College Basketball 2016-17: Heavy’s Preseason Top 30 Power Rankings

Last year’s Associated Press Coach of the Year, Bill Self has led Kansas to 12 straight Big 12 titles (Getty)

The start of the college basketball season is just a couple away, and it sets up to be an exciting one to say the least. Reigning national champions Villanova did lose key leaders Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu, but the rest of that rotation is back on campus gearing up for another run. Duke and Kentucky have reloaded with the two best recruiting classes in college basketball, and programs such as Kansas, Oregon and North Carolina don’t lack for talent either.

Conference-wise the ACC and Big Ten enter the season as the tops in college basketball on paper, but two power conferences that play true round-robin league schedules in the Big 12 and Big East shouldn’t be overlooked either. With the season right around the corner, here are Heavy’s preseason power rankings with the list going 30 teams deep.

30. North Carolina State

The Wolfpack did lose three of their top five scorers from last season, with point guard Cat Barber turning pro and twins Caleb and Cody Martin transferring to Nevada. But head coach Mark Gottfried and his staff welcome back some key returnees, most notably guards Maverick Rowan (12.9 ppg) and Terry Henderson (redshirted last season) and big men Abdul-Malik Abu (12.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and BeeJay Anya, and the newcomers have some talent as well. Five-star freshman point guard Dennis Smith Jr. takes over for Barber at the point, and Omer Yurtseven (who will miss the first nine games) gives NC State another talented option in the front court.

29. Florida

The first season of the Michael White era in Gainesville wasn’t a smooth one, as the Gators went 21-15 overall and 9-9 in SEC play. Florida does have to account for the loss of forward Dorian Finney-Smith, but they’ve got more than enough talent to not only return to the NCAA tournament but also factor into the conference race. Guards Kasey Hill (9.1 ppg, 3.3 apg), KeVaughn Allen (11.6 ppg) and Chris Chiozza (7.2 ppg, 4.3 apg) all return, as do forward Devin Robinson (9.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and center John Egbunu (11.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg). Add in a newcomer in grad student Canyon Barry who was among the best shooters in the country at the College of Charleston last season, and Florida has the pieces needed to rebound in a big way.

28. San Diego State

Steve Fisher’s team have consistently rated among the best defensive teams in America in recent years, but last season they ran into the issue of not having that one marquee offensive piece capable of making things happen on the end of the floor (guys like Jamaal Franklin and Xavier Thames held that responsibility in past seasons). As a result the Aztecs missed out on the NCAA tournament despite dominating the Mountain West during the regular season. That shouldn’t be an issue this year, with Jeremy Hemsley (12.0 ppg), Trey Kell (12.6 ppg) and Malik Pope (7.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg) all a year older, Matt Shrigley back to full strength and a solid group of newcomers that includes grad student Valentine Izundu (a transfer from Washington State, he’ll fill the center spot left vacant by the departure of Skylar Spencer).

27. Texas A&M

Yes the Aggies lost three pivotal pieces in guards Alex Caruso and Danuel House and forward Jalen Jones, and assistant Rick Stansbury leaving to become the head coach at Western Kentucky will have an impact in recruiting. But all four helped place Billy Kennedy’s program in a better spot than it was in before their arrival, which will help the remaining Aggies moving forward. Texas A&M has a really good sophomore class led by Tyler Davis (11.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and D.J. Hogg (6.2 ppg), and guards Admon Gilder (7.0 ppg) and Kobie Eubanks will be heard from as well. How this team accounts for the losses of Caruso and House will determine just how good they are, but the talent is there.

26. Rhode Island

Few teams in the country were hit harder by injuries than Dan Hurley’s Rams last season. Guard E.C. Matthews tore his ACL ten minutes into the team’s season opener, and Hassan Martin (12.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg) also missed time due to injury. If the Rams can stay healthy this is one of the best teams in the Atlantic 10, and with players such as Matthews, Jarvis Garrett (12.5 ppg, 4.7 apg) and Jared Terrell (13.6 ppg) on the perimeter and Martin and Kuran Iverson (9.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg) in the front court they have the talent to make some noise in the NCAA tournament.

