Oklahoma

Big 12 Coach Ranking: Self-Esteem

Kevin McNeill — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:08:14 -0500

Continuing this week's Coach Ranking series: The Big 12

#1) Bill Self, Kansas

Being the head basketball coach at Kansas can be a little intimidating. One must not only excel in the midst of almost implausible fan expectations and media saturation year in and year out, but must coach in the constant shadow of the likes of Hall of Famers Phog Allen, Larry Brown, Roy Williams, and some guy named Dr. James Naismith. For Bill Self, however, those were the least of his worries.

Arriving in Lawrence after taking Tulsa and Illinois to the Elite Eight, Self had to fill the shoes of a beloved coach in Williams, who stunned fans with his departure to North Carolina soon after losing the national title game to Syracuse. He also had to work overtime to convince Williams’ recruits not to follow him.

While Self’s first season saw the Jayhawks come within a hair of returning to the Final Four in an overtime loss to Georgia Tech, he had to overcome constant distractions, not the least of which included reports of Williams contacting his former players during the season. Adding insult to injury, the following year Williams went on to win the national championship against Self’s former team, while KU lost in the first round in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1978. The Jawhawks again bowed out in the first round the next season – the first year in which Self was mostly playing his own recruits - leading the simmering “fire Self!” KU message board posts to rise to a dull roar.

Well, they’re pretty quiet now. Bill Self stands right alongside those great coaches in Kansas lore, sporting a national championship (just the third in KU’s history) and a ridiculous .816 winning percentage since arriving on campus. He is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation, so much so that his Jawhawk team is currently ranked in the Top 25 despite losing five players to the NBA, and eight overall from last year.

He also turns all of 47 in December, which means he will be on the sideline and winning games for a long time to come.

# 2) Scott Drew, Baylor

It may be considered a stretch to label such a young coach as the second best coach in the conference, but the program he has built up from the smoldering rubble of the Dave Bliss fiasco is nothing less than astonishing.

To recap, after it was revealed Bliss committed some minor infractions, such as framing a murder victim to cover his illegal payments, the Bears were forced to play a half season in 2005-06, lost scholarships, and had paid recruiting visits reduced from twelve to nine for the 2006-07 season. Oh, and the program was placed on probation until June 22, 2010.

Despite all this, Drew has assembled top notch recruiting classes year in and year out, and last season carried Baylor to 21 wins and a NCAA Tournament berth, only their second appearance since 1950 (the other being 1988).

Seriously, how many coaches in America could have led a team to the Big Dance five years after the NCAA leveled the most severe penalties on a basketball program since the Southwestern Louisiana point shaving scandal? With a school with little to zero winning basketball tradition (unlike say Kentucky, who was able to rebound not long after the Eddie Sutton affair)? How many could talk a blue-chip recruit like LaceDarius Dunn, and others, into coming to Waco, despite the fact the school won’t be off probation until he’s a senior?

Going out on a limb, I’d say very few, which is why Baylor very wisely signed Drew to a 10 year contract extension after last season.

#3) Rick Barnes, Texas

In a conference that sports no less than nine coaches with two seasons or less under their belts with their respective teams, Barnes stands out for his consistency.

He is a three-time Big 12 coach of the year. In his ten years at the helm, the Longhorns have not missed a NCAA Tournament, with two Elite Eight appearances in the last three years, five Sweet Sixteen runs in the past seven, and a Final Four in 2003. Barnes also has three regular season titles to his credit, although he has not yet won the Big 12 Tournament.

#4) Jeff Capel, Oklahoma

Jeff Capel, as with some other relatively new coaches in the Big 12, have to be rated more for their potential than their achievements, due to their youth and experience. Still, after just two seasons, it is starting to look like the former Dukie could well be one of the best hires in school history.

After taking over for Kelvin Sampson, and subsequently losing blue chip-recruits Scottie Reynolds and Damion James to other programs, Capel has done an outstanding job of bringing in top notch talent to Norman, led by future stars Blake Griffin and now Willie Warren. He also engineered a remarkable turnaround last season, winning 23 games and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after finishing 7^th in the conference a year earlier.

