Party in the (C)USA
Conference USA flies under the radar, but don't overlook it in March. Plus, we dive into upcoming college choices for recruits, the top recruiting coaches, and more.
College football is officially back, which means we’re closer to the college basketball season, which means we’re closer to tip-off. So let’s analyze a league and find out where some prospects are in their process of making a college decision.
Also, a quick programming note: We won’t have a Daily on Monday (we’ll be off enjoying Labor Day), so look for us on Sept. 6.
THREE POINTERS
1. C-USA teams who are NCAA Tourney threats
Realignments may have affected Conference USA more than any other league. Gone are the days of a Top 25 mainstay. It’s now more or less a one-bid league — but don’t sleep on the overall talent for the upcoming season.
Several C-USA teams have a chance to not only capture the conference tournament crown but also win a game or two in the Big Dance. Historically speaking, CUSA teams have won at least one game in five of the last seven NCAA Tournaments. Here are four programs that could reach that milestone.
UAB Blazers
The defending tournament champs won 27 games last season, and are arguably even better this year. C-USA Player of the Year Jordan “Jelly” Walker returns after averaging 20.3 ppg ad 4.9 apg, along with key forwards, KJ Buffen and Trey Jemison.
The Brewer brothers (Ty and Ledarrius) come over from East Tennessee State after combining to produce around 25 ppg and 12 rpg. And LSU transfer Eric Gaines can be a star at this level in the backcourt. This roster would make any 5-seed nervous.
North Texas Mean Green
North Texas won the 2021-22 regular-season title on the strength of a balanced offensive attack and the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense. They return several key pieces from that squad, including leading scorer Tylor Perry, as well as double-digit scoring forward Abou Ousmane and junior guard Rubin Jones.
The key offseason pickup for the Green, however, was New Hampshire transfer Jayden Martinez, a 6-7 wing who averaged 14.3 ppg and 7.0 rpg in each of the last two seasons, shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range.
This program has C-USA’s most recent NCAA Tournament win, beating No. 4 seed Purdue in the Round of 64 in 2021. The defense makes it a threat to do so again.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Coach Rick Stansberry has had talent in seven seasons at WKU, but this is his best in terms of an 8-man rotation. Elite shot-blocker Jamarion Sharp — all 7-5 of him — will anchor the defense, while leading scorer and passer Dayvion McKnight (16.2 ppg and 5.5 apg) is a CUSA POTY candidate. And the well-traveled Jairus Hamilton returns after his most productive season yet.
Add versatile guard Emmanuel Akot from Boise State along with former top-40 prospects, Khristian Lander and Dontaie Allen, and there’s a ton of potential with this Hilltopper roster. The team boasts the talent of a squad that can win multiple NCAA tourney games.
Florida Atlantic Owls
FAU won 11 conference games last season and returns every player of importance. The Owls’ top seven scorers, including leader Alijah Martin (13.9 ppg), ensure it’s a team that has plenty of depth, size, and experience. If they can defend the 3-point line a bit better, they could win 24 games.
Florida Atlantic and Rice are a step behind the top 3, but both have the pieces for one win in March.
ORDER THE ALMANAC
We know. 60 words explaining how each team could win a game in March isn’t enough. That’s where “The Almanac” comes in.
This preview for the 2022-23 season features exhaustive coverage of every team, including insights into their March prospects. Here’s a sneak peek at the two-page spread for each team. If you like what you see, use promo code “HOOPS” to order before Sept. 27 and save.
(Also, apologies to our designer. Adding in these two pages so it doesn’t take up half of the Daily kinda ruined the layout.)
2. September recruiting battles ahead
As more recruits make decisions in the fall instead of the spring, look for plenty of decisions this month. In fact, today two top-100 players (JP Estrella and Dailyn Swain) are set to announce.
Who else is reportedly close to deciding this month? Using both 247sports.com and On3.com as sources, here are a few to watch.
Jace Posey: Top 60 wing
Posey, son of former NBA player James Posey, is down to just George Mason and TCU. He’s a 4-star wing who’s an athlete and a potential “3-and-D” option, kind of like his dad was. Look for a decision sometime next week, with the Frogs in the lead.
Brandon Williams: Top 75 power forward
The 6-7 combo forward reportedly will choose between UCLA and St. John’s next week. He’s from New York, but the Bruins have been on him for a while. But after UCLA landed top-100 power forward Devin Williams last week, could the Red Storm have the edge? There’s no clear advantage, but don’t be surprised if Williams ultimately stays home.
