The Blevins Men’s Basketball Preseason Top 12 and Season Preview

The most un-prestigious Poll EVER…

12 Central Bible College

Recap

No one gets more from less than Kirk Hanson. He coached CBC to third place in last year’s national tournament. They had only two 2nd Team All Americans and finished 26-11. But they lost their motor to graduation, and only bring back two of last year’s top ten.

Recruits

No Clue… they have two freshman Tommy Hogan 6’1” and Terence Culler at 6’2”

Returners

I think that Mason Horsley will have to come up big this year in filling a rebounding gap the CBC will have. CBC will also look for Ethan Garret to come up huge and knock down threes.

My prediction

They will make the NCCAAII tournament!!! LOL I crack myself up. This will not be a top 4 seeded team because they won’t win their region. They are only taller than one team I have researched, and that was Portland Bible. In all honesty I wanted to put The Crown College in this spot… but they didn’t cooperate.

Coach Hanson is a legend, he has his hands full. Home court advantage at CBC is amazing… so I would never fully count them out.

11 NIU

I will admit… NIU soccer is OCU’s rival. Lol but I love me some green machine basketball.  I made the comment early last year when they played here they looked like a top 10 team. Well they didn’t pan out however and I felt that it was a size differential. When I checked the roster and got some info from my favorite coach (Peter Wehry) in the DII, I was excited to see they addressed that issue through recruiting.

Recap

The Pioneers finished strong last season, beating two National tournament teams [North Central and Faith Baptist Bible College] in the last month of the season before being knocked out by eventual National Champion Grace Bible in the Midwest Regional semi-finals. They didn’t qualify for nationals though, losing in the regional tournament.

Recruits

The team is excited about having two 2011 recruits  healthy that had to red shirt last year due to injury, swing man Jon Egan and point guard Zach Mercado. Coach says, “Jon is a great teammate—he is a vocal leader, good team defender and shoots it well.  I am especially excited to have Zach healthy.  Honestly last year in preseason he gave it a go, but had a really bad back.  He was pretty good in preseason last year, but now that he is healthy I am thrilled with how well he is playing.  He can shoot it, sees the floor, makes great decisions and is a good defender.  I think he will impact this team in a lot of ways.”

For the second year in a row the Lord brought in another fine recruiting class.  Northland added size and depth at the forward and center positions which was an area that needed to be addressed.  The Pioneer’s secured 3 big men that should impact the team with different skill sets.  Kyler Gardner is 6’ 4” wide body from Gilbert, AZ, Shannon Carlough is a 6’ 5” center from New Jersey that has a great nose for the ball, and Austin Keys is a 6’ 5” athletic power forward from Aurora, IL that has good touch around the basket.  “These three young men and Brandon Gershman give us some real strength, power and depth in our front court.  I am really excited to see how these players will put their stamp on our program.”

The Pioneers added depth to the guard position with Eric Hathaway from Gilbert, AZ, Tanner Johnson from Fairbanks, AK, Jacob Ross from Campbell, MN and Adam VanWingerden from Lexington, KY.  “I thought in 2011 we brought in some good players—Josh Conover, Zach Mercado, Jon Egan, Luke Valenzuala, and I think this freshmen class may even be better.  But that is why some of our players have noted that potential is just that potential.  We have to come together as a team, we have to learn to play together and play Pioneer basketball—good defense, rebounding, pushing the ball and executing on offense.  That is always easier said than done.”

10 Manhattan

Recap

Coach  Shawn Condra says, “Last year we really struggled first semester, We got better second semester as we got healthy and added a few players and received an at-large bid to the National Tournament, we lost both games at Nationals losing to Valley Forge in the opening round and Faith in the consolation bracket.  We finished the year 19-16.”

Recruits

“We will be a very young team this year with 1 SR, 7 Sophomores and 9 Freshmen.  We lost our All-American from last year Charles Page, so we will have to some new guys step up and fill some big shoes.  We got a lot of new players in who will be solid.  I think we will develop into a solid team once we get everyone with us, our leading returning scorer is a soccer player so he will miss the first few weeks.” The key Recruits are Sage Ruis – 6’2” – FR, Josh Camacho – 6’1”- FR, Will Seaton 6’3” – FR, Alex Hammack – 6’2” – SO transfer who will begin participating second semester, and Jordan Morrow – 6’6” – FR. That’s good size; hopefully they can find a scorer in that mix.

