As you prepare yourself to consume the Bilastrator's preseason college basketball opus -- a collection of national title favorites, outside Final Four contenders, candidates to win the Wooden Award, celebrity doppelgangers for head coaches, a considered judgment on the new rules changes, an exceptional collection of Twitter handles and much more -- the Bilastrator not so humbly says: You're welcome.
In sum, the Bilas opus is the definitive, authoritative and, yes, trillest guide to the 2013-14 season. Usually one needs a Sherpa-aided climb to dialogue with the Dalai Lama or sit at the feet of the Maharishi to hear such wisdom. To see the future so clearly and with such exactitude, one would normally need to read the Quatrains of Nostradamus. Yet the Bilastrator, knower of all things college basketball and beyond, is kind and generous enough to bring this enlightenment directly to you, all in an easy-to-digest form, to educate your mind and soul about the beautiful game. You will soon be able to make the finer distinctions of the true basketball literati.
(Disclaimer: This opus should not be used for ill, but only for good. If one were to take this opus to Las Vegas, it would be akin to Biff taking the future's Sports Almanac to Sin City's past and taking down the entire town. The Bilastrator enjoys Las Vegas, and does not wish to see this happen. So, please, no wagering using this state-of-the-art, landmark resource, as it would anger and disappoint our friends in the barren, waterless, yet very well-lit desert region.)
The 2013-14 college basketball season promises to be one of the best in recent years. A combination of thoughtful rule changes and the arrival of a super-talented freshman class with the ability to deliver on its rare potential will lead to an improvement in college basketball's respectability, play-ability and watch-ability.
So, let's get started. Your journey to the highest plane of basketball comprehension has begun.
The Bilastrator's top eight national title favorites
1. Duke Blue Devils: This is a different Duke team, but Mike Krzyzewski will have a familiar record at the end of the season. The Blue Devils have offensive and defensive versatility; can spread the floor and drive it; and have a truly special player in freshman Jabari Parker. Duke will bring full-court pressure and play at a quicker pace, scoring efficiently from the 3-point and free throw lines. The only question marks are whether Duke can rebound consistently with bigger teams and improve upon its transition defense. By the end of the season, Duke will figure it out and be difficult to beat.
2. Kentucky Wildcats: Erase last season's UK team from your memory, because it has no bearing on this season's Wildcats. John Calipari has talent worthy of Noah's Ark; he has two of everything. The key will be this team's ability to shoot, stretch a defense and attack in dribble-drive motion style. Andrew Harrison is another of Cal's special point guards, and he can bully people off the bounce. The exceptional talent among the talented is Julius Randle, who will push Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker as the best and most productive rookie in the country. This team can win it all.
3. Michigan State Spartans: If healthy, Michigan State has the talent to hang another banner in the Breslin Center. Gary Harris played last season while dealing with injuries and still was among the best players in the nation. With an improved and prepared Branden Dawson, a more confident Adreian Payne, and a more efficient Keith Appling, Michigan State should be the best team in the Big Ten.
4. Louisville Cardinals: Rick Pitino lost a lot, but he brings back more. He will miss the speed and defense of Peyton Siva and the shot-blocking of Gorgui Dieng, but once Chane Behanan comes back to join the dynamic Russ Smith and strong guards Chris Jones and Terry Rozier, expect Pitino to have another Final Four and title contender on his hands. He put together a dynasty at Kentucky, and he has done the same at Louisville. And no, I'm not expecting the Cardinals to have trouble with the new emphasis on freedom of movement with the rule changes (more on those later). Louisville can speed you up without fouling.
5. Kansas Jayhawks: The Jayhawks have an NBA-sized front line, and will get easy shots and second shots in the paint by playing angles in the post better than anyone. In terms of talent, Kansas can match Kentucky position for position, except for point guard. Naadir Tharpe is a good point guard who limits mistakes, and he will be solid at the position and play big minutes. Freshman Andrew Wiggins is a spectacular athlete who could blossom into a Wooden Award candidate. Freshman wing Wayne Selden is a big guard who plays harder than anyone on the roster. The most improved player on KU should be sophomore Perry Ellis, and big man Joel Embiid might be the second-best NBA prospect in the nation, behind only his teammate Wiggins.
