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Every weekday, a panel of our college hoops experts discusses the biggest issues, trends and themes in and around college basketball.
1. Among all the talented freshmen, where do you rank Texas' Myles Turner?
Andy Katz: He's likely to be in the top 10 with the ability to be in the top five by the end of the season. Turner isn't an equal to Jahlil Okafor at this stage, but he will have the opportunity to shine. How he handles upcoming assignments -- possibly against Syracuse and Kentucky -- will go a long way toward determining his rank.
Myron Medcalf: He's top five in terms of potential. But he could end the season as the best, although it's difficult to envision any first-year player overtaking Jahlil Okafor for that slot. But Turner was a late bloomer in high school, so he could certainly make another major stride in his development during the next five months.
Eamonn Brennan: He's right up there. The biggest question for Texas coming in was fit -- how Turner would integrate into an already sizable front line -- but so far, so good there. As long as lineup conditions aren't actively working against him, he's going to be very good.
2. Syracuse is ranked No. 23. That's lower than we're used to seeing. What's the biggest potential trouble spot for the Orange?
Katz: The Orange have yet another new point guard. They have been fortunate to land a slew of high-level lead guards. If Kaleb Joseph can keep the trend going, then the Orange will be in contention for a top-four ACC finish.
Medcalf: Syracuse has talent at each spot. But I think coach Jim Boeheim is still looking for that consistent slasher. He has size, and Joseph will continue to grow as a point guard. But in those battles with the ACC's best, who on this Cuse team can create a shot when necessary? Not sure.
Brennan: It's hard to say. How many years in a row has Syracuse lost its best pieces and looked just as good (and often better) in the season that followed? On paper, there are some conventional holes here, but there's also a lot of talent and an unimpeachable record of consistency.
3. Indiana had a rough offseason. SMU had a rough night earlier this week. Who leaves Thursday's game feeling better about itself?
Katz: Indiana. The Hoosiers have more shooters and the home crowd. They won't be at full strength this season because of Devin Davis' accident, but they should start to find their rhythm. The offense won't be an issue. Stopping transition baskets will be the toughest challenge.
Medcalf: I think it's Indiana. James Blackmon Jr. is averaging 22.5 PPG and he's a dangerous scorer. I expect him to have a big night for a program that needs a win. Plus, SMU is just not the same team without Markus Kennedy on the floor.
Brennan: Gonzaga is tearing through everyone in sight, so I don't think we can write off SMU, even a hamstrung version. Early returns in Indiana indicate another turnover-prone campaign. At home, the pressure is on IU in every possible sense. I'll give the Mustangs the nod.
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