College Basketball Preview: 15. Michigan Wolverines

Hardaway is a real talent and will have such a good season that the Wolverines will not miss Morris.

15. Michigan Wolverines Key Returnees: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., C Jordan Morgan, G Zach Novak
G Stu Douglass- Senior
G Zach Novak- Senior
F Tim Hardaway Jr.- Sophomore
F Evan Smotrycz- Sophomore
C Jordan Morgan- Sophomore
Sixth- Trey Burke- Freshman
Top Recruit: Trey Burke
John Bellien came out of now where to lead the Wolverines to a 21-14 mark and a NCAA appearance in what was expected to be a rebuilding year for Michigan. Now with four starters back opponents will have their eyes on the Wolverines more. Tim Hardaway Jr. leads the returners and the guard/forward will help soften the loss of leading scorer Darius Morris who ditched early to the NBA. The backcourt will still be solid without Morris thanks to the return of Zach Novak a psychical defender and Stu Douglass who can shoot. Douglass will have to battle freshmen Trey Burke and Carlton Brundidge for the starting point guard spot but may have the edge thanks to experience. Matt Vogrich is a sniper that should get more minutes with the loss of Morris. The frontcourt isn't as experienced but may be better up front but doesn't have depth. Center Jordan Morgan isn't huge but he has the agility and smarts to become an effective center. Evan Smotrcyz isn't flashy but he can play strong minutes and will be a piece to the puzzles for the squad. Sophomores Jon Horford and Colton Christian should also get some playing time.
Bottom Line: The Wolverines couldn't handle high expectations in 2009-2010 but this season will go differently.

College Basketball Preview: 14. UCLA Bruins

Nelson may not look big but in truth the forward is a rebounding machine.

14. UCLA Bruins Key Returnees: F Reeves Nelson, C Joshua Smith, G Lazeric Jones
G Lazeric Jones- Senior
G Norman Powell- Freshman
F Reeves Nelson- Junior
F Travis Wear- Sophomore
C Joshua Smith- Sophmore
Sixth- David Wear- Sophomore
Top Recruit: Norman Powell
Three starters are back from a dangerous second-place finisher in the Pac 10. Now with Utah and Colorado coming in it won't hurt the Bruins. The frontcourt is stocked with talent with center Joshua Smith, forward Reeves Nelson and the arrival of former North Carolina star recruits David and Travis Wear. Smith has real talent and will improve even more in his sophomore season. He'll constantly carve out space underneath and gives the Bruins a talent inside as good as Tyler Honeycutt was. The Wear brothers aren't dominant but should get some big minutes this season. Reeves Nelson may not be huge but he can rebound like a center. He currently leads all returning Pac 12 players in rebounding with 9.1 rebounds per game. Junior Brendan Lane is big but still has a good shot and will play some minutes. The backcourt isn't as strong but still has talent thanks to the return of Lazeric Jones. Jones won't change any games but he is effective and smart. Ben Howland brought in a number of freshman that will play constantly at guard with guys like Norman Powell and former junior college man De'End Parker.
Bottom Line: The Bruins are coming back but the backcourt will keep them from getting back to the Final Four.

College Basketball Preview: 13. Xavier Muskeeters

Few players are better then Holloway and this year he'll have talent to help him.

13. Xavier Musketeers Key Returnees: G Tu Holloway, C Kenny Frease, G Mark Lyons
G Tu Holloway- Senior
G Mark Lyons- Junior
F Travis Taylor- Junior
F Jeff Robinson- Junior
C Kenny Frease- Senior
Sixth- Dezmine Wells- Freshman
Top Recruit- Dezmine Wells
Over the years few teams have been as consistent as the Xavier Musketeers. Once again it looks like this will be a dangerous squad thanks to the return of one of the top players in the nation in Tu Holloway and the A-10's top recruiting class. Holloway has speed and can handle the ball well. In the backcourt with him is junior Mark Lyons who can shoot and plays smart. Dee Davis is a freshman who will come in and get minutes right away. He reminds off Holloway but any freshman will need some adjusting period. Brad Redford may also get some time in the backcourt. Dezmine Wells may play guard but small forward may be the slot where he will get more minutes. He may well be the top incoming player for Xavier. The frontcourt isn't too bad either thanks to the return of center Kenny Frease and forward Jeff Robinson. Frease is big and has the tools to be dominant while Robinson is hard-working and can produce. Junior Travis Taylor will likely start at small forward and can be effective but won't change the game. Senior Andrew Walker hasn't had tons of playing time in his first three seasons but may play a little bit more of a role this season.
Bottom Line: It's Xavier, which means that they will always contend but this season they may take even a bigger step forward.

