Kansas

2008-09: McDonald's All-American College Lineups

Jon Teitel — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:19:44 -0700

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.

Incoming 2008 All-Americans In Bold (All-American Year In Parentheses)

Underclassmen Who Have Declared For Draft In Italics

TRANSFERS IN UPPERCASE

DUKE (8)

G: Greg Paulus (2005)

G: Jon Scheyer (2006)

F: Gerald Henderson (2006)

F: Kyle Singler (2007)

F: Lance Thomas (2006)

Bench: Elliot Williams (2008), Taylor King (2007), Nolan Smith (2007)

LOSSES: DeMarcus Nelson (2004)

NORTH CAROLINA (8)

G: Ty Lawson (2006)

G: Wayne Ellington (2006)

G: Marcus Ginyard

F: Tyler Hansbrough (2005)

F: Deon Thompson

Bench: Larry Drew II (2008), Ed Davis (2008), Tyler Zeller (2008), Bobby Frasor (2005), Danny Green (2005)

LOSSES: None

GEORGETOWN (4)

G: Austin Freeman (2007)

G: Chris Wright (2007)

F: DaJuan Summers

F: Vernon Macklin (2006)

F: Greg Monroe (2008)

LOSSES: Roy Hibbert, Jonathan Wallace

UCLA (3)

G: Darren Collison

G: Jrue Holiday (2008)

G: Malcolm Lee (2008)

F: Josh Shipp

F: James Keefe (2006)

LOSSES: Kevin Love (2007), Russell Westbrook

KANSAS (3)

G: Sherron Collins (2006)

G: Mario Chalmers (2005)

G: Conner Teahan

F: Matt Kleinmann

C: Cole Aldrich (2007)

LOSSES: F: Darrell Arthur (2006), Brandon Rush, Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson

OHIO STATE (3)

G: William Buford (2008)

G: David Lighty

F: Evan Turner

F: Kosta Koufos (2007)

C: BJ Mullens (2008)

LOSSES: Jamar Butler, Othello Hunter

SYRACUSE (2)

G: Jonny Flynn (2007)

G: Eric Devendorf (2005)

G: Scoop Jardine

F: Paul Harris

F: Arinze Onuaku

LOSSES: Donte Greene (2007)

VILLANOVA (2)

G: Scottie Reynolds (2006)

G: Corey Fisher

F: Dante Cunningham

F: Shane Clark

F: Antonio Pena

Bench: Corey Stokes (2007)

LOSSES: None

ARIZONA STATE (2)

G: James Harden (2007)

G: Ty Abbott

G: Derek Glasser

F: Jeff Pendergraph

C: Eric Boateng (2005)

LOSSES: CHRISTIAN POLK

GEORGIA TECH (2)

G: Iman Shumpert (2008)

G: Lewis Clinch

G: Maurice Miller

F: D’Andre Bell

F: Gani Lawal (2007)

LOSSES: Anthony Morrow, Jeremis Smith

FLORIDA (2)

G: Nick Calathes (2007)

G: Jai Lucas (2007)

G: Walter Hodge

F: Dan Werner

F: Chandler Parsons

LOSSES: Marreese Speights

OKLAHOMA (2)

G: Willie Warren (2008)

G: Tony Crocker

G: Austin Johnson

F: Blake Griffin (2007)

F: Taylor Griffin

LOSSES: David Godbold, Longar Longar

OKLAHOMA STATE (2)

G: Byron Eaton (2005)

G: Terrel Harris

G: Obi Muonelo

F: James Anderson (2007)

C: Ibrahima Thomas

LOSSES: Marcus Dove

USC (1)

G: Daniel Hackett

G: Dwight Lewis

F: DeMar DeRozan (2008)

F: Taj Gibson

F: Davon Jefferson

LOSSES: O.J. Mayo (2007)

ARIZONA (1)

G: Nic Wise

G: Brandon Jennings (2008)

F: Fendi Onobun

F: Jamelle Horne

F: Jordan Hill

LOSSES: Jawann McClellan (2004), Jerryd Bayless (2007), Chase Budinger (2006)

LOUISVILLE (1)

