2016-2017 season

[Shadowlight]

Hate to start off on a bad note but electric Junior Yale point guard Makai Mason broke his foot and will be out the entire season. Good grief give me a break. Small silver lining at least it wasn't the dreaded torn ACL but still bad news is bad news.

 

[celticdb15]

Bad news indeed. I enjoyed watching Mason in the tournament last year!

Couple of Badgers to keep an eye on:

-PG Bronson Koenig(6'4 200)Worked out with Russell Westbrook's personal trainer over the summer. Word is he made huge strides with conditioning and athleticism. Averaged 13 ppg last year and was unbelievably clutch in Wisconsin's tourney runs last few years.

-PF Ethan Happ. 6'10 235lb Freshman phenom is back for Sophomore campaign after averaging11ppg and 7rebounds a game. If he can add some range to his jumper and tune up his Free Throw percentage, he's an NBA player!

-Scrappy Guard Zak Showalter(6'3 195) returns along with newcomers Forward Andy Van Vilet, 7 foot native of Belgium has 3pt range and Guard Brevin Pritzl(6'2 180)also has NBA range. PF Alex Illkainen(6'10 230) adds size off he bench.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Thanks for getting the thread started, guys!! I'm always looking forward to college basketball. Like always, we'll have some great guys to keep track of this year. Sad news to hear about Mason though; I think the guy has a legit shot at the NBA after his time at Yale is up.

First off is Preseason Player of the Year Grayson Allen. The Duke guard is simply amazing, able to do pretty much anything, from drive to the basket, to pulling up for three. He can create his own shot, and is a great athlete. Duke is the preseason #1 team this year, so Allen will be in the spotlight, and is the clear leader on the team.

Grayson Allen

Another guy on the Blue Devils that will either start or get a lot of time is sophomore guard Luke Kennard. Kennard has been a deadly shooter thus far in his career, and he's expanded his game in the offseason. Look for him to be a huge part of the Duke plan again this year. Like Allen, Kennard is also a great athlete, and is very fun to watch. While these two guys will likely be the only white Dukies expected to see time this year, they'll still be fun to watch. The next guys in line are center Antonio Vrankovic and Australian wing Jack White, who may see a little bit of time here and there.

Luke Kennard

Syracuse's super sophomore Tyler Lydon will be the only white guy to see the floor this year for Syracuse, but he'll be their best player. Back after testing NBA waters last spring, Lydon will look to cement himself as a first round pick this season. Long and athletic at 6'9, Lydon is simply a beast. He's a great player around the rim, both on offense and defense.

Tyler Lydon

Arizona may start two white athletes again this year, one of them being a super freshman from Finland, Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen is 7'0, and has loads of potential; he's even being talked about in the NBA draft for next year!

Lauri Markkanen

 

[Shadowlight]

Allen has lost nearly 15 pounds since last season. He was sucking down sweet sodas and it was slowing him down. All signs point to him being electrifying this season. Good point about Markkanen. He could be stellar but it might take a little time. Will he see the ball enough in that Arizona offense? Everyone mentions his explosive first step. Another athletic first year front court player to keep an eye on is T J Leaf of UCLA. Two other athletic post players from the Pac -12 include Stanford junior Michael Humphrey and Center Frosh
Jayce Johnson of Utah.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Speaking of Pac-12 post players, no list would be complete without Washington State's Josh Hawkinson. Jimmy Chitwood mentioned him last year, and for good reason. Despite being the lone shining light on possibly the worst team in the conference, Hawkinson is one of the best in the Pac-12, despite flying under the radar. He's simply a beast who averaged a double double last year, he's very athletic and can clean up on the glass. I wish he'd be on a better team than Washington State.

Josh Hawkinson

Another guy to mention in the Pac-12 is Arizona center Dusan Ristic. An understudy to Kaleb Tarczewski for the last two years, Ristic should be taking over the starting over the starting center spot. He's a great player down low, but I feel needs to improve his defense this year somewhat. He can score, and can rebound as well. He should be in for a nice increase in time this year with Tarczewski finally moving on.

