Preseason Report: Top 50 Teams for 2015-2016: #25-1
25. Purdue
The Boilermakers just slide in to the top 25. Many people have them ranked higher, but I think their guards are too weak, especially at point guard. Caleb Swanigan was a big recruit for them, but doesn't fill a need at all, as AJ Hammons is fantastic, Isaac Haas is very good behind him, Vince Edwards is a stud and will only improve, and Basil Smotherman is solid behind them. The big need was a point guard, with Jon Octeus gone. However, Purdue did almost nothing to fill this need, adding only Texas-Arlington guard Johnny Hill. Dakota Mathias, and P.J. Thompson and Kendall Stephens are three decent returning guards at first glance, but none of them shot better than 35.1 percent from the field.
24. LSU
Meet Ben Simmons, a combination of elite rebounding, elite passing, elite shooting, elite defending, elite scoring, etc. He has drawn comparisons to LeBron, though taller, arguably more polished and a better rebounder and passer than LeBron was at 19. The only flaw to his game is said to be his lack of selfishness. These are probably (okay maybe not probably) exaggerations, but Simmons is definitely the real deal. I wouldn't be surprised if he led LSU in PPG, APG, RPG, BPG, and SPG. Beyond Simmons, LSU also has Tim Quarterman, Keith Hornsby and Josh Gray, all returning solid guards. LSU also added Antonio Blakenly, an elite scorer and top 20 recruit, as well as wing Brandon Sampson and Craig Victor, a transfer from Arizona.
23. SMU
I'm very disappointed in Larry Brown and this entire program. Larry Brown just got to SMU, is already stirring up trouble, and just got them a postseason ban in what could have been a great season. The Mustangs return a lot of talent and added a good class, but it all goes to waste this year. Nic Moore and Markus Kennedy are great players though, and SMU could do some damage in the regular season.
22. Baylor
Baylor had a great year last year up until the NCAA tournament, as they were eliminated in the first round by 14 seed Georgia St. Rico Gathers is back, as is his 11.6 rebounds per game, which was third in the country. So is Taurean Prince, a versatile forward who can stretch the floor. The bench and guards are extremely weak though, and lack of depth will be a killer for the Bears.
21. Butler
Roosevelt Jones and Kellen Dunham are back. It really seems like they've been there forever, I would swear it was their 6th or 7th years. Butler won just one tourney game last year, but nearly upset Notre Dame, who went on to nearly upset Kentucky. Although 4 players who averaged 7.1 ppg are back, beyond that, the next leading returning scorer averaged 2.3 ppg. Combine that with a decent but not outstanding class, and Butler doesn't look like too scary of a team. They always seem to get it done though...
20. Cincinnati
Cincinnati quietly had a very good team last year, making the round of 32 and playing a relatively close game versus Kentucky. They return the top 6 players from this team, and should be one of the top 5 defensive teams in the country! Octavius Ellis is a fantastic defender, and they have a lot of size at all positions. The Bearcats may not be on many (or any) top 25 lists this year, but in my opinion are clearly underrated.
19. Vanderbilt
Vandy returns an incredible shooting punch to go along with Damian Jones, one of the best big men in the country. Jones is a fantastic defender, and a polished post player who can dominate any big man in the country. He needs to improve his consistency though. Beyond Jones, the Commodores shooting is fantastic. Riley LaChance was recruited to be a shooter, and although he only shot 38.2 percent from three, he is one of the best shooters in the SEC. Matthew Fisher-Davis is another great shooter, and could be top 2 in the SEC along with LaChance. Not to mention, Wade Baldwin IV, Luke Kornet, and Jeff Roberson all shot 40 percent or more from three.
18. California
It's more quality than quantity for California. California adds Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb, two consensus top 10 recruits to an already solid teams. The Golden Bears also return former top recruit Jabari Bird, 44 percent three point shooter Jordan Mathews, and 17.1 ppg scorer Tyrone Wallace. Beyond these five, there isn't much, but there doesn't need to be much with the talent at the top.
