soccernamlak's Ballot for Preseason of 2018-19
Submitted on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 12:00AM EDT
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Kansas
|
It's a close call between pollsters whether Kansas or Kentucky is the #1 teambefore games start. Expect big #s this year w/ good perm. depth |
| 2 |
Kentucky
|
Another year, another loaded team. But this year is a bit more balanced with some good depth, includ. Reid Travis. Should be a fun season. |
| 3 |
Gonzaga
|
Strong experience + scoring ability (esp. if Perkins pans out as expected) means I wouldn't be surprised to see the Zags again in April. |
| 4 |
Duke
|
They lose 5 starters, but gain Barrett + Williamson + Reddish. High talent but inexperience as fresh will be weakness. Can K coach to title? |
| 5 |
North Carolina
|
This is a title contention team between the return of Maye + hot recruits of White and Little. If they develop well, expect a deep run. |
| 6 |
Nevada
|
Jordan Brown, three all-conf. players, and some hot transfers means this is one of Nevada's best teams ever. Int. def. depends on bigs |
| 7 |
Virginia
|
Downside: expect constant 1-16 jokes this year, esp. if they make another #1 seed. Plus side: defense strong as ever. Depth? We'll see Tony |
| 8 |
Tennessee
|
The SEC reg. season title sharers bring back all 5 starters + Williams. Their defense was superb last year, expect it to be even better. |
| 9 |
Villanova
|
They have experience, but lost four strong picks in the draft hurts. That's rare for the Wildcats, but this is an elite program with Jay. |
| 10 |
Auburn
|
They lose Heron, but get back their talented guards + add Doughty. This should solve the rebound height problem from last season. |
| 11 |
Michigan State
|
Bridges and Jackson leaving hurts, but Winston Langford Ward are ready to step up. Plus who's betting against Izzo in March? |
| 12 |
Kansas State
|
No one left for the draft and they add Williams. With Brown and Wade back, the hope is they can improve from their 22-11 record last year. |
| 13 |
Michigan
|
It's going to be tough to make it to April this year especially with 4 key players leaving. If new players can provide needed depth, maybe? |
| 14 |
Syracuse
|
Tyus Battle is back. Avg. 14 reg. season loss last 4 years and 77% tour. wins in same time. But offense? sub-300th in 2/3% last year. 18-19? |
| 15 |
Virginia Tech
|
4 returning starters and Chris Clarke this year, so making it past 1st weekend strong possibility. >1ppp in last 14/17 games need improving |
| 16 |
Florida State
|
An enigma for sure, considering an average season followed by dominate tournament run. Mann+Cofer return and Walker should keep them solid. |
| 17 |
UCLA
|
Everyone but Holiday is back, but expect slow start. ONeal + Campbell out for season and Olesinski for a few months hurts their chances. |
| 18 |
Oregon
|
Great talent despite losing 3 starters. Pritchard with Bol and King could be magical, but will need to prove during reg. season play. |
| 19 |
West Virginia
|
They lost a lot from their backcourt this year (include. Carter), so front court ever more important this year. Still no surprise if 25+ win |
| 20 |
Purdue
|
If Edwards pans out as an elite guard for this team (NOPY even?), then expect Purdue to go far this year. Otherwise? It'll be tough. |
| 21 |
LSU
|
They lose a lot of talented players, but gain a lot of new young talent that can help Waters (a top PG). New recruits will dictate T25 place |
| 22 |
Mississippi State
|
Howland has taken his time building a team, but greatness is measured over years, not a season. Increased offense will help, but SEC stacked |
| 23 |
Clemson
|
They lose 3, but return Reed and Mitchell + freshman Jemison. No surprise if we see a Top 5 seed this year. |
| 24 |
NC State
|
Yurtseven leaving hurts, now size will be issue. But have tons of guards who can play.Bryce/Dorin should be strong but ACC will be challenge |
| 25 |
Marquette
|
Howard/Hausers will provide the offense necessary for consistent T25. Staying will require defense.Bottom 1/2 past 2 seasons will not cut it |