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| Tuesday, July 2 Updated: July 3, 3:41 PM ET User comments: Sizzling 50 ESPN.com |
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We asked and you responded. Here are some of the better comments users had to say about ESPN.com's Sizzling 50 ranking of the top teams heading into the summer:
No. 1 Debate
"Kansas only at No. 2!? While they lost Gooden, this team has super soph Wayne Simien and incoming transfer Jeff Graves to more than fill his shoes. Another year of maturing for Hinrich and Collison, and last year's not-so-freshman-like Aaron Miles and Keith Langford can only make this team even better. Beware redshirt Jeff Hawkins (the best player you've never heard of) stepping into the eight-man rotation. Watch out in March! Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!"
"I agree that Arizona will be good and should be No. 1, but Kansas is an EXTREMELY close No. 2. Gooden's absence will prove to be a plus for a team that will be just that, a team. Gooden was in the spotlight, now many different people are. KU and Arizona play in December, let's see who the real No. 1 is then. Also, Oklahoma will be down quite a bit without Aaron McGhee. Us here in Big 12 country know how big he was for that team."
"You Rock! Don't forget the three studs UA has coming to give them size and a athletic presence on the wings. That was the only ingredient missing from last year's bunch, Lute will be able to go 10 deep. Mark down your calender in early December, UA has payback on their minds seeking revenge for an embarrassing loss to Kansas in Tucson last year. We will get ours in front of their faithful! Oh Ya ...OK we have you on our revenge list as well, see ya in Tucson for a rowdy early fall showdown."
"While I agree that Arizona deserves most of the preseason accolades, there will be no national championship in Tucson unless Isaiah Fox and/or Dennis Latimore emerge as legitimate power forwards. Both showed flashes last year, but the 'Cats need them to be strong on the boards, tough on defense, and at least good enough offensively to command opponents' respect."
"I see OU as the preseason No. 1 because they return all but Daryan Selvy and Aaron McGhee. But bring in talented freshman in big time player Kyle Bookout an DeAngelo Evans. OU will be more hungry next season an will turn up the pressure on their way back to the Final Four. They lost to a good team in Indiana, but also beat another good team in Arizona, who many are taking as the preseason No. 1. But I'm all for OU Boomer Sooner!"
Duke Doubters
"How can Duke be a top 10 team and UNC not!??! Sure the Devils have Duhon, Ewing, and Jones, and a stellar recruiting class, but last time I checked, UNC has 3 McDonald's All-Americans coming in plus 2 other pure athletes. They also return Jawad William (can anyone say the next coming of Vince?) plus much improved Melvin Scott and Jackie Manuel. Either UNC's up there with Duke, or Duke's down there with UNC. Looks like Vitale strikes again."
"Come on ESPN, what's going on with the Duke prediction? I know they've got a talented class coming in, but that's no excuse to give them such a high preseason ranking. Losing Dunleavy was huge, considering we already knew that Williams and Boozer were gone. Duhon has done nothing to show that he can be the main guy. Next year they're left with a good shooter, Ewing, and great defensive player, Jones, and a point guard that likes to shoot from 25 feet no matter how many he misses, Duhon. Plus, they have a great group of UNPROVEN freshman. And for that they get a top 10 ranking. Nope, no bias at ESPN."
"Duke did not finish atop the ACC last year. You mention that the returning players and 'sick' recruiting class will 'keep Duke atop the ACC.' Also, when ranking recruits, remember that when a high school player signs a letter of intent to play at Duke, they automatically rise 10-15 positions in the high school rankings. I wonder how many of this famed recruiting class will closely resemble Casey Sanders or Chris Burgess (former Top 10 recruits)."
"Oooh my. How can you underestimate the champs? Let's get over this Duke love affair. Maryland is the class of the ACC. First though, thanks for giving the rankings another shot. Second, all Duke has now is a supporting cast. Duhon has not improved. Dante Jones is self-checked. I'll take Blake and Nicholas over them. And Duke's incoming class is of the same quality as Maryland's (see Gilchrist , McCray and Garrison). What gives them top billing? Coach K used to have the mental edge of Gary W, but not anymore. And Pitt? Pitt over Maryland is unreal. Arizona's the easy favorite, but Georgia could go all the way. Just keep sleeping on the champs."
Too Low?
"Thanks for leaving the Bearcats out of the top 25. They always seem to play better without expectations. Remember last year ... "Dear God! Where will the Bearcats be without Kenny Satterfield?!?" I dunno ... how's about a 1 seed in the tourney. When one guy leaves, someone else steps up."
