2006 South Florida Bulls Basketball Preview

2006 South Florida Bulls Basketball Predictions

The Bulls from South Florida are a team out of their league. They were 1- 15 in the Big East, surprising and beating the Hoyas at the end of a season that saw them go 7- 22 overall. Last place in the Big East is where they finished in 2005- 06 and last place is where they will finish in 2006- 07.

The news was about as bad as it gets for a program that lacks depth—redshirted freshman point guard Chris Howard tore the ACL in his left knee for the second time in less than one year. He missed all of last season and may be absent all of this season. Chris Capko (2.9 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 32.9 FG%, 75.6 FT%), a hard-working senior but not a Big East caliber player, will start again. Sorry to say, but that’s simply tough for the Bulls. Swingman Jesus Verdejo, a transfer from Arizona who will be eligible to play in December, may work out as the shooting guard. Freshman Solomon Bozeman, a work-in-progress, may get some experience.

Kentrell Gransberry and Aris Williams are both big front men transfers who can bang and hang with Big East frontcourts. They could definitely help improve this team’s “D.” Senior swingman McHugh Mattis (PPG, RPG, APG, FG%, FT%) could be a contributor and senior forward Melvyn Richardson (PPG, RPG, APG, FG%, FT%) will see important playing minutes.

In three years at South Florida coach Robert McCullum has led the Bulls to a 28- 58 record. In his fourth season at the helm, school officials and fans will expect to see some positive results. It’s tough to imagine that happening in this bruise the loser league. South Florida will most likely have a new coach in 2007- 08.

The seniors aren’t very impressive and it’s not easy for a program like South Florida to be competitive in the recruiting department. It’s been 14 years since the Bulls have been to the Big Dance. They’ll be staying home this year too and won’t be going on the NIT “concession stroll” either.

If you want more info on the 2006 South Florida Bulls College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Cincinnati Bearcats and Georgetown Hoyas.