I know I seen JoeT was bumped up to a 4* on ESPN but where was Connor a 4*? I only really look at 247 rankings. In both his 247 Ranking and Composite Ranking he was a 3*. Was it ESPN, Rivals, or Scouts before the were absorbed by 247?
Starting 5/Rotation given CURRENT Roster? Is SCHEDULE Toughest in History? IOWA #16(USA Today)
- Thread starter Franisdaman
- Start date
I know I seen JoeT was bumped up to a 4* on ESPN but where was Connor a 4*? I only really look at 247 rankings. In both his 247 Ranking and Composite Ranking he was a 3*. Was it ESPN, Rivals, or Scouts before the were absorbed by 247?
Top ten roster is complete hyperbole.
I'm in agreement with you in that they are likely a top 40 team nationally and should be expected as an NCAA tourney qualifier.
I'd like to think that they'll beat the grad transfer bushes to look for an available athletic combo or PG to add desperately needed defense and athleticism to the back court. But I'm not holding my breath on that one.
They were 6th in the B1G this year and I expect them to be right in that 5-7 range in 2019-20.
Also agree with you in that I don't have a strong opinion as to who should get front court minutes. We'll have to see what Cook decides as that will obviously leave a much bigger hole to fill at the four. If that does happen then Pemsl/Nunge/Kriener/Garza in various combinations will be the case. One question I have is how do they sort out which guys work best with Garza who is simultaneously an important offensive threat and a defensive liability.
This is what I see:
We have everyone back but our 6th man (Baer) and Dailey. We have two experienced players coming back from redshirts (Nunge and Pemsl) plus two talented freshmen coming in (Pmac & Joe T).
We were in the Top 22 in NET this season before we dropped.
We were in the Top 20 in both the Coaches and AP polls before we dropped.
We were some bad luck away from making the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. And don't forget. Tennessee was ranked #1 in the nation for what, 4 weeks? And Iowa almost took them out. Before Purdue barely took them out.
I think this team is capable of a top 10 ranking. The question is do they put in the work like they did last summer (I think they do) & will it continue to pay dividends (I think it will)?
I do agree with you regarding rotations. I don't think it should be more than 9. But which 3 of the 12 man scholarship roster sits? I guess we'll see how it plays out.
We'll agree to disagree. Even at its very vest, Iowa was not a Top 10 team this year. Yes, Iowa was in the Top 20-ish range before dropping, but the entire season happened, not just the very best parts.
I'd like nothing better than for you to be right and for Iowa to be a Top 10 team.
This is not a top 10 club now or in the future until Iowa has a quality penetrating point guard, a couple of guys who can play above the rim making blocks, altering shots and dunking the ball. Outside Joe, most of Iowa's players stand around and do not go after the ball when it carooms off the rim. Iowa is not a sound shooting club. Joe and Bohannon are probably the best shooters but that is not enough. Iowa needs a major improving in shooting and getting offensive rebounds and putbacks. Iowa needs a couple bigs who can make a complete game impact (offensively and defensively). PMac is a tall SF. He won't be a pounder for at least two years, if ever. Too thin. The Iowa BB careers of Kriener, Pemsl, Garza,and Moss are on the clock and its time to crap or get off the pot.
I will say this and please don't take it as a slight to Iowa - Iowa played Purdue, Michigan State, and Michigan once. They'll probably play all three twice next year and all three will still be outstanding. Iowa still struggles to win on the road and many times got absolutely obliterated on the road. I think I need to see them win some road games before I consider them even a consistent top 25 team.
Iowa played Mich St. twice this year in conference play. They also won 4 conference games on the road which I would take right now for next year.
You're leaving out 1 very talented player that happened to be Kentucky's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2017/18 that lead his team to Kentucky's one class state championship. My opinion is these type players don't grow on trees, therefore he just might be special
....C.J. Fredrick!Iowa has 2 other players that received the Gatorade Player of the Year honors and both turned out to be pretty special in their own right, don't you think?
Last edited:
Again against the bottom of the conference though. I'm not saying this year wasn't a good year, it obviously was. To be consistently ranked in the top 10 or even top 25 though, you're going to have to be beating good teams on the road. Forgot about MSU twice, you're right, my bad.
so you agree that I...I mean, Fran, is pretty good at recruiting and deserves that RELB (raise, extension, and larger buyout)?You're leaving out 1 very talented player that happened to be Kentucky's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2017/18 that lead his team to Kentucky's one class state championship. My opinion is these type players don't grow on trees, therefore he just might be special
Iowa has 2 other players that received the Gatorade Player of the Year honors and both turned out to be pretty special in their own right, don't you think?
so you agree that I...I mean, Fran, is pretty good at recruiting and deserves that RELB (raise, extension, and larger buyout)?
As I said in another thread, Fran's recruiting is along par with other past Iowa coaches, from the last 49 years, except George Raveling. The Iowa fans are so comfortable with Iowa loosing double digits every year that there's very little pressure on Fran to recruit the players needed to improve on that.
So Fran and his staff go after good players that most need a few years to be productive. It's getting better but to compete with the big boys on a day to day basis, he needs to get better athletic players, as he either wins on coaching or his gets his ass handed to him against the Michigan St. Purdue, and any other team that plays defense and has sufficiently better athletes.
Sure we competed against most of the Big Ten this year, even beat a good Cincinnati team, but you have to admit, it was night and day between Michigan St, Michigan, Purdue, Maryland, Cincinnati, and Tennessee players. I'd put Illinois, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Ohio St, in that category too as they will be a much better teams next year.
I like the players we have because they were recruited to play at Iowa and excepted the scholarship. Being an Iowa fan, I'll root for the team win or lose, but I'm still not happy with how this coaching staff recruits, teaches defense, and rebounding.
Changes need to be made to improve those deficiencies as we head to year 10, but it hasn't been addressed as of yet and if it has, shame on Fran.
so you agree that I...I mean, Fran, is pretty good at recruiting and deserves that RELB (raise, extension, and larger buyout)?
