SPMsportspage.com's Men's College Basketball Top-25 Preview

By Ken Black: SPM NY Columnist (Commentary)
Posted Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Kansas Jayhawks pulled off a compelling comeback in last season’s NCAA title game by defeating Memphis in overtime to win the national championship. Although both teams lost some great players due to graduation or early exit to the NBA, both could be serious title contenders again if chemistry and karma are perfect, injuries stay away, and those new players getting their initial baptism into college basketball learn quickly.

Who are the other teams in the hunt for college basketball supremacy? Feast your eyes on the SPMSportspage.com men’s preseason Top 25 to find out (2007-08 final season records are in parentheses):

1. North Carolina (36-3)

Top returning players: F Tyler Hansbrough, 6-9, Senior; G Wayne Ellington, 6-4, Junior; G Ty Lawson, 5-11, Junior; F/G Danny Green, 6-6, Senior; F Deon Thompson, 6-8, Junior; G/F Marcus Ginyard, 6-5, Senior.

Top newcomers: F Ed Davis, 6-10, Freshman; F Tyler Zeller, 7-0, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Preseason injuries have beset the Tar Heels, as defensive ace Ginyard had surgery on October 8 to repair a broken foot and should be out until mid-December. October 30th brought news that reigning national player of the year Hansbrough is out indefinitely due to a stress reaction in his leg.

2. Connecticut (24-9)

Top returning players: F Jeff Adrien, 6-7, Senior; G A.J. Price, 6-2, Senior; G Jerome Dyson, 6-4, Junior; C Hasheem Thabeet, 7-3, Junior; G Craig Austrie, 6-3, Senior; F Gavin Edwards, 6-9, Junior.

Top newcomer: G Kemba Walker, 6-1, Freshman.

The Lowdown: With Thabeet dominating the paint and Adrien and Price providing leadership, the Huskies are the team to beat in the Big East and perhaps the nation. If Stanley Robinson returns and 6-10 Aussie recruit Ater Majok becomes eligible in December, UConn could win their third national championship.

3. Louisville (27-9)

Top returning players: G/F Earl Clark, 6-9, Junior; F Terrance Williams, 6-6, Senior; G Jerry Smith, 6-1, Junior; G Edgar Sosa, 6-1, Junior; G Andre McGee, 5-10, Senior; G Preston Knowles, 6-1, Sophomore.

Top newcomers: F Samardo Samuels, 6-8, Freshman; G Reginald Delk, 6-4, Junior.

The Lowdown: With rugged frosh Samuels a potential threat in the paint to complement Williams and Clark, the Cardinal's full court pressure defense becomes all the more formidable. The question that begs to be asked is who will replace departed center David Padgett as the calming influence on the floor when things get tight? Delk could be a huge addition.

4. Michigan State (27-9)

Top returning players: F Raymar Morgan, 6-8, Junior; G Kalin Lucas, 6-0, Sophomore; C Goran Suton, 6-10, Senior; G Chris Allen, 6-3, Sophomore; G Durrell Summers, 6-4, Sophomore; F Marquise Gray, 6-8, Senior; G Travis Walton, 6-2, Senior.

Top newcomers: F Delvon Roe, 6-8, Freshman; F Draymond Green, 6-7, Freshman; G Korie Lucious, 5-11, Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Spartans have size in the paint, leadership on the perimeter, they play defense, and you know a Tom Izzo coached team WILL rebound the basketball. This is the seniors’ last shot at making a run at the Final Four, which will be played very close to East Lansing this season, in Detroit.

5. UCLA (35-4)

Top returning players: G Darren Collison, 6-0, Senior; G/F Josh Shipp, 6-5, Senior; F/C Alfred Aboya, 6-9, Senior; G/F Michael Roll, 6-5, Junior.

Top newcomers: G Jrue Holiday, 6-3, Freshman; C J’Mison Morgan, 6-10, Freshman; G Malcolm Lee, 6-5, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Can the stellar recruiting class help the Bruins reach the Final Four for the fourth consecutive time? Collison and Shipp provide the leadership, but the freshmen will have to come up big to replace the terrific trio of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.

