(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
In 2003, Syracuse began the season unranked but later went on to cut down the nets in New Orleans.
With the 'Cuse in mind, here are 10 teams outside my preseason Top 25 that could have some staying power during March Madness.
For my full Top 25, check out my four tweets on Twitter for Nos. 1-5, Nos. 6-13, Nos. 14-20, and Nos. 21-25. These 10 teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Baylor
Last season: 24-15, lost to Penn State in the NIT Finals
Key Additions: SG Nolan Dennis, PG A.J. Walton, PF Corey Jefferson, SG Mark McLaughlin, SF Givon Crump, C Ekpe Udoh
Key Losses: Curtis Jerrells (16.3 ppg, 4.9 apg), Kevin Rogers (12.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg), Henry Dugat (9.4 ppg)
Why the Bears are a Dark Horse: Baylor has recently been one of the most athletic and offensive-minded teams in the country and typically gives opponents matchup nightmares. The Bears have a deep stable of guards once again and finally have a reliable, deep frontcourt. LaceDarius Dunn could wind up on an All-American team, as he'll have a starring role in 2010 as opposed to the supporting one he owned in 2008-09.
Why the Bears could be a dud: Scott Drew teams haven't exactly figured out how to play defense. Baylor's defensive efficiency has really been terrible for a major conference team. Most of the core players from past bad defensive teams are gone, so the team may improve its greatest weakness.
Games that should define Baylor: The Old Spice Classic field is practically an NCAA Tournament field. Baylor will have chances to beat Michigan, Florida State, Creighton, Marquette, and Xavier. The Bears will also travel to Columbia to tip off with South Carolina, another team likely to make the NCAA Tournament.
BYU
Last Season: 25-8, lost to Texas A&M in first round of NCAA Tournament
Key Additions: SG Tyler Haws, C Nate Austin, C Ian Harward, PF Brandon Davies
Key Losses: Lee Cummard (16.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg)
Why the Cougars are a Dark Horse: BYU returns every major contributor except its leading scorer from a 25-win team that made the NCAA Tournament. Jimmer Fredette and Jonathan Tavernari are two of the best players in the Mountain West Conference and make for a deadly tandem from beyond the arc. The Cougars' four-player recruiting class should give them even more depth.
Why the Cougars could be a dud: BYU has had no postseason success during the past six years. They've gone one-and-done every time they've made a postseason tournament since 2004. The Cougars are also a little weak in the interior, which will eventually be exploited in March.
Games that should define BYU: Arizona and Arizona State. Both Arizona squads will be having down years compared to last season but will present challenges for the Cougars. BYU will be looking for revenge against ASU for a last-second loss last season.
Florida State
Last Season: 25-10, lost to Wisconsin in first round of NCAA Tournament
Key Additions: SG Michael Snaer, PF Terrence Shannon
Key Losses: Toney Douglas (21.5 ppg) and Uche Echefu (8.1 ppg)
Why the Seminoles are a Dark Horse: Florida State has a potential breakout player in 7'1" center Solomon Alabi. The sophomore has shown glimpses of greatness and should be a top option in Leonard Hamilton's offense. The Seminoles also have one of the best freshman shooting guards in the country. Michael Snaer should provide the scoring punch FSU might lack due to the departure of leading scorer Toney Douglas.
Why the Seminoles could be a dud: Florida State had trouble scoring last season, and without leading scorer Douglas, putting the ball in the hoop may become even more difficult. FSU is also lacking depth in the backcourt, which could spell doom during league play.
Games that should define Florida State: The Seminoles are also taking part in the Old Spice Classic, giving them a chance at Baylor or Alabama, and then either Michigan, Xavier, Creighton, or Marquette. FSU will also play Ohio State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
Illinois
Last Season: 24-10, lost to Western Kentucky in the first round of NCAA Tournament
Key Additions: D.J. Richardson, Tyler Griffey, Brandon Paul, Joseph Bertrand
Key Losses: Trent Meacham (10.2 ppg), Chester Frazier (5.7 ppg, 5.3 apg), Calvin Brock (5.3 ppg)
Why the Illini are a Dark Horse: Illinois brings back one of the best trios in the Big Ten with guard Demetri McCamey, power forward Mike Davis, and center Mike Tisdale. The Illini are also always a very scrappy defensive squad and ranked fourth in the country in 2009 in defensive efficiency.
Why the Illini could be a dud: Illinois, like Florida State, has had trouble scoring the past few years and lost table-setter Chester Frazier. Illinois will likely also have to rely on freshmen to have any kind of backcourt depth.
Games that should define Illinois: The Illini will have to head out of state to face Clemson in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge and to St. Louis to face rival Missouri. Illinois will also get a much-improved Vanderbilt team at home.
Kansas State
Last season: 22-12, lost to San Diego State in the NIT
Key Additions: Wallace Judge, Jordan Henriquez, Rodney McGruder, Nick Russell, Martavious Irving
Key Losses: Darren Kent (9 ppg, 5.8 rpg)
Why the Wildcats are a Dark Horse: Just like Syracuse in 2003, Kansas State has a freshman forward capable of dominating every game. Wallace Judge will follow in the footsteps of KSU great Michael Beasley and try to get the Wildcats back to the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats also have stud guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen.
Why the Wildcats could be a dud: After Clemente, Pullen, and Judge, there isn't a whole lot of talent on this Kansas State squad. KSU will be relying on freshman Jordan Henriquez as well as Judge.
Games that should define Kansas State: The Puerto Rico Tip-Off will provide Kansas State with a chance to play likely NCAA Tournament teams Dayton, Villanova, and Georgia Tech. The Wildcats will also get Atlantic 10 stalwart Xavier at home.
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