Storylines for the 2008-2009 College Basketball Season: Part One

Can you believe it Baby? 

The season is finally here, and I am here to break down some of this year's top storylines. 

Is Davidson here to stay?

Davidson charmed the hearts of college basketball fans all over the country when they were able to reach the Elite Eight after a thrilling tournament run.  Stephen Curry is back and is looking to lead his Wildcats back to last year's glory.

However, things may be tougher come March, as Bob McKillop lost arguably the country's premier point guard in Jason Richards.  Curry will now take over at the point and will have to learn to be more of a playmaker than a scorer.  If he can do that, the Wildcats will be able to accomplish more than just a conference title.  

Will UNC run the table? 

What other team can say they have a returning player of the year?  Tyler Hansbrough is back, and so is the core of a team that reached last year's Final Four.  If the Tar Heels can get through Maui without a loss, they should be flying high all they way into ACC play.

Once they get there, the only teams that have the talent to knock them off in conference play should be Duke and the up and coming Demon Deacons of Wake Forest.  The Heels have the pure talent to go unbeaten, but they are sure to hit a few bumps early, especially if Hansbrough's ankle injury is serious.  

Will Gonzaga finally make the Final Four?

After two years of postseason disappointment, Gonzaga is looking to improve on what Mark Few calls his most talented team yet.  That includes teams that had players such as Adam Morrison, Blake Stepp, and Dan Dickau.

They certainly have the depth and athleticism to do so.  According to many draft websites, the Bulldogs have a potential six draft picks in the next two years.  If they are going to do it, however, it has to be this year, as after the season they lose Micah Downs, Josh Heytvelt, and most importantly, playmaker Jeremy Pargo to graduation.

If Mark Few's squad can come together as a team, there is no reason that the Bulldogs shouldn't be among the top four teams in the nation.