Jay Bilas' College Hoops Opus

In last year's Opus, The Bilastrator told you that UConn's Shabazz Napier was the No. 1 clutch player The Bilastrator would want to take the last shot, that Mercer and Harvard were mid-majors to watch out for, that Stanford's Josh Huestis was an undervalued star and great defender and that Creighton's Doug McDermott was the real deal and would win the Wooden Award. You're welcome. I've said before: to have a guide like The Bilastrator's Opus is to have a DeLorean and a Flux Capacitor and the ability to visit the future and secure a sports almanac, then race to the past and bring Las Vegas to its knees.

There are few certainties in life and too few things the populace can truly trust. The Opus is one. It is the comprehensive journey through the future happenings in college hoops, a glimpse so exact the selection committee could meet today and call it a season.

What's here?

• National title and Final Four favorites.
• The Bilastrator's top tweets, college courses and coaches to hang with when Bill Raftery is around.
• Wooden Award picks and the Jimmy Chitwood picks.
• The best hoops analysts not named The Bilastrator.
• The best shooters, defenders, big men, point guards and every other category you can fathom.
• Much, much more ...

And the Opus predictions are not offered by The Bilastrator in verse, riddles or quatrains, but in an easily understandable form that will enlighten you to the subtle nuances of the greatest game ever invented. The Bilastrator offers this heavenly initiation to college basketball, and your expedition to unambiguous basketball proficiency begins (and will be completed) in one, glorious Opus. Congratulations on your official welcome to the highest intellectual capacity of the hardwood. Let us begin...

The Bilastrator's "won't miss" national title favorites

Kentucky Wildcats: John Calipari has two six-man units that would each be ranked in the top 25 if submitted as separate teams. Coach Cal took his team to the Bahamas this summer and experimented with a straight "platoon" system. That allowed his embarrassment of riches to play fewer minutes yet be more productive in those minutes. The Wildcats can come at you in waves, press, run and attack the rim and the glass. The platoon concept is brilliant in several ways. Most notably, it takes all of the discussion off of which McDonald's All-Americans will, or should, be playing and puts it all on the system itself. Kentucky might not be the best team with players 1 through 6, but nobody can match the Cats 1 through 12.

Wisconsin Badgers: The Badgers have a ton of experience back from Bo Ryan's first Final Four team. Frank Kaminsky is among the toughest matchup challenges in the country, and Sam Dekker was outstanding this summer. Those two could form the best frontcourt tandem in the country.

Duke Blue Devils: Kentucky has a record nine McDonald's All-Americans on its roster. Duke matches that record with nine of its own. Freshman big man Jahlil Okafor is an offensive savant, and Duke will be dominant in the paint if it gives the big guy the ball. The key to Duke will be defensive pressure on the ball and the ability to rebound and finish defensive possessions. No player on this roster has won an ACC title of any kind. After two early-round upsets in the past three NCAA tournaments, Duke is looking to remedy that trend, starting with defense.

Arizona Wildcats: Sean Miller lost Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon but returns a ton of size, experience and talent. Miller has been on the doorstep of the Final Four on multiple occasions but has yet to break through. The Bilastrator guarantees you Miller will break through, and this could be the season. The key to the season will be perimeter shooting and whether Stanley Johnson can be a star-caliber player who takes his game to new heights, with his teammates alongside.

The Bilastrator's Final Four contenders

Louisville Cardinals: This is a team that Rick Pitino will mold into a title contender by season's end. The backcourt is as good as anyone's, with Terry Rozier and Chris Jones, and Montrezl Harrell is a stud. The key will be the play of Wayne Blackshear. If he plays to his potential, Louisville can cut nets down.

Kansas Jayhawks: Bill Self does not have the talent he had last season, but he will have a better team this season. These Jayhawks are a bit tougher. Wayne Selden and Perry Ellis will lead the team in scoring, and Frank Mason and Devonte Graham will handle the point.

North Carolina Tar Heels: The Heels couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat last year, from deep or the free throw line, yet still battled to a solid record. That will be improved upon this year. Carolina is more experienced inside and better on the perimeter. Freshman Justin Jackson can be a difference-maker in making shots.

Villanova Wildcats: Jay Wright has depth, really good guards, a tough matchup in JayVaughn Pinkston and experience. Don't be surprised to see Villanova in an Elite Eight game with a chance to win this thing.