Hey buddy boy, you just got yourself a raise and an extension. And thus a larger buyout.... Now let's win a title! Or get me a top 3 in the B1G next. Capisce??
Hawks will probably finish in the middle third of the Big Ten next season, somewhere between 5th and 9th. This will be a very talented team compared to others in the Fran era, or Iowa basketball over the last 20-ish years, but not compared to the best teams in our own conference. If one of the freshmen or redshirt players has a breakout season, we could be really good. Cook staying would be a big plus, IMO.
But as things stand right now, this team has a lot of weaknesses and only one truly complete player (Wieskamp). They're a fringe Top 25 team.
But as things stand right now, this team has a lot of weaknesses and only one truly complete player (Wieskamp). They're a fringe Top 25 team.
I am confident the team will be improved next year.
At the 1: JBo, Connor, Joe T. Moderately improved by another year of experience, and an additional skill set (Joe T) for a change of pace. If Connor could improve his outside shot, that might be where the most improvement could emerge. Big if.
.
At the 2: Moss, JBo, CJ. Marginally improved by another year of experience, unless CJ is a lights out shooter/scorer as compared to Dailey. If he could add scoring punch to the second unit, that would be fantastic.
At the 3. Weiskamp, PMac. Greatly improved. I think Joe W. takes a big step up, and PMac will do his best Baer imitation.
At the 4. Cook, if he returns, and Nunge and Pemsl as quality back-ups. Improved. If Cook leaves, Nunge will really need to prove Fran right.
At the 5. Garza and Kreiner. Marginally improved with another year of experience.
Overall, I am most excited about Weiskamp taking a big step up, and the Second Unit of Connor, CJ, PMac, Nunge, and Kreiner being a better scoring unit than the 18/19 Second Unit.
It will be a better team, possibly upgraded a little at every position. Top 10, probably not, but consistently in the Top 25. I realistically hope for a Top 4 Big Ten finish, and a 4 or 5 Seed in the NCAA.
At the 1: JBo, Connor, Joe T. Moderately improved by another year of experience, and an additional skill set (Joe T) for a change of pace. If Connor could improve his outside shot, that might be where the most improvement could emerge. Big if.
.
At the 2: Moss, JBo, CJ. Marginally improved by another year of experience, unless CJ is a lights out shooter/scorer as compared to Dailey. If he could add scoring punch to the second unit, that would be fantastic.
At the 3. Weiskamp, PMac. Greatly improved. I think Joe W. takes a big step up, and PMac will do his best Baer imitation.
At the 4. Cook, if he returns, and Nunge and Pemsl as quality back-ups. Improved. If Cook leaves, Nunge will really need to prove Fran right.
At the 5. Garza and Kreiner. Marginally improved with another year of experience.
Overall, I am most excited about Weiskamp taking a big step up, and the Second Unit of Connor, CJ, PMac, Nunge, and Kreiner being a better scoring unit than the 18/19 Second Unit.
It will be a better team, possibly upgraded a little at every position. Top 10, probably not, but consistently in the Top 25. I realistically hope for a Top 4 Big Ten finish, and a 4 or 5 Seed in the NCAA.
I think you make a legit case/argument. THE factor that I think (don't profess this to be 100% true) is overlooked in a big way is the value of experience on Fran's teams....these are the teams that achieve the most. This next years team (when looking at playing experience over their careers) looks to me to have the most (cumulative) experience of about any team he has had at Iowa. I think that is a big deal.
That said, I don't think this is a top 10 team next year, but a very legit top 20 with the potential to beat most anyone. IF, big IF, they give the same effort this last off season in the weight room and on defense I think this could/should be the best Iowa team in quite some time.....then if they could get on a run at the end of the year?
I agree that I’m also most concerned about how Fran handle the rotation. Playing 11-12 guys doesn’t work unless you plan to play “40 minutes of hell” and press and run teams into submission, which wouldn’t fit this roster well at all.
However, while it’s a stretch to assume this team will be Top 10 for the reasons you listed above, that doesn’t mean they can’t be a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 come tournament time. Most everyone in the roster will have had a taste of what’s its like to be close to making the Seeet 16 and we have seen where veteran leadership can mean a lot to make a decent tourney run.
Agreed. The keys to making deep NCAA runs are a) get in the tournament as many times as possible. The more times you are in the thing, the better your odds of advancement. And b) get as high a seed as possible. Iowa has bowed out in second round as a 7, 7, and 10 seed. It is always going to be tough sledding from the 7-10 seed line. Almost guaranteed of playing a very good team in round 2, and often in a hostile venue. Win as many games as possible, get as high a seed as possible and go for it again.
(If Jack is really dominating in practice and Fran isn’t just gassing him up) I’m guessing we are going to see Nunge take minutes from Kriener at the 5, and he will slide over almost exclusively to the 4 (barring foul trouble) to play most of his minutes alongside one of those two, hopefully sharing minutes with Pemsl as backup for TC
If Nunge’s put on 20 pounds and is up to 250, then he’s got a prototypical NBA 5 body at nearly 7’0, and that would hopefully be the position he plays in college. Seems pretty skilled too
If Nunge’s put on 20 pounds and is up to 250, then he’s got a prototypical NBA 5 body at nearly 7’0, and that would hopefully be the position he plays in college. Seems pretty skilled too
Most players return from season to season. Everyone on Iowa's starting roster and all but one bench player. Merely typical player progression would predict an improved team as the outcome.
As for recruiting, I agree with whoever above was talking about using the same rating service from year to year to do whatever laymen's evaluation ( or perhaps speculation is a better word) about our recruits. Personally, I always use ESPN. Don't like them but they have the largest scouting and coaching network. ESPN also doesn't much respect Iowa. Our recruits typically drop after Iowa signs them. Joey T moving from an ESPN 3 to 4 star after signing is a rare occurrence.
