River Walk Chronicles ♦ ///

[kibaxx7]

Nice update. 2nd in the Southwest is pretty good. The Mavs seem to be on fire in this one. A bit surprising to see the Cs struggling that big.

Thanks man, yes, I'm happy with the record so far... Mavs are killing everyone but thanks to that 55-point loss to the Heat, they are struggling a little now. Celtics with that record, that sucks

Love the effort in that latest update.
Good month record wise too, on the pace for 58 wins.

Boston's record is kind of a surpsie, especially the home one of 4-4, since HCA is big in simulted games. On the console version, anyways.

Thanks buzzy. 55 wins is the minimum I can accept

Central is just fucked up, Cleveland leading the division at 10-7 and Detroit second place at 10-8? WTF

Lakers only being 4th seed is also retarded

I think I'll have to rig some games so it looks a little more realistic More losses to Cavs and Pistons, more wins to Boston. The Lakers started slow, with the injuries to Fisher and Ratliff, they are recovering now...

nice spurt there at hte end to squeak by with the win vs my boyz of Oaktown (damn you )... but overall a good month for you guys

a little OT, but when's Gino gonna either go shaved bald or get some hair transplants? watching SA last night vs. CHI, he looks absolutely ridiculous like he's wearing a white yarmulke on his head... doesn't his barber ever lift a mirror to the back of his head to show him what's going on back there?

Warriors are struggling too. I must admit I hate the jerseys but their new court is kind of nice. NO for a bald Manu, YES for a hair transplant.

Guys, any tip? What can I add for the Monthly Report? Maybe the league leaders? Ran out of ideas.

SIDENOTE: Thanks to everyone for the 3k views, and I'm also tying my record 8 pages!

[Kenny]

TD is still a machine and it's nice to see Splitter having a good rookie campaign. He looks like yet another steal for the Spurs organisation. One month down and hopefully plenty more to come

[rise]

Love it man, keep it coming!

[john26]

Nice monthly report man. The graphic for the standings is really good and the monthly recap is awesome as well, looking back at the past games.

[kibaxx7]

Bears hopes to repeat last season's Elite Eight run, but won't be easy

Coach Scott Drew has done a great job turning around the Baylor program, and it ain't gonna stop any time soon. The team fell short of their NCAA aspirations on recent years and they do lose a big player in Ekpe Udoh this season, but coach Drew & the staff keeps bringing talent into the program and the Bears are headed in the right direction. Newcomer point guard Willie Lewis is a talented point guard who will battle for playing time right away; in fact, he is expected to start in the Bears' backcourt. He is also a more than regular medium range shooter and is known for his Speedy Gonzalez-like coast-to-coast layups and excellent passing, but also for his foul trouble. Quincy Acy had a successful campaign last year; Baylor needs him to be able to play more minutes, be productive under the basket and stay out of foul trouble as well, just like Lewis. Josh Lomers is the big body under the basket. Tweety Carter is expected to jump out of the bench and give some rest to Lewis, as he has a great assist-to-turnover ratio, but is most known for his outside shooting ability, but the best shooter on this team is LaceDarius Dunn, who is on pace to become the Bears' all-time career leader in that category and is ready to emerge as the leader of this squad. Anthony Jones has shown that he can develop into a dynamic inside-outside threat as the team's power forward.

♦ Starting 5: Willie Lewis, LaceDarius Dunn, Quincy Acy, Anthony Jones, Josh Lomers
♦ Projected Rotation: Tweety Carter, Fred Ellis, Cory Jefferson, Dragan Sekelja

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It's unanimous: why shouldn't it be? Blue Devils “will repeat” with core back and new additions

