It’s preview time!! Let’s Start right off the bat with my Predicted order of finish. Then I will preview the teams in that order
- Oral Roberts: 13-5 Conference record. No one runs away with it this year. The Golden Eagles finish at the top of a 3 or maybe 4-team fight to the top. The most talent and the most continuity lead them to the top spot.
- South Dakota State: 12-6 conference record. It’s been 10 years since the Jackrabbits lost 6 conference games. There are 18 conference games now but still a bold prediction based on history.
- South Dakota: 12-6 conference record. The pieces are there, but not the history of South Dakota State or the talent of Oral Roberts. Puts them 3rd in the race of the 3 I think could win the conference.
- North Dakota State: 11-7 Conference record. Would not be surprised if this is the hottest team come tournament time. Putting them here because am expecting growing pains with the new backcourt.
- Denver: 11-7 conference record. High on this team as it is. Tempered a bit by the loss of Coban Porter for the season.
- Western Illinois: 8-10 conference record. A lot of question marks on this team. No questions about the talent of Trenton Massner though. His talent lifts others
- St. Thomas: 6-12 conference record. A talented freshman class joins a team that made strides last year. With more size, and more talent, there will be some growing pains but the talent addition will start to show.
- North Dakota: 5-13 conference record. Might be a bold prediction. Especially after losing conference freshman of the year. More guard size, more athleticism, and injured players healthy.
- Omaha: 4-14 conference record. In spite of this prediction, the future looks good. Especially after Coach Crutchfield was able to convince Frankie Fidler to return to Omaha.
- Kansas City: 4-14 conference record. Staff is really encouraged with the talent infusion for Kansas City. It’s just a lot of young talent, so a growing year. Picked 6th in the preseason poll, so could be way off on this one.
Oral Roberts Golden Eagles
Potential Starting 5
G Max Abmas SR 6’0 22.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.7apg last season
G Issac McBride JR 6’2 12.3ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.7apg
G Kareem Thompson SR 6’5 7.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.7apg
F Patrick Mwamba JR 6’7 10ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.8aty pg (UT-Arlington)
F/C Connor Vanover SR 7’5 3.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 0.3apg (Arkansas)
This is a talented group highlighted by former Summit League Player of the Year Max Abmas. The former NCAA scoring champ returns for his final college campaign and it’s a treat for Golden Eagle and Summit League fans. Maybe the best shooter in college basketball, Abmas was recently tabbed as the preseason player of the year for good reason. Might be the best shooter in the country, and along with that runs the show for Oral Roberts and makes his teammates better. Abmas is a rare 4-year star in the Summit League these days and although he tested the waters of the NBA the last two years, if it wasn’t playing in the NBA, Abmas was playing his college basketball in Tulsa. Running alongside Abmas for the second year in a row is Issac McBride. McBride spent time at Kansas and Vanderbilt prior to arriving at Oral Roberts and his high-level talent was apparent overall. As the season progressed McBride’s role continued to grow. McBride is a dynamic athlete with the ability to get to the rim against most Summit League perimeter defenders. McBride also shot an eye popping 44% from behind the arc last season. It is easy to argue that Abmas and McBride combine to make the most dynamic backcourt in the Summit League this season. The 3rd spot in the lineup could be another guard, could be a forward, it seems the most likely person to occupy that role is Kareem Thompson. His first year in Tulsa Thompson shot 39% from behind the arc and made some key shots during the Golden Eagles tournament run. Last season Thompson’s shooting dipped to 33% from 3 and was a factor in some of their offensive struggles. While Thompson is in their to be a wing scorer and a guy who can score inside and outside, it could be what he can do on the defensive end that could see him in the starting lineup. A long wing who can guard on the perimeter and inside, Thompson is a versatile defender. Speaking of versatile defenders, Patrick Mwamba enters the fray for the Golden Eagles and likely finds himself in the starting lineup on opening tip. The UT-Arlington transfer started 21 games last year and fits the Golden Eagle player mold. He’s long, athletic, can step outside and defend multiple positions. Two years ago Mwamba shot 38% from 3 and that dipped to 29% last year on 5 attempts per game. It will be interesting to see which shooter arrives. It seems that what Mwamba can do on the defensive end is what Coach Paul Mills is most excited about. When asked who he would have guarding the ball with a last shot on the line. Mills stated Mwamba. Mills raved about Mwamba’s ability to defend inside and outside. One of the more unique players on this Oral Roberts roster is Connor Vanover. Literally the first thing anyone will notice is the fact that Vanover is 7’5. That isn’t all of what makes his game unique though. Vanover can be a block machine and will immediately bolster the golden Eagles on the defensive end. Vanover also has the ability to step outside and shoot the 3. Just based on size mismatches you would think Vanover will spend more time inside than he did at Arkansas. However, Vanover’s ability to step outside provides a unique dynamic. Last year seemed like a year where things just didn’t connect for Vanover at Arkansas but in his first 2 seasons, Vanover averaged 1.3 and 1.8 blocks per game. It is not a challenging prediction to think Vanover could be in the hunt for defensive player of the year.
