conair513's Ballot for Preseason of 2016-17
Submitted on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 7:26PM EDT
FYI: This is a provisional ballot. It does not count towards this poll's results.
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Duke
|
It's hard not to put the Blue Devils here. This team is absolutely loaded with talent despite recent injuries to Tatum and Giles. |
| 2 |
Villanova
|
The Wildcats return almost the entire roster from a national championship team. Josh Hart is a POY contender. |
| 3 |
Kansas
|
Kansas returns a lot of experience from last year's Elite Eight squad. |
| 4 |
North Carolina
|
UNC will be just as good as last year without the leadership of Marcus Paige. |
| 5 |
Kentucky
|
Although the recruiting class is stellar, I believe it will take some time for the team to gel before they can break into the top 4. |
| 6 |
Virginia
|
The addition of Austin Nichols and a highly ranked recruiting class will continue Tony Bennett's run of strong Cavalier teams. |
| 7 |
Michigan State
|
MSU will be a very good top-10 team, but they will miss Denzel Valentine. |
| 8 |
Arizona
|
Sean Miller continues to be a recruiting juggernaut and this year's Wildcats are again top-10 material. |
| 9 |
Indiana
|
The Hoosiers should be Big Ten title contenders behind Thomas Bryant. |
| 10 |
Oregon
|
Oregon should be the number one team in the Pac-12. |
| 11 |
Xavier
|
Xavier will have one of the best backcourts in the country in Edmond Sumner and Trevon Blueitt. |
| 12 |
Louisville
|
Louisville is unaffected by off-the-court issues. Things continue as normal and Pitino puts together another solid season. |
| 13 |
Wisconsin
|
Badgers are well coached and have great chemistry. |
| 14 |
Purdue
|
These guys are tall. |
| 15 |
Gonzaga
|
Mark Few will not slowed by the departures of Kyle Wiltjer and Domantas Sabonis. |
| 16 |
UCLA
|
UCLA will be much improved over last season with their talented freshmen class. |
| 17 |
UConn
|
UConn has a lot of potential this season. Rebounding and lack of experience could be an issue. |
| 18 |
West Virginia
|
Country road. |
| 19 |
Syracuse
|
There's talent here, but Cuse should take a backseat to UNC, Duke, Virginia, and Louisville in the ACC. |
| 20 |
Texas
|
Shaka Smart has started to turn this program around. |
| 21 |
Maryland
|
A lot will depend on Melo Trimble. |
| 22 |
California
|
Ivan Rabb is going to be scary good. Good enough for a Cal top-25 ranking. |
| 23 |
Florida State
|
The Seminoles are on the rise. |
| 24 |
Cincinnati
|
Mick Cronin has a good nucleus of veterans. |
| 25 |
NC State
|
One reason: Dennis Smith Jr. He's going to be fun to watch. |