North Carolina entered the 2nd half with a seven point lead, however when the 2nd half got started the Tar Heels got into trouble.  After having a double double in the first half, Star Tyler Hansbrough was limited in the 2nd half.  He struggled to get shots off and was in early foul trouble after picking up a foul, and then a technical foul immediately after.  Davidson took control of the 2nd half early and lead for the majority of the 2nd half.  Davidson was led by their star guard Stephen Curry who scored 24 points, despite a poor shooting night.  When the game was in crunch time it was Guard Wayne Ellington who picked up the slack and wanted the ball.  Ellington made a FT with just under 4 minutes remaining to put the Heels up for good, and jump shot with just over a minute to go put the Heels up 3.  After a couple of stops, Davidson was forced to foul and Ty Lawson made 3 FT’s to seal the game.  Final Score UNC 72 Davidson 68

 For Syracuse it was the Jonny Flynn show.  He helped lead Syracuse over Siena by breaking Carmelo Anthony’s Freshman scoring record in a game.  Flynn scored 28 while dishing out 9 assists.  The next night he wasn’t as effective as a scorer however he was still able to contribute.  He dished out 6 assists, and made 1 field goal.  However it was a 3 point FG in a tie game with 5.3 seconds left that allowed Syracuse to escape with a Win.

 The Buckeyes Advanced without the excitement Syracuse needed.  Ohio State defeated Wiscsonsin Green-Bay in a rout.  They were led by Sophomore David Lighty’s  21 points and 8 rebounds.  The next night they played Columbia where they struggled for a while, however a 12-0 run in the 2nd half ended Columbia’s dream of playing at the Garden.  Ohio State was lead by freshman sensation Kosta Koufus who scored 19 points on 8-12 shooting.

The other 4 teams joining them in NYC will be the winners of the Washington/Utah game and the Texas A&M/Utep game

WCC:  Gonzaga – duh? Not exactly going out on a limb picking a team that has won it seven years in a row.  They return players like Matt Bouldin, Jeremy Pargo, and Josh Heytvelt.  They should win the conference, if they don’t look for St Mary’s.

Colonial: VCU – They are probably the most talented team in this conference as  they return Eric Maynor.  People probably remember him from last March.  Expect Drexel and George Mason to also compete for the championship.

Mountain West: UNLV – Byu may be a bit better, however I am taking the duo of Wink Adams and Curtis Terry.  They are a leathel combo who can dominate from anywhere on the court.  They have also added some size with some  transfers coming in.

WAC: New Mexico State – They return most of their scoring from an NCAA tournament team last year.  They lost coach Reggie Theus to the NBA, but with Nevada losing a lot to the NBA and Utah State’s inability to rebound, this team seems experienced and poised to represent the WAC in March again.

Conference USA: Memphis – And it wont be close

Atlantic 10: St. Joesephs – I like them over Xavier this year.  They return four of their top 5 scorers, and are well coach by Phil Martelli.  Expect them to be playing in the postseason this year after taking a year off.

Missouri Valley: Southern Illinois – This team won 29 games last year and they return three starters.  So the talent is there, but even more important then that is their effort will be there with Chris Lowrey strolling on the sidelines.  Expect this team to dive on the floor often, as well as win often.

Big 12: Kansas,  they return a ton of talent that made the elite 8 last year.  Expect them to be playing in late March/early April again this year.  Losing in the elite 8 this year would be a huge disappointment for the Jayhawks.

Big Ten: Indiana - This  team is loaded with potential NBA players.  Freshman Eric Gordon will play from day 1 and will be ready to shoot when teams double team star big man DJ White.  Michigan State will probably also be in contention.

SEC: Kentucky – I like them over Tennessee this year.  They return some key players, gain a new head coach in Billy Gillispie.  a key loss will be Randolph Morris, but if Patrick Patterson can be a presence down low, UK will be tough to beat.

