(03-31-2019 11:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:26 AM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:10 AM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  Please let me preface this being saying this is almost impossible to do since the offseason is really just beginning for college basketball. Players will transfer, declare for the draft (with or without an agent) and there will still be coaching movement. This will be easier to look once the post NBA draft deadline has passed.

But its a rain Sunday here, so I wanted to put together an EARLY look at next year's predictions.

I am going to go on the following assumptions which of course could change:

1. Sampson stays at Houston.
2. Cumberland comes back for his senior year (I am iffy on this).
3. Memphis signs Quinones and possibly Waterford.
4. UConn brings in a least one impact grad transfer, and possibly two.
5. Aubrey Dawkins goes pro.

My early 2019-2020 predictions:

1. Houston
2. Cincinnati
3. Memphis
4. UConn
5. Witchia State
6. Temple
7. USF
8. UCF
9. SMU
10. Tulsa
11. East Carolina
12. Tulane

Some explanations:

* I have Houston as the pre season favorite. They lose their starting backcourt but bring back a ton of talent, as well as some new pieces. They deserve to be the early favorite.

* Cumberland coming back makes all the difference for Cincy. If he does, they have earned the right to be here, especially they will have an old team in a year where there will be a ton of youth. Their front court really improved during the season, and will be a major strength for them next year. If Cumberland doesn't come back, I would move Cincy down significantly.

* I have some reservations about Memphis since it is very hard to replace your entire starting lineup, even when you are bringing in 4 and 5 star recruits. But the amount of talent they will have on the floor will be scary, and they should have a very deep team. Might struggle early non-conference, but will be a different team in conference play.

* In looking at the teams, I really think 4-7 (UConn, Witchia State, Temple and USF) could go in any order. UConn brings back some solid pieces, and a nice recruiting class. Same for Witchia. Temple should be good, but I worry about losing your best player and having an inexperienced first year head coach. USF needs more skill players, but brings back everyone of significance and adds some new pieces.

* UCF takes a step back after losing some significant pieces. If Dawkins (the player) comes back, than they could be a tournament team.

I see potentially a 5-6 bid league depending on how things shake out. I see the cut off though being after USF in terms of tournament teams.

Houston and Memphis are to high and Uconn and Temple are to low. Temple and Uconn have solid pieces coming back. In addition, Uconn has a very strong recruiting class. Memphis has a great class coming in, but it will take at least a year to season. This class is not at the level of Kentucky where freshman can carry the team. I think Fabian White is the key to Houston. I have not been impressed with Houston and their post game over the past three years. They have got it done with shooting, defense and the elite speed of GAlen. I remember seeing that Galen was like a 10.5 hundred guy in high school. This is a different team without him on the floor. Sure they have plenty of wings, but who delivers the ball to them to get the open looks. SMU could be a sleeper. Lots of offense on this team, but need to learn to play defense. UCF will step back and USF should be slightly better. I also agree about the cincy assessment. Without Cumberland, cincy is mid pack.

Not at the level of Kentucky!?!? Memphis already has the #6 class that will shoot to #1 if they land lester Q and either Precious or Wadford let along both,and that's not even mentioning an outside shot at Hurt. Memphis is replacing a team of overachievers (because of coaching) with a group of players where the sky is the limits. Add that to our top #30 class from last year that is now a year older and Memphis could very well be a final 4 team.

We are talking about the now. If Memphis adds a couple more four/five stars and improve to the number one class than they may be at the top of the league.

(03-31-2019 12:26 PM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:26 AM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:10 AM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  Please let me preface this being saying this is almost impossible to do since the offseason is really just beginning for college basketball. Players will transfer, declare for the draft (with or without an agent) and there will still be coaching movement. This will be easier to look once the post NBA draft deadline has passed.

But its a rain Sunday here, so I wanted to put together an EARLY look at next year's predictions.

I am going to go on the following assumptions which of course could change:

1. Sampson stays at Houston.
2. Cumberland comes back for his senior year (I am iffy on this).
3. Memphis signs Quinones and possibly Waterford.
4. UConn brings in a least one impact grad transfer, and possibly two.
5. Aubrey Dawkins goes pro.

