(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Yes, I realize that it's still only June and that the NBA draft just wrapped up. I don't care, I love college basketball and can't wait for the season to get started again.
Now that the draft is over and recruiting is mostly wrapped up, we have a better idea what the lineups of most of the top teams will look like.
Here are the ten teams that I feel have the best shot at having a successful season. Obviously this won't be perfect since a lot of guys will improve over the summer and the contributions of freshmen are largely unknown.
1) Kansas Jayhawks
I really see Kansas as the favorites to cut down the nets in March. Every key player returns from the team that gave Michigan State all it could handle in the Sweet 16. They also add three high-end recruits led by Xavier Henry and transfer Jeff Withey from Arizona.
I don't see a glaring weakness on this roster. They have ridiculous depth, they can hurt you from inside and out, and their defense and rebounding is strong. And they have star power with point guard Sherron Collins and potential lottery picks Cole Aldrich and the previously mentioned Henry.
2) Villanova Wildcats
Few teams can match the depth and talent that Villanova has in the backcourt. Even before star guard Scottie Reynolds pulled out of the draft, they had three productive guards returning—with McDonald's All-Americans Dominic Cheeks and Maalik Wayans slated to come off the bench.
Reynolds, Corey Fisher, Reggie Redding and Corey Stokes all played major roles in reaching the Final Four, and they're back to do it again.
The one concern that the Wildcats have is their interior play. Last year, Dante Cunningham played a huge role in the success, giving them a solid option inside to balance their perimeter attack.
However, I think there is enough talent on the roster that they'll overcome that flaw. 'Nova adds Duke transfer Tyler King to the front court, as well as highly rated recruits Mouphtaou Yarou and Isaiah Armwood.
If they can simply hold their own against opposing bigs, Villanova will likely thrive with their drive-and-kick attack.
3) Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans had a very tough draw in last year's tournament, but still advanced to the title game after beating Kansas, top-seeded Louisville, and No. 1 seed Connecticut.
MSU returns most of the same roster that came within one game of hoisting the trophy last year. Led by point guard Kalin Lucas, their perimeter attack is among the best in the country. It should get stronger as young players like Chris Allen, Durrell Summers and Korie Lucious develop.
However, their front court makes me hesitant to put them any higher than this spot.
Goran Suton played a major role for this team last year, especially in their wins over Kansas and UConn. Now that he has graduated, the Spartans will need to get production from less proven players like Delvon Roe.
If they figure out how to get production from their front court by March, they're a major threat to make the Final Four again.
4) Duke Blue Devils
It pains me to put them quite this high, but I think everyone's least favorite team will be far more balanced this year.
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