SB Nation - Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

The Big Blue Daily Mail -- Week of Practice Edition

Truzenzuzex — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:08:58 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

Eric Bledsoe can dunk, too.

This week, the 'Cats are practicing hard, getting ready for the Peay.

Back when I was in school, the Austin Peay Governors were the #1 rival of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, and that game was always high-energy. Things have changed now, but every time I think of Austin Peay, I think of my college days on the Hill.

In this issue of the Big Blue Daily Mail, the ejected Presbyterian fan at the North Carolina Tar Heels game tells his side of the story, and the North Carolina athletics director puts his own spin on it, which is predictably a little hard to swallow after seeing the video. But whatever.

Also, it seems that the other Carolina (that would be South Carolina, for those of you who skipped the first two paragraphs) are loving their football and basketball coaches. Nice to see.

Finally, Seth Davis says that Xavier Henry is just as impressive as John Wall. Well, okay. Personally, I don't think so, but as we all know, Seth Davis picked the Germans to win World War II.

There is plenty more in the news after the jump.

Pic shows UT hostesses with recruits; heat rises on Vols | AJC College Sports Recruiting

9 Mountain players named to AP All-State 1st and 2nd team
Fits right in with the earlier post about Mountain Reign.

Basketball Prospectus | Unfiltered
This afternoon the Big Ten announced that it is actively considering adding a 12th member, one that would give the conference a title game in football and the revenue that such a contest would create. When you have a 51 percent ownership stake in your own TV network, you find yourself in favor of a conference championship game in football. Understood.

Gasaway goes on to talk about the basketball implications, which includes some speculation about which team will be invited to join.

2011 UK PG Target Marquis Teague Video

ZagsBlog.com – Knight Next in Line at Kentucky?
"He wants to see how schools do," Beckerman said. "What recruiting classes are so that he can look in and find his spot and enroll at the right school."

Of course if he ends up at Kentucky as the next lottery pick in line, don’t be surprised.

"Kentucky has shown a lot of interest," Beckerman said.

Oh, you betcha.

Blazers compete well at Oak Hill Academy - MidlandsPreps: Basketball - TheState.com
On the court, it was a different kind of experience on Monday night. The Blazers fell to undefeated OHA 89-65. Oak Hill’s markee players put on quite a show. Doron Lamb, who is being pursued heavily by the likes of Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona and Uconn, deposited 31 points.

I would love to see us get Lamb and Knight. What a 1-2 punch that would be.

Five Reasons Syracuse Will Go To The Big Ten - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
Will Syracuse jump to the Big Televen?

Rush The Court " Blog Archive " John Wall Dance Goes Viral
The John Wall Dance — have you seen or heard about this thing yet? Apparently it’s completely taken over the Bluegrass State, and it’s working its way into the national zeitgeist through means beyond the standard YouTube clips of people doing it at weddings and deer hunts and Great Walls and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades.

Whatever. Good grief.

Broncos' Woodyard Helps Out Troubled Young Man - cbs4denver.com
Wesley Woodyard is doing good, not only only the field, but off it. Great piece to get you in the holiday spirit.

UK Notebook: Florida lineman picks Kentucky: AMNews.com
Another solid get by Brooks and from the state of Florida, no less.

Kentucky-Clemson Preview | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC

LostLettermen.com: Dedicated Solely To Former College Athletes

Wildcat Blue In a Sea of Orange: NBA recap Week 8: Celtics, Rondo continue to roll, Rockets Hayes getting some love
Updates on Meeks, Rondo, Hayes, Magloire, Mohammed, Bogans, and Morris.

Lindley has done the best he could | Vaught's Views
Lindley: "He [Brooks] is old ..." Heh.

Intentional Foul " Xavier Henry or John Wall?
Well, I'm gonna say Wall. I think Wall is even more gifted than Henry, but that could be cognitive dissonance speaking.

Kentucky Wildcats in ESPN's Latest Bracketology

Big Blue Lowdown " Wall vs. Henry Rivalry Heats Up
.

Kentucky Basketball Recruiting 2011 G/F Jarrod Davis
Looks good to me.

Coach Self checking in on Selby | The Shiver, Kansas Jayhawks Sports, Kansas Basketball, Kansas Football

New UK commit talks
Jody Demling has the scoop.

NCAA Notebook: Unbeaten For Long? - NCAA College Basketball News | HOOPSWORLD -
There are nine teams the Associated Press Top 25 that are undefeated, but how long will their runs last?

Not much past conference play, I predict.

" SEC basketball power rankings John Clay’s Sidelines
John Clay's SEC power rankings.

Louisville basketball will get better by practicing, not benching, Rick Pitino says | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
''The answer is not benching people after losing,'' Pitino said Tuesday at his news conference previewing Wednesday's game against Oral Roberts. ''The answer is getting the more out of people.''

Think Card fans are buying what Traitor Rick is selling? Hmmm?

Biggest coaching tree in D-I? - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
Best college hoops trivia question you’ll hear this season: Which active D-I coach has the largest number of former assistants who are now head coaches?

It’s not Mike Krzyzewski. Not Tom Izzo or Rick Pitino or Roy Williams.

Want to know who? Read the rest.

Contracts extended for Horn, Spurrier The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper
South Carolina likes their coaches. Via Rush the Court

Fan UNC ejected tells his side - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
Heh. Well, he can always sue.

Look for the Illini to get back in the Top 25 on Monday

Joe Kutsunis — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:06:47 -0000

More photos » by Robin Scholz - AP

Browse more photos »

The Illini rolled their over matched opponent today by a very large spread, taking the Illini to 8-2. More importantly the Illini have won 4 straight, including a solid win against ranked Vandy at home and great comeback against a ranked Clemson at LittleJohn. Overall I am feeling pretty good about the Illini clawing their way back into the top 25 tomorrow, because of the teams that lost recently

#19 Cincny loses to unranked Xavier

#24/Un Vanderbilt loses to the Illini, and to Western Kentucky

#23/#20 Wisconsin loses to Greenbay (But bounces back against Marquette

#17/#16 Washington loses to a ranked Georgetown.

