fullcourt40's Ballot for Preseason of 2014-15
Submitted on Monday, October 20, 2014 at 6:26PM EDT
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Kentucky
|
Their 2nd 5 is a top 25 team. Normally would hate putting unproven - but they do have experienced backcourt to start the season. |
| 2 |
Duke
|
Top freshman. Added size across the board. Should be a much better defending team this year. |
| 3 |
Wisconsin
|
Almost everyone returns. Bo knows how to mold his guys. Kaminsky becomes the hunted now - will be interesting to see how he takes that role |
| 4 |
North Carolina
|
Tremendous frontcourt. Luster has been shaken a tad with some questionable losses last few years. Regain form this year. |
| 5 |
Kansas
|
Alexander is a stud. Return a lot of talent. Self is consistently underrated in terms of coaches in the country. |
| 6 |
Arizona
|
Love the frontcourt. Love McConnell. Great to have Ashley back. Ranked lower than most because I fear the absense of Johnson will hurt |
| 7 |
Louisville
|
Pitino will have maybe one of his best defensive teams ever. Offensively may struggle at times with Russ bailing them out. |
| 8 |
Villanova
|
Lack of frontcourt depth may hurt longterm. But have a top 5 backcourt and play an under the radar type of basketball |
| 9 |
Wichita State
|
Will wear a target all year. Early leaving hurts defensively, but Baker and Van Vleet running the offense will make good D's look bad |
| 10 |
Florida
|
Eli Carter will be a big transfer for them. Lose majority of experience, but Donavon can coach and team is always in contention |
| 11 |
Texas
|
One of the top frontcourts in the country. Still want to see more on the offensive end before putting them higher |
| 12 |
Gonzaga
|
I'll regret putting them here in March. Senior Guards. Skilled frontline. Quality transfers. Have most complete team since 05-06 in Spokane |
| 13 |
VCU
|
They can always score. They always play HAVOC. Expec them to show plenty of ANGER after how last year ended. |
| 14 |
Virginia
|
Same reason I have Arizona lower. I think the loss of Joe Harris will show its effects early. Lots of pressure on Brogdon to carry the load. |
| 15 |
Iowa State
|
No Deandre Kane. But I don't think that will be a problem. The loss of Niang haltered their chances last year. The Mayor will have them back |
| 16 |
San Diego State
|
I've bought completely in to Steve Fisher. They lose quality player after quality player are still good for 30 wins. |
| 17 |
Michigan
|
Beilein. That's all that needs to be said. They run a beauty of an offense and GRIII and Stauskas leaving won't slow them down much |
| 18 |
Oklahoma
|
They can compete with any team in America as far as starting lineup goes. The bench is unproven, but Kruger has 30+ game to develop rotation |
| 19 |
Michigan State
|
Not sure what to expect from Izzo this year, other than to not count his team out. His teams that should struggle, generally do quite well |
| 20 |
SMU
|
They have a lot of really good pieces. They don't play in the toughest of conferences. Will the snub of the tourney last year light a fire? |
| 21 |
Kansas State
|
Foster is a national POY candidate. If he plays within himself and gets the right kind of help, they can compete for a top 2 spot in the XII |
| 22 |
Nebraska
|
Nebraska could finish 2nd in the Big Ten. Think about that statement. |
| 23 |
Stanford
|
They started to click in March last year. This is Dawkins big year to back up last years tournament result. |
| 24 |
Ohio State
|
Like the roster. Although a leader, Craft did not have a great senior season so his loss should be absorbed somewhat. Still lack scoring |
| 25 |
UConn
|
No Napier. No Daniels. No Giffey. In comes Hamilton and Purvis. Ollie will coach 'em up, but Bazz bailed them out a lot last year at times |