2015-16 SEC Basketball Projections

[jbcarol]

Seth Emerson @SethEmerson  ·  Mar 21
Unlike the last time Georgia made the NCAA's, this time it leaves thinking it has a good chance to return next year. http://www.macon.com/2015/03/21/3652192/bulldogs-turn-page-to-next-year.html ...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mark Fox couldn't remember if this was the same exact locker room as four years ago. He just knew this was the same arena, the same seed and the same result.

The feeling, however, was different. The future felt more certain and more hopeful.

The Georgia basketball team saw its season end the same way in 2015 as in 2011: a first-round exit in the NCAA tournament as the No. 10 seed in Charlotte. But four years ago, the looming decisions of Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie hung over the program. When they left, any hopes of returning to the NCAA tournament in the new future went with them.

This year, the team does lose standout seniors Marcus Thornton and Nemanja Djurisic, but it is set to return the rest of its lineup and rotation and add at least three recruits who can contribute immediately.

This time, Fox feels he has a team that can sustain the success.

"This group, and the entire program, is just on more stable ground right now," Fox said Friday afternoon after his team's 70-63 loss to Michigan State. "I don't anticipate anybody jumping out and leaving early for the NBA. What feels different is I feel like we brought a fan base that rolled their sleeves up. We brought people that wanted to be here and fight for our team. Our support has grown.

"It feels different than it did a few years ago, certainly, because we're more prepared and deeper and healthier."

[jbcarol]

Brent Zwerneman @BrentZwerneman  ·  44m 44 minutes ago
Billy Kennedy said he'll go on record: Texas A&M will be an NCAA Tournament team next season.

[jbcarol]

Brent Zwerneman @BrentZwerneman  ·  44m 44 minutes ago
Billy Kennedy said he'll go on record: Texas A&M will be an NCAA Tournament team next season.

Coach Billy Kennedy said he's going on record: Texas A&M will be an NCAA Tournament team next season, he vowed on Monday night.

The Aggies (21-12) bowed out of the National Invitation Tournament in the second round with an 84-72 loss to Louisiana Tech (27-8) in Reed Arena.

A&M was likely a late-season victory away from making the NCAA Tournament this season, but closed with three consecutive losses, with star guard Danuel House missing the final two games with a sprained foot.

Kennedy said next year's team will be deep enough to withstand the loss of any one player.

Along those lines, Kennedy said he expects House back for his senior season, instead of turning pro, although a deep NCAA Tournament run might have changed that equation.

The 2015-2016 Aggies should sport a senior-heavy squad led by House and fellow guard Alex Caruso, along with forward Jalen Jones. Kennedy also signed one of the nation's top recruiting classes, with four touted freshmen – Tyler Davis, Admon Gilder, D.J. Hogg and Elijah Thomas – expected to immediately compete for significant playing time.

[jbcarol]

 Cecil Hurt @CecilHurt  ·  1h 1 hour ago

Vandy should have a big season. RT @GoodmanESPN: Vanderbilt big man Damian Jones will return for his junior season, sources told ESPN.

[jbcarol]

 Austin Kim @AustinKKim  ·  10h 10 hours ago

Stating the obvious, but if Williams III does transfer, #Mizzou has a big hole in the front court. J3 led MU with 11.9 ppg and 7.1 rpg

[jbcarol]

Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein  ·  23h 23 hours ago

Going to be tough to guard LSU next season. Could see a lot of 4 around Ben Simmons. Tigers may play like Iowa State did with Royce White.

First thought that comes to mind about LSU in 15-16? Perimeter heavy squad. Gray, Hornsby, + Quarterman return. Antonio Blakeney joins fold.

LSU's Jordan Mickey has announced that he will enter the 2015 NBA Draft. Tigers losing both their starting bigs to the league.

[jbcarol]

 Randy Rosetta @RandyRosetta  ·  Apr

#LSU jolted again with Jordan Mickey news, but better days aren't far off: Analysis http://s.nola.com/IyDOzRW  via @nolanews

That's just the way it is.

To many, it might seem like every bit of news coming out of the LSU basketball office right now is gloomy.

Players leaving early, assistant coaches leaving the staff ... there might be a sense of "what in the heck is next?"

Here's another viewpoint: Maybe it's simply the darkest before the dawn...

It's an honest and fair question to ask what LSU realistically can expect to do next season after losing two of the biggest cornerstones of its foundation.

Brace yourself: The Tigers could be better. Wait ... what?

Yes, despite losing two All-SEC forwards who registered double-doubles on a regular basis (31 between them in 2014-15) and made game-planning nightmarish, LSU could, and I believe will, be a better team next year.

Ah, but don't you believe them...

[jbcarol]

Ben Roberts @NextCats  ·  3h 3 hours ago
NEW: A close look at UK's roster situation for next season. Who's staying, who's leaving and who's coming in ... http://bit.ly/1GWK4oj

Player   Class   Pos   Ht   2014-15 stats/Other notes
Alex Poythress   Senior   F   6-8   5.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 20.3 mpg
Dominique Hawkins   Junior   G   6-0   1.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 7.1 mpg
Marcus Lee   Junior   F   6-9   2.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 10.9 mpg
Derek Willis   Junior   F   6-9   1.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 3.9 mpg
Tyler Ulis   Sophomore   G   5-9   5.6 ppg, 3.6 apg, 23.8 mpg
Isaiah Briscoe   Freshman   G   6-3   No. 1 ranked point guard in 2015 class
Skal Labissiere   Freshman   F   6-11   Top 5 overall recruit in 2015 class
Charles Matthews   Freshman   G   6-5   Top 50 recruit in 2015 class

[jbcarol]

 Ben Roberts @NextCats  ·  9h 9 hours ago

Kentucky is No. 1 in @eamonnbrennan's "Way-Too-Early" Top 25 for the 2015-16 season http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12623594/kentucky-wildcats-headline-early-top-25-ranking-2015-16-men-college-basketball-season ...

