Preseason Report: Top 50 Teams for 2015-2016: #50-26
Honorable Mention: Mississippi St (Malik Newman!!), Davidson and BYU
50. South Carolina
The Gamecocks take the final spot in the top 50, led by Sindarius Thornwell, a former top recruit, and highly rated Perry Dozier, South Carolina could be a sleeper this year.
This is the worst Buckeyes team in years. They lose their top three players as well as their two biggest guys from only a decent team. However, they may be underrated, as they return shooter Cam Williams, 6-4 big man Jae'Sean Tate, as well as Marc Loving, who shot 46.1 % from three last year. Sophomore Keita Bates-Diop has to take the next step, but they do welcome a great recruiting class.
47. UCLA
This may seem low for the Bruins, but I just don't see it this year. It seems like UCLA always adds highly rated recruiting classes to talented returnees yet still underacheive, and this year they have less talented returning players and a relatively week recruiting class. It's time for Steve Alford to take the next step and stop underacheiving.
46. Xavier
Xavier had a great season last year, making the Sweet 16, and giving Arizona a run for their money when they got there. They lose arguably the two most valuable players from that team in Matt Stainbrook and Dee Davis, but return Myles Davis, Trevon Bluiett, and Jalen Reynolds.
45. Iowa
The Hawkeyes have made back to back NCAA tournaments, but will need improved consistency and efficiency this year. I would say that they lost their two best players in Aaron White and Gabriel Olaseni. They lack a guy who can replace Aaron White's scoring efficiency and consistency or someone who can replace Olaseni's incredible motor. If Mike Gesell can breakout and Adam Woodbury can stop poking people in the eye (such a joke! I guess being 7-1 isn't enough to play defense. Link on the eye poking incidents here: http://whotv.com/2015/02/08/woodbury-keeps-poking-players-in-the-eye/) , maybe the Hawkeyes can win another tourney game.
44. Rhode Island
E.C. Matthews is the real deal. And so is Hassan Martin. These two are highly underrated, as Matthews averaged 16.9 PPG last year and Hassan Martin (11.4 PPG and 7.7 RPG) led the A-10 in blocks and field goal percentage. Rhode Island looks to take the next step and make the NCAA tournament.
43. Oregon State
"The Glove" 2.0? Gary Payton's son Gary Payton II, is a fantastic defender, averaging an incredible 3.1 steals per game. He also averaged 13.4 PPG and 7.5 RPG, which is incredible for a 6-3 guard. However Payton II will need to work on his passing skills and improve on that 29.3 percentange from 3 if the Beavers (who return all 5 starters!!!) want to make the tourney this year.
42. San Diego State
SDSU is known for their stifling defense, but usually struggle to score. More of the same this year, as three of their top 4 scorers from a team that shot 41.8 percent from the field and 32 percent from three. Winston Shepard needs to grow up and step into a bigger role.
41. Providence
Kris Dunn can play. Providence loses three of their top 4 scorers, but returns Dunn... One of the top passers, rebounders, defenders, scorers in the country, Dunn also has a nice shooting stroke, and is supposed to be a first round pick according to nbadraft.net. According to Ed Cooley, Dunn is "the best player in the country." To be honest, there isn't much else to talk about with the Friars, so I will move on.
40. West Virginia
The loss of Juwan Staten is huge. When I say huge, I mean more like HUGE. Devin Williams does return, and so does Jevon Carter and his 36 percent from the field... I guess I shouldn't be so hard on Jevon Carter, he's a great defender, and will help the WVU press defense. I don't think Bob Huggins (Huggy Bear!) will be right in that this WVU team will be better than last year's.
39. Tulsa
Some quick trivia here: How many teams return 9 seniors, 7 of which were their top 7 players last year, from a team that almost made the NCAA tournament? You guessed it, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (on a quick side note, why the golden hurricane? I'm trying to think of an occasion in which a hurricane would be described as golden, but so far I have been unsuccessful...). Anyways, Tulsa is loaded with experience, and should definitely be a tourney team this year, unless they somehow get worse when they return everybody and add a good class...
