NCAA Preseason Top 25

Back in late April I posted an “Early 2013-2014 NCAA Top 25.” For the past handful of months I’ve been updating things in the comment section as recruits have made decisions, transfers have been ruled in or out, and as injury reports have surfaced. I haven’t posted everything, but it’s shed some light on how that poll needs to change heading into the season.

It is now time to make those changes happen. Below is the official preseason Top 25 that we’ll use to start the year. This poll takes into account the most up-to-date information, unlike that early poll in April. Every other week, the Top 25 will change as we make our way through the season. And trust me, things will change in a hurry. Take a look at the Sports Guys first Top 25 NCAA College Basketball Poll:

NCAA Top 25 - Preseason

NOTE: Previous ranking in parenthesis (from our “Early Poll” in late April).

NOTE: In this preseason poll, projected starting lineups listed for each ranked team.

1. (4) Louisville Cardinals

Why is Louisville on top over Kentucky/Michigan State? First, Montrezl Harrell had a monster summer and I’m realizing Dieng won’t be missed that much. Second, Chris Jones has been impressive in practice/exhibitions and I’m realizing he’ll replace Siva at guard just fine. Third, Russ Smith will be even more improved at guard, and the new hand-checking rule will make him impossible to defend. Fourth, previous worries about Behanan’s suspension are no longer valid, as it has been cut back to a shorter one. Plus, Kevin Ware could return from injury as quickly as the first game. Lastly, Pitino has gotten the absolute best out of his team each of the last two years, and is the only coach in the country who can say that honestly.

PG       Chris Jones

SG        Russ Smith

SF        Luke Hancock

PF        Montrezl Harrell

PF        Chane Behanan (once back from suspension)

2. (3) Michigan State Spartans

The longer the offseason has gone on, the more I’ve fallen in love with the Spartans. Coach Izzo is giddy about his team, which makes me believe they are legit championship contenders. Harris and Dawson will both be fully healthy, and Payne/Appling are hungry as seniors. This offseason also shed some light on some sneaky good bench players, which I thought they lacked in my April evaluation.

PG       Keith Appling

SG        Gary Harris

SF        Denzel Valentine

PF        Brandon Dawson

C          Adreian Payne

3. (1) Kentucky Wildcats

They were #1 in my early poll, but got passed by more experienced teams. Kentucky is solid enough to win it all, but it will take time to gel, hence the #3 ranking to start the year. Only two key players return from last year’s roster (now that Wiltjer transferred to Gonzaga), so that worries me a little. The recruiting class is one of the best ever though, and I hear James Young is a surprise standout. Julius Randle is a potential Top 3 pick in the draft. So they’ll be fine.

PG       Andrew Harrison

SG        Aaron Harrison

SF        James Young

PF        Julius Randle

C          Willie Cauley-Stein

4. (21) Kansas Jayhawks

By now you know why I bumped Kansas way up on this poll, compared to the poll in April: Andrew Wiggins chose to attend here. Tarik Black, a transfer from Memphis, did too.  That makes them the favorite in the Big 12 again and they now have an inside track to a #1 seed, just like last year. I really like Naadir Tharpe and Perry Ellis too as returning players ready to step up. Joel Embiid could end up starting by the year’s end also.

PG       Naadir Tharpe

SG        Wayne Selden

SF        Andrew Wiggins

PF        Perry Ellis

PF        Tarik Black

5. (5) 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. And by the way, Aaron Gordon will be an absolute monster at the college level!

PG       T.J. McConnell

SG        Nick Johnson

SF        Aaron Gordon

PF        Brandon Ashley

C          Kaleb Tarczewski

6. (2) Michigan Wolverines

It starts with returning stars Glenn Robinson III, Mitch McGary, and Nik Stauskas. Freshmen Walton and Irvin may end up starting with them, as they are perfect replacements for Burke and Hardaway. They are deep too, as many of their bench players logged some valuable minutes last year, including Final Four hero Spike Albrecht. The only concern is the back issues with Mitch McGary…

PG       Derrick Walton

SG        Nik Stauskas

SF        Zak Irvin

SF        Glenn Robinson III

C          Mitch McGary

7. (9) Duke Blue Devils

Duke is much different this year than normal, but they are still loaded with talent. But they have to answer two questions for me… First, can they play uncharacteristically up-tempo due to their perimeter-oriented roster? Second, how will they cope inside against big teams? Luckily, Coach K is one of the best and he’ll figure it out.

