Cnotes Previewing College Basketball Teams 2018 - 2019 !

[Cnotes53]

Arizona preview capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 27-8, lost to Buffalo in NCAA Tournament first round

Nickname: Wildcats

Coach: Sean Miller

Conference: Pac-12

Who's gone: C Deandre Ayton (NBA), G Allonzo Trier (NBA), G Rawle Alkins, C Dusan Ristic, G Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

Who's back: Guards Dylan Smith and Brandon Rudolph, F Ira Lee. Smith is Arizona's leading returning scorer at 4.3 points per game and will have to step into a bigger role with the other returnees. Lee, G Alex Barcello and Emmanuel Akot also will have to take on more responsibilities after playing limited minutes last season.

Who's new: F Chase Jeter (Duke), G Justin Coleman (Samford) and F Ryan Luther (Pittsburgh) are all transfers and will be relied on heavily with such a young and inexperienced roster. Jeter saw limited playing time at Duke, but is an athletic big man who should be Arizona's primary inside player.

The Skinny: Arizona is undergoing a massive roster overhaul and is unranked in the AP preseason poll for the first time since 2010-11. The Wildcats still have talent, but it could take time for it all to jell. The dark cloud of a federal investigation into shady recruiting practices also will hang over the program for the second straight season.

Expectations: Arizona was picked to finish fourth in the Pac-12 and not given much of a chance by Las Vegas oddsmakers, coming in at a 120-1 shot to win the national title.

 

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California Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 8-24.

Nickname: Golden Bears.

Coach: Wyking Jones, second season.

Conference: Pac-12.

Who's gone: Marcus Lee, Kingsley Okoroh.

Who's back: Sophomore F Justice Sueing led the Golden Bears at 15.8 points per game last season and grabbed 5.7 rebounds during the conference season. He also made 48 steals as a freshman. PG Paris Austin will make his Cal debut after sitting out last season as a transfer from Boise State.

The Skinny: Cal opens the season in China against Yale on Nov. 9. The Golden Bears went 2-16 in Pac-12 play to finish last in the conference. The Bears lost seven players and are in rebuilding mode once more. Cal's embarrassing losses came to Division II Chaminade by 24 points, Central Arkansas by 27 and Portland State by 25.

Expectations: Las Vegas oddsmakers have Cal's chances of winning it all in the NCAA Tournament at 3,000-1.

 

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Southern California Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 24-12.

Nickname: Trojans.

Coach: Andy Enfield.

Conference: Pac-12.

Who's gone: Guard Jordan McLaughlin, forward Chimezie Metu (NBA), guard Elijah Stewart.

Who's back: Forward Bennie Boatwright can reclaim the spotlight if he stays injury free. He was averaging 13.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists when he went down with a season-ending left knee injury in February. He had surgery in April and was sidelined for most of the summer. He also missed two months of his sophomore season with a sprained knee. Boatwright figures to be more of a playmaker without McLaughlin. G Charles O'Bannon Jr. had a quiet freshman season, but he could become a factor with Metu gone. In the backcourt, guard Derryck Thornton averaged 14.2 points in 25 games last season and guard Jonah Mathews averaged 42 percent from 3-point range.

Who's new: Guard Kevin Porter Jr. could crack the starting lineup after averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds as a high school senior in Seattle. He created a buzz at last summer's Nike Hoop Summit. Forward J'Raan Brooks recommitted to USC after the FBI investigation that led to the arrest and firing of associate head coach Tony Bland. Guard Elijah Weaver is expected to take over some of the ball-handling duties with McLaughlin's departure.

The Skinny: The Trojans have the talent to record a fourth straight 20-win season, with a mix of veterans and Enfield's highest-rated recruiting class since he arrived six years ago. They improved their nonconference schedule (Nevada, Oklahoma and TCU), which could help them keep from getting snubbed by the NCAA selection committee again.

