Sweet 16 2012: Teams With Best Outlook For 2013

The Sweet 16 is set, but of course, when the games are done, the field will be cut in half. After the tearful press conferences, the coaching staffs will be left to think about next season. In this day of one-and-dones, two- and three-year stays from elite players are rare, and four-year stints are unheard of.

That said, because of strong recruiting classes and significant depth on the current rosters, a few teams will be back to contend in 2013, no matter what happens this week.

Here are four teams that have a bright 2013 to look forward to:

Kentucky Wildcats

The Wildcats may be hit the hardest by early entrants. They figure to lose Anthony Davis, Terrance Jones and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for sure. Doron Lamb and Marquis Teague are also possibilities, plus Darius Miller is a senior.

So how did they land on my list?

Well because this is Kentucky, and we know that means there is a steady flow of talent on its way. The No. 1 high school player in the country, Shabazz Muhammad, seems to be deciding between Kentucky and a handful of other schools. According to Rivals, Kentucky and UNLV are leading in the chase for his enrollment.

Muhammad is a mega-talent—a 6'7", physically gifted and strong left-handed scorer with superstar written all over him. Were it not for the one year out of high school rule, he'd almost certainly be a "preps to pro" player.

I believe he'll select Kentucky, and if he does, he'll be matched in the backcourt with the dynamic Ryan Harrow who is a freshman transfer from NC State.

The Wildcats already have two top-20 recruits committed in Alex Poythress and Archie Goodwin. If they can bring either Lamb or Teague back, coupled with other holdovers, the Wildcats will be strong again.

It is a team largely built on freshman, but that formula has worked out pretty well this season.

North Carolina

Sure the Heels will lose Tyler Zeller, and probably John Henson, Harrison Barnes and Kendall Marshall as well, but they have plenty in these stars' stead to make another run in 2013.

Sophomore Reggie Bullock, currently injured junior Dexter Strickland and James McAdoo will make up a solid core for Roy Williams.

If they were to bring any of their star underclassmen back, it'll likely vault them into favorites for a national championship. It wouldn't shock me to see one or more of their possible early entrants return. The probability goes up if they don't win it all this season.

The Tar Heels don't have a sparkling recruiting class headed in for next season, thus I give Kentucky the edge. Still, with the talent they will return, they will be strong again.

Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers will be awfully good in 2013 if Cody Zeller returns. Right now, I'd say he will, but things could change if he helps push the Hoosiers to a second upset of Kentucky in the Sweet 16.

He is only a freshman, but he's a solid player averaging 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Bringing him back is the key to the Hoosier's 2013 campaign.

Christian Watford is a versatile forward who'll be a senior next season. Add to that, the athletic Victor Oladipo and rock solid floor general and sharpshooter Jordan Hulls. That is a solid and experienced basketball team.

Tom Crean also secured two top-20 prospects in Hanner Parea and Kevin Ferrell. Both are Indiana kids and Crean is really rebuilding the program nicely. Success recruiting at home is key to building a tradition of success.

The Hoosiers will be my favorites coming out of the Big 10, and a legit national championship contender if Zeller returns.

Syracuse Orange

The Orange haven't looked dynamic as of late, but remember one of their most talented players hasn't even cracked the surface of his potential. Rakeem Christmas is a dynamic talent, but he's had a slow freshman season. He has averaged only three points and three rebounds in 11 minutes this year.

I expect him to break out a bit in his sophomore season.

They will lose Scoop Jardine, Kris Joseph and quite possibly Fab Melo and Dion Waiters, but this team has depth.

Brandon Triche will be a senior, C.J. Fair a junior and these players are perfect to continue the 2-3 zone tradition, as well as the up-tempo offensive style.

The Orange do have the massive, 6'9", 285-pound DaJuan Coleman coming in as a prized recruit, and he has the ability to contribute as a scorer and rebounder from day one.

If Waiters and/or Melo return, they'll be national favorites again in 2013. If they don't, they'll still be a force to be reckoned with.

All prospect ranking information per Rivals.