Capel should stick around long enough to build the Sooners into a perennial conference contender…so long as Coach K doesn’t retire anytime soon.

#5) Mark Turgeon, Texas A&M

The Aggies got off to a great start in Turgeon’s first season, finishing with a 25–11 record and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The 25 wins matched a Big 12 record for the most wins by a first-year coach.

While they lost DeAndre Jordan to an ill-advised decision to enter the NBA Draft, the Aggies still look like they could build on that success this year. Turgeon, like so many new coaches in the Big 12, is an outstanding recruiter and is building the foundation for long term success, starting with incoming freshman David Loubeau and what is so far an outstanding 2009 class.

#6) Travis Ford, Oklahoma State

Ford arrives at Oklahoma State as one of the hottest coaching prospects in the country, having turned down an offer from Providence, and taking himself out of consideration at LSU before accepting the job in Stillwater. He led UMass to 49 combined wins in the past two seasons, and before that memorably led Eastern Kentucky to the NCAA Tournament where they gave his alma mater, Kentucky, all they could handle in the first round.

Ford is aggressive on the recruiting trail, likes to constantly push his players, and likes to score – a lot. With the three point line moving back, Oklahoma State fans may not see the Cowboys throw up as many threes as UMass did last year (they attempted over 900), but they will definitely see a far more up-tempo style than they are used to.

#7) Jeff Bzdelik, Colorado

Coach Bzdelik came to Boulder having just overseen the most successful season in the history of the Air Force Academy, with a 26-9 record and a NIT semifinal run. He led the Falcons to only their second NCAA Tournament appearance in over 40 years in his first season.

Not to belabor the point, but if you can coach and recruit at a US military academy – where sky-high SAT scores and academic requirements for admission all but disqualify 85% of applicants – you can coach and recruit anywhere. Colorado is very young and in the process of rebuilding, but they should begin to show signs of growth under Bzdelik in his second season.

#8) Doc Sadler, Nebraska

The Nebraska Cornhusker basketball team opened their first practice on October 17^th… in full view of about “30-40 Husker fans,” according to the school. By contrast, the Nebraska Spring football game drew a record crowd of more than 80,000 back in April.

Such is the life of college basketball at a football school. Still, having recorded a 20 win season last year, and an NIT berth, in just his second season, Doc Sadler looks like he has the program headed in the right direction. Losing Aleks Maric will hurt, but the Huskers could sneak up on some teams this year.

#9) Mike Anderson, Missouri

Mike Anderson showed glimpses of his potential after taking over for Quin Synder, going a respectable 18-12 in his first season. But the following year, just as Mizzou fans were starting to move on from the Ricky Clemons fiasco, off-court issues tripped up their season once again.

Right at the start of conference play, five players were involved in a bar fight that led to their suspension, and, eventually, the dismissal of leading scorer Stefhon Hannah – forcing the team to finish the year short-handed. Even before the season started, leading rebounder Kalen Grimes was dismissed from the team for smashing someone’s face with the butt of a shotgun, Darryl Butterfield – who was later one of the players involved in the bar fight - was arrested for punching an ex-girlfriend, transfer DeMarre Carroll was shot in the ankle, and Mike Anderson, Jr. – the coach’s son, had a DUI.

The Tigers have a lot of potential this season, especially with the arrival of transfer Zaire Taylor. But Coach Anderson will be judged not only by his ability to get his team back to the Big Dance after a five year hiatus, but also whether his strict new team rules can finally get this program under control.

#10) Greg McDermott, Iowa State

When Greg McDermott first began coaching, at Division II Wayne State, he compiled a losing record over his first two years at the helm. He then guided them to four straight 20 win seasons. At Northern Iowa, he endured a losing record in each of his first two seasons, then rattled off three straight 20 win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances before heading to Ames.

Iowa State has gone 29-34 under Coach McDermott in his first two seasons. Cyclones fans are anxiously awaiting his third.

#11) Frank Martin, Kansas State

It’s no secret that Coach Martin at least in part owes his job to his close relationship with Michael Beasley, specifically his ability to keep Beasley on campus after the shocking departure of Bob Huggins to West Virginia. Now that Beasley is gone, Martin has a lot to prove.

