Reviewing Preseason College Basketball AP Top 25

The college basketball season is rapidly approaching and the Associated Press just released its preseason top 25 poll. I will go spot by spot and preview each team and if they are in the right spot.

1. Kentucky Wildcats: John Calipari brings back yet another stacked recruiting class led by five stars  center Karl Towns and point guard Tyler Ulis. This comes with the return of the Harrison brothers, Willie Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson and Alex Poythress. Kentucky belongs in the conversation for best team in America, but with all this youth, you have to wonder how long it will take for the growing pains to finally wear off. But then again, John Calipari has been successful many times with very young lineups, including last season.
PG: Andrew Harrison
SG: Aaron Harrison
SF: Alex Poythress
PF: Karl Towns
C: Willie Cauley-Stein
Bench: Anthony Lee, Tyler Ulis, Trey Lyles, Devin Booker, Dominique Hawkins

2. Arizona Wildcats: The Wildcats of the southwest join their fellow cats at the top of the poll in large part due to the amount of impact players they return. Even with the losses of stars Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon, they return T.J. McConnell, Kaleb Tarczewski, Brandon Ashley, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. It also helps when you bring in arguably one of the best freshman in Stanley Johnson. Any Sean Miller-led team should be in the discussion for top team in America, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Wildcats of Arizona in the Final Four, which would make it Sean Miller's first.
PG: T.J. McConnell
SG: Stanley Johnson
SF: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
PF: Brandon Ashley
C: Kaleb Tarczewski
Bench: Gabe York, Elliot Pitts

3. Wisconsin Badgers: The surprise Final Four-bound team from a year ago brings back every impact player except sharpshooting specialist and tough player Ben Brust, who graduated. They return two of the top players in the country in center Frank Kaminsky and forward Sam Dekker. They also return clutch shooter and team leader Traevon Jackson, son of Ohio State legend Jim Jackson. The Badgers will rely on Josh Gasser, the defensive stalwart and efficient shooter to pick up the offensive slack that Brust leaves behind him. There is a question regarding who takes the final starting spot, which will likely be a toss up between bruising forward Nigel Hayes and speedy sharpshooting guard Bronson Koenig. The Badgers boast one of the top starting fives in the nation and have one of, if not the most consistent coach in Bo Ryan. CBS Sports College Basketball Analyst and ESPN contributor Doug Gottlieb has the Badgers as his top team in the nation.
PG: Traevon Jackson
SG: Josh Gasser
SF: Sam Dekker
PF: Nigel Hayes
C: Frank Kaminsky
Bench: Bronson Koenig, Duje Dukan, Vitto Brown, Jordan Hill

4. Duke Blue Devils: Coach K brings in two of the top recruits in the nation which includes the number one overall recruit: center Jahlil Okafor. Joining him as top-rated freshmen are point guard Tyus Jones, shooting guard Grayson Allen, and forward Justice Winslow. Duke does lose superstars Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood. Duke will once again compete for bot the ACC title and national title as long as Coach K is still at the helm.
PG: Tyus Jones
SG: Quinn Cook
SF: Justice Winslow
PF: Amile Jefferson
C: Jahlil Okafor
Bench: Rasheed Sulaimon, Grayson Allen

5. Kansas Jayhawks: Bill Self did a nice job in recruitment as he picked up a huge commitment from big man Cliff Alexander, who will slide in nicely for the loss of star Joel Embiid. Another five star freshman coming to KU is Kelly Oubre and four star point guard Devonte Graham. Self will have a hard time putting a starting five together but there is no doubt that there is a lot of talent in Lawrence. Kansas is in line to win yet another Big 12 title and compete for the national championship.
PG: Devonte Graham
SG: Wayne Selden Jr.
SF: Kelly Oubre
PF: Perry Ellis
C: Cliff Alexander
Bench: Frank Mason, Jamari Traylor

6. North Carolina Tar Heels: Roy Williams is one of the best coaches in college basketball and actually all six coaches that have their teams in the top six are probably the best coaches in college basketball as long as you save room Jim Boeheim, Tom Izzo, and Billy Donovan. (you will hear him next) I think that North Carolina brings back the best player in college basketball in point guard Marcus Paige. He also hit it big with the recruitment of shooting guard Justin Jackson, who will be a key contributor if Roy William's Tar Heels want to reach the Final Four.
PG: Marcus Paige
SG: Justin Jackson
SF: J.P. Tokoto
PF: Brice Johnson
C: Kennedy Meeks
Bench: Joel Berry,

