2012-2013 College Basketball thread

[fondybrewfan]

For as good as the top of the B10 is; there are some truly awful bottom feeders this year. Penn State, NW, and Nebraska are all atrocious and from what I hear we should expect the same from Purdue coming up shortly.

 

With Indiana's loss yesterday it isn't inconcievable that UW could atleast tie for the conference title; but they are going to need to beat Michigan State on the road to it. They are probably assured of being a Top 4 seed in the B10 tourney though.

[bani1717]

Yeah, if the Badgers win out (with the only tough game being @ Michigan State) and Michigan beats Indiana at home in their last game, the Badgers are at worst in a three-way tie for first with Michigan and Indiana. Since the Badgers beat both Indiana and Michigan in the lone meetings with both those schools, we could be looking at Wisconsin getting the #1 seed in the Big Ten Tourney. By no means is there an easy road to that point, but the fact that it's even possible at this point seems unreal to me.

 

If that happens AND the Badgers somehow win the Big Ten Tourney, what kind of a seed do you think that earns them? I would think 3 for sure at that point even with their eight losses...

[FVBrewerFan]

Yea, Evans brings the same thing to the table that Bruizer does- minutes. Neither is a great player, but they can run the offense, generally make smart decisions, and play solid defense. There really are no other options close to being as good on the bench. Dekker will get more and more minutes, but he is really more of a perimeter player at this point in his careeer.

 

It's fascinating to see how Bo puts a competitive team out there every year when you just don't see how. Next year is no exception. Only 1 guy in the recruiting class, and that's a guard. Only bigs they have left are Kaminski and Dekker if you want to call him that. LOOKS like they're only 6 deep, and 4 of the 6 are guards, so can't wait to see how Bo makes it work yet again.

[TooLiveBrew]

It's fascinating to see how Bo puts a competitive team out there every year when you just don't see how. Next year is no exception. Only 1 guy in the recruiting class, and that's a guard. Only bigs they have left are Kaminski and Dekker if you want to call him that. LOOKS like they're only 6 deep, and 4 of the 6 are guards, so can't wait to see how Bo makes it work yet again.

I do agree on your larger point that it's impressive to watch Bo continue to cruise along. However...

 

Next season's incoming class is 5 players (3 guards, 2 forwards).

 

Also, 6'10/255 Evan Anderson (who got some minutes in last night's game) is only a redshirt soph. this season.

[brwrsfan]

Only 1 guy in the recruiting class? Next years recruiting class is one of the better ones Bo has put together. Per Scout.com, 1 four star player in Koenig (PG), and 3 three-star players in Dearing (SF), Brown (PF) and Hayes (PF). Plus another unranked recruit, Jordan Hill. Those last two (Brown and Hayes) aren't quite as big as Bergerron is but they are both listed as 6'8. Considering how thin the Badgers bench is this year and how many minutes will be available, I think some of those guys very well might see minutes right away. Dekker and Kaminski step into starting roles, and then who knows after that. But Bo will have talent (albeit young) to go along with Dekker, Gasser, Jackson, etc. It should be a solid team.

 

As far as the Big Ten title chase goes, that Minnesota loss is going to come back to haunt them. That was a definite win that we gave away. We have to win out now to have any chance. We have certainly shown that we CAN win on the road against tough teams, and we easily could have beaten MSU at home, but that's a tough one. We should be heavily favored in the other ones. IU still has Iowa and OSU at home and then at Michigan. I doubt they lose two of those, but it's not impossible I guess.

 

If Wisconsin won a share of the conference title AND won the Big Ten Tournament, I'd say they are no worse than a 3 seed. They are right on the 4/5 line right now. Throw in a win at MSU, and then beating two of the following in the tournament...Indiana, OSU, MSU, Mich, Illinois, Minn...I don't see how they wouldn't move up to a 3.

[fondybrewfan]

It seems like there is a pretty good chance that at least one of the PF commits for 2013 are going to get some heavy minutes next year. The only Power Forwards or Centers on the team next year are Kaminsky, Anderson, and Dukan. Odds are pretty good that one or both of Hayes & Brown are going to be better on there first day at UW than Anderson or Dukan.

 

Dukan was a pretty solid player in HS; hasn't amounted to much yet but still might have a chance. I never quite understood the Anderson love or why he is even a Big 10 player. He is a huge man at 6' 10" yet managed a measly 10/5 in High School. I am sorry but if you are that big in High School and couldn't dominate then you are going to be in way over your head in the B10. Anderson is just another JP Gavinski.

