KalonKral's Ballot for Preseason of 2018-19
Submitted on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 10:25AM EDT
FYI: This is a provisional ballot. It does not count towards this poll's results.
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Virginia
|
The No. 1 overall seed from last year’s tournament returns with nearly all of its major contributors. It’s not March, so trust the Wahoos. |
| 2 |
Nevada
|
It’s not often that you have 8 players that averaged over 10 ppg, including the Martins. Overwhelming depth and talent for Nevada. |
| 3 |
Gonzaga
|
An impressive frontcourt with Hachimura, Clarke and Tillie and I expect Norvell to take a big step forward this year. |
| 4 |
Kansas
|
I know this is probably too low. But today, I’m not sold that Vick can carry this team when he needs to and “Doke” has limits on offense. |
| 5 |
Kentucky
|
Travis Reid is going to be great for this team and it’ll be interesting to see if PJ Washington can follow up on those monster tourney games |
| 6 |
Duke
|
Today, Duke is all potential. With seemingly every top recruit in the nation, by the end of the year, they may just have the most talent. |
| 7 |
Tennessee
|
I love the bruisers – Grant Williams and the Admiral – and their bevy of shooters, but the offense can bog down in key spots. |
| 8 |
North Carolina
|
UNC could be a top 5 or top 3 team this year. With top talent returning, the development of Nassir Little may guide how high they soar. |
| 9 |
Syracuse
|
Another March, another Syracuse tournament run. The Big 3: Battle, Brissett and Howard are back and the zone reigns supreme. |
| 10 |
Michigan State
|
Cassius Winston is still a stone cold killer at the ends of games and Tom Izzo may be able to better deal with this more conventional lineup |
| 11 |
Kansas State
|
After their tourney run, they return everyone and have a bunch of guys who are ready to make big leaps forward. Oh, and Dean Wade’s back. |
| 12 |
Villanova
|
It’s unlikely Villanova falls too far after exodus of talent. Paschall and Booth anchor a rebuilding team still likely to top Big East. |
| 13 |
Auburn
|
The surprise of the SEC last year won’t sneak up on anyone this year. Brown and Harper lead a very balanced team. |
| 14 |
Florida State
|
Florida St. throws a lot of weapons (Mann, Cofer etc.) at opposing teams. They still have their traditional height advantage as well. |
| 15 |
West Virginia
|
A big step back for West Virginia without Jevon Carter. Sag Konate will block a million shots, but they need Esa Ahmad to get out of funk. |
| 16 |
Oregon
|
Bol Bol joins a rising Oregon team led by Payton Pritchard and other improving pieces. They could win mid-major Pac-12 conference. :) |
| 17 |
Miami (FL)
|
Chris Lykes, the 5’ 7” dynamo, has a bigger role on a team with a ton of weapons. Dewan Huell’s name change aside, a lot remains the same. |
| 18 |
Virginia Tech
|
Watch out for Virginia Tech. The kingslayers of the ACC return with most of their starters, ready to sting an unaware top dog. |
| 19 |
Arizona State
|
I love the Twin Towers of Romello White and De’Quon Lake. Plus, more Remy Martin this year can only be a great thing. |
| 20 |
Indiana
|
All eyes are on Indiana’s own Romeo Langford, but let’s take a moment this year to appreciate all Juwan Morgan will do. |
| 21 |
Wisconsin
|
Wisconsin finished strong last year. In Ethan Happ’s 23rd collegiate year, gutsy Brad Davison and other bring the Badgers back to relevance. |
| 22 |
Michigan
|
Michigan won’t fall as far as many think. Matthews, Simpson and Poole will anchor a rambunctious group that will make waves in the Big 10. |
| 23 |
Florida
|
They ultimately always seem to disappoint despite having overwhelming talent. I know Hudson and Allen are back, but let’s wait and see. |
| 24 |
Purdue
|
Trust in Carsen Edwards. Despite losing NBA talent, he’s still got Haarms, Eastern and transfer Boudreaux. They’ll hang in there. |
| 25 |
Xavier
|
They lost everybody. I get it. But the guys still here played a lot last year. Goodin, Marshall, Scruggs and Jones are good enough. |