****Official**** Knitting Thread (1 Viewer)

[PantherPower]

Preseason ACC Media Poll came out today. They definitely got the #1 team, POTY, and ROTY right.

1. Duke (25)

2. UNC (20)

3. Clemson

4. Georgia Tech (2)

5. Maryland

6. Wake Forest (1)

7. FSU

8. Virginia Tech

9. Boston College

10. Miami

11. Virginia

12. NC State

All-Conference:

Kyle Singler (POY)

Greivis Vasquez

Trevor Booker

Malcolm Delaney

Ed Davis



Rookie of the Year: Derrick Favors

 

[Dungeon Master]

Binding off is the process of taking the live stitches off of your needle and securing them so that they don't unravel.

The basic bind-off using knit stitches is the bind off that most beginners learn. This version is typically worked from the knit side of the work in stockinette. Alternatively, the purl version of this bind-off can be used from the purl side of the work. In order to do the purl bind-off, follow the directions below substituting purl for knit stitches.

A variation of this bind off would be to alternate knit and purl stitches in pattern, such as to continue a ribbing or seed stitch pattern. In this case, the directions below can be easily followed by substituting knit or purl stitches when working the stitches off of the left needle.

Step 1: Knit the first 2 stitches of the row.

Step 2:Insert the left needle into the first stitch on the right needle.

Step 3: Pull the first stitch on the right needle over the second stitch and off the right needle.

The second stitch will now be the only stitch on the right needle.

Step 4: Knit the next stitch on the left needle so that there are now 2 stitches on the right needle. (Picture shows about half a row bound off) Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the end of the row.

When all stitches in the row have been bound off, cut a tail at least 4" long (or as long as the pattern specifies) and pull this tail through the last stitch, pulling to secure the work.

 

[PantherPower]

excellent avatar and post!

 

[JAA]

Payne has canceled his visit to Kansas that was supposed to be at the end of the month.Down to WVU, MSU, UK, and Arizona.Report is from eersports, so take it FWIW...

 

[jeter23]

Payne has canceled his visit to Kansas that was supposed to be at the end of the month.Down to WVU, MSU, UK, and Arizona.Report is from eersports, so take it FWIW...

KU was hoping for Payne to visit on Halloween weekend (big school + sorority chicks in slutty Halloween costumes = memorable weekend for HS senior boy), but he never had KU at the top of his list. if Sean Miller was still at Xavier, Payne probably would have ended up there, but IMO it looks like he's headed for West Virginia.Brandan Knight is visiting KU this weekend. Both Knight and Selby seem to be seriously considering Kansas. Knight's defensive rep is stronger than Selby's, so on the surface it seems like Knight is a better fit for KU. But if KU gets one of them, it seems like it will be the one that Kentucky leaves behind. Either will be a great add to the program, but may as well get used to picking from Kentucky's leftovers for a while.

Payne still has 4 schools on his list but in reality it seems like he is down to UK and WVU, with most thinking he ends up a Mountaineer.I agree about the PGs. I think UK gets one (Knight) and the other goes to Kansas.

 

[TLEF316]

just got confirmation....I'm going to the NIT season tip off finals at MSG. Section 103. Finals should be Duke vs UCONN

 

[PantherPower]

Awesome TLEF316. Should be a blast!

Nice stats here, showing the most alums in the NBA on opening day...

1. Duke 14

1. UCLA 14

3. uCONn 13

3. Chapel College 13

5. Arizona 10

5. Kansas 10

 

[TLEF316]

Awesome TLEF316. Should be a blast!Nice stats here, showing the most alums in the NBA on opening day... 1. Duke 14 1. UCLA 143. uCONn 133. Chapel College 135. Arizona 105. Kansas 10

i thought that UNC was ahead going into the year with Nelson losing his spot. Did UNC lose someone?

