2011 CBB Predictions & Gambling Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC)
When Vanderbilt’s three top players elected to return to campus this season the expectations for this team exploded.
As a result this team returns all 5 starters from a year ago, providing both experience and balance as they try and compete with other SEC power like Kentucky and Florida.
Vanderbilt is a smooth and efficient offensive team that should be among the nation’s best right from the get go.
With so much returning experience it wouldn’t surprise me if they use some of the top teams growing pains to jump into the top 5 in the rankings.
They could hold that spot for a while if they hold court in the SEC throughout the season. You have to play good defense to beat these guys.
Additions
Dai-Jon Parker – A well rounded guard that should fit well with the Commodores.
Subtractions
No significant losses.
Key Players
John Jenkins – The nations best shooter?
Festus Ezeli – A big man with a high ceiling that keeps getting better.
Jeffery Taylor – A stat stuffing athlete who provided a little of everything including great defense. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Strengths
Experience!!. Not just returning players but returning quality. Vanderbilt return all five starters from last year and has a nice mix of complimentary talent.
If you believe NBA scouts than this team has three future pro players in Jenkins, Ezeli and Taylor.
This is the rare top team whose best players are upperclassmen.
Weaknesses
Depth!! Vanderbilt is not one of those programs that just stockpiles blue chippers. While the starting group can compete with pretty much anyone else’s in the nation, there is a noticeable drop off when they go to the bench.
If a 6th man emerged it wold be huge.
Post Season
Yep, if they don’t make it to a regional final it will have been a bit of a waste of a season.
Championship Odds
25/1
Projected wins 27
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