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In senior Troy Caupain, Cincinnati has one of the nation’s best point guards (Getty)

25. Iowa State

If you have high-level point guard play, you’ve got a chance, and the Cyclones have one of the best in senior Monté Morris. Last season he averaged 13.8 points and 6.9 assists per game on a team that reached the Sweet 16. But with Georges Niang and Abdel Nader both out of eligibility, Morris will be asked to do more from a scoring standpoint but he’s more than capable of handling the slight shift in role. Also back are Matt Thomas (11.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Deonte Burton (9.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Naz Mitrou-Long (12.0 ppg), who only played in eight games last season due to injury. Steve Prohm’s team may not be incredibly deep, but the top-end talent is good enough to make sure this group is a fixture in the national polls all season long.

24. Dayton

On May 12, less than two months after the conclusion of the 2015-16 season the Dayton basketball program was hit by tragedy, as center Steve McElvene passed away due to an enlarged heart. How anyone deals with grief is tough to predict, and that will be a subplot of the Flyers’ 2016-17 season. But from a talent standpoint, head coach Archie Miller has enough to not only win the Atlantic 10 but win games in the NCAA tournament. A senior class that includes guards Scoochie Smith (11.7 ppg, 4.3 apg) and Kyle Davis (8.0 ppg), and wing Charles Cooke (15.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg), will lead the way, and Illinois State transfer Josh Cunningham is a key addition in the front court.

23. West Virginia

“Press Virginia” has been a major change for Bob Huggins’ program in the last couple of seasons, with the Mountaineers pressing full court throughout the game to force turnovers while using their offensive rebounding prowess to make up for poor perimeter shooting. West Virginia will have a similar formula this season, although they do have to account for the departures of leading scorers Jaysean Paige and Devin Williams. Jevon Carter (9.5 ppg, 3.3 apg), Daxter Miles Jr. (9.4 ppg) and Tarik Phillip (9.3 ppg) are among the returnees on the perimeter, with Esa Ahmad and Nathan Adrian leading the way in the front court. The Mountaineers once again have depth, and their tenacity at both ends of the floor will put them in the mix of teams behind Kansas in the Big 12.

22. Creighton

After performing very well in their first season in the Big East in 2013-14, with Doug McDermott leading the way, the Bluejays hit a rough patch due in large part to the impact that the conference switch had on their recruiting efforts (recruiting for the Big East isn’t the same as recruiting for the Missouri Valley). What’s helped head coach Greg McDermott has been a mixture of veterans and transfers, and three transfers will figure prominently for his team this season. Maurice Watson Jr. (began his career at Boston University) is underrated nationally as a point guard, and he’ll be joined by fellow senior Isaiah Zierden and former Kansas State guard Marcus Foster in the backcourt. Add in a deep front court that includes Cole Huff (he began his career at Nevada) and redshirt freshman Justin Patton, and Creighton (which went to the NIT last season) has a talented group that at minimum should slot behind Villanova and Xavier in the Big East race.

21. Saint Mary’s

The Gaels, who missed out on the NCAA tournament once again last season, have the pieces needed to get back to the Big Dance and challenge Gonzaga for WCC supremacy this season. Guards Joe Rahon (10.7 ppg, 5.4 apg) and Emmett Naar (14.1 ppg, 6.3 apg) will once again lead the way for head coach Randy Bennett, and in the front court the Gaels welcome back the likes of Calvin Hermanson (10.4 ppg), Dane Pineau (11.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg), Evan Fitzner (8.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and Jock Landale (7.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg). Saint Mary’s has the depth to challenge Gonzaga and reach the NCAA tournament, and with games against teams such as Nevada and Dayton in non-conference play the Gaels will have the opportunity to add to their résumé. That hasn’t always been the case, as subpar non-conference slates have either relegated Saint Mary’s to the NIT or landed them a seed lower than expected.

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UCLA head coach Steve Alford adds a talented freshman class led by guard Lonzo Ball (Getty)

20. Cincinnati

The Bearcats, who were eliminated from the NCAA tournament in heartbreaking fashion by Saint Joseph’s, return a very good core led by senior point guard Troy Caupain (13.0 ppg, 4.8 apg) and junior forward Gary Clark Jr. (10.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg). Both were unanimous preseason All-AAC selections and with good reason, as they rank among the best in the country at their respective positions. Mick Cronin will have to account for the loss of guard Farad Cabb and forward Octavius Ellis, but sophomores Jacob Evans (8.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Justin Jenifer are among those who will help on the perimeter and NC State transfer Kyle Washington will be an impact addition in the front court. The freshman class is good as well, with center Nysier Brooks and guard Jerron Cumberland among the additions. Look for the race in the American to be tight, with the Bearcats battling nemesis UConn for the top spot.

