2010-11 Preseason Top 25

Posted by Marc Daley

1. Duke. The J.R. Ewing of college hoops is back to defend their title with Paul Bettany playing the role of Kyle Singler while Jennifer Connolly stays home to watch the kiddos. Nolan Smith steps out of the shadows of Jon Scheyer to become the prominent backcourt stud while the Plumlee brothers add intangibles up front. If Seth Curry provides 75% of the scoring he did at Jerry Falwell Tech and Kyrie Irving lives up to the Lady Gaga-like hype the Devils should be as good as advertised but it doesn't look like there'll be a dominant force in the 2010-11 college hoops galaxy.
2. Michigan State. Continuing a familiar theme in East Lansing, the Spartans look to go back to the Final Four for a third straight year. A lot of it depends on Kalin Lucas' health but at least Tom Izzo came to his senses and realized he didn't want to endure a season of being Not Hot in Cleveland. Derrick Nix, Garrick Sherman and frosh Adreian Payne are frontcourt factors who could tip the scales in a championship matchup with the Dookies.
3. Kansas. Bill Self wakes up with nightmares of Ali Farokhmanesh draining a jumper from Dolly Dagger-land but the security blanket that is Marcus Morris should send him back to a peaceful slumber. Josh Selby's eligibility is the X-factor. If he gets to play pencil in the Jayhawks for a trip to Houston. Without him, they are probably second to the in-state rivals who ply their trade in the Little Apple.
4. Ohio State. This might raise some slight eyebrows, and if Robbie Hummel hadn't become college hoops' answer to Greg Oden the Boilers would be the Big Ten representative in the top four. Don't discount the Buckeyes. Evan Turner is dazzling in Philly now but Buford, Lighty and Lauderdale will form an incredible five-man unit with Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas. They just need a conductor to run the show.
5. Villanova. Speaking of things cheesesteak-related, the Two Coreys (not those guys from the 80s who had a creepy fondness for Michael Jackson) will actually have a frontcourt to feed the orange to. Pena, Yarou and Sutton are joined by JayVaughn Pinkston, who gives them a tailor-made small forward. Don't be surprised to see these 'Cats in the Final Four for the second time in three years.
6. Purdue. I'm not sure if someone is sticking pins in a Robbie Hummel doll. He seems like a nice kid. Stop it. Anyway, E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson form a stellar inside-outside combo. Terone Johnson might be counted on to run the show from day one but a deep bench is ready to help fill in the blanks. They should contend with the Columbus crew and the East Lansing elite for Big Ten honors.
7. Pittsburgh. Much like the city where they ply their trade, the Panthers aren't always pretty to watch. When you play them, you will leave battered, bruised and likely humbled. One has to wonder if they'll finally break through to elite status and get themselves off the list of the best programs to never make the Final Four. Look for Dante Taylor to possibly follow teammate Ashton Gibbs as the most improved player in the Big East.
8. Florida. It's been a while since the Gators found themselves in the rarefied air. Honestly, if Billy Donovan hadn't gone back-to-back someone else would probably be leading the troops in Gainesville. Now they're poised to take back the SEC. All five starters come back but one or two freshmen need to step into primary bench roles if the Gators are truly going to come back to the forefront.
9. Kansas State. I like the beard (not on me. Beards on bald guys makes it look like they have hair on upside down). However, without super-speedster Denis Clemente, Jacob Pullen will be a huge focus of every rabid backcourt defender in the country. The locals in Manhattan are counting on Freddy Aspirilla to add frontcourt presence but Rodney McGruder or Will Spradling might prove to have more impact on the Wildcats' fortunes.
10. Missouri. Lurking in the shadows of the plains is a team that was moribund (aka piss-poor for those of you scoring at home) for much of the first decade of the new millennium. Mike Anderson has the Tigers roaring again. If one of Paul Pressey's kids can contribute to a lineup that has great inside-outside balance they could equal their 2009 Elite Eight finish. Unlike Pittsburgh, who are also trying to get to the rare Final Four air, this team is one where you have to save the bathroom breaks until the commercial break as they are fun to watch.
11. Kentucky. Remember the last Memphis team John Calipari had? (I would hope so, it was only two years ago.) They ripped through Conference USA only to lose to (cue eerie music) Missouri in the Sweet 16. Like this year's Wildcats, they had a heck of a recruiting class. This year's Wildcats reminds me a lot of that Memphis team. Enes Kanter is being compared to Nelson Mandela by rabid UK fans (a bit much, if you ask me) and is the obvious X-factor of a talented, but inexperienced bunch.