NFL Draft Big Board at Week After Week 7 of College Football

Positional Rankings:

QB: 
1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon
2. Bryce Petty, Baylor
3. Jameis Winston, Florida State
4. Brett Hundley, UCLA
5. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
6. Connor Cook, Michigan State
7.  Sean Mannion, Oregon State
8. Everett Golson, Notre Dame
9. Cody Kessler, USC
10. Bo Wallace, Ole Miss

RB: 
1. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
2. Todd Gurley, Georgia
3. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
4. Tevin Coleman, Indiana
5. Mike Davis, South Carolina
6. Duke Johnson, Miami
7. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
8. David Cobb, Minnesota
9. Jeremy Langford, Michigan State
 10. Corey Grant, Auburn

WR:
1. Amari Cooper, Alabama
2. Nelson Agholor, USC
3. Devin Funchess, Michigan
4. Sammie Coates, Auburn
5. DeVante Parker, Louisville
6. Ty Montgomery, Stanford
7. Kevin White, West Virginia
8. Rashad Greene, Florida State
9. Stefon Diggs, Maryland
10. Kasen Williams, Washington

TE: 
1. Nick O'Leary, Florida State
2. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State
3. Gerald Christian, Louisville
4. Ben Koyack, Notre Dame
5.  E.J. Bibbs, Iowa State

OT:
1. Brandon Scherff, Iowa
2. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
3. Andrus Peat, Stanford
4. Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M
5. Ty Sambrailo, Colorado State
6. La'el Collins, LSU
7. Spencer Drango, Baylor
8. Cameron Erving, Florida State
9. Sean Hickey, Syracuse
10. Ereck Flowers, Miami

G:
1. A.J. Cann, South Carolina
2.  Tre Jackson, Florida State
3. Laken Tomlinson, Duke
4.  Arie Kouandjio, Alabama
5. Aundrey Walker, USC

C:
1. Hronnis Grasu, Oregon
2. Reese Dismukes, Auburn
3. Dominic Espinosa, Texas
4. Brandon Vitable, Northwestern
5. B.J. Finney, Kansas State

DE:
1. Leonard Williams, USC
2. Randy Gregory, Nebraska
3. Shane Ray, Missouri
4. Mario Edwards, Florida State
5. Shawn Oakman, Baylor
6. Dante Fowler, Florida
7. Carl Davis, Iowa
8. Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State
9. Trey Flowers, Arkansas
10. Christian Covington, Rice

DT: 
1. Michael Bennett, Ohio State
2. Ellis McCarthy, UCLA
3. Danny Shelton, Washington
4. Eddie Goldman, Florida State
5. Grady Jeerers, Clemson
6. Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
7. Malcom Brown, Texas
8. Tyeler Davidson, Fresno State
9. Gabe Wright, Auburn
10. Henry Anderson, Stanford

OLB:
1. Vic Beasley, Clemson
2. Shaq Thompson, Washington
3. Eric Striker, Oklahoma
4. Leonard Floyd, Georgia
5. Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
6. Geneo Grissom, Oklahoma
7. Zach Hodges, Harvard
8. Noah Spence, Ohio State
9. Markus Golden, Missouri
10. Cedric Reed, Texas


ILB:
1. Benardric McKinney, Mississippi State
2. Denzel Perryman, Miami
3. Kris Frost, Auburn
4. Eric Kendricks, UCLA
5. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee
6. Ramik Wilson, Georgia
7. Trey DePriest, Alabama
8. Ben Heeney, Kansas
9. Bryce Hager, Baylor
10. Stephone Anthony, Clemson

CB: 
1. Marcus Peters, Washington
2. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
3. Jalen Mills, LSU
4. Trae Waynes, Michigan State
5. P.J. Williams, Florida State
6. Doran Grant, Ohio State
7. Ronald Darby, Florida State
8. Quandre Diggs, Texas
9. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
10. Steven Nelson, Oregon State

S:
1. Landon Collins, Alabama
2. Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State
3. Jordan Richards, Stanford
4. Tyler Hunter, Florida State
5. Derron Smith, Fresno State
6. Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss
7. Anthony Harris, Virginia
8. Justin Cox, Mississippi State
9. Jermaine Whitehead, Auburn
10. Kyshoen Jarrett, Virginia Tech

