starting fives

The Starting Fives: SEC

Shawn Siegel — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:45:03 -0400

Unlike the NBA, where most starting lineups are set in stone weeks before the season, NCAA starting fives are highly unsettled and constantly in flux. Going through the BCS leagues this week, I'll be projecting the starting fives for each team. Also included is the team's most important bench option, and some notes on other possible lineups.

In the case where a quality player is ineligible for the fall semester or suspended for the opening few games, I've still included them in the projections. These are really supposed to be projections of how lineups will look in February and March.

Next week, based on these lineups, I'll be throwing out statistical projections for major BCS contributors.

SEC

ALABAMA

G Ronald Steele Sr
G Senario Hillman So
F Alonzo Gee Sr
F JayKychal Green Fr
C Demetrius Jemison Jr

6 Brandon Hollinger (PG)

Notes: Besides Hollinger, the other feature backup is junior guard Mikail Torrance. Bama received a blow when talented wing Tony Mitchell didn't qualify academically. This means that little-used sophomore Justin Knox and junior Yamene Coleman will see more time.

ARKANSAS

G Courtney Fortson Fr
G Stefan Welsh Jr
F Montrell McDonald Jr
F Michael Sanchez Fr
F Michael Washington Jr

6 Rotnei Clarke (G)

Notes: The other frontcourt reserves will be Andre Clark and Brandon Moore. If you don't know who most of these guys are, don't worry.. even the coaching staff isn't sure what type of talent they have.

AUBURN

G Quantez Robertson Sr
G Rasheem Barrett Sr
G DeWayne Reed Jr
F Lucas Hargrove Jr

F Korvortney Barber

6 Tay Waller (SG)

Notes: Auburn will rely heavily on a Jucos to provide depth. Waller is known as a great shooter, who could push for a starting spot. Frankie Sullivan, a freshman, will be the backup point guard. Up front, Waller's teammate at Okaloose-Walton JC, Johnnie Lett, and Francis Aihe will be the main reserves.

FLORIDA

~~G Jai Lucas So~~ Erving Walker Fr
G Walter Hodge Sr
G Nick Calathes So
F Chandler Parsons So
F Dan Werner Jr

6 Alex Tyus (PF)

Notes: There's a good chance Tyus will start the season in place of Parsons, but Parsons to me is a budding star who will start by the end of the year. Florida has other solid frontcourt reserves in big-time freshmen Eloy Vargas and Kenny Kadji, who will push the sophomore forwards for time. Backcourt depth is an issue however. ~~Freshman Erving Walker, a PG, and Ray Shipman, a wing, may be forced into action earlier than Coach Donovan would like.~~ Lucas has decided to leave Florida, and will be replaced by Walker in the starting five.

GEORGIA

G Zac Swansey So

G Corey Butler Sr
G Terrence Woodbury Sr
F Jeremy Price So

F Albert Jackson Jr

6 Howard (Trey) Thompkins (F)

Notes: The question for Georgia is whether the talented newcomers will steal starting positions. For example, Thompkins could start alongside Price & Jackson, pushing Woodbury to the 2, or Thompkins could simply replace Jackson. Fellow freshman Dustin Ware will be the backup PG, but perhaps is talented enough to start alongside Swansey.

KENTUCKY

G DeAndre Liggins Fr
G Jodie Meeks Jr
F Ramon Harris
F Perry Stevenson Jr
F Patrick Patterson So

6 Kevin Galloway (G)

Notes: You'll probably see Billy Gillispie throw out multiple lineups throughout the season, but I think this is how they'll look in March. Besides Galloway, don't forget about Michael Porter getting important minutes at PG as well. Freshman Darius Miller will also see substantial time at the wings. Big man depth is an issue, where Juco transfer Josh Harrellson will be the main reserve.

LSU

G Garrett Temple Sr
G Marcus Thornton Sr
G Terry Martin Sr
F Tasmin Mitchell Jr
C Chris Johnson Sr

6 Alex Farrer (G)

Notes: Besides Farrer, the other main reserves are point guard Bo Spencer, forward Quinton Thornton, and freshman guard Chris Bass. Also, one of talented newcomers Delwan Graham or Storm Warren will emerge as the main backup on the wing. Lastly, Temple isn't really a great PG, so its not inconceivable that one of Spencer or Bass starts at the 1, pushing Temple and Thornton down a spot, and Martin to the 6th man role.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

G Dee Bost Fr
G Barry Stewart Jr
F Ravern Johnson So
F Brian Johsnon Sr
C Jarvis Varnado Jr

6 Twany Beckham (G)

Notes: Outside of Stewart and Varnado, MSU's minutes are up for grabs. Bost should emerge as the starting PG, with fellow freshman Beckham being the main backcourt reserve. Ravern Johnson will be pushed by Juco wing Jacquiese Holcombe, who could easily steal the staring role. Up front, Brian Johnson will have to beat out improving sophomore Kodi Augustus and talented freshman Romero Osby for the starting job.