Key contributors
F Deshang Weaver SR 6’7 8.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 0.3apg
G Trey Phipps JR 6’2 8.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2apg
G Carlos Jurgens SR 6’5 6.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.4apg
F Sir Isaac Herron SO 6’9 5.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.8apg
The depth of this Golden Eagle team is part of what is impressive here. Talented players like Sir Isaac Herron may have limited playing, and yet the intriguing sophomore could find a role depending on what happens with others. This is especially true after the unexpected loss of Elijah Lufile. Lufile signed the NBA G-League and is moving on to a pro career. Lufile was a force at the end of last season and his loss will be felt. There’s no other player that fills his role the same way. Deshang Weaver started 28 games last season, so maybe he takes the place of someone like Mwamba or Thompson in the starting lineup. One thing we know for sure is Paul Mills has a lot of options this season. Weaver is the type of player Mills loves. Long, athletic, versatile, and has the ability to step outside or score around the basket. Weaver may start and be in big spots just due to his time in Mills system and the trust he has built in his time there. Stop me if you have heard this before, Mills likes players that can shoot the ball. Another player that can flat out shoot the ball is Trey Phipps. Phipps shot 40% from behind the arc last season and adds to the weapons from the outside. Phipps can be the primary ball handler in a pinch also. Joining Weaver in the wily vet club is senior guard Carlos Jurgens. Another player coming off a season in which he started the majority of the season Jurgens started 25 games last season and again could take a spot in the lineup many times this season too. Jurgens is a strong perimeter defender, that can be the primary ballhandler and hit an open outside shot. There are so many lineup combinations that Mills could use this season. Do newcomers Mwamba and Vanover enter the starting lineup or do they come off the bench for the likes of Weaver, Lufile, and Jurgens. The ability to use matchups based on opponents or play the hot hand is another thing that makes Oral Roberts so dangerous this season.
You Heard it here first: Max Abmas will lead the Summit in scoring and assists this season
Name you need to know this season: Connor Vanover. The newcomer may be the defensive player of the year when it’s over.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Potential Starting 5
G Charlie Easley JR 6’2 7.9ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg
G Alex Arians SR 6’4 8.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg
G Zeke Mayo SO 6’3 9.6ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.1apg
F Matthew Mors FR 6’7 Redshirt
F Luke Appel SR 6’8 9.0ppg 3.6rpg, 1.3apg
In all likelihood, South Dakota State will have 4 returners and 1 intriguing newcomer in their starting lineup this year. You cannot underestimate the loss of Baylor Scheierman and Douglas Wilson to this Jackrabbit team, but after looking at the potential starting lineup without them it doesn’t seem the rest of the league is feeling too bad for them. In spite of the losses, most of the core returns for the Jackrabbits. Part of replacing the production of Scheierman and Wilson is the addition of Wisconsin transfer Matthew Mors. Mors should be an immediate starter and an instant-impact player. There is potential that Mors could find himself on the All-Summit 1st and 2nd team or newcomer of the year list. Mors probably plays a role more of a Wilson replacement as the skill sets are more similar. While Mors being a power 5 transfer is a big name, he’s probably not the biggest impact player on this team. That player is most likely Zeke Mayo. Mayo had a fantastic 1st season in