falconlover79's Ballot for Preseason of 2019-20
Submitted on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 8:23PM EDT
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Kansas
|
A surprise pick? I think Bill Self is motivated as ever to rebound off a tough season, I think the Big 12 will be their once again. |
| 2 |
Michigan State
|
The injuries to Langford and Ahrens scared me away from giving them #1. I think Cassius himself can cover up, but rebounding is a concern |
| 3 |
Louisville
|
Talk about a quick rebuild. Chris Mack has Louisville ready to be back in the title hunt. Watch out for UMass transfer Kimble at PG. |
| 4 |
Kentucky
|
Calipari has seemingly learned that he needs a balance between stud freshmen and veterans in order to maximize the Cats' potential. |
| 5 |
Duke
|
The biggest question mark near the top; will the 4 freshmen around Tre Jones perform? There's some large (sometimes busted) shoes to fill. |
| 6 |
Florida
|
There's nowhere to hide for Mike White, he needs to produce a deep tournament run with the talent around him, this is his best team yet. |
| 7 |
North Carolina
|
Cole Anthony gets all the hype, but he needs some upperclassmen and transfers to help. UNC may start slow but they'll be a force by March. |
| 8 |
Ohio State
|
I'm high on Chris Holtmann as a coach, and the Wesson brothers as players. The supporting cast is good, and the B1G is down; 2017-18 repeat? |
| 9 |
Virginia
|
It'll be interesting to see how Tony Bennett handles the loss of Guy, Jerome, and Hunter. First game is @Syracuse, could be an upset? |
| 10 |
Seton Hall
|
Myles Powell. Kevin Willard has another top quality team in South Orange, he needs to finally get out of the 6-11 seed range. |
| 11 |
Baylor
|
That Texas Southern loss will be far in the rearview mirror for Bears fans. Tristan Clark and Mario Kegler could lead Baylor to a B12 title. |
| 12 |
Texas Tech
|
Texas Tech has done a great job of retooling in each of the last two offseasons. This year they added two transfers and a solid class of FR. |
| 13 |
Villanova
|
Villanova is coming off their worst season in 5 years. Jay Wright responded with a top 5 recruiting class, but who will be the leader? |
| 14 |
LSU
|
Will Wade is somehow still coaching, and he's got some elite talent to work with. Trendon Watford joins 3 returning starters from last year. |
| 15 |
Arizona
|
Arizona has somehow managed to continue bringing in quality recruting classes, I guess none of them watched ESPN. Cats should run the PAC. |
| 16 |
Maryland
|
Mark Turgeon vs coaching elite talent to a solid season. As long as he's coach, I don't believe Maryland is top 10. |
| 17 |
Gonzaga
|
Gonzaga brings one of the lowest amounts of returning production into the season. I trust Few to coach them well, but they need to prove it. |
| 18 |
Memphis
|
As someone who's usually low on teams full of freshmen, I can see Memphis easily rising if they can prove they have some chemistry. |
| 19 |
Purdue
|
Life without Carsen won't be easy, but the addition of Jahaad Procter gives them another go-to offensive weapon. Haarms is a baller too. |
| 20 |
Xavier
|
Travis Steele lucked out when his top 4 players all decide to leave the draft and come back for another year. Lots of talent in Cincy. |
| 21 |
Alabama
|
Nate Oats was smart to exit stage right from Buffalo. He arrives to a talented roster courtesy of Avery Johnson. They could win the SEC. |
| 22 |
Florida State
|
Leonard Hamilton has enjoyed a renaissance in the twilight of his career. It'll be tough to continue it as he lost a lot of talent. |
| 23 |
VCU
|
An 8 seed who lost basically nothing from last year's team? Sounds like a high-major to keep an eye on. The A-10 should be better this year. |
| 24 |
Houston
|
Houston got a big boost with Quentin Grimes being eligible. They might just be able to defend their conference title after all. |
| 25 |
NC State
|
Kevin Keatts is a winner. Next 10: Ok State, St. Mary's, Ole Miss, UT State, Illinois, Providence, Colorado, Cincy, Harvard, WKU |