uconnball17's Ballot for Preseason of 2016-17
Submitted on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 9:30AM EDT
FYI: This is a provisional ballot. It does not count towards this poll's results.
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Duke
|
Doesn't need an explanation; Allen, the freshmen, and a veteran like Jefferson is an amazing compliment. |
| 2 |
Kansas
|
Mason and Graham remind me as a UConn fan of Napier/Walker & Boatright/Napier. Plus, Josh Jackson. |
| 3 |
Kentucky
|
Monk was the purest scorer in the freshmen class; wealth of big bodies down low. |
| 4 |
Villanova
|
Returning talent is amazing, would've been higher if Spellman wasn't ineligible. Expecting huge jump from Brunson |
| 5 |
Oregon
|
Will be fine without Brooks for a bit, Boucher is one of the most underrated big men in the country. |
| 6 |
Wisconsin
|
Koenig and Hayes are both top 30 players in the country, return two other starters, as well. |
| 7 |
Arizona
|
So much talent on the wings, Trier could average 20. Need to get good PG play from someone. |
| 8 |
Michigan State
|
Still love this team, even without Valentine. Freshmen are insanely good, best Izzo's ever had. |
| 9 |
Indiana
|
Big things from Bryant, not as sold on OG as everyone else. Blackmon still has major potential. |
| 10 |
North Carolina
|
Jackson back is huge, but not sure Britt/Berry can make up for Paige's leadership. Still, insane talent on paper. |
| 11 |
Virginia
|
Perrantes has been in school for a decade. Nichols is a beast down low, and Kyle Guy's NBA upside could be JJ Redick. |
| 12 |
Xavier
|
Sumner needs to not suffer from Trimble syndrome and see a soph. dip. Bluiett, if he gets the ball enough, can be BE POY. |
| 13 |
Louisville
|
Mitchell's the best guard, but improvement from Snider is the most important factor. Love VJ King. |
| 14 |
UCLA
|
Still questions about Ball, but he'll get the benefit of the doubt for now. Thomas Welsh has developed well. |
| 15 |
UConn
|
Good freshman class combines with veteran upperclassmen, all around stud sophomore Jalen Adams. |
| 16 |
Gonzaga
|
Williams-Goss gives Few a floor general, but the biggest key is the return of the 40-year-old Karnowski. |
| 17 |
Purdue
|
Frontcourt is amazing with Swanigan/Haas, but they're going to need to find above average guard play somewhere. |
| 18 |
West Virginia
|
Not a lot of household names, but a sound squad that will play with chemistry and their signature intense defense. |
| 19 |
Syracuse
|
Questions about PG, but White was a huge addition. Lydon and Roberson hopefully play together a ton. |
| 20 |
Maryland
|
Trimble needs to take the leap he should've last year. Best new player: Dion Wiley, who missed all of last year injured. |
| 21 |
Iowa State
|
Monte Morris gets no love nationally, but is one of the three best PGs in the country (Fultz, Mason). |
| 22 |
Miami (FL)
|
Pair of five-star freshmen join a strong returning crop led by Newton and Davon Reed. |
| 23 |
Texas
|
Like UNC, major wing talent (Mack, Roach), and post presence (Allen). Hopefully Jones is the PG they need. |
| 24 |
Cincinnati
|
Caupain and Clark could both win AAC POY. Freshman Cumberland is underrated, and is one of Cronin's highest rated recruits ever. |
| 25 |
URI
|
Adding Matthews back to a core of Martin and Terrell give URI the best roster in the A10. Only question could be chemistry. |