12. Syracuse. Fab Melo tries to the second "Fab Melo" in recent Orange history. If he lives up to expectations he could be better than Rony Seikaly (at the very least he'll be better than Craig Forth or Andre Hawkins). Andy Rautins is gone but Brandon Triche, Scoop Jardine and Mookie Jones still form a solid backcourt. Jim Boeheim will continue to look miserable as he nears his 850^th win.
13. Illinois. Every year it seems like a team that was hanging out in the netherworld of the NIT makes a huge jump back into the good graces of the college hoops galaxy. I know some people are thinking the Tar Heels, but the Illini look more poised to make the return. Six players who started at least 14 games come back and are joined by a top recruiting class which includes the younger brother of Champaign legend Luther Head.
14. Memphis. Josh Pastner has wanted to be a top coach since he could utter the word "coach" from his drool-stained toddler lips. Congrats, Josh, you've come a long way from looking like Mike Bibby's tag-along friend in 1997. They got snubbed by the committee last year but a monster recruiting class combined with underrated veteran Wesley Witherspoon means a likely return to the Dance.
15. Gonzaga. Wasn't last year the year the Zags were supposed to fall? Somewhere Mark Few is laughing along with the rest of the Spokane Hippie Brigade. Seriously, these guys look like a bunch of heads who got bored after a Widespread Panic concert and decided to shoot some hoops but Steven Gray, Elias Harris and Co. will once again vie for the title of the best program in the West.
16. Baylor. OK, they have a guy who is considered by some pundits to be the best player in the college hoops galaxy. But that same player is dealing with some off-the-court issues and the only other proven scorer didn't start a game last season. Top-10 recruit Perry Jones could be this year's Ekpe Udoh and will likely bolt for the pros as well after one year. It all depends on how long (or if) LaceDarius Dunn will be out of service.
17. Tennessee. They might be the surprise team this year. They finally broke through to (somewhat) elite status last year and return one of the best frontcourts out there, bolstered by the addition of phenom Tobias Harris. Scotty Hopson is a one-man backcourt gang but doesn't have to be thanks to a deep bench. Now if Bruce Pearl can just stay legal for less…
18. Virginia Tech. Malcolm Delaney starred in relative obscurity in the college hoops galaxy (think of him as Pluto in this scenario) and he's joined by the rest of the starting lineup from last season. Florida transfer Allen Chaney and heralded recruit Jarell Eddie add depth to a team that probably won't challenge Duke for top Tobacco Road honors but should finish a solid second – as long they can shoot straight.
19. Brigham Young. Jimmer Fredette introduced himself during the NCAA tournament and then Mormon nation breathed a collective sigh of relief when he announced he was coming back. (I know the Osmonds' oxygen intake caused a slight gale force wind when Fredette made the announcement). The Cougars need someone to step up in the frontcourt (where's Michael Smith or Shawn Bradley when you need them?)
20. Washington. Abdul Gaddy was supposed to be the perfect complement to Isaiah Thomas last season. Like the rest of the Pac-10 he fell way short. I don't see that happening again. Matthew Bryan-Amaning looks ready to explode this year in the pivot and Tyreese Breshers could be the Huskies' answer to Rick Mahorn if he can keep his emotions in check. Another Sweet 16 finish, unlike last season, won't be a surprise.
21. Butler. They'll miss Gordon Hayward a lot. Ronald Nored and Zach Hahn simply aren't going to provide the offense to keep teams from doubling up on Shelvin Mack. Matt Howard and his awful facial hair will keep frontcourts honest but a return trip to the championship game would be much more miraculous than last year's run.
22. North Carolina. I don't see why everyone is suddenly celebrating the Tar Heels' return to glory. John Henson and Larry Drew still need to show me consistency night after night, though Harrison Barnes looks like the best candidate to take Freshman of the Year honors in the college hoops galaxy.
23. San Diego State. The Mountain West is actually better than some BCS conferences (say, Pac-10?). Part of the proof is the Aztecs, who look primed to actually win an NCAA tournament game for the first time in program history. Four starters come back but the key will be last year's sixth man Chase Tapley, who steps in as the new starter.
24. Minnesota. Tubby Smith likes to use nine or ten players but may not have that luxury this season. Still, the six that are likely to play the bulk of the minutes have all proven they can play in the Big Ten. The freshman class doesn't look spectacular, but Smith has never been a recruiter of studs and still manages to find one or two in the bunch.
25. Georgetown. Yeah, they lost Greg Monroe. Yeah, they got blitzed by a bunch of outside shooters from Athens. Yeah, they'll be back this year with a vengeance. Unlike past Hoya teams, this team usually shoots exceptionally well and Austin Freeman will carry the torch for diabetics that Adam Morrison used to carry before he warmed the bench and got a championship ring.

