NCAA Basketball 10 Top Cover Candidates
by 
The cover athlete for NCAA Basketball 10 is set to be announced on Tuesday June 23rd, just one day before the NBA Draft. Last year EA clearly didn’t put much importance into their cover, likely because there was no need to once 2K dropped out as competition. The selection was Kevin Love making for one of the most boring and uninspired cover choices in recent years.
This year there are a handful of names that could make sense as the potential cover athletes. Continue on to check out the top cover candidates.
Tyler Hansbrough
Ever since it was announced that North Carolina was voted to be the most difficult place to play in NCAA Basketball 10 it has almost seemed a foregone conclusion that the cover would represent that by going with Hansbrough. Even though he may not be drafted until the second half of the first round he has the name recognition, stats, awards, and National Championships that would prove valuable as a potential cover athlete. (50%)
Stephen Curry
If it isn’t Hansborough then I like Curry for the cover. Few players have generated the publicity he has from a smaller school such as Davidson. It would be a refreshing change to see a school that wasn’t considered a powerhouse represented on the cover, especially since there are always those teams that make an impact in March Madness. The son of former NBA player Dell Curry, he led the team to their first Tournament win in nearly 40 years and eventually all the way to the Elite 8 in the 2008 Tourney. He is a big-time scorer who could put up good numbers in his rookie NBA season and has high marketability factor. (20%)
Blake Griffin
The clear cut best player in the nation and #1 pick in the draft, the future LA Clipper would seem like the obvious choice for the cover. However EA has shown that they rarely end up taking the player that fits that description for their college basketball game. Griffin has the exposure now and with much more to come leading up to the season to get the game extra attention. However because of that he may come at a higher price than EA would find worthwhile. (18%)
Hasheem Thabeet
As the likely second or third pick in the upcoming draft, Thabeet was the National Defensive Player of the Year. He would certainly make for imposing cover art with his 7′3″ frame and could represent a focus on defense if that is what NCAA 10 decided to present. He would not make for an ideal spokesperson though. (5%)
Ty Lawson
Lawson got a lot of credit for the Tarheels’ NCAA title run. Again he could fit the bill as the representative from the “toughest place to play” in NCAA 10 while coming from the National Champions. Despite all the publicity throughout the tournament (where much of that was based on how his injury would impact his play and the team’s chances) it would seem more likely that his teammate Hansborough would get the nod. (4%)
James Harden
Selected as the Pac-10 Player of the Year, Harden led the Sun Devils with 20ppg. He is projected as a top five draft pick. He falls in more as a darkhorse for the cover however given last year’s cover featured Love (also from the Pac-10) and Harden is not as widely recognizable as the other candidates. (3%)
June 21, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I think Griffin will actually get the cover. More importantly let's hope this game isn't complete trash again this year seeing as it's unfortunately the only choice. The NCAA Basketball/March Madness series has been beyond horrendous for years now. Not an EA hater either, because I think Live has made massive strides over the years. EA puts no effort in this game at all.
June 21, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I actually liked Kevin Love on the cover last year. I am a UCLA fan though, so that would play into that haha. But honestly I could care less who they put on the cover, I think they should focus more on making a good college basketball game. Because in my eyes 09 was awful, and now that there is no competition to push them I'm worried that EA wont care enough to improve the game. I wish 2K was still making their college basketball game because it was so much better and the one I bought every year. Now I'm forced to by EA's version because it's the only option, which kind of sucks.
June 21, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I can't really disagree. I don't know if its effort though. Probably more has to do with resources. College basketball games just don't sell all that much. Its why 2K dropped out. Despite that the sales for NCAA Basketball 09 did not jump all that much.
June 22, 2009 at 3:55 am
would be nice to see a small school player make the cover like curry being a siena saints fan…Go Saints!!
June 21, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I thought they made a relatively wise choice with the cover athlete last year, naming a player from one of the top basketball programs in the country with Love (UCLA). Personally, I think they'll do the same again this year with Hansbrough from UNC.
I know I'm in the minority here, but I liked NCAA BB 09. While it had its issues (lots of minor issues all around, ranging from zone defenses to issues in Dynasty Mode), I felt it was fun and was the best college basketball game EA has ever put out. It wasn't on the level to compete with College Hoops 2K, but I think they are getting on the right track. I'm looking for and expecting big things from this one – namely, Online Dynasty hopefully. We already know Online Team Play will be in, so OD may not be likely.
June 21, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I thought they made a relatively wise choice with the cover athlete last year, naming a player from one of the top basketball programs in the country with Love (UCLA). Personally, I think they'll do the same again this year with Hansbrough from UNC.
I know I'm in the minority here, but I liked NCAA BB 09. While it had its issues (lots of minor issues all around, ranging from zone defenses to issues in Dynasty Mode), I felt it was fun and was the best college basketball game EA has ever put out. It wasn't on the level to compete with College Hoops 2K, but I think they are getting on the right track. I'm looking for and expecting big things from this one – namely, Online Dynasty hopefully. We already know Online Team Play will be in, so OD may not be likely. However, if they can shore up the gameplay and Dynasty Mode, that would go a long ways.