OLE MISS

G Chris Warren So
G David Huertas Jr
G Eniel Polynice Jr
F Terrance Henry Fr
F Malcolm White So

6 Zach Graham (G)

Notes: Besides Graham, the other key reserve is Trevor Gaskins. Both Graham and Gaskins should see a combined 30-35 mpg. As seems to be the case with a lot of SEC teams, there's little depth in the frontcourt. Juco forward DeAundre Cranston might be the best option in the post. Also expect Kevin Cantinol, a red-shirt freshman, to get 10 mpg backing up Henry & White.

SOUTH CAROLINA

G Devan Downey Jr
G Zam Fredrick Sr
F Dominique Archie Jr
F Sam Muldrow So
F Mike Holmes So

6 Brandis Raley-Ross (G)

Notes: The one spot with competition is PF, where Evaldas Baniulis is an option. Those 7 guys will get the lions share of South Carolina's minutes. The rest of the reserves will only get scraps.

TENNESSEE

G Bobby Maze Jr
G Scotty Hopson Fr
G JP Prince Jr
F Tyler Smith Jr
F Wayne Chism Jr

6 Cameron Tatum (G)

Notes: Tennessee's starting five is solid, but depth is an issue. The main reserves are Tatum at the wing, Emanuel Negedu at power forward, and Brian Williams at center. Ryan Childress would also see important minutes if he could ever get his health together. Josh Tabb will also see 10-15 mpg as a guard, but the problem is that neither he nor Tatum can play the point. Freshman PG Daniel West may be forced into scattered minutes.

VANDERBILT

G Jermaine Beal Jr
G Brad Tinsley Fr
G Lance Goulbourne Fr
F Darshawn McClellan So
F AJ Ogilvy So

6 Andre Walker (F)

Notes: Goulbourne is certainly no lock to start (especially early), as his spot could be taken by Walker or equally talented newcomer Jeff Taylor. Up front, emerging talent Festus Ezeli backs up up Ogilvy. Backup PG is a definite weak spot, where guys like George Drake or Jamie Graham may be forced to play. Freshman Steve Tchiengang will see action behind McClellan.

Think my projections are off, let me know below where you differ! Also, let me know if there's any recent roster changes I've missed.

Starting Five Archive:

The Starting Fives: Pac-10

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:15:56 -0400

G Nic Wise Jr
G Chase Budinger Jr
F Jamelle Horne So
F Jordan Hill Jr
C Jeff Whitey Fr

6 Brendon Lavender (G)

Notes: Many projections suggest that Budinger will start at the 3, with one of either Lavender, Zane Johnson, or Garland Judkins winning the starting 2-guard spot. Little used senior Fendi Onobun will back up the forwards.

ARIZONA STATE

G Derek Glasser Jr
G Ty Abbott So
G James Harden So
F Jerren Ship Jr
F Jeff Pendergraph Sr

6 Rihards Kuksiks (SF)

Notes: Even though Shipp played almost 30 mpg last year, its possible Kuksiks starts due to better shooting ability. The other main reserves will be Eric Boateng (behind Pendergraph), and Jamelle McMillan (behind Glasser).

CALIFORNIA

G Jerome Randle Jr
G Patrick Christopher Jr
F Theo Robertson Jr
F Harper Kemp So

F Jamal Boykin Jr

6 DJ Seeley (G)

Notes: Even though Seeley is Cal's star recruit, he should back up both Christopher and Robertson, as well as join them in a 3-guard lineup at times. Despite playing 19 mpg last year, incumbent reserve guard Nikola Knezevic should lose time thanks to the addition of Jorge Gutierrez, Mike Montgomery's first signee. Depth in the frontcourt is a serious issue, as little-used Jordan Wilkes might be the best option backing up Boykin. Omondi Amoke, a red-shirt freshman, should see 10 mpg behind Robertson.

OREGON

G Kamyron Brown So
G Tajuan Porter Jr
G LeKendric Longmire So
F Joevan Catron Jr
C Michael Dunigan Fr

6 Frantz Dorsainvil (F)

Notes: No one really knows how Oregon's starting five will look, and however it looks on opening day will probably be very different from February. Catron and Porter are the only real locks to start. Dunigan, the star recruit, may very well come off the bench in November, but I expect him to start by season's end. Brown is very mediocre, but Porter has proven he's not a point guard. Besides Brown, another option at PG is Ben Voogd, a transfer who never panned out at LSU. Longmire also is no lock to start, and could be replaced by sharp-shooting freshman Matthew Humphrey.

OREGON STATE

G Josh Tarver Jr
G Seth Tarver Jr
G Lathen Wallace So

F Omari Johnson Jr
F Daniel Deane So

6 Roland Schaftenaar Jr

Notes: Not much to like here. Wallace could be OSU's 6th man, with either Schaftenaar or Calvin Hampton jumping into the starting five. Rcky Claitt and Calvin Haynes provide depth in the backcourt as well.

