<TABLE class=sectionhead style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #e1e1e1 2px solid" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=660 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD height=27>College Sports </TD><TD class=dateline noWrap></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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April 6, 2007, 8:26AM
Source: Gillispie to coach Ky. Wildcats
By JEFFREY McMURRAY Associated Press Writer
<!-- rbox ends here -->LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky's restless fortnight is over. The new leader of Big Blue Nation has a heart as big as Texas, and he'll need it to help restore some of the luster to college basketball's all-time winningest program.
Billy Gillispie was hired as Kentucky's sixth coach in the last 76 years on Friday, a person familiar with the search process told The Associated Press. He'll replace Tubby Smith, who spent a decade under the glare of college basketball's brightest spotlight before bolting to Minnesota two weeks ago.
Gillispie, who led Texas A&M to the NCAA tournament's round of 16 this year for the first time since 1980, will be introduced at a 12:15 p.m. EDT pep rally at Memorial Coliseum followed by a 12:45 news conference, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement.
The Wildcats turned to Gillispie after another Billy — Florida's Billy Donovan — decided Thursday to stay with the Gators. Texas' Rick Barnes also indicated Thursday he wasn't interested in the job, but it was never formally offered to any candidate other than Gillispie.
Gillispie replaces Smith, who left the Wildcats after 10 seasons to take the head coaching job in Minnesota last month, despite having four years left on his contract.
Gillispie is 100-58 in five seasons as a head coach. He spent the last three years with the Aggies, molding the longtime also-ran into a Big 12 power. Texas A&M went 27-7 this season.
His success with the Aggies made Gillispie a hot commodity. He was approached by Arkansas after Stan Heath was fired, but decided to stay with the Aggies, agreeing in principle to a new contract worth $1.75 million that would have made him among the Big 12's highest-paid coaches.
The 47-year-old Gillispie, however, never signed the deal and he didn't hesitate when Kentucky came calling. Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne gave Barnhart permission to speak to Gillispie on Thursday night, and by Friday morning the Wildcats had their sixth coach since 1931.
Gillispie served as an assistant coach to Bill Self at Tulsa and Illinois before moving on to coach UTEP in 2002. He coached the Miners for two seasons, surviving a 6-24 season in 2002-03 before leading the Miners to a 24-8 record the next year.
Texas A&M lured him to College Station in 2004, and Gillispie didn't waste time turning around a program that went winless in Big 12 play the year before his arrival. Texas A&M made it to the NIT his first season and the NCAA tournament the next two.
Behind the play of senior point guard Acie Law, the Aggies spent most of the 2006-07 season ranked in the top 10. They finished 13-3 in the Big 12 this season.
Gillispie's finest moment came on the Rupp Arena floor in Lexington. He guided the Aggies to wins over Penn and Louisville in the opening rounds of this year's NCAA tournament.
The Louisville game was unique because it featured Smith's predecessor, Rick Pitino, coaching against Smith's successor, Gillispie on Kentucky's home court.
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April 6, 2007, 8:26AM
Source: Gillispie to coach Ky. Wildcats
By JEFFREY McMURRAY Associated Press Writer
<!-- rbox ends here -->LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky's restless fortnight is over. The new leader of Big Blue Nation has a heart as big as Texas, and he'll need it to help restore some of the luster to college basketball's all-time winningest program.
Billy Gillispie was hired as Kentucky's sixth coach in the last 76 years on Friday, a person familiar with the search process told The Associated Press. He'll replace Tubby Smith, who spent a decade under the glare of college basketball's brightest spotlight before bolting to Minnesota two weeks ago.
Gillispie, who led Texas A&M to the NCAA tournament's round of 16 this year for the first time since 1980, will be introduced at a 12:15 p.m. EDT pep rally at Memorial Coliseum followed by a 12:45 news conference, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement.
The Wildcats turned to Gillispie after another Billy — Florida's Billy Donovan — decided Thursday to stay with the Gators. Texas' Rick Barnes also indicated Thursday he wasn't interested in the job, but it was never formally offered to any candidate other than Gillispie.
Gillispie replaces Smith, who left the Wildcats after 10 seasons to take the head coaching job in Minnesota last month, despite having four years left on his contract.
Gillispie is 100-58 in five seasons as a head coach. He spent the last three years with the Aggies, molding the longtime also-ran into a Big 12 power. Texas A&M went 27-7 this season.