A long list of teams have been here before. This is not the first time the Blue Devils lose a talent and it will not be the last time. Rebuilding and fitting the pieces together is what coach Mike Krzyzewski does and he does it great. Brian Zoubek dominated the headlines during the Devils' National Championship run, but now he's gone. Other players were sitting on the bench waiting for their turn and also some key players are returning: this is their chance. But there are also incoming players who are more than capable of contributing right out of the gate. Players like Jon Scheyer, and more important, Kyle Singler, return in their try to give Duke a repeat, and Seth Curry hopes to explode right away as he transferred from Liberty University last year, and thus, per NCAA rules, was ineligible to play during 2009–10. Scheyer can take care of the ball, as he spent time on the point last season, but with the arrival of Will Sit that will change. Sit is known for a high-school record 12 buzzer-beaters last season, as he's a beast in mid and long range shots. But, as many scouts pointed, he needs work in his defense, blocks, steals and rebounds at most. Singler is the star of this team; he had to play power forward in past years, but he will be moved to small forward to make a place for Lance Thomas. To summarize, this team will all come down to chemistry to repeat. They have more than talent to win the National Championship again, as they got younger. Coach K will find the right pieces and put them in the right places, but there's a fear the inexperience may get the best of them sooner or later. ESPN pointed to Sit, Scheyer and Singler as the most feared trio in the NCAA.

♦ Starting 5: Will Sit, Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, Lance Thomas, Miles Plumlee
♦ Projected Rotation: Nolan Smith, Seth Curry, Mason Plumlee, Olek Czyz

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No Monroe, but Wright, Freeman, and newcomers; Top-25 team on sight for Hoyas

Despite some impressive wins during the regular season, Georgetown faltered in the NCAA Tournament last year, in the first round against Ohio; a bad loss for a team with a lot of potential. Just about everybody returns for revenge, which is good, but the one loss is a big one. Greg Monroe's interior presence made the Hoyas outside shooting very impressive, and without him the players on the perimeter will not get as many open looks as before. Nobody is going to replace him, but center Julian Vaughn will try; he started beside Monroe last season and did a decent job, as he can handle either the four or five spot. He is not a consistent scorer, but he can have some solid games in the scoring stat. Jerrelle Benimon wasn't too involved as freshman, but he will be asked to play a bigger role in Monroe’s absence. He has a little more experience than backup Henry Sims, but Sims' size will give him an opportunity to make a big jump in production. Newcomer Jesrie Calimbas is the point guard of the future and will see big minutes starting this season; his rebounding and consistency may be issues, but they don't have as much weight as his great passing, a .910% career free throw percentage and knowledge in securing the ball. This forced coach John Thompson III to move Chris Wright to the shooting guard slot. Wright is an outside shooting threat, and as a threat, will attack the basket with ease and either finish himself or find one of his teammates. Look for Calimbas and Wright to be one of the best passing backcourts of the NCAA. Also, let's not forget Austin Freeman, the most dynamic player of the squad, with a nice mid-range game. If these starting lineup can hold their own, this team will win a game in the NCAA Tournament.

♦ Starting 5: Jesrie Calimbas, Chris Wright, Austin Freeman, Jerrelle Benimon, Julian Vaughn
♦ Projected Rotation: Vee Sanford, Jason Clark, Hollis Thompson, Henry Sims

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Yellow Jackets will have to turn into a perimeter team with Favors and Lawal gone

Last season Georgia Tech snuck into the NCAA Tournament thanks to their frontcourt. The now NBA players Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal led the team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots. The list of departures is small, but the names on it are big, and suddenly the Yellow Jackets will have to turn into a team that relies on the talent on the perimeter. Coach Paul Hewitt was hoping Favors would stick around for another year, but instead they will have to rely on a group of newcomers and returning players with smaller roles last season to see some major minutes. Last year, the guards rarely looked to score because they could simply dump the ball down to Lawal or Favors to score, but now the wings need to score; enter Martti Must, who may be the best bet to take a big step up in the scoring column. As a newcomer, the Estonian may need a little time to adapt, but in the coming games he shouldn't have a problem taking shots and turning into a scoring leader. He was the leader in scoring, rebounding, 3-point shooting and steals in the Estonian league for the past 2 years, but needs work in his defense -- passing and blocking. Zach Peacock will spend some time on the perimeter as well, and is certainly capable of hitting the three-pointer, but at 6-8 he has the size to help out on the glass as well and will start at power forward. Also returning player is frontcourt guy Brad Sheehan; is unlikely that the 7-foot will be able to increase his production significantly, but will be a nice defense in the paint. Iman Shumpert is the new star: he can do a little bit of everything and he will have to take over this squad in every way possible. Mfon Udofia and Maurice Miller will split time in the point.

