OT: Harvard Bball

[Hey Adrien!]

Each year, I like looking into who can surprise as one of the better mid-major teams out there and while experts are talking about South Dakota State, Buffalo and Marshall, I'm really curious how Harvard continues their growth this season.

Their '16 class was 25th in the nation and their top-5 scorers last season were all from this class. Seth Towns is a legit NBA prospect, Chris Lewis is a strong interior presence and Bryce Aiken was injured most of last season. They were a team of mostly sophomores and freshman last season and to the fact that their '18 class is 46th in the nation to help sustain their growth. Just a deep team and it'll be fun to see them play this season.

 

[the Q]

I like buffalo.

Oats is a darn good Coach and he added 2 legit frosh who had P5/BE offers.

 

[huskyblooz]

Nevada

 

[Austin316]

I wanna see Donyell Marshall and CCState do something in hard hittin New Britain this year. @CCSU97 @CCSUBlue92 how do they look?

 

[Kemba'sYogurt]

Cincinnati is a fun mid-major to watch. Plays lights out defense, and they have this little leprechaun looking guy on the sidelines. I think his name is like Mick Jagger or something.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

For terrific surprise teams not mentioned here they include:

1) Western Kentucky (If Bassey qualifies/WKU one over the limit right now)
2) Montana
3) Northeastern
4) South Dakota State (lost by 62 to Carleton)
5) Rider (won @ NIT Champ Penn State last year/return every one). One year away from a great mid major team if no trasfers.
6) University of California Santa Barbara Gouchos (one year away from rising to top 3 on this list barring transfers)
7) Wofford (won @ UNC last year/return everyone of note)

Throw in Buffalo as a threat but already mentioned as well as Harvard. I would put good money on one these seven (7) teams listed above making the Sweet 16. That is probably where the dream ends. Western with At Large potential.

Any others?

 

[CAHUSKY]

Nevada

Nevada’s not a “surprise” this year. They are a top 10 team with multiple NBA players, NBA coach, NCAA tourney experience, McDonalds All America and 8 players who have averaged over 30 minutes a game during their college careers. It will be a disappointing season if they don’t make the final four.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

Cincinnati is a fun mid-major to watch. Plays lights out defense, and they have this little leprechaun looking guy on the sidelines. I think his name is like Mick Jagger or something.

Midge Kromah

 

[Hey Adrien!]

3) Northeastern

Good call with Northeastern.

8 of their top 9 scorers return and 7 of these returnees averaged 16+ minutes per game. They are led by senior Vaca Pusica, a do-everything, 6'5 point wing who went 18/3.6/5 last year with a 42.7 3p% and an ability to get to the line.

For a mid-major, they have decent size with 8 of their projected top-10 minutes leaders measuring in at 6-4+, including two seniors (Anthony Green and Jeremy Miller) at 6'10.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

Good call with Northeastern.

8 of their top 9 scorers return and 7 of these returnees averaged 16+ minutes per game. They are led by senior Vaca Pusica, a do-everything, 6'5 point wing who went 18/3.6/5 last year with a 42.7 3p% and an ability to get to the line.

For a mid-major, they have decent size with 8 of their projected top-10 minutes leaders measuring in at 6-4+, including two seniors (Anthony Green and Jeremy Miller) at 6'10.

Well done

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Doing some research this morning and Georgia State is another team that could build from their Sun Belt championship and scare of Cincinnati in the first round.

They are lead by All-American Honorable Mention 6'3 junior D'Marcus Simonds who somewhat surprisingly returned after testing the NBA waters, possibly because scouts would like to see consistency outside the arc to supplement his slashing and dishing abilities.

In addition to Simonds, the team returns three additional starters plus adding transfer Corey Allen, a junior who plays anywhere from 1-to-3 and was a 30 minutes and 14 points-a-game player for Detroit. Ron Hunter is a tested coach who has consistently brought in the top recruiting classes in the Sun Belt, including this year's top-200 prospect, shooting guard Nelson Phillips.