All-Decade Teams: Big 12

2001-02 through 2010-11 seasons

Each team includes the top 5 players from that program over the course of the past 10 years. As mentioned previously, I have not attempted to put together teams that fill all 5 positions on the floor.

The order in which the programs are listed corresponds to the power rankings from my previous post, "A Decade of Big 12 Basketball." This order should not be construed as a ranking of top 5s. In other words, just because I have Texas Tech listed eighth and Baylor ninth does not mean that I believe Texas Tech's top 5 is better than Baylor's top 5. That being said, I have ranked the players within each program.

Where part of a player's career came before the 2001-02 season, I have taken those years into consideration for purposes of this post.

Where a player transferred to a Big 12 program, I have not taken into account the year(s) prior to the transfer. Similarly, where a player transferred away from a Big 12 program, I have not taken into account the year(s) subsequent to the transfer.

The amount of talent that has passed through Lawrence and Austin in the past decade is pretty incredible. Players outside of the top 5 at Kansas include Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris, Cole Aldrich, Brandon Rush, and Mario Chalmers. In fact, Sherron Collins is the only member of the 2007-08 National Championship team that made the top 5, and he was just the Jayhawks' fifth leading scorer that season. Players outside of the top 5 at Texas include LaMarcus Aldridge, A.J. Abrams, Jordan Hamilton, Daniel Gibson, and Tristan Thompson.

1. Kansas
1. Nick Collison (00-03)
2. Drew Gooden (00-02)
3. Wayne Simien (02-05)
4. Kirk Hinrich (00-03)
5. Sherron Collins (07-10)

2. Texas
1. Kevin Durant (07)
2. T.J. Ford (02-03)
3. D.J. Augustin (07-08)
4. Damion James (07-10)
5. P.J. Tucker (04-06)

3. Oklahoma
1. Blake Griffin (08-09)
2. Hollis Price (00-03)
3. Taj Gray (05-06)
4. Terrell Everett (05-06)
5. Ebi Ere (02-03)

4. Oklahoma State
1. James Anderson (08-10)
2. John Lucas (04-05)
3. Tony Allen (03-04)
4. Mario Boggan (06-07)
5. Joey Graham (04-05)

5. Texas A&M
1. Acie Law (04-07)
2. Bernard King (00-03)
3. Antoine Wright (03-05)
4. Joseph Jones (05-08)
5. Donald Sloan (07-10)

6. Missouri
1. Kareem Rush (00-02)
2. DeMarre Carroll (08-09)
3. Arthur Johnson (01-04)
4. Marcus Denmon (09-present)
5. Rickey Paulding (01-04)

7. Kansas State
1. Michael Beasley (08)
2. Jacob Pullen (08-11)
3. Cartier Martin (04-07)
4. Denis Clemente (09-10)
5. Jeremiah Massey (04-05)

8. Texas Tech
1. Andre Emmett (01-04)
2. Jarrius Jackson (04-07)
3. Martin Zeno (05-08)
4. John Roberson (08-11)
5. Andy Ellis (99-02)

9. Baylor
1. Curtis Jerrells (06-09)
2. LaceDarius Dunn (08-11)
3. Ekpe Udoh (10)
4. Lawrence Roberts (02-03)
5. Kevin Rogers (06-09)

10. Colorado
1. Alec Burks (10-11)
2. Richard Roby (05-08)
3. David Harrison (02-04)
4. Cory Higgins (08-11)
5. Michel Morandais (01-04)

11. Iowa State
1. Curtis Stinson (04-06)
2. Craig Brackins (08-10)
3. Jackson Vroman (03-04)
4. Will Blalock (03-04)
5. Jake Sullivan (01-04)

12. Nebraska
1. Aleks Maric (05-08)
2. Lance Jeter (10-11)
3. Nate Johnson (03-04)
4. Ryan Anderson (07-10)
5. Ade Dagunduro (08-09)

Velvet Hoop

I know this came out more than a year ago, but why didn't this get more play? Why is Rashard Lewis so awkward? How bad did Andre Iguodala's verse have to be to get cut from the commmercial? And how long do we have to wait for a Jheri Curl in the NBA? I'm thinking A.C. Green was the Last of the Mohicans.

ACC Review (09-10)

All-ACC

Malcom Delaney, Virginia Tech
Junior 6-3 190 20.2p 3.7r 4.5a 0.1b 1.2s

Jon Scheyer, Duke
Senior 6-5 190 18.2p 3.6r 4.9a 0.3b 1.6s

Greivis Vasquez, Maryland
Senior 6-6 200 19.6p 4.6r 6.3a 0.4b 1.7s

Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
Sophomore 6-9 215 15.8p 10.7r 1.3a 1.4b 1.4s

Kyle Singler, Duke
Junior 6-8 230 17.7p 7.0r 2.4a 0.8b 1.0s

Player of the Year: Greivis Vasquez, Maryland
General Greivis joins Joakim Noah, Greg Paulus, J.J. Redick, and Eric Devendorf in the starting five on the most annoying team of the last decade and maybe ever. Still, it's quite possible that no one in all of college basketball meant more to their team than the Venezuelan Sensation. (That rhymes, right?)