38. Stephen F. Austin
Thomas Walkup and more return from a 29-5 team. Walkup is extremely underrated. According to sports reference, Walkup was 6th in the country last year, (and second in returning players) in win shares per 40 minutes, a stat that tries to show how valuable a player is. Walkup was behind only Karl-Anthony Towns, Frank Kaminsky, Delon Wright, Anthony Gill and Kyle Wiltjer, all incredible players who were on incredible teams last year. SFA should improve this year thanks to Walkup, Trey Pinckney, and Ty Charles.
37. Florida St
Meet Xavier Rathan-Mayes, the sophomore sensation who scored 30 POINTS IN THE LAST 4 MINUTES AND 38 SECONDS OF A GAME LAST YEAR! I put this in caps, because it is just incredible... (see video here: https://youtu.be/2R5kMBm3das) Well, Rathan-Mayes is back, and is only a sophomore, and although he needs to improve on his 28.1 percent mark from three, other than that he was efficient enough for such a high volume shooter. The big recruiting grab was Dwayne Bacon, a top 25 recruit, but also added Malik Beasley and Terance Mann. Additionally, FSU returns everything else but a 4.9 ppg scorer.
36. Texas
Texas has a lot of potential this year, they return experience, and gained an incredible coach in Shaka Smart. Everything rests on the shoulders of Isaiah Taylor, the returning PG. However, Taylor needs to shoot better than the 29.5 percent from three that he shot last year. Eventually, Shaka should have a powerhouse program, but I'm not sure that this is the year.
35. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh returns studs Jameel Artis and Michael Young, and added three great transfers in Rafael Maia, Alonzo Nelson-Ododa and Sterling Smith. Combined with pass first point guard James Robinson, the Panthers could be an underrated and dangerous team in the ACC this year.
34. Michigan
If only, if only, Michigan had big men... This should be a song. With a competent big man or two, Michigan may be top 10 in the country. Caris LaVert returns as one of the best players in the Big 10 after missing half of the year due to injury. Great shooters Aubrey Dawkins, Spike Albrecht and Zak Irvin also return, and Derrick Walton is coming back from injury. The big men though, are a huge question mark. Ricky Doyle and Mark Donnal return and German import Moritz Wagner could be a wildcard.
33. Miami
The Hurricanes were looking great last season, that is, until they fell apart. Despite last year's poor end to the season, they still made the NIT, and made the finals, in which they lost by two in OT. Most of Miami's team returns, led by point guard Angel Rodriguez and scorer Sheldon McClellan. Just like the team, Rodriguez had a hot start to the year, but couldn't find his stroke later in the year, finishing at 33.7 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three. These numbers have to improve if Miami is to have a good season.
32. Oregon
Joseph Young will be missed... The lights out free throw shooter (when I say lights out, I mean 92.5 percent on tons of attempts type of lights out!) and 20.7 ppg scorer is gone. Elgin Cook and Dillon Brooks do return, and Oregon adds Dylan Ennis from Villanova as well as highly rated recruit Tyler Dorsey, so the Ducks should still have a great year.
31. Louisville
The Cardinals don't return a player who averaged more than 4.1 ppg, yet still they come in and number 31. This is largely because of Damion Lee and Trey Lewis, two graduate transfers. A solid recruiting class will help as well, but the most important thing is the play of Chinanu Onuaku and Quentin Snider, Louisville's top returners.
30. Valparaiso
Valpo returns their top 9 players from last year, on a team that made the tourney last year. Alec Peters is one of the best mid major players in the country (1st team all mid major?) and not only do they return their top 9, but also return their starting PG from 2013-2014 who missed last season with a torn ACL. The Crusaders could make some noise as a mid major this year.
29. Dayton
Dayton has turned into a great program with Archie Miller. When you look and their roster and stats, nothing really stands out, and they clearly aren't ultra talented. However, Archie Miller inherited similar teams last year and the year before, but ended up winning 5 tournament games in those two years. I have confidence in Miller's ability to build a winner behind Dyshawn Pierre, a smooth lefty who plays bigger than he is, and Kendall Pollard, who shot 55.2 percent from the field.