 

[TLEF316]

Awesome TLEF316. Should be a blast!Nice stats here, showing the most alums in the NBA on opening day... 1. Duke 14 1. UCLA 143. uCONn 133. Chapel College 135. Arizona 105. Kansas 10

i thought that UNC was ahead going into the year with Nelson losing his spot. Did UNC lose someone?

 

[PantherPower]

The holes added four guys to the league, but lost four from last year: McCants, Stackhouse, Terry, and Noel.

 

[NMYMND]

Awesome TLEF316. Should be a blast!Nice stats here, showing the most alums in the NBA on opening day... 1. Duke 14 1. UCLA 143. uCONn 133. Chapel College 135. Arizona 105. Kansas 10

i thought that UNC was ahead going into the year with Nelson losing his spot. Did UNC lose someone?

This is a reverse from when Duke was in the middle of its Final Four heyday in the late 80s/early90s, and UNC fans focused on the value of having more players in the NBA. Just like the most important ACC title - regular season or tourney - is the one you just won.That list also is a nice split of teams that dominated the NCAA tourney from 1999-2004 and ones that became dominant from 2005-2009. Apparently having the most talent in college helps you claim the most alums in the NBA. Who knew?

 

[TobiasFunke]

Awesome TLEF316. Should be a blast!Nice stats here, showing the most alums in the NBA on opening day... 1. Duke 14 1. UCLA 143. uCONn 133. Chapel College 135. Arizona 105. Kansas 10

i thought that UNC was ahead going into the year with Nelson losing his spot. Did UNC lose someone?

This is a reverse from when Duke was in the middle of its Final Four heyday in the late 80s/early90s, and UNC fans focused on the value of having more players in the NBA. Just like the most important ACC title - regular season or tourney - is the one you just won.That list also is a nice split of teams that dominated the NCAA tourney from 1999-2004 and ones that became dominant from 2005-2009. Apparently having the most talent in college helps you claim the most alums in the NBA. Who knew?

Except that:1. UNC went to two final fours and won one national title in the era to which you refer (late 80s and early 90s). Duke in the current era- not so much. So it's not like UNC fans were making arguments back then to defend the program's honor. The program was doing just fine on its own.2. When boasting UNC fans point to the NBA, they usually refer to success at that level, rather than just roster spots. UNC retains the edge here- at last check I believe there was only one Duke alum in the history of the NBA with a championship ring, and I'm sure a count of all-star and all-NBA spots would result in similarly lopsided numbers.Personally, I don't like the whole "look at our NBA stars!" argument in the current era of early entries. It might help a little bit on the recruiting trail I guess, but ultimately it's virtually meaningless. Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players' games in five months of practice.

 

[TLEF316]

Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players games in five months of practice.

tell that to UK/Calipari fansOMG CAL MADE DERRICK ROSE A STAR!!!!!1111 DDMO!!!!

 

[TobiasFunke]

Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players games in five months of practice.

tell that to UK/Calipari fansOMG CAL MADE DERRICK ROSE A STAR!!!!!1111 DDMO!!!!

Come on. Everyone knows that Derrick Rose would have totally sucked if he hadn't gone to Memphis.

 

[NMYMND]

Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players games in five months of practice.

tell that to UK/Calipari fansOMG CAL MADE DERRICK ROSE A STAR!!!!!1111 DDMO!!!!

So let's add some teams to that list. How many U.S.-born players in the NBA never set foot on a college campus? How many international players that never played in college? How many players that were only in college 1 year (some by choice. some because the rules forced them to go for a year)?

 

[Chi-Mo]

Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players games in five months of practice.

tell that to UK/Calipari fansOMG CAL MADE DERRICK ROSE A STAR!!!!!1111 DDMO!!!!

While the DDMO certainly relies on the athleticism of the players running it, it's not as street ball-ish as you make it out to be. Players still need to make reads, and there are an infinite amount of variations you can enter into it, just like any offense.Here's a blog diagramming a couple: http://coachingbetterbball.blogspot.com/20...e-motion-5.html

 

[TLEF316]

Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players games in five months of practice.

tell that to UK/Calipari fansOMG CAL MADE DERRICK ROSE A STAR!!!!!1111 DDMO!!!!

