College Basketball Preview: 5. Arizona Wildcats

5. Arizona Wildcats

Sean Miller's rebuilding project in Arizona is finally done. Last year, the Wildcats started off 14-0 before a loss to Oregon. Sure, things didn't finish the way they wanted, as they lost in the Sweet 16 but Arizona is once more expected to contend for a national title. They lose three important players, Solomon Hill, Kevin Parrom and Grant Jerrett but an excellent recruiting class and key returners could carry 'Zona to another Pac-12 title.

Backcourt: Junior Nick Johnson developed quite nicely last year, after a crazy freshman year. Johnson has good ball-handling and court vision and is definitely a playmaker. He also uses his great size to get to the rim. His shot is still inconsistent and he struggles late in games but his expected maturity should help him out. The addition of Duquesne transfer T.J. McConnell is huge. Mark Lyons who transferred from Xavier, spent time at point guard last year but was uncomfortable with the position. McConnell gives 'Zona a true point guard who can run the offense. McConnell is small but has the shooting ability to score on the offensive end but is a better defender than Lyons. Sophomore Gabe York is expected to play a bigger role after seeing just 5.8 minutes per game last year. York is a solid shooter who can play either guard slots. He is a solid, productive guard and will battle for minutes. Four-star commit Elliot Pitts should help the Wildcats in a number of ways this year. Pitts has great size for a shooting guard at 6-5 and can score in many different ways. He is a great jump-shooter but also uses his size to get to the rim and finish. Sophomore Jacob Hazzard saw just 11 minutes last year but will give Miller and 'Zona much needed depth. Senior Jordin Mayes, a LA product, gives Arizona experience and smarts and a quality defender.

Frontcourt: Aaron Gordon showed just how talented he is with his performance in the McDonald's All-American game. Even with guys like Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker playing on the court, Gordon dominated with his athletic dunks and superb athleticism. Gordon is extremely competitive and plays big and can play both forwards spots. He can make highlight-reel plays every time he touches the ball but also has the talent to score in a number of ways. He uses his size down low, but can step outside and finish plays on the perimeter. He will form a dangerous 1-2 punch in the frontcourt with the return of sophomore Kaleb Tarczewski, a five-star recruit in 2012. Tarczewski is a psychical presence down low and has shown the ability to stretch the floor at times. He has proven he has a developing back-to-basket game and has the potential to be a fantastic big man. His long wingspan allows him to block shots and play strong defense. The loss of Grant Jerrett and Hill leaves a gap in the frontcourt, one that could be filled by sophomore Brandon Ashley. Ashley, a Findlay Prep product, has good size and an evolving low post game. He still has to improve his touch by the rim and gets pushed off the block too easily but should show improvement this year. The addition of forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson should give the Wildcats depth and another athletic forward with a ton of potential. The long lefty can score in a number of ways; he has the size to get to the rim and make great plays and also has a good jump shot. Forward Eric Conklin is only a one-star prospect and may be heading towards a redshirt but brings hustle and rebounding.

Recruiting Rundown (according to ESPN.com)
No. 4 Prospect, No. 2 PF Aaron Gordon, PF from San Jose, California
No. 21 Prospect, No. 5 SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF from Chester, Pennsylvania
No. 93 Prospect, No. 18 SG Elliot Pitts, SG from Dublin, California

PROJECTED LINEUP
PG T.J. McConnell, Junior
SG Nick Johnson, Junior
SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Freshman
PF Aaron Gordon, Freshman
C Kaleb Tarczewski, Sophomore
Sixth Brandon Ashley, Sophomore

Arizona loses a lot of leadership from last year's squad but still has the talent to dominate the Pac-12. Though, don't underestimate the Pac-12 this year; UCLA, Colorado and Stanford should all be tough this season. If Aaron Gordon plays to his potential and the Wildcats find a true, effective point guard a Final Four should be on the horizon.

