SportsRatings' pre-season 2009-2010 college basketball preview ranks 343 Division I teams. This installment covers teams 51 to 75. For the full list, click here.
- San Diego St. (Mtn West #2) Last year: 26-10 (#49) TPP Back: 38.4% Recruiting: #64
Key returnees: Billy White (#3 8.6 TPP/G), Tim Shelton (#5 7.4)
Key losses: Kyle Spain (#1 11.4 TPP/G), Lorrenzo Wade (#2 11.3), Richie Williams (#4 7.9)
Top recruit: Kawhi Leonard (SF 6-5 210)
Analysis: After a great '08-'09, the Aztecs take a bit hit, losing their top two and all but four players on last year's active roster. But they get help from three transfers: Brian Carlwell comes from Illinois, and Tyrone Shelley and Malcolm Thomas starred at Pepperdine two years ago. Frosh forward Leonard is another great addition. - Tulsa (C-USA #1) Last year: 25-11 (#73) TPP Back: 82.4% Recruiting: #193
Key returnees: Jerome Jordan (#1 15.9 TPP/G), Ben Uzoh (#2 12.8), Justin Hurtt (#4 6.1), Bishop Wheatley (#5 4.4)
Key losses: Ray Reese (#3 7.8 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Donte Medder (PG 6-1 190)
Analysis: Jordan and Uzoh are a knockout 1-2 punch, both averaging 14 points per game and Jordan gathering 8.5 boards. The team's only pitfalls are depth—they have a scant roster—and reliance on unproven point guard Medder, who will start as a freshman. If things work out, the Hurricane will compete for the C-USA crown. - Texas A&M (Big 12 #7) Last year: 24-10 (#40) TPP Back: 59.9% Recruiting: #31
Key returnees: Bryan Davis (#3 9.8 TPP/G), Donald Sloan (#4 9.1), B.J. Holmes (#5 6.5)
Key losses: Josh Carter (#1 12.3 TPP/G), Chinemelu Elonu (#2 11.4)
Top recruit: Naji Hibbert (SG 6-5 200)
Analysis: Last year the Aggies barely made the NCAAs, and it could be touch and go this year too as they lose their two top performers. Yet they return the seven and the team's production was evenly distributed. Hibbert will be a great addition though they lost recruit Kourtney Roberson, who will attend junior college instead. - New Mexico St. (WAC #2) Last year: 17-15 (#145) TPP Back: 98.9% Recruiting: #234
Key returnees: Wendell McKines (#1 14.7 TPP/G), Jahmar Young (#2 14.4), Troy Gillenwater (#3 9.1), Hernst Laroche (#4 8.0), Jonathan Gibson (#5 7.5)
Key losses: Chris Gabriel (#9, 0.8 TPP/G)
Top recruit: B.J. West (C/F 6-9 225)
Analysis: These Aggies have almost a complete team back, though McKines won't rejoin until 2nd semester. That could hamper them early on but shouldn't hurt their chances in the WAC much, and by the end of the year they could be in the Big Dance. If not this year, then next year as Gibson is the team's only senior. - Arkansas (SEC #7) Last year: 14-16 (#86) TPP Back: 83.2% Recruiting: #39
Key returnees: Michael Washington (#1 16.2 TPP/G), Courtney Fortson (#2 11.1), Rotnei Clark (#3 8.2), Michael Sanchez (#4 5.0), Stefan Welsh (#5 4.8)
Key losses: Jason Henry (#6 6.3 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Marshawn Powell (PF 6-7 225)
Analysis: After beating Oklahoma and Texas, the Razorbacks won just two SEC games last year but they have all five starters back. That's about it, though, leaving them only one reliable reserve. A good recruiting class helps with the excellent Powell leading the way, but 7-0 Anthony Borden didn't qualify. Depth will be an issue. - Cornell (Ivy #1) Last year: 21-10 (#138) TPP Back: 90.6% Recruiting: #252
Key returnees: Ryan Wittman (#1 13.5 TPP/G), Jeff Foote (#2 13.5), Louis Dale (#3 11.5), Alex Tyler (#4 7.8), Chris Wroblewski (#5 5.7)
Key losses: Brian Kreefer (#8 3.8 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Peter McMillan (F 6-7 220)
Analysis: For the second straight year, Cornell comes off a first-place Ivy League showing and first-round NCAA loss returning the bulk of their talent. This year they have all five starters back, and while there are no hotshot recruits they gain transfers from Kentucky and UMass. Look for another Ivy title and maybe an NCAA win this year.
