What Am I Wearing?
I Have...Season Tickets??
1-25 Team by Team Rundown of AP Poll
Predictions for Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, Final Four, and National Champion
Click Here
Follow us on Twitter! @bobsbballblog
Friday, November 10, 2017
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Top 2 NPOY Candidates
The time has now come for me to cut my list of 5 Player of the Year candidates to 2. I'm going to cut the bullshit of saying how difficult of a decision this was because it honestly wasn't. It was more trouble thinking of three other legitimate players to challenge the two top candidates I had in mind. So with that in mind, we say goodbye to Jalen Brunson, Bonzie Colson and Devonte' Graham. They all had a nice run.
Now let's talk about Allonzo Trier and Miles Bridges.
What impresses me the most about Bridges is that he doesn't seem to care what others think of him. If that were the case then he would be averaging 18 minutes a game in Memphis and not suiting up for his second year as a Michigan State Spartan. This shows a level of confidence that is often correlated with national players of the year. He really can only improve upon his impressive 17 point 9 rebound stat line from a year ago. Another year in Tom Izzo's system is also bound to help. The stars are aligning in East Lansing, and Bridges might be the brightest.
For Allonzo Trier, his biggest advantage is his anger. He should be attacking this season, his third as an Arizona Wildcat, with a vengeance as he only played in 18 games last year due to a PED suspension. Trier has the ability to put up Buddy Hield-like numbers while having a more talented team around him than Hield did. He's that good of a scorer. If Trier can show that he is the alpha of the Wildcats, this award should go to him without question. With the attention that comes with having one of the most loaded rosters in the NCAA, Trier will also get plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent.
As for a prediction, I'll take Miles Bridges. I just think he will have a bigger chance to shine individually than Trier, as Arizona has more talent than Michigan State.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Top 3 Freshmen
I think there's a universal consensus on which freshmen are poised for tremendous seasons. While this year's crop is no comparison to last year's in terms of depth, the skill level at the top is pretty much the same if not more exciting than last year. In keeping with the trend, here are my top three freshmen for the 2017-18 college basketball season.
1. Michael Porter Jr. SF Missouri
Michael Porter Jr. is the type of player that gets me excited about how bad the Bulls are this season. More than any other freshman in college, Porter Jr. represents the archetypal modern NBA superstar. Blessed with a lanky 6'10 frame, Porter Jr. can handle the ball and possesses a lethal outside jumper. He might be the perfect prospect if you're looking for another Kevin Durant. In terms of what he will accomplish for Missouri this year, that is a different story. The Tigers are coming off an abysmal 8-24 season, which saw them fail to pick up a road win. Even for a future 1st overall draft pick, that's tough to turn around. Luckily for Porter Jr, he will be joined by his brother Jontay, a top-50 recruit in his own right, along with Jeremiah Tilmon and Blake Harris. There'll definitely be some growing pains, but I believe Porter Jr. has the ability to get the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.
2. DeAndre Ayton C Arizona
DeAndre Ayton is a physical specimen. I have never seen such a powerful person possess the speed and skill that Ayton does. This 7-footer can eat you alive on the block, but he can also bury you from downtown. I used this comparison in my Final Four predictions, but Ayton is like a combination of Shaq and Joel Embiid. He has a chance to be really special not only at Arizona but in the NBA as well. His impact at Arizona should help the Wildcats get to the Final Four. He is already a major focal point in the offense (He had 31 and 10 in an exhibition a few days ago.) and fits well next to Allonzo Trier. It's honestly unbelievable the type of skill set this kid has. I'll describe him as a Glorious Storm because he's an athletic beast but with smooth movements. You honestly just have to see it for yourself. So make sure you stay up late and watch Arizona play this year...it'll be worth it.
3. Marvin Bagley III PF Duke
Bagley III shouldn't even be at Duke. The versatile 6'11 forward should be gearing up to dominate his senior season in high school, but he decided to reclassify to 2017, and he immediately took the college basketball world by storm. He has been touted by draft experts as the best prospect since Anthony Davis, and while I don't really see what's so special about him yet, I know enough to declare him as the 3rd-best freshman in the nation. Bagley III has all the tools: skill, speed, athleticism, motor. But the one thing he has yet to consistently show is his shooting ability. If he puts in a good year at Duke in that department, I bet he will be the #1 pick in the 2018 Draft. He should also help Duke win a lot of games as he will be Grayson Allen's running mate for the Blue Devils this year. If Bagley III is all he's cracked up to be, Duke will be your national champion.