Top 32: 
1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon
2. Leonard Williams, USC
3. Brandon Scherff, Iowa
4. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
5. Vic Beasley, Clemson
6. Amari Cooper, Alabama
7. Bryce Petty, Baylor
8. Randy Gregory, Nebraska
9. Landon Collins, Alabama
10. Jameis Winston, Florida State
11. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
12. Shaq Thompson, Washington
13. Shane Ray, Missouri
14. Andrus Peat, Stanford
15. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
16. Michael Bennett, Ohio State
17. Benardric McKinney, Mississippi State
18. Jalen Mills, LSU
19. Mario Edwards, Florida State
20. Ellis McCarthy, UCLA
21. Nelson Agholor, USC
22. Brett Hundley, UCLA
23. Todd Gurley, Georgia
24. A.J. Cann, South Carolina
25. Danny Shelton, Washington
26. Eric Striker, Oklahoma
27. Devin Funchess, Michigan
28. Denzel Perryman, Miami
29. Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State
30. Sammie Coates, Auburn
31. German Ifedi, Texas A&M
32. Hronnis Grasu, Oregon

NFL Week 5 Predictions

Last week I finished 7-5 

Bills at Lions: Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions are on fire and I feel like they can shut down struggling E.J. Manuel and the Bills offense. Lions win 23-13

Falcons at Giants: This will likely be an offensive shootout as both teams defenses are struggling. I like Eli Manning to continue his winning always and pick up a tough victory at home. Giants win 27-20

Ravens at Colts: Andrew Luck is putting up an MVP-caliber season and will out duel the Ravens offense that lacks playmakers besides for Steve Smith. As long as they shut down Smith, the Colts will cruise to a victory. Colts win 31-21

Texans at Cowboys: After a huge defensive output against the do-it-all Drew Brees and as long as the offense does their job and double teams J.J. Watt Dallas will win. Cowboys win 34-27

Rams at Eagles: This could be the game where the Philadelphia defense truly shows their colors. If they can't stop Austin Davis and the pedestrian Rams offense then they have a serious problem on that side of the ball. Eagles win 38-10

Browns at Titans: The Browns have some serious momentum behind them and have finally found the right coach. With Brandon Tate back, their offense will be clicking on all cylinders. Browns win 24-23

Buccaneers at Saints: The Saints rarely lose at home, and against the Bucanneers they will continue that trend. Saints win 34-20

Steelers at Jaguars: The Jaguars are definitely on the right path but their team is just not ready to compete at this point in Bortles development. Steelers win 27-17

Bears at Panthers: This is an interesting matchup as both teams are coming off embarrassing losses. I like the Bears to get back on track on the road. Bears win 21-17

Cardinals at Broncos: The Broncos high powered offense will face the well-coached Cardinals defenses in this battle and I like the Peyton Manning to win this one an pick up a huge victory at home. Broncos win 21-20

Jets at Chargers: With the unbelievable play of Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense, the Jets won't stand a chance, even if Geno Smith has a flawless game. Chargers win 28-14

Chiefs at 49ers: The 49ers will win this one as they pick up their second ever victory at Levi Stadium with some shutdown defense. 49ers win 20-17

Bengals at Patriots: Bengals will take advantage of the poor play the whole Patriots team and win with a complete team victory. Bengals win 30-24

Seahawks at Redskins: The Seahawks won't even have to win this game with their defense as Russell Wilson will perform greatly as he always does in prime time. Seahawks win 24-6

Packers-Vikings Post Game

Grading the Packers:

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers was once again on point ringing up 156 yards and three touchdowns through three quarters after sitting on the bench with a more than comfortable 42-0 lead. He finished the day with a 138.7 QB Rating. Matt Flynn brings down this grade after coming in and throwing an interception. Overall, the Packers quarterbacks look as good as always. Grade: B+

Running Backs: Eddic Lacy finally broke out of his slump as he totaled 105 yards on thirteen carries and scored twice. What was so amazing about Lacy was his thumping runs, as his second touchdown as he was barreling into the far right side of the end zone, took off the helmet of a pursuing Viking defender. James Starks added 46 yards on 12 carries as the Packers rushing attack put up 157 yards after a very quiet first four weeks of the season. Grade: A-

Wide Receivers: The Packers receivers didn't do a lot as Rodgers was held under 175 yards in his shortened game. The play that stuck out to me was the 66 yard touchdown catch and run by Jordy Nelson from a beautiful throw by Aaron Rodgers. Davante Adams caught his first career touchdown catch on a slant as he glided into the end zone. Randall Cobb opened the scoring for the Packers and led the team, along with Eddie Lacy, with three catches. Grade: A

