Growing by leaps and bounds

Expect these sophomores to assume more prominent roles

Welcome back, Hoopheads. Midnight Madness is again upon us, and one thing that always excites me about the arrival of a new season is the chance to find out which players have improved since the end of last season. Generally speaking, a player makes the greatest improvement between his freshman and sophomore seasons. So for the inaugural installment of my 2002-'03 Hoop Thoughts, I herewith present the list of rising sophs I expect to take the biggest step from last year.

(Keep in mind that this is a list of guys who will improve, not necessarily the best sophs in the country. Any list of top sophs must include T.J. Ford, Texas; Emeka Okafor, UConn; Rick Rickert, Minnesota; and Chris Thomas, Notre Dame.)

Daniel Ewing, Duke. Only so many shots were available last year with Jay Williams and Mike Dunleavy in the Blue Devils' lineup, but the smooth and sinewy Ewing is a natural scorer whose role will increase dramatically.

Channing Frye, Arizona. The 6-foot-10 center was the best of a very good freshman class last season. He dominated the counselor workouts at the Nike All-America Camp in Indianapolis over the summer and led the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding during their trip to Australia.

Ben Gordon, UConn. Content last year picking his spots while playing alongside Caron Butler, Gordon, who rightly draws comparisons to former Huskies great Ray Allen, is ready to be a primary scorer. More important, he has the cojones to take -- and make -- the big shot.

David Lee, Florida. The 6-9 forward made 58 percent of his shots last year as a reserve, and though he has good perimeter skills he did not attempt a 3-pointer. Lee is dynamic around the basket and should benefit from a year of strength and conditioning in Billy Donovan's program.

Jason Maxiell, Cincinnati. This 6-7 man-child is an explosive rebounder, and though he is still a few years away from being a polished offensive player, the Bearcats will certainly look to him to improve on his 8.1 ppg average. Maxiell's development, however, will be hurt by Bob Huggins' absence, not to mention the team's drop in talent.

Patrick Sparks, Western Kentucky. Made a ridiculous 43 percent from beyond the arc last year and set a school freshman record for assists, steals and 3-pointers made. With the loss of point guard Derek Robinson to graduation, Sparks will assume a bigger leadership role on what will be one of the best teams in the nation.

Kelvin Torbert, Michigan State. At 6-4, 220 pounds, Torbert arrived in East Lansing last year with an NBA body and the hype to match. Surprisingly, he played with limited confidence and sparse passion. His power and talent is are unmistakable, however. If Tom Izzo can't get Torbert to play with passion, no one can.

Maurice Williams, Alabama. Point guard is the hardest position for a freshman to play, and Williams thrived last season largely on instinct. If his court sense improves -- and it says here it will -- then Williams will be the best lead guard in the SEC.

More Hoop Thoughts

Here are some other nuggets to munch on during Midnight Madness weekend: