NCAA Men's College Basketball Top 25 Of 2009-10

The college basketball season does not kick off for two more months, but school is now in session. Time ticks ever closer to another exciting year of hoops. Let's break down the pre-preseason Top 25.

No. 1 Kansas

A trip to the Sweet 16 last year and the return of both Cole Aldich and Sherron Collins have Kansas at No. 1. The Morris twins are back, as well as Tyshawn Taylor, adding to the mix with top incoming talent including Xaiver Henry, Elijah Johnson, and Thomas Robinson. Bill Self has a roster full of talent, experience, and depth, which makes the Jayhawks the team to beat heading into the '09-10 season.

No. 2 Michigan State

The Spartans' surprise run to the title game last April brought a lot of attention to a Tom Izzo squad that largely flew under the radar last season. Don’t expect them to do so this year. Michigan State returns the potential Big Ten player of the year in point guard Kalin Lucas along with forwards Delvon Roe and Raymar Morgan.

It’ll be tough to replace the little things done by big man Goran Suton and defensive specialist Travis Walton from a year ago, but expect others like Durrell Summers, Chris Allen, and Korie Lucious to step up.

No. 3 Kentucky

Arguably the most talented team in the team country this year, no team has gone through a more exciting offseason than the Kentucky Wildcats. With John Calipari taking the reigns and one of the best recruiting classes in recent years, Kentucky instantly becomes a national championship contender.

After failing to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nearly two decades, the Wildcats return all-SEC performer Patrick Patterson and bring in the likes of freshmen John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and Daniel Orton in what should make for a very exciting year in Lexington.

No. 4 Texas

Damion James’s decision to pull out of the NBA draft really boosts this Texas team. With swingman Justin Mason back along with big men Gary Johnson and Dexter Pittman, Texas has the experience to compete for a Final Four. With the addition of one of the top recruiting classes—including incoming studs Avery Bradley and Jordan Hamilton—and Florida transfer Jai Lucas, the Longhorns have one of the deepest teams in the NCAA.

No. 5 Purdue

The “Baby Boilers” no longer match the criteria to fit their former nickname, but the experience returns for a Purdue squad that can threaten to make a deep NCAA Tournament run. The same names return for head coach Matt Painter, as Robbie Hummel, E’Twaun Moore, and JaJuan Johnson come back as three playmakers ready to lead Purdue in challenging Michigan State for the Big Ten title.

No. 6 Villanova

With Scottie Reynolds coming back, head coach Jay Wright has a Villanova team who made a surprising run to the Final Four a year ago in position to do so again. Along with Reynolds, Villanova boasts the return of the Coreys (Fisher and Stokes). The returners, along with Duke transfer Taylor King and one of the better recruiting classes in recent years for Villanova mean the team is stacked. Incoming freshmen Mouphtaou Yarou, Dominic Cheek, and Maalik Wayns all have the ability to contribute to a powerful Villanova lineup.

No. 7- Duke

It will be tough for Duke to replace the likes of Gerald Henderson and Elliot Williams, but Coach K has both Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler leading this Blue Devil team. Nolan Smith and Lance Thomas are back, and McDonald’s All-Americans Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee will contribute right away. Along with North Carolina, Duke will be among the favorite to win the ACC title.

No. 8- North Carolina

Nobody in the nation lost more than the defending national champions, but don’t expect the Tar Heels to sit back and look to rebuild. Ed Davis and Deon Thompson return, along with defensive specialist Marcus Ginyard.

But another top recruiting class for Roy Williams has this North Carolina team in the top 10 yet again. Forward John Henson, along with guards Leslie McDonald and Dexter Strickland, highlight the incoming freshman class and will need to contribute for the Tar Heels in order to challenge Duke for the ACC title.

No. 9 West Virginia

This might be the best year for coach Bob Huggins and his West Virginia squad. With returners Da’Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks—along with pesky point guard Joe Mazzulla—there is enough talent for the Mountaineers to contend for the Big East title.

No. 10 Michigan

After reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year, it seems that Michigan will be poised for a tourney run this year as well. With the return of potential Big Ten player of the year Manny Harris and big man DeShawn Sims leading the way, Michigan has the talent to finish among the best in the Big Ten. With home games against Boston College, Connecticut, and Michigan State, you should follow my momma's advice: it's never wise to sleep on Wolverines.

No. 11 Connecticut

Some big names are back for coach Jim Calhoun and the Connecticut Huskies, including Stanley Robinson, Jerome Dyson, and Kemba Walker. That’s more than enough talent to help compete for the Big East title.

Incoming freshmen Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and Alex Oriakhi highlight the incoming recruiting class, and another NCAA Tournament run might be in store in Storrs.

No. 12 California

Mike Montgomery hasn't been at Cal very long, but already has what might be one of the best backcourts in the country, led by Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher. A potential early matchup against North Carolina in the Coaches vs. Cancer classic final might tell of the potential for the Golden Bears this season.

