falconlover79's Ballot for Preseason of 2018-19
Submitted on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 8:35PM EDT
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Kansas
|
Who needs Devonte' Graham? Kansas has reloaded with the Lawson twins, as well as a top recruiting class. Title #15 in a row should be won. |
| 2 |
Kentucky
|
I usually don't have Kentucky high because usually just a bunch of freshmen start. Reid Travis and some nice sophomores give them a bump. |
| 3 |
Virginia
|
You don't think this team is motivated to make people forget the past? Hunter leads the way as Tony Bennett's squad is out for revenge. |
| 4 |
Gonzaga
|
The Zags have a boatload of talent this year and are legitimate title threats but they need quality non-con wins, as well as 15+ WCC wins. |
| 5 |
Nevada
|
I'm fully buying into this Wolfpack squad. Jordan Brown teaming up with Caroline and the Martins? The MWC's best team since 2011 BYU/SDSU. |
| 6 |
Duke
|
I imagine this Duke team will take a few months to gel and find their identity. Losing Allen, amongst others, is going to be tough. |
| 7 |
Villanova
|
I have no reason to doubt Jay Wright and his ability to field a team. Quinerly should be the next great Nova PG and Paschall will feast. |
| 8 |
North Carolina
|
One name to keep an eye on for UNC: Kenny Williams. His ability to shoot the 3 could really elevate UNC's position come tournament time. |
| 9 |
Tennessee
|
Returning all but one player from last year's squad, the Vols are led by Grant Williams, one of the SEC players of the year last season. |
| 10 |
Michigan State
|
Cassius Winston may be one of the top PGs in the nation this year, and the rest of the starters are solid. How will their depth be? |
| 11 |
Auburn
|
This may actually be low for Auburn, whose talent should exceed last years team. We'll see how Wiley and Purifoy play after a 1 year hiatus. |
| 12 |
West Virginia
|
I'm incredibly high on WVU, if only because Huggy keeps pumping out quality teams every season. I can't wait to see Konate block everything. |
| 13 |
Michigan
|
I'm giving the Wolverines the benefit of the doubt as they enter life without MAAR and Moe. The bench will need to develop quickly. |
| 14 |
Virginia Tech
|
The only ACC team to beat UVA last year was their in-state rival. Buzzketball will be one of the top teams in the ACC this year. |
| 15 |
Syracuse
|
Boeheim nearly got to an Elite 8 last year, and he brings back most of the team. Dolezaj and Brissett are the best foreign duo in the ACC. |
| 16 |
Purdue
|
Carsen Edwards. Sorry Purdue, you're not quite at your familiar 15 spot quite yet. |
| 17 |
Oregon
|
This is a lot of faith to put into a team that is fresh out of the NIT. But Bol Bol and Pritchard should be enough in a weak PAC 12. |
| 18 |
Kansas State
|
K-State doesn't lose a single player from last season. That itself will be a big boost but I still have questions about Weber's coaching. |
| 19 |
Washington
|
Another team that will benefit from a weak PAC 12, the Huskies should get to the tournament in Mike Hopkins' second season. |
| 20 |
Marquette
|
Losing Rowsey is tough, but the Eagles still have Markus Howard and Sam Houser, and should be able to capitialize on a down year in the BE. |
| 21 |
UCF
|
They're coming for basketball now too! The Knights are led by All-AAC guard B.J. Taylor and they stay healthy, they might make a run. |
| 22 |
Florida State
|
I'm a bit low on the Noles, and again my concern is coaching. Leonard Hamilton has always had solid defences, but will the offence respond? |
| 23 |
TCU
|
Jamie Dixon is building a perennial contender in the Big 12 and the Frogs, led by Jaylen Fisher, are a well-rounded team. |
| 24 |
Maryland
|
Maryland has its best recruiting class in years, as Jalen Smith, Aaron Wiggins and Eric Ayala hope to recusitate this Terps team. |
| 25 |
Cincinnati
|
I trust Mick Cronin (and Jarron Cumberland) too much. Next 10: UCLA, Clemson, Bama, MSST, Loyola, Nebraska, LSU, Texas, WKU, Indiana |