Content provided in partnership with

2005 Ad

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004 by Mike DeCourcy

<< Page 1 Continued from page 4. Previous | Next

19. Paul Davis C Michigan State

20. Rashad McCants, SG, North Carolina

No major-college player generates points like McCants who is a beautiful deep shooter and a powerful low-post scorer. But he's too problematic as a team member to rank any higher.

21. Chris Taft, C, Pittsburgh

22. Gerry McNamara, SG, Syracuse

23. John Gilchrist, PG, Maryland

Of the ACC's many great point guards, Gilchrist is the one with the fewest apparent deficiencies. One concern is that a lack of scoring options forces him to look more for his own shot.

24. Craig Smith, PF, Boston College

25. Chris Thomas, PG, Notre Dame

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

26. Taylor Cooppenrath, PF, Vermont

27. Chuck Hayes, PF, Kentucky

28. J.J. Redick, SG, Duke

Redick has outrageous range and is expert at using screens to get open. But opponents had success last season running quick defenders at him as he prepared to fire. He needs to have a counter to that tactic.

29. Ronny Ruriaf, PF, Gonzaga

30. Curtis Withers, PF, Charlotte--M.D.

All the essentials.

Chris Paul isn't the only reason Wake Forest ranks as the SPORTING NEWS' No. 1 team. The Demon Deacons have the best collection of size, depth, experience and outside shooting in Division I.

Starters

PF Vytas Danelius, 6-91228, Sr. His junior year was a waste because of injuries that curtailed his training and effectiveness. When he's healthy, Danelius is an aggressive rebounder, very quick for his position and a capable face-up shooter.

SF Jamaal Levy, 6-91186, Sr. Forced to play inside despite his lean frame, Levy became Wake's leading rebounder last season. He has not forgotten how to defend on the perimeter, though, using his long arms and excellent instincts to create problems for opposing wings.

C Eric Williams, 6-9/275, Jr. Williams' offensive moves are adequate, and he is athletic enough to produce monstrous moments, such as his dunk against Saint Joseph's in the NCAA Tournament. But he tends to stumble into foul trouble or drift into inactivity.

SG Justin Gray, 6-2/186, Jr. Gray often appears to be as gifted as any long-range shooter in Division I, and he is excellent under pressure. With his touch, he should do better than 37.9 percent from 3-point range.

PG Chris Paul, 6,-01175, So, A consummate point guard who leads, shoots, passes and handles, Paul still can become a more effective defender. He uses his quickness to disrupt opponents but has to be more assertive about denying penetration.

Reserves

PG/SG Taron Downey, 6-2/180, Sr. Formerly Wake's starting point guard, Downey is an ideal third guard who can make long-range jumpers or run the team.

SG/SF Trent Strickldand, 6-51200, Jr. Strickland is athletic, strong and an accurate long-range shooter. He can chew up minutes at either wing position and would start for many NCAA Tournament-level teams.

C/PF Kyle Visser, 6-111224, So. Originally recruited as a future contributor, Visser grew taller and stronger and made an immediate impact as a backup to Williams last season.

C/PF Chris Ellis, 6-9/265, So. Ellis missed last season with a broken foot suffered in the first hour of preseason practice. He is a solid defender with good hands but needs to develop better moves.--M.D.

2005 Ad

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004 by Mike DeCourcy

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Arts

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports