CNOTES 2024 - 2025 COLLEGE BASKETBALL NEWS-BEST BETS-OPINIONS THRU THE CHAMPIONSHIP !

[CNOTES]

31. Terrence Edwards Jr., G, Louisville​

Transfer from: James Madison

Edwards should make everything easier for Louisville's rebuild. The James Madison veteran transfer is a true two-way player who was asked to do a little bit of everything. Edwards owned one of the highest pick-and-roll usages last season, and he's got lots of counters in his bag. He owns a tight spin move to get to the rim or to his soft-touch floater. Edwards has grown a ton as a shooter, but he's still at his best when he hits attack mode and seeks out the creases. Edwards is slated to earn a heavy usage rate when he's on the floor, and Louisville's decision to load up on big men who can stretch the floor should open the paint for Edwards' defense-bending drives.

32. Roddy Gayle Jr., G, Michigan​

Transfer from: Ohio State

Gayle has a real shot at being the jewel of Michigan's transfer haul. Gayle has all the qualities of a pass-dribble-shoot guard who also happens to be hellacious defensively. Being able to attack space off the bounce is essential in May's drive-and-kick offense. Gayle does all of that. He shot over 60% at the rim on enormous volume. Nearly 43% of Gayle's shot attempts were at the rim last season. He is a walking paint touch, and Gayle should continue to be a staple at the free throw line. Gayle's 3-point jumper is streaky and the mechanics are a bit iffy at times. But it's not unsolvable. There's All-Big Ten upside here one day with room for even more.

33. Kylan Boswell, G, Illinois​

Transfer from: Arizona

Boswell, a Champaign native, is coming home to adopt the biggest role of his career. Boswell had an 18% usage rate last season at Arizona. He could sniff the 25% range at Illinois. Underwood pitched Boswell on an expanded offensive role, but Illinois certainly needs Boswell to buff up its perimeter defense. When dialed in, Boswell can be a difference-maker at the point of attack. Illinois landed prized international freshman Kasparas Jakucionis to handle most of the true point guard reps, which should allow Boswell to slide into a score-first, off-ball role. Boswell is a knockdown 3-point sniper, but he did not get to the rim often last season and barely shot any free throws. Attacking the rim is a massive priority for Underwood. It has to be a point of emphasis for Boswell.

34. Rylan Griffen, G, Kansas​

Transfer from: Alabama

Griffen shot over 39% on 146 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season at Alabama. He's exactly the type of sidekick this Kansas roster needed to accentuate Hunter Dickinson and Dajuan Harris. But he's so much more than just a shooter. Griffen is a comfortable secondary handler who flashed pockets of nifty decision-making. Griffen could be an elite 3-and-D wing once the D catches up to the 3-point shooting. He's shown flashes on that end, but it's time to level up. Kansas is banking on it.

35. Javian McCollum, G, Georgia Tech​

Transfer from: Oklahoma

McCollum is a stud. He was one of the top pick-and-roll scorers in the country last season for an undermanned Oklahoma club. McCollum is so dynamic off the bounce, and he can operate as Georgia Tech's lead guard or as a spot-up assassin next to emerging sophomore Nait George. McCollum's 31% 3-point mark is a bit deceiving. McCollum often had to operate as Oklahoma's late-clock, bail-us-out option. He shot just 4-for-24 on 3-pointers with less than four seconds left on the shot clock. McCollum can be one of the best offensive guards in the ACC with a few subtle tweaks in his game.

36. Pop Isaacs, G, Creighton​

Transfer from: Texas Tech

Greg McDermott has a long history of maximizing his best offensive players. Isaacs should be up next to jump on Creighton's jetpack joy ride. Isaacs' jumper last season was hit-or-miss, partially due to a hip injury and some iffy shot selection. But he's fearless and hard to contain off the bounce. Isaacs shot just 43% at the rim as a freshman, but that improved slightly to 48% last season. Is another spike coming? Isaacs will be Creighton's best late-clock option and his pick-and-roll chemistry with Kalkbrenner should be on full display. Isaacs is an easy pick to lead this Bluejays team in scoring.

37. Tyler Bilodeau, F, UCLA​

Transfer from: Oregon State

Bilodeau is a huge get for a UCLA offense that needed fixin' in the worst way. UCLA was one of the worst layup-shooting teams in the country last season. Bilodeau was automatic around the rim. He finished with the sixth-highest offensive efficiency rating in Pac-12 play, per KenPom. He shot over 71% at the rim, and he's a legitimate floor-spacer. Bilodeau should give point guard Dylan Andrews his first real pick-and-pop threat. He's such a big offensive upgrade over what UCLA trotted out last season in its frontcourt, but Cronin will demand more out of him defensively.

38. DJ Wagner, G, Arkansas​

Transfer from: Kentucky

Wagner was outshined by Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham at Kentucky, but his freshman year wasn't nearly as bad as some would lead you to believe. Wagner is good, and he can put opposing perimeter defenders in hell with his drives. Wagner is excellent at attacking the top foot and getting his defender off balance. The drives were impactful but Wagner has to improve finishing around the rim. That's arguably more important than continuing to progress as a shooter. Arkansas should give Wagner the runway to be a huge piece of this backcourt, but there are questions about his fit next to ball-dominant guards like Davis and freshman Boogie Fland. Maybe last season's experience next to Sheppard, Dillingham and Antonio Reeves will help Wagner find the sweet spot at Arkansas.

39. Wooga Poplar, G, Villanova​

Transfer from: Miami

Poplar is really good at what he does. The 6-5 guard is a proven, high-level shooter who splashed over 37% of his treys in each of the past two seasons. He's also capable of attacking the rack with a vengeance for some monster posters, and Poplar will stick his face in the fan on the glass. He's been a productive role player, but Poplar transferred to Villanova to show he can be more than just a spot-up guard. Poplar wants the ball in his hands as a primary initiator, and Villanova's backcourt needs a star. Poplar believes it's his turn to prove that he can be that alpha once and for all.

40. Tyrese Hunter, G, Memphis​

Transfer from: Texas

It's been a struggle for Hunter to stay consistent offensively, but at his best, he's still one of the premier on-ball defenders in the game. Hunter is the closest thing to a true, set-the-table point guard of this new-look Tigers bunch, but his experience playing both on and off the ball at Texas should pay off next to new running mate PJ Haggerty. Memphis certainly needs Hunter's 3-point jumper to stick to open up extra space for Haggerty's drives. Hunter has shot over 36% from downtown in conference play in back-to-back seasons. Hunter should be unleashed to be in the hunt for First Team All-AAC honors.

 

[CNOTES]

41. Chucky Hepburn, G, Louisville​

Transfer from: Wisconsin

Hepburn is so much better when he doesn't have to be a go-to scorer. When Hepburn can unleash extra energy on defense, his value elevates. The Wisconsin transfer was well-schooled on the defensive end under Greg Gard, and he projects to be one of the best on-ball defenders in the ACC while giving Louisville's offense a steady hand. Hepburn is a career 36% 3-point shooter who makes great decisions and can go for 20 on nights when he has the right matchup. But the veteran point guard hits the floor trying to make others better. Pat Kelsey's high-tempo system could unlock the best version of Hepburn.

42. Elijah Hawkins, G, Texas Tech​

Transfer from: Minnesota

Hawkins is one of the top initiator point guards in the country, and this was a fantastic coup for Texas Tech's new-look backcourt. The Minnesota transfer will be the table-setter for Toppin's buckets around the rim and the 3s from Chance McMillian and Kerwin Walton. He will have the keys to this Texas Tech offense, and Hawkins deserves that opportunity. Hawkins throws exceptional lobs and he's so easy to play with. Hawkins also shot over 38% from downtown on over four attempts per game during Big Ten play, so you can't go under every screen. That opens up more space in the ball-screen game. Hawkins is only 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, so he's an easy target for opposing offenses, but Texas Tech has insulated him with sturdy perimeter defenders to cover up some of his weaknesses on that end.

43. JP Pegues, G, Auburn​

Transfer from: Furman

Pegues is a killer. He will take and make tough shots, and that type of guard is exactly what Auburn needed in the portal. Pegues played a variety of roles at Furman, first as a spot-up guy playing off Mike Bothwell and Jalen Slawson and then as a lead guard who had to initiate everything. That experience and variety should pay off right away for the Tigers. His nifty drives, pure jumper and smart playmaking give Pegues a chance to be Auburn's No. 2 option behind Johni Broome from the jump.

44. Miles Kelly, G, Auburn​

Transfer from: Georgia Tech

Auburn's offense could bog down in late-clock situations last season, but it addressed that issue with Pegues and Kelly. At Georgia Tech, Kelly had to be a high-usage scorer who took tough shots. At Auburn, he'll have to embrace a lower-usage role with the benefit of much cleaner looks. Don't be fooled by the percentages, Kelly is a dynamic shooter and he can hit some tough stepbacks against even the best defense. Auburn coach Bruce Pearl has raved about Kelly often this season, often describing him as one of the best shooters he's ever had.

45. Meechie Johnson, G, Ohio State​

Transfer from: South Carolina

Johnson was a top-of-the-scouting report killer for South Carolina last season. He had a ton of responsibilities on his plate offensively. That experience should reap benefits in Round II at Ohio State. Johnson should slide right next to Bruce Thornton and form one of the top bucket-getting guard duos in the league next season. Johnson was the best version of himself at South Carolina with a pick-and-pop big man like BJ Mack. That's still an unproven question for Ohio State's frontcourt. But there's no doubt Johnson's drives are impactful. That first step is nasty. He'll be productive in his return to Ohio State.

46. Cedric Coward, G/F, Washington State​

Transfer from: Eastern Washington

Remember when Great Osobor followed his coach, Danny Sprinkle, from Montana State to Utah State and became a household name? Something similar could happen with Coward who followed David Riley from Eastern Washington to Washington State. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound wing is on NBA radars thanks to his versatility. Riley smartly uses Coward like the queen on the chess board, posting him up against smaller matchups or letting him stretch the floor and bend defenses with his drives. Coward shot 75% at the rim and 40% on his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. That'll play. He's a two-way player, too. Coward should get way more exposure in the WCC.

47. Ja'Kobi Gillespie, G, Maryland​

Transfer from: Belmont

All of Gillespie's advanced offensive stats last season at Belmont were terrific. Gillespie was extremely efficient from 3-point range, and he shot nearly 70% at the rim in halfcourt settings. That's nuts for a 6-foot-1 point guard. The question is whether all of that efficiency will translate against high-major opponents. Maryland is banking on it. Gillespie does not have to be Jahmir Young 2.0, but he'll get the first crack at replacing the Terps' All-Big Ten guard. Gillespie's dribble-handoff game with skilled five-star big man Derik Queen should be terrific.

48. Trazarien White, G/F, TCU​

Transfer from: UNC Wilmington

TCU coach Jamie Dixon has leaned into a heavy-transition offense the last few years, and White can help keep that train rolling. The slashing wing is a good, low-volume shooter, but he's just an awesome driver who constantly breaks down defenses and gets to the paint. He's so wiry and tough to stay in front of. History says you can find productive transfer-up targets from the CAA ranks, and White is up next. He's one of the best wing-handlers in the portal, and White can be one of TCU's better defenders from the jump. He doesn't check off quite as many boxes as Emanuel Miller, but White should replace a bunch of that production.

49. Tramon Mark, G, Texas​

Transfer from: Arkansas

Mark was one of the top isolation scorers in the country last season. Mark shot over 70% at the rim and drew nearly five fouls per 40 minutes. He's constantly putting pressure on the defense with his drives and a midrange jumper he can comfortably get to whenever. He shot a career-best 36% from 3-point range for Arkansas, but it was on a bit lower volume (3.2 attempts per game). Mark should be one of Texas' best two-way players, and he might earn that closer role.