6. Arizona Wildcats: Sean Miller has his most talented team in Tucson, starting with a special talent in freshman forward Aaron Gordon. The 6-foot-8 Gordon is a jumping jack who can really run and finish and displays great instincts. The key to Arizona's Final Four and national title hopes rests firmly with Duquesne transfer T.J. McConnell at the point. If McConnell can take over the leadership role and spearhead the offense and defense, Arizona will be the best team in the West -- and perhaps beyond.
7. Florida Gators: Billy Donavan has proven to be a Hall of Fame coach, and he has quietly built one of the very best programs in the nation. After three straight trips to the Elite Eight, it would not be a surprise to see the Gators crash another Final Four. Donovan adapts, and has the depth (with key returnees like Patric Young to go with talented transfers and freshmen) and defensive versatility this season to challenge Kentucky in the SEC.
8. Syracuse Orange: Jim Boeheim has another outstanding team, and it starts at the point with freshman Tyler Ennis. The Canadian rookie is unusually mature and savvy, and Boeheim has given him the ball and is able to let him lead. Syracuse will be small across the top of the zone, with limited depth at guard, but long and lanky along the baseline -- as usual. The key for the Orange will be hitting perimeter shots consistently and getting inside scoring. Last season's Orange were not efficient scoring, but outstanding on the defensive end. C.J. Fair should take over as Syracuse's leading scorer and one of the top producers in the country. The Bilastrator can't wait to hear Jim Boeheim, in his first season in the ACC, say, "Let's trap the baseline out of the zone, y'all."
Final Four contenders
In addition to the eight teams listed above, these are the teams I think have the potential to make the Final Four this season:
9. Ohio State Buckeyes: Thad Matta has built a program in the Big Ten that only Michigan State and Wisconsin can match for high-level consistency. Aaron Craft is the best defender and leader in the nation, and LaQuinton Ross should develop into a go-to scorer and star. Keys for this team are the offensive production of Sam Thompson and Lenzelle Smith Jr. and solid play in the post. Don't be surprised to see Ohio State right up there with Michigan State at the top of the Big Ten standings.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys: If it weren't for Marcus Smart and his all-around greatness, everybody would be touting Markel Brown as one of the most versatile and productive players in the Big 12. Add in Le'Bryan Nash, and coach Travis Ford has three perimeter players who can burn you. The question is whether Oklahoma State can match Kansas up front, because the Cowboys have the guards to do so. But those guards do have to shoot it better than last season, when Oklahoma State was among the least accurate 3-point shooting teams in the country.
11. North Carolina Tar Heels: The Heels could not run and get easy baskets last season and could not score in the post. Yet Roy Williams went with a guard-oriented and perimeter shooting-oriented lineup and found a way to win. This season, even with Reggie Bullock gone, lefty point guard Marcus Paige will be improved, P.J. Hairston will be among the best scorers in the country and newcomers Isaiah Hicks and Kennedy Meeks will provide more depth and presence inside. This is not a vintage Williams team, but it will still be formidable.
12. Virginia Commonwealth Rams: Shaka Smart has the depth and athleticism to press all over the floor, and VCU will be better this season than it was in 2012-13. VCU led the nation in turnover percentage last season, and again will be able to force opponents into mistakes. Treveon Graham is the Rams' best player, but Juvonte Reddic is perhaps their most important. If Reddic is more assertive, he can be a beast, and VCU can advance in the NCAA tournament.
13. Wisconsin Badgers: Coach Bo Ryan gets a point guard back this season as Josh Gasser returns from injury. Add in Ben Brust and Sam Dekker, who could become a star this season, and you have another Ryan team capable of challenging in the Big Ten and beyond. The Badgers were excellent on the defensive end last season and took great care of the ball, but did not shoot it well from the field or the line. If this team is better on the offensive end, and it should be, Wisconsin will again be very good.
14. Michigan Wolverines: Losing Trey Burke, the nation's best point guard who hit the shot that put Michigan past Kansas in improbable fashion in the NCAA tournament, is a blow. Burke created so many opportunities for others, including open shots for Nik Stauskas. Michigan has a talented new point guard in Derrick Walton Jr. and future pros in Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary, but depth and experience at the guard spots is a concern. A bigger concern is the health of McGary, who is out early because of back problems.