#12) Pat Knight, Texas Tech

Texas Tech fans are still stewing over the surprise mid-season resignation of Bob Knight, and the quick transfer of coaching duties to his son, whose only head coaching experience was a very brief stint in the USBL and IBA, with teams that folded soon after he arrived.

After taking over, the Red Raiders lost 7 of their last 11 games. Inconsistency was the main concern, evidenced by a great win at home against Texas followed up by a 58 point drubbing by Kansas.

College Football: Three Games, Two Views

Raphielle Johnson — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:11:53 -0500

Well Billy and I are back with three more big games to preview on "Rivalry Week", and the three games in this piece all have conference title implications. One of those game will have a direct impact on the national title hunt, while another is a rivalry marked by its hatred spiced up by a possible BCS berth on the line. The third game features the nation's largest rivalry trophy that can be carried (the Fremont Cannon between UNLV and Nevada has them beat) along with the stakes of a Rose Bowl berth. And in case you were wondering, we won't be talking about the Apple Cup (Washington/Washington St.) in this article either. Enjoy.

#15 Michigan State @ #8 Penn State 3:30 PM on ABC (regional)

Billy Palmer: This game is huge! It may not have a lot of national title implications but it still has the prize of the Big 10 title possibly at stake. If Michigan were to somehow shock Ohio State then the winner of this game would be the Big 10 champ. If Penn State wins they are the conference champions no matter what the outcome of the Ohio State v Michigan game is. Michigan State wants to upset Penn State and hope their in-state rivals will upset Ohio State. Look, I'm not going to play around here. Penn State is definitely the better team right? Not necessarily! Throw out the Ohio State clunker and they haven't played a bad game all year. I don't think this is necessarily a walk in the park for the Nittany Lions.

Michigan State needs to copy exactly what Iowa did against Penn State. They need to use Ringer a lot (which they have no problem doing), protect the ball, and good consistent quarterback play from Hoyer. Penn State is a blue collared team and their own kryptonite is doing the blue collared thing to them. You know, a little of the "give them a dose of their own medicine" thing. Penn State's defense is pretty salty so that will be a very hard task to accomplish for the Spartans. So you could just say the key to the game is the Spartans ability to just play solid and mistake free football.

Raphielle Johnson: Billy, how about we clear one thing up right now: Michigan will not beat Ohio State. As for this one, Penn State hasn't looked the same since that Ohio State win. Darryl Clark, who was spectacular early on, has not played as well since that concussion that sent him to the bench in that game. Completing just eight passes in the loss to Iowa and a mediocre effort against a bad Indiana team last week would have me worried if I were a Nittany Lion fan. But that's where running back Evan Royster comes into play. Royster has run for 1,123 yards and twelve touchdowns this season and will be key in keeping Javon Ringer off the field. Receivers Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood can do some serious damage through the air, but that Spartan secondary is nothing to scoff at.

Another player to watch is Michigan State QB Brian Hoyer. Given his uneven play this season, along with the absence of a big-play receiver, what's stopping Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley from sticking eight in the box and forcing Hoyer to beat them through the air? Hoyer will have to play the best game of his season in this one, making the Lions pay for such a strategy. Ringer's one game in which he was subdued was against Ohio State, where the Buckeyes held him to sixty-seven yards and no touchdowns in a 45-7 drubbing in East Lansing.

Key to the Game

BP: Michigan State's ability to play mistake-free football

RJ: Brian Hoyer vs. Penn State secondary

Prediction

BP: Well, it's Senior Day in Happy Valley so don't expect the upset. Michigan State will keep this a tight game well into the 3rd quarter when Evan Royster hits a long run. Penn State D will then get momentum and cash in a couple of Hoyer turnovers. Penn State wins 27-17.

RJ: I have to agree with your pick here. Hoyer hasn't shown enough throughout the year to lead me to believe that he can take advantage should Penn State load the box. Nittany Lions win 21-10 and send Joe Paterno to Pasadena for the second time.

#14 BYU @ #7 Utah 6 PM EST on The Mtn.

