star freshman forward who can concentrate his effort on the defensive side of the floor  in James McAdoo and they have a low-post player who can take over games  in Tyler Zeller. They have an athletic two guard who can bear down on defense and help push the tempo in Dexter Strickland. They have one of the best coaches in the country. Simply put, they have it all.

2.) Ohio State

They have a unanimous selection in pre-season All-American Jared Sullinger leading the way, along with scrappy point guard Aaron Craft. The Buckeyes were the best team inthe country for much of last season and did not lose much. William Buford,
Aaron Craft, Deshaun Thomas, Jordan Sibert, Lenzelle Smith Jr. and McDonald’s All-American recruit Shannon Scott can all
make it rain.

3.) Kentucky

Kentucky welcomes arguably its’ best recruiting class in school history, and that obviously speaks volumes. Anthony Davis,
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marquis Teague and Kyle Wiltjer were all McDonald’s All-Americans. Davis, Kidd-Gilchrist and Teague were each ranked among the top five players in the country. Sophomore Terrence Jones is a stud. Collectively, they represent
potentially the best test yet for Calipari’s philosophy that the way to success is to simply get the best players.

4.) Duke

Freshmen Austin Rivers will lead the way as he might be the most dynamic player at Duke since Jay Williams. Along with Rivers, Duke has two solid guards in Seth Curry and Andre Dawkins and two forwards in Ryan Kelly and Michael Gbinije. Mason and
Miles Plumlee will have to step up in the post if Duke wants to make the Final Four. In years past, the Plumlee brothers have been guilty of playing terrible help side defense, committing stupid fouls and getting so excited when they manage to dunk that an overenthusiastic foul on the ensuing defensive possession is practically a guarantee.

5.) Syracuse

Last season, the Orangewent 27-8 in a season initially dedicated to grooming a collection of talented youngsters. Now, with four starters and nine of their 10 leading scorers returning, the Orange are constructed as a contender should be. Syracuse’s
championship aspirations rest primarily on Scoop Jardine, Kris Joseph and Brandon Triche, a trio of veteran playmakers simultaneously poised for standout seasons. Sophomore Fab Melo needs to step up after a disappointing freshman season.

Pre-season All-American team

G-Jordan Taylor,Wisconsin

G-Tu Holloway, Xavier

F-Terrence Jones,Kentucky

F-Jeremy Lamb, Uconn

C-Jared Sullinger,OhioState

All-name team

IndianaFaithfull, Wofford

Scooter Gillette,Niagara

Orion Outterbridge, Rhode Island

Four McGlynn,Vermont

Staats Battles, North Carolina State

Sleepers

Belmont, Temple, Wichita State, Creighton and New Mexico are teams that should have very solid seasons and have the potential to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.

Drinking Game, coaches style

1. Every time a vein pops in Tom Izzo’s head, take a drink

2. Every time Bruce Weber’s face turns beat red, take a drink

3. Every time Roy Williams takes off his glasses and/or suit coat, take a drink

4. Every time Frank Martin smiles, finish your drink

5. Every time a coach slaps the floor to encourage his team, finish your drink.