Dusan Ristic

 

[Freethinker]

Number 16 ranked UCLA looks like a heck of a good team to follow this year. They are starting 3 very talented White men and looked awesome in their opening game destruction of Pacific. Returning team leader and sharpshooter Bryce Alford dropped 30 on efficient shooting. Super freshman TJ Leaf is a stud too. In his debut he scored 22 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Massive effort. Thomas Welsh rounds out the starters. He had 6 points, 6 boards and 3 blocks. He's capable of more.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Number 16 ranked UCLA looks like a heck of a good team to follow this year. They are start 3 very talented White men and looked awesome in their opening game destruction of Pacific. Returning team leader and sharpshooter Bryce Alford dropped 30 on efficient shooting. Super freshman TJ Leaf is a stud too. In his debut he scored 22 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Massive effort. Thomas Welsh rounds out the starters. He had 6 points, 6 boards and 3 blocks. He's capable of more.

That's great to hear!! With Wisconsin, UCLA is probably the most white-friendly squad in a BCS conference who's got a chance this year.

 

[Freethinker]

JL or anyone else, do you guys know if St Mary's, Gonzaga or Creighton are White friendly? They are all ranked in the top 25?

 

[Jack Lambert]

JL or anyone else, do you guys know if St Mary's, Gonzaga or Creighton are White friendly? They are all ranked in the top 25?

St. Mary's is VERY white friendly this year, complete with an all-white starting five. Australian PG Emmett Naar is one of the best in the country at his position. They play some incredible team basketball. Center Jock Londale had 33 points and 9 boards in the Gaels' season-opening blowout of Nevada. Senior Joe Rahon is Naar's reliable backcourt partner. It looks like their entire rotation is white this year as well. The Gaels should be CF's favorite team this year.

Gonzaga on the other hand, is decidedly not as white friendly as recent years. It'll be a couple of years, as Few went out and got a bunch of magical transfers. The Zags did have a fairly white 2016 class, and both of their 2017 guys are white as well. It looks like they're going to have another two "off" years. However, unlike those couple of years, these Zags will have a few white contributors. Their one starter is returning center Przemek Karnowski. The mountain of a man was great a medical redshirt, and is manning the middle for Gonzaga. Two of their main contributors off the bench are white guys. Center Zach Collins is the future, and will step in next year when Karnowski is gone. Freshman Frenchman swing forward Killian Tillie played 20 minutes in the season opener, and responded with 9 points and 9 boards. The future looks bright for the Zags, but as it stands, they aren't too white friendly, but still preferable to some of the teams currently in the Top 25.

Creighton is definitely not white-friendly this year. The Blue Jays had an all-black starting five in their first game. Mutli-year starter Isaiah Zierden is relegated to the bench in his senior year. Toby Hegner also moved to the bench as well. The Blue Jays caught the old "transfer bug" as well, bringing in three affletes over the last two years, and those guys comprise their starting back court. In addition to Zierden and Hegner, senior post Zach Hanson will see some time, as will sophomore forward Martin Krampelj, and freshman guard Kobe Paras (who's part Asian, but still looks very white, and I'll still be rooting for him as a caste buster). I wouldn't mind seeing this team implode, and have some of the aforementioned players get more minutes.

For comparison, Xavier, currently No. 7 in the Big East, is far more palatable than Creighton. The Musketeers only play two whites, but both of them start, and play major minutes. swingman JP Macura is one of Xavier's best players, and Sean O'Mara is the starting center.

In terms of white-friendly teams to root for, it looks like this year won't be the best year. It seems as though white players are "dispersing" themselves among many teams, as 17 out of the Top 25 will either be starting at least one white player, or will be having one play a huge role in their team.

I'm planning to look at a couple more white-friendly teams this week as well!

 

[Heretic]

St. Mary's is VERY white friendly this year, complete with an all-white starting five. Australian PG Emmett Naar is one of the best in the country at his position. They play some incredible team basketball. Center Jock Londale had 33 points and 9 boards in the Gaels' season-opening blowout of Nevada. Senior Joe Rahon is Naar's reliable backcourt partner. It looks like their entire rotation is white this year as well. The Gaels should be CF's favorite team this year.

Gonzaga on the other hand, is decidedly not as white friendly as recent years. It'll be a couple of years, as Few went out and got a bunch of magical transfers. The Zags did have a fairly white 2016 class, and both of their 2017 guys are white as well. It looks like they're going to have another two "off" years. However, unlike those couple of years, these Zags will have a few white contributors. Their one starter is returning center Przemek Karnowski. The mountain of a man was great a medical redshirt, and is manning the middle for Gonzaga. Two of their main contributors off the bench are white guys. Center Zach Collins is the future, and will step in next year when Karnowski is gone. Freshman Frenchman swing forward Killian Tillie played 20 minutes in the season opener, and responded with 9 points and 9 boards. The future looks bright for the Zags, but as it stands, they aren't too white friendly, but still preferable to some of the teams currently in the Top 25.

Creighton is definitely not white-friendly this year. The Blue Jays had an all-black starting five in their first game. Mutli-year starter Isaiah Zierden is relegated to the bench in his senior year. Toby Hegner also moved to the bench as well. The Blue Jays caught the old "transfer bug" as well, bringing in three affletes over the last two years, and those guys comprise their starting back court. In addition to Zierden and Hegner, senior post Zach Hanson will see some time, as will sophomore forward Martin Krampelj, and freshman guard Kobe Paras (who's part Asian, but still looks very white, and I'll still be rooting for him as a caste buster). I wouldn't mind seeing this team implode, and have some of the aforementioned players get more minutes.

For comparison, Xavier, currently No. 7 in the Big East, is far more palatable than Creighton. The Musketeers only play two whites, but both of them start, and play major minutes. swingman JP Macura is one of Xavier's best players, and Sean O'Mara is the starting center.

In terms of white-friendly teams to root for, it looks like this year won't be the best year. It seems as though white players are "dispersing" themselves among many teams, as 17 out of the Top 25 will either be starting at least one white player, or will be having one play a huge role in their team.

I'm planning to look at a couple more white-friendly teams this week as well!

Never thought I'd experience a year where I'd be rooting for Xavier over Creighton.

 

[Freethinker]

I'm curious to see how Virginia's rotation shakes out when Austin Nichols returns from suspension in their 2nd game. Nichols is a Memphis transfer and former 5 star recruit. He should be the Caviliers best player. The Cavs also have a lot of White underclassmen. Their PT is a bit unclear so far.

 

[Carolina Speed]

Grayson Allen, 25/10 and Luke Kennard, 14/5/6 last night against Grand Canyon. Duke plays Kansas Tuesday night. JL, how does Kansas look?

 

[Jack Lambert]

Grayson Allen, 25/10 and Luke Kennard, 14/5/6 last night against Grand Canyon. Duke plays Kansas Tuesday night. JL, how does Kansas look?

The only significant white contributor Kansas has this year will be Ukrainian guard Svi Mykhailiuk. He comes in off the bench, but should play a lot. The only other contributor will be seldom-used freshman forward Mitch Lightfoot.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Speaking of Duke CS, they should be among the top teams to watch this year; I know they'll be one of my top teams. In a year where every team seems to have a white player or two, but not as many teams are "white friendly" per say (like 3+ starters or multiple bench players), the Blue Devils are one of our best. Even though they'll only have two white contributors, having a back court with superstars Grayson Allen and Luke Kennard playing for most of the game is well worth watching. They're the Blue Devils' best two players, even if the media loves to hype up their currently injured freshman.

 

[Freethinker]

Very White game on espn2 between BYU and Princeton. For BYU, talented big man Eric Mika is back from mission and looking strong.

 

[Jack Lambert]

Very White game on espn2 between BYU and Princeton. For BYU, talented big man Eric Mika is back from mission and looking strong.

It was a great game!! BYU has a couple more black players than usual this year (one of them is that grad transfer again..), but they are still very fun to watch with Nick Emery, Tyler Haws, and Eric Mika. Mika was an absolute beast, leading both teams in scoring with 26 points, and also had 18 boards. Haws had 20, and Emery had 15 and 9.