All of these guys have at least 2 loses now, and throw in a loss for UNLV today and you just might see the Illini gain enough votes to get back in, at the very least don't be surprised if it happens.

Tonight's Picks

SFBE.NF — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:18:11 -0000

We be ballin! Syracuse really proved they're worthy of the acclaim as they remain undefeated (against D-1 teams). Miami-OH made it close late against Cincy and MSU embarrassed Oakland. The Golden Grizzlies are off to an awful start. Here is Friday's lackluster trio:

Middle Tennessee St. (+22) over #9 Tennessee: Bruce Pearl's high powered offense will not have a 20+ point victory against MTSU, their inferior in-state rival. I'll take the Blue Raiders (with the spread) for three reasons: (1) the Volunteers beat ETSU by only a dozen just a week ago; (2) they played Tennessee tight last year on the road; and (3) now they're at home.
Iowa State (-13) over Iowa: The once promising Cyclone team have stumbled recently, dropping three consecutive games in a row, but they arent bad enough to give the Hawkeyes a chance tonight. Two of their losses came down to a 3 pointer or less - so let's hope they come out focused and on point in this rivalry game. Sophomore Hawkeye Anthony Tucker may drop some points, but Iowa State's balanced attack will pull through in the clutch.
Vanderbilt (-10) over W. Kentucky: Both of these teams are well matched and distribute scoring opportunities well, but look for Vandy's A.J. Ogilvy to be the difference maker. This junior from Australia rebounds on both ends of the court, blocks lots of shots and has a great touch around the rim. The Hilltoppers have been erratic this season, so center Cliff Dixon will have to neutralize the Commodores star.

Yesterday: 3-0
Overall: 15-8

Periscope: Sun Belt Classic - #24 Vanderbilt vs W. Kentucky

KingJamesIV — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:18:47 -0000

More photos » by Mark Humphrey - AP

Browse more photos »

There is little doubt that Vanderbilt will be the more talented team on the court. As you will see below, Vandy easily holds the advantage in all the tempo-free statistics. Vandy will also be the most efficient team offensively and defensively that the Hilltoppers have faced all season. Will it matter?

As Vandy fans are all too aware this season, talent will only take you so far. I haven't seen Western Kentucky play yet this season, but I would be willing to guarantee that they will play with the grit, determination, and intensity that it takes to win. Will Vandy come close to matching them in those categories tonight?

The Commodore Faithful are living and dying with every shot, every pass, every rebound and every steal. Our lone wish at this juncture in the season is that the players begin to as well. We know they are capable of it--we've seen the flashes of brilliance. It's about time for their light to shine. I want them to play like this game is their last.

Here is the breakdown of all these numbers (all taken from Ken Pomeroy):

Statistical Breakdown:

The only key to the game should be that they play for each other. That's all that's missing.

Gameday Links

VU and WKU to meet at Sun Belt Classic - VANDERBILT OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Vanderbilt and Western Kentucky will face off in the nightcap of the 2009 Sun Belt Classic at the Nashville Arena this Friday night at 8:30 p.m. The game will follow the Tennessee-Middle Tennessee State game, which begins at 6 p.m. The game will be televised on CSS, and the action can also be heard live on the Vanderbilt-ISP Radio Network and vucommodores.com, with Joe Fisher and Tim Thompson courtside calling all of the action.

Toppers Take on #24 Vanderbilt at Site of Last Year's Biggest Win - Western Kentucky University Official Athletics Site

Friday's game is the first match-up between the two programs since 2001, and just the fifth in the last 43 years. While WKU is seeking to snap a 10-game losing streak to Vanderbilt (dating back to 1946), three of the last four meetings have been decided by five points or less.

VSL Gets You Ready: Vanderbilt Plays Western Kentucky in the Sun Belt Classic | Vanderbilt Sports Line

Certainly, Vanderbilt needs to play better defense and do a better job on the boards, but I think a better showing on offense would make a lot of fans (myself included) feel a lot better.

Vanderbilt-Western Kentucky Preview | VandyMania.com (Scout - Premium)

Preview: Vanderbilt - Western Kentucky | Dore Posts

Stallings rips team for lacking defensive effort at Vanderbilt | Tennessean.com

When asked if those situations were a matter of guys not recovering on their man after helping off, Stallings offered this answer: "It was a matter of some guys just not trying hard enough, unfortunately," he said. "There is no recovery for ... there is no help-side for lack of effort. "We just had a serious lack of effort in some spots. Not in every spot. We had some guys tried really hard. We just had some guys who didn't." That's sounding the alarm for the Western Kentucky game at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Sommet Center, the second half of a doubleheader in the Sun Belt Classic. Tennessee and MTSU play at 6. WKU, a Sweet 16 team in 2008 and a second-round tournament team last spring, is off to a bit of a sluggish start despite a 4-3 record. But it's a group Stallings holds in high regard. "Athletic. Good. Really good rebounding team," he said of WKU. "Well-coached. Play hard. Good defensively. The makings of a team that got into the tournament last year and made noise and won games and beat high-ranked opponents. They are a talented team."

VU guard won't take injury news sitting down | Nashville City Paper

It’s a bit of a challenge for John Jenkins to run and jump right now. Even so, don’t expect him to sit."It’s bothering me pretty bad, but I knew I had to fight for my team the other night," Jenkins said. "I couldn’t show any weakness or pain so I went out there and played pretty hard on it. It’s pretty sore, but I’m going to keep fighting through it." "He practiced (Wednesday) and practiced well," coach Kevin Stallings said Thursday afternoon. "I think he’s still less than 100 percent, but he’s actually showing some grit and toughness. "I don’t know that I want to call it inspiring, but it’s been pleasing for sure."