50. Ben Humrichous, F, Illinois​

Transfer from: Evansville

Humrichous was one of the most impactful players in the country last season. Evansville was competent with Humrichous on the floor (+3.6 net rating) and a complete dumpster fire without him (-16.8 net rating). Illinois wants at least four shooters on the floor at all times, and that's Humrichous' game. Humrichous shot 42% on 142 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. The 6-foot-9 forward can fire over just about anybody. Humrichous also owns real wiggle off the bounce. If the right matchup presents itself, Illinois will be comfortable giving Humrichous the green light to go to work one-on-one to get to his fadeaway, midrange jumper. Humrichous is easily one of the top stretch forwards in the portal, and there weren't many of them in the free agency pool.

 

[CNOTES]

51. Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State​

Transfer from: Saint Mary's

Saint Mary's defense was impenetrable when Jefferson was on the floor. Now, he heads to Iowa State to be a key cog for another elite defense. He'll guard those rangy forwards in the Big 12 that Milan Momcilovic would've had issues with. Jefferson's playmaking, defense and rebounding give him such a high floor. Iowa State can use him to back down good matchups from the slot, and he's a willing passer who can spray it and create advantages for drivers like Keshon Gilbert or shooters like Momcilovic, Tamin Lipsey or Curtis Jones. Jefferson is easily one of the most talented forwards T.J. Otzelberger has coached at Iowa State, and if the jumper continues to improve, he will leap into a new tier.

52. Aaron Scott, F, St. John's​

Transfer from: Ohio State

Richmond and Smith are the big-name gets for St. John's, but Scott is such a stud. There was a real shortage of stretch 4s in the portal, but St. John's landed one of the best out there. Scott shot over 37% on 115 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season, and he is very comfortable getting into his post-ups from the slot. Plus, Scott projects to be an outstanding multi-positional defender. His floor spacing will be invaluable for St. John's. He might never sit.

53. Michael Ajayi, F, Gonzaga​

Transfer from: Pepperdine

Everyone is looking for forwards as well-rounded as Ajayi. Gonzaga scooped him up quickly, and it was super familiar with his game after he tangled with the Zags often during his Pepperdine days. Ajayi should get the first crack at replacing versatile stud Anton Watson. Ajayi is more of a wing-handler who can play on the perimeter thanks to his gorgeous stroke and ability to attack long closeouts, but he's got a proven knack for rebounding. Gonzaga can use him in post-ups, as a popper in pick-and-rolls or even as the initiator for some ball-screen reps. Ajayi should be a high-level connector for a Gonzaga squad that has National Championship aspirations.

54. Saint Thomas, G/F, USC​

Transfer from: Northern Colorado

Saint Thomas balled out in the Dalton Knecht role at Northern Colorado. He's a big, physical wing who shot over 67% at the rim last season. That efficiency might come down in the Big Ten, but that aggressiveness has to be maintained. Thomas should settle right into a No. 1B option behind Claude. He'll have a high usage rate, and USC can use him as a post-up weapon or in ball screens. Thomas could also be featured as USC's pseudo-point guard, but his growth as a catch-and-shoot weapon is key.

55. Lynn Kidd, C, Miami​

Transfer from: Virginia Tech

The 6-10 big man should give Miami's defense some much-needed size on the back line. Kidd's best asset is his low-post dominance. Kidd was one of the top post-up scorers in college basketball last season and he has great hands in the pick-and-roll. Miami smartly added East Carolina transfer sniper Brandon Johnson to this frontcourt to make it even harder to send another big to double-team Kidd. Miami just has a cavalry of shooting surrounding Kidd.

56. Amari Williams, C, Kentucky​

Transfer from: Drexel

Skilled size is everything for Mark Pope's offense, and a center who can be a playmaker on the perimeter is vital. Williams is not a 3-point shooter, but he can clear open space with screens and dribble hand-offs. He's also an adept passer who had a 17% assist rate this past season at Drexel. Kentucky will also rely heavily on Williams to protect the rim and scoop up boards. The 6-foot-10, 265-pound big man has enough bricks in his britches to handle one-on-one coverage against just about any big man, so Kentucky won't have to send double teams. Playing with incoming sophomore Brandon Garrison might be a blessing in disguise for Williams. Kentucky can keep him fresh, out of foul trouble and his motor should be revving for the 20-to-25 minutes he's on the floor.

57. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, F, NC State​

Transfer from: Louisville

\Huntley-Hatfield is the jewel of the NC State transfer haul. Huntley-Hatfield's tape was impressive amidst a rocky Louisville campaign. He became a double-double threat every night and played with outstanding effort. He's 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds with the ability to play multiple defensive coverages, and Huntley-Hatfield should continue to grow as a floor-stretcher. There's no reason to think he won't be a productive monster for NC State who knows how to feature its big men.

58. Aaron Bradshaw, C, Ohio State​

Transfer from: Kentucky

Bradshaw might make or break Ohio State. If his production matches his potential, the Buckeyes could be one of the best teams in the Big Ten. Bradshaw's ability to stretch the floor would open up the paint for Johnson and Thornton to get to the rack. The former five-star, 7-1 center was also regarded as a big-time rim protector during his high school days. Ohio State is banking on a Kel'el Ware-like bounceback season in a new place with a full bill of health.

59. PJ Haggerty, G, Memphis​

Transfer from: Tulsa

Haggerty is a lean, mean, foul-drawing machine. The Tulsa transfer can put a ton of pressure on the rim, and his floater is a real weapon. And he pitches a tent, starts a fire and calls the free throw line home. Haggerty shot double-digit free throws in 15 games last season. That's a skill. Penny Hardaway needs Haggerty to shoot it better from downtown and find a way to impact winning without super high volume. Haggerty owned a 30% usage rate last season at Tulsa. It was his team. Memphis is loaded with talent. Haggerty's usage might not sniff 30% with Tyrese Hunter, Dain Dainja and Colby Rogers all needing to get theirs. But Haggerty's a heckuva talent who can be one of the engines of this club.

60. Alijah Martin, G, Florida​

Transfer from: FAU

Martin is a big, physical 2-guard who will hunt his jumper and is a menace in transition. Martin struggled with injuries a bit last season, but if he's back to full strength, Florida was a smart landing spot for both sides. Florida coach Todd Golden is likely banking on Martin being the Gators' best perimeter defender. Martin gets in some trouble when he tries to create his own offense, but he's awesome in transition, an area that Florida heavily prioritizes.

 

[CNOTES]

61. AJ Hoggard, G, Vanderbilt​

Transfer from: Michigan State

Hoggard's strengths are obvious. Hoggard is a very good defender who can lock down just about any perimeter option. He's a terrific playmaker who nearly racked up a 3-to-1, assist-to-turnover ratio this past season. Hoggard shot a serviceable 35% from 3-point range last season, but his issues offensively came inside the arc. For a big, strong guard, Hoggard struggled mightily to finish around the rim and his pull-up jumper went off the rails. Hoggard shot just 5-for-42 on those pull-ups. That almost feels too bad to replicate. Positive regression seems inevitable.

62. Zeke Mayo, G, Kansas​

Transfer from: South Dakota State

Mayo is just a bucket, but his shots will come in different spots at Kansas than they did at South Dakota State. Mayo is expected to move into more of an off-ball role which should unlock more catch-and-shoot opportunities. Mayo drilled 43% of his 96 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season. Oh, and Mayo is a midrange maestro. That ability to go get a bucket should be a huge stress reliever for a KU offense that needed an extra jolt. Mayo is probably closer to a two-level scorer than a true three-level scorer, but his comfort as a primary scorer/creator at South Dakota State should help him ace a slightly scaled-down role for Kansas.

63. TJ Bamba, G, Oregon​

Transfer from: Villanova

Oregon crushed it in the portal and it starts with Bamba. The Villanova transfer is good at a little bit of everything. He shot over 43% on his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season and he can smartly attack long closeouts. Bamba is capable of handling some on-ball responsibilities as well, and he'll be an impactful defender for the Ducks. Bamba is a plug-and-play, two-way starter who should be a double-digit performer, at minimum.

64. Andrej Stojakovic, G/F, California​

Transfer from: Stanford

Stojakovic has excellent bloodlines and needed a fresh start after a rough freshman-year showing at Stanford. The flashes of brilliance were there as an off-ball sniper who is an excellent cutter and can smoothly drive it. When he played with confidence (check the USC film), Stojakovic was a baller. But the dark days were grim. The odds are strong that Stojakovic is going to be a really, really good player one day, but he has to clean up the mechanics on his jumper and continue to improve his body. Similar to Jaylon Tyson, Stojakovic made a wise choice in the portal to go somewhere where he can earn a high usage rate and have the ball in his hands from the jump.

65. Trey Townsend, F, Arizona​

Transfer from: Oakland

Good things happen when you pair a smart player like Townsend with a smart coach like Tommy Lloyd. The 6-6, 228-pound forward isn't a stretch 4 (he's made 50 3-pointers in 126 games), but he's closer to a wing handler who can constantly create advantages. He's in that Jaime Jaquez-lite mold as an excellent post-up weapon, good cutter, smart decision-maker who will not hurt you. Arizona ranked outside the top-60 nationally in points per possession in halfcourt settings, per Synergy. Not bad, but not great, either. An elite transition offense helped Arizona finish No. 11 overall in offensive efficiency, but there were real pockets when Arizona's offense could get bogged down. Townsend might be part of the solution. Townsend provides another halfcourt hub who can win one-on-one matchups and get to the free throw line.

66. Felix Okpara, C, Tennessee​

Transfer from: Ohio State

Opponents shot just 54% at the rim against Ohio State when Okpara was on the floor. His length, court coverage and rim presence are extremely valuable. Okpara is a willing role player who is an excellent lob threat in pick-and-rolls, but he's not a center you want to run your offense through. Okpara still has work to do to become a reliable post-up scorer, but he should team up well with Zakai Zeigler's pinpoint lobs.

67. Tony Perkins, G, Missouri​

Transfer from: Iowa

Perkins has been a staple in Iowa's rotation for three years but the leap into being a legitimate First Team, All-Big Ten guy never truly materialized. But the 6-4, 205-pound guard is the most proven piece on this Mizzou roster. He's a very good scorer at two levels. Perkins loves to get to the middle of the floor for a midrange jumper. He's also constantly putting pressure on the rim and getting to the free throw line. Nearly 40% of his shots last season came at the rim, per Synergy, and he averaged over five free throw attempts per game in Big Ten play. His decision-making overall really grew which is encouraging. Perkins finished with a 2.4-to-1, assist-to-turnover ratio. That'll work every single day of the week and twice on Sundays.

68. Arthur Kaluma, F, Texas​

Transfer from: Kansas State

When Kaluma keeps it simple, he can be effective. Kaluma shot a career-best 36% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season at Kansas State. The 6-foot-7, 225-pound wing is a willing rebounder and has been part of good defenses both at Kansas State and Creighton. Kaluma can be an impactful piece when he attacks straight-line drives, drills spot-up 3s and hunts buckets in transition before the defense gets set. But he gets in so much trouble when he tries to be a top of the scouting report creator. Kaluma had a dreadful, negative assist-to-turnover ratio. He takes tough shots off the dribble and doesn't make 'em. He's yet to record an above-average offensive rating in conference play in each of the last three years. The flashes are there, but eliminating the negative plays will be so important.

69. Jason Edwards, G, Vanderbilt​

Transfer from: North Texas

Edwards is a bucket. He was the high-usage engine of North Texas' offense, and Edwards finished with fantastic efficiency from downtown and the midrange despite his tape being filled with a ton of tough shots. The 6-foot guard just knows how to score, and a lightning-quick first step makes him such a tough cover. Vanderbilt's decision to pair a defensive-first playmaker like Hoggard with a score-first guard like Edwards looks like smart roster-building.

70. Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas​

Transfer from: Kentucky

The powerful, 6-8 wing will be one of Arkansas' best multi-positional defenders. Thiero has pogo-stick bounce and can be an excellent secondary rim protector. He's probably best-suited guarding bigger wings or forwards, but Thiero can definitely hang on the perimeter and he'll always chip in on the glass. Offensively, he's a connector and a high-energy role player. Thiero is an outstanding cutter and offensive rebounder, but he can also attack long closeouts. Trying to hide your center on Thiero was not a great idea because of his fluid drives. But he needs to finish better at the rim and continue to expand his perimeter game. Thiero is rapidly getting better. He's a good bet to be in Arkansas' closing lineup because of his defense.

 

[CNOTES]

71. Dillon Mitchell, F, Cincinnati​

Transfer from: Texas

Cincinnati was an outstanding offensive-rebounding team while also being one of the best rim defenses. Mitchell will fortify those areas even more. The 6-8, 205-pound forward is one of the best athletes in the country. He covers so much ground defensively and racked up a block or a steal in 31 of 34 games last season. Cincinnati can play Mitchell at the 4 next to Aziz Bandaogo and build an iron wall around the rim. Cincinnati will dominate the glass with those two guys on the floor together, even if the floor-spacing is a real question. Mitchell has not made a jump as a shooter yet, but he's a phenomenal play-finisher. Mitchell shot over 77% at the rim and threw down a whopping 55 dunks last season. Mitchell is a legitimate lob threat and an excellent cutter who never stops moving. Maybe most importantly, Cincinnati had a way higher transition rate than Texas. That's money in the bank for Mitchell who can put on a show in the open floor.

72. Koby Brea, G/F, Kentucky​

Transfer from: Dayton

One of the best 3-point shooters in the country is joining one of the best offensive schemes for 3-point shooters. Is there truly anything else to say?

73. Khalif Battle, G, Gonzaga​

Transfer from: Arkansas

Gonzaga doesn't have many holes on the roster, but the Zags' staff hit the portal looking for one more get out of jail free card. Insert Battle. The Arkansas transfer won't be asked to shoulder a monster, alpha role, but he can slide into any lineup, whether off the bench or in the starting lineup, and just go get buckets. This is the best ecosystem of Battle's career. He'll give Gonzaga that rim pressure that it certainly needs from its backcourt.

74. Riley Kugel, G, Mississippi State​

Transfer from: Florida

Last offseason, Kugel was regarded as one of the top NBA prospects in the SEC, but his sophomore season at Florida was a major disappointment culminating with multiple "DNPs" in the SEC Tournament. Kugel's body language was ... not great. Mississippi State is hopeful a fresh scene can unlock his sky-high potential. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound guard just floats off the ground. He's a fantastic athlete, and that comes alive in transition. But his decision-making has to markedly improve and quickly. While the turnovers were harmful, the shot selection might have been even more detrimental. Kugel can make every shot in the book but that can be a blessing and a curse. This is an upside play by Chris Jans. If it clicks, Kugel can be the best overall player on the team, even better than stud sophomore guard Josh Hubbard.

75. Brandon Angel, F, Oregon​

Transfer from: Stanford

Angel shot over 43% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and over 70% at the rim. That will play all day, every day. The 6-8, 240-pound, fifth-year senior just plays winning basketball. You can post him up against smaller defenders and he'll drag slower-footed bigs onto the perimeter. He's not overly dynamic but the Stanford transfer can knife to the rim and he's a heady cutter. Angel is only additive to everything else Oregon has cooking. Dana Altman found a gem.

76. Sion James, G, Duke​

Transfer from: Tulane

James is an elite role player who Jon Scheyer smartly added to this rotation. James is a warrior who rarely came off the floor at Tulane. He's not some high-volume sharpshooter, but 39% on 81 catch-and-shoot 3-pointers will play. He makes defenses pay for leaving him open. But it's all the little things that make James a stud. He's an excellent defender who is absolutely chiseled. He can hound shooters, big wings or lead guards while providing a little secondary rim protection, too. James might not start but he's going to carve out a major role for Duke.

77. Kanaan Carlyle, G, Indiana​

Transfer from: Stanford

Carlyle was a former prized prospect but his freshman year at Stanford was filled with extreme highs (31 points against Washington State) and gut-wrenching lows (4-for-17 shooting against Colorado). He gives IU a second dynamic lead guard who can go get buckets in pick-and-rolls. He took more off-the-dribble 2-point jumpers (55) than catch-and-shoot 3-pointers (53). Get to the middle of the floor, and make something happen. That's his game. Refining his decision-making is paramount because the turnovers and shot selection were rough last season. Carlyle has a chance to be an excellent player down the road if the jumper sticks and he improves his meager 19% rim rate. He's too fast to let defenses off the hook by settling for pull-ups that often. A sixth-man role could make sense, but Carlyle can earn a spot in the starting (and closing) lineup if he guards his tail off.

78. Dante Maddox Jr., G, Xavier​

Transfer from: Toledo

Xavier's floor spacing should be immaculate with Maddox and Conwell on the floor together. The Toledo transfer shot over 40% from 3-point range in three of his four seasons at the college ranks. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound guard is just a flamethrower, and he has sneaky bounce when he attacks the rack.

79. TJ Power, F, Virginia​

Transfer from: Duke

Power was buried at Duke, but he will get every opportunity to be a featured piece for Virginia. Power, a former five-star prospect, is a big-time shooter who showed real playmaking abilities in high school. Off-movement shooting is so valuable in Virginia's blocker-mover offense, and Power can do all of that. He's poised to be a productive ACC starter next season, but if Virginia can keep him around for multiple years, he has a chance to be a real star.

80. Jordan Pope, G, Texas​

Transfer from: Oregon State

Texas has so many guys who are used to being the featured scorer. There's only one ball, so that could force Pope to change his game to help everyone else. Pope had to be a scorer first for an undermanned Oregon State club, and he did it well. Pope has a phenomenal jumper. He'll give Texas' offense real gravity, but he can be a bit jumper-reliant. He had a very low rim rate last season, but Pope was a sniper both off the catch (38%) and off the bounce (36%). IPope's jumper seems legit. That gives him a high floor.

 

[CNOTES]

81. Pharrel Payne, C, Texas A&M​

Transfer from: Minnesota

Payne is a complete handful. Texas A&M is one of the elite offensive rebounding programs in the country, and the Minnesota transfer had the third-highest offensive rebound rate during Big Ten play. That'll work. He's so powerful and explosive. Payne is an awesome target in pick-and-rolls, and his physicality shows up on the defensive end. Payne plays really, really hard, and there's some intriguing skill starting to develop here too. Payne can occasionally run into problems when he faces up at the elbow and tries to create, but that freelancing ability is fun. He'll make some decent reads, too. He's not just an awesome screen-setting big man who will be a play-finisher, glass-cleaner and rim protector. There's more coming to his game in time.

82. Wesley Cardet, G, Providence​

Transfer from: Chicago State

Cardet is going to be a big part of the Devin Carter Replacement Plan. The 6-6, Chicago State transfer wing just wants to get to the rack. Over 50% of his shots last season came at the rim and he had a sky-high free throw rate. Playing off two feet will be essential to finish off his drives a bit better. Cardet is capable of getting going from all three levels, but simplifying his game will be key to finding success in a Big East that is so well-scouted If healthy, Bryce Hopkins is Providence's alpha, but Cardet is another capable double-digit scorer who can be the engine of the offense. He's a better shooter than the numbers suggest. He shot over 35% on his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season, but he rarely played off the ball at Chicago State. Getting freed up for more spot-up opportunities should help Cardet's efficiency rise. Cardet should be an exceptional defender under Kim English who is one of the rising defensive coaches in the game.

83. Frankie Fidler, F, Michigan State​

Transfer from: Omaha

Michigan State needed a bucket-getting wing, and Fidler should get the first crack at earning that job. Fidler doesn't beat you with loads of athleticism, but he does a ton of his work before he gets the rock and the jumper is pure. Fidler was much more effective playing off the ball, and Michigan State will continue that trend. Improving as an on-the-move shooter would be huge. Fidler can use his size to rise over smaller defenders, and he uses shot fakes to clear space well and draw fouls. Fidler should be an efficient play-finisher for MSU who could be the answer in late-clock scenarios.

84. Jaeden Zackery, G, Clemson​

Transfer from: Boston College

Zackery is only additive and doesn't detract from anything else Clemson has cooking. He's thickly built and should be solid in so many areas. He's a career 40% 3-point shooter on just under three attempts per game. He guards. He takes good shots. Zackery developed into a nice ball-screen initiator with a pick-and-pop big man like Quintin Post at Boston College. Clemson can do some of the same things with Zackery and Ian Schieffelin or Chauncey Wiggins.

85. Ven-Allen Lubin, F, North Carolina​

Transfer from: Vanderbilt

Lubin does not have elite length or size, but he will outwork you. The Vanderbilt transfer has a ridiculous motor and attacks the rim with a vengeance. His second-jump burst is real. Lubin grew significantly as a roller, and he'll be a rock-solid, ball-screen partner for UNC's elite backcourt. UNC needed a reliable play-finisher offensively, and Lubin can do all that and then some. He's not some elite back-line defensive anchor, but Lubin should be able to play multiple coverages defensively and hold serve against some bigger 4s and smaller 5s.

86. Kasean Pryor, F, Louisville​

Transfer from: South Florida

Pryor could be the X-Factor for this Louisville offense. Pat Kelsey just desperately needs the South Florida transfer to keep making 3-pointers at a high clip to pull centers away from the rim. Pryor is very comfortable playing in space and attacking long closeouts, but he gets very hard to guard in transition after he grabs-and-goes and attacks defenses who can't get set yet. His playmaking and unselfishness is something.

87. Igor Miličić Jr., F, Tennessee​

Transfer from: Virginia

Milicic is a sharp stretch 4. He shot 38% from 3-point range and that's his path to playing time. But he's not just roaming around the perimeter. Milicic is comfortable handling it and attacking open spaces off the bounce. He finished everything around the rim, and he's a tough cover off the ball. He'll dart in and out of screens, cut baseline, 45-cut and everything in between. Milicic's nose for the ball on the defensive glass should translate. Tennessee will have to adjust some things personnel-wise for Milicic's defense, but he's not a stiff. He should be just fine guarding 4s.

88. Tyrin Lawrence, G, Georgia​

Transfer from: Vanderbilt

Lawrence is a streaky shooter, but he's best when he's slashing to the tin. Two seasons ago, he shot over 64% at the rim at ridiculously high volume. Everything kinda cratered last season for a Vanderbilt team that splintered, but Lawrence's talent is still obvious. Lawrence is easily the most proven, high-major scorer on this much-improved Georgia roster. For the Dawgs to reach their goals, Lawrence has to regain his form and play like one of the best two-way guards in the SEC again.

89. Tarris Reed, C, UConn​

Transfer from: Michigan

UConn has made the big-man platoon a huge part of their roster-construction gameplans, and it's not going anywhere in 2024-25. Samson Johnson and Reed will form a two-headed monster. Johnson is bouncy, athletic and extremely fast. Reed will bring more power. The 6-10, 265-pound big man has been watching plenty of Adama Sanogo tape. That type of physical, low-post monster is such a different archetype compared to Johnson. Reed is an elite rebounder, and he's going to draw fouls because of his activity and pure, raw power. UConn's proven player-development chops should be a huge boon.

90. Scotty Middleton, G, Seton Hall​

Transfer from: Ohio State

Everything looks better when you shoot 46% from 3-point range on just 62 attempts, but Middleton should head into his sophomore season at Seton Hall with plenty of confidence. the former prized recruit was utilized as an off-ball wing at Ohio State who only had a 15% usage rate. Seton Hall can bump that up a bit, but we'll see just how ready Middleton is to be one of the top guys on the scouting report. If the 3-point stroke is real, Middleton will be a massive piece of this club. Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway needs him to stretch the floor, attack long closeouts and be a nasty wing defender. Middleton left Ohio State looking for more. Seton Hall gives him the chance at a huge role.