If Gonzaga continues playing their young white bigs, they'll be better to watch than I originally thought. Zach Collins is an absolute beast off the bench for the Zags. The heir apparent to Karnowski at center, Collins dominated the SDSU defense last night. He finished second on the team with 15 points and 8 boards. Stretch forward Killian Tillie (his older brother Kim Tillie played at Utah a few years back) is also going to be a good one. Very long and athletic, Tillie is able to bring the ball up at times. He's very active on the glass, recording 10 rebounds, and got 8 points. I love watching these two guys play together. Nothing against Karnowski, but Collins will be a good one, and him and Tillie will be hard to keep off the floor if they keep it up.

Also, checking the box scores, it appears we've got a nice young PG prospect to watch out for. Even though it was just against the NY Institute of Technology, Fordham's sophomore PG, Joseph Chartouny filled up the stat sheet with 17 points and 14 assists!! I'll have to try and catch one of their games this year.

Joseph Chartouny

 

[Shadowlight]

I have not seen Gonzaga yet this year but I do hear good things about Collins and Tillie. They are NOT athletic stiffs. I did catch the BYU game and it is like a jigsaw puzzle with them and their 2 year missions etc. but Mika who played as a freshman back when is back now and he is a good athlete. The backcourt intrigues me. Nick Emery is a feisty gun slinger who can get in the lane as well. The real eye opener was TJ Haws. Thin and built like a gazelle he floats around the court effortlessly and looks really skilled. He could become a superstar!!! He is just back from his mission and these three guys are finally reunited. They all played together for Lone Peak High back then. It is interesting that BYU over the years plays a fast paced(black some would call it ) game. They have never been known for their D and usually get bumped early in the NCAA tournament but they have some excellent raw material to work with this year. We have been discussing the west coast and while the team may falter Oregon State has two guys to watch : sophmores Tres Tinkle and raw but athletic center Drew Eubanks.

 

[Jack Lambert]

I have not seen Gonzaga yet this year but I do hear good things about Collins and Tillie. They are NOT athletic stiffs. I did catch the BYU game and it is like a jigsaw puzzle with them and their 2 year missions etc. but Mika who played as a freshman back when is back now and he is a good athlete. The backcourt intrigues me. Nick Emery is a feisty gun slinger who can get in the lane as well. The real eye opener was TJ Haws. Thin and built like a gazelle he floats around the court effortlessly and looks really skilled. He could become a superstar!!! He is just back from his mission and these three guys are finally reunited. They all played together for Lone Peak High back then. It is interesting that BYU over the years plays a fast paced(black some would call it ) game. They have never been known for their D and usually get bumped early in the NCAA tournament but they have some excellent raw material to work with this year. We have been discussing the west coast and while the team may falter Oregon State has two guys to watch : sophmores Tres Tinkle and raw but athletic center Drew Eubanks.

I wasn't planning on watching the Zags for long last night, but Collins and Tillie kept me watching nearly the entire game!! I definitely agree with your point. They are super athletic, and both are threats to score from all over the court; Tillie especially is able to shoot threes. I saw a stat today where the Zags are +25 in point differential when both Tillie and Collins are on the floor! The announcer last night said that Tillie's role will keep expanding because "he's always in the right place at the right time." We know that's caste speak for "He's very active and athletic and is able to make plays all over the floor on both ends." I didn't think I'd be recommending it, but if you guys get a chance to watch the Zags, do so. These two guys are gonna be special.

In terms of other guys to watch for, Phil Forte, off of his injury last year, had 31 points and four assists in Oklahoma State's win over Central Arkansas. Of note, freshman guard Lindy Waters started for the Cowboys, and played 29 minutes. Mitch Solomon also started, but fouled out in six minutes. I hope he keeps developing, but if he keeps fouling, he probably won't be starting for much longer.

In one of the games this morning, freshman PG Trevor Anderson led the Green Bay Phoenix with 14 points in a tough loss at Pacific.