19. UCLA

Once again there’s no shortage of talent in Westwood, with head coach Steve Alford adding a very good freshman class to a crop of returnees led by guards Bryce Alford (16.1 ppg, 5.2 apg) and Isaac Hamilton (16.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.3 apg) and center Thomas Welsh (11.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg). Lonzo Ball is an elite playmaker who gets the ball to teammates in spots where they can be most successful, and fellow freshman T.J. Leaf is a talented 6-foot-10 forward who can score both inside and out. The question for the Bruins is whether or not they’ll buy in on the defensive end of the floor, which was a major issue last season as they finished below .500 at 15-17. UCLA should be a contender in the Pac-12, with the chance to win multiple games in the NCAA tournament. If the Bruins fail to reach that potential, don’t be surprised if the heat gets turned up on the head coach.

18. Maryland

Amidst high expectations the Terrapins struggled for parts of last season, ultimately reaching the Sweet 16 where they lost to Kansas. Four of the team’s top five scorers from last season, including Jake Layman and Diamond Stone, are gone but point guard Melo Trimble (14.8 ppg, 4.8 apg) is back for his junior season. Trimble, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season, should be better equipped to handle the expectations, and he’ll be surrounded by talented options such as Jared Nickens (5.4 ppg), Dion Wiley (who missed last season due to injury) and Damonte Dodd. Add in a very good recruiting class that includes Anthony Cowan, Kevin Huerter and Justin Jackson, and head coach Mark Turgeon has a team capable of contending in the Big Ten.

17. Connecticut

Kevin Ollie’s Huskies manufactured another March miracle last season, with Jalen Adams’ 60-foot heave forcing quadruple overtime in UConn’s American Athletic Conference tournament quarterfinal victory over Cincinnati. UConn reached the second round of the NCAA tournament, falling to a superior Kansas team by a comfortable margin. These Huskies will be better equipped to excel on such a stage, thanks to their combination of returnees (Adams, Rodney Purvis and Amida Brimah) and a five-player freshman class that ranks among the best in the nation. Freshmen to watch: point guard Alterique Gilbert, and combo forward Vance Jackson. How well this team gels will determine just how good they can be; if everything works UConn is a team that has the tools needed to play deep into March.

16. Syracuse

Two weekends after being the subject of “should they even be in the tournament” chatter, Jim Boeheim’s Orange were headed to the Final Four after pulling off comebacks to beat Gonzaga and Virginia in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, respectively. Gone are guards Michael Gbinije and Trevor Cooney, and Malachi Richardson struck while the iron was hot and went pro, but this is a team that at the very least should put together a better regular season than last year’s team. Two grad students in guard John Gillon (from Colorado State) and Andrew White (from Nebraska) have joined the team, which includes sophomores Tyler Lydon (10.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and Franklin Howard, two veteran big men in Tyler Roberson (8.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and DaJuan Coleman (4.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg), and a freshman class headlined by Tyus Battle and Taurean Thompson. And playing in the incredibly tough ACC will help the Orange get ready for the NCAA tournament.

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Thomas Bryant was one of two unanimous Big Ten All-Freshman Team selections last season (Getty)

15. Arizona

The preseason has been incredibly tough on the Wildcats, beginning with five-star guard Terrance Ferguson’s decision to turn pro and play in Australia for a season instead of join Sean Miller’s program. Then there was the eligibility questions surrounding guard Allonzo Trier, who sat out both exhibition games and isn’t expected to play in the season opener against Michigan State, and the suspension of forward Chance Comanche. Add to that ACL tears suffered by Talbot Denny and Ray Smith (his third ACL tear in as many years, Smith has retired from the sport), and Arizona doesn’t have much room for error. What they do have is talent, with freshmen Lauri Markkanen, Rawle Alkins and Kobi Simmons joining the likes of Dusan Ristic (7.1 ppg, 3.8 apg), Kadeem Allen (8.4 ppg, 3.6 apg), and Parker Jackson-Cartwright (5.2 ppg, 3.4 apg) in the rotation. Are the Oregon’s biggest threat in the Pac-12? That’s certainly possible, but Arizona will need good fortune when it comes to injuries in order to make that happen.

