Thought now that we’ve had our midnight madness and hoops are officially on I would take a look at the Big East Teams one by one. I’ll start with Jay Bilas’ 16th place pick and move up to #1 over the next few weeks. Forgive me for the grades, but as a former coach and teacher I couldn’t resist grading the units.

USF (12-18, 3-13)

Frontcourt - The Bulls will rely on Kentrell Gransberry (6-9, 270 lbs) up front. Gransberry turned into a real Bull last year and averaged 15.6 pts and 11.4 reb. during the 06-07 season. His rebounding average was good enough for 3rd in the nation. Losing McHugh Mattis and Melvin Buckley up front leaves USF very thin after Gransberry. Aris Williams (6-9) and Zaronn Cann (6-6) will look to gain playing time up front as well as Amu Saaka (6-6). JC transfer Mobolaji Ajayi (6-9) and Orane Chin (6-7) will provide some very thin backup. GRADE - C+

Backcourt - In the backcourt the Bulls will be stronger with Solomon Bozeman (9.6ppg) and Chris Howard (5.6ppg, 5.9apg) leading the way. Jesuse Verdejo (7.0ppg) will back up both guard positions. Dante Curry, who missed last season due to injury provides depth in the backcourt. GRADE - B-

Depth - Not much here. A  freshman Chin and a transfer Ajayi are all that they could add. The Bulls are weak to start with but should there be an injury or foul trouble they may be too thin to compete. GRADE - D

OVERALL - USF should be competitive and maybe win more than the three they got last year. Gransberry will give some teams fits down low. Bozeman and Howard give USF some scoring punch in the backcourt, but even they are well less than most teams have. USF should be close to, if not in the cellar at the end of the season and won’t getan invite to MSG in March. GRADE - C-

Categories: Commentary, South Florida, Coach O
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