G Edgar Sosa

G: Jerry Smith

G Andre McGee

F: Terrence Williams

F: Samardo Samuels (2008)

LOSSES: David Padgett (2003), Earl Clark (2006), Derrick Caracter, Juan Palacios

ALABAMA (1)

G: Brandon Hollinger

G: Senario Hillman

F: JaMychal Green (2008)

F: Alonzo Gee

F: Demetrius Jemison

LOSSES: RICO PICKETT, Richard Hendrix (2005), Ronald Steele, Mykal Riley

KENTUCKY (1)

G: Jodie Meeks

G: Michael Porter

F: Patrick Patterson (2007)

F: Ramon Harris

F: Perry Stevenson

LOSSES: Joe Crawford (2004), Ramel Bradley

N.C. STATE (1)

G: Courtney Fells

G: Farnold Degand

G: Javier Gonzalez

F: Brandon Costner (2005)

F: Ben McCauley

LOSSES: J.J. Hickson (2007), Gavin Grant

NOTRE DAME (1)

G: Kyle McAlarney

G: Tory Jackson

F: Ryan Ayers

F: Luke Harangody

C: Luke Zeller (2005)

LOSSES: Rob Kurz

BAYLOR (1)

G: Curtis Jerrells

G: Henry Dugat

G: LaceDarius Dunn

F: Kevin Rogers

C: Josh Lomers

Bench: Tweety Carter (2006)

LOSSES: Aaron Bruce

LSU (1)

G: Terry Martin

G: Garrett Temple

G: Marcus Thornton

F: Tasmin Mitchell (2005)

C: Chris Johnson

LOSSES: Anthony Randolph

TEXAS (1)

G: D.J. Augustin (2006)

G: A.J. Abrams

G: Justin Mason

F: Damion James

C: Connor Atchley

LOSSES: None

AUBURN (1)

G: Rasheem Barrett

G: Quantez Robertson

G: DeWayne Reed

F: Korvotney Barber (2005)

C: Josh Dollard

LOSSES: Frank Tolbert, Quan Prowell

CINCINNATI (1)

G: Deonta Vaughn

G: Larry Davis

F: Mike Williams (2004)

F: Rashad Bishop

C: Anthony McClain

LOSSES: John Williamson, Jamual Warren, Adam Hyrcaniuk

GONZAGA (1)

G: Matt Bouldin

G: Steven Gray

F: Micah Downs (2005)

F: Josh Heytvelt

F: Austin Daye

LOSSES: Jeremy Pargo, Abdullahi Kuso, David Pendergraft

MEMPHIS (1)

G: Tyreke Evans (2008)

G: Chris Douglas-Roberts

G: Antonio Anderson

F: Shawn Taggart

F: Robert Dozier

LOSSES: Derrick Rose (2007), Joey Dorsey

WASHINGTON (1)

G: Justin Dentmon

G: Venoy Overton

G: Joel Smith

F: Quincy Pondexter

F: Jon Brockman (2005)

LOSSES: Ryan Appleby, Tim Morris

OREGON (1)

G: Tajuan Porter

G: Kamyron Brown

G: LeKendric Longmire

F: Joevan Catron

C: Michael Dunigan (2008)

LOSSES: Malik Hairston (2004), Maarty Leunen, Bryce Taylor

WAKE FOREST (1)

G: Jeff Teague

G: LD Williams

G: Ishmael Smith

F: James Johnson

C: Chas McFarland

Bench: Al-Farouq Aminu (2008)

LOSSES: None

CONNECTICUT (1)

G: AJ Price

G: Jerome Dyson

F: Stanley Robinson

F: Jeff Adrien

C: Hasheem Thabeet

Bench: Kemba Walker (2008)

LOSSES: None

FLORIDA STATE (1)

G: Toney Douglas

G: Brian Hoff

F: Chris Singleton (2008)

F: Uche Echefu

F: Ryan Reid

LOSSES: Isaiah Swann, Ralph Mims, Jason Rich

VIRGINIA (1)

G: Sylven Landesberg (2008)