STANFORD

G Mitch Johnson Sr
G Anthony Goods Sr
F Landry Fields Jr
F Lawrence Hill Sr
F Josh Owens Jr

6 Da'Veed Dildy (G)

Notes: Stanford's starting five is pretty well settled, at least compared to the Oregon schools. Forward depth is major issue, where Will Paul is the lone backup post player ready to contribute. There's a long list of players fighting for minutes in the backcourt including returnees Drew Shiller, Kenny Brown, and newcomers Jeremy Green and Jarrett Mann. All four could see 10 mpg along with the aforementioned Dildy, as Stanford will have to go small at times.

UCLA

G Darren Collison Sr
G Jrue Holiday Fr
G Josh Sipp Sr
F James Keefe Jr
C J'Mison Morgan Fr

6 Alfred Aboya (PF)

Notes: While UCLA's three guard lineup is set in stone, there's good competition for frontcourt minutes. Keefe and Aboya are the contenders for the PF spot, while newcomer Gordon will also get time at the 4 & 5. Super freshman Malcolm Lee will backup Collison & Holiday, and returnee Michael Roll will see time behind Shipp.

USC

G Daniel Hackett Jr
G Dwight Lewis Jr
F Demar DeRozan Fr
F Kasey Cunningham So
C Taj Gibson J

6 Donte Smith (G)

Notes: The only questionable spot is power forward, where Cunningham will need to beat out senior Keith Wilkinson and talented newcomer Leonard Washington for the right to start. Expect UCONN transfer Marcus Johnson to be the main backup at the 2 & 3 when he becomes eligible.

WASHINGTON

G Venoy Overton So
G Justin Dentmon Sr
F Quincy Pondexter Jr
F Matthew Bryan-Amaning
F Jon Brockman Sr

6 Isaiah Thomas (PG)

Notes: Thomas could eventually start, push Overton or Dentmon to the bench. Another quality freshman, Scott Suggs, will push Overton and Dentmon for time as well. The first frontcourt reserve will be Artem Wallace, while 7-foot Joe Wolfinger also gets time behind Brockman. The final regular reserve is senior guard Joel Smith.

WASHINGTON STATE

G Taylor Rochestie Sr
G Nikola Koprivica Jr
G Klay Thompson Fr
F Daven Hamerling Sr
F Aron Baynes Sr

6 Caleb Forrest Sr

Notes: Washington State has some options in the starting five, where Rochestie and Baynes are the only locks. Forrest will battle Hamerling for the starting 4 spot. Redshirt freshman Abe Lodwick will also compete for the nod at one of the guard positions, but should end up being a reserve. Expect German Fabian Boeke to be Bayne's main reserve. The eight mentioned will form the Cougars' regular rotation.

Think my projections are off, let me know below where you differ! Also, let me know if there's any recent roster changes I've missed.

The Starting Fives: Big 12

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:54:21 -0400

G Tweety Carter Jr
G Henry Dugat Sr
G Curtis Jerrells Sr
G LaceDarius Dunn So
F Kevin Rogers Sr

6 Quincy Acy (PF)*

It's possible a player like Acy or Anthony Jones starts, with Dunn becoming a super-sub. Returning 7-footers Josh Lomers and Mamadou Diene should see a combined 25 mpg. *See comment below about removal of Artem Valov from this spot.

COLORADO

G Cory Higgins So
G Nate Tomlinson Fr
F Jermyl Jackson-Wilson Sr
F Austin Dufault Fr
F Casey Crawford So

6 Toby Veal (F)

Notes: Only die-hard Buffs fans have a clue who these guys are. Higgins is the returning leading scorer (8 ppg) and should be joined by the Australian product Tomlinson. If the season goes downhill fast, Jackson-Wilson could be replaced in the starting 5 by Veal, another of Colorado's newcomers. Levi Knutson and Dwight Thorne II should both see upwards of 20 mpg backing up the guard spots.

IOWA STATE

G Diante Garrett So
G Lucca Staiger Jr
F Craig Brackins So
F Jamie Vanderbeken Jr

F Alex Thompson Sr

6 Bryan Peterson (PG)

Notes: Outside of Brackins, not much is settled here. Peterson was the starting PG last year, but everyone expects Garrett to win that spot this time around. Staiger, known as a great shooter, and Vanderbeken are newcomers who should help Iowa State score the ball. Another newcomer, freshman forward Justin Hamilton figures to see time, but might not develop for another season. In the backcourt, Dominique Buckley and Sean Haluska provide depth.

KANSAS

G Sherron Collins Jr

G Tyshawn Taylor Fr
G Mario Little Jr
F Marcus Morris Fr
F Cole Aldrich So

6 Markieff Morris (PF)

Notes: This is pretty much the lineup everyone expects from Kansas, though I've seen Markieff listed as a projected starter instead of the smaller Marcus. Besides those six, the other main contributors will be guards Tyone Appleton (Juco) and Travis Releford (Fr). Little used sophomore Tyrel Reed couls also see 10 mpg.