June 21, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Probably the only way I really get interested by this game is if it has Online Dynasty.
June 21, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I thought they made a relatively wise choice with the cover athlete last year, naming a player from one of the top basketball programs in the country with Love (UCLA). Personally, I think they'll do the same again this year with Hansbrough from UNC.
I know I'm in the minority here, but I liked NCAA BB 09. While it had its issues (lots of minor issues all around, ranging from zone defenses to issues in Dynasty Mode), I felt it was fun and was the best college basketball game EA has ever put out. It's not on the level to compete with College Hoops 2K yet, but I think they are getting on the right track. I'm looking for and expecting big things from this one – namely, Online Dynasty hopefully. We already know Online Team Play will be in, so OD may not be likely. However, if they can shore up the gameplay and Dynasty Mode, that would go a long ways.
June 21, 2009 at 9:15 pm
haha this game is a joke.
Only true college basketball game was college hoops and they took it away from us
LETS GET SOME FNR4 REVIEWS ON HERE
June 21, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I'm guessing Thabeet or Lawson. The projected #1 pick is rarely put on covers.
June 21, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Even though I actually want 2k to get this title back because they produce better basketball games than EA. My vote would too have to go to Stephen Curry. He was a beast and he does represent for the small schools. I also like A.J Abrams out of Texas!!
June 21, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Patrick MIlls is obviously a dark horse choice but would be awesome.
June 21, 2009 at 3:00 pm
pasta the draft is thursday the 25
June 21, 2009 at 10:18 pm
What exactly made Kevin Love being on the cover "Boring and uninspired". Because he's white?
June 21, 2009 at 11:18 pm
dude, you nailed it. that must have been it.*
*=SARCASM
June 21, 2009 at 11:17 pm
wth what's wrong with Hansbrough's face?!
June 22, 2009 at 12:03 am
I noticed that too, I had to double check what number he was to make sure it was him.
I'm not sure but the NCAA might not be allowed to make exact renderings of the athletes for the same reason it won't allow names.
June 22, 2009 at 12:04 am
I noticed that too, I had to double check what number he was to make sure it was him.
I'm not sure but the NCAA might not be allowed to make exact renderings of the athletes for the same reason it won't allow names. I think it's another reason why college games in general don't sell as well because they can't promote their big time stars.
June 21, 2009 at 11:22 pm
If they would put Marcus Thornton that would be so awesome. They won't because he's not popular enough, but he had 21.1 points per game and led LSU to an SEC championship. Oh well I can dream can't I?
June 22, 2009 at 12:13 am
Much like NCAA football, the Ncaa basketball is missing what is DESPERATELY needed in college games, atmosphere, pagentry, emotion, big game feel i think.
June 22, 2009 at 12:14 am
Trevon Hughes for the cover!!! Yes that was a joke haha.
June 22, 2009 at 12:18 am
I am also in the minority, but last years game, was EA's best basketball game of the year. It does still need a lot of work though. Online Dynasty, Online Team play, and a be a pro mode are all needed. If you could do this and fine tune the AI and gameplay, I honestly feel that the sales would jump quite a bit. Maybe not to NBA level, but maybe, maybe close to 1 million units. I am really looking forward to this game. It is on my top 5 list of anticipated sports games this year.
NCAA football is looking like I might actually have to go back and pick up 09 again and skip 10. If it is as bad as everyone is letting on. I want to know about Road to Glory mode though. Also Tiger Wood 09 over spending the dough on 10.
Pasta can you give us your opinion if picking up NCAA football 10, and TW 10 for PS3 are worth it. Or am I better off saving my money?
I am really impressed with what EA has done overall in the last 3 years. But this year, other than Madden thus far, it seems like they are trying to milk everything out of last years game without investing to much on R&D. I would assume do to the economy. I am not a Madden guy, but am considering picking up Madden on Wii. I actually like the art design of Madden wii and Grand Slam Tennis wii. I do think for sure though that NHL 10 will be the tried and true best sports game again this year, with MLB the show and Fifa trailing close behind.
June 22, 2009 at 12:25 am
I'd like to hear pasta's thoughts too, but I really like Tiger Woods 10. Right now, my top three sports games of the year are: MLB 09 The Show, UFC 2009 Undisputed, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10.
Try the NCAA 10 demo. While it didn't add in any 'knock me over with a feather' features like Online Dynasty, they did add a lot of gameplay stuff in, along with TeamBuilder and some cool stuff in Season Showdown (Sportsmanship level to identify cheesers, ability to play favorite team's real-life schedule). If you really liked NCAA 09, then maybe you can go without 10. However, if you pulled your hair out due to some items in 09, try the 10 demo and see how that treats you.
