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I know we still have 7 weeks until the season starts. We know how important our OOC is, as it is every year we are in the American. Now that the new school year hast started, what do people think of teams in the American. My pre-season rankings:
1. UCONN
I have them as a favorite over Cincy because I like UConn's depth better. I think we will struggle a little early with a tough OOC schedule, but as the younger players get acclimated, I think UConn finally has the solid year in the American we have been waiting for.
2. Cincy
They have a great "Big 3" of Caupin, Clark and Evans. They bring in a transfer from NC State in Kyle Washington who should help them. I believe they and UConn are ahead of the pack this year. Only concern could be front court depth.
3. SMU
They already lost a ton before their coach resigned over the summer. Still think they have a lot of quality pieces between Milton and Brown in the backcourt, but front court will take a step back. Will be interesting to see how new coach transitions. Always a tough place to play.
4. Houston
I love their backcourt of Robinson and Gray, and Damyeon Dotson could be an all league player at 3. Problem is frontcourt as they lost Pollard, and don't have much there. Still think they have a enough talent to finish in Top 3-4 of the league.
5. Memphis
New coach will make a huge difference for them, and the Lawson twins give them some nice pieces down low in a league that doesn't have a lot of great front court players. Backcourt is still suspect, and I think it will take Tubby a year to get his program where he wants it.
6. Temple
They have a lot of injury issues to deal with. Their PG hurt his achilles in the spring and they had other injuries over the summer. Fran Dunphy always gets them to play hard, but they may have too much to overcome here.
7. Tulsa
Biggest roster turnover probably in the country. They have some good pieces, but it will take them a while to gel.
8. UCF
New coach who is turning over the roster. Will be interesting to see if Tacko Falls improves.
9. East Carolina
Same problem every year. Decent guards/wings, and no front court. Might be last year for Lebo?
10. USF
Coach could be in hot water because of academic scandal.
11. Tulane
Dunleavy lost a ton, and is eating some roster space with transfers.
I think best case this is a 4-5 bid league. There is a huge drop off after Memphis, unless Temple can get some players back. UConn has the best guards in the league, and with teams like Cincy and SMU losing their best front court players, UConn should win this league.
1. UCONN
I have them as a favorite over Cincy because I like UConn's depth better. I think we will struggle a little early with a tough OOC schedule, but as the younger players get acclimated, I think UConn finally has the solid year in the American we have been waiting for.
2. Cincy
They have a great "Big 3" of Caupin, Clark and Evans. They bring in a transfer from NC State in Kyle Washington who should help them. I believe they and UConn are ahead of the pack this year. Only concern could be front court depth.
3. SMU
They already lost a ton before their coach resigned over the summer. Still think they have a lot of quality pieces between Milton and Brown in the backcourt, but front court will take a step back. Will be interesting to see how new coach transitions. Always a tough place to play.
4. Houston
I love their backcourt of Robinson and Gray, and Damyeon Dotson could be an all league player at 3. Problem is frontcourt as they lost Pollard, and don't have much there. Still think they have a enough talent to finish in Top 3-4 of the league.
5. Memphis
New coach will make a huge difference for them, and the Lawson twins give them some nice pieces down low in a league that doesn't have a lot of great front court players. Backcourt is still suspect, and I think it will take Tubby a year to get his program where he wants it.
6. Temple
They have a lot of injury issues to deal with. Their PG hurt his achilles in the spring and they had other injuries over the summer. Fran Dunphy always gets them to play hard, but they may have too much to overcome here.
7. Tulsa
Biggest roster turnover probably in the country. They have some good pieces, but it will take them a while to gel.
8. UCF
New coach who is turning over the roster. Will be interesting to see if Tacko Falls improves.
9. East Carolina
Same problem every year. Decent guards/wings, and no front court. Might be last year for Lebo?
10. USF
Coach could be in hot water because of academic scandal.
11. Tulane
Dunleavy lost a ton, and is eating some roster space with transfers.
I think best case this is a 4-5 bid league. There is a huge drop off after Memphis, unless Temple can get some players back. UConn has the best guards in the league, and with teams like Cincy and SMU losing their best front court players, UConn should win this league.