Others Considered (No Order)
Collin Sexton PG Alabama
Lonnie Walker IV PG Miami
Trevon Duval PG Duke
Gary Trent Jr. SG Duke
Mohamed Bamba C Texas
Troy Brown Jr. SF Oregon
Jaren Jackson Jr. PF Michigan State
Hamidou Diallo SG Kentucky
Kevin Knox SF Kentucky
1. Michael Porter Jr. SF Missouri
Michael Porter Jr. is the type of player that gets me excited about how bad the Bulls are this season. More than any other freshman in college, Porter Jr. represents the archetypal modern NBA superstar. Blessed with a lanky 6'10 frame, Porter Jr. can handle the ball and possesses a lethal outside jumper. He might be the perfect prospect if you're looking for another Kevin Durant. In terms of what he will accomplish for Missouri this year, that is a different story. The Tigers are coming off an abysmal 8-24 season, which saw them fail to pick up a road win. Even for a future 1st overall draft pick, that's tough to turn around. Luckily for Porter Jr, he will be joined by his brother Jontay, a top-50 recruit in his own right, along with Jeremiah Tilmon and Blake Harris. There'll definitely be some growing pains, but I believe Porter Jr. has the ability to get the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.
2. DeAndre Ayton C Arizona
DeAndre Ayton is a physical specimen. I have never seen such a powerful person possess the speed and skill that Ayton does. This 7-footer can eat you alive on the block, but he can also bury you from downtown. I used this comparison in my Final Four predictions, but Ayton is like a combination of Shaq and Joel Embiid. He has a chance to be really special not only at Arizona but in the NBA as well. His impact at Arizona should help the Wildcats get to the Final Four. He is already a major focal point in the offense (He had 31 and 10 in an exhibition a few days ago.) and fits well next to Allonzo Trier. It's honestly unbelievable the type of skill set this kid has. I'll describe him as a Glorious Storm because he's an athletic beast but with smooth movements. You honestly just have to see it for yourself. So make sure you stay up late and watch Arizona play this year...it'll be worth it.
3. Marvin Bagley III PF Duke
Bagley III shouldn't even be at Duke. The versatile 6'11 forward should be gearing up to dominate his senior season in high school, but he decided to reclassify to 2017, and he immediately took the college basketball world by storm. He has been touted by draft experts as the best prospect since Anthony Davis, and while I don't really see what's so special about him yet, I know enough to declare him as the 3rd-best freshman in the nation. Bagley III has all the tools: skill, speed, athleticism, motor. But the one thing he has yet to consistently show is his shooting ability. If he puts in a good year at Duke in that department, I bet he will be the #1 pick in the 2018 Draft. He should also help Duke win a lot of games as he will be Grayson Allen's running mate for the Blue Devils this year. If Bagley III is all he's cracked up to be, Duke will be your national champion.
Others Considered (No Order)
Collin Sexton PG Alabama
Lonnie Walker IV PG Miami
Trevon Duval PG Duke
Gary Trent Jr. SG Duke
Mohamed Bamba C Texas
Troy Brown Jr. SF Oregon
Jaren Jackson Jr. PF Michigan State
Hamidou Diallo SG Kentucky
Kevin Knox SF Kentucky
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Final Four Predictions
The time has now come to make my official preseason Final Four predictions for the upcoming college basketball season. Let me just say that this is the least confident I've been in a Final Four prediction in my life. Now I know most of my preseason predictions haven't been right, but I'm still worried that I don't have ANY semblance of self-assurance in making these picks. I wish I could latch onto a team like I did Kansas last year (although look how that worked out). I have no team this year that gives me the same hope as the Jayhawks did last year. Take the predictions with half a grain of salt. (But give me praise and adulation if I absolutely nail these).
Let's start this thing off, eh?
2018 FINAL FOUR PREDICTIONS
ARIZONA*
Despite the FBI investigation, I'm all in on the Wildcats this year. They bring back key pieces like Allonzo Trier, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Dusan Ristic and Rawle Alkins and they might have the best freshman in the nation in 7-foot big man DeAndre Ayton, not to mention freshman guard Emmanuel Akot. Trier is a natural scorer, Jackson-Cartwright is a natural passer and Ayton is a natural monster. You want a comparison for him? How about Shaquille O'Neal power with Joel Embiid skill. This Arizona team checks all the boxes for a Final Four team aside from the Final Four experience itself. I think this is the year Sean Miller gets the job done, though. He has too much talent to not get there. If I'm being honest, the biggest obstacle for Arizona in reaching the last weekend is going to be this FBI probe. That could come back to bite them, and no one knows when it will be settled. I'm hoping that the FBI doesn't ruin college basketball (at least not this season) and lets Arizona play out their season sanction-free. If that is the case, Arizona has the leadership, scoring, size and athleticism to get to San Antonio.