- Oregon (Pac-10 #7) Last year: 8-23 (#158) TPP Back: 87.4% Recruiting: #40
Key returnees: Tajuan Porter (#1 8.3 TPP/G), Joevan Catron (#2 7.9), LeKendrick Longmire (#3 6.3), Michael Dunigan (#4 6.1), Garrett Sim (#5 3.4)
Key losses: Kamyron Brown (#6 3.4 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Jamil Wilson (SF 6-7 190)
Analysis: Last year Oregon was the new Oregon State, nearly achieving the Beavers' infamous 0-18 Pac-10 run. Luckily the Ducks won a couple, and with a year of improvement and some good recruits they should be out of the cellar. Frosh Wilson could be the second leading scorer on a team with only one double digit scorer (Porter, 15.4 ppg). - Virginia (ACC #7) Last year: 10-18 (#94) TPP Back: 91.4% Recruiting: #74
Key returnees: Sylven Landesberg (#1 13.8 TPP/G), Mike Scott (#2 11.3), Jamil Tucker (#3 5.9), Calvin Baker (#4 5.4), Sammy Zeglinski (#5 4.3)
Key losses: Mamadi Diane (#7 3.0 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Tristan Spurlock (SF 6-7 220)
Analysis: The Cavs were nearly last in the ACC at 4-12 but like Arkansas they return all five starters. Plus, they have some depth, resulting in 91.4% of their production back. With Landesberg and Scott the team's bread and butter, Virginia adds recruit Spurlock to the mix and they could come close to a 1st division finish in conference play. - Richmond (Atl 10 #2) Last year: 20-16 (#100) TPP Back: 87.3% Recruiting: #141
Key returnees: David Gonzalvez (#1 12.8 TPP/G), Kevin Anderson (#2 10.8), Justin Harper (#4 6.1), Ryan Butler (#5 6.1)
Key losses: Jarhon Giddings (#3 6.9 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Greg Robbins (G/F 6-5 215)
Analysis: A decent team last year, Richmond has four starters back including leading scorers Anderson (16.6 ppg) and Gonzalvez (16.0), both guards. The loss of Giddings will more than be made up for if Dan Geriot, the team's top player two years ago, is successful in his return from knee surgery. Beware the Spiders! - Virginia Tech (ACC #8) Last year: 19-15 (#44) TPP Back: 63.0% Recruiting: #35
Key returnees: Malcolm Delaney (#2 14.4 TPP/G), Jeff Allen (#3 13.0), J.T. Thompson (#5 4.7)
Key losses: A.D. Vassallo (#1 15.9 TPP/G), Cheick Diakite (#4 5.1)
Top recruit: Cadarian Raines (C 6-9 230)
Analysis: The Hokies lose leading scorer Vassallo (19.1 ppg) but Delaney and Allen averaged 18.1 and 13.7 respectively. Covering for the rest of the production will be four players from this year's recruiting class, with big man Raines the most touted but forward Manny Atkins and guards Ben Boggs and Erick Green also contributing. - Wright State (Horizon #2) Last year: 20-13 (#102) TPP Back: 80.5% Recruiting: #238
Key returnees: Todd Brown (#1 9.3 TPP/G), Cory Cooperwood (#2 8.7), John David Gardner (#3 7.9), Scott Grote (#5 4.1)
Key losses: Will Graham (#4 4.3 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Tyler Koch (G 6-5 210)
Analysis: Though it's not likely they'll challenge Butler for the Horizon title this year, the Raiders have a great shot at being runner up. Four starters return from last year and another from the previous season, Vaughn Duggins, is back from injury after leading the team in scoring two years ago. If he's really back, the Raiders are for real. - Boston College (ACC #9) Last year: 22-12 (#21) TPP Back: 79.8% Recruiting: #343
Key returnees: Joe Trapani (#2 12.3 TPP/G), Corey Raji (#3 10.5), Rakim Sanders (#4 9.7), Reggie Jackson (#5 6.5)
Key losses: Tyrese Rice (#1 13.2 TPP/G)
Top recruit: N/A
Analysis: B.C loses Tyrese Rice, who accounted for fully 20% of the team's production and more importantly was the undisputed team leader. Rice's 16.9 points don't sum up his contribution—he was the team the last few seasons. With everyone else back but no recruits at all (343 out of 343 recruiting rating) the others need to adjust and step up. - Old Dominion (Colonial #2) Last year: 25-10 (#107) TPP Back: 90.1% Recruiting: #213
Key returnees: Gerald Lee (#1 13.7 TPP/G), Ben Finney (#2 10.5), Frank Hassell (#3 8.5), Keyon Carter (#4 7.8)
Key losses: Jonathan Adams (#5 6.4 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Josh Hicks (G 6-2 175)