KANSAS STATE

G Jacob Pullen So
G Denis Clemente Jr

F Dominque Sutton So
F Jamar Samuels Fr
F Ron Anderson So

6 Darren Kent (F)

Notes: Besides Kent, the other feature reserves will be off-guard Fred Brown and big-men Luis Colon. Juco newcomer Buchi Awaji could also emerge as a legitimate 20 mpg scoring option off the bench or be a bust.

MISSOURI

G Miguel Paul Fr
G JT Tiller Jr
G Matt Lawrence Sr
F DeMarre Carroll Sr
F Leo Lyons Sr

6 Zaire Taylor (PG)

Notes: Taylor, a Delaware transfer, will battle Paul for starting PG duties, but should also back up the 2. The other reserves figure to be Keith Ramsey (perhaps the 1st option behind both Carroll & Lyons), Laurence Bowers, and Justin Safford.

NEBRASKA

G Cookie Miller So
G Ade Dagundrup Sr
G Ryan Anderson Jr
F Alex Chapman So
F Alonzo Edwards Fr

6 Steve Harley (PG)

Notes: The Huskers took a major hit when talented German newcomer Christopher Niemann was ruled ineligible for the 08-09 season. Instead, the frontcourt spots will be filled by a pair of red-shirts in Chapman and Edwards. Returning reserve Chris Balham will back those guys up. Freshman guard Eshaunte Jones could see 20 mpg backing up Dagundrup and Anderson.

OKLAHOMA

G Willie Warren Fr
G Austin Johnson Sr
G Tony Crocker Jr
F Taylor Griffin Sr
F Blake Griffin So

6 Omar Leary (PG)

Notes: Barring any major developments, Oklahoma's starting five is pretty well settled. Outside of Leary, the other backcourt reserve is sophomore Cede Davis. The Sooners frontcourt reserves are more talented however. Freshman Juan Pattillo is a future starter, while UCLA transfer Ryan Wright will see 10-15 mpg.

OKLAHOMA STATE

G Byron Eaton Sr
G Terrel Harris Sr
G James Anderson So
G Obi Muonelo
C Ibrahima Thomas So

6 Keiton Page (PG)

Notes: The Cowboys obviously lack much talent in the frontcourt. Besides Thomas, senior Anthony Brown and Juco newcomer Malcolm Kirkland will get the rest of the minutes.

TEXAS

G AJ Abrams Sr
G Justin Mason Jr
F Damion James Jr
F Gary Johnson So
F Connor Atchley Sr

6 Dogus Balbay (PG)

Notes: The only issue with that starting five is that neither Mason or Abrams is a pure PG. Dogus Balbay should start the season as the backup, but could start by the end of the year. Big Dexter Pittman is the X factor, if he can stay in shape and remain focused, its not inconceivable he starts alongside Atchley late in the season. Forward Matt Hill will probably see a surprising amount of time off the bench.

TEXAS A&M

G Donald Sloan Jr
G Derrick Roland Jr
G Josh Carter Sr
F Bryan Davis Jr
F Chinemelu Elonu Jr

6 David Loubeau (F)

Notes: A&M's starting five is relatively certain compared to most teams. Loubeau, a freshman forward, could eventually steal the starting role from Elonu. In the backcourt, Dashan Harris, BJ Holmes, and Nathan Walkup provide depth.

TEXAS TECH

G John Roberson So
G Alan Voskuil Sr
G Mike Singletary So
F Trevor Cook Jr
C Esmir Rizvic Sr

6 Damir Suljagic (PF)

Notes: Tech's starting guards are the strong-point, but there's virtually no depth there. Nick Okorie, a Juco addition, is the only legitimate option. While Tech's starting forwards aren't that great, at least there's interchangeable parts on the pine. Corbin Ray, D'walyn Roberts, and Robert Lewandowski will round out the playing rotation.

Think my projections are off, let me know below where you differ! Also, let me know if there's any recent roster changes I've missed.

The Starting Fives: Big Ten

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:03:09 -0400

G Demetri McCamey So
G Trent Meacham Sr
G Alex Legion So
F Mike Davis So
F Mike Tisdale So

6 Chester Frazier (PG)

The team is going nowhere this year, so you might as well start young, which is why Frazier won't end up in the starting five. Besides Frazier, the other dangerous bench player is wing Calvin Brock. Bill Cole and one of the newcomers will provide frontcourt help.

INDIANA

G Devan Dumes Jr
G Verdell Jones Fr
G Nick Williams Fr
F Kyle Taber Sr

C Tom Pritchard Fr

6 Malik Story Fr

Notes: Don't feel bad if you have no clue who these guys are. Die-hard Indiana fans are struggling to figure out their roster as well. Story could start over Williams, and the loser of that battle will be the sixth man. Pritchard should probably win the starting spot over Juco transfer Tijan Jobe, who will end up giving Crean 10-15 mpg a game. SG Matt Roth will probably be the other component of IU's regular rotation.