BP: Utah has survived up to this point. They've remained undefeated for 11 games so far. One team stands between Utah and a likely BCS game, and that is the BYU Cougars. Both of these teams have played pretty good football all season. However, both have shown that they have a tendency to sometimes play like they are bored. Both teams have played close games against teams that shouldn't even compete with them. Well, throw that all out the window.

This is a big profile game and the game has serious meaning. I think the key to the game is if Utah will be to wound up and too tight. They are playing for a perfect season and sometimes for teams that haven't been there that often they tend to press a little when the spotlight is on them. If Utah stays calm and plays their type of game they will be headed to a BCS game. If not, BYU could keep it close with Max Hall and pull off a huge dream-crushing win.

RJ: In a lot of rivalry games, the word "hate" is thrown around more as lip service than as fact. That doesn't apply here, with a history of brawls, comments about which school's grads will be pumping the other's gas, and usually a conference title on the line. Utah may be the undefeated team with a shot at the BCS should they win, but are they really that much better than the Cougars? Of course Utah beat TCU while the Cougars were whipped on national television, but I think BYU is finally snapping out of that post-TCU hangover that stuck with them for so long. The offense is still prolific, led by QB Max Hall, WR Austin Collie and RB Harvey Unga. And tight end Dennis Pitta is one of a few contributors who could be back for this one after missing time due to injury.

Utah, on the other hand, has encountered little adversity besides having to come back and beat TCU at home. QB Brian Johnson is well on his way to being named Mountain West Player of the Year, and if this one comes down to a kick late there's no one you'd rather send out there than the Utes' Louie Sakoda. The question for the Cougars is what they can do to slow down the Mountain West's third-ranked offense, given the fact that they rank 6th in the conference (54th overall) in total defense. But with the stakes as high as they are, BYU will show up on that side of the football.

Key to the Game

BP: Utah's state of mind

RJ: BYU's defensive execution

Prediction

BP: Utah will take control of this game from the beginning. BYU is loaded with offensive talent but Utah has just as much defense. Max Hall will struggle all day and Utah plays a perfect game with the result of a perfect season. Utah wins going away 30-13.

RJ: I see this one being tight for four quarters; the last time Utah was playing this game for a BCS berth was 2004 when they blew out the Cougars 52-21. But this Utah team isn't that dominant, and BYU isn't playing for a lame duck coach like the 2004 team was. Utah wins 34-31 with a touchdown late. Too bad this game isn't on a network that the majority of the nation has easy access to.

#2 Texas Tech @ #5 Oklahoma 8 PM EST on ABC

BP: This has been the year of the Big 12. Loaded with dominating teams, offenses and quarterbacks. This week is Texas Tech visiting Oklahoma. This is unfamiliar water for Texas Tech; ranked #2 this late in the season with their destiny in their own hands isn't something they have ever had to deal with. Oklahoma, on the other hand has had to deal with big games like this nearly 2 or 3 times a year and has only lost 2 times at home in the career of Bob Stoops. I love the Tech passing game but I think their running attack is definitely underrated. They are loaded at WR but nobody talks about the running backs. Shannon Woods and Baron Batch have combined for over 1200 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. In fact, the Red Raiders are very close to having more rushing yards than they've ever had under Leach.

I think both teams are going to score points but I think the ability of Texas Tech to run the ball will be the key to this game. Historically, Texas Tech has had a tough time running the ball well on Oklahoma (and in Norman especially). I think the young Oklahoma linebacker corps needs to be on there game and make the right reads on draw plays that Tech loves to use. If OU shuts down the run and forces Texas Tech to pass and be completely one dimensional they will win the game. If Texas Tech can establish the run and keep the Sooner D off balance then I believe the Red Raiders have a chance to pull off an upset.

RJ: Yes the Red Raiders have had trouble running against the Sooners in recent meetings, but a key component in those games is out with a knee injury (MLB Ryan Reynolds). Austin Box performed well in his stead against Kansas State, but the Wildcats have nowhere near the talent on offense that rolls into Norman on Saturday night. Graham Harrell is racking up big numbers as usual, thanks to an outstanding receiving corps and an offensive line that people started talking about early in the season for their idiosyncrasies, only to come to the realization that they're very good blockers as well.