Analysis: With point guard Darius James returning the Monarchs have all five starters back and 9/10 of their production from last year's successful Colonial campaign. They could take it all the way to the top of the conference this year, but without proven new blood incoming they're most likely to finish second. - Florida St. (ACC #10) Last year: 25-10 (#12) TPP Back: 59.6% Recruiting: #38
Key returnees: Solomon Alabi (#2 9.9 TPP/G), Chris Singleton (#3 6.9), Derwin Kitchen (#5 8.5)
Key losses: Toney Douglas (#1 16.1 TPP/G), Uche Echefu (#4 6.8)
Top recruit: Michael Snaer (SG 6-5 200)
Analysis: I had the Seminoles a surprise #10 last pre-season and by one measure—the Success ratings—they almost did it. But their true Strength was much lower (#47) and that—and the loss of Douglas' 21.3 ppg—is why they don't make the top 50. Recruit Snaer will be great; if it happens this year, they'll finish better than I expect. - Northwestern (Big Ten #8) Last year: 17-14 (#31) TPP Back: 77.7% Recruiting: #125
Key returnees: Kevin Coble (#1 14.5 TPP/G), Michael Thompson (#3 7.1), John Shurna (#4 6.5), Luka Mirovic (#5 4.2)
Key losses: Craig Moore (#2 11.0 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Drew Crawford (SG 6-5 185)
Analysis: The Success ratings overstated the Wildcats last year, with the Strength ratings putting them at #60 which is roughly their lot this season. Returning a decent amount of talent—crucially including Coble—but with a sparse recruiting class, the loss of Moore alone puts a big dent in their plans to advance. Still, Coble is a potential league MVP. - Niagara (Metro Atl #2) Last year: 26-9 (#103) TPP Back: 80.1% Recruiting: #179
Key returnees: Bilal Benn (#1 15.3 TPP/G), Tyrone Lewis (#3 11.1), Anthony Nelson (#4 10.5), Rob Garrison (#5 7.9)
Key losses: Benson Egemonye (#2 12.3 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Andre "Scooter" Gillette (PF 6-8 215)
Analysis: Niagara loses just two players, Egemonye and reserve Kamau Gordon, who was dismissed from the team last month. Gordon played sparingly but Egemonye was a key scorer and rebounder. But the Eagles have three other double-digit scorers led by Lewis' 16.2 and Benn hauled in 9.3 boards. Another solid effort is expected this year in the MAAC. - Texas Tech (Big 12 #8) Last year: 14-19 (#87) TPP Back: 71.3% Recruiting: #45
Key returnees: John Roberson (#2 11.2 TPP/G), Mike Singletary (#3 10.6), Robert Lewandowski (#4 5.8), Nick Okorie (#5 5.4)
Key losses: Alan Voskuil (#1 12.0 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Brad Reese (SF 6-6 190)
Analysis: The Red Raiders will mainly miss Alan Voskuil for his 3-point shooting (44%) as the team is so balanced they have three other scorers in double-digits coming back. Much of Tech's hope for improvement falls on the incoming recruits, the best of whom are junior college transfers who should be ready to contribute.
- Murray St. (Ohio Val #1) Last year: 19-12 (#139) TPP Back: 78.2% Recruiting: #153
Key returnees: Ivan Aska (#1 8.6 TPP/G), Danero Thomas (#2 8.5), Tony Easley (#3 8.3), Isacc Miles (#4 7.9), Jeffery McClain (#5 6.4)
Key losses: Kevin Thomas (#6 5.7)
Top recruit: Edward Daniel (PF 6-7 220)
Analysis: The Racers were so balanced last year that the two departing starters (Thomas and Tyler Holloway) weren't among the top five producers, all of whom are back. Daniel is a good addition while another recruit, Colin Slotter, left due to homesickness. The real coup is guard B.J. Jenkins, a starter at Liberty who is eligible after sitting out last year. - Texas El Paso (C-USA #2) Last year: 23-14 (#83) TPP Back: 64.3% Recruiting: #114
Key returnees: Julyan Stone (#2 10.6 TPP/G), Arnett Moultrie (#3 10.3), Randy Culpepper (#4 9.8), Gabriel McCulley (#5 4.5)
Key losses: Stefon Jackson (#1 16.3 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Myron Strong (PG 6-2 180)
Analysis: Jackson was one of the country's top scorers at 24.5 points per game, and his loss will hurt. The rest of the team's key players are back and they add a number of Big Six conference transfers: Derrick Caracter from Louisville is the potential monster player for the Miners, while Christian Polk started as a freshman at ASU.