My early 2019-2020 predictions:

1. Houston
2. Cincinnati
3. Memphis
4. UConn
5. Witchia State
6. Temple
7. USF
8. UCF
9. SMU
10. Tulsa
11. East Carolina
12. Tulane

Some explanations:

* I have Houston as the pre season favorite. They lose their starting backcourt but bring back a ton of talent, as well as some new pieces. They deserve to be the early favorite.

* Cumberland coming back makes all the difference for Cincy. If he does, they have earned the right to be here, especially they will have an old team in a year where there will be a ton of youth. Their front court really improved during the season, and will be a major strength for them next year. If Cumberland doesn't come back, I would move Cincy down significantly.

* I have some reservations about Memphis since it is very hard to replace your entire starting lineup, even when you are bringing in 4 and 5 star recruits. But the amount of talent they will have on the floor will be scary, and they should have a very deep team. Might struggle early non-conference, but will be a different team in conference play.

* In looking at the teams, I really think 4-7 (UConn, Witchia State, Temple and USF) could go in any order. UConn brings back some solid pieces, and a nice recruiting class. Same for Witchia. Temple should be good, but I worry about losing your best player and having an inexperienced first year head coach. USF needs more skill players, but brings back everyone of significance and adds some new pieces.

* UCF takes a step back after losing some significant pieces. If Dawkins (the player) comes back, than they could be a tournament team.

I see potentially a 5-6 bid league depending on how things shake out. I see the cut off though being after USF in terms of tournament teams.

Houston and Memphis are to high and Uconn and Temple are to low. Temple and Uconn have solid pieces coming back. In addition, Uconn has a very strong recruiting class. Memphis has a great class coming in, but it will take at least a year to season. This class is not at the level of Kentucky where freshman can carry the team. I think Fabian White is the key to Houston. I have not been impressed with Houston and their post game over the past three years. They have got it done with shooting, defense and the elite speed of GAlen. I remember seeing that Galen was like a 10.5 hundred guy in high school. This is a different team without him on the floor. Sure they have plenty of wings, but who delivers the ball to them to get the open looks. SMU could be a sleeper. Lots of offense on this team, but need to learn to play defense. UCF will step back and USF should be slightly better. I also agree about the cincy assessment. Without Cumberland, cincy is mid pack.

Not at the level of Kentucky!?!? Memphis already has the #6 class that will shoot to #1 if they land lester Q and either Precious or Wadford let along both,and that's not even mentioning an outside shot at Hurt. Memphis is replacing a team of overachievers (because of coaching) with a group of players where the sky is the limits. Add that to our top #30 class from last year that is now a year older and Memphis could very well be a final 4 team.

We are talking about the now. If Memphis adds a couple more four/five stars and improve to the number one class than they may be at the top of the league.

Fair enough.

Temple's position will depend on how quickly and how well Aaron McKie performs as a D-I coach. Talent matters, but so does coaching. I like Wichita's end of the season rise this year with a lot of new parts. Bit disappointed in UCONN this year but I get the injuries part of this. A key injury will affect most of the top 6 teams in next year's race to the top. Would love to see 5 bids. Do think that the new BE will settle in to a gradual downward slide over the next 5 years.

(03-31-2019 12:09 PM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:26 AM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:10 AM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  Please let me preface this being saying this is almost impossible to do since the offseason is really just beginning for college basketball. Players will transfer, declare for the draft (with or without an agent) and there will still be coaching movement. This will be easier to look once the post NBA draft deadline has passed.

But its a rain Sunday here, so I wanted to put together an EARLY look at next year's predictions.

I am going to go on the following assumptions which of course could change:

1. Sampson stays at Houston.
2. Cumberland comes back for his senior year (I am iffy on this).
3. Memphis signs Quinones and possibly Waterford.
4. UConn brings in a least one impact grad transfer, and possibly two.
5. Aubrey Dawkins goes pro.