But the vastly-improved Red Raider defense will go up against its stiffest test of the season, given how balanced that Oklahoma attack is. Sam Bradford seems to rarely make mistakes in reading defenses, picking foes apart with pinpoint throws to the likes of Manuel Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias among others (Jermaine Gresham is one of the best tight ends in the country as well). And the backfield has a number of options from which to choose, from DeMarco Murray to Chris Brown and even Mossis Madu. Texas was quite the test for Ruffin McNeill's defense the day after Halloween, but their running backs (Colt McCoy doesn't count) aren't as productive as Oklahoma's.

Key to the Game

BP: Texas Tech's rushing offense

BP: Texas Tech's defense

Prediction

BP: I think that Oklahoma will shut down the Texas Tech run game. This game will get out of hand in favor of the Sooners early but I think Texas Tech makes a late rally to make the game look closer than it really was. OU wins 52-40.

RJ: Wow. That's a lot of points right there. Both offenses will have their share of success, but I don't see the wheels falling off the Tech bandwagon like many are expecting. For those who think the touchdown pass to Crabtree against Texas was his defining moment, watch Harrell do it again in a 45-41 win and just about seal the Red Raiders' first-ever Heisman Trophy.

Clip of the Day: Blake Griffin Dunks vs Davidson

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:47:45 -0500

Clip of the Day

Thanks to the genius of YouTube, the world has access to thousands of great college basketball videos to keep us busy every second of every day. We'll be featuring daily movies to whet your college basketball appetite. Even if you've seen them before, some clips are just too good not to watch again and again.

Blake Griffin: Dunks vs Davidson

Fran Fraschilla thinks Blake Griffin is the next Amare Stoudamire.. while that's a bit much, here are some of Griffin's impressive finishes against Davidson

- Watch all of CHN's favorite College Basketball Videos!

- Also check out past Cheerleaders of the Day!

- And finally the Picture of the Day!

Flash: Curry Scores 44, but Davidson Falls to OU

Press Release — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:54:39 -0500

NORMAN, Okla. - Stephen Curry scored a career-high 44 points, but the No. 21 Davidson Wildcats fell 82-78 at No. 12 Oklahoma Tuesday night in the second round of the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off.

Curry was 12-of-29 from the field, 6-of-15 from 3-point range and 14-for-14 from the free-throw line. Andrew Lovedale added 10 points for the Wildcats (2-1).

Blake Griffin led the Sooners (3-0) with 25 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, while Willie Warren scored 20 points, and Taylor Griffin added 16.

The Wildcats are back in action Fridy when they host Winthrop at John M. Belk Arena.

- From Marc Gignac. Davidson Media

NIT Season Tip-Off Preview: OU, Davidson, Purdue, Arizona

Kevin McNeill — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:12:51 -0500

Usually, with all the hope and excitement that naturally accompanies the start of yet another great season, college basketball fans anxiously gather around their sets in November to take in all the...blowouts.

Whether you're awaiting Duke's season opener against the always dangerous Presbyterian College Blue Hose, or mighty UConn testing their mettle against the likes of Bryant and Delaware State, there doesn't seem to be much to look forward to in the very early season.

But there is. The early season tournaments are getting better and better, and this year's might be the best in a long while. So here's a preview of what's to come, and proof that November basketball might not be so bad after all.

2008 Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament (Regionals Nov 17-18, Semifinal and Final Nov 26 and 28)

Key Games (assuming no unexpected upsets in the first round):

Oklahoma vs. Davidson
Arizona vs. UAB / Santa Clara winner
Purdue vs. Georgia
Boston College vs. St. Johns / Cornell winner

Possible Semifinals:

Purdue vs. Boston College
Oklahoma vs. Arizona / UAB

Call this the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately tournament. Just about every participating team was a complete surprise last season...or a disappointment.