Coach of the Year: Mike Krzyzewski, Duke
Not a lot of competition in the ACC for Coach K this year. Gary Williams' return from the brink can be attributed to his senior conference player of the year point guard as much as anything else. Regardless, it's difficult to put someone ahead of Killer Mike with his conference regular season, conference tourney, and national titles this season. Plus, is there a more charismatic coach in the land? Anyone you'd rather share a good ol' belly laugh with?

Freshman of the Year: Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech
Pretty underwhelming crop of freshman. Favors had a nice season, but it did not live up to what many expected out of arguably the nation's most highly touted newcomer. Averaged a solid 12 and 8, showed occasional flash of brilliance, but only reached 20 points twice on the season. Some of his shortcomings can likely be traced to having to share the frontcourt with the black hole that is Gani Lawal. Or we can just chalk it up to Paul Hewitt not being a very good coach. Your call.

Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Singleton, Florida State
A joy to watch, Singleton would be a favorite of any defensive aficionado. Only a sophomore, Singleton averaged 7 boards, 1.5 blocks, and over 2 swipes per contest. When he wasn't leading one of the country's stingiest defenses, he was chipping in over 10 points per game. Sidenote: if Chris Singleton isn't going pro (and I'm not saying he should), there are a lot of early entrants who should be rethinking their decisions. I'm looking at you, Talor Battle, Derrick Caracter, Manny Harris, Adnan Hodzic, Sylvan Landesberg (you broke my heart), Tommy Mason-Griffin, A.J. Ogilvy, Jeff Robinson, Alex Tyus, Willie Warren, and Jahmar Young. And these are only the most absurd.

Biggest Surprise: Maryland
No, we didn't think Duke would take home the crown this year, but the Blue Devils entered the season with high expectations. Maryland, on the other hand, seemed a strong bet for the NIT. Outside of our conference player of the year, can you even name a second Terrapin? The Terps weren't pretty, but they played as a team, supported their Venezuelan superstar, finished atop the ACC regular season standings with the eventual national champs (splitting their head-to-head matchups), entered the tourney as a 4 seed, and were a Korie Lucious 3-point buzzer beater away from the Sweet 16. Gary Williams may have bought himself a little more time with this one - though things won't be easy without his star senior. Then again, perhaps Coach Williams will enjoy not having to listen to Daddy Yankee in the locker room ever again. (And, in case you think I'm engaging in racial stereotyping, here's a link in which King Terp speaks to his affinity for El Cangri, the movie "American Gangster", and what it was like playing high school ball with Kid Nut Raven.)

Biggest Disappointment: North Carolina
Entering the season, I thought UNC had a chance to repeat as national champions. Clearly, I was wrong. The young, unseasoned Tar Heels finished one game out of the ACC cellar and missed the NCAA tourney. At this point, it is pretty much common practice to blame, in large part, Larry Drew II's point guard play for the Heels' decline. While there is no doubt there is a drop off when you go from Ty Lawson to LD2, Drew's numbers weren't all that bad - almost 6 assists per game and a respectable 1.84 assist-to-turnover ratio. Others pointed to freshman John Henson's struggles to adapt to the college game. For the record, I still like Henson - still believe he has a ton of potential. Yes, I was a little surprised he didn't do more this year, but, with his body, he's going to have to be given time to develop. His play at the end of the season was more than encouraging. UNC apologists point to the injury bug that a handful of Heels succumbed to over the course of the season. Sure, the injuries to Tyler Zeller and Ed Davis were especially difficult to deal with, but the real problem was the lack of offense from the 2 and 3 spots. Marcus Ginyard and Will Graves never showed an ability to create their own shots or score in bunches to make teams pay for doubling down on the Tar Heel bigs. And freshman Leslie McDonald was a non-factor. All in all, a bad season for the Chapel Hill faithful and a poor performance by one of the best coaches in the country. But no worries Tar Heel nation, it's nothing a little Harrison Barnes won't fix - he of the oh so feathery jumper and aerial acrobatics.

2009 NBA Mock Draft -- Post-Lottery

You can check out Roundball Portfolio's earlier mock drafts here, here, here, and here.

1 Clippers: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Soph 6-10 240 PF
Now that Griffin has been measured as a legitimate 6-9 (6-10 in sneakers), it's hard to believe anyone would pass on the explosive power forward.

2 Grizzlies: Ricky Rubio, International
N/A 6-3 180 PG
I don't think Mike Conley is the answer in Memphis, but I'm also not sure if a Rubio-Mayo backcourt makes sense, as both seem to need the ball in their hands – and then there's the whole Rubio not wanting to play in Memphis thing.