PG       Quinn Cook

SG        Rasheed Sulaimon

SF        Rodney Hood

SF        Jabari Parker

PF        Marshall Plumlee

8. (7) Oklahoma State Cowboys

This team benefitted greatly from one of the most unexpected decisions in recent memory, when Marcus Smart decided to come back to school. 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 thin frontcourt. Their games against Kansas will decide the fate of the conference, and Smart vs. Wiggins will be must watch TV.

PG       Phil Forte

SG        Markel Brown

SG        Marcus Smart

SF        Le’Bryan Nash

PF        Michael Cobbins       

9. (8) Ohio State Buckeyes

Deshaun Thomas is the only real loss on a team that won the Big Ten Tourney and just missed the Final Four. His loss could make them more dangerous though, as their offense will get back to a balanced attack, which is what it should be. Look for LaQuinton Ross to break out and Aaron Craft to have a great senior year.

PG       Aaron Craft

SG        Lenzelle Smith Jr.

SF        Sam Thompson

SF        LaQuinton Ross

C          Amir Williams

10. (6) Florida Gators

I actually like this team way better than tenth, but there are too many questions marks in play for them to be higher to start the year. Wilbekin, Harris, and Finney-Smith are all suspended to start the year (3 of their key contributors). Their top recruit Chris Walker is ineligible for the entire first semester. Another key returnee (Michael Frazier) has mono to start the season. Plus, with so many new key players getting mixed in (now at different times), can they get it all blended in well enough? If they get through some of these potential issues, this is a team talented enough to challenge Kentucky atop the SEC by the end of the year.

PG       Kasey Hill

SG        Scottie Wilbekin (Once back from suspension)

SF        Will Yegete

PF        Dorian Finney-Smith (Once back from suspension)

PF        Patric Young

11. (10) North Carolina Tarheels

Let’s start with the bad: leading scorer PJ Hairston has been suspended indefinitely to start the year. The good news is that it won’t be a lengthy absence like it once looked like it would be. Last year, UNC was a perimeter-dominated team, and while they are still strong there, UNC looks to be more balanced inside with James McAdoo, Kennedy Meeks, Brice Johnson, and Isaiah Hicks.

PG       Marcus Paige

SG        PJ Hairston

SG        Leslie McDonald

PF        James Michael McAdoo

PF        Isaiah Hicks

12. (11) Connecticut Huskies

UCONN will have one of the best backcourts in the country with Napier, Boatright, and Calhoun. Seeing as college basketball is generally dominated by guard play, they’ll be very good. In order to be great though, they’ll need more production inside than they got last year.

PG       Shabazz Napier

SG        Ryan Boatright

SG        Omar Calhoun

PF        DeAndre Daniels

PF        Tyler Olander

13. (12) 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

14. (14) Syracuse Orangemen

One thing to remember about Syracuse is that Jim Boeheim always finds replacement players. That means that they’ll be able to find solid guys to play guard despite losing some studs from last year. Tyler Ennis is one we know of, who is a great freshman prospect. Plus, it will be easier since C.J. Fair passed on the NBA and will anchor their loaded frontcourt. Their zone defense helps too, especially because teams in the ACC won’t be used to it.

PG       Tyler Ennis

SG        Trevor Cooney

SF        C.J. Fair

PF        Rakeem Christmas

C          Baye Keita

15. (16) Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin lost three key players, but 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

16. (17) 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. Three names to remember: Treveon Graham, Juvonte Reddic, and Rob Brandenberg… They are all studs.

PG       Briante Weber

SG        Treveon Graham

SG        Rob Brandenberg

SG        Melvin Johnson

PF        Juvonte Reddic

17. (18) 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), and guard Michael Dixon transferred in from Missouri. I still question Josh Pastner however, as a guy that knows how to coach, especially with such a new, young team.

PG       Joe Jackson

SG        Michael Dixon

SG        Chris Crawford

PF        Kuran Iverson

PF        Austin Nichols

18. (15) 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

19. (19) Iowa Hawkeyes

This NIT runner-up will remain basically intact, which should equal a NCAA birth this year. 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 – 31) Virginia Cavaliers

Experience (and size) counts for something, which is why I’m including Virginia in these rankings unlike in April. Nearly everyone returns from a 23-win team, including All-American candidate Joe Harris. Throw in Akil Mitchell, Mike Tobey, and Justin Anderson, and you have an ACC contender.