Vols, Commodores plan 3-point assault | The Tennessean

Senior guard A.J. Slaughter leads a Western Kentucky team that has struggled from the field (.413), the 3-point line (.290) and the foul line (.633) in the early going. But the Hilltoppers have a way of getting things in order by March. The last two seasons they have more NCAA Tournament wins (three) than Tennessee and Vanderbilt combined.

Previewing Vanderbilt vs. Western Kentucky | VandySports.com (Rivals - Premium)

As always, post your predictions below and make sure to head over to Stat-King to vote on who you think will be the best performing Commodore against the Hilltoppers. Also, stop by our open game thread which opens an hour before tipoff.

Poll

Will Vandy play with toughness and intensity tonight versus Western Kentucky?

Yes

1 votes

No

6 votes

7 votes | Poll has closed

The Big Blue Daily Mail -- UNC Eve Edition

Truzenzuzex — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:51:51 -0000

The North Carolina Tar Heels will be taking the Rupp Arena floor in a little more than 27 hours.

The Heels are coming off a big victory against the Michigan State Spartans the other day, where they played perhaps their best basketball of the year, particularly from the perimeter. This game is huge for Kentucky for many reasons, and we will have lots more about it later on today, including some fancy new bells and whistles that I think you will really like.

News after the jump.

UK Basketball: Cats will get reality check against UNC: AMNews.com
Kentucky freshman DeMarcus Cousins says he’s been looking forward to this game since he signed with Kentucky almost as much as the SEC game against Alabama, his home-state team.

I hope that means he's bringing is maximum effort.
And the Big Ten celebrates ... - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
Heh. Dook goes down. I like it.
Wildcat Blue In a Sea of Orange: UK Basketball Preview - Know Your Enemy: North Carolina Tarheels
The one thing for sure about this game is that UK definitely is in better shape in the post with Patterson, Cousins, Orton, and Stephenson. This will be a major battle throughout the game and if DeMarcus Cousins can keep his cool and stay out of foul trouble, UK should be in pretty good shape.

This is the one big fear I have - Patterson or Cousins getting into quick foul trouble, Cousins in particular.
UK in the Big East? | Vaught's Views
Heh. Never, ever happen in 10,000 years. The ACC makes more sense, but it will never happen. UK is not leaving the SEC.
Wall could bring more to UNC game | KentuckySports.com
Freshman John Wall has crammed a lot of excellence into his first six games for Kentucky. But teammate DeMarcus Cousins expects even more from Wall when UK plays North Carolina on Saturday in Rupp Arena.

"I believe it'll be another side of John," Cousins said on Thursday. "He'll probably take it to another level."

There's "another level" for John Wall? Scary.
Ace Pitcher Sues Kentucky - The Quad Blog - NYTimes.com
The University of Kentucky’s ace pitcher sued the university in state court Wednesday, charging that athletic officials threatened to bar him from playing if he did not agree to meet with N.C.A.A. investigators, even though he was not told what rules he was accused of violating.

This isn't good. How is Paxton going to play for a school he is suing? I guess we'll have to wait for the pleadings to figure out who's on first in this situation.
Mangino Rides Off Into The Sunset, Less Than Comfortably - Mark Mangino - Deadspin
This guy gives a whole new definition to the term "two-seater." I have a feeling they will have to replace that particular row of seats after this flight. Imagine the travails of the poor flight attendant.
Starting Five: What college hoops teams have disappointed? - Mike DeCourcy - College Basketball - Sporting News
4. Any changes to your Final Four prediction of Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina?

DeCourcy: It's not like anyone else has been so stellar that it's time to panic. Kentucky has had obvious issues with youth. We expected that.

Via Rush the Court
Florida, Syracuse join top 10 college basketball power rankings - Luke Winn - SI.com
Via Rush the Court
Auburn's Big Cat Weekend results in violations | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser
Auburn's Big Cat Weekend last summer may have created a recruiting boom, but it came at a price.

Investigations conducted by Auburn University, the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA concluded that five violations occurred during the program's May 30 recruiting event. A handful of prospects helped roll Toomer's Corner and heard their names announced to a crowd of hundreds that included several boosters.

Like UK and a few others in the SEC, Auburn's NCAA compliance record isn't good. They need to be more careful.
Kentucky Coach John Calipari Proud of His Catholic Faith
Cats bound for Music City; opponent unknown | KentuckySports.com
While it can't be announced officially until Sunday, the University of Kentucky is headed back to the Music City Bowl for the third time in four seasons. The only question remaining is who the Wildcats' opponent will be.

This works for me. Any of the teams mentioned would be a good matchup for Kentucky.
Davis: College coaching feuds center around Calipari - College basketball- nbcsports.msnbc.com
College basketball today simply doesn’t have many great coaching feuds. But this New England battle involved a genuine dislike. And neither man has ever felt it was worth the investment of time or words to patch things up.

I'm glad Calipari and Calhoun dislike each other, because I don't care for Calhoun, either.
Kentucky Sports Radio - Pre-North Carolina Press Conference Quotes
Kentucky basketball braces for Tar Heels' ‘juggernaut' | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
"After I saw them play against Michigan State (on Tuesday), I've got a new respect for them," he said of the Tar Heels. "They're pretty good. They've got good post players, and they're fast."

Yes, they are. We will need the best effort this team has produced so far to defeat them.
Hilltoppers finished: 0-12 | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Tough year for my alma mater.
Eric Crawford | BCS campaign against playoff like a bad joke | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Heh. I've never heard this before. :-)
Don’t Believe the Hype " The Jack of All Sports
So UK is the most overrated team right now? Maybe he's right. There is very little that the 'Cats have done so far to justify their lofty ranking.