Arizona, ranked 17th in the preseason polls, ended up with a 19-15 record, a NCAA Tournament berth, and their very own reality show when it came to their head coach. First, Hall of Fame Coach Lute Olson took a leave of absence from the program just before the start of the season, catching the entire University by surprise. Turns out he was battling a particularly ugly divorce. He left assistant Kevin O'Neill in charge, going so far as to label him the "coach-in-waiting" for when the 74 year old legend decided to gracefully exit the stage, to try to create some semblance of stability.

Then things got interesting. After the Wildcats got off to a mediocre start, several credible reports claimed that Olson was holding private team meetings with the players, more or less to tell them that their "coach-in-waiting" couldn't coach. Olson all but confirmed his impression of O'Neill by refusing to let him have his old job back on the sideline as an assistant when he returned.

But hope was running high in Tucson. Chase Budinger decided to come back. Arizona received commitments from some of the top prospects in the nation to come to Tucson. Lute Olson said he was "excited" and energized to be coaching again (and getting married again). Then, just as practice was underway, Olson abruptly retired due to health reasons, once again throwing the program into disarray right before the start of the season.

Three of Olson's top recruits immediately de-committed. Assistant coach Mike Dunlap turned down the top job because he didn't want the "interim" label, so the school went instead with assistant coach Russ Pennell. The best part? Before joining Olson's staff, Pennell was an assistant coach for the hated, arch-rival Sun Devils for eight years, and actually provided color commentary for the Arizona State University radio network last season.

Suffice it to say, this tournament will be more than just a challenge for the Wildcats.

Davidson and Purdue were both unranked in the preseason polls, with Purdue not even picked to contend in the Big 10, yet ended the season in the Top 25 (Top 10 for Davidson). As a result, both enter the current season on everyone's radar. For Davidson, they have to manage simply unheard of expectations for them following their Elite Eight run and the surprise return of Stephen Curry. Big 10 Coach of the Year Matt Painter has a loaded team coming back, led by Robbie Hummel, and fans are looking for a breakout year from JaJuan Johnson.

Oklahoma is coming off a 20 win season, but a 30-point thrashing to Louisville in the NCAA Tournament still lingers. However, the unexpected decision by Blake Griffin to turn down NBA lottery riches to return to Oklahoma, in addition to the fanfare surrounding incoming freshman Willie Warren, has created a buzz not felt in Norman since their Final Four season seven years ago. With virtually the entire Kansas national championship team now playing in the NBA, the Sooners are the favorites to win the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles, something they haven't done in 20 years, when the conference was still called the Big 8.

Georgia won the SEC tournament, right after losing 11 out of their last 13 games, and finishing with a 4-12 conference record. To win that automatic bid, all the Bulldogs had to do was beat Ole Miss on a banked buzzer-beater in overtime, and then go on to beat Kentucky and the SEC West's #1 seed Mississippi State on the same day, thanks to a tornado ripping apart the Georgia Dome and sending the tournament to Alexander Coliseum at Georgia Tech. They then beat Arkansas in the final with what seemed to be a formality at that point. With Dave Bliss and Sundiata Gaines gone, this figures to be another long season for the Bulldogs. But hey, there's always the SEC Tournament.

UAB is coming off a disappointing loss in the second round of the NIT, after watching their bubble burst on Selection Sunday. The Blazers are looking for redemption, and a ticket back to the NCAA Tournament, but all that depends on Robert Vaden. He needs to be able to continue his school-record setting ways while staying clear of trouble off the court. Whether or not C-USA is once again a one-bid conference could depend on it.

Boston College posted a 14-17 record last season, and the last time we saw them they were nipped by Clemson in the ACC Tournament 82-48. Yet, with four sophomores returning, the arrival of freshman guard Reggie Jackson, and more importantly, all-everything senior Tyrese Rice, team expectations are focused squarely on a winning ACC record.

An Oklahoma - Purdue title game would obviously be the most anticipated matchup of the NIT, but it will be especially interesting to see whether the much-hyped Warren can hold his own against Curry and the speedy Wildcats should the Sooners face Davidson in the earlier game.

Better Pro Prospect: Stephen Curry or Blake Griffin?

