ukfan8293's Ballot for Preseason of 2016-17
Submitted on Monday, October 24, 2016 at 9:49AM EDT
FYI: This is a provisional ballot. It does not count towards this poll's results.
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Duke
|
We won't know how good Duke can really be until they get into the heart of the ACC schedule, but for now they have the nod as #1 |
| 2 |
Villanova
|
Defending Champs have just as much reason as anyone to be up this high. Jenkins returning and other experience along with Jay Wright |
| 3 |
Kansas
|
Can Bill Self finally capitalize on an experienced talented team? We will know when they open with IU and Duke. |
| 4 |
North Carolina
|
Theo Pinson's injury could be a big blow to their rotation, but may help the young guys get some much needed early reps. |
| 5 |
Virginia
|
Stingy defense as usual will lead to another Tony Bennett coached team to early success |
| 6 |
Kentucky
|
Almost every year UK is overrated with their crop of freshman. Early non conference matchups will show us if they are good enough to be here |
| 7 |
Oregon
|
Dillon Brooks is a great player, but his injury puts the Duck's legitimacy into doubt. If anything we will get to see what they are made of. |
| 8 |
Michigan State
|
Typically under ranked to start the year. Izzo will have a chance to prove his team's worth against UK early. |
| 9 |
Wisconsin
|
Nigel Hayes isn't sneaking into this season, but he is good enough to carry an experience Badgers squad |
| 10 |
Xavier
|
Myles Davis off-court issues aside this team should be just as good as last year's team. Blueit is a stud to watch. |
| 11 |
Indiana
|
Can James Blackmoon play defense to even out his offensive upside? Crean should have a solid team this year. |
| 12 |
Arizona
|
Sean Miller is still looking for his first Final FOur and this team may get him there. Young and old mix seems to be blending well. |
| 13 |
Louisville
|
The Cards success this season will mostly be decided off the court. Can they separate themselves from the NCAA distraction. |
| 14 |
Gonzaga
|
Former Huskie Williams-Goss is the player to watch as Mark Few looks to rebound off a down year. |
| 15 |
Purdue
|
Returning three of their top four scorers Purdue looks to be dangerous in a competitive Big 10 this season. |
| 16 |
Syracuse
|
Boehim's "last" season looks to have a solid team, but can the future hall of fame coach make them a contender |
| 17 |
West Virginia
|
Huggins is the only man who can go to work everyday in a jogging suit and keep his job. His stingy defense is bolstered by experience. |
| 18 |
UConn
|
Kevin Ollie will have to blend his young team early to become contenders at the end. |
| 19 |
UCLA
|
Lonzo Ball and Alford are going to be quite the tandem but do they have a post player to go to when they need it? |
| 20 |
Maryland
|
Melo Trimble seemed destined to be a one and done, but now he is just looking to help Maryland compete in the Big10 this season. |
| 21 |
Cincinnati
|
Gary Clark and Trpy Caupain are a top 10 backcourt this season. Can Mick Cronin devise a plan to show them off? |
| 22 |
Texas
|
Shaka Smart has a talented team, but can they challenge Kansas? |
| 23 |
Creighton
|
Their top-two scorers return and hope to crash the party of the power five conferences this year. |
| 24 |
URI
|
Three of their four top scorers return with experience under their belt. Can they meet expectations and make a run in the tourney? |
| 25 |
Saint Mary's
|
Return their top five scorers from last season. An unknown to me on the east coast, but seem to get a lot of attention. |