Returners

Lonnie Penner – 6’1” SO was the top returning scorer from last year. Kevin Foster – 6’4” SR is the second leading returning scorer and top returning rebounder. Sterling Roaf – 6’5” SO played limited minutes last year but is looking to impact the game this year. Reece Childers – 6’2” – SO was a part-time starter last year and will be big for Manhattan this year.

My Prediction

I make no bones about it; I did not think Manhattan deserved a berth over FCC or Hillsdale. That’s why you play the game. It’s possibly going to be an ugly start by MCC until they find their groove, but they can compete in their region and find themselves back in Springfield. Another reason they are in the top 12 is CBC is down. I realize they get a bid to the tournament regardless, but not in the Blevins Poll… lol.

9 Clearwater 

The south is trying to rise again.

Recap

Highlights of the year consisted of big wins over Florida Christian, Atlanta Christian, and Pensacola Christian College. The year was packed with close games that went right down to the last possessions. The Cougars finished the regular season tied for first place in the NCCAA South Region. Falling shot in the regional tournament their season ended with a sense of unfinished business.

Recruits

Tristan Shore comes to Clearwater as a transfer from Daytona State. He will give the Cougars depth at the 3 and 4 positions and will be an exciting player to watch. Marcus McDonald played two years at a Junior College in Brainerd, Minnesota and will bring the Cougars a lot of hustle and defense. Jack May comes to CCC from Venice Christian School and at 6’5″, he will give more depth under the basket. Freshman Jeremy Nichols comes to the Cougars from Land O’Lakes and will give depth at the guard position. What I like about these recruits, experience. For the majority they aren’t rookies. They can make an instant impact.

Returners

The Cougars return ten players from last year’s team that finished tied for first in the NCCAA South Region regular season. Led by seniors Bryan Spears, Matt Wells, and Todd Wahlberg, this year’s Cougars will still be young, but have many minutes of experience under their belt. Spears was last year’s leading rebounder; Wahlberg the leading scorer; and Wells returns as the top defender of last year’s team. With only one senior graduating, 7 of last year’s top 8 players will be back. Sophomores C.J. Baxter, Erik McRae, Luke Brigham, Devin Paularinne, Brian Horrach, Colin Dehate, and Russell Aldridge all return as a strong supporting cast.

My Prediction

If I didn’t have to go fishing for the info from their website they would probably be higher… I left one team totally out of the poll for not giving me anything haha. Anyway, I think CCC is talented enough to push for an At Large bid out of the south if they can’t beat CCC. They have length and size and big game experience from their returners. They are a top 12 team.

8 Hillsdale

Recap

The Saints were the last team out of the National Tournament last year. In my opinion they were the most deserving to be there. They went on to win the other tournament, and Coach Eric Wright would like everyone to know that tournament isn’t a walk in the park. Here’s what coach Wright had to say: “2nd year in a row we were virtually 1 win away from making the National Tournament. We were the 13th team out of 12 teams that make it to the National Tournament.  We were 3-1 in region play and were given the #2 seed in the region behind the #1 seed Dallas Christian who was 2-1 in the region.” He went on to say, “We then went on to win the @#$% National Tournament, which is not as much of a walk in the park as people give it credit for.  We were the #3 seed; Dallas was given the #1 seed.  Which they deserved based on scores against @%$^ teams.  We played a great tournament, winning the semi final in OT against Sheperd Film Tech, who might as well been a small NAIA program. Then handedly beating Dallas Christian by 9, in which we never trailed.”

Recruits

I’ll be honest; Coach Wright didn’t want me to know that Antoine Warren had transferred when I first asked for his newcomers/recruits. Instead he just said, “Senior transfer from Texas.” But the cat got out of the bag anyway… which it wasn’t me. Warren will bring leadership and experience to Hillsdale. Another transfer that will have big impact on the Saints is Jerome Cheadle a 6’2’’ Sr Forward. Cheadle is most likey a defensive stud. I say most likely because despite being inept offensively at KWU, he played a lot. That means this kid defends, hustles, and works hard.