Power Ranking The Top 25 Starting Line-ups

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last year, the pre-season top 25 hoisted some teams that didn’t last throughout the season. Some were left out the top 25 after a few weeks of college basketball.

I don’t think we will see that kind of performance from any team this year.

The College Basketball rosters are starting to look clear and player’s transfers are starting to calm down.

We are starting to get a taste of who are going to be the contenders and pretenders.

This sets a great basketball season this winter.

You have Harrison Barnes, the best freshmen in the class at North Carolina. Kyrie Irving, the best point guard in the class filling the void Jon Scheyer left at Duke.

But who really has the best rotation in college basketball?

25. Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Bulldogs didn't return their leader Matt Bouldin, but they'll be just fine. They still are equipped with Steven Gray and a almost identical player to Bouldin, as well as Elias Harris.

Their starting roster will not 'wow' a lot of people but that doesn't mean they will not get it done.

Each player on this team will have to step up and fill the void that Bouldin left. If that happens and Harris is dominant, I made the right decision putting them here.

[G - Demetri Goodson, G - Steven Gray, F - Bol Kong, F - Elias Harris, C - Robert Sacre]

24. Wisconsin Badgers

So the Badgers lost Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon, but what else? The Badgers returned their strong frontcourt and brought in four recruits that will help out the rotation. 

Look for the senior Jon Leur to step up and make plays for the Badgers. 

With him, Jordan Taylor and Josh Gasser, I think the Badgers have a pretty decent starting lineup

[G - Jordan Taylor (Watch out for Gasser here), G - Rob Wilson, F - Tim Jarmusz, F - Jon Leur, C - Keaton Nankivil]

23. Arizona Wildcats

The Wildcats are my sleepers this year. They have a lot of sophomore players returning, along with their senior veterans.

The Wildcats gained much needed experience last season and will surprise everybody this year.

With the tandem of Derrick Williams and Lamont Jones, the Wildcats may be brewing a cup of success.

[G - Lamont Jones, G - Josh Fogg, F - Kevin Parrom, F - Jamelle Horne, C - Derrick Williams]

22. Temple Owls

The Temple Owls returned both, Juan Fernandez and Lavoy Allen. Both of these players are on their way to a breakout season.

Not to mention, their tight defense will always be there.

With that said, it's going to be hard keeping them out of the top 25 this year. They lost Ryan Brook and Luis Guzman but still have a chance to create some buzz around their school.

[G - Ramone Moore, G- Juan Fernandez, F - Rahlir Jefferson, F - Lavoy Allen, C - Michael Eric]

21. Virginia Tech

Last season, the Hokies didn't go dancing because of their weak non-conference schedule. However, this upcoming season will be totally different.

The Hokies returned Malcolm Delaney and the rest of their impact players from a season ago.

With basically the same team from last year, the Hokies shouldn't have a problem dancing.

[G - Malcolm Delaney, G - Dorenzo Hudson, F - Terrell Bell, F - Alan Chaney, F - Jeff Allen]

20. Tennessee Volunteers

The Volunteers rode on passion for most of the second half of the season. They went out and out-hustled you and just flat-out wanted it more.

They had a few walk-ons that stepped up big-time for them last season.

Next season, they'll still be equipped with the experience along with a special freshman in the frontcourt.

