Kansas

Like civilizations, all great basketball programs eventually fall.. replaced by an upstart newcomer. In this week's Rise & Fall series, we'll take a look at which BCS programs are rising, falling, or merely treading water. Up today, the:

 

BIG 12

 

With the dust from the draft now settled, it's time to look at how some teams will be filling in the considerable holes left by draftees. Here's a look at some teams who need both returning players and incoming freshmen to step up in a big way.

UCLA
Early entries: Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Seniors: Lorenzo Mata-Real

 

Picture of the Day

 

LAWRENCE, Kan.  After concluding his senior season at the University of Kansas with a mens basketball national championship, Sasha Kaun announced on Sunday that he has signed a three-year contract with CSKA Moscow, a professional team in Russia.

Im going to a team that is as close to an NBA team as you can find, Kaun said. Its a great organization. Last year, they had a $60 million payroll. Its a very prestigious club.

Irving, Texas - The Big 12 and Pacific-10 Conferences have announced the dates and matchups for the 2008 Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series.   The series is in its second year after beginning competition during the 2007-08 season.

Kansas guard Mario Chalmers has decided to skip his senior year at Kansas and stay in the NBA draft.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self made the announcement Sunday night, just hours after Chalmers informed him of his decision. He joins teammates Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur in giving up their collegiate eligibility for the NBA. The NBA draft is June 26.

To stay or go: Futures Hinge on Player Decisions

Even with the draft order now set, and player workouts getting underway, it’s still tough to predict which players will ultimately stay in the draft this year.  According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, 69 underclassmen declared for the draft this year, including surprises like Oregon State’s CJ Giles, who has now been kicked off two college teams, and Alabama’s Ronald Steele, who didn’t even play last season due to injury.

 

Mario Chalmers

 

 

36 teams will feature at least one McDonald's All-American next year.  Some programs like Duke feature a starting five full of high school superstars, while others like Rutgers and FSU are welcoming their first Big Mac Maestros.  Here are projected starting lineups for all 36 teams with an All-American.