Nelayan,
![]() Five
Teams That Will Surprise This Year in College Hoops
Michigan Wolverines
One
of only two big school teams in my surprise category, Michigan
stormed to the NIT title one year
ago and returns their corps in tact. Daniel Horton is
as good a PG as there is in the Big Ten, and Dion
Harris will give teams fits down low. Head Coach
Tommy Ammaker finally has the troops to get the
Wolverines back in the tournament where they belong.
UMASS Minuteman
The
Minutemen return all five starters from a team that stuggled
somewhat last season. Leading the way
for UMASS is Rashaun Freeman, the 2003-2004 A-10
Rookie of the Year. Look for the Minutemen to take
the A-10 by storm this season. Other players of note
are PG Anthony Anderson and sophomore Lawrence
Carrier. The door appears open for the Minutemen to
step back onto the tournament stage.
Iowa State Cyclones
This
team was on the cusp in the Big 12 last season and this will
be the year they return to
prominence in hoops. Curtis Stinson is a stud and I
still wonder how he ended up in Ames from New York
City. Jared Horman is very tough down low as well,
while Will Blalock is one of the better point guards
in the Big 12. Iowa State should surprise in what
looks like a down Big 12 beyond Kansas. Look for ISU
to get back into the NCAA tourney this season, and
make a run at the top three positions in the Big 12.
They need to play better on the road this season which
should happen due to their experience.
Buffalo Bulls
Many of us
fell in love with the Bulls last season as they roared to
the finish line, falling up just short in
their conference tournament. Most of their team
returns in tact this season led by PG Turner Battle,
and C Mark Bortz. Bottom line is that the Bulls could win
the MAC this season which would be a major coup for a team
that was a perennial doormat two short seasons ago.
Wichita State Shockers
WSU
had another great year last year winning 21 games, but they
fell short of the NCAA tournament. This team
returns four starters from that team led by guard
Randy Burns and senior 6'-5" Jamar Howard. I see the
Shockers shocking the Salukis of Southern Illinois and
taking the Missouri Valley title this season and
heading to the Big Dance.
If
you have differing opinions or think there'll be other surprise
teams, let me know. Respond to this email with your thoughts.
I'd love to here them.
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Good
luck tonight, Nelayan!
![The Wunderdog]()
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