Well, the NBA is done, so we might as well get started with the predictions.
Remember, these rankings mean nothing. No games have been played and no one has proven anything.
1. Kansas
With the return of Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins (although he has put on some pounds), and the additions of Xavier and C.J. Henry, the Jayhawks are a very popular preseason No. 1.
Kansas will have proven leadership and plenty of depth, and Tyshawn Taylor is emerging as a combo guard.
2. Michigan State
Losing Goran Suton will be a setback, but Big 10 Player of the Year Kalin Lucas is still there to run the point for Coach Izzo.
This team didn't blow opponents away last year, so despite having a great record and winning the Big 10 by four games, they were underestimated by many (including myself).
It was their grit and stellar defense that got them to the Final Four last year, and will again be their calling card this season.
In addition, let's not forget that the Spartans have one of the best coaches in the country in Tom Izzo.
3. Texas
Even though Kansas is No. 1, it's quite possible that they won't win the Big 12 outright.
Texas gets an influx of fresh talent to go with returnees Damion James, Dexter Pittman, Justin Mason, and Gary Johnson. Freshman Jordan Hamilton should pair with James to give the Longhorns two very versatile forwards, and Florida transfer Jai Lucas will give them a pure point guard.
4. Kentucky
The addition of point guard prodigy John Wall and highly-touted big man DeMarcus Cousins has transformed Kentucky from an 08-09 NIT squad into a 09-10 championship contender.
If Jodie Meeks had returned it would have been very hard to put Kansas ahead of them.
5. UNC
I doubt the Heels will repeat, but they will be a talented bunch. Deon Thompson is the only returning starter, but Ed Davis has lottery pick written all over him.
In addition, all of the incoming freshmen should contribute immediately.
6. Purdue
Robbie Hummel, E'Twaun Moore, and JaJuan Johnson are as good as any trio in the country and should be the best three in the Big 10 hands down. Role players will be key for the Boilermakers, who have one of the best benches in the country. Chris Kramer, who held Stephen curry to 13 points last season, is as good a defender as anyone in the country.
7. Villanova
'Nova has always had great guards, and this season will be no different. Scottie Reynolds returns with his back-court mate Corey Fisher, and two talented freshmen, Malik Wayns and Dominic Cheek will help fill out possibly the best back court in the country.
While the guards will be great, much of Villanova's success will depend on how much of Dante Cunningham's 16.1 points a game can be replaced by 6'9" freshman big-man Mouphtaou Yarou.
8. Duke
The Blue Devils haven't quite had the postseason success that they would have liked the past few years, but it's almost impossible to put them out of preseason top 10 rankings.
Coach K is arguably the best coach in college basketball, and Duke will remain a powerhouse until he leaves. The big concern for Blue Devil fans has to be the departure of Gerald Henderson (NBA) and Elliot Williams (transferred to Memphis).
This leaves Duke without any true slashers, meaning that they will be even more dependant on outside shooting than they already were.
9. Tennessee
Bruce Pearl is definitely one of the most interesting coaches in the country, but he has also brought success to a basketball program that was much more known for its women's team.
Tyler Smith, JP Prince, and Renaldo Woolridge are three forwards, 6'7" or taller, that can all hit the outside shot, and Allen Iverson look-alike Bobby Maze returns to run the point.
10. Butler
Everyone returns, including up-and-coming coach Brad Stevens, from a team that went 26-6 last season. Rising sophomores Gordan Hayward and Shelvin Mack are both playing for the U.S. U-19 team in the World University Games.
Matt Howard, the team's leading scorer (14.1 per game), also returns, and Willie Veasley gives the Bulldogs an outstanding defender.
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