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Sporting News, The, Nov 25, 1996

Life outside the BIG Dance can be lonely, but that doesn't prevent the 242 teams that will be stood up from dreaming about future glory as they look to make the most of this season

65 Miami (Fla.): The Hurricanes have talent, but they're still one player from being an NCAA Tournament team and must learn how to play offense.

66 UAB: The past two recruiting classes haven't had an impact player, so the Blazers can forget the tournament ment. Carlos Williams will be fun to watch.

67 TCU: Coach Billy Tubbs has mostly his guys on the roster now, but they're a year from making headlines. Damion Walker and Prince Fowler must dominate.

68 West Virginia: Led by Damian Owens, West Virginia lacks the creativity and firepower to make much noise. Foes still will dread coming WVU Coliseum.

70 Memphis: There's little size, depth and talent, but Larry Finch Finch works well with few ingredients.

71 Tennessee: Coach Kevin O'Neill is loading up on talent, but the Volunteers are young, too young for the Big Dance. Check back a year from now.

72 Missouri: The newcomers must deliver and someone must step up and rebound, or Norm will really storm. This is a small team that lacks athleticism.

73 UNC Charlotte: Improved guard play could allow the underrated 49ers to contend for a postseason spot.

74 Georgia: If the four junior college arrivals deliver for Tubby Smith, the big Bulldogs may be NIT-bound.

75 Nebraska: Even without perimeter players, the Huskers' talent base may surprise many foes in the Big 12. Keep an eye on point guard Tyronn Lue.

76 Vanderbilt: The Commodores won't repeat last year's 18-win effort without serious help from their freshmen. Improved defense would help Vandy's cause.

77 Pittsburgh: The Panthers are too young and soft to contend for the Tourney, but Ralph Willard is getting talent. Look for the talented sophomores to step up.

78 Virginia Tech: Ace Custis is good, but the Hokies have too many questions to repeat last year's great success. This is coach Bill Foster's last season.

80 Saint Louis: The lack of big bodies again prevents the Billikens from blooming, but they have a nice schedule and a crafty coach in Charlie Spoonhour.

81 Brigham Young: Don't expect the Cougars to make an immediate return to the 20-win level, but the future looks bright in Provo.

82 North Carolina State: Coach Herb Sendek comes highly recommended, but don't expect a winning season.

83 Seton Hall: The Pirates will rise or fall with their backcourt, which has hyped freshman Shaheen Holloway.

84 Florida: Billy Donovan, a Rick Pitino disciple, inherits an inexperienced team and has seen star LeRon Williams quit the squad, so the postseason is a long shot.

85 Southwest Missouri State: If newcomers--including Indiana Mr. Basketball Kevin Ault--pan out, the Bears could contend for second-year coach Steve Alford.

86 Eastern Michigan: With eight of the top 10 scorers back--including lightning-quick Earl Boykins--from a great '95-96, the Eagles will decide the MAC race.

88 California: A weak second division will keep the talent-poor Bears from an eighth- or ninth-place Pac-10 finish in coach Ben Braun's maiden voyage.

90 Bradley: Anthony Parker is a star,but he's surrounded by inexperience. However, never count out a team coached by the intense Jim Molinari.

92 St. Joseph's: The Hawks, coming off an appearance in the NIT title game, are excited by their recruiting class, but they'll need a few more like it to contend.

93 Ball State: The interior is shaky, but Bonzi Wells is enough to make the always-tough Cardinals strong.

94 Fairfield: The Stags lack depth, but they may have enough to make another NIT appearance.

95 Hawaii: The Rainbows feel they've filled some holes and will benefit from a weak division in the expanded WAC. Keep an eye on developing 7-footer Seth Sundberg.

96 Southern California: The Trojans have a nice core, including Rodrick Rhodes, but can Henry Bibby coach?

98 Colorado: There's talent, and coach Ricardo Patton offers discipline, but who knows if that will equal victory. Regardless, Chauncey Billups will be fun to watch.

99 Washington State: Isaac Fontaine is the man in Pullman, but he's not enough. Newcomers must contribute so Fontaine doesn't have to carry the load.

101 Southern Mississippi: How rapidly Damien Smith heels from knee surgery determines the Eagles' fate in coach James Green's debut season.

102 St. Bonaventure: With help from the big men, diminutive Shandue McNeill will terrorize foes.

103 LSU: Maurice Carter must produce instant offense. Freshman big man Lester Earl must be the real deal for Dale Brown, who may be under pressure.

104 DePaul: There's talent and size, but it's all young (Ayinde Avery and Doc Taylor). So be patient, Blue Demon fans, the best is yet to come.

106 Ohio State: The Buckeyes hope the lumps their many freshmen took last year pay off.

107 Dayton: The Flyers are coming off their first winning season since '89-90, but there's still work to be done. Scoring won't be a problem, but who will rebound?

108 Ohio: With better shooting and decision-making, the Bobcats could win the MAC behind little gritty guard Geno Ford and Ed Sears.