College Basketball Top 25: An Early Top 25 Ranking for 2011-12

Selection Sunday is only 308 days away, and the season starts in a mere six months, so what better way to celebrate than to do some preseason college basketball polls?

Whether you are rooting for Butler, Duke, Kentucky or UConn, you will be able to relate to this poll because you probably eat, sleep and breathe college hoops.

So here it is, my top 25 before the season starts. 

25. UCLA

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TAMPA, FL - MARCH 19: Malcolm Lee #3 of the UCLA Bruins drives for a shot attempt against Patric Young #4 of the Florida Gators during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum on March 19, 2011 in Tampa, Florid

UCLA comes in at 25 on my poll for many reasons. The first of which is talent. The Bruins return almost every single key performer from last season and are ready to make an entrance to the top of the nation.

This Bruin team was able to make the tournament just a season ago and is looking to propel itself to the top of the nation with a great performance next year.  

Although the Bruins will lose Tyler Honeycutt to the draft, they should still be a great team that will be able to make some noise in the Pac-12. 

24. Michigan

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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 20: Stu Douglass #1 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to pass around Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 20, 2011 in Charlot

Michigan is one of those teams that no one will really expect to do well next year, except those true college basketball followers and people who follow the Big Ten.

This team has been young for two seasons and has continued to grow each year.  

Last year, the Wolverines made a run to the Big Ten Tournament final and took Duke to the wire in the Big Dance. This team will miss Darius Morris, but still has all of the keys to make a great run this season.

Expect them to be a contender for the Big Ten and compete this season. 

23. West Virginia

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TAMPA, FL - MARCH 19: (L-R) Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia talks with Deniz Kilicli #13 against the Kentucky Wildcats during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum on March 19, 2011 in Tampa, Flo

West Virginia is one of those teams that needs to be watched this year.  The Mountaineers were young last season and surely learned some tough teaching from Bob Huggins.

This West Virginia team might be ready to make some noise in the Big East.  The Mountaineers return a lot of experience and should crack the Top 25.  

It will be interesting to see what this team does next season.

22. Marquette

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 25: Vander Blue #2 of the Marquette Golden Eagles in action against Justin Knox #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the east regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Prudential Center on March 25, 2

So Marquette is kind of like the Michigan of the Big East; it is a team to watch for.  The Golden Eagles return almost every single player from last year and are looking to finally make a big-time run in the NCAA tournament and through Big East play.

They will have a tough schedule, yet with their returning players, they should be able to make a run and be one of the best in the nation. 

21. Temple

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TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 19: Ramone Moore #23 of the Temple Owls shoots over Kawhi Leonard #15 of the San Diego State Aztecs during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at McKale Center on March 19, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by C

Temple is a definite mid-major to keep an eye on this season. The Owls return their leading scorer and many other key players who should help them out this season.

Temple is one of those teams that could make a run in the tournament.  After winning a tournament game last season against Penn State, it should really give the Owls a serious advantage when making a run for the Final Four next season.  They might have what it takes to be this season's Butler. 

20. Baylor

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 09: Anthony Jones #41 of the Baylor Bears shoots the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners during their game in the first round of the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at Sprint Center on March 9, 2011 in Kansas Cit

Baylor is one of those teams that wasn't so great last year and disappointed a lot of people.  The Bears had what it takes to make the NCAA tournament but didn't come together and had some issues.

After having a season under their belts, they should be ready to go this season.  

Led by the highly-touted sophomore Perry Jones, they should be a force to reckon with in the Big 12 this season. 

19. UNLV

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LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: Chace Stanback #22 of the UNLV Rebels greets teammates during a timeout in a semifinal game of the Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball tournament against the San Diego State Aztecs at the Thomas & Mack Center March 11, 20

UNLV has a new coach, but it is ready to make a break into the top 25 this season. After a successful season last year, the Runnin' Rebels want to continue building on that success to become a serious contender for the Final Four.

Chace Stanback should lead the team into a great year, and this team should be successful this season. 

18. Memphis

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 18: Will Barton #5 of the Memphis Tigers goes up to dunk the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the second round game of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Rona

The Tigers are finally recovering from Coach Cal leaving.  After a rebuilding season last year, they are ready to actually make a run in the tournament.  

For a lot of people, they might be a contender in the next few years, and this is just another step. 

Look for Memphis to be led by guard Will Barton and to really make a move this season.  He was one of the most overlooked freshmen in the nation last year and really has what it takes to lead this team. 