"What is the deal with the Terps getting underrated this preseason? Usually, teams defending a national championship get overrated by the preseason polls (see: UConn as No. 1 in 1999-00). In 2003, I can honestly see Maryland as one of the better teams in the ACC. Steve Blake is an outstanding point guard and Drew Nicholas is not far behind. He's been hidden behind the unbelievably strong play of Juan Dixon. Make no mistake, Nicholas is going to average 12-15 points a game. Blake will also score more. Gary Williams is bringing in three excellent players to improve the frontcourt in McCray, Garrison and Smith. He's already got two good bookends in Holden and Randle. That frontcourt is solidified. Furthermore, what makes Gary Williams deserving of that national championship is his ability to inspire improvement DURING the season. Juan Dixon was a no-name when he entered Williams' program. Now, Perspiration Williams has talent coming in and it is hard to think these guys will not be outstanding ACC players by the end of the season. If there was a time to 'reload' in the ACC, it's definitely this season. College Park is going to be wild this season with their new arena being opened."
"Don't underestimate the Terps. With a senior point guard, a developing big man in Taj Holden, a sharp-shooter in Drew Nicholas, an incoming JUCO star and an all-around solid recruiting class, the Terps could replicate what Arizona did this past season. Also, with Tommy Amaker's recruiting class at Michigan, look for the Wolverines to finally make a little noise in the Big 10."
"N.C. State finishes 3rd in ACC last year, goes to final in ACC tourney; and loses a heartbreaker to UConn in NCAAs. They do lose Grundy and Miller, yet return the deepest squad in the ACC. Their reward? Fourth of the ACC teams listed in your poll, behind three teams that lost significantly more points and rebounds. State is stocked with young talent that played well together against everyone but Duke. Duke returns a point guard with below average shooting (Duhon) no real front court power and little rebounding. Why can't Sendek get any respect?"
"OK, did you really take a look at the ACC? I agree with the NATIONAL top 8, but Virginia at No. 9? Are you kidding me? Yes, they have some talent -- but not enough to be a top tier team in the ACC that shows no mercy, much less the nation. This is a team, led by a coach that has choked for the last TWO years and their personal hasn't improved, only defected. I think the pollsters should take a look at results rather than potential. N.C. State not in the top 25? There is not giving respect, but that's what this team thrives on and will be the dark horse of the ACC and NCAA."
"N.C. State at 32 and UVa at 9, you gotta be kidding me. State has a better nucleus returning, Julius Hodge will be a big-time leader this season, and may I remind anyone, the three, count 'em, three beatings the Pack layed on the Hoos last year."
"I know Virginia has the chance to be just as good or even better than that No. 9 ranking on the Sizzling 50. They've got a possible POY candidate in Watson, a stud transfer in Billet and a bunch of talented freshman with a year of ACC experience under their belt. However last year Virginia was all about potential. They didn't live up to the hype and ended up with a first round exit in the NIT. If UVA can live up to the hype than they are more than deserving of that ranking, but we simply don't know what Virginia team is gonna show up this year. I think they should be around 15 to 20 -- not top 10. Until they prove they can play good basketball consistently."
"Horrible! How can you possibly have Florida ranked that low? It makes me wonder just how much you know about college basketball. David Lee and James White are not are only players! Did you forget about Brett Nelson and Matt Bonner? We have a great shooter in Anthony Roberson and a solid point in Justin Hamilton. The Gators are 13 deep this year and you know what that means, a little Donovan full-court press."
"Sorry guys, but I think you missed the boat with Kentucky at No. 8. They should be a top-five lock. You forgot to mention they have Jason Parker back, their best low post player, from knee surgery. He dominated the inside as a freshman. Keith Bogans also decided to return. Hawkins, Bogans and Fitch at guards with Estill, Camara, Chuck Hayes and Parker down low! Throw in the five newcomers as well as getting rid of three problem players and they will be a team to be reckoned with!"
"Always enjoy these early predictions! I'm a big UK fan and believe they have Final Four potential again (I thought that last year) I'd rather not rate them that high (No. 8) starting out. Yes, Parker is back. BUT is he healthy? How does Tubby address playing time and chemistry issues which killed last season's team? Let's answer these questions first. I think you missed the boat by not ranking the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers higher. A lot depends on Marcus' health BUT Dennis Felton has developed a top 20 program (despite the Sun Belt conference) and has an outstanding sophomore point guard in Patrick Sparks, who may be compared to Dickau in three more years. He's a point who can score (and he is deceptively quick,if not fast.) Louisville will be a top 10 team by the end of the year too."
"There is no way that Mizzou is No. 23 in the country. Even though they lose Kareem and Clarence Gilbert, they are definitely a top 15 team. Rickey Paulding will take Kareem's place as the go-to guy and Travon Bryant will be one of the best big men in the Big 12 along with A.J. Don't forget about Ricky Clemons, one of the best point guards in JUCO last year and highly regarded recruit Jimmy Mckinney. And you know who is going to surprise some people this year ... Josh Kroenke.