Brookings, and many felt he should have been named freshman of the year. This is likely the first year his talent is on full display. Likely to be the Jackrabbits’ leading scorer and should be able to spend time off the ball with this lineup. Mayo possesses all the qualities that make a great Summit League Player, great basketball IQ, high-level athlete, ability to get to the rim, and elite shooter. Mayo is also a plus perimeter defender. It is not a surprise that Mayo was voted to the preseason first team this year. While we expect an explosion of numbers for Mayo I am not sure if anyone would be surprised if Alex Arians numbers look almost exactly the same. The swiss army knife of the South Dakota State backcourt just makes everything go. Arians can score, distribute, rebound and defend. The perfect complement to players like Mayo and Mors. Last year’s 6th man of the year Luke Appel may benefit the most from Wilson’s departure. Only starting one game last year Appel should be inserted right into the starting lineup. Appel is one of the best back-to-the-basket players in the league and will get a chance to showcase that also. The voters think it will mean big things as Appel was voted to the preseason first team this season. Charlie Easley may not get some of the headlines or numbers of his cohorts in the starting lineup but he is an important cog in what the Jackrabbits do. Probably the team’s best perimeter defender and makes for a good defensive backcourt with Arians and Mayo. Let’s not forget that Easley also shot 50% from 3 last season. That will go down with a higher volume but Easley is an elite outside shooter. Easley probably shares the primary ball-handler duties with Arians also.
Key contributors
F Matt Dentlinger SR 6’8 5.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 0.7apg
G Matt Mims JR 6’0 4.4ppg, 1.2rpg, 0.7apg
F William Kyle III FR 6’9 Freshman
F Aaron Fiegen JR 6’7 1.3ppg, 0.8rpg, 0.2apg
Matt Dentlinger is a steady veteran who always accepts his role and does what is asked of him. For 2 seasons Dentlinger started every game for the Jacks. Last year Dentlinger’s role was reduced and he started 14 games. There will be matchups where Dentlinger plays a big role and others he doesn’t. He will probably still start around the same amount of games 10-15 this year as he did last year. This will surprise no one who has watched South Dakota State will not be surprised that they have an elite shooter coming off the bench. That shooter is Matt Mims. Mims will also spend some time as the primary ball-handler and running the Jackrabbits’ offense. Mims will probably have a similar role to what he had last season in which he averaged a little over 15 minutes a game. There is some room in the South Dakota State frontcourt for some minutes. If you are able to say for sure who that will be you are seeing it more clearly than I am. William Kyle III does bring some things that other frontcourt players do not bring. He is a high-level athlete who if he does get significant time will do some highlight-level things. Kyle will likely be pretty active on the glass if given minutes also. However, I am not sure if Kyle is a player who gets major minutes this season. With veteran-laden teams, we often see freshmen have a tough time breaking into the lineup. However, you only need to look at Mayo from last season to see it’s possible for Kyle. I am not sure we see any consistent minutes past 8 players in the Jackrabbits lineup. It’s possible that Aaron Fiegen finds his way to some available frontcourt minutes though.
You heard it here first: Matthew Mors will get a lot of national headlines as a Wisconsin transfer, but Luke Appel is the bigger name big man this season
Name you need to know this season: How’s this for talking out both sides of my mouth? Mors will be the high-impact newcomer for the Jackrabbits this season.