 

[CNOTES]

91. Matt Allocco, G, Notre Dame​

Transfer from: Princeton

This is one of the best fits in the portal. Allocco is a pure hooper. The Princeton transfer is so comfortable playing mismatch-hunting basketball, which is a staple of Micah Shrewsberry's game plan. He shot over 40% from downtown on both off-the-dribble 3-pointers and catch-and-shoot treys. He's also super comfortable getting to his midrange jumper or slicing his way to the rim. The decision-making is a nice benefit, too. Allocco has to get stronger to make his drives more impactful. He's also not the most explosive dude on the floor, but the wiggle is real. Allocco is a needle-mover, and Shrewsberry should have some fun cooking up some open looks for him to feast.

92. Danny Wolf, C, Michigan​

Transfer from: Yale

Wolf's tape is so fun. The Yale product can drop dimes from the middle of the floor, and he shot 35% on 83 3-pointers last season, so you have to respect the jumper. Michigan will likely try to play Wolf next to Goldin. Multiple 7-footers on the floor at the same time could be a little clunky, but both guys are so smart and Wolf's playmaking and shooting might make it work. Wolf isn't quite as intimidating a rim protector as Goldin, but his hands in drop coverage are sticky. He forced numerous deflections at Yale. Wolf is going to be a useful piece next year. He could be a terror in 2025-26 when Goldin exhausts his eligibility.

93. Maliq Brown, F, Duke​

Transfer from: Syracuse

Brown is an outstanding multi-positional defender who will help this unit compete to be the best defensive team in the country. Brown was an All-ACC defensive team selection in 2023-24, but he might be even better at Duke now that he doesn't have to bang with centers every single play. Everyone wants to be a switch-everything defender, but Brown actually is one. The Syracuse transfer will help douse so many fires, and his cutting and playmaking off the short roll will be a massive asset to Duke's offensive attack. Brown is another elite role player. Don't be surprised if Brown is a staple of Duke's closing lineup.

94. Freddie Dilione V, G, Penn State​

Transfer from: Tennessee

What an addition for Mike Rhoades in Happy Valley. Dilione was expected to have a bigger role at Tennessee last season, but Dalton Knecht stole all the headlines. Dilione now lands at Penn State and could be a phenomenal buy-low spot to get his career back on track. Dilione provides a huge jumbo playmaker who can stuff the stat sheet. On paper, the fit next to Ace Baldwin could be very fun if Dilione's jumper is legit. Baldwin is already a terrific on-ball defender and Dilione can grow into one too. This one has a chance to be a Hunter Sallis-like explosion spot for Penn State.

95. Jaquan Carlos, G, Syracuse​

Transfer from: Hofstra

Carlos was a two-year starter for a very good Hofstra program, and he'll help fill the Judah Mintz void in Syracuse's backcourt. Carlos was one of the top pass-first, initiator point guards in the portal, and this has every opportunity to be a strong match for both sides. Carlos' ability to stretch the floor should free up the paint for JJ Starling to get more traction on his drives. Carlos is very jump-shot reliant (just 22% of his shots last season came at the rim), but the stroke is pure.

96. Omaha Biliew, F, Wake Forest​

Transfer from: Iowa State

Well would you look at that, another five-star is transferring to Wake Forest after a disappointing first stop. It's up to Steve Forbes, aka the Transfer Portal Whisperer, to unlock the version of Biliew that never came to fruition at Iowa State. Biliew's freshman-year tape wasn't anything to write home about . He looked completely out of sorts and struggled to find any sort of footing for an Iowa State club that wanted to win big right away. Forbes is betting on the pedigree and a new scene. The former five-star recruit has athletic tools galore, and buffing up the frontcourt athleticism was one of the huge objectives for Wake Forest. Biliew doesn't need to be an offensive star right away, but he can have a huge impact on this team as a highly-active defensive whiz who can douse fires. If Wake Forest wants to win the ACC, it has to get through Duke. Who is the best bet to guard Cooper Flagg? Biliew.

97. Layden Blocker, G, DePaul​

Transfer from: Arkansas

DePaul has added so much shooting on the perimeter, but it needs someone to break down the defense and get into the paint. Insert Blocker. The Arkansas transfer is the most natural point guard on this roster and he punctured opposing defenses at will last season. He should lead this team in free throw attempts while offering nasty perimeter defense. The former prized recruit has a runway to a major role at DePaul and the roster construction is set up to best maximize his skills and keep the paint clear for his drives. This could end up being a diamond in the rough for DePaul.

98. Duke Miles, G, Oklahoma​

Transfer from: High Point

Learn the name. This one has a chance to be a gem. Miles was one of the top pick-and-roll, bucket-getters in the country last season at High Point, and Porter Moser has a proven hit rate of getting plenty out of transfer-up guards from the lower levels. Miles was efficient in every area. He shot over 65% at the rim, 36% from 3-point range and 50% on his pull-up jumpers. Miles is also a terrific decision-maker.

99. Matt Cross, F, SMU​

Transfer from: UMass

The well-traveled Cross has turned into a heckuva player. He's a good bet to shoot around 35% from 3-point range on over two attempts per game. He's a great cutter, rebounder and playmaker. Cross finds mismatches and knows what to do with 'em. SMU dropped a bag to land Cross (who had a ton of interest from good teams galore), and the fifth-year senior will be worth it.

100. Bowen Born, G, Colorado State​

Transfer from: Northern Iowa

Born gets the first crack at replacing Colorado State legend Isaiah Stevens. Born isn't the distributor that Stevens was, but he can score that thing. The Northern Iowa transfer is on the doorstep of eclipsing 1,500 career points. Colorado State coach Niko Medved should be able to utilize the lefty sharpshooter in creative ways in the Rams' Princeton-style offense. Born will be one of the Mountain West's best scorers.

And 1: Zed Key, F, Dayton​

Transfer from: Ohio State

Dayton needed a post-up hub and found it in Key, an Ohio State transfer who was a bucket on the block. Key eats up one-on-one coverage and rapidly improved at finding open shooters when the double-team came his way. Key, a low-post beast, teaming up with Nate Santos, a stretch 4 deadeye, should be a fabulous match for a Dayton squad that intends to chase an A-10 crown.

 

[CNOTES]

Jalen Warley is first Virginia basketball player to hit transfer portal after Tony Bennett's abrupt retirement​

Warley plans to redshirt the season and save his last year of eligibility.​

[IMG alt=" Isaac Trotter
"]https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2024/04/16/85f2e6d9-2ff8-4e37-b695-ac21b1123688/thumbnail/80x80/ed1aff7e79db54ede9712737cca24782/trotter-1.jpg[/IMG]

By Isaac Trotter

7 hrs ago•1 min read

John David Mercer / USA TODAY Sports
Twelve days after Tony Bennett's abrupt retirement, the portal has come calling for Virginia basketball. Jalen Warley entered the transfer portal Tuesday just eight days ahead of Virginia's season-opener against Campbell. Warley will redshirt the 2024-25 campaign to save a year of eligibility, according to a report by Joe Tipton. He will have one more year of eligibility remaining for the 2025-26 campaign.
The 6-foot-7 wing spent the last three seasons at Florida State before transferring to Virginia in early May. Warley was expected to compete for a starting job after racking up extensive experience in the ACC for the Seminoles. Warley averaged 7.5 points, 2.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds last season, but he is regarded as an excellent multi-positional defender.
That's partially why Virginia prioritized him in the 2024 portal cycle. Warley formed a quarter of Virginia's prized transfer portal haul that also included ex-Duke forward TJ Power, former Kansas State guard Dai Dai Ames and San Diego State product Elijah Saunders.
Everyone has 18 more days to make a stay-or-go decision.

None of this is possible without Bennett. His decision to retire unlocked a 30-day window for UVa players to enter the transfer portal. It's up to interim coach Ron Sanchez to keep 'em in the fold.
Virginia was picked to finish fifth in CBS Sports' ACC basketball preview, but that was before Bennett's exit and before Warley's decision to dip.
"It was definitely unfortunate, losing a coach like him," sophomore center Blake Buchanan told reporters on Monday. "He's one of the greatest coaches, I think, of all time, especially what he built here. But I think as a team we've done a great job. We've really come together. I thought last week we had a great week of practice. Our energy has been high. I think we kind of just say we've got to do it as a team. We've got to do it for each other. That's all we've got. We're still going to do it the Virginia way. Coach Sanchez is great. He's been under Tony Bennett for a long time."

Virginia basketball's updated projected starting lineup​

• G Dai Dai Ames
• G Isaac McKneely
• F TJ Power
• F Elijah Saunders
• C Blake Buchanan

Top reserves

• Wing Andrew Rohde
• Wing Taine Murray

 

[CNOTES]

College basketball coaching hot seat: Five coaches who may need a good season in 2024-25 to save their job​

Indiana's Mike Woodson is among a group of coaches who are facing critical seasons at their schools​

[IMG alt=" Gary Parrish
"]https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2016/06/02/c9d5ec9a-5b46-4601-8a9a-c3c28fabc34e/thumbnail/80x80/f661adc11112abce14c60adc618d7df0/garyparrish.png[/IMG]

By Gary Parrish

Oct 25, 2024 at 11:46 am ET•3 min read

Getty Images
We published our list of the Top 25 And 1 college basketball coaches earlier this week. It's a nice honor, I think, if only because inclusion ensures you're not entering the season on the so-called hot seat.
What's the hot seat?
In my mind, it's a place reserved for men who need to have a good season -- and by good season, I mostly mean make the NCAA Tournament -- or else the job they currently possess could open in March. Yes, those pink slips often come with million-dollar buyouts; that certainly softens the blow. But it still stinks. Because nobody enjoys getting fired. So this is the lousiest list of the preseason -- both to be on and write.
Speculating about other folks' jobs isn't fun.
But we all have jobs to do -- and this is part of mine. So here's a list of five men who need to have good seasons to ensure they'll return for the next one.

College basketball coach rankings: UConn's Dan Hurley bumps Kansas' Bill Self for No. 1 in Top 25 And 1 poll
David Cobb

Johnny Dawkins | UCF​

Record at school: 148-103 entering eighth season
Last NCAA Tournament appearance at school: 2019
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Only two of the five coaches who were on last season's hot-seat list survived -- Clemson's Brad Brownell, who saved his job by going 24-12 and advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, and Dawkins, who saved his job by, I guess, not embarrassing UCF in its first season in the Big 12. Still, the Knights only finished 17-16 overall, 7-11 in the Big 12, and missed the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in eight years under Dawkins. If that run extends to eight misses in nine years, a change in leadership at UCF will probably follow Selection Sunday.

Porter Moser | Oklahoma ​

Record at school: 54-45 entering fourth season
Last NCAA Tournament appearance at school: None
Four of the past five Oklahoma coaches -- Billy Tubbs, Kelvin Sampson, Jeff Capel and Lon Kruger -- have made at least one NCAA Tournament appearance in their first three years at the school. The only one who didn't touch that bar is Moser, who is 20-35 in conference games through three years with the Sooners. Unfortunately, that record isn't expected to improve this season -- evidence being that Oklahoma was recently picked 15th in the official SEC preseason poll. If that's how Year 4 actually unfolds, there might not be a Year 5 for Moser at OU.
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Kyle Neptune | Villanova​

Record at school: 35-33 entering third season
Last NCAA Tournament appearance at school: None
Villanova made nine straight NCAA Tournaments before Jay Wright retired. Two of those appearances resulted in national championships. The program was consistently operating at the tip-top of the sport, which is why Neptune is in trouble after only two years at the school, because he's underachieved in both seasons and still never made the NCAA Tournament. In the 2022-23 season, his Wildcats were picked third in the Big East but finished tied for sixth. In the 2023-24 season, his Wildcats were picked fourth in the Big East but finished tied for sixth again. If Neptune doesn't have Villanova in the field of 68 this season, he likely won't get a fourth.