Dominique Archie "Out Indefinitely"; MRIs Reveal No Major Tear

Gamecock Man — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:18:12 -0000

Good news, Gamecocks fans: Dominique Archie's injury has been tentatively ruled a minor strain rather than a major tear. Archie is "out indefinitely," but if this MRI is accurate, I'd say he'll be out for a few weeks, in time for the beginning of conference play. This is essentially the injury that Brandis Raley-Ross had last year, and Raley-Ross was able to come back and contribute.

I'm really happy for Archie, as I would have hated to see him go out like this. I also think this leaves our chances at the NCAAs intact. We won't have Archie for the next few non-conference games, at the very least, and that means we'll have to take on good teams like Western Kentucky, Clemson, Baylor, and Boston College without him. With Archie in the lineup, I would have given us a decided edge over WKU, Baylor, and at Boston College (as well as Miami last night) and a slight chance at Clemson. Now, I doubt we can hang with Clemson without our team really shooting lights out, and our chances against the 'Toppers, Bears, and Golden Eagles are lower, too. However, if we can split the winnable non-con games and not drop any to the lesser opponents, we'll be in position to make a tourney run when Archie gets back.

College Hoops Go-Round: November 17

Chris Dobbertean — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:55:30 -0000

by Ed Reinke - AP

about 1 month ago: Kentucky's John Wall goes between Miami of Ohio's Julian Mavunga (4) and Nick Winbush (20) for a basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. Wall had 19 points in Kentucky's 72-70 win. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

View full size photo »

Since I already previewed today's action here, this post will only recap Monday night's games, with the first few contests from the early morning hours on this enjoyable gimmick of a day thrown in for good measure.

The big story of the day was John Wall's debut at Kentucky, and he bailed the Wildcats out against Miami (Ohio), which ended up 72-70 UK. You can see his game winning shot here.

The other big attraction of the night was regional play in the NIT Season Tip-Off.

In the North region, Stanley Robinson and Kemba Walker led UConn to a win over Colgate. The Huskies will next face Hofstra, 68-63 winners over Yale.
The South region final will feature Western Kentucky and LSU in Baton Rouge. The Hilltoppers got 30 from A.J. Slaughter to beat Milwaukee, 69-65, while the Bayou Bengals had little problem with Indiana State, winning 56 to 45.
Duke will meet Charlotte in the East final in Durham. Kyle Singler had a double double (23 points, 11 boards) to lead the Blue Devils to a 25-point win over Coastal Carolina. The 49ers beat Elon in game two, 75 to 61.
Out West, TCU, 83-65 winners over Cal State-Northridge, will face homestanding Arizona State, who beat Texas State 84 to 62.

After the jump, I'll have some of the other action from today, including the scores of the first few games of the round the clock marathon.

The 24-hour marathon got started with a double OT thriller, as Cal State Fullerton defeated UCLA for the first time, 68-65. The Titan win snapped the Bruins' string of 37 straight wins over unranked non-conference foes.
St. Mary's had a suprisingly easy time with San Diego State in the 2 a.m. Eastern game, winning 60-58.
At 4 a.m., Northern Colorado used a 19-0 run to get ahead of host Hawai'i, whose comeback attempt fell short in the end.
St. Peter's blew out Monmouth in the first ever Division I basketball game to start at 6 a.m. local time.
Auburn fell to Missouri State, 73 to 62, becoming the second SEC school to fall to the Bears at the JQH Center in as many years, as Arkansas lost there last season.
Florida State knocked off Atlantic Sun favorite Jacksonville by 26.
Washington State struggled with Eastern Washington, finally prevailing 67 to 61.
Indiana also had a closer game than expected, as they beat South Carolina Upstate by 8.
Cincinnati also had a rough go of it last night, beating Prairie View 69-62. Lance Stephenson only had 7 on the night.
Rider didn't slip up after their upset of Mississippi State. They defeated Lehigh 86-71.
In a battle of two teams picked to finish near the bottom of their respective leagues, South Florida ran all over Tony Bennett's Virginia, 66-49. Dominique Jones had 22 to pace the Bulls.

If I didn't list your team's score, check the rundown on the right of any of the recap pages I've linked to find the result.

The Big Blue Daily Mail -- Season Kickoff Edition

Truzenzuzex — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:32 -0000

by Gerry Broome - AP

Don't know 'bout those unis, Tar Heels ...

View full size photo »

Well, what do you know, the basketball season has officially begun, but with a whimper rather than a bang. North Carolina opened up last night against the Fighting Isaiah Thomases, and lo and behold, the Tar Heels were not even a shell of last year's team. But of course, like UK, they are very young but very talented, and they will certainly improve.

The SB Nation UNC blog Carolina March has more, as does this News and Observer piece, about how the Heels did in their first outing versus an opponent that counts. Of course, UK doesn't get a shot at a counter until later this week, but it will get here, folks. Be patient.

Ohio State had a convincing 100-60 win over Alcorn State in a very efficient outing. The Buckeys look to be a very interesting team, and unlike UNC and Kentucky, is loaded with less talent but much more experience. Teams like Ohio State often make a lot of noise in March, and this team will bear close watching throughout the year.

#25 Syracuse was easily handling tiny Albany as I was going to bed, and Murray State was getting set to take on Cal, but that tip is past my bedtime.

After the jump, all the news that's fit for Wildcats.

In Patterson's dream game, he keeps firing from downtown and he can't miss | KentuckySports.com
In Patrick Patterson's fantasy, he dribbles the ball downcourt and swishes three-point shot after three-point shot.

"I'm going to play Jodie Meeks," he said. "Just like Tennessee."