MICHIGAN STATE
I wasn't so high on Michigan State until about a week ago when the Sports Illustrated article about why Miles Bridges decided to return to Sparta. After reading that, I realized that this Spartan team has a unique chemistry that I don't think many other programs have. The determining factor for Sparty this year, however, is that they actually have the talent to complement the chemistry. Last year, Michigan State seemed out of sorts. Tom Izzo had to coach a really young team, and that isn't really his strong suit. Now, I really like the sophomore class of Bridges, Nick Ward, Cassius Winston and Joshua Langford. Bridges is going to be one of the top five players in the country, while freshman forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has potential to be a top five freshmen. Oh, and if you're worried about senior leadership, Tum Tum Nairn and Gavin Schilling have you covered. While Nairn has struggled shooting the ball, he is still a comforting presence for this roster. Schilling, on the other hand, battled injury all of last season. Now healthy, Schilling, along with Ward, Jackson Jr. and Kenny Goins will make up a fearsome foursome in the frontcourt. This roster coached by Tom Izzo? I have two words: HAIL SPARTA.
VILLANOVA
For the second straight year, I'm putting Villanova in my preseason Final Four. Call me stupid, call me dumb, I don't care. I know Villanova lost Josh Hart. I know they just got lucky in 2016, and they usually get bounced in the second round. Believe me, I know. But this year is different. The Wildcats are being as hyped up as they were last year, and it seems that the pressure of defending their championship is off their back. POY candidate Jalen Brunson leads an experienced bunch into another highly-anticipated season. The crafty junior should lead the Wildcats in both scoring and assists this year, and he has quite the supporting cast. Mikal Bridges is a 6'7 superfreak who will use his insanely long wingspan to terrorize opposing offenses. Donte DiVincenzo and Eric Paschall will aid in the scoring department. Villanova also gets two players back from season-long injuries/circumstances. Phil Booth (who was the leading scorer in the 2016 National Championship) comes back from a knee injury, and redshirt freshman forward Omari Spellman finally will get his chance to play after sitting out due to eligibility issues. Spellman is going to be a major key as a he will help tremendously on the glass and give Villanova an inside presence they have lacked since Daniel Ochefu. I'll buy Nova.
WICHITA STATE
The Shockers return their TOP EIGHT scorers from last year. That alone should get you thinking about a Final Four run. The way Wichita State plays--tenacious, intense, basketball--can propel a slightly less-skilled team to a Final Four. This isn't that type of team. Landry Shamet might be the country's top point guard by the end of the year, Markis McDuffie is probably the most underrated forward in the nation, Connor Frankamp is automatic from distance and Shaquille Morris and Rashard Kelly make up an unstoppable rebounding tandem. They are also coached by the always-angry Gregg Marshall, who could have a job coaching nearly all major conference teams if he were to leave. We always talk about programs having a certain culture. Let me tell you that 99% of that is pure bull. The one school where I will say it's not is Wichita State. Their motto, "Play Angry," is the perfect saying for the way the Shockers play. Wichita State will get to the Final Four by sticking to their motto, and after that bogus 10-seed they got last year, they are pretty pissed off.
*I claim the full and absolute right to change this pick if Arizona is screwed over by the FBI and/or NCAA.
Let's start this thing off, eh?
2018 FINAL FOUR PREDICTIONS
ARIZONA*
Despite the FBI investigation, I'm all in on the Wildcats this year. They bring back key pieces like Allonzo Trier, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Dusan Ristic and Rawle Alkins and they might have the best freshman in the nation in 7-foot big man DeAndre Ayton, not to mention freshman guard Emmanuel Akot. Trier is a natural scorer, Jackson-Cartwright is a natural passer and Ayton is a natural monster. You want a comparison for him? How about Shaquille O'Neal power with Joel Embiid skill. This Arizona team checks all the boxes for a Final Four team aside from the Final Four experience itself. I think this is the year Sean Miller gets the job done, though. He has too much talent to not get there. If I'm being honest, the biggest obstacle for Arizona in reaching the last weekend is going to be this FBI probe. That could come back to bite them, and no one knows when it will be settled. I'm hoping that the FBI doesn't ruin college basketball (at least not this season) and lets Arizona play out their season sanction-free. If that is the case, Arizona has the leadership, scoring, size and athleticism to get to San Antonio.
MICHIGAN STATE
I wasn't so high on Michigan State until about a week ago when the Sports Illustrated article about why Miles Bridges decided to return to Sparta. After reading that, I realized that this Spartan team has a unique chemistry that I don't think many other programs have. The determining factor for Sparty this year, however, is that they actually have the talent to complement the chemistry. Last year, Michigan State seemed out of sorts. Tom Izzo had to coach a really young team, and that isn't really his strong suit. Now, I really like the sophomore class of Bridges, Nick Ward, Cassius Winston and Joshua Langford. Bridges is going to be one of the top five players in the country, while freshman forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has potential to be a top five freshmen. Oh, and if you're worried about senior leadership, Tum Tum Nairn and Gavin Schilling have you covered. While Nairn has struggled shooting the ball, he is still a comforting presence for this roster. Schilling, on the other hand, battled injury all of last season. Now healthy, Schilling, along with Ward, Jackson Jr. and Kenny Goins will make up a fearsome foursome in the frontcourt. This roster coached by Tom Izzo? I have two words: HAIL SPARTA.
VILLANOVA
For the second straight year, I'm putting Villanova in my preseason Final Four. Call me stupid, call me dumb, I don't care. I know Villanova lost Josh Hart. I know they just got lucky in 2016, and they usually get bounced in the second round. Believe me, I know. But this year is different. The Wildcats are being as hyped up as they were last year, and it seems that the pressure of defending their championship is off their back. POY candidate Jalen Brunson leads an experienced bunch into another highly-anticipated season. The crafty junior should lead the Wildcats in both scoring and assists this year, and he has quite the supporting cast. Mikal Bridges is a 6'7 superfreak who will use his insanely long wingspan to terrorize opposing offenses. Donte DiVincenzo and Eric Paschall will aid in the scoring department. Villanova also gets two players back from season-long injuries/circumstances. Phil Booth (who was the leading scorer in the 2016 National Championship) comes back from a knee injury, and redshirt freshman forward Omari Spellman finally will get his chance to play after sitting out due to eligibility issues. Spellman is going to be a major key as a he will help tremendously on the glass and give Villanova an inside presence they have lacked since Daniel Ochefu. I'll buy Nova.
WICHITA STATE
The Shockers return their TOP EIGHT scorers from last year. That alone should get you thinking about a Final Four run. The way Wichita State plays--tenacious, intense, basketball--can propel a slightly less-skilled team to a Final Four. This isn't that type of team. Landry Shamet might be the country's top point guard by the end of the year, Markis McDuffie is probably the most underrated forward in the nation, Connor Frankamp is automatic from distance and Shaquille Morris and Rashard Kelly make up an unstoppable rebounding tandem. They are also coached by the always-angry Gregg Marshall, who could have a job coaching nearly all major conference teams if he were to leave. We always talk about programs having a certain culture. Let me tell you that 99% of that is pure bull. The one school where I will say it's not is Wichita State. Their motto, "Play Angry," is the perfect saying for the way the Shockers play. Wichita State will get to the Final Four by sticking to their motto, and after that bogus 10-seed they got last year, they are pretty pissed off.
*I claim the full and absolute right to change this pick if Arizona is screwed over by the FBI and/or NCAA.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Top 5 Player of the Year Candidates
We are officially less than one week away from college basketball season kicking off, so I'm going to take this week and do a limited preview of what to expect this year. This will start today with a Top 5. Then tomorrow it will be a Top 4 of a different subject (Guess what it'll be folks.) then Wednesday will feature a Top 3, and Thursday a Top 2. The preview will end Friday when I reveal who I'm selecting as my National Champion for the upcoming season.
The best thing about preseason predictions is that you can literally say whatever the hell you want and pretty much get away with it scot-free. It's a pride thing at this point. That's why I'm placing a Douglas Guarantee on all of these. Because if all these happen then I'm the local Wonderboy, but if they go wrong, then who gives a rip?
