North Carolina

Nothing wrong with testing the waters..

With the deadline for underclassmen to pull out of the 2008 NBA Draft now passed, it’s time to look at who used, and who was used, by the system, The rule that allows players to “test the waters” has come under fire from some analysts in recent weeks, as players with no business declaring for the Draft have left college coaches and fan bases anxiously awaiting their final decisions.

To stay or go: Futures Hinge on Player Decisions

Even with the draft order now set, and player workouts getting underway, it’s still tough to predict which players will ultimately stay in the draft this year.  According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, 69 underclassmen declared for the draft this year, including surprises like Oregon State’s CJ Giles, who has now been kicked off two college teams, and Alabama’s Ronald Steele, who didn’t even play last season due to injury.

Ty Lawson

36 teams will feature at least one McDonald's All-American next year.  Some programs like Duke feature a starting five full of high school superstars, while others like Rutgers and FSU are welcoming their first Big Mac Maestros.  Here are projected starting lineups for all 36 teams with an All-American.

Following my projected 2009 Field of 65, here is an early look at the 2008-09 All-Americans.

First Team
G - DJ Augustin - Texas
G - Stephen Curry - Davidson
G - Brandon Jennings - Arizona
F - Luke Harangody - Notre Dame
F - Tyler Hansbrough - North Carolina

Second Team
G - James Harden - Arizona State
G - Terrence Williams - Louisville
G - Tyrese Rice - Boston College
F - Kyle Singler - Duke

OK- raise your hand if you saw this coming, because if so, I've got a few lottery numbers that I need help picking.

Well, we certainly didn't expect this. Kansas, thanks to an 18-0 run in which Carolina went 9:03 without a field goal, raced out to a 40-12 lead before the Heels used a 15-4 run to close within 44-27 at the half. Here are a few observations in regards to the first half.

1. North Carolina has not seen a team this good on the defensive end of the floor.