6. Texas (31-7)

Top returning players: G A.J. Abrams, 5-11, Senior; G/F Damion James, 6-7, Junior; F/C Connor Atchley, 6-10, Senior; G Justin Mason, 6-2, Junior; F Gary Johnson, 6-6, Sophomore; C Dexter Pittman, 6-10, Junior; F/C Alexis Wangmene, 6-7, Sophomore; F/C Clint Chapman, 6-10, Sophomore.

Top newcomer: G Varez Ward, 6-2, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Point guard D.J. Agustin left Austin for the NBA and the Charlotte Bobcats. Abrams brings back his 16.5 points a game scoring average and James showed what he is capable of when he had 16 points and 16 boards against Miami in the second round of the NCAA tournament last season.

7. Notre Dame (25-8)

Top returning players: F Luke Harangody, 6-8, Junior; G Kyle McAlarney, 6-0, Senior; G Tory Jackson, 5-11, Junior; G Ryan Ayers, 6-7, Senior; F Zach Hillesland, 6-9, Senior; F/C Luke Zeller, 6-11, Senior; G Jonathan Peoples, 6-3, Junior.

Top newcomers: Notre Dame had no signees.

The Lowdown: Harangody, last season’s Big East Player of the Year, was the choice of the league’s coaches to win the award again this year. McAlarney is one of the best long range shooters in the country. If he can continue to make shots from the perimeter, that will open up even more opportunities for Harangody on the interior, and the Irish will become very tough to beat.

8. Pittsburgh (27-10)

Top returning players: F Sam Young, 6-6, Senior; G Levance Fields, 5-10, Senior; F DeJuan Blair, 6-7, Sophomore; G/F Gilbert Brown, 6-6, Sophomore; F Tyrell Biggs, 6-8, Senior.

Top newcomers: G Jermaine Dixon, 6-3, Junior.

The Lowdown: The Panthers are physical and play tough defense. The key is Fields. If he can have an injury-free season, Pittsburgh can do some damage in the NCAAs.

9. Duke (28-6)

Top returning players: F Kyle Singler, 6-8, Sophomore; G/F Gerald Henderson, 6-4, Junior; G Jon Scheyer, 6-5, Junior; G Greg Paulus, 6-1, Senior; G Nolan Smith, 6-2, Sophomore; F Lance Thomas, 6-8, Junior; C Brian Zoubek, 7-1, Junior; F David McClure, 6-6, Senior.

Top Newcomers: G Eliot Williams, 6-4, Freshman; F Olek Czyz, 6-7, Freshman; F Miles Plumlee, 6-10, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Singler is a star and Henderson is one of the best slashers in the game. If Zoubek can be a factor, the Blue Devils can be very good.

10. Gonzaga (25-8)

Top returning players: G Matt Bouldin, 6-5, Junior; G Jeremy Pargo, 6-2, Senior; F Austin Daye, 6-10, Sophomore; F Josh Heytvelt, 6-11, Senior; G Steven Gray, 6-4, Sophomore; G Micah Downs, 6-8, Senior.

Top newcomers: G Demetri Goodson, 6-0, Freshman; F Andy Poling, 6-11, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Four of their five starters from last season return, led by Pargo, the reigning West Coast Conference Player of the Year. The big question: will the Bulldogs make it past the first round of the NCAA Tournament this year?

11. Memphis (38-2)

Top returning players: F Robert Dozier, 6-9, Senior; G Antonio Anderson, 6-6, Senior; G Doneal Mack, 6-5, Junior; F Sean Taggart, 6-10, Junior; G Willie Kemp, 6-2, Junior.

Top Newcomers: G Tyreke Evans, 6-6, Freshman; F/G Wesley Witherspoon, 6-8, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Last season’s overtime loss to Kansas in the national championship game only fuels their hunger for a return visit, as the Tigers have reloaded their roster. They still have size, length and will come after you defensively.

