interesting from Jay Bilas

[stever20]

he has what looks like a college hoops preview...

Wooden Award watch:
3. Kris Dunn, Providence
Talent-wise, few can match Dunn. The question is whether his team will keep his talent on the Wooden Award level. Dunn is the best point guard in the country.

Dunn 1st team all American, Ellenson 4th team.

The Bilastrator's next six book-your-travel-now Final Four contenders
Villanova Wildcats
The Wildcats are hungry and still smarting from last year's season finish. Villanova will be smaller, but quick and explosive off the dribble.

The Bilastrator's see-you-in-the-green-room impact freshmen
6. Henry Ellenson, Marquette
Ellenson is a talented scorer and rebounder, and will instantly be the go-to guy at Marquette. He is strong, with a nasty streak, which is good for any freshman, let alone one with elite talent.
10. Jalen Bruson, Villanova
The son of former Temple and NBA star Rick Brunson, Jalen Brunson was excellent for the United States in the World U-19 Championships, playing for Arizona coach Sean Miller. Another freshman playing ahead of his years, Brunson has a great feel and understands the game, with a knack for making the right decision.

Six things you should know about the 2015-16 season
5. Villanova's Daniel Ochefu will make you love basketball
If you can take your eyes off of Jay Wright's suits and pocket squares, which put Rece Davis' to shame, keep your eyes on Daniel Ochefu. Simply put, he may very well be the hardest worker in college basketball. His rebound percentage was fifth in the country. When the Wildcats when to a four-guard lineup, he was left to do all of the dirty work. It's what made Villanova a top-5 team. His defensive rating was eighth in the nation and he's led the Big East in defensive rating in each of the last two seasons. He shot 64.4 percent from the field to lead the conference. He was second in the conference in PER and led the Big East in win shares per 40 minutes. Ochefu is a hard-hat-wearing, lunch-pail-carrying "I-gotta-go-to-work" beast.
6. The 'new' rules are necessary and will work
There will be a lot of commentary about the "new" rules, and rightfully so. But don't listen to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" crowd or the "it gives an advantage to the better players" crowd. For too many years, college basketball was not properly maintained and administered, and the game got away from us. It was not a bad game and it's still great, but it is not as good as it should be. Basketball is a players' game, and the game has evolved. With a 30-second shot clock, things will get a tiny bit better, but the real improvement will be in the way the game is officiated. We need freedom of movement so cutters and drivers can move without being illegally impeded. Nobody is asking that incidental contact be called a foul. NOBODY. However, when legit fouls are called, players and coaches will adjust, and the game will be better. The game just needs to stick with it through the rough patches, just like the NFL and NBA did. It's not a big deal. It will lead to a better game for players and fans.

The Bilastrator's on-time and on-target best passers
1. Kris Dunn, Providence
Kris Dunn led the nation in assist percentage at 50 percent. In the past five seasons, only one player had a higher percentage: Jason Brickman (Long Island) in 2013-14. Dunn was third in total assists and fifth in assists per game in the country.
The Bilastrator's sweet sixteen best defenders
5. Kris Dunn, Providence
After watching Dunn up close for several days in Los Angeles, The Bilastrator is convinced that the best point guard in the nation is playing for the Friars. With length and athleticism, there is no guard Dunn cannot guard. He gets deflections, stays in front and can hound almost anyone.

The Bilastrator's seven players to take the last shot
1. Kellen Dunham, Butler
Dunham excels at every play type. He can isolate or come off a screen, and he's a terrific catch-and-shoot player, shooting an effective 60.7 percent. His versatility is a great weapon.
6. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera, Georgetown
Smith-Rivera may be smaller, but he can flat-out score. Last season, Smith-Rivera averaged over 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and he has knocked down 138 3s and almost 300 free throws. DSR will be one of the best guards in the country this season, and The Bilastrator wants the ball in his hands.