NCAA Basketball Early Top 25

As we’ve been previewing for a while now on this blog site, we’re ready to release our EARLY 2013-2014 Preseason Rankings. Some sites already came out with their early poll, but we waited until we got word on the NBA decisions and such. Obviously, as the actual season approaches we’ll release our official preseason poll, but it’s fun to get a head start.

Last year our early poll was actually better than our real preseason poll. We pegged IU and Louisville number 1-2 on each (fairly accurate), but in our early poll we had Kentucky at 17, much better than our official poll, which pegged them third. I guess something has to be said about what happens when you overthink something. We pegged Kansas at #3 in our early poll, which seemed about right given they were a 1-seed in the NCAA’s along with IU and Louisville. Michigan, Ohio State, and Duke were 5/6/7, very accurate with how they ended the season. Our only flaw in the early Top 10 was NC State at 4, and UCLA at 8, but at least those teams made the tourney. Miami and Gonzaga would have been good fill-ins instead.

Anyways, along with each team’s ranking below, we’ll give you a projected starting lineup for each team. Again, things may change as we approach the season, but it will at least give you an idea of what things look like. It’s fun to project some of that stuff too!

EARLY 2013-2014 NCAA Top 25

NOTE: Previous ranking in parenthesis (from our final regular season rankings from 2012-2013).

NOTE: There are multiple transfers eligible to play immediately that can have an impact on these rankings (Tarik Black, Eli Carter, Mike Moser, Josh Davis). Oh, and there is a guy named Andrew Wiggins, who can shoot any team he joins up the rankings. But we can’t wait forever on their decisions…

1. (NR) Kentucky Wildcats

How do you go from being an unranked team that lost in the first round of the NIT to the preseason #1 team? Recruiting! And nobody does it like Calipari. In fact, not even Calipari has done it this well before. This recruiting class could go down as the best of all-time and they still have three regulars from last year’s squad. Sounds similar to 2011-2012 (i.e. National Champs).

PG       Andrew Harrison, Freshman

SG       Aaron Harrison, Freshman

SF        Alex Polythress, Sophomore

PF        Julius Randle, Freshman

C          Willie Cauley-Stein, Sophomore

NOTE: As scary as it sounds, they could still be adding Andrew Wiggins, the best incoming freshman in the country. If that were the case, people would start talking about a potential undefeated season.

2. (2) Michigan Wolverines

Once Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III announced they would return, Michigan fans cheered because they now have a great chance to get back to the Championship Game. Not only do they have star power, but also they will be a fairly deep team thanks to a mostly unchanged roster (Burke and Hardaway Jr. the only real losses) and a nice recruiting class. There will be plenty of competition for a starting spot…

PG       Spike Albrecht

SG       Nik Stauskas

SF        Zak Irvin

SF        Glenn Robinson III

C          Mitch McGary

3. (13) Michigan State Spartans

In terms of a starting lineup, Michigan State will have one of the best in the country. But they will lack depth, which keeps them ranked behind their interstate foe Michigan, along with Kentucky. Getting Harris and Payne back were obviously big, but they should get a healthier Brandon Dawson back too, who is now a full year removed from knee surgery.

PG       Keith Appling

SG       Gary Harris

SF        Denzel Valentine

SF/PF  Brandon Dawson

C         Adreian Payne

4. (1) Louisville Cardinals

Like many other top programs, Louisville lost some key players. Peyton Siva is tough to replace due to his tenacity and leadership. Gorgui Dieng is tough to replace due to his size, defense, and ability to finish. But Russ Smith turned down the NBA, Final Four hero Luke Hancock is back, Chane Behanan is due for a breakout year, and they have plenty of returners and incoming players (PG Chris Jones is the #1 JuCo player) to round out a winner. In Pitino I trust, especially after last year.

PG       Chris Jones

SG       Russ Smith

SF        Luke Hancock

PF        Montezl Harrell

PF        Chane Behanan

5. (18) Arizona Wildcats

Arizona was deep a year ago, but they lacked supreme athleticism and a true point guard. They won’t lack those things this year. Forwards Aaron Gordon and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson join the team as freshmen, and PG T.J. McConnell is coming in as a transfer from Duquesne. Sean Miller’s squad is a clear favorite in the Pac-12, and they will have a great chance to get to the Final Four.

