Augustin Bids Farewell, Abrams Too?

To the surprise of not many, DJ Augustin declared for the NBA draft today. While he has not hired an agent, it was done more on the precaution of injury, not for the possibility of choosing to return. While Augustin did not come as a surprise, it was the declaration of AJ Abrams that caused some concern for fans on the Forty Acres.

Abrams, too, did not hire an agent, and is a much safer bet to return to school for his senior season. Even Abrams admitted that he is using his free pass during his junior season, to test the process, and see where he ranks. While Abrams is a great shooter, his size and lack of all around game will hurt his draft status. It would be quite surprising if Abrams is not back in a Longhorn uniform for his senior season. However, it is not a forgone conclusion. Only a few short years ago, most thought that LaMarcus Aldridge would be drafted, and Daniel Gibson would return for his junior season, only to surprise everyone with his agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers. But, I will also say that Daniel Gibson was bigger and a more well rounded player than AJ Abrams at that point in time.

If Abrams does not return for his senior season it would be a huge blow to the Longhorns. Abrams will be relied on to be a perimeter scorer for the Longhorns, as well as someone who is expected to share ballhandling duties with Justin Mason and Dogus Balbay. Abrams early departure would cause all kinds of problems for the Longhorn backcourt and press Balbay and J'Covan Brown into larger roles than they currently would be expected to fill.

While I don't think that Augustin is completely ready for the NBA, I can't fault the decision to turn pro. Most think we will be a lottery pick, and many pundits have him falling at #11 to the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers would be a good fit, as it is an organization in transition, and if Augustin shows to a capable point guard, he will certainly get his chance to replace the off-court headache that is Jamaal Tinsley. The only drawback to going to Indiana for Augustin would certainly be the players around him. They certainly are in transition and are missing a few pieces. Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavey are the most quality pieces they have, with Troy Murphy and Jeff Foster as solid compliments. Jermaine O'Neal has been a disaster for the past three seasons and Jamaal Tinsley isn't far behind him. Augustin would probably get his opportunity to play and has a chance to become a successful pro, if he does stay in the draft. That's a lot of money, and a solid opportunity to grow in the Eastern Conference. That's why you can't fault DJ for leaving early and turning pro.

The two most intriguing questions to follow from here on out is whether AJ Abrams stays in the draft and what the Longhorns will do with DJ Augustin's scholarship. With the extra scholarship and a large opening at point guard and points, the Longhorns will be a player on the recruiting trail to fill the void with the pieces that are still available in the 2008 class. At the top of Barnes' wish list certainly has to be Devin Ebanks from Connecticut. At 6'8" and 185 pounds, he is a long, athletic, swingman that would fit nicely at Texas. He could play two or three, and ranks #11 on Rivals.com Top 150 list. Texas is competing with Memphis, Rutgers, and West Virginia for the small forward's services. If the Longhorns could land him it would be a huge sign for Barnes and give him another valuable offensive weapon for 2009. If Ebanks does decide to go elsewhere, the Longhorns would definitely turn their attention to Wesley Witherspoon, another 6'8", 185 pound point forward out of Georgia. Witherspoon, #34 on Rivals.com's list, is choosing between Colorado, Memphis, Virginia, and the Longhorns. Another player that may come into play with the open scholarship is SF Jeff Taylor (6'7"/197), out of New Mexico, who was interested in Texas before recently giving a soft verbal to Vanderbilt. If Texas can bring in one of these players, it will cushion the blow of losing Augustin and allow Texas to remain a player in 2009.

But if Texas loses AJ Abrams as well, it will cripple the Longhorns' title hopes in 2009. DJ Augustin was a great Longhorn and will be sorely missed, but it is the right time for him to move on. We'll have more later this week on his legacy at the Forty Acres. But here's to hoping AJ Abrams makes the right decision and comes back to lead the Texas Longhorns in 2009.

So This is How it Feels to be the Big Ten

The ACC/Big Ten Challenge is an annual event of the ACC every year showing that they are in fact, much much better than the Big Ten. It has become quite the humorous event for the general public who gets to see the Big Ten severely beaten down, the December karma for Ohio State getting in the football National Championship game for beating Michigan and no one else. The event was created to showcase the top two basketball conferences, which is certainly not the case anymore for the Big Ten, who might not be in the top 5 conferences in the country.

Well someone, somewhere must have wanted to know what it feels like to be the Big Ten when they signed the Big XII up for the Pac-10/Big XII Hardwood Series. It was supposed to be the showcase event of the West, and two games in, it has the potential to get ugly. It could be done before the bulk of games on Sunday. Let’s take a look…

#17 Oregon 80, Kansas State 77 OT
- This was a game that the Big XII needed, with Kansas State playing at home. Unfortunately, Michael Beasley’s 24 points and 12 boards weren’t enough to get it done. They did a good job of erasing a 5 point deficit with 5 minutes left, but couldn’t get the win in regulation and a more mature team in Oregon, pulled away.
Pac-10 1, Big XII 0

#24 USC 66, Oklahoma 55
- This one wasn’t as close as the final score as USC almost lead wire to wire. The Sooners were held to 18 points in the first half, shot 35% from the field for the game, and were without a starter scoring in double figures. They also had no answer for the USC freshman tandem of Davon Jefferson (23 pts, 9 reb) and OJ Mayo (18 pts, 5 reb).
Pac-10 2, Big XII 0

FRIDAY

#6 Washington State (6-0) at Baylor (5-0)
- Baylor continues to improve each season, led this year by their three guards Aaron Bruce (Sr, 10.6 ppg), Curtis Jerrells (Jr, 14.0 ppg), and LaceDarius Dunn (Fr, 12.4 ppg). They already boast an impressive road win over Notre Dame (68-64) but this will be their stiffest test of the season thus far. Washington State is ranked #6 in the country and boast one of the best backcourts in the country with senior guards Derrick Low (15.5 ppg) and Kyle Weaver (12.7 ppg). Baylor is improving, but they’re not that good.
Prediction: Pac-10 3, Big XII 0

Iowa State (2-3) at Oregon State (3-2)
- Iowa State comes in with three straight losses at the hands of Bradley, Minnesota, and Northern Iowa. While none of those teams are complete pushovers, none of the games were closer than a nine point margin. Even the return of sophomore guard Wesley Johnson and his 18 points didn’t help against Northern Iowa. However, in Oregon State, you have an opponent that might actually be worse than the Cyclones. Boasting a loss by two to Alaska Fairbanks, Oregon State should be the wiping boys of the conference. But when you pin two bad teams against each other, you go with the home court advantage.
Prediction: Pac-10 4, Big XII 0

SATURDAY

Washington (4-2) at Oklahoma State (2-3)
- A nice win against LSU is about all the Cowboys have to show for this season. A loss to North Texas and being absolutely throttled by #13 Marquette and losing handily to Illinois are the more pressing issues for this team. A young team rebuilding, freshman James Anderson (19.2 ppg) is expected to carry the load. Washington’s only two losses have come at the hands of #15 Texas A&M and #21 Syracuse. Juniors Jon Brockman (18.8 ppg, 11.3 rpg) and Justin Dentmon (13.8 ppg) should give the Cowboys all they can handle.
Prediction: Pac-10 5, Big XII 0

Missouri (5-2) at California (4-0)
- Missouri’s fast paced, full court pressure has given everyone problems this season. Close losses to #11 Michigan State and Arkansas are the only blemishes on their schedule. Missouri uses a 9 man rotation and looks to pressure at every opportunity. California’s nucleus of four players which accounts for 81% of their scoring and 75% of their rebounding will be challenged to stay fresh and stay out of foul trouble.
Prediction: Pac-10 5, Big XII 1

