1. Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said he can go a variety of ways to fill senior forward Mike Bruesewitz's absence. Bruesewitz is out for a month while recovering from a severe cut on his right leg that required surgery after he crashed into the basket standard last Tuesday. Ryan said he could go with a combination of sophomore forward Frank Kaminsky, sophomore guard Traevon Jackson and freshman forward Sam Dekker or go smaller along the frontline. He said that junior guard Josh Gasser has improved greatly over the summer. Gasser has to be the lead guard after the departure of Jordan Taylor. The injury occurred because of Bruesewitz was diving for a loose ball, like no other player. Ryan said he it could only happen to “three guys I know [former Badgers] Mike Heineman and Joe Krabbenhoft and Mike [Bruesewitz].’’
2. Cincinnati is a trendy pick in the Big East and for good reason. The Bearcats are fully capable of challenging anyone for second (with the assumption that Louisville is the champ). Bearcats coach Mick Cronin said Sunday night he has the best chemistry he’s had at UC. “The depth could be tremendous. I love our potential defensively. It’s the most athletic team we’ve ever had and we have veteran winners." Cronin said that after a few days of practice. If he keeps seeing this potential in January then the Bearcats will be a formidable force.
3. South Florida sophomore point guard Anthony Collins, who averaged 5.2 assists a game, should be ready for full practice and contact Tuesday after missing the first four days due to a concussion, according to coach Stan Heath. The Bulls, who reached the NCAA tournament last season, have depth with South Alabama transfer Martino Brock available. Heath said Brock is a combo guard who is extremely athletic and tough. Brock averaged 14.2 points a game as a sophomore at South Alabama.