Returners

“Senior Guard Derek Walker who transferred last year as a junior from NAIA I Bacone College is a versatile guard, can do it all and will handle the ball for us. He is a team leader, husband and father, and plays the drums in the worship band at his church that has members of the Oklahoma City Thunder who attend there. Senior Guard Todd Bates, has played at Hillsdale all four years of his basketball career. He led the team in steals and assists last year.  He will look to take on some of the scoring that we lost last year. Senior Forward Louis Burden has played at Hillsdale all four years of his basketball career. Was a impact for us on the boards and was second in scoring. Was an ACCA 2nd team All-American, ACCA all-tournament, and 2-time NCCAA II Player of the week. Sophomore Center Billy Long, will be looking to be more of an impact for us this year in rebounding and scoring.”

My Prediction

Could be some heated ball games between then and DCC. I think HC is the better team in all because Warren is a stud. If the other guys can gel and take some of the scoring load off then they can make a “Dallas like” run at the National Tournament. There is a big problem with this team however, they lack size. That will haunt them if anyone else in the region has a good scoring big man.

7 Faith Baptist

The Faith men’s basketball team kicks off the 2011-2012 campaign looking to build on the success of the past two seasons. Faith has gone 38-12 over the last two seasons in Bible college competition, with last year culminating in the schools first ever NCCAA II National Tournament invitation. Last year’s squad also tied the school record for season winning streak and wins, ripping off 11 straight wins during the second semester en route to a 21 win season.

While having made great strides the past two years, the team realizes their record stands a 0-0 and will be taking nothing for granted. “We’ve been extremely blessed the past couple seasons with what many would call “success” in terms of wins and losses. Our focus has never been on that, though, but on focusing solely on bringing glory to God through the talents He has blessed us with. We have a great group of leaders on this team, and they are doing a great job even now of maintaining that focus. We look forward to whatever the Lord has for us this year, it’s such a privilege just to be able to play and coach,” noted head coach Brian Fincham.

Recruits

“A trio of newcomers, Jordan Marshall, Nathan Wood, and Eric Young, bring a solid freshman class to the Eagle’s squad. Marshall, brother of junior Dathan Marshall, gives the Eagles a quick guard who can defend well, attack the basket, and get out and run in transition. Wood provides the Eagles with a prototypical point guard, a pass first guard with excellent court vision and defense. Young gives the Eagles some size at the wing, with a strong body and intense work ethic that should earn him some minutes early in the season. Freshmen Jonathan Rocha, David Larson, Marcus Bernhard, and Micah Carroll will be redshirting this year to develop their skills in anticipation of filling the void left next year by the graduation of five seniors from this year’s team.”

Returners

“Faith returns 11 from last year’s squad, having lost All Region point guard Jay Nihart and spark plugs Sam O’Tool and Zach Fischer to graduation and marriage. Faith will be adding three newcomers to the squad as well as four young men who will be red-shirting this year.

Leading the charge on the court for Faith will be two time first team All American Tyler Betz. Betz, who led the team in scoring and rebounds last year with 18 and 8, respectively,  has already eclipsed the 1,000 point scoring mark in his first two years, and is on pace to challenge the school all time scoring record of 2,472 points. Betz, who has a career fg% of 49% and a career 3pfg% of 37%, is a dual threat scorer, creating a tough match up for opposing teams.”

Complimenting Betz will be senior captain Tyler Terlouw, a two time North Central All Region selection and the third leading scorer on last year’s squad. Terlouw averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds a game last season, and is one of the team’s best defenders and hardest worker.

Spreading the court out with the threat of the deep ball will be returning honorable mention All American guard Dathan Marshall and All Region guard Chad Fincham. Marshall was the second leading scorer on the team last year, torching the nets from behind the arc as he shot 42% on the year. Marshall also provides a strong defensive effort at the wing with his height and work ethic. Fincham is coming off the best semester of his career. Having battled injuries and illness for much of his first two seasons, he was finally able to get things rolling in the second semester. Chad is a tough matchup at 6’4”, as he can drive as well as post up. Fincham will be looked at to take over the point guard role vacated by Nihart.

6 NCU

Recap

NCU had a decent year coming in at 14-15, making the big dance earning their third straight NCCAA Regional title along with its automatic berth into the NCCAA DII National Championship Tournament. Sophomore Nathan Roeder became the first NCCAA DII 1st team All-American in Men’s Basketball since the 2005-06 season. They fell short in the tournament against VFCC, beat the artist formerly known as ACC before falling to OCU to end the season.

