Teams

REWIND: LOOK BACK AT THE 2005 BE RECRUITING CLASSES

PART IV

Now that we have all gotten a chance to see the 2005 recruits in action, lets take stab at ranking those classes based on their first season of play, who has been lost due to attrition and what we can project from them over the next couple of years.

Since they have played one season, it is a little easier to rank them based on some actual action at the college level. However, some players got more of an opportunity because they walked into situations on lower-level teams that allowed them to put up impressive numbers, while others are still biding their time and waiting for their opportunities, so this ranking is still based heavily on potential and a guess at future results.

For a reminder, this was our Preseason Ranking of the 2005 Big East Recruiting Classes.

Now, for Part IV, of IV, with the ranking of the top four classes.

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4) Providence College Friars: Another high-riser from the preseason. Although the Friars had a poor season, they were as competitive as they could be with their pared roster because of the play of a surprising 4-member class. It is true the the PC rookies were put in position to accrue better numbers than most of the conference newcomers, but guys liek Sharaud Curry and Geoff McDermott, despite being injured, showed they will be solid players in the conference. On occassion, Jon Kale also put up some workman-like efforts and Weyinmi Efejuku, although inconsistent, also had his moments. I can’t help put think this class might have reached their ceilings and others will gradually move past them, but based on play on the court, they have a pretty good head start. I am a little hesitant with them as I am not sold on their upside, but productivity and continuity counts heavily so far. We will see what happens next year.

3) Louisville Cardinals: Well, I had them at #3 in the preseason and I am sticking to that right now. Despite a disappointing 6-10 Big East effort, their freshemn class showed signs of why they were highly regarded. Terrence Williams was one of the most exciting athletes in the conference from the first moments he stepped onto the court and Andre McGee should have a solid future. I think Chad Millard, when healthy, will be one of those quiet players that kills you with a big shot and does everything well and will get better and better as he fills out. Jonathan Huffman is still a project, but anyone standing 6′11, you have to respect their upside. The biggest downer of the class is the transfer of Bryan Harvey.

2) Pittsburgh Panthers: The Panthers finished conference play at 10-6, a surprising mark to many, but the infusion of talented freshmen like Levance Fields, Sam Young and Tyrell Biggs was a big reason why. Panther fans are hoping that Fields carries over his excellent play from late last season, especially his performance in the NCAA loss to Bradley, over to the new season. I really like this NYC guard’s game. He seems to be a very good PG of the future in the Big East. With Louisville I mentioned Terrence Williams as one of the more exciting athletes in the Big East, Pitt’s Sam Young is also right there with any of them. Young finished the season 3rd on the team in scoring, rebounds and blocks and seeme to be only scratching the surface of what he is capable of doing. Tyrell Biggs played mostly out of position as the back-up C to Aaron Gray, but also had his moments and seldom-used JUCO transfer Doyle Hudson will continue to add depth.

1) Marquette Golden Eagles: This was probably the easiest selection of all 16 teams. Just like in the preseason, Marquette holds down the top spot for the class of 2005. Their class was highlighted by the Big East Freshmen of the Year Dominic James. From the very beginning, it was clear that James was going to be special, but his overall performance exceeded anybody’s expectations as the powerfully built, yet diminutive James averaged 15 PPG, 4.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists a game. as good as James was, he was not the only key freshmen in helping the Golden Eagles to a very surprising 1st round bye in the Big East Tournament. Jerel McNeal averaged 11 PPG, 4.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals a game. Despite missing several weeks with an injured foot, fellow freshmen Wes Mathews added 8.6 PPG, 4 rebounds and 2 assists a game as well. When healthy, Jamil Lott also added some depth up front as the JUCO transfer put up 3 PPG and 2 rebounds in 11 minutes of action a game. A final member of the class, Matt Mortensen, redshirted and has since left the program.

Marquette was the clear choice for #1 on our list with their mix of production and potential that was better than anyone else. Will they hold the spot through the 2006-2007 season? Well, anything can happen, check back next year!!