"I can't believe that you have UConn sliding all the way down to No. 18. Granted, Caron Butler is the deciding factor on becoming a top 5 team. But they only lost two players from last year's squad, and have an excellent recruit in Rashad Anderson to take Butler's place. This is a young and dangerous team. I recall last year when you and the rest of the sporting outlets in the nation didn't have this team in the preseason top 30. (And look where they ended up) You'll be sorry when this team will make yet another run next year -- this time to New Orleans."
"Why is Oregon only 15? They lost only two starters. I know Freddie Jones will be hard to replace, but they got two good recruits and James Davis is reliable all over the floor. Chris Christofferson's replacements are the twin timbers Ian Crosswhite and Matt Short, and don't forget Brian Helquist. As long as the Lukes are healthy the Ducks will be a force."
"I think BC should be higher than 33 in the Sizzling 50. They return arguably the best backcourt in the nation along with Uka Agbai, who is the most underrated big man in the Big East. Experience and senior leadership must count for something in these rankings? With four returning starters as well as two freshmen who can step right up and contribute, hopefully, we'll be seeing them do something special come March."
Snubbed
"You would think at some point that Jim O'Brien and Ohio State would get at least a little bit of respect for what they have done the last four years. The Buckeyes return three starters plus their top reserve from the reigning Big Ten champions and you don't even put them in the Top 50? Nearly every other highly successful coach (Huggins, Gary Williams, Tubby Smith, etc.) receive the benefit of the doubt in preseason polls and are always ranked. Ohio State has built a solid program that reloads with solid, disciplined players every year and always contends for the Big Ten championship. With this group, you can pencil in a 22-8 record and a Top 3 finish in the Big Ten. That should merit a spot in the Top 50."
"ESPN is back at it again ... How many years in a row has it been that you've stiffed Ohio State? Every year, you don't have them in contention for ANYTHING... and every year we're a little bit of a surprise. Don't worry, we'll turn some heads this year, again .... and you'll rank us again ... and while we might not win it all, we've got the coach and the recruits to steal some games in the NCAAs from those like you that never gives us a chance."
"Where is UNLV on this list? We have the MWC defensive POY Marcus Banks back, MWC first team and preseason POY candidate in Dalron Johnson back, Demetrius Hunter from a solid Sweet 16 Georgetown squad starting at shooting guard, and highly-touted J.K. Edwards at center for the Rebels. First-year coach Charlie Spoonhour took last year's team to a 21-11 record with a walk-on shooting guard and a 6-6, 195-pound center. How can you not give a nod to this team with three senior starters and two junior studs? UNLV will become one of the best defensive teams in 2002-03. And, how does Utah get ranked after losing eight players in the offseason and getting only Briton Johnsen and Nick Jacobsen back as starters? I don't get it.
"Eight teams from the Big East and no Georgetown? I can see leaving the Hoyas out of a top 25 list after their dismal season last year, but top 50? That's an oversight. They've got a potential All-American and conference POY in Mike Sweetney paired with Wesley Wilson in the paint, plus the perimeter shooters to make teams pay for doubling down low. Remember this name: Tony Bethel."
"Where's the love for the Maize and Blue? Obviously, you can't use last season to measure how well they will play this year, but Lavell Blanchard, Bernard Robinson Jr., Avery Queen and one on the nation's top recruiting classes has to have some sort of improvement over last year. I still have faith in Amaker."
"You did not include Wake Forest in your Sizzling 50. I think they definitely deserve a spot. They have Josh Howard returning, who is a potential ACC player of the year; a very good sophomore group with Downey, Danelius and Levy; plus you have the outside shooting of Lepore. Add in a great freshman class, with big bodies like Eric Williams, and good wing men like Trent Strickland and Richard Joyce, plus others. Wake Forest definitley deserves to be at least in the top 50, if not once the season begins, top 25. You are underrating them."
"Where is Temple! I mean just because Greer and Lyde are gone, doesn't mean this team will go down the tubes. Cheaney's teams are most dangerous when they aren't noticed. You watch, come March people are gonna be scared of an 11th-seeded Temple squad."
"Okay, you can't please everyone. But, how could you leave out any Eddie Sutton coached team. They lost two players, but Maurice Baker wasn't himself this past season and Jonzen wasn't really a center. He over-achieved in the paint. With solid recruits and other players more experienced, I believe people will be surprised at how good this team is going to be. Probably not contend for the Big 12 title, but definitely do some damage and make the NCAAs again."