Pac 10: UCLA – They are loaded again with talent all over the court.  Freshman sensation Kevin Love will make an immediate impact.  The pac 10 is getting loaded with young talent, but UCLA may be the best coached team in the conference.  Expect Washington State to have a good year as well.

ACC: North Carolina – This team is stacked.  Tyler Hansbrough is a monster and will be a tough task for everyone in the ACC.  Look for the Tar Heels to get some competition from their rivals over on Tobacco road.

Big East: Georgetown - It will likely come down to them and Louisville for the Big East crown.  Georgetown has experience after a nice final four run last year.  They lose Jeff Green to the NBA, however big man Roy Hibbert is back, and should be poised to have a big year.

Maarty Leunen F Oregon – His play will be crucial if the Ducks want to have a seccuessful season.  He can do quite a bit while he is on the floor.  He is also very scrappy and is not afraid to dive on the floor for a loose ball, or get some garbage buckets in traffic.

Shan Foster G Vanderbilt – Vandy had quite a run last year in the tournament and Foster was a huge part of that.  With the loss of Derrick Byars, Foster will play a much bigger role in the offense.  Look for him to shoot a lot of 3’s this year and to have a big year in the SEC.

Marcelus Kemp G Nevada - Yes this kid has been there the last few years, and he is a very good player but he was in the shadows of Nick Fazekas.   Fazekas is gone as is point guard Ramon Sessions, so expect the offense to run through this explosive senior.  If Nevada has a good year it will more then likely be because of Kemp.

Joseph Jones F Texas A&M - After averaging 13.4 ppg last year, the Aggies lose their coach and Acie Law IV.  Expect Joseph Jones numbers to increase a little bit and look out for the Aggies again this year.  jones is a good big man to have when starting a freshman point guard, as the Aggies probably will be.

Joey Dorsey F Memphis – A lot of people are high on Memphis this year.  They are loaded with talent of all classes.  This senior is a shot blocking machine.  Expect him to also be a double double machine this year with the points he will score and the rebounds he will grab off of the glass.

DJ White F Indiana – White will average close to a double double again this year.  He is a force inside and can even knock down a perimeter jump shot every now and again.  With the arrival of star Eric Gordon, White will not have to do all of the scoring at Indiana.  Expect the Hoosiers to be back in the dance in March and probably send this senior out after a win or two in the big dance.

Kyle Weaver G Washington State – This kid was a huge key to Washington State’s surprising year last year.  He can knock down the 3 as well and lock down on anyone he is guarding.  He is also capable of grabbing some rebounds and dishing the ball to teammates in position to score.  Expect Weaver to help lead the Cougars back to the big dance.

Derrick Low G Washington State – He will be teamed up with the guy mentioned just in front of him.  They will provide one of the best and most experienced backcourts in NCAA Basketball.  Low is not exactly flashy, but he is a very smart player and does not turn the ball over.  He would be a pest to have to guard.  You can watch Low along with his tatoo’s in March this year.

Sean Singletary G Virginia – Singletary is a very flashy player.  He can handle the ball, get to the rim, shoot the 3 and do whatever he needs to do to help his team win.  He is a scorer who has the ability to draw multiple defenders and dish to the open man.  Will Virginia be back in the big dance??? I dont know with the ACC being tough, but if they don’t make it, it wont be because of Sean Singletary.

Drew Neitzel G Michigan State – Probably the best dribbler in college basketball.  He is a quick and pesky guard that is a nightmare for whoever has to cover him.  He can shoot the 3 as well as dish to the open man.  He is strong with both hands, so he can almost always beat everyone he wants off the dribble to one side or another.

Roy Hibbert C Georgetown – The big man returns for a final season.  However this season will have to go by without lottery pick Jeff Green, who opted for the money.  Hibbert should have a monster season, as he will probably be better then everyone who guards him.  Expect to see him double teamed a lot, and also on the Free Throw line a lot.  Georgetown should make a deep run in the tournament this year.

