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11. Michigan
John Belien's 1-3-1 zone gave opponents fits last season, and the inside-outside combo of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims return. Outside shooting will be key for the Wolverines, as it was for Belien's previous West Virginia teams, which had great success in March.
12. California
Percentage-wise, Cal was the best three-point shooting team in the country last year. Unfortunately, you can't always count on outside shooting, as the Golden Bears found out in the first round of the tournament against Maryland.
For Cal to continue its success, it's going to need some help from its big men, who are tall and athletic, but very raw offensively.
13. Washington
Losing Jon Brockman will leave a big hole in the front court, but the Huskies have the talent in the back court to contend in the Pac-10.
Isaiah Thomas, the Huskies' leading scorer, brings back 15.5 points a game, along with senior Quincy Pondexter, who averaged 12.1 points a game. Abdul Gaddy, one of the top guard prospects in the country, will help form a dynamic back-court trio.
14. Louisville
Starting with Samardo Samuels, Louisville will have six very athletic big men, giving the Cardinal terrific front-court depth. Factor in the additions of point guard Peyton Siva and Manhattan transfer Chris Smith (brother of Nuggets J.R.) and Louisville should have no problem staying atop the Big East.
15. Oklahoma
Losing four starters is a lot to overcome, but with Willie Warren returning, and the additions of freshmen Tommy Mason-Griffin and Keith "Tiny" Gallon, will help patch up those holes.
16. Minnesota
This will be one of the most talented Minnesota teams in recent memory. Everyone important returns to a team that won 22 games last season, and freshman Royce White will give the team a versatile wing, which they missed last season.
17. Ohio State
Evan Turner will be the most complete player of any team next season, but the departure of B.J. Mullens leaves Ohio State somewhat incomplete.
With David Lighty, William Buford, and Jon Diebler returning, it is probable that Turner will see a lot of time at the four, but he could also see time as a point guard, seeing as he led the Buckeyes in assists last season.
In short, Ohio State will have holes at the center and point guard positions, but have great depth at the two and three.
18. Cincinnati
Getting Lance Stephenson is huge for the Bearcats. If he survives all the legal mumbo-jumbo that he still has to go through and becomes eligible, he will give Cincy what they need to compete in the Big East.
Yancy Gates gives the Bearcats an inside punch, and Deonta Vaughn brings 15.5 points a game to the table.
19. Dayton
The Flyers were one of the best defensive teams in the nation last season, giving up only 61.4 points a game. This led them to 27 victories and a first round win over West Virginia.
Chris Wright is probably the favorite for A-10 POY, and head coach Brian Gregory has increased Dayton's win total every season since 05-06.
20. Kansas State
Wally Judge isn't quite Michael Beasley, but he is one talented freshman. Much like Beasley, Judge is a big forward (6'9") with a polished offensive game, and he is a great athlete.
He will join Dennis Clemente (who scored 44 against Texas) and Jacob Pullen, one of the most underrated guards in the country last season.
21. Mississippi State
Everyone is raving about Mississippi State's front court, which will feature Jarvis Varnado (4.6 blocks a game, led the country), 7'2" Sudanese product John Reik, and McDonald's All-American Renardo Sidney.
If the Bulldogs can improve their their three-point shooting (36 percent), they could be one scary team in March.
22. Siena
Kenny Hasbrouck is gone, but four other starters return, including the versatile Edwin Ubiles and dependable point guard Ronald Moore (6.4 assists a game). The Saints have won first round games the past two seasons and are fully capable of winning another.
23. Georgetown
The Hoyas will not be very deep at all, but they will have Greg Monroe, who will easily be a lottery pick, and two experienced guards in Chris Wright and Austin Freeman.
24. Connecticut
Kemba Walker will be a force in the Big East soon enough, and Jerome Dyson returns from injury to give UConn two skilled combo guards. Thabeet and Adrien are gone, but Alex Oranaki will give the Huskies another shot blocker, and if they can some how get Ater Majok (6'11") eligible they could lead the nation in blocks (again).
25. West Virginia
Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks give the Mountaineers two forwards who can step away from the basket and hit the outside shot as well as bang inside. In addition, Joe Mazzula returns from injury, which is critical, seeing as he was a key in pulling off West Virginia's upset of Duke in the tournament two years ago.
Honorable Mention: Wake Forest, Maryland, Xavier, Clemson, Illinois, Gonzaga, Tulsa, Pitt, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt
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