Next season begins now: you've got questions about the Road to Indianapolis, and we've got answers

Sporting News, The, April 15, 2005 by Kyle Veltrop

Which team will crash the dance after sitting this one out? Oregon. The Ducks had talent; they just didn't have the experience and know-how to pull out tough wins. Aaron Brooks, Malik Hairston and Bryce Taylor should form an explosive--and more savvy--trio next season.

What coach has--has--to win next year? Indiana's Mike Davis. He was brought back for another season, but it was made clear that the athletic department expects the Hoosiers to reach higher standards. As long as Bracey Wright returns, Davis should have everything he needs. Auburn transfers Marco Killingsworth and Lewis Monroe will be perfect fits with the do-everything Wright and youngsters D.J. White and Robert Vaden.

Can West Virginia carry its success over to next season? Yes. The Mountaineers likely won't reach the Elite Eight next year ... then again, the way this team can shoot it, maybe they will. Coach John Beilein returns many of his key parts, including son Patrick, Mike Gansey, Joe Herber and, yes, tourney icon Kevin Pittsnogle.

Which freshmen likely will have the biggest impact next season? Washington will lose Will Conroy, Tre Simmons and probably Nate Robinson. But heralded instate recruits Martell Webster (6-7, 235) and Jon Brockman (6-8, 245) are on the way. They will get a chance to show their stuff in Lorenzo Romar's uptempo, deep-rotation system.

Whether North Carolina gets decimated, brushed or untouched by early departures, the Heels will be intriguing with McDonald's All-Americans Bobby Frasor, Danny Green and Tyler Hansbrough headed to Chapel Hill. Not to be outdone, Duke landed McDonald's All-Americans Greg Paulus, Eric Boateng and Josh McRoberts. Hansbrough and McRoberts are skilled and big and should have many memorable battles on Tobacco Road.

Are there any transfers who could become big factors? Killingsworth and White are likely to give the Hoosiers a devastating 1-2 punch inside. Another player to watch will be Louisville's David Padgett, who played for Kansas as a freshman. The 6-11 Padgett is happy and comfortable playing for Rick Pitino, who will allow him to face the basket and use all of his skills.

Which traditional power will undergo the biggest makeover? North Carolina could have a completely different look next season; Kansas definitely will. Keith Langford, Aaron Miles and Wayne Simien never completely meshed with coach Bill Self, who now will get to win with his players. Like Carolina and Duke, Kansas has three McDonald's All-Americans on the way: Mario Chalmers, who should replace Miles at the point, and wings Julian Wright and Micah Downs.

Who will be the preseason No. 1? It's too early to tell until all of the underclassmen decide their plans for 2005-06. But some teams definitely figure to enter into the discussion:

* Kentucky. The only player of significance who will be gone is Chuck Hayes. The Wildcats will be extremely deep, and their four freshmen from this season--Rajon Rondo, Randolph Morris, Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley--all should grow under Tubby Smith.

* Texas. Rick Barnes, one of the most underrated recruiters in the business, will add another gem in wing C.J. Miles. The Longhorns should have a rotation that includes Daniel Gibson, Brad Buckman, P.J. Tucker, LaMarcus Aldridge, Mike Williams, Dion Dowell and Miles. That's not a bad start.

* Connecticut. As long as Rudy Gay follows through on his plans to return for another season, the Huskies will have one of the nation's best players, plus loads of size and an emerging point guard (Marcus Williams).

* Villanova. Here's a dark horse for you. The Wildcats were one of the nation's best teams over the second half of the season. They will return just about everyone of significance, including stars Allan Ray and Curtis Sumpter. Now all 'Nova needs is to figure a way to keep its players healthy.

RELATED ARTICLE: Draft decisions that will impact next season.

Utah center Andrew Bogut, Connecticut power forward Charlie Villanueva and Arizona State power forward Ike Diogu already have put their names in the NBA draft. Illinois' Deron Williams and Washington's Nate Robinson, both point guards, almost certainly will, too. Other standout players, though, still have some deciding to do.

Brandon Bass, PF, LSU. Bass was perhaps the most dominant player in the SEC. if he sticks, Bass, Glen Davis and heralded recruit Tasmin Mitchell would give the Tigers a ridiculously rich front line.

Dee Brown, SG, Illinois. With Luther Head out of eligibility and Williams probably lottery-bound, the Iliini are looking at a rebuilding job. Brown's return would make things easier.

Francisco Garcia, SG, Louisville. He will gauge his NBA stock, but an inconsistent junior season at least has Garcia considering a return. Cardinals coach Rick Pitino says if Garcia can be assured of being taken around the 18th pick, he would advise him to go. If Garcia projects in the mid-20s, Pitino would recommend another college season.

Jarrett Jack, PG, Georgia Tech. Almost all of his running mates are gone, so Jack might be enticed to depart. Another year working on his jumper and being the guy wouldn't be bad, though.