Fantasy College Hoops: Power Rankings #1

It's that time of year again! Time for the first round of fantasy college hoops power rankings. Get your game face ready for this ego-bruising, pride-crushing analysis. So in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, here are the five categories: Feast... This is the "meat and potatoes" player of the team's scoring. Famine... A potential bust from the early rounds, who will always leave his owner wanting more. Sleeper... and I'm not talking about tryptophan. This player from the late rounds (or free agency) will likely become a fixture in the starting lineup. Draft grade... This letter grade assigned to each owner evaluates their draft strategy and execution. Magic 8-ball outlook... A prediction on what each franchise can expect this upcoming season. Will my sources say "yes" to success? Or does a spot in the playoffs look grim? For others, it might be so hazy you'll need to ask again later. So feel free to post your comments and let the smack-talking officially begin. It's Thanksgiving week, but some might not be thanking me after this. Remember... read at your own risk!

Team #8: Boilers (1-1)

Feast: Stanley Robinson, Connecticut... Having your 6th round player as your stud usually isn't a good thing. But there is always an exception, and his name is Stanley Robinson. He is a legitimate double-double threat, and Boilers' most consistent player thus far. Connecticut is a gold mine for big time producers, and Robinson is their best one.

Famine: Tasmin Mitchell, Louisiana St... A borderline "keeper", Mitchell's production hasn't carried over from last season. He's a combo forward who hasn't found his role within LSU's offense yet. If the light comes on, he'll be dangerous. But until then, Boilers should be kicking himself for taking Mitchell #3 overall.

Sleeper: Quincy Pondexter... Boilers is hoping his first move in free agency works out better than last year (Kyle McAlarney). With Washington losing Jon Brockman to graduation, there will be a ton of rebounds up for grabs. Though he's being played out of position, Pondexter will be counted on to contribute in a number of ways. And stuffing the stat sheet is never a bad thing.

Draft grade: After a great draft last season, I feel that Boilers regressed. Maybe not having the #1 overall pick threw him off his game? Robinson was a steal, but passing on Evan Turner and a number of quality big men made the roster pretty guard heavy. Luckily, there's a whole season to change this team's identity... C-

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Outlook not so good." The horses just aren't there right now. Mitchell and Vasquez have struggled out of the gate. And they might start feeling the pressure if the losses start to pile up. Boilers needs to find a way to win ugly until they can hit their stride.

Team #7: The Pink Jellybeans (1-1)

Feast: Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest... Last year's postseason difference maker embraces a new role in Winston-Salem. After playing second fiddle to Jeff Teague and James Johnson, Wake Forest will look to Aminu to shoulder the load. His production will improve as their go-to-guy, which wasn't too shabby in a supporting role last year.

Famine: Sherron Collins, Kansas... I don't know why teams insist on taking Collins #2 overall, but it happened yet again. I suppose I should let it slide, because he's an All-American candidate and leader of the #1 Jayhawks. But it's highly unlikely that he puts up numbers worthy of being taken this high (again).

Sleeper: Jimmy Butler, Marquette... The Juco transfer from Houston, Texas is making the most of his minutes early in the year. The Pink Jellybeans scooped up Butler in free agency, just hours before Neenan's Warriors. With the losses Marquette suffered in their backcourt, there will be plenty of opportunities for Butler to star alongside Lazar Hayward.

Draft grade: Considering this was your first time drafting, color me impressed. The Pink Jellybeans rarely referred to their "colors and mascots" cheat sheet. But after taking a closer look, there appear to be a lot more "misses" than "makes". I have a feeling free agency and The Pink Jellybeans are going to be really good friends... C

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Don't count on it." The Pink Jellybeans have caught on faster than expected, but they still have a long way to go. There are conflicting priorities between the co- owners, which is never a good thing. So it might just take some time for The Pink Jellybeans to work out the kinks.

Team #6: Crimson & Bluebloods (1-1)

Feast: Patrick Patterson, Kentucky... The buzz of the offseason was John Calipari taking his travelling circus to Lexington. Players typically need time to adjust to new schemes. But Calipari's dribble-drive motion offense appears to be a perfect fit for Patterson before he heads off to the NBA.