PG       T.J. McConnell

SG       Nick Johnson

SF        Aaron Gordon

PF        Brandon Ashley

C          Kaleb Tarczewski

6. (8) Florida Gators

If you’re looking for a bruising frontcourt, look no further than the Florida Gators. Returning big men Patric Young, Will Yegete, and Casey Prather are joined inside this year by freshman standout Chris Walker, and impact transfers Dorian Finney-Smith (Virginia Tech) and Damontre Harris (South Carolina). They may be thin at guard, but returner Scottie Wilbekin and their stud recruit Kasey Hill will lead the way. This team will at least give Kentucky a challenge in the SEC.

PG       Kasey Hill

SG       Scottie Wilbekin

SF        Will Yegete

PF        Dorian Finney-Smith

PF        Patric Young

NOTE: They are rumored to be the leader to land Rutgers transfer Eli Carter. If they get him at a guard spot (where they are thin), Florida would move into the top 5, and potentially the top 3.

7. (21) Oklahoma State Cowboys

After nearly winning the Big 12 a year ago, the Cowboys look to be the early favorites in the conference this season. They benefitted greatly from one of the most unexpected decisions in recent memory, when Marcus Smart decided to come back. He was a lock to be drafted in the Top 5, yet he will return. Le’Bryan Nash and Markel Brown also turned down the NBA, so they look be set, despite a think frontcourt.

PG       Phil Forte

SG       Markel Brown

SG       Marcus Smart

SF        Le’Bryan Nash

PF        Michael Cobbins       

8. (7) Ohio State Buckeyes

Had Deshaun Thomas returned, I would have liked Ohio State as the second best team in the country. His departure to the NBA creates a scoring void. The good news is that they have a slew of guys to pick up the load. Their roster virtually doesn’t change outside of Thomas (Ravenel graduated), so winning the Big Ten Tourney in March was possibly a preview for next year.

PG       Aaron Craft

SG       Lenzelle Smith Jr.

SF        Sam Thompson

SF        LaQuinton Ross

C          Amir Williams

NOTE: The Buckeyes have been in the transfer mix, notably going after big man Tarik Black. He would provide great minutes inside and potentially move them up closer to the top 5.

9. (6) Duke Blue Devils

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. They lose their three best players in Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kelly, and Seth Curry. The good news is that they return everyone else, are adding standout freshman Jabari Parker (along with 4-star players Matt Jones and Semi Ojeleye) and transfer Rodney Hood (Mississippi State), and welcome back former starter Andre Dawkins from injury. Most importantly, Coach K is still there… so yes, they will be good like normal.

PG       Quinn Cook

SG       Andre Dawkins

SF        Rasheed Sulaimon

SF        Jabari Parker

PF        Amile Jefferson

NOTE: Like Ohio State, Duke is thin inside but are considered one of the leaders for Memphis transfer Tarik Black. He would give them the inside body they need to approach the top 5 also.

10. (25) North Carolina Tarheels

The Tarheels are in that group of teams that celebrated when NBA decisions were announced. Reggie Bullock did leave early, but their leading scorers P.J. Hairston and James Michael McAdoo decided to return. They join everyone else except graduate Dexter Strickland from a team that won 25 games. They are adding an elite recruiting class with two great inside players, which is exactly what they need. They will push Duke for an ACC title (sounds familiar doesn’t it).

PG       Marcus Paige

SG       P.J. Hairston

SG       Leslie McDonald

PF        James Michael McAdoo

PF        Isaiah Hicks

NOTE: They are a finalist for the #1 ranked recruit Andrew Wiggins. His arrival could take UNC as high as second in the country.

11. (NR) Connecticut Huskies

The reason UCONN didn’t play in the NCAA’s this past season had nothing to do with how they played last year. They were a tourney lock had they been eligible. They will be eligible again this year and will make the most of it. All of their key players return, including NBA hopefuls Shabazz Napier, Ryan Boatright, and DeAndre Daniels. Welcome back!

PG       Shabazz Napier

SG       Ryan Boatright

SG       Omar Calhoun

SF        DeAndre Daniels

PF        Tyler Olander

12. (NR) Baylor Bears

Baylor lost their best player in Pierre Jackson. But Cory Jefferson and Isaiah Austin chose to pass on the NBA and return for another season. They keep their NIT Champion roster basically intact and are adding a few key players also. As long as they can function adequately at point guard without Jackson, they will remain a top-15 team all year long.