Expectations: Las Vegas oddsmakers have USC as a 225-1 shot to win the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans missed out on a third straight appearance last March as the highest-ranked major conference team ever left out of a 68-team field.

 

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Stanford Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 19-16.

Nickname: Cardinal.

Coach: Jerod Haase, third season.

Conference: Pac-12.

Who's gone: F Reid Travis transferred to Kentucky as a graduate transfer, Dorian Pickens.

Who's back: G Daejon Davis (10.7 ppg) and F KZ Okpala (10.0 ppg) are experienced members from the sophomore class while 7-foot center Josh Sharma is the lone senior on the roster but has never started a game. He blocked 27 shots last season.

The Skinny: The Cardinal's tie for third place in the Pac-12 with 11 wins marked their highest showing and victory total in a decade. Now, Haase has a young roster featuring 11 of 15 players who are freshmen or sophomores - but with a nationally ranked recruiting class the freshmen could make an immediate impact. Stanford loses Travis' averages of 19.5 points and 8.7 rebounds.

Expectations: Las Vegas oddsmakers have Stanford's chances of winning it all in the NCAA Tournament at 600-1.

 

[Cnotes53]

Utah Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 23-12, finished as NIT runner-up.

Nickname: Utes

Coach: Larry Krystkowiak

Conference: Pac-12

Who's gone: Point guard Justin Bibbins, forward David Collette, forward Tyler Rawson, guard /forward Gabe Beeler, forward Chris Seeley, center Jakub Jokl, guard Kolbe Caldwell.

Who's back: Senior guard Sedrick Barefield is the only full-time starter back from last season. Barefield averaged 12.0 points per game a year ago and shot 35.4 percent from 3-point range and could take on an increased scoring load this season. Senior guard Parker Van Dyke made 12 starts last season and averaged 4.0 points in 18.6 minutes per game. Sophomore forward Donnie Tillman will have a chance to seize a larger role in the frontcourt. Tillman averaged 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds off the bench as a rookie. Junior center Jayce Johnson could also have a bigger role after averaging 5.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 16.8 minutes a year ago.

Who's new: Guard Charles Jones, Jr. headlines a talented crop of newcomers. Jones was a two-time NJCAA All-American at the College of Southern Idaho, where he amassed 1,194 points in two seasons. He will give Utah's backcourt an added scoring and ball-handling punch alongside Barefield. Senior center Novak Topalovic joins the Utes as a graduate transfer from Idaho State. Topalovic averaged 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in 30 games for the Bengals a year ago. Among the incoming freshman, forwards Both Gach, Riley Battin, and Timmy Allen could make immediate contributions.

The Skinny: Utah is brimming with potential but short on experience heading into Larry Krystkowiak's eighth season at the helm. The Utes signed one of their most talented freshman classes ever during the offseason. Still, the team lost three of its top four scorers from a year ago and returns just one full-time starter.

Expectations: Utah was picked to finish eighth in the Pac-12 preseason media poll. The Utes have a history of exceeding preseason expectations, but a tough schedule combined with inexperience may make it a tougher climb in 2018-19.

 

[Cnotes53]

Washington State Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 12-19

Nickname: Cougars.

Coach: Ernie Kent

Conference: Pac-12.

Who's gone: Point guard Malachi Flynn transferred to San Diego State. Also gone are Drick Bernstine, Milan Acquaah, Jamar Ergas, Kwinton Hinson, KJ Langston and Steven Shpreyregin.

Who's back: Leading scorer Robert Franks (17.4 points per game) tested the NBA waters and decided to return for his senior season. Carter Skaggs, who nailed 69 3-pointers as a part-time starter last year, is back, as is Viont'e Daniels, who shot 45 percent from 3-point range. Other returning veterans are Arinze Chidom, Davante Cooper and Jeff Pollard.

Who's new: New recruits include Ahmed Ali, Marvin Cannon, CJ Elleby, Aljaz Kunc, Jervae Robinson, James Streeter and Isaiah Wade.