His success with the Aggies made Gillispie a hot commodity. He was approached by Arkansas after Stan Heath was fired, but decided to stay with the Aggies, agreeing in principle to a new contract worth $1.75 million that would have made him among the Big 12's highest-paid coaches.
The 47-year-old Gillispie, however, never signed the deal and he didn't hesitate when Kentucky came calling. Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne gave Barnhart permission to speak to Gillispie on Thursday night, and by Friday morning the Wildcats had their sixth coach since 1931.
Gillispie served as an assistant coach to Bill Self at Tulsa and Illinois before moving on to coach UTEP in 2002. He coached the Miners for two seasons, surviving a 6-24 season in 2002-03 before leading the Miners to a 24-8 record the next year.
Texas A&M lured him to College Station in 2004, and Gillispie didn't waste time turning around a program that went winless in Big 12 play the year before his arrival. Texas A&M made it to the NIT his first season and the NCAA tournament the next two.
Behind the play of senior point guard Acie Law, the Aggies spent most of the 2006-07 season ranked in the top 10. They finished 13-3 in the Big 12 this season.
Gillispie's finest moment came on the Rupp Arena floor in Lexington. He guided the Aggies to wins over Penn and Louisville in the opening rounds of this year's NCAA tournament.
The Louisville game was unique because it featured Smith's predecessor, Rick Pitino, coaching against Smith's successor, Gillispie on Kentucky's home court.
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This guy had a chance to do great things at TX A&M...w/ little pressure. I think this is a mistake by him and dont expect him to stay long before they run him out of town. Kentucky needs more than a coach to change that program around. They used to be the big school in that state but IMO Louisville has passed them by...JMO
Preseason top 25
Rivals.com 2007-2008 preseason poll
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>1. Florida (35-5) </TD><TD align=right></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Any questions? The Gators became the first team to repeat as national champs with the same starting lineup. If everyone comes back, they'd lose one starter (Lee Humphrey) and their sixth man (Chris Richard). However, if Corey Brewer, Al Horford, Joakim Noah and Taurean Green return would you bet against three in a row? Mix in Rivals.com's fifth-ranked recruiting class, led by five-star Nick Calathes, and you've got a dynasty.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>2. Ohio State (35-4) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Imagine Greg Oden playing for an entire season like he did in the NCAA Championship game. The Buckeyes do lose Ron Lewis and Ivan Harris, and Lewis' scoring punch was huge in the tournament. But with another year Thad Matta can rightfully expect even more out of Oden and classmates Mike Conley Jr., Daequan Cook and David Lighty. The coach also has gone out and signed another top-notch class, ranked sixth by Rivals.com.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>3. North Carolina (31-7) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Tar Heels were an overtime loss from reaching the Final Four. Almost every significant contributor is back, save for senior forward Reyshawn Terry and his 9.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. But his loss should be more than compensated for among Rivals.com First Team All-American Tyler Hansbrough, Rivals.com First Team Freshman All-American Brandan Wright, Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>4. UCLA (30-6) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The dream of another national title died hard again, again at the hands of Florida. Perhaps it will be enough motivation for everyone to return for another go. Arron Afflalo earned Pac-10 Player of the Year honors by scoring 16.9 points per game, and he has one year of eligibility remaining. As a matter of fact, the entire UCLA roster has eligibility remaining. Add five-star center recruit Kevin Love, and the Bruins are poised to make the Final Four again.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>5. Georgetown (30-7) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Hoyas are loaded for another Final Four run because their top 11 scorers are scheduled to return, including Big East Player of the Year Jeff Green and 7-2 center Roy Hibbert. If each is more assertive on the offensive end, there's little doubt this team is a threat to win it all in 2008. DaJuan Summers could make a quantum leap next season, and the guard tandem of Jonathan Wallace and Jessie Sapp will be one of the nation's best.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>6. Kansas (33-5) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Jayhawks won 33 games without a senior, so you have to like their chances next season. Unlike the teams currently ahead of them in our poll, they probably won't lose any of their underclassmen to the NBA. Classmates Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Julian Wright form the nucleus of a group that will be favored in the Big 12. It is a group that could top our next preseason poll if loads of players on the teams in our top five depart.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>7. Texas (25-10) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