Mike Woodson | Indiana​

Record at school: 63-40 entering fourth season
Last NCAA Tournament appearance at school: 2023

Indiana has finished at least 18 spots lower at KenPom.com than it started in all three seasons under Woodson -- and still hasn't made the Sweet 16 since 2016, when Tom Crean took the the Hoosiers to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament (one year before being fired). To be clear, it hasn't been a disaster for Woodson at his alma mater. But, relative to what Indiana fans have established as the standard, it clearly hasn't been good enough. If you listen to the Eye On College Basketball Podcast, you probably know that I believe Indiana will be good this season, and that Woodson will return for a fifth. But, if the Hoosiers fail to meet expectations for the fourth straight year, especially if they're looking up at in-state rival Purdue for the fifth straight year, a coaching change should probably follow.

Mike Young | Virginia Tech​

Record at school: 92-66 entering sixth season
Last NCAA Tournament appearance at school: 2022
Coaches are often compared to their predecessors, fairly or unfairly, and it's simply a fact that Young hasn't accomplished through five seasons what his predecessor, Buzz Williams, accomplished. Williams had three NCAA Tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournament wins through five years. Young has two NCAA Tournament appearances and zero NCAA Tournament wins through five years. Now, heading into Year 6, Young's Hokies were picked 14th in the ACC. So unless they overachieve dramatically, that'll be zero NCAA Tournament wins through six years -- and three straight seasons without a trip to the Big Dance. Needless to say, that might be hard to survive.

 

[CNOTES]

Arkansas' John Calipari, Ohio State's Jake Diebler among coaches set for success in Year 1 at new school​

These five coaches are positioned to do well in their first season with their new program​

[IMG alt=" David Cobb
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By David Cobb

Oct 22, 2024 at 1:51 pm ET•4 min read

USATSI
Of the 12 first-year coaches at the major conference level in the 2023-24 season, only two reached the NCAA Tournament in Year 1 on the job. One of them, Rodney Terry of Texas, had the benefit of spending much of the 2022-23 season in the interim chair before taking over on a full-time basis.
The other was Grant McCasland of Texas Tech, who arrived from North Texas and quickly led the Red Raiders back to the Big Dance. But there were 10 others, including big-name coaches and coaches at brand-name programs, who didn't necessarily capture lightning in a bottle to begin their tenures.
In the transfer portal era, the notion exists that a coaching change can and perhaps should lead to immediate success. While McCasland proved it's possible, the 2023-24 season was a reminder that the immediate hit rate following a coaching change — at least in terms of reaching the Big Dance — remains slim.
Chris Beard got Ole Miss off to a 13-0 start before the grind of SEC play caught up to the Rebels. Rick Pitino led St. John's to five straight Big East victories to close the regular season, but the Red Storm also fell short of reaching the NCAA Tournament. Like Beard and Pitino, new Syracuse coach Adrian "Red" Autry reached 20 wins in his first season, but the Orange didn't have the resume needed to go dancing.

Their first seasons offer cautionary tales for fans of several high-profile programs that are entering the 2024-25 season under new leadership. A year ago, it was actually first-year coaches at mid-major schools such as Will Wade of McNeese, Alan Huss of High Point and Amir Abdur-Rahim of South Florida who pulled off the most impressive turnarounds.
Some mid-major coaches such as Sundance Wicks (Green Bay to Wyoming), Danny Sprinkle (Utah State to Washington) and Steve Lutz (Western Kentucky to Oklahoma State) parlayed incredibly successful one-year stints to quickly upgrade jobs yet again.
So, as the 2024-25 season approaches, which first-year coaches are poised to have best debuts? Here's the breakdown of those best-positioned for immediate success.

---

1. John Calipari | Arkansas​

Arkansas came in at No. 16 in the preseason AP poll after John Calipari arrived and quickly welcomed a talented crop of players. The Razorbacks didn't spend big on a former national champion to succeed Eric Musselman for the sake of a slow burn. And, at 65, Calipari certainly doesn't appear to be planning on a gradual build. His team was picked by media to finish fourth in the SEC, and anything less than a return to the NCAA Tournament would be a major disappointment. With the nation's No. 3 high school recruiting class and No. 1 recruiting classes on campus, the Razorbacks plan to win big now.

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2. Jake Diebler | Ohio State​

Diebler posted an 8-3 mark as Ohio State's interim coach following the midseason firing of Chris Holtmann. He earned the full-time gig and stocked up on enough transfer talent to help the Buckeyes land at No. 6 in the 2024-25 Big Ten predictions from CBS Sports. The headliners are frontcourt players and former McDonald's All-Americans Sean Stewart (Duke) and Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky). Battle-tested wing Micah Parrish enters from San Diego State, and ex-Ohio State guard Meechie Johnson has transferred back from South Carolina. Promoting Diebler also helped with retaining star guard Bruce Thornton. Ohio State's depth is suspect, but it has one of the most talented projected starting fives in a wide open conference.

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3. Dusty May | Michigan​

Michigan landed a rising star in Dusty May after Juwan Howard's up-and-down tenure ended with an 8-24 disaster year. In an evolving Big Ten, May will have the chance to immediately restore the Wolverines to NCAA Tournament status. The architect of FAU's remarkable 2023 Final Four run landed a pair of highly touted 7-footers from the portal in Danny Wolf (Yale) and Vlad Goldin (FAU). The backcourt is highlighted by a pair of proven major conference transfers in Tre Donaldson (Auburn) and Roddy Gayle Jr. (Ohio State).

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4. Josh Schertz | Saint Louis​

Fresh off a 32-win season at Indiana State, Schertz is positioned to find early success at Saint Louis with a team that was picked to finish fourth in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll. Former ISU stars Isaiah Swope and Robbie Avila are joining Schertz, who also kept a handful of promising players from last year's SLU roster from fleeing. Among them is 3-point marksman Gibson Jimerson, who is a three-time all-conference performer and the team's leading scorer from the past three seasons. Power conference transfers Kobe Johnson (West Virginia), AJ Casey (Miami) and Josiah Dotzler (Creighton) are also coming along for the ride. Schertz is clearly an elite tactician, and he's got an upper-tier A-10 roster to work with out of the gate.

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5. Chris Mack | Charleston​

After getting canned midway through the 2021-22 season at Louisville, Mack is getting back in the game with a strong Charleston program. The Cougars just made consecutive NCAA Tournaments under Pat Kelsey, who ironically left for Louisville. Mack was great at Xavier from 2009 to 2018 and also had some success with the Cardinals before an unceremonious ending. But he's got more than just a good track record. He's also got a good 2024-25 roster, highlighted by CAA preseason player of the year Ante Brzovic. The 6-10 center will be surrounded by a handful of productive transfers who should ensure a high floor for the Cougars in Mack's first season.

 

[CNOTES]

Led by No. 1 Kansas, the Big 12 has five top-10 teams, but the bottom of the conference is what makes it great​

With the addition of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah to the Big 12, the nation's best conference gets even better​

[IMG alt=" Gary Parrish
"]https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2016/06/02/c9d5ec9a-5b46-4601-8a9a-c3c28fabc34e/thumbnail/80x80/f661adc11112abce14c60adc618d7df0/garyparrish.png[/IMG]

By Gary Parrish

Oct 23, 2024 at 9:06 pm ET•6 min read

Getty Images
KANSAS CITY -- The Big 12 office finalized the schedules in the heart of the offseason and then sent them to each member-institution, at which point coaching staffs on campuses spanning three time zones immediately started trying to figure out how they'll be spending the last two-thirds of the season.
It's a natural thing to do.
So, naturally, Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland was among those who dug in, same as you or I would. But, pretty quickly, McCasland decided to put it down and look away, reaching the conclusion that there was no actual point in getting worked-up and beaten down on an otherwise pleasant day.
"I started going through Game 1, Game 2 and I got to Game 4 ... and it was overwhelming ... and I just stopped. I really did. I stopped," McCasland explained. "And so people ask me like, 'Who do you play twice?' And I do know (that) just because of the names that we've been asked repetitively. ... But I could not even tell you the order. I could not tell you who we play after the first Big 12 game right now because I just made a conscious effort to go, 'Hey, let's focus on one at a time.' And that sounds like a corny answer. But I honestly believe it with all my heart. I think the moment you look at this schedule and try to figure out how you're going to navigate it is the moment you're losing."
One by one, 16 coaches took the stage Wednesday here inside the T-Mobile Center, where the Big 12 held its annual Media Day in advance of a season that starts in less than two weeks. Every man, in his own words, mentioned that this is the sport's best conference while different graphics designed to hammer home the point flashed behind them -- graphics that highlighted how the Big 12 has received at least seven bids to 10 straight NCAA Tournaments, graphics about how the Big 12 has had a No. 1 seed in four straight NCAA Tournaments, graphics about how the Big 12, earlier this month, became the first conference in history to place as many as five teams in the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll.

Did you realize that?
The Big 12 has won two of the past four NCAA Tournaments and rated as the sport's best conference for three straight years, and in nine of the past 11 seasons, according to KenPom.com. It's been consistently great for a while. But the best really might be on tap considering literally half of the top 10 of the preseason AP Top 25 poll is occupied by Big 12 members -- specifically No. 1 Kansas, No. 4 Houston, No. 5 Iowa State, No. 8 Baylor and No. 10 Arizona. Over at KenPom, the Big 12 has four of the top eight, five of the top 11, six of the top 15, seven of the 17, eight of the top 21 and absolutely nobody lower than 89th.
How unusual is that?
So unusual that exactly zero other conferences are heading into this season with multiple teams in KenPom's top 10 and zero teams outside of the top 90. In other words, whether you evaluate leagues by the strength at the top, by the lack of garbage at the bottom, or by the depth throughout, the Big 12 is undeniably strong. And what's interesting is that most coaches I spoke with Wednesday said they believe it's not the strength at the top as much as it's the strength at the bottom that makes things so challenging.
"That's what makes the league hard," said Kansas coach Bill Self, who entered the conference in 2003 and has since secured an incredible 16 Big 12 regular-season titles. "A lot of leagues are top-heavy -- but also bottom-heavy. This league has no bottom. So no matter where you go, winning on the road (is difficult)."

An expanded group of coaches gathered at Wednesday's Big 12 Media Day Getty Images
"The venues that you go to on the road in this league ..." added Colorado coach Tad Boyle before trailing off and telling a story about the last time he coached in the Big 12.
It was the 2010-11 season, otherwise known as the final season Colorado spent in the Big 12 before moving to the Pac-12 for the 13 years that preceded this move back to the Big 12. The Buffaloes were heading into their final road game, a Wednesday night tilt against an Iowa State team that was 1-10 in its past 11 and just 2-12 in the league. If ever a conference road game should've been simple, this was the type of conference road game that should've been simple. If ever a building should've been empty or at least not full, this is the type of building that should've been empty or at least not full.
But the building wasn't empty. So the game wasn't simple.
"It was sold out," Boyle said. "And that building beat us that night with a team that was not as talented as we were. They weren't as good as we were. But their building helped win them a game that night. ... And that's the kind of stuff you see in the Big 12 that you don't see in other leagues."

