2) Derrick Rose, Memphis
Rose’s stats don’t blow you away but as a freshman point guard, he is trying to master perhaps the toughest position in college basketball. With Memphis a perfect 14-0 on the season, Rose has shown the ability to put winning ahead of individual glory. On the season, Rose is averaging 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists.

3) Eric Gordon, Indiana
Gordon has Indiana at 13-1 and he’s the best player on the team, despite being a freshman. Gordon has shown very good consistency and appears to be a natural born scorer. Averaging 23.5 points on 49.7% shooting from the field, Gordon needs to show a more well-rounded game if he wants his stock to rise even more.

4) Nicolas Batum, France
Batum is the top international prospect in the 2008 NBA Draft. He’s long and lean but is able to play out on the perimeter. He needs to gain more muscle and toughen up overall, but there’s no reason why he won’t be a top draft pick in the upcoming draft. Where exactly he will be drafted will depend on pre-draft workouts.

Batum Interview:

5) OJ Mayo, USC
Mayo has been a bit of a disappointment this season. After entering the year as one of the most highly ranked freshman in years, Mayo hasn’t been as consistently as scouts have hoped. While he’s averaging over 20 points per game, he currently doesn’t bring much else to the game. USC as a team is also disappointing – standing only 9-6 this season after being a preseason favorite in the Pac-10.

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Arenas insists that he’s pain-free but says that he doesn’t want to return until he’s completely confident in his knee. After missing the end of last season with a knee injury that required surgery, Arenas had a second surgery in November. His original prognosis had him out three months.

If Arenas doesn’t play again this season, Antonio Daniels will remain the starting point guard for the Washington Wizards. Daniels, who just recently returned to the lineup after being sidelined with an injury himself, is a capable fantasy player who gives you consistent production. However, obviously he’s no Arenas.

Gilbert Arenas Mix …

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The Spontaneity
As you go through a fantasy basketball season, you have to be prepared for anything. If your star point guard goes down injured, you need to have a contingency plan. If your backup center gets traded to a team loaded with centers, you need to know where you can find another backup center. You have to remain on your toes all season long.

The Spoils
If you play fantasy basketball for money, a good season can bring a lot of money your way. While the money isn’t a main reason why I love fantasy basketball, it’s certainly a factor. It’s always nice to be able to cash that check at the end of the a good fantasy season.

The Scouting
Scouting becomes especially true in a dynasty league. You need to know which college players will become good pros. You need to know which rookies could explode onto the scene with more playing time. You also need to know which veterans may be on their last legs.

The Strategy
The strategy aspect of fantasy basketball is underrated. If you are in a weekly league, you have a lot of hard decision to make each week. If you are in a daily league, you have to figure out what your team needs that particular day. Mastering the strategy of fantasy basketball can be the difference between a good season and a championship season.

How about you? Why do you love fantasy basketball?

Leave your comments here and let us know!

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Here are some players whose stocks are currently on the rise.

Michael Beasley, Kansas State
Beasley came into the season as a top ten pick. Now he’s well on his way to locking up the number one overall pick. At Kansas State, Beasley has been putting up monster numbers. Currently, Beasley is averaging 26.3 points, 14.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks.

Eric Gordon, Indiana
Gordon exploded onto the college scene at Indiana and is now looking like a lottery pick. He’s a 6-foot-5 shooting guard with good range and very good athleticism. If he can prove that size won’t be an issue for him, he could move into the top three.

DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M
This 7-footer has shown his obvious talents. However, he isn’t playing a lot of minutes and some scouts are starting to question parts of his game. That said, he’s big and raw, which means an NBA team will pick him high in the draft.

D.J. Augustin, Texas
Augustin was overlooked last year as he played next to Kevin Durant. Now that he has the whole team to himself, he’s showing how good he really is. Augustin is one of the best point guards in the draft and is looking more and more like a lottery pick.

Read more about college basketball here at b5 at College Fast Break.

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