While the DDMO certainly relies on the athleticism of the players running it, it's not as street ball-ish as you make it out to be. Players still need to make reads, and there are an infinite amount of variations you can enter into it, just like any offense.Here's a blog diagramming a couple: http://coachingbetterbball.blogspot.com/20...e-motion-5.html

Not saying it doesn't have reads. I'm merely poking fun at the absurdity of some of the UK fans that claim its some sort of magical system that produces top PG's. At its core, its a spread it out offense that allows talented players to make athletic plays. Nothing wrong with that, but playing in it for 5 months didnt turn Derrick Rose into a star. He was a star the second his parents conceived him.

 

[Celph Titled]

Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players games in five months of practice.

tell that to UK/Calipari fansOMG CAL MADE DERRICK ROSE A STAR!!!!!1111 DDMO!!!!

While the DDMO certainly relies on the athleticism of the players running it, it's not as street ball-ish as you make it out to be. Players still need to make reads, and there are an infinite amount of variations you can enter into it, just like any offense.Here's a blog diagramming a couple: http://coachingbetterbball.blogspot.com/20...e-motion-5.html

Not saying it doesn't have reads. I'm merely poking fun at the absurdity of some of the UK fans that claim its some sort of magical system that produces top PG's. At its core, its a spread it out offense that allows talented players to make athletic plays. Nothing wrong with that, but playing in it for 5 months didnt turn Derrick Rose into a star. He was a star the second his parents conceived him.

UK fans (except jeter23) typically are not grounded in reality.

 

[TLEF316]

absolutely nothing against Jeter. In fact, i probably shouldn't even bring this issue up anymore. i said i wouldn't. just couldn't help myself.

 

[Celph Titled]

absolutely nothing against Jeter. In fact, i probably shouldn't even bring this issue up anymore. i said i wouldn't. just couldn't help myself.

Well, we shouldn't keep the bathwater with the baby. UK fans reach levels of myopia that are only rivaled by...well, you know.

 

[jeter23]

Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players games in five months of practice.

tell that to UK/Calipari fansOMG CAL MADE DERRICK ROSE A STAR!!!!!1111 DDMO!!!!

While the DDMO certainly relies on the athleticism of the players running it, it's not as street ball-ish as you make it out to be. Players still need to make reads, and there are an infinite amount of variations you can enter into it, just like any offense.Here's a blog diagramming a couple: http://coachingbetterbball.blogspot.com/20...e-motion-5.html

Not saying it doesn't have reads. I'm merely poking fun at the absurdity of some of the UK fans that claim its some sort of magical system that produces top PG's. At its core, its a spread it out offense that allows talented players to make athletic plays. Nothing wrong with that, but playing in it for 5 months didnt turn Derrick Rose into a star. He was a star the second his parents conceived him.

UK fans (except jeter23) typically are not grounded in reality.

A large number of UK fans definitely have a poor sense of reality when it comes to expectations. I would love for UK to win every game, every year, but it is obviously not realistic. I do get upset/disappointed when they lose, but it is going to happen. I guess, growing up in KY and being a UK fan my entire life, I have never known anything else. I think that is the same cause for many of the wild expectations of fans. There are no major sports in Ky. UK basketball is it here.

 

[PantherPower]

NBA Alumni Salary Leaders 2009-10:

1. Duke: $82,010,274

2. UConn: $81,936,915

3. Arizona: $70,066,057

4. UNC: $61,611,868

Again, my Devils on top

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

Does anyone care that Luol Deng went to Duke and Brandan Wright went to UNC? It's not like those coaching staffs had a major impact on those players games in five months of practice.

tell that to UK/Calipari fansOMG CAL MADE DERRICK ROSE A STAR!!!!!1111 DDMO!!!!

