December 6, 2006
I was recently sitting down at the new Broken Egg in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, enjoying an omelet, thinking about college hoops. I was thinking about some young guys, second-year players who are not going to get much notoriety. This group of players will step up and get better. They will be vital to the success of their respective teams.
We know about the super sophs, the guys like Tyler Hansbrough and Brandon Rush. What about kids that are not household names, yet their coaches will tell you how important they are.
At Pittsburgh, Aaron Gray is the big man on campus, but Levance Fields is going to play a big role for Jamie Dixon's squad. With Carl Krauser gone, Fields will be called upon even more as a solid contributor on the perimeter. He averaged almost seven points per game last season and even more is anticipated this season.
Out at Washington, you will hear a lot about diaper dandy Spencer Hawes. A sophomore who will step up is Jon Brockman. By the way, he said no to the Dukies and opted to stay at home. Brockman averaged 8.4 ppg. last season and he will provide great size and versatility in the interior for Lorenzo Romar's squad.
Tyrese Rice came off the bench and provided big minutes for Boston College. He is a good one and he will be a key to any success that the Eagles enjoy. I know the loss to Vermont was a shocker, but BC was not at full force. Sean Williams and Akida McLain were sidelined due to suspensions.
John Calipari is excited with the athletic ability displayed by Robert Dozier. Memphis took a hit when Rodney Carney, Shawne Williams and Darius Washington went into the NBA draft. Dozier will make a contribution on the baseline, He is a very active interior player.
Down at Alabama, we hear a lot about All-America Ronald Steele outside, plus Jamareo Davidson and Richard Hendrix inside. Another key player will be 6-6 sophomore Alonzo Gee.
These five -- Rice, Dozier, Gee, Brockman and Fields -- will help their teams find success this season.
Five sophs to keep an eye on:
1) Jon Brockmanm Washington
2) Robert Dozier Memphis
3) Levance Fields Pittsburgh
4) Alonzo Gee Alabama
5) Tyrese Rice Boston College
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