We think we know it isn't going to happen, but what if consensus national player of the year Kevin Durant returns for his sophomore season? Scary to consider what he could do in an encore, not to mention the rest of the Longhorns. Rick Barnes' team is slated to return its top eight scorers from a season in which it won 25 games. Durant or not, look for the backcourt of D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams to be a major force next season.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>8. Memphis (33-4) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
First and foremost the Tigers kept their coach. Probably a wise move for both. John Calipari is looking at a roster loaded with talent and only one major loss – senior guard Jeremy Hunt. Those who could return include leading scorer Chris Douglas-Roberts (15.4 points) and frontcourt bruiser Joey Dorsey (8.5 ppg and team-leading 9.4 rebounds per game). The Tigers also have Rivals' No. 11 recruiting class.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>9. Louisville (24-10) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Cardinals' top seven scorers are slated to return, including second-team All Big East selections Terrence Williams and David Padgett and second-leading scorer Edgar Sosa. Rick Pitino did one of the finest coaching jobs of his career with this young team. Louisville won 24 games before being ousted by Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. With almost 94 percent of their scoring back, don't look for another early exit.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>10. USC (25-12) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Trojans were an NCAA Tournament revelation. Picked by many to be a first-round casualty, Tim Floyd's young team blasted Arkansas and Texas before bowing out against North Carolina. Only 3-point specialist Lodrick Stewart was a major contributor among the seniors. Players such as Nick Young (17.5 ppg) and Taj Gibson (12.2 ppg) served notice in the tourney that they'll be back. And the recruiting class is ranked second by Rivals.com.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>11. Tennessee (24-11) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Vols led Ohio State by 20 late in the first half of their Sweet 16 matchup before stumbling down the stretch. They should be stronger for it. Every player on the roster is scheduled to return save for Dane Bradshaw. The lone senior did a lot of little things for UT, but his numbers should be compensated for amply. SEC Player of the Year Chris Lofton has loftier goals next season, and they're attainable with his improving supporting cast.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>12. Michigan State (23-12) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Watch out for Tom Izzo's Spartans. There isn't a senior on the roster, and his team played a brutal conference schedule last season with two games each against the top three teams in the Big Ten (Ohio State, Wisconsin and Indiana). Guard Drew Neitzel (18.1 ppg) is a dynamic scorer, and freshman forward Raymar Morgan (11.7 ppg) is only going to get better. Izzo played nine guys at least 10 minutes a game, and that should prove invaluable.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>13. Georgia Tech (20-12) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Yellow Jackets lose only one senior, and none of their top eight scorers. Paul Hewitt's young bunch showed flashes of brilliance in winning seven of nine down the stretch after a rough start in ACC play. Guard Javaris Crittenton (14.4 ppg, 5.8 apg) was a Rivals.com Second Team Freshman All-American, and forward Thaddeus Young (14.4 ppg) was on our third team. They are explosive players who would benefit from at least one more season.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>14. Indiana (21-11) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Hoosiers lose senior guards Roderick Wilmont (12.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Earl Calloway (9.6 ppg), but there still is plenty to be excited about in Bloomington. Leading scorer and rebounder D.J. White (13.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) is back, and Kelvin Sampson has lured a class that is ranked ninth nationally by Rivals.com. The headliner is shooting guard Eric Gordon, a five-star prospect out of Indianapolis who is ranked the No. 2 player in the land.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>15. Marquette (24-10) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Golden Eagles return their top seven scorers, including guards Dominic James (14.9 ppg), Jerel McNeal (14.7 ppg; Big East Defensive Player of the Year) and Wesley Matthews (12.6 ppg). But perhaps the most important guy for Marquette to hang onto is coach Tom Crean, who has been linked to several of the high-profile jobs. If no one flies the nest, the Golden Eagles will be a threat in the Big East and beyond.
16. Kansas State (23-12)
Everybody figured Bob Huggins would get it rolling in the Little Apple, but perhaps not this soon. After narrowly missing out on the NCAA Tournament in his first season, Huggins has the Wildcats poised to crash the dance in 2008 with Rivals.com's top-ranked recruiting class, led by No. 1 prospect Michael Beasley. Beasley and former five-star prospect Bill Walker, who's recovering from a torn ACL, should form a dynamic duo.
17. Mississippi State (21-14)
The Bulldogs are slated to lose only one of their top nine scorers. Rivals.com Third Team All-American Jamont Gordon is the go-to guy for Rick Stansbury. The rising junior from Nashville led MSU in scoring (16.0 ppg), rebounding (7.1 rpg) and assists (5.3 apg), and he was the only player in the SEC to rank in the top 10 in all three categories. His top running mate is F-C Charles Rhodes (13.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg).