19. Connecticut
UConn didn't do very well last year, but people forget they are just one year removed from a national championship. They return tons of contributors from last year's team, including a few former highly rated recruits such as Rodney Purvis and Daniel Hamilton, as well as Amida Brimah, who shot 67.4 percent from the floor and was an excellent defender. The key could be the transfers though. The added Sterling Gibbs from Seton Hall, who was All-Big East Second Team, and Shonn Miller from Cornell, who was All-Ivy League First Team and top 10 in defensive efficiency.
16. Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish lost their two best players in Pat Connaughton and Jerian Grant. However, Zach Auguste, Bonzie Colson, V.J. Beachem, Steve Vasturia and especially Demetrius Jackson should do a good job replacing them. Demetrius Jackson shot over 50 percent last year, which is great for a guard, and he could take on Jerian Grant's 16.5 ppg. Bonzie Colson deserves some more looks after shooting almost 60 percent from the field last year. Beachem and Vasturia are good athletic defenders and shooters and Zach Auguste is a fantastic low post scorer. Their defense needs work though, especially inside as Auguste needs to become a rim protector.
15. Indiana
Indiana was one of the top offensive teams in the country last year, with unreal three point shooting. The Hoosiers return almost everyone, but before I move them up on this list, they need to prove that they can defend. They definitely have the tools to defend, especially with the addition of McDonald's All-American Thomas Bryant. Yogi Ferrell is ultra quick and should rack up tons of steals, while Troy Williams has the talent to be first team All-Big Ten defensive team, and is looking for a Victor Oladipo-like leap. Ferrell will lead the incredible offense and is surrounded by James Blackmon, Jr., WIlliams, Robert Johnson, and an additional collection of fantastic shooters such as Nick Zeisloft.
14. Wisconsin
Wisconsin lost a lot, but they should make up for it with unrivaled player development. Frank Kaminsky, Nigel Hayes and others were once nobodies the way guys like Vitto Brown, Jordan Hill, Zak Showalter and Ethan Happ are now. If one or two of these guys steps up, Wisonsin will be dangerous again, as they already have two studs in great shooter and passer Bronson Koenig and one of the best big men in the country in Nigel Hayes.
13. Michigan State
Last year was a key year for Michigan State, after losing almost everybody, they still put together a Final Four team by the end of the year. This year is similar, but the Spartans return even more talent than last year. By the end of the year, they may be top 5 or 10, but until they prove themselves, I have to put them down here. Denzel Valentine leads Michigan State, and I think he is really going to be a star this year, one of the best players MSU has had in years, which is impressive considering their talent and success in recent years. Eron Harris, who averaged 17.2 PPG for West Virginia two years ago, is a great scorer, and Bryn Forbes, Gavin Schilling, Matt Costello and Lourawls "Turn-Turn" Nairn, Jr. (what a name, huh?) give the Spartans death.
12. Arizona
Arizona should have a down year by their standards, but you never know with a top 3 national recruiting class that includes 4 top 32 ranked players by rivals. Add Kaleb Tarczewski and Gabe York to the mix, plus transfer Ryan Anderson from Boston College, and you have the makings of a another great team. Tarczewski will need to prove he can anchor a defense though without defensive stalwarts TJ McConnell, Stanley Johnson, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
11. Villanova
Villanova was a top 4 team last year up until the tournament, where they were upset by NC State. Jalen Brunson is the most underrated freshman in the country. He is a great ball handler, leader and scorer. The Wildcats lost three of their best players, but Ryan Arcidiacono is back, along with Daniel Ochefu and Josh Hart. Ochefu had a great year last year, but could play with a more consistent motor and and be more aggressive in general. Kris Jenkins and Phil Booth should also do well for Villanova.
10. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is now full of veterans, and full of talent, especially at the top. At the bottom and with their depth, not as much. They only return four players who averaged more than 3.3 ppg, and didn't add a particularly impressive class. They did add Akolda Manyang, a JUCO transfer who should start at center. Isaiah Cousins and Jordan Woodard are fantastic guards, and Buddy Hield is one of the best guards in the country. Ryan Spangler averaged 8.2 rebounds per game last year, and is a great hustler inside. However, if Oklahoma is to be looked at as a contender, their role players need to step up.
9. Iowa State
Fred Hoiberg is gone to the NBA, but the Cyclones still have a star in Georges Niang, and three fantastic supporting players in Jameel McKay, Naz Long and Monte Morris. McKay and Morris could become better scorers, and they may need to if they want to replace Bryce Dejean-Jones and Dustin Hogue. Morris could score more, but is already one of the best passers in the country. In back to back seasons, Morris has led the country in assist to turnover ratio! McKay stepped up towards the end of the year last year, and is a really good rebounder. Deonte Burton and Hallice Cooke are two transfers who will improve their depth.
8. Wichita State
The Fred Van Vleet-Ron Baker era is almost over at Wichita State. Van Vleet is the best pure point guard in the country, his ability to control the game, as well as his patience are unmatched. Baker had a great year last year, but faltered in the tournament, especially against Notre Dame, where he was 2-10 from the floor. Tekele Cotton is a major loss, as is Darius Carter, but the Shockers have the tools to replace them, especially with Cleveland State transfer and star big man Anton Grady. Van Vleet and Baker are just such an incredible duo though, that Wichita will be a fantastic team no matter what.
7. Gonzaga
Gonzaga has the best big men in the country. Period. Kyle Wiltjer is definitely a 1st team All-American, Domantas Sabonis, the son of Arvydas Sabonis, shot 66.8 percent from the field last year and Przemek Karnowski shot 62.2 percent. These big men should be almost unstoppable, but the guards could be underrated. Kyle Dranginis is a physical 6-5 guard, Josh Perkins played well befor getting injured last year, Silas Melson was a solid rotational player all year last year, and Eric McClellan was good for Vanderbilt before transferring.
6. Duke
Duke is a lot like Kentucky this year. They both lost almost everything from a great team, and added a great class. Both teams also return some key contributors from those great teams. Duke returns Grayson Allen, who starred in the NCAA tournament last year, as well as Matt Jones and Amile Jefferson. The key for the Blue Devils though is the play of their freshman. Derryck Thornton reclassified to join the Blue Devils a year early, and I think he may be slightly overrated. Even if he isn't, he is still a definite downgrade from Tyus Jones. Chase Jeter and Luke Kennard will both enter into the rotation, although maybe not in starting roles, but the best freshman is Brandon Ingram. Ingram is a top 5 recruit according to rivals, but he will have to channel his inner Jabari Parker for Duke to have a repeat of last year's magic.
5. Kansas
KU has been very, very disappointing in recent years, with back to back two and outs while having tons of talent both years. Kelly Oubre and Cliff Alexander are gone, and Alexander had a pretty awful year at Kansas. Jayhawk fans hope the same won't happen with Cheick Diallo. The big man was the MVP of two high school All-American games, and plays with a very high motor. Perry Ellis returns, but shot just 45.7 percent from the field last year, which is not great for a big man. Frank Mason III will lead the team, and will lead their three point shooting punch that also includes Devonte' Graham and Brannen Greene. Wayne Selden did not impress me last year, but has the talent to be a great player.
4. Virginia
Virginia has had a run of great years recently, which is especially impressive when you consider their lack of highly rated recruits. Despite this lack of great recruits, they always end up with some stud players, and this year it's the duo of Malcolm Brogdon and Anthony Gill. Their stats don't jump out, but Virginia is consistently one of the slowest paced teams in the country. Both Brogdon and Gill are very good defenders, and can score as well. If Gill can step up and take more shots, and begin to create his shot more, he could really be one of the top 10 players in the country. Brogdon isn't as efficient as Gill, but is still a fantastic player. For Virginia to be as good as they have been the last two years, they need to redevelop their depth. They have the tools to do this with Darius Thompson transferring in, and Mike Tobey, Marial Shayok and London Perrantes becoming improved and more polished players.