So without further ado, here's my Top 5 of National Player of the Year Candidates
**The following list is in alphabetical order**
Miles Bridges (Michigan State SF)
Bridges surprised many (and by surprised I mean totally shocked the entire college basketball landscape and single-handedly altered the National Championship picture) when he decided he was going to come back to East Lansing for his sophomore season. The versatile 6'7 forward averaged 16.9 points and 8.3 rebounds a game while shooting an effective 48.6% from the field (38.9% from 3). Usually, a player like this doesn't return to college, but since Bridges did, he finds himself at the top of the list in the running for NPOY. Bridges was limited by injury during his freshman year as well. If he remains healthy this season, this race could be over by February. Bridges's size and skill will be a lot to overcome for most teams this year. He's going to be impossible to guard because of his ability to drive and shoot effectively. Tom Izzo has a gem.
Jalen Brunson (Villanova PG)
Out of all the player on this list, I think this one will be criticized the most. From an appearance standpoint, Brunson doesn't really look the part for a NPOY. At a built 6'2, people tend to write off his speed and quickness. He isn't the explosive player that we have been so accustomed to seeing over the past years, but Brunson shines in a different way. I believe that he is the smartest player in country, and that helps him make impressive decisions in tough situations. Also, Brunson is the best player on the best team in the Big East. I'm not saying he's the next Josh Hart (the two don't have similar styles), but he will definitely improve upon his 14.7 PPG and 4.1 APG he averaged as a sophomore, and as a result he will be the best point guard not only in the Big East but possibly the entire country.
Bonzie Colson (Notre Dame F)
The lone representative from the ACC, Colson is your classic college basketball tweener. At 6'5 226lb, Colson typically plays the 3 or 4. His ability to shoot from deep (43.3% last season) goves Notre Dame a unique offensive threat that will confuse many teams. What makes Colson so effective aside from being a shooter is that he can score inside proficiently as well. Even at 6'5, Colson managed to shoot 54% on two-point field goals with many of those coming in the paint. Oh yeah, he also grabbed 10 rebounds a game too. Colson really is college basketball's Charles Barkley, except he can also knock it down from beyond the arc. With Notre Dame graduating seniors Steve Vasturia and VJ Beachem, Colson should have the opportunity to post even gaudier numbers this season, making him a NPOY favorite.
Devonte' Graham (Kansas G)
Frank Mason III's running mate last year is poised for a breakout 2017-18 campaign. As last year's NPOY graduated from Kansas and headed to the NBA, it is now Graham's turn to continue the dominance of the Jayhawk backcourt. After playing off the ball last season, Graham slides into the point guard role for Kansas, and he will be paired up with Mississippi State transfer Malik Newman. Graham posted a relatively modest 13.4 PPG and 4.1 APG in 2016-17, but he is the heir to the throne. He is Kansas's best and most experienced player and will be the biggest reason why the Jayhawks win another Big 12 title. I'm projecting an average of 16 PPG and 7 APG this year. His new position will allow him to show off his underrated playmaking and shot-creating ability that we didn't notice was there last year. If Kansas has chance to land back-to-back NPOYs, this is it.
Allonzo Trier (Arizona SG)
Allonzo Trier is back for more, ladies and gentlemen! The explosive guard will lead a LOADED Arizona squad this season in what might be Arizona's best team on paper since their title-winning 2001 team. Trier's season last year was tarnished by a PED suspension that had him miss the first half of the season. When he came back for the final 18 games of the campaign, he was quite impressive, averaging 17.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 2.7 APG. Considering he will get a full year under his belt, there's no reason to suspect any drop-off this year. Some people might think that his NPOY candidacy will be hurt because of Arizona's deep and talented roster, but I don't think (in this case) it will negatively impact his chances that much if he becomes a playmaker and gets up to 4 APG while maintaining his scoring average. And considering Arizona's personnel, that shouldn't be a problem.
Others Considered:
Grayson Allen (Duke SG)
Deandre Ayton (Arizona C)
Marvin Bagley III (Duke PF)
Joel Berry (North Carolina PG)
Trevon Bluiett (Xavier G/F)
Angel Delgado (Seton Hall PF/C)
Michael Porter Jr (Missouri SF)
Landry Shamet (Wichita State PG)
The best thing about preseason predictions is that you can literally say whatever the hell you want and pretty much get away with it scot-free. It's a pride thing at this point. That's why I'm placing a Douglas Guarantee on all of these. Because if all these happen then I'm the local Wonderboy, but if they go wrong, then who gives a rip?