12. Oklahoma (23-12)

Top returning players: F Blake Griffin, 6-10,, Sophomore; G Tony Crocker, 6-6, Junior; G Austin Johnson, 6-3, Senior; F Taylor Griffin, 6-7, Senior; G Omar Leary, 5-11, Senior.

Top newcomers: G Willie Warren, 6-4, Freshman; G Ray Willis, 6-6, Freshman. F Ryan Wright, 6-9, Junior.

The Lowdown: Griffin is the best player in the Big 12. Wright is a transfer from UCLA, where he played in two Final Fours.

13. Purdue (25-9)

Top returning players: G E’Twaun Moore, 6-3, Sophomore; F Robbie Hummel, 6-8, Sophomore; G Keaton Grant, 6-4, Junior; G Chris Kramer, 6-3, Junior; F Nemanja Calasan, 6-9, Senior; F/C JaJuan Johnson, 6-10, Sophomore; G Marcus Green, 6-4, Senior.

Top newcomers: G Lewis Jackson, 5-9, Freshman; G Ryne Smith, 6-3, Freshman; G John Hart, 6-2, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Last season’s freshmen who led the team to a second-place finish in the Big Ten are sophomores now. Hummell is one of the top all-around players in the conference and Moore led the team in scoring.

14. Marquette (25-10)

Top returning players: G Dominic James, 5-11, Senior; G Jerel McNeal, 6-3, Senior; F Lazar Hayward, 6-6, Junior; G Wesley Matthews, 6-5, Senior; G David Cubillan, 6-0, Junior; G Maurice Acker, 5-8, Junior; F Dwight Burke, 6-8, Senior.

Top newcomer: Chris Otule, 6-10, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Former assistant Buzz Williams replaces Tom Crean as head coach. The Golden Eagles are lethal on the perimeter with James, McNeal and Matthews. Will any of the bigs make contributions in the paint to balance the outside attack?

15. U of Miami (23-11)

Top returning players: G Jack McClinton, 6-1, Senior; G James Dews, 6-4, Junior; F Brian Asbury, 6-7, Senior; F Dwayne Collins, 6-8, Junior; G Lance Hurdle, 6-2, Senior; F Jimmy Graham, 6-8, Senior; G Eddie Rios, 6-0, Sophomore.

Top newcomers: C Reggie Johnson, 6-9, Freshman; C Julian Gamble, 6-9,, Redshirt Freshman; G Ryan Quigtar, 5-11, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Four starters return from an NCAA Tournament team that was picked to finish last in the ACC a year ago. They are a very cohesive team that plays hard.

16. Tennessee (31-5)

Top returning players: F Tyler Smith, 6-7, Junior; F Wayne Chism, 6-9, Junior; C Brian Williams, 6-10, Sophomore; G J.P. Prince, 6-7, Junior; F Ryan Childress, 6-9, Senior; G Josh Tabb, 6-4, Junior.

Top newcomers: G Scotty Hopson, 6-7, Freshman; F Emmanuel Negedu, 6-7, Freshman; G Bobby Maze, 6-2, Junior.

The Lowdown: Although the Vols are short on experience to start the season, they may be deeper and more athletic than they have been in the past. Hopson and Maze could be keys to a great season if they develop as expected.

17. Arizona State (21-13)

Top returning players: G James Harden, 6-5, Sophomore; F Jeff Pendergraph, 6-9, Senior; G Ty Abbott, 6-3, Sophomore; G Derek Glasser, 6-1, Junior; G Jerren Shipp, 6-3, Junior; G/F Rihards Kusiks, 6-6, Sophomore; C Eric Boateng, 6-10, Junior; G Jamelle McMillan, 6-2, Sophomore.

Top newcomers: F Taylor Rohde, 6-8, Freshman; F/G Johnny Coy, 6-7, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Harden is one of the top players in the Pac-10. He has the ability to score from the perimeter and off penetration, plays great defense and makes his teammates better.

18. Florida (24-12)

Top returning players: G/F Nick Calathes, 6-6, Sophomore; G Walter Hodge, 6-0, Senior; F Dan Werner, 6-8, Junior; G Jai Lucas, 5-11, Sophomore; F Chandler Parsons, 6-9, Sophomore; F Alex Tyus, 6-8, Sophomore; F Adam Allen, 6-8, Sophomore.