♦ Starting 5: Mfon Udofia, Iman Shumpert, Martti Must, Zach Peacock, Brad Sheehan
♦ Projected Rotation: Maurice Miller, Lance Storrs, D'Andre Bell, Brian Oliver

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The loss of five first-round picks hurts, but it's not as if there's a lack of talent for Kentucky

No starting job is safe at Kentucky. Since coach John Calipari took the team over, a great recruiting class has turned into easily the best in the nation. Coach Calipari has not only increased the level of talent on this team, but he has also brought with him the confidence to get the Wildcats back where they belong among college basketball’s elite. John Wall, considered the best freshman in the nation a year ago -- gone. Fellow point guard Eric Bledsoe -- gone. Two of the best big men possible last year, frontcourt bro's DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton -- both gone. Patrick Patterson's maturity and locker-room ability -- gone! With the outflux of these 5 guys, the roleplayers and newcomers, will have to battle for minutes. Newcomer Jeff Williams' ability to do a little bit of everything makes him a very dangerous option at the point: great at passing, rebounds, has rarely had an injury in his career and has great potential, but may need a little more training in his shooting from beyond the arc and his on-ball defense. Jon Hood will have a hard time finding minutes, Ramon Harris is known for his defense and rebounding abilities, and wing Darnell Dodson is one of the best returning players out there. Perry Stevenson is an athletic big man, not a prolific scorer, but he is a solid rebounder and a very good defender. At 265 pounds, Josh Harrellson has the ability to eat up space in the paint, but he can also step outside and hit the mid-range jumper. Darius Miller has the potential to blossom into a prolific scorer. Finding minutes for all these talented guys will be a big concern for Mr. Calipari.

♦ Starting 5: Jeff Williams, Darnell Dodson, Ramon Harris, Perry Stevenson, Josh Harrelson
♦ Projected Rotation: DeAndre Liggins, Jon Hood, Darius Miller, Mark Kerbs

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With nearly its entire team back and new players, the program hopes for 3rd Final Four in a row

Michigan State was one game away from winning a National Championship in their own backyard in 2008-09, and got to the Final Four last season, but Butler got the best of the Spartans. Still, they had a very successful season and there's no reason not to shoot for another Final Four appearance, but that is what Coach Tom Izzo always aims for. The team is expected to be among the nation's best, returning almost the entire squad from last season, that advanced to a second straight Final Four -- and sixth in 12 years -- and repeated as Big Ten champions. Kalin Lucas has turned into the star of this team, and is ready to become the leader; Korie Lucious will take over the backup point guard duties and could be in for a big year. Durrell Summers, a great athlete who also knocks down the 3-pointer, and Chris Allen, who despite Summers' accuracy is the best shooter on this group, will dominate the playing time on the shooting guard spot. Raymar Morgan, who saw playing time at the four, starts at the three spot, but no matter where he plays he will put up some great numbers for the Spartans, especially if he can stay healthy; Austin Thornton backs him up, solid in many different aspects, a versatile wing player with the ability to play and defend multiple positions. On the frontcourt, at power forward, Dolph Lundgren Jr., as the name says, the son of former Rocky star Dolph Lundgren, who opted for a basketball career. Think of a Swede Dwight Howard: he may not be the best option in free throws, 3-pointers, or passing, but makes up for it with his toughness, a speed never seen in a man of his size, and his defense ability, rebounds and blocks; he should be ready to make a big impact for the Spartans right away. Starting at center, Delvon Roe showed plenty of promise, as he has proven that he can be a great rebounder and a decent shot blocker, but his scoring output needs to improve. Backing him from the bench is Derrick Nix, who needs to continue to drop a little weight and add a little muscle.