No. 13 Mississippi State

Renardo Sidney is eligible, and the stud freshmen might be exactly what the Bulldogs need to compete for an SEC West title. Jarvis Varnado might be the best defensive weapon in the country, and former top recruit John Reik might give Mississippi State one of the better frontcourts the SEC can offer.

No. 14- Illinois

Bruce Weber brings in freshmen Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson, but the key will be the return of Demetri McCamey, Alex Legion, and Mike Tisdale. It’ll be a top-heavy Big Ten, but it’ll be interesting to see if Illinois can challenge the likes of Michigan State and Purdue.

No. 15 Tennessee

If anyone has a chance at catching Kentucky in the SEC East, it's Tennessee. After high hopes were dashed last year, Bruce Pearl has his go-to-guy Tyler Smith back along with Wayne Chism and J.P. Prince. However, success for the Vols might rely heavily on sophomore Scotty Hopson, who will need to be ready to go night in and night out for this Tennessee team.

No. 16 Florida State

Toney Douglas will be tough to replace for Leonard Hamilton’s squad this season, but Florida State has Chris Singleton and Solomon Alabi back to pair with incoming Michael Snaer—who has superstar potential—down in Tallahassee this season.

No. 17 Louisville

The Cardinals lost Earl Clark and Terrence Williams to the NBA, but incoming freshman Peyton Siva should be able to contribute right away. Rick Pitino has the likes of Edgar Sosa and Terrence Jennings returning, along with potential Big East player of the year Samardo Samuels—whose return to school has Louisville fans fired up.

No. 18 Washington

The Huskies surprised a lot of people last season, and this year Lorenzo Romar’s squad won’t sneak under the radar. Jon Brockman will be tough to replace inside, but Isaiah Thomas and Quincy Pondexter provide more than enough firepower offensively. Add Abdul Gaddy, one of the class' top recruits, into the mix and Washington may be able to contend in the Pac-10.

No. 19 Georgia Tech

Head coach Paul Hewitt went to work during the offseason and reeled in one of the nation’s best recruiting classes. A team that struggled mightily in the ACC a season ago should be near the top of the conference this season.

The return of Gani Lawal was key for the Yellow Jackets, and sophomore Iman Shumpert—along with freshmen stud Derrick Favors and fellow class members Glen Rice and Mfon Udofia— should give GT an opportunity to turn a few heads this year.

No. 20 Butler

Brad Stevens has probably the best mid-major team in the country, and as past years have proven Butler is no sleeper. A young group of players led by point guard Shelvin Mack—and big men Gordon Hayward and Matt Howard—the Bulldogs are heavy favorites in the Horizon league, with the potential to shock some teams this year.

No. 21 Oklahoma

There is no replacing the No. 1 overalld draft pick Blake Griffin, but sophomore Willie Warren has a good chance to be the best player in the Big 12 conference. Jeff Capel will need to rebuild around Warren this season, but incoming freshmen Keith Gallon and Tommy Mason-Griffin could be a start.

No. 22 Dayton

Chris Wright might be the best player in the Atlantic 10 this season, but after a solid campaign last year the Flyers might have an opportunity to dethrone Xavier from their recent A-10 success. Some potential tough tests in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off might tell whether or not Dayton is for real.

No. 23 Ohio State

Thad Matta has shown a recent knack for recruiting top players to Ohio State. Though his next top names don’t arrive until 2010, the Buckeyes could still surprise some teams in the Big Ten. Evan Turner is one of the conference’s best players, and with the return of William Buford and David Lighty, Ohio State should be just fine.

No. 24 Boston College

Their leader and go-to-guy Tyrese Rice has moved on, but there is still plenty of talent in Chestnut Hill. Reggie Jackson and Rakim Sanders lead the charge for the Eagles this season, whose upset last year over North Carolina showed they should never be taken lightly. Joe Trapani can score at times, and Corey Raji gives length at the forward position. Biko Paris will need to be efficient if Boston College hopes to compete with the elite in the ACC.

No. 25 Georgetown

After a disappointing season a year ago, the Hoyas have Greg Monroe back and have a chance to compete in the tough Big East. Chris Wright and Austin Freeman will have to assume bigger roles in Georgetown’s lineup, but they have the talent to do so in what hopefully is a bounce back season in Washington D.C.

Other teams to consider:

Syracuse

Jim Boeheim’s team took a hit with the departure of Paul Harris, Johnny Flynn, and Eric Devendorf, but with Arinza Onuaku and Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson, the Orange should be fine.

Florida

Nick Calathes left early, but Florida has Alex Tyus back, along with the speedy Erving Walker. This, in addition to the fact Billy Donovan has one of the top freshmen point guards in Kenny Boynton.

Minnesota

Tubby Smith has made Minnesota a contender in the Big Ten in just a short time. With much of his roster returning, the Golden Gophers have a good shot to make some noise in the conference this season.