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>18. Arizona (20-11) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Former five-star prospect Chase Budinger, a Rivals.com second-team Freshman All-American, already has said he'll return. More good news for the Wildcats will arrive in the fall in the form of Rivals.com's fourth-ranked recruiting class. It's headlined by a pair of five-star prospects – shooting guard Jerryd Bayless (No. 10 overall) and small forward Jamelle Horne (No. 19). Lute Olson also has leading scorer Marcus Williams (16.6 ppg) back.
19. N.C. State (20-16)
The Wolfpack had a terrific run in their first season under Sidney Lowe, making the ACC tournament final then winning a couple of games in the NIT. Redshirt freshman Brandon Costner was a revelation, earning Rivals.com Third Team Freshman All-America honors with 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. N.C. State also welcomes back three more double-digit scorers and a recruiting class that Rivals.com ranks 19th nationally.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>20. Stanford (18-13) </TD><TD align=right> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Cardinal had only one senior among its top 12 scorers, and he wasn't among the top three. Chief among the players scheduled to return are the Lopez twins, Brook and Robin. Brook was a Rivals.com Second Team Freshman All-American with 12.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. His brother averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. They're joined by leading scorer Lawrence Hill (15.7 ppg) and Anthony Goods (12.8 ppg).
21. Syracuse (24-11)
The Orange suffer heavy graduation losses in the form of leading scorer Demetris Nichols, leading rebounder Terrence Roberts and center Darryl Watkins. But coach Jim Boeheim has plenty of building blocks, including shooting guard Eric Devendorf (14.8 ppg) and forward Paul Harris (8.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg). He also has the nation's third-ranked recruiting class according to Rivals.com, which features a pair of five-star prospects.
22. Washington (19-13)
The entire starting lineup and the first three players off the bench return for coach Lorenzo Romar, whose Huskies won four games against ranked teams. Spencer Hawes (14.9 ppg), Jon Brockman (14.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg) and Quincy Pondexter (10.7 ppg) have a chance to be one of the best frontcourts in the nation. Guards Ryan Appleby and Justin Dentmon also averaged in double figures. Romar is bringing in the No. 21-ranked class in the nation.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>23. Duke (22-11) </TD><TD align=right> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Josh McRoberts already has declared for the NBA Draft, but the Blue Devils are set for the rest of their roster to return. The leading returning scorers are all guards – DeMarcus Nelson (14.1 ppg), Jon Scheyer (12.2 ppg) and Greg Paulus (11.8). Former five-star prospect Gerald Henderson (6.8 ppg) will need to raise his game for Duke to reach the next level, and the nation's No. 8 recruiting class will have to live up to every bit of its hype.
24. Alabama (20-12)
Jermareo Davidson's career came to a close, and he'll be missed, but the rest of the roster returns. The key question will be the health of point guard Ronald Steele, who underwent surgery after knee problems caused his scoring average to dip from 14.3 to 8.6 points per game. A healthy Steele teamed with Richard Hendrix (14.6 ppg), Alonzo Gee (12.6 ppg) and Mykal Riley (12.6 ppg) would mean a return to the NCAA Tourney.
25. Connecticut (17-14)
There's just too much talent on the Huskies roster for them to be down for another season. Jim Calhoun fielded a very young lineup, and every significant contributor returns. Guard Jerome Dyson (13.8 ppg) had a fine freshman season, and fellow frosh Hasheem Thabeet, a 7-3 center, ranked third nationally in blocks with 3.8 per game. Forward Jeff Adrien (13.1 ppg, 9.7 rpg) led the Big East in double-doubles with 15.