17. Alabama

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 12: Tony Mitchell #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots against Darius Miller #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the semifinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Georgia Dome on March 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by K

Alabama just missed out on the tournament last season, is looking for some revenge and is returning the team to do it.  The Tide will be a top-25 team next year and will for sure make a run for the SEC title even though the conference is loaded again this season.

Alabama is young and should be a great squad next season.  The Tide have an emerging star in Tony Mitchell and have the tools around him to make a run.  It's hard to not put them in the top 10, but until we see how they perform this season, they are stuck in the top 20, which is not a bad place to be.

16. Pittsburgh

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WASHINGTON - MARCH 19: Members of the Pittsburgh basketball team including Nasir Robinson #35, Ashton Gibbs #12; and Brad Wanamaker#22 walk off the court following their loss against Butler in the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament

Last season, Pittsburgh was one of the best teams in the country. Next season, this team won't be as good.

The Panthers will miss some key components, yet they are also a young team that has what it takes to make a run in this season's tournament. 

15. Wisconsin

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 24: Jordan Taylor #11 of the Wisconsin Badgers drives against Shawn Vanzant #2 of the Butler Bulldogs during the Southeast regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 24, 2011 in New Orleans

Wisconsin is always a great team under Bo Ryan.  The Badgers return a player of the year candidate in Jordan Taylor and are looking to make some noise in the Big Ten.

It's hard for the Badgers to look good nationally because of their slow offense and great defense, but they are the real deal.

The Badgers will be a great team to watch this year, but it remains to be seen if their style of play can be translated into postseason success.

14. Cincinnati

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WASHINGTON - MARCH 17: Dion Dixon #3 of the Cincinnati Bearcats shoots over Marcus Denmon #12 of the Missouri Tigers during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Verizon Center on March 17, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo b

Although not a lot of people take the Bearcats seriously, they could surprise those doubters this season.

They are led by senior Dion Dixon, and the team will have a lot of leadership on the court this year.

After experiencing an NCAA tournament last year, the Bearcats have what it takes to play a very successful season. 

13. Louisville

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 17: Kyle Kuric #14 of the Louisville Cardinals takes a free thow against the Morehead State Eagles during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Pepsi Center on March 17, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by D

Louisville could take the Big East and even more.  Last season, the Cardinals had a good run all the way to the Big Dance, but this year, they are going to try and go much further than the second round.

The Cardinals return Kyle Kuric, who has what it takes to lead this team to greatness. 

Louisville is a good squad and should be watched this season. 

12. Purdue

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 12: Robbie Hummel #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers runs during the Big Ten game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mackey Arena on January 12, 2010 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Ohio State won 70-66. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Im

Purdue is a squad that is going to be good in 2011.  Although a lot of people are doubting the Boilermakers with the loss of E-Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson, Purdue will return All-American Robbie Hummel.

Hummel will be what the Boilermakers need to compete in the Big Ten this season.

Along with Hummel, Purdue returns numerous members of last year's squad who will help build the program to what it has become today. 

11. Vanderbilt

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 11: John Jenkins #23 of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates their win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the quarterfinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Georgia Dome on March 11, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Comm

Vanderbilt is a part of the stacked SEC this season.  The Commodores are going to be one of the best teams in the conference and return one of the most exciting freshmen in the nation from just a season ago.

John Jenkins, who averaged almost 20 points a game, will be returning to school and leading Vandy.

This should be enough to propel them to the top of the conference and get them a good seed for the NCAA tournament. 

10. Gonzaga

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 19: Robert Sacre #00 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs dunks the ball over Kyle Collinsworth #31 of the Brigham Young Cougars during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Pepsi Center on March 19, 2011 in Denver, Colora

How do the Bulldogs do it year in and year out?  No one knows, but they rarely ever disappoint. Gonzaga will once again be a team that should be watched carefully in 2012.

They are one of those little schools that has what it takes to make a run in the tournament and really stir up a giant fanbase.

Gonzaga returns most of its key pieces from a season ago and brings in some new ones to help as well. 

9. Arizona

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 26: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after a dunk against of the Connecticut Huskies during the west regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 26, 2011 in Anaheim, Cali

By far the best team in the Pac-12 next season, Arizona should be a powerhouse and will be a top-10 team all season long.

The Wildcats are returning many key players and possibly Williams if he decides to stay in school for a junior year. If Williams stays in, Arizona will be a title contender. If not, the Wildcats still could be. 