South Dakota Coyotes
Predicted starting lineup
G Kruz Perrot-Hunt JR 6’3 15.0ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.3apg
G Mason Archambault SR 6’0 14.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.3apg
G AJ Plitzuweit SO 6’2 19.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg (did not play last season, injury)
G Paul Bruns SO 6’4 14.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.1apg (North Dakota)
F Tasos Kamateros JR 6’8 11.5ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.0apg
It’s possible the Coyotes roll out a bit more size in the starting lineup this season. However, there is almost no depth in the frontcourt and incredible depth in the backcourt so it seems more likely they just roll with their strength. In addition to that, the South Dakota guards are a group of pretty capable rebounders, so this could be a team that plays high pace and relies on their guards to do some dirty work that guards aren’t typically asked to do. By far the biggest question to be answered is the health of former 1st team guard AJ Plitzuweit. Plitzuweit had a special season two years ago, and it’s possible if he didn’t suffer his late-season knee injury we never have Oral Roberts special run and the Coyotes punch their first ticket to the NCAA tournament. Plitzuweit only lost out on player of the year because Abmas was the NCAA scoring leader and had an equally special season. So that’s the high bar of what Plitzuweit could be bringing this season. The reason we can’t just say that’s what we are going to get is the knee injury. Plitzuweit is coming back from an injury not often seen. So there aren’t as many examples of what that recovery looks like. The coaching staff has been encouraged by Plitzuweit’s trajectory and he’s back to basketball so it seems he will be in the starting lineup on November 7th. One thing that maybe unexpectedly happened with the Plitzuweit injury was the emergence of Mason Archambault last year. Maybe the greatest recruiting job by Head Coach Eric Peterson was the ability to get Archambault, Kruz Perrot-Hunt, and Tasos Kamateros to stay in Vermillion. Archambault spent time at both lead guard and off the ball last season so it will be interesting to see the role he plays this year and how often he and Plitzuweit play together. Named to the all-league team last year, Plitzuweit’s return means 3 former all-league players are in the Coyote’s backcourt this season. The third player is Perrot-Hunt. Perrot-Hunt traditionally does more of his damage outside, shooting 39% from outside the arc last season. In his first season with the Coyotes Perrot- Hunt had more attempts from outside than inside the arc. That changed last season but he was still more impactful from the outside. If they go with a smaller lineup as I am suggesting they may need more from Perrot-Hunt taking bigger defenders off the dribble. Kamateros is the lone big man in this projected lineup. Many times another big will join him but expect Kamateros to log big minutes this season. A player that doesn’t wow you athletically but is so efficient. can score inside and outside with equal efficiency. Maybe the most under-talked-about player on the Coyotes roster. Last year Paul Bruns won Summit League Freshmen of the Year, and surprisingly did so on a different team. If Bruns enters the starting lineup, he will need to be counted on to do far more defensively than he did last year. One of the reasons I do think he may enter the starting lineup is Bruns rebounds at a high level, especially on the defensive end but is capable on the offensive end too.
Key contributors
F Mihai Carcoana SO 6’11 2.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 0.1apg (Toledo)
F Damani Hayes SR 6’4 3.6ppg, 3.8rpg, 0.7apg
F Felix Brostrom FR 6’8 Freshman
G Jeremiah Coleman FR 6’0 Freshman
It would seem logical that Mihai Carcoana is starting down low alongside Kamateros, that will happen in some situations but I think most of the time the Toledo Transfer plays as the 6th man. Could easily see him playing more than 20 minutes a game but I feel like this is a team that is going to try to play with a high tempo. Carcoana was a critical piece to add for a South Dakota team in need of size that can play right away so intrigued to see the role he plays. When talking with Coach Peterson he made a point to bring up Damani Hayes. Hayes is a pure-energy guy who gave some good minutes last year and is likely to be looking at more minutes this year. Even at 6’4, Hayes is so tough to keep off the glass, especially on the offensive end. Easily could see Hayes finding his way into the starting lineup 10 times this year. The coaching staff is encouraged that Felix Brostrom is ready to contribute right away and there is plenty of opportunity. Brostrom is pretty smooth with the basketball for a 6’8 player and can shoot from outside. I would expect most of his damage driving the basketball and shooting from outside. Minutes may be tough to come by for freshmen Jeremiah Coleman. It’s possible he could get some lead guard minutes as the season especially if the Coyotes are looking for added quickness and athleticism.
Heard it here first: South Dakota has the highest range of potential finishes of teams in the Summit League. Could see them finishing anywhere from 1st to 5th.
Name you need to know this season: Mihai Carcoana. Maybe the biggest piece to the puzzle this year for the Coyotes. No denying the size, and how much that size is needed. However, limited minutes last year. What does his role look like this year?