3. UNC
The loss of Marcus Paige for the beginning of the season with a broken arm hurts, but UNC has more than enough talent to make up for it. The key will be finding perimeter shooting without Paige, but it will be a good test, especially on Day 1 against Temple, who is always solid. UNC returns everyone but Tokoto. They added little though, and seem to never play the way that they should, at least recently, but this year their strength inside with Kennedy Meeks and Brice Johnson should help to stop this trend.
2. Maryland
Melo Trimble is incredibly efficient, mostly due to the way he gets to the line. He is also good from the field, but is such an incredible player because he gets to the line and shoots in the high 80s from the line, which means he is getting over 1.7 points per possession when he gets to the line, which is fantastic. Maryland also has Rasheed Sulaimon from Duke. Sulaimon struggled last year on a talented Duke team, but should receive more opportunities for the Terrapins. Jake Layman adds size and versatility, as well as the ability to space the floor, and Robert Carter, Jr. (a transfer from Georgia Tech) and top 10 recruit Diamond Stone add what Maryland needed last year, reliable big guys who could defend the basket and rebound. Jared Nickens and Damonte Dodd (Doddzilla!) return to stabilize their bench, but Dion Wiley's season-ending knee injury should hurt their depth some.
1. Kentucky
Despite losing their top 7 scorers, they are back in the number one spot, though not by a long shot at all. Maryland, UNC, Virginia, KU and Duke are all closely behind them. Tyler Ulis will look to be one of the best players in the SEC, and Jamal Murray and Skal Labissiere add two more super freshman. Marcus Lee has looked incredible in limited minutes throughout his career, and Poythress is the rare experienced player on a Kentucky roster. Overall, the Wildcats have a lot of talent, and this should center around Skal Labissiere inside. His ability to challenge shots and force longer twos is critical to this defense, especially if they want to match the incredible defense from last year.
The Boilermakers just slide in to the top 25. Many people have them ranked higher, but I think their guards are too weak, especially at point guard. Caleb Swanigan was a big recruit for them, but doesn't fill a need at all, as AJ Hammons is fantastic, Isaac Haas is very good behind him, Vince Edwards is a stud and will only improve, and Basil Smotherman is solid behind them. The big need was a point guard, with Jon Octeus gone. However, Purdue did almost nothing to fill this need, adding only Texas-Arlington guard Johnny Hill. Dakota Mathias, and P.J. Thompson and Kendall Stephens are three decent returning guards at first glance, but none of them shot better than 35.1 percent from the field.
24. LSU
Meet Ben Simmons, a combination of elite rebounding, elite passing, elite shooting, elite defending, elite scoring, etc. He has drawn comparisons to LeBron, though taller, arguably more polished and a better rebounder and passer than LeBron was at 19. The only flaw to his game is said to be his lack of selfishness. These are probably (okay maybe not probably) exaggerations, but Simmons is definitely the real deal. I wouldn't be surprised if he led LSU in PPG, APG, RPG, BPG, and SPG. Beyond Simmons, LSU also has Tim Quarterman, Keith Hornsby and Josh Gray, all returning solid guards. LSU also added Antonio Blakenly, an elite scorer and top 20 recruit, as well as wing Brandon Sampson and Craig Victor, a transfer from Arizona.
23. SMU
I'm very disappointed in Larry Brown and this entire program. Larry Brown just got to SMU, is already stirring up trouble, and just got them a postseason ban in what could have been a great season. The Mustangs return a lot of talent and added a good class, but it all goes to waste this year. Nic Moore and Markus Kennedy are great players though, and SMU could do some damage in the regular season.
22. Baylor
Baylor had a great year last year up until the NCAA tournament, as they were eliminated in the first round by 14 seed Georgia St. Rico Gathers is back, as is his 11.6 rebounds per game, which was third in the country. So is Taurean Prince, a versatile forward who can stretch the floor. The bench and guards are extremely weak though, and lack of depth will be a killer for the Bears.