28. Georgetown
Georgetown returns one of the top 2 or 3 players in the Big East in De'Vauntes Smith-Rivera. He is an incredible scorer, scoring 16.3 PPG last year. The Hoyas also have a potential breakout player in Isaac Copeland. Although he was highly recruited last year, he averaged under 7 ppg and 4 rpg. This year, he should breakout though, as he has incredible athleticism, size and is a good shooter. The other two super sophomores are Paul White and L.J. Peak. Both impressed me in limited time last year, as White is a good jumpshooter and rebounder, while Peak is super athletic and aggressive. Barring any transfers or early departures to the NBA, Georgetown is going to be really good in a couple of years. This might be optimistic though, as sophomore Isaac Copeland may leave for the NBA before then.
27. Texas A&M
A&M had a good team last year, but figures to be even better this year. They added a top 10 recruiting class with 3 top 40 players, as well as another top 70 player. They also return Jalen Jones and Danuel house, two good scorers and defenders, as well as Alex Caruso, who averaged 5.5 APG last year.
26. Utah
Man, I just love Jakob Poeltl. How can you not love a guy who's name is impossible to pronounce (I have heard a bunch of different things and still don't know) and also shoots over 68 percent from the field? Nope, you didn't read that wrong, he shot over 68 percent from the field last year. Poeltl needs to get more touches though, and take more shots, as when he does, it is clearly a good thing. Poeltl could legitimately replace the star power of Delon Wright (in a different way though) and it would be huge if he could, as Jordan Loveridge and Brandon Taylor are second and third guys on good teams, not #1 guys. Utah returns a bunch of other rotational players on a fantastic defense.
50. South Carolina
The Gamecocks take the final spot in the top 50, led by Sindarius Thornwell, a former top recruit, and highly rated Perry Dozier, South Carolina could be a sleeper this year.
49. Boise State
One high scoring guard gone (Derrick Marks), and another one back from injury. The Broncos return Anthony Drmic, one of the best shooters in the country and a fifth year senior, from injury, and also return big men James Webb and Nick Duncan. They should improve on their First Four appearance from last year.
48. Ohio StateOne high scoring guard gone (Derrick Marks), and another one back from injury. The Broncos return Anthony Drmic, one of the best shooters in the country and a fifth year senior, from injury, and also return big men James Webb and Nick Duncan. They should improve on their First Four appearance from last year.
This is the worst Buckeyes team in years. They lose their top three players as well as their two biggest guys from only a decent team. However, they may be underrated, as they return shooter Cam Williams, 6-4 big man Jae'Sean Tate, as well as Marc Loving, who shot 46.1 % from three last year. Sophomore Keita Bates-Diop has to take the next step, but they do welcome a great recruiting class.
47. UCLA
This may seem low for the Bruins, but I just don't see it this year. It seems like UCLA always adds highly rated recruiting classes to talented returnees yet still underacheive, and this year they have less talented returning players and a relatively week recruiting class. It's time for Steve Alford to take the next step and stop underacheiving.
46. Xavier
Xavier had a great season last year, making the Sweet 16, and giving Arizona a run for their money when they got there. They lose arguably the two most valuable players from that team in Matt Stainbrook and Dee Davis, but return Myles Davis, Trevon Bluiett, and Jalen Reynolds.
45. Iowa
The Hawkeyes have made back to back NCAA tournaments, but will need improved consistency and efficiency this year. I would say that they lost their two best players in Aaron White and Gabriel Olaseni. They lack a guy who can replace Aaron White's scoring efficiency and consistency or someone who can replace Olaseni's incredible motor. If Mike Gesell can breakout and Adam Woodbury can stop poking people in the eye (such a joke! I guess being 7-1 isn't enough to play defense. Link on the eye poking incidents here: http://whotv.com/2015/02/08/woodbury-keeps-poking-players-in-the-eye/) , maybe the Hawkeyes can win another tourney game.
