(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Some would argue that this is too low, given the level of talent that John Calipari has added to the program. While they do have an absurd amount of talent thanks to that excellent recruiting class, the level of their success will depend on how well these stud recruits mesh.
John Wall immediately becomes the most talented point guard in the country, and they have an embarrassment of riches up front with returning star Patrick Patterson —as well as 5-star recuits DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton. Eric Bledsoe has plenty of talent as well.
There are easily three potential lottery picks on this roster, maybe even more.
Still, there are definitely question marks.
Will Calipari be able to keep everyone happy with their minutes and shot totals? How well will Wall and Bledsoe mesh in the back court? Will they hit enough perimeter shots to keep the defense honest? Will they play any defense?
In my opinion there are far too many question marks to put them among the elite just yet.
9) North Carolina Tar Heels
The defending champs lost their four best players to the NBA, but I doubt anyone is shedding a tear for them.
The Heels have the deepest and most talented front court in the country. Ed Davis and John Henson are both supremely athletic forwards that can run the floor, and Deon Thompson is a load in the post.
Their fate this season will rest in the hands of their inexperienced back court. Marcus Ginyard is the only known commodity on the perimeter, and he's really more of a role player.
The performance of Larry Drew II, Dexter Strickland, and Leslie McDonald will determine how far they go in their title defense.
10) Oklahoma Sooners
I realize they were soundly beaten by the Tar Heels in the tournament and that the only player that looked like he belonged on the floor with UNC just went No. 1 in the draft.
Replacing Blake Griffin is impossible, but I think they can still field a solid team.
The biggest reason is Willie Warren, who could be an All-American with his athleticism and shooting ability. Literally the "biggest" reason is Keith "Tiny" Gallon, who's a beast down low with a good skill set.
Tony Crocker also returns, and Tommy Mason-Griffin is another talented recruit. Whether those guys will be enough to stay in contention in the Big 12 is still in doubt though.
Other intriguing teams
Cal Bears—They have an awful lot of offensive ability, but their defense will have to get better for them to do anything of note.
Connecticut Huskies—Kemba Walker, Jerome Dyson, and Stanley Robinson all have talent, but they lost their three best players in AJ Price, Hasheem Thabeet, and Jeff Adrien. It will take time for them to adjust.
Georgetown—I love their big three of Greg Monroe, Chris Wright, and Antonio Freeman, but they had a rough year last season even with DaJuan Summers.
Georgia Tech—The Yellow Jackets will have one of the best front courts in the country with Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal, but I'm not sure they have enough back court talent.
Louisville—Losing Earl Clark and Terrence Williams is killer. They have several good but not great players coming back. Someone will have to make a leap for them to be anywhere close to last year's team.
Minnesota—The Golden Gophers don't blow you away on paper, but they have a lot of capable players that defend well.
Notre Dame—Luke Harongody gets some help from transfers Scott Martin and Ben Hansbrough, but depth and defense should be issues.
West Virginia—Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks are big-time talents, but I don't think they have enough support.
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