The Skinny: The Cougars plan to rely on 3-point shooting to break a string of six consecutive losing seasons. Luring more than 2,800 fans per game to 11,000-seat Beasley Coliseum would help.

Expectations: The Cougars are picked for the fourth straight season to finish last in the Pac-12. Oddsmakers have Washington State's chances of winning it all in the NCAA Tournament at 5,000-1.

 

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Notre Dame Preview Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 21-15 overall, lost in NIT second round

Nickname: Fighting Irish

Coach: Mike Brey

Conference: Atlantic Coast

Who's gone: Forward Bonzie Colson (19.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg), point guard Matt Farrell (16.3 ppg, 5.5 apg), center Martinas Geben (11.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg).

Who's back: Junior T.J. Gibbs (6-3 guard; 15.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.9 apg) and seniors Rex Pflueger (6-6 guard; 8.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.2 apg) and Elijah Burns (6-8 forward; 2.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Sophomore D.J. Harvey (6-6 guard-forward; 5.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg) played in just 19 games after suffering a knee injury that required season-ending micro-fracture surgery; he has looked good in his limited preseason drills. Juniors John Mooney (6-9 forward; 5.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Nikola Djogo (6-7 guard; 2.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg).

Who's new: Junior Juwan Durham (6-11 forward) is a transfer from Connecticut. Freshmen class was ranked in top 10 by some outlets: Prentiss Gibbs (6-3 point guard), Nate Laszewski (6-10 forward), Chris Doherty (6-8 forward), Dane Goodwin (6-6 forward-guard) and Robby Carmody (6-4 guard).

The Skinny: In five previous ACC seasons, Irish have equalled or surpassed preseason expectations three times, winning the ACC Tournament in 2015 while making back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Elite Eight. Last season they were predicted to finish third, but injuries to Colson, Farrell and Harvey hampered the Irish, who were one of the last four teams out of the 68-team NCAA field.

Expectations: Las Vegas oddsmakers have Notre Dame at 120-1 to win the NCAA Tournament.

 

[Cnotes53]

UCLA Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 21-12, lost to St. Bonaventure in First Four of NCAA Tournament.

Nickname: Bruins.

Coach: Steve Alford.

Conference: Pac-12.

Who's gone: Guard Aaron Holiday (NBA), forward G.G. Goloman, center Thomas Welsh (NBA).

Who's back: Guards Jaylen Hands and Kris Wilkes and forward Cody Riley withdrew their names from NBA draft consideration to return. Hands started 15 of 33 games as a freshman and with Holiday gone he will run the show offensively. Hands ranked fourth on the team in scoring (9.9 points) and second in assists and steals. He shot 37 percent from 3-point range and 40 percent from the floor. Wilkes started 32 games in his first season and his 13.7-point average was second on the team. Redshirt freshmen Riley and forward-center Jalen Hill are seeking redemption after being suspended all of last season for shoplifting in China during the season-opening trip.

Who's new: Center Moses Brown stands 7-foot-1 and averaged 26 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks last season at Archbishop Molloy High in New York. Two other touted recruits will sit out the season because of injury. Guard Tyger Campbell sustained an ACL tear in his left knee at practice. He averaged 15.5 points and 7.2 assists as a senior at La Lumiere School in Indiana. Forward Shareef O'Neal needs surgery for an unspecified heart condition. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal averaged 27 points last season at Crossroads High in nearby Santa Monica. Guards Jules Bernard and David Singleton were part of the top-five recruiting class and could push for playing time.

The Skinny: The Bruins don't have a senior on the roster for the first time since 2010. Eight of their players are 6-8 or taller. Alford has been a solid recruiter and gotten his teams to the NCAA Tournament, but entering his sixth season in Westwood he's still looking for a Pac-12 regular-season title.

Expectations: Las Vegas oddsmakers have UCLA as a 35-1 shot to win the NCAA Tournament, along with Michigan and Michigan State. The Bruins won the last of their record 11 national championships in 1995.