Ole Miss guard Cullen Neal had 21 points as he helped lead Ole Miss over UMass 90-88.

 

[Jack Lambert]

A lot of our guys had some good games last night!!

Even though Duke lost a heart breaker, Luke Kennard still shone bright, scoring a game-high 22 points on 7-10 from the field and 6-6 from the free throw line. The guy is going to be a superstar. When Duke gets "superstar" frosh Jayson Tatum back, it'll be interesting to see what Coach K does. Conventional wisdom says you shouldn't bench a guy who's your second leading scorer that shoots over 60% from the field. However, this is the caste system we're talking about here. Anyway, Grayson Allen had an off night (which he always seems to at the Champion's Classic), only scoring 12 points.

For Virginia, Austin Nichols came off the bench in his first game back and promptly led the team in scoring with 11 points. I'm thinking he's going to get a starting spot before too long. Hopefully, it's not at the expense of starting center Jack Salt.

Arizona's Lauri Markkanen will be an NBA lottery pick before it's all said and done. This guy is simply amazing, and has some ball skills for being 7 feet tall. He led Arizona in scoring and rebounding last night with 26 points and 8 boards.

Vanderbilt's Luke Kornet had a good game as well against Belmont, scoring a game-high 20 points to go with 7 boards and 3 blocks. Belmont's Evan Bradds had 19 points and 8 boards in the loss. As an aside, when I was scrolling through the box scores on ESPN's website, they had Belmont's lone black player in the starting five listed as the "star performer" for Belmont, yet a complete check of the box scores shows that Bradds equaled or outperformed him in EVERY stat category. Here's Egekeze's state line: 18 points, 5 boards, and 1 assist. It's not a bad one by any means, but here's Bradds': 19 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and a steal. As I mentioned, it beats his in every stat category. "Weird" isn't it?

 

[Jack Lambert]

Some results from last night and this morning so far:

Northern Iowa is a team to root for again this year. Klint Carlson and Bennett Koch helped lead the Panthers to an easy win over Arizona State, scoring 19 and 14 points respectively, with Spencer Haldeman adding 17 off of the bench.

Erik Mika had 18 points and five boards, and Nick Emery chipped in 13 points as BYU ran past Coppin State.

TJ Leaf exploded yesterday for 26 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Bruins past San Diego 88-68.

Valpo's Alec Peters again proved he's a high-major player. He had 24 points against the No.4 Oregon Ducks, but his team around him isn't very good, as the Crusaders lost 76-54.

Davidson's Peyton Aldridge is another great mid-major player to watch. He can do a bit of everything; drive to the basket, pull up for three, or back his man down into the post. He scored 21 points and added 7 rebounds as the Wildcats stomped on Missouri. The Tigers got 11 points from sophomore guard Cullen Van Leer.

 

[Leonardfan]

Any College B-Ball fans know any details of Austin Nichols being dismissed:

http://www.cbssports.com/college-ba...transfer-austin-nichols-three-things-to-know/

 

[Jack Lambert]

Any College B-Ball fans know any details of Austin Nichols being dismissed:

http://www.cbssports.com/college-ba...transfer-austin-nichols-three-things-to-know/

I'm not sure, as these "violations of team rules" things are very murky. Nichols was suspended for UVA's first three games (counting the two exhibition games), so there must be something there. I think the question that most of us will be asking is: "Would a black player have been dismissed for doing whatever Nichols did?" We all know that black players are given a lot more slack on these "team rules" than white players are. Whatever the case, it's a big shame, as Nichols would have made UVA one of our teams to cheer for this year.

 

[Carolina Speed]

Duke beats Rhode Island as Luke Kennard scores 24 and grabs 7 boards. Allen a little off with 10 points/ 5 rebounds.

 

[celticdb15]

Shame about Nichols,perhaps he heads over to Europe for a couple of years? Or he 're-enrolls at a smaller university.. I don't know what his future holds but I hope he figures ot out and sticks with basketball!!

 

[celticdb15]

Notre Dame's Steve Vasturia and Matt Farrell are fun to watch!