Either way, the Pac-12 is Arizona's to take if they want it. 

8. Florida

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 26: Erving Walker #11 of the Florida Gators reacts during their game against the Butler Bulldogs in the Southeast regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 26, 2011 in New Orleans, L

Led by Erving Walker, this Florida Gator team could be all of that and more.  The Gators have a chance to do something special and just might be able to accomplish it.  

This team had a great run last year and should do it again this year but get further.  The Gators are after another title, and with this team, they might just be able to accomplish that if they play their style of basketball and can get through the stacked SEC.

7. Syracuse

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CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 20: Scoop Jardine #11 of the Syracuse Orange looks on during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the third of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena on March 20, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (P

Cuse returns Scoop Jardine and is expected to be a top-10 team all season long.  The Orange have a great squad that is full of returning players and will be able to dominate the Big East this year.

Although the conference is long, and the Orange might not be the favorite, do not be surprised to see this team take both the tournament and the regular season title. 

The Orange are for real, just watch. 

6. Duke

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils comes out of the games towards the end as teammates Ryan Kelly #34, Seth Curry #30 and Miles Plumlee #21 look on against the Arizona Wildcats during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NC

Duke is one of those teams that is good year in, year out no matter what.  Any college basketball fan knows this.

The Blue Devils will miss Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith, but will have enough talented freshmen to keep them busy next year in Cameron.

With the addition of Austin Rivers to this squad, it's going to be a great season to be a Dukie. I bet Dickie V is somewhere smiling right now. 

5. Connecticut

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 04: The Connecticut Huskies react after defeating the Butler Bulldogs to win the National Championship Game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament by a score of 53-41 at Reliant Stadium on April 4, 2011 in Houston, Te

The defending champs will be missing their key ingredient in Kemba Walker, but one man does not win a title, and this team has plenty left from that team.

Although they may not get a lot of credit because of the Kemba show, this team is very well rounded and is ready to play ball with anyone in the Big East.  They are definitely the favorites to win the Big East, so their hand automatically goes into the national-title hunt.

Who knows if they can repeat, but one thing is for sure, this team is legit. 

4. Texas

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 20: Jordan Hamilton #3 of the Texas Longhorns reacts at the end of their 70-69 loss to the Arizona Wildcats in the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by T

The Longhorns are going to be a great basketball squad again this season.  Last year they had a disappointing exit in the tourney and are looking to avenge that loss. 

Texas loses Cory Joseph, Tristan Thompson and Jordan Hamilton to the draft, but point guard Myck Kabongo leads of the country's best recruiting classes next season.

They are by far the favorite in the Big 12 and are one of the best teams in the country if not the best. 

3. North Carolina

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 27: Harrison Barnes #40 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in action against Brandon Knight #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the east regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Prudential Center on March 27, 2011 in

The North Carolina Tar Heels are coming back to the top and want another title to hang in the Dean Dome rafters.  

Harrison Barnes will be returning to provide that spark for a great team that has a multitude of talent again this season.  The Tar Heels are just a great team, and everyone expects them to be.

They will be one of the best teams all season; expect them to even take the No. 1 spot at some point in the year. 

2. Kentucky

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 11: Terrance Henry #1 of the Ole Miss Rebels drives against Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the quarterfinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Georgia Dome on March 11, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by K

Kentucky is starting fresh again this season.  Just like every year.  Although this season, the Wildcats will return one of their studs in Terrence Jones.

Jones will be able to lead the new blue bloods to hoops glory as they are going to be one of the best teams in the nation.

If they can get it all together, they will be the best. But as of right now, Jones still can't put them at the top because they are not proven, although they will have the most talent no doubt. 

1. Ohio State

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 25: Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes goes for a lay up against DeAndre Liggins #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of the east regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Prudenti

Ohio State is going to be a great team once again in 2011-2012.  The Buckeyes return powerhouse sophomore Jared Sullinger, who is considered to be the best big man in the country.

Sullinger will be in contention for national player of the year, but what is impressive about him is that he doesn't care as long as they win the game.  Along with the returns of Aaron Craft and William Buford, this team is going to be a force to be reckoned with. 

It's doubtful the Buckeyes can go undefeated, but they have a great shot at the national title and will try to get it done this year. 

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James Evens serves as a National Featured Columnist for college football and basketball, as well as the FC for the Purdue Boilermakers.     Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.