44. Rhode Island
E.C. Matthews is the real deal. And so is Hassan Martin. These two are highly underrated, as Matthews averaged 16.9 PPG last year and Hassan Martin (11.4 PPG and 7.7 RPG) led the A-10 in blocks and field goal percentage. Rhode Island looks to take the next step and make the NCAA tournament.
43. Oregon State
"The Glove" 2.0? Gary Payton's son Gary Payton II, is a fantastic defender, averaging an incredible 3.1 steals per game. He also averaged 13.4 PPG and 7.5 RPG, which is incredible for a 6-3 guard. However Payton II will need to work on his passing skills and improve on that 29.3 percentange from 3 if the Beavers (who return all 5 starters!!!) want to make the tourney this year.
42. San Diego State
SDSU is known for their stifling defense, but usually struggle to score. More of the same this year, as three of their top 4 scorers from a team that shot 41.8 percent from the field and 32 percent from three. Winston Shepard needs to grow up and step into a bigger role.
41. Providence
Kris Dunn can play. Providence loses three of their top 4 scorers, but returns Dunn... One of the top passers, rebounders, defenders, scorers in the country, Dunn also has a nice shooting stroke, and is supposed to be a first round pick according to nbadraft.net. According to Ed Cooley, Dunn is "the best player in the country." To be honest, there isn't much else to talk about with the Friars, so I will move on.
40. West Virginia
The loss of Juwan Staten is huge. When I say huge, I mean more like HUGE. Devin Williams does return, and so does Jevon Carter and his 36 percent from the field... I guess I shouldn't be so hard on Jevon Carter, he's a great defender, and will help the WVU press defense. I don't think Bob Huggins (Huggy Bear!) will be right in that this WVU team will be better than last year's.
39. Tulsa
Some quick trivia here: How many teams return 9 seniors, 7 of which were their top 7 players last year, from a team that almost made the NCAA tournament? You guessed it, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (on a quick side note, why the golden hurricane? I'm trying to think of an occasion in which a hurricane would be described as golden, but so far I have been unsuccessful...). Anyways, Tulsa is loaded with experience, and should definitely be a tourney team this year, unless they somehow get worse when they return everybody and add a good class...
38. Stephen F. Austin
Thomas Walkup and more return from a 29-5 team. Walkup is extremely underrated. According to sports reference, Walkup was 6th in the country last year, (and second in returning players) in win shares per 40 minutes, a stat that tries to show how valuable a player is. Walkup was behind only Karl-Anthony Towns, Frank Kaminsky, Delon Wright, Anthony Gill and Kyle Wiltjer, all incredible players who were on incredible teams last year. SFA should improve this year thanks to Walkup, Trey Pinckney, and Ty Charles.
37. Florida St
Meet Xavier Rathan-Mayes, the sophomore sensation who scored 30 POINTS IN THE LAST 4 MINUTES AND 38 SECONDS OF A GAME LAST YEAR! I put this in caps, because it is just incredible... (see video here: https://youtu.be/2R5kMBm3das) Well, Rathan-Mayes is back, and is only a sophomore, and although he needs to improve on his 28.1 percent mark from three, other than that he was efficient enough for such a high volume shooter. The big recruiting grab was Dwayne Bacon, a top 25 recruit, but also added Malik Beasley and Terance Mann. Additionally, FSU returns everything else but a 4.9 ppg scorer.
36. Texas
Texas has a lot of potential this year, they return experience, and gained an incredible coach in Shaka Smart. Everything rests on the shoulders of Isaiah Taylor, the returning PG. However, Taylor needs to shoot better than the 29.5 percent from three that he shot last year. Eventually, Shaka should have a powerhouse program, but I'm not sure that this is the year.
35. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh returns studs Jameel Artis and Michael Young, and added three great transfers in Rafael Maia, Alonzo Nelson-Ododa and Sterling Smith. Combined with pass first point guard James Robinson, the Panthers could be an underrated and dangerous team in the ACC this year.