 

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Virginia Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 31-3, lost in first round of NCAA Tournament

Nickname: Cavaliers

Coach: Tony Bennett, 10th season

Conference: Atlantic Coast

Who's gone: G Devon Hall and F Isaiah Wilkins

Who's back: G Kyle Guy (14.1 ppg, 83 3-pointers) was the team's leading scorer and joins point guard Ty Jerome (10.6 ppg, 132 assists) as one of the nation's top backcourt tandems. F De'Andre Hunter returns from a late-season wrist injury as the ACC's top sixth man last year (9.2 ppg in just 19.9 mpg) and F Jack Salt anchors a defense that is always one of the nation's best. Fs Mamadi Diakite and Jay Huff have shown flashes of brilliance, but will need to offer more consistency at both ends.

Who's new: Alabama transfer Braxton Key could be a huge addition if he returns to his freshman year form when he averaged 12 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Crimson Tide. Slowed by a knee injury, his numbers were cut almost in half, but at 6-foot-8, he should be a valued rebounding addition, too.

The Skinny: The Cavaliers may have topped their Ralph Sampson lost to Chaminade legacy last season by becoming the first No. 1 seed, and the overall No. 1 seed at that, to lose in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Bennett has said it's important to remember the feeling, but also their historic success and move forward. Bennett's team have largely underachieved in the tournament, reaching just one Elite Eight and one Sweet 16, a lack of success that has to haunt on some level.

Expectations: The Cavaliers are ranked fifth to start the season and picked second behind Duke in the ACC. With much veteran experience, they should again be able to give the young but talented Blue Devils a run for the ACC regular season and tournament titles.

 

[Cnotes53]

Florida St. Preview Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 23-12, reached third Elite Eight in school history.

Nickname: Seminoles.

Coach: Leonard Hamilton.

Conference: Atlantic Coast.

Who's gone: Guard Braian Angola (graduated, will play for Orlando Magic's G League team in Lakeland), guard C.J. Walker (transfer to Ohio State), center Ike Obiagu (transfer to Seton Hall), forward Brandon Allen (graduated).

Who's back: The Seminoles return seven of their top nine scorers and their top five rebounders. But the team's leading scorer, senior F Phil Cofer, is out for at least six weeks after suffering a foot injury in practice. Cofer led FSU in scoring (12.8 points) and was second in rebounding (5.1) in 2017-18. Senior G Terance Mann is a versatile scorer who is coming off his best season (12.6 points and team-leading 5.4 rebounds). Trent Forrest steps into the starting point guard role, and the junior drives the lane through traffic with confidence. The rising star is sophomore F Mfiondu Kabengele, who averaged 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. Senior G P.J. Savoy is a sparkplug off the bench who knocked down 50 three-pointers last season.

Who's new: Florida State landed graduate transfer David Nichols, who averaged 14.6 points last season, from Albany. Freshman guard Devin Vassell averaged 16.7 points per game as a senior at Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge.

The Skinny: Florida State has the length, depth and athleticism to compete with any of the ACC teams. Cofer's injury is a significant setback but he could return ahead of the start of ACC play in January.

Expectations: The Seminoles face a challenging schedule against seven teams ranked in the AP's preseason top 25, not to mention rivalry games against Florida and Miami, but should be able to win 20 games for a fourth straight season. A third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament is also likely.

 

[Cnotes53]

Arizona State preview capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 20-12

Nickname: Sun Devils

Coach: Bobby Hurley

Conference: Pac-12

Who's gone: Guards Tra Holder, Shannon Evans II, Kodi Justice.

Who's back: Sophomore point guard Remy Martin was a spark off the bench last season and should be even more effective this year. Mickey Mitchell often played like a point forward last season and sturdy forward Romello White should be a handful again this year. Forwards De'Quon Lake, Vitaliy Shibel and Kimani Lawrence should all take a step forward this year after playing well for stretches a year ago.