Chris Lofton G Tennessee – Is there a better shooter in college basketball who can make 3’s 5 feet beyond  the line?  He can also get to the paint if need be, however most of his work is done beyond the arc.  If you rest on defense guarding him, you might as well just give Tennessee 3 points.

1 North Carolina (10) 739

2 UCLA (12) 734

3 Memphis (8) 731

4 Kansas (1) 669

5 Georgetown 625

6 Louisville 620

7 Tennessee 598

8 Michigan State 503

9 Indiana 479

10 Washington State 464

11 Duke 390

12 Marquette 381

13 Oregon 360

14 Gonzaga 252

14 Texas A&M 252

16 Texas 216

17 Arizona 205

18 USC 189

19 Arkansas 173

20 Pittsburgh 160

21 Stanford 158

22 Kentucky 155

23 Southern Illinois 137

24 North Carolina State 119

25 Villanova 111

26 Kansas State 94

27 Syracuse 69

28 Ohio State 65

29 Clemson 56

30 Connecticut 55

31 Butler 42

32 Davidson 39

33 Xaiver 38

34 Alabama 31

35 Mississippi 30

36 Florida 26

37 Wisconsin 21

38 Illinois 16

39 Washington 12

39 BYU 12

41 Nevada 8

42 Bradley 7

42 Virginia 7

44 VCU 5

45 Utah 4

46 Baylor 3

46 Old Dominion 3

46 Saint Josephs 3

49 Fresno State 2

49 Utah State 2

49 George Mason 2

52 Notre Dame 1

52 California 1

52 Maryland 1

OJ Mayo G – USC. This freshman does not lack confidence.  He will make an immediate impact for Tim Floyd @ USC.  He has a high basketball IQ, a terrific perimeter game, as well as several moves with the ball where he can create and get to the basket.  If he could improve his mid range game, this kid would be unstoppable.  Expect big things from him in the Pac 10.

Eric Gordon G – Indiana.  Very smart player, with a terrific jump shot.  He can shoot off the dribble from anywhere on the perimeter.  He needs to work on his rebounding as well as his passing, but not many people will notice too many weaknesses when they see this kid light it up in the Big 10.

 Kyle Singler G/F – Duke.  This versatile freshman will bring his game to the ACC.  He has a nice perimeter shot as well as the smarts that Coach K looks for in a player.  He is not the strongest of players, but he will definantly contribute for the Dukies this year.

Michael Beasley F – Kansas State.  If you saw any of the Mcdonalds All American game you saw what this kid brings to the table.  He is versatile where he can score from the low block and the perimeter.  He needs to work on his passing as he should create a lot of double teams this year in Manhatten.

Kevin Love C – UCLA.  This horse will help UCLA out in having one of the best front courts in America.  He is an impact player who can score from the low block and also start a break with his solid outlet passes.  One of his weaknesses could be his ability to run the floor, however with Ben Howlands grind it out style at UCLA it wont be that big of an issue for the Bruins.

Derrick Rose G – Memphis.  An athletic point guard who will thrive with John Calipari at Memphis.  This kis is not easily rattled, so he will be able to handle whatever pressure is brought upon him.  He is one of the finer passers you will see as a true freshman.  If he could work on his perimeter shot a little he could be the total package for a point guard.  He should thrive in Conference USA.

Jerryd Bayless G – Arizona.  This kid is always on the attack.  He is an aggresive scorer who will succeed with Lute Olsen and the high powered Wildcats. Improvement with his passing and the changing of speeds during the course of the game should be worked on to make him more of a complete player.

Bill Walker G/F – Kansas State.  Another of the top freshman is headed to play in the Big 12 for K-State.  Walker is an athletic finisher who will put points on the board.  He struggles with his ball handling and 3 point range, but this competitor will find a way to put some points on the board.

Donte Greene F – Syracuse.  The last time Jim Boeheim landed a top recruit from Baltimore it worked out pretty well.  Green has so much potential to thrive in the Big East with Syracuse.  He is a very athletic kid who has a good perimeter shot.  If he could learn how to finish he would be a force to be reckoned with at Syracuse.  He should put up some good points as a freshman and be a big part of the 2-3 zone with his length down low.