IOWA

G Jeff Peterson So
G Matt Gatens Fr
G Jake Kelly So
F Cyrus Tate Sr
F Jarryd Cole So

6 Anthony Tucker (G)

Notes: Outside of Tate, Iowa's playing rotation is loaded with youth, but short on talent. Besides Tucker, the other quality reserves are also guards. Devan Bawinkel and Jermain Davis are both off-guards from the Juco ranks. In the frontcourt, David Palmer should likely see more than just mop-up duty this year, while one of freshmen Andrw Brommer and Aaron Fuller will emerge as the go-to forward off the bench. Finally senior JR Angle should see 10-15 mpg as a wing.

MICHIGAN

G Manny Harris So
G Laval Lucas-Perry Fr

F Anthony Wright So
F DeShawn Sims Jr
C Zack Gibson Jr

6 Kelvin Grady So

Notes: Lucas-Perry isn't eligible for the first month, but should emerge as the eventual partner to Harris in the backcourt. Jevohn Shepherd will see time backing up Wright, but the roster's biggest issue is a lack of front-court depth. Freshman newcomer Ben Cronin or walk-on Eric Puls will have to be the main 4/5 off the bench, but neither seems ready to contribute much.

MICHIGAN STATE

G Kalin Lucas So
G Chris Allen So
F Raymar Morgan Jr
F Delvon Roe Fr
C Goran Suton Sr

6 Marquise Gray (PF)

Notes: Roe is by no means a lock to start, as Gray has been a starter at times in the past. Travis Walton will back up Lucas, while Durrell Summers will see substantial time as the reserve 2 & 3. Tom Herzog or Idong Ibok will emerge as Suton's understudy.

MINNESOTA

G Al Nolen So
G Lawrence Westbrook Jr
F Devron Bostick Jr
F Damian Johnson Jr
C Ralph Sampson Fr

6 Blake Hoffarber (SG)

Notes: If Nolen falters as the PG, Tubby Smithh could start Westbrook at the 1 and Hoffarber at the 2. Besides Hoffarber, the other quality reserve will be another young guard, Devoe Joseph. Up front, Jonathan Williams and Paul Carter will see time as well.

NORTHWESTERN

G Michael Thompson So
G Craig Moore Sr
F John Shurna Fr
F Kevin Coble Jr
C Kyle Rowley Fr

6 Sterling Williams (G/F)

Notes: In various publications, you'll see Northwestern's lineup projected in various ways. Rowley will battle fellow freshman Luka Mirkovic in the post. Small forward is also a potential revolving door, as Shurna will have to fight off Jeff Ryan, Williams, and perhaps back up guard Jeremy Nash for the final starting spot.

OHIO STATE

G Anthony (Noopy) Crater Fr
G William Buford Fr
F Evan Turner So
F David Lighty Jr
C BJ Mullens Fr

6 Jeremie Simmons (G)

Notes: This is another team whose lineup is anything but certain. What we do know is that besides the six guys listed, the other main contributors will be sophomore's Jon Diebler (SG) and Dallas Lauderdale (PF), and Juco forward Nikola Kecman (although Kecman's eligibility is still uncertain at this point). Simmons will battle Crater for the starting PG role, but there's also a slim chance neither Crater of Buford start. Matta could play Turner at the 2, Lighty at the 3, and give Lauderdale or Kecman the starting PF job.

PENN STATE

G Talor Battle So
G Danny Morrissey Sr
G Stanley Pringle Sr
F David Jackson So
F Jamelle Cornley Sr

6 Andrew Jones (F)

Notes: Besides those six, return forward Jeff Brooks and newcomer Chris Babb should emerge as the usual backups. Morrisey could end up as the sixth man, with Jackson sliding into his more natural small forward spot, and Jones helping do the dirty work up front with Cornley.

PURDUE

G Chris Kramer Jr
G Keaton Grant Jr
G E'Twaun Moore So
F Robbie Hummel So
C Nemanja Calasan Sr

6 JaJuan Johnson (F)

Notes: While Marcus Green and newcomer Lewis Jackson provide depth in the backcourt, Purdue has no other real option besides Johnson up front. Walk-on senior Chris Reid is the only other play taller than 6'4".

WISCONSIN

G Trevon Hughes Jr
G Jason Bohanon Jr
G Joe Krabbenhoft Sr
F Marcus Landry Sr
F Keaton Nankivil So

6 Jon Leuer (F)

Notes: Four of Wisconsin's five starters are set. Nankivil and Leuer will battle for the right to start alongside Landry. In the backcourt, talented freshman Jordan Taylor will see substantial time, while little used sophomore Tim Jarmusz could also see 10-12 mpg as a 2 or a 3.

