2009-10 College Basketball Preview
NCAA Basketball 2009-10 Pre-Season Top 10.
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With the college basketball season just around the corner, we have decided to take a look ahead at the biggest winners and losers in the off-season.
1. Kansas Jayhawks
2008-09 Final USA Today Coaches Ranking: #10
Key Returning Players: Cole Aldrich, Tyshawn Taylor, Sherron Collins
Key Additions: Xavier Henry, C.J. Henry
With arguably the strongest returning class in college basketball the Jayhawks seem poised to repeat the success they had last year in reaching the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual Final Four contender Michigan State. The Jayhawks will also rely on incoming talents Xavier and C.J. Henry to carry some of the scoring load. Xavier Henry has been rated as the best incoming freshman by many publications. Look for the Jayhawks to contend for the national title.
Ultimate Projection: Final Four
2. Michigan State
2008-09 Final USA Today Coaches Ranking: #2
Key Returning Players: Kalin Lucas, Raymar Morgan, Delvon Roe
Key Additions: Garrick Sherman, Derrick Nix
The runner-ups for the national title last year return the majority of their starting line-up and scoring. The loss of Goran Suton will provide a challenge but with the level of talent the Spartans have returning, they should have no problem returning to the Final Four.
Ultimate Projection: Elite Eight
3. UNC
2008-09 Final USA Today Coaches Ranking: #1
Key Returning Players: Deon Thompson, Ed Davis, Marcus Ginyard, Tyler Zeller
Key Additions: Dexter Strickland, David Wear, Travis Wear
Last years national champions are attempting to prove that they do not rebuild they just reload. With a solid returning cast consisting of two great defensive players in Ed Davis and Marcus Ginyard who is returning from an injury that cost him the 2008-09 season, the Tarheels seem poised to ride right back into the national title picture. Incoming freshman Dexter Strickland and the Wear twins should provide plenty of help instantly. Expect the Tarheels to make another deep run in March.
Ultimate Projection: Sweet Sixteen
4. Texas
2008-09 Final USA Today Coaches Ranking: #23
Key Returning Players: Damion James, Dexter Pittman, Gary Johnson
Key Additions: Avery Bradley, Jordan Hamilton
Texas has once again brought in an excellent freshman class, combined with the returning talent they should have no problem dueling Kansas for best in the Big-12. If Gary Johnson and Dexter Pittman can continue their development into dominant big men, look for Texas to be playing in Indianapolis.
Ultimate Projection: Final Four
5. Villanova
2008-09 Final USA Today Coaches Ranking: #4
Key Returning Players: Scotty Reynolds, Corey Fisher
Key Additions: Malik Wayns, Dominic Cheek
Once again Villanova will be fielding a line-up that will be challenged height-wise almost every night. Last year gritty guard play and Dante Cunningham were able to overcome this obstacle and challenge for superiority in a scary good Big East conference. It will be put on an untested freshman class to carry some of this burden this year. Look for Villanova to take advantage of a weaker (by comparison to last year) Big East and make a run in March.
Ultimate Projection: Final Four
6. Kentucky
2008-09 Final USA Today Coaches Ranking: NR
Key Returning Players: Patrick Patterson
Key Additions: John Wall, Demarcus Cousins
Kentucky has arguably the best incoming class in the nation, NBA loans John Wall and Demarcus Cousins are among the most talented in the nation, look for both to make an immediate impact. If Jodie Meeks had decided to return, this team would have been almost a unanimous choice for preseason #1. Still, look for the wildcats to return to national relevancy.
Ultimate Projection: Sweet Sixteen
7. Purdue
2008-09 Final USA Today Coaches Ranking: 14
Key Returning Players: Robbie Hummel, E’Twaun Moore, JuJuan Johnson
Key Additions: D.J. Byrd, Patrick Blade, Kelsey Barlow
Matt Painter’s team will punish a team physically and on the scoreboard every night. Led by All-American candidate Robbie Hummel, Purdue should build upon their success last year and challenge for a high ranking. E’Twaun Moore and JuJuan Johnson alongside Hummel make for a trio as talented as any in the nation. Purdue should have no problem advancing to the Elite Eight.
Ultimate Projection: Elite Eight
8. Tennessee
2008-09 Final USA Today Ranking: NR
Key Returning Players: Tyler Smith, JP Prince, Scotty Hopson
Key Additions: Kenny Hall
Bruce Pearl-led Tennessee is returning a lot of experience and length this year. Athletic forwards should allow Pearl’s full-court pressure to operate at a very high level. Tyler Smith is a potential all-american who can make his mark offensively and defensively. The Volunteers should challenge Kentucky for the top spot in the SEC and make a mark in March.
Ultimate Projection: Elite Eight
9. Duke
2008-09 Final USA Today Ranking: #11
Key Returning Players: Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, Lance Thomas, Nolan Smith
Key Additions: Mason Plumlee, Andre Dawkins, Ryan Kelly
I almost feel obligated to put Duke in the top-10 because every year there are doubters due to the talent level Coach K has fielded the past few years. Duke is no longer getting the best athletes but are relying on teamwork and coaching to get the job done. They continuously win the games they should and put themselves in position to be ranked highly. I have bet against them before and got burned, so I put them in the top-10 but doubt they have the firepower or the inside presence to go very deep in the tournament.
Ultimate Projection: Sweet Sixteen
10. West Virginia
2008-09 Final USA Today Ranking: NR
Key Returning Players: Da’Sean Butler, Devin Ebanks
Key Additions: Deniz Kilicli, Dan Jennings
West Virginia should take advantage of a relatively down year in the Big East much like Villanova. With the talent the Mountaineers have added and have returning they should contend for the conference championship and can be a factor in March. Devin Ebanks and Da’sean Butler are among the best in the Big East and will provide match-up nightmares for many teams.
Ultimate Projection: Elite Eight
Bonus Pick – Butler
2008-09 Final USA Today Ranking: 25
Key Returning Players: Gordon Hayward, Matt Howard, Grant Leiendecker
Key Additions: Andrew Smith
This perennial Cinderella team looks to make a mark on the national scene after a few years of upsets in the tournament. The Bulldogs have a strong class returning in forward Matt Howard and super sophomore Gordon Hayward. Expect the Bulldogs to win their conference and continue the tradition of scaring every team they face in March.
Ultimate Projection: Elite Eight
