The Halfcourt Trap Vol. I, No. 5.

As I watched South Florida add Auburn to their growing list of victims, I thought about who the ascending teams in college hoops will be this season. Here are the 6 that came to mind.

1. Rhode Island. Jim Baron is a tremendous, unknown coach. The Rams have experience. The A-10 is in flux. That’s a recipe for success.

2. Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles played Memphis tougher than anyone else in C-USA. Larry Eustachy has a roster filled with his own players. USM will battle UAB and Houston for second in the conference.

3. Arizona State. I’m probably a year too early on this one. However, Herb Sendek is a solid tactician and has some really good talent. The Sun Devils will make some serious strides this year.

4. Cincinnati. Mick Cronin’s manic recruiting will start to pay dividends this year. The middle of the Big East isn’t terribly impressive. That gives the Bearcats a chance to make a huge jump in the standings.

5. Oklahoma. Jeff Capel’s team was surprisingly competitive in his first season. A fine recruiting class comes to Norman. The Sooners will compete for an NCAA bid.

6. Georgia. The Dogs have been on the cusp of a breakthrough the last couple of years. Dennis Felton has stocked his roster with solid, athletic players. UGA will finish 3rd in the SEC East and make the NCAAs.

Until next week, goodbye and good luck.