SUNDAY

#4 Kansas (6-0) at #24 USC (6-1)
- USC will get their second shot at a Big XII opponent, but this time against the class of the Big XII. Kansas is deep and talented, boasting five players scoring in double figures. Brandon Rush against OJ Mayo should be an exciting matchup, but Kansas will have too much firepower for the young USC squad.
Prediction: Pac-10 5, Big XII 2

Arizona State (4-1) at Nebraska (4-1)
- Senior center Aleks Maric (16.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg) is one of the best players in the Big XII, but is about all that Nebraska has in terms of firepower. He will cause problems all day for Arizona State, but will it be enough compared to the problems that Arizona State’s freshman backcourt of James Harden (17.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Ty Abbott (11.6 ppg) will cause for the Huskers.
Prediction: Pac-10 6, Big XII 2

Stanford (7-1) at Colorado (5-2)
- Led by seniors Richard Roby (14.6 ppg/5.6 rpg) and Marcus Hall (13.6 ppg) Colorado is trying to rebound from a disastrous 2006 campaign. They might be a little better than last year, but not by much. With no one over 6-6 logging over 11 minutes per game, Colorado is going to have serious problems with 7’0” Robin Lopez (12.4 ppg/ 6.6 rpg).
Prediction: Pac-10 7, Big XII 2

#9 Texas A&M (7-0) at Arizona (4-2)
- Texas A&M is a power team that can shoot from the outside. Senior forward Joseph Jones (11.3 ppg/ 4.7 rpg) and 7’0” freshman center DeAndre Jordan (9.1 ppg/ 7.1 rpg) open things up for the perimeter shooters. Arizona boasts two NBA talents in freshman Jarryd Bayless (18.8 ppg/ 4.7 apg) and sophomore Chase Buddinger (18.3 ppg/ 5.0 rpg), but they don’t have the size inside to deal with the A&M power game.
Prediction: Pac-10 7, Big XII 3

#8 Texas (6-0) at #1 UCLA (7-0)
- The match up between DJ Augustin and Darren Collison will be the one to watch, but Texas’ quickness shouldn’t overwhelm UCLA, and Texas will struggle with the inside skill players of UCLA. Oh, and they’ll have absolutely no answer for freshman sensation Kevin Love (18.1 ppg/10.6 rpg).
Prediction: Pac-10 8, Big XII 3

Surprisingly, Gary Johnson Cleared to Play in Exhibition

In some both unexpected and great news, top Texas Basketball recruit, Gary Johnson was cleared to play in the teams exhibition opener. Up until now, it hasn't even been clear that Johnson could play this year, due to a heart ailment. At one point, some thought he may never play again. So good news for Rick Barnes and the Horns as Johnson was their top recruit from last year and now looks to be as productive as everyone expected.

JOHNSON TO PLAY



Texas hosts Xaiver of Louisiana this Friday.

Dogus Balbay May Be Lost For Season

Well, damn. The one thing that Rick Barnes and the Texas basketball team cannot afford this year is injuries. Without the likes of all-everything Kevin Durant around the 40 acres anymore, Texas is going to have to be a young, deep team. Dogus Balbay, out of Turkey, was supposed to provide D.J. Augustin with some much needed rest at the point guard position. But for now, it looks as though Texas will have to come up with a Plan B as Balbay is out indefinitely and is requiring knee surgery. With the status of top-recruit, Gary Johnson, still way up in the air Texas is already at a disadvantage before the ball is even tipped on the season. It looks like A.J. Abrams and J.D. Lewis are going to have to step in to spell Augustine for the foreseeable future.


Does anyone else think it's weird that our point guards are named D.J, A.J. and J.D.? Just thought I would ask.

Big 12 Preseason Basketball Honors

Texas' D.J. Augustin tops the Preseason basketball list for the Big 12. The coaches voted him to be the top player in the league. Despite that, Texas faces a tough road in the Big 12 without Kevin Durant back for his sophomore year. Texas looks to compete with Kansas and Texas A&M for a very tough Big 12 title.

2007-08 Preseason All Big 12 Team

G Curtis Jerrells, Baylor JR
F Darrell Arthur, Kansas SO
G Brandon Rush, Kansas JR
C Aleks Maric, Nebraska SR
G D.J. Augustin, Texas SO
C Joseph Jones, Texas A&M SR

Player of the Year: D.J. Augustin, Texas
Newcomer of the Year: DeMarre Carroll, Missouri
Freshman of the Year: Micheal Beasley, Kansas State

Preseason Polls

Texas’ Newest Turk – Doğuş Balbay

Well folks, it’s time to bust out the dusty atlas and catch up on your kebab eating skills. According to official University of Texas sources, Turkey’s top point guard prospect, Doğuş Balbay, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play Longhorn basketball in the fall.

This move clearly signals that Texas coach Rick Barnes is ready to not only follow other NCAA coaches in internationalizing the recruitment process, it also indicates his unwavering support for Turkey’s bid to join the European Union. Of note, Balbay’s arrival follows a recent trend by Barnes to recruit top international players, including Edgar Moreno, Sydmill Harris, and planet Vulcan’s highly-touted prospect, James Thomas.

In addition to providing “quality depth at the point guard position” because of his “clever international game and good athleticism,” Balbay is expected to ride a camel to practice and get really excited around Thanksgiving. A regular on the U-18 Turkish National Team for several years, Balbay should bring maturity and poise to the Texas backcourt despite his young age. His quickness on the court not only makes him undeniably un-Turkish (see Mehmet Okur/Hidayet Turkoğlu for more details), it adds a defensive component desperately needed in the guard position.

Wikipedia is quick to point out that the 6’1”, 170-pound high school senior at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire is currently playing basketball for the University of Texas, a tough competitor in the ACC Conference every year. (http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doğuş_Balbay) Thankfully both the Dallas Morning News and TexasSports.com used the pronunciation (Dohge Bal-bay) provided by the same wiki-genius; we wouldn’t want Doğuş Balbay (roughly pronounced Doh-oosh Bawl-bye) to think that we aren’t taking him seriously.

In any case, Balbay’s energy, quickness, and court vision should provide depth and an added spark to Texas in the coming season. We should all welcome and look forward to Texas’ newest Turk, not to mention the addition of shish kebab and cold Efes Pilsen at Erwin Center concessions.

Big XII Response: Texas Tech

With Kevin Durant's announcement, fans across the Forty Acres have been forced to imagine a world without Kevin Durant. Well, a campus without Kevin Durant. While anyone and everyone with an opinion has chimed in with their thoughts on Kevin's decision, Drinking the Forty not withstanding, we wondered what our neighbors around the Big XII felt on Durant's departure and what it means for their chances in the Big XII next season. So we contacted our correspondents around the Big XII...okay we tried to make new friends around the Big XII, and asked for their input. So over the next few weeks we will feature, the Big XII Response. Today's correspondent comes from the fine folks at Double T Nation.

I was graciously approached by Drinking the Forty to think about life in the Big 12 without Kevin Durant and Texas Tech's prospects next year. First, I think Durant was the most talented player that I've seen play the college game. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the kid and as a Red Raider fan, it was incredibly difficult to watch KD score at will against Tech (Who remembers this line: 40 minutes, 37 points, 23 rebounds?).

Will the Big 12 suffer as a result of Durant leaving? Not likely, that's the beautiful thing about collegiate sports, we love our players but we love the laundry more (vague Seinfeld reference). For me, although I enjoy watching certain players, it's not the particular player, but the team itself. I will still watch every game and I will still hate the Aggies, whether or not the Red Raiders are able to beat up on Gillispie or not.

Of course, I think that Texas fans would might actually agree with Coach Knight as he believes the rule to jump to the NBA should keep a kid in school for 2 years rather than 1. However, if I were advising Durant, there wouldn't have been any question that he should have gone to the NBA. There's just too much to potentially to lose. I don't think Texas will have that difficult a time coping with the loss, the Longhorns have a ton of talented returning players who will improve their games. Augustine, Abrams, James and Mason will all improve significantly, the question of course for Longhorn fans is who will fill that other forward/center slot?

I think Texas Tech's success next year hinges on a few things.

1. I think that John Roberson, a freshman point guard from Plano, will have the same effect at Texas Tech as Augustin had at Texas. In fact they are physically similar players, but I think that Roberson is a more gifted scorer, while Augustin is a more gifted passer. If Knight gives him the opportunity to play then I really like Tech's chances.

2. Will JUCO transfer Ricardo De'Bem and Texas State transfer Trevor Cook, will be able to establish the inside presence that Texas Tech lacked last year? It will be interesting to see if De'Bem and Cook are able to adjust to major college basketball.

3. How will the returning players be able to fill the void left by Jay Jackson. I'm not too worried about Zeno, who I think is one of the more dynamic players in the Big 12, but Decensae White, Alan Voskuil and Charlie Burgess must step up their games.

http://doubletnation.com/

Big XII Response: Kansas State

With Kevin Durant's announcement, fans across the Forty Acres have been forced to imagine a world without Kevin Durant. Well, a campus without Kevin Durant. While anyone and everyone with an opinion has chimed in with their thoughts on Kevin's decision, Drinking the Forty not withstanding, we wondered what our neighbors around the Big XII felt on Durant's departure and what it means for their chances in the Big XII next season. So we contacted our correspondents around the Big XII...okay we tried to make new friends around the Big XII, and asked for their input. So over the next few weeks we will feature, the Big XII Response. Today's correspondent comes from the fine folks at KStateFootball.com.

No surprise in these quarters regarding Kevin Durant jumping to the NBA, my only surpise is that he bothered to stop by the Big 12 at all. A marvelous talent and a joy to watch the one year he graced the hardwoods in our neck of the woods. Austin is a great city with some fascinating people, especially if you're a college student, but a scholarship stipend will never compete with New York and Los Angeles on an NBA salary.

Kansas State's fortune in 2007 rests with that of Martin and Hill and their ability to keep together as much as possible of the '07 recruited class. If Michael Beasley & Co. remain intact the 'Cats will be competitive with their cross-state rival for the first time in two decades. Beasley and Billy Walker would be the best front court in the conference, as good as any in the nation. But a lot of "ifs" this far out.

http://www.kstatefootball.com/

Big XII Response: Iowa State

With Kevin Durant's announcement, fans across the Forty Acres have been forced to imagine a world without Kevin Durant. Well, a campus without Kevin Durant. While anyone and everyone with an opinion has chimed in with their thoughts on Kevin's decision, Drinking the Forty not withstanding, we wondered what our neighbors around the Big XII felt on Durant's departure and what it means for their chances in the Big XII next season. So we contacted our correspondents around the Big XII...okay we tried to make new friends around the Big XII, and asked for their input. So over the next few weeks we will feature, the Big XII Response. Today's correspondent comes from the fine folks at CrossCyed.

Kevin Durant was simply the best player in college basketball. It's funny though, because I thought ISU dealt him one of his worst games of the year by assigning a 4-year walkon in Chris Ceasar to guard him. I kept saying before we played Texas "thank God we only have to play him once." He was going to get even more dangerous if he stuck around, so I'm glad he;s gone. Of course, it hurts the conference to lose a player of his stature, but it's good for the conference too, showing we can get these guys. I don't really think Durant leaving will have a huge impact on Iowa State. We'll be middle of the road anyways. We keep losing players, but we have a five star recruit in Craig Brackins coming in, as well as a rather slick PG in Diante Garrett. ISU will once again have a wait and see kind of year.

http://crosscyed.blogspot.com/

The Big XII Response: Missouri

With Kevin Durant's announcement, fans across the Forty Acres have been forced to imagine a world without Kevin Durant. Well, a campus without Kevin Durant. While anyone and everyone with an opinion has chimed in with their thoughts on Kevin's decision, Drinking the Forty not withstanding, we wondered what our neighbors around the Big XII felt on Durant's departure and what it means for their chances in the Big XII next season. So we contacted our correspondents around the Big XII...okay we tried to make new friends around the Big XII, and asked for their input. So over the next few weeks we will feature, the Big XII Response. Today's correspondent comes from the fine folks at the Tiger Board.

Kevin Durant leaving for the NBA is obviously a loss for the Big 12 Conference. Durant was a marquee player who drew a lot of attention from the national media to the Big 12 and that is never a bad thing. For the Missouri Tigers, the loss of Durant means the Tigers will have a better shot at knocking off the Longhorns next year. It will be hard for the Horns to replace that kind of scoring and that kind of defense.

I don't expect the Tigers to be significantly better next year, but an NCAA appearance is not out of the question. Had the Tigers been able to win a couple more conference games this year, I think they would have been selected. I think a 2-3 game improvement is definitely within the Tigers' grasp.

http://www.tigerboard.com/

**Yes, this idea was taken from Deadspin. They're good at what they do. Imitation is the finest form of flattery.

Ready or Not: Durant to Announce by Tuesday

Well, Longhorn fans, the wait seems to be over. We've all been doing the same thing since the end of the basketball season. So lets treat Kevin Durant's decision like we're ripping off a band-aid and just rip it off and get it over with.

While the team celebrated a successful, however short, season at the annual basketball banquet, many thoughts were on the impending decision of the best athlete to ever to grace the hardcourt at UT. Reports began to surface this weekend indicating the Durant will, as expected by many, declare for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years as a Longhorn. Not shocking news. Texas Basketball has not had a good track record with basketball players sticking around the 40 acres for an extended period of time (see, T.J. Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge, P.J. Tucker, Daniel Gibson, Maurice Evans, Chris Mihm).

But there is a small slice of hope Texas fans cling on to, thinking that KD might just decide to return for one more run at a sweep of national awards. But as reports continue to surface, all indication lead to the conclusion that Durant is not long for dormitory life. In fact, Burnt Orange Nation is quoting sources that Durant's decision is made, leaving only the official announcement.

While it would have been nice to have Kevin Durant around, Texas basketball is far from left bare. With the probable departure of Durant, Texas only loses Craig Winder from last years team. The Horns are also adding recruits Alexis Wangmene, James Kirkendoll, Gary Johnson and Clint Chapman. So Texas looks to be a solid team in '07-'08. And with the departure of Texas A&M's Billy Gillespie and Kansas' Julian Wright, Texas will be able to contend for a Big 12 championship and hopefully a run in the NCAA Tournament.

Kevin Durant, above, dribbling towards a new shoe contract.

Short stay in Miami?

The ACC is not for the feint of heart. The ACC is a conference made up of a few perennial powerhouses, several teams that spend several years at the top and take one or two years to rebuild, and the rest are teams that fight year in and year out to breakthrough. Florida State is annually on the cusp as a team looking to break through, while Virginia Tech is a team that broke through this year. Coming into his third season, Frank Haith's Miami program was a team that had spent the previous two seasons along side Florida State, fighting to belong. This season, that plan unraveled.

In the pressure packed world of major college sports, coaches are forced to win now. They face the extremely difficult task of taking a program that has struggled, winning with the talent they currently have in house, while turning the program into a major contender by attracting top recruits. It's the inability to win with the talent in house, while convincing top recruits to come to a program that hasn't won yet, where coaches most often meet their doom. In a conference where no game is an easy win, this task proves close to impossible.

Coming off a 12-20 season, finishing dead last in the ACC with a 4-12 mark, Coach Haith will begin to feel the pressure in his fourth season. After two NIT appearances, and never finishing above .500 in conference, Miami will begin to expect results. The question facing Haith, will be whether his team, one made up of mostly his recruits now, will be able to grow up and succeed in the pressure cooker of the ACC quickly enough. Furthermore, what level of improvement will be demanded of Haith to keep his job?

After going 16-13 and 18-16 over his first two seasons, Haith's Miami team fell apart this season after losing guard Guillermo Diaz, who foolishly declared early for the NBA draft (and went undrafted), and losing center Anthony King to injury. Diaz and King were supposed to be the strength inside and outside for this team, allowing top recruits to slowly work their way into the flow of the system. What looked to be a promising season quickly thrust young unproven recruits into the limelight. Sophomores Jack McClinton, Brian Asbury, and Denis Clemente led the way for a Miami team that featured three sophomores and a freshman in the starting lineup. In the talent-filled ACC this quickly led to its undoing as the team fell apart, finishing 4-12 in conference. They showed signs of life towards the end of the season, upsetting Maryland in the first round of the ACC tournament before falling by three to Boston College.

With McClinton and Clemente emerging this season as the solid back court of the future, the questions of Miami's success will lie inside. Sophomore Brian Asbury played well in the small forward position (11.7 ppg/5.9 rpg), but Miami will need freshman Dwayne Collins to become a true force inside. Whether that will become a reality is yet to be seen, but Haith has no shortage of bodies to use, to see what he can get out of his post players. Jimmy Graham (SO), Raymond Hicks (JR), Fabio Nass (FR), and Lawerence Gilbert (FR) will all get their chance to fight for minutes for the Hurricanes. Joining them will be incoming freshman Freddy Asprilla and Julian Gamble, both 6'9".

From this talented, young group, Coach Haith will have to find out who is ready to grow up and accept the challenge that lies before them next season. Anything short of an NCAA birth might not be enough to keep Haith's job, depending on how understanding Miami is. Given their handling of the Larry Coker situation, he might be given enough time to let the kids grow up next season, before his job is on the line the following year. Drastic improvement will be hard to come by in the ACC, especially with a team that will still be relatively young next season. However, if Haith can get to .500 in the ACC next season, he will most likely have done enough to save his job for one more year. If he is able to get to that point, this team should be one that could finally be ready to breakthrough and be a contender in the ACC on an annual basis.

Catching Up With: Rookie 'Horns

What if? That's all we can ask at this point. Texas bowed out of the NCAA Tourney with an early, embarrassing loss to the USC Trojans. But what if? What if Texas had not been depleted by defections to the NBA last year? What would the fate of this year's team been? How would any team been able to stop a line up with P.J. Tucker, LaMarcus Aldridge, Daniel Gibson, A.J. Abrams and Kevin Durant? Well, we will never know. But lets take a look to see how the Texas early NBA entries faired for themselves as rookies...

Daniel Gibson- G -Cleveland Cavaliers: You know, even if Gibson doesn't make it as an NBA star, he can always tell his grandkids he played with Bron Bron, right? DGib hasn't been a total disappointment, but he hasn't been much of a contributor. His season averages total 4.9ppg, 1.6rpg and 1.4apg. Hardly world beating. But given the chance to start during the injury of Larry Hughes, Gibson showed signs of possibly being a contributor on the pro level. During his 5 game stint in the starting line up, Daniel put up 10 points a game and a 3-2 record. After that short foray into significant playing time, Gibson saw more of the court in February, upping his scoring average to 7.4ppg. DGib has returned to playing time after spraining a toe in early March. Overall, you would have to say this year has been a success for Daniel. He has improved this year and showed that he can contribute at the pro level. And he's getting paid. Overall grade for the decision to go pro: B-

LaMarcus Aldridge- C - Portland Trailblazers: By far the best year of the Texas rookie class. His stats so far this year are 9.1ppg, 5rpg and 1.16bpg. Though his playing time has been inconstant (and sometimes quite spotty), LA has put together a very impressive last month of the season. In March, LA has been seeing about 35 mins/game and averaged 16.4ppg and 8.5rpg. In three of his last five games, he has put up over 20 pts and on the 23rd, LA poured in a 27pt 14 rebound game (his best as a pro). Aldridge is becoming stronger in the post and has adapted to the pro level. LA has even cracked the starting lineup towards the end of the year. Overall, this year has been a success for Aldridge. Look for a solid year, next year while LA progresses as a solid NBA star. Overall grade for the decision to go pro: A-

P.J. Tucker- PF- (Formerly) Toronto Raptor/Colorado 14ers: What can you say? Everyone at Texas loved PJ, his work ethic and everything he did for the 'Horns. But I think we all knew that he was going to struggle as a pro. He is your classic 'tweener' with no real strength or position suited for the next level. And so it seems P.J. might be destined to go the way of James Thomas. A hard working, undersized, big man who really needed to have more of an offensive threat to make it in The League. PJ was with the Raptors for a total of 17 games and averaged less than 2 points. He as sent down to the NBDL's Colorado 14ers where he played in 19 games where he averaged 10.7ppg and 3.37rpg. Tucker was released March 24th to make room for Luke Jackson on the roster. PJ will probably give the NBA more shots, but will probably join the many US players in the European Leagues.

But lets take a closer look at PJ to see if he really made the right decision. What if he had come back for his senior year? Would his NBA status be any different? I actually think PJ did the right thing for himself. He got drafted 35th in the NBA draft and signed a $412,718 contract. The thing is, that is as good as Tucker could have ever done. There is no way he would have been drafted this year with as deep and talented a draft as the 2007 draft will be (not to mention the drop in stats after KD's arrival). He would have been left to fend for a free agent contract, which would not have been likely. PJ will, ultimately, end up on the court in Europe. And, is that really that bad? Salaries in the Euro Leagues run in the 6 figures and PJ will most likely be one of the better players there. So even though PJ isn't going to make it in the NBA, he made the right decision to leave Texas in 2006 by heeding the call of The Steve Miller Band by deciding to 'take the money and run.' Congrats to you PJ. You came out at the exact right time and got the best deal possible. So, kudos to you and surprisingly you will be get the highest grade of the UT rookies. Overall grade for the decision to go pro: A+

We're taking it up a notch

Just when you didn't think it could get any crazier after Steve Alford was indeed leaving Iowa for New Mexico, it did. Tubby Smith is leaving the Kentucky Wildcats, where he has won a national championship and coached the past 10 seasons, for that basketball juggernaut, Minnesota.

While the pressure on Tubby Smith continued to rise over the past three semi-disappointing seasons, Florida won a national championship, Tennessee returned to prominence, and Vanderbilt started playing basketball again. During this period, it had appeared that Tubby had grown tired of the pressure packed situation, as one could begin to wonder while watching him on the sidelines, whether Tubby had a pulse. I'm not sure if this counts as a retirement from basketball, or whether he could get more naps while coaching in the Big Ten, but Tubby Smith will take over a Minnesota program that is absolutely delighted to get him. You can't particularly blame him though, the pressure had overwhelmed him at Kentucky, and for $1.8 million dollars a year at a program that will be delighted with an NCAA birth every year without expectations rising for at least 10 years, I'd go too.

The interesting part of this story will be the off-season coaching carousel that will ensue. With Iowa, Michigan, and Kentucky all searching for head coaches, there should be a long list of names moving locales. Kentucky is at the top of that list, with its tradition and fan base, it is probably one of the top 10 coaching jobs in the country. Whatever schools they go visit, the coach there will at least have to listen. Among early mentions for the position, are Billy Donovan (Florida), Tom Crean (Marquette), Tom Izzo (Michigan State), John Calipari (Memphis), Mark Few (Gonzaga), Mike Brey (Notre Dame), Rick Barnes (Texas), Billy Gillespie (Texas A&M), and Jay Wright (Villanova). While Donovan is extremely unlikely, any other candidate on that list would at least have to listen. Wherever they do get their head coach from, it should set off a chain reaction leading to several coaches switching programs.

So many decisions and variables factor into these decisions, such as timing, money, the program, the coaches current program, their relationship with that program. You never know which coach would surprisingly turn down an offer and another coach surprisingly accept an offer. Needless to say it's frightening to see Barnes' name on that list, and while I like to think he wouldn't leave, he's from North Carolina and Kentucky is a basketball first, historic program. Let's just hope that Kevin Durant stays, and the point is moot.

Coaches Like Kevin Durant; Oscar Robertson and Dr. Naismith still unsure

One of the great things about college sports is that anyone that feels like it can give an award.

Today, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) felt like giving their player of the year award to Kevin Durant. I believe that means the over 5,000 members in the NABC wish Kevin Durant was on their team. But did not go to the lengths of Danny Ainge, and sit next to Durant's mom at the Big XII Tournament.

Now, I'm sure this award is extremely prestigious. I mean it's the National Association. Of Coaches. In Basketball. Yeah, we're waiting on the Naismith award too. But according to Texas Sports (the only mention I could find of the award, not that I actually looked hard.) we can win a 3rd award from Oscar Robertson too. And really, don't we all want the approval of the Big O?

In other news, several sources have reported that Kevin Durant is still enrolled at the University of Texas. That means we still have a chance, right?


Of note:

-Glen "Big Baby" Davis announced he was going to forgo his senior season and enter the NBA draft. I think Big Baby learned a lot coming back from his junior season. Namely, that he made a huge mistake coming back for his junior season. I don't think anyone is surprised at this since, well, LSU sucks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2007/news/story?id=2805642

-In a surprise story today, reports are saying that New Mexico has about come to terms with Iowa head coach Steve Alford to take over for the Lobos. Wait, when did Steve Alford get fired from Iowa? He didn't get fired? He voluntarily left? Wow, what does it say about the stature of your program when your coach leaves to go to New Mexico? Better yet, what does it say about New Mexico? That they're committed to playing physical, ugly, slow, non-entertaining basketball, and want to show they're a program that is determined to make it to the NIT every year? Also, how does Iowa rebound from this loss...hire any of the 75% of available coaches across the country? Seriously though, a good hire for New Mexico, except that they're probably paying him 1.5 million a season, and Iowa is probably just getting a head start on what would've been taking place in two more years anyways.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2807516

Thanks....No Really, Thanks.

It's the morning after and still there isn't too much to say about a game that wasn't close, really at any point throughout. USC showed up ready to play and attacked, and had a successful game plan for combating Kevin Durant. Texas left their intensity, hustle, fire, and game somewhere in Spokane. Perhaps in the coming days we will hear more about the on-going investigation as to the circumstances involving the disappearance of Texas' game. If the Trojans sent their cheerleading squad to our hotel, I'm going to be pissed...that we didn't think of that.

After a game like that, you wonder whether you should even address it, but really, if we really were going to do that, why have a blog. It seems like Floyd knew how to attack the Texas defense, and had a successful game plan for pushing Durant away from the basket. Also, one of the first teams all year to double Kevin Durant outright, showed that it was a good decision. But, as we've known all year, this team lives and dies with DJ Augustin. And with DJ having one of his worst games of the season, we had no chance.

Many are going to point the finger at Barnes. He's been under a lot of scrutiny this season for the way he gets Durant involved, for the team's cohesion on the offensive end, and for at times the lack of defense. He will probably be questioned a lot after this one as it seemed that we had no answer for anything USC was prepared to do, and appeared to lack intensity and focus. While I agree with some of the criticism that Barnes has taken this year, I don't know how much of the blame he can take for this one. Barnes was working with Kevin Durant and AJ Abrams. DJ Augustin was having the worst game of his life, but even then you have to leave him in. In times like these, we have to rely on someone else on the roster to step up and fill the void. Justin Mason, Damion James, and Connor Atchely have come through at different points throughout the season. Yesterday, on the biggest stage, no one stepped up. Barnes tried different combinations of Mason, James, Atchely, Craig Winder, JD Lewis, and Matt Hill to try and find some combination that gave us 4 basketball players on the court. No matter what Barnes tried, he ended up with two, Durant and Abrams.

I could talk more about the game, but that would only result in me wanting to jab something sharp in my eye even more. This game wasn't close at any point. We didn't' come to play, perhaps we were looking ahead to North Carolina, but either way, the point is moot. It's pointless to break down a game when no small adjustments would've affected the game in any sort of way.

Instead, it's interesting to look ahead the future. The number one question on everyone's mind will be, is Kevin Durant done? The answer has to be yes. I hope you enjoyed it. There can't be any reason why he would come back. What does he have to work on? What does he have to prove? Why would he turn down that much money? It just doesn't make any sense for him to come back. Though if we were trying to get him to come back, losing so convincingly in the second round might leave enough of a bad taste in his mouth that he'd want another shot at it. Durant has been an unconventional guy all his career, from his loyalty, to his high school choice, to his college choice, to the way he handles himself on and off the court. But, still, why would he come back?

The more interesting question is with what other parts of the roster will be back? We thought early on that we were losing Durant and James after the season. Well I think the first 3/4 of the season for Damion James took care of that question and he will be back for another season. The other question that emerged was the status of DJ Augustin. While he is ranked high on some draft boards, I think the last few weeks of marginal to sub-marginal play pretty much showed many people, and hopefully DJ himself that there is still room for lessons to be learned and things to be improved on. I think the disaster that was this USC game was just the icing on the cake that will lead to a hungry Augustin coming back for his sophomore season.

Another interesting aspect will be the biggest change from this year to next (Given that Durant is gone) will be the style of play. With 3 power forwards coming in next season, and the expanded roles of Matt Hill and Dexter Pittman, Texas should and will return to it's more recognizable role as a physically dominating inside-out team. I think both Hill and Dexter will have impact seasons along with Connor, who has shown this season he is getting close to breaking through, and I think one of the freshman will be ready to contribute. That's just the law of averages, I think. But Justin Mason will have to make some strides in the off-season and come back playing well to justify his spot in the starting lineup, as the makeup of next season's team kind of makes you think that you will see Damion James playing some small forward to allow Connor and Matt Hill to play the power forward spot, with Dexter at the center spot. I think we will be very versatile next season, though we will be a little thin in the back court, with Augustin, Abrams, Mason, and JD Lewis, depending on the strides, if any, that Harrison Smith makes. Just shows how important DJ Augustin coming back is for this team next season.

The last interesting question in the off-season will be what will the coaching staff next season look like? Several of the assistants have been named in head coaching searches over the past few seasons, and each has been with the program for a few years. Potentially, we could see the departure of one or two assistant coaches, which should cause an interesting shift in the make up of the staff.

The ending to the season left something to be desired, as everyone in Longhorn nation and around the country were captivated to see what Kevin Durant could do. To go out the way we did is a disappointment and leaves a bitter taste in everyone's mouth. Some would say it's times like these that you must stick together, put in the work, and come back with a renewed fire next season. I don't totally agree with. I think you need to find one person that you can focus all that anger and pent up rage on, and just fully with all your heart, despise that person.

I think it's safe to say our 2007 "Thanks...no really, thanks, jackass" Award goes to Mike Williams. Thanks Mike. We didn't need a 6'10" 240 pound forward who is a defensive presence and had an offensive breakthrough last season in the tournament, and would've been a starter all season. Thanks, hope you enjoy Cincinnati. Oh, just in case you didn't realize it...you actually have to make the Big East Tournament each season. Good luck with that. Thanks....no really, thanks.

vs. USC (24-11) - Sunday, 5:15 pm ET, Spokane, WA

Not looking pretty at any point in particular, Texas advanced past New Mexico State with a 79-67 victory. Texas got a glimpse into how most tournament teams will attempt to attack them. New Mexico State forced the ball inside with their two centers Martin Iti and Passos. While neither player had played a huge role for the Aggies this season, both were extremely effective scoring inside and on the offensive and defensive glass. New Mexico State also effectively slowed down Texas' offense and disrupted their rhythm by denying DJ Augustin the ball throughout the game. Finally, the Aggies attempted to limit Durant's touches and frustrate him when he got the ball by keeping an off the ball defender in the vicinity of Durant. This forced Justin Mason, Connor Atchely, and Craig Winder to beat NMSU more often than any Texas fan would like.

Texas will most likely continue to face these problems from every opponent the rest of the way. Texas will probably not have as many problems getting Augustin the ball as USC is not a team that will press as much as NMSU did. But USC will probably find different ways to deny Augustin the ball as Texas doesn't operate as effectively without the ball in DJ's hands. The weakness that we've been worried about all season showed up with Damion James in foul trouble, as New Mexico State had their way inside against Connor Atchely and Matt Hill. Texas will need Damion in the game and playing larger than his 6'7" stature. As for team's trying to limit Kevin Durant, I think it's foolish to hope that Justin Mason will find his early season form, and we will need to continue to rely on solid, confident play from Craig Winder and Connor Atchely making himself a presence on offense and defense. Though we could benefit from Kevin Durant demanding the ball a bit more offensively and figuring out his spots in the game to attack.

USC comes into the game off a solid 17 point win against Arkansas, in a game that they controlled from start to finish. USC is led by their junior small forward Nick Young. Averaging 17.4 points a game shooting 45% from 3 point range, Young is an inside-outside threat that will be a challenge for Mason, Winder, and Durant who should draw the defensive call against him. Also, Texas will have its hands full inside against freshman forward Taj Gibson (12.0 ppg/8.4 rpg) who had a great first round game against Arkansas. Matching up for Texas shouldn't be too much of a problem as USC will run three to four guards at all times. Point guard Gabe Pruitt (Jr. 12.5 ppg/4.1 apg) and Lodrick Stewart (Sr. 13.9 ppg/3.5 rpg) are the backcourt for USC. Pruitt runs the show and Stewart is dangerous from long range where he shoots 45%. While USC is a team that does not shoot a lot from outside they do shoot it well and will take advantage of open looks. The rest of USC's roster is made up of youth and athleticism as guards Daniel Hackett (Fr) and Dwight Lewis (Fr) play important roles. USC also has a lot of size off the bench as they will use Rousean Cromwell (So. 6'11"), Keith Wilkinson (So. 6'10"), and Abdoulaye N'Diaye (Sr. 6'11").

The one area that Texas will really have to deal with is the size of USC. With Pruitt and Stewart at 6'4" and Hackett and Lewis at 6'5", Augustin and Abrams will have to deal with more size then they are used to offensively and defensively. Though Augustin and Abrams should be able to cause problems with their quickness. Also, Damion James should be able to cause some problems with his size and quickness on the offensive end. Really, this game will come down to Kevin Durant and how USC is able to defend him. They will have to be creative in how they defend him as any of the guards will not be able to handle him inside or contest his shots on the perimeter. Also, USC will not want Young covering Durant because of the potential foul trouble, and any of the front court players will not be able to handle Durant inside or out. USC will most likely try to run a lot of players at Durant and use their guards to try and deny and use their quickness to harass him, and try and double team and make the other Texas players beat him.

Texas matches up well with USC and as long as Texas doesn't let USC get hot from the 3 point line and stays out of foul trouble, they should be able to handle USC and move on to a match up with North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen.

Prediction: Texas 81-77.

vs. New Mexico State (25-8) - Friday, 7:25 pm ET, Spokane, WA

The dream begins Friday, and hopefully the legacy continues. Kevin Durant will lead the Texas Longhorns (24-9) into Spokane, Washington to take on the WAC champions, the New Mexico State Aggies (25-8).

New Mexico State earned an automatic birth into the tournament courtesy of their 72-70 win over Utah State. NMSU should have already put their thank you note to Utah State in the mail since the Aggies managed to avoid conference powerhouse Nevada thanks to Utah State's upset in the semifinals. The Aggies have won 7 of their last 9 and are lead by second year head coach Reggie Theus who has continued to improve each season. After a 3 game improvement to last year's 16-14 mark, the Aggies took the leap this season improving 9 games in the win column. Theus, an NBA veteran, spent 2 seasons at Louisville as an assistant to Rick Pitino before coming to New Mexico State. Much in the Pitino style, New Mexico State likes to push the tempo, which considering the Longhorns style could put this game in the upper 80s and low 90s in scoring.

New Mexico State is led by 1st team all WAC performer Justin Hawkins. The 6'7" junior led the team in scoring and rebounding (15.7 ppg/6.8 rpg) and is built much in the PJ Tucker mold. He could force Texas into more zone and larger lineups as Damion James should likely draw the assignment. The other front line threat for New Mexico State is 6'9" junior forward Tyrone Nelson who is averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg. New Mexico State will rotate 6'9" junior center Hatlia Passos (8.5 ppg/6.5 rpg) and 7'0" junior Martin Iti (6.3 ppg/4.3 rpg). The Aggies back court is led by senior guard Elijiah Ingram (10.4 ppg/2.5 apg/42% 3P%).

New Mexico State will use 8 to 9 players in their rotation and Coach Theus does not hesitate to mix things up. Junior guard Fred Peete, a starter much of the season (9.7 ppg/4.1 rpg) did not play in the last three games of the regular season and has played sparingly since. He was replaced in the starting lineup by senior guard Ted Knauber (44 % 3P%), had only been averaged 12 minutes a game until his move into the starting lineup. Theus will call on his senior forward David Fisher and senior guard Shaun Davis off the bench along with Iti. Also, freshman guard Jonathan Gibson will see minutes off the bench.