Recruits according to Coach Jon High

“Dylan McKneely – JR, 6’1” Transfer from Trinity Bible. Dylan will play an important role contributing to our team as  a point guard. Dylan is a proven player in our region and will fit right in with our system and style of play. Jordan Harrell – FR, 6’5” transfer student from Augustana College in SD. Jordan played high school basketball with Bryce. Jordan is a phenomenal athlete who is going to help our team both offensively and defensively. He was on scholarship to play football at Augustana but decided to attend North Central and play basketball. Mason Trotter – SO, 5’9” transfer student from Olivet Nazarene (didn’t play basketball). Mason played high school basketball at Christian Life in Rockford, IL He is an excellent ball handler and shooter. Mason will contribute to our team’s need of a knock down three point shooter. Kameren Johnson – FR, 6’7” Kameren brings us another set of skills to use in the post. Once he adjusts to the speed and power of the college game he will be able to contribute.”

Returners

Nate Roeder – JR., 5’10” was the team leading scorer and ball handler. He is our main player. The ball is in hands most of the time. He is an excellent decision maker who looks to set himself up as well as his teammates.  Andrew Berndt – SO, 6’2” had an excellent freshman season finished second on the team in scoring. Has a real knack for scoring the ball. Likes to post up against other guards and he is a good perimeter defender. Bryce Burkman – SO, 6’7”  he really came on towards the end of last season. Bryce helps give our offense balance by giving us a scoring option in the low post. Improved strength gained in the off season will help him be a better defender and rebounder. Ben Peters – SO, 6’5” Ben will play a more significant role on this year’s team. His physical presence in the post will give our team another low post scoring option, defender and rebounder. Jonathan Delgadillo – SO, 6’0” JD is looking to contribute more this year as a sophomore. He should receive more opportunity to play and impact this year’s team. JD possesses excellent ball handling and passing skills. Ben Bogenrief – SO , 6”4” Ben is looking to improve upon his freshman season. Ben only played first semester last year. He has shown tremendous improvement through his play on our summer team and his workouts this fall.

My prediction

Coach High will continue to build this program in a tough region to win, but will lean on Roeder and company to make it back to nationals. I don’t see Roeder having such a great year because his name is out there. When you get an All American award people just pitch you different. Well… of course what I mean by that is he’s going to draw a better defender and will have to create for others. But it was good that Coach High got some size in to help! Region champs, shallow tournament run.

5 Dallas

Recap

With six players they pushed Grace to the brink, beat OCU, and finished 4^th last year at nationals. But they lost their key guy in that run to their rival.

Recruits

DCC has 6 freshman and what looks like 2 transfers. They are athletic and they have the size to continue to grow into a great DII program. The most outstanding Frosh I think will be Will Mason. This kid did VERY well in high school, and will fit in nicely with Coach Williams’ Crusaders. At 6’4” he’s going to be a bear to guard.

Returners

The biggest returners for Coach Charles Williams are Isaac Gonzalez and Howard Hughes. Gonzalez is a stud guard who can score pretty easily, but he claws and fights for boards to get Dallas extra possessions. Hughes is a huge sophomore. Towering at 6’7’’ he will give everyone in his region a tough time to guard. Another player to watch is

My Prediction

Regional Champions! I was leaning towards Hillsdale, but seeing the size Dallas was able to bring in some size that they needed to keep their edge on Hillsdale. It will NOT be a walk in the park. I won’t be shocked to see them have a .500 record against the Saints, but when push comes to shove I’m taking my guy’s advice in Germany… Go with DCC. I’d say they are a 7^th-4^th place team in the country by the end.

4 Florida Christian

Coach Jake Deer’s enigma wrapped in an exclamation point.

I will admit I have only been around the NCCAAII since January 2008. With that being said, there is not as much top tier teams and talent as there was when I was watching then. In the Mideast alone there was CCU and KCU with an growing OCU. That being said it is easy to sprout a program quickly with a couple of good recruiting classes. That is exactly where the Suns of Florida Christian find themselves.

Recap

FCC burst on the scene last year going 21-11 earning a 1 seed in the South Regional tournament. There they lost to the artist formerly known as ACC in the championship game 79-71. Florida Christian was snubbed from the tournament. This year they probably have the best recruiting class in DII this year. Now the season preview I got was almost as helpful as a Bill Belichick injury report, but I did my best website creeping to find out what the is going on in Florida!

