So says Jason King of Yahoo!/Rivals.
Nice mention, anyhow.
Traditional powers such as North Carolina, Kentucky, Duke, Connecticut, Louisville, Syracuse and Ohio State should be among the nation's best teams, with surging programs such as Memphis, Baylor, Wisconsin, Marquette and Vanderbilt in the hunt as well.
Also, a question later on about Jamil Wilson:
What about Wilson?
I didn't really have a problem with who you listed in the article about which Big East newcomers will have the biggest impact. But did you consider Jamil Wilson, the Oregon transfer who is now at Marquette? The last time I saw Jamil up close in the middle of the year, he was close to 6-foot-8 and probably had his weight up to the 220-pound range. He's taller than Jimmy Butler by an inch. Jamil will start alongside Jae Crowder this year. Whether he ever reaches his full potential remains to be seen, as he was a bit player for Ernie Kent in 2009-10. He's a good kid who often has lacked focus in games and has had a non-chalant attitude on the court at times. Buzz Williams won't allow that and I think being at Marquette for a year as a transfer has helped Jamil. I think I've seen almost every top high school player in the state of Wisconsin in person over the past 35 years. Potential wise, Jamil is in the top five.
Jim Donovan
Madison, Wis.
I spoke with Buzz Williams about a week ago and I know that the Golden Eagles are counting on Wilson heavily. If he's half as productive as Butler then Marquette should be a top 25 mainstay next season and may even hover around the top 15. Losing Butler hurts, but Williams' squad returns basically every other key piece of a team that reached the Sweet 16 last season. And they've got a couple of players who should improve significantly – namely Vander Blue and Junior Cadougan. As you mentioned, though, Wilson could be the x-factor. Perhaps a change of environment is exactly what he needs.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news;_ylt=Ar5Aquy1FjauHfpztZUeojHevbYF?slug=jn-king_college_hoops_mailbag_summer_school_061511
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Translation: "I knew nothing about Jamil Wilson until I read your letter."
Nice boilerplate response, Jason. Here's my follow-up question... if David Singleton is half as productive next year as Jimmy Butler, will MU still be a top 25 mainstay, or does that only apply if the x-factor happens to the guy you overlooked?
I saw the same article; sure Jamil Wilson could end up a flop, or he could be the next Wes Johnson... we won't know until the games are played. The point is, he's at least on par or better - on paper any way - as everyone else mentioned in the article. The fact that Jamil was overlooked - not even garnering an honorable mention - was a blatant act of poor journalism, IMO.
No matter... I prefer it when my Golden Eagles aren't flying high; more damage can be done when you sneak in under radar.
Quote from: Benny B on June 15, 2011, 02:32:34 PM
No matter... I prefer it when my Golden Eagles aren't flying high; more damage can be done when you sneak in under radar.
Totally agree.
And it's easier to get our guys playing with a chip on their shoulder.
Quote from: Benny B on June 15, 2011, 02:32:34 PM
No matter... I prefer it when my Golden Eagles aren't flying high; more damage can be done when you sneak in under radar.
I prefer it when we win....
Quote from: Skatastrophy on June 15, 2011, 02:56:46 PM
Totally agree.
And it's easier to get our guys playing with a chip on their shoulder.
+1
Quote from: Abode4life on June 15, 2011, 03:32:52 PM
I prefer it when we win....
Warriors don't settle for second best.
If we're in the Top 10 or 15 teams in the country, it is because Buzz and the Guys are doing their jobs. No ifs, ands or buts.
It also means we're beginning to be in the mix for a National Championship. Sorry, you guys that came up in the 1980s, but a National Championship should begin to be a "stretch" and then a reasonable goal for the Warriors. I'm becoming more confident by the day that Buzz is going to get us to be an elite power -- AGAIN!