[G - Melvin Goins, G -Scotty Hopson, F - Renaldo Woolridge, F - Tobias Harris, C - Brian Williams]

19. Butler Bulldogs

The Bulldogs made a magnificent run to the National Championship this past season. However, many people are trying to credit all the success to lottery-pick Gordon Hayward.

However, it was also Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard who contributed as well.

With a freshmen like Kyhle Marshall, the Bulldogs shouldn't have a problem solidifying themselves as contenders again.

With a coach like Brad Stevens, you can achieve anything.

[G - Ronald Nored, G - Shelvin Mack, G - Shawn Vanzant, F - Kyhle Marshall, C - Matt Howard]

18. Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears seem like they lost a lot this season. Ekpe Udoh was drafted in the lottery, Tweety Carter and Josh Loomers reached their final years of eligibility.

However, they did lure in the highest rated recruit in the school’s history. Perry Jones will be a beast in the post. He is a better version of Udoh.

Along with his are LaceDarius Dunn and Quincy Acey. All three of these players will continue success.

[G -A.J Walton, G - LaceDarius Dunn, F - Anthony Jones, F - Quincy Acey, F - Perry Jones]

17. Memphis Tigers

Josh Pastner was a due a huge recruiting class. He is restoring the Tigers from the shame before. They'll have a freshmen backcourt along with an experienced frontcourt.

Their top recruiting class will be on display this winter. It'll be mostly due to who can step up and take the leadership role in the offense.

[G - Joe Jackson, G - Will Barton, G - Roburt Sallie, F - Wesley Witherspoon, F - Will Coleman]

16. Florida Gators

The Florida Gators was heartbroken in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They allowed BYU's Jimmer Fredette to single-handily take over the game.

However, this up-coming season, I don't think that will happen. The Gators bring in a McDonalds All-American and another recruit that will make a big splash next season.

Not to mention, Chandler Parsons showed off during the LeBron camp. The Gators are the most improved from last season.

[G - Erving Walker, G - Kenny Boynton, F - Chandler Parsons, F - Alex Tyus/Patric Young, C - Vernon Macklin]

15. Missouri Tigers

If you want to know how to play team defense, watch the Missouri Tigers. I don't think there's a better defense in the NCAA right now.

They use a tight press that creates a lot of turnovers. That's where they score most of their points. In addition, they brought in some sure playmakers that will only add to the defensive success.

[G - Michael Dixon, G - Marcus Denmon, G - Kim English, F - Tony Mitchell, F -Justin Safford]

14. NC State Wolfpack

If anybody pulled in a great recruiting class, it was NC State. The Wolfpack will have three impact players suiting up next season. 

With the talent they have installed in their roster, if Sidney Lowe doesn't make this team a contender, he should be done.

[G - Ryan Harrow, G - Lorenzo Brown, F - C.J Leslie, F - Scott Wood, F - Tracy Smith]

13. Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks lost their top three contributors from last season. However, I still believe they'll be fine.

They acquired the electrifying Josh Selby who will have to be the leader of this team. Not to mention, outside of Aldrich, Collins and Henry, everybody else stayed.

[G - Josh Selby, G - Brady Morningstar, F - Mario Little, F - Markieff Morris, F - Marcus Morris]

12. Kentucky Wildcats

It's starting to become a new trend in college basketball. All the top prospects usually favor Kentucky as their college choice. Since five scholarship players left for the 2010 NBA draft, it gave Kentucky more options.

This year they brought in more five-star recruits. However, without Enes Kanter, it will be hard to produce in the paint.

[G - Brandon Knight, G - Doron Lamb, G - Darius Miller, F - Terrence Jones, F - Deandre Liggins]

11. Washington Huskies

The Huskies missed out on a chance to land Terrence Jones, but still they are equipped with a talented team. The Huskies were on the brink of an Elite Eight berth, but just couldn't make enough plays. 

However, this year with more playmakers the team will have more than enough scoring to compete at high levels.

[G - Isaiah Thomas, G - Abdul Gaddy, G - Terrence Ross, F - Darnell Gant, F -Matthew Bryant-Armstrong]

10. North Carolina Tar Heels

The Tar Heels were the most disappointing team this past season. They started the season ranked, and ended up in the NIT.