Using ESPN's metrics TC, Joey W, C McC (ESPN # 92) and Luka are four star top hundred players. Jobu and Isaiah are four star top 120 players. Incoming freshmen are P McC, four star top hundred and Joey T, four star top 120 players. Three red shirts returning, all of whom were 3 star players each with a potentially nice upside. (They're 3 stars because their success is more uncertain but it also means there is a reasonably possible upside).
If everyone stays we might not be top ten but certainly top 20 next season. Next year, barring the curse or the departure or loss of TC and Isaiah, this group should finish in the top 20 and second round at least with a good shot at the Sweet 16. Fourth to seventh in the Big Ten. The boys will win 23 or more games next year.
As for recruiting, I agree with whoever above was talking about using the same rating service from year to year to do whatever laymen's evaluation ( or perhaps speculation is a better word) about our recruits. Personally, I always use ESPN. Don't like them but they have the largest scouting and coaching network. ESPN also doesn't much respect Iowa. Our recruits typically drop after Iowa signs them. Joey T moving from an ESPN 3 to 4 star after signing is a rare occurrence.
Using ESPN's metrics TC, Joey W, C McC (ESPN # 92) and Luka are four star top hundred players. Jobu and Isaiah are four star top 120 players. Incoming freshmen are P McC, four star top hundred and Joey T, four star top 120 players. Three red shirts returning, all of whom were 3 star players each with a potentially nice upside. (They're 3 stars because their success is more uncertain but it also means there is a reasonably possible upside).
If everyone stays we might not be top ten but certainly top 20 next season. Next year, barring the curse or the departure or loss of TC and Isaiah, this group should finish in the top 20 and second round at least with a good shot at the Sweet 16. Fourth to seventh in the Big Ten. The boys will win 23 or more games next year.
I think it's gonna be interesting to see how this past season's success and what's sure to be success in the upcoming 2019-2020 season will impact the 2020 commitments.
We have as many as 4 scholarships available for the 2020 class. How many 5 stars can we nab?
This next year should be special on the court. Will it be special on the recruiting trail?
Here is the current 2020 offer list: https://iowa.rivals.com/offers/basketball/2020
We have as many as 4 scholarships available for the 2020 class. How many 5 stars can we nab?
This next year should be special on the court. Will it be special on the recruiting trail?
Here is the current 2020 offer list: https://iowa.rivals.com/offers/basketball/2020
I think it's gonna be interesting to see how this past season's success and what's sure to be success in the upcoming 2019-2020 season will impact the 2020 commitments.
We have as many as 4 scholarships available for the 2020 class. How many 5 stars can we nab?
This next year should be special on the court. Will it be special on the recruiting trail?
Here is the current 2020 offer list: https://iowa.rivals.com/offers/basketball/2020
We are a year off. Had we did last year what we did this year, we'd probably have Carton. That would have lead to a jump start on 2020. IMHO... That noted, we should be bringing in a good haul for 2020.
This next recruiting class will
(should) put Iowa in a very good position for the future. It will be Fran's most important class EVER. As This will be his legacy. I hope he hits it out of the Park!
Ohio State offered a clearer path to playing time than Iowa did. Carton would still not have picked Iowa if the 23-win season had happened in 17-18. We might have landed someone else, but probably not DJ.
EDIT: I agree that 2020 is hugely important, both for Fran and for the future of the program.
I always thought it was Big Men who develop over time? A point guard better hit the court running and GET IT from Day 1.
Top ten team? no. In the tournament with a better seed than this year? Yes
They won't have Cook back and I don't think you can count on Patrick or Joe T to make much of a contribution.
TC's position is the deepest on the team. There are three options each of which has shown at least some potential to be a quality starter on a good team.
The Big C, Jack and RK could all fill out the 4 position. Cordell has shown the most upside but his career could be really retarded by the injuries. If Cordell has maintained the quickness his low post moves are killer. If Cordell adds a reliable fifteen footer and gets the free throws north of 70% we will be fine. TC is a hell of an athlete but a lay up from the Big C counts for the same points as a thunder dunk from TC. I don't see Cordell making the coast to coast plays that were as likely to produce turn overs than points.
Jack was a well regarded recruit who made good plays as a freshman. If he has gained those 20-30 pounds of muscle he could be a freaking beast under the boards. Jack showed a nice touch, both inside and out. Keeping him in the 4 or 5 spot will necessarily improve his defense. Jack could also provide a quality starter at the 4.
Luka and RK are both pretty physical players. My best guess is they'll both be on the floor during some limited minutes but the reality is Luka needs a high quality reserve because of fouls. RK fills that role perfectly. If Ryan improves as much going into next season as he did over this season Iowa will put on the floor 40 minutes of quality play at the 5 almost every game.
I like TC and the best option for Iowa is TC to play out his career. If not, we move on with talented options at the position. The sky will not fall and Iowa will likely win as many games with TC as without him.
Now, a Moss departure leaves nothing but question marks.
The Big C, Jack and RK could all fill out the 4 position. Cordell has shown the most upside but his career could be really retarded by the injuries. If Cordell has maintained the quickness his low post moves are killer. If Cordell adds a reliable fifteen footer and gets the free throws north of 70% we will be fine. TC is a hell of an athlete but a lay up from the Big C counts for the same points as a thunder dunk from TC. I don't see Cordell making the coast to coast plays that were as likely to produce turn overs than points.
Jack was a well regarded recruit who made good plays as a freshman. If he has gained those 20-30 pounds of muscle he could be a freaking beast under the boards. Jack showed a nice touch, both inside and out. Keeping him in the 4 or 5 spot will necessarily improve his defense. Jack could also provide a quality starter at the 4.
Luka and RK are both pretty physical players. My best guess is they'll both be on the floor during some limited minutes but the reality is Luka needs a high quality reserve because of fouls. RK fills that role perfectly. If Ryan improves as much going into next season as he did over this season Iowa will put on the floor 40 minutes of quality play at the 5 almost every game.
