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2011: Early Top 50 Ranking
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April 5th, 2010
by Shawn Siegel
Top 50
Definitely post your thoughts on places where you agree or differ.. there's certainly many debates to be had.
2010-11 Super-Early Top 50 Ranking: April 5th
by Shawn Siegel: Collegehoops.net Editor
| Team | 2010* | |
| 1 | Purdue | 11 |
| If the big 3 return like indicated, then the Boilers will be a true national title contender. | ||
| 2 | Michigan State | 18 |
| Morgan is the only senior, and newcomer Payne might be a better forward anyways. | ||
| 3 | Duke | 2 |
| Scheyer made this team tic, but there's another load of top-level talent joining the fray. | ||
| 4 | Syracuse | 6 |
| Rautins & Johnson are certainly big losses. But Boeheim welcomes the Big East's top class. | ||
| 5 | Kansas St | 5 |
| So long as Pullen returns, there's more then enough returning talent to make this squad legit once again. | ||
| 6 | Butler | 7 |
| Gordon Hayward is going pro but Matt Howard, Shelvin Mack and Ronald Nored all return. Khyle Marshall is an intriguing freshman at the same position as the departed Hayward. | ||
| 7 | West Virginia | 3 |
| Will take a step back without do-everything Da'Sean Butler, but still a quality squad. | ||
| 8 | Pittsburgh | 19 |
| The core of the team returns intact, and Dixon has a nice new extension. | ||
| 9 | Villanova | 16 |
| Season ended on a sour note, but Cats might go into next season underrated. | ||
| 10 | Xavier | 17 |
| I'm counting Jordan Crawford among the returnees.. if he's gone, things get much more dicey. | ||
| 11 | Kansas | 1 |
| Assuming both Henry & Aldrich both leave, this team will lack a dominant force. There is young talent hiding on the roster though. | ||
| 12 | Texas | 36 |
| Forget the end of the season slump, there's more then enough talent on the roster and Tristan Thompson eases the loss of Damion James. | ||
| 13 | Ohio State | 20 |
| The loss of Turner is obviously huge, but the Buckeyes welcome another loaded Matta class. | ||
| 14 | UNC | 62 |
| Even moreso then Ed Davis' NBA decision, success will depend on whether the 5-star class excels or plays like the 09 crew. | ||
| 15 | Vanderbilt | 27 |
| Despite losing Jermaine Beal, Vandy has a chance to make some serious noise in the SEC. | ||
| 16 | Missouri | 43 |
| A couple seniors depart, but this is still an improving team with some underrated freshmen joining the fold. | ||
| 17 | Memphis | 58 |
| With Williams returning along with a Top 5 class, Memphis returns to national prominence in 2010. | ||
| 18 | Kentucky | 4 |
| Who knows what UK's roster will end up looking like, but you have to assume Calipari will manage to snag at least one of the remaining unsigned studs. | ||
| 19 | San Diego St | 25 |
| With everyone of note returning from the MWC champs, Aztecs are one of the best out west. | ||
| 20 | Tennessee | 9 |
| Lose Chism, Prince, Maze. Tobias Harris is their name freshman, but Jordan McRae might be the true star. | ||
| 21 | Wisconsin | 22 |
| Losing Hughes & Bohanon will hurt, but Bo Ryan always finds a way. | ||
| 22 | Florida | 57 |
| Only lose Dan Werner. All of the young talent will eventually gel, and when they do, look out. | ||
| 23 | Baylor | 8 |
| Carter was a senior, and Udoh will likely head for the pros. Can Fr Perry Jones offset Udoh's departure? | ||
| 24 | Temple | 10 |
| With Fernandez & Allen returning, the Owls will be solid once again. | ||
| 25 | BYU | 24 |
| If Fredette returns, Cougars are MWC contenders once again. | ||
| 26 | Georgetown | 14 |
| Who will step up in the middle to replace Greg Monroe (who we assume will eventually declare for the Draft)? | ||
| 27 | Illinois | 68 |
| Coming off a weak season, Illinois returns everyone of note along with a top-notch 3-man class. | ||
| 28 | Florida State | 44 |
