AAC preseason coaches poll
(first-place votes in parentheses)

1. Cincinnati (6) 95
2. UConn (5) 94
3. SMU 76
4. Houston 75
5. Memphis 63
6. Temple 56
7. ECU 39
8. UCF 37
9. Tulsa 34
10. USF 25
11. Tulane 11

Preseason players of the year
Troy Caupain, Sr. G, Cincinnati
Dedric Lawson, So. F, Memphis

Preseason rookie of the year
Alterique Gilbert, Fr. G, UConn

Preseason all-conference teams

First Team

Troy Caupain, G, Cincinnati*
Gary Clark, F, Cincinnati*
Dedric Lawson, F, Memphis
Ben Moore, F, SMU
Damyean Dotson, G, Houston

Second Team

Shake Milton, G, SMU
Jalen Adams, G, UConn
Jahmal McMurray, G, USF
Rob Gray, Jr., G, Houston
B.J. Tyson, G, East Carolina

* — unanimous selection

I'm OK with Cincy being picked ahead of UConn. I even ranked the Bearcats ahead of the Huskies in my preseason AP Top 25, though to me, it's really a coin flip between the two.

Certainly agree with Alterique Gilbert getting preseason rookie of the year, as well. And more than fine with Caupain and Lawson sharing player of the year honors.
But definitely surprised Rodney Purvis didn't make first or second team all-conference, and that Jalen Adams was the Huskies' lone selection - as a second-team pick.

What surprises me is guys like B.J. Tyson and Jahmal McMurray made second team ahead of Purvis. I think Purvis is definitely a better player than both. They were able to put up nice numbers last year because they were essentially the whole show for their respective teams. Also don't think Rob Gray, Jr. belongs.

I would've had: Caupain, Clark, Milton, Lawson and Purvis on first team. Moore, Adams, Dotson, Tacko Fall and maybe Obi Enechionyia on second.

But that's just me.

Happy to announce that I'll be an AP Top 25 men's basketball voter again this year. The first preseason poll comes out on Oct. 31, but we have to send them in by Oct. 24.

So, here's the preseason poll I've sent in, along with the five-man All-America team they also request:

PRESEASON TOP 25

1. Duke: This seems too easy, but it's hard to deny Grayson Allen and one of Coach K's best recruiting classes. Almost had them No. 2 because of Harry Giles' health concerns, but it appears he'll be back soon.

2. Kansas: Gee, ya think they'll win the Big 12 again?

3. Oregon: UConn could meet Ducks in Maui next month.

4. Kentucky: You know the deal - great recruiting class, etc., etc.

5. Virginia: I liked Austin Nichols a lot at Memphis, and I love him with the Cavs. He and London Perrantes make a heck of a tandem.

6. Villanova: Why do I think the loss of Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu will hurt the defending champs more than others seem to believe?

7. Xavier: Until Billy Preston commits next year, Myles Davis will be the butt of most of my music-related college hoops jokes. Sorry in advance

8. North Carolina: UConn could meet Tar Heels in second game in Maui. Would be fun.

9. Wisconsin

10. Indiana: Are we sure Yogi Ferrell has graduated?

11. UCLA: Daniel Hamilton may have gone pro, but his brother Isaac could be poised for stardom.
Arizona.

12. Arizona

13. Saint Mary's: Not a misprint. I liked the Gaels last year, and I love veteran teams that bring back their entire starting five.

14. Michigan State: Gavin Schilling's knee surgery a huge concern for Spartans.

15. Gonzaga

16. Cincinnati: With Troy Caupain, Gary Clark, Jacob Evans and NC State big man transfer Kyle Washington in tow, I think Bearcats deserve to be favorites in the American. Watch out for Washington. He put up big numbers against UNC and Syracuse a couple of years ago.