Recruits
Wow… now there is a big freshmen class.  Newcomers are led by red shirt freshmen 6’3 point guard Marquis Jackson who is going to help Coach Deer’s Offence.  6-6 center James Strowbridge and 6’7 power forward Kenny Blanc are going to make it tough to score on the Suns along with 6’5 power forward Anthony McGilvaery.  Finally, yet another tall guy, St Leo transfer 6’4 shooting guard David Belizaire. FCC is tall, fast and athletic!

Returners

With the core from the 21-11 team returning the Suns are hungry to prove they are here to stay. Sophomore point guard Montique Lynch is looking to replace FCC’s top assist man Terrance Taylor. Shooting guard and defensive specialist Chris James is a big part of the Suns offence coming in with a 57% fg percentage.  Small forward A.J. Williams also had a 57% fg percentage and will be a big scoring option. Sophomore power forward Kenny Martinez, sophomore shooting guard Jose Burgos,  senior center Samuel Stephens, junior shooting guard JoJo Wood and Senior  power forward Quinton Haugabook all are returning. Experience+Talent+Coaching= Championship Formula.

My Prediction

You yourself a favor, go to FCC’s basketball page and click on the 2010-2011 roster… then click on the 2011-2012 roster…

FCC had three guys top 20 in FG% but as a team… not good. That’s the enigma. The Exclamation point is 6’5’’, 6’3’’, 6’4’’, 6’6’’, 6’7’’, 6’6’’, 6’7’’ Oh my goodness they are so tall. This team will D up anyone in the south, and can find themselves in the Championship conversation.

3 Ohio Christian

Oh where to begin. I’m an opinionated blogger who deals with facts and stats to give the most detailed information I can about teams. Of course I have a soft spot for OCU because I still attend there (I won the Burbage award there… that’s for Coach Malone). With all of that being said, I will be the most hard on OCU in my picks and analysis.

Recap

This team started on FIRE having the best start in program history. Beating NAIA Mt Vernon for the first time in their history, OCU had the nation eying the GBC vs OCU match up. Brandon Byars vs Allen Durham was going to be a dream NCCAAII match up… but then after a closer look at some transcripts, well you all know the story and OCU was hit with 14 forfeits and dreams dashed… or were they. I have to give the Blazers huge props. They could have gotten selfish and started playing undisciplined basketball, but instead they made it a goal to finish above .500.  At my count they were 19-19 at the end of the year. TheNCCAA.org has them 18-20 but I counted 5 times. This club showed a lot of heart in fighting back after losing 14 games because of eligibility issues. They finished 5^th at nationals, which they felt was under achieving for the talent level.

Recruits

In a very smart move, OCU brought back Jamie Batten to help with recruiting for all sports. Curtis being a VP at the college needed help with recruiting, and Batten provides just that. The class headliners, according to Christopher, are Kenny Cooper and Wesley Russell.  Cooper is what I call a garbage man. He will hustle to every loose ball, rebound, and weak shot racking up hustle points and extra possessions for the Blazers. After the suspensions last year the Blazers were hurting desperately for a true point guard. Russell is a very good guard with great ball skills, speed, and floor vision. That’s not mentioning what the Blazers need help with the most… DEFENSE. Christopher says “Cooper and Russell can guard anyone.” I feel the biggest addition to the Blazers is Mo Fall. He will give the Blazers a great scoring opportunity in the post, along with his ability to stretch the defense with his range. Fall will be a huge asset to the Blazers from the 4 spot… MATCHUP NIGHTMARE.  Finally, Milen Kostov transferring in will be big off the bench in the wing position. He can score the rock with the best of them.

Returners

Now if you listened to the 10/21 podcast, you know my sentiments about Tirrell Cumberland. He is the most well rounded player I have seen at this level. He can shoot threes if he has 2 inches of daylight, take it to the rim amongst the trees and finish, or kill you with the assists he will rack up when help side rotates. Mike Farrell is going to have to be the senior leader, 3ball specialist, and free throw shooter for the Blazers. You don’t want to leave him open. Also OCU welcomes back Bryan Keaton a lightning fast ball handler, who solidifies the PG spot for the Blazers. The biggest returner, literally, James Nelson HAS to be a big factor in the game for the blazers. The coach and I disagree here, I don’t think they are deep with bigs. Nelson, who has been one of the hardest working Blazer returners, will have to play 25-30 minutes a game. If he shows up intense… he will be a game changer. 6’7’’ with a 10 ft wingspan (I know exaggeration but it is 7’3) he can alter any shot in the paint. OCU has great Guard depth with the likes of Josh Delph and The A-Train Anthony McDaniel. The biggest key return from injury is Forward Jon Baker, yes from the Baker family. His basketball IQ and Leadership will have a huge impact on how the Blazers do this year.