Austin Freeman G/F – Georgetown.  He will play on a loaded Georgetown team.  He is a big time scorer who is very versatile.    He has good instincts and should get plenty of minutes with the Hoyas this year.  A little work on his perimeter shot never hurt anyone, but he will be a tough player to matchup with in the Big East with Freeman and Hibbert on the same team.

Johnny Flynn G – Syracuse.  Boeheim lands another top recruit as he had to do after losing Nichols, Watkins, Roberts, and Andy Rautins (to injury).  Flynn is a big game player who has a passion for the game.  He also has the poise to be a point guard in the Big East.  With his quickness if he could shoot off the dribble he could be as close to unstoppable as a freshman could be.  He should log plenty of minutes for Coach Boeheim as Josh Wright has struggled as point guard in his brief career.

Jaycee Carroll 6′2 Guard – Utah State.  Jaycee has been selected as the Wac preseason player of the year.  He is one of the nations best shooters.  He is currently 1st in 3 point shooting at Utah State, second in 3 pointers made, and fourth in 3 pointers attempted.

Stephen Curry 6′0 Guard – Davidson.  Son of former NBA Sharp Shooter Dell Curry, Stephen has followed in his footsteps.  He has one of the prettiest shots in college basketball.  Many people remember the name from last years NCAA Tournament when they almost upset a tough Maryland squad in round 1.  Davidson should be back in the tournament again this year, and it won’t be a team that top seeds are going to want to see their team squaring off with when the brackets come out on selection sunday, and Stephen Curry is a major reason why.

Randal Falkner – 6′7 F – Southern Illinois.  This kid brings it every night.  He is 6′7 which is not tall for a big man, however he makes up for it with heart.  He plays on one of the best defensive teams in the country, and if you love low scoring games, tune into Southern Illinois.  It is a treat to see them scrap and fight for 40 minutes each game, usually on their way to victory.

Marcelus Kemp 6′5 G – Nevada.  With Nick Fazekas gone and in the NBA now, the team will now run through this talented guard.  He could have his hands full, being the only starter back from a talented team last year, however with his versatile play he can shoot from the perimeter and get to the basket, he should have a solid 07-08 season.

Eric Maynor 6′2 G – VCU.  This is a talented guard who plays both ends of the court.  He was a main reason why VCU was able to beat Duke in the first round last year.  With him back at VCU, some other big name school will have the challenge of facing VCU in round 1 of the NCAA Tournament.

Reggie Williams 6′5 F – VMI.  This kid is a scoring maching.  He lead the nation in scoring last year, and should be set to have another solid season.  You may not have heard of this guy because all of the hype in this conference goes to a solid Winthrop team, however if you get a chance to see this kid play, he is worth the price of admission and won’t allow the scorekeeper to take a second to relax.

Others:

2007-08 Preseason Player of the Year

Roy Hibbert, Georgetown

2007-08 Preseason Co-Rookies of the Year

Donte’ Greene, Syracuse

North Carolina – They look strong again this year with the return of key players Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, Marcus Vinyard, Alex Stephenson, and Deon Thompson

Georgetown - They lost Jeff Green to the NBA Draft, however Roy Hibbert returns, along with Patrick Ewing Jr, Jessie Sapp and a strong freshman class will keep them in the hunt all March.

Kansas - They may be the most talented team in America.  They return stars like Brandon Rush, Russell Robsinson, Sasha Kaun, Sherron Collins, Darrell Arthur, and Mario Chalmers from a team that almost made it to the Final Four last year.

UCLA - They lose Aaron Afflalo to the NBA, however they gain big man Kevin Love this year, who should step in and contribute right away.  Throw him in with a team that has Darren Collison, Luc-Richard Mbah a Moute, a healthy Josh Shipp and that is coached by Ben Howland and this  team will make some noise in the upcoming basketball season.