| The usual FSU-type team.. good, but not great. A lot of depth, but no dominant players. This assumes Alabi goes pro. | ||
| 29 | Clemson | 41 |
| Booker is the big loss, but there's more then enough depth remaining. | ||
| 30 | Ole Miss | 50 |
| The Rebels always seem on the verge of making some noise, so maybe this is the year it happens. | ||
| 31 | New Mexico | 15 |
| I think Hobson will ultimately enter the Draft, and Martinez is a senior. Though the freshmen are quality, there will be a drop. | ||
| 32 | Richmond | 26 |
| Kevin Anderson returns to lead the improving Spiders. | ||
| 33 | Gonzaga | 31 |
| The Bouldin loss can be overcome. The big news is that Harris doesn't plan on going pro. | ||
| 34 | Marquette | 54 |
| Lazar Hayward is a big loss, but look out for newcomer Vander Blue. | ||
| 35 | Arizona St | 72 |
| Glasser is an important loss, but Keala King has a chance to be special, and Herb Sendek knows how to coach. | ||
| 36 | Washington | 34 |
| Will be hard to make up for Pondexter loss, but you have to look how this team came together as the season wore on. | ||
| 37 | Utah St | 38 |
| Senior Quayle is the only loss, but the Aggies are still the team to beat in the WAC. | ||
| 38 | Maryland | 23 |
| Vasquez is the big loss, but 2 other seniors leave. One of the Terps better classes in recent years joins fray. | ||
| 39 | UTEP | 42 |
| Except for Derrick Caracter, the core of this underrated team returns. Tim Floyd is a step down though. | ||
| 40 | Texas A&M | 12 |
| Lose top 3 players, but the freshmen class is underrated, and A&M can fall back on good team D. | ||
| 41 | Murray St | 48 |
| On the verge of becoming the Butler of the OVC? | ||
| 42 | VCU | 66 |
| This assumes Sanders returns. If not, they'll still be underrated but not Top 40. | ||
| 43 | Old Dominion | 28 |
| With Lee graduating, it will be up the solid core of current juniors to lead the way. | ||
| 44 | Cincinnati | 65 |
| All the pieces for a tourney team are there, it's just a matter of putting it all together. | ||
| 45 | Alabama | 103 |
| Could be an underrated squad heading into the year. Green & Mitchell have pro talent. | ||
| 46 | Minnesota | 61 |
| Loss of Westbrook not that big of a deal. This team will win about 10 games in the Big Ten. | ||
| 47 | Georgia Tech | 30 |
| Will likely lose 4 of top 6 scorers. Fr Jason Morris could be an impact ACC player. | ||
| 48 | UAB | 47 |
| Elijah Millsap is legit and this is a relatively well-coached team. | ||
| 49 | Wichita St | 51 |
| Do lose their best player in Clevin Hannah, but enter the season the MVC favorite in my estimation. | ||
| 50 | St Louis | 86 |
| Rick Majerus quietly possesses a young roster that's quickly learning how to win games. |
**2010 ranking based on Final 4 RPI
Next Ten (alphabetical)
Arizona
Nic Wise was the only senior, but
newcomer Bejarano has a chance to step in and score from day one.
Louisville
Lose Samuels, Sosa, Smith and the
newcomers aren't terribly exciting.
Mississippi St
This squad couldn't even make the
dance with Varnado in the middle. His loss will be felt.
Northern Iowa
The core of the team is decimated by
graduation, but Jacobson will find a way.
Ohio
With Bassett & Cooper leading the
way, and senior departures at other league contenders, Ohio is the team to beat
in the MAC.
St. John's
This team is on the verge of
returning to the tourney regardless of Lavin.
St Mary's
Graduations decimate the frontcourt,
but you can't deny the amount of backcourt quality that returns.
UCLA
Despite the disappointment and
turmoil, the pieces are still there for UCLA to once again contend for a Pac-10
title.
UCONN
It was only a matter of time until
UCONN's glory run slowly eroded. In the running for some star recruits though,
so that would certainly change things.
Virginia Tech
If Delaney returns, then Hokies move
up substantially.