15. Virginia Cavaliers: Joe Harris is the leading returning scorer in the ACC and a truly great player who will be a pro, and Akil Mitchell is the top returning rebounder in the league. If freshman London Perrantes and Malcolm Brogdon can do a good job at the point, Virginia will earn a top-five finish in the ACC and have a chance to be one of the surprise teams of 2013-14.
16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Irish enter the ACC strong, mature and hungry for NCAA tournament success. Few coaches have better or steadier guards, and Mike Brey trusts Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant. Pat Connaughton is tough, and Cameron Biedscheid can really shoot it. Notre Dame has been consistent offensively, and should be a top-five team in the ACC.
The Bilastrator's considered judgment on the new rules (which you should adopt immediately)
Nobody knows exactly how these "new rules" will work out, but The Bilastrator believes they were absolutely necessary to help the game. Let's not mince words here: College basketball had slowly and surely become unwatchable and unplayable, and the "tough defense" some were celebrating was nothing more than thuggery and fouling. Last season was the lowest-scoring season in over 50 years, and somehow, in a game that has averaged 18 team fouls per game for a very long time, we saw a drop to 17.68 team fouls per game, the lowest ever. In short, fouling had become a substitute for good defense.
The changes are simple:
(1) For a player with the ball, defenders will no longer be allowed to keep a hand or forearm on the dribbler, cannot put two hands on the dribbler, cannot jab the body of the dribbler repeatedly and cannot use an armbar to impede the progress of the dribbler. All of these things were already mentioned in the rulebook, but not explicitly stated as rules themselves. Now they are. The focus will be on moving one's feet to stay in front, not bumping and grabbing to keep the dribbler from getting past you.
(2) The other change is the block/charge rule. It used to be that a help defender could slide in front of a driver and establish legal guarding position any time before the driver left the floor. It had become clear that the call repeatedly was being missed. (In last season's 67 NCAA tournament games, officials got 90 percent of their calls correct overall, but only 65 percent of charge/block calls involving help defenders.) This season, the new rule backs up the sequencing of when the help defender must establish position. Now he must be set before the driver begins his upward motion with his hands and arms to shoot or pass. It will make taking a charge more difficult, which it should. And it doesn't mean that defense stops when a driver beats his defender. You can still block a shot, get a strip or challenge a shot, so confrontations at the rim still will be exciting. You just cannot slide in after the driver has committed to leaving the floor.
Now, before you say that you like the game the way it is and that these changes will give the better players and teams an "advantage," let me say that this is incorrect. If allowed more freedom of movement, the "lesser" teams and players will be able to move and complete plays, too, and not have to rely upon holding their opponents. The game will be better for it, and there still will be the same number of upsets. We had them in the 1980s (when the game was a lot better because players weren't bumped, chucked and held like players in recent seasons have been), and we'll have them today. These changes have the chance to make our game better, if the officials, supervisors and commissioners do it right. The Bilastrator thinks they will.
For my column from ESPN The Magazine's college basketball preview issue on how college hoops could benefit from adopting some rules from the NBA, click here.
Top 10 candidates to win the Wooden Award
1. Doug McDermott, Creighton Bluejays: McDermott is really efficient and simply knows how to play. He can post, knock down perimeter shots with great balance and a terrific shot fake, and he keeps defenders off balance. McDermott is not a spectacular athlete, but he can excel against anyone. He is the real deal.
2. Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State Cowboys: Very few players fill in every category of the stat sheet, let alone put up elite numbers in every category. But the numbers do not even tell the whole story with Smart. He is an elite defender, excellent scorer and has every intangible you could want.
3. Andrew Wiggins, Kansas Jayhawks: Wiggins is a special talent who has everything you want in a player. His second jump is stunning, and he does things athletically that make your jaw drop. The expectations might be unfair, but he is not shying away from them and doesn't seem to be bothered by them. Wiggins might not have Kevin Durant-like numbers as a freshman, but he will put up good numbers and get better throughout the season.
4. Jabari Parker, Duke Blue Devils: Parker is the most skilled and versatile player of this spectacular freshman class. He was injured his senior season in high school and is still rounding into elite condition. Parker is like a queen on a chessboard in that coach Mike Krzyzewski can move him anywhere he wants and gain a matchup advantage. A willing passer, Parker can bring the ball up and see over people, or attack the basket and dunk over people.