Gonzaga Bulldogs: This is Mark Few's deepest and most talented team, across the board, since he's been at Gonzaga. It could be his best team, but that would be saying a lot. The Bilastrator likes Gonzaga's chances more than ever.

Michigan State Spartans: The experience is missing, and there is a lack of depth, but The Bilastrator sees a team that Tom Izzo will really like and one that will fight. Travis Trice needs to stay on the floor all season, and the leadership and commitment of Branden Dawson will be crucial. Michigan State will challenge Wisconsin.

Virginia Cavaliers: Tony Bennett lost a lot of talent and experience in Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell, but there is so much to be excited about in Charlottesville. Virginia has talent and, although it is not highlighted, athleticism. Malcolm Brogdon is a star player who doesn't get the credit he deserves.

Michigan Wolverines: John Beilein will have scorers and shooters positioned all around the 3-point line, and the Wolverines will be able to score with anyone. The key will be defending the interior and rebounding. If Michigan can hang in those two departments, Michigan can hang a banner.

Iowa State Cyclones: No team is more fun to watch on the offensive end. Fred Hoiberg has a point guard in Monte Morris who will be known to all, a forward in Georges Niang that is the toughest matchup in the country and an underrated rebounding machine in Dustin Hogue.

Florida Gators: Florida lost a ton of talent after last season's Final Four run but will make another run this season. The loss of experience is an issue, but Florida has been losing players for some time now, and there is plenty of talent left for Billy Donovan to mold together. The key is the development of Chris Walker. If he blossoms, look out.

Texas Longhorns: Rick Barnes might have his deepest team ever at Texas, or anywhere else he has coached. His upperclassmen have been pushed around and are looking to push back. His young players are talented and hungry, especially sophomore point guard Isaiah Taylor. He has recruited well, landing Myles Turner. Texas is capable, will defend and has only to score more efficiently to make a run at Barnes' first Final Four since 2003.

Virginia Commonwealth Rams: The Rams have very good talent, excellent depth and an attitude. Treveon Graham is the senior leader who is not a great athlete but is an outstanding player who outworks and outcompetes opponents. Briante Weber is a disruptive force on the perimeter, and Mo-Alie Cox is an intimidating force inside. A key will be Melvin Johnson.

Wichita State Shockers: This program expects to win and does. Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker form a backcourt as good as anyone's, and Tekele Cotton is one of the five best individual defenders in the country.

Connecticut Huskies: The defending national champions lost the main driver of the title run in Napier, but there is talent after him. Ryan Boatright can score, defend and is very dynamic. If he takes over and leads, running the team first, UConn will be very good again. Daniel Hamilton is an NBA player, Rodney Purvis is a very talented scoring guard and Amida Brimah is capable inside and on the glass.

Top 10 tweets of The Bilastrator (@JayBilas)

The Bilastrator was asked for some of his favorite tweets of all time. It was tough to trim it to ten, but here's an attempt.

1.

Dang, Apple recognizes real and is, therefore, real. pic.twitter.com/vksv7zmESZ

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) November 6, 2014

2.

This dude must be a senior. pic.twitter.com/eR5GVAgcYs

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) January 5, 2014

3.

Bill Raftery and Verne Lundquist at a timeout during UConn-Iowa State at MSG. pic.twitter.com/IvizglJchh

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) March 29, 2014

4.

This perfectly captures the effectiveness of NCAA rules. pic.twitter.com/k6u2M1anRR

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) September 5, 2014

5.

Go to http://t.co/qpH4tNnIpH, type in "Manziel" in upper right search box, hit enter. This comes up. pic.twitter.com/N7KNvXIu24

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 6, 2013

6.

The absolute funniest dude ever to graduate from Duke. (Also pictured, Ken Jeong). pic.twitter.com/hpgslfIciG

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) April 18, 2014

7.

Had lunch with Bill Raftery. He chose this restaurant, and ordered the soup. pic.twitter.com/9remMI0IHr

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) September 5, 2013

8.

A photobomb, and a free drink. Efficient. pic.twitter.com/m0g4G23wDp

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) June 1, 2013

9.

Not often is Hall of Famer George Gervin asked to take a photo of Kevin Durant. The Bilastrator is there. pic.twitter.com/47TVQKmfvY

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) April 16, 2013

10.