3 Thunder: Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
Jr 7-3 260 C
James Harden is a definite possibility here, but it's not every day you get a chance to add a 7-3 shot-blocking machine to your roster.

4 Kings: Tyreke Evans, Memphis
Fr 6-6 220 PG
Jordan Hill is an option for Sacramento, but the Kings need some star power (and a point guard).

5 Wizards: Jordan Hill, Arizona
Jr 6-9 235 PF
Hill adds length, athleticism, and toughness to the Wizards' underwhelming post rotation.

6 Timberwolves: James Harden, Arizona State
Soph 6-4 220 OG
Harden would be a steal at six for a Minnesota team that needs to add perimeter scoring.

7 Warriors: Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Jr 6-0 195 PG
I love the idea of the swift-footed Lawson directing Golden State's helter-skelter attack.

8 Knicks: Gerald Henderson, Duke
Jr 6-4 210 OG
A point guard is a real possibility here (and wing DeRozan appears to be a popular pick on a lot of draft boards), but Henderson would provide the Knicks with a heady athlete that can defend.

9 Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, USC
Fr 6-6 210 OG
DeRozan won't contribute immediately, but his athleticism can't be ignored at the nine spot.

10 Bucks: Jeff Teague, Wake Forest
Soph 6-2 175 PG
Teague's ability to score in the paint would aid a Milwaukee squad that lacks frontline firepower.

11 Nets: James Johnson, Wake Forest
Soph 6-8 235 PF
Johnson reminds me of former Michigan Wolverine and Los Angeles Clipper Maurice Taylor.

12 Bobcats: Sam Young, Pittsburgh
Sr 6-6 220 OG
You're not going to find many mocks with Young in the lottery, but he would provide an offensive boost to a club that lacks a true perimeter scoring threat.

13 Pacers: Stephen Curry, Davidson
Jr 6-3 180 PG
Even with the emergence of Danny Granger, Indiana needs a marquee name to rejuvenate a flagging fanbase.

14 Suns: Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
Sr 6-8 245 PF
Psycho T would add production and toughness to the Suns' thin frontcourt.

15 Pistons: Eric Maynor, VCU
Sr 6-3 180 PG
DeJuan Blair is a possibility here, but I'm just not convinced Rodney Stuckey is a point guard.

16 Bulls: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh
Soph 6-6 280 PF
I like fellow Pitt Panther Sam Young here if he falls this far, but Blair would add some bulk to a frontcourt that features rail-thin Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.

17 76ers: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
Soph 6-0 185 PG
With Andre Miller getting on in years, I don't think there's a better fit than Flynn-to-Philadelphia on the whole board.

18 Timberwolves: Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's
Soph 5-11 180 PG
I like Mills, who gets into the lane with ease, playing facilitator to Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.

19 Hawks: Brandon Jennings, International
N/A 6-1 170 PG
Jennings would eventually supplant Mike Bibby in Atlanta.

20 Jazz: Jodie Meeks, Kentucky
Jr 6-4 210 OG
Jerry Sloan has to like the idea of the sharp-shooting Meeks (Jeff Hornacek) playing off of the Deron Williams (John Stockton)-Carlos Boozer (Karl Malone) pick-n-roll.

21 Hornets: Terrence Williams, Louisville
Sr 6-6 220 OG
With Chris Paul, T-Will, and Tyson Chandler in the lineup, no one will notice Peja Stojakovic's defensive inadequacies.

22 Mavericks: Jrue Holiday, UCLA
Fr 6-3 205 PG
There's a lot of buzz surrounding Holiday, and most seem to be willing to forgive his unimpressive freshman campaign.

23 Kings: Earl Clark, Louisville
Jr 6-10 230 SF
Clark will likely go higher, but the Kings would love to add the enticing (but often frustrating) Louisville product to its young frontline rotation.

24 Trailblazers: Austin Daye, Gonzaga
Soph 6-10 200 SF
Daye's a project, but, considering his freakish length and shooting ability, it could very well pay off down the road.

25 Thunder: Chase Budinger, Arizona
Jr 6-7 220 OG
A Westbrook – Budinger – Kid Nut Raven – Green – Thabeet lineup would be pretty tasty.

26 Bulls: Toney Douglas, Florida State
Sr 6-2 195 OG
Considering the speculation surrounding Ben Gordon's rumored departure, the Bulls should pick up Ben Gordon Lite.

27: Grizzlies: Derrick Brown, Xavier
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Brown has all the tools and could be an absolute steal.

28 Timberwolves: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Fr 7-0 275 C
Athletic 7-footer will most likely come off the board sooner.

29 Lakers: DaJuan Summers, Georgetown
Jr 6-8 225 SF
Another offensive weapon to take the scoring pressure off Kobe.

30 Cavaliers: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
Jr 6-7 245 PF
Go ahead and laugh, but, if anything, Gody should be higher.