5. Julius Randle, Kentucky Wildcats: Randle is the most physically imposing and aggressive freshman in the country, and he will cause matchup problems for almost any team. When Randle limits himself to two dribbles or less, he makes strong plays and is nearly unstoppable on the college level. When he takes more than two dribbles, his results are not as good. But don't be surprised to see Randle as the most productive of the Kentucky freshmen.
6. Russ Smith, Louisville Cardinals: Smith is fearless and far more efficient than he ever gets credit for. He did not play well in the Final Four, and has the "Russ-diculous" nickname following him around, but the Bilastrator would take Smith and his courageous spirit on his team any day. Smith is a champion, and he plays like one.
7. Aaron Craft, Ohio State Buckeyes: Craft dominated opposing guards at the LeBron James Skills Academy this summer, and no guard could shake him. The new defensive rules won't affect Craft because he plays defense with his feet. He is the best on-ball defender in the country, and the best point guard.
8. Joe Harris, Virginia Cavaliers: Harris is the most respected returning player in the ACC and the leading returning scorer. Given that Virginia goes at a slower pace and has fewer possessions, that is amazing. Harris is strong and can shoot off of screens or drive it and get his own. He is one of the toughest covers in the ACC.
9. Gary Harris, Michigan State Spartans: Harris is a competitor and plays really hard at both ends of the floor. He is an outstanding shooter and one of the best defenders in the country. He played through injury last season and was the leader by example on the Spartans' team. Harris could have excelled with Tom Izzo's best teams of 2000 and 2001. That's the kind of winner he is.
10. C.J. Fair, Syracuse Orange: Very few defenders have the length, strength and athleticism to match Fair, a consistent lefty scorer. He can rebound and is an excellent midrange player who does not change his pace or his expression in the face of pressure.
College Basketball: The Movie
In a very real sense, college basketball is entertainment, yet the sport has been underrepresented with quality films. We are not talking about "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" or "Hoosiers" or even "The White Shadow," a fine television series in which a young Bilastrator once appeared.
But it has been far too long since we have seen the likes of Robby Benson in "One on One" or Nick Nolte in "Blue Chips." The time has come to produce an Oscar-worthy college hoops film, and to get the process started, the Bilastrator has put forth the following list of actors and other public figures for casting purposes. Here are my picks to portray several of the game's top coaches, in addition to NCAA president Mark Emmert and the Bilastrator himself.
Tom Crean (Indiana), played by Rainn Wilson: He will need to shed his Dwight Schrute persona in order to play Crean, but Wilson, an actors' actor, is up to the task. And come on, he really does look like Crean.
Bill Self (Kansas), played by Gerard Butler: Russell Crowe was in the mix for this role, but Butler seems better able to capture Self's youthful charm off the floor and his steely resolve on it.
John Calipari (Kentucky), played by Robert Downey Jr.: Downey Jr. does not look exactly like Calipari (hey, that's what the makeup artists are for), but this role requires both a skillful actor and someone who is a little bit nuts -- in a good way. Downey Jr. can capture all that is good in Cal, and still be polarizing enough for his detractors to dislike him.
Fred Hoiberg (Iowa State), played by Aaron Eckhart: The resemblance is too perfect to ignore, and Eckhart, fresh off his stint as Harvey Dent in the Batman films, is up to the task of portraying The Mayor.
Mike Krzyzewski (Duke), played by Mike Shanahan or James Sikking: Coach K has a unique look that must be captured in order to portray one of the true icons in the game. Redskins coach Shanahan best approximates Coach K's look, while Sikking can best carry off his manner. Krzyzewski requested Sir Lawrence Olivier, but the iconic actor is sadly unavailable.
Mark Emmert (NCAA President), played by Newt Gingrich: Gingrich isn't an actor per se, but his days as a controversial politician have prepared him well to portray Emmert. Besides, the resemblance is uncanny.
Jay Wright (Villanova), played by Johnny Depp: Many within the casting department were pushing for George Clooney, but he simply is not right for this part. Johnny Depp gets the role, although he might not be pretty enough to play Wright.
Jim Boeheim (Syracuse), played by Anthony Hopkins: With the right wardrobe and makeup, Hopkins will capture Boeheim superbly, from the often bewildered look he gives on the bench when one of his players does something silly, to the look of total detachment he shows recruiting on the road. Ironically, Anthony will be the first Hopkins to sit in Boeheim's seat, much to the chagrin of Mike.
