2008 college preview

While this is primarily and NBA blog, I do like to keep an eye on college hoops. My alma mater, La Salle, hasn't been relevant in nearly 20 years, so it's hard to keep up the passion.

Still, I like to watch the college game, which can be better than the pros in ways. It also keeps me up to date on the upcoming stars. And, since the rule changes, most guys have to play in school for at least one year now, so you will get to know them at least a little bit before they get drafted.

I don't pay nearly as much attention as teh NBA and can usually only name a handful of players, but I can tell you certain teams' lineups and I always do the bracket... legally, of course... I also like to pick my projected Final Four before the season, my sleeper, and some All-America teams, which always include peopel I never heard of in the end.

So for this year:

National Champs - North Carolina def. UCLA

Is that boring or what? Two of the most storied programs, and easy picks this year. I want to say something more interesting. But I can't see a lot of teams that have the depth or experience. It's a matter of attrition, and other teams just not having enough.

I like UNC's trio of Hansborough, Lawson, and Ellington. That's more power than most people have. UCLA finally looks good up front, but who's going to score now?

Other Final Four teams - Memphis, sleeper Washington State

Memphis has talent and can cruise through an easy conference schedule to get a high seed. They did make it to the Elite Eight last year, so I think they can go far in the real tourney. Derrick Rose is suppsoed to be sensational.

Washington State is my official sleeper pick. I suppose they aren't really a sleeper since they came out last year and they are ranked in the top 12. But no one really likes this team, and no one knows who they are. They play great D and get by without stars. I just have this feeling they'll be the team that makes it and still remains unknown. Also, it would be sweet irony if they made the F4 before in-state rivals UW and Gonzaga, who have been on the radar longer. I can see it happening for odd reasons. These things always do....

Random teams to watch:

Georgetown - Roy Hibbert came back. He should be a high pick if he keep improving, and teh Hoyas should be a contender. But without Jeff Green, it's all Roy all the time.

Kansas - Even though Roy Williams left, their penchant for choking hasn't. I loved this team the past two years and they couldn't break through. Despite their talent, I'm losing faith in them. I also think it will be hard to replace Julian Wright, who did so many things.

USC - I'm calling O. J. Mayo as the freshman and maybe the spotlight player with the highest scoring average in the country. But will they win? And will the other guys kill him? He's good, but I wonder if there's a reason Nick Young and Gabe Pruitt wanted to leave early....

Indiana - They have a nice tandem with D. J. White and frosh Eric Gordon. Plus, what's going on with the Big Ten? When did they start losing athletes? IU can rebound quickly.

Louisville - Can't name one guy but they are in everyone's top 5 or 6. Pitino, I'm waiting.

Duke - This is the least impressive Duke team I can remember since the Cherokee Parks days. They're small, and they have guys who were great in high school, but haven't become the next Hill or Laettner or Brand or even close. Prove me wrong, Dukies. And pre-emptive shut up to Butler.

Kansas State - Bob Huggins got recruits and then vanished. I want to see if Michael Beasley and Bill Walker are worth the hype. And they almost made it last year despite having no stars. Interesting team to keep an eye on, for scouting and other purposes.

Connecticut, Arizona, Michigan State, Kentucky - the official "teams that are usually good and will probably come through in the end, even though I can't name more than one guy on each."

Player of the year - Tyler Hansborough, UNC

This is a matter of attrition, although that usually doesn't work. But whatever... the best people are freshmen, and they won't have Durant-type years.

All-America FIRST

Hansborough, O. J. Mayo, Roy Hibbert, Drew Neitzel (Michigan State), Chris Lofton (Tennesee)

SECOND

D.J. White, Chris Douglas-Roberts (Memphis), Darren Collison (UCLA), Brandon Rush (Kansas), Bill Walker

OTHER POSS

Darell Arthur (Kansas), Derrick Rose, Chase Budinger (Arizona), D. J. Augustin (Texas), Derrick Low (Washington State), Bryce Taylor (Oregon), Shroomy McDoses (Gonzaga)