June 22, 2009 at 2:09 am
CDJ, I wanted to hear your comments to. I just listened to your podcast that you posted. I have not tried either TW10 or NCAA Football 10 demo yet. I am on a work assignment and won't be home until 4th of July.
I already created a team on the NCAA football 10 website. But After listening to your podcast CDJ, about the time clock issues and the ball over the QB's head. By the way, the second is really unacceptable. I am very concerned. Since 2000 there is only one time when I didn't buy NCAA football, which was when 360 came out. I had already traded my Xbox 1 and reserved a 360. I agree with you, Pasta and the guy over at O.S. that this year we are hearing all about the negatives, and not about the demo and the building anticipation for the release. That is a HUGE concern. Also why are they embargoing the Road to Glory mode until the end of June. To me this means one of two things. First EA is trying to create a lot of hype at the very last minute (which could backfire btw, too little, too late type of scenario). Second, the mode is not fully fleshed out and is like a bare bones mode and next year we will get the fleshed out mode with all the bells and whistles. Either way it is extremely disappointing to not know anything about this mode this close to release date. 2k is a master of this and it seems the vast majority of the time it always backfires on them. I do not want to see EA go this route. Especially after all the good will they have built in the last year with the community days, speaking with you owners of these sports sites, EA Sports blog, and their radio podcast.
As for TW10. I don't know yet. I only buy it yearly cause I play with 6 college buddies. But we are older know (late twenties) and this year none of us seem excited. I have only played TW09 seriously maybe 6 times since it was a day one purchase. I am truly hoping TW11 for PS3 has an option for motion controls like the Wii, and the normal analog control option. Playing skins on the Wii with a group of buddies is awesome!!! That is the only trick I found found to keep TW remotely interesting in the last few years. But if I play online on Wii, I can not chat over the wifi. Which is a deal breaker. I am honestly 90% sure I will just pick up a cheap copy of TW09 again for PS3. But I am really hoping everything gets ironed out and NCAA is worth the purchase. NCAA has been my "GAME" since it was called Bill Walsh college football when I was a kid. If I could only own one game that would be it. But I am started to feel like the labor of love some designers put into the games just isn't there anymore. NHL 09, NHL 06, NBA live 05, NBA 2k5, NFL 2k5, NHL 2k5, Winning Eleven 6, NCAA Football 05, Madden 04, MVP 05, Tiger 06, Live 97, NFL Gameday, NBA Shootout. These games all left me feeling like the designers didn't just do a good job, but also were proud and seriously loved working on these games. It was my overwhelming feeling after playing all these titles for a while. Other than NHL I have not had that feeling this generation and I find that concerning.
Sorry for my rant, I just want all of us to have that feeling with some of these games. I feel like lately they are only looking to milk as much money as possible without rocking the boat. Well I want them to rock the boat. Sometimes it won't work out. Like NHL 2k series lately, but either they will right the ship or get out of the series. This is the only way true innovation is going to work. Sorry again for the length. CDJ, Pasta, and OS i love your sites. Keep up the good work.
I truly hope NCAA football can get everything ironed out before release date.
June 22, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Good news – devs have said the clock and ball over QBs head issues were both resolved after the demo code went final.
It's weird – TW 10 didn't really revolutionize anything, but I've been playing the heck out of it, mainly due to the Live Tournament feature. I'd say to give it a rental at least and see what you think.
June 22, 2009 at 2:25 am
It's not over yet for College Hoops 2k10
http://2ksports.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21402...
June 22, 2009 at 2:34 am
Well Bryce, you just gave all the sports sites something to look into. This would be cool though.
June 22, 2009 at 2:58 am
People still play/ care about this game
June 22, 2009 at 4:22 am
Honestly, I believe Jodie Meeks stands a chance. I know he probably won't draft very high, BUT, he did break a school record and EA Sports focused on UK in the ad they posted awhile back. Not to mention, UK is top dog right now.
June 22, 2009 at 4:34 am
This game has really revived basketball the newly added cool moves are great though it take sometime to learn them. In short this game has filled up all the shortcoming of previous baskerball games.
June 22, 2009 at 5:13 am
I guess it'll be Johnny Flynn. He's pushing NCAA Basketball 10 to top of the boards.
June 22, 2009 at 6:06 am
This game is going to be a joke..It will get a 5-6 on ratings …Last year was freakin terrible..EA needs to concentrate on Madden year round..
June 22, 2009 at 6:43 am
What a ridiculous comment to make about last years cover with Kevin Love, where did that come from man
June 22, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Blake Griffin gets the cover – USA Today ruined the surprise: http://www.ncaastrategies.com/utopia/showthread.p...
June 22, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Boomer!
June 22, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Tyrese Rice!!!!
June 24, 2009 at 6:08 pm
2K sucks
July 18, 2009 at 10:09 pm
i agree