14. Indiana

The Hoosiers do have some key personnel losses to account for, most notably point guard Yogi Ferrell with wing Troy Williams moving on as well. But Tom Crean won’t lack for talent from which to choose this season, with guard James Blackmon Jr. (15.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg), center Thomas Bryant (11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and forward O.G. Anunoby (4.9 ppg) about those expected to lead the way. Crean and his staff have done a good job with player development, one reason why NBA scouts are so high on Anunoby. The question for Indiana is how they handle Ferrell’s graduation, with Pitt transfer Josh Newkirk the likely choice to start the season at the point. With the top of the Big Ten boasting multiple teams capable of winning the league, Indiana will be right in the mix all season long.

13. Purdue

A 26-win season came to a screeching halt in the first round of the NCAA tournament, where turnovers and shaky point guard play resulted in the Boilermakers being eliminated by Little Rock in overtime. And with that Purdue head coach Matt Painter had to account for the departure of two of the nation’s best defenders in Rapheal Davis and A.J. Hammons. Purdue has options, with Vince Edwards (11.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Caleb Swanigan (10.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg) and Isaac Haas (9.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg) forming one of the best front courts in the country, and players such as P.J. Thompson (5.7 ppg, 2.7 apg), Dakota Mathias (5.3 ppg) and grad student Spike Albrecht will contribute on the perimeter. The play of Thompson, Albrecht and freshman Carsen Edwards will be key for this group, because with consistent play at the point Purdue could potentially go a long way come March.

12. Gonzaga

Leading scorers Kyle Wiltjer, Domantas Sabonis and Eric McClellan have moved on from a team that won the WCC regular season and tournament titles and reached the Sweet 16, but head coach Mark Few has a roster that’s loaded. The much-maligned guards that improved throughout the course of WCC play, including Josh Perkins (10.1 ppg, 4.1 apg) and Silas Melson (6.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg), have an added year of experience under their belts and reinforcements have arrived as well. Two Pac-12 transfers, Nigel Williams-Goss (Washington) and Jordan Mathews (California) will figure prominently in the perimeter rotation, and freshman Zach Norvell Jr. is a very good perimeter shooter. Inside the Bulldogs welcome back 7-footer Przemek Karnowski, who missed all but five games last season with a back injury, and he’ll be joined by quality transfers (Jonathan Williams III by way of Missouri and Jeremy Jones by way of Rice) and talented newcomers (Zach Collins, Killian Tillie and Rui Hachimura) alike.

11. Xavier

Speaking of key front court departures, the Musketeers also have some holes to fill with Jalen Reynolds and James Farr now playing playing professionally. But the cupboard isn’t bare, with Norfolk State transfer RaShid Gaston eligible after sitting out last season, and 6-foot-8 sophomore Kaiser Gates and 6-foot-10 forward/center Sean O’Mara in the mix as well. The perimeter is where the Musketeers’ strength lies, with Edmond Sumner (11.0 ppg, 3.6 apg) once again running the point with J.P. Macura (9.4 ppg) and the versatile Trevon Bluiett (15.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg) on the wings. Xavier has a talented four-player freshman class that will battle for minutes, and there’s also the possibility of suspended senior guard Myles Davis returning if he gets back on track away from the court. Adding Davis would be a bonus for Xavier, but it wouldn’t be a crippling blow if he can’t do what needs to be done to ensure a return to the court.

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Tony Bennett led Virginia to its first Elite Eight since 1995 last season (Getty)

10. Michigan State

Michigan State, like season opening opponent Arizona, had to deal with personnel issues this summer with both Ben Carter and Gavin Schilling both out due to knee injuries. When the two seniors will return to the court is up in the air, meaning that head coach Tom Izzo will be asking his underclassmen (including freshman Nick Ward) for greater production. Interior depth issues aside, this is a talented bunch bolstered by a recruiting class that features Miles Bridges, Cassius Winston, Josh Langford (who has also missed time due to injury) and the aforementioned Ward. Point guard Tum Tum Nairn (he’ll have to be the leader with Denzel Valentine gone) is back along with Eron Harris (9.3 ppg) to give the Spartans added experience on the perimeter, and if the freshmen can carry their share of the load the Spartans have a team that will be heard from all season long.