I like TC and the best option for Iowa is TC to play out his career. If not, we move on with talented options at the position. The sky will not fall and Iowa will likely win as many games with TC as without him.
Now, a Moss departure leaves nothing but question marks.
Last edited:
I think they won’t need as much out of that spot bc Garza, Bohannon and Wieskamp will all improve their numbers.
it will be an interesting jig saw puzzle, especially if Cook does not come back
We could very well be playing the 2019 National Champion Texas Tech Red Raiders in Vegas in November.
It looks like this is our 11 game nonconference schedule:
It looks like this is our 11 game nonconference schedule:
This will be an interesting game.....I think they lose a couple stud starters-seniors but I haven't watched enough of them to know what class the others are in. I looked at their roster and I think they only have 3? seniors...I see that they have a number of freshman/sophs/redshirts...so other than the stars a pretty young but obviously good team returning?
In the National Semifinal game vs Michigan State, Texas Tech had a 8 man rotation.
Of those 8, they will lose 5:
* They have 3 senior starters
* 1 senior comes off the bench
* They are projected to lose Culver, who is a projected NBA lottery pick.
So, bottom line, they have one returning starter (Moretti).
The Starters in Final Four Game vs Michigan State
SR, Owens, 6'10 F--GRADUATES
SR, Odiase, 6'8 C--GRADUATES
SR, Mooney, 6'3 G--GRADUATES
SO, Culver, 6'5 G--Projected Top 10 NBA Lottery Pick
SO, Moretti, 6'2 G
Bench
SR, Francis, 6'5 G--GRADUATES
FR, Edwards, 6'3 G
SO, Corprew, 6'5 F
From ESPN.com regarding Texas Tech next year:
14. Texas Tech Red Raiders
What Chris Beard has done the past two seasons in Lubbock is unbelievable, and maybe we should stop doubting him just because he faces another Red Raiders rebuild. But he does have his work cut out for him. Brandone Francis, Matt Mooney, Tariq Owens and Norense Odiaseare all seniors, and Jarrett Culver is a top-10 pick.
One difference between next season and the past couple of years, though, is that Beard is bringing in some high-level recruits. It starts with ESPN 100 prospects Jahmius Ramsey and Terrence Shannon, but Khavon Moore and Kevin McCullar are both redshirting, and juco transfer Khalid Thomas should also be factor.
Last edited:
Good, looks like it will be a slightly different team next year.....although I'm sure they will be full of confidence and stil playing strong defense (maybe not quite as good). That means an experienced Iowa team should have a good shot at beating them if we end up playing them.....not sure if they add any stud transfers or recruits.
Since we already have 12 on scholarship, do we really need to fill the 13th?
Current Roster (12 currently on scholarship; 1 scholarship available):
2023 (when graduate): 3 players
6'4" SG CJ Fredrick (***); in early Nov, 2018, was decided CJ would redshirt the 2018-2019 season
6'6" SF Patrick McCaffery (****)
5'10" PG Joe Toussaint (***)
2022: 3 players
6'5" SG Joe Wieskamp (****)
6'5" SG Connor McCaffery (****; announced on Apr 28, 2017 that he will play baseball in the Spring of 2018 and redshirt in basketball in the fall of 2017; ended up, however, playing in 4 games in Dec 2017 as a true freshman, mostly because of the Christian Williams departure; however, after missing two games due to a sprained ankle, eight contests due to mononucleosis, and 19 games after undergoing a tonsillectomy in December, 2017, he was granted a hardship waiver on March 26, 2018, where he will have 4 years of basketball eligibility remaining; on April 11, 2018, Connor was put on scholarship).
6'9" F Jack Nunge (***); in early Nov, 2018, was decided Jack would redshirt the 2018-2019 season
2021: 2 players
6'10" C Luke Garza (****)
6'8" SF Cordell Pemsl (***); had surgery on his knee Dec 18, 2018, which caused him to miss the remainder of the 2018-2019 season; was scheduled to graduate in 2020; since he played in just two games in the 2018-2019 season (logging a total of just 31 minutes), he will be granted a medical redshirt for an additional year.
2020: 4 players
6'8" PF Tyler Cook (****)
6'9" PF Ryan Kriener (***)
6'0" PG Jordan Bohannon (***)
6'5" SF Isaiah Moss (***; was redshirted in 2015-16)
Notable Walk on players:
2021: 2 players
6'6" Riley Till (redshirted in 2016-2017)
6'2" Guard Austiin Ash
Current Roster (12 currently on scholarship; 1 scholarship available):
2023 (when graduate): 3 players
6'4" SG CJ Fredrick (***); in early Nov, 2018, was decided CJ would redshirt the 2018-2019 season
6'6" SF Patrick McCaffery (****)
5'10" PG Joe Toussaint (***)
2022: 3 players
6'5" SG Joe Wieskamp (****)
6'5" SG Connor McCaffery (****; announced on Apr 28, 2017 that he will play baseball in the Spring of 2018 and redshirt in basketball in the fall of 2017; ended up, however, playing in 4 games in Dec 2017 as a true freshman, mostly because of the Christian Williams departure; however, after missing two games due to a sprained ankle, eight contests due to mononucleosis, and 19 games after undergoing a tonsillectomy in December, 2017, he was granted a hardship waiver on March 26, 2018, where he will have 4 years of basketball eligibility remaining; on April 11, 2018, Connor was put on scholarship).
6'9" F Jack Nunge (***); in early Nov, 2018, was decided Jack would redshirt the 2018-2019 season
2021: 2 players
6'10" C Luke Garza (****)
6'8" SF Cordell Pemsl (***); had surgery on his knee Dec 18, 2018, which caused him to miss the remainder of the 2018-2019 season; was scheduled to graduate in 2020; since he played in just two games in the 2018-2019 season (logging a total of just 31 minutes), he will be granted a medical redshirt for an additional year.
