Who Will Be The NCAA Basketball 09 Cover Athlete?

by pastapadre
Posted August 20th, 2008 at 10:34 am

NCAA Basketball 09 has been kept under wraps by EA Sports for quite a while now. For most titles at the very least some basic information would be known three months out from release. Sooner rather than later the first details are going to break which will likely include the cover athlete.

Like last year there are two players that stand out from the crowd. With the 09 titles it was Kevin Durant (March Madness) and Greg Oden (College Hoops) that were no-brainers. But the history of the college basketball games has not always been to select the top drafted players for the cover. It seems likely to happen this year though as EA doesn’t have a competitor seeking a cover deal of their own.

Derek Rose was drafted #1 by the Chicago Bulls and would probably have the edge over #2 pick of the Miami Heat Michael Beasley. Really though it is a toss-up. Both are marketable players with bright futures on teams in strong media markets. Rose though did get more exposure by leading Memphis to the National Championship game last year.

The possibility of a surprise cover also can’t be discounted. Having no competition opens up the potential to do something unique with it such as pushing a feature or concept (think Desmond Howard on NCAA Football 06).

So who do you think and/or want to be on the cover of NCAA Basketball 09? Vote in the poll below and be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments.

{democracy:38}

Tags:

slamfan4life

has to be rose, went #1 and led his team to the NCAA championship game
slamfan4life

has to be rose, went #1 and led his team to the NCAA championship game
sean

it will probably be rose but if not him, o.j. mayo
sean

it will probably be rose but if not him, o.j. mayo
http://ncaaStrategies.com/ cdj

I hope Beasley gets it.

I’m pretty anxious to get some info on this title. What are your thoughts on what to expect, pasta?
http://ncaaStrategies.com cdj

I hope Beasley gets it.

I’m pretty anxious to get some info on this title. What are your thoughts on what to expect, pasta?
root

rose and beasley would both be proper selections, both for the obvious reason and from a marketing stand point….However I voted for other, I would pick UNC-Ashville star Kenny George to be the ea cover boy..from a performance angle he led the NCAA in 2 major categories, blcks per game and fg %…also espn did a great job in marketing him last season. He would be my selection, hands down.
root

rose and beasley would both be proper selections, both for the obvious reason and from a marketing stand point….However I voted for other, I would pick UNC-Ashville star Kenny George to be the ea cover boy..from a performance angle he led the NCAA in 2 major categories, blcks per game and fg %…also espn did a great job in marketing him last season. He would be my selection, hands down.
Thanos377

It will probably be Rose. With him going to Chicago and Chicago being where that one guy played….. what was his name…… oh yeah, Michael Jordan, they’ll probably go with him. Plus, being the #1 pick and everything else you guys have mentioned.

I’m really just waiting for ANY info on the game at all.
Thanos377

It will probably be Rose. With him going to Chicago and Chicago being where that one guy played….. what was his name…… oh yeah, Michael Jordan, they’ll probably go with him. Plus, being the #1 pick and everything else you guys have mentioned.

I’m really just waiting for ANY info on the game at all.
Moye2010

Mike Beasley, hands down. Yea Derek Rose went to the NCAA Championship, but that means nothing because if that was the case a player from the Gators would have been on 08 or 2k8. Beasley had the better season, ALL season last year, so to pick him would be an obvious choice.
Moye2010

Mike Beasley, hands down. Yea Derek Rose went to the NCAA Championship, but that means nothing because if that was the case a player from the Gators would have been on 08 or 2k8. Beasley had the better season, ALL season last year, so to pick him would be an obvious choice.
Skihawks

Although I think it will most likely be Beasley or Rose, I vote for Drew Neitzel. He is a guy who carried an undermanned Michigan State team for two years. Although he was not drafted he was an excellent college player and would represent the game well.
Skihawks

Although I think it will most likely be Beasley or Rose, I vote for Drew Neitzel. He is a guy who carried an undermanned Michigan State team for two years. Although he was not drafted he was an excellent college player and would represent the game well.
Darkheath

I’d like to see Stephen Curry. He epitomized what college basketball was about by leading Davidson (who?) so far into the finals. Plus… his dad was a fave of mine.