Tight Ends: Andrew Quarless was the only tight end with a catch, as he finished with two catches for 19 yards. The tight ends, however, did open up some very key running lanes to finally get Eddie Lacy and Co. running again. Grade: B

Offensive Line: The line only gave up two sacks and consistently gave Rodgers enough time to scan the field and move around freely in the pocket. The reason for the high grade, however, is for the vast improvement in the run game, especially for thumper Eddie Lacy. All five linemen had a great game and extra probe to the dynamic guard duo of T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton for opening up the inside run game. Grade: A-

Defensive Line: Datone Jones left the game early but this was a superb showing by the defensive line. Letroy Guion and Mike Daniels each had 1.5 sacks and consistently showed up for a top tier rushing attack, one that was supposed to tear through the Packers defense. Luther Robinson got his hand in the face of Ponder and forced him to throw a pick to Julius Peppers that resulted in a pick-6. Grade: A

Linebackers: Julius Peppers, as you read above, had a pick-six that shifted a ton of momentum the Packers way. He also recorded a half of a sack. The very next time the ball was in Ponder's hands he threw to another Green Bay linebacker, this time Jamari Lattimore, which resulted in a passing touchdown. A.J. Hawk recorded a half of a sack and repeatedly got into the backfield. Nick Perry may have had the most impressive performance, as he took Christian Ponder down twice for two sacks. Grade: A+

Secondary: The defensive backs weren't asked to do all that much and played very well for the most part, as Sam Shields and Co. shut down Greg Jennings and Cordarelle Patterson. They also limited Christian Ponder to 200 yards passing and didn't allow a passing touchdown. Grade: B+

Special Teams: The special teams also had a decent game as Mason Crosby made all six of his extra points and Tim Masthay repeatedly pinned the Vikings offense inside the twenty yard line. Grade: A+

Coaching: Mike McCarthy made all the right calls and perhaps his best call was to let Aaron Rodgers end his game in the third quarter as the game was already well in hand. Dom Capers called a nice game and got a lot of Packers defenders into the backfield consistently. Grade: A

NFL Week 4 Game Predictions

How I did last week: 9-7

Teams on bye: Seahawks, Broncos, Bengals, Browns, Cardinals, and Rams

Dolphins at Raiders: I like the Dolphins to win in Oakland. It just seems like nothing is going right in Oakland and Dennis Allen's seat is getting warmer and warmer. Look for the Dolphins defense to pull out in this tight affair. Dolphins win 17-16

Lions at Jets: The Lions are on fire after shutting down the Packers high-powered offense last week and they should continue against a much worse Jets offense this week. Lions win 27-17

Packers at Bears: This is a huge game that could determine how the NFC North race ends up. The Packers could start the year with two consecutive losses to division opponents or right the ship. Look for Aaron Rodgers to get his team back on track with a big game at Soldier Field. Packers win 31-27

Bills at Texans: Texans at home should amount into a victory, especially with the strong pass rush of the Texans against the young E.J. Manuel. The X-Factor in this one will be the Texans receivers like Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. They will need to support the passing offense for the Texans to pull away. Texans win 23-14

Panthers at Ravens: After a poor showing against the Browns at home, I don't think they can win against the strong Panthers defense without the playmakers they usually have. Look for Carolina's defense to have a field day. Panthers win 27-10

Titans at Colts: Andrew Luck and the Colts offense will out-duel the Titans less explosive attack and pull out at home. I think the Colts defense could have a major impact on the outcome, though. Colts win 28-13

Buccaneers at Steelers: After getting crushed by the Falcons, the Buccaneers have no chance to beat the new explosive offensive trio of Roethlisberger-Bell-Brown and get beat badly again. Steelers win 35-17

Jaguars at Chargers: Chargers will coast to an easy victory at home against a young Jaguar team, Phillip Rivers doesn't lose games he shouldn't. Chargers win 28-16

Falcons at Vikings: I like the Falcons to win again after a huge offensive showcase against Tampa and will again facing another bad defense in Minneapolis. Falcons win 27-20

Eagles at 49ers: This one will come down to the wire. I like the 49ers at home to beat the Eagles with a slow start to LeSean McCoy's season and hope Kaepernick plays well against the bad defense of Philly.  49ers win 23-20

Saints at Cowboys: I like Drew Brees against a really bad Cowboy's defense and demolish the Cowboys. Look for the Saints to try to establish the running game early and often to open up the play action game. Saints win 41-31