That just seems so...right. Patterson has a nice stroke and a nice release. He may not be Jodie Meeks this year, but I do think he will surprise us all from the arc.
Dunlap, Snowden star in UK women's scrimmage | KentuckySports.com
Basketball Prospectus | Articles | The List: Season-Opening Edition
Another ranking, once again UK is fairly high.
Improving Cobb part of ‘extensive’ injury list at UK | Vaught's Views
One day, we will have a season where we are not so banged up. One day.
Western Kentucky fires coach David Elson in seventh season amid 0-9 season - ESPN
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have fired coach David Elson amid the Hilltoppers' first fully eligible season for FBS play.
SEC power rankings - SEC - ESPN
11. Kentucky: One of the most time consuming things Kentucky coach Rich Brooks does every Sunday is read off the injury report. The Wildcats (5-4, 1-4) are really banged up. Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb didn’t play last week in the 37-12 win over Eastern Kentucky, but both are expected back this week against Vanderbilt. The Wildcats would like to get all the drama out of the way and become bowl eligible this week. Otherwise, they’ll have to beat Georgia or Tennessee to do so.
Five Bold College Basketball Predictions - Andy Hutchins - The Sporting Blog - Sporting News
The best team in the SEC will be Mississippi State. Forget about the John Wall Show at Kentucky: The only team in the SEC coming off an NCAA Tournament berth and returning all five starters plays in Starkville. Add Renardo Sidney, currently caught in eligibility limbo, and the Bulldogs may have the most imposing frontline in college hoops in Sidney and one-man block party Jarvis Varnado. Maintaining the quietly above-average guard play of last season could be their key.

MSU will be very good, but not better than Kentucky. Andy is letting his hopes write a check that reality can't cash.
Kentucky Sports Radio " Blog Archive " Rich Brooks press conference notes
I'm disturbed that the team is still worrying about MSU. Forget it -- its water under the bridge now. Beating Vandy, Georgia and/or UT would more than make up for it.
NCAA College Basketball Power Rankings - NCAA Basketball - ESPN
I'll take a #4 ranking for now, but I honestly believe we will be better than Texas and Michigan State. Interesting to find Dook all the way down at #9. Cardinals at 21? Nah. That's too high, I don't get it. I also don't buy Minnesota as top 25 yet, but I would have them fairly close.

Butler #10? Not. Maybe 18. Michigan 15? Well, that won't likely last. Georgetown probably deserves to be a bit higher. West Virginia top ten? Well, maybe close.
65 things to watch during the 2009-10 season - CBK News - FOX Sports on MSN
2. How will new Kentucky coach John Calipari mesh the old with the new? Patrick Patterson, Darius Miller and Perry Stevenson must figure out a way to co-exist with the new guys in Lexington — freshmen John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, Darnell Dodson and Daniel Orton.
KY reports two more H1N1 deaths
Ugh.
Projecting the Field - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball - CBSSports.com
Last season's first projections just rimmed out. But a new season is about to tip off and Gary Parrish launches his first tournament field projections, following the talent trail to Kentucky and Kansas.

Florida and Vandy both just miss? One may, but not both. Only 5 bids for the SEC and 6 for the ACC. Hmm, must be a last-season hangover.
WBIR.com | Knoxville, TN | Tennessean: Criticizing SEC officials is easy call for some
In our smoke-and-mirrors world, SEC refs are supposedly doing whatever is necessary to keep Florida and Alabama undefeated and on track for a showdown in the SEC Championship game.

The theory holds that SEC powers-that-be want to keep the records of both teams spotless until Dec. 5, thus assuring that the winner plays for the national championship and the loser remains ranked high enough in the BCS standings to lock down a spot in one of the other major bowls.

Heh. Conspiracy theorists -- gotta love 'em.
Can college hoops' opener ever earn buzz? - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
They don’t because college basketball’s opening day is blasé. There’s no national tie-in or big recognition about the season starting. Maybe it’s because the season’s too long, or maybe it’s because the games will be blowouts.

The NCAA knows it and is – slowly – addressing the problem. Kind of.
College basketball preview: Year of the blueblood - Mike DeCourcy - College Basketball - Sporting News
What separates the bluebloods, though, from the nouveau riche — Michigan State, Arizona, Connecticut, Texas, Florida and the like — is how dramatically their cataclysms can be transformed into triumph. It took Williams two seasons to lead the Tar Heels to a championship after inheriting a young team that had finished in the NIT. Howland and the Bruins began a three-year Final Four streak just two years after UCLA endured back-to-back losing seasons.

DeCourcy gets it absolutely right again.
UK at Georgia set for 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 21 | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
Peters: UK’s season is on the line at Vanderbilt | Vaught's Views
Corey Peters has no problem admitting that Kentucky’s season is on the line Saturday at Vanderbilt.

You bet it is. Big time. Wins at Georgia or vs. Tennessee are possible, but very tough.
Memphis making an ultra-clean Calipari break - Beyond the Arc - msnbc.com
To be fair, no school spends much time lauding the coaches who leave for other jobs, particularly in the media guide. That’s a space reserved for the new regime and the current season’s players. As Mark McGwire might say, why dwell on the past?

Heh. Whatever. I could care less if Cal is ever remembered as Memphis' coach.

Your obligatory primer for non-BCS conferences

SFBE.NF — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:03:53 -0000

The thrill of being a mid-major, or a "non-BCS conference" might be fading. Just three years ago, pundits were declaring that the field between David and Goliath had been significantly shortened. The Missouri Valley had four teams in the tournament and were 6th in the conference RPI rankings, George Mason threw everyone for a loop by winning the East Region, and VCU was breaking Blue Devil hearts.

Now, some are wondering what happens next. Yes, teams like Butler, Gonzaga and Xavier are always going to be kicking around, and are unfortunately handcuffed from not having a big-time football program that gives them clearance into a major conference. Memphis is sort of in their own world, a bit of an anomaly but a premier school when it comes to recruiting...at least when John Calipari was coach.