A broadcast legend (also pictured, Howard Cosell). pic.twitter.com/lj5QpSZu

- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) October 28, 2012

The Bilastrator's "don't be surprised these are playing in the second weekend" teams

These are teams that might not be favorites to contend for the Final Four (although they might be capable of getting there with a favorable draw) but are "second weekend" NCAA tournament teams that you need to watch and consider in your bracket.

1. Miami Hurricanes: Miami had no impact players last season and had to play zone, shorten games and hang on for dear life. With Sheldon McClellan and Angel Rodriguez in the backcourt this season, Miami should be much deeper and more explosive.

2. San Diego State Aztecs: Because San Diego State can defend, the Aztecs will be very good again. Winston Shepard is stepping into the lead role, but coach Steve Fisher needs good point guard play to reach this point.

3. Arkansas Razorbacks: Mike Anderson has his best team since his return to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Bobby Portis is one of the nation's better big guys, and Michael Qualls is an incredible athlete.

4. Utah Utes: Delon Wright is improving his shooting, taking over as a leader and no longer deferring to others. He and Jordan Loveridge, already a good shooter, form an excellent tandem that needs only solid frontcourt help to be a "surprise" team this season.

5. Stanford Cardinal: The Cardinal beat Kansas last season to advance to the Sweet 16 before falling to Dayton and return one of the best guards in the country in Chasson Randle. Add in Anthony Brown and Stefan Nastic for experience and talent -- and Reid Travis as a McDonald's All-American -- and Johnny Dawkins will have another good year on The Farm.

The Bilastrator's top Nontraditional teams to watch

Not the usual suspects but teams that will pull "upsets" early, and, later in the season, we'll look back and determine that those wins were not upsets. These teams have players, man.

1. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: Coach Michael White gets his talented crew to play hard and unselfishly. Kenneth Smith would be a household name if he played in the ACC, and he will be a household name after Selection Sunday.

2. Harvard Crimson: Tommy Amaker has talent on top of talent and terrific depth from a team that has won or shared four Ivy titles in a row. The Crimson are legit.

3. Green Bay Phoenix: The Bilastrator believed Green Bay was a tournament team last season before getting clipped in the Horizon tournament. With Keifer Sykes slashing into the lane and getting fouled often, Green Bay has a chance to win its league and beat somebody in the tournament.

4. Georgia State Panthers: With R.J. Hunter and Ryan Harrow, Georgia State will be able to score. Hunter is a junior Reggie Miller who can really shoot it (while living in a "conscience-free" environment), and he will play in the NBA.

5. Toledo Rockets: Toledo won 27 games last season and will be better this season behind Julius Brown and Justin Drummond. The Rockets have four starters back, but the MAC is one of the tougher leagues to win consistently.

6. Northern Iowa Panthers: The Panthers return everybody and have a legit post presence in Seth Tuttle and an impact transfer from Virginia in Paul Jesperson.

Top 10 analysts for whom The Bilastrator keeps the sound on

1. The Bilastrator: What, are you joking?! The best analyst stares at The Bilastrator every day from the multiple mirrors into which he gazes (and, if you looked anything like The Bilastrator, you would gaze into a reflective surface at every opportunity). Nobody enjoys the sound of The Bilastrator's vocals any more than The Bilastrator himself. Except for, well, each and every one of you.

2. Hubie Brown, ESPN: The "Rain Man" of basketball, Hubie Brown can make a basketball clinic sound like a symphony. He is brilliant.

3. Bill Raftery, Fox Sports: Nobody makes the game more fun and balances that fun with great insight. Raftery is a treasure.

4. Doug Collins, ESPN: One of the richest careers in basketball, Collins has gone from Illinois State to the 1972 Olympics to the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft to a stellar NBA career to stellar NBA coach to stellar college and NBA broadcaster. Collins gets it. Thankfully, we get him, too.

5. Dick Vitale, ESPN: The best off-court ambassador college basketball has ever had and the heart and soul of the college game. Vitale loves the game, and it always shows.

6. Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN: Smart, funny and irreverent. The Bilastrator hangs on every word of Notorious JVG. He is the Jon Gruden of basketball and, inch for inch, the finest commentator in sports.

7. Doris Burke, ESPN: Nobody is better prepared or knows the game better. Burke is phenomenal in every role and is the most versatile basketball analyst in the game.

8. Greg Anthony, CBS: Anthony knows the game and isn't shy to tell us what he thinks. That's what everyone wants to hear.

9. Grant Hill, TNT: Hill makes his points thoughtfully and exudes dignity while doing it.

10. Kara Lawson, ESPN: Always prepared, always insightful and always on target with her comments. When Kara Lawson talks, The Bilastrator listens. So should you.

The Bilastrator's Wooden Award list

From this list, the Wooden Award recipient will come.

1. Jahlil Okafor: The most dominant big man and offensive player in the country. If his defense and rebounding are solid, he can be the best player in the country.

2. Frank Kaminsky: Is a reluctant star and can be moved around on the floor like the queen on a chessboard. Few can match his size and shooting.

3. Montrezl Harrell: Louisville's big man is the most dominant physical force in college basketball. He keeps getting better and will have to in order to win the Wooden Award.

4. Marcus Paige: North Carolina's super-talented scorer and playmaker has a great feel. As a junior, there won't be a better all-around guard in the country.

5. Jerian Grant: Notre Dame gets him back after he missed the majority of last season. Grant can score in bunches and rack up big assist numbers.

Ten people The Bilastrator might follow on Twitter, if he followed anyone

1. @JayBilas: Come on -- would you really expect The Bilastrator to deny himself the one follow that the rest of the free world absolutely loves?! Of course not.

2. @YoungJeezy: Don't know if you noticed, but The Bilastrator likes to listen to the Snowman and would follow him if he followed anyone. Real recognizes real.

3. @si_vault: Andy Gray posts some amazing photos, including some of The Bilastrator himself (which are, by definition, amazing), and The Bilastrator would love to see him post even more.

4. @PreschoolGems: The thoughts overheard in preschool, which have to be more insightful than the thoughts overheard in the average college faculty dining room. The Bilastrator would enjoy the former and eschew the latter.

5. @Chuck_Facts: Chuck Norris, who lived near The Bilastrator in the 1970s and early 1980s, is one The Bilastrator might follow -- not out of fear, but out of mutual respect.

6. @KimKierkegaard: The depth of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard is combined with the shallowness of the mindless American "brand" built on a career of doing nothing of substance, but doing it publicly, to make Kim Kierkegaardashian. Brilliant.

7. @TheTweetofGOD: Like Chuck, another case of mutual respect.

8. @SteveMartinToGo: Nobody alive, save The Bilastrator himself, is as consistently funny as Steve Martin.

9. @FeministTaylorSwift: As The Bilastrator tweets a Jeezy lyric every morning to international acclaim, the lyrics of Taylor Swift are tweeted after they are combined with the feminist viewpoint. That would be awesome.

10. You: Now let's hear your pitch.

The Bilastrator's top net-snapping shooters

Players who, when they shoot it, you think it's going in. With these guys, it usually does.

1. R.J. Hunter, Georgia State: Crazy range, a quick, high release and fearless.

2. Michael Frazier II, Florida: Moves without the ball, ready to shoot when the ball arrives and takes nothing but good shots.

3. Melvin Johnson, VCU: A real shooting talent who can make five to nine 3s in any given game.

4. Kellen Dunham, Butler: With nobody finding him shots, this gutsy shooter finds his own.

5. Micah Mason, Duquesne: A transfer from Drake, he gets high-percentage looks and was one of the most efficient shooters in the country last season, hitting 65 of 116 attempts.

6. Phil Forte, Oklahoma State: Forte stretched defenses and made 100 3-point field goals last season. He sets his feet quickly and lets it go in no time.

7. Johnny Dee, San Diego: A 6-foot senior whose father played in the NFL and grandfather played on the 1968 Olympic Team in Mexico City, Dee knocked down 98 3s last season and was an automatic free throw shooter.

8. Yogi Ferrell, Indiana: Yogi is better than your average shooter, knocking in 88 3-point goals on 40 percent shooting last season.

9. Marcus Paige, North Carolina: The lefty hit 86 3s last season -- most against defenses geared to stop him.

10. Buddy Hield, Oklahoma: With a smile that lights up the room, Hield can also light up a scoreboard. He hit 85 3s last season.

Top five college courses in which The Bilastrator excelled

When you hear alumni talk about academic rigor, what they really refer to is the raising of standards after they graduate. The funny thing about higher education is, there are "breathers" everywhere, and all you have to do to find them is follow the valedictorian around at drop/add. Here are The Bilastrator's favorite crip courses on his journey to wisdom back in college. In the comments section below, please share yours.