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:18:50 -0500

College Basketball: Top Sophomores

Joey Whelan — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:57:46 -0500

Last season’s freshman class was absolutely loaded with talent, as shown by the seven players from that group taken in the NBA Draft lottery back in June. The star power doesn’t end with that group though, as this year’s sophomore group can lay claim to being the strongest class in the country; certainly at the top. This list includes a nice mix of guards and big men, with a couple of inside/outside studs as well. Keep an eye out as many of these individuals will likely end up on All-American lists at the end of the year.

Pick Six: Top Sophomores

CHN's Pick Six series highlights the Top 6 players by position, league, and class.

1. Blake Griffin - Oklahoma

There really wasn’t much debate with making this pick. Not only is Griffin the best returning player from his class, but he may be the best pro prospect in college basketball right now. The big, bruising, athletic specimen’s return to Norman completely changed the landscape of the Big 12 Conference this season. Rather than being a middle of the pack team, the Sooners find themselves ranked 12^th in the pre season AP Poll. With his strength, finesse, soft touch and a devastating developing post game, Griffin is the best big man this side of Tyler Hansbrough, and certainly shows more upside in the long term. He just missed out on a double-double average last season, don’t expect that to be the case this year.

2. James Harden – Arizona State

There are plenty of reasons to love this old-school shooting guard. Harden has a very fundamental game, which is highly polished for a player at his stage of development. There are also few players in his class that can match his basketball IQ right now. Harden proved to be a go-to scorer in his first year with the Sun Devils and was an extremely efficient scorer, posting a 63% true-shooting percentage, good for third in last year’s freshman class. Team’s will be keying in on the budding star even more this season, but with his ability to read defenders and make decisions on the fly, there is no reason to think Harden wont post comparable or better numbers than he did last year.

3. Patrick Patterson – Kentucky

This beast in the middle will be the top big man in the SEC this season. Patterson’s game is still very much a work in progress but he shows tremendous flashes of ability with a soft hook shot and the decisions he makes cutting without the basketball. The scary thing is, at this point, he is so physically dominant; he almost doesn’t need a very refined post game to be a force. Few if any players in the conference can match Patterson’s strength, athleticism and explosiveness on the block. While he isn’t the biggest frontcourt player, listed at 6’8” 223, Patterson does a tremendous job of establishing position inside and pushing would be defenders around while he goes to work. He averaged just under 36 minutes per game last season, don’t expect that number to drop this year.

4. Patrick Mills – Saint Mary’s

The WCC managed to recruit some of the top talent in last year’s freshman class. Mills is an electrifying player who enters this season riding high from an impressive summer stint with the Australian national team, where he averaged 14 points in just 24 minutes of action. Mills’ game is built on speed. Whether it be in the open floor or the half court set, few players can match the point guard, particularly his devastating first step. He shows pretty good court vision and distributes the ball well, but clearly he is a shoot first guard. If he cuts down on the number of three-pointers he chucks up this season (nearly six per game last year) Mills should see an increase in his already solid offensive production.

5. Austin Daye – Gonzaga

This player has already gotten plenty of hype from me, so I won’t delve in much more. Daye poses the most tantalizing combination of size, athleticism and skill in the country this season. At 6’10” and possessing the ability to put the ball on the floor comfortably, attack the basket or shoot from the perimeter, there are few players who can boast this same combination. If the small forward can put it all together this season, not only are we looking at a potential All-American caliber player, but a lottery pick as well.

6. Andrew Ogilvy – Vanderbilt

What is there to not like about a 7-footer who dumps in 17 and 7 a night? Very little. Ogilvy was likely the biggest surprise out of last season’s freshman class, emerging as one of the top underclassmen big men in the country. The Aussie shows good mobility and excellent hands for a true center. His back to the basket game is clearly well developed and he shows outstanding touch with both hands, a rarity at the college level. While inconsistent, he showed that he can knock down the mid-range jumper when he chooses to face up on defenders. While Ogilvy could stand to benefit from getting stronger and a little quicker, there is no denying he is one of the most talented players in his class.

Next in Line: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse; Kyle Singler, Duke; Nick Calathes, Florida; James Anderson, Oklahoma State; DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh

Love it or hate it? Let’s hear it!