9. Virginia

Tony Bennett’s turned Virginia into a program that’s no longer expected to simply reach the NCAA tournament, but compete for ACC championships and play deep into the Big Dance. Last season the Cavaliers were minutes away from their first Final Four since the Ralph Sampson days, but a stunning collapse against Syracuse ended their season in the Elite Eight. UVA has to account for the loss of both Malcolm Brogdon and Anthony Gill, two big losses because of their abilities as players and leaders. Point guard London Perrantes (11.0 ppg, 4.4 apg) is back for his senior season, and in the front court Virginia adds Memphis transfer Austin Nichols to the mix. Add in a freshman class that includes guard Kyle Guy and forwards Mamadi Diakite and Da’Andre Hunter, and the Cavaliers have the talent to contend in the ACC. The key will be the progression of veterans Darius Thompson (4.3 ppg), Marial Shayok (4.3 ppg) and Isaiah Wilkins (4.6 ppg), contributors a season ago who will have the opportunity to do even more in 2016-17.

8. Louisville

Rick Pitino has himself another team chock full of athletes with the skill set needed to play his pressure defense while also putting points up on the other end. Add in the fact that the Cardinals’ 2015-16 season came to a premature end thanks to a self-imposed postseason ban, and the returning players should be hungry to make something happen this season. Guards Quentin Snider (9.4 ppg, 3.5 apg) and Donovan Mitchell (7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg) are both national breakout candidates, with the latter being one of the best athletes in college basketball. In the front court Mangok Mathiang (7.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg), Anas Mahmoud (3.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Jaylen Johnson (5.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Ray Spalding (5.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg) all return, and long wings such as sophomore Deng Adel (4.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and freshman V.J. King fit well into Pitino’s system as well. Louisville will have to improve as a defensive rebounding team with Chinanu Onuaku now in the NBA, and if they do that the Cardinals are capable of a Final Four run.

7. Wisconsin

Badger seniors Bronson Koenig (13.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.4 apg) and Nigel Hayes (15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.0 apg) have made news this offseason with their stances of important social issues, and they’ll also be leaders on the court for a team that may be the best in the Big Ten. Koenig’s in better shape than he was last season, and Hayes enters the 2016-17 campaign as the preseason pick to win Big Ten Player of the Year. Greg Gard, whose interim tag was removed at the end of the regular season, welcomes back many of the players who helped get Wisconsin to the Sweet 16 after a slow start to Big Ten play. Ethan Happ (12.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg) has the potential to be a star in the front court, with veterans Vitto Brown (9.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Zak Showalter (7.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) also figuring into the Badger rotation. Underclassmen such as sophomores Khalil Iverson and Andy Van Vliet will also be heard from this season, and with their pieces a third Final Four in four seasons is not out of the realm of possibility for Wisconsin.

6. North Carolina

After Marcus Paige’s improbable double pump three-pointer North Carolina was seconds away from forcing overtime in the national title game. You likely remember what happened next, with Ryan Arcidiacono finding Kris Jenkins with the latter’s three-pointer as time expired giving Villanova the national title. Now Roy Williams’ Tar Heels look to make another run, albeit without Paige and forward Brice Johnson. Junior point guard Joel Berry II (12.8 ppg, 3.8 apg), junior wing Justin Jackson (12.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and senior power forward Isaiah Hicks (8.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg) are all capable of breakout seasons, and the addition of freshman Brandon Robinson (along with the improvement of Kenny Williams) should make North Carolina a better perimeter shooting team. Losing Theo Pinson to a foot injury hurts, but the Heels have enough depth to account for his absence until he’s fully healthy. The big question for North Carolina is how they account for the loss of what Paige provided from a leadership standpoint, with Berry the most likely candidate to grab the reins.

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Duke guard Grayson Allen will be a national player of the year favorite (Getty)

5. Oregon

Once again Oregon enters the season with high hopes, and once again there’s an injury concern before the year begins. Last year it was guard Dylan Ennis who missed significant time with a foot injury, and now it’s forward Dillon Brooks (16.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.1 apg) who’s sidelined with a foot issue. Brooks’ versatility, as he can be used in a variety of ways by head coach Dana Altman, is what makes him a favorite for Pac-12 Player of the Year provided he get back on the court. That attribute (versatility) is critical for a team that while deeper than last season’s Elite Eight team doesn’t have as many versatile parts as they did a season ago with Elgin Cook and Dwayne Benjamin gone. Chris Boucher (12.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.9 bpg), who exceeded expectations in his first season as a Duck, is back for his senior season and will be joined in the front court by juniors Jordan Bell (6.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Kavell Bigby-Williams and freshman M.J. Cage. On the perimeter Ennis, Tyler Dorsey (13.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Casey Benson (6.0 ppg, 3.1 apg) all return, and freshmen Payton Pritchard and Keith Smith will also figure in the team’s plans. Oregon enters this season with lofty expectations, and how well they handle them will depend in part upon the health of their best player (Brooks).

