#83 Vanderbilt: College Basketball Countdown

College basketball is right around the corner. Games will be starting before you know it, and practices are just right around the corner.

Here at Roundballchat I will release my top 100 teams for the 2012-13 college basketball season. I will start at 100 and count my way down. I will rank all the 75 programs in the six major conferences, as well as 25 mid majors in my top 100 countdown.

Along with my top 100 countdown I will also feature a ton of previews. Like the top players at each position, All Conference teams, top players by class, top games, previewing the early season tournaments and much more.

Who will put at number 1? Louisville or Indiana or maybe a surprise stay tuned to Roundballchat for the next month to find out.

#83 Vanderbilt

Coach: Kevin Stallings (13 seasons at Vanderbilt 261-159) Overall 384-159, 19 years

2011-12: Record 25-11 overall, 10-6 in SEC ( Tie 2th)

Starters Returning (0)

Preseason Tournament: Old Spice Classic

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Villanova, vs. Butler, at Oregon

Transfer In: Eric McClellan (Tulsa)

Early departure: John Jenkins

No team in the country probably loses what Vanderbilt lost from last season. Gone is there 5 starters and there top bench player from last year’s team. They lose 92 % of their scoring. Three of those players where NBA draft picks. The good news the Commodores have a lot of younger talent but there are just unproven at the moment. This year is no question a rebuilding season but a team with only 2 juniors the future could be bright.

Power forward Rod Odom (2.4 ppg) is Vanderbilt’s most experienced player with 60 career games. He will have to be much more than a role player this season. Joining Odom in the frontcourt is Josh Henderson (2.6 ppg). He redshirted his first year and missed most of last season with an injury. Providing depth here will be Shelby Moats (.5 ppg) and James Siakam (.5 ppg). Moats is a very good shooter. As you see the Commodore don’t have much depth here.

Vanderbilt has some talent here in the backcourt. Leading the way will be Kedren Johnson (3.1 ppg). Johnson is the former Mr. Basketball of Tennessee, who should excel with an expanded role. Joining Johnson in the backcourt is Dai- Jon Parker (1.7 ppg). Like Johnson Parker should excel with an expanded role, he is already an excellent defender. Providing depth here will be Kyle Fuller (.9 ppg). Battling for time and a starting job at the 3 position will be between three freshman Sheldon Jeter, A.J. Astroth, and Kevin Bright.

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