Comments on: 2012-13 RTC Way Too Early Top-25

By: AMurawa

AMurawa — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:59:53 +0000

Sure, but a frontcourt of Kirk and Bairstow with one or more of the freshman coming off the bench will be a signficantly lesser frontcourt than Gordon/Hardeman at the very least in terms of physicality and athleticism. Maybe Kirk will actually fit in better in Alford’s offense, but it would sure be nice to have a rebounder/defensive force who can run the floor up front. Maybe Williams or Banyard will be that guy, but UNM has some questions that need to be answered.

By: VenturaMike

VenturaMike — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:17:10 +0000

AMurawa Alex Kirk was a top 100 recruit and one of the top Centers in the country his senior year in HS. He had a solid freshman season but sat out last year after surgery. If he comes back 100%, he’ll definitely lead the team in rebounds and gives the Lobos some good size in the paint. Don’t believe the hype in CSU. They just lost their coach, and they couldn’t ever win away from their home court even with him. They peaked last year. Nevada, on the other hand, could be the dark horse.

By: AMurawa

AMurawa — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:37:36 +0000

I’ll be interested to see New Mexico next year. They’ll need some sort of big man to step up (either Bairstow, Kirk or one of the freshmen) and without that I think they’re a middle-of-the-pack MW team, maybe even behind Colorado State and Nevada. I think SDSU and UNLV are the heavy favorites in that conference.

By: zhayes9

zhayes9 — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:03:31 +0000

Considered both Minnesota and Maryland but they didn’t quite make the cut. The Gophers had a nice NIT run but they still went 6-12 in the Big Ten and the return of Mbakwe doesn’t quite warrant top 25. Len and Padgett aren’t guarantees to “dominate the middle” by any stretch, but I do expect the Terps to dance next season.

Evan- Mountain West should be solid again next season. Could see New Mexico, UNLV and San Diego State battling for the crown and staying in the top 25 all year long.

By: Berman

Berman — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:27:40 +0000

You missed out on Maryland. Stoglin and Pe’shon returning. Len and Padget gonna dominate the middle. Faust on his way up. And to top it off a good recruiting class for once. WATCH OUT FOR LIL SHAQ

By: EJacoby

EJacoby — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:44:53 +0000

UMass is not a bad call ^^

I like this list Zach, the only thing I’d say is that I don’t see any reason to put anyone ahead of Kentucky…. Obviously this entire exercise can’t be complete until we know the NBA Draft entrees and recruiting finalities, but Kentucky could end up boosting a lineup of Teague and Lamb (studs, 1 year older), Wiltjer (with experience), Shabazz/Noel (maybe even both), and Poythress. Bring in Cauley, Goodwin, and likely another All-American recruit off the bench as well. That’s 8 deep with studs… chance that team could be nearly as good as this year

Also good call on UNLV, the ESPN guys and some other lists missed them. Bringing back Moser and Marshall are total studs, plus Khem Birch is coming in and some other recruits and returnees. I think this could be a top 10 team

By: sam the minuteman

sam the minuteman — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:29:09 +0000

why doesnt UMass get any love? we return a majority of scoring and rebounding and won 25 games, advanced to the NIT semi’s and won 11 games in the A-10?