- Auburn (SEC #8) Last year: 24-12 (#72) TPP Back: 55.0% Recruiting: #37
Key returnees: DeWayne Reed (#2 8.4 TPP/G), Tay Waller (#3 8.1 TPP/G), Lucas Hargrove (#4 7.9)
Key losses: Korvortney Barber (#1 13.1 TPP/G), Quantez Robertson (#5 7.0)
Top recruit: Andre Malone (SG 6-5 200)
Analysis: Last year's strong finish suggests the Tigers were better than they rank for the year, so this ranking could be considered an upgrade or downgrade. With Barber gone they lose a force inside; three big recruits could help fill the gap, but it's the two guards including Malone that have the most potential. - Utah State (WAC #3) Last year: 30-5 (#56) TPP Back: 68.1% Recruiting: #320
Key returnees: Jared Quayle (#2 15.0 TPP/G), Tai Wesley (#3 13.0), Tyler Newbold (#4 10.6), Pooh Williams (#5 4.1)
Key losses: Gary Wilkinson (#1 17.2 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Nate Bendall (PF 6-8 245)
Analysis: The Aggies had an incredible year, going 24-1 at one point albeit against very easy competition. The biggest reason for their success was Gary Wilkinson and he's gone, taking a quarter of their production with him. But four starters return, pointing toward another successful but not quite so lofty season. - Mississippi (SEC #9) Last year: 16-15 (#88) TPP Back: 66.1% Recruiting: #75
Key returnees: Murphy Holloway (#2 10.3 TPP/G), Terrico White (#3 9.3), Chris Warren (#5 13.3)
Key losses: David Huertas (#1 12.6 TPP/G), Malcolm White (#4 6.7)
Top recruit: Reggie Buckner (F 6-8 210)
Analysis: Injuries confound the situation at Ole Miss, with '07-'08 starters Chris Warren and Eniel Polynice playing just 11 and 2 games respectively. Warren averaged 19.2 points in those 11 games, Polynice 10.7 the year before. They're back and if 100% the Rebels will improve as four others that started 10+ games return, and recruit Buckner is a solid prospect. - Colorado (Big 12 #9) Last year: 9-22 (#254) TPP Back: 86.7% Recruiting: #55
Key returnees: Cory Higgins (#1 15.3 TPP/G), Dwight Thorne (#2 8.5), Nate Tomlinson (#3 5.3), Austin Dufault (#5 4.3)
Key losses: Jermyl Jackson-Wilson (#4 4.5 TPP/G)
Top recruit: Alex Burks (SG 6-5 180)
Analysis: Indiana's Big 12 counterpart was Colorado, who won just one conference game last season. But the Buffs should improve a lot, enough to climb out of the cellar if only just a bit, due to experienced returnees and talented newcomers. Higgins (17.4 ppg) is the best of the former, and Burks is the cream of the new five-player crop. - Oakland (Summit #1) Last year: 23-13 (#118) TPP Back: 69.0% Recruiting: #212
Key returnees: Keith Benson (#1 16.4 TPP/G), Johnathon Jones (#2 12.9), Will Hudson (#4 8.3)
Key losses: Erik Kangas (#3 13.1), Dan Waterstadt (#5 7.1)
Top recruit: Drew Valentine (SF 6-5 210)
Analysis: Oakland returns three of their five most production players and #6, Drew Maynard, is their fourth returning starter. Kangas was their top three-point shooter (42%) but they bring in Larry Wright from St. John's who shot 40%. Also, top player Derick Nelson returns from injury; he led the team with 17.2 ppg two seasons ago.
- Charlotte (Atl 10 #3) Last year: 11-20 (#122) TPP Back: 67.8% Recruiting: #60
Key returnees: DiJuan Harris (#1 11.1 TPP/G), Phil Jones (#4 6.1), RaShad Coleman (#5 5.8)
Key losses: Charlie Coley (#2 9.3 TPP/G), Lamont Mack (#3 7.4)
Top recruit: Chris Braswell (PF 6-8 235)
Analysis: Charlotte had a losing record last year but faced a very challenging schedule. They lose top scorer Mack and top rebounder Coley, but assist machine Harris is their best asset. A strong recruiting class with blue chip Braswell helps, but Boston College transfer Shamari Spears (9.6 pts, 6.1 rebounds) is why they'll improve.
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