34. Michigan
If only, if only, Michigan had big men... This should be a song. With a competent big man or two, Michigan may be top 10 in the country. Caris LaVert returns as one of the best players in the Big 10 after missing half of the year due to injury. Great shooters Aubrey Dawkins, Spike Albrecht and Zak Irvin also return, and Derrick Walton is coming back from injury. The big men though, are a huge question mark. Ricky Doyle and Mark Donnal return and German import Moritz Wagner could be a wildcard.
33. Miami
The Hurricanes were looking great last season, that is, until they fell apart. Despite last year's poor end to the season, they still made the NIT, and made the finals, in which they lost by two in OT. Most of Miami's team returns, led by point guard Angel Rodriguez and scorer Sheldon McClellan. Just like the team, Rodriguez had a hot start to the year, but couldn't find his stroke later in the year, finishing at 33.7 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three. These numbers have to improve if Miami is to have a good season.
32. Oregon
Joseph Young will be missed... The lights out free throw shooter (when I say lights out, I mean 92.5 percent on tons of attempts type of lights out!) and 20.7 ppg scorer is gone. Elgin Cook and Dillon Brooks do return, and Oregon adds Dylan Ennis from Villanova as well as highly rated recruit Tyler Dorsey, so the Ducks should still have a great year.
31. Louisville
The Cardinals don't return a player who averaged more than 4.1 ppg, yet still they come in and number 31. This is largely because of Damion Lee and Trey Lewis, two graduate transfers. A solid recruiting class will help as well, but the most important thing is the play of Chinanu Onuaku and Quentin Snider, Louisville's top returners.
30. Valparaiso
Valpo returns their top 9 players from last year, on a team that made the tourney last year. Alec Peters is one of the best mid major players in the country (1st team all mid major?) and not only do they return their top 9, but also return their starting PG from 2013-2014 who missed last season with a torn ACL. The Crusaders could make some noise as a mid major this year.
29. Dayton
Dayton has turned into a great program with Archie Miller. When you look and their roster and stats, nothing really stands out, and they clearly aren't ultra talented. However, Archie Miller inherited similar teams last year and the year before, but ended up winning 5 tournament games in those two years. I have confidence in Miller's ability to build a winner behind Dyshawn Pierre, a smooth lefty who plays bigger than he is, and Kendall Pollard, who shot 55.2 percent from the field.
28. Georgetown
Georgetown returns one of the top 2 or 3 players in the Big East in De'Vauntes Smith-Rivera. He is an incredible scorer, scoring 16.3 PPG last year. The Hoyas also have a potential breakout player in Isaac Copeland. Although he was highly recruited last year, he averaged under 7 ppg and 4 rpg. This year, he should breakout though, as he has incredible athleticism, size and is a good shooter. The other two super sophomores are Paul White and L.J. Peak. Both impressed me in limited time last year, as White is a good jumpshooter and rebounder, while Peak is super athletic and aggressive. Barring any transfers or early departures to the NBA, Georgetown is going to be really good in a couple of years. This might be optimistic though, as sophomore Isaac Copeland may leave for the NBA before then.
27. Texas A&M
A&M had a good team last year, but figures to be even better this year. They added a top 10 recruiting class with 3 top 40 players, as well as another top 70 player. They also return Jalen Jones and Danuel house, two good scorers and defenders, as well as Alex Caruso, who averaged 5.5 APG last year.
26. Utah
Man, I just love Jakob Poeltl. How can you not love a guy who's name is impossible to pronounce (I have heard a bunch of different things and still don't know) and also shoots over 68 percent from the field? Nope, you didn't read that wrong, he shot over 68 percent from the field last year. Poeltl needs to get more touches though, and take more shots, as when he does, it is clearly a good thing. Poeltl could legitimately replace the star power of Delon Wright (in a different way though) and it would be huge if he could, as Jordan Loveridge and Brandon Taylor are second and third guys on good teams, not #1 guys. Utah returns a bunch of other rotational players on a fantastic defense.
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