"Most of these road games, it's going to be a sold-out and excited crowd and, to be honest with you, we didn't get that on a nightly basis in the Pac-12," added Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd, whose Wildcats are one of four programs transitioning from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 this season.
To highlight just how challenging the Big 12 is expected to be, understand that Arizona is the reigning Pac-12 champ, ranked 10th in the preseason AP poll -- but only expected to finish 13-7 in the Big 12 this season, according to KenPom. Kansas is No. 1 in the preseason AP poll and also expected to finish 13-7 in the conference, according to KenPom. And not even Self is really arguing with that calculation.
"I can tell you, hands down, this is going to be the hardest year to win our league," he said. "If somebody can go 15-5, I would think, 'Wow, they've had a heckuva year' whereas in the past, maybe you could have a team go 16-2 or something like that," Self said. "But I don't see that happening."

A 15-5 record in the Big East last season would've had you finishing three games back of UConn. A 15-5 record in the Big Ten last season would've had you finishing two games back of Purdue. A 15-5 record in the ACC last season would've had you finishing two games back of North Carolina. But a 15-5 record in the Big 12 this season should be enough to secure an outright conference championship.
That's what multiple computers are projecting.
Bottom line, the Big 12 could put 10 teams in the NCAA Tournament, three teams in the Final Four and/or two teams in the national championship game and it wouldn't be shocking. Basically anything is possible. Which is why there's a logical argument to be made that no conference has ever been both this strong at the top and this strong at the bottom heading into any season in the history of the sport.
Will it live up to expectations?
As always, we'll see.
But when a man in possession of 16 regular-season Big 12 titles -- and the preseason's top-ranked team in the entire country -- tells you winning the Big 12 this season will be harder than it's ever been in any previous season, it's probably worth taking note and recognizing that survival is really the primary goal.

 

[skoda]

#38 is the Best! Unfortunately, he left Lexington! Loads of talent will be another great year win or lose I do not drink booze....

Watched #15 has a nice touch!

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday’s 6-pack:
Teams that have gone the longest since their last Super Bowl win:
1969- Jets
1974- Dolphins
1984- Raiders
1986- Bears
1992- Commanders
1995- 49ers
12 of the 32 teams have never won a Super Bowl

Quote of the Day
“My biggest takeaway from this is that we need to protect the rule of law.”
MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, talking about next week’s election

Wednesday’s quiz
There have been 24 World Series where a team led 3-0; how many times was there a Game 7?

Tuesday’s quiz
Daniel Jones played his college football at Duke.

Monday’s quiz
Rex Ryan was the Jets’ coach the last time they made the playoffs, in 2010.

******************************************

Wednesday’s Den: Mid-week musings…….​

— World Series, Game 4:

New York 11, Dodgers 4
Volpe’s grand slam in third inning put New York ahead for good.
Freddie Freeman has now homered in six consecutive World Series games.
New York broke the game open with five runs in the 8th inning.
Game 5 is Wednesday night.

— It is a little strange that Juan Soto has a career on-base %age of .421, but has batted leadoff only twice in his career. You’d think a .421 on-base %age would scream out “leadoff hitter!!!”

— Louisiana 23, Texas State 17
Ragin’ Cajuns led 14-6 at half, kicked three FG’s in second half.
Cajuns QB Wooldridge was 18-28/252 passing, with a TD.
ULL outgained Texas State 423-378; they were +2 in turnovers.

— Florida International 34, New Mexico State 13
FIU outscored New Mexico State 27-7 in second half.
WR Rivers caught 11 passes for 295 yards, 3 TDs.
FIU outgained the Aggies, 438-246.

— Sam Houston 9, Louisiana Tech 3
Ducker’s 40-yard TD run was the game’s only touchdown
Tech outgained Sam Houston 312-268, but turned ball over four times.
Bearkats improve to 7-2; Tech drops to 3-5.

— Indianapolis Colts are switching back to 39-year old Joe Flacco to play this QB this week against Minnesota.
Flacco completed 65.7% of his passes in his two starts (1-1), with 7 TD’s, one INT. Anthony Richardson completed 44.4% of his passes in his six starts (3-3), with 4 TD’s, 7 INT’s.

— Minnesota Vikings acquired LT Cam Robinson from Jacksonville, in exchange for a 5th-round draft pick. Minnesota left tackle Christian Darrisaw got hurt last week, is out for the year.

— Houston Texans’ WR Stefon Diggs had a non-contact knee injury last week, isn’t expected to play Thursday when the Texans visit the Jets. Diggs has caught 47 passes for 496 and 3 TD’s for Houston this season.

— New Jersey Jets tried out six kickers Tuesday, with K Greg Zuerlein having struggled recently; they play on Thursday, so a decision will be made soon.

— Famous birthdays, October 30:
Jim Perry, 89
Henry Winkler, 79
Phil Chenier, 74
Harry Hamlin, 72
Kevin Pollak, 67
Danny Tartabull, 62
Ty Detmer, 57
Marco Scutaro, 49
Trent Edwards, 41
Marcus Mariota, 31
Devin Booker, 28
Wenceel Perez, 25

— NFL divisional trends, in non-divisional games:

NFC East teams are 12-12 ATS in non-divisional games.
They’re 0-4 ATS as home underdogs.
They’re 8-4 ATS as road underdogs.

NFC North teams are 18-8 ATS in non-divisional games.
They’re 10-3 ATS as home favorites.
They’re 5-3 ATS as underdogs.

NFC South teams are 6-13 ATS in non-divisional games.
They’re 2-9 ATS at home.
They’re 5-9 ATS as underdogs.

NFC West teams are 9-11-1 ATS in non-divisional games.
They’re 5-8 ATS as underdogs.

AFC East teams are 6-15-1 ATS in non-divisional games.
They’re 2-5 ATS as home favorites.
They’re 2-8 ATS as road underdogs.

AFC North teams are 15-10 ATS in non-divisional games.
They’re 10-4 ATS on the road.
They’re 6-3 ATS as underdogs.

AFC South teams are 9-11 ATS in non-divisional games.
They’re 2-5 ATS as road underdogs.

AFC West teams are 13-6 ATS in non-divisional games.
They’re 9-2 ATS on the road.
They’re 7-3 ATS as a favorite.

— Nuggets 144, Nets 139 OT
Brooklyn led 72-63 at halftime.
Nikola Jokic scored 29 points, had 18 rebounds, 16 assists.

— Mavericks 120, Timberwolves 114
Kyrie Irving scored 35 points, was 6-8 on the arc.
Luka Doncic scored 24, had 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

— Kings 113, Jazz 96
Domantas Sabonis scored 28 points, had 11 rebounds.
Sacramento was minus-6 in the 14:00 he was on the bench.
Utah drops to 0-4 with the loss.

— Monday in South Dakota, the Sanford Pentagon will host a pretty good tripleheader of college basketball:
Charleston-Southern Illinois, noon
Saint Louis-Santa Clara, 3:00
McNeese State-South Dakota State, 6:00

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday’s 6-pack:
NBA teams playing the fastest tempo:
— Chicago Bulls
— Oklahoma City Thunder
— Memphis Grizzlies
— Washington Wizards
— Philadelphia 76ers
— Atlanta Hawks

Quote of the Day
“I am no savior. I am here to be a great leader and to be a great teammate and to do my job the best of my ability. And do I feel confident in what I can do? Absolutely. I feel confident in what I can do. I feel confident in what I can bring to our team. And that’s exciting, right? But to save us or anything like that, that’s not me.”
Saints’ QB Derek Carr

Thursday’s quiz
Who was football coach at Alabama before Nick Saban?

Wednesday’s quiz
There have been 24 World Series where a team led 3-0; there has never been a Game 6 or 7, there have been only five Game 5’s.

Tuesday’s quiz
Daniel Jones played his college football at Duke.

*************************************************

Thursday’s Den: Doing some thinking out loud…….​

— Dodgers 7, New York 6
Dodgers win their 8th World Series title.
Dodgers trailed 5-0 after four innings.
Dodgers scored five (all unearned) runs in the 5th inning.
Freddie Freeman is the World Series MVP.
In the history of the World Series, teams trailing by 5+ runs were 6-227.
Now they’re 7-227.
113 days until the first exhibition game in 2025.

— Jacksonville State 31, Liberty 21
RB Stewart ran for 232 yards and four TD’s.
Gamecocks ran ball for 363 yards (7.4 yards/carry).
Game was 14-14 at halftime.
Liberty lost its second game in a row after a 5-0 start.

— Western Kentucky 31, Kennesaw State 14
WKU QB Veltkamp threw for 276 yards, three TD’s.
Hilltoppers are bowl eligible for the sixth year in a row.
WKU outgained Kennesaw, 462-272.

— USC’s basketball team practiced outdoors Wednesday, at Venice Beach; I’ve been there a couple times, great place with lot of shops, restaurants, vendors, not the kind of place you’d expect to see a college basketball practice.
Living is Los Angeles must be tremendous, there is legit fun to have every day.

— White Sox named 42-year old Will Venable their new manager; he played nine years in the major leagues, has been a big league coach since 2017.
White Sox lost 121 games this season, three years after they won the AL Central, but they have some solid prospects on the way, maybe getting there next year and 2026.

— There aren’t any NBA games this coming Tuesday because it is Election Day and it is important that everyone votes.
My polling place is the building where I went to grade school, over 50 years ago; I enjoy going in and taking a look around. It is also important to vote, but looking around is fun.
From 1933-49, there were no elections in Germany, because they weren’t a democracy; it is important that our country remain a democracy, another reason why I’ll vote Tuesday.

— RIP to the popular actress Teri Garr, who passed away this week at age 79.
She was in Tootsie, Mr Mom, Let It Ride, Young Frankenstein; she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Tootsie. Garr’s quick wit got her a lot of gigs on late-night talk shows with Johnny Carson, David Letterman. Funny lady.
RIP, ma’am.

— Famous birthdays, October 31
Jane Pauley, 74
John Lucas, 71
Mike Gallego, 64
Bill Fralic, 62
Fred McGriff, 61
Antonio Davis, 56
Steve Trachsel, 54
Mike Napoli, 43
Tony Kemp, 33

— College football trends, in conference games:

— AAC home favorites are 11-5 ATS
— ACC home underdogs are 5-8 ATS

— Big X home favorites are 10-15 ATS
Big X home underdogs are 1-4 ATS
Big X home teams are 11-19 ATS

— Big 18 home favorites are 17-13 ATS
Big 18 home underdogs are 10-9

— MAC home favorites are 8-5 ATS
MAC home underdogs are 7-3 ATS

— Mountain West home favorites are 6-4 ATS
Mountain West home underdogs are 3-7 ATS

— SEC home favorites are 3-16 ATS
SEC home underdogs are 9-5 ATS

— Sun Belt home favorites are 9-7 ATS
Sun Belt home underdogs are 6-4 ATS.

— This week is Week 9 in the NFL; Detroit Lions are playing in Green Bay, their first outdoor game this season.

— Steph Curry sprained his ankle the other night; he’ll be re-evaluated Friday. Warriors beat New Orleans on consecutive nights without him; Pelicans led Tuesday’s game by 20 early on.

— Saw a commercial for a gameshow that Travis Kelce hosts on Amazon; he also has a cereal with him and his brother on the box. Dating Taylor Swift has its benefits.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday’s 6-pack:
NBA teams playing the slowest tempo:
— San Antonio Spurs
— New York Knicks
— Houston Rockets
— Miami Heat
— Minnesota Timberwolves
— Detroit Pistons

Quote of the Day
“Today you are YOU, that is TRUER than true.
There is NO ONE alive who is YOUER than YOU!!”
Dr Seuss

Friday’s quiz
In the movie Heaven Can Wait, where Warren Beatty plays a QB who wins the Super Bowl for the Rams, what number did Beatty’s character wear?

Thursday’s quiz
Mike Shula was the football coach at Alabama before Nick Saban.

Wednesday’s quiz
There have been 24 World Series where a team led 3-0; there has never been a Game 6 or 7, there have been only five Game 5’s.

