RetMaestro's Ballot for Preseason of 2018-19
Submitted on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:31PM EDT
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Kentucky
|
The most original pick ever im sure, Cal still recruits well with the #2 recruiting class coming in and the top 2 scorers returning. |
| 2 |
Duke
|
Raw talent alone makes this team lethal, hopefully K can keep this talented squad from falling victim too freshman squad inexpedience |
| 3 |
Kansas
|
FBI OPEN UP! Its looking like De Sousa might not play and this could be a season of distractions. |
| 4 |
Villanova
|
Jay wright just won another title, this time he had a projected #1st rounder, he also has a top 20 class this time |
| 5 |
Virginia
|
Yes losing too UMBC was painful, funny for neutrals, but this team was the 1 seed for a reason and I doubt theyll miss a beat this year |
| 6 |
Gonzaga
|
RUI HACHIMURA!!! This team is loaded with talent returning a la their runner up year, Mark Few always puts together a respectable team too |
| 7 |
Tennessee
|
In true Vol fashion theyll miss the tourney since I have them this high but the SEC POTY returns with the other 5 highest scorers |
| 8 |
North Carolina
|
No looming NCAA sanctions has got too feel nice and Nassir Little has been nothing but clean in the FBI case so even more positively |
| 9 |
Nevada
|
5 star forward + the martin brothers = best team in school history on paper, this is the mid major darling of the year cmv |
| 10 |
Michigan State
|
im hedging my bets that MSU is better than Auburn on nothing but blind faith in Izzo, ideally this wont burn me but it will, I can feel it |
| 11 |
Auburn
|
disrepek thy name is Auby, returning most of the team that tied for the SEC has lead to high expectations and I cant wait to see them dancin |
| 12 |
Kansas State
|
first big 12 not named Kansas, this is the year for K-State to raise out hopes then dash them, most of the major pieces are back for round 2 |
| 13 |
Syracuse
|
Is Syracuse a march only team, maybe. This year I think theyll have a much less contentious march bid as they show up for the whole season |
| 14 |
Virginia Tech
|
1 of 3 teams to beat UVA, lost there lead scorer unfortunately but have their other roles still filled from last year, 5 seed at worst |
| 15 |
West Virginia
|
Press Virginia goes in and a AP ranking comes out, Jevon Carter is a loss but Huggy bear hasnt disappointed in the regular season |
| 16 |
Oregon
|
Absolutely loaded incoming class including Bol Bol has me a believer in Dana Altman and his mighty ducks |
| 17 |
Florida State
|
Phil Coffer got a 5th year waiver, the depth on this team seems to be a positive and they should be a solid top 6 team in ACC play this year |
| 18 |
Purdue
|
Edwards and Edwards might no longer be a thing but Edwards is still here and has been picked as a potential NPOTY, so uh...dont disappoint |
| 19 |
Michigan
|
I want you to know how much I hate that youre good. Beilein continues his stellar run as a coach with a title appearance, dont do it again. |
| 20 |
LSU
|
Will Wade still croots and is turning LSU into a nice destination, I dont think this is the year of contention but could be a breakout year |
| 21 |
Clemson
|
Im a bit higher on the Clemson train than most, crazy how Brownell was on the hot seat 2 years ago. 4 of the top 6 scorers return also.... |
| 22 |
Mississippi State
|
This NIT team is poised to take the awkward lurch forward into national relevance, hopefully. |
| 23 |
Cincinnati
|
Cincinnati's only ranked team kappa. |
| 24 |
UCLA
|
Do I trust Alford? No. Does he fall ass backwards into a tourney birth and a decent team every year? Yes. |
| 25 |
TCU
|
I like this squad, Dixon is a true leader bah gawd. The Big 12 is loaded and I think this squad is a dark horse number 2 in conference |