fantasy college hoops: power rankings #1

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  • 8/8/2019 Fantasy College Hoops: Power Rankings #1

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    Team #8: Chalmers Chiefers (1-3)

    Feasto John Shurna: F, Northwestern Well someone clearly did some local

    scouting over the offseason. While up in the Windy City, Chalmers Chiefers

    merely had to take a 20 minute drive on N McCormick Boulevard to find one

    of the sleeping giants of fantasy college hoops. The 68 Shurna is a versatile

    combo forward with range, as evidenced by his pinpoint accuracy (18-29 or

    62.1%) from 3-point land.

    Famineo Chris Warren: G, Ole Miss Warren is a prototypical volume shooter, whichnever bodes well for fantasy production. He almost exclusively shoots from behind the arc, so hes truly a gamble

    every week. But if he cant improve his 3-point accuracy (24.4% through 6 games), I cant see Chalmers Chiefers

    sticking with Warren in the starting lineup for much longer.

    Sleepero Terrence Jones: F, Kentucky Chalmers Chiefers was the beneficiary from a deep Gordon Bombay frontcourt. Afte

    dealing Malcolm Delaney for Jones before Week 4, the freshman phenom delivered his usual double-double. And

    with Enes Kanters ineligibility, Kentucky will need Jones to crash the boards every game. Like any freshman, hell

    have his ups and downs, but Chalmers Chiefers clearly has one of the more talented frontcourts in the league.

    Draft Gradeo A relatively weak draft for an owner of Chalmers Chiefers caliber. As of right now, your three-headed frontcourt

    will need to carry your team. And until you find some consistency (or some new faces?) in the backcourt, youll be

    a bubble team to make the postseason C-

    Magic 8-ball outlooko Better not tell you now... Through Week 4, youve averaged 136+ points, so your 1-3 record is not indicative of

    your teams level of play. But after acquiring Terrence Jones, your scoring should be on the rise. I cant be too

    harsh on an owner who saw an opportunity to improve his team, and had the guts to trade away his first round

    pick in the process.

    Team #7: Gods on my side (2-2)

    Feasto Tim Abromaitis: F, Notre Dame Gods on my side knew that someone had to pick

    up the slack in the post-Harangody era for Notre Dame. And his last name might

    sound like some rare disease, but Abromaitis has been making his opponents sick to

    their stomachs so far. The Fighting Irish are off to hot start (8-0), but next week

    features marquee matchups against Kentucky (12/8) and Gonzaga (12/11).

    Famineo Harrison Barnes: F, North Carolina As the #1 prospect in the ESPNU 100, the

    national expectations were unreasonable for Barnes. After becoming the first

    freshman to make the preseason All-American list, Barnes has been underwhelming

    to this point, riding the pine for two straight weeks. But given the performances of

    his replacements, Gods on my side will be forced to give him a shot at redemption.

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    Sleeper

    o Tristan Thompson: F, Texas The freshman from Ontario is Texas second leading scorer (12.0) and leads them inrebounds (7.7) and blocks (2.4). But after Gods on my side acquired Thompson in Week 3, its been like playing a

    shell game. After posting a disaster 3.50 fantasy points in Week 3, Thompson was benched in Week 4 and would

    have given Gods on my side 30.00 fantasy points. Thompson is clearly talented enough to post eye-popping

    numbers. But until he can play with some consistency, expect more what-ifs and almosts.

    Draft Gradeo Hes a hell of a point guard, but taking a less-than 100% Kalin Lucas in the first round was a head-scratcher. And no

    one could foresee Frank Martins short leash with Curtis Kelly, because he appeared to be a great pick in the 5th

    round. But in a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately? world, those two have combined to average 10.25 fantasy

    points per start thus far C

    Magic 8-ball outlooko Outlook not so good Alec Burks and Ashton Gibbs are steady performers in your backcourt. But scoring less

    than 80 total points in Week 4 exposed some glaring weaknesses. If this all-or-nothing scoring becomes a pattern,

    then expect a rollercoaster of a season. If there arent noticeable improvements in your frontcourt, then youll be

    on the outside looking in when the playoffs roll around.

    Team #6: Neenans Warriors (1-3)

    Feasto Kemba Walker: G, Connecticut The street-tough, point guard from

    the Bronx has been the most impressive player so far. But Walker is

    more than just the nations leading scorer at 29.1ppg. Hes averaging

    better than 5 rebounds and sporting a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

    Kemba still ranks #4 in overall in league scoring, despite Neenans

    Warriors missing out on his triple-double vs. UMBC on 12/5.

    Famineo Jimmy Butler: G/F, Marquette Neenans Warriors likely envisioned

    big things for his fellow Golden Eagle when he drafted him in the 3rd

    round. However, Butler has only averaged

    18.94 fantasy points after four weeks. As Marquettes lone playmaker, Butler will continue to garner a majority of

    the attention of opposing defenses.