My early 2019-2020 predictions:

1. Houston
2. Cincinnati
3. Memphis
4. UConn
5. Witchia State
6. Temple
7. USF
8. UCF
9. SMU
10. Tulsa
11. East Carolina
12. Tulane

Some explanations:

* I have Houston as the pre season favorite. They lose their starting backcourt but bring back a ton of talent, as well as some new pieces. They deserve to be the early favorite.

* Cumberland coming back makes all the difference for Cincy. If he does, they have earned the right to be here, especially they will have an old team in a year where there will be a ton of youth. Their front court really improved during the season, and will be a major strength for them next year. If Cumberland doesn't come back, I would move Cincy down significantly.

* I have some reservations about Memphis since it is very hard to replace your entire starting lineup, even when you are bringing in 4 and 5 star recruits. But the amount of talent they will have on the floor will be scary, and they should have a very deep team. Might struggle early non-conference, but will be a different team in conference play.

* In looking at the teams, I really think 4-7 (UConn, Witchia State, Temple and USF) could go in any order. UConn brings back some solid pieces, and a nice recruiting class. Same for Witchia. Temple should be good, but I worry about losing your best player and having an inexperienced first year head coach. USF needs more skill players, but brings back everyone of significance and adds some new pieces.

* UCF takes a step back after losing some significant pieces. If Dawkins (the player) comes back, than they could be a tournament team.

I see potentially a 5-6 bid league depending on how things shake out. I see the cut off though being after USF in terms of tournament teams.

Houston and Memphis are to high and Uconn and Temple are to low. Temple and Uconn have solid pieces coming back. In addition, Uconn has a very strong recruiting class. Memphis has a great class coming in, but it will take at least a year to season. This class is not at the level of Kentucky where freshman can carry the team. I think Fabian White is the key to Houston. I have not been impressed with Houston and their post game over the past three years. They have got it done with shooting, defense and the elite speed of GAlen. I remember seeing that Galen was like a 10.5 hundred guy in high school. This is a different team without him on the floor. Sure they have plenty of wings, but who delivers the ball to them to get the open looks. SMU could be a sleeper. Lots of offense on this team, but need to learn to play defense. UCF will step back and USF should be slightly better. I also agree about the cincy assessment. Without Cumberland, cincy is mid pack.

Not at the level of Kentucky!?!? Memphis already has the #6 class that will shoot to #1 if they land lester Q and either Precious or Wadford let along both,and that's not even mentioning an outside shot at Hurt. Memphis is replacing a team of overachievers (because of coaching) with a group of players where the sky is the limits. Add that to our top #30 class from last year that is now a year older and Memphis could very well be a final 4 team.

Not sure why Memphis fans think they can get Precious and Wadford. Precious wants to play the wing, and you already have Jefferies. I doubt you can get both. I do think Lester Q is a done deal, and I would make you the favorite for Wadford. Which should give you the number 1 class, or close to it.

Watford and Q would be #2 rn. If you replace Watford with Precious or Hurt, it would be #1 for now. Honestly, if it’s Hurt, the #1 class rating would be very hard to overcome.

With Precious, we would end up top 3, Watford, top 5, and Hurt #1 class.

Personally, my very little informed opinion would like Achiuwa first, then Hurt, then Watford but any of them would be amazing

(03-31-2019 01:52 PM)tigerjamesc Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 12:09 PM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:26 AM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:10 AM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  Please let me preface this being saying this is almost impossible to do since the offseason is really just beginning for college basketball. Players will transfer, declare for the draft (with or without an agent) and there will still be coaching movement. This will be easier to look once the post NBA draft deadline has passed.

But its a rain Sunday here, so I wanted to put together an EARLY look at next year's predictions.

I am going to go on the following assumptions which of course could change:

1. Sampson stays at Houston.
2. Cumberland comes back for his senior year (I am iffy on this).
3. Memphis signs Quinones and possibly Waterford.
4. UConn brings in a least one impact grad transfer, and possibly two.
5. Aubrey Dawkins goes pro.