PG       Gary Franklin

SG       Brady Heslip

SF        Rico Gathers

PF        Cory Jefferson

C          Isaiah Austin

13. (12) Georgetown Hoyas

Georgetown was shockingly good in 2013 but they won’t sneak up on anyone now. Otto Porter Jr. is gone, but everyone else returns including Greg Whittington who missed the second half of the year due to suspension. UCLA transfer Josh Smith joins them inside also to give them even more beef.

PG       Markel Starks

SG       D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera

SF        Greg Whittington

PF        Nate Lubick

C          Mikael Hopkins

14. (3) Syracuse Orangemen

One thing to remember about Syracuse is that Jim Boeheim always finds replacement players. So even though they are losing Triche, Southerland, and Carter-Williams, they will reload. It will be easier since C.J. Fair passed on the NBA and will anchor their loaded frontcourt. If they can find consistent guard play, they will remain a top-level team. Their zone defense helps too…

PG       Tyler Ennis

SG        Trevor Cooney

SF        C.J. Fair

PF        Rakeem Christmas

C          Baye Keita

15. (NR) Tennessee Volunteers

They just missed the NCAA Tournament this season but it shouldn’t be a problem this year. They return every key piece (thanks to Jarnell Stokes who passed on the NBA), add one of the best guards in the country, and welcome back injured forward Jeronne Maymon. They will be another solid team in the SEC.

PG       Trae Golden

SG       Jordan McRae

SF        Josh Richardson

PF        Jeronne Maymon

PF        Jarnell Stokes

16. (23) Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin lost three key players, but I never bet against them with Bo Ryan coaching. Sam Dekker is due for a breakout year, Josh Gasser will return from injury, and guards Ben Brust and Traevon Jackson will continue to get better. Their weakness will be inside as Frank Kaminsky is the only proven player.

PG       Traevon Jackson

SG       Ben Brust

SG       Josh Gasser

SF        Sam Dekker

PF        Frank Kaminsky

17. (22) VCU Rams

Shaka Smart once again turned down bigger jobs to stay at VCU. The returning talent is a big reason why. They return four of their top five scorers and have more than enough depth to account for their two losses (Troy Daniels and Darius Theus). Three names to remember: Treveon Graham, Juvonte Reddic, and Rob Brandenberg.

PG       Briante Weber

SG       Treveon Graham

SG       Rob Brandenberg

SG       Melvin Johnson

PF        Juvonte Reddic

18. (NR) Memphis Tigers

The Tigers lost a lot more than expected… DJ Stephens graduated, Adonis Thomas went pro, and Tarik Black and Antonio Barton decided to transfer. But they return four key players and welcome in four top 100 players (3 in the top 33). Josh Pastner knows how to reload similar to the coach he replaced (Calipari).

PG       Joe Jackson

SG       Geron Johnson

SG       Chris Crawford

PF        Austin Nichols

PF        Shaq Goodwin

19. (NR) Iowa Hawkeyes

This NIT runner-up will remain basically intact minus Eric May, only their sixth leading scorer. They lacked marquee wins a year ago which kept them on the wrong side of the bubble, but that won’t happen this time around. Roy Marble and Aaron White have All Big-Ten upside so remember their names.

PG       Mike Gesell

SG       Roy Marble

SF        Zach McCabe

PF        Melsahn Basabe

PF        Aaron White

20. (NR) Villanova Wildcats

Villanova surprisingly made the NCAA Tournament last year as a 9-seed. They should be in line for a much better seed in 2014. Only Yarou is gone from their core group, but three newcomers should make them even better. If you don’t know him already, pay attention to Ryan Arcidiacono who is fun to watch.

PG       Ryan Arcidiacono

SG       Darrun Hilliard

SF        James Bell

SF        JayVaughn Pinkston

C          Daniel Ochefu

21. (5) Kansas Jayhawks

I know, I know… they lost every starter. But Kansas regularly loses players and doesn’t miss a beat. Future stars Naadir Tharpe and Perry Ellis are ready to step up, and they also welcome freshman Wayne Selden and Joel Embiid (among others). They will still compete for a Big 12 title like they do every year with Bill Self.

PG       Naadir Tharpe

SG       Andrew White III

SF        Wayne Selden

PF        Perry Ellis

C          Joel Embiid

NOTE: Kansas is another Andrew Wiggins finalist. As you can guess, they would move up if they gain his services. They are also involved in the transfer pools, most notably with former Memphis forward Tarik Black.