1. Kentucky Wildcats

Call this the benefit of the doubt. We know Kentucky will be good. We're not quite sure how good. But if recent history is any indication, they will deserve to start the season with a No. 1 ranking, almost by default, almost regardless of how many of the current Wildcats declare for the NBA draft in the coming days.

Figuring out what form UK's final 2015-16 roster will take is impossible at this early date. There are just too many discrete possibilities to work through.

But when you're John Calipari? When you've been the preseason No. 1 in two straight Novembers, been to four Final Fours in six seasons, turned a wide swath of the NBA into your personal alumni association, and you have this combination of possibilities? The benefit of the doubt is the least we can do.

18. LSU Tigers

LSU basketball fans, assuming they exist, began November with a glorious vision: That, when the class of 2015's top overall prospect -- uber-star Ben Simmons -- arrived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he would join two fellow first-rounders and form a bona fide national title contender. Instead, both Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey will take their talents to the NBA, and what could have been an obscenely loaded team will instead have to settle for being merely fascinating. By all accounts, Simmons is the real deal, not only a preternaturally skilled future pro but a great, unselfish passer to boot. And he'll be joined by fellow McDonald's All American Antonio Blakeney, the No. 2-ranked shooting guard, and No. 14-ranked player, in the ESPN 100. What else will LSU have? There is rising senior Keith Hornsby, who had a solid 2014-15 as the Tigers' lone perimeter threat -- and could, in an ideal configuration, pair with Blakeney to spread the floor and keep defenses honest against Simmons. Unfortunately, given the Tigers' lack of execution in key moments all season, and the occasionally baffling (and baffled) work of coach Johnny Jones, it's a major stretch to use the words "LSU" and "ideal configuration" in the same sentence. Simmons is not to be missed. Beyond that, who knows?

22. Texas A&M Aggies

There are returning players of note here: Jalen Jones, Alex Caruso,and especially Danuel House, who played well when a foot injury wasn't keeping him off the court. But any and all A&M-related bullishness stems entirely from the incoming class Billy Kennedy has assembled -- one that ranks behind only Kentucky and Arizona in the ESPN RecruitingNation class rankings thus far. If centers Tyler Davis and Elijah Thomas are as good as advertised, Kennedy could have one of the SEC's best frontcourts on his hands.

[jbcarol]

Gary Parrish @GaryParrishCBS  ·  9h 9 hours ago

Already over this season? Good! Here is the RIDICULOUSLY EARLY PRESEASON TOP 25 (AND ONE) for 2015-16 via @CBSSports: http://cbsprt.co/1PdVesk

Some players I think are returning to school will leave. And vice versa. And then some recruits I believe are going to one college will go to another. So understand that, please.

Regardless, it's time to rank basketball teams for next season! ...

1. VIRGINIA

3. KENTUCKY

    Notable players definitely gone: None

There are lots of moving parts with UK, per usual. But, one way or another, it would be foolish to assume John Calipari will have anything other than one of the nation's best rosters even if he loses seven players. For these purposes, Class of 2015 star Malik Newman is projected as a future Wildcat regardless of the fact that A) he's still uncommitted, and B) Mississippi State is a possibility. And even if Newman enrolls elsewhere, the point remains simple. UK will have Tyler Ulis, Alex Poythress, Marcus Lee, Skal Labissiere, Isaiah Briscoe and, almost certainly, some yet-to-be-determiend elite parts, at least. And some combination of Devin Booker, Dakari Johnson and Trey Lyles might return.

22. TEXAS A&M

    Notable players definitely gone: Kourtney Roberson, Jordan Green
    Others expected to leave: None
    Notable players expected to return: Jalen Jones, Alex Caruso, Danuel House, Alex Robinson, Antwan Space, Davonte Fitzgerald, Peyton Allen, Tonny Trocha-Moreios
    Others expected to join the roster: Tyler Davis, D.J. Hogg, Elijah Thomas, Admon Gilder

Why the Aggies are ranked here: The Aggies have secured a top-five recruiting class. That, combined with some quality returning pieces, should have A&M in the NCAA Tournament.

24. LSU

    Notable players definitely gone: Jordan Mickey, Jarell Martin
    Others expected to leave: None
    Notable players expected to return: Tim Quarterman, Josh Gray, Keith Hornsby, Jalyn Patterson
    Others expected to join the roster: Ben Simmons, Antonio Blakeney

Why the Tigers are ranked here: Ben Simmons might be the best freshman in the country next season, and Antonio Blakeney is super-talented, too. So the losses of Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin are possible to overcome in Baton Rouge.

[jbcarol]

 Ben Roberts @NextCats  ·  9h 9 hours ago

Kentucky is No. 5 in @tsnmike's "Way-too-early" Top 25 for the 2015-16 season http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4640881-top-25-ranking-2015-16-way-too-early-virginia-arizona-north-carolina-unc-kentucky-kans/slide/313816 ...

