It's been about a month since I unveiled my preseason Top 10 in the Big Ten, and we're now about two months from the first college hoops practice of the season. A few more news items are starting to pop up, so this week my focus is on what they mean for fantasy owners.
Kevin Coble calls it a career
This one came out of nowhere. A month ago I was contemplating whether Coble deserved a spot in the Top 10 after missing last season, and the next thing you know he decides not to play this year. While it's disappointing that he won't be back on the court as the Wildcats push for their first NCAA Tournament berth, it's clear Coble is focusing beyond his career as a basketball player. From a fantasy standpoint, this elevates John Shurna to at least number two in the conference, and I could probably make a compelling argument to rank him above Talor Battle. The Wildcats have plenty of talent with the guard tandem of Michael Thompson and Drew Crawford to go with some veteran role players. The team also has an upcoming exhibition trip to Italy, so that should give them an opportunity to gel.
Chris Allen leaves Michigan State
Interestingly, Allen is the first player to leave East Lansing in the Tom Izzo era, and at this point no specifics are really available aside from the fact that Allen did not meet the requirements Izzo set forth. Aside from spurning an offer from the Cavs, this may well be Izzo's best decision this offseason. As usual, the Spartans have tons of talent and really don't need the distraction that Allen had apparently become. Fantasywise, the benefactors are Durrell Summers, who will look to build off of a strong NCAA Tournament, and freshman Keith Appling. Those two will share time at shooting guard and should benefit from the penetrating and passing abilities of point guards Kalin Lucas and Korie Lucious.
Maurice Creek gets back on the court for Hoosiers
With my crimson-colored glasses, this one meant the most to me, but you can't argue that Creek wouldn't have run away with the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award last season if not for a knee injury suffered last December. In case you forgot, Creek scored at least 14 points in nine of the 11 full games he played, including a 31-point outburst against Kentucky. His rehab has remained on schedule, and all indications are that Creek will be at full strength when the season starts. The Hoosiers added a couple incoming wing players, but no one that should challenge Creek for playing time. Assuming the rust comes off quickly, he has the skills to be a Top 10 option in the conference.
Jon Leuer shines during USA Basketball training camp
Last summer, the aforementioned Shurna parlayed an impressive stint with the USA Under-19 team into a breakout season. After Villanova coach Jay Wright dubbed Leuer the best college player at the USA Basketball training camp, the stage is set for a potential repeat of that scenario. With Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon gone, more of the offensive burden will fall on the 6-foot-10 Leuer along with guard Jordan Taylor. The accodolades and more importantly the experience against NBA players should give Leuer plenty of confidence heading into the season. Fellow Big Ten big men JaJuan Johnson and Mike Tisdale were also named to the 10-player Select Team along with Leuer. Did I mention this conference is loaded with talent?
Draymond Green updates status of Kalin Lucas on Twitter
I've wasted more than my share of time on Twitter, but occasionally you can actually learn a couple things. For instance, during a conversation between MSU forward Draymond Green (@Money23Green) and Northwestern guard Michael Thompson (@mthompson22), I was able to get a brief update on Kalin Lucas' recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered in the tournament last year. According to Green's tweets, Lucas is running and shooting but not yet playing with the team during open gyms or player-organized activities. I also learned that Green thought Thompson was a senior last year, which is a fair point since I feel like he's been there forever. Thompson added that Coble's foot not being 100% was the reason for him not returning as mentioned above. And finally, Thompson warned Green and all opponents that the Wildcats would be running more to the tune of seven fast breaks per game. LOL, my friend. LOL.