********************************************************

Friday’s Den: Random stuff with the weekend here……..​

Kind of an unusual Halloween at Armadillo World HQ; I had plenty of candy to hand out, since the weather here has been great, but my doorbell only rang once all night.
What makes it weird is when the doorbell rang, there were 15-16 kids outside, all with the same couple of adults. Nice kids; the older ones all said thank you. I was just glad the candy went to good use; they wound up with almost half the candy I had here.
Thought more kids would be around; I live in a suburban neighborhood, and it was warm out.

— Jets 21, Texans 13
Jets’ win snaps their five-game losing skid.
Jets in first half: 23 plays, 79 yards, no points
Jets in second half: 31 plays, 220 yards, 21 points
WR Wilson caught nine passes for 90 yards, two TD’s.
Houston led 7-0 at halftime.
Last three weeks, Texans were outscored 41-15 in second half.
Houston QB Stroud completed only 11-31 passes, was sacked 8 times.
Jets would’ve scored TD in first half, but the genius carrying the ball had to show off and dropped the ball before he crossed the goal line- it was his first NFL carry.

— Early season NBA trends (thru Wednesday’s games):
Home favorites are 17-20 ATS
Home underdogs are 16-13 ATS
Teams playing 2nd night in row: 14-9 ATS
Over is 5-0 in Atlanta games.
Over is 4-1 in Toronto games.
Over is 4-1 in Orlando games.
Under is 4-1 in Detroit games.

— Tulane 34, Charlotte 3
Green Wave led 10-3 at halftime.
Tulane has now won six games in a row.
Green Wave was 11-16 on third down, Charlotte 1-9.
Tulane ran 78 plays, Charlotte 44.

— Baseball trade: Braves traded OF Jorge Soler to the Angels for P Griffin Canning.
Soler had an .849 OPS in 49 games with the Braves LY, after he came over from the Giants.
Canning was 6-13, 5.19 in 31 starts for the Angels last year.

— This is first time since 1988 that Oklahoma’s football team has lost three consecutive games by 10+ points.

— Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has it in his contract that he can’t play golf, among other sports; when Philly owner Jeff Lurie played golf with Barack Obama recently, Hurts apparently just rode along in a golf cart all day.

— Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero scored 50 points Monday, but he tore an oblique muscle in Wednesday’s game and is now out at least 4-6 weeks.

— Famous birthdays, November 1st
Joe Caldwell, 83
Tom Mack, 81
Ted Hendricks, 77
Kent Graham, 56
Toni Collette, 52
Jake Voskuhl, 47
Coco Crisp, 45
Stephen Vogt, 40
Brent Rooker, 30

— Random NHL trend:
When an NHL team is playing a second consecutive night on the road, over is 10-4 in those games.

— Five NHL franchises that are worth the most:
$3.66B- Toronto Maple Leafs
$3.25B- New York Rangers
$2.93B- Montreal Canadiens
$2.67B- Boston Bruins
$2.5B- Los Angeles Kings

— Random trivia: Billy Joel, the great musician, had a 22-2 record as a Golden Gloves boxer when he was a kid; he broke his nose in the 24th fight, and that was it for his boxing career.

— Chris Davis is the new athletic director at Georgia Southern; when he was in college at Miami (FL), he spent some time as Ibis, the Hurricanes’ mascot.

— A’s will play home games in Sacramento the next three years; last year, from June 23-July 12, the average high temperature in Sacramento was 103.8.
Groundskeepers are going to have their hands full, keeping that field in good shape, since the A’s are sharing the stadium with the Giants’ AAA farm team.

— DePaul/Georgetown’s basketball teams were a combined 2-38 in conference games last year; to try and improve their teams’ confidence, both teams have seven games in November, with all 14 games on their home floors.

— NFL teams who have gone over total a lot:
Ravens, over 7-1
Bucs/Panthers, over 6-2
Cowboys, over 5-2

NFL teams who have stayed under total a lot:
Chargers, under 6-1
Texans/Giants, 6-2
Dolphins, under 5-2

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday’s 6-pack:
Early season scoring leaders in the NBA:
31.5— Nikola Jokic, Den/Tyrese Maxey, Phil
30.6— Anthony Davis, LAL
30.4— Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milw
30.2— Jayson Tatum, Bos
30.0— Anthony Edwards, Minn
29.0— Paolo Banchero, Orl

Quote of the Day
“I’m at a loss for words. I didn’t have anything to do with this championship, but it feels like I have the best feeling in the world……..I think there’s just a lot more happiness, honestly. Just so happy to be able to celebrate finally. That parade was for this season, and I feel that this season was unique in its own, and we’re going to celebrate accordingly. But 2020, too — it’s a long time coming. We had a long time coming for this parade.”
Clayton Kershaw

Saturday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, when President Bartlet’s daughter is kidnapped, the president steps aside until she is found. What well-known actor took over as president in those two episodes?

Friday’s quiz
In the movie Heaven Can Wait, where Warren Beatty plays a QB who wins the Super Bowl for the Rams, Beatty’s character wears number 16. Ron Jaworski was the Rams’ QB in real life when the movie was made.

Thursday’s quiz
Mike Shula was the football coach at Alabama before Nick Saban.

*******************************************

Saturday’s Den: Clearing out a cluttered mind……..​

— $3,458,211,026
Almost $3,5 BILLION dollars; seems like a lot of money.
Since 2010, thats how much money the Bronx Bombers have spent on players’ salaries; 15 seasons, a total of $3,458,211,026, works out to a little more than $230,547,400 a year.
For their $3,458,211,026, Bronx has been in the World Series once, lost 4-1, so they’ve won one World Series game in 15 years. Overall, since 2010, they’re 39-43 in playoff games. They won the AL East six times in those 15 years, made playoffs 11 times.

— World Series titles the last 15 years:
3- Giants
2- Red Sox, Astros, Dodgers
1- Braves, Cubs, Royals, Cardinals, Rangers, Nationals
10 teams have won a championship since 2010.

— I root for the Oakland/Sacramento/Las Vegas A’s, a team that is famous because the cheap bastards who’ve owned the team for the last 25 years don’t try to win.
They made a movie with Brad Pitt because the A’s made the playoffs every year from 2000-03, despite their small payroll, but the A’s haven’t won a World Series since 1989, and it is doubtful they ever will again.
That said, I’m pretty sure if they gave Billy Beane $230,547,400 a year for 15 years, he’d win a World Series. Maybe two.

— UConn 34, Georgia State 27
Huskies ran ball 43 times for 271 yards (6.3/carry)
UConn led 13-10 at half.
Jim Mora Jr’s Huskies are 6-3, bowl eligible.

— South Florida 44, Florida Atlantic 21
FAU led 14-7 at halftime.
South Florida scored the last 30 points of the game.
USF was only 4-14 on third down, 3-3 on 4th down.

— Boise State 56, San Diego State 24
Broncos led 35-10 at halftime.
Boise State outgained the Aztecs, 541-256
Broncos have won six in a row since a 37-34 loss at Oregon.

— Minnesota 119, Denver 116
Minnesota scored the last ten points of the game.
Edwards scored 29 points for the Timberwolves.
Jokic had 26 points, 13 assists, 9 assists for Denver.

— Famous birthdays, November 2nd
Ron Reed, 82
Stefanie Powers, 82
Tom Paciorek, 78
Mark May, 65
Willie McGee, 65
David Schwimmer, 58
Danny Amendola, 39
Jimmy Garoppolo, 33
Jordan Love, 26
Parker Meadows, 25

— Jacoby Brissett has had an interesting NFL career, playing QB for five teams in nine years. Someday he can write a very interesting book.
His last five seasons:
2020- Threw 8 passes as a backup for the Colts.
2021- was 2-3 as a starter for Miami; he threw 225 passes.
2022- 4-7 as a starter for Cleveland; he threw 369 passes.
2023- threw 23 passes in three games as a backup for Washington
2024- 1-4 as a starter for New England; he’s thrown 159 passes.

— Teams playing the Chicago Bears this season have gone under their team total in all seven games.

— Grand Canyon Antelopes are moving from the WAC to the Mountain West; they don’t have football, so this move strengthens the Mountain West’s basketball profile. Grand Canyon is 94-32 in four years under Bryce Drew, making the NCAA’s in three of those four years.

— Baseball stuff
Free agency starts officially next week, but couple things happened Friday:
P Blake Snell opted out of his contract with the Giants, walking away from the $47M he would have banked had he opted in. Snell was 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts LY, throwing a no-hitter, but 20 starts isn’t enough when you’re making $31M/year.
1B Rhys Hoskins exercised his $18M option for 2025 in Milwaukee; he could’ve taken $4M to take a hike, but he’s smart. Hoskins hit .214 last year, but had 26 HRs, 82 RBI.

— Miami Heat-Washington Wizards are playing a game in Mexico Saturday.

— Florida 6, Dallas 4- Teams are playing in Finland this weekend, long way from home.

— I’m looking forward to next week; lot of stuff going on. College basketball starts, the NFL has its trade deadline and we’ll find out if our country is still a democracy. Not sure I got those three things in the proper order of importance, but next week will be interesting.
I like going to vote, seriously, I do. Mentioned the other day that Germany didn’t have any elections from 1933-49, because they became a dictatorship. I’m hoping that this year isn’t the last time I vote.

 

[CNOTES]

Sunday’s 6-pack:
— Warriors 127, Rockets 121 OT- Warriors led by 31 points in first half.
— Raptors 131, Kings 128 OT- Toronto retired Vince Carter’s #15 jersey.
— Cavaliers 114, Bucks 113- Donovan Mitchell hit a jumper with 0:00.3 left.
— Nuggets 129, Jazz 103- Utah is 0-6, NBA’s only winless team.
— Grizzlies 124, 76ers 107- Philly lost for fourth time in five games.
— Thunder 105, Clippers 92- Thunder outscored LA 24-14 in 4th quarter.

Quote of the Day
“They both played their behinds off. They always do. They have a unique chemistry……those two guys, as much as they’re gaining all those accolades, they don’t talk about it. It’s not the end-all, be-all for them.”
Miami coach Mario Cristobal, talking about his offense after a 53-31 win over Duke

Sunday’s quiz
Which team did Gerrit Cole break into the major leagues with?

Saturday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, when President Bartlet’s daughter is kidnapped, the president steps aside until she is found. John Goodman’s character took over as president in those two episodes.

Friday’s quiz
In the movie Heaven Can Wait, where Warren Beatty plays a QB who wins the Super Bowl for the Rams, Beatty’s character wears number 16. Ron Jaworski was the Rams’ QB in real life when the movie was made.

*******************************************

Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a college football Saturday………​

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back!!!!!
(spring ahead, fall back)
— Georgia 34, Florida 20
Gators led 13-6 at halftime.
Game was 20-20 with 5:00 left; Dawgs then scored 2 TD’s in a 0:58 span.
Georgia outgained Florida, 455-228.

— Vanderbilt 17, Auburn 7
Commodores are 6-3, bowl eligible for first time since 2018.
Auburn is 3-6; they outgained the Commodores, 327-227.
Last time Vandy beat Alabama/Auburn in same season: 1955.

— Ohio State 20, Penn State 13
Buckeyes ran for 176 yards, outgained Penn State, 358-270.
Penn State’s only TD was a pick-6 in first quarter- they led 10-0.
James Franklin is 4-17 vs Michigan/Ohio State, 1-10 against Buckeyes.

— Ole Miss 63, Arkansas 31
QB Dart threw for 515 yards, six TD’s.
WR Watkins caught 8 passes for 254 yards, 5 TD’s.
Ole Miss gained 694 yards, averaged 16.5 yards/pass attempt.