Also receiving votes (listed alphabetically)
Arkansas, Gonzaga, Southern Illinois, Texas A&M, UNLV, Villanova, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Rivals.com 2007-2008 preseason poll
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>1. Florida (35-5) </TD><TD align=right></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Any questions? The Gators became the first team to repeat as national champs with the same starting lineup. If everyone comes back, they'd lose one starter (Lee Humphrey) and their sixth man (Chris Richard). However, if Corey Brewer, Al Horford, Joakim Noah and Taurean Green return would you bet against three in a row? Mix in Rivals.com's fifth-ranked recruiting class, led by five-star Nick Calathes, and you've got a dynasty.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>2. Ohio State (35-4) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Imagine Greg Oden playing for an entire season like he did in the NCAA Championship game. The Buckeyes do lose Ron Lewis and Ivan Harris, and Lewis' scoring punch was huge in the tournament. But with another year Thad Matta can rightfully expect even more out of Oden and classmates Mike Conley Jr., Daequan Cook and David Lighty. The coach also has gone out and signed another top-notch class, ranked sixth by Rivals.com.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>3. North Carolina (31-7) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Tar Heels were an overtime loss from reaching the Final Four. Almost every significant contributor is back, save for senior forward Reyshawn Terry and his 9.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. But his loss should be more than compensated for among Rivals.com First Team All-American Tyler Hansbrough, Rivals.com First Team Freshman All-American Brandan Wright, Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>4. UCLA (30-6) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The dream of another national title died hard again, again at the hands of Florida. Perhaps it will be enough motivation for everyone to return for another go. Arron Afflalo earned Pac-10 Player of the Year honors by scoring 16.9 points per game, and he has one year of eligibility remaining. As a matter of fact, the entire UCLA roster has eligibility remaining. Add five-star center recruit Kevin Love, and the Bruins are poised to make the Final Four again.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>5. Georgetown (30-7) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Hoyas are loaded for another Final Four run because their top 11 scorers are scheduled to return, including Big East Player of the Year Jeff Green and 7-2 center Roy Hibbert. If each is more assertive on the offensive end, there's little doubt this team is a threat to win it all in 2008. DaJuan Summers could make a quantum leap next season, and the guard tandem of Jonathan Wallace and Jessie Sapp will be one of the nation's best.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>6. Kansas (33-5) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Jayhawks won 33 games without a senior, so you have to like their chances next season. Unlike the teams currently ahead of them in our poll, they probably won't lose any of their underclassmen to the NBA. Classmates Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Julian Wright form the nucleus of a group that will be favored in the Big 12. It is a group that could top our next preseason poll if loads of players on the teams in our top five depart.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>7. Texas (25-10) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
We think we know it isn't going to happen, but what if consensus national player of the year Kevin Durant returns for his sophomore season? Scary to consider what he could do in an encore, not to mention the rest of the Longhorns. Rick Barnes' team is slated to return its top eight scorers from a season in which it won 25 games. Durant or not, look for the backcourt of D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams to be a major force next season.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>8. Memphis (33-4) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
First and foremost the Tigers kept their coach. Probably a wise move for both. John Calipari is looking at a roster loaded with talent and only one major loss – senior guard Jeremy Hunt. Those who could return include leading scorer Chris Douglas-Roberts (15.4 points) and frontcourt bruiser Joey Dorsey (8.5 ppg and team-leading 9.4 rebounds per game). The Tigers also have Rivals' No. 11 recruiting class.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>9. Louisville (24-10) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Cardinals' top seven scorers are slated to return, including second-team All Big East selections Terrence Williams and David Padgett and second-leading scorer Edgar Sosa. Rick Pitino did one of the finest coaching jobs of his career with this young team. Louisville won 24 games before being ousted by Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. With almost 94 percent of their scoring back, don't look for another early exit.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>10. USC (25-12) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Trojans were an NCAA Tournament revelation. Picked by many to be a first-round casualty, Tim Floyd's young team blasted Arkansas and Texas before bowing out against North Carolina. Only 3-point specialist Lodrick Stewart was a major contributor among the seniors. Players such as Nick Young (17.5 ppg) and Taj Gibson (12.2 ppg) served notice in the tourney that they'll be back. And the recruiting class is ranked second by Rivals.com.