[Clarkmeister]

Deron (pronounced similar to Darrin) Williams is one of the best players in college hoops. He can literally take over a game at will, D's up nasty, and can distribute the rock too. He's a lottery pick next year. Preaseason Big Ten player of the year.

Dee had the great freshman season and struggled most of last year. The reasons were several. First, he was injured most of the year and it wore him down. Second and related to the first point, he came into the season worn down after playing a ton in the offseason. Third, he really took a long time to adapt to the new system. Partly because he was young and it just takes time, partly because he was pouting about Self leaving town and he didn't *want* to learn. Once he grew up a little he started to catch on. He was on fire down the stretch last year and really carried us. I fully expect him to have the kind of year this year that was expected of him last year when he was the Big Ten preseason player of the year. That's Deron this year, but I look for Dee to really take it to another level. His biggest problem is that he doesn't drive to his left and teams play him that way, and despite his ability to get to the cup, he is so short that he gets an obscene amount of layups rejected. Its kind of wierd but for a guy so fast and electric, he's *not* a great finisher. He just creates so many chances that you forget about that.

Augustine is simply not aggressive enough, similar to Brian Cook. Now he's got nowhere near the game that Cook does, so he can't get away with it. Plays best when he's angry. He really needs to step it up.

Nick is very skilled but very moody and streaky. He's sometimes not worth the hassle.

Powell is streaky as all hell. If he starts off hot, look out, otherwise he's the invisible man.

Luther is great because he can always create his own shot, and he is (pardon me Andy) super clutch, having sparked more rallies than I can count with big-time 3 pointers when the rest of the team looked lost. Super athletic and can play 3 positions.

Those are the key guys. Jack Ingram is a somewhat skilled banger, Rich McBride is a highly touted 3-pt specialist who is still a year away IMO. The rest of the team is comprised of lightly played freshman and sophs who would have to make giant steps in order to meaningfully contribute.