falconlover79's Ballot for Preseason of 2016-17
Submitted on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 9:10PM EDT
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Duke
|
Yikes. Grayson Allen returning was unexpected, but the massive recruiting class was not. I'm very scared of this team. |
| 2 |
Kansas
|
And the Big 12 refused to change. Josh Jackson adds onto this veteran team with Mason and Graham leading the charge. Lucky 13 for KU? |
| 3 |
Villanova
|
The champs are back with most of the gang coming back. Jenkins and Hart are obvious but watch out for Jalen Brunson this year. |
| 4 |
Virginia
|
As much as it hurts to say, the Hoos are underrated. Perrantes is great and Nichols will be an impact transfer. |
| 5 |
Kentucky
|
Another year, another freshman-laden lineup for the Cats. The SEC may have gotten tougher this year but so did Big Blue. |
| 6 |
Xavier
|
Chris Mack has this program back near the top. A disappointing tournament run should motivate this team led by Blueitt and Sumner. |
| 7 |
Wisconsin
|
Things were looking rough 11 months ago in Madison. Now, this team, fresh off the Sweet 16, is entirely back and ready to attack the Big Ten |
| 8 |
Oregon
|
The Ducks were possibly the big surprise of last year. A 1 seed in the last tourney; the Ducks have all the pieces to contend for it again. |
| 9 |
Arizona
|
After losing Zeus, Arizona may not have one standout leader, but they don't need one. This team is loaded with talent in all 5 positions. |
| 10 |
North Carolina
|
Moving the Heels down a bit because of the Pinson injury. The ACC is loaded but expect UNC to be near the top. Some intense Duke/UNC games? |
| 11 |
Gonzaga
|
Yes, the Zags often struggle to meet their goals; this year may be different. Some impact transfers add to an already tough rotation. |
| 12 |
Purdue
|
Swanigan and Haas are back and this frontcourt is as mean as last year. The guards should help Purdue challenge the likes of UW and MSU. |
| 13 |
Syracuse
|
Boeheim has another team that's fresh off a Final 4. Adding Andrew White to the mix should help and angry Boeheim and the Orangmen this year |
| 14 |
Michigan State
|
Valentine is gone, but the Spartans step back shouldn't be too big. A lot of freshmen are going to have to step up, especially Miles Bridges |
| 15 |
West Virginia
|
Huggins can never be overlooked and Press Virginia will be back. Names to watch out for are Daxter Miles Jr. and the senior Tarik Philip |
| 16 |
Indiana
|
The surprise BIG champs from last year may have a hard time repeating. Yogi is gone and the competition is increased;watch out for T. Bryant |
| 17 |
URI
|
I'm very high on this Rams squad. E.C Matthews is legit and basically the entire 2014-15 team is back. This is Hurley's big chance. |
| 18 |
UConn
|
Jalen Adams has the feel of a typical UConn guard, one that will tear your heart out in the NCAAs; even in the AAC Tournament, sorry Cincy. |
| 19 |
Louisville
|
Lots of tough competition in the ACC and it may be tough for the Cards to hang tough, but Adel and Mahmoud will have to impact in the paint. |
| 20 |
Texas
|
Another team with tons of explosive sophomores. Kerwin Roach is one of my favourite players to watch. If only Isaiah Taylor had come back... |
| 21 |
Iowa State
|
Monte Morris is so damn good. I'm not too worried about the frontcourt when you consider how good the backcourt is. Burton is the X factor. |
| 22 |
Texas A&M
|
Hogg, Davis and Gilder are so important to this team's success. Hampton will have to be an impact transfer. I believe they can challenge UK. |
| 23 |
Cincinnati
|
Caupain has the chance to be the leader and with Gary Clark and co. ready to contribute, I see this as a return to 2014 levels for Cincy. |
| 24 |
Dayton
|
Can't wait to see more Scoochie. The Flyers are once again among the top of the A-10, one of my favourite conferences to watch. |
| 25 |
California
|
I'm putting a lot of faith in Ivan Rabb. The Bears aren't going back to obscurity without a fight. Other teams: FSU, UCLA, VCU, Terps, Vandy |