College Basketball Preview: 12. Baylor Bears

The return of Acy (above), Jones and Walton have fans excited in Waco.
12. Baylor Bears Key Returnees: F/C Perry Jones, F Quincy Acy, G A.J. Walton
G A.J. Walton- Junior
G Duece Bello- Freshman
F Quincy Acy- Senior
F Anthony Jones- Senior
F/C Perry Jones- Sophomore
Sixth- Quincy Miller- Freshman
Top Recruit- Quincy Miller
Few teams were more disappointing then the Bears in 2010-2011 as a preseason top 25 squad faltered to a 18-13 mark and tied for seventh in the Big 12. Now they return most of that team last year including big man Perry Jones who didn't disappoint in his first year in Waco. Jones has the ability and smarts to become one of the best forwards in the nation. Anthony Jones plays hard and can shoot despite being 6 foot 10 inches. Quincy Acy returns to bolster the frontcourt even more. He is currently second in school history in career field-goal percentage. The backcourt is also deep and talented. A.J. Walton is back and will likely be asked to play at the point. He is a great passer and playmaker. Without LaceDarius Dunn incoming freshman Duece Bello may start at the shooting guard slot. Bello can dunk like an NBA star and is super quick. Forward Quincy Miller is Scott Drew's next big recruit and can do damage but may not get many minutes in his first year. California transfer Gary Franklin will have to sit out fall semester but can he will get playing time he can be productive. Sophomore guard Brady Heslip will add more depth to the backcourt.

College Basketball Preview: 11. Florida Gators

A Top 100 recruit last year Prather could start without Alex Tyus, Chandler Parsons or Vernon Macklin.

11. Florida Gators Key Returnees: G Kenny Boynton, G Erving Walker, F/C Patric Young
G Erving Walker- Senior
G Kenny Boynton- Junior
F Casey Prather- Sophomore
F Will Yeguete- Sophomore
C Patric Young- Sophomore
Sixth- Bradley Beal- Freshman
Top Recruit: Bradley Beal
You might be keen to forget the big year that Florida had last season. After a rough start the Gators went 13-3 in the SEC and pulled up all the way to the Elite Eight. Sure the Gators lost three starters in the frontcourt but the backcourt might be the best in the nation. Senior Erving Walker is experienced and has a good shot and can play defense well while Kenny Boynton is explosive and tough to guard. Both have a chance at being All-SEC picks. Billy Donavan gained a true talent when he convinced Bradley Beal to come to Florida. Beal is thought of as the number two ranked incoming guard behind Austin Rivers. Also brought in is Mike Rosario the former Rutgers star who averaged 16.7 points per game for the Scarlet Knights during the 2009-2010 season. The frontcourt has some issues but also has a star in the making in Patric Young. He is a blocking machine as he led Florida with 31 blocks last year despite being sixth in minutes and has a real chance to produce this year. Casey Prather was a Top 100 recruit last year and may get a chance to start this year. The power forward position is an issue with the offseason arrest of Erik Murphy which means bruiser Will Yeguete may start.
Bottom Line: The Gators backcourt will be dominant and if the frontcourt can produce a second straight Elite Eight trip isn't impossible.

College Basketball Preview. 10. Louisville Cardinals

If Siva can shoot better then last year he can turn into a dangerous player for a dangerous Lousiville team.
10. Louisville Cardinals Key Returnees: G Peyton Siva, C Gorgui Dieng, G Kyle Kuric
G Peyton Siva- Junior
G Chris Smith- Senior
F Angel Nunez- Freshman
F Jared Swopshire- Junior
C Gorgui Dieng- Sophomore
Sixth- Kyle Kuric- Senior
Top Recruit- Wayne Blackshear
Last years promising 25-9 mark heading into the tournament and tie for 3rd in the tough Big East was ended abruptly when the Cardinals were stunned by Morehead State. This year will promise even better results. The 2011-2012 Louisville squad will be headed by a strong backcourt and improving frontcourt. Peyton Siva is back and is ready for a big year. He makes great passes but if he doesn't shoot better that 9.9 points per game won't improve much. Chris Smith is the other returning backcourt player. Smith is a senior with experience and unlike Siva can shoot. Kyle Kuric is dangerous off the bench and will be a big contributor while Wayne Blackshear is a hyped recruit who will produce. Louisville's biggest question mark resides at the small forward position. Angel Nunez is an incoming freshman that is really the only healthy pure small forward. Though the rest of the frontcourt is pretty good. Jared Swopshire was effective in 2009-2010 before missing all of 2010-2011 with a groin injury. Center Gorgui Dieng had a good freshman year and will be asked to contribute more as a sophomore. Stephen Van Treese is solid but will come off the bench most games.
Bottom Line: Rick Pitino once more has a talented squad but they might not be ready to take the next step.

College Basketball Preview: 9. Pittsburgh Panthers

We know Gibbs is good but his supporting cast must be better if the Panthers are to win a national title.

9. Pittsburgh Panthers Key Returnees: G Ashton Gibbs, F Nasir Robinson, F/C Talib Zanna
G Travon Woodall- Junior
G Ashton Gibbs- Senior
F Nasir Robinson- Senior
F Khem Birch- Freshman
F/C Talib Zanna- Sophomore
Sixth- J.J Moore- Sophomore
Top Recruit- Khem Birch
Thanks to the return of Ashton Gibbs coach Jamie Dixon once more has a championship caliber team over in Pittsburgh. Gibbs may end up being the Big East Player of the Year and if he can distribute the ball better he could be a National Player of the Year canidate. He might be able to play point guard but it would be hard to imagine 5-11 Travon Woodall at shooting guard. Isaiah Epps was redshirted last year but will now play a large role. Freshman Cameron Wright and John Johnson will add more depth in the backcourt. Nasir Robinson is the other returning starter along with Gibbs. Robinson isn't big but he is tough and plays hard. Forward Khem Birch might be the top recruit in the Big East this year. He may not be a double-digit scorer but he can rebound and will block shot after shot. Talib Zanna may start at the center postition now that effective Gary McGhee is gone. He may just be six feet, 9 inches but he is pyschical and will work underneath. Sophomore J.J Moore is going to be valuable off the bench and freshman Malcolm Gilbert adds height.
Bottom Line: Dixon has one of the most talented players in the nation with Gibbs and one of the better teams also.

College Basketball Preview: 8. Memphis Tigers

After rough junior year Witherspoon must prove to Pastner and Memphis that he deserves starting spot.

8. Memphis Tigers Key Returnees: G Will Barton, G Joe Jackson, F Tarik Black
G Joe Jackson- Sophomore
G Will Barton- Sophomore
F Wesley Witherspoon- Senior
F Tarik Black- Sophomore
C Stan Simpson- Junior
Sixth- Chris Crawford- Sophomore
Top Recruit- Adonis Thomas
John Calipari who? The Tigers enter their third season of the post-Calipari era and this one is sure to go better then the first two. A talented and deep backcourt is back headed by Joe Jackson and Will Barton. Neither are natural point guards but both will have to split if they want to keep their starting jobs. Chris Crawford and Charles Carmouche are skilled. Carmouche is a senior and has experience while Crawford is yet another sophomore on this roster. Senior Wesley Witherspoon may be the most talented and versatile player on the roster. He can play guard but he is better at the small forward position. He'll be bigger of a part of this team after a weak junior year. Also in the frontcourt is Tarik Black who can play pyschical no matter who he is up against. Josh Pastner also brought in forward Adonis Thomas who has the tools to be a dominant player. Transfer Stan Simpson is probably the only natural center on the team and could start immediately after transferring from junior college.
Bottom Line: Tigers will dominate C-USA but may still be too young to make a deep run in the tournament.

College Basketball Preview: 7. UConn Huskies

Replacing Walker may be impossible but Napier believes he can do it.