Top newcomers: F Allan Chaney, 6-8, Freshman; F/C Kenny Kadji, 6-10, Freshman; F/C Eloy Vargas, 6-10, Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Gators are young and fun to watch, led by 2007-08 Co-Freshman of the Year Calathes. A loss in the post-season NIT semifinal last year after winning back-to-back national titles should motivate them to get back to the NCAA tourney this season.

19. Wake Forest (17-13)

Top returning players: F James Johnson, 6-9, Sophomore; G Jeff Teague, 6-2, Sophomore; G L.D. Williams, 6-4, Junior; G Ishmael Smith, 6-0, Junior; C Chas McFarland, 7-0, Junior; G Harvey Hale, 6-3, Senior; F Jamie Skeen, 6-8, Junior; F/C David Weaver, 6-11, Redshirt Junior.

Top newcomers: F Al-Faroug Aminu, 6-9, Freshman; C Tony Woods, 6-11, Freshman; C Ty Walker, 7-0, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Everyone’s back with arguably the best freshman class in the ACC to help. Johnson and Teague are a dynamic duo.

20. Davidson (29-7)

Top returning players: G Stephen Curry, 6-3, Junior; F Andrew Lovedale, 6-8, Senior; G Bryant Barr, 6-4, Junior; G/F Will Archambault, 6-6, Junior; G Max Paulhus Gosselin, 6-6, Senior; F Steven Rossiter, 6-7, Junior.

Top newcomers: G Aaron Bond, 6-4, Freshman; F Frank Ben-Eze, 6-9, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Last season’s NCAA tournament run was the coming out party for Curry. Three players from last year’s supporting class are gone, but the Wildcats should still have enough left to win the Southern Conference and an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.

21. Wisconsin (31-5)

Top returning players: G Trevon Hughes, 6-0, Junior; F Marcus Landry, 6-7, Senior; G Jason Bohannon, 6-2, Junior; G/F Joe Krabbenhoft, 6-7, Senior; F Jon Leuer, 6-10, Sophomore.

Top newcomers: G Jordan Taylor, 6-1, Freshman; C Jared Berggren, 6-10, Freshman; G/F Rob Wilson, 6-4, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Center Brian Butch and guard Michael Flowers are no longer around, but Hughes and Landry return to help the Badgers defend their Big Ten title.

22. Georgetown (28-6)

Top returning players: F DaJuan Summers, 6-8, Junior; G Jessie Sapp, 6-3, Senior; G Chris Wright, 6-1, Sophomore; G Austin Freeman, 6-4, Sophomore;

Top Newcomers: C Greg Monroe, 6-11, Freshman; F Julian Vaughn, 6-9, Sophomore; G Jason Clark, 6-2, Freshman; C Henry Sims, 6-10, Freshman.

The Lowdown: In your face defense and offensive execution are what the Hoyas do. Wright is back to pick up where he left off after getting injured last season, and with Summers, Sapp and the freshman Monroe to play with, it's business as usual.

23. Baylor (21-11)

Top returning players: G Curtis Jerrells, 6-1, Senior; G LaceDarius Dunn, 6-4, Sophomore; F Kevin Rogers, 6-9, Senior; G Henry Dugat, 6-0, Senior; G Tweety Carter, 5-10, Junior; C Josh Lomers, 7-0, Junior; C Mamadou Diene, 7-1, Senior.

Top newcomers: F Anthony Jones, 6-10, Freshman; F Quincy Acy, 6-7, Freshman.

The Lowdown: Jerrells is one of the most exciting players in the nation, Rogers is solid, and the Bears have size in the paint.

24. Nevada-Las Vegas (27-8)

Top returning players: G Wink Adams, 6-0, Senior; F Joe Darger, 6-7, Senior; G Rene Rougeau, 6-6, Senior; G Mareceo Rutledge, 6-3, Senior; G Kendall Wallace, 6-4 ,Sophomore.