17. UConn: There's no doubt the Huskies have the most talent in the AAC, but a lot of it is young and new, and it may take a while to mesh. That may mean some early-season struggles, but by February, I think Kevin Ollie & crew will have it figured out. Season finale vs. Cincy at Gampel could be for regular season title.

18. URI: It gives me no extra pleasure voting in my alma mater. (OK, maybe a little). But seriously, a healthy E.C. Matthews and Hassan Martin makes Dan Hurley's Rams legit.

19. Louisville: How many games for Rick Pitino? Gotta be at least nine, right?

20. Syracuse

21. West Virginia

22. Iowa State

23. Texas

24. Purdue

25. Florida State: New Haven native Tharon Mayes' stepson, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, is a star.

ALL-AMERICAN TEAM:

(FYI, I don't put freshmen on my preseason All-American team)

Grayson Allen, Duke

Jaron Blossomgam, Clemson

Josh Hart, Villanova

Ivan Rabb, California

Thomas Bryant, Indiana

UConn's Terry Larrier has been named to the 2017 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award preseason watch list. He's one of 20 players on the list. Jalen Adams made the preseason watch list for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award a few days ago.

Here's the press release for the Erving Award:


The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the 20 watch list members for the 2017 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award. Named after Hall of Famer and 16-year professional basketball player Julius Erving, the annual honor in its third year recognizes the top small forwards in Division I men’s college basketball. A national committee comprised of top college basketball personnel determined the watch list of 20 candidates.

“Julius Erving is unquestionably one of the most respected and gifted athletes to ever play the game of basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “Before he was the professional super star known as Dr. J, he was an outstanding small forward at UMass. The young men on this watch list have shown glimpses of Mr. Erving’s skillset and we look forward to watching them develop this season.”

Julius Erving attended the University of Massachusetts and averaged 26.3 points and 20.2 rebounds per game, making him one of only six NCAA men’s basketball players to average more than 20 points and 20 rebounds per game. After two seasons, Erving made the jump the American Basketball Association and was the league’s most recognizable player when it merged with the National Basketball Association in 1976. During his professional career, Erving won three championships, four most valuable player awards and three scoring titles. In 1996, he was named a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

“I’m excited to be a part of this process as we set out to identify the top small forward in the college game this year,” said Julius Erving, a 1993 inductee of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “These student-athletes have worked tirelessly to earn their places on this elite watch list and I know they will continue to improve throughout the season. It’s anyone’s award to be earned.”

By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2017 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award will be narrowed to just 10. In March, five finalists will be presented to Mr. Erving and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. The winner of the 2017 Julius Erving Award will be presented at the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show presented by Wendy’s in Los Angeles, CA on Friday, April 7, 2017. Broadcast information will be released at a later date.

Previous winners of the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award include Denzel Valentine, Michigan State (2016) and Stanley Johnson, Arizona (2015). For more information on the 2017 Julius Erving Award, log onto www.HoophallAwards.com.

2017 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award Candidates


Evan Bradds, Belmont

Kelan Martin, Butler

Jaron Blossomgame, Clemson

Terry Larrier, UConn

Jayson Tatum Duke

Dwayne Bacon, Florida State

OG Anunoby, Indiana

Deng Adel, Lousiville

Justin Jackson, North Carolina

VJ Beachem, Notre Dame

Jae'Sean Tate, Ohio State

Dillon Brooks, Oregon

Tres Tinkle, Oregon State

Vince Edwards, Purdue

Dikembe Dixson, UIC

Kevin Hervey, UT-Arlington

Jalen Moore, Utah State

Josh Hart, Villanova

Markis McDuffie, Wichita State

Trevon Bluiett, Xavier

*Players can play their way onto and off of the list at any point in the 2016-17 season*

After the Big 12 elected not to expand, leaving UConn (and numerous others) out to dry, UConn released the various multimedia materials it had submitted to the conference in its pitch to be selected.

Links to all those submitted materials can be found here.