Who's new: F Zylan Cheatham (San Diego State) and G Rob Edwards (Cleveland State) will give the Sun Devils an immediate boost after sitting out as transfers last year. Freshman G Luguentz Dort is an aggressive defender with size, Finish freshman G Elias Valtonen is 6-7 and 6-8 Taeshon Cherry is an athletic five-star freshman.

The Skinny: With added size and talent, the Sun Devils will be eyeing consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since 1979-81.

Expectations: The Sun Devils face steep odds at winning a national championship at 120-1, but a deep run in the NCAA Tournament is possible.

 

[Cnotes53]

Oregon Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 23-13, eliminated in the second round of the NIT.

Nickname: Ducks.

Coach: Dana Altman.

Conference: Pac-12.

Who's gone: G Elijah Brown, F MiKyle McIntosh and F Troy Brown Jr.

Who's back: Point guard Payton Pritchard enters his junior year as the team's top returning scorer with an average 14.5 points and 4.8 assists per game. Also back is fellow starter Paul White, a senior who averaged 9.4 points and 3.5 rebounds last season. Forward Kenny Wooten led the Pac-12 as a freshman last season with 2.6 blocks per game. Wooten was one of two freshmen to play in every game last season, joining Victor Bailey Jr.

Who's new: All eyes will be on 7-foot-2 center Bol Bol, the son of the late NBA star Manute Bol. He was considered a five-star prospect and the best prep recruit at center. He averaged 19.7 points and 7.6 rebounds for Findlay Prep in Nevada his senior season. Bol is expected to be a one-and-done for the Ducks. He's joined by fellow five-star recruit Louis King, who will miss the start of the season after he tore his meniscus during his senior season in Jersey City, New Jersey. The 6-foot-9 forward is expected to be back sometime around Dec. 1.

The Skinny: After going to the Final Four in the 2016-17 season, the Ducks faltered a bit last season and settled for an NIT appearance. The Ducks will have some obvious offensive power with Pritchard, so coach Dana Altman is emphasizing defense going into this season. Meanwhile, the Ducks will get plenty of attention because of Bol Bol.

Expectations: Las Vegas oddsmakers have the Ducks with a 1-in-25 shot to win the NCAA Tournament. But the Ducks were voted as the preseason favorite to win the Pac-12 title by the media that cover the team, and Oregon is also the top-ranked conference team in the AP Top 25.

 

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Virginia Tech Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 21-12, lost in first round of NCAA Tournament

Nickname: Hokies

Coach: Buzz Williams, fifth season

Conference: Atlantic Coast.

Who's gone: G Justin Bibbs (13.3 ppg. Led the team with 66 3s), G Devin Wilson, their best defensive player

Who's back: G Justin Robinson (14 ppg, 185 assists) is a speedy 6-foot-2 guard who can take over a game (he had 32 points in a victory against NC State last year). F Kerry Blackshear Jr. (12.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg), who can be hard to stop when not in foul trouble. G Nickeil Alexander-Walker (10.7 ppg, 58 3s), who showed maturity beyond his years as a freshman. G Ahmed Hill (10.6 ppg, 64 3s), who shot 41 percent from deep. G/F Chris Clarke (8.2 ppg, team-best 6.3 rpg) whose speed can be an asset, but also a liability (75 turnovers). F P.J. Horne, who shot 59 percent from the field and showed flashes of being a spark off the bench.

Who's new: G Ty Outlaw, who shot 48.7 percent from 3-point range in 2016-17 before missing last season with a torn ACL.

The Skinny: The Hokies have thrived in an us-against-the-world approach in Williams' first four seasons, winning two ACC games their first season and 10 each of the past three years. With prospects for a third consecutive NCAA Tournament bid for the first time in school history, how they handle being on the expectations side of the ledger will go a long way toward determining how successful they can be.

