With news of Robbie Hummel’s second torn ACL in an eight-month period, the Purdue Boilermakers dropped from second in my rankings to 19th. Is that too drastic on my part? When you consider the strength at the top of the Big Ten with teams like Michigan State, Ohio State, Illinois, and Wisconsin; I do not think so. The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” ranks the 72 power conference … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #19 Purdue Boilermakers
college basketball predictions
99 in 99: #20 Butler Bulldogs
The Hoosiers analogy was used about 37.4 million times during the NCAA Tournament, but what a story it was. Mid-major Butler making a run to the National Championship in their home city and coming inches away from a half-court heave of walking away with the title. With a solid core returning from last season, Brad Stevens is ready to prove that last year was no fluke for the … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #20 Butler Bulldogs
99 in 99: #21 Virginia Tech Hokies
For just the third time in school history, the Virginia Tech Hokies are ranked in the pre-season Top 25. But in classic coach speak, pre-season rankings do not mean a thing for this group. Everything will be a disappointment if VA Tech does not reach the NCAA Tournament. The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” breaks down the 72 power conference college basketball teams and top 27 … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #21 Virginia Tech Hokies
99 in 99: #23 Gonzaga Bulldogs
The first nationally televised college basketball game is exactly one week from today. This week, most teams get on the court for exhibition play… a.k.a. beating up on some D-2 or D-3 school to knock the rust off your tires. (Unless of course you are Syracuse last year.) The fact that we are this close to the tip of the season makes me happier than Survivor cast members when … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #23 Gonzaga Bulldogs
99 in 99: #24 Texas Longhorns
Remember when the Texas Longhorns were 17-0 and the top ranked team in the country last season? I will admit it; I was buying into the hype. They looked like they were going to be a gimme to get to the Final Four with their well-rounded roster. Instead, the Horns ended up losing eight of their final fourteens regular season games and were a one-and-done in the … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #24 Texas Longhorns
99 in 99: #25 San Diego State Aztecs
A bubble team entering the Mountain West Tournament, San Diego State won three games in three days to claim the title and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. This season, there should be no worries about having their bubble burst as the Aztecs should be a Top 25 caliber club. The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” college basketball preview ranks the 72 power conference and … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #25 San Diego State Aztecs
99 in 99: #26 Xavier Musketeers
Xavier is in that Memphis/Gonzaga/Butler category of technically being a mid-major, but not really being a mid-major. Year-in and year-out, they are a Top 25 team and despite having to replace dynamic scorer Jordan Crawford, this season should be no different for the Musketeers. The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” ranks the 72 power conference college basketball teams and top 27 … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #26 Xavier Musketeers
99 in 99: #27 West Virginia Mountaineers
2009-2010 was a memorable season for West Virginia. They used their tough nosed defense and ferocity on the glass to win the Big East Tournament and then make a run to the Final Four. The Mountaineers have some big shoes to fill in losing three valuable starters, but with Bob Huggins calling the shots, this team will have not a major fall-off. The Sports Bank’s 99 team … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #27 West Virginia Mountaineers
99 in 99: #28 BYU Cougars
Time and time again, college coaches talk about the importance of guard play. BYU head man Dave Rose should echo that sentiment as his backcourt of seniors Jimmer Fredette and Jackson Emery will have the Cougars once again competing for the Mountain West title. The Sports Bank’s “99 in 99” ranks the 72 power conference college basketball teams and top 27 mid-majors. Click … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #28 BYU Cougars
99 in 99: #29 Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia is the sexy sleeper that really is not a sleeper anymore because everyone is picking them to be a sleeper this season. I hope that sentence makes sense. The Bulldogs are on the rise under second year head coach Mark Fox and will be a feisty team in the loaded SEC East. The Sports Bank’s 99 team college basketball preview in 99 days ranks the 72 power conference … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #29 Georgia Bulldogs