1. Intro to Jazz, 101: If it were "Intro to Jeezy, 101," imagine how well The Bilastrator would have done.

2. Tension Control: A physical education course in stress-management techniques. The class met in the wrestling room, would lie down on the mat and learn to relax. The Bilastrator studied at least eight hours a night for said course.

3. Intro to the Novel: An English elective in which The Bilastrator wrote a thrilling paper on how the album "Outlandos de Amour" related to John Updike's novel, "Rabbit Run." It was glorious and no hint of plagiarism charges because no other person would have the onions (Bill Raftery ®) to turn in such a bold piece of academic work.

4. Modern Dance: A well-rounded and cultured lad, The Bilastrator devoured books on the history of dance -- and cut a fine rug himself.

5. Advanced Tennis: One of two physical education courses a student could count toward graduation, The Bilastrator's graceful footwork and thrilling groundstrokes (especially his penchant for backhand compliments) were a joy for all to behold.

The Bilastrator's top big men

There is an unusual number of quality big men this season. Not necessarily "true centers" but interior players who have size and the ability to impact the game in a big way.

1. Jahlil Okafor, Duke: Ridiculous offensive talent. When he shoots a ball in the post, it just dives into the basket. Okafor demands double-teams and passes well out of them. If you don't double him, he will be demanding payer of the year trophies. His kryptonite might be guarding ball screens, of which he'll see a lot.

2. Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin: The Big Fundamental can post, play pick-and-pop or knock down 3-point shots spotting up or as a trail big. Kaminsky is as tough to cover as anyone in the nation.

3. Montrezl Harrell, Louisville: Simply put, Harrell is a beast. He is stepping away and hitting a face-up jumper, but who cares? He will make a fortune just running, rebounding like a maniac and dunking everything around the rim. Nobody else in college basketball can match Harrell's explosive athleticism and talent.

4. Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky: The long-armed, skilled center from Metuchen, New Jersey, is among the best players in the country. His efficiency will continue to improve, and he will lead Kentucky in scoring and rebounding before the season is through.

5. Josh Scott, Colorado: Scott is getting better and better and continues to improve and get more aggressive in the post and on the glass. Last season, Scott increased his productivity and efficiency in certain areas and was a tremendous rebounder.

6. Przemek Karnowski, Gonzaga: The Zags' mountain of a man is very, very good and uses his size and skill level to be a dominant force. Karnowski can pass and has weapons around him on a deep Gonzaga team. If you double-team him, you will pay.

7. Cliff Alexander, Kansas: Not as polished now as he will be, Alexander is a workhorse who will put up numbers -- in time. If he learns to get position and demand the ball, he will be tough to stop in Bill Self's offense.

8. Kaleb Tarczewski, Arizona: Big and strong, Tarczewski has to only become a better finisher and higher volume rebounder to be one of the best players in the country, let alone best big men.

9. Amida Brimah, UConn: With his shot-blocking and rebounding ability, Brimah is an excellent prospect, and his offense is coming along nicely.

10. A.J. Hammons, Purdue: Hammons has all of the tools to be a great big man; he just needs to rev up that motor, consistently, under all conditions.

11. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky: Cauley-Stein is a goofball off the court, but on it he has you salivating over what he can do. He runs like a deer, finishes above the rim, gets offensive rebounds and you can lob it up to him and he'll go get it. His post game is still unfinished business, but he's still a blue-chip riser.

12. Bobby Portis, Arkansas: Portis is long, athletic and does a really good job on the glass and in the post. He was very good this summer at the LeBron James Skills Academy and has improved his game.

13. Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey, LSU: The Bilastrator finishes with the best tandem of big guys in the nation, Martin and Mickey. Martin is the more polished and aggressive scorer, while Mickey has the best motor and reminds you of a smaller Taj Gibson with the way he plays.

The Bilastrator's perfect 2014-2015 college basketball team

This is not just a collection of the best players at each position but a thoughtful selection of the best players who would mesh together to make the best team. With offensive play as the primary driver of the selections, this team would be unbeatable in today's college game because it can score at every position, against man or zone, and it has versatile defensive stoppers coming off the bench.

Starting five

• PG Marcus Paige, North Carolina
• SG Jerian Grant, Notre Dame
• SF Georges Niang, Iowa State
• PF Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin
• C Jahlil Okafor, Duke

Reserves

• Fred VanVleet, Wichita State
• Delon Wright, Utah
• Branden Dawson, Michigan State
• Rondae Hollis Jefferson, Arizona
• Montrezl Harrell, Louisville