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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