falconlover79's Ballot for Preseason of 2017-18
Submitted on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 7:59PM EDT
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Michigan State
|
May be a bit surprising, but Bridges + Jaren Jackson Jr. will be a nasty duo with a great supporting cast. Love me some Cassius Winston |
| 2 |
Kansas
|
Hard to see them not breaking the record this year. Graham, Svi, Vick, Azubuike and Newman are all high quality players. |
| 3 |
Duke
|
Another monster recruiting class, but is it enough to overcome the lack of veteran players? Allen, and especially Bolden need to be big. |
| 4 |
Arizona
|
I'm a huge fan of Allonzo Trier and there's plenty more familiar names for Sean Miller's team who should be favourites in the Pac 12. |
| 5 |
Villanova
|
Jay Wright's squad is once again reloading instead of rebuilding. The loss of Josh Hart will be softened by Jalen Brunson's emergence. |
| 6 |
North Carolina
|
The National champs come back with another strong team led by Joel Berry. Elite 8 hero Luke Maye and Theo Pinson should both improve as well |
| 7 |
Wichita State
|
The AAC added a worthy team. The Shockers should be able to cope without Shamet early on, so long as McDuffie can shine like he should. |
| 8 |
Florida
|
SEC favourites? Possibly. Mike White returns many key players, most notably KeVaughn Allen. Watch out for Egbunu to have a monster year. |
| 9 |
West Virginia
|
Two super seniors, among others, look to pull off the impossible and win the Big 12. Carter and Miles should lead Press Virginia's offence. |
| 10 |
Kentucky
|
Another young squad for Calipari. Losing Jarred Vanderbilt is big, we'll see which freshmen can step up in his place. |
| 11 |
Notre Dame
|
It's hard to believe Bonzie Colson still has eligibility, but the 6'6 beast on the boards is back, and Matt Farrell will still be clutch. |
| 12 |
Minnesota
|
I've got high hopes for Richard Pitino's squad. Coming off a disappointing exit from the tournament last year, they return lots o production |
| 13 |
USC
|
Is USC a basketball school now? Sam Darnold wouldn't have it any other way. Derryck Thornton could be an impact PG to go along with Metu |
| 14 |
Cincinnati
|
Plenty of familar faces are back for the Bearcats, along with an intriguing new one. We'll see what impact Cane Broome has on the team. |
| 15 |
Xavier
|
Trevon Blueitt has got the band back together and J.P. "Buckets" Macura leads the supporting cast. |
| 16 |
Seton Hall
|
All aboard the Pirate hype train! Delgado along with Desi Rodriguez and Carrington should lead a legitmate run at Big East title. |
| 17 |
Gonzaga
|
A bit concerned about their guard play, but Tillie and Williams down low are solid replacements for Karnowski and Collins. |
| 18 |
Alabama
|
This was a fun team to watch last year with Braxton Key, but the addition of Colin Sexton makes them players in an interesting SEC this year |
| 19 |
Baylor
|
I find that Baylor is usually underrated going into the season, should be true again this year. Lecomte is the guy to look out for. |
| 20 |
Texas A&M
|
Robert Williams is the main focus of this Aggie team, but this isn't a one man show. Gilder and Hogg are both good veterans for them. |
| 21 |
Northwestern
|
Exciting times in Evanston. Northwestern should almost certainly make their 2nd consecutive tourney led by Law, McIntosh and Pardon. |
| 22 |
Purdue
|
A bit concerned about lack of forwards to play next to Purdue's resident model, Isaac Haas. Carsen Edwards is generating some hype though. |
| 23 |
Virginia
|
Tony Bennett and his army of white guys should play good defence and score about 40 a game, and that will be enough. |
| 24 |
Missouri
|
I'm very intrigued by the Tigers. The SEC will be better this year and the Tigers have the cats to compete. Porter(s) and Tilmon lead the wa |
| 25 |
Louisville
|
Hard to evaulate the Cards. Talented roster but who knows how Padgett will fair as a coach. Next 5: Saint Mary's, TCU, SMU, Oregon, URI |