Expectations: At No. 15, the Hokies are ranked as high as they ever been to start a season, and they are picked fifth in the ACC after much more dire prognostications in previous seasons. With eight experienced players returning, Williams also has more experience than he's had during his tenure in Blacksburg. A quick return to form of Ty Outlaw after missing last season with a torn ACL would help their prospects immensely.

 

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Oregon State Preview Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 16-16, 7-11 Pac-12.

Nickname: Beavers.

Coach: Wayne Tinkle.

Conference: Pac-12.

Who's gone: Forward Drew Eubanks, who declared early for the NBA draft and eventually landed in the San Antonio Spurs organization.

Who's back: Tres Tinkle is the conference's top returning scorer with an average of 17.6 points per game. He also averaged 7.2 rebounds. Senior guard Stephen Thompson Jr. and sophomore Ethan Thompson, the sons of assistant coach Stephen Thompson, collectively contributed 25.7 points per game last season. Alfred Hollins, who averaged 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds as a freshman, is likely to start, too.

Who's new: Lots of newcomers are in the mix for Eubanks' role, including freshman Jack Wilson, a 7-footer who missed his senior prep season with a back injury, 6-foot-11 freshman Warren Washington and 7-foot junior Kylor Kelley, a transfer from Lane Community College in Oregon. The Beavers lost their request and appeal to grant immediate eligibility for BYU transfer Payton Dastrup. After he sits out this season, the 6-foot-10 forward will have two years of eligibility remaining.

The Skinny: The Beavers have experience and maturity and may surprise the conference if they can figure out how to win close games - a problem last season when nine of their 11 conference losses came by single digits. They need to stay healthy, too, because that caused the team issues two seasons ago.

Expectations: The Beavers were picked in the Pac-12 preseason media poll to finish 10th in the league, above only California and Washington State. Oregon State also finished 10th last season. Oddsmakers have the Beavers with a one-in-350 chance to win the NCAA Tournament.

 

[Cnotes53]

Georgia Tech Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 13-19, went 6-12 in league play to finish 13th.

Nickname: Yellow Jackets.

Coach: Josh Pastner.

Conference: Atlantic Coast.

Who's gone: Guard Josh Okogie, center Ben Lammers, guard Tadric Jackson.

Who's back: Point guard Jose Alvarado, guard Curtis Haywood III, guard Brandon Alston, center Abdoulaye Gueye, forward Moses Wright and forward Evan Cole. Pastner doesn't plan to settle on his starters for another couple of weeks, but Alvarado, Haywood, Gueye and Wright will have to play their way out of a job. The team will rely heavily on Alvarado, a sophomore who averaged 12 points last year and led the Jackets in assists. Gueye and Alston are seniors. Haywood, Wright and Cole are sophomores.

Who's new: G Michael Devoe, G Shembari Phillips, forward Khalid Moore, forward Kristian Sjolund.

The Skinny: Okogie's early departure for the NBA essentially ended any chance Georgia Tech had of making the NCAA Tournament. The Jackets have no proven scorers, so the responsibility will fall to Alvarado, Haywood, Alston, Wright, Phillips and Devoe to shore up the offense.

Expectations: Pastner knows his team will be hard pressed to compete in the ACC as the Jackets are likely to miss the NCAA Tournament for the ninth straight year. Pastner's predecessor, Brian Gregory, made it to one NIT before he was fired. Pastner led the Jackets to the NIT title game in 2017. Las Vegas oddsmakers list Georgia Tech's chance of winning the national title at 600-1.

 

[Cnotes53]

Boston College Preview-Capsule
October 26, 2018
By The Associated Press

Last season: 19-16, lost in first round of NIT.

Nickname: Eagles.

Coach: Jim Christian.

Conference: ACC.

Who's gone: Forward Jerome Robinson.

Who's back: Guard Ky Bowman, the only player in the country to average at least 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, is one four starters returning. Guard Jordan Chatman and forwards Nik Popvic and Steffon Mitchell are also back.