17. Arkansas

24. LSU

[jbcarol]

Rob Dauster @RobDauster  ·  12h 12 hours ago

I'm over this year already too RT @CBTonNBC: 2015-2016 College Basketball Way-Too Early Preseason Top 25 http://wp.me/p1aWjM-2cPu

1. North Carolina

4. Kentucky

    Who's back: Tyler Ulis*, Marcus Lee*, Alex Poythress*, Dakari Johnson*
    Who's gone: Karl Towns*, Willie Cauley-Stein*, Aaron Harrison*, Andrew Harrison*, Trey Lyles*, Devin Booker*
    Who they're getting: Isaiah Briscoe, Skal Labissiere*, Charles Matthews
    Why they're here: So much of Kentucky's 2015-2016 team is in the air. Who is returning to school? Who is going pro? Will they get any of the McDonald's All-Americans that have yet to commit to a school? Will Labissiere be eligible? We'll have a much better idea by the end of the month.

11. Georgia

    Who's back: Charles Mann, Kenny Gaines, Yante Maten, J.J. Frazier
    Who's gone: Marcus Thornton, Nemanja Djurisic
    Who they're getting: Jaylen Brown*, William Jackson, William Ogbeide, E'Torrion Wilridge
    Why they're here: If they don't get Brown — which is probably more likely than them landing him — we're looking at a top 20-25 team.

23. Vanderbilt

    Who's back: Damian Jones, Riley LaChance, Wade Baldwin
    Who's gone: James Siakam
    Who they're getting: Camron Justice, D'jery Baptiste, Samir Sehic, Joseph Toye

[jbcarol]

 ESPN College BBall @ESPNCBB  ·  2h 2 hours ago

The season ended 14 hours ago, but let's look at Joe Lunardi's first Bracketology for 2015-16. http://es.pn/1cMxrwN 



CONFERENCE   TEAMS
Big Ten   8
SEC   7
ACC   7

1  UK
4  Ark
6  UF
7  VU
9  LSU
9  A&M
11 UGa

[jbcarol]

 Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein  ·  5h 5 hours ago

Think Portis is gone RT @brockjones8832: @JonRothstein what if qualls and Portis return for Arkansas?

[jbcarol]

 Matt Jones @KySportsRadio  ·  10h 10 hours ago

Here's my take (as of now) on UK guys in terms of the NBA Draft and what UK's roster next year will look like: http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/uk-fans-of-the-day-want-some-quick-nba-draft-notes/ ...

After talking to a number of people today, I think its very likely that UK will lose seven to the NBA Draft...

I am hearing that Ulis, Lee, Willis and Hawkins will all be back. Rumors of transfer from any of the last three I am told are incorrect. Alex Poythress is almost certain to come back, but is still going through the process of trying to gather information.

UK has three players coming in so far next year (Isiah Briscoe, Skal Labissiere (who is apparently killing it at the Nike Hoop Summit) and Charles Matthews). I expect them to add 2-3 more, depending on the final decisions by Booker/Dakari. My guess is one big man if Dakari leaves and two guards/wings. In a perfect world, that is Stephen Zimmerman and two of the Newman/Jaylen Brown/Brandon Ingram threesome...

[jbcarol]

 Jeff Goodman @GoodmanESPN  ·  1h 1 hour ago

Early 2016 national title odds (from Bovada): UNC (6-1), UK (8-1), Maryland (12-1), Virginia (12-1), Duke (16-1), KU (16-1), Iowa St (18-1).

[jbcarol]

Adam Sparks @AdamSparks  ·  8h 8 hours ago
BREAKING: Another #Vandy big man coming back. Josh Henderson granted 6th year by NCAA. http://tnne.ws/1FhXA6I 

About a week after announcing All-SEC center Damian Jones will return next season, Vanderbilt confirmed his backup will also be back for another year.

Fifth-year senior Josh Henderson, a 6-foot-11 center, has been granted a sixth year with the Commodores by the NCAA due to medical hardship from injuries that severely limited two of his previous seasons.

Vanderbilt's athletic communications office confirmed the NCAA's ruling on Wednesday.

Henderson will return for the 2015-16 season for his final year of eligibility, meaning Vanderbilt will bring back eight of its top nine players from one of the nation's youngest rosters.

Henderson played in 24 games last season with two starts. He averaged 2.2 points, 1.2 rebounds and 7.3 minutes, mostly providing brief breaks for Jones, who will put off his NBA Draft availability for at least one more year.

In his career, Henderson has played 72 games. His most court time came in 2012-13, when he started in 21 games.

[jbcarol]

 Ben Roberts @NextCats  ·  2h 2 hours ago

On the blog: Here's UK's projected roster for next season, with a list of remaining recruiting targets http://ukrecruiting.bloginky.com/2015/04/09/looking-ahead-projected-uk-roster-for-2015-16/ ...

Probable UK basketball roster for 2015-16 Player    Class    Pos    Ht    2014-15 stats/Other notes
Alex Poythress    Senior    F    6-8    5.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 20.3 mpg (8 games)
Dominique Hawkins    Junior    G    6-0    1.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 7.1 mpg
Marcus Lee    Junior    F    6-9    2.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 10.9 mpg
Derek Willis    Junior    F    6-9    1.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 3.9 mpg
Tyler Ulis    Sophomore    G    5-9    5.6 ppg, 3.6 apg, 23.8 mpg
Isaiah Briscoe    Freshman    G    6-3    No. 1 ranked point guard in 2015 class
Skal Labissiere    Freshman    F    7-0    Top 5 overall recruit in 2015 class
Charles Matthews    Freshman    G    6-5    Top 50 recruit in 2015 class