5 More to Watch
Notre Dame
Oklahoma St
UNLV
Wake Forest
Wofford
Check back soon for individual writer
Top 25 lists, and then later in May for our post-NBA decision Top 50 update.
Comments
UNLV/UNM/BYU/SDSU
Submitted by MWCHoops1 on Tue, 2010-04-06 00:05.
ENM
i am really shocked that unlv is so far down in this list. they have all 5 starters back and lose 2 seniors from this year that really did not make a big impact in general. plus they add needed height. unlv should definitely, at least, come before UNM in the rankings.
without a doubt, the mwc should get at least 3 bids next year for the ncaa tourney. if jimmer stays at byu, it could be stellar season for byu though they lose the 6th man tavernari.
i don't think you'll see unm lose hobson this year, but i think martinez's loss will be significant for a young squad under alford. though unm should be pleased that alford agreed to a 10 year agreement.
sdsu is a wildcard and though i like the aztecs chances of pulling some upsets in and out of conference, i just do not think they have a solid national competitive squad compared to unlv and byu.
should be another byu/unlv battle for best in the west, though unm made a nice run this year. the lobos won't enjoy the same success next year. good year, in general, for the mwc...hope the same for next.
MWC
Submitted by Aztec/Cusefan (not verified) on Sun, 2010-04-18 12:50.
You have got to be kidding about not giving the Aztecs more respect than that! They tore up the MWC Tourney last year beating whomever was put in front of them. UNLV and New Mexico; and by the way the Aztecs own UNLV lately. SDSU only loses one senior who was not part of the core team. Look for bigger and better things on Montezuma Mesa this year from the defending MWC Tourney Chanmpion San Diego State Aztecs.
I recall watching the Aztecs
Submitted by jbinsand (not verified) on Tue, 2010-09-21 19:02.
I recall watching the Aztecs take Tennessee to the wire in round 1. Didn't the Vols go to the Elite 8? Could have EASILY been SDSU. The Aztecs look like a solid Sweet 16 team to me... who cares what they've done in the past, this is a completely different squad, LOADED.
Did you get a chance to see
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 2011-02-27 10:05.
Did you get a chance to see the Black and Blue Classic this year? (2011) At one point the Spiders were up by 30 points !
Since when is Louisville
Submitted by C.D. Bradley (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 10:03.
losing Samuels? He's a sophomore, too short to play the 5 in the pros and not yet skilled enough to play the 4. He appears in no mock drafts. Might want to rethink that one.
Samuels is gone
Submitted by Rick (not verified) on Thu, 2010-07-15 08:56.
Samuels was looking like middle to late second round in the mock drafts. He went undrafted, and is playing (unremarkably) for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA summer league.
That said, Louisville still has Peyton Siva, Preston Knowles, Jared Swopshire, and Terrence Jennings, all of whom started or saw extensive playing time as reserves last year.
Siegel's excuse for omitting the Cardinals is that they lost three players - none of whom had a very impressive season in 2009-10. By contrast, look at his #18 - they lost five star players, and he wonders what their roster will look like. Yet they're in the top 20? This is laughable.
syracuse
Submitted by Rob (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 10:07.
holy crap! Syracuse loses Wes Johnson, Andy Rautins and Arinze Onuaku, and you bump them up 64 places from last year in your pre-season standings! wow, what would have happened if they also lost Kris Joseph and Rick Jackson? would you have bumped them up to number one?
Temple
Submitted by JHG722 (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 12:37.
Really, really excited for next season as a Temple fan. I met a girl online who wants to go to a Temple hoops game with me next year because they are so good. Only 7 more months til my first date!
Temple and A10
Submitted by Blueblood (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 13:36.
It will be interesting to see how well Temple plays next year. They had a good year with a disappointing NCAA tourney result. But, they will have a shot at winning the A-10 again. Though, the A-10 is quite deep with talented teams.
On a different note. I think it is silly to just put UNC back in so quickly until they earn it.
Richmond is Ranked #32 in the Top 50
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 18:44.
Richmond should be a conteneder for the A-10 Title.