Who's new: Freshman Jairus Hamilton is the first top 100 recruit to commit to BC since Craig Smith in 2002. He is also bringing along his older brother, Jared, who transferred from Georgia Southern last semester and will be eligible to play in December.

The Skinny: After back-to-back last-place finishes in the ACC, the Eagles took a big step last season by finishing above .500 and reaching the NIT. The new goal is a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade.

Expectations: Boston College is a longshot to make the NCAA Tournament and a 350-1 shot to win it. The Eagles were picked to finish 12th in the conference by the ACC media.

 

[Cnotes53]

Tuesday's Top Wager
November 5, 2018
By BetDSI

by Tom Wilkinson

NCAA Preview - Duke vs. Kentucky

The college basketball season is upon us and it opens up in style on Tuesday night on ESPN with a marquee matchup between two of the top teams in the country, as the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils take on the No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats in the Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

This will be the second game at the site on Tuesday night, as Kansas takes on Michigan State in the opener. Both games can be seen on ESPN.

Let?s look at Duke vs. Kentucky and college basketball picks.

Duke Blue Devils vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Date and Time: Tuesday, November 6, 2018, 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
College Basketball Odds at BetDSI: Kentucky -1, Total 155.5
Duke vs. Kentucky TV Coverage: ESPN

You might remember last year that both Duke and Kentucky lost in heartbreaking fashion in the NCAA Tournament. Duke lost in overtime to Kansas and Kentucky lost to Kansas State. Both teams look much different than last season and each has five-star freshmen making their debuts.

Duke is likely to start four freshmen with the spotlight on Zion Williamson. Many people are calling Williamson a generational talent. He is 6?6 and 275 pounds. He looks like a power forward but he has the athletic ability of a guard. He showed in the preseason that he can score from anywhere, including from behind the three-point line.

Kentucky has some players who might be able to give Williamson some trouble, including Keldon Johnson who is 6?6 and 210 pounds. Five-star forward EJ Montgomery could also be put on Williamson and Kentucky may also decide to use 6?8 sophomore forward PJ Washington to help defend Williamson.

If Kentucky is going to stay close to Duke on Tuesday night they will have to score and they will have to make Williamson work on the defensive end of the court. The Wildcats do have Stanford grad transfer Reid Travis who averaged 19.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last season and is considered one of the top inside scorers in the country.

Tuesday Night Spotlight

I don?t think people will be able to take their eyes off Williamson who is already an amazing talent, but don?t forget to watch some of the other young players who will make their mark. Duke also has Cam Reddish who is already being dubbed a future first round NBA Draft pick and RJ Barrett who averaged double-digit assists in the preseason. On the Kentucky side, Travis is an excellent player who was kind of forgotten about last season at Stanford.

Key Quote

When we look at quotes about a game we do have to remember that a lot of it is coach speak but I thought what Kentucky head coach John Calipari had to say was important. He thinks his team is going to be very good, but that this game on Tuesday is just one game. ?If you win it?s huge. If you lose, you just put in the rearview mirror and learn from it and go onto the next game.? Calipari said to the media. He went on to say that he really doesn?t know where his team is at right now but that he really likes his squad. ?So where are we right now? I have no idea, to be honest with you. I have no idea. This will be one where hopefully a couple guys stand out. I like my team, I?m good. We may be playing a team that?s better than us, but over the long haul, the way this team practices, the way they get along, the grind of this that each individual player has gotten better, I?m good. I want this team.?

Duke vs. Kentucky Free Picks

Since this is the first game of the season for both teams we really don?t know what to expect. I will trust what Calipari said and simply go with Duke, as they appear to be a little farther along early in the season than Kentucky is.

Duke vs. Kentucky ATS Pick: Duke
Duke vs. Kentucky Score Prediction: Duke 83, Kentucky 75

 

[3 putt pete]

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