Also, here are the public statements from president Susan Herbst, AD David Benedict and board of trustees chairman Larry McHugh:

SUSAN HERBST

The announcement by the Big 12 Conference against expansion is not unexpected and is indicative of the volatile world of college athletics administration.

While I am sure many in our community are nervous about what this means for our future, I am confident that we have put our best foot forward with considerable effort to demonstrate how we currently operate our university and athletics programs at a ‘Power 5’ level and will continue to do so.

We continue to support the American Athletic Conference and thank the league for its understanding during this process. We will remain a part of the conference realignment dialogue and other conversations on the state of collegiate athletics to be sure UConn’s interests are well represented. We also will continue our winning tradition with honor, integrity, and a commitment to the student-athlete first – a future we very much control.


DAVID BENEDICT

This is a time for all of UConn Nation to stand together and support our student-athletes and teams. I understand that this is a very emotional time for our alumni and fans. Emotion is part of what makes college sports great and will help propel our Husky programs forward.

UConn has a strong national identity that reflects the academic quality of the institution and the high level of athletic achievement that has been built in all sports over the decades.

Regardless of conference affiliation, UConn has a record of national athletic success that has been the envy of many other institutions. We are proud of what we have accomplished and achieved, and we are committed to making sure all of our athletic programs continue to be positioned to win conference championships and be nationally competitive in the future.

A lot of hard work went on behind the scenes in UConn’s potential membership in the Big 12, despite the outcome. I want to thank everyone from UConn involved in the process, especially President Susan Herbst, whose leadership and support is critical to the mission of the Division of Athletics.


LARRY MCHUGH

UConn has one of the strongest collegiate athletic programs in the nation and is a top 20 public university. We owe a great thanks to President Susan Herbst and Athletic Director David Benedict and their leadership teams, as well as other supporters including Governor Malloy, who strongly advocated for UConn. They put forth enormous effort to quietly fight to advance UConn while respecting the confidentiality of the process.

Jalen Adams has been named as one of the 20 players on the 2017 Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award watch list. 

Here's the press release sent out by the Naismith Hall of Fame: 

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the 20 watch list candidates for the 2017 Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award presented by College of the Holy Cross. Named after Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic and Holy Cross guard Bob Cousy, the annual honor now in its fourteenth year recognizes the top point guards in Division I men’s college basketball. A national committee comprised of top college basketball personnel determined the watch list of 20 candidates.

“As we begin into the 2016-17 basketball season, we’re all excited to see how these outstanding point guards will lead their teams,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “They exhibit many of the characteristics that made Bob Cousy a tremendous player and floor general at Holy Cross and we are pleased to be recognizing them. We thank College of Holy Cross for their continued support of this esteemed award.”

Bob Cousy played for Holy Cross from 1946-1950 winning an NCAA Championship in 1947. He was named a Consensus First-Team All-American in 1950. His success continued at the professional level as a six-time NBA Champion (1957, 1959-1963), NBA Most Valuable Player (1957) and 13-time NBA All-Star (1951-63). In 1996, he was named a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2017 Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award will be narrowed to just 10. In March, five finalists will be presented to Mr. Cousy and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. The winner of the 2017 Bob Cousy Award will be presented at the ESPN College Basketball Awards Show in Los Angeles, CA on Friday, April 7, 2017. Broadcast information will be released at a later date.

Previous winners of the Bob Cousy Award include Tyler Ulis, Kentucky (2016), Delon Wright, Utah (2015), Shabazz Napier, Connecticut (2014), Trey Burke, Michigan (2013), Kendall Marshall, North Carolina (2012), Kemba Walker, Connecticut (2011), Greivis Vasquez, Maryland (2010), Ty Lawson, North Carolina (2009), DJ Augustin, Texas (2008), Acie Law, Texas A & M (2007), Dee Brown, Illinois (2006), Raymond Felton, North Carolina (2005) and Jameer Nelson, St. Joseph’s (2004).