♦ Starting 5: Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Raymar Morgan, Dolph Lundgren Jr., Delvon Roe
♦ Projected Rotation: Korie Lucious, Chris Allen, Austin Thornton, Derrick Nix

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Houndy -- Willie Lewis, Baylor
Sit -- Will Sit, Duke
Eirsej -- Jesrie Calimbas, Georgetown
Martti. -- Martti Must, Georgia Tech
badreligionau -- Jeff Williams, Kentucky
Clutch -- Dolph Lundgren Jr., Michigan State

[kibaxx7]

TD is still a machine and it's nice to see Splitter having a good rookie campaign. He looks like yet another steal for the Spurs organisation. One month down and hopefully plenty more to come

Thanks man, nice to see Duncan not slowing and Tiago a great backup, 8 pts, 8 rebs, 2 blocks per game is really nice. Keep an eye on Kentucky

Love it man, keep it coming!

Thanks man, will preview your team tonight with the other remaining teams...

Nice monthly report man. The graphic for the standings is really good and the monthly recap is awesome as well, looking back at the past games.

Thanks John, didn't know what else to add, so I'm gonna leave it like that, so this goes quicker. Moving on to December now!

NCAA Part 2 tonight...

[Valor]

Boo, you preview Duke and not their arch-rival UNC

[maksie]

good looking preview,waiting for part2

[The X]

Interesting, really surprised Nolan Smith isn't starting for Duke, Brandon Knight is nowhere to be seen for UK.

[kibaxx7]

Boo, you preview Duke and not their arch-rival UNC

good looking preview,waiting for part2

Be cool, guys! In a couple of hours.

Interesting, really surprised Nolan Smith isn't starting for Duke, Brandon Knight is nowhere to be seen for UK.

Left Smith in the bench to give more flashing lights to Sit It's the NCAA mod for 2k10, all guys that got drafted this past June I edited their ratings down to 25 so they don't participate, I didn't add any new 2010-11 players, I only have Seth Curry if I remember correctly.

[Houndy]

Baylor going all the way baby!

[dare]

Nice preview man, can't wait for part two.

[Martti.]

Great preview!

And leading the Estonian league in scoring and stuff isn't that hard, had it been BBL or FIBA EuroCup Challenge, then it would have been more impressive.

[Justine.]

Things are going fine here. Nice previews and other stuffs!

[megarover]

I never bothered checking in because I wasn't sure how far it would go but I have to hand it to you Thierry I'm impressed. I'm back on the bandwagon

[hova-]

Supersweet update. Seems like the section is on hold a bit, not many replies right now ... I hope you just go through it, because this is awesome.

Oh and Sit a midrange crunch killer? I'd block him on every last second shot Maybe you can get a rivalry going. Orangemen beat Duke in the Sweet Sixteen. I'd love it Go, Orangemen!

[Fresh8]

The Takeover Begins Soon

[kibaxx7]

Baylor going all the way baby!

I think you have the weapons to get to the Elite Eight again. I like your Dunn-Lewis backcourt!

Nice preview man, can't wait for part two.

Thanks man. You think you can help Ohio State forget Evan Turner?

Great preview!

And leading the Estonian league in scoring and stuff isn't that hard, had it been BBL or FIBA EuroCup Challenge, then it would have been more impressive.

Thanks man. May not be hard, but to lead a basketball in league in 4 categories 2 straight years is no small feat

Things are going fine here. Nice previews and other stuffs!

Thanks!

I never bothered checking in because I wasn't sure how far it would go but I have to hand it to you Thierry I'm impressed. I'm back on the bandwagon

Wow man, thanks! Hope you follow for a long time!

Supersweet update. Seems like the section is on hold a bit, not many replies right now ... I hope you just go through it, because this is awesome.

Oh and Sit a midrange crunch killer? I'd block him on every last second shot Maybe you can get a rivalry going. Orangemen beat Duke in the Sweet Sixteen. I'd love it Go, Orangemen!

Thanks Hov! Hope I make the NCAA section interesting to everyone. Tried to make the previews according to the strengths and weaknesses you guys wrote on the applications. Surely some rivalries will come up as the time progresses

The Takeover Begins Soon

In a couple of days man, in a couple of days...

So this is how will happen: every Saturday (2k11 calendar saturday) there will be a NCAA game featuring two NLSCers playing each other. Recaps just like I'm doing as of late, with a mini summary, some pics of the two players and will try to make a small video with signature highlights of both. Had to make a work last night and also this morning, so look for the NCAA Prev 2 in a couple of hours and then the Spurs game at Los Angeles against the Clips...

[Valor]

Be cool, guys! In a couple of hours.

I know you have a part 2, what i was saying was how could you put Duke in part 1 and not UNC in part 2. When one is mentioned the other is always mentioned, just ain't right

[kibaxx7]

Something went wrong last year; with newcomers and returns, UNC is in a position to bounce back

The Tar Heels won the NCAA Tournament in 2009 but in 2010 ended up on the gate, not qualifying for the final bracket. It was a bad season for a club, and coach Roy Williams called last year a “failure”, but if you’re a Tar Heels fan, there’s good news because the team looks like it is back in contention for another trophy. There’s certainly talent in the front but not a lot of depth. John Henson, at power forward, added pounds to his frame, and the extra muscle and bulk enabled him to command the boards, and became a fine shot blocker and a solid rebounder. Tyler Zeller can hit a midrange jumper and it's tough to defend, he's big and capable of commanding the paint, and has a solid foul shot; backing him up is Deon Thompson. There were numerous rumors that Larry Drew II, the team’s point guard, would transfer, but he's back and although he has been a disappointment to some fans, what you get with him is sound and solid point play; he’ll never be a star but he is an important stabilizing force. The shooting spot will be manned by newcomer Leo Lai. Born in Hong Kong and raised in New Zealand, at 6'6'' and 195 lbs., Lai gives the team a true threat from the perimeter. In addition to his excellent mid and long-range firepower, Lai is a great man-on-man defender, just like his idol Kobe Bryant. He will play a big role in his first year despite his struggles in rebounding and passing; former teammates from his high school team in New Zealand even called him a “ballhog”. Guards Dexter Strickland and Justin Watts had bad seasons last year, but they’ve each rededicated themselves to improving over the summer and should come back to contribute right away. Will the Tar Heels really challenge Duke? ESPN is already promoting the Lai-Will Sit duel. Probably not this season, but with another year under their belts, you can expect them to be able to take on just about anyone. Keep an eye on them.

♦ Starting 5: Dexter Strickland, Leo Lai, Marcus Ginyard, John Henson, Tyler Zeller
♦ Projected Rotation: Larry Drew II, Justin Watts, Will Graves, Deon Thompson

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No Evan Turner, no problem; Buckeyes still respected enough to land in Elite Eight

t’s hard to find someone who does not believe that the Ohio State Buckeyes fit somewhere in the top five of college basketball. This year, OSU will take to the court without the star power of Evan Turner, who was a massive force, but still, this team is filled with a boatload of returning talent and a great incoming class. One major reason is the return of power forward Dallas Lauderdale and Greek center Zisis Sarikopoulos who will be utilized to give the Bucks a very potent frontcourt. At 7'0'' and 265 lbs., Sarikopoulos has the bulk to bang inside and the skill to manipulate the ball with ease, and is a tenacious rebounder. Along with being an amazingly accurate shooter inside, Lauderdale is an aggressive rebounder with the ability to grab the ball and take it down, and is also an expert at setting picks, but his foul shooting is a major problem. Ohio State is certainly blessed with the return of David Lighty; highly athletic, can play the power or small spots upfront and then move into the backcourt at guard and is the club's most driven defender. The backcourt is very deep: three excellent shooters in newcomer Julian Martin and returning William Buford and Jon Diebler. Martin is able to hit anywhere from the court and also a great defender, with great vision in passing and also capable of getting a lot of steals; his stamina and rebounding are two concerns for coach Thad Matta, though. Buford can make effective dishes, hit the outside shot or grab a rebound on the offensive boards too at the point. Diebler is a shooting sensation and considered to be one of the best three-point men in the nation. It looks to be bombs away once again this season.

♦ Starting 5: William Buford, Julian Martin, David Lighty, Dallas Lauderdale, Zisis Sarikopoulos
♦ Projected Rotation: Jeremie Simmons, Jon Diebler, Nikola Kecman, Kyle Madsen

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Jim Boeheim to do it again? The Orange lost big talent, but plenty remains; newcomers have something to prove

Just a few years ago the Orange could not get a ticket to the Big Dance. In 2007 and 2008 they went to the NIT twice. But last year they were back in the NCAA Tournament bracket, winning the Big East regular season title and did end up in March Madness under coach Jim Boeheim. Do they have the gas to go all the way this year? They will have to deal with the loss of major contributors in Wesley Johnson and Andy Rautins, both primary forces, but Syracuse looks to have enough talent and experience to make up for those loses. Kris Joseph was a big contributor off the bench last season, earning a starting spot this year; he brings some fine skills to the court in the small forward slot. Then, we have the focus on the frontcourt due to the duo of Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson. Jackson is a perfect complimentary player to Onuaku; he may not score as much or grab as many rebounds, but will shine on the defensive end, and will come from the weak side and block a couple shots. The newcomer Chris Hova, from Germany, could be the key to the success of this team. Hova was garnering all of the headlines in his country and for good reason; he is probably a one and done player and he should step right into a starting role in the point: superb passing and stealing, a never ending stamina, great at rebounding and going to the hoop -- think a German Tony Parker. But as everything, there's a bad side: injury prone and bad at mid and long shooting. For those mid and long scoring chops, look for Mookie Jones at shooting guard: he’s got a very sweet shot that connects from downtown, but is prone to turnovers. There are some very fine experienced backcourt players in the bench: Scoop Jardine, an all around fine shooter and a major assist guy, and Brandon Triche, who played a solid point last year and will backup Hova this year. This is a solid squad with a huge amount of potential. One thing is for sure, this is a club that has first place potential in the Big East; look for them in the Sweet Sixteen, at least.

♦ Starting 5: Chris Hova, Mookie Jones, Kris Joseph, Rick Jackson, Arinze Onuaku
♦ Projected Rotation: Brandon Triche, Scoop Jardine, Matt Tomaszewski, DaShonte Riley

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Longhorns hope to bounce back from last year's collapse with a wider array of weapons

Texas was quite disappointing despite all the talent last year. Injuries were certainly there, and the plethora of turnovers did not help either. While a lot is lost from coach Rick Barnes' group -- Avery Bradley and Dexter Pittman, the team's best two players -- in the end he may have a better team this season. The newcomer point guard Axel Gomez will play a huge role for the Longhorns, as he will battle it out with Jai Lucas for major playing time. Gomez has superb medium range accuracy, stealing and on-ball defense, but poor durability on court and non-existency in the low post. Barnes will start him in this first games; if despite this small flaws he lives up to his potential, he has the skill to be the starting point guard for the whole season. Lucas could improve as well following a disappointing season; he will try and be more than the second PG off of the bench. At shooting guard, Justin Mason -- he filled in much of the time at the point last year, and struggled to score because of it, but he does his best work off the ball. From the bench, J’Covan Brown is a scoring threat after having a relatively successful freshman campaign. He was pretty heavy on the turnovers, but if he can hit the long ball more consistently, he could end up playing a lot of time backing Mason. Shawn Williams missed most of last year's campaign with an injury, but he can provide depth starting at the three and backing the four in case of foul trouble. With Pittman gone, Gary Johnson is the new star of the frontcourt, tough around the basket, a little undersized at 6'6'' but can score over larger defenders or using his strength to hit the glass hard. Add Matt Hill starting at center, then Alexis Wangmene and Clint Chapman to the froncourt mix off the bench and this group has a ton of quality depth. Coach Barnes will work out a good rotation and this will be a very talented team by March. Look for them to get another invite to the Big Dance.

♦ Starting 5: Axel Gomez, Justin Mason, Shawn Williams, Gary Johnson, Matt Hill
♦ Projected Rotation: Jai Lucas, J’Covan Brown, Alexis Wangmene, Clint Chapman

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If coach Calhoun cannot hold the team together, things could quickly spiral downward for his Huskies squad

After reaching the Final Four in 2009, Connecticut struggled last year and did not do particularly well, trying to overcome the losses of Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien. This team has a starting and bench lineup already established, but it could be the newcomer on the perimeter that spark this team. Zee Otoo is a superb shooting guard who could be forced into a starting role right away; superb at 3-point shooting, explosive dunks, fast as a certain blue hedgehog and also really effective defensive rebounding for his position. He lacks free throw shooting and shot blocking, though. Returning point guard Kemba Walker is the unquestioned leader of Connecticut. He will not only have to get the rest of the offense moving, but he will likely be asked to do a lot of scoring on his own. However, Walker will need some help and, at least in the backcourt, most of that will have to come to Otoo. From the bench, backing up Walker and Otoo, there's backcourt duo Jamaal Trice and combo guard Darius Smith; Trice will add a defensive presence to the wing and Smith is another highly touted player. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel starts as small forward; he had a decent campaign last year, most of his points coming from long range. For points in the paint, we have the frontcourt duo of Ater Majok and Alex Oriahki. Majok, an athletic 6-10, 230 pound forward, is not a big scorer, but he flashed a ton of potential during his last campaign with Connecticut; while Oriahki is a strong player around the basket and has all the necessary skills to keep his starting spot at center. Backing them up are Gavin Edwards, experienced, athletic and tough on the glass; and Charles Okwandu, a seven foot center who has the size to be a force in the paint, but he has not been very productive so far. In the end, if the newcomers are ready to roll from day one the Huskies will be a decent opponent in the NCAA Tournament, but things could quickly go down the drain if the team fails to melt.

♦ Starting 5: Kemba Walker, Zee Otoo, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, Ater Majok, Alex Oriahki
♦ Projected Rotation: Darius Smith, Jamaal Trice, Gavin Edwards, Charles Okwandu

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Another excellent Jay Wright backcourt; Villanova should be in the thick of the Big East race yet again

When you consider what Villanova has to deal with -- the loss of a major contributor like Scottie Reynolds -- it's not easy predicting where they will finish. One thing just about everyone agrees with: there appears to be enough returning talent and a few new guys to make this club go deep into the NCAA Tournament. Coach Jay Wright is expecting point guard Corey Fisher, a versatile and dynamic outside shooter who can drive to the rim, to continue to perform at a peak level, but Wright will experiment with him as the backup point considering the arrival of Kevin Johnson. Johnson is a superb passer and knows how to steal the ball, a great 3-point shooter, excels at rebounding and think of Manu Ginobili when you see him on the charity stripe. Swingman Corey Stokes will share the wings with Reggie Redding; Stokes is an excellent shooter who should be able to score more than last season, while Redding's versatility is his greatest strength, as he can grab some rebounds, dish out some passes and even block a shot or two. Taylor King showed flashes of his potential last year; he is stronger now and fits very well in this system. His ability to hit the outside shot considering his 230 lbs. and his strength to defend should give him the starting power forward job. Bigman Mouphtaou Yarou proved to be a go-to guy with a keen inside shot; this season a lot more is expected from him on both ends of the court, starting at center. The team also has a wealth of talent coming off the bench to rotate: center Maurice Sutton proved to be the team’s best shot blocker last year; forward Isaiah Armwood is a key role player, saw limited playing time but provided quality minutes; and Maalik Wyans, the team's quickest player and a great shooter, capable of playing both backcourt slots at 6'1'', giving rest to Redding, Johnson or Fisher. This team has athleticism, scoring chops, they have potential, can apply consistent defensive pressure... the Wildcats will be competitive when it comes to winning first in the Big East.