I haven’t bought an NCAA basketball game since 2k5. It’s a shame that 2K is not making one this year. I’d be very leery buying an EA basketball game. I’ll definitely wait to see reviews on this before I pick it up. I haven’t heard great things about March Madness over the years.
Darkheath

I’d like to see Stephen Curry. He epitomized what college basketball was about by leading Davidson (who?) so far into the finals. Plus… his dad was a fave of mine.

I haven’t bought an NCAA basketball game since 2k5. It’s a shame that 2K is not making one this year. I’d be very leery buying an EA basketball game. I’ll definitely wait to see reviews on this before I pick it up. I haven’t heard great things about March Madness over the years.
pastapadre

[quote comment="32872"]I hope Beasley gets it.

I’m pretty anxious to get some info on this title. What are your thoughts on what to expect, pasta?[/quote]

I think they’re going to come with a big effort, the secretiveness around the game so far only enhances that feeling. They’ve got to do it this year or risk alienating the crowd that will shift from College Hoops. I’m really interested in seeing what they do here with it.
pastapadre

[quote comment="32872"]I hope Beasley gets it.

I’m pretty anxious to get some info on this title. What are your thoughts on what to expect, pasta?[/quote]

I think they’re going to come with a big effort, the secretiveness around the game so far only enhances that feeling. They’ve got to do it this year or risk alienating the crowd that will shift from College Hoops. I’m really interested in seeing what they do here with it.
pat

doesnt really matter if you make the ncaa championship because the last two cover athletes of march madness (morrison and durant) neither of them made the national championship my guess would be beasley
pat

doesnt really matter if you make the ncaa championship because the last two cover athletes of march madness (morrison and durant) neither of them made the national championship my guess would be beasley
AzureEffect

Probably Rose….both are good choices though. Sure hate that College Hoops is gone….and I hope EA steps up and delivers something amazing or I will be alienated like Pasta spoke of
AzureEffect

Probably Rose….both are good choices though. Sure hate that College Hoops is gone….and I hope EA steps up and delivers something amazing or I will be alienated like Pasta spoke of
bengalsfan4life

Mario Chalmers
bengalsfan4life

Mario Chalmers
DI

DONT REALLY CARE IF SNOOPY IS ON COVER LONG AS THE GAME IS GOOD! TO MUCH FOCUS ON OTHER LITTLE THINGS. ALL THAAT MATTERS IS HOW I FEEL ONCE THE JOYSTICK IS IN MY HAND!
DI

DONT REALLY CARE IF SNOOPY IS ON COVER LONG AS THE GAME IS GOOD! TO MUCH FOCUS ON OTHER LITTLE THINGS. ALL THAAT MATTERS IS HOW I FEEL ONCE THE JOYSTICK IS IN MY HAND!
Timothy Daley

Does anyone really play this game anymore. The college B ball game has alway been lacking in the game play department. Just don’t see the point in owning that when the NBA game drops.
Timothy Daley

Does anyone really play this game anymore. The college B ball game has alway been lacking in the game play department. Just don’t see the point in owning that when the NBA game drops.
Jose Canseco

It’s going to be Chalmers. He did hit that miracle shot that no one will ever forget.
Jose Canseco

It’s going to be Chalmers. He did hit that miracle shot that no one will ever forget.
pat

[quote comment="32878"]I’d like to see Stephen Curry. He epitomized what college basketball was about by leading Davidson (who?) so far into the finals. Plus… his dad was a fave of mine.

I haven’t bought an NCAA basketball game since 2k5. It’s a shame that 2K is not making one this year. I’d be very leery buying an EA basketball game. I’ll definitely wait to see reviews on this before I pick it up. I haven’t heard great things about March Madness over the years.[/quote]

yeah that would remind me of ncaa football 08 with zabransky….he wasnt the greatest player but he did things very similar to curry and curry is actally talented and has potiental
pat

[quote comment="32878"]I’d like to see Stephen Curry. He epitomized what college basketball was about by leading Davidson (who?) so far into the finals. Plus… his dad was a fave of mine.