2020: 4 players
6'8" PF Tyler Cook (****)
6'9" PF Ryan Kriener (***)
6'0" PG Jordan Bohannon (***)
6'5" SF Isaiah Moss (***; was redshirted in 2015-16)
Notable Walk on players:
2021: 2 players
6'6" Riley Till (redshirted in 2016-2017)
6'2" Guard Austiin Ash
College basketball rankings:
Sporting News' way-too-early top 25 for 2019-20
Mike DeCourcy @TSNMike
Updated at 7:58 a.m. ET
April 8, 2019
LINK: http://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa...top-25-for-2019-20/1oplcsov8ioxf18ydgei068fyp
Although we annually call this exercise our “way-too-early top 25,” can it really be too early to ponder what 2019-20 might bring to those who cherish college basketball?
Well, probably. But here we are.
More than any other sport, the immediate view into the future is translucent in college basketball because of the resounding impact players’ early entry decisions and, now more than ever, the transfer contagion will have on the proficiency of next season’s teams. But a consideration of those likely to return, and their collective skill and potential, allows us to at least get a handle on where next season might lead.
With that, Sporting News’ way-too-early top 25 for the 2019-20 college basketball season:
25. Memphis
2018-19 record and finish: 22-14, NIT
Key players: PG Tyler Harris, G Alex Lomax
Top-100 recruits: C James Wiseman (247Sports No. 1), PF DJ Jeffries (247Sports No. 47).
Key decisions: The Tigers still are recruiting 247Sports No. 27 prospect Trendon Watford and will need more talent to fulfill surging expectations.
24. Maryland
2018-19 record and finish: 23-11, NCAA second round
Key players: PG Anthony Cowan, SG/PG Eric Ayala, SG Darryl Morsell, SG Aaron Wiggins, SG Serrel Smith, PF Ricky Lindo,
Top-100 recruits: C Makhi Mitchell (247Sports No. 67)
Key decisions: C Bruno Fernando is projected as the No. 29 pick by Sporting News’ Chris Stone, and PF Jalen Smith is not a projected first-round pick. Both could rise up the draft boards with more time in college. Without at least one of them, the Terps would not be a top-25 team.
23. Seton Hall
2018-19 record and finish: 20-14, NCAA first round
Key players: SG Myles Powell, SF Myles Cale, SG Quincy McKnight, PF Sandro Mamukelashvili, C Romaro Gill, G Shavar Reynolds
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: Coach Kevin Willard declined interest from Virginia Tech and chose to remain with the Pirates.
22. Arizona
2018-19 record and finish: 17-15, eighth in Pac-12
Key players: SG Brandon Randolph, PG Brandon Williams, C Chase Jeter, SG Dylan Smith, PF Ira Lee
Top-100 recruits: PG Nico Mannion (247Sports No. 10), SF Josh Green (247Sports No. 11), PF Zeke Nnaji (247Sports No. 35), SG Terry Armstrong (247Sports No. 54)
Key decisions: There may be some transfers from the current roster because; the staff has reportedly contacted potential incoming transfers.
21. Iowa
2018-19 record and finish: 23-12, NCAA second round
Key players: PG Jordan Bohannon, C Luka Garza, SG Joe Wieskamp, SG Isaiah Moss, G Connor McCaffery, C Ryan Kriener, PF Cordell Pemsl
Top-100 recruits: SF Pat McCaffery (247Sports No. 71)
Key decisions: PF Tyler Cook is not a projected first-round pick, but did go through the early entry process in 2018.
20. Gonzaga
2018-19 record and finish: 33-4, Elite Eight
Key players: SG Zach Norvell, SF Corey Kispert, C Filip Petrusev
Top-100 recruits: C Drew Timme (247Sports No. 40), SF Anton Watson (247Sports No. 44), C Pavel Zakharov (247Sports No. 51), C Oumar Ballo (247Sports No. 62)
Key decisions: C Killian Tillie is not a projected first-round pick, but could decide to turn professional and play in either Europe or the U.S.
19. Cincinnati
2018-19 record and finish: 28-7, NCAA first round
Key players: SG Jarron Cumberland, C Nysier Brooks, PF Tre Scott, SG Keith Williams, PF Eliel Nsoseme, PG Logan Johnson, SG Rashawn Fredericks
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: Coach Mick Cronin remains a candidate for the vacant UCLA job, and it’s unclear what direction Bruins will turn next.
18. VCU
2018-19 record and finish: 25-8, NCAA first-round
Key players: PG Marcus Evans, SG De’Riante Jenkins, F Issac Vann, PF Marcus Santos-Silva, G Vince Williams, G Mike’L Simms, F Sean Mobley, G Malik Crowfield, F Corey Douglas
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: The key is keeping intact a rotation that returns its nine top scorers.
MORE: Zion Williamson is SN's Player of the Year
17. Houston
2018-19 record and finish: 33-4, Sweet 16
Key players: SG Armoni Brooks, SG Dejon Jarreau, SG Nate Hinton, PF Fabian White, C Caleb Broodo, PF Cedrick Alley, F Brison Gresham
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: Coach Kelvin Sampson was a strong candidate for the open position at Arkansas but chose to sign a long-term extension with the Cougars.
16. Florida State
2018-19 record and finish: 29-8, Sweet 16
Key players: PG Trent Forrest, SG M.J. Walker.
Top-100 recruits: SF Patrick Williams (247Sports No. 38), C Balsa Koprivica (247Sports No. 57), SG Nathanael Jack (247Sports Juco No. 14)
Key decisions: SF Mfiondu Kabengele is not a projected first-round pick but could become a Rui Hachimura-style breakout star with another season.
15. Ohio State
2018-19 record and finish: 20-15, NCAA second round
Key players: SF/PF Andre Wesson, SG Duane Washington, SG Luther Muhammad, PF Kyle Young, SG Musa Jallow
Top-100 recruits: PG DJ Carton (247Sports No. 28), SF Alonzo Gaffney (247Sports No. 42), PF EJ Liddell (247Sports No. 45)
Key decisions: C Kaleb Wesson is not projected as a first-round pick but could choose to go through the pre-draft process.