Remaining recruiting targets for 2015 Player    Pos    Ht    Rank    Other schools
Jaylen Brown    F    6-7    1    UCLA, Kansas, Michigan, UNC, Cal, Georgia, Ga Tech
Cheick Diallo    F/C    6-9    10    Kansas, Iowa State, St. John's, Pitt
Brandon Ingram    F    6-9    13    Duke, UNC, Kansas, UCLA, N.C. State
Thon Maker    F/C    7-0    6    Kansas, Indiana, Missouri, others
Malik Newman    G    6-3    8    Kansas, LSU, Miss State, Ole Miss, N.C. State
Caleb Swanigan    F/C    6-9    11    Duke, Cal, Michigan State, Arizona, Purdue
Stephen Zimmerman    F/C    7-0    9    UNLV, Kansas, UCLA, Arizona

[jbcarol]

 AL.com sports @aldotcomSports  ·  2h 2 hours ago

Avery Johnson 'not blowing up' Alabama roster, but says he faces tough decisions. http://ow.ly/Lpa60

Avery Johnson inherits an Alabama basketball program with 10 scholarship players available to return, losing two of the top three scorers in Levi Randolph (15.4 points per game) and Rodney Cooper (11.1). Dakota Slaughter, a former walk-on who earned a scholarship, was honored on Senior Day but has another year of eligibility.

So if everybody returns, three scholarships would be available. Two recruits ― forwards Brandon Austin and Donta' Hall ― already signed National Letters of Intent. Former commit and Alabama Mr. Basketball Dazon Ingram remains a target as Johnson and assistant Antoine Pettway use the school plane to meet with in-state recruits Thursday.

Will there be room for others?

There's almost always roster turnover when a new coach arrives and Johnson addressed that topic Wednesday.

"I'm not blowing up the roster," he said. "Sure, there are some kids we are recruiting that are high level kids. But for the most part - and that's one of the things I told the players - for the most part the roster's gonna stay intact. Sure, I have to make some decisions. It's a tough job. Those decisions will be made at the appropriate time."

The numbers will work out for Avery.  They always do.

[jbcarol]

 Shelby Mast @BracketWAG  ·  13h 13 hours ago

For those who already miss college hoops, like me, I posted a bracket for next year. It's rough, but still fun. http://bracketwag.com

Last updated 04/10/2015 06:13 PM Mountain Time

Multi bid conferences - ACC (Eight), Big 10 (7), SEC (7) ...

1  Kentucky
5  Arkansas
6  A&M
7  LSU
8  UF
9  Vandy
11 UGa

Others considered for at-large bids (no particular order) -  Auburn, Alabama, South Carolina, Ole Miss ...

[jbcarol]

 Gary Parrish @GaryParrishCBS  ·  4h 4 hours ago

Updated RIDICULOUSLY EARLY PRESEASON TOP 25 (AND ONE) that reflects recent developments and has a new No. 1: http://cbsprt.co/1CBMQtN

1. KENTUCKY

    Notable players definitely gone: Karl-Anthony Towns, Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison, Trey Lyles, Devin Booker, Dakari Johnson, Willie Cauley-Stein
    Others expected to leave: None
    Notable players expected to return: Tyler Ulis, Marcus Lee, Alex Poythress, Derek Willis, Dominique Hawkins
    Others expected to join the roster: Skal Labissiere, Isaiah Briscoe, Charles Matthews

Why the Wildcats are ranked here: There are lots of moving parts with UK, per usual...

23. TEXAS A&M

    Notable players definitely gone: Kourtney Roberson, Jordan Green
    Others expected to leave: None
    Notable players expected to return: Jalen Jones, Alex Caruso, Danuel House, Alex Robinson, Antwan Space, Davonte Fitzgerald, Peyton Allen, Tonny Trocha-Moreios
    Others expected to join the roster: Tyler Davis, D.J. Hogg, Elijah Thomas, Admon Gilder

Why the Aggies are ranked here: The Aggies have a top-five recruiting class. That, combined with some quality returning pieces, should have A&M in the NCAA Tournament.

25. LSU

    Notable players definitely gone: Jordan Mickey, Jarell Martin
    Others expected to leave: None
    Notable players expected to return: Tim Quarterman, Josh Gray, Keith Hornsby, Jalyn Patterson
    Others expected to join the roster: Ben Simmons, Antonio Blakeney

Why the Tigers are ranked here: Ben Simmons might be the best freshman in the country next season, and Antonio Blakeney is super-talented, too. So the losses of Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin are possible to overcome in Baton Rouge.

[jbcarol]

 Jeff Goodman @GoodmanESPN  ·  2h 2 hours ago

Texas A&M announces that Danuel House will return for his senior season.

[jbcarol]

Gary Parrish @GaryParrishCBS  ·  4h 4 hours ago

Updated RIDICULOUSLY EARLY PRESEASON TOP 25 (AND ONE) that reflects recent developments and has a new No. 1: http://cbsprt.co/1CBMQtN

Gary Parrish @GaryParrishCBS  ·  2h 2 hours ago

Bobby Portis leaving was always why Arkansas wasn't in the Top 25 (and one). By the way, here's the updated version: http://cbsprt.co/1CBMQtN

[jbcarol]

 Brent Zwerneman @BrentZwerneman  ·  20 hours ago

Texas A&M, with touted class arriving this summer, also welcomes return of Danuel House for senior season: http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2015/04/texas-am-with-touted-class-incoming-welcomes-return-of-danuel-house/ ...

A&M already has one of the nation's top recruiting classes arriving this summer, and the Aggies received another dose of good news this week concerning their current crew.

All-SEC guard Danuel House has announced he's returning for his senior season, and along with fellow seniors Alex Caruso and Jalen Jones, he's expected to provide leadership and know-how to a talented foursome of Dallas-area freshmen.

