Oct. 12
One thing that excites me as we head into a new season is the potential of diaper dandies. That gets my juices going, giving me energy, enthusiasm and excitement as we look forward to the 2001-02 season. I can't wait to see the new kids on the block.
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| Freshman Cedric Bozeman should help UCLA contend in the Pac-10 and beyond. |
It will be interesting to see if the freshman class can live up to the expectations and billing coming out of high school. You know that a number of freshmen will be called on to provide an immediate impact. Others will be given the chance to fit in before gaining more playing time.
If you don't believe that diaper dandies can have an impact, just think about last season. The freshman class was a huge factor. Just look at Chris Duhon on Duke's national championship team. Jameer Nelson of St. Joseph's was my diaper dandy of the year, teaming with Marvin O'Connor to form one of the nation's most exciting backcourts.
Jared Jeffries helped Indiana advance to the big dance. Zach Randolph of Michigan State and Eddie Griffin of Seton Hall enjoyed impressive seasons before leaving for the NBA after just one year.
Let's look at this year's super, scintillating, sensational Sweet 16 diaper dandies for the upcoming season. They should make a major impact immediately.
1. Dajuan Wagner, Memphis
This explosive scorer will give John Calipari's team an immediate boost. Wagner lit it up in Camden, N.J., scoring 100 points in a high school game last season.
2. Kelvin Torbert, Michigan State
Tom Izzo's team was disappointed to lose Randolph and Jason Richardson, so Torbert will be called on to do a lot early on. He's a big-time performer, and the fans in East Lansing should love him.
3. Cedric Bozeman, UCLA
Bozeman is expected to start right away for Steve Lavin. He's an exciting guard who should team up with Jason Kapono and Dan Gadzuric to make noise at Westwood.
4. Julius Hodge, N.C. State
Herb Sendek believes he has a PTP'er in this talented diaper dandy.
5. David Lee, Florida
Billy Donovan had a solid recruiting class with Lee and James White.
6. T.J. Ford, Texas
He decided to pass up neck surgery, and he should be ready to start in Rick Barnes' backcourt. Longhorn fans should be excited about this floor general.
7. Maurice Williams, Alabama
The McDonald's All-America guard should fit in nicely for Mark Gottfried. The Tide has a lot of returning talent, including Rod Grizzard and Erwin Dudley.
8. Carlos Hurt, Louisville
Rick Pitino will be counting on Hurt to have an immediate impact as the Cardinals rebuild.
9. Chris Thomas, Notre Dame
Thomas will be a starter and floor leader for the Irish. Mike Brey is happy to have him.
10. Jawad Williams, North Carolina
The Tar Heels will have a number of youngsters competing for starting jobs. Williams and Jackie Manuel are solid diaper dandies. Williams, Kris Lang and Jason Capel will be called on big-time by Matt Doherty.
11. Rick Rickert, Minnesota
Rickert may not start right away for the Golden Gophers, but he will be a contributor.
12. John Allen, Seton Hall
With Allen in the lineup, Louis Orr's first season with the Pirates should be exciting. The Pirates have Andre Barrett and Darius Lane returning.
13. Will Bynum, Arizona
Don't be surprised to see Bynum and Jason Gardner paired together at times this season. Assistant coach Jay John raves about Bynum, who shows great quickness.
14. Josh Childress, Stanford
Childress is an exciting player who probably won't start. He will contribute for Mike Montgomery's squad.
15. Jamal Sampson, Cal
Coming off ankle surgery, Sampson gives Ben Braun a lift up front, where California lacks depth.
16. David Harrison, Colorado
The big man will see lots of playing time. Ricardo Patton is happy to have the seven-footer in Boulder. He could average a double-double.