G: Jeff Jones

G: Calvin Baker

F: Mamadi Diane

F: Mike Scott

LOSSES: Sean Singletary, Adrian Joseph

RUTGERS (1)

G: Corey Chandler

G: Anthony Farmer

G: Mike Coburn

F: JR Inman

F: Jaron Griffin

Bench: Michael Rosario (2008)

LOSSES: None

NEVADA (1)

G: Brandon Fields

G: Armon Johnson

G: Lyndale Burleson

F: Luke Babbitt (2008)

F Malik Cooke

LOSSES: JaVale McGee, Demarshay Johnson, Marcelus Kemp

TENNESSEE (1)

G: Ramar Smith

G: JP Prince

F: Scotty Hopson (2008)

F: Tyler Smith

F: Wayne Chism

LOSSES: Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith

Darrell Arthur: NBA Draft Profile

Jeff Fox — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:53:54 -0700

Darrell Arthur

College: Kansas

Class: Sophomore

Position: PF

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 225lbs

Accolades: All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (07), Big 12 All-Rookie Team (07), USA U-19 Team (07), McDonald’s All-American – high school (06), Third Team Parade All-American (06), co-Mr. Basketball – Texas – high school (06), 4A Player of the Year – Texas – high school (05 & 06), 4A State Title Tournament MVP – Texas – high school (05 & 06).

Scouting Report: An ideal NBA prospect – big, strong, athletic, and skilled.

Strengths: Very athletic for his size – can run the floor, good jumping ability. Good range on his jumper. Solid back to the basket moves. Gets good position in post and attacks. Good passer. Good shot blocker. Has the ability to take his man off the dribble. Long wingspan.

Weaknesses: Will need to add some weight/strength to play the post in the NBA. Still inexperienced and young. Due to Kansas’ depth he never played major minutes in college – averaged less than 20 mpg his freshman year, less than 24 mpg his sophomore season. Also never put up big stats due to the Jayhawks’ depth. Foul prone.

Projected 2008 Draft Range: Lottery pick to mid-first round pick.

Consensus: Watching Arthur play he just looks the part of an NBA prospect. With decent size, wingspan and offensive skills, Arthur is made for the pro game. He might not be ready right away, but within a few seasons he should be a NBA starter.

Stats: Darrell Arthur Stats

NBA Draft on CollegeHoops.net

More 2008 NBA Draft Profiles

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CHN's Six-Star Ranking System

= Superstar/All-NBA Potential

= Potential NBA All-Star

= Consistent NBA Starter

= 6th Man/Fringe Starter

= Career Reserve

= Fringe NBA Player/12th Man

0 stars = Life in the Minor Leagues

2008 CHN All-Final Four & MOP

Jeff Fox — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:09:11 -0700

After a National Championship game for the ages, and a Final Four utterly dominated by Kansas & Memphis, it is no shock that CHN’s All-Final Four team is all Jayhawks and Tigers.

MOP: Mario Chalmers, Kansas

Final Four Averages: 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg, 3.5spg

Chalmers truly was Super Mario in the championship game versus Memphis. By now the whole world has heard and seen his last second three-pointer to tie the game in regulation, but he excelled in other aspects of the game also. Always a tough defender, he was a thorn in Memphis’ side as they tried to run their offense and picked off four balls. Plus Memphis’ ultimate Achilles Heal was Chalmers strong suit this game – he was 6-6 from the charity stripe.

MOP Runner Up: Darrell Arthur, Kansas

Final Four Averages: 13.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 2.0bpg

Arthur quietly had an excellent championship game also. He was his usual exceptional self down low, providing scoring and rebounding (including five on the offensive end), and also knocked down some face up jumpers. Plus he didn’t miss a free throw (2-2).

All Final Four Team:

Guard: Mario Chalmers, Kansas

Guard: Brandon Rush, Kansas

Final Four Averages: 18.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 16/26 FG

Rush scorched UNC to get the Jayhawks into the final. Against Memphis he had a very solid 12 points and six boards. NBA, here he comes (finally).