— Miami 53, Duke 31
Duke led 28-17 with 8:00 left in third quarter.
Miami QB Ward was 25-41/400 passing, with 5 TD’s.
Hurricanes are 9-0, with Ga Tech, Wake Forest, Syracuse left

— Upsets of the Week:
Hawai’i (+14) 21, Fresno State 20
Texas Tech (+13.5) 23, Iowa State 22
Houston (+13.5) 24, Kansas State 19
Rice (+10.5) 24, Navy 10
Louisville (+10.5) 33, Clemson 21
Wyoming (+7.5) 49, New Mexico 45
Tex-San Antonio (+7) 44, Memphis 36
Vanderbilt (+7) 17, Auburn 7

— Washington 26, USC 21
USC is 4-5 this year, 6-10 in last 16 games overall.
Washington led 20-7 at halftime, trailed 21-20 after 3rd quarter.
Trojans outgained Huskies, 459-375, but were minus-3 in turnovers.

— Texas Tech 23, Iowa State 22
Tech drove 71 yards, scored game-winning TD with 0:20 left.
Cyclones had taken a 22-17 on a 44-yard TD pass with 2:11 left.
Iowa State would’ve been 8-0 for the first time ever.

— Northwestern 26, Purdue 20 OT
With game 20-20 in OT, Purdue declined to try a FG, went for it on 4th-and-6 but failed, then Northwestern scored on a walk-off 22-yard TD pass.
1-7 Purdue lost in overtime for second time in last three games.
Purdue has lost seven games in a row, their longest skid since 2016.

— Syracuse 38, Virginia Tech 31 OT
Hokies led 14-0 in 1st quarter, 21-3 midway thru third quarter.
Syracuse tied game on a TD with 0:29 left in regulation.
Tech has lost 11 games in a row that were decided by 8 or fewer points.

— Famous birthdays, November 2nd
Dwight Evans, 73
Dennis Miller, 71
Phil Simms, 69
Steve Johnson, 67
Paul Quantrill, 56
Kyle Seager, 37
Damien Woody, 37
Colin Kaepernick, 37
Ty Lawson, 37

— Wyoming 49, New Mexico 45
Lobos led 45-35 after three quarters; it was 35-35 at halftime.
Wyoming QB Anderson threw for 342 yards, 3 TDs in his first college start.
Total yardage was 604-576, Wyoming.

— Texas-San Antonio 44, Memphis 36
Game was 24-24 at halftime.
UTSA QB McCown has thrown for 714 yards, 8 TD’s in his last two games.
Memphis was minus-2 in turnovers, had 12 penalties for 86 yards.

— Rice 24, Navy 10
Navy lost for second game in a row, after their 6-0 start.
EJ Warner threw for 239 yards and a touchdown.
Owls were a 13.5-point underdog; this was first game since they fired their coach.

— Toledo 29, Eastern Michigan 28
Down 29-22, EMU threw 36-yard TD pass on last play of the game.
Eagles went for 2 points and the win, but they didn’t get it.
Eagles lost after leading 19-7 after third quarter.

— SMU 48, Pittsburgh 25
Mustangs led previously-unbeaten Pitt 31-3 at halftime.
RB Smith ran for 161 yards and two TD’s.
SMU is 8-1, 5-0 in their first season in the ACC.

 

[Udog]

Armadillo Sports

Monday’s 6-pack:
Week 10 NFL spreads:
— Bengals @ Baltimore (-6)
— Giants (-5) vs Carolina (@ Munich, Germany)
— Broncos @ Kansas City (-9)
— Steelers @ Washington (-2.5)
— Falcons (-3.5) @ New Orleans
— 49ers (-6) @ Tampa Bay

Quote of the Day
“What a unique, weird game that was. What a job by our group to come away with the win.”
Rams coach Sean McVay

Monday’s quiz
Who was the Miami Dolphins’ QB, last time they won a game in Buffalo?

Sunday’s quiz
Gerrit Cole broke into the major leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates, in 2013.

Saturday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, when President Bartlet’s daughter is kidnapped, the president steps aside until she is found. John Goodman’s character took over as president in those two episodes.

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Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday……..

Rams 26, Seahawks 20 OT
Seattle’s first five drives: 24 plays, 44 yards, 4 punts and an INT
Seattle’s next two drives: 2 TD’s 0:46 apart at end of first half.
Seahawks led 13-3 at halftime.
Seattle for rest of game: 37 plays, 185 yards, 7 points.
Seattle is 0-5 when it gives up more than 20 points.

Smith threw two INTs in red zone; one was run back 102 yards for a TD.
Stafford threw a 39-yard walk-off TD pass to Robinson in overtime.
Rams are 3-0 scoring 26+ points, 1-3 scoring 20 or fewer points.
Six of their eight games were decided by 6 or fewer points.
Last five games, opponents are 13-54 on third down.

Bills 30, Dolphins 27
Tyler Bass kicked a 61-yard FG with 0:10 left for the win.
Bass had previously missed a PAT, banked in another off an upright.
Dolphins had tied game on a TD with 1:38 left.
Miami lost six of its last seven games, last three by 1-5-3 points.

Dolphins led 10-6 at halftime.
Bills in 2nd half: four drives- 32 plays, 231 yards, 24 points.
Last four Buffalo games went over the total.
Bills won 15 of last 17 games vs Miami.
Buffalo outscored last five opponents 88-33 in second half.

Panthers 23, Saints 22
Carolina drove 64 yards, scored game-winning TD with 2:18 left.
Panthers’ win snapped their 5-game losing skid.
QB Young got his third win in 20 career NFL starts.
Saints had 10 penalties for 109 yards, Carolina six for 55.

Saints outgained Carolina 427-246, were +1 in turnovers but still lost.
New Orleans is 0-7 SU/1-6 ATS in its last seven games.
Last four games, New Orleans was outscored 84-22 in second half.
Saints are 1-6-1 ATS last eight games as a road favorite.

Ravens 41, Broncos 10
Ravens scored five TDs, kicked FG on their first seven drives.
WR Flowers caught five passes for 127 yards, two TD’s.
Baltimore is 6-1 SU/ATS in its last seven games.
Ravens scored 28+ points in their wins, 20-23-24 in losses.

Baltimore led this game 24-10 at halftime.
Denver had four drives of 44+ yards that ended with 4th down failures. Denver is 4-0 if they score more than 20 points, 1-4 if they score 20 or less.
Broncos’ last five games went over the total.

Chargers 27, Browns 10
Chargers led 20-3 at halftime.
Browns in first half: 28 plays, 52 yards, 5 punts, 3 points.
Chargers scored 22-26-23-26-27 points in wins, 10-10-15 in losses.
Last seven games, Chargers outscored foes 95-29 in 1st half.

Winston threw three INT’s, averaged only 4.1 yards/attempt.
Chargers are 8-4-2 ATS last 14 games as road favorites.
Under is 7-1 in Chargers’ first eight games.
AFC West favorites are 8-3 ATS in non-divisional games.

Bengals 41, Raiders 24
Bengals’ first five drives: 44 plays, 295 yards, 31 points.
Cincinnati outgained the Raiders, 373-217.
Burrow was 27-39/251 passing, with five TD’s.
Cincinnati is 21-10-1 ATS in last 32 games coming off a loss.

Bengals were 8-15 on third down, Raiders 5-13.
Raiders lost their last five games, by 16-19-5-7-7 points.
Las Vegas has 19 turnovers in nine games (minus-14).
Last six games, Raiders averaged 5.6 or fewer yards/pass attempt.

Commanders 27, Giants 22
Washington is 7-2 for the first time since 1996.
Commanders’ first 4 drives: 29 plays, 193 yards, 21 points.
Commanders are 5-1 ATS last six games with spread of 3 or fewer points.
Washington converted 43 of last 85 third down plays.

Giants are 0-5 at home (1-4 ATS), scoring 4 TD’s on 48 drives.
Offense improved some in this game (3 TD’s on 7 drives).
QB Jones is 25-44-1 as an NFL starter.
Washington averaged 9.5 yards/pass attempt.

Famous birthdays, November 4th:
Loretta Swit, 87
Ralph Macchio, 63
Eric Karros, 57

Carlos Baerga, 56
Matthew McConaughey, 55
Orlando Pace, 49

Devin Hester, 42
Jared Verse, 24
Tyrese Maxey, 24

Falcons 27, Cowboys 21
Cousins threw 3 TD passes, averaged 8.1 yards/attempt.
Atlanta won five of its last six games SU.
Falcons were held to 10-17-14 points in their losses.
6-3 Atlanta leads NFC South by 1.5 games over Tampa Bay.

Dallas lost its last three games, giving up 47-30-27 points.
Cowboys ran ball for 137 yards, their most YR this season.
Cowboys outgained Atlanta, 378-310.
Dallas converted only once in five 4th down tries.
QB Prescott left with a hamstring injury.

Titans 20, Patriots 17 OT
NE QB Maye threw 5-yard TD pass on last play of regulation to force OT.
Titans drive 72 yards, kicked FG in OT, taking 7:28 off clock.
Tennessee outgained Patriots 400-295, were +2 in turnovers.
Titans converted 7-16 on third down, New England 3-11.

Patriots in first half: 27 plays, 109 yards, 3 points.
Patriots in 2nd half/OT: 40 plays, 152 yards, 14 points.
New England lost seven of its last eight games.
Patriots are 31-46 since Tom Brady left town.

Cardinals 29, Bears 9
3rd-string RB Demercado ran 53 yards for TD with 0:04 left in 1st half.
Cardinals have won three in a row, lead NFC West by a half-game.
Arizona ran ball for 213 yards, outgained Chicago 350-241.
Cardinals are 5-1 when they allow fewer than 34 points.

Bears averaged only 3.7 yards/pass attempt.
Chicago is 0-4 when they score less than 24 points.
Under Eberflus, Bears are 6-10-2 ATS in games with spread of 3 or less points.
Last five games, Bears are 17 of 57 on third down.

Eagles 28, Jaguars 23
Eagles led this game 22-0 with 6:00 left in third quarter.
Down 28-23, Jaguars had ball on Philly 13 with 1:40 left, but Nakobe Dean picked off a pass in the end zone to seal the win.
Jaguars are 7-2 ATS last nine games as a road underdog.
Six of their last seven games went over the total.

RB Barkley had 30 touches for 199 yards, two TD’s.
Eagles have won won four games in a row.
Philly outgained Jaguars 447-215, were 0-3 on 2-point conversions.
Eagles are 2-9-1 ATS in last 12 games as a home favorite.

Lions 24, Packers 14
Lions’ first four drives: 36 plays, 205 yards, 17 points.
QB Love threw an awful pick-6 with 0:32 left in 1st half.
Detroit led 17-3 at halftime, on a rainy day in Green Bay.
Under Campbell, Lions are 8-2 ATS as a road favorite.
Detroit is 7-1 ATS last eight NFC North road games.

Loss snaps Green Bay’s four-game winning streak.
Lions are 5-3 SU/6-2 ATS in last eight visits to Lambeau.
This was Detroit’s first game outdoors this season.
Last four games, Packers were outscored 40-9 in last 2:00 of half.
Green Bay outgained Lions 411-261; they were only 3-12 on 3rd down,

Vikings 21, Colts 13
Vikings in 1st half: 39 plays, 189 yards, 2 TO’s, 2 MFG’s.
Vikings in 2nd half: 33 plays, 232 yards, 21 points.
WR Jefferson caught seven passes for 137 yards.
NFC North home teams are 11-3 ATS in non-divisional games.

Colts led 7-0 at halftime, with only score a defensive TD.
Colts were outgained 415-227; they were 3-11 on 3rd down (Vikings 6-12)
Colts/Bears were only teams Sunday that didn’t score an offensive TD.
Vikings missed two field goals, 53 and 31 yard attempts.

 

[Udog]

199 lined games today..... I'll do my best but that's just ridiculous.

I haven't invested in college sports for 3 years. 398 teams are playing today and none of them are using the same players they had last year. Wagering is not possible without some degree of consistency showing and we'll never see that again. Good luck to those who want to try college sports!

 

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Monday, November 4