Hogs ranked #108 in preseason preview

[Adam Stokes]

The Hogs came in ranked #108 in Collegehoopsnet yearly Top 144 preason poll.  They have us ranked 10th in the SEC and 5th in the west.  And he wrote the article thinking Beverly would be coming back too.

http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/preview/2008/

[Razorod]

how will this projection impact fan expectations?

[Oliver]

how will this projection impact fan expectations?

After losing Beverley, I figured we'd finish about 4th or 5th in the SEC West.  So I guess it doesn't impact my view much.

[PotBelliedPig29]

that aint good

[razorhead94]

Notice that this writer says the past couple of seasons this team has not gotten to where many people expected them to and underachieved and so he kind of thinks this team is going to underachieve too even though they are totally different players.

[Porky861]

Notice that this writer says the past couple of seasons this team has not gotten to where many people expected them to and underachieved and so he kind of thinks this team is going to underachieve too even though they are totally different players.

Great point.  I don't think he's giving the new recruits near enough respect.  I can't bring myself to believe that we can't at least make the NIT.  I hope this crap motivates them as much as it will coach Pel.

[Hogginitall]

We will end the season ranked higher than that.  If we get Fortson and/or Henry cleared, we will make the NIT AT THE VERY LEAST.

[HotlantaHog]

I think we'll be better that that. The apt comparison may be to Florida last year, where a bunch of youngsters struggled and in the end didn't make the NCAAs. I think the young Hogs will be on the bubble most of the year, and we'll have better idea of whether they may make the Tourney once the games begin.

[chiefsfan]

We may not make the NCAA's.   But if we could make an NIT Semifinals run, I think alot of folks would take that

[Tomhog™]

How can one predict a class of under-achievers that have never played one minute of college ball?  Is he saying that in reference to our leadership?

[PeytonManningSUCKS]

We may not make the NCAA's.   But if we could make an NIT Semifinals run, I think alot of folks would take that

Wish Heath would have taken us to the NIT's that one year.  Probably would have done alot for those young players.  Though at that point in the season we couldn't dribble inside the three point line if someone put a zone on us.

[HotlantaHog]

Wish Heath would have taken us to the NIT's that one year.  Probably would have done alot for those young players.  Though at that point in the season we couldn't dribble inside the three point line if someone put a zone on us.

I remember being thankful for that miserable season being over. Under different circumstances, though, wouldn't mind seeing Hogs play in the NIT.

[cosmodrum]

How can one predict a class of under-achievers that have never played one minute of college ball?  Is he saying that in reference to our leadership?

I doubt he has researched that much. Probably just sees the word "Arkansas," check where we finished the past couple of years, and came up with his projection.

Then again, maybe he's a mad genius, I don't know.

Oh and did we really "under-acheive" last year? I mean, we had an entirely new staff, new system, and a group of players that Pel did not recruit. I think we finished about where we should have...one of the last 32 teams standing.

[aristotle]

What do you expect? We lost...well...everybody of production from last year's team. Washington and Welsh are the only guys with any real experience.

But take heart. Preseason in basketball means nothing. In football, it biases the whole season. But basketball, it's nothing. They simply don't know how to rank a team like us....we have nothing for them to grade or go by.

[porky_teh_pig]

This isn't a Heath season we're looking at.  These young recruits will learn fast and early.  I'm excited about a new bunch starting in Pel's system.  Sure, with present expectations an NIT appearance will be an accomplishment but I surmise this team will surprise. (rapper wanna be) 

Whatever happens, I'm looking forward to this style of basketball with a group of young players.

[Tomhog™]

Oh and did we really "under-acheive" last year? I mean, we had an entirely new staff, new system, and a group of players that Pel did not recruit. I think we finished about where we should have...one of the last 32 teams standing.

In some way we did.  Arkansas should have won the West last year, but didn't.  Though they did get past the first round of the NCAAs.  That was a big step forward.

[cosmodrum]

In some way we did.  Arkansas should have won the West last year, but didn't.  Though they did get past the first round of the NCAAs.  That was a big step forward.

Yeah, we should have won a weak SEC-W, that's for sure.

[Tomhog™]

Those seniors had an "uncanny ability to frick* things up"

*self-edited for vulgarity. 

[spahoopsfan]

I think people think alot of freshmen players and think losing record.  In basketball more than any other sport freshmen play just as well as juniors.  What I mean is they have played against quality players for years in AAU.  Football freshmen don't get that chance.  Therefore, freshmen basketball players as a rule have a huge impact.  I believe if our front court can rebound and play defense our backcourt, freshmen or not will produce.  We should never be ranked lower than 50, ever.

[porky_teh_pig]

I think people think alot of freshmen players and think losing record.  In basketball more than any other sport freshmen play just as well as juniors.  What I mean is they have played against quality players for years in AAU.  Football freshmen don't get that chance.  Therefore, freshmen basketball players as a rule have a huge impact.  I believe if our front court can rebound and play defense our backcourt, freshmen or not will produce.  We should never be ranked lower than 50, ever.

I have to disagree.  AAU ball is supported by parent money also, it's not always the best talent.  Don't get me wrong, AAU is the ticket but I don't believe that is the only venue to look at because a lot of AAU players flop in college.

[Prosciutto]

how will this projection impact fan expectations?

CBS sportsline ranks us at 34.