♦ Starting 5: Kevin Johnson, Reggie Redding, Corey Stokes, Taylor King, Mouphtaou Yarou
♦ Projected Rotation: Corey Fisher, Maalik Wyans, Isaiah Armwood, Maurice Sutton

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Valor -- Leo Lai, North Carolina
dare -- Julian Martin, Ohio State
hova- -- Chris Hova, Syracuse
Axel. -- Axel Gomez, Texas
z02 -- Zee Otoo, UConn
maksie -- Kevin Johnson, Villanova

[Axel The Great]

Awesome write-up, especially describing my lack of existence in the low post, but that's something a PG doesn't really need. Jai Lucas will want to transfer to another school for a starting job, because I'm in Texas to stay.

[Valor]

Love the coverage, but where's my teammate Harrison Barnes? strange that the projected number 1 overall pick isn't on the team
Also, you should change it from "New Zealand league" to "Highschool team in NZ" or something 'cause otherwise I wouldn't be eligible for the team

[dare]

Nice man, somehow I imagine the Buckeyes to play like Phoenix or Orlando.

[kibaxx7]

I know you have a part 2, what i was saying was how could you put Duke in part 1 and not UNC in part 2. When one is mentioned the other is always mentioned, just ain't right

I wrote: "Will the Tar Heels really challenge Duke? ESPN is already promoting the Lai-Will Sit duel."

Awesome write-up, especially describing my lack of existence in the low post, but that's something a PG doesn't really need. Jai Lucas will want to transfer to another school for a starting job, because I'm in Texas to stay.

Thanks a lot Ax. Yeah I know, you described yourself as a PG that likes to shoot and not going to the hoop, hence the "non-existency in the low post". Don't worry, Lucas won't be near your stats. You're not in Texas to stay, you're in Texas to impress the NBA scouts and get drafted! Lucas can start next year

Love the coverage, but where's my teammate Harrison Barnes? strange that the projected number 1 overall pick isn't on the team
Also, you should change it from "New Zealand league" to "Highschool team in NZ" or something 'cause otherwise I wouldn't be eligible for the team

Thanks Valor. Forget the 2011 mock drafts around the web Didn't create any players like Barnes or Irving because I have the generated rookies in 2k11, at the same time all you NLSCers can have better performances. Will try to get all 12 of you drafted in the first round when June comes. And thanks for the tip, you're right! Edited

Nice man, somehow I imagine the Buckeyes to play like Phoenix or Orlando.

Surfing the web found this scoutings for Lauderdale, Buford, Diebler and the rest; from this scoutings and other previews from different sites I made the writeups. You have a really nice squad! Sweet 16, at least.

EDIT: You may see players in the previews that, from what I read in ESPN's college preview, left the team, like Onuaku in Syracuse or Redding in Villanova. I couldn't waive them in game because of the 12-player limit, so I left them in their teams to make it more interesting I only deleted (lowered their ratings to 25) the players that got drafted to a NBA team.

[The X]

Love the coverage, but where's my teammate Harrison Barnes? strange that the projected number 1 overall pick isn't on the team
Also, you should change it from "New Zealand league" to "Highschool team in NZ" or something 'cause otherwise I wouldn't be eligible for the team

Kirk Penney played in NZ League before playing NCAA ball at Wisconsin. Provided you don't accept payment & keep your amateur eligibility, there is no issues