Tom Izzo (Michigan State), played by Tom Hanks: Izzo does not believe that Hanks is tough enough to play him, but Hanks gets the nod anyway.
Mark Few (Gonzaga), played by Greg Germann or Giovanni Ribisi: This is a difficult part to cast. Germann looks the most like Few, but Ribisi could do the best job with the role. Ideally, though, we'd find a shorter actor to better portray Few's lack of height.
Also starring:
Tommy Amaker (Harvard), played by Denzel Washington
John Groce (Illinois), played by pro golfer Jim Furyk
Scott Drew (Baylor), played by Paul Rudd
Tom Pecora (Fordham), played by Brad Garrett
Stew Morrill (Utah State), played by Patton Oswalt (with glasses) or John Goodman
Rick Barnes (Texas), played by John Grisham
Andy Enfield (USC), played by Christoph Waltz
John Beilein (Michigan), played by Ed Harris or Woody Harrelson
Bob Huggins (West Virginia), played by Michael Madsen or Jack Nicholson
Matt Painter (Purdue), played by Jason Segel
Billy Donovan (Florida), played by Matt Dillon
Chris Mack (Xavier), played by Paul Bettany
Tony Bennett (Virginia), played by Carson Daly
John Thompson III (Georgetown), played by Forrest Whitaker or Delroy Lindo
Steve Prohm (Murray State), played by B.J. Novak
Rick Pitino (Louisville), played by Al Pacino
Thad Matta (Ohio State), played by Owen Wilson or Ed Norton
Sean Miller (Arizona), played by Brendan Fraser
Roy Williams (North Carolina), played by Martin Sheen
Josh Pastner (Memphis), played by Andy Samberg
Kevin Stallings (Vanderbilt), played by J.K. Simmons
Craig Robinson (Oregon State), played by Andre Braugher or Steve Harris
Tubby Smith (Texas Tech), played by Smokey Robinson
The Bilastrator (ESPN), played by Brandon Molale or Matt Lauer
Top on-court leaders
1. Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State Cowboys: Ask any coach who has been around Smart and he'll talk about his leadership. This guy gets it, and personifies the "we" of the game over the "me" of the game. That is not the norm.
2. Aaron Craft, Ohio State Buckeyes: Craft can dominate a game without ever taking a shot. And he sets a standard that others strive to meet. He is a great teammate and exceptional leader.
3. Kendall Williams, New Mexico Lobos: Williams can do it all for the Lobos, whether it is score (he had 46 points against Colorado State in February), rebound or assist. He is a solid defender and really good leader who should show even more this season.
4. Grant Gibbs, Creighton Bluejays: Gibbs started off at Gonzaga and got a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, making him one of the country's most mature players. He makes the plays that others won't because they are too hard, like diving on the floor or making the right pass.
5. Eric Atkins, Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Smart and confident, Atkins handles the ball in Mike Brey's offense both efficiently and without fanfare.
6. Anthony Collins, South Florida Bulls: No player plays lower to the ground than Collins, who controls the game and the tempo and is smart and tough.
Teams from outside the power conferences you should keep tabs on (you'll see them in March)
1. Harvard Crimson: Tommy Amaker has talent on top of talent, and terrific depth from a team that has won three Ivy League titles in a row. The Crimson are legit.
2. Indiana State Sycamores: Greg Lansing has Jake Odum, one of the best players in the Missouri Valley, and a legit chance to challenge Wichita State for the league crown.
3. Boise State Broncos: Leon Rice's team has experience, shoots well and plays fast. His bigs can step away and are a challenge to guard.
4. North Dakota State Bison: This team was a fan favorite when Ben Woodside and his fellow seniors were leading the Bison to the NCAA tournament. Now with six seniors in the rotation and all five starters back (including the underrated and outstanding Taylor Braun), North Dakota State is NCAA tournament-bound again.
5. Mercer Bears: Bob Hoffman had the best team in the Atlantic Sun last season before losing to Florida Gulf Coast in the conference tournament final (preceding the Eagles' surprise run), and has the best team in the conference again behind Langston Hall.
The nation's best rebounders
1. Jerrelle Benimon, Towson Tigers: The former Georgetown Hoya is undersized at 6-foot-7 and never really got off the bench for John Thompson III, but has a knack for getting the ball off the glass at Towson under Pat Skerry. He is the leading returning rebounder in the country, with 11.2 rebounds per game.