Guard: Derrick Rose, Memphis

Final Four Averages: 21.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 6.0apg

Rose’s explosive NCAA tournament performance has shown why he, and not Michael Beasley, is the top prospect of this year’s NBA draft.

Guard: Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis

Final Four Averages: 25.0ppg, 2.5rpg, 15/20 FT

His inability to hit clutch free throws kept Memphis from winning its first men’s hoops national championship and also kept Douglas-Roberts from being CHN’s Final Four MOP. Pretty sure the first one hurts more than the second.

Forward: Darrell Arthur, Kansas

Top Pictures of the Championship Game!

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:07:30 -0700

Top images from the 2008 NCAA Championship Game! I apologize to Memphis fans for the pics below of getting dunked on.. but I'm waiting until our photo partner, Icon Sports Media, puts up more shots. Check by in the morning for more!

Sasha Kaun Finishes an Alley Oop

Brandon Rush Finishes Over Antonio Anderson

Brandon Rush Finishes Over Antonio Anderson.. From Another Angle

Darrell Arthur Dunks in Joey Dorsey's Face

Dorsey Gets Revenge With a Sick Block

Bill Self Looking Awkwardly Excited Cutting Down the Net

Brandon Rush Celebrates With Streamers Flying By

Finals Report Card: Kansas 75, Memphis 68

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:36:51 -0700

Well, it's all over and the Kansas Jayhawks are the national champions, defeating Memphis 75-68 in overtime. And the miraculous end to regulation couldn't have been more fitting, coming twenty years after "Danny and the Miracles" won KU's last national crown.

Mario Chalmers, named MOP of the Tournament, nailed a game-tying three pointer with 2.1 seconds remaining. The shot had the effect of a sharp right cross on the Tigers, who even though they staggered around to stay alive in the extra session had the wind knocked out of them by that shot.

Two things ended up being correct in the end:

1. The assertion by many "experts" that foul shooting would eventually cost Memphis the national title. Three missed free throws late by Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose gave KU just enough wiggle room to get the game into overtime;

2. Bill Self was right in his pregame talk, telling his players that what happened tonight would stay with them for just about every day of the remainder of their lives. For Kansas, the daily feeling will be something that brings a smile to their faces. For Memphis, just the opposite.

Some final grades for tonight's game:

Kansas

Mario Chalmers: A If not for Mario's shot, we're talking about Memphis finishing their season 39-1 with a national title.

Sherron Collins: A Collins came up big off the bench for the Jayhawks, getting a key steal late in regulation that allowed Kansas to get to within four at 60-56.

Darrell Arthur: A 20 points, 10 rebounds. A major reason why Kansas outrebounded Memphis by ten, and Joey Dorsey only had two boards.

Russell Robinson: C Not the best night for the senior, but he will leave Lawrence with a national title. Good stuff. As the game wore on, it was clear that Collins was the more effective of the two, hence Robinson only playing twenty minutes.

Brandon Rush: B As he did all season long, Rush was all over the stat sheet with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a blocked shot.

Darnell Jackson and Sasha Kaun: B The two combined for twelve points and ten rebounds in the win.

Memphis

Derrick Rose: B- He came up big in the second half, but it may have been a product of his cramping heading into OT that took away some of his aggression in the extra session.

Chris Douglas-Roberts: B CDR overall had a good game with 22 points and six rebounds. But those missed free throws are going to live with him for some time. Terrible fate for such an outstanding player, but in March these types of things happen.

Antonio Anderson: C Didn't get a whole lot going in regards to his shot, making just three of his nine attempts for nine points.

Joey Dorsey: C- I really thought he was going to get things rolling in the second half, but what ensued was a near disappearance (only two boards for the game) and his fouling out with 2:31 left in regulation. With Kansas scoring inside to start OT, think the Tigers could have used him.

Robert Dozier: B Didn't have a good first half, but he held his own for the night with eleven points and ten rebounds. The other Tiger forwards (who saw key minutes) racked up two and three rebounds each.

Shawn Taggart: C- At least he scored in the second half, but he didn't supply much else to the cause in this one. But it may have been more about what KU's big men did than anything he didn't do...other than get in foul trouble early.