So without further ado, here's my Top 5 of National Player of the Year Candidates
**The following list is in alphabetical order**
Miles Bridges (Michigan State SF)
Bridges surprised many (and by surprised I mean totally shocked the entire college basketball landscape and single-handedly altered the National Championship picture) when he decided he was going to come back to East Lansing for his sophomore season. The versatile 6'7 forward averaged 16.9 points and 8.3 rebounds a game while shooting an effective 48.6% from the field (38.9% from 3). Usually, a player like this doesn't return to college, but since Bridges did, he finds himself at the top of the list in the running for NPOY. Bridges was limited by injury during his freshman year as well. If he remains healthy this season, this race could be over by February. Bridges's size and skill will be a lot to overcome for most teams this year. He's going to be impossible to guard because of his ability to drive and shoot effectively. Tom Izzo has a gem.
Jalen Brunson (Villanova PG)
Out of all the player on this list, I think this one will be criticized the most. From an appearance standpoint, Brunson doesn't really look the part for a NPOY. At a built 6'2, people tend to write off his speed and quickness. He isn't the explosive player that we have been so accustomed to seeing over the past years, but Brunson shines in a different way. I believe that he is the smartest player in country, and that helps him make impressive decisions in tough situations. Also, Brunson is the best player on the best team in the Big East. I'm not saying he's the next Josh Hart (the two don't have similar styles), but he will definitely improve upon his 14.7 PPG and 4.1 APG he averaged as a sophomore, and as a result he will be the best point guard not only in the Big East but possibly the entire country.
Bonzie Colson (Notre Dame F)
The lone representative from the ACC, Colson is your classic college basketball tweener. At 6'5 226lb, Colson typically plays the 3 or 4. His ability to shoot from deep (43.3% last season) goves Notre Dame a unique offensive threat that will confuse many teams. What makes Colson so effective aside from being a shooter is that he can score inside proficiently as well. Even at 6'5, Colson managed to shoot 54% on two-point field goals with many of those coming in the paint. Oh yeah, he also grabbed 10 rebounds a game too. Colson really is college basketball's Charles Barkley, except he can also knock it down from beyond the arc. With Notre Dame graduating seniors Steve Vasturia and VJ Beachem, Colson should have the opportunity to post even gaudier numbers this season, making him a NPOY favorite.
Devonte' Graham (Kansas G)
Frank Mason III's running mate last year is poised for a breakout 2017-18 campaign. As last year's NPOY graduated from Kansas and headed to the NBA, it is now Graham's turn to continue the dominance of the Jayhawk backcourt. After playing off the ball last season, Graham slides into the point guard role for Kansas, and he will be paired up with Mississippi State transfer Malik Newman. Graham posted a relatively modest 13.4 PPG and 4.1 APG in 2016-17, but he is the heir to the throne. He is Kansas's best and most experienced player and will be the biggest reason why the Jayhawks win another Big 12 title. I'm projecting an average of 16 PPG and 7 APG this year. His new position will allow him to show off his underrated playmaking and shot-creating ability that we didn't notice was there last year. If Kansas has chance to land back-to-back NPOYs, this is it.
Allonzo Trier (Arizona SG)
Allonzo Trier is back for more, ladies and gentlemen! The explosive guard will lead a LOADED Arizona squad this season in what might be Arizona's best team on paper since their title-winning 2001 team. Trier's season last year was tarnished by a PED suspension that had him miss the first half of the season. When he came back for the final 18 games of the campaign, he was quite impressive, averaging 17.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 2.7 APG. Considering he will get a full year under his belt, there's no reason to suspect any drop-off this year. Some people might think that his NPOY candidacy will be hurt because of Arizona's deep and talented roster, but I don't think (in this case) it will negatively impact his chances that much if he becomes a playmaker and gets up to 4 APG while maintaining his scoring average. And considering Arizona's personnel, that shouldn't be a problem.
Others Considered:
Grayson Allen (Duke SG)
Deandre Ayton (Arizona C)
Marvin Bagley III (Duke PF)
Joel Berry (North Carolina PG)
Trevon Bluiett (Xavier G/F)
Angel Delgado (Seton Hall PF/C)
Michael Porter Jr (Missouri SF)
Landry Shamet (Wichita State PG)
Friday, November 3, 2017
Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 43
I'll appreciate the Oklahoma State Cowboys this week. As you all know the black and orange is a lethal combination and Oklahoma State uses it well. The shorts are very cool, but this is all about the jersey. The black body with orange lettering is unique but functional. And the gray outline surrounding the number works well too. I remember watching Marcus Smart and the Cowboys play solely to look at their jerseys. EnjoyClick Here
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)