2. Josh Davis, San Diego State Aztecs: The long-armed and athletic 6-foot-8 lefty is immediately eligible after graduating from Tulane. He averaged 10.7 rebounds per game last season after averaging 9.3 rebounds the season before.
3. Jarnell Stokes, Tennessee Volunteers: The 6-foot-7, 240-pound junior got off to a slow start last season but finished with an average of 9.7 rebounds per game.
4. Melvin Ejim, Iowa State Cyclones: Ejim averaged 9.3 rebounds per game last season and is the Big 12's leading returning rebounder, even though he is just 6-foot-6. Ejim is a worker who does not back down from anyone.
5. Akil Mitchell, Virginia Cavaliers: The top returning rebounder in the ACC, Mitchell is strong and athletic and has terrific hands.
6. Augustine Rubit, South Alabama Jaguars: At 6-foot-7, Rubit has averaged a double-double for his career. His production is pretty consistent, although he will occasionally have a four- or five-rebound game.
7. Alan Williams, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos: Nicknamed "Big Sauce," Williams was one of the very best offensive rebounders in the country last season.
Lockdown defenders
1. Aaron Craft, Ohio State Buckeyes: Nobody moves his feet, establishes pressure and then resumes pressure better than Craft. He is the best on-ball defender in the country, bar none.
2. Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State Cowboys: Smart is strong and can guard multiple spots. He is one of the best steals men in the country, and he plays both the ball and his man extremely well. In most seasons, Smart would be the best defender in the country, but he is just a sliver behind Craft here.
3. Josh Huestis, Stanford Cardinal: He is deceptively strong, with good quickness and the ability to get off the floor. His game has expanded, but his strength remains on the defensive end and the glass. He is the Pac-12's top defender.
4. Chris Obekpa, St. John's Red Storm: Obekpa is a shot-blocker who sent back 133 offerings last season, averaging four per game and more than Kansas big man Jeff Withey.
5. Gary Harris, Michigan State Spartans: Harris is a tough defender, can guard a point guard or a forward and match him nose-to-nose and compete on the glass. Now healthy, he'll be even better.
6. Briante Weber, Virginia Commonwealth Rams: Cat-quick and excellent at anticipating for steals, Weber gets up underneath you and is unafraid to gamble. Opposing guards are always on the lookout for him.
7. Sir'Dominic Pointer, St. John's Red Storm: Strong and athletic, Pointer is a defender nobody wants to match up against. He makes everything harder.
8. Will Yeguete, Florida Gators: Yeguete is long and athletic and can guard anyone from the post to the point. His defensive versatility is impressive.
9. Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns: Payton was known to his opponents last season, but unknown to the masses until his coach called Billy Donovan and urged him to take a look at Payton for the USA Basketball under-19 team. Payton made the team because of his ability to pressure the ball, and he has unusual quickness and speed. He gets up underneath you and stays there, averaging 2.4 steals per game and making it tough to dribble.
10. Daniel Miller, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Miller plays terrific position defense, gets steals and does a good job challenging and blocking shots without fouling. If he were a better defensive rebounder, he would be higher on this list.
11. Jordan Bachynski, Arizona State Sun Devils: Bachynski is a shot-blocking big man who can take up space and protect the rim. With Bachynski back there to erase mistakes, Jahii Carson can put more pressure on the ball.
12. Fuquan Edwin, Seton Hall Pirates: Few players consistently get steals as well as Edwin, with 181 pilfers over the past two seasons. He has long arms and good athleticism.
The best net-snapping shooters
1. Travis Bader, Oakland Golden Grizzlies: Nobody in the country made more 3-point field goals last season (139 overall and 4.21 3-point makes per game), and Bader shot 39 percent from deep with everyone trying to stop him.
2. Nik Stauskas, Michigan Wolverines: When he gets his feet set, Stauskas will drill it. The key for him will be getting shots without Trey Burke creating for him.
3. P.J. Hairston, North Carolina Tar Heels: Hairston knocked in 89 3-point field goals last season while shooting 40 percent from deep. He is strong and can get his own shot.
4. Gary Harris, Michigan State Spartans: Harris does not launch a ton of 3s, but he is an excellent shooter. He made 65 3s last season, shooting over 41 percent from deep, all while playing with an injured shoulder.