However, with the No. 1 overall recruit going to your school, you have a chance to be something special.

[G - Larry Drew, G - Dexter Strickland, F - Harrison Barnes, F - John Henson, C - Tyler Zeller]

9. Syracuse Orange

Syracuse lost three of their top contributors from last season. Andy Rautins was beneficial to the zone. Now that he is gone, they'll need someone to step up.

With Wesley Johnson gone, they lack a wing threat and Arinze Onuaku will easily be replaced.

Jim Boehim is still on the sideline, and their awesome 2-3 zone will only be that more crisp with more athletic playmakers on the floor.

[G -Scoop Jardine, G - Brandon Triche, F - Kris Joseph, F - Rick Jackson, C - Fab Melo]

8. Villanova Wildcats

Villanova did lose their floor-general Scottie Reynolds but returned more than he lost. Their starting lineup will hoist no freshman; just all experience sophomores and seniors that are ready to play.

The x-factor next season will be Corey Fisher. If he steps up and leads the team, they'll have a productive year.

[G - Corey Fisher, G - Dominic Cheeks, G - Corey Stokes, F - Antonio Pena, F - Mouphtaou Yarou]

7. Illinois Fighting Illini

This past year, the Illini underachieved by a wide-margin. However, with Demetri McCamey and Mike Davis returning, along with a top 10 recruiting class, they'll be a solid contributor next season.

While McCamey cleans up his decision making, the Illini is in prime position to contend for the National title.

[G - Demetri McCamey, G - D.J. Richardson, F - Bill Cole/Jereme Richmond, F - Mike Davis, F - Mike Tisdale]

6. Pittsburgh Panthers

Jamie Dixon has this team playing at high-levels all the time. Last season, nobody expected them to amount to much. However, they did and the Panthers were contenders in the Big East.

Nothing is changing but the season. They lost a few contributors but with Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wanamaker, this team is a top-ten selection

[G - Ashton Gibbs, G - Brad Wanamaker, G - Gilbert Brown, F - Nasir Robinson, F - Gary McGhee]

5. Ohio State Buckeyes

Replacing the Player of the Year isn't that hard for Ohio State. Want to know why? It's because of their recruiting class. Not to mention, David Lighty will make this team a contender.

His range and leadership will all be showcased next season. 

[G -Jon Diebler, G - William Buford, F - David Lighty, F - Jared Sullinger, C - Dallas Lauderdale]

4. Kansas State Wildcats

The Wildcats last season was lead by their guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen. One returned and the other graduated. 

However, the Wildcats still have one of the best frontcourts in the nation. Agile Curtis Kelly and sixth man Jamar Samuels will be courted with Freddy Asprilla. With this tandem in the frontcourt the Wildcats are my favorites to reach the final four.

[G - Jacob Pullen, G - Rodney McGruder, F - Nino Williams, F - Curtis Kelly, C - Freddy Asprilla]

3. Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue was one their way to a number one ranking in the tournament last season, before the injury of Robbie Hummel. After that, the season went down the drain.

The Boilermakers did return every key player on their roster except Chris Kramer. However, with Jajuan Johnson, E'twaun Moore and Hummel, the Boilermakers are one of my favorites to reach the Final Four.

[G - Lewis Jackson, G - E'twaun Moore, G - Kelsey Barlow, F - Jajuan Johnson, F - Robbie Hummel]

2. Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans were able to make the Final Four without their floor general Kalin Lucas. Next season, Lucas is back, so is Izzo and the Final Four is insight.

The Spartans return everyone from last year's run except Raymar Morgan. They also added a few recruits that'll help out the depth of their roster.

They'll be running at least a 10-man rotation. Yes, they're just that talented.

[G - Kalin Lucas, G - Chris Allen, F - Durrell Summers, F - Delvon Roe, F- Derrick Nix]

1. Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils are equipped with one of the most lethal squads in the nation. They returned both Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith. Not to mention they brought in the most complete guard in the country.

They'll be shaky in the frontcourt without their strength from Zoubek, but with their depth, they'll be hard to defeat.

[G - Kyrie Irving, G - Nolan Smith, F - Kyle Singler, F - Miles Plumlee, F - Mason Plumlee]