Halftime Report Card: Kansas 33, Memphis 28

Raphielle Johnson — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:33:38 -0700

We're halfway to knowing who our national champion will be, and Kansas heads into the break with a five-point lead after scoring the half's final five points. Sherron Collins, thought by some to be headed to a fate similar to that experienced by other undersized guards who have encountered Memphis in the Tournament, has been a spark on both ends of the floor. For Memphis, Derrick Rose needs to be much more assertive on offense. One made field goal, and he's giving up his dribble much too quickly thus far. Here's a grade for each player who saw action, beginning with the starters for both teams. Kansas G Mario Chalmers: B Chalmers has seven points thus far, but most of his time has been spent chasing around Chris Douglas-Roberts on the other end. CDR was hot early, but has cooled down of late. G Russell Robinson: C- Two quick fouls for the senior guard, who was supposed to be the main man in slowing down Derrick Rose. G Brandon Rush: B Made a couple of shots to tally six points, but he could be the best candidate to get even more in the second half. F Darrell Arthur: B+ Arthur has done his part in getting the Jayhawks the lead heading into the locker room. 5-8, 10 points in the first stanza. F Darnell Jackson: B- No field goals as of yet, but Jackson has been one of the keys in regards to Kansas' advantage in the rebounding category. G Sherron Collins: A- You could argue that this man has been the difference thus far, even though he's only got four points to show for it. The longer he keeps Rose from attacking the basket, the better for Bill Self's bunch. C Sasha Kaun: B Just like Jackson, his primary contribution has been the work on the backboards. But he does have four points to show for his effort as well. C Cole Aldrich: incomplete thus far Memphis G Derrick Rose: D Is he still feeling the effect of the junk-food induced stomach ache that gave him some difficulty yesterday? If the Tigers are to pull this one out, he'd better be much more assertive on the offensive end. G Antonio Anderson: C Besides one three-pointer, Anderson hasn't done a whole lot to help the cause thus far. He played well against UCLA on Saturday, but his first half tonight would be manageable if Rose were producing. G Chris Douglas-Roberts: B+ CDR was Memphis' best offensive option in the first half, going for thirteen points. But he cooled off after a 5-7 start from the field. F Robert Dozier: C- Two quick fouls for Dozier sent him to the bench, but at least he didn't pick up number three. F Joey Dorsey: B They went inside to him early, scoring the game's first points. And he didn't pick up his second until 2:31 left in the half. All in all a decent twenty minutes for Mr. Dorsey, but he needs some help on the glass. F Shawn Taggart: C- 0-4 from the field and two quick fouls...not a good first half for Taggart. G Doneal Mack: incomplete (0-1 from the field in limited time) G Willie Kemp: incomplete (not much PT, no shot attempts)

Championship Game: Fearless Prediction

Jeff Borzello — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:31:20 -0700

Part of Jeff Borzello's epic National Championship Game Preview

Memphis vs Kansas: The Winner is...

This game is going to be outstanding. After Saturday's Final Four contests, I sure hope it is. For the second year in a row, it is a No. 1 vs. a No. 1 – although that was a foregone conclusion given what the Final Four was comprised of. Both teams are obviously extremely talented, with future pros up and down the respective rosters, and have been tested all season. The two teams have combined for just four losses all season, and neither team wants to drop another one. I’m expecting a terrific battle.

If Memphis is going to continue its dream season, it will need to do several things in order to get the win. First, it will need to get big games from Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts again. Both players were unbelievable in the semifinals and have really carried the team over the past couple of weeks. They need to continue to be aggressive and get off to good starts. Furthermore, a third option will have to step up. If those two get bottled up or at least slowed down, someone else has to be able to contribute offensively. Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier are candidates. As for free-throw shooting, as long as Rose or CDR have the ball late, it won’t be a factor. Defensively, Joey Dorsey needs to stay on the floor. He was a major factor against UCLA and Kevin Love, and has the ability to dominate the boards at both ends of the floor against Kansas. The Jayhawks struggle to rebound the ball at times; Dorsey needs to take advantage of that, but he can only do that if he stays out of foul trouble. Furthermore, the Tigers need to force turnovers and get easy baskets. Kansas had 19 turnovers against North Carolina, and can be prone to careless passes. Memphis needs to take advantage of that, so they can push the pace and get transition offense.