4. Kentucky

The Wildcats have another talented freshman class, one that multiple scouting services rank as the best in the country. Guards De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk are both expected to start, as is power forward Bam Adebayo, with forwards Wenyen Gabriel and Sacha Killeya-Jones figuring prominently in the Kentucky rotation as well. Just as important to Kentucky’s success are the returnees, most notably guard Isaiah Briscoe (9.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.1 apg) and forward Derek Willis (7.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg). Briscoe’s been the leader for this group and he’s also improved his shooting form, and Willis’ abilities at the four give Kentucky a big man who can space the floor with his perimeter shooting. Head coach John Calipari will have to account for the loss of his top two scorers in Jamal Murray and Tyler Ulis, with the latter also being one of college basketball’s best leaders, but that’s par for the course in Lexington given the annual roster turnover.

3. Villanova

As noted on the previous page it was Villanova who won the national championship, with Kris Jenkins’ three-pointer from the right wing as time expired being the difference. Leaders Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu are gone, but in their place step seniors Josh Hart (15.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg; preseason Big East Player of the Year), Jenkins (13.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and forward Darryl Reynolds (3.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg). Add in returnees such as Jalen Brunson (9.6 ppg, 2.5 apg), Phil Booth (7.0 ppg, 2.1 apg) and Mikal Bridges (6.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg), with Bridges being a breakout candidate, and Fordham transfer Eric Paschall, and head coach Jay Wright will have the talent, experience and toughness needed to make another title run. Villanova’s freshmen will also be heard from, with Dylan Painter and redshirt freshman Donte DiVincenzo expected to contribute. What hurt the Wildcats was the NCAA decision to not clear five-star big man Omari Spellman for competition, leaving them a man short in the post. The biggest question for Villanova to address is the role of rim protector, left vacant by Ochefu’s graduation. If Reynolds can shift into that role without major difficulties, Villanova can become the first time since Florida in 2007 to repeat as national champion.

2. Duke

Mike Krzyzewski and his staff managed to reel in a recruiting class ranked right behind Kentucky in the national rankings. But injuries have been a factor thus far, with Harry Giles undergoing another knee procedure, Jayson Tatum suffering a sprained foot and Marques Bolden suffering a lower leg injury. Tatum will be ready to go when the season begins, but Bolden’s status after the opening weekend has yet to be determined and there’s no concrete date for a Giles return either. That all being said, everyone’s expected back at some point, and the combination of newcomers and returnees makes the Blue Devils a serious threat to win it all. Guard Grayson Allen (21.6 ppg, 4.6 ppg, 3.5 apg) will be a national player of the year candidate, and Frank Jackson, Luke Kennard (11.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and Matt Jones (10.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) are among the other perimeter contributors, with freshman Javin DeLaurier (who’s been a bit overlooked by some) and senior Amile Jefferson (11.4 ppg, 10.3 rpg) in the front court. A Sweet 16 team last season, Duke can be a lot more in 2016-17 provided everyone stay healthy.

1. Kansas

Bill Self has led the Jayhawks to 12 consecutive Big 12 regular season titles, and the expectation is that the streak extends to 13 this season. But this is also a team with the pieces needed to win a national title, which would be the second for Self at Kansas (2008) if they were to accomplish that feat. Guards Frank Mason III (12.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.6 apg) and Devonte’ Graham (11.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.7 apg) will serve as the leaders, with a very good crop of freshmen led by competitive wing Josh Jackson and center Udoka Azuibuike being added to the rotation. Returnees including Carlton Bragg (3.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg) LaGerald Vick (2.1 ppg), Svi Mykhailiuk (5.4 ppg) and Landen Lucas (5.8 ppg, 6.8 rpg) will all contribute as well. Those veterans also have the experience of last season, where as the top seed in the South Region they reached the Elite Eight before falling to eventual national champion Villanova. While Duke, the team picked by many for the top spot in preseason polls, has a lot to offer so do the Jayhawks. And with that being said, seeing Self cut down the nets in Glendale, Arizona come April would surprise no one.