At best, the talent in small conferences is cyclical. After thumbing through the preview mags for this season, we may be looking at only a pair of non-BCS conferences that receive multiple bids (A-10 and C-USA). With that, we should still look forward to ESPN's BracketBuster Weekend. Tulsa could be a nice story, Siena will look to build off last season, and Oakland could play deeper into March than all the afroementioned schools. It's just a hunch we have.

Our breakdown is after the jump

Tourney teams (in a sort of order of importance)

Butler (Horizon)
Siena (MAAC)
Dayton (A-10)
Tulsa (C-USA)
Gonzaga (West Coast)
Memphis (C-USA)
Xavier (A-10)
Western Kentucky (Sun Belt)
BYU (Mountain West)
Oakland (Summit)

Top non-BCS players

Gordon Hawyard, Butler
Chris Wright, Dayton
Matt Howard, Butler
Matt Bouldin, Gonzaga
Jerome Jordan, Tulsa

Most overrated - Josh Pastner. The thought of Xavier struggling w/o Sean Miller.

Most underrated - Oakland. Non-BCS teams come the 2010 NCAA Tournament.

Notable non-conference match-ups:

11/17 - Memphis vs. Kansas

12/2 - Siena @ Georgia Tech

12/8 - Butler vs. Georgetown

12/10 - Oakland @ Michigan State

12/19 - Butler @ Xavier

12/19 - Western Kentucky @ Louisville

1/6 - Memphis @ Syracuse

Five story lines to keep tabs on

The Oakland Grizzlies. They have non-conference games against Wisconsin, Michigan State, Kansas, Syracuse and Memphis. Wins over just two of those teams could really propel them onto the national stage. This could be your surprise Sweet 16 squad.
Josh Pastner. Can he deliver? Memphis fans don't seem too outspoken, but they haven't really had reason to get ticked off in recent memory. This could be the year drama ensues.
Jerome Jordan. Can he stay focused? Will he just be another Patrick O'Bryant?
Isiah Thomas. Will Florida International become another notch on his belt of failures?
Jordan Crawford. How does he respond to Dunkgate? Will he distinguish himself for the Musketeers, or simply hang on to his brief stint of fame?

BtB 2009-10 Sun Belt Preview

Chris Dobbertean — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:00:21 -0000

Undoubtedly, the story of the Sun Belt's offseason was Isiah Thomas' arrival in Miami, where the former Detroit Pistons point guard and New York Knicks head coach takes over a struggling Florida International program. In just about his first act as coach, Thomas threatened to pull the Golden Panthers out of the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament, after the tournament's organizer, the Gazelle Group, scheduled FIU to play North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Thomas wanted his team to play at Ohio State instead. Things were eventually smoothed out, which means that FIU will remain host of the "subregional" round, featuring four of the non-major participants in the tournament.

Outside of the circus in South Florida, the other big story to watch in the league this year is whether anyone will seriously challenge Western Kentucky for the league crown. Demetri Goodson took a second straight Sweet 16 from right under the Hilltoppers' noses, and Ken McDonald's 2009-10 outfit, featuring most of those performers, will still be a prohibitive favorite, even if they are a bit thinner this season. An earlier indicator of the 'Toppers chances will be the NIT Season Tip-Off. WKU has been placed in the South region in Baton Rouge. If they can get by Horizon contender Milwaukee, they could face an LSU side that's significantly weaker than last year's tournament squad. The winner of that contest books their ticket to New York. Even if the Hilltoppers don't make the semifinals, as the fifth seeded team in the competition, they'll host one of the consolation rounds in Bowling Green.

Additionally, for the second straight year, the conference has put itself in the early season showcase business. Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky will host the second ever Sun Belt Classic in Nashville. The Blue Raiders will take on Tennessee there, while the Hilltoppers will face Vanderbilt.

More on the rest of the conference after the jump.

Let's first take a look at last season's Sun Belt standings.

Sun Belt Conference Standings

(updated 3.22.2009 at 12:14 AM EDT)

East	Conf		Overall
	W	L	W	L
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	15	3	25	9
Troy Trojans	14	4	19	13
South Alabama Jaguars	10	8	20	13
Middle Tenn. St. Blue Raiders	10	8	18	14
Fla. International Golden Panthers	7	11	13	20
Florida Atlantic Owls	2	16	6	26

West	Conf		Overall
	W	L	W	L
Ark.-Little Rock Trojans	15	3	23	8
North Texas Eagles	11	7	20	12
Denver Pioneers	9	9	15	16
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns	7	11	10	20
New Orleans Privateers	6	12	11	19
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks	6	12	10	20
Arkansas St. Red Wolves	5	13	13	17

Now, here are my picks for 2009-10, presented in reverse order, starting with the West Division.

West Division

New Orleans (last NCAA: 1996) The Privateers are one of the many teams in this conference who struggle away from home, as they went winless in conference road games last season. They managed to win six at home; however, UNO will struggle to improve that their three returning starters aren't scorers. 6-10 Czech center Jaroslav Tyrna, is the leading returning scorer, and he only averaged 6.5 points per contest. Joe Pasternack will have to find someone to replace swingman Kendall Dykes (17.3 ppg) and forward T.J. Worley (16 ppg), along with point guard Darrian McKinstry, who was kicked off team after being suspended three times last season. Pasternack may have to lean heavily on 3-star recruit Jacolby Pittman, a 6-10 F/C, and fellow freshman Devin McDonald, a 6-1 guard, along with 6-3 Georgia transfer Billy Humphrey.