PG       Malcolm Brogdon

SG        Joe Harris

SF        Justin Anderson

PF        Akil Mitchell

C          Mike Tobey

21. (NR – 32) Creighton Bluejays

This team starts with Doug McDermott, who is a likely All-American. Three other starters return too, including Grant Gibbs who got an unlikely sixth year of eligibility (hence their move into the Top 25 in this poll). In the new Big East, this team is favored in my opinion.

PG       Grant Gibbs

PG       Austin Chapman

SG        Jahenns Manigat

SF        Ethan Wragge

PF        Doug McDermott

22. (NR – 26) Wichita State Shockers

There is no shocking anyone this year, despite the fact they lost some key guys. They retained the services of Cleanthony Early though, who is one of my favorite players in the country. Ron Baker came on strong late also. JC transfer Darius Carter is the cousin of Lebron James, and he can play pretty well himself.

PG       Tekele Cotton

SG        Ron Baker

SG        Evan Wessel

PF        Darius Carter

PF        Cleanthony Early

T23. (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

G/F      Kyle Anderson

PF        Travis Wear

PF        David Wear

T23. (23) Colorado Buffaloes

Had Andre Roberson not turned pro, this would be another top-15 squad easy. Instead, they land just outside the Top 20, but could easily rise. Spencer Dinwiddie is a name to know this year, as he looked great with Team USA over the summer.

PG       Askia Booker

PG       Spencer Dinwiddie

SG        Jeremy Adams

SF        Xavier Johnson

PF        Josh Scott

T25. (25) Marquette Golden Eagles

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, including guys like Duane Wilson, JaJuan Johnson, and JC transfer Jameel McKay. Last year showed us to never count Buzz Williams and company out.

PG       Duane Wilson

SG        Todd Mayo

SF        Jamil Wilson

PF        Davante Gardner

C          Chris Otule

T25 (NR – 29) Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana isn’t near as good as they were last year, but this team could surprise people like their team two years ago did. They will be athletic, fast, and deep. Yogi Ferrell and Will Sheehey are names you know already, Noah Vonleh, Troy Williams, and Jeremy Hollowell are guys you should know. There are another 4-7 guys who could see consistent minutes too.

PG       Yogi Ferrell

G/F      Troy Williams

SF        Will Sheehey

PF        Noah Vonleh

C          Luke Fischer

T25 (NR) Oregon Ducks

The Ducks will again be a major player in the suddenly crowded Pac-12. They boast a great backcourt with returners Dotson and Artis, and they add Houston transfer Joseph Young. UNLV transfer Mike Moser will anchor the frontcourt. If he plays like he did two years ago, this ranking is way too low.

PG       Dominic Artis

SG        Joseph Young

SG        Damyean Dotson

PF        Mike Moser

C          Waverly Austin

NOTE: Three teams tied for 25 because I think all three teams deserve to start the year ranked.

Next Best:

28. 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.

29. New Mexico – Everybody returns but Tony Snell and coach Alford. That means there is plenty of talent here to win the conference again.

30. Gonzaga – It’s rare that I don’t have Gonzaga in my Top 25, and I could eat my words if they figure out the interior. They have tremendous guard play though with Pangos and Bell Jr.

31. Notre Dame – Speaking of guard play, Notre Dame is loaded at that position. Eric Atkins and Jerian Grant are very underrated nationally, and the ACC will find that out this year.

32. 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.

33. Georgetown – A preseason injury to Greg Whittington hurts, but Josh Smith got declared eligible, so that helps.

34. Villanova – Ryan Arcidiacono will lead them back to the NCAA tourney, no question. He’s surrounded by shooters, just like last year.

35. LSU – I love Johnny O’Bryant III and freshman Jarell Martin. Sleeper team.

36. Stanford – Another Pac-12 team that returns their nucleus. Dwight Powell and Chasson Randle are flat-out studs.

37. Arizona State – Jahii Carson is an All-American candidate and he’s joined the backcourt by Jermaine Marshall from PSU. That’s an exciting pair.

38. Iowa State – “Transfer U” did it again this year with DeAndre Kane.

39. California – Justin Cobbs in one of the best guards out west, and three other starters return with him.

40. Purdue – You’ll see a lot of AJ Hammons down low, and the Johnson’s on the wings.

Other NCAA Hopefuls: Maryland, Missouri, La Salle, BYU, St. Louis, Georgia Teach, Boston College, St. John’s, UNLV, Washington, Cincinnati, Illinois, SMU, Xavier, Ole Miss, Alabama, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Kansas State

Dropped from Previous Top 25: Georgetown Hoyas, Villanova Wildcats, Gonzaga Bulldogs

By: The Sports Guys