My early 2019-2020 predictions:

1. Houston
2. Cincinnati
3. Memphis
4. UConn
5. Witchia State
6. Temple
7. USF
8. UCF
9. SMU
10. Tulsa
11. East Carolina
12. Tulane

Some explanations:

* I have Houston as the pre season favorite. They lose their starting backcourt but bring back a ton of talent, as well as some new pieces. They deserve to be the early favorite.

* Cumberland coming back makes all the difference for Cincy. If he does, they have earned the right to be here, especially they will have an old team in a year where there will be a ton of youth. Their front court really improved during the season, and will be a major strength for them next year. If Cumberland doesn't come back, I would move Cincy down significantly.

* I have some reservations about Memphis since it is very hard to replace your entire starting lineup, even when you are bringing in 4 and 5 star recruits. But the amount of talent they will have on the floor will be scary, and they should have a very deep team. Might struggle early non-conference, but will be a different team in conference play.

* In looking at the teams, I really think 4-7 (UConn, Witchia State, Temple and USF) could go in any order. UConn brings back some solid pieces, and a nice recruiting class. Same for Witchia. Temple should be good, but I worry about losing your best player and having an inexperienced first year head coach. USF needs more skill players, but brings back everyone of significance and adds some new pieces.

* UCF takes a step back after losing some significant pieces. If Dawkins (the player) comes back, than they could be a tournament team.

I see potentially a 5-6 bid league depending on how things shake out. I see the cut off though being after USF in terms of tournament teams.

Houston and Memphis are to high and Uconn and Temple are to low. Temple and Uconn have solid pieces coming back. In addition, Uconn has a very strong recruiting class. Memphis has a great class coming in, but it will take at least a year to season. This class is not at the level of Kentucky where freshman can carry the team. I think Fabian White is the key to Houston. I have not been impressed with Houston and their post game over the past three years. They have got it done with shooting, defense and the elite speed of GAlen. I remember seeing that Galen was like a 10.5 hundred guy in high school. This is a different team without him on the floor. Sure they have plenty of wings, but who delivers the ball to them to get the open looks. SMU could be a sleeper. Lots of offense on this team, but need to learn to play defense. UCF will step back and USF should be slightly better. I also agree about the cincy assessment. Without Cumberland, cincy is mid pack.

Not at the level of Kentucky!?!? Memphis already has the #6 class that will shoot to #1 if they land lester Q and either Precious or Wadford let along both,and that's not even mentioning an outside shot at Hurt. Memphis is replacing a team of overachievers (because of coaching) with a group of players where the sky is the limits. Add that to our top #30 class from last year that is now a year older and Memphis could very well be a final 4 team.

Not sure why Memphis fans think they can get Precious and Wadford. Precious wants to play the wing, and you already have Jefferies. I doubt you can get both. I do think Lester Q is a done deal, and I would make you the favorite for Wadford. Which should give you the number 1 class, or close to it.

Watford and Q would be #2 rn. If you replace Watford with Precious or Hurt, it would be #1 for now. Honestly, if it’s Hurt, the #1 class rating would be very hard to overcome.

With Precious, we would end up top 3, Watford, top 5, and Hurt #1 class.

Personally, my very little informed opinion would like Achiuwa first, then Hurt, then Watford but any of them would be amazing

ECU just got two JUCO commits today from high level wings. We aren't finishing 11th, now just need to add 2-3 more bugs. This is a complete makeover in Greenville.

Who is going to be able to guard Wiseman one on one ? No one. James is a difference maker for Memphis. Memphis should return to the NCCA 's . A 26 win season is not out of the question .

1. Cincinnati
2. Houston
3. Memphis
4. Wichita State
5. UConn
6. USF
7. Temple
8. UCF
9. Tulsa
10. East Carolina
11. SMU
12. Tulane

There will be no clear-cut favorite, and we have 6 or 7 teams that I think could challenge for an at-large bid. Thinking we will be good enough to steal 5 this time around, but 4 at minimum.

