While this may seem like a bleak picture, there still should be some great basketball next season. DaJuan Wagner will play at least one season in Memphis, and there is no doubt that he will bring plenty of razzle and dazzle. Kareem Rush will have an opportunity to improve from last season, when he was nearly unstoppable. Casey Jacobsen will continue to make serious noise now that the Collins twins have taken their game to the pros. In Boston College, Troy Bell, at least for another year, will give Big East coaches headaches. With Keith Bogans and Tayshaun Prince, Kentucky looks poised for a Final Four run, despite the blown-out knee of Jason Parker. Don’t forget about Maryland, as the Terps, despite losing Terrence Morris, still have All-ACC stars Juan Dixon and Lonny Baxter. Now that Kirk Haston is gone, it is time for Jared Jefferies to have a breakout year in Indiana. Duke, with superstar junior Jason Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Chris Duhon, may again go all the way.
As the talent of the college game is lost to the NBA, it opens up opportunities for some teams to shine. Those teams that may not have had a chance in previous years are now contenders, since they have experience, solid depth, and good coaching. It also opens up the way for freshmen to contribute right away. The game may be changing, but the excitement of March Madness does not.
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