Famine: Ed Davis, North Carolina... After toying with the idea of declaring for the NBA draft, Davis was destined for a prominent role in the Tar Heel offense. So far, he's been passively watching his teammate, Deon Thompson, do most of the work. You can see his potential, but he was taken far too early (Round 3) to justify it.

Sleeper: Wesley Johnson, Syracuse... I knew who I was taking in the last round before the draft even started. I just had to cross my fingers he was still available. Luckily for me, he was... Johnson, a transfer from Iowa State, came in with a lot of hype. He's Syracuse's most versatile player, and does it on both ends of the court. It always feels good to have a potential keeper fall into your lap in the last round.

Draft grade: Did I have a body-double at the draft or something? After two weeks, the opening day roster hardly resembles the current squad. A high percentage of turnover is never good for team morale. But right now, this squad needs to find their identity after a miserable draft... D+

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Cannot predict now." With so many moves in free agency, it's difficult to see how all of the pieces fit together for Crimson & Bluebloods. But you can't underestimate the value of experience... especially after last season's legendary title run.

Team #5: Paul Rudd > Ashley Judd (1-1)

Feast: Evan Turner, Ohio St... As the league's top producer, Turner is already making a name for himself on the national scene. He leads the Buckeyes in points, rebounds and assists. You couldn't draw up a better player to have on your roster at this point. Now if only the rest of Paul Rudd > Ashley Judd's roster was the same way...

Famine: Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech... You took him way too early! Plus, Favors is going to have to outrebound teammate Gani Lawal all year long, which is nearly impossible. I don't know why you dipped into the freshmen pool so early and often. After watching last year's freshmen class, they're hardly sure things.

Sleeper: Kemba Walker, Connecticut... The tough point guard from The Bronx is a star in the making. Even as a reserve on last year's extremely deep UConn team, he averaged 25+ minutes. After hitting the "freshman wall", he blossomed late in the season and NCAA tournament. Now, Walker is holding the reins of the new-look Huskies. They'll go as far as he can take them, so he'll have the ball in his hands the majority of the time.

Draft grade: After having numerous pre-draft discussions with Paul Rudd > Ashley Judd, it was apparent his strategy got thrown out the window early in the game. Rolling the dice on freshmen is risky, but not the worst thing in the world. Based on the lack of depth, I'm expecting this team to shop the free agency market very soon... B-

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Signs point to yes." Unless the supporting cast is horrific, the team with the best player typically makes the playoffs. If this rookie owner can get some consistency out of the rest of his squad, he'll be able to cruise to a top seed. Of course, consistency isn't always the easiest thing to find...

Team #4: God's on my side (1-1)

Feast: Luke Harangody, Notre Dame... This year's #1 overall pick hasn't missed a beat from a year ago. Harangody is a double-double machine, and dominates the box score. Notre Dame might be in for another "bubble" season, but 'Gody will do everything he can to get them into the NCAA tournament.

Famine: Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati... Taking Vaughn might have been a case of separation anxiety for God's on my side. Unfortunately, Vaughn will likely see a dip in production this season. The return of point guard Cashmere Wright will move Vaughn off the ball. And bringing in Lance Stephenson won't help free up any more shots.

Sleeper: Kenny Boynton, Florida... Remember how effective Nick Calathes was last year for Smurphs? Meet his replacement - Kenny Boynton. The Gators usually run their offense through one player, which bodes well for fantasy hoops owners. Boynton, a McDonald's All-American, is destined to be that player. He has all the tools to become a difference maker down the road.

Draft grade: No one had a stronger first three rounds than God's on my side. The three-headed monster of Harangody, Lawal and Varnado will be tough to match up with. But did you fall asleep for the rest of the draft? Nevertheless, this squad still looks to have enough firepower up front to win it all... B+

Magic 8-ball outlook: "It is decidedly so." While this team might have divine intervention on their side, having Luke Harangody doesn't hurt either. But don't be fooled, this isn't a one-man show. And if they can find one more backcourt contributor, this team will have all the makings of a contender.