7. UConn Huskies Key Returnees: G Jeremy Lamb, F/C Alex Oriakhi, G Shabazz Napier
G Shabazz Napier- Sophomore
G Jeremy Lamb- Sophomore
F Roscoe Smith- Sophomore
F Tyler Olander- Sophomore
C Alex Oriakhi- Junior
Sixth- DeAndre Daniels- Freshman
Top Recruit- DeAndre Daniels
So Kemba Walker is gone but the Huskies aren't dead. Jim Calhoun has an opportunity to win two straight thanks to the return of Jeremy Lamb and Alex Oriakhi, the two most talented returners. Lamb emerged as one of the top shooting guards in the country last season and will improve even more in his sophomore year. Oriakhi isn't as tall as some centers in the Big East but his big frame and psychically will help him dominate down low. Sophomore Shabazz Napier will hope to be the man that can at least try to replace Walker. He looked like he could be able at time last to do exactly that. Also getting time in the backcourt will be German Niels Giffey another sophomore. The frontcourt also has a lot of depth with guys like Tyler Olander and Roscoe Smith. Olander has the smarts and can make plays while Smith is fast and will do damage. DeAndre Daniels is a Top 10 recruit who can play power forward but can still step back and hit the shot on the perimeter.
Bottom Line: Two straight will be tougher without Walker but it won't be impossible.

College Basketball Preview: 6. Duke Blue Devils

With both Singler and Smith gone Curry could end up being Duke's leading scorer.

6. Duke Blue Devils Key Returnees: F Miles Plumlee, F Mason Plumlee, G Seth Curry
G Austin Rivers- Freshman
G Seth Curry- Junior
F Mason Plumlee- Junior
F Miles Plumlee- Senior
C Marshall Plumlee- Freshman
Top Recruit: Austin Rivers
Few programs can lose two of the best players in the ACC in Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith and lose the number one draft pick Kyrie Irving and still be a top ten team. This years Duke Blue Devils squad will be led by the three Plumlee brothers Marshall, Miles and Mason all 6 feet 10 inches or bigger. Miles has great skills and has experience while Mason is always a double-double threat and Marshall is big and psychical. Seth Curry is Stephons brother and has just as much talent but will play tough competition. He has the chance to be Duke's leading scorer this next season. Austin Rivers is Doc's son and is super speedy. Though gaining the starting job may not be that easy. Junior Andre Dawkins has more experience and can shoot while sophomore Tyler Thornton is another talented guard. Ryan Kelly played a lot more minutes last season then in his freshman year and he may get even more in '11-'12.
Bottom Line: Its Duke and its hard to see the Blue Devils having a bad season. Coach K once more has a championship caliber squad.

College Basketball Preview: 4. Ohio State Buckeyes

Sullinger gets the hype but the sophomore forward Thomas is solid and will play a bigger role for the Buckeyes.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes Key Returnees: F/C Jared Sullinger, G William Buford, G Aaron Craft
G Aaron Craft- Sophomore
G William Buford- Senior
F Deshaun Thomas- Sophomore
F Jared Sullinger- Sophomore
C Amir Williams- Freshman
Sixth- Jordan Sibert- Sophomore
Top Recruit- Shannon Scott
Calling the Buckeyes this years top team would definitely be tempting. They won 20 plus to begin last season and return the player that got them there in Jared Sullinger. But overall Ohio State is just too young to dominate but a championship game still isn't out of the question. Sullinger is overwhelming for anybody facing him and the Buckeyes will constantly be dishing for him in the paint. William Buford is the lone senior on the squad. He is smart and can shoot the ball occasionally. Reigning Sixth-man of the Year Aaron Craft is a great defender and will play a bigger role now on the offensive end. Deshaun Thomas is strong and effective but a breakout season is still a year away. Thad Matta once more brought in a great recruiting class with guard Shannon Scott, forwards Sam Thompson and LaQuinton Ross along with center Amir Williams. Any number of them could start early but Williams may have the edge becuase he has experience.
Bottom Line: Thad Matta has another championship caliber team for 2011-2012 but getting there is a different story.

College Basketball Preview: 3. Syracuse Orange

Now a senior Jardine now knows he can push the pace with the help of other guard Triche.