5. Sean Armand, Iona Gaels: The late bloomer has made 252 3-point field goals in his career, and there is little chance he will hit fewer than the 112 he knocked down last season. Armand has great range and a quick release and is very clever at spotting up, working to get open and hitting opportunistic 3s in transition.
6. Ethan Wragge, Creighton Bluejays: A redshirt senior, Wragge comes off the bench and fires corner 3s for the Bluejays. Wragge shot 45 percent from deep last season, and he helps make teams that double-team Doug McDermott pay.
7. Luke Hancock, Louisville Cardinals: When playing for Jim Larranaga at George Mason, Hancock was known primarily as a driver and not as a shooter. He started slowly at Louisville because of a shoulder injury, hitting three of his first 24 deep shots, yet knocked in shots from everywhere during the Final Four to score 20 points against Wichita State and 22 points against Michigan, earning himself the tourney's Most Outstanding Player award. Hancock finished the season shooting 40 percent from deep.
8. Marshall Henderson, Ole Miss Rebels: Henderson might be more of a scorer than a pure shooter, but anyone who can knock in four 3-point field goals per game and hit over 88 percent of his free throws can shoot the ball. Henderson makes contested shots and is not one to be selective.
A sampling of the Bilastrator's famous followers
No guide to the college basketball season would be complete without a list of the best hoops-related "follows" on Twitter. But here's the problem: The Bilastrator doesn't follow anyone. (If he could follow myself, he would. But he can't.) So instead, here is a sampling of the notable lucky Twitter users who follow the Bilastrator:
Young Jeezy (@SnowGo): The Snowman knows what time it is.
Elena Della Donne (@De11eDonne): The best player in the WNBA knows what time it is, too.
Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2): Johnny Football is not the only Heisman winner to follow the Bilastrator -- just the latest.
Cris Carter (@criscarter80): Was there any question that Carter would follow the Bilastrator? Come on, man!
Shaka Smart (@coachsmartvcu): Step 1: Follow the Bilastrator. Step 2: Get a substantial raise. See also: Brad Stevens (@BCCoachStevens) and Willie Geist (@williegeist)
Chuck Todd, MSNBC (@chucktodd): Todd is constantly polling the Bilastrator's approval rating. It never dips below 100 percent.
NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA): The NCAA sometimes has good ideas. It gets them from the Bilastrator.
Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm): The greatest women's soccer player of all time and former UNC Tar Heel follows the Bilastrator. It could be that she is a closet Duke fan, or she might just dig herself some Bilastrator wisdom.
David Gregory, Meet the Press (@davidgregory): World leaders call, but when the Bilastrator is on the other line, you know who he's talking to.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (@PopsMBonsu): The Bilastrator loves saying Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Just loves it.
Others: Darius Johnson-Odom (@KingMe_DJ1); Doug McDermott (@DougMcD3); E-40 (@E-40); Gary Harris, Michigan State (@Thats_G_); Holly Sonders (@HollySondersGC); Hunter Mahan (@HunterMahan); Jon Gordon (@jongordon11); Luke Russert (@LukeRussert); Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30); Steve Nash (@SteveNash)
The undervalued and underappreciated team
1. Joe Harris, Virginia Cavaliers: He is more than a shooter; he is one of the best players in the country.
2. C.J. Fair, Syracuse Orange: Consistent and productive, only Otto Porter bothered him on the defensive end last season.
3. Johnny O'Bryant, LSU Tigers: O'Bryant was terrific this summer at the LeBron James Skills Academy. He played strong and focused on winning the inside battle rather than proving he can step away.
4. Markel Brown, Oklahoma State Cowboys: Brown does a little bit of everything and really competes. He is an all-star player who would get more notice but for Marcus Smart.
5. Perry Ellis, Kansas Jayhawks: Ellis will be a major factor this season as he becomes tougher and more assertive. He has all the tools.
6. T.J. Warren, N.C. State Wolfpack: Warren is aggressive and has a hunger to score.
7. Sam Dekker, Wisconsin Badgers: Talented and ready to blossom, Dekker can shoot it and also get to the basket.
8. Juvonte Reddic, VCU Rams: Reddic was really impressive this summer with his play in Las Vegas.
9. Branden Dawson, Michigan State Spartans: Now that he's healthy, Dawson will be the explosive beast Tom Izzo has expected to see the last couple of seasons. We haven't seen that guy yet, but what we have seen is still pretty darn good.