Texas will be tested on the front line with the size and rebounding ability of New Mexico State. They are a team that is led by their front line and they attack inside and they attack the boards. Look for Texas to sit in a lot of zone to help combat their size and keep Texas out of foul trouble. If Texas is in man to man, look for New Mexico State to try and go at Durant to get him in foul trouble, since that is the only way they will be able to stop him. New Mexico State while not an outside shooting team by nature, has a few players who shoot well from the perimeter and NMSU as a team has been shooting well recently. New Mexico State should try to run several players at Durant to keep their top players out of foul trouble and to try and at least slow down Durant. Texas should be able to control the pace with superior back court play. Augustin and Abrams should be able to get free and wreak havoc on the back court of NMSU.

With Texas, you know what you are getting from Durant. He hasn't been in foul trouble all season, and Texas does a good job of putting him in a position where he will not pick up many fouls. Texas needs Abrams to be on-track from the get go. He's one of the few guys on this team who has played in a tournament game and his poise will be crucial. Most importantly, Texas needs DJ Augustin to get back on track. While his play has not been terrible, he hasn't been shooting the ball well and has been careless at times handling the ball. He is the key for Texas in this game and this tournament. He should be able to get to the rim a lot and get some of NMSU's front line in foul trouble.

Don't look for Justin Mason to get back on track in this game as his play down the stretch has been unimpressive and Craig Winder has been stealing his minutes and playing well in that role. Look for Texas to be in zone more often with Mason and Winder in the game since match ups defensively will be difficult with NMSU's size. Connor Atchely should play an important role if he can stay out of foul trouble and play effectively. He would allow Texas to match up with Damion James on Justin Hawkins. Also, look for Dexter Pittman and Matt Hill possibly stealing some minutes on the centers of the Aggies. Texas could see some extended time in the zone, and if that is the case, the rotation will need to significantly improve as teams got open looks from the perimeter during the tournament.

If Texas can at least stay close in the rebounding margin with New Mexico State and keep out of foul trouble, they should be able to dictate the pace of play, as New Mexico State will have trouble stopping the guards of Texas and that guy, Kevin Durant, he's kinda good. Look for Augustin and Durant to have a big day.

Prediction: Texas 87-79.

NCAA Tournament Preview

Its Tourney time, everybody! The greatest weekend in all sports is upon us. 64 NCAA basketball games in 4 days. This year’s bracket is loaded with talent from top to bottom, but the top 1-4 seeds are so strong that this year does not seem to be primed for as many upsets as past years (plus, Bryce Drew no longer plays college basketball). So without further ado, here is a short preview for the top four seeds in each region:

Midwest:

1. Florida Gators (29-5)- Last year’s champs are definitely battle-tested. Recovering from their only rough patch this year, the Gators dominated the SEC tournament; leading many to think that the Gators are gearing up into post season speed just in time. Florida is lead by All-Everythings Joakim Noah and Al Horford who both spurned the NBA, in hopes of a repeat trip to the Final Four and another National Champion.

2. Wisconsin Badgers (29-5)- The Badgers are led by Alando Tucker and Kammron Taylor but will sorely miss the play of injured Brian Butch (dislocated elbow). Runners up to Ohio State in the regular season and tournament, the Badgers look to prove they are not just the bridesmaids of the Big 10. Wisconsin has lost three of its last six, but if it can win its next six, the Badgers will be dancing in Madison.

3. Oregon Ducks (26-7)- The Ducks are definitely not a team to slow down the pace. Oregon runs out four starting guards in a similar fashion as Villanova last year. Despite hitting a 2-6 rough patch in the middle of the year, the Ducks rebounded to win their last six and the Pac-10 tournament. If their hot shooting continues, the Ducks will be a difficult draw this year.

4. Maryland Terrapins (24-8)- Maryland turned around a dismal start to the ACC season to become one of the top teams in the league. The Terrapins are balance on the offensive end. There are five players averaging 10 or more points a game. Any team with that kind of constancy will be a tough match up, with opposing teams not merely having to stop one or two players from scoring.

West:

1. Kansas Jayhawks (30-4)- One of the top two most athletic teams in the nation. The Jayhawks, winners of the Big Twelve regular season and tournament championships play strong defense and incredible quickness. Freshman Sherron Collins has proven to be a great court general for Bill Self and being able to dish the ball to the likes of Brandon Rush, Julian Wright and Mario Chalmers has eased the adjustment for the young point guard. The only question remaining is whether or not the “Curse of the Jayhawks” will return and once again knock Kansas out of the tournament early.

2. UCLA Bruins (26-5)- The Bruins were ranked number one for several weeks this season, but played themselves out of a number one seed by losing 3 of their last 8 and losing to Cal in the first round of the Pac-10 tourney. Lead by All-American point guard Aaron Afflalo, the Bruins are strong on the defensive front, only allowing opponents to score 60 points a game. A tough second game awaits the Bruins in either Gonzaga or Indiana.

3. Pitt Panthers (27-7)- The Pitt Panthers were finally able to beat a ranked team during the Big East Tournament, knocking off Marquette and Louisville. Before that, however, they were a dismal 0-5 versus top 25 teams. The Panthers feasted off of the weak, bottom dwellers of the Big East and must rely on the leadership of Aaron Gray to make any real effect in the tourney.

4. Southern Illinois Salukis (27-6)- The only “Mid-Major” with a top four seed this year, but have become a fixture, lately, in the NCAA tournament. However, the Salukis will have to adjust to not being considered an “underdog” this time around. So. Ill is not considered a threat to break into the final four, but you can expect that this experienced team will be a hard match up for anyone.

East:

1. North Carolina Tarheels (28-6)- Young, fast, athletic, facemask. These are all accurate descriptions of the ACC champion Tarheels. Leading scorer Tyler Hansbrough has shown little ill effect from the new facemask he must wear after suffering a broken nose against Duke. Freshman Ty Lawson is one of the top point guards in the nation, Hansbrough is a first tier post threat and Brandon Wright and Wayne Ellington are each averaging over 12 points a game. (Oh by the way, that’s three freshmen and a sophomore). UNC is young, but are poised to make a big run in a loaded region.

2. Georgetown Hoyas (26-6)- Maybe the hottest team in America, right now. The Hoyas seem like a trendy pick to end up in the Final Four. With seven players over 6’9”, the G’town will out size any team in the country. Led by 7’2” Roy Hibbert, these mammoth players will present match up problems all tournament long. If the Hoyas can take advantage of the size, control the boards and clock, Atlanta seems like a real possibility

3. Washington State Cougars (25-7)- The Cougars will have to prove that their record is not inflated due to a weak Pac-10 schedule. This team came into the season with very little expectation and even just a tournament bid was considered out of the question. 25 wins and a number 3 seed are nice for coach of the year candidate, Tony Bennett, but the Cougars want to prove they can keep their improbable season alive a few weeks longer.

4. Texas Longhorns (24-9)- Texas is considered the best four seed in the tournament. The Horns will ride Kevin Durant as far as he will take them. The East is loaded with talent, but the Longhorns are still considered a threat to challenge for the Region championship. For that to happen, Texas must improve on the defensive end and get more production from Justin Mason and the players off the bench.

South:

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (30-3)- Greg Oden is big. Really Big. This freshman phenom leads yet another team full of youngsters into a top seed. The Buckeyes are riding a 17 game winning streak and are a team that seems to be matured way beyond their years. Oden anchors the middle of the paint on offense and defense. Fellow freshman Mike Conley and Daequan Cook are the beneficiaries of the attention paid to Oden and have taken advantage on the offensive end. Age no longer seems to be a concern in the NCAA anymore, so there is no reason to think this young team will be at any disadvantage.