Big 12 Weekly Awards: Griffin is POY

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:02:08 -0500

IRVING, Texas - Blake Griffin (Oklahoma) and Toney McCray (Nebraska) have been named the first Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively, for the 2008-09 season in voting by a panel of media covering the conference. It is the fourth career weekly honor (three player, one rookie) for Griffin and the first for McCray.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Blake Griffin, Oklahoma, F, So., 6-10, 251, Oklahoma City, Okla./Oklahoma Christian School

Griffin posted his 11th career double-double with 24 points and 18 rebounds in the Sooners' 83-54 victory over American. The sophomore forward connected on 9-of-11 (.818) field goals, including his first career 3-pointer. His rebound total was a career high and included 16 defensive boards - three less than the entire AU team. Griffin also recorded one assist, one block and one steal without committing a turnover.

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Toney McCray, Nebraska, G, Fr., 6-6, 205, Missouri City, Texas/Fort Bend Elkins

McCray played in his first game for NU after redshirting last season and helped the Cornhuskers to a 63-46 win over San Jose State. The freshman guard finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, both game highs. He shot 6-of-15 (.400) from the floor and made 5-of-8 from the charity stripe. He also had one block and one steal in 23 minutes of action.

GameNight: American at Oklahoma

CHN — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:33:01 -0500

Start: Nov 14 2008 - 8:00pm

Preview & Prediction: By Raphielle Johnson

The preseason favorite to win the Big 12 hosts the defending Patriot League champions in the season opener for both, and the Sooners may get more of a challenge in this one than they will in their NIT Season Tip-Off opener against Mississippi Valley State. Derrick Mercer and Garrison Carr start in the backcourt for the Eagles, who gave Tennessee all they wanted and then some in the first round of last year’s NCAA Tournament. But can they really match up with Preseason All-American Blake Griffin in the frontcourt? That’s the concern for Jeff Jones’ Eagles, but it’s not like the Sooners lack talent outside of the younger Griffin.

Tony Crocker is the notable returnee in the backcourt, but many eyes will be on highly-touted freshman Willie Warren and how he adjusts to the college game. And don’t forget about Taylor Griffin inside as well, a player who can hurt you if you devote too much of your attention to his little brother. Oklahoma will win this game due in large part to their strength inside, but this game will help out American’s big men as the season progresses. They won’t play a big man as talented as Blake Griffin until (possibly) the NCAA Tournament. Winner: Oklahoma

Preview & Prediction: By Blake Hofstad

Oklahoma better be ready for this one. The Eagles return 3 starters from a team that stayed competitive with Tennessee last year. That includes star guards Garrison Carr and Derrick Mercer. Carr is the most talented player in the Patriot League, and is a deadeye from 3-point land. Mercer is one of the best passers to go through the Patriot League. Jeff Capel’s Sooners are looking to improve on last year’s 2^nd round Tourney appearance. The loss of forward Longar Longar will sting, but they have one of the nation’s best to help pick up Longar’s production. Blake Griffin is an early candidate for Player of the Year, and he should average a double-double. Guards Willie Warren and Tony Crocker should contribute in all sorts of ways. In the team scrimmage, the freshman Warren developed a connection with Griffin, finding him 4 times on the lob. Crocker will likely be second on the team in scoring. If Oklahoma can get a win here, it solidifies their position as a frontrunner in the Big 12. But if American swings the upset, it’s a huge blow to the Sooners as well as an influential victory for the Eagles.

The game within the game can be found in the backcourt, where the American tandem of Carr and Mercer square off against the Sooner’s Warren and Crocker. If the Eagles can outperform Oklahoma here, their chances of an upset increase a whole lot more, because I just don’t see American getting the best of Blake Griffin and his older brother Taylor on the boards. Their leading returning rebounder is 6’6”, and they will play a more up-tempo style of play to minimize Griffin’s impact. The Sooners should outrebound American by a large margin. If this game was being played in DC, the Eagles would have a prime chance at an upset. This game being played in Norman, my money’s on Oklahoma, 78-71. Winner: Oklahoma