Arkansas State (last NCAA: 1999) John Brady's team struggled at the end of last season, as they dropped 10 in a row. They also only won once in the Sun Belt away from Jonesboro, and that was against Denver. The Red Wolves had enough defense and rebounding, but struggled to score. These are all things that may not change this time around. Brady obtains the service of Oklahoma State transfer Martavius Adams, a 6-8 forward, and he'll be called on to replace F Eric McKinney, a stout defender who averaged 8.6 points and 6.1 points a game. Brady also welcomes back 6-5 G Donald Boone, the team's leading returning scorer, averaging 13.6 a contest, and 6-7 F JeJuan Brown (7.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg). 6-2 guard Trey Finn will come off a redshirt year to join Boone in backcourt, while Daniel Bryant, a 5-10 sophomore who averaged nearly 7 points and a little more than 2 assists a game, could be drafted to play point.

Louisiana-Monroe (last NCAA: 1996) The good news for Orlando Early is that he gets all five starters back from last season. The bad news is that those starters only managed to win 10 times in 2008-09, six times in the Sun Belt, and twice in league away games. However, the Warhawks could improve significantly, as Early also gets guard Tony Hooper back. He was granted a fifth year of eligibility after he missed the bulk of last season because of injury. That means five Warhawks averaged in double-figures last time they played: 6-6 G/F Malcolm Thomas (12.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg), 6-7 F Lawrence Gilbert (10.9 ppg), 6-8 F Rudy Turner (10.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg), 6-2 reserve guard Dynile Forbes (11 ppg), and Hooper (15.1 ppg in 07-08). 5-8 PG Kenneth Averette (6.1 ppg, 3.2 apg) should join Hooper in the backcourt to run ULM's offense.

Louisiana-Lafayette (last NCAA: 2005) The Ragin' Cajuns were yet another bad Sun Belt road team last year, winning only once on their travels (at Troy!). They managed this with five returning starters. This time around, Robert Lee has four returning starters, with only center Jeremy Barr gone (5.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg). Next year, Louisiana-Lafayette will be probably be down to three returning starters, as two seniors feature this time around, 5-10 guard Randell Daigle (11.3 ppg) and 6-8 forward Tyren Johnson (7.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg). The two returning juniors are the Cajuns leading scorers, 6-7 guards Chris Gradnigo (13.3 ppg) and Travis Bureau (12.4 ppg. 4.3 rpg) Lee gets another 6-7 player back, forward LaRyan Gary (6.9 ppg. 4 rpg) who is coming off knee injury. In the backcourt, Ryan McCoy (7.3 ppg, 2.1 apg) is a key performer off the bench.

Arkansas-Little Rock (last NCAA: 1990) Steve Shields' squad won the West Division and won 20 games for the second year in a row, but the Trojans could have done so much more. Unfortunately, the team fell apart after point guard Steven Moore was dismissed in late February, culminating in a loss to South Alabama in the Sun Belt semis, a game where UALR had a bit of a homecourt advantage. The two players who fell immediately behind Moore on the team's scoring chart, F Shane Edwards (11.8 ppg) and G John Fowler (10.5)--also a key defensive player, are also gone, as is 6-6 G Brandon Patterson (6 ppg, 4 rpg). Arkansas native and South Florida transfer Soloman Bozeman, a 6-foot guard, will be Moore's full-time replacement. Matt Mouzy, who averaged more than 10 points per contest last year, will have to increase his scoring output, but he is another good defender for Shields. The Trojans need 6-7 Mike Smith (7.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg) to develop into more of a frontcourt force, as last year's lone returning frontcourt starter, 6-8 Wayne Burton (3.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg) is offensively limited.

Denver (last NCAA: None) The only team in the Sun Belt to have never made the NCAA Basketball Tournament could rid itself of that title this season. (Now, for hockey, it's a completely different story.) Joe Scott's Princeton offense is really taking root in the Mile High City, and the Pioneers seem to have put their road woes behind them. DU won two straight road games at the end of the regular season, ending a drought that began after a February 11, 2006 win at Middle Tennessee. Scott's team features all five starters from a year ago, led by 6-5 G/F Nate Rohnert (15.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.7 apg), a serious threat for SBC Player of the Year, 6-7 F Rob Lewis (12.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg), 6-3 G Brian Stafford (11.4 ppg). Plus, 6-9 forward Andrew Hooper actually led the Sun Belt three-point percentage, nailing 46.6 percent of his attempts as he averaged a little more than 9 points per contest. The Pioneers were as solid on both offense (47.9 team FG percentage) and defense (top 25 in the nation in scoring defense), as you'd expect a Princeton-style team to be.

North Texas (last NCAA: 2007) The Pioneers' main stumbling block to the West Division crown is a team based in Denton, Texas that also returns all five starters. The Mean Green seek a return to the NCAAs after a two year absence, while picking up their fourth straight 20-win season. Four of Johnny Jones' returning starters averaged in double figures last time around. 6-7 F Eric Tramiel (12 ppg, 6.6 rpg) is another serious contender for Sun Belt POY. 6-5 guard Tristan Thompson, 5-10 point guard Dominique Johnson (3.8 apg), and 5-10 guard Josh White all averaged more than 11 a contest, with White being nearly automatic from the foul line (90.6 FT%), Inside, 6-8 George Odufwa is a monster on the boards, grabbing nearly 7 a game, to go along with 6-plus point. The Mean Green also get back 6-4 guard Collin Mangrum, who has struggled with injuries over the past two years. The two senior starters, Tramiel and Johnson want to go out on top, and they may have the supporting cast to do it.

East Division

Florida International (last NCAA: 1995) Isiah Thomas should be in for some rough sledding in his first year at the helm of the Golden Panthers. FIU's leading scorers of a year ago, forward Alex Galindo (14.4 ppg) and center Freddy Asprilla (13.7 ppg, 9.2 rpg) are both gone. Guards Michael Dominguez and Josue Soto, who also averaged around 10 points a contest are also gone. That means 6-9 forward Nikola Gacesa is the lone remaining starter for FIU. As you'd expect of a team hit by sudden departures, Thomas' first recruiting class heavy on JC transfers, but he does gain the services of 6-2 Temple transfer Martavis Kee.

