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Jordan Schultz
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College Basketball Preview 2011: The 15 Best Storylines This Season

First Posted: 11/02/11 01:34 PM ET   Updated: 11/02/11 02:35 PM ET

If there is one positive to come out of the NBA Lockout, it's that several future superstars elected to return to school and, the quality of college basketball is going to be scary good this year. As a result, more so than in previous years, nearly all of the pedigree programs are loaded with returning elite talent. Ohio St., Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke, Syracuse and Pittsburgh all boast legitimate chances to win a national title. Bottom line? The labor dispute will make this year's college hoops season more compelling and certainly more entertaining. Just be careful to monitor your Dicky V intake.

While there are many well publicized storylines to follow this season (e.g. Jim Calhoun returning to Storrs, the demise of the Big East and the rise of Austin Rivers), there are others you need to know about as well. Cue Michael Buffer and "Let's get ready to rumble!"

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Kentucky's Ridiculous Talent
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Terrence Jones is a freak of nature capable of playing all five positions. Doron Lamb (see No. 5) is one of the elite natural scorers in the game and senior swingman Darius Miller is as underrated as he is good. But, when you talk about Kentucky, you talk about John Calipari.

And when you mention Coach 'Cal, you also must mention freshmen. While Calipari lost Josh Harrellson, Brandon Knight and Enes Kanter to the NBA draft, he reloaded faster than an automatic machine gun. Anthony Davis (pictured) is the top ranked recruit in his class, yet still an enigma. After growing seven inches in one year, Davis went from off-guard to off-block pivot man. Many scouts have him slated as the first pick in the 2012 NBA draft because of his Swiss-army versatility and raw skills. To give you an idea, the 6'10" Davis averaged 32 points, 22 rebounds and seven blocks during his senior year of high school.

And let us not forget about Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Marquis Teague, both top five players coming in as well. For all the talk about Davis, I am more intrigued by Gilchrist. At 6'7", he has a terrific skill set and equally long wingspan that should allow him to assume similar lockdown defender status as DeAndre Liggins (another UK loss) did last year. Teague may just be the most ready out of the three though. A true point guard with a smooth handle and great feel for the game, he is a natural scorer and splendid passer. Like his fellow Kentucky brethren, he excels in the open floor. It's only a matter of time before he flourishes into the fifth consecutive Calipari point guard to reach the NBA. With such a young stable of players though, we are left wondering if Big Blue is once again too green to win six straight games in March.
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If there is one positive to come out of the NBA Lockout, it's that several future superstars elected to return to school and, the quality of college basketball is going to be scary good this year. As ...
If there is one positive to come out of the NBA Lockout, it's that several future superstars elected to return to school and, the quality of college basketball is going to be scary good this year. As ...
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Larry Hirsch: From CC To The NBA Lockout -- Why Sports Is Not a Logical Business

I miss my NBA. Owners, this is a game, not the business you made your money in. Your emotion got you into this, let it guide you. If you don't have the resources to play the game, your fans deserve someone who does.

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Troy R Miles
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01:43 AM on 11/09/2011
Hey Jordan, very colorful and informative article. Most of all your passion comes through. Good to see (read)!
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asmriga
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03:44 PM on 11/03/2011
I would add Purdue's Robby Hummel to the list as well. With his history of hearbreaking injuries, even as an Indiana fan I am excited to see him comeback and rebuild his NBA stock. He has much less talented teammates this year (no Jawaun Johnson or Etwaun Moore), so he will be the obvious star and captain for the Boilermakers.
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Jordan Schultz
Jordan Schultz is the sports columnist for The Huf
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01:29 PM on 11/04/2011
I love Hummel, just hope he can stay healthy
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CatfishJohn
178 Fans
08:50 AM on 11/03/2011
Mr. Schultz- this is just an EXCELLENT preseason essay and i hope you will be giving us more analysis in -season on HP!
Keep in mind Caliapri has finally realized you need more than just great athletes to win it all and has brought in fine shooters -- Doron Lamb and watch out for this 6-9 shooter-deluxe freshman Kyle Wiltjer. The Big Blue Magnet in Lexington is going to bring UK to another Final 4 and if they shoot better, then lookout Tar Heels! Roy Williams teams NEVER play substantial defense.
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Jordan Schultz
Jordan Schultz is the sports columnist for The Huf
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01:28 PM on 11/04/2011
Thank you good sir! I appreciate it. And yes, it's coming all year long, so just enjoy!
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