North Dakota State Bison
Potential starting lineup
G Dez McKinney JR 6’0 3.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 0.7apg
G Tajavis Miller FR 6’4 Freshmen
G Boden Skunberg JR 6’5 5.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 0.8apg
F Andrew Morgan SO 6’10 5.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 0.3apg
F Grant Nelson JR 6’11 11.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.1apg
Ever since his freshmen season, we have been talking about the amazing talent that is Grant Nelson. There have been many times we have seen that talent on display but the opportunity has been a little less for Nelson with veterans in front of him. This is the year for Nelson to shine. At 6’11 Nelson plays more like a wing than he does a traditional big man and is an absolute matchup nightmare for Summit League opponents. Often called a “unicorn” due to his unique abilities on the court, Nelson is well deserving of his pre-season accolades. Joining Nelson in the frontcourt will be Andrew Morgan. This frontcourt is what has Bison fans excited about the season. Injuries had Morgan limited Morgan to 21 games and 11 minutes per game last year. However, this season it’s easy to see Morgan’s minutes and numbers easily double. More of a traditional big than Nelson, Morgan is a great complement in the frontcourt. Speaking of players getting ready to take on a much bigger role, Boden Skunberg returns as the leader of a backcourt that saw a lot of change this off-season. Skunberg already showed some major strides in his sophomore season on the defensive side of the ball, we may see an equal jump for Skunberg on the offensive side of the ball in his junior season. Skunberg shot a low percentage from the outside last season, but he’s a much better shooter, expect his shooting numbers to increase as Skunberg likely develops into a double-digit scorer this season. There is a decent amount of new additions to the backcourt, and maybe some of the newcomers enter the starting lineup. It seems one more returner in Dez McKinney spends the majority of the season in the starting lineup. It seems unlikely that McKinney will be fully returned from a knee injury on opening night, but once he’s healthy he likely runs the point for the Bison. McKinney is trusted by Coach Dave Richman, knows the system, and will likely step into the starting lineup after waiting two years. Typically it takes freshmen a bit of time to log big minutes for the Bison, but one of the guard spots is really up for grabs. This might be the year where a freshman makes a major impact. Enter one of the highest-ranked recruits to ever arrive in Fargo. The whispers from Fargo have been equally glowing as the recruiting services about Tajavis Miller and he may have the perfect opportunity to grab a starting spot. This would be outside the norm for a Richman-led team, in fact, the opposite reasoning is used for McKinney to log the most time at the point once he returns. However, if Miller is as dynamic as has been rumored, he has the perfect opportunity to do big things in his first year.
Key Contributors
G Luke Yoder JR 6’0 Division 3
G Jacari White SO 6’3 JUCO
G Damari Wheeler-Thomas 6’0 Freshmen
F Noah Fedderson 6’10 Freshmen
McKinney’s injury and potential to miss time opened up a need at the point guard spot and especially for a veteran to run the show in McKinney’s absence. This may very well be the spot for division 3 transfer Luke Yoder. Yoder’s numbers were not eye-popping at the division 3 level but he did show the ability to score a little and shot 39% from behind the arc. Yoder’s competition for minutes may be freshman guard Damari Wheeler-Thomas. Bison fans are excited about the talented freshman and he brings athleticism that may be a step above the others at the lead guard spot. Typically it takes young players some time to crack the North Dakota State rotation so looking at Yoder to edge out Wheeler-Thomas for minutes especially early in the year. Yoder and Wheeler-Thomas could both find themselves in the starting backcourt from time to time this season but Jacari White may be more likely to find starter minutes. White might be most likely to play off the ball, he may be able to log some minutes at lead guard also. White has the ability to hit from the outside and the size to play off the ball in the Summit. White will likely battle Miller for starter minutes at off-guard. There will be a battle for logging minutes behind Nelson and Morgan. That battle will be between freshmen Noah Fedderson, sophomore Joshua Streit, and freshmen Sam Hastreiter. It seems Fedderson will emerge as the top candidate. He has division 1 ready size at 6’10 and 230lbs. Look for Fedderson to claim minutes similar to what Morgan logged last season.
Heard it here first: Nelson is going to get a lot of the headlines coming into the season and for good reason. The breakout is coming from Andrew Morgan though. All-Summit-type potential for Morgan this season
Name you need to know this season: Freshmen have a tough time gaining Coach Dave Richman’s trust their first year, but the opportunity and talent are right there. Tajavis Miller might be in conversations for freshmen of the year this season.