While the DDMO certainly relies on the athleticism of the players running it, it's not as street ball-ish as you make it out to be. Players still need to make reads, and there are an infinite amount of variations you can enter into it, just like any offense.Here's a blog diagramming a couple: http://coachingbetterbball.blogspot.com/20...e-motion-5.html

For all the talk about the Carrill and Bennett offenses as examples of great coaching, there are a lot of passes in those offenses that don't accomplish anything besides run time off the shot clock. I like the DDMO because every movement in it gets closer to scoring a basket. You can run it before all five guys get up the court, and if a player complains about not getting enough shots, you can just tell him to get into better shape and beat his man down the floor more often. Sure you need some horses to run it, but it's a fun system to run and relatively easy to recruit.

I sure miss Dale Brown's sophisticated defense scheme known as "The Freak".

 

[Aerial Assault]

I sure miss Dale Brown's sophisticated defense scheme known as "The Freak".

I don't know if there are any coach/personnel combos patient enough to teach The Freak today. I'd love to see a team run it. A mid-major long on quickness but short on bulk would be a good candidate for it.For those of you too young to remember the LSU days of Ricky Blanton, Nikita Wilson, and John Williams (pre "Hot Plate" era), Dale Brown installed a zone defense he named "The Freak". It was a zone that would change formations and matchups based on bench calls and pass reads. One variant of the Freak would be the defense lining up in a 2-3 zone as the opponent walked the ball up the floor. If the first pass was to the left, the defense would switch to a 1-3-1 zone and stay that way for the rest of the possession. If the first pass was to the right, the defense would expand to a 2-3 matchup zone and challenge perimeter shooters for the rest of the possession. Another variation would be to stay in the 2-3 until the ball was passed to the left wing, and then the defense would morph into a 1-3-1. Teams that attacked zones by finding seams and relying on passing and spacing had a lot of trouble against the Freak because the seams changed so often. It was gimmicky, but LSU got to the 1986 Final Four as a 11 seed running it.

Yes! I remember it well - - 1984-1985 was when I started following college basketball seriously, and it's been all downhill ( ) from there. Outstanding post.

 

[Celph Titled]

I sure miss Dale Brown's sophisticated defense scheme known as "The Freak".

I don't know if there are any coach/personnel combos patient enough to teach The Freak today. I'd love to see a team run it. A mid-major long on quickness but short on bulk would be a good candidate for it.For those of you too young to remember the LSU days of Ricky Blanton, Nikita Wilson, and John Williams (pre "Hot Plate" era), Dale Brown installed a zone defense he named "The Freak". It was a zone that would change formations and matchups based on bench calls and pass reads.

One variant of the Freak would be the defense lining up in a 2-3 zone as the opponent walked the ball up the floor. If the first pass was to the left, the defense would switch to a 1-3-1 zone and stay that way for the rest of the possession. If the first pass was to the right, the defense would expand to a 2-3 matchup zone and challenge perimeter shooters for the rest of the possession. Another variation would be to stay in the 2-3 until the ball was passed to the left wing, and then the defense would morph into a 1-3-1.

Teams that attacked zones by finding seams and relying on passing and spacing had a lot of trouble against the Freak because the seams changed so often. It was gimmicky, but LSU got to the 1986 Final Four as a 11 seed running it.

I'd love to see coaches try things like this more, esp. as a way to level the field against more talented opponents. I'm continuously amazed that fewer teams don't just try a simple full-court press more often.Anyway, DVD on The Freak Defense is avail. from Brown's website! http://www.coachdalebrown.com/products.html

 

[Celph Titled]

Great news! U-Sports is up and running, and leagues are free this year. Woohoo!