Think my projections are off, let me know below where you differ! Also, let me know if there's any recent roster changes I've missed.

The Starting Fives: Big East Part 2

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:51:18 -0400

HTML clipboard

G Sharaud Curry Jr
G Jeff Xavier Sr
F Brian McKenzie Jr
F Geoff McDermott Fr
F Randall Hanke Sr

6 Weyinmi Efejuku (G/F)

Notes: It's a little odd that Efejuku, the team's 2nd leading returning scorer, would come off the bench. But McKenzie is too good of a shooter to sit, especially in Davis' offense, and Xavier is simply too talented not to start. But you never know, McKenzie could be the 6th man with Efejuku starting. Either way, one of those guys will be the odd man out. The other guys off the bench to watch are Jonathan Kale and Jamine Peterson, who need to step up to help Xavier's weak frontcourt.

RUTGERS

G Anthony Farmer Sr
G Corey Chandler So
G Mike Rosario Fr
F JR Inman Sr
C Hamady Ndiaye Jr

6 Mike Coburn (G)

Notes: Inman is out for at least the first 3-4 weeks, but should regain his starting roll when he returns. Even if Greg Echenique is as good as advertised, and plays good enough to steal the spot, Rutgers would be better off with Inman at the 4 and Echenique at the 5. Fellow freshman Christian Morris will start as Ndiaye's backup.

SETON HALL

G Eugene Harvey Jr
G Paul Gause Sr
G Jeremy Hazell So
F Robert Mitchell Jr

C John Garcia Jr

6 Jordan Theodore Fr

Notes: Since Seton Hall has so little depth, this is pretty much the entire team. The only other scholarship players will be Mike Davis and Melvyn Oliver, big men who will be forced to get more action than they're capable of. This depth-chart would change substantially if either both, or one of, transfers Herb Pope and Keon Lawrence are ruled eligible to play.

SOUTH FLORIDA

G Chris Howard Jr
G Dominique Jones So
G Mike Mercer Jr
F Mobolaji Ajayi Sr
F Alejandro (Alex) Rivas Sanchez Jr

6 Jesus Verdejo (G)

Notes: The addition of Mercer gives South Florida some quality pieces in the backcourt. The questions are up front, where Ajayi is still a work in progress, and Sanchez is Juco product with potential, but a Juco product nonetheless. The addition of almost-Terp Gus Gilchrist would be a major help in the frontcourt, but there's still no official ruling from the NCAA whether he's eligible. (If I missed the ruling, please let me know in the comment section). Outside of Verdejo, the other backcourt reserves are all newcomers.

ST. JOHN'S

G Malik Boothe So
G Quincy Roberts Fr

F DJ Kennedy So
F Anthony Mason Jr Sr
C Justin Burrell So

6 Paris Horne (G/F)

Notes: The other main reserves will be freshman TyShawn Edmondson, who has the talent to possibly knock Boothe out of the PG role, as well as returning forwards Sean Evans and Tomas Jasiulionis.

SYRACUSE

G Jonny Flynn So
G Eric Devendorf Jr
G Paul Harris Jr
F Kristof Ongenaet Sr
F Arinze Onuaku Jr

6 Andy Rautins (SG)

Notes: With the return of Flynn and Rautins from injury, Syracuse has more depth than most teams. Besides Rautins, the other main reserves will be PF Rick Jackson, and guards Scoop Jardine and Mookie Jones.

VILLANOVA

G Scottie Reynolds Jr
G Corey Stokes So
F Antonio Pena So
F Shane Clark Sr
C Dante Cunningham Sr

6 Corey Fisher So

Notes: I've seen more variations of Villanova's possible starting five than just about any other team. Reynolds and Cunningham are perhaps the only locks. Fisher started much of last season, but Stokes makes more sense, because Fisher is too similar to Reynolds. Quality defender Reggie Redding will also see 20+ mpg as a backcourt reserve. Up front, while I would think Pena is the best option because of his youth, senior Dwayne Anderson is another possibility. Or Anderson and Pena could start, relegating Clark to a reserve role. Finally, big man Casiem Drummond backs up Cunningham.

WEST VIRGINIA

G Joe Mazzulla Jr
G Alex Ruoff Sr
F Devin Ebanks Fr
F Wellington Smith Jr
F De'Sean Butler Jr

6 John Flowers So

Notes: No major surprises here. The talented Ebanks should be ready to start right away. Besides Flowers, the other main reserves will be newcomers Kevin Jones and Darryl Bryant.

Think my projections are off, let me know below where you differ! Also, let me know if there's any recent roster changes I've missed.

The Starting Fives: Big East Part 1

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:13:40 -0400

G Deonta Vaughn So
G ~~Cashmere Wright Fr~~ Larry Davis So

F Rashad Bishop So
F Yancy Gates Fr
F Mike Williams Sr

6 Anthony McClain (C)

Notes: With this lineup, Cincy could be pretty solid or pretty awful. ~~Wright isn't a lock to start, and could be replaced by Larry Davis. I expect Davis though to be the first guard off the bench.~~* Wing-man Alvin Mitchell will be the other player in Cincy's 8-man rotation, and should see 15-20 mpg.

