Marquette

Tom Crean, Jamie Dixon, John Thompson III, and Jay Wright are the future of the Big East.

What a day of college basketball.. 17 Top 25 teams in action.. two major Top 10 upsets.. the first game of the year on CBS.. and the debut of the most heralded prospect in recent (if not all-time) history?

I'll start with the early action and then move my way into the evening.

Is there a new, better Hansbrough in town? Freshman Ben Hansbrough poured in 23 points and 8 assists as Mississippi State romped on TAMU-CC, 96-72. Meanwhile, younger brother Tyler's 7 points and 3 rebounds kept a pesky Kentucky team alive against UNC. The Tar Heels were the better and more talented team from the tip, but Randolph Morris' 21 point domination of Hansbrough, and Tubby's ability to play the game at his pace instead of Roy's, kept the game relatively competitive. Hansbrough's struggles were reminiscent of his 9 point clunker against Josh Heytvelt and Gonzaga.

This is the second installment in a series ranking returning players by position. One challenge is that on some teams which individuals will start at what positions are not givens. Consider Louisville.  Brandon Jenkins could start at the 1 or the 2 after he recovers from a broken leg.  Although last year he played primarily at the point, this year he’ll probably play the 2 as I’m betting that Coach Rick Pitino will go with experience in the starting lineup, meaning Andre McGee will get the nod over freshman Edgar Sosa at point and Jenkins will start at off guard over two talented incoming freshmen. This installment focuses on 11 returnees who will likely start at off guard in the 2006-2007 season.

I have taken on the unenviable task of ranking returning players by position.  One challenge is that on some teams which individuals will start at what positions are not givens.  Consider Louisville.   Brandon Jenkins might start at the 1 or the 2 after he recovers from a broken leg.  Although last year he played primarily at the point, this year he’ll probably play the 2 as I’m betting that Coach Rick Pitino will go with experience in the starting lineup, meaning Andre McGee will get the nod over freshman Edgar Sosa.at point and Jenkins will play off guard over two incoming freshmen.  This first installment focuses on 11 returnees who will likely start at point guard in the 2006-2007 season.