njhokie5's Ballot for Preseason of 2016-17
Submitted on Monday, October 31, 2016 at 9:03AM EDT
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Villanova
|
Being national champions it's their #1 to lose. There's no reason they shouldn't be #1 until they prove they don't deserve it. |
| 2 |
Duke
|
Best recruting class in the country, as well as many returning starters with Allen and Amile Jefferson healthy. |
| 3 |
Kansas
|
Always a trouble maker, they once again have themselves a nice recruiting class. I love their back court with Mason III and look for Jackson |
| 4 |
North Carolina
|
Key returners with Meeks and Jackson. Always been a fan of Berry, look for him to take over for Paige absence. |
| 5 |
Kentucky
|
Always a strong recruiting class, they're a little low at 5 because I don't trust the "One and Done" philosophy. Briscoe as a sleeper scorer |
| 6 |
Oregon
|
Lots of returners for a team that looked dominate in the Pac 12. |
| 7 |
Arizona
|
I love their recruiting class which is why they are so high. I'm always worried Miller will have them under performing though. |
| 8 |
Virginia
|
2 words. London Perrantes, I think he carries them and proves all the haters wrong this year. Lots of good bench scoring and slow pace. |
| 9 |
Xavier
|
Edmund Sumner is a star, he will show it this year. Xavier has an easy early schedule. Look for Bluiett to be big, and hopefully Myles Davis |
| 10 |
Michigan State
|
Losing Valentine and Costello in the post will be tough. Solid recuting class and of course Izzo could coach any misfits to a good year. |
| 11 |
Wisconsin
|
Nigel Hayes leads a team that struggled a little last year. I think they run the Big Ten with Mich State. Indiana close behind. |
| 12 |
Gonzaga
|
The team that doesn't get as much respect as it should strictly because of conference. Karnowski is back and 2 huge transfers will be solid. |
| 13 |
UConn
|
Kevin Ollie always a great coach and recruiter. Amidah Brimer is unstoppable in the post in a weak AAC conference, Hurtful but true. |
| 14 |
Indiana
|
3rd best team in the Big Ten. I think people are too high on Purdue. Great history of success here, Crean can coach and recruit very well. |
| 15 |
Louisville
|
They want to shake off the scandal with a knockout start. Don't play anyone overwhelming for awhile and Pitino has a stud lineup per usual. |
| 16 |
UCLA
|
If Ball and Alford can share the same back court and benefit from one another this is a top 10 team. If not they will disappear. |
| 17 |
Maryland
|
Melo Trimble returns, but no Sulaimon or Stone. The on court experience isn't as high here but the raw talent is in place. |
| 18 |
Creighton
|
Too early to buy the Foster transfer as their saving grace, but McDermott can flat out coach and recruit. I love Watson leading them. |
| 19 |
Syracuse
|
Loaded roster. Lydon should be first team ACC. I love the Chukwu transfer from providence, he will emerge. Coleman at C can rebound big time |
| 20 |
Miami (FL)
|
They lost most of the big names and the big men. They were great one week and awful the next last year. New and untested talented. |
| 21 |
Seton Hall
|
Returning their big names except Whitehead. Desi Rodriguez is a double double machine and first team Big East. Amazing joint experience. |
| 22 |
Iowa State
|
Prohm has done well since Hoiberg left but not as good as hoped. No Niang will hurt but I like Kasongo to be a paint threat. |
| 23 |
Purdue
|
|
| 24 |
Cincinnati
|
|
| 25 |
Oklahoma
|
No Buddy Hield makes it tough. |