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>11. Tennessee (24-11) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Vols led Ohio State by 20 late in the first half of their Sweet 16 matchup before stumbling down the stretch. They should be stronger for it. Every player on the roster is scheduled to return save for Dane Bradshaw. The lone senior did a lot of little things for UT, but his numbers should be compensated for amply. SEC Player of the Year Chris Lofton has loftier goals next season, and they're attainable with his improving supporting cast.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>12. Michigan State (23-12) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Watch out for Tom Izzo's Spartans. There isn't a senior on the roster, and his team played a brutal conference schedule last season with two games each against the top three teams in the Big Ten (Ohio State, Wisconsin and Indiana). Guard Drew Neitzel (18.1 ppg) is a dynamic scorer, and freshman forward Raymar Morgan (11.7 ppg) is only going to get better. Izzo played nine guys at least 10 minutes a game, and that should prove invaluable.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>13. Georgia Tech (20-12) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Yellow Jackets lose only one senior, and none of their top eight scorers. Paul Hewitt's young bunch showed flashes of brilliance in winning seven of nine down the stretch after a rough start in ACC play. Guard Javaris Crittenton (14.4 ppg, 5.8 apg) was a Rivals.com Second Team Freshman All-American, and forward Thaddeus Young (14.4 ppg) was on our third team. They are explosive players who would benefit from at least one more season.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>14. Indiana (21-11) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Hoosiers lose senior guards Roderick Wilmont (12.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Earl Calloway (9.6 ppg), but there still is plenty to be excited about in Bloomington. Leading scorer and rebounder D.J. White (13.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) is back, and Kelvin Sampson has lured a class that is ranked ninth nationally by Rivals.com. The headliner is shooting guard Eric Gordon, a five-star prospect out of Indianapolis who is ranked the No. 2 player in the land.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>15. Marquette (24-10) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Golden Eagles return their top seven scorers, including guards Dominic James (14.9 ppg), Jerel McNeal (14.7 ppg; Big East Defensive Player of the Year) and Wesley Matthews (12.6 ppg). But perhaps the most important guy for Marquette to hang onto is coach Tom Crean, who has been linked to several of the high-profile jobs. If no one flies the nest, the Golden Eagles will be a threat in the Big East and beyond.
16. Kansas State (23-12)
Everybody figured Bob Huggins would get it rolling in the Little Apple, but perhaps not this soon. After narrowly missing out on the NCAA Tournament in his first season, Huggins has the Wildcats poised to crash the dance in 2008 with Rivals.com's top-ranked recruiting class, led by No. 1 prospect Michael Beasley. Beasley and former five-star prospect Bill Walker, who's recovering from a torn ACL, should form a dynamic duo.
17. Mississippi State (21-14)
The Bulldogs are slated to lose only one of their top nine scorers. Rivals.com Third Team All-American Jamont Gordon is the go-to guy for Rick Stansbury. The rising junior from Nashville led MSU in scoring (16.0 ppg), rebounding (7.1 rpg) and assists (5.3 apg), and he was the only player in the SEC to rank in the top 10 in all three categories. His top running mate is F-C Charles Rhodes (13.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg).
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>18. Arizona (20-11) </TD><TD align=right> 2006-2007 highlights </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Former five-star prospect Chase Budinger, a Rivals.com second-team Freshman All-American, already has said he'll return. More good news for the Wildcats will arrive in the fall in the form of Rivals.com's fourth-ranked recruiting class. It's headlined by a pair of five-star prospects – shooting guard Jerryd Bayless (No. 10 overall) and small forward Jamelle Horne (No. 19). Lute Olson also has leading scorer Marcus Williams (16.6 ppg) back.
19. N.C. State (20-16)
The Wolfpack had a terrific run in their first season under Sidney Lowe, making the ACC tournament final then winning a couple of games in the NIT. Redshirt freshman Brandon Costner was a revelation, earning Rivals.com Third Team Freshman All-America honors with 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. N.C. State also welcomes back three more double-digit scorers and a recruiting class that Rivals.com ranks 19th nationally.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>20. Stanford (18-13) </TD><TD align=right> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The Cardinal had only one senior among its top 12 scorers, and he wasn't among the top three. Chief among the players scheduled to return are the Lopez twins, Brook and Robin. Brook was a Rivals.com Second Team Freshman All-American with 12.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. His brother averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. They're joined by leading scorer Lawrence Hill (15.7 ppg) and Anthony Goods (12.8 ppg).
21. Syracuse (24-11)
The Orange suffer heavy graduation losses in the form of leading scorer Demetris Nichols, leading rebounder Terrence Roberts and center Darryl Watkins. But coach Jim Boeheim has plenty of building blocks, including shooting guard Eric Devendorf (14.8 ppg) and forward Paul Harris (8.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg). He also has the nation's third-ranked recruiting class according to Rivals.com, which features a pair of five-star prospects.