TJ Power: Top 30 power forward
The rising 5-star prospect is down to five programs: Duke, Boston College, Virginia, North Carolina and Iowa. The next couple of weeks could be a vintage Duke vs UNC battle (but don’t rule out the Cavaliers).
Curtis Williams: Top 100 small forward
The 6-6 wing out of Michigan will decide on Sept. 19th (his mother’s birthday). Louisville, Providence, Alabama, Seton Hall and Florida State are in his mix. Williams is set to go on multiple visits in the coming weeks, with the Cardinals seen as the slight favorite.
Davin Cosby: Top 120 shooting guard
The 4-star shooting guard from Richmond says he’ll decide after all his official visits, which will wrap by the month’s end. Cosby’s list of seven options seems to have narrowed to Alabama, Virginia and Wake Forest. Whoever wins out will land a playmaker that can create his own offense and should be a double-digit scorer at the next level.
Isaiah Coleman: Top 60 shooting guard
Another recruit down to just two teams, Coleman will be playing for either Mississippi State or College of Charleston. It’ll be a massive win for either side. Chris Jans needs top-100 talent to compete in the SEC and jumpstart his rebuilding effort. But this would be a historic pickup for Pat Kelsey and the Cougars that could catapult them to CAA contention. He’ll decide this weekend.
TRIVIA TIME
A Final Four brain teaser
Since its inception in 1995, Conference USA has had 32 member schools. None of them have won a national title as a C-USA school.
But how many C-USA schools have reached the men’s Final Four?
Answer at the bottom.
3. Some potential recruiting snubs in the works?
The Field of 68 has another list going on, this time the best head coaches on the recruiting trail. It’s not about the results on the court but rather who is most feared off of it. The most recent five:
That leaves just five spots — and more than five qualified recruiters. Here are the most viable options left.
John Calipari, Kentucky
Self-explanatory. He’s had numerous No. 1 classes and the Wildcats have been at the top of the rankings for the past decade. With Coach K gone, it’s clear who’ll be No. 1 here.
Penny Hardaway, Memphis
He’s been around for just a few years, but the former NBA all-star was going head-to-head with Coach K and Calipari for top guys… and winning in key recruiting battles. He’s already landed several five-star prospects, including most recently Jalen Duren and Emoni Bates.
Tom Izzo, Michigan State
He’s landed a number of 5-star prospects over his 27-year career, including Miles Bridges, Jaren Jackson, Gary Harris and Max Christie. And he’s set to have his highest-ranked commit ever in the 2023 class in Xavier Booker, who ranks in the Top 5 overall.
Bill Self, Kansas
The reigning national champion HC has had over 20 5-star prospects join him over the years, including Mario Chalmers, Joel Embiid, Josh Jackson and Andrew Wiggins. And he has two more to coach this year in wings Gradey Dick and MJ Rice. And considering the massive success the program has had under Coach Self, those pickups have clearly paid off.
Rick Stansbury, Western Kentucky
A prolific recruiter during his days at Mississippi State, Coach Stansbury has turned the Conference USA program into a destination spot. He landed numerous transfers, along with former 5-star prospects, Mitchell Robinson and Charles Bassey. Whenever the Hilltoppers are involved with a transfer target, they’re capable of beating most power conference programs for them.
Mark Few, Gonzaga
The Bulldogs have suddenly become a real threat on the recruiting trail, recently landing 5-star guard Jalen Suggs and No. 1 overall prospect Chet Holmgren last year. Coach Few also has been one of the most successful when it comes to transfers, including the likes of Dan Dickau, Kyle Wiltjer and Brandon Clarke.
Leonard Hamilton, Florida State
He’s flown under the radar in the ACC due to Roy Williams and Coach K but now, Coach Hamilton has the best résumé in the league. He has over a dozen 5-star commits in the past, including Scottie Barnes, Dwayne Bacon and rising sophomore wing Matthew Cleveland. Coach Hamilton is known for building depth but quietly handles his own on the trail.
So that’s seven qualified candidates and two of the seven will miss out. So in a game of “two gotta go,” which ones would you cut?
THE FAST BREAK
Links as you still recover from watching last night’s Backyard Brawl between Pitt and WVU.
Purdue-Fort Wayne has extended coach Jon Coffman.
John Fanta got reactions from multiple coaches concerning the new 60-day transfer window for next Spring.
Miami (OH) lands class of 2023 big man Reece Potter.
Grand Canyon releases what they say is the “toughest schedule in program history.”
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Trivia answer: Three. Marquette (2003), Louisville (2005) and Memphis (2008).