*Wright is out for the season with a late injury, meaning Davis and Mitchell will see extended time.

Connecticut

G AJ Price Sr
G Jerome Dyson Jr
F Gavin Edwards Jr
F Jeff Adrien Sr
C Hasheem Thabeet Jr

6 Craig Austrie (PG)

Notes: The recent expulsion of Nate Miles was a huge blow. UCONN doesn't have another wing on its roster, and Edwards has no business starting alongside Adrien. Besides Edwards, the other possible starters are freshmen Ater Majok (likely) and combo-guard Kemba Walker in a 3-guard lineup (unlikely). The other contributor will be freshman shooter Scottie Haralson.

DePaul

G Will Walker Jr
G Jabari Currie Sr
G Dar Tucker So
F Mac Koshwal So

C Matija Poscic Sr

6 Krystopher Faber (C)

Notes: Faber is probably DePaul's best freshman, and could push Poscic for the starting role by season's end, especially if DePaul struggles. Mario Stula, who has to sit out for the first couple of weeks, will be DePaul's main scoring option off the bench.

Georgetown

G Chris Wright So
G Jessie Sapp Sr
F Austin Freeman So
F DaJuan Summers Jr
F Greg Monroe Fr

6 Julian Vaughn (PF)

Notes: The Hoyas biggest flaw will be backcourt depth. Omar Wattad and freshman Jason Clark are the lone reserve guards, but neither seems capable of handling PG duties. Besides Vaughn, a transfer from FSU, the other reserve big-man is Top-50 recruit Henry Sims.

Louisville

G Andre McGee Sr
G Jerry Smith Jr
F Terrence Williams Sr
F Earl Clark Jr
C Samardo Samuels Fr

6 Edgar Sosa (PG)

Notes: Sosa is the backup PG, but he's also capable of playing along with McGee & Smith in a 3-guard attack. Besides Sosa, the other main reserve will be Mississippi State transfer Reginald Delk. Delk is a wing who can back up the 2 or the 3, and figures to play 20 mpg. Frontcourt depth is an issue, as a lot of unproven bigs will be on the bench. George Goode, a freshman who didn't play last year, might be the top option there.

Marquette

G Dominic James Sr
G Jerel McNeal Sr
G Wesley Matthews Sr
F Lazar Hayward Jr
F Dwight Burke Sr*

6 David Cubillan (PG)

Notes: A rare team with three returning senior starters, Marquette lacks front-court talent as usual. The best forward off the bench will probably be JUCO addition Joseph Fulce, unless freshman Chris Otule develops faster than expected. Cubillan might be slowed by off-season surgery to start the year, and will be joined by junior Maurice Acker as backcourt options off the bench.

* I had originally mentioned Trevor Mbakwe starting, but he's left the program to play at Miami-Dade Community.

Notre Dame

G Tory Jackson Jr
G Kyle McAlarney Sr
F Ryan Ayers Sr
F Zach Hillesland Sr
C Luke Harangody Jr

6 Luke Zeller (PF)

Notes: Barring injury, it would be a big surprise if this wasn't Notre Dame's starting lineup throughout the season. Besides Zeller, the other feature reserves figure to be Jonathan Peoples, ~~Ty Proffitt~~ (see comment below), and Tyrone Nash

Pittsburgh

G Levance Fields Sr
G Jermaine Dixon Fr
F Gilbert Brown So
F Sam Young Sr
F DeJuan Blair So

6 Tyrell Biggs Sr

Notes: Instead of Dixon starting, Pitt could go with Brown at the two, Young at the three, and Biggs at the four. Either way, the six listed above form Pitt's core along with freshman backup PG Travon Woodall. Ashton Gibbs, another freshman, might be to good to sit on the bench all year.

Part Two: Providence to West Virginia

Think my projections are off, let me know below where you differ!

The Starting Fives: ACC

Shawn Siegel — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:10:53 -0400

G Biko Paris So
G Tyrese Rice Sr
F Rakim Sanders So
F Corey Raji So
C Josh Southern So

6 Joe Trapani (PF)

Notes: BC's lineup is pretty well settled. Tyler Roche could be just as important as Southern or Trapani in the frontcourt. Freshman guards Reggie Jackson and Dallas Elmore should also figure into the regular rotation.

Clemson

G Demontez Stitt So
G Terrence Oglesby So
G KC Rivers Sr
F Raymond Sykes Sr
C Trevor Booker Jr

6 Andre Young (PG)

Notes: The freshman Young is well-hyped, but Clemon's returnees are too solid for him to sneak into the starting five. David Potter and Jerai Grant should be the other reserves seeing major minutes.