Also I will add that I could buy any of my top 3 as capable of winning the conference.

(03-31-2019 12:26 PM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:26 AM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:10 AM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  Please let me preface this being saying this is almost impossible to do since the offseason is really just beginning for college basketball. Players will transfer, declare for the draft (with or without an agent) and there will still be coaching movement. This will be easier to look once the post NBA draft deadline has passed.

But its a rain Sunday here, so I wanted to put together an EARLY look at next year's predictions.

I am going to go on the following assumptions which of course could change:

1. Sampson stays at Houston.
2. Cumberland comes back for his senior year (I am iffy on this).
3. Memphis signs Quinones and possibly Waterford.
4. UConn brings in a least one impact grad transfer, and possibly two.
5. Aubrey Dawkins goes pro.

My early 2019-2020 predictions:

1. Houston
2. Cincinnati
3. Memphis
4. UConn
5. Witchia State
6. Temple
7. USF
8. UCF
9. SMU
10. Tulsa
11. East Carolina
12. Tulane

Some explanations:

* I have Houston as the pre season favorite. They lose their starting backcourt but bring back a ton of talent, as well as some new pieces. They deserve to be the early favorite.

* Cumberland coming back makes all the difference for Cincy. If he does, they have earned the right to be here, especially they will have an old team in a year where there will be a ton of youth. Their front court really improved during the season, and will be a major strength for them next year. If Cumberland doesn't come back, I would move Cincy down significantly.

* I have some reservations about Memphis since it is very hard to replace your entire starting lineup, even when you are bringing in 4 and 5 star recruits. But the amount of talent they will have on the floor will be scary, and they should have a very deep team. Might struggle early non-conference, but will be a different team in conference play.

* In looking at the teams, I really think 4-7 (UConn, Witchia State, Temple and USF) could go in any order. UConn brings back some solid pieces, and a nice recruiting class. Same for Witchia. Temple should be good, but I worry about losing your best player and having an inexperienced first year head coach. USF needs more skill players, but brings back everyone of significance and adds some new pieces.

* UCF takes a step back after losing some significant pieces. If Dawkins (the player) comes back, than they could be a tournament team.

I see potentially a 5-6 bid league depending on how things shake out. I see the cut off though being after USF in terms of tournament teams.

Houston and Memphis are to high and Uconn and Temple are to low. Temple and Uconn have solid pieces coming back. In addition, Uconn has a very strong recruiting class. Memphis has a great class coming in, but it will take at least a year to season. This class is not at the level of Kentucky where freshman can carry the team. I think Fabian White is the key to Houston. I have not been impressed with Houston and their post game over the past three years. They have got it done with shooting, defense and the elite speed of GAlen. I remember seeing that Galen was like a 10.5 hundred guy in high school. This is a different team without him on the floor. Sure they have plenty of wings, but who delivers the ball to them to get the open looks. SMU could be a sleeper. Lots of offense on this team, but need to learn to play defense. UCF will step back and USF should be slightly better. I also agree about the cincy assessment. Without Cumberland, cincy is mid pack.

Not at the level of Kentucky!?!? Memphis already has the #6 class that will shoot to #1 if they land lester Q and either Precious or Wadford let along both,and that's not even mentioning an outside shot at Hurt. Memphis is replacing a team of overachievers (because of coaching) with a group of players where the sky is the limits. Add that to our top #30 class from last year that is now a year older and Memphis could very well be a final 4 team.

We are talking about the now. If Memphis adds a couple more four/five stars and improve to the number one class than they may be at the top of the league.

We've been telling people that things are trending in that direction since last summer. We certainly can wait till we add more recruits to make predictions, but many things have already come to fruition that you were told would. I doubt this one will be any different. I'd be surprised if we didn't add at least a couple more stud recruits.

I think we're a 5 or 6 bid league. The days of ECU being an RPI/NET killer are over.

(03-31-2019 02:38 PM)oasispirate Wrote:  I think we're a 5 or 6 bid league. The days of ECU being an RPI/NET killer are over.