On the other side, Kansas also has to do a variety of things if it wants to win the national championship. The key will be its defense. The Jayhawks have plenty of individual defensive talent on the perimeter – but so did UCLA, and we all saw what happened when they tried to guard Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts. Slowing those two down should be number one on the priority list for KU. Russell Robinson, Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush have a tough assignment. The Jayhawks also need to rebound the ball and limit second opportunities for Memphis. Kansas has struggled at times to grab defensive boards, but it needs to make sure to rebound and not allow Memphis to get multiple chances at points. Furthermore, competing for offensive boards slows down Memphis’ transition game. Offensively, Kansas has to get the ball down low to Darrell Arthur and the other big men early and often. Arthur got several touches at the outset of the North Carolina game, and converted for baskets inside. However, the Jayhawks’ guards sometimes forget about him in the paint and he does not get involved in the offense. Kansas also needs to take care of the ball and not give Memphis easy baskets. The Tigers’ thrive on turnovers and mistakes, and the Jayhawks had a problem with that against North Carolina. They can’t have a repeat of that.

As a stark contrast to the previous two Final Four games, I have a feeling this game is going to come down to the final minutes. Both teams are loaded all over their rosters, and they have both been excellent since the outset of the season. However, I’m going with the team I picked No. 1 at the beginning of the season – Memphis. Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts have been unstoppable lately, and they have the scoring ability to overcome Kansas’ defensive pressure, while Joey Dorsey will control the inside. Too many turnovers and not enough outside shots late in the game will be Kansas’ downfall as John Calipari will get his first national championship.

Prediction: Memphis 78, Kansas 74

The Complete Championship Game Preview includes our prediction, player analysis, and more

Championship Game: Individual Matchup Analysis

Jeff Borzello — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:29:20 -0700

Part of Jeff Borzello's epic National Championship Game Preview

Individual Player Matchup Analysis

Derrick Rose vs. Russell Robinson: This is going to be one of the key match-ups of the game. Rose was the best point guard in the country over the past few weeks, but Robinson is a lockdown defender who will try to contain him. Advantage: Memphis

Antonio Anderson vs. Mario Chalmers: Both players can do a variety of things on the court, and will be factors. Anderson is the consummate role player, while Chalmers is a playmaker at both ends of the floor. Advantage: Kansas

Chris Douglas-Roberts vs. Brandon Rush: What a match-up on the wing. Both players are playing their best basketball of the season at the right time, with Douglas-Roberts utterly unstoppable lately. Rush is developing into a go-to-guy, but he will have his hands-full with CDR. Advantage: Memphis

Robert Dozier vs. Darrell Arthur: Two very talented players that don’t always play to their potential. Dozier can do a variety of things, while Arthur might be the key for Kansas. He needs to get the ball in position to score, and then execute inside. Advantage: Kansas

Joey Dorsey vs. Darnell Jackson: Another interesting match-up. Dorsey is extremely strong down low, but Jackson will not back down from him and has the ability to hold his own inside. Jackson is a solid offensive option; will Dorsey do anything at that end? Advantage: Memphis

Memphis Bench vs. Kansas Bench: Both teams are deep on the bench, and can really bring difference-makers into the game off the pine. Shawn Taggart is the main man for Memphis, but Doneal Mack can shoot and Willie Kemp can handle. Kansas’ Sherron Collins is outstanding, but Sasha Kaun is a former starters and Cole Aldrich has been solid lately. Advantage: Even

John Calipari vs. Bill Self: Both coaches have done great jobs this year, when it comes to juggling ample amounts of talent and keeping chemistry a positive instead of a negative. Calipari continues to be able to get “non-BCS” teams to the Final Four, while Self finally got the monkey off his back and advanced to the Final Four. Neither coach has won a championship before, but Calipari has done a great job of exploiting the right match-ups lately. Advantage: Memphis

The Complete Championship Game Preview includes our prediction, player analysis, and more