Patriots at Chiefs: I like the Patriots to capitalize on the Chief's slow start and get a big victory on the road. Brady will dissect the secondary and the Patriots defense will shut down the passing game. Patriots win 27-14

NFL Week 3 Predictions

Chargers at Bills:  A week after tearing through Seattle's Legion of Boom, look for Rivers to continue to thrive in Mike McCoy's system and dissect the Bill's secondary. Chargers win 31-20

Titans at Bengals: Bengals at home, look for a big game from Gio Bernard, as the Titans will likely look to shut down the Dalton-Green combination. Bernard will make a large impact both running the ball and out of the backfield. Also, I like Geno Atkins and that fearsome Bengals defense. Bengals win 27-13

Ravens at Browns: This could yet be another upset that the Browns provide for the rest of the NFL. I like the Browns to surprise their division rivals, as Joe Flacco will be forced to throw superstar cornerback Joe Haden's way with Bernard Pierce out with an injury. Browns win 20-17

Packers at Lions: Rodgers has a history of beating the Lions, and I don't think that will change. Look for Randall Cobb to have a great game, as the Lion's will be focusing on Jordy Nelson, who leads the league in catches and yards. Matthew Stafford will also have success, as this game will likely be a shootout, with the better quarterback winning. Packers win 41-34

Colts at Jaguars: The Colts caught a break, as after a horrendous 0-2 start to the season, they play against the jaguars. I expect Andrew Luck to help his team glide to an easy victory at EverBank Stadium. Colts win 31-16

Raiders at Patriots: This one is pretty easy. This will be a field day for Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, while the New England defense will focus on stopping Maurice Jones-Drew. Patriots win 35-13

Vikings at Saints: The saints wil bounce back this week against a Vikings team distracted by the Peterson issues. Look for Rob Ryan's defense to really show their stripes against an offense without their best plat maker. Saints win 30-13

Texans at Giants: The Giants have looked horrible through two weeks, and look for that to continue this week. JJ Watt and that pass rush will put a lot of pressure on Eli Manning, forcing him to make bad throws. Texans win 20-10

Redskins at Eagles: The Eagles offense will terrorize the under performing redskins defense. This game will likely be an offensive shootout, and Cousins will have a decent game, but his defense will not allow him to get his team the win. Eagles win 34-27

Cowboys at Rams: The cowboys will run the ball a lot this game, but Gregg Williams will counter that attack with the four first round pick players along that defensive line. The X-Factor in this game will be Tony Romo and the Cowboys passing attack. Cowboys win 24-13

 49ers at Cardinals: This is a game that is not getting enough credit. This will be a defensive shootout but I trust the 49ers to get it done and have Kaepernick and his legs take them to victory. 49ers win 17-13

Chiefs at Dolphins: I like the Chiefs in this one, even without Jamaal Charles. Alex Smith will be able to win this game, but the group that will push the Cheifs over the edge is the pass rush led by Tamba Hali. Chiefs win 17-13

Broncos at Seahawks: This is gonna be a great game. Arguably the beat offense in the league versus arguably the best and most fearsome defense. I like Peyton to beat the Seahawks as he rarely ever loses to a team twice in a row, and this will be no exception. Broncos win 31-30

Steelers at Panthers: A rock solid Panthers defense against a struggling Steelers team. Cam Newton will look great and look for Kelvin Benjamin to have a great night. Panthers win 23-10

Bears at Jets: A week after blowing a big lead at Lambeau, the Jets face the Packers biggest rival in the Bears, and after a great performance against the 49ers, the bears will cruise to another victory against the struggling jets. Bears win 31-20

Big Ten Basketball: Wisconsin Expectations

Many people say that the upcoming season for the Wisconsin Badgers mens basketball team is Final Four or bust. I am going to take it a step further, National Championship or bust!

I have broken down the components that will make this season the greatest in the history of Wisconsin athletics.

1. Coaching:
Bo Ryan is as consistent as they come. He has taken his Badger squad to the NCAA tournament every year he has coached. This has been achieved with a lot of three star recruits and only one five star in Sam Dekker. He has a great assistant coaches next to him in Greg Gard and Lemont Paris, who both contribute in recruiting and in-game situations. Coming off of his first and well deserved Final Four appearance, Ryan hopes to make his mark in history, a National Championship! He deserves his first championship more than any other coach in college basketball, as his name deserves to be named in the same sentence as other great coaches like Coach K, Jim Boeheim, John Calipari, Bill Self, and Tom Izzo. I believe he can achieve this feat and bring the Big Ten a championship, something the conference hasn't achieved since Izzo did it back at the start of the new millennium.