21. Butler
Roosevelt Jones and Kellen Dunham are back. It really seems like they've been there forever, I would swear it was their 6th or 7th years. Butler won just one tourney game last year, but nearly upset Notre Dame, who went on to nearly upset Kentucky. Although 4 players who averaged 7.1 ppg are back, beyond that, the next leading returning scorer averaged 2.3 ppg. Combine that with a decent but not outstanding class, and Butler doesn't look like too scary of a team. They always seem to get it done though...
20. Cincinnati
Cincinnati quietly had a very good team last year, making the round of 32 and playing a relatively close game versus Kentucky. They return the top 6 players from this team, and should be one of the top 5 defensive teams in the country! Octavius Ellis is a fantastic defender, and they have a lot of size at all positions. The Bearcats may not be on many (or any) top 25 lists this year, but in my opinion are clearly underrated.
19. Vanderbilt
Vandy returns an incredible shooting punch to go along with Damian Jones, one of the best big men in the country. Jones is a fantastic defender, and a polished post player who can dominate any big man in the country. He needs to improve his consistency though. Beyond Jones, the Commodores shooting is fantastic. Riley LaChance was recruited to be a shooter, and although he only shot 38.2 percent from three, he is one of the best shooters in the SEC. Matthew Fisher-Davis is another great shooter, and could be top 2 in the SEC along with LaChance. Not to mention, Wade Baldwin IV, Luke Kornet, and Jeff Roberson all shot 40 percent or more from three.
18. California
It's more quality than quantity for California. California adds Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb, two consensus top 10 recruits to an already solid teams. The Golden Bears also return former top recruit Jabari Bird, 44 percent three point shooter Jordan Mathews, and 17.1 ppg scorer Tyrone Wallace. Beyond these five, there isn't much, but there doesn't need to be much with the talent at the top.
19. Connecticut
UConn didn't do very well last year, but people forget they are just one year removed from a national championship. They return tons of contributors from last year's team, including a few former highly rated recruits such as Rodney Purvis and Daniel Hamilton, as well as Amida Brimah, who shot 67.4 percent from the floor and was an excellent defender. The key could be the transfers though. The added Sterling Gibbs from Seton Hall, who was All-Big East Second Team, and Shonn Miller from Cornell, who was All-Ivy League First Team and top 10 in defensive efficiency.
16. Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish lost their two best players in Pat Connaughton and Jerian Grant. However, Zach Auguste, Bonzie Colson, V.J. Beachem, Steve Vasturia and especially Demetrius Jackson should do a good job replacing them. Demetrius Jackson shot over 50 percent last year, which is great for a guard, and he could take on Jerian Grant's 16.5 ppg. Bonzie Colson deserves some more looks after shooting almost 60 percent from the field last year. Beachem and Vasturia are good athletic defenders and shooters and Zach Auguste is a fantastic low post scorer. Their defense needs work though, especially inside as Auguste needs to become a rim protector.
15. Indiana
Indiana was one of the top offensive teams in the country last year, with unreal three point shooting. The Hoosiers return almost everyone, but before I move them up on this list, they need to prove that they can defend. They definitely have the tools to defend, especially with the addition of McDonald's All-American Thomas Bryant. Yogi Ferrell is ultra quick and should rack up tons of steals, while Troy Williams has the talent to be first team All-Big Ten defensive team, and is looking for a Victor Oladipo-like leap. Ferrell will lead the incredible offense and is surrounded by James Blackmon, Jr., WIlliams, Robert Johnson, and an additional collection of fantastic shooters such as Nick Zeisloft.
14. Wisconsin
Wisconsin lost a lot, but they should make up for it with unrivaled player development. Frank Kaminsky, Nigel Hayes and others were once nobodies the way guys like Vitto Brown, Jordan Hill, Zak Showalter and Ethan Happ are now. If one or two of these guys steps up, Wisonsin will be dangerous again, as they already have two studs in great shooter and passer Bronson Koenig and one of the best big men in the country in Nigel Hayes.
13. Michigan State
Last year was a key year for Michigan State, after losing almost everybody, they still put together a Final Four team by the end of the year. This year is similar, but the Spartans return even more talent than last year. By the end of the year, they may be top 5 or 10, but until they prove themselves, I have to put them down here. Denzel Valentine leads Michigan State, and I think he is really going to be a star this year, one of the best players MSU has had in years, which is impressive considering their talent and success in recent years. Eron Harris, who averaged 17.2 PPG for West Virginia two years ago, is a great scorer, and Bryn Forbes, Gavin Schilling, Matt Costello and Lourawls "Turn-Turn" Nairn, Jr. (what a name, huh?) give the Spartans death.
12. Arizona
Arizona should have a down year by their standards, but you never know with a top 3 national recruiting class that includes 4 top 32 ranked players by rivals. Add Kaleb Tarczewski and Gabe York to the mix, plus transfer Ryan Anderson from Boston College, and you have the makings of a another great team. Tarczewski will need to prove he can anchor a defense though without defensive stalwarts TJ McConnell, Stanley Johnson, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
11. Villanova
Villanova was a top 4 team last year up until the tournament, where they were upset by NC State. Jalen Brunson is the most underrated freshman in the country. He is a great ball handler, leader and scorer. The Wildcats lost three of their best players, but Ryan Arcidiacono is back, along with Daniel Ochefu and Josh Hart. Ochefu had a great year last year, but could play with a more consistent motor and and be more aggressive in general. Kris Jenkins and Phil Booth should also do well for Villanova.
10. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is now full of veterans, and full of talent, especially at the top. At the bottom and with their depth, not as much. They only return four players who averaged more than 3.3 ppg, and didn't add a particularly impressive class. They did add Akolda Manyang, a JUCO transfer who should start at center. Isaiah Cousins and Jordan Woodard are fantastic guards, and Buddy Hield is one of the best guards in the country. Ryan Spangler averaged 8.2 rebounds per game last year, and is a great hustler inside. However, if Oklahoma is to be looked at as a contender, their role players need to step up.
9. Iowa State
Fred Hoiberg is gone to the NBA, but the Cyclones still have a star in Georges Niang, and three fantastic supporting players in Jameel McKay, Naz Long and Monte Morris. McKay and Morris could become better scorers, and they may need to if they want to replace Bryce Dejean-Jones and Dustin Hogue. Morris could score more, but is already one of the best passers in the country. In back to back seasons, Morris has led the country in assist to turnover ratio! McKay stepped up towards the end of the year last year, and is a really good rebounder. Deonte Burton and Hallice Cooke are two transfers who will improve their depth.
8. Wichita State
The Fred Van Vleet-Ron Baker era is almost over at Wichita State. Van Vleet is the best pure point guard in the country, his ability to control the game, as well as his patience are unmatched. Baker had a great year last year, but faltered in the tournament, especially against Notre Dame, where he was 2-10 from the floor. Tekele Cotton is a major loss, as is Darius Carter, but the Shockers have the tools to replace them, especially with Cleveland State transfer and star big man Anton Grady. Van Vleet and Baker are just such an incredible duo though, that Wichita will be a fantastic team no matter what.
7. Gonzaga
Gonzaga has the best big men in the country. Period. Kyle Wiltjer is definitely a 1st team All-American, Domantas Sabonis, the son of Arvydas Sabonis, shot 66.8 percent from the field last year and Przemek Karnowski shot 62.2 percent. These big men should be almost unstoppable, but the guards could be underrated. Kyle Dranginis is a physical 6-5 guard, Josh Perkins played well befor getting injured last year, Silas Melson was a solid rotational player all year last year, and Eric McClellan was good for Vanderbilt before transferring.