 

[JAA]

NBA Alumni Salary Leaders 2009-10:1. Duke: $82,010,2742. UConn: $81,936,9153. Arizona: $70,066,0574. UNC: $61,611,868Again, my Devils on top

Seriously? As a college basketball fan I cant believe people are debating this

 

[TobiasFunke]

NBA Alumni Salary Leaders 2009-10:1. Duke: $82,010,2742. UConn: $81,936,9153. Arizona: $70,066,0574. UNC: $61,611,868Again, my Devils on top

Seriously? As a college basketball fan I cant believe people are debating this

Honestly, this is better than the normal fare in a college basketball thread in the FFA. There's a reason that this thread is the Official Knitting Thread.

 

[JAA]

No comments on Rod Odom switching from UofA to Vandy?

 

[GDogg]

I'll go on record now as saying that Kansas is going to lay a beatdown on the Bruins in December.

 

[TLEF316]

I'll go on record now as saying that Kansas is going to lay a beatdown on the Bruins in December.

off year for UCLA seems likely. Replacing a 3 year starter at PG and the team is crazy young. I just dont see enough scoring from those guys.

 

[GDogg]

I'll go on record now as saying that Kansas is going to lay a beatdown on the Bruins in December.

off year for UCLA seems likely. Replacing a 3 year starter at PG and the team is crazy young. I just dont see enough scoring from those guys.

Neither do I. And, on top of that, they have five players that aren't practicing due to injuries, including the projected starting backcourt of Jerime Anderson and Malcolm Lee.Prior to that, Mike Moser and James Keefe had been sidelined until last week with injuries.For a team this young, they need all the time they can get on the court together. Their starting five may not even have practiced together before they start playing games.The start of this year is going to be a painful one, I'm afraid.

 

[jeter23]

CJ Leslie is on campus tonight for UK's Blue/White scrimmage. With Payne likely headed for WVU, Leslie becomes very important for the Cats.

 

[jeter23]

Payne has moved up his announcement and will make it public today. Many thought it was down to 2 w/ WVU and UK leading the way, but there were rumors overnight he will actually commit to Mich St. We shall see...

From a UK blog...

While UK is scrimmaging tonight, they’ll also be hosting a couple of the most talented players in the nation. Terrence Jones, rated the #6 power forward and #20 overall by Scout.com, and CJ Leslie, ranked as the #3 power forward and #12 overall, will both be on hand tonight. Both of these guys could co-exist in Cal’s offense and are very important targets for UK as they look to replace Patrick Patterson and probably Demarcus Cousins next year. The Blue-White Scrimmage should be the perfect spot to allow these two to see the heightened levels of passion that now surround the UK fan base with Calipari in town

 

[JAA]

Payne has moved up his announcement and will make it public today. Many thought it was down to 2 w/ WVU and UK leading the way, but there were rumors overnight he will actually commit to Mich St. We shall see...From a UK blog...While UK is scrimmaging tonight, they’ll also be hosting a couple of the most talented players in the nation. Terrence Jones, rated the #6 power forward and #20 overall by Scout.com, and CJ Leslie, ranked as the #3 power forward and #12 overall, will both be on hand tonight. Both of these guys could co-exist in Cal’s offense and are very important targets for UK as they look to replace Patrick Patterson and probably Demarcus Cousins next year. The Blue-White Scrimmage should be the perfect spot to allow these two to see the heightened levels of passion that now surround the UK fan base with Calipari in town

Adreian Payne will announce his decision tomorrow [JAA: today] on ESPN. He'll be calling all of the coaches of the schools recruiting him tonight to let them know about his decision. Stay tuned to EerSports.com this evening, as we continue to report more details as they come in.

 

[JAA]

Ive been hearing the Sibert rumor for a few days now

Has anyone else been hearing the rumors that Payne will be committing to us tomorrow.....AND not only will he be committing to us, but that also he will be bringing fellow AAU teammate 4 star SG Sibert who committed to tOSU currently with him. Apparently the rumor is saying Sibert will not necessarily commit to us tomorrow but will eventually join the fold with Payne. This would be absolutely HUGE! Has anyone on here heard anything to do with this rumor? Anyways i just hope we can land Payne. He will be a monster for us. Can you imagine how stacked we are about to be in Bball for years to come?!?! Bring home that Championship Huggs!