College Basketball Preview: 4. Duke Blue Devils

4. Duke Blue Devils

Throughout most of last season, the Duke Blue Devils were the nation's best team. Sure, things ended a little bit short as the Blue Devils lost a close one to eventual champ Louisville. Duke will lose Ryan Kelly, who missed a lot of last year with injuries and Mason Plumlee but it is Duke and that means contention. The ACC will be very tough this next year but the Blue Devils have the talent to be a Final Four team this year.

Backcourt: Quinn Cook is one of the ACC's most underrated players. The junior has proven he can be a very productive point guard. He has speed and has great court vision, while also able to score in a number of ways. Likely to start alongside Cook in the backcourt will be sophomore Rasheed Sulaimon. Sulaimon lived up to the hype of a five-star prospect last year and can dominate on the perimeter. Sulaimon has good size for shooting guard and should mature in big ways this year. His shot is smooth and he will get more opportunities with Seth Curry gone. Senior Andre Dawkins is also back after a redshirt year. Dawkins was expected to be a big time player when he signed with Duke but has struggled to make an impact. Dawkins can shoot and has proven to be a solid defender. Dawkins should also bring much needed experience and smarts for a pretty young backcourt. Senior Tyler Thornton brings shooting and maturity at shooting guard. Thornton hasn't gotten enough minutes to make much of an impact in Durham but could get the opportunity this season. Coach K managed to bring in Texas product Matt Jones who brings a lot of versatility. Jones has good shooting range and can also get to the rim with his dribble.

Frontcourt: The No. 2 prospect in the land, Jabari Parker, will be force from the beginning for Duke. Parker can play both forward positions and brings athleticism and scoring. Parker has a fluid shot and can stretch the floor but can also be a force above the rim. Parker is a solid all-around prospect but still has some things to work on; at times he gets lost on defense and might struggle with turnovers this year. Another newcomer, Rodney Hood, should also have a huge impact. Hood, a transfer from Mississippi State who sat out last year, brings a lot of different abilities. Hood, a sophomore, isn't as polished on the offensive end as Parker but is a solid rebounder and defender. Hood has good size and the ability to get to the rim and finish through contact. The only question on the frontcourt for Duke will be the center position: Plumlee's graduation leaves a big hole. His brother, the youngest Plumlee, Marshall is expected to compete for the job. The sophomore is still very raw offensively but he has the size and strength to be a considerable force. Marshall added 25 pounds to his frame this off season which should help him gain position easier in the low post. Marshall plays a lot like his other brother Miles, as he is a solid rebounder and plays strong defense but isn't very athletic. Sophomore Amile Jefferson will also compete for minutes in this great frontcourt after a solid freshman year. Jefferson has good size and has the potential to grow into a dominant forward. Though, he is still young and makes bad decisions at times. 6-7 freshman Semi Ojeleye brings an interesting mix of athleticism and playmaking. Ojeleye can stretch the floor with his great shooting ability which will help with Ryan Kelly gone, who stretched it for Duke last season. Senior Josh Hairston appears to be more athletic and will fight for more minutes this year.

Recruiting Rundown (according to ESPN.com)
No. 2 Prospect, No. 2 SF Jabari Parker, SF from Chicago, Illinois
No. 36 Prospect, No. 6 SG Matt Jones, SG from DeSoto, Texas
No. 40 Prospect, No. 10 SF Semi Ojeleye, SF from Ottawa, Kansas

PROJECTED LINEUP
PG Quinn Cook, Junior
SG Rasheed Sulaimon, Sophomore
F Jabari Parker, Freshman
F Rodney Hood, Sophomore
C Marshall Plumlee, Sophomore
Sixth Amile Jefferson, Sophomore

Coach K once more has a championship caliber team this year but they are some questions. The ACC is now the premier basketball conference and will challenge the Blue Devils and Duke must find a consistent center. If they do, a Final Four is a real possibility.

College Basketball Preview: 3. Louisville Cardinals

3. Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals used a quick, high-scoring backcourt and a deep frontcourt full of productive forwards to win a national championship. Senior leader Peyton Siva and center Gorgui Dieng are both gone but many of the important pieces are back for the Cardinals to repeat as national champs. Plus, a move to the easier American Athletic Conference from the