Team #3: Gordon Bombay (2-0)

Feast: Kyle Singler, Duke... Some things just make sense. Like when Coach Krzyzewski finally moved Singler to the wing. As one of the most versatile players in the country, he has a devastating inside-out game. Though not an elite player last year, expect Singler's stats to receive a boost now that he's at his natural position.

Famine: Jerome Randle, California... So far, the preseason Pac-10 player of the year has had a rough go. The California Bears have sustained a couple injuries and tough losses. I have a feeling Randle might try to force it too much, instead of letting the game come to him. Of course, the Pac-10 is so weak, that Randle might be able to pull it off anyway.

Sleeper: Trey Thompkins, Georgia... After not making a roster a year ago, the sophomore from Lithonia, Georgia burst onto the scene. Thompkins gained valuable experience playing for Team USA in the FIBA U19 World Championship over the summer. He has recorded double-doubles in two of his first three games on the season, and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Draft grade: After getting two first-round caliber players right off the bat, the future looks bright for this young owner. Although, I'm not sure Gordon Bombay deserves a pat on the back for this draft. A generous big brother did most of work, but I am forced to give credit where credit is due... B

Magic 8-ball outlook: "As I see it, yes." With a strong core of players to build around, the talent is there for a serious run. But this owner might want to take a dip in the free agency pool. Not patching up a thin bench is a problem that snowballs as the season rolls along.

Team #2: Aids (1-1)

Feast: Manny Harris, Michigan... In John Beilein's 4-out/1-in offense, pentetration and 3-point shooting are vital. And Manny Harris runs it to perfection. He has one of the quickest first steps in the nation, and his shot-% has improved each season. After fading down the stretch a year ago, only time will tell if he can weather another grueling Big Ten season.

Famine: AJ Ogilvy, Vanderbilt... Ogilvy is the Steven Jackson of college basketball. While both great players, everyone knows it's just a matter of time before they're sidelined with a nagging injury. If he can shake the stigma, then I'll be eating crow. But history is clearly on my side on this one...

Sleeper: Keith Gallon, Oklahoma... A 300-pounder from vaunted Oak Hill Academy, Keith "Tiny" Gallon will try to fill the void left by Blake Griffin's departure. He'll have a familiar face out on the court, in high school teammate Willie Warren. Gallon has been dominating early with his mammoth frame. But will he be able to sustain this level of success when the competition stiffens?

Draft grade: For being absent at this year's draft, you should have no complaints. Perhaps missing the draft was part of Aids' strategy, because we all know he's awful at it. I just wish I could've saved some of his players for my own team... B+

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Outlook good." Aids' scoring was through the roof in the first week. You could see their scoring power when hitting on all cylinders. With a talented and deep roster, the playoffs look to be gift wrapped. So don't screw it up.

Team #1: Chalmers Chiefers (2-0)

Feast: Cole Aldrich, Kansas... The most dominant center in the country came back for one reason: another ring. Although, I'm sure he wouldn't mind helping out Chalmers Chiefers' chances as well. Aldrich still doesn't always get the touches he deserves, but his impact on the defensive end is second to none.

Famine: Tyler Smith, Tennessee... Chalmers Chiefers made Tennessee's senior leader a second round pick for the second straight year. Smith has big play ability, but I'm not sold on his consistency. He'll likely test the patience of an owner who might pull his hair out trying to pick the "right" game for Smith.

Sleeper: JaMychal Green, Alabama... New Bama head coach Anthony Grant has already spoken very highly of Green, an '08 McDonalds All-American. The Crimson Tide will shift to a more up-tempo style of play this year. Regardless, Green has a nose for the ball and can influence a game in a variety of ways.

Draft grade: I'm hard pressed to find a mistake in Chalmers Chiefers' draft. Denis Clemente was a homer pick in Round 5. But every other team had slipped up at least once before that point. Chalmers Chiefers is the only team starting six double-double threats. That's a gamble he'll enjoy taking week after week... A-

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Without a doubt." The optimism is overflowing in Chalmers Chiefers' camp. And why not? Right now, they're the clear favorite to bring home the title. But this squad can't let the compliments go to their head. They need to maintain an underdog mentality, regardless of how they fare week to week. Remember, there's nowhere to go but down.