14. North Carolina
2018-19 record and finish: 29-7, Sweet 16
Key players: PF Garrison Brooks, C Sterling Manley
Top-100 recruits: C Armando Bacot (247Sports No. 21)
Key decisions: None
13. LSU
2018-19 record and finish: 28-7, Sweet 16
Key players: PG Tremont Waters, SG Javonte Smart, SG Skylar Mays, F Emmitt Williams
Top-100 recruits: SG Charles Manning (247Sports No. 15 JUCO)
Key decisions: The university administration must determine what to do with coach Will Wade, who was not permitted to work the SEC or NCAA Tournaments following media reports about wiretapped phone conversations that suggested he may have violated NCAA rules.
12. Kansas
2018-19 record and finish: 26-10, NCAA second round
Key players: SG Ochai Agbaji, SG Quentin Grimes, PG Devon Dotson, PF Mitch Lightfoot, C David McCormack
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: It’s hard imagine coach Bill Self is done roster-building with no signed impact recruits and so many players elsewhere lined up to transfer schools.
11. Louisville
2018-19 record and finish: 20-14, NCAA first round
Key players: SG Ryan McMahon, SF Dwayne Sutton, PF Malik Williams, SF V.J. King
Top-100 recruits: SF Samuell Williamson (247Sports No. 39), C Aidan Igiehon (247Sports No. 48), PG/SG David Johnson (247Sports No. 72) PF Jaelyn Withers (247Sports No. 90), SG Josh Nickelberry (247Sports No. 99).
Key decisions: PF Jordan Nwora is not projected as a first-round pick by Stone but is testing the draft process. C Steven Enoch will go through the process.
Sporting News' way-too-early top 25 for 2019-20
Mike DeCourcy @TSNMike
Updated at 7:58 a.m. ET
April 8, 2019
LINK: http://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa...top-25-for-2019-20/1oplcsov8ioxf18ydgei068fyp
Although we annually call this exercise our “way-too-early top 25,” can it really be too early to ponder what 2019-20 might bring to those who cherish college basketball?
Well, probably. But here we are.
More than any other sport, the immediate view into the future is translucent in college basketball because of the resounding impact players’ early entry decisions and, now more than ever, the transfer contagion will have on the proficiency of next season’s teams. But a consideration of those likely to return, and their collective skill and potential, allows us to at least get a handle on where next season might lead.
With that, Sporting News’ way-too-early top 25 for the 2019-20 college basketball season:
25. Memphis
2018-19 record and finish: 22-14, NIT
Key players: PG Tyler Harris, G Alex Lomax
Top-100 recruits: C James Wiseman (247Sports No. 1), PF DJ Jeffries (247Sports No. 47).
Key decisions: The Tigers still are recruiting 247Sports No. 27 prospect Trendon Watford and will need more talent to fulfill surging expectations.
24. Maryland
2018-19 record and finish: 23-11, NCAA second round
Key players: PG Anthony Cowan, SG/PG Eric Ayala, SG Darryl Morsell, SG Aaron Wiggins, SG Serrel Smith, PF Ricky Lindo,
Top-100 recruits: C Makhi Mitchell (247Sports No. 67)
Key decisions: C Bruno Fernando is projected as the No. 29 pick by Sporting News’ Chris Stone, and PF Jalen Smith is not a projected first-round pick. Both could rise up the draft boards with more time in college. Without at least one of them, the Terps would not be a top-25 team.
23. Seton Hall
2018-19 record and finish: 20-14, NCAA first round
Key players: SG Myles Powell, SF Myles Cale, SG Quincy McKnight, PF Sandro Mamukelashvili, C Romaro Gill, G Shavar Reynolds
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: Coach Kevin Willard declined interest from Virginia Tech and chose to remain with the Pirates.
22. Arizona
2018-19 record and finish: 17-15, eighth in Pac-12
Key players: SG Brandon Randolph, PG Brandon Williams, C Chase Jeter, SG Dylan Smith, PF Ira Lee
Top-100 recruits: PG Nico Mannion (247Sports No. 10), SF Josh Green (247Sports No. 11), PF Zeke Nnaji (247Sports No. 35), SG Terry Armstrong (247Sports No. 54)
Key decisions: There may be some transfers from the current roster because; the staff has reportedly contacted potential incoming transfers.
21. Iowa
2018-19 record and finish: 23-12, NCAA second round
Key players: PG Jordan Bohannon, C Luka Garza, SG Joe Wieskamp, SG Isaiah Moss, G Connor McCaffery, C Ryan Kriener, PF Cordell Pemsl
Top-100 recruits: SF Pat McCaffery (247Sports No. 71)
Key decisions: PF Tyler Cook is not a projected first-round pick, but did go through the early entry process in 2018.
20. Gonzaga
2018-19 record and finish: 33-4, Elite Eight
Key players: SG Zach Norvell, SF Corey Kispert, C Filip Petrusev
Top-100 recruits: C Drew Timme (247Sports No. 40), SF Anton Watson (247Sports No. 44), C Pavel Zakharov (247Sports No. 51), C Oumar Ballo (247Sports No. 62)
Key decisions: C Killian Tillie is not a projected first-round pick, but could decide to turn professional and play in either Europe or the U.S.
19. Cincinnati
2018-19 record and finish: 28-7, NCAA first round
Key players: SG Jarron Cumberland, C Nysier Brooks, PF Tre Scott, SG Keith Williams, PF Eliel Nsoseme, PG Logan Johnson, SG Rashawn Fredericks
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: Coach Mick Cronin remains a candidate for the vacant UCLA job, and it’s unclear what direction Bruins will turn next.
18. VCU
2018-19 record and finish: 25-8, NCAA first-round
Key players: PG Marcus Evans, SG De’Riante Jenkins, F Issac Vann, PF Marcus Santos-Silva, G Vince Williams, G Mike’L Simms, F Sean Mobley, G Malik Crowfield, F Corey Douglas
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: The key is keeping intact a rotation that returns its nine top scorers.