"Where's Arkansas?? Not in the top 50? Stan Heath can turn this team from mediocre to good in one season, especially with the recruits he has coming in. Wait and see, the Hogs will make the Dance this year!"
No Mid-Major Love
"I was severely disappointed in the lack of any Missouri Valley teams in the Top 50 list after a season where we won a combined 3 NCAA Tournament games. SIU has 6 of their 8 returning players back from last season's Sweet Sixteen team, and Creighton returns almost all (Terrell Taylor being the exception). Come now, WKU is No. 25, so I know it's not that you are biased against the so-called 'mid-majors.'"
"You guys continue to ignore the Missouri Valley Conference and then in the NCAA Tournament you are surprised when one or two of its members pulls an 'upset' or two. I don't see how you can leave out the Southern Illinois Salukis -- with 6 of their top 8 players back from a SWEET 16 appearance and with a quality recruiting class that includes a JUCO point guard that is going to more than replace the one weakness that the the Salukis had last year. How can you leave the Creighton Bluejays out? They had no seniors on their roster last year and they beat a quality Florida team in the NCAAs and took the Fighting Illini down to the wire in Chicago on a 'neutral court'. Instead you guys give us they same old schools every year until the 'surprise' schools sneak up on you."
"No MAC teams? Even though they tear up the NCAA Tournament every year? Gimme a break. I thought The Word was all about giving props to the MAC. What up, Word? You talk a good game. Show us some love!"
"How could you leave Creighton off of that list? You don't even have any MVC schools ... two of which were in the Final 32 in March. The Bluejays return all five starters and will be a tough team for any of your '50' to deal with." "I am boggled by the decision of Andy Katz to leave Southern Illinois off the top 50 list for next year. How do you leave off a team that returns four starters, replaces Rolan Roberts with a TALLER proven JUCO prospect, and plays in a conference whose top team lost two KEY players (Creighton). But, like last season, this will be just more ammunition for the troops.
P.S.: You can get off the Gonzaga, Tulsa fit soon. They aren't the ONLY mid-majors with talent."
"You absolutely must be joking with a preseason Top 50 list that doesn't include Penn. This is a team that finished last season in the high 30s in RPI, ended up 25-7 and graduated no one in its rotation. They also added quality freshmen Freidrich Ebede and Patrick Haddan. Penn has two NBA-caliber forwards in Ugonna Onyekwe and Koko Archibong, was 14th in 3-point accuracy (40% as a team), 25th in 3s per game (over eight a game) and swept the Big 5 last year. In addition, the Ivy League was rated the No. 13 conference in RPI and had three teams in the postseason and should be even better this season. Please tell me how you include teams like Georgia Tech (lost to Penn at home last season) and UNC ahead of this team?"
"Where is Penn? Everybody returns and now they all have the experience of playing in the NCAA Tournament. They are as athletic as many power conference schools. In this day and age where big conference schools rarely have seniors on them, Penn's got a veteran core that makes them a legitimate team for the first time in 10 years."
Like What They See (Mostly)
"I thought that you did a good job putting Xavier No. 12 in the country. They are going to be pretty good with West at power forward and Sato at shooting guard. They are going to be the best in the Atlantic 10 and one of the premiere teams in the country!"
"I really have no complaints, I agree with your top three of Arizona, Kansas and Oklahoma; although I think any one of those three teams could be No. 1. Also, I am glad to see UNC on your list, although I believe they are a much better team than No. 50. Felton, McCants and May -- along with fellow frosh Noel, Grant and Sanders will more than fill Carolina's holes. The Big 3 (Felton, McCants, May) will be instant stars and a much improved Jawad Williams and Jackie Manuel should have the Heels in contention in the wide open ACC."
"I'm actually happy with where you put Mississippi State (No. 14), but I have to take umbrage with your comments on Alabama at 13, where you call Mo Williams the top returning point in the SEC. When are you people ever going to give Derrick Zimmerman his due? He led the SEC in assists, was second in steals, and led the Dogs in BLOCKS and DUNKS (the most explosive dunker in the conference, by the way) at 6-foot-2. Come on."
"Good call guys on having UNC at No. 50. We shall be back with a vengence, and expect the freshman class to contribute immediately. With starting a squad of freshman and sophomores. The Tar Heels should experience that winning touch that graced Chapel Hill for so long. Now that Doherty's recruits are the ones running the show, we shall see the type of coach he really is. And everyone can see UNC rise to the top of the ACC."
"I think that you guys did a good job at ranking the teams and finally you gave some due respect to the LSU basketball team. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised at what the Tigers are going to accomplish as far as winning goes. Ronald Dupree for once isn't the only name on the team."
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