Impressive teams so far...

Ok, so we've gotten to see what most of the good teams in college hoops have to offer this year now, even though conference play hasn't begun. What I'm wondering is, which teams have really jumped out of the box score at you? Who's playing above expectations, or which teams are you just liking so much now that you feel you've got to give them a shout out? Here it goes...

Butler - Well, this isn't a shocker, but you've got to love what Butler's done so far. They play a smart, efficient style and they get outstanding production from a pair of guards who are juniors, which bodes very well for the future. AJ Graves isn't a classic point guard because he takes just a few too many bad shots and doesn't shoot a great percentage, but he's gutty, gritty and solid. I really fell in love with him watching him go up against teams like Tennesee and Zaga in the preseason NIT, because those are two teams that play uptempo ball and usually run teams with lesser talent off teh court, and he showed up big against both of them. I really, really like Mike Green, too. He's got a versatile game and compliments Graves very well. They don't have great size up front, but Ligon is a better shot blocker than you'd expect at 6'7". He gets it done up front against bigger guys, and I've got to like that. The Euro kid can really shoot it, but I can't remember his name LOL. This is a team that overall plays smart ball and does a great job of running their offense and executing no matter who they're playing against or how many points they're behind be (evidence: their 3 come-from-behind wins in the NIT tourney). This is the type of team every coach would like to have.

California - These guys have really impressed me so far. I didn't think they'd be much more than about a 18-12, 20-10 type team that has to fight to get an NCAA bid, but they're really playing well and getting big production from their freshmen. Ubaka is a real good player to have around. He's been a better shooter this year and still knows how to set up his teammates. Nice all-around player. Ryan Anderson, now one of the worst kept secrets in college ball, has been much better than advertised. They said he was averaging 20+ ppg entering the G.A.S, and he validated that by performing very well against teams that couldn't match up with his size and skill set. He's going to become a Scott Padgett type with a better post-up game, IMO (I dunno if that's a great comparasin, but that's who came to mind when I was watching him ). I know he's probably not going to get a ton of playing time this year due to his propensity to play out of control, but Jerome Randle looks real good at times, too. I love little guys who play with as much intensity and passion as he does. He'll be a player. You know that Wilkes is going to get his points, and Hardin has been better than I expected on offense; if he continues to develop his ability to score away from putbacks and easy dunks, he's going to be a high lottery pick with his athleticism and shot-blocking ability. And the craziest thing about Cal is that Patrick Christopher, easily the most touted recruit, has hardly done anything so far. If he puts up numbers on the perimeter like people think he will, wow, look out. Plus, you've got to like a young team winning a preseason tourney, much like Butler. That shows toughness and the ability to perform when it counts. Definitely a team to keep an eye on in a league that, so far, has shown that it has more ability and guile than many people expected heading into this year.

Michigan State - You knew I was going to have a Big 10 team on this list, didn't you? I know we're supposed to be rivals, but I can't help but root for Michigan State any time they aren't playing the Badgers. As Voodoo Child can tell you, I've loved Drew Neitzel ever since he put up 36 in a state high school tourney game in Michigan. He was playing against guys like Joe Crawford and Malik Hairston for Detroit Rennisiance H.S, and he stole the show. Now, with Brown and Ager gone, he's the backcourt star and is doing a great job. He's actually maintained his playmaking ability while improving by leaps and bounds as a scorer. I also really like Travis Walton as a pass-first, tough D one guard. Raymar Morgan, well, what else can you say besides he's been terrific as a freshman so far. He reminds me of Alando Tucker but he's already a better ballhandler and outside shooter. Look out for Morgan. I don't like Goran Suton as much as some people because he seems to whiff on some big opportunities. That said, he's still maturing and he's going to be a good Big 10 big man. And then there's Marquise Gray, who's got too much talent and athleticism not to become a very good player. A lot to like about Sparty this year, because they're young and improving with a hell of a coach.

Other impressive teams so far: Washington State, Oregon, West Virginia, Illinois and Oklahoma State.

 

Wow, I hadn't seen that score yet. I ranked Mizzou last in the Big 12 this year, and as soon as I submitted that thing I knew I would regret putting a team like that so far down. I haven't seen them yet this year, but I guess it's true that if you've got steady play at the point, a good coach, and a solid big man, big things are possible.

 

Schaddy, that Euro on Butler.....Betko I think his name is Nice read, some good teams up there. Here's some teams that are doing awesome so far that no ones gives recognition to.

San Diego St. has just been amazing this year so far. With the loss of Marcus Slaughter, they lost a big time post presence, but they replaced him with Habel. The JC transfer has been everything and more that VC said he would be. They actually beat Cal by 7 this year and Habel had 23 points 7 rebounds and 3 blocks to lead them to a big win. Abukar is a very underrated player too, his length and athleticism has really been overlooked. They'll get tested win Arizona visits them December 9th.

Missouri St. from the MVC has really tore it up so far. They play some hardcore D the whole game, something that is important to winning. I really think they'll be Wichita St.'s best competition in the MVC this year, they returned all starters from last year's team that was the team with the highest RPI not to make the Tourney ever. They almost beat Oklahoma St. in the San Padre Invitational, but Dove shut down Ahearn do to the fact that he was a much better athlete and had 3-4 inches on him. Ahearn is an excellent shooter from anywhere on the court, the most notable thing if he's led the NCAA in FT % the last 3 years. The Iowa transfer, Spencer Laurie, will also be a big time player for them. The Iowa Legend has tons of talent and can run this team very good. Devean Mitchell and Nathan Bilyeu are 2 undersized post players that bring toughness and some of the guttiest players you'll find. This team will, with no doubt, will make the tourney this year barring an injury.

I know Nevada has been out of the bag for quite awhile, but they're serious this year. Fazekas has improved greatly with his leadership skills and it's showed this year so far. Fazekas has led Nevada to an undefeated 6-0 record so far, with Cal on their schedule this Sunday. Another thing that sticks out for them is a healthy Ramon Sessions. All of last year he played with hip pointers, and that really hurt his whole game. Sessions has showed why he was a great talent in his frosh year, looking much faster and fluint.

Others that have stuck out are Loyola Marymount, Fresno St., and New Mexico.