Florida Atlantic (last NCAA: 2002) Mike Jarvis begins his second season in Boca Raton completely overshadowed by Isiah Thomas' arrival at archrival FIU. The Owls were terrible last season without Xavier Perkins (academics) and Carlos Monroe, who did manage to average 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds a game despite dealing with foot and eligibility problems. And they may not be much better this season, as they only return two starters, 6-8 forward Brett Royster (7.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and 5-11 point guard Alex Tucker (6.1 ppg, 4.8 apg). Jarvis will be expecting big things out of 6-2 sophomore Shavar Richardson, who averaged almost 12 points and four boards a game from the bench. He has a great chance to fill the void left by Paul Graham III's (18.5 ppg) graduation. Jarvis' team will be young, as he brought in seven freshmen and only one JC transfer this offseason.

Middle Tennessee (last NCAA: 1989) Kermit Davis was forced to start four guards last year after 6-10 center Theryn Hudson injured his foot. Hudson is back, but three of the guards are gone, with the graduation of MT's all-time assist leader, Kevin Kanaskie (3.8 apg), being the most painful. Last year's SBC Preseason Player of the Year, Desmond Yates, is the key returnee. He should move back to his natural position, power forward, thanks to Hudson's return. Yates averaged over 17 points and 4.5 boards a contest last time around. Davis will expect JC transfers Rod Emmanuel (6-2) and James Washington (6-0) to fill the holes in the backcourt. 6-4 guard Calvin O'Neil should also see more action this season, as he averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.7 rpg in '08-09.

South Alabama (last NCAA: 2008) Ronnie Arrow's team won 20 games last year, and made it to the Sun Belt championship game, but the season had to feel like a disappointment for Jaguars fans. USA may struggle to win 20 again, as Arrow returns only one starter, 6-5 guard LaShun Watson, who only averaged 7 points a contest. However, 6-0 point guard Bryan Sherrer did take on a starting role late in the season (5.3 ppg, 1.6 apg overall). 6-7 G/F Gary Redus joins the Jaguars from Centenary, where he averaged 12 points and 3.4 boards a game last year. (He's eligible immediately as the Gents' announced their move to D-III this offseason. Otherwise, Arrow will again lean on JC transfers, including Allyn Cooks, Raymond Sims, Bacari Moulton, Tim Williams (Moulton and Williams both averaged over 21 a game last year), Brandon Noble, and Adrian Sims to fill the void left by the graduation of Domonic Tilford, Brandon Davis, and DeAndre Coleman.

Troy (last NCAA: 2003) The Trojans will be a serious threat to Western Kentucky's reign atop the East Division, as they bring back four starters from team that won 14 league games and earned a CBI home game last year The only starter gone is 7-foot center Tom Jervis (6.7 ppg. 6.5 rpg), but 6-9 Alabama transfer Yamene Coleman will step in to replace him. The four returning starters for Don Maestri are all seniors, led by All-Sun Belt selection Brandon Hazzard, a pure scorer who averaged 16.2 ppg, while finishing as the nation's seventh best 3-point shooter, converting nearly 45 percent of his attempts. Richard Delk, who started his career at Mississippi State is another dangerous scorer, averaging nearly 14 points a contest. Point guard Michael Vogler is responsible for getting them the ball, and he did a great job last season, averaging nearly 6 assists a game and over 10 points. 6-6 Antywan Jones averaged 4.5 points and almost 3 boards a game in the frontcourt, which will be bolstered by the return of 6-8 junior Trayce Macon who returns after a year off (7.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg in '07-08).

Western Kentucky (last NCAA: 2009) Ken McDonald very nearly got the Hilltoppers where Darrin Horn led them before his departure for South Carolina, but a last second loss to Gonzaga kept WKU from traveling to Memphis for the South Regional. The 'Toppers will miss Sun Belt Player of the Year Orlando Mendez-Valdez (14.2 ppg, 4.1 apg), but the other four starters return, including 6-3 senior A.J. Slaughter (16 ppg, 3.6 apg), 6-5 junior swingmen Sergio Kerusch (11.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Steffphon Pettigrew (12.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg), and 6-9 F Jeremy Evans (8.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg) McDonald won't have the deepest team; however, especially with recruits Terrence Boyd, who would've provided substantial backcourt support, and David Laury dismissed from the team.

Despite their depth issues, I'm picking Western Kentucky to win yet another Sun Belt title, so they'll take the league's auto bid in my 2009-10 Final Preseason Bracket, which I will release on November 9. To wrap up this preview, here is my preseason All-SBC team, featuring the best returning players from last season.

Preseason All-Sun Belt Team

Player of the Year: A.J. Slaughter, 6-3 G, Sr. (Western Kentucky)

Remainder of the Team
Brandon Hazzard, 6-2 G, Sr. (Troy)
Nate Rohnert, 6-5 G/F, Sr. (Denver)
Eric Tramiel, 6-7 F, Sr. (North Texas)
Desmond Yates, 6-7 F, Sr. (Middle Tennesee)

Poll

Who is your pick to win the Sun Belt this season?

Arkansas-Little Rock

1 votes

Arkansas State

0 votes

Denver

1 votes

Florida Atlantic

1 votes

Florida International

2 votes

Louisiana-Lafayette

1 votes

Louisiana-Monroe

0 votes

Middle Tennessee State

1 votes

New Orleans

0 votes

North Texas

2 votes

South Alabama

0 votes

Troy

3 votes

Western Kentucky

5 votes

17 votes | Poll has closed