MORE: Zion Williamson is SN's Player of the Year
17. Houston
2018-19 record and finish: 33-4, Sweet 16
Key players: SG Armoni Brooks, SG Dejon Jarreau, SG Nate Hinton, PF Fabian White, C Caleb Broodo, PF Cedrick Alley, F Brison Gresham
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: Coach Kelvin Sampson was a strong candidate for the open position at Arkansas but chose to sign a long-term extension with the Cougars.
16. Florida State
2018-19 record and finish: 29-8, Sweet 16
Key players: PG Trent Forrest, SG M.J. Walker.
Top-100 recruits: SF Patrick Williams (247Sports No. 38), C Balsa Koprivica (247Sports No. 57), SG Nathanael Jack (247Sports Juco No. 14)
Key decisions: SF Mfiondu Kabengele is not a projected first-round pick but could become a Rui Hachimura-style breakout star with another season.
15. Ohio State
2018-19 record and finish: 20-15, NCAA second round
Key players: SF/PF Andre Wesson, SG Duane Washington, SG Luther Muhammad, PF Kyle Young, SG Musa Jallow
Top-100 recruits: PG DJ Carton (247Sports No. 28), SF Alonzo Gaffney (247Sports No. 42), PF EJ Liddell (247Sports No. 45)
Key decisions: C Kaleb Wesson is not projected as a first-round pick but could choose to go through the pre-draft process.
14. North Carolina
2018-19 record and finish: 29-7, Sweet 16
Key players: PF Garrison Brooks, C Sterling Manley
Top-100 recruits: C Armando Bacot (247Sports No. 21)
Key decisions: None
13. LSU
2018-19 record and finish: 28-7, Sweet 16
Key players: PG Tremont Waters, SG Javonte Smart, SG Skylar Mays, F Emmitt Williams
Top-100 recruits: SG Charles Manning (247Sports No. 15 JUCO)
Key decisions: The university administration must determine what to do with coach Will Wade, who was not permitted to work the SEC or NCAA Tournaments following media reports about wiretapped phone conversations that suggested he may have violated NCAA rules.
12. Kansas
2018-19 record and finish: 26-10, NCAA second round
Key players: SG Ochai Agbaji, SG Quentin Grimes, PG Devon Dotson, PF Mitch Lightfoot, C David McCormack
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: It’s hard imagine coach Bill Self is done roster-building with no signed impact recruits and so many players elsewhere lined up to transfer schools.
11. Louisville
2018-19 record and finish: 20-14, NCAA first round
Key players: SG Ryan McMahon, SF Dwayne Sutton, PF Malik Williams, SF V.J. King
Top-100 recruits: SF Samuell Williamson (247Sports No. 39), C Aidan Igiehon (247Sports No. 48), PG/SG David Johnson (247Sports No. 72) PF Jaelyn Withers (247Sports No. 90), SG Josh Nickelberry (247Sports No. 99).
Key decisions: PF Jordan Nwora is not projected as a first-round pick by Stone but is testing the draft process. C Steven Enoch will go through the process.
10. Auburn
2018-19 record and finish: 30-10, Final Four national semifinals
Key players: PG Jared Harper, SG Samir Doughty, PF Anfernee McLemore, C Chuma Okeke, PF Danjel Purifoy
Top-100 recruits: SF Isaac Okoro (247Sports No. 37)
Key decisions: C Austin Wiley is expected to turn pro after last season but was suspended. This past season was limited by injuries.
9. Purdue
2018-19 record and finish: 26-10, Elite Eight
Key players: PG Nojel Eastern, C Matt Haarms, C Trevion Williams, F Aaron Wheeler
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: SG Carsen Edwards is not projected as a first-round pick by Stone. He could enter another season as a first-team All-America and fuel the Boilers’ pursuit of a first NCAA championship.
8. Tennessee
2018-19 record and finish: 31-6, Sweet 16
Key players: SG Jordan Bowden, PG/SG Lamonte Turner, SF Yves Pons, PF John Fulkerson
Top-100 recruits: PG/SG Josiah-Jordan James (247Sports No. 16)
Key decisions: PF Grant Williams is projected as the No. 20 pick by Stone. PG Jordan Bone is not a projected first-rounder but will go through the pre-draft process.
7. Marquette
2018-19 record and finish: 24-10, NCAA first round
Key players: PG Markus Howard, F Sacar Anim, PF Joey Hauser, SF Sam Hauser, C Theo John, PF Ed Morrow
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: None
6. Oregon
2018-19 finish: 25-13, Sweet 16
Key players: PG Payton Pritchard, PF Kenny Wooten, SG Victor Bailey, G Will Richardson, PF Francis Okoro, PF Miles Norris
Top-100 recruits: PF CJ Walker (247Sports No. 31), C Isaac Johnson (247Sports No. 68), PF Chandler Lawson (247Sports No. 86), SG Chris Duarte (247Sports Juco No. 1)
Key decisions: SF Louis King is not projected as a first-round pick by Stone, but has a chance to be a star with a year of maturity.
MORE: College basketball's top programs since 2000
5. Duke
2018-19 record and finish: 32-6
Key players: PF Javin DeLaurier, SF Jack White, SG Alex O’Connell, C Marques Bolden
Top-100 recruits: SF Wendell Moore (247Sports No. 22), SG/PG Boogie Ellis (247Sports No. 34), C Vernon Carey (247Sports No. 3).
Key decisions: PG Tre Jones, projected as the No. 23 pick by Stone, has hinted on Instagram he will return for his sophomore season.
4. Michigan
2018-19 record and finish: 30-7, Sweet 16
Key players: PG Zavier Simpson, SG Jordan Poole, C Jon Teske, PF Isaiah Livers, PG Eli Brooks
Top-100 recruits: SF Jalen Wilson (247Sports No. 46)
Key decisions: PF Iggy Brazdeikas is not projected as a first-round pick but could decide to go through the process.
3. Kentucky
2018-19 record and finish: 30-7, Elite Eight
Key players: PG Ashton Hagans, C Nick Richards, PF EJ Montgomery, PG Immanuel Quickley, SG Jemarl Baker
Top-100 recruits: SF Kahlil Whitney (247Sports No. 7), CG Tyrese Maxey (247Sports No. 9), SF Keion Brooks (247Sports No. 23), PF Nate Sestina (grad transfer, Bucknell)
Key decisions: SG Tyler Herro is projected No. 26 pick by Chris Stone; he can do better with another year.
2. Michigan State
2018-19 record and finish: 32-7, national semifinals
Key players: PG Cassius Winston, SG Joshua Langford, SF Aaron Henry, C Xavier Tillman, SG Gabe Brown, SF Kyle Ahrens
Top-100 recruits: SG Rocket Watts (247Sports No. 32), PF Malik Hall (247 Sports No. 55).
Key decisions: C Nick Ward tested the draft last year and is not projected as a first-round pick.
1. Virginia
2018-19 record and finish: 34-3, playing for NCAA title
Key players: SG Kyle Guy, PG Ty Jerome, PG Kihei Clark, PF Mamadi Diakite, PF Braxton Key
Top-100 recruits: C Kadin Shedrick (247Sports No. 56), SG Casey Morsell (247Sports No. 58)
Key decisions: SF De’Andre Hunter, projected No. 6 pick by Stone, almost certainly will depart
2018-19 record and finish: 30-10, Final Four national semifinals
Key players: PG Jared Harper, SG Samir Doughty, PF Anfernee McLemore, C Chuma Okeke, PF Danjel Purifoy
Top-100 recruits: SF Isaac Okoro (247Sports No. 37)
Key decisions: C Austin Wiley is expected to turn pro after last season but was suspended. This past season was limited by injuries.
9. Purdue
2018-19 record and finish: 26-10, Elite Eight
Key players: PG Nojel Eastern, C Matt Haarms, C Trevion Williams, F Aaron Wheeler
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: SG Carsen Edwards is not projected as a first-round pick by Stone. He could enter another season as a first-team All-America and fuel the Boilers’ pursuit of a first NCAA championship.
8. Tennessee
2018-19 record and finish: 31-6, Sweet 16
Key players: SG Jordan Bowden, PG/SG Lamonte Turner, SF Yves Pons, PF John Fulkerson
Top-100 recruits: PG/SG Josiah-Jordan James (247Sports No. 16)
Key decisions: PF Grant Williams is projected as the No. 20 pick by Stone. PG Jordan Bone is not a projected first-rounder but will go through the pre-draft process.
7. Marquette
2018-19 record and finish: 24-10, NCAA first round
Key players: PG Markus Howard, F Sacar Anim, PF Joey Hauser, SF Sam Hauser, C Theo John, PF Ed Morrow
Top-100 recruits: None
Key decisions: None
6. Oregon
2018-19 finish: 25-13, Sweet 16
Key players: PG Payton Pritchard, PF Kenny Wooten, SG Victor Bailey, G Will Richardson, PF Francis Okoro, PF Miles Norris
Top-100 recruits: PF CJ Walker (247Sports No. 31), C Isaac Johnson (247Sports No. 68), PF Chandler Lawson (247Sports No. 86), SG Chris Duarte (247Sports Juco No. 1)
Key decisions: SF Louis King is not projected as a first-round pick by Stone, but has a chance to be a star with a year of maturity.
MORE: College basketball's top programs since 2000
5. Duke
2018-19 record and finish: 32-6
Key players: PF Javin DeLaurier, SF Jack White, SG Alex O’Connell, C Marques Bolden
Top-100 recruits: SF Wendell Moore (247Sports No. 22), SG/PG Boogie Ellis (247Sports No. 34), C Vernon Carey (247Sports No. 3).
Key decisions: PG Tre Jones, projected as the No. 23 pick by Stone, has hinted on Instagram he will return for his sophomore season.
4. Michigan
2018-19 record and finish: 30-7, Sweet 16
Key players: PG Zavier Simpson, SG Jordan Poole, C Jon Teske, PF Isaiah Livers, PG Eli Brooks
Top-100 recruits: SF Jalen Wilson (247Sports No. 46)
Key decisions: PF Iggy Brazdeikas is not projected as a first-round pick but could decide to go through the process.
3. Kentucky
2018-19 record and finish: 30-7, Elite Eight
Key players: PG Ashton Hagans, C Nick Richards, PF EJ Montgomery, PG Immanuel Quickley, SG Jemarl Baker
Top-100 recruits: SF Kahlil Whitney (247Sports No. 7), CG Tyrese Maxey (247Sports No. 9), SF Keion Brooks (247Sports No. 23), PF Nate Sestina (grad transfer, Bucknell)
Key decisions: SG Tyler Herro is projected No. 26 pick by Chris Stone; he can do better with another year.
2. Michigan State
2018-19 record and finish: 32-7, national semifinals
Key players: PG Cassius Winston, SG Joshua Langford, SF Aaron Henry, C Xavier Tillman, SG Gabe Brown, SF Kyle Ahrens
Top-100 recruits: SG Rocket Watts (247Sports No. 32), PF Malik Hall (247 Sports No. 55).
Key decisions: C Nick Ward tested the draft last year and is not projected as a first-round pick.
1. Virginia
2018-19 record and finish: 34-3, playing for NCAA title
Key players: SG Kyle Guy, PG Ty Jerome, PG Kihei Clark, PF Mamadi Diakite, PF Braxton Key
Top-100 recruits: C Kadin Shedrick (247Sports No. 56), SG Casey Morsell (247Sports No. 58)
Key decisions: SF De’Andre Hunter, projected No. 6 pick by Stone, almost certainly will depart
Latest posts
-
-
-
-
-
Who Could Be Iowa MBB's Next Commit? + Two Priority Visitors Scheduled
- Latest: Eliot Clough