22. (10) Gonzaga Bulldogs

Despite losing their frontcourt (Harris/Olynyk), Gonzaga will still be solid thanks to returning their entire backcourt (Pangos, Bell, and Stockton). Mark Few has big men ready to be plugged in and they are once again a tourney lock.

PG       Kevin Pangos

SG       Gary Bell Jr.

SG       David Stockton

PF        Sam Dower

C          Przemek Karnowski

NOTE: Gonzaga is a finalist for transfers Mike Moser (UNCV) and Josh Davis (Tulane). One or both would significantly bolster the frontline and move them into the top 15.

23. (NR) Colorado Buffaloes

Had Andre Roberson not turned pro, this would be another top-15 sqaud. But he is the only loss for a team that nearly won the Pac-12 en route to a tourney appearance. Spencer Dinwiddie is a name to know this year.

PG       Askia Booker

SG       Spencer Dinwiddie

SG       Jeremy Adams

SF        Xavier Johnson

PF        Josh Scott

24. (24) UCLA Bruins

New coach Steve Alford inherits a roster loaded with talent. In fact, UCLA is more talented than any team he coached at New Mexico, especially if Jordan Adams is back and healthy after his injury. I know they lost Larry Drew II and Shabazz Muhammed, but they return everyone else and welcome in a couple nice recruits. This will also give versatile point forward Kyle Anderson more freedom to play how he likes to play.

PG       Jordan Adams

SG       Norman Powell

SF        Kyle Anderson

PF        Travis Wear

PF        David Wear

25. (11) Marquette Golden Eagles

This team ended up losing a lot… Cadougan, Lockett, and Otule graduated. Vander Blue shockingly went pro. But key kogs Davante Gardner, Jamil Wilson, Todd Mayo, Juan Anderson, and Steve Taylor Jr. return. The Golden Eagles also have a very good recruiting class that will add key contributions immediately. Last year showed us to never count Buzz Williams and company out.

SG       Todd Mayo

SG       JaJuan Johnson

SF        Steve Taylor Jr.

PF        Jamil Wilson

PF        Davante Gardner

Next 10 Teams:

26. Wichita State – Two of their best players graduated, but they do welcome back a plethora of talent from their Final Four team. Some impact newcomers could help them overcome the losses however.

27. Harvard – After the big upset of New Mexico in the NCAA’s, Harvard returns three double-digit scorers and adds back in their two best players who were suspended last season (including star Kyle Casey).

28. New Mexico – If Tony Snell had returned, this team would be in the top 20. But with his NBA decision and Coach Alford now at UCLA, we had to start them just outside the top 25. Everyone else is back however.

29. Indiana – It was hard to leave this team out of the top 25 with some key players back and a great recruiting class coming in. But in addition to losing three graduates and two players to the NBA, two other veteran bench players (Remy Abell and Maurice Creek) decided to transfer. That’s too many question marks for a Top 25 ranking.

30. Boise State – Remember, this is a team that played in the NCAA Tournament (First Four), and they only lost a role player in Kenny Buckner. This is a program on the rise, and suddenly now it’s not only because of football.

31. Virginia – Point guard Jontel Evans was a key loss, but everybody else is back from a bubble team that just missed the NCAA Tournament. That includes Joe Harris, who is one of the premier players in the ACC.

32. Creighton – Doug McDermott is back which instantly makes them a contender in their new conference, the Big East. If Grant Gibbs is granted a rare sixth season of eligibility, this would likely be a top 25 team again.

33. Alabama – Would have been ranked higher if Trevor Lacey had not recently decided to transfer. They still welcome back six of their top seven scorers (Trevor Releford being the best) and another starter in 7’0 Gueye. This team won 23 games last year and should have more wins this time around.

34. Arizona State – Jahii Carson passed on the NBA making them a sleeper team in the Pac-12 this season. He’s really good, and most of his teammates are back with him.

35. Stanford – Another Pac-12 team that returns basically their entire roster. They went 9-9 in the conference last year, could up that by a large margin.

Other NCAA Hopefuls: Notre Dame, St. Louis, Oregon, California, Butler, Ole Miss, St. John’s, SD State, Purdue, Iowa State, Massachusetts, Illinois, Vanderbilt, BYU, Pittsburgh, Kansas State, Minnesota, Penn State, Maryland, Northwestern

Dropped from Previous Top 25: Indiana, Miami, Kansas State, Wichita State, St. Louis, New Mexico, Creighton, Oregon, Butler, La Salle, Florida Gulf Coast

By: The Sports Guys