Duke

G Greg Paulus Jr
G Jon Scheyer Jr
G Gerald Henderson Jr
F Kyle Singler So
C Brian Zoubek Jr

6 Lance Thomas (PF)

Notes: Compared to the above teams, Duke's minutes are up for grabs. Scheyer isn't a lock to start, as both Elliot Williams and Nolan Smith will push him for minutes. I put Thomas as the 6th man because he'll inevitably see major minutes when Zoubek gets tired, hurt, or in foul-trouble.

Florida State

G Toney Douglas Sr
G Derwin Kitchen So
F Chris Singleton Fr
F Uche Echefu Sr
F Solomon Alabi Fr

6 Ryan Reid (PF)

Notes: The Noles will be relying on youth as much as any ACC team. Alabi is a raw, talented freshman, but it wouldn't suprise me if Reid ends up starting at some point. Another freshman, Deividas Dulkys, could be the team's highest scoring option off the bench.

Georgia Tech

G Maurice Miller So
G Lewis Clinch Sr
F Iman Shumpert Fr
F Gani Lawal So
C Zack Peacock Jr

6 ~~D'Andre Bell (G/F)~~* Alade Aminu (F)

Notes: Unless he's a bust, there's no reason Shumpert won't start from day one. ~~Bell could be one of the ACC's best reserves~~*, while senior Alade Aminu is the best forward off the bench.

* Bell injured himself and is out for the year.

Maryland

G Greivis Vasquez So
G Eric Hayes Jr
F Landon Milbourne Jr
F Jerome Burnley So
C Braxton Dupree So

6 Sean Mosley (SG)

Notes: The only possible change from this lineup is that Dino Gregory beats out Burnley for the PF spot. Cliff Tucker and Adrian Bowie will also get major reserve minutes, and could possibly start if Milbourne falters.

Miami

G Lance Hurdle Sr
G Jack McClinton Sr
F James Dews Jr
F Dwayne Collins Jr
C Jimmy Graham Sr

6 Brian Asbury (PF)

Notes: Miami has more experience and more depth than most ACC teams. Asbury is good enough to start, and could relegate either Dews or Graham to a reserve role. Arkansas transfer Cyrus McGowan could also take minutes from Graham. Edwin Rios will be the backup point guard, while freshman swing-man DeQuan Jones should also see 15-20 mpg.

NC State

G Farnold Degand Jr
G Courtney Fells Sr
F Tracy Smith So
F Brandon Costner Jr
C Ben McCauley Sr

6 Julius Mays (G)

Notes: This seems to be the consensus starting five that everyone expects. The addition of freshman Mays is big, because he should allow the Pack to play quicker three-guard lineups (perhaps relegating Smith to the bench). Dennis Horner should be the first of State's weak frontcourt reserves to see action.

North Carolina

G Ty Lawson Jr
G Wayne Ellington Jr
F Marcus Ginyard Sr
F Deon Thompson Jr
F Tyler Hansbough Sr

6 Danny Green (SF)

Notes: This lineup should be familiar, since it returns untouched from last year. Bobby Frasor will be the other piece of UNC's seven-man core. One of either freshman Ed Davis or Tyler Zellar will emerge as the first big off the bench.

Virginia

G Calvin Baker Jr
G Jeff Jones So
F Mamadi Diane Sr
F Mike Scott So
C Tunji Soroye Sr*

6 Sylven Landesberg (SG)

Notes: UVA has some options, unfortunately most of them aren't very good. Sammy Zeglinski is a possible starter at the point, but I expect Baker to win the job. The freshman Landesberg could replace Jones, but might be better as a super-sub to start. Up front, Jamil Tucker will probably be the first big man off the pine. *Soroye will be back for a 5th season, while potential starter Laurynas Mikalauskas was kicked off the team during the summer.

Virginia Tech

G Malcolm Delaney So
G AD Vassallo Sr
F JT Thompson So
F Jeff Allen So
F Victor Davila Fr

6 Lewis Witcher (PF)

Notes: This lineup is definitely not set in stone. Davila and Witcher could swap starting spots, but I'm going with Davila because he's the better offensive player. Hank Thorns (who began last year as the starting PG) could regain a starting spot, pushing Vassallo to the wing and Thompson to the 6th man role.

Wake Forest

G Ishmael Smith Jr
G Jeff Teague So
F Al-Farouq Aminu Fr
F James Johnson So
C Chas McFarland Jr

6 LD Williams (G/F)

Notes: Wake is getting a lot of hype due to its freshmen, but the returning players aren't bad either. Harvey Hale will join Williams as the two main guards/wings off the bench. Front-court minutes are up for grabs. Besides newcomers Ty Walker and Tony Woods fighting for the backup center role, you also have PF Jamie Skeen who would start for most teams. Junior big David Weaver might be the odd man out.

Think my projections are off, let me know below where you differ!

RECENT ACC CONTENT:

ACC Top Six Players

ACC Five-Year Ranking

ACC Most Underrated Players