    Sleepero Brandon Knight: G, KentuckyWhile it would be unfair to expect John Wall-esque numbers from Brandon Knight, Iwouldnt expect too much drop-off statistically. If he can keep his turnovers in check (4.7 per game), then Knight

    could become John Caliparis fourth-straight, freshman point-guard taken in the NBA draft lottery.

    Draft Gradeo Neenans Warriors waited until the 5th round before selecting a true rebounding threat, which is certainly an

    interesting strategy. Therefore, hell need Mike Tisdale to provide some much needed help on the boards for a

    squad likely featuring four guards in his starting lineup B-

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    Magic 8-ball outlook

    o Cannot predict now Im not making excuses for postponing judgment on Neenans Warriors so far. But I dontthink well know how good this squad will be until his 1

    stround pick, Seton Halls Jeremy Hazell, returns from

    surgery on his left wrist. He averaged 30+ fantasy points over his first two starts. Until Hazell is back for good,

    Neenans Warriors will need to patch together some production to keep the ship afloat.

    Team #5: Sutton & Sons Saloon and Pharmacy (2-2)

    Feasto Demetri McCamey: G, Illinois The role of a point guard is to

    be an extension of the head coach. And few play the position

    with as much poise as Illinois Demetri McCamey. He leads all

    BCS conferences with 7.7 assists per game. And hes not shywhen it comes to shooting the rock either, making 19-of-36

    (52.8%) of his 3-point attempts this season.

    Famineo Marshawn Powell: F, Arkansas After a stellar freshman

    campaign, Powell seemed poised for a breakout sophomore season. But after breaking his left foot in August,

    those plans were put on hold. While he continues to work his way back into shape, Powells stats are about half of

    what they were last year. For now, Sutton & Sons will need to look elsewhere for some frontcourt production.

    Sleepero Reggie Jackson: G, Boston College A score-first point guard from Colorado Springs, Jackson has dramatically

    improved on his shot selection so far this season. Before this year, Jackson was a career 28.4% shooter from 3-

    point territory. Fast forward this season and Jackson is hitting at a 42.5% clip from downtown. Sutton & Sons 6th

    round pick currently ranks in the Top 10 in overall scoring. So, you might as well nickname the kid Mr. November

    Draft Gradeo Sutton & Sons couldnt avoid the injury bug in Round 2 (Tracy Smith, knee) and Round 3 (Marshawn Powell, foot).

    But as it stands, this teams frontcourt is on thin ice. If Tyler Zeller can become an impact player, then that could

    help stop the bleeding. Since this was your first draft, you did pretty well. But overall, it was pretty average C+

    Magic 8-ball outlooko Signs point to yes Often times you see teams take on the mentality of their head coach. And from what Ive

    seen so far, Sutton & Sons will make sure his squad does whatever it takes to guarantee success. Ive been told by

    multiple owners that Sutton & Sons has been giving his opponents an earful during the week. Hes clearly trying to

    establish a mental stronghold in Division: Outsourced, which appears to be the toughest from top to bottom.

    Team #4: The Iron Men (2-2)

    Feasto Draymond Green: F, Michigan State After serving as the Spartans 6th

    man for two seasons, Green has embraced his starting role. The

    Dancing Bear already has four double-doubles this season, including

    a 50+ performance in Week 2 for The Iron Men.

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    Famine

    o LaceDarius Dunn: G, Baylor I had trouble finding a true underachiever in one of the early rounds for The IronMen. But if I was forced to pick one, it would be LaceDarius Dunn. The senior from Monroe, Louisiana ran into

    some offseason legal trouble, missing Baylors first three contests. While Dunn is shooting a sizzling 16-for-31

    (51.6%) from behind the arc, he has also averaged 5 turnovers per game. Thats not the kind of decision-making

    youd expect from an experienced upperclassman who primarily plays off the ball.

    Sleepero Josh Selby: G, Kansas Is it December 18th yet? The Iron Mens starting lineup will feature a new face in Week 6.

    And while Tyshawn Taylor has done an admirable job filling in for the Jayhawks prized recruit, Selby is in a class all

    by himself. Head coach Bill Self has reiterated not to place too high of expectations on his freshman guard, but

    Selby could be a dangerous third guard in The Iron Mens starting lineup, especially down the stretch.

    Draft Gradeo Perhaps he put in some extra time beforehand, or did he just get lucky? Whatever the case, every time The Iron

    Men were on the clock, they made the right decision. They have a variety of versatile players at their disposal

    coupled with a strong bench, too. Handcuffing Tyshawn Taylor to Josh Selby in the last round was borderline

    brilliant. I dont think anyone saw this turnaround coming, and I know I sure didnt B+

    Magic 8-ball outlooko It is decidedly so After a pathetic lack of effort last season, I was skeptical if Id ever see The Iron Men (formerly

    Maria Koppen) back on the fantasy college hoops scene. Surprisingly, he was one of the few owners that were

    itching to get this season started. I like what Ive seen so far from The Iron Men, and I have a feeling this newfound

    focus will lead to a successful season.

