NCAA Top 25

Official practices are underway in college basketball, and most (if not all) of the “Midnight Madness” events have been had. Games start this month, so we’re really just weeks away from kicking off the season. This site typically previews the year extensively, but this year we took a step back. Still thought we should post a Top 25 though:

Preseason Top 25 – 11/3/14

NOTE: Previous ranking in first parenthesis (from my “Very Early Top 25” in April).

1. (8) Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky didn’t get hit hard by NBA decisions for a change, but did add another ridiculous recruiting class. That means they are loaded to the max. In fact, Coach Cal said he has two starting fives, and may sub in platoons. If we simply are measuring talent, Kentucky is miles ahead of the rest.

2. (2) Duke Blue Devils

Kentucky may have a lot of good freshmen this year, but Duke has the #1 class and the #1 player. Jahil Okafor is a stud and will dominate college basketball this season. He’s the big man that Duke was missing last year. This could be Coach K’s best team he’s had in a while, or at least the most talented. They are the favorites in the new ACC as well.

3. (3) Wisconsin Badgers

Last year’s darlings of the NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin enters the year as massive favorites in the Big Ten, and legit Final 4 contenders (again). They only lost one contributor from last year’s squad, and he was a role player that can be replaced. Kaminski and Dekker passed on the NBA and will be hungry for a championship.

4. (1) Arizona Wildcats

Nick Johnson’s decision to leave will hurt more than Aaron Gordon, but both will be replaced effectively in time. Arizona has a great frontcourt with Brandon Ashley back from injury, and two versatile wings in Hollis-Jefferson and freshman Stanley Johnson. McConnell at point guard is the key though, as he’ll make the team go.

5. (14) North Carolina Tarheels

UNC came on strong over the last half of the year in large part because the young guys really improved. The good news for them is that they all return (outside of inconsistent James McAdoo). If that wasn’t enough, they’ll add three McDonalds All-Americans that will help them improve their shooting, defense, and depth. Looks like that UNC/Duke rivalry will be intense once again.

6. (6) Kansas Jayhawks

We all know about the two big names that left the program (Wiggins and Embiid), but Bill Self reloaded once again. Cliff Alexander will be a force alongside Perry Ellis, and Wiggins will be replaced on the wing by Kelly Oubre Jr. and more production from Wayne Selden Jr. The key for Kansas will be figuring out that PG spot, especially since Tharpe and Frankamp transferred.

7. (10) Texas Longhorns

Texas was a surprise force last year in the Big 12, but they’ll shock nobody this season since nearly everyone returns. They also added Myles Turner, the #2 overall recruit in the country. He and Ridley will be a load down low this season.

8. (11) Florida Gators

Florida lost a lot, but they were one of the deepest teams in the country last season, so it likely won’t matter. Next man up means more time for Frazier, Hill, Walker, and Finney-Smith. Eli Carter (former Rutgers transfer) can play now, and they also added Michigan transfer Jon Horford. Oh, three top 100 recruits help too.

9. (21) Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals were a big mover in my pole as Harrell announced he’d be returning to school this offseason. That was very unexpected. It instantly made them a contender, as he’ll be a beast inside and they have tons of talent on the perimeter.

10. (12) Virginia Cavaliers

They lost key players in Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell, but they return the rest from a team that dominated the ACC and was a 1-seed in the tournament. Tony Bennett also plays a style that is difficult to beat. Count them up… this is the fourth ACC team I’ve ranked in the Top Ten!

11. (13) Wichita State Shockers

The Shockers won’t be as good as last year, but they won’t be much worse either. Losing Cleanthony Early will hurt big time, but at least VanVleet, Baker, Carter, Wessel, and Cotton are coming back. And they’ve added some contributors via JC transfers. My guess is that they’ll remain the best mid-major in the land.

12. (14) Gonzaga Bulldogs

Gonzaga was a forgotten team for much of last year, but I doubt that’s the case now. Four of their best five perimeter players are back, including the lethal combo of Pangos and Bell Jr. Inside, Przemek Karnowski will remain a force, and he’ll be joined by Kyle Wiltjer (Kentucky) and Domantas Sabonis. I like their outlook a lot.

13. (15) Villanova Wildcats

Villanova had one of their best teams ever this last season. They only lost to a few teams en route to a Big East title and 2-seed in the tourney. The way they finished is a cause for concern, but they return seven key players from that squad. Two quality newcomers will only add to their great depth.

14. (16) Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma returned to relevance last year, but could be due for even more noise in 2015. Cameron Clark is the only real loss, but if the young talent on the roster keeps developing, Clark’s absence will have a minimal effect. Buddy Hield is a name to remember.

15. (17) Ohio State Buckeyes

My gut tells me this could turn out to be too low in the rankings as I think this team is dangerous. Last year they sputtered offensively. But they’ll be a more complete team now with Temple transfer Anthony Lee and stud freshman D’Angelo Russell. With plenty of returning contributors, look out for the Buckeyes.

16. (18) VCU Rams

VCU will be led by Shaka Smart, who again chose to stay put. His really only lost big man Juvonte Reddic. And while he’ll be missed, Smart is adding his best recruiting class ever. Maybe he can make a run to another Final 4.

17. (22) Iowa State Cyclones

Hoiberg will finally lean on some homegrown talent as opposed to the transfers he always nabs. Niang, Morris, Long, Hogue, and Thomas lead the list of returners. Of course, he will add some new faces (Dejean-Jones being one), so they’ll be exciting once again.

18. (7) Connecticut Huskies

With Boatright returning to UCONN, the Huskies will be solid again. He’ll lead one of the best backcourts in the country. Losing Daniels was a huge loss though, as they’ll now be a little thin inside. The good news is that they are well coached and tough on defense.

19. (20) Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa was ranked nearly the entire season before they fell apart down the stretch a season ago. While the loss of Marble (and even Basabe) will hurt, they were at their best last season when everyone was a contributor. And yes, they will return everyone else from that extremely deep team. I expect very similar results again, hopefully without the collapse.

20. (25) Stanford Cardinal

Stanford made a surprising Sweet 16 run last season, and it’s possible they do it again in 2015. Losing Powell is a big loss, but with basically all others returning, and them adding a McDonald’s PF to take his place (Reid Travis), I think they will end up being just fine. The other newcomers are 4-star players themselves, and two players who were injured last season will return. Should be a very solid squad out west.

21. (NR) San Diego State Aztecs

This was a major surprise team a year ago, but they won’t go as unnoticed this time around. They did lose their best player, but they return a lot from a very successful team. They are also extremely well coached.

22. (NR) Kansas State Wildcats

Marcus Foster was one of the best freshmen in the country last season. But nobody talked about him. They will after this season…

23. (NR) Nebraska Cornhuskers

Stormed through the Big Ten en route to the Big Dance in 2014. Now they will play with expectations, and Terran Petteway will no longer surprise his opponents.

24. (NR) Michigan State Spartans

I’ll trust that Tom Izzo can overcome the losses of Payne, Harris, and Appling. He’ll lean on Dawson and Valentine, but I’m sure new stars will emerge.

25. (9) SMU Mustangs

Took a huge hit when Emmanuel Mudiay decided to sign with a team overseas instead of playing for them, but they still return the core of their team that was ranked off an on a year ago. Could be lethal again this year.

Dropped from Previous Top 25: Michigan, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon

Also Considered: UCLA, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Dayton, Notre Dame, Baylor, Minnesota, Harvard, Utah, Memphis, Arkansas, Indiana, BYU

By: The Sports Guys