[brwrsfan]

Anderson is simply that...a BIG dude. He looks the part, but he's just not very good or athletic. I don't know if they thought he would develop but he simply never has. He got some minutes earlier this year when Kaminski was out and Bergerron got in foul trouble (can't recall which game) but he looked awful. Things could change, but he seems to be nothing more than bench filler/backup at this point. Meaningful minutes from him seem unlikely. Dukan maybe, he at least looks like he has a decent chance, but even still, he very rarely sees the court.

 

From watching the videos of Hayes and Brown, they both look pretty skilled and not so much as projects. There are definitely minutes available at PF and C to be had next year.

[TooLiveBrew]

I was only responding to the claim that Kaminsky & Dekker are the only bigs for next season, and pointed out that Anderson was even on display for a short while in the last game. Not talking him up or down.

[craigharmann]

 

And Sam Dekker is good.

 

I have a bunch of friends in Sheboygan, specifically at Lutheran. He's THAT good. And will get even better with teaching.

[homer]

Hayes and Brown are steals, IMO and both might play next year. I'm guessing they'll go with a three guard lineup of Gasser, Brust, and Jackson (then Kaminsky and Dekker). Then it's just finding minutes for Marshall and Koenig. I'll be curious to see how everything plays out.

 

For 2014 they also have a 6'7" kid out of Illinois but he is more of swing man ala Dekker.

 

And as for feeling bad about the Minnesota game, I think beating Michigan sort of evened that one out. Without that prayer from Brust they lose that one.

[DHonks]

amazing how good this season has turned out for Wisconsin teams. I really thought Marquette would be good, but all my Badger fan friends declared them done when they lost the PG before the season. So it's good to see both teams overachieving. Sounds like they should be 4-5 seeds in the Big Dance. Now just 3 weeks and I'll be in Vegas, enjoying a good meal, and hopefully will have made some money on play-in games!!!

[RobDeer 45]

I'm just nervous about this WI team not being athletic enough to be a higher seed. They have played over there head a bit this year IMO, but maybe they can keep that up. Bo needs to give Dekker a longer leash, let him hoist and maybe we can make a little run! I think PG play will be our demise.

[fondybrewfan]

The talent level at the High School level in WI is about as high as I have ever seen it. Consistently putting a lot of guys at strong D1 programs for the last couple of years and a lot of talent coming up as well. Dekker was Top 10 nationally I think, Diamond Stone is the #2 rates soph in the country, and this years class is especially deep with 5-6 really legitimate D1 players. I am going to be following the recruitment of Stone closely; he can go anywhere he wants. I guess I have a hard time believing UW or Marquette are going to keep him in state; even with his teammate Wilson going to Marq next year. Lots of good basketball all around in the state. Well except for the Bucks maybe

[brwrsfan]

Diamond Stone is ranked #2 in the entire class of 2015. He grades out as a 95 out of 100, with of course a full 5 stars. He's only 15 I believe, and he's already 6'10, 250. He currently has offers from big time schools like Indiana, Arizona, UCLA, Gtown and of course Marquette and Wisconsin. He also has been linked to Kentucky, Duke and UNC - but doesn't have an offer from them yet.

 

So yeah, it seems unlikely that he'd stay in state (think Tokoto for example) but the fact that he's from here at least gives the in state schools a chance. You never know, some guys really want to stay close to home or have always dreamed of being a Badger for example (think Dekker or Devin Harris). So while it's unlikely, it's not impossible. He's still awfully young, so a lot could depend on how the teams do next year. Both could be good, Marquette has a ton of in state top talent coming in next year (including a teammate of his) so you never know.

 

As far as this years teams go...the Badgers will likely ultimately be doomed in by their inconsistent offense and/or their horrible FT shooting. Also, Ryan Evans apparently injured his knee in practice yesterday. No more information has been released other than he was able to walk off and is "day to day". Bad timing with senior day on Sunday. I've ripped Evans a lot this year, but his rebounding and defense would be a big loss...as would the loss of depth. Hopefully it's nothing serious but he did apparently scream out in pain loud enough for reports (who weren't allowed in yet) to hear him.

[FVBrewerFan]

Yea, it will help that Wilson is going to Marquette, one more thing that gives MU a legit shot at landing Stone.

 

As Fondy said, the talent level in HS is so much better these days in-state. Wasn't all that long ago that Anthony Peiper was not the only the best prospect for several years, but considered a super-stud.

[homer]

Stone's cousin is Ryan Evans.

[fondybrewfan]

Really? I had never heard that.