 

[JAA]

FWIW there is a nasty Payne to MSU rumor. Supposedly debunked, but when stuff like that comes out of no where, I try to pay attention

 

[TLEF316]

that would be very interesting it Payne takes Sibert with him.

 

[TLEF316]

UNC just seems way overrated to me. That backcourt is a major, major question mark. They also dont have any experienced shooters.

Roy's whole system revolves around the PG. Everyone could see the drop off when Lawson went out the past few years. Back then, they could still go to Frasor. Now they're going to Drew, and they dont have Hansbrough, Ellington or Green.

Davis, Thompson and Henson are all very good, but it really seems like the voters are glossing over the PG issue.

 

[TobiasFunke]

UNC just seems way overrated to me. That backcourt is a major, major question mark. They also dont have any experienced shooters.Roy's whole system revolves around the PG. Everyone could see the drop off when Lawson went out the past few years. Back then, they could still go to Frasor. Now they're going to Drew, and they dont have Hansbrough, Ellington or Green.Davis, Thompson and Henson are all very good, but it really seems like the voters are glossing over the PG issue.

Agreed. But maybe they learned their lesson after leaving UNC off the preseason Top 25 completely after the last national title/mass exodus in 2005. Personally I'd have them around 9 or 10.

 

[Chi-Mo]

UNC just seems way overrated to me. That backcourt is a major, major question mark. They also dont have any experienced shooters.Roy's whole system revolves around the PG. Everyone could see the drop off when Lawson went out the past few years. Back then, they could still go to Frasor. Now they're going to Drew, and they dont have Hansbrough, Ellington or Green.Davis, Thompson and Henson are all very good, but it really seems like the voters are glossing over the PG issue.

Agreed. But maybe they learned their lesson after leaving UNC off the preseason Top 25 completely after the last national title/mass exodus in 2005. Personally I'd have them around 9 or 10.

I'd agree with this. They're def. getting a bump from having won a title.

 

[TLEF316]

UNC just seems way overrated to me. That backcourt is a major, major question mark. They also dont have any experienced shooters.Roy's whole system revolves around the PG. Everyone could see the drop off when Lawson went out the past few years. Back then, they could still go to Frasor. Now they're going to Drew, and they dont have Hansbrough, Ellington or Green.Davis, Thompson and Henson are all very good, but it really seems like the voters are glossing over the PG issue.

Agreed. But maybe they learned their lesson after leaving UNC off the preseason Top 25 completely after the last national title/mass exodus in 2005. Personally I'd have them around 9 or 10.

I'd agree with this. They're def. getting a bump from having won a title.

in the end, its irrelevant. Every team will to have earn their ranking as the year goes on. And then the champ will be decided on the court.

 

[JAA]

UNC just seems way overrated to me. That backcourt is a major, major question mark. They also dont have any experienced shooters.Roy's whole system revolves around the PG. Everyone could see the drop off when Lawson went out the past few years. Back then, they could still go to Frasor. Now they're going to Drew, and they dont have Hansbrough, Ellington or Green.Davis, Thompson and Henson are all very good, but it really seems like the voters are glossing over the PG issue.

Agreed. But maybe they learned their lesson after leaving UNC off the preseason Top 25 completely after the last national title/mass exodus in 2005. Personally I'd have them around 9 or 10.

I'd agree with this. They're def. getting a bump from having won a title.

in the end, its irrelevant. Every team will to have earn their ranking as the year goes on. And then the champ will be decided on the court.

As I get older and older I look at rankings less and less. Im just thankful for the BE tourney and round of 64

 

[JAA]

wow

Supposedly Payne advised the involved coaching staffs of his decision last night. If that's true, there is no decision or odds to discuss - the decision's already been made. All the "leaks" indicate MSU, and Payne doesn't seem like the sort of hot dog to throw out false signals just to create attention and drama for himself.