Billy Kennedy has vowed the Aggies, which narrowly missed out on the NCAA Tournament this season and bowed out in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament, will make the NCAA postseason in 2016.

He's so confident in large part because of A&M's incoming class that includes forwards Elijah Turner and D.J. Hogg, guard Admon Gilder and center Tyler Davis, who all hail from the Metroplex. ESPN ranks the Aggies' 2015 haul fourth nationally, behind Kentucky, Michigan State and Arizona...

[jbcarol]

 Bob Holt @BobHoltADG  ·  19m 19 minutes ago

Hogs guard Michael Qualls tweets he's leaving Arkansas to pursue a pro career.

[jbcarol]

Rob Dauster @RobDauster  ·  3 hours ago

We updated our Preseason Top 25 yesterday, taking into account all of the transfers/early entrants/etc: http://wp.me/p1aWjM-2d0O

4. Kentucky

    Who's back: Tyler Ulis, Marcus Lee, Alex Poythress*
    Who's gone: Karl Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison, Trey Lyles, Devin Booker, Dakari Johnson
    Who they're getting: Isaiah Briscoe, Skal Labissiere*, Charles Matthews
    Why they're here: As their roster stands, I'm not sure Kentucky is a true national title contender. Ulis and Briscoe should be terrific, and Labissiere could end up being a preseason Player of the Year candidate if he's eligible, but there's not much depth and the trio of Poythress, Lee and Matthews is not guaranteed to be great. That said, we can safely assume Kentucky will add a couple more pieces — elite freshmen, grad transfers, etc. — meaning that this roster is not yet complete.

22. Vanderbilt

    Who's back: Damian Jones, Riley LaChance, Wade Baldwin
    Who's gone: James Siakam
    Who they're getting: Camron Justice, D'jery Baptiste, Samir Sehic, Joseph Toye
    Why they're here: One of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch, the Commodores bring back nearly every key piece and add a solid recruiting class to the mix. Damian Jones will be a first team all-SEC caliber player.

25. Texas A&M

    Who's back: Jalen Jones, Alex Caruso, Danuel House, Alex Robinson, Peyton Allen
    Who's gone: Kourtney Roberson, Jordan Green
    Who they're getting: Tyler Davis, D.J. Hogg, Elijah Thomas, Admon Gilder
    Why they're here: The talent on the roster combined with the talent coming into the program makes A&M one of the sleepers of the SEC

ALSO CONSIDERED: ... Georgia, ... ,LSU,

[vandybuff]

Cecil Hurt @CecilHurt  ·  1h 1 hour ago

Vandy should have a big season. RT @GoodmanESPN: Vanderbilt big man Damian Jones will return for his junior season, sources told ESPN.

I can absolutely state that in 2015-16, Vandy will be ..... 'older'   Seriously, we are supposed to have some nice incoming talent to join our team of mainly sophomores.

[jbcarol]

 Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein  ·  9h 9 hours ago

The big question in the Spring signing period: who's next to land at Kentucky? Cats are set with guards and bigs. Need a scoring wing. #BBN

[jbcarol]

 C-J Sports staff @sports_cj  ·  12h 12 hours ago

UK 5-star: 'NCAA is going to clear me' http://cjky.it/1InEw4B  @KyleTucker_CJ #BBN

6-foot-11 center Skal Labissiere

"I'll be able to play right away," Labissiere told The Courier-Journal. "The NCAA is going to clear me and I'll be able to play right away."

Official word on that is still to come...

"I didn't go there hoping that all seven guys were leaving," Labissiere said Friday. "I went there because I wanted to get better. But I wish them the best. I hope they do well at the next level. We're just going to have to focus on what we have coming in and try to make a run again for the championship next year."

Part of that is getting more players. Three uncommitted five-star UK recruiting targets are playing in the Jordan Brand Classic with Labissiere and he worked on them all week during practices. He's been after 6-7 small forward Jaylen Brown and 6-9 power forward Cheick Diallo, who are on his East team for the all-star game, "pretty hard" to sign with the Cats.

"I want more talent to join me, definitely," Labissiere said. "Hopefully Jaylen comes. I think he would help us out a lot. I just hope he comes."

[jbcarol]

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/21/updated-2015-2016-college-basketball-way-too-early-preseason-top-25-2

(Updated after recent decisions for early entry in the NBA draft)

4. Kentucky

Who's back: Tyler Ulis, Marcus Lee, Alex Poythress*
Who's gone: Karl Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison, Trey Lyles, Devin Booker, Dakari Johnson
Who they're getting: Isaiah Briscoe, Skal Labissiere*, Charles Matthews
Why they're here: As their roster stands, I'm not sure Kentucky is a true national title contender. Ulis and Briscoe should be terrific, and Labissiere could end up being a preseason Player of the Year candidate if he's eligible, but there's not much depth and the trio of Poythress, Lee and Matthews is not guaranteed to be great. That said, we can safely assume Kentucky will add a couple more pieces — elite freshmen, grad transfers, etc. — meaning that this roster is not yet complete.

23. Vanderbilt

Who's back: Damian Jones, Riley LaChance, Wade Baldwin
Who's gone: James Siakam
Who they're getting: Camron Justice, D'jery Baptiste, Samir Sehic, Joseph Toye
Why they're here: One of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch, the Commodores bring back nearly every key piece and add a solid recruiting class to the mix. Damian Jones will be a first team all-SEC caliber player.