For more information on the 2017 Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award presented by College of the Holy Cross, log onto www.CousyAward.com.

2017 Bob Cousy Award presented by College of the Holy Cross Candidates

Jalen Adams, Connecticut
Maurice Watson Jr., Creighton
Jack Gibbs, Davidson
Frank Jackson, Duke
Nigel Williams-Goss, Gonzaga
Monte Morris, Iowa St.
Frank Mason, Kansas
De'Aaron Fox, Kentucky
Melo Trimble, Maryland
Joel Berry II, North Carolina
Dennis Smith, North Carolina State
Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State
Lonzo Ball, UCLA
Jordan McLaughlin, USC
Jalen Brunson, Villanova
London Perrantes, Virginia
Seth Allen, Virginia Tech
Markelle Fultz, Washington
Bronson Koenig, Wisconsin
Edmund Sumner, Xavier 

*Players can play their way onto and off of the list at any point in the 2016-17 season*

The National Prep Showcase will once again be held at New Haven's Albertus Magnus College this year, and as always, many of the nation's top recruits (including several UConn targets) will be on-hand.

The Huskies' top target, Class of 2017 swingman Hamidou Diallo, will be playing on Friday, Nov. 18 at 8:30 p.m., when his Putnam Science Academy faces Sunrise Christian Academy from Kansas at 8:30 p.m. Also on the PSA team is Class of 2018 target Eric Ayala, a guard.

PSA will play again on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. against Massanutten Military Academy of Virginia.

UConn's coaching staff, of course, will be in Hawaii at the time, though it's certainly conceivable that one coach will make the red-eye back from UConn's Nov. 17 bout with Loyola Marymount out in Los Angeles to catch a few games, then head back out to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational that runs Nov. 21-23.

Here's the full slate:

Friday, November 18th

10:30a.m. Notre Dame Prep (MA) vs. Fork Union Military Academy (VA)
12:00p.m. Commonwealth Academy (MA) vs. Hargrave Military Academy (VA)
1:45p.m. St. Thomas More School (CT) vs. IMG Academy (FL)
3:30p.m. Bridgton Academy (ME) vs. Mount Zion Prep (MD)
5:15p.m. South Kent School (CT) vs. Vermont Academy (VT)
7:00p.m. Northfield Mount Hermon (MA) vs. Lee Academy (ME)
8:30p.m. Putnam Science Academy (CT) vs. Sunrise Christian Academy (KS)

Saturday, November 19th

9:30a.m. Fork Union Military Academy (VA) vs. St. Thomas More School (CT)
11:15a.m. Hargrave Military Academy (VA) vs. South Kent School (CT)
1:00p.m. IMG Academy (FL) vs. Northfield Mount Hermon (MA)
2:45p.m. Notre Dame Prep (MA) vs. Bridgton Academy (ME)
4:30p.m. NTSI (PA) vs. Brewster Academy (NH)
6:15p.m. Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) vs. New Hampton School (NH)
8:00p.m. Massanutten Military Academy (VA) vs. Putnam Science Academy (CT)

Sunday, November 20th

10:00a.m. Brewster Academy (NH) vs. Mount Zion Prep (MD)
11:45a.m. New Hampton School (NH) vs. Spire Institute (OH)
1:30p.m. Tilton School (NH) vs. NTSI (PA)
3:15p.m. Commonwealth Academy (MA) vs. Massanutten Military Academy (VA)
5:00p.m. Vermont Academy (VT) vs. Blair Academy (NJ)

Some good video of Hamidou Diallo, who was at UConn's First Night festivities on Friday night. No sure thing he commits to the Huskies, but he sure is on campus a lot.

Two prime UConn targets, Hamidou Diallo ('17) and Eric Ayala ('18, for now) will be here, for any UConn fans who might be interested in taking this in. And without knowing the competition, I'd put money on Diallo winning the dunk contest.