22. Washington (19-13)
The entire starting lineup and the first three players off the bench return for coach Lorenzo Romar, whose Huskies won four games against ranked teams. Spencer Hawes (14.9 ppg), Jon Brockman (14.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg) and Quincy Pondexter (10.7 ppg) have a chance to be one of the best frontcourts in the nation. Guards Ryan Appleby and Justin Dentmon also averaged in double figures. Romar is bringing in the No. 21-ranked class in the nation.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>23. Duke (22-11) </TD><TD align=right> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Josh McRoberts already has declared for the NBA Draft, but the Blue Devils are set for the rest of their roster to return. The leading returning scorers are all guards – DeMarcus Nelson (14.1 ppg), Jon Scheyer (12.2 ppg) and Greg Paulus (11.8). Former five-star prospect Gerald Henderson (6.8 ppg) will need to raise his game for Duke to reach the next level, and the nation's No. 8 recruiting class will have to live up to every bit of its hype.
24. Alabama (20-12)
Jermareo Davidson's career came to a close, and he'll be missed, but the rest of the roster returns. The key question will be the health of point guard Ronald Steele, who underwent surgery after knee problems caused his scoring average to dip from 14.3 to 8.6 points per game. A healthy Steele teamed with Richard Hendrix (14.6 ppg), Alonzo Gee (12.6 ppg) and Mykal Riley (12.6 ppg) would mean a return to the NCAA Tourney.
25. Connecticut (17-14)
There's just too much talent on the Huskies roster for them to be down for another season. Jim Calhoun fielded a very young lineup, and every significant contributor returns. Guard Jerome Dyson (13.8 ppg) had a fine freshman season, and fellow frosh Hasheem Thabeet, a 7-3 center, ranked third nationally in blocks with 3.8 per game. Forward Jeff Adrien (13.1 ppg, 9.7 rpg) led the Big East in double-doubles with 15.
Also receiving votes (listed alphabetically)
Arkansas, Gonzaga, Southern Illinois, Texas A&M, UNLV, Villanova, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin
http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=660053
2007-2008 season
No Kentucky!!!! Not even considered a preaseason top 25. Tubby did good to bail before this next season
2007-2008 season
No Kentucky!!!! Not even considered a preaseason top 25. Tubby did good to bail before this next season
No shit Kentucky is not a top 25 team next season. That is why the change was needed. Tubby refused to put the hard work into recruiting. Tubby is a hell of a coach but if you aren't willing to put in the long hard hours in recruiting you are not going to land the top players. If you don't have talent your chances of being successful aren't as high. Billy Gillispie has demonstrated in the past that he is willing to work hard at recruiting. That is why he will have more success at UK than Tubby has had in recent years. Tubby will do a nice job at minnesota. The bar is set much lower there than at Kentucky. Minnesota will be ecstatic if in a couple of years Tubby has them in the Sweet 16. At Kentucky that isn't good enough. You could see in his press conference that Billy has much higher expectations and standards than Tubby has shown in the past few years.
Good post. Although I haven't seen the Gillespe's presser, I agree with everything else. NCAA tourney appearances alone will not cut it. Nor should they. As a Ville fan, even I can't fault UK fans for wanting a change. Now they have a young, hungry, driven coach. I was hoping Barnes would take the job..
If I was a U of L fan I would have wanted Barnes also. Being a UK fan I was glad he was not interested. I like Gillispie much better. The one hire that would have really pissed me off would have been Tom Crean. I live near Milwaukee and he does not impress me at all. The guy has been to one Final Four. Other than that can someone tell me what is so impressive about this guy? His teams have failed to make the NCAA's at least twice and I believe every other team has lost in the first round. He's an ok recruiter but is a terrible bench coach.
WHA??? Tubby singlehandedly set Ky basketball back 18 flippin' years due to his pathetic recruiting...they were better during freakin' probation! He did good to bail before he was canned next yr after they scrap for an NIT bid this yr...
Gillispie is a stud that will win and win big at Ky...but it will take a year or 2 to crawl out of the graveyard that Tubby left...
Crean has never even won an ncaa tournament game without dwade on his squad...I have no idea how his name gets mentioned with every college & nba job opening...
7 out of 9 years at TX barnes has lost to a lower seed...he's won exactly 1 postseason tournament in 20 yrs of coaching...great recruiter but terrible tactician - polar opposite of Tubby...
7 out of 9 years at TX barnes has lost to a lower seed...he's won exactly 1 postseason tournament in 20 yrs of coaching...great recruiter but terrible tactician - polar opposite of Tubby...