6. Duke
Duke is a lot like Kentucky this year. They both lost almost everything from a great team, and added a great class. Both teams also return some key contributors from those great teams. Duke returns Grayson Allen, who starred in the NCAA tournament last year, as well as Matt Jones and Amile Jefferson. The key for the Blue Devils though is the play of their freshman. Derryck Thornton reclassified to join the Blue Devils a year early, and I think he may be slightly overrated. Even if he isn't, he is still a definite downgrade from Tyus Jones. Chase Jeter and Luke Kennard will both enter into the rotation, although maybe not in starting roles, but the best freshman is Brandon Ingram. Ingram is a top 5 recruit according to rivals, but he will have to channel his inner Jabari Parker for Duke to have a repeat of last year's magic.
5. Kansas
KU has been very, very disappointing in recent years, with back to back two and outs while having tons of talent both years. Kelly Oubre and Cliff Alexander are gone, and Alexander had a pretty awful year at Kansas. Jayhawk fans hope the same won't happen with Cheick Diallo. The big man was the MVP of two high school All-American games, and plays with a very high motor. Perry Ellis returns, but shot just 45.7 percent from the field last year, which is not great for a big man. Frank Mason III will lead the team, and will lead their three point shooting punch that also includes Devonte' Graham and Brannen Greene. Wayne Selden did not impress me last year, but has the talent to be a great player.
4. Virginia
Virginia has had a run of great years recently, which is especially impressive when you consider their lack of highly rated recruits. Despite this lack of great recruits, they always end up with some stud players, and this year it's the duo of Malcolm Brogdon and Anthony Gill. Their stats don't jump out, but Virginia is consistently one of the slowest paced teams in the country. Both Brogdon and Gill are very good defenders, and can score as well. If Gill can step up and take more shots, and begin to create his shot more, he could really be one of the top 10 players in the country. Brogdon isn't as efficient as Gill, but is still a fantastic player. For Virginia to be as good as they have been the last two years, they need to redevelop their depth. They have the tools to do this with Darius Thompson transferring in, and Mike Tobey, Marial Shayok and London Perrantes becoming improved and more polished players.
3. UNC
The loss of Marcus Paige for the beginning of the season with a broken arm hurts, but UNC has more than enough talent to make up for it. The key will be finding perimeter shooting without Paige, but it will be a good test, especially on Day 1 against Temple, who is always solid. UNC returns everyone but Tokoto. They added little though, and seem to never play the way that they should, at least recently, but this year their strength inside with Kennedy Meeks and Brice Johnson should help to stop this trend.
2. Maryland
Melo Trimble is incredibly efficient, mostly due to the way he gets to the line. He is also good from the field, but is such an incredible player because he gets to the line and shoots in the high 80s from the line, which means he is getting over 1.7 points per possession when he gets to the line, which is fantastic. Maryland also has Rasheed Sulaimon from Duke. Sulaimon struggled last year on a talented Duke team, but should receive more opportunities for the Terrapins. Jake Layman adds size and versatility, as well as the ability to space the floor, and Robert Carter, Jr. (a transfer from Georgia Tech) and top 10 recruit Diamond Stone add what Maryland needed last year, reliable big guys who could defend the basket and rebound. Jared Nickens and Damonte Dodd (Doddzilla!) return to stabilize their bench, but Dion Wiley's season-ending knee injury should hurt their depth some.
1. Kentucky
Despite losing their top 7 scorers, they are back in the number one spot, though not by a long shot at all. Maryland, UNC, Virginia, KU and Duke are all closely behind them. Tyler Ulis will look to be one of the best players in the SEC, and Jamal Murray and Skal Labissiere add two more super freshman. Marcus Lee has looked incredible in limited minutes throughout his career, and Poythress is the rare experienced player on a Kentucky roster. Overall, the Wildcats have a lot of talent, and this should center around Skal Labissiere inside. His ability to challenge shots and force longer twos is critical to this defense, especially if they want to match the incredible defense from last year.
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