Top newcomers: G Tre’Von Willis, 6-4 ,Sophomore; Beas Hamga, 7-0, Freshman; F DeShawn Mitchell, 6-5, Freshman.

The Lowdown: The Rebels lost a key player in 6-8 forward Matt Shaw, who is out for the season due to a torn ACL. Willis transferred in from Memphis, and should start at guard with Adams to form a troublesome twosome for opponents to deal with. Darger is a worker who can play anywhere on the front line.

25. Syracuse (21-14)

Top returning players: G Jonny Flynn, 6-0, Sophomore; F Paul Harris, 6-5, Junior; C Arinze Onuaku, 6-9, Junior; G Eric Devendorf, 6-4, Junior; G Andy Rautins, 6-5, Junior; F Rick Jackson, 6-9, Sophomore; F Kristof Ongenaet, 6-8, Senior.

Top newcomers: F Mookie Jones, 6-6, Freshman; F Kris Joseph, 6-7, Freshman.

The Lowdown: The loss of leading scorer Donte Green to the NBA's Sacramento Kings should be more than offset by the return of Devendorf and Rautins, both 3-point threats who were lost for most of last season due to knee injuries. Flynn is one of the best point guards in the country and Harris is one of the best rebounders period, despite his size. Look for the Orange to be better defensively this year.

Here are 15 other teams that may have what it takes to break into the top 25 during the season:

Alabama-Birmingham (23-11): Rob Vaden and Channing Toney (son of NBA great Andrew Toney) are back to lead Coach Mike Davis’ senior-laden team.

Clemson (24-10): Seven of the top 10 players return, including guard K.C. Rivers.

Kansas (37-3): The defending national champs will look to Sherron Collins to steady a young team that returns only four scholarship players from last season.

Kentucky (18-13): Patrick Patterson had a strong freshman season last year and Coach Billy Gillispie signed two top-50 recruits.

Louisiana State (13-18): Trent Johnson left Stanford to take over as head coach of the Tigers, who return guard Marcus Thornton and center Chris Johnson to the most talented team in the SEC’s Western Division.

Ohio State (24-13): After winning the NIT last year, the Buckeyes have their sights set on returning to the NCAA tourney. Securing the best recruiting class in the Big Ten, led by 7-footer B.J. Mullens, should help them get there.

Oklahoma State (17-16): Travis Ford, who coached Massachusetts to the postseason NIT title game last year, is the new head coach in Stillwater. His aggressive defensive pressure will make opponents hate playing the Cowboys, especially in Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Saint Mary’s (25-7): The Gaels will challenge Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference. Australian guard Patrick Mills returns after leading the Aussies in scoring at the Beijing Olympics. He scored 20 against the United States in the quarterfinal round.

Southern California (21-12): OJ Mayo and Davon Jefferson are out, and McDonald’s All-American DeMar DeRozan is in to join guards Daniel Hackett and Dwight Lewis, along with forward Taj Gibson.

Texas A&M (25-11): Three of the team’s top four scorers return, hoping to lead the Aggies to their fifth consecutive 20-win season.

Villanova (22-13): Scottie Reynolds is yet another in a lineage of fine guards that coach Jay Wright seems to turn out. If the Wildcats can get consistent contributions from their front line players to help Reynolds out, Villanova will make some noise in the Big East.

Virginia Tech (21-14): They have size in the post, thrilling (at times) 3-point shooting, and return nine of the team’s top 10 players. They work hard, especially on defense. The Hokies should be the ACC team that nobody wants to play, even moreso than last season.

Washington (16-17): Jon Brockman (17.8 points, 11.6 rebounds per game) may be the best kept secret in all of college basketball. If the Huskies get consistency in their guard play, as well as a commitment to play team defense, this could be the surprise team in the Pac-10.

West Virginia (26-11): Joe Mazzulla is back to leave it all on the court for the Mountaineers, who also picked up 6-9 Devin Ebanks from Indiana.

Xavier (30-7): Coach Sean Miller has three starters back, along with an impressive freshman class that includes 7-0 Kenny Frease. That should spell a third consecutive Atlantic 10 regular-season title.