I haven’t bought an NCAA basketball game since 2k5. It’s a shame that 2K is not making one this year. I’d be very leery buying an EA basketball game. I’ll definitely wait to see reviews on this before I pick it up. I haven’t heard great things about March Madness over the years.[/quote]

yeah that would remind me of ncaa football 08 with zabransky….he wasnt the greatest player but he did things very similar to curry and curry is actally talented and has potiental
Billy

Hey Pasta man, any news on that question about the substitutions on team play for live 09? Sorry if I’m bugging you but please let me know.
Billy

Hey Pasta man, any news on that question about the substitutions on team play for live 09? Sorry if I’m bugging you but please let me know.
leglockfan

I really hope it is Rose seeing as how that is probably the only chance I will get to buy a game with a Memphis player on the cover
leglockfan

I really hope it is Rose seeing as how that is probably the only chance I will get to buy a game with a Memphis player on the cover
Xander Harris

yeah Rose
Xander Harris

yeah Rose
Rudy

[quote comment="32899"][quote comment="32878"]I’d like to see Stephen Curry. He epitomized what college basketball was about by leading Davidson (who?) so far into the finals. Plus… his dad was a fave of mine.

I haven’t bought an NCAA basketball game since 2k5. It’s a shame that 2K is not making one this year. I’d be very leery buying an EA basketball game. I’ll definitely wait to see reviews on this before I pick it up. I haven’t heard great things about March Madness over the years.[/quote]

yeah that would remind me of ncaa football 08 with zabransky….he wasnt the greatest player but he did things very similar to curry and curry is actally talented and has potiental[/quote]

Curry is returning for his senior season, and therefore cannot be put on the cover because he is still an “amateur” athlete ala Tim Tebow not being on the cover NCAA Football this year
Rudy

[quote comment="32899"][quote comment="32878"]I’d like to see Stephen Curry. He epitomized what college basketball was about by leading Davidson (who?) so far into the finals. Plus… his dad was a fave of mine.

I haven’t bought an NCAA basketball game since 2k5. It’s a shame that 2K is not making one this year. I’d be very leery buying an EA basketball game. I’ll definitely wait to see reviews on this before I pick it up. I haven’t heard great things about March Madness over the years.[/quote]

yeah that would remind me of ncaa football 08 with zabransky….he wasnt the greatest player but he did things very similar to curry and curry is actally talented and has potiental[/quote]

Curry is returning for his senior season, and therefore cannot be put on the cover because he is still an “amateur” athlete ala Tim Tebow not being on the cover NCAA Football this year
pat

[quote comment="32923"][quote comment="32899"][quote comment="32878"]I’d like to see Stephen Curry. He epitomized what college basketball was about by leading Davidson (who?) so far into the finals. Plus… his dad was a fave of mine.

I haven’t bought an NCAA basketball game since 2k5. It’s a shame that 2K is not making one this year. I’d be very leery buying an EA basketball game. I’ll definitely wait to see reviews on this before I pick it up. I haven’t heard great things about March Madness over the years.[/quote]

yeah that would remind me of ncaa football 08 with zabransky….he wasnt the greatest player but he did things very similar to curry and curry is actally talented and has potiental[/quote]

Curry is returning for his senior season, and therefore cannot be put on the cover because he is still an “amateur” athlete ala Tim Tebow not being on the cover NCAA Football this year[/quote]

wow i cant belive i forgot that lol but that would really be sick to see him on the cover
pat

[quote comment="32923"][quote comment="32899"][quote comment="32878"]I’d like to see Stephen Curry. He epitomized what college basketball was about by leading Davidson (who?) so far into the finals. Plus… his dad was a fave of mine.