The same for the immediate future of USF.
Personally I think there is good talent at Tulane too, so I expect a similar level to two years ago and not the horror show of last year.

All three improving will simply make it easier for the top to climb which pulls the middle up with it.

1 Memphis-- overwhelming talent, with coaching.
2 Houston- only if Sampson does the smart thing and stays
3a Wichita-great coaching and vastly improved performance
3b Cincinnati- well they're Cincy
4 UCONN- if they get Precious they'll go up to 2a
5 Temple- I think Mckie is going to to get it done
6aUSF- this team has some dawg in them and talented
6b UCF- expecting a slight fallback without Tacko,could be wrong tho
7 SMU
8 Tulsa- who else? Right
11 ECU- like those two pickups today
12 Tulane

(03-31-2019 11:31 AM)pesik Wrote:  ** with your asterisks

uconn is too high, would need achiuwa for me to put them that high

temple is technically returning more than wihcita and finished higher than them

smu needs a lot of asterisks....mcmurray (top scorer) is filling for a hardship waiver to try and get a 6th year (unlikely), they are in on 2 top 10 juco. if they land both smu could be a surprise team...if they dont land any of them, i could have them at 10

tulane over ecu...yes! tulane had injured players sitting out....ecu has like 4 players on their roster right now

Actually ECU has 5 guys on the roster, but one guy is probably leaving (Spas) and two others have knee injuries (Leday and Quinton). I think that Quinton is lost for the year, but they expect Leday back in the Fall.

I realize that people don't watch ECU recruiting, but they have picked up some some pretty decent guards and wings this year.

1. Houston
2. Wichita
3.Cincinnati
4.Memphis
5. Temple
6. UCONN
7. USF
8. ECU
9. SMU
10.UCF
11. Tulane
12. Tulsa

I also predict that no school will be lower than 250 nationally.

(03-31-2019 03:09 PM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  1 Memphis-- overwhelming talent, with coaching.
2 Houston- only if Sampson does the smart thing and stays
3a Wichita-great coaching and vastly improved performance
3b Cincinnati- well they're Cincy
4aUSF- this team has some dawg in them and talented
4b UCF- expecting a slight fallback without Tacko,could be wrong tho
5 SMU
6 Tulsa- who else? Right
11 ECU- like those two pickups today
12 Tulane

UCONN/Temple in Big East/A10 next season?

(03-31-2019 03:09 PM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  1 Memphis-- overwhelming talent, with coaching.
2 Houston- only if Sampson does the smart thing and stays
3a Wichita-great coaching and vastly improved performance
3b Cincinnati- well they're Cincy
4aUSF- this team has some dawg in them and talented
4b UCF- expecting a slight fallback without Tacko,could be wrong tho
5 SMU
6 Tulsa- who else? Right
11 ECU- like those two pickups today
12 Tulane

Nah, UCF is losing BJ Taylor too, and if they lose ADawkins they’re gonna absolutely crater, possibly be the worst team in the whole league, that team was incredibly reliant on their top 3 players this year. This UCF team was a once in a generation thing, and it happened while 3 of the AAC’s premier basketball programs were down which is about to change. It’s UCF’s league in football though so no sweat.

(03-31-2019 03:26 PM)HuskyU Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 03:09 PM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  1 Memphis-- overwhelming talent, with coaching.
2 Houston- only if Sampson does the smart thing and stays
3a Wichita-great coaching and vastly improved performance
3b Cincinnati- well they're Cincy
4 UCONN- if they get Precious they'll go up to 2a
5 Temple- I think Mckie is going to get it done
6aUSF- this team has some dawg in them and talented
6b UCF- expecting a slight fallback without Tacko,could be wrong tho
7 SMU
8 Tulsa- who else? Right
11 ECU- like those two pickups today
12 Tulane

UCONN/Temple in Big East/A10 next season?

Oops LOLOL. Fixed.

(03-31-2019 12:09 PM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:26 AM)rosewater Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:10 AM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  Please let me preface this being saying this is almost impossible to do since the offseason is really just beginning for college basketball. Players will transfer, declare for the draft (with or without an agent) and there will still be coaching movement. This will be easier to look once the post NBA draft deadline has passed.