My prediction

They lost the best assistant coach (Who will be a GREAT HC) I know in DJ Malone, who went to the dark side to help out the lady Blazers lol. I’ve talked to the players; they know what I think they have to do to be successful. If they can secure a high seed in the national tournament, I feel like they can find their way into a National Championship game. At the dance, coaching plays a HUGE part in how far the team goes. The best coaches make great halftime adjustments. With Christopher and Batten we’ll see if they can get these guys over the hump. If they go to their strength (Guards) they will be successful.

2 Valley Forge

After Grace, my poll becomes shaky.  On shear coaching, defense, and athleticism I give Valley Forge the nod. I hear they may not have all their studs back from last year… so I don’t know what’s truth or not so im going to go BLIND PREVIEW!!! Lol…

Recap

Jon Mack and VFCC scratched, clawed, and balled their way to another National Championship game. They did it on shear athleticism and hustle. Despite epic failure from behind the arc and the stripe, (3 point line and free throw line) VFCC out hustled and out worked the teams at the tournament.

Recruits

Justin Robinson, a 6’5” forward who give VFCC more size and more athleticism. Kevin Mack is a 6-3 guard that fits the Patriot slashing/transition system. Andre Howard is a 6-6 transfer from East Stroudsburg University who may become a stud for VFCC.  Darian “DJ” McFadden is a 6’3’’ PG who again fits the Mack style of play. Now, none of these new guys seem to be shooters, but it looks like Mack could care less. With the length, strength, and athleticism you are not going to be able to score against them.

Returners

Well to be honest I have no clue. I don’t think that they lose very much, but I don’t know if everyone came back or went to class. I know there were only two seniors on last year’s squad, and if VFCC can keep their core from last year they will be tough to beat.

My Prediction

It’s going to be either super ugly… or super awesome at the beginning of the year. If it doesn’t gel right away Mack and crew won’t panic. They know that the most important time to be good is at the end; and at the end good they will be. They should not, cannot, better not, WILL NOT lose to LBC in the East region finals this year, which will open another at large for a team TBA later!

1Grace Bible College

Recap

They cut the nets down for a third straight time in Springfield. They graduated/lost only two players. Granted, one of them is dunking on cats in Romania. Grace won the war of attrition and won their 4^th national title.

Recruits

It is very scary for everyone else when a four time national champion coach tells you this recruiting class is the best he has had at GBC; but that’s exactly what Coach Bailey feels about the youngsters coming in.  Coach Bailey says he has “Two 6’2” guards, Randy Jefferson and Jake Blauwkamp, two off guards Travis Rader and Caleb Cook at 6’4 and 6’5”, and a power forward Cameron Cramer at 6’7” who will look to push for playing time this year.  All of these kids had many other offers to play but selected GBC for different reasons.  All of these players will see action this year.  We also have a few kids that played on our JV team last year that will be pushing guys this year for minutes.  We have been impressed lately with Mike Svoboda, a 6’10” Sophomore from the JV squad”

Returners

Pretty much everyone is returning except the man, myth, and legend Allen Durham, and the super solid Dan Dame. This is why I love Gary Bailey… I can just cut and paste and quote him for my preview… he is the man. He says “Obviously losing a player like Durham is huge but the rest of the team is determined to show that we still have a great team without him.  Ryan Dame and Ryan Krombeen will still be big around the basket for us.  All-American Cory Jamieson will be back at the point for us as well as Matt Kurtz at the two.  We have many players that have been playing against our first group ever day in practice for two or three years now and have really improved.  I think Zach Schutte will break onto the national scene this year.  He is a 6’5 guard with a great shot.  Randy Jefferson (6’2”) is a transfer from Cornerstone University that can shoot the three or dunk on you.  We are deeper than any team I have coached and plan to use many players this year.” Here’s where my opinion becomes known… Cory Jamieson is the MVP on this team. He is one of, if not the, best PG’s in the country.

My prediction

They are going to be a very tough out… They may become a better TEAM, and that is super scary for the other teams in the country. They may drop a couple NCCAAII games this year, but by tourney time they are going to be great. They may miss a beat early, but will be singing a fine tune in March! Four in a row is hard… but possible.