ALSO CONSIDERED: Cincinnati, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, LSU, Miami, N.C. State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Purdue, San Diego State, SMU, Texas A&M

[jbcarol]

 GoGamecocks.com @gogamecocks  ·  11h 11 hours ago

Tough questions ahead for USC men's basketball program http://scne.ws/9VMq0s 

South Carolina finished a 17-16 season proud but unsatisfied. While the Gamecocks finished strong for the second straight season, they needed two or three more wins to make the postseason.

WHO'S HERE?

Senior Ty Johnson is gone, as is walk-on Austin Constable (who didn't dress for a game after a knee injury). Also, Demetrius Henry announced on Tuesday that he is transferring.

Henry and Shamiek Sheppard were suspended on Feb. 17 for conduct detrimental to the team and didn't play again. Martin has not decided on Sheppard's status.

USC has four commitments, beginning with McDonald's All-American P.J. Dozier. Chris Silva, Travon Bunch and Jamall Gregory round out the class, although Martin remains in on prospects such as junior-college center Conor Clifford, New Jersey guard Malik Ellison, West Virginia forward Dikembe Dixson and perhaps Columbia native Tevin Mack.

If Sheppard remains, the four new players equal 14 scholarships, or one over the limit. If Martin were to add more recruits, then more of the current team would have to leave or drop to walk-on status.

Redshirt freshman TeMarcus Blanton, who is battling a hip injury, remains on scholarship, but there's no way of knowing if he'll ever play. A medical redshirt would allow him to stay on scholarship but not count against the 13-player limit, but a decision on his playing future might not be known for some time. He is scheduled to have a six-month checkup on April 29 and might be able to begin cutting while running.

The rest of the team is intact. After some preseason talk of the NBA, rising junior Sindarius Thornwell is back and healthy after having a procedure to alleviate tendinitis in each knee. Martin will have his first class of seniors in Laimonas Chatkevicius, Mindaugas Kacinas, Michael Carrera and walk-on Brian Steele, who also had knee surgery during the offseason. The Gamecocks return five of their top six scorers.

[jbcarol]

 Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria  ·  17h 17 hours ago

The @GaryParrishCBS story on Malik Newman pretty much sums up what most coaches in the industry are saying: done to MSU.

That said, there sure is gonna be a lot of pressure on both Ben Howland & Johnny Jones next season. Loaded w/ talented frosh, now gotta win.

[jbcarol]

Ben Roberts @NextCats  ·  16m 16 minutes ago
Here's a look at UK's 2015-16 roster (as of right now) following Alex Poythress' announcement that he will return http://bit.ly/1d6140d

[jbcarol]

With Alex Poythress coming back and Marcus Lee stepping up, John Calipari likes where his Cats will be next season, reports Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader. Calipari accepted the Rupp Cupp on Thursday. "We have three guys in the warmup line right now," he said. "And someone said they picked us No. 1 in the country. We don't even have a team and we're No. 1?! It comes back to what Coach (Adolph) Rupp started here. It's expected here."

[jbcarol]

If LSU is going to reel in any more names, they have one open spot to do so.

Here's a quick glance at next year's roster

Freshmen: (3)

F - Ben Simmons
G - Antonio Blakeney
G - Brandon Sampson

Sophomores: (4)

C - Elbert Robinson III
F - Aaron Epps
F - Craig Victor (Eligible 2nd semester)
G - Jalyn Patterson

Juniors: (3)

C - Darcy Malone
F - Brian Bridgewater
G - Tim Quarterman

Seniors: (2)

G - Keith Hornsby
G - Josh Gray

[jbcarol]

DJournalnow @DJournalnow  ·  7h 7 hours ago
LOGAN LOWERY: Howland, Newman changing culture at MSU http://ow.ly/M876U

STARKVILLE

Let's face it, there hasn't been much to celebrate about Mississippi State's men's basketball program in quite some time.

The Bulldogs have suffered through three straight losing seasons and haven't reached the postseason since 2011-12.

But the outlook has certainly changed over the last month.

Not only did MSU make the move to bring in a nationally renown coach like Ben Howland but also signed one of the top high school prospects in the country in Callaway's Malik Newman on Friday.

Those two moves have rejuvenated a fan base that had fallen into apathy over the last few years.

The addition of Newman automatically brings the Bulldogs into the forefront of the SEC in combination with five seniors. Newman and Craig Sword gives State one of the league's top backcourts and should be good for around 30 points on their own.

Can a freshman really make that big an impact for a team that was 13-19 last year and finished 12th in the SEC?

Usually I'd say no, but Newman isn't your run-of-the-mill freshman. His game is years ahead of his age and will be a lottery pick whenever he decides to turn pro.

Although Newman is an MSU legacy following in his father Horatio Webster's footsteps, Howland deserves a lot of credit for building a relationship and getting him signed exactly one month from the day he was hired.

[jbcarol]

 Kyle Tucker @KyleTucker_CJ  ·  3h 3 hours ago

If Mulder picks UK, Cats' roster next season has five 5-stars, two four-stars, and two former Mr. Basketball finalists (one winner).

Also: a senior, 4 juniors, 1 soph, 3 frosh.

Wondering if this new offer by UK (Shaun Kirk) reflects Calipari's confidence (or lack thereof) in landing either of the remaining 5-star guys.

