| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Kentucky
|
Returning many key players, very strong recruiting class |
| 2 |
Arizona
|
Balanced and well rounded |
| 3 |
Wisconsin
|
Experienced and did not lose much from great team last year |
| 4 |
North Carolina
|
Top recruiting class with #1 player |
| 5 |
Duke
|
Deep team with returning POY candidate Marcus Paige |
| 6 |
Kansas
|
|
| 7 |
Florida
|
|
| 8 |
Louisville
|
|
| 9 |
Texas
|
|
| 10 |
Virginia
|
|
| 11 |
Wichita State
|
|
| 12 |
Iowa State
|
|
| 13 |
Villanova
|
|
| 14 |
Gonzaga
|
|
| 15 |
VCU
|
|
| 16 |
UConn
|
|
| 17 |
Michigan State
|
|
| 18 |
San Diego State
|
|
| 19 |
Nebraska
|
|
| 20 |
Ohio State
|
|
| 21 |
Oklahoma
|
|
| 22 |
SMU
|
|
| 23 |
Michigan
|
|
| 24 |
Iowa
|
|
| 25 |
Syracuse
|