With the announcement that Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich will return to Kansas University next season, the Jayhawks could have two first-team All-Americans in their 2009-2010 starting lineup.
As a result, Kansas should be a top-three preseason squad next season. Maybe even No. 1, should the Jayhawks land Xavier Henry, Lance Stephenson, Daniel Orton or John Wall.
ESPN college hoops writer Andy Katz ranked the Jayhawks No. 1 in his preseason Top 25 for 2009-2010.
What’s not to like about KU next season? The Jayhawks don’t lose any valuable court minutes from last year’s team. How about this for depth:
Guards: Collins, Tyshawn Taylor, Elijah Johnson, Tyrel Reed, Travis Releford.
Guard/forwards: Brady Morningstar, Mario Little.
Forwards: Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris, Thomas Robinson.
Centers: Aldrich, Jeff Withey.
And of course … potentially Henry (6-6 shooting guard), Stephenson (6-6 shooting guard), Orton (6-10 center) or Wall (6-3 point guard).
Even without the recruits, KU has the same starting lineup as last year with Collins, Taylor, Morningstar, Marcus Morris and Aldrich.
… Yikes.
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Apr/14/ku_bkc_mu_13.jpg
Nick Krug/Journal-World file photo
It’s a foregone conclusion the Jayhawks will be favored to win the Big 12 next season. But what about the rest of the conference? Here’s how I would rank the next 11 teams for 2009-2010 (it’s pretty early, so this is subject to change):
2. Texas
Sure, departed senior A.J. Abrams left, but coach Rick Barnes boasts the highest-ranked 2009 recruiting class (No. 3 overall on Rivals) in the Big 12 with small forward Jordan Hamilton (No. 5 overall Rivals recruit) and shooting guard Avery Bradley (No. 8 overall).
I’m just spitballing here, but this starting lineup would be stacked:
Bench: Jordan Hamilton, Justin Mason, Varez Ward, Clint Chapman. I haven’t seen Hamilton play, but he appears to be talented enough to start immediately. Maybe Barnes bumps Johnson from the starting lineup. Either way, Texas should challenge Kansas for the Big 12 title next season. Katz ranked UT No. 4 overall in his preseason rankings.
Editor’s note: I forgot to initially mention Jai Lucas, but the Florida transfer point guard is expected to challenge Balbay for a starting spot at Texas next season. Either way, he’ll play a significant role and he’s clearly more of a scoring threat than Balbay. UT needs to replace Abrams with as much scoring as possible from both guard positions. Just more depth on an already loaded UT squad.
3. Kansas State
I’m very high on the ‘Cats next season. I think they have the potential to challenge Kansas and Texas for the Big 12 title. Power forward Wally Judge (Rivals No. 23) and shooting guard Rodney McGruder (No. 91) should make immediate contributions. A potential starting five:
Samuels, at 6-7 and 215 pounds, could be a bit undersized for a 5, but this unit is flat-out scary. Coming off the bench: Fred Brown, McGruder, Luis Colon and Ron Anderson.
4. Oklahoma
Obviously, the Sooners offense will have a new look without the services of Blake Griffin. Taylor Griffin and Austin Johnson are also gone.
If Willie Warren comes back for his sophomore season, this will be a nice team with fringe Top 25 potential to start the season. Rivals ranked the Sooners’ 2009 recruiting class No. 12 overall. The class features center Keith Gallon (No. 31 player overall) and point guard Tommy Mason-Griffin (No. 66). Here’s my guess on OU’s starting five:
In this scenario, shooting guard Cade Davis and center Ryan Wright would provide decent depth off the bench.
The rest of the field, in one sentence apiece:
5. Oklahoma State: Coach Travis Ford has a trio of four-star recruits for 2009, along with the experience of James Anderson, Keiton Page, Obi Muonelo and Marshall Moses (dangerous team, but will miss the clutch Byron Eaton).
6. Missouri: Notable losses with DeMarre Carroll, Leo Lyons and Matt Lawrence, but everyone else returns, including arguably the most important piece: coach Mike Anderson and his new and improved seven-year contract.
7. Texas A&M: Josh Carter is finally out after what seemed like a 10-year stint in College Station, but the Aggies have several key parts (Donald Sloan, Derrick Roland, B.J. Holmes, Chinemelu Elonu and Bryan Davis) returning.
8. Baylor: Adios to Curtis Jerrells, Henry Dugat and Kevin Rogers, but the Bears have some experience (LaceDarius Dunn, Tweety Carter, Quincy Acy, Josh Lomers) to build on their unexpected Big 12 tournament runner-up and NIT runner-up finishes.
9. Iowa State: If Craig Brackins doesn’t bolt for the NBA, the Cyclones could surprise people.
10. Texas Tech: No more Alan Voskuil, but juniors Mike Singletary and John Roberson should make the Red Raiders somewhat decent.
11. Nebraska: Not a whole lot to love right now with the departure of senior Ade Dagunduro and the transfer of Cookie Miller.
12. Colorado: Jermyl Jackson-Wilson was Colorado’s lone senior last year.
As always, discuss.