    Team #3: Jill Cousins (3-1)

    Feasto Nikola Vucevic: F, Southern Cal A Trojan double-double machine through

    the first four weeks, Vucevics game has a European flare to it. That should

    be no surprise, as the 610 240-pound junior hails from Bar, Serbia. Vucevic

    has the bulk to bang inside, and the soft touch to hit from long range.

    Famineo JaMychal Green: F, Alabama Luckily for Jill Cousins, he has multiple options

    in the frontcourt. The former McDonalds All-American has been suspended

    twice in the last two seasons. Currently, Green serving an indefinite

    suspension for a violation of team rules, missing Bamas last three games.

    Sleepero Marshon Brooks: G/F, Providence Not to take anything away from the Providence basketball program, but

    relatively unknown players like Marshon Brooks just make fantasy college basketball an absolute blast. A free

    agent pickup just before Week 3, Brooks has averaged 33+ points in his two starts. Its safe to say that Jill Cousins

    found a diamond in the rough, as I dont see Brooks ever coming out of his starting lineup.

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    Draft Grade

    o Jill Cousins had one of those drafts that you initially thought was a complete failure. Marcus Morris probably was areach in the 1

    stround. But the problem on this team is in the backcourt. Aside from the newly acquired Marshon

    Brooks, I just dont see how this teams backcourt can compete over the long haul C+

    Magic 8-ball outlooko As I see it, yes While I am not sold on Jill Cousins roster from top to bottom, their Morris-Vucevic-Sullinger

    frontcourt is as solid as a rock. However, I would highly advise Jill Cousins to take another dip in the free agency

    pool, and try to find another productive guard.

    Team #2: Crimson & Bluebloods (4-0)

    Feasto Kyrie Irving: G, Duke As the first freshman to run the point for the Blue Devils since

    Jason Williams in 99, Irving has been dominating box scores from the get-go. The

    obstacle of first-year point guards is to gain the trust of their head coach. Irving has

    done everything within the flow of the Duke offense, averaging 32+ fantasy points

    through four weeks. Id say Coach K is more than comfortable with Kyrie so far.

    Famineo D.J. Kennedy: G/F, St. Johns After leading the Red Storm in scoring (15.1),

    rebounds (6.1), assists (3.1), blocks (0.7) and steals (1.2) last season, Kennedy

    appeared to be a fantasy stud in 2010. Perhaps hes adjusting to Steve Lavin and the

    new coaching staff. But Kennedy has been held to single-digit scoring outings three

    times already, compared to six times all of last season.

    Sleepero Jordan Hamilton: G/F, Texas Crimson & Bluebloods is getting monster production out of their 7th round selection

    The Longhorns blue-chipper from Los Angeles can score from anywhere on the court. But if Hamilton can continue

    to improve on his shot selection and put forth consistent effort on the defensive end, hell be on the fast-track to

    becoming this years Corsicana Kid (a.k.a. Wesley Johnson).

    Draft Gradeo After such an embarrassing draft last year, Crimson & Bluebloods was hell-bent on redemption. So far, it looks like

    the extra preparation paid off. Despite having to play without 1st

    rounder Trey Thompkins until Week 4, Crimson &

    Bluebloods (4-0) has more than weathered the storm A-

    Magic 8-ball outlooko Without a doubt Like a broken record, Crimson & Bluebloods looks primed for yet another banner season. But

    the season is still young, and were a long way from home. But I can guarantee that no one will put in more work

    day in, day out to achieve the dream. The dream of a three-peat thats right, I said it.

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    Team #1: Gordon Bombay (4-0)

    Feasto JaJuan Johnson: F/C, Purdue The Boilermakers were dealt a tough hand,

    losing Robbie Hummel for the season with a second torn ACL. But that injury

    shot JaJuan Johnson up everyones draft board. As the primary post presence,

    Purdue will run their offense through Johnson. And Gordon Bombay has been

    the beneficiary, with three double-doubles from JaJuan in the first four weeks.

    Famineo Isaiah Thomas: G, Washington Washingtons scoring has been through the

    roof (100+ in 4 of 7 games). But his contributions have been through increased

    on-the-court leadership. The Huskies have a balanced scoring attack this year,

    so Isaiah will need to become a versatile player in the box score.

    Sleepero Jordan Williams: F, Maryland As one of the most dominant frontcourt players in the country, Williams has

    recorded double-doubles in seven of the Terps first nine games, including three out of four starts for Gordon

    Bombay. He runs the court extremely well for a 260-pounder, and has averaged just over 31 minutes per game.

    But if he cannot improve on his stroke from the charity stripe (52.5%), Gary Williams will be forced to bench him

    during late game situations.

    Draft Gradeo For the second consecutive year, Chalmers Chiefers drafted a team for his little brother. However, Im still trying to

    figure out why he insists on doing such a smash-up job when it was merely a favor. Nevertheless, I always reward a

    job well done A

    Magic 8-ball outlooko It is certain Given the success of the draft, Gordon Bombay practically has another playoff roster gift-wrapped.

    And despite dealing one of the hottest players in the country, Kentuckys Terrence Jones, this team wont miss a

    beat. With the leagues most talented starting lineup, the pressure is on Bombay to not blow it this time around.