Rank |
School |
Tweet |
90 |
Wichita St |
Gregg Marshall is slowly turning things around at WSU; solid guards C. Hannah & T. Murry lead Shockers into Y3 of regime. |
89 |
Utah |
The Utes can go huge with a 6’5-6’5 backcourt and a 6-5-6’11-7’3 frontline, but there’s no Luke Nevill so others must step up. |
88 |
Wright St |
Almost everyone back incl. G Vaughn Duggins (12/4) for a team that will totally lock you up (#30 D and #8 defending 2s). |
87 |
Marquette |
It’s all L. Hayward (16/9) this yr after heavy losses at MU, who’ll find it tough to run out to a great start again this yr. |
86 |
Oakland |
POY candidate F Derick Nelson is back to join PG Johnathan Jones (natl. assist leader) and C Keith Benson (14/8) for SL fav. |
85 |
S. Illinois |
SIU won’t have a repeat of the disaster in 09. Iowa transfer T. Freeman will help a lot, but young bigs need to step up. |
84 |
Houston |
A. Coleman (19/8/2) & K. Lewis (18/3) one of best backcourts in America, but lack of inside pts will keep UH from top of CUSA. |
83 |
Cornell |
The class of the Ivy, with all 5 starters back and firepower at every position, goes for 3 in a row; nobody else even close. |
82 |
Miami (Fl) |
Canes bring back G James Dews (8/3) and F Dwayne Collins (11/8) and hope transfer Malcolm Grant can run the point. |
81 |
Virginia |
ACC is in for a surprise with Tony Bennett’s style of play, but having ACC FrOY S. Landesberg (17/6/3) is a great start. |
80 |
Arizona |
It’s the Nic Wise show as Sean Miller revamps a proud program. Must play defense and get production from 4* recruits, though. |
79 |
Penn St |
Another B10 team that needed a weak conf this yr; PG T. Battle (17/5/5) is a star but losses of Cornley and Pringle hurt. |
78 |
New Mexico St |
Strong team feat. J. Young (17/4/3) and J. Gibson (14/2) in backcourt, but Menzies needs his stud Fs to return in Dec. |
77 |
LSU |
Don’t expect an SEC title, but F Tasmin Mitchell (16/7) is a stud and G Bo Spencer (11/3) a capable PG. Youth must step up. |
76 |
Duquesne |
Dukes have 4 starters back incl. all-A10 forward D. Saunders (13/8); if PG spot is ok, this team can do damage in the A10. |
75 |
Iowa St |
C. Brackins is a great player but he needs to hit the boards on the off end – ISU #12 def reb team, #339 off reb team in 09. |
74 |
Northeastern |
Led by backcourt of Matt Janning (14/5/3) and Chase Allen (10/5/3), NE should be near top of CAA standings all season. |
73 |
Akron |
Zips have a good shot at another NCAA berth, with top almost everyone back and RSCI #65 recruit Zeke Marshall on board. |
72 |
Illinois St |
Star O. Eldridge (14/6) returns to a team with many key players back, but need to finish games strong (2-4 in OT last yr). |
71 |
SDSU |
Count on 20 Ws for Steve Fisher, but 4 of his top 6 are gone and he needs quick production from a top 15 recruiting class. |
70 |
Nevada |
C Luke Babbitt (17/7) & G Armon Johnson (16/4/4) make a stud inside/out tandem, but how will new coach David Carter adjust? |
69 |
Arkansas |
C. Fortson (15/6/6) & M. Washington (16/10) are a great in/out duo and with everyone back UA will surprise in the SEC West. |
68 |
Richmond |
UR has most back incl. D. Geriot (14/6) who missed last yr with an injury; trendy pick to win the A10 if UD and XU falter. |
67 |
Seton Hall |
Transfers K. Lawrence & H. Pope will make/break this team, regardless of J. Hazell’s (23/4) point production every night. |