ESPN 2018-19 Way-Too-Early Top 25

[Bo Rambler]

#17
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket ... gs-2018-19

[ToledoRambler]

I think it’s funny that ESPN.com already has a projected bracket up for next year. Hahah. They have us as an 11 seed playing Butler. Obviously it doesn’t mean anything but it’s fun to think about. They also had our friends at Nevada as a 3 seed.

[GoRamblers]

The big driver for Nevada will be if the Martin brothers and Caroline come back. They're testing the waters.

Have to imagine they will be back. Caroline needs another year to be a draft pick and I think that if both of the Martin brothers can't go...neither will.

[ahunte1]

Wasn't Northwestern preseason #17 last year? Kiss of death?

[GoRamblers]

Wasn't Northwestern preseason #17 last year? Kiss of death?

Actual preseason or way-too-early preseason?

[ToledoRambler]

Is Clayton Custer for sure said he’s coming back? I don’t know I’ve actually seen anything concrete on that but I’m assuming by the way he’s talking that he is.

And improved Custer, Krutwig, Williamson, and Townes is a potent lineup. By what I’ve heard Big Frank should be just as good as Jackson. The question is will Satterwhite and Skokna fill the shoes of Ingram and Richardson. In my mind we should be more talented next year. Any thoughts on our newcomers ?

[GoRamblers]

Is Clayton Custer for sure said he’s coming back? I don’t know I’ve actually seen anything concrete on that but I’m assuming by the way he’s talking that he is.

And improved Custer, Krutwig, Williamson, and Townes is a potent lineup. By what I’ve heard Big Frank should be just as good as Jackson. The question is will Satterwhite and Skokna fill the shoes of Ingram and Richardson. In my mind we should be more talented next year. Any thoughts on our newcomers ?

Nothing official on Custer but I believe he is enrolled in the 5 year MBA program.

From what i've heard Uguak is Ingram+ and should be able to step in immediately.

[goramblers2011]

Will any freshman be able to contribute immediately?

From what I've read, it seems like Kaifes can help out next year with his athleticism and great 3-pt shooting. Big Frank has the size and strength but his game may need some development. Watched some tape of Bujdoso--seems like a solid pass-first PG that could get some minutes. And then hopefully a good JUCO transfer?

[01grad]

I think we all may be underselling Negron’s potential as well next year. He showed some flashes of athleticism in the spare minutes he got outside of the normal rotation this year, and seemed to have developed a pretty decent mid range shot by the end of the year. Given that he hasn’t had a full offseason since his junior year of high school, including an injury late last summer, the ceiling could be really, really high for this kid. Remember, he was the highest rated recruit from this year’s Freshmen class.

[Blers]

I'm really high on Negron as well. Porters mentioned that he told Negron "Next season starts when we land" after the Michigan game. Pointing him out like that to me says they're going to rely on him. I also really like his potential. He's super long and bouncy; a willing defender who seems to have bought into the culture.

I also think Kaifes could surprise. Labeled a sharpshooter but comes in much more well rounded and athletic than Devon Turk or Ben Richardson did. Not sure about his defense but I think he could finish the season with a foul double digit scoring outputs.

Franks physically ready to compete and should be a great rim protector/rebounder. His offensive game is still raw, but after watching him hold his own defensively playoff game game against the top rated center in the country Bol Bol I'm optimistic (http://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=3304845)

Bujdoso looks like a smooth pass first point. should be able to facilitate the offense in small doses. A lot has been said about his leadership skills which is great moving forward!