[jbcarol]

Ben Roberts @NextCats  ·  2h 2 hours ago

On the blog: Here's what UK's 2015-16 roster looks like with the addition of juco SG Mychal Mulder (up to 10 guys) http://bit.ly/1OATCLv

Player    Class    Pos    Ht    2014-15 stats/Other notes
Alex Poythress    Senior    F    6-8    5.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 20.3 mpg (8 games)
E.J. Floreal    Junior    G    6-4    0.1 ppg, 0.1 rpg, 1.5 mpg
Dominique Hawkins    Junior    G    6-0    1.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 7.1 mpg
Marcus Lee    Junior    F    6-9    2.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 10.9 mpg
Mychal Mulder    Junior    G    6-4    15.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg 46% threes (juco)
Derek Willis    Junior    F    6-9    1.3 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 3.9 mpg
Tyler Ulis    Sophomore    G    5-9    5.6 ppg, 3.6 apg, 23.8 mpg
Isaiah Briscoe    Freshman    G    6-3    No. 1 ranked point guard in 2015 class
Skal Labissiere    Freshman    F    7-0    No. 1 overall recruit in Rivals.com rankings
Charles Matthews    Freshman    G    6-5    Top 50 recruit in 2015 class

[jbcarol]

 Kevin Brockway @gatorhoops  ·  1m 1 minute ago

Could see starting lineup next season as Egbunu C, Finney-Smith F, Robinson F, Hill G, D. Walker G.

KeVaughn Allen, Brandone Francis and DeVon Walker will be good position battle for SG next season #Gators

[jbcarol]

Mark Story @markcstory  ·  14m 14 minutes ago
Oddsmaker Bovada now has UK, Duke, Michigan St & North Carolina as 10-1 favorites to win 2016 men's NCAA basketball tournament. U of L 33-1

[jbcarol]

Kyle Tucker @KyleTucker_CJ  ·  5h 5 hours ago
Marcus Lee notes that in both his two seasons at UK, the buzz was he'd transfer. "And I'm still here."

[jbcarol]

 Kevin Brockway @gatorhoops  ·  8h 8 hours ago

With Billy Donovan gone, what will become of Florida basketball? http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/04/29/billy-donovan-oklahoma-city-florida-gators-basketball ... via @SInow

[jbcarol]

Scott Gleeson ‏@ScottMGleeson 54 minutes ago

College basketball's super early 2015-16 preseason top 25 revisited http://usat.ly/1zzI4l0  via @USATODAYSports

The early entry draft deadline has passed and recruiting classes are more solidified, so there now is a clearer picture for what the preseason polls will look like in November.

2. Kentucky (38-1, 18-0 in 2014-15): As expected, coach John Calipari's roster was depleted by the NBA draft. Karl-Anthony Towns, Trey Lyles, Willie Cauley-Stein, Devin Booker, Dakari Johnson and Andrew Harrison and Aaron Harrison — the Wildcats' top seven scorers — are moving on. Reserves Tyler Ulis, Alex Poythress and Marcus Lee are the only holdovers. Calipari once again has reloaded with a stellar recruiting class, led by Skal Labissiere, No. 2 in the class of 2015 (via 247Sports), and elite point guard Isaiah Briscoe. Plus, Calipari turned to the junior college ranks to land Mychal Mulder, a sharpshooter...

Also considered: California, Cincinnati, LSU, Florida State, North Carolina State, Syracuse, Texas A&M, Purdue, Tulsa, West Virginia, Marquette, Vanderbilt.

[jbcarol]

Jeff Goodman @GoodmanESPN  ·  1h 1 hour ago
I was taking to Frank Martin last night about SEC -- he really likes Vandy next season. Agree 100%. Talented bigs, experienced guards.

[jbcarol]

UPDATED: 2015-2016 College Basketball Way-Too-Early (Just-In-Time?) Preseason Rankings

1. North Carolina
2. Kansas
3. Iowa State
4. Maryland

5. Kentucky

    Who's back: Tyler Ulis, Marcus Lee, Alex Poythress
    Who's gone: Karl Towns, Willie Cauley-Stein, Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison, Trey Lyles, Devin Booker, Dakari Johnson
    Who they're getting: Isaiah Briscoe, Skal Labissiere*, Charles Matthews, Mychal Mulder
    Why they're here: As their roster stands, I'm not sure Kentucky is a true national title contender. Ulis and Briscoe should be terrific, and Labissiere could end up being a preseason Player of the Year candidate if he's eligible, but there's not much depth and the trio of Poythress, Lee and Matthews is not guaranteed to be great. That said, we can safely assume Kentucky will add a couple more pieces — elite freshmen, grad transfers, etc. — meaning that this roster is not yet complete.

25. Vanderbilt

    Who's back: Damian Jones, Riley LaChance, Wade Baldwin
    Who's gone: James Siakam
    Who they're getting: Camron Justice, D'jery Baptiste, Samir Sehic, Joseph Toye
    Why they're here: One of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch, the Commodores bring back nearly every key piece and add a solid recruiting class to the mix. Damian Jones will be a first team all-SEC caliber player.

ALSO CONSIDERED: Butler, Cincinnati, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, LSU, Miami, N.C. State, Oregon, Purdue, San Diego State, SMU, Texas A&M, Utah

[jbcarol]

UNC moves to No. 1 in Ridiculously Early Preseason Top 25 (and one)

The initial Ridiculously Early Preseason Top 25 (and one) had Virginia No. 1.

But then Justin Anderson entered the NBA Draft.

So I dropped the Cavaliers and replaced them with Kentucky. But that ranking, as I explained in great detail at the time, was always rooted in the idea the Wildcats would add at least one and preferably two more five-star recruits -- specifically some combination of Stephen Zimmerman, Malik Newman, Brandon Ingram, Cheick Diallo and Jaylen Brown.

Things didn't go as planned...

4. UK
23. A&M
24. LSU

23. TEXAS A&M

    Notable players definitely gone: Kourtney Roberson, Jordan Green
    Others expected to leave: None
    Notable players expected to return: Jalen Jones, Alex Caruso, Danuel House, Alex Robinson, Antwan Space, Davonte Fitzgerald, Peyton Allen, Tonny Trocha-Moreios
    Others expected to join the roster: Anthony Collins, Tyler Davis, D.J. Hogg, Elijah Thomas, Admon Gilder

Why the Aggies are ranked here: The Aggies have a top-five recruiting class. That, combined with some quality returning pieces, should have A&M in the NCAA Tournament.

24. LSU

    Notable players definitely gone: Jordan Mickey, Jarell Martin
    Others expected to leave: None
    Notable players expected to return: Tim Quarterman, Josh Gray, Keith Hornsby, Jalyn Patterson
    Others expected to join the roster: Ben Simmons, Antonio Blakeney, Brandon Sampson

Why the Tigers are ranked here: Ben Simmons will be among the best freshman next season, and Antonio Blakeney is super-talented, too. So the losses of Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin are possible to overcome in Baton Rouge.

[jbcarol]

Kevin Brockway @gatorhoops  ·  1m 1 minute ago

Could see starting lineup next season as Egbunu C, Finney-Smith F, Robinson F, Hill G, D. Walker G.

KeVaughn Allen, Brandone Francis and DeVon Walker will be good position battle for SG next season #Gators

Kevin Brockway @gatorhoops  ·  12m 12 minutes ago

So it appears that 2015 sg for Gators could come down to Brandone Francis v. DeVon Walker, w Chiozza also in mix.

Alex Murphy, at 6-7, can play some sg as well. Ditto versatile 6-9 f Dorian Finney-Smith.

[jbcarol]

ESPN and SEC basketball analyst Sean Farnham watched Florida practices and games extensively through the 2014-15 season.

And while Farnham said he thinks the next Florida coach will have some strong players to work with, it might not automatically translate into smooth sailing in an SEC that's continuing to get deeper and more talented.

Farnham said he was impressed with the ability of rising sophomore guard Brandone Francis and sophomore center John Egbunu, two players who could practice last season but couldn't play last season due to different reasons. For Francis, it was due to academics. For Egbunu, a transfer from USF, it was due to NCAA transfer rules.

"I like Francis," Farnham said. "The big, Egbunu, he's much more the typical interior presence and size that Florida is used to."

But Farnham said the biggest key to UF's success could be the continued growth and development of starting point guard Kasey Hill. Farnham pointed to games against Kentucky and Auburn last year where Hill showed his dynamic potential by being able to turn the corner, get to the rim and finish. Hill also scored a career-high 20 points against North Carolina in the Bahamas and 17 points against Florida State. But those kind of games were few and far between.

"You don't want to pick and choose and earmark three or four games where Kasey Hill had a really strong game," Farnham said. "You want to be able to look over the course of a majority of the season and say, OK, by now as a junior, he needs to start taking steps forward and we need to see improvement in different areas of his game."

[jbcarol]

Eight programs on the rise in 2015-16

Vanderbilt: The Commodores began SEC play 1-7 last season, but they finished the year as one of the hottest teams in the conference. They won eight of their last ten games — including the last five of the regular season — before making the Elite 8 of the NIT. With the majority of their rotation, including star big man Damian Jones, returning and a top 20 recruiting class joining the program, Kevin Stallings' should have one of the SEC's best teams next season.

A&M: The Aggies return Danuel House, Jalen Jones and Alex Caruso from a team that just missed the NCAA tournament. But that's not what's so promising about this program. Their recruiting class is. The Aggies have landed one of the best classes in the country, landing some of the top talent in the state of Texas...

[jbcarol]

 Kyle Tucker @KyleTucker_CJ  ·  3h 3 hours ago

Advice for Poythress from @DraftExpress: Improve his jumper. Tyler Ulis says that's all he sees him doing lately. http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2015/05/07/deflating-acl-injury-kentucky-basketballs-alex-poythress-will-return-ready-lead/70965260/ ...

"It was real hard, because that's everybody's dream to go on to the next level. That's what you're supposed to do," he said last week. "We were supposed to go out on top and all leave together. But unfortunate things happen, so you just gotta live with it. Things happen for a reason. God has a plan for me, and I'm just trying to run out that plan."

Poythress, a former McDonald's All-American who most figured would spend just one year at Kentucky, is preparing to play his senior season for the Wildcats. But he's done looking backward and has turned his attention to getting healthy and finishing strong. The way the 6-foot-8, 238-pound forward sees it, his dream is merely delayed, not derailed.

Both he and coach John Calipari say rehab is right on schedule. Poythress, who went down without contact on a breakaway layup attempt during practice on Dec. 11, said he was jogging and doing some jumping as of last week and expected to begin single-leg jumps this week. He doesn't think he'll miss any games in 2015-16 or be hampered at all by the injury.

"I'm going to be ready way before the season. I'm going to be fine," he said. "It's been a struggle. It's been a journey. But that's how it is with ACLs. It will all be worth it when I finish rehab."

Set to be Calipari's first recruited senior as the Cats' coach –  – Poythress has played in 81 games, started 39, and averaged 14.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per 40 minutes in his career.

When healthy, he's an exceptional athlete, elite defender, devastating dunker and strong offensive rebounder. The knocks on him are inconsistency, poor ball handling and underwhelming outside shooting. But Poythress has always had a knack for delivering momentum-swinging plays.

Now Kentucky needs him to do more than ever. He'll team with sophomore point guard Tyler Ulis and junior forward Marcus Lee, two other former McDonald's All-Americans, to form a veteran nucleus next season...