Payne to MSU. Done deal. Also, Harris will be at SU. This year is not going to be the recruiting year we had hoped it would be.

 

[TLEF316]

i never thought they were getting Harris. I did think they would get Payne though.

Could be rough next year after Ebanks bolts.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Payne has moved up his announcement and will make it public today. Many thought it was down to 2 w/ WVU and UK leading the way, but there were rumors overnight he will actually commit to Mich St. We shall see...From a UK blog...While UK is scrimmaging tonight, they’ll also be hosting a couple of the most talented players in the nation. Terrence Jones, rated the #6 power forward and #20 overall by Scout.com, and CJ Leslie, ranked as the #3 power forward and #12 overall, will both be on hand tonight. Both of these guys could co-exist in Cal’s offense and are very important targets for UK as they look to replace Patrick Patterson and probably Demarcus Cousins next year. The Blue-White Scrimmage should be the perfect spot to allow these two to see the heightened levels of passion that now surround the UK fan base with Calipari in town

Saw a little bit of the game last night - assuming Wall gets cleared for the majority of the season - its going to be a very good team. A little ragged at times, but I think they will have more quality depth across the board than everyone else. By the time the tourney rolls around the top-7-8 will be an elite squad imo.I also think they will need the depth to keep up the pace for 40 minutes over the course of the season.

 

[Tar Heel Boy]

UNC just seems way overrated to me. That backcourt is a major, major question mark. They also dont have any experienced shooters.Roy's whole system revolves around the PG. Everyone could see the drop off when Lawson went out the past few years. Back then, they could still go to Frasor. Now they're going to Drew, and they dont have Hansbrough, Ellington or Green.Davis, Thompson and Henson are all very good, but it really seems like the voters are glossing over the PG issue.

Agreed. But maybe they learned their lesson after leaving UNC off the preseason Top 25 completely after the last national title/mass exodus in 2005. Personally I'd have them around 9 or 10.

Yep, the Heels are overrated without a doubt. Them and Purdue are both ranked too high. Duke is where they should be. EVerybody thinks WVU is going to be good. Butler will be a good team with pretty much everyone returning. Don't know if they're top 10 worthy though. The Heels will take some lumps early on simply because their schedule is very tough. I'm sure people will saying they're way overrated and not that good. I will say teams better get their shots in early because by March they'll be a good team. I think the Final Four is a long long shot, but a Sweet 16 isn't out of the question. If they made it to the Elite 8 I'd be thrilled.

 

[jeter23]

Payne committed to Michigan State.Nice grab for Izzo. Tough break for Huggins.

Really surprised by this

 

[jeter23]

Payne committed to Michigan State.Nice grab for Izzo. Tough break for Huggins.

Really surprised by this

Me too. Was MSU ever mentioned as a frontrunner for Payne? Izzo doesn't venture out of state much for big recruits, though I suppose Dayton isn't that far away compared to other states where players are found.

Not that I know of, until late last night. I do remember some claiming the MSU staff felt very confident, but most blew that off. I was WVU and UK the whole time. Great get for Izzo.

 

[JAA]

Payne committed to Michigan State.Nice grab for Izzo. Tough break for Huggins.

Really surprised by this

Everyone was surprised from my reading. Word is Payne thought we were too deep with big men and wanted to start right away. For those in the know, Jennings is going to be a beast in the BE, keep an eye on him.I think something that will play into recruiting next season is how high Ebanks will go in the draft. I think the floor for him this season is 15/10. If he can surpass that avg in the BE tourney and NCAA (lots of assumptions here) he should be a lock for a lottery pick. If that does happen, it should open our forward recruiting 10 fold. There is also talk of sitting on the extra schollie and bringing in a stronger class next year like UNC did a couple years ago.My reading gives me Harris is a one and done and SU is in the lead.