10. LaQuinton Ross, Ohio State Buckeyes: Ross has been getting better and better and is primed to be one of the Big Ten's best players.
11. Montrezl Harrell, Louisville Cardinals: With his length, athleticism and attitude, Harrell can be a great college player.
12. Jakarr Sampson, St. John's Red Storm: Sampson is skilled and athletic, and you cannot wipe the smile off of his face. You can tell he's having fun out there.
13. Dez Wells, Maryland Terrapins: A good defender who is strong taking the ball to the basket, Wells is a tough matchup who should be an All-ACC performer this season.
14. Roy Devyn Marble, Iowa Hawkeyes: Marble is skilled and an excellent scorer who will get his due now that Iowa is an upper-division Big Ten team.
15. Dwight Powell, Stanford Cardinal: A terrific athlete, Powell is also very skilled. He can post, step out, and he nearly doubled his free throw and rebounding output last season. He should be one of the best big men in the country in 2013-14.
Impact transfers list
1. T.J. McConnell, Arizona Wildcats: McConnell might be the difference between a terrific season for Arizona and a Final Four trip.
2. Mike Moser, Oregon Ducks: If Dana Altman gets the Moser of two seasons ago, when he was very effective for UNLV, Oregon will contend with Arizona.
3. Dorian Finney-Smith, Florida Gators: Finney-Smith can rebound with anyone and has the potential to be special.
4. Rodney Hood, Duke Blue Devils: The lefty from Mississippi State is a smooth shooter who can drive it. He's a good leader, too.
5. Josh Davis, San Diego State Aztecs: A terrific, active rebounder who will be among the Mountain West's best right out of the gate.
6. Tarik Black, Kansas Jayhawks: Black is a man among men, and he will help Kansas by giving them a mature post player.
7. Michael Dixon, Memphis Tigers: Dixon can score and provide another quality guard to an already loaded backcourt.
8. Joshua Smith, Georgetown Hoyas: If Smith can keep up, he could be one of the best big men in the country this season. He has great hands and feet, is immovable in the post and a terrific offensive rebounder.
The Bilastrator's perfect 2013-14 college basketball team
To conclude this season's opus, I've created my "perfect" college basketball team, complete with four head coaches who would do the best job coaching it.
Starting five:
G: Aaron Craft, Ohio State Buckeyes: He's the Bilastrator's point guard. Period.
G: Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State Cowboys: Put him next to Craft, and no opposing backcourt will score.
F: Andrew Wiggins, Kansas Jayhawks: He is a special talent who can make acrobatic plays.
F: Doug McDermott, Creighton Bluejays: He simply knows how to play, and works well with others.
F: Jabari Parker, Duke Blue Devils: Parker is versatile; you can move him all over the court.
Bench:
G: Gary Harris, Michigan State Spartans: Harris can do it all on both offense and defense. Everything Marcus Smart is, Harris is close to being, too.
F: Julius Randle, Kentucky Wildcats: Randle is a beast who is skilled and has the potential to dominate.
G: Andrew Harrison, Kentucky Wildcats: Harrison is a strong point guard who can really punch the lane and get to the rim. He's young, but his talent makes him worth having on the team.
G: Russ Smith, Louisville Cardinals: His courage and attacking mentality make him worth having on this team.
G: Joe Harris, Virginia Cavaliers: Tough, strong and efficient, Harris can score and defend and is among the nation's very best players.
C: Mitch McGary, Michigan Wolverines: With his strength, rebounding, ability to run and pass, McGary gives you the bulk to defend and score in the post.
C: Joel Embiid, Kansas Jayhawks: He is raw right now, but Embiid can block shots, run, rebound and finish.
G: Travis Bader, Oakland Golden Grizzlies: He's the designated shooter on this team, and with all this talent around him, he will be open.
Coaches:
Mike Krzyzewski, Duke Blue Devils: He adapts well, and this team would be more like his USA Basketball teams in terms of their nontraditional lineups.
Rick Pitino, Louisville Cardinals: A Hall of Famer, Pitino can coach this team to run and press using its athleticism and talent.
John Calipari, Kentucky Wildcats: Cal is celebrated as a recruiter, but he is also one heck of a coach.
Billy Donovan, Florida Gators: Billy the Kid would have this team pressing and forcing turnovers, and blend this talent to win.