 

Anyways Looney in 2014 and Stone in 2015 are probably as good as gone to some blue blood whether it be UNC, Duke, Kentucky, etc. I will be estatic that one or both will stick around in state but they both have a Tokoto feeling to them. They may say they are interested in Marquette and UW but they both know if they get offered by the big boys that they won't be able to turn them down. Stone is already 6'10" as a sophomore; the guy will be monstrous when he finally gets to college.

 

A D4 Team from my area (Laconia) gets to go down and play WB Domincan tomorrow in the Sectional Finals. Laconia hasn't lost all year but now they have to play against a Marquette Signee and a stud like Stone. I don't think Laconia has a guy over 6'4". I will be cheering hoping they can put up a fight but I am not optimistic. Its awfully hard for the northern public schools in the lower divisions to compete with the southeastern private schools. The talent level of the population pool is so much greater in those areas than in a place like Rosendale. Yeah the enrollments are the same; but that population draw is definitely not.

[homer]

http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/133593?referrer_id=388419-gopherhole-com-news-archive

 

Gopher Hole: Have you had a chance to go to any college games this winter?

 

Diamond Stone: Yes, my first cousin (Ryan Evans) plays for Wisconsin. I went there for their game against Michigan State. I visited their and Marquette. I go to Marquette a lot.

[olliegjw]

I could not see Diamond Stone ever playing in Bo Ryan's system. He will never develop enough of an outside shot to succeed at UW.

 

Wilson will fit in well at Marquette. Not sure why Marquette would want Burton, though. The guy has all the physical tools, but he can't shoot or dribble in traffic. My guess is he lasts less than a semester there.

[homer]

I could not see Diamond Stone ever playing in Bo Ryan's system. He will never develop enough of an outside shot to succeed at UW.

 

Greg Stiemsma had about 12 foot range. He's still in the NBA.

[Funketown]

Duke and Miami just played an incredible game. Ryan Kelly returned for Duke after missing two months and dropped 36. Duke lead 75-65 with just over a minute left but Miami surged back and rimmed a three pointer out at the last second to lose 78-75.

 

I'm usually wary of putting "out of nowhere" teams like Miami in my final four, but they just went to a very hostile environment and almost came away with the game despite Ryan Kelly shooting the lights out.

 

This year's tournament is building up to be an incredible one, so let's hope it doesn't disappoint. It's been a pretty long time since a serious long shot won the tourney (Kansas as a #6 in 1988, Arizona as a #4 in 1997), so maybe this is the year.

[fondybrewfan]

I would guess the ugly loss to Purdue and probably a loss to MSU locks UW into a 5 seed. Perhaps if they show up and play in ugly game in the B10 tourney that they might slip to a 6.

 

Just a horrible way for the seniors to go out; that team was just broke yesterday.

[brwrsfan]

Not sure what happened yesterday, after the hot start, it was like someone flipped a switch and it was over. Purdue is not a good team and they completely outworked and out hustled the Badgers in the last 25 minutes. UW simply doesn't have enough talent for that to happen. Bad, bad loss. Ends the Big Ten title hopes, definitely hurts their seeding as Purdue is under .500 and it COULD drop them out of the top 4 of the Big Ten if some other games don't go their way. Surprising to say the least.

 

We'll see how they perform at MSU, hopefully they compete. Hopefully they didn't peak too early.

[Baldkin]

Not sure what happened yesterday, after the hot start, it was like someone flipped a switch and it was over. Purdue is not a good team and they completely outworked and out hustled the Badgers in the last 25 minutes. UW simply doesn't have enough talent for that to happen. Bad, bad loss. Ends the Big Ten title hopes, definitely hurts their seeding as Purdue is under .500 and it COULD drop them out of the top 4 of the Big Ten if some other games don't go their way. Surprising to say the least.

 

We'll see how they perform at MSU, hopefully they compete. Hopefully they didn't peak too early.

 

What happened was UW's best three scorers couldn't get their hands on the ball in position to score. Jackson started hogging the ball, and turning it over, and Bo yanked Marshall twice almost immediately after he came in.

 

I'm pretty sure Dekker only had 1 second half shot before the final minute or so, and that was on an offensive rebound. I don't think hustle had anything to do with it, it was horrible defensive adjustments (Yes, when they ball screen 10 feet from the basket, you need to switch and step up and contest the shot Ryan Evans) and once again showing the inability of anyone other than Dekker to throw the ball into the post (seriously, why is that?).

[owbc]

Sounds like UW had gotten overconfident, so it was a good time for a wake up call. Better to lose a tough one now than in two weeks.