2009 College Basketball All-Strength & Power Team

I think one of the best things about watching college basketball is the culmination of it all with March Madness. The athletes from across the country are on the national stage to show America just how good they really are not to mention what it takes to play at that level. There have been numerous cases that demonstrate what I call "pure athleticism" in the tournament so far, here is an example of what I'm talking about. Last nights match-up of Oklahoma vs. Syracuse that had spectacular moves from big man Blake Griffin who is listed at 6'10" 250+ lbs (but is probably a bit smaller, height wise) to 6'0" guard Johnny Flynn. At one point Flynn attempted to take a charge on Griffin who almost ran him over. Flynn injured his back on that play with the hit but stayed in the game. After that he attempted an amazing dunk that went in/out and then moments after that Griffin did the same thing but with a little more emphasis and actually hit his head on the back board as he powered up for the dunk. The strength and power that is needed to do some of the plays your seeing on TV are simply amazing. These players have vertical jumps anywhere from 30"- 40+", great speed, first step quickness and overall body control what we in the industry call kinesthetic awareness. I have talked about this type of conditioning level in a past article for Hoops Hype that can be seen here. Please let me know any player who you think I missed out on.

Here is my 2009 All- Strength & Power Team

G - Johnny Flynn, Syracuse, 6'0", 185 lbs.
G - Terek Evans, Memphis, 6'6", 219 lbs.
G- Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga, 6'2", 220 lbs
F - Luke Harangody, Notre Dame, 6'8", 255 lbs.
F - Earl Clark, Louisville, 6'9", 225 lbs.
F - Tyler Hansborough, North Carolina, 6'9", 250 lbs.
F - DeJaun Blair, Pittsburg, 6'7", 265 lbs.
G-F - Rakim Sanders, Boston College, 6'5", 225 lbs.
F - Blake Griffin, Oklahoma, 6'10, 251 lbs.
F - Jon Brockman, Washington, 6'7", 255 lbs.
F - Jeff Adrien, UConn, 6'7", 243 lbs.