But its a rain Sunday here, so I wanted to put together an EARLY look at next year's predictions.

I am going to go on the following assumptions which of course could change:

1. Sampson stays at Houston.
2. Cumberland comes back for his senior year (I am iffy on this).
3. Memphis signs Quinones and possibly Waterford.
4. UConn brings in a least one impact grad transfer, and possibly two.
5. Aubrey Dawkins goes pro.

My early 2019-2020 predictions:

1. Houston
2. Cincinnati
3. Memphis
4. UConn
5. Witchia State
6. Temple
7. USF
8. UCF
9. SMU
10. Tulsa
11. East Carolina
12. Tulane

Some explanations:

* I have Houston as the pre season favorite. They lose their starting backcourt but bring back a ton of talent, as well as some new pieces. They deserve to be the early favorite.

* Cumberland coming back makes all the difference for Cincy. If he does, they have earned the right to be here, especially they will have an old team in a year where there will be a ton of youth. Their front court really improved during the season, and will be a major strength for them next year. If Cumberland doesn't come back, I would move Cincy down significantly.

* I have some reservations about Memphis since it is very hard to replace your entire starting lineup, even when you are bringing in 4 and 5 star recruits. But the amount of talent they will have on the floor will be scary, and they should have a very deep team. Might struggle early non-conference, but will be a different team in conference play.

* In looking at the teams, I really think 4-7 (UConn, Witchia State, Temple and USF) could go in any order. UConn brings back some solid pieces, and a nice recruiting class. Same for Witchia. Temple should be good, but I worry about losing your best player and having an inexperienced first year head coach. USF needs more skill players, but brings back everyone of significance and adds some new pieces.

* UCF takes a step back after losing some significant pieces. If Dawkins (the player) comes back, than they could be a tournament team.

I see potentially a 5-6 bid league depending on how things shake out. I see the cut off though being after USF in terms of tournament teams.

Houston and Memphis are to high and Uconn and Temple are to low. Temple and Uconn have solid pieces coming back. In addition, Uconn has a very strong recruiting class. Memphis has a great class coming in, but it will take at least a year to season. This class is not at the level of Kentucky where freshman can carry the team. I think Fabian White is the key to Houston. I have not been impressed with Houston and their post game over the past three years. They have got it done with shooting, defense and the elite speed of GAlen. I remember seeing that Galen was like a 10.5 hundred guy in high school. This is a different team without him on the floor. Sure they have plenty of wings, but who delivers the ball to them to get the open looks. SMU could be a sleeper. Lots of offense on this team, but need to learn to play defense. UCF will step back and USF should be slightly better. I also agree about the cincy assessment. Without Cumberland, cincy is mid pack.

Not at the level of Kentucky!?!? Memphis already has the #6 class that will shoot to #1 if they land lester Q and either Precious or Wadford let along both,and that's not even mentioning an outside shot at Hurt. Memphis is replacing a team of overachievers (because of coaching) with a group of players where the sky is the limits. Add that to our top #30 class from last year that is now a year older and Memphis could very well be a final 4 team.

Not sure why Memphis fans think they can get Precious and Wadford. Precious wants to play the wing, and you already have Jefferies. I doubt you can get both. I do think Lester Q is a done deal, and I would make you the favorite for Wadford. Which should give you the number 1 class, or close to it.

Because Precious keeps saying he wants to play with Quinones, because Precious came to our Madness, and b/c he says he talks to Mike Miller almost every day. And Watford is definitely a Memphis lean.

I agree they play the same position, but I bet Penny can sell them on all playing together, playing 10 deep, and doing something special next year. And Wiseman is recruiting them all.

I'm not saying it's going to happen, only that it could.

(03-31-2019 03:26 PM)HuskyU Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 03:09 PM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  1 Memphis-- overwhelming talent, with coaching.
2 Houston- only if Sampson does the smart thing and stays
3a Wichita-great coaching and vastly improved performance
3b Cincinnati- well they're Cincy
4aUSF- this team has some dawg in them and talented
4b UCF- expecting a slight fallback without Tacko,could be wrong tho
5 SMU
6 Tulsa- who else? Right
11 ECU- like those two pickups today
12 Tulane

UCONN/Temple in Big East/A10 next season?

That's right. In checkers and chess respectively.

(03-31-2019 02:04 PM)oasispirate Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 01:52 PM)tigerjamesc Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 12:09 PM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:26 AM)rosewater Wrote:  Houston and Memphis are to high and Uconn and Temple are to low. Temple and Uconn have solid pieces coming back. In addition, Uconn has a very strong recruiting class. Memphis has a great class coming in, but it will take at least a year to season. This class is not at the level of Kentucky where freshman can carry the team. I think Fabian White is the key to Houston. I have not been impressed with Houston and their post game over the past three years. They have got it done with shooting, defense and the elite speed of GAlen. I remember seeing that Galen was like a 10.5 hundred guy in high school. This is a different team without him on the floor. Sure they have plenty of wings, but who delivers the ball to them to get the open looks. SMU could be a sleeper. Lots of offense on this team, but need to learn to play defense. UCF will step back and USF should be slightly better. I also agree about the cincy assessment. Without Cumberland, cincy is mid pack.

Not at the level of Kentucky!?!? Memphis already has the #6 class that will shoot to #1 if they land lester Q and either Precious or Wadford let along both,and that's not even mentioning an outside shot at Hurt. Memphis is replacing a team of overachievers (because of coaching) with a group of players where the sky is the limits. Add that to our top #30 class from last year that is now a year older and Memphis could very well be a final 4 team.

Not sure why Memphis fans think they can get Precious and Wadford. Precious wants to play the wing, and you already have Jefferies. I doubt you can get both. I do think Lester Q is a done deal, and I would make you the favorite for Wadford. Which should give you the number 1 class, or close to it.

Watford and Q would be #2 rn. If you replace Watford with Precious or Hurt, it would be #1 for now. Honestly, if it’s Hurt, the #1 class rating would be very hard to overcome.

With Precious, we would end up top 3, Watford, top 5, and Hurt #1 class.

Personally, my very little informed opinion would like Achiuwa first, then Hurt, then Watford but any of them would be amazing

ECU just got two JUCO commits today from high level wings. We aren't finishing 11th, now just need to add 2-3 more bugs. This is a complete makeover in Greenville.

2019-20 Pirates Team Picture...



USFFan

(03-31-2019 04:02 PM)usffan Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 02:04 PM)oasispirate Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 01:52 PM)tigerjamesc Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 12:09 PM)BFieldHusky Wrote:  

(03-31-2019 11:55 AM)Tigersmoke4 Wrote:  Not at the level of Kentucky!?!? Memphis already has the #6 class that will shoot to #1 if they land lester Q and either Precious or Wadford let along both,and that's not even mentioning an outside shot at Hurt. Memphis is replacing a team of overachievers (because of coaching) with a group of players where the sky is the limits. Add that to our top #30 class from last year that is now a year older and Memphis could very well be a final 4 team.

Not sure why Memphis fans think they can get Precious and Wadford. Precious wants to play the wing, and you already have Jefferies. I doubt you can get both. I do think Lester Q is a done deal, and I would make you the favorite for Wadford. Which should give you the number 1 class, or close to it.

Watford and Q would be #2 rn. If you replace Watford with Precious or Hurt, it would be #1 for now. Honestly, if it’s Hurt, the #1 class rating would be very hard to overcome.

With Precious, we would end up top 3, Watford, top 5, and Hurt #1 class.

Personally, my very little informed opinion would like Achiuwa first, then Hurt, then Watford but any of them would be amazing

ECU just got two JUCO commits today from high level wings. We aren't finishing 11th, now just need to add 2-3 more bugs. This is a complete makeover in Greenville.

2019-20 Pirates Team Picture...



USFFan

YES! Finally a tall center!