I haven’t bought an NCAA basketball game since 2k5. It’s a shame that 2K is not making one this year. I’d be very leery buying an EA basketball game. I’ll definitely wait to see reviews on this before I pick it up. I haven’t heard great things about March Madness over the years.[/quote]

yeah that would remind me of ncaa football 08 with zabransky….he wasnt the greatest player but he did things very similar to curry and curry is actally talented and has potiental[/quote]

Curry is returning for his senior season, and therefore cannot be put on the cover because he is still an “amateur” athlete ala Tim Tebow not being on the cover NCAA Football this year[/quote]

wow i cant belive i forgot that lol but that would really be sick to see him on the cover
root

rose and beasley would both be proper selections, both for the obvious reason and from a marketing stand point….However I voted for other, I would pick UNC-Ashville star Kenny George to be the ea cover boy..from a performance angle he led the NCAA in 2 major categories, blcks per game and fg %…also espn did a great job in marketing him last season. He would be my selection, hands down.
root

rose and beasley would both be proper selections, both for the obvious reason and from a marketing stand point….However I voted for other, I would pick UNC-Ashville star Kenny George to be the ea cover boy..from a performance angle he led the NCAA in 2 major categories, blcks per game and fg %…also espn did a great job in marketing him last season. He would be my selection, hands down.
pat

[quote comment="32935"]rose and beasley would both be proper selections, both for the obvious reason and from a marketing stand point….However I voted for other, I would pick UNC-Ashville star Kenny George to be the ea cover boy..from a performance angle he led the NCAA in 2 major categories, blcks per game and fg %…also espn did a great job in marketing him last season. He would be my selection, hands down.[/quote]

yeah but how tall is he like 7’7 and is not that good take away his height and hes a terrible player not agressive and is not cooridinated at all and doesnt even need to jump to get rebounds,dunks or blocks so once he hits the nba hes gonna get pushed around and he’s still in school he wouldnt be allowed to be featured on the cover
pat

[quote comment="32935"]rose and beasley would both be proper selections, both for the obvious reason and from a marketing stand point….However I voted for other, I would pick UNC-Ashville star Kenny George to be the ea cover boy..from a performance angle he led the NCAA in 2 major categories, blcks per game and fg %…also espn did a great job in marketing him last season. He would be my selection, hands down.[/quote]

yeah but how tall is he like 7’7 and is not that good take away his height and hes a terrible player not agressive and is not cooridinated at all and doesnt even need to jump to get rebounds,dunks or blocks so once he hits the nba hes gonna get pushed around and he’s still in school he wouldnt be allowed to be featured on the cover
E z E

I hope they do something like College Football put some like Desmon Howard on the front and make a Super Start feature like campus legend. That would make any Ncaa basketball game from a 7.5 to a 10! So hopefully they put Beasley or Rose or Mayo and make a game mode out of them like do you want to be a one and done ( Leave for the NBA your freshman year) or carry your team 4 years in a row to the field of 65. The BEST new feature to any college basketball game. “Campus Legend” Where Stars Are Made And Boys Are Born
E z E

I hope they do something like College Football put some like Desmon Howard on the front and make a Super Start feature like campus legend. That would make any Ncaa basketball game from a 7.5 to a 10! So hopefully they put Beasley or Rose or Mayo and make a game mode out of them like do you want to be a one and done ( Leave for the NBA your freshman year) or carry your team 4 years in a row to the field of 65. The BEST new feature to any college basketball game. “Campus Legend” Where Stars Are Made And Boys Are Born
JustASPORTS FAN

WHO CARES who is on the cover, it doesnt really mean anything to us gamers, to ea it means good marketing, but if the game sucks like it did last year i dont care if Micheal Jordan is on the front cover, last years college game was miserable and so unrealistic.. both nba games out last year made the college series games look like they were nitendo games
JustASPORTS FAN

WHO CARES who is on the cover, it doesnt really mean anything to us gamers, to ea it means good marketing, but if the game sucks like it did last year i dont care if Micheal Jordan is on the front cover, last years college game was miserable and so unrealistic.. both nba games out last year made the college series games look like they were nitendo games