2010-2011 MWC Men's Basketball Order of Finish
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 19:01.
Here is the predicted order of finish for the 2010-2011 Mountain West Conference Men's Basketball Regular Season:
1. UNLV
2. New Mexico
3. BYU
4. San Diego State
Predicted by whom? I'd flip
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-04-12 13:26.
Predicted by whom? I'd flip those 4 upside down.
lobos are the best and
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 2011-12-31 20:02.
lobos are the best and should make it to the elite 8 in the 2011-2012 year
Louisville is Not in the Top 50
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 19:15.
Wait until the question in 2011 says "Will Louisville return to the NCAA Tournment?"
Syracuse is #4 in the Country in 2010-2011
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 19:18.
They should be a contender for another Big East Conference regular season title.
Temple is #24 in 2010-2011
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 19:21.
Temple should be a contender for another A-10 title.
I think Duke should be
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2010-04-06 21:33.
I think Duke should be ranked number 1. Yes they will lose Scheyer, Zoubs, and Lance but look who they get. Kyrie Irving and Seph Curry. Nolan and Kyle should have great seasons and the Plumlee's are looking great
PURDUE NUMBER 1!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2010-04-09 19:39.
Duke should be top 25 but definitely not number 1. They lost their only good players in Scheyer and Singler so purdue all the way
Get it right
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2010-11-04 21:35.
Duke did not loose Singler.. THey should be #1..
Duke is #3 in the Country in 2010-2011
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Wed, 2010-04-07 18:31.
Duke won the national championship, now, let's see if they can compete for another ACC Men's Basketball regular-season title and another national title in 2011.
"This team would be lucky the make the NIT"
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 2010-04-09 17:19.
I've never seen a more perverse abuse of "analysis" in my life than what goes on in the opinion board of CHN and the mind of Shawn Siegel. I understand that there is a desperate group of hardcore UNLV fans who eat up any information, negative or positive, and come in droves with guns blaring and this subsequently gives a relatively unknown/unimportant site some much needed hits but still, please stop being stupid about UNLV. Was it the year when Todd Hanni was the critical starter for UNLV or was it when you ranked UNLV 77 last year?
No, it's the fact that you have UNLV barely in the top 65 for next year. A team that returns every crucial piece and gets a redshirt and a Juco next year addressing the one problem this team has ever faced.
UNLV loses the least out of any team in the MWC except for arguably SDSU. UNLV is going to have a class of seniors, juniors, and sophomores two to three deep at every position.
Stupid ranking purely for that.
Butler
Submitted by Sports Posters (not verified) on Sat, 2010-04-10 18:56.
Should be fun to watch them next year. I hear they're stepping up their schedule next year... Let's see how that works out for them!
Purdue will go undefeated and win the national title this year
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Sun, 2010-04-11 19:52.
The Purdue Boilermakers are the 2011 National Champions with a record of 40-0 Overall and 18-0 in the Big Ten Conference.
Purdue 40-0???!!!!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 2010-11-10 23:35.
Whoever said Purdue will go undefeated is stretching it just a bit. Your obviously playing the bandwagon of purdue but still… 40-0?!?!?! I wouldn't go anything better than 32-8
Who is the MWC Men's B-Ball Media Favorite
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Sun, 2010-04-11 19:55.
The MWC Men's B-Ball Regular Season Media Favorite for 2010-2011 is UNLV edging San Diego State by 3 votes.
So the fact that SDSU
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-04-12 13:25.
So the fact that SDSU smacked UNLV by double digits TWICE, and is returning every single key player doesn't seem to matter?
Butler is #6 in 2010-2011
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Sun, 2010-04-11 19:57.
I think Butler will grab another Horizon League title this year and hopefully a national championship.
gtown
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 2010-04-14 13:38.
this is bull because greg monroe is gonna stay. hoyas should be top 10
What about the Dayton
Submitted by urmomma (not verified) on Thu, 2010-04-15 09:49.
What about the Dayton Flyers? It is an absolute joke they are not on your list. They return Chris Wright and Chris Johnson! They also have some great recruits coming in to add to their full stable. Staten should be a great point guard and bring them some ball control and shot ability.