3. Syracuse Orange Key Returnees: F Kris Joseph, G Brandon Triche, G Scoop Jardine
G Scoop Jardine- Senior
G Brandon Triche- Junior
F Mookie Jones- Junior
F Kris Joseph- Senior
C Fab Melo- Sophomore
Sixth- Rakeem Christmas- Freshman
Top Recruit- Rakeem Christmas
The Orange once again return a trio of players that may make this the best Syracuse team since the days of Carmelo Anthony. The backcourt will once more be strong thanks to the return of senior Scoop Jardine and junior Brandon Triche. Both have good speed and can shoot the ball. Last years top guard recruit, Dion Waiters returns as a sophomore and will be asked to play more of a role. Even with losing Rick Jackson as he graduated up front the Orange are also dangerous. Mookie Jones isn't fantastic but he's smart and will get the job done. Joseph is small for a power forward but he may be the top returner thanks to his mobility and smarts. Fab Melo was a great recruit for 'Cuse last year and will play more of a role as he'll be the starter at center without Jackson. Rakeem Christmas is this years top recruit and will be asked to play a role off the bench. He has a good shot and a dominant first step and the Orange are hopeful that he'll have a strong first year. The Orange also have a lot of young no-name players who will get more minutes this year in guys like experienced forward James Southerland and guard Brandon Reese and young forward C.J. Fair.
Bottom Line: An experienced and smart team the Orange will once more challenge out in the Big East and in the nation.

College Basketball Preview: 2. Kentucky Wildcats

Miller is one of two seniors of the 'Cats and must be the leader of the young team.

2. Kentucky Wildcats Key Returnees: F Terrence Jones, G-F Doron Lamb, G Darius Miller
Projected Lineup:
G Marquis Teague- Freshman
G Darius Miller- Senior
F Doron Lamb- Sophomore
F Terrence Jones- Sophomore
C Anthony Davis- Freshman
Sixth- Stacy Poole- Sophomore
Top Recruit- Anthony Davis
As good as the recruiting class of 2009-2010 was this one might be just as good. Guard Marquis Teague will probably follow the path that Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall and Brandon Knight set for him and be the next one and down for John Calipari. Anthony Davis is more of a forward but he'll likely be asked to be a center as the Wildcats can't resist to put him on the bench. Along with those is forwards Michael Gilchrist and Kyle Wiltjer. All of those freshman will join a strong group of upperclassmen. Terrence Jones is the top returner and is a threat in the paint and can handle the ball. Jones and Teague will form a combination as lethal as John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins had. Doron Lamb is a guard who may play small forward who will make plays. Guard Darius Miller and Eloy Vargas are the seniors but neither are especially great. Sophomore Stacy Poole will play more of a role in his sophomore year but he still has flaws. Jon Hood will also get more minutes as a junior and is a great ball handler.
Bottom Line: The Wildcats will likely look like the number one squad through out the regular season but they are too inexperienced to win the title game.

College Basketball Preview: 1. UNC Tar Heels

With the return of Barnes the Tar Heels look like the favorite to win the NCAA championship.

1. North Carolina Tar Heels Key Returnees: F Harrison Barnes, F-C Tyler Zeller, F John Henson
Projected Lineup:
G Dexter Strickland- Junior
G Kendall Marshall- Sophomore
F Harrison Barnes- Sophomore
F John Henson- Junior
F-C Tyler Zeller- Senior
Sixth- G Leslie McDonald- Junior
Top Recruit- F James McAdoo
Its September and the college basketball season is just a little bit away. And my pick? Not Ohio State, Kentucky, UConn or Syracuse. I like the North Carolina Tar Heels. With the return of last years star recruit Harrison Barnes and the arrival of another stellar class the Heels look not just set for this season but for a while to come also. Along with Barnes, senior Tyler Zeller and junior John Henson are big-time returnees who will make big plays. Both have good size and always play hard. Kendall Marshall and Reggie Bullock last season's other recruits will make plays and will play bigger minutes. With a fantastic backcourt with junior Dexter Strickland and Leslie McDonald the Tar Heels will play speedy in 2011. Forward James McAdoo will come into this season and will occasionally play minutes in his freshman year and guard P.J. Hairston will also do damage. The Heels also have a trio of upperclassmen that hope to play more of a role in guards Justin Watts and Patrick Crouch and forwards Stewart Cooper and David Dupont.
Bottom Line: The Heels have a great team already and if the freshmen can play well the Tar Heels should breeze to the championship game.