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It's not the most opportune time to project some of college basketball's top teams for next season, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway...

College Basektball: Pre-Preseason Top 25

by Gary Lloyd (Columnist)

8

2,872 reads

Preview/Prediction

April 18, 2008


It's not the most opportune time to project some of college basketball's top teams for next season, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway.

A large selection of players are still on the fence on whether to go for the money or for a better GPA, which makes this task all the more difficult. Also, other players have yet to decide whether or not to transfer.

But, without further ado, here's my way too early top 25.

25. Syracuse

24. Florida

23. Arizona State

22. Miami (FL)

21. Ohio State

20. Wisconsin

19. Memphis

18. Villanova

17. Oklahoma

16. Kansas

15. Georgetown

14. Wake Forest

13. Duke

12. Michigan State

11. Southern California

10. Connecticut: A.J. Price should be back to full strength by the time practice commences in the fall, but he'll be without Doug Wiggins, who is transferring. However, the addition of McDonald's All-American guard Kemba Walker will make UConn a very difficult opponent. I still believe Hasheem Thabeet will leave for the NBA, but Stanley Robinson and Jeff Adrien will be forces on the block.

9. Gonzaga: Jeremy Pargo is testing the draft waters, and I believe he'll be back for his senior season. Combine Pargo with Josh Heytvelt, Austin Daye, and Micah Downs, and the Bulldogs will be West Coast Conference champions in 2009. No doubt about it.

8. Texas: This projection is based on the decision of D.J. Augustin. At No. 8, I'm thinking he turns pro. However, if he returns, Texas will be No. 1 on my list and lots of others. Connor Atchley, Damion James and Gary Johnson should be enough to contend in the Big 12.

7. Louisville: Earl Clark recently had second thoughts and will return to the Cardinals' squad. David Padgett and Juan Palacios lost their collegiate eligibility after the Elite Eight loss to North Carolina, and Derrick Caracter is definitely gone in my opinion. The frontcourt additions of Samardo Samuels and Terrence Jennings will pick up the slack, though.

6. Tennessee: The Vols will be without their top-two scorers from this past season in Chris Lofton and JaJuan Smith. However, I believe Tyler Smith will return for his second season as a Volunteer, and will be a First-Team All-SEC performer. Ramar Smith, Wayne Chism, J.P. Prince, and Duke Crews all return and will play more minutes. Scotty Hopson, one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, may step in and start from day one in Knoxville.

5. Pittsburgh:

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8 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Ryan Droege about 1 year ago

    With all of the factors being considered here, this list just doesn't seem that crazy. Excellent read!

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  2. Ajay p about 1 year ago

    Connor Atchley, forward for Texas, is a Junior. He'll be back.

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  3. Jameson Fleming about 1 year ago

    While its a little early to start ranking these teams (though you did a pretty solid job), one thing is very obvious from this list. The Big East has a very strong chance to have the best year for any one conference ever.

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  4. Marcus Moeller about 1 year ago

    No room for the Stephen Curry led Davidson Wildcats?

    I realize that Richards (and his 8-9 apg) is gone, but I'm not sure how much help Curry needs (althogh Lovedale proved he can play...and he is back for next year).

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  5. Tito Jones about 1 year ago

    Hanasborough is gone.......he is a moron if he stays

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  6. Gary Lloyd about 1 year ago

    Why would Hansbrough be a moron if he stays?

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  7. emory morris about 1 year ago

    i do not understand why duke is picked so rediculously low at 13. with 3 good players already signed
    with a team that has a good team chemistry this is crazy. without demarcus nelson and taylor king
    thsy only lose 22 pts. per game but this will be replaced with good team defense and more that just
    a 3 pt. shooting team will be on the court this year and they will push unc and will shock the world guaranteed.
    emory in wilmington,nc

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  8. Gary Lloyd about 1 year ago

    Emory, wasn't Duke's game this past season based on 3-point shooting and good team defense as well? Look what that got the Blue Devils. Combine that with a little less experience in the younger players, and I think a No. 13 ranking preseason is legitimate.

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