Denver Pioneers
Potential starting lineup
G Tommy Bruner JR 6’0 8.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.8apg (Jacksonville)
G Tevin Smith SO 6’5 10.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg
F Tyree Corbett SR 13.0ppg, 8.8rpg, 0.9apg (Coppin State)
F Touko Tainamo SO 7.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 0.5apg
F Lukas Kisunas SR 2.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 0.3apg (Stanford)
It might be a very interesting mix in the Pioneer’s starting lineup this year. The conversation starts though with a player that won’t be seen this season. Talented sophomore Coban Porter, will miss the season after suffering an off-season ACL injury. Even without Porter the star conversation starts with fellow sophomore Tevin Smith. Smith is an electric athlete that averaged double figures his freshmen season and looks to break out this year. We will see electric things from Porter on offense but I don’t think it’s limited there. The sophomore was tied for third in the league in blocks last season and will likely cause even more problems with his defense in his second year in the league. Look for Smith to have a two-way impact and average more than 15 points per game this season. Another part of the high-impact first recruiting class for Head Coach Jeff Wulbrun is forward Touko Tainamo. A solid rebounder who has the ability to score inside and out. Tainamo also showed a little bit of ability on the defensive end last year too. Joining the two sophomores are a trio of division one transfers. The most obvious instant-impact player of that trio is senior Tyree Corbett. Corbett put up big numbers at Coppin State last season and should have an instant impact as a scorer and rebounder for Denver. Corbett provides an instant upgrade in athleticism from what Denver has had in the frontcourt in recent seasons. Corbett has shown the ability to hit from the outside also. While Corbett only shot 24% last season, two years ago Corbett hit a 37% mark from behind the arc. Another player that is looking to return to the form from 2 years ago is guard Tommy Bruner. Last season Bruner only played in 13 games at Jacksonville. The year previous Bruner started 17 games at USC Upstate and averaged 13.6pts and 4.0 assists. Word out of Denver is that Bruner is the perfect fit at lead guard to run Head Coach Jeff Wulbrun’s offense and a solid replacement to the production lost by KJ Hunt. Lukas Kisunas was brought in to anchor the Pioneers lineup. Kisunas at 6’10 265 lbs certainly has the size to do some damage although the numbers were not eye-popping, Kisunas did start 22 games during his time at Stanford and reunites with Wulbrun who coached Kisunas as an assistant at Stanford.
Key Contributors
G Marko Lukic JR 6’7 11.4ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg
G Justin Mullins FR 6’6 Freshmen
F Pedro Lopez-SanVincente SO 6’8 1.5ppg, 1.7rpg, 0.5apg
G Ben Bowen FR 6’5 FR Wyoming
If you are looking for a player with “buzz” coming out of Denver. That player is Justin Mullins. Mullins is described as a gifted, versatile athlete that is loaded with potential. As was seen last season we have reason to trust freshmen guards that the Denver coaching staff is hyping up. Last season it was Smith and Porter whose names were being hyped last season. Mullins brings fantastic size at 6’6 to go with that hyped skill set. Look for Mullins to do big things as the season progresses. Another member of last year’s hyped freshman class is Pedro Lopez-SanVicente. While Lopez-SanVincente’s minutes were limited last season, Wulbrun expects big things from Lopez-SanVincente this season. Lopez-SanVincente’s versatility on the offensive end is what makes him intriguing. Skilled at driving to the basket and shooting from the outside. Sharpshooter Marko Lukic brings more size to the Denver lineup. While Lukic has never shot more than 33% from behind the arc, he clearly has a sharpshooter mentality as every season at Little Rock Lukic averaged over 4 attempts from behind the arc. Guard Ben Bowen transfers in from Wyoming and brings in another backcourt member that brings great size to the guard position.
Heard it here first: There are a lot of transfers that the Pioneers are excited about, but the cog that may have the biggest impact on Denver’s success this season is Tommy Bruner. If Bruner returns to the form of 2 years ago, Denver could take the next leap.
Name you need to know this season: Look for Tevin Smith-type impact from freshmen Justin Mullins. Described as a special athlete with special size. Look out for the Denver freshmen this year.