2. Memphis Tigers (30-3)- The Tigers will be shocked to see how strong this region is, in direct opposition to how easy their Conference USA schedule was. Though the Tigers are athletic, many feel they have not been truly tested yet this year and many are skeptical about how they will adapt to this level of play. Memphis looks to extend their, NCAA leading, 22-game winning streak just a few more games.

3. Texas A&M Aggies (25-6)- Defense and Acie Law. These are two things that can get a team to the Final Four. The Aggies have been ranked in the top ten nearly all year and have been a constantly strong team. The Aggies excel on he defensive end and rely on Joe Jones in the post and Josh Carter from the outside. But A&M has an “Acie” in the hole this year. Law’s heroics and leadership make the Aggies a really big threat to get out of this region and into the final four.

4. Virginia Cavaliers (20-10)- If guard play is essential for a run in the tournament, then the Cavaliers have two of the best. RJ Reynolds and Sean Singletary lead the ACC regular season champion into March. The Cavs might have one of the deeper teams in the field, having10 players who average over 10 minutes a game.

My Humble (and surely wrong) Predictions:

Final Four: Kansas, Florida, Ohio State, Georgetown
Finals: Kansas, Georgetown
Champion: Kansas, 76-65

Men's Big XII Tournament Preview

With the Big XII tournament beginning this Thursday, it's time to preview each team's chances to take home the least important conference tournament championship in college basketball.

#12 Colorado (7-19) (3-13) - With only one quality player in Richard Roby (any relation to Reggie?) and a coaching staff that is likely on their way out, the Buffaloes started looking ahead to football season. Oh wait, started looking ahead to....

Well Colorado's season has been a disappointing one to say the least, and facing a Texas Tech team that needs a win to solidify its NCAA hopes, you can pretty much sum up Colorado's season with one thought: At least we haven't had any sex scandals.

#11 Baylor (14-15) (4-12) - A year that was supposed to be filled with promise was a bit of a disappointment for the Bears, as the perennial bottom dweller, well, dwelled in the bottom. The team shows a lot of promise as their influx of young talent has made this team no longer an easy walk over. This showed as the team won 2 of its last 4.

They should give Missouri a run in the opening round, and if they can get by Missouri, Texas will be disappointed as the Horns have won both meetings by a combined 6 points. But Missouri has been playing well and Baylor won't get by them.

#10 Nebraska (17-13) (6-10) - While Nebraska hasn't played well down the stretch, losing to Iowa State and Colorado, they did beat Oklahoma State. So they're not the fasting sinking ship in the Big XII. That wouldn't bode much confidence for their chances in the tournament, unless, they get to play Oklahoma State in the first round. Look for Nebraska to pull of the upset, if you can call it that in the first round, since I mean, their basketball team has a pulse.

But what are folks in Nebraska saying about their chances beyond the first round? Man, has that Sam Keller looks impressive in Spring practice.

#9 Oklahoma (15-14) (6-10) - What was expected to be a rebuilding year for Oklahoma has been exactly that. It was tough for Capel losing Scottie Reynolds and Damion James and not having a go to player on the entire roster.

What an enjoyable season to watch. After showing some promise by winning 4 straight, Oklahoma reminded everyone that they are in fact, not good by losing their last 6 to end the season. Look for it to be 7 straight against Iowa State, not that anyone in Oklahoma will notice.

#8 Iowa State (15-15) (6-10) - Is it me or is the bottom half of the Big XII just painful to watch. A collection of teams that aren't really worth a full paragraph. There's nothing really to note here, other than Iowa State consistently manages to be the model of mediocrity, by going 3-3 down the stretch alternating wins and losses. I'm sure Greg McDermott wishes he had stayed at Northern Iowa.

#7 Oklahoma State (20-11) (6-10) - The only thing that wouldn't have made this complete and utter collapse not painful to watch, would've been if we could've seen the Eddie Sutton bitter beer face during it all. Instead we have to watch Sean Sutton look completely overwhelmed as his team quit on him. 2-8 down the stretch. So much for 5 or 6 teams in the NCAA tournament.

This team is a debacle and could possibly have ramifications for the program for years to come. Sean, I think The Fray has a song just for you. Look for Nebraska to win back to back games and just make the pain end on the Pokes' season.

#6 Missouri (18-11) (7-9) - The only team in the Big XII North that actually showed anything this season other than Kansas. That still doesn't make them good, but their uptempo pressing style will continue to make them a tough game. They'll be even tougher when they get the personnel to play it. Should handle Baylor, can't stop Durant, but really? Who can?

#5 Texas Tech (20-11) (9-7) - Bob Knight teams always find a way into the tournament. While at times they looked great, and others they looked terrible, they managed to look like a questionable team. Then they win 3 straight get to 20 wins, and surely will be a lock after beating Colorado in the first round. Many think with the way they've been playing they'll get by Kansas State in the second round and give Kansas a run for their money. I kind of agree with Many.

#4 Kansas State (21-10) (10-6) - After winning 7 straight (6 in conference) Kansas State and Bob Huggins were the talk of the town. But after going 4-4 down the stretch with losses to Nebraska and Oklahoma State (How is that even possible?) Kansas State's tournament work is not done. They will most likely face Texas Tech in the second round and need a win to solidify their tournament hopes.

Regardless of what happens, the future looks bright at Kansas State, and really, one must wonder at what point in the whole Bob Huggins saga did Cincinnati actually think it was making a good decision? You, enjoy Cincinnati Mike Williams, good decision there, really good decision.

#3 Texas (22-8) (12-4) - The ankle is okay. And with that, so are the Horns' tournament chances. While a run to the title game is possible, getting by A&M on a neutral floor will be extremely difficult. Durant is going to dominate games and could raise his play to another level, much like he did in the first half of the Kansas game. But, the post-season hopes of the Longhorns will rest on DJ Augustin. If he plays well Texas will be dangerous, if he struggles, we're a one pony show.

If Texas does end up playing A&M in the semi-finals of this tournament, who will the fans in Oklahoma City be cheering for? Will they boo both teams? Will they cheer for the Hornets? Or will they just wait for the Sonics to move to town?

#2 Texas A&M (25-5) (13-3) - This is the environment Texas A&M and Billy Gillespie basketball is made for. With a deep and experienced roster, and a team that plays hard nosed pressure defense and comes at you for 40 minutes, A&M is tough to beat on a neutral floor. Throw in Acie Law and the crap that he pulls out in close games, A&M is going to be playing for the Big XII title.

#1 Kansas (27-4) (14-2) - They keep saying that this Kansas team is different than the last two years. I thought they said that last year? Either way, Kansas is loaded and can play with anyone. They also have another gear, as they showed in the Texas game, that almost makes them unstoppable. They could face a very hungry Texas Tech team which could catch them sleeping. Otherwise, look for them to get a great game from Texas A&M in the finals.

But really, I think this team is just waiting biding its time until it can start worrying about how it's going to choke in the tournament this season. This team may be different then the last two, but one key element remains: Bill Self.

Predictions, Round 1: Tech over Colorado, Missouri over Baylor, Nebraska over Oklahoma State, Oklahoma over Iowa State.

Predictions, Round 2: Kansas over Oklahoma, Tech over Kansas State, Texas over Missouri, A&M over Nebraska

Predictions, Semis: Tech over Kansas, A&M over Texas

Predictions, Finals: A&M over Tech