Absolute joke not to have them. I have lost my respect for you Chris.
Agree - should have made the
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-04-26 12:56.
Agree - should have made the top 50 - they will make the NCAA tourney next year as an 10-11 seed - will win their first game and lose in the second round - still good enough for a top 30 team.
I meant Shawn not Chris. Why
Submitted by daytonfan (not verified) on Fri, 2010-04-16 08:55.
I meant Shawn not Chris. Why isn't UD on your list man?
Georgetown should contend for the Big East title
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Sun, 2010-04-18 20:16.
Georgetown will be a contender for the Big East Men's B-Ball regular season title in 2010-2011.
Dayton will finish unranked
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Sun, 2010-04-18 20:19.
They will finish unranked in 2010-2011 with a record of 20-11 overall and 10-6 in the A-10.
Dayton will make another NIT apperance This Year
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Sun, 2010-04-18 20:21.
They will make their second straight NIT apperance this year.
Flyers in NIT
Submitted by Dr Flyer (not verified) on Mon, 2010-05-17 16:14.
Dayton returns Chris Wright - A10 First Teamer
Their top 2 scorers
A big time transfer that sat out last year and a good recruiting class.
Anyone that thinks they are NIT bound is in for a real surprise.
pitt is it
Submitted by morgan (not verified) on Wed, 2010-05-12 00:35.
Watch out for Jamie and the boys. Pitt is known for having the big east most improved player every year. JJ Richardson could be the next one. Jamie will develop him into a force inside to go along with an improving mcghee and talented Taylor. This will give pitt size and toughness inside that will be unmatched by any big east foe. Pair that with solid guard play, gibbs deadly range, talented freshmen, and pitt's signature hard nosed defense and you have a recipe for the final four.
watch out for the Houston
Submitted by Michael Chenier (not verified) on Wed, 2010-05-12 18:34.
watch out for the Houston Cougars we are armed and dangerous so get use to seeing us in March enough said the coogs wont dissapoint! We have a good recruiting class coming in and wwe jus hace a wave of talent
Pittsburgh is #8 in 2010-2011
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Mon, 2010-05-17 20:12.
Pittsburgh is ranked #8 this year and should contend for the Big East Men's Basketball regular season title.
Houston will win the C-USA Men's B-Ball regular season title
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Mon, 2010-05-17 20:14.
Houston will win it all!
big east
Submitted by Rob (not verified) on Tue, 2010-05-18 09:16.
Big East should be fun next year. Looks like it'll be a three way race between Pitt, Syracuse and Villanova, with Georgetown not too far behind. Jamie Dixon will have Pitt playing as a very effective team from day one, Nova will have the best backcourt, and the Cuse have the most overall talent. I think the regular season title will depend on how long it takes Syracuse's incoming recruits to be ready to play quality minutes. If Melo and Waiters are able to play quality minutes on both sides of the court by the time Big East play starts, then I think it's the Cuse's regular season title for the taking. If either of them stumbles and Cuse is forced to give Mookie Jones and Dashonte Riley starting roles, then it's anybody's guess who's going to take the title.
2010-2011 Big East Men's Basketball Order of Finish
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Thu, 2010-05-20 17:58.
Here is the order of finish.
1. Pittsburgh
2. Syracuse
3. Villanova
4. Georgetown
The Oft-Overlooked Racers of Murray State....
Submitted by Racer (not verified) on Sat, 2010-05-22 18:10.
I think the Racers at LEAST deserve to be on the watch list!
Two starters gone from last years squad that regularly saw 10 players see significant minutes.
They played Butler as tough as anyone before falling by two.
They are returing one of the better back-courts in the country.
Coach Kennedy Signed a new contract and will return another 10 deep team.
Um, they are #41 on this
Submitted by Jeff (not verified) on Sat, 2010-08-14 20:22.
Um, they are #41 on this list.
Murray State should contend for another OVC title
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Sat, 2010-05-29 20:54.
Murray State hopes that they will get another OVC title in the 2010-2011 season.
NC State
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2010-06-08 13:04.
will be very good next year and extremely talented. Top 10 talent in the country.
NCSU/fsu
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 2010-08-18 03:11.
Florida ST. is way underrated along with North Carlina State - you have to allow for improved teams when predicting and add what they have coming back most locals who know the area pick state over unc - why they have more coming back - Maryland how much does Gary matter if the talent is raw in a improved Acc - that by the way has won the last two national championships - i appreciate your predictions but they need work - If you really think Butler is a top 10 team - I don't understand why the same formula does not work for other teams - lets face it Duke and Butler were in different Brackets last year - neither make the championship game
a battle of UNLV and SDSU
Submitted by aztec (not verified) on Tue, 2010-06-22 21:44.
a battle of UNLV and SDSU for the Mountain West Title...Go Aztecs!
North Carolina State will win the ACC Title
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Fri, 2010-06-25 18:41.
The Wolfpack will win the 2011 ACC Men's B-Ball Regular Season Title with a record of 25-6 overall and 14-4 in the league.
UNLV and SDSU battle in February for the MWC B-Ball Title
Submitted by Stephen VanDeMark (not verified) on Fri, 2010-06-25 19:07.
UNLV has a record of 18-6 overall and 9-3 in the MWC and is ranked #23. SDSU has a record of 16-7 overall and 9-3 in the MWC and is ranked #25. They will battle for the MWC Men's Basketball Title on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 4 p.m. on The Mtn. The event will be televised from San Diego, California and is drawing a record crowd of 30,100. The announcers are Bill Jason and Derek Crowe. Reporting outside the court will be Melinda Hamm and Ellen Collins. It's Aztec Mania at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. It's also the annual Battle for the Gold Rush in San Diego, California. ESPN2 will also be covering the game with Dave Pasch and Len Elmore announcing the game with Quint Kessenich reporting from the side of the court. At haltime, there will be an Aztec jersey giveaway. SDSU wins the MWC Men's B-Ball title with a 3-pointer at the end of the 2nd overtime sealing the victory for the Aztecs as they beat UNLV 93-92.
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About Shawn Siegel
Columnist
Shawn Siegel - Head Editor
Contact
shawn@collegehoops.net
Background
Shawn Siegel created CollegeHoops.net (formerly collegehoopsnet.com) back in the summer of 2002, and it has since grown into the web's largest independent college basketball site, visited by over 1,000,000 visitors per year. Shawn is responsible for the CHN Top 50,Bracketology projections (he is ranked the #1 Bracketologist over the last 4 years), as well the NBA Mock Draft.
Shawn's college basketball and NBA Draft commentary has been quoted in dozens of national newspapers, and he's been a featured guest on numerous radio programs.
After graduating from Washington University and Washington University Law School before, Shawn passed the New Jersey Bar exam but no longer practices Law. For more on his background, visit his
LinkedIn profile.
Please email him at shawn@collegehoops.net with all media requests, advertising inquiries, and partnership opportunities.
Shawn's Personal Site: Eye Am Shawn
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Shawn's Other Site: Trippy Celebs
Location
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Richmond isnt the best team in RICHMOND
I appreciate everyone identifying Chris Mooney and the Richmond Spiders as an up and coming team next year, but I have to let everyone know, that they aren't even the best in Richmond, VA. 5 miles away is the true champion of the RIC. A team that went 5-0 against the A-10 in 09-10. They have beaten Richmond for five straight years in the Black & Blue Classic City Championship. They have five returning starters if Larry Sanders comes back (... and I think he needs to). They swept through the CGI Tourney after being snubbed by the NIT. Thats right the team you have at 42 and show as "underated".... The VCU Rams! Coach Smart has some good incoming freshmen and a strong nucleus of players who actually enjoy playing together. Their home court advantag is almost unfair and they have learned how to keep a double digit lead. They lost seven games in 09-10 where they had double digit leads in the second half. A true show of inexperience! Well next year will have a team of three Seniors and two junior starters, two more sophmores who received large minutes during the CAA Tourney and the CGI!
Watch out CAA and NCAA.... they may break the top 25, but they will definitly be better than 42 in the country! Write it down and see about this prediction!