STARTING FIVE:

2. Traevon Jackson:
The often criticized Badger, Jackson has proven to be the undisputed leader of the team. And now that Ben Brust has left, and Jackson has become a senior, his leadership has to take a step up. From his clutch late game shots, to his ample distribution and underestimated and gritty defense. I expect his amount of turnovers to decrease with his experience as a senior and his clutch play to continue. Traevon Jackson has a lot of pressure on him but he is bound to have an incredible season leading the Badgers to history.

3. Josh Gasser: 
Defensive stalwart is a word often used to describe Josh Gasser, and that is a perfect description. Last year he matched up against the likes of Gary Harris, Nick Johnson, Joseph Young, and Nik Stauskas. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country and has a knack to come up with tough rebounds over taller and stronger players. Coming off of his torn ACL, it was reasonable that Gasser wasn't a huge contributor in the offense, but he will be depended upon to make a lot of baskets from behind the arc now that Brust, the all-time leading Badger in three pointers made, is gone.

4. Sam Dekker:
Dekker is a junior, but this may be his last season in a Wisconsin uniform. He is projected to be a chosen at an early slot in next years NBA Draft. A former five star recruit out of Sheboygan, Dekker has the physical attributes and skill set to be one of the most prolific scorers in the country. He will look to improve on his shot behind the arc and his defense this upcoming season. He was reportedly the best player at the LeBron James summer camp and has grown two inches to be 6-9 and has hit the weight room quite a bit this summer. He is the most talented player Bo Ryan has ever had to coach and I think he will repay the legendary coach by exceeding the already high expectations bearing down on him.

5. Nigel Hayes/Bronson Koenig: 
The recent growth of Sam Dekker makes me wonder if Bo Ryan will continue to use three guards in the the lineup switching the graduated Brust with up and coming star Bronson Koenig. I am starting to think that they will start the season with Nigel Hayes, and if he has trouble playing against faster teams, Koenig will come in. Hayes has a spectacular approach on defense and his spot up jumper perfectly complements his in the paint scoring. Koenig is the prototypical Badger, a small, scrawny, and scrappy white guy who is a magnificent three  point shooter and scrambles for tough rebounds over taller players. This will be more of match ups with Hayes starting against bigger and stronger teams, while Koenig will play against faster, three-point oriented teams.

6. Frank Kaminsky:
The production and success of Frank Kaminsky was in the least bit expected. His amazing run of efficiency both inside and outside of the three point line. His defense was great, often blocking out rebounding more athletic bigs. He has high expectations coming into this season, as he will have a target on his back, something he didn't experience last season. He is considered a high draft pick in the upcoming NBA draft, a National Player of the Year candidate, and will lead a team of Badgers to unparalleled expectations in the history of Badgers basketball. Kaminsky's leadership and run of success will be a very big part of the Badgers title hopes this upcoming season.

7. Bench:
The main players off the bench this season will consist of four players, much like last season. Whoever isn't starting between Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig will be the sixth man and a contender for the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year Award, the award that Hayes won last season. Second off the bench will be forward and Badger mainstay Duje Dukan, who provides gritty and defense and rebounding while also adding a sweet touch on a three ball while on offense. Backing up Kaminsky and potentially Nigel Hayes will be sophomore Vitto Brown, who showed some promise on defense but to much on offense. Look for Brown to get more minutes while Ryan and the other coaches work on his offensive progress. The guards of the future for the Badgers is Bronson Koenig and the next player off the bench, Jordan Hill. Once Jackson and Gasser are gone, Ryan will depend on these scrappy guards. Hill brings a lot of speed and vision to the floor and looks to work on his shooting and defense this upcoming season.

8. Humility/Humbleness:
One is not to question Ryan's everlasting humility. The question is, how are the Badgers going to act after a Final Four season. Every game of the year, they will be the one's who has a target on their back and will have to become prone to huge upsets. The Badgers are used to being the ones upsetting the big stars. To take not only Coach Ryan, but the loyal fans of Wisconsin, to the promise land, it will take humbleness, teamwork, and selflessness. I believe that these scrappy Badgers have what it takes to take the next step, and make their marks in history.

Head Coach Bo Ryan

PG Traevon Jackson

SG Josh Gasser

F Sam Dekker

C Frank Kaminsky