B/R Experts' Predictions for CBB Conference Play: SMU #1

[Harry0569]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2314 ... son/page/2



1. SMU (33 points, three first-place votes): The Mustangs lost every big game (Gonzaga, Indiana and Arkansas) in nonconference play. But they've won six straight entering league competition.

2. Connecticut (30 points): Because the league is weak, the defending national champions may have a tough time racking up enough quality wins to make the NCAA tournament.

3. Cincinnati (26 points): The Bearcats rank 301st in the country in scoring with 61.8 points per game.

4. Temple (25 points): The December additions of transfers Jesse Morgan (Massachusetts) and Devin Coleman (Clemson) has provided a huge boost to the Owls, who thumped then-No. 10 Kansas on Dec. 22.

5. Memphis (20 points): With players such as Shaq Goodwin and Austin Nichols, the Tigers have enough talent to win the league. But consistency has been an issue for this team.

6. Tulsa (19 points): James Woodard (14.8 points per game) and Shaquille Harrison (14.3 ppg) are hoping to thrust the Golden Hurricanes in the conference title race.

7. Houston (14 points): Kelvin Sampson inherited some decent talent in Jherrod Stiggers (17.4 ppg), Devonta Pollard (12.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and L.J. Rose (5.5 apg).

8. Tulane (12 points): Guards Louis Dabney (12.5 ppg) and Jonathan Stark (11.6 ppg, 3.6 apg) form one of the best backcourts in the AAC.

9. South Florida (10 points): The Bulls have lost six of their past seven games under first-year coach Orlando Antigua.

10. East Carolina (six points): B.J. Tyson and Caleb White each average 13.7 ppg for a squad that lost by 44 points to North Carolina and 17 to Wisconsin-Green Bay.

11. Central Florida (three points): Head coach Donnie Jones could be in trouble if the Knights don't improve on last season's 4-14 record in conference play.


Player Of The Year

Ryan Boatright, Connecticut: One of the key pieces of last season's NCAA tournament team, Boatright is averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.9 steals.


Freshman Of The Year

Daniel Hamilton, Connecticut: The brother of former Texas star Jordan Hamilton is off to a solid start with averages of 11.2 points and 6.1 rebounds, but he's shooting just 35 percent from three-point range.

Coach Of The Year

Larry Brown, SMU: The Mustangs are seeking their first NCAA tournament berth since 1993. If they make it, the credit will go to Brown, who has done an excellent job of making SMU relevant again.

Sleeper

Memphis: Don't forget about the Tigers just because of their cold start. Josh Pastner's squad still has plenty of talent and one of the top home-court advantages in the AAC.

Overvalued

Tulsa: The Golden Hurricane made the NCAA tournament last season after winning the Conference USA postseason tournament, but life will be more difficult in the AAC.

[ponyboy]

Michigan was every bit as big a game as Indiana.

[StallionsModelT]

Michigan and Wyoming are not quality games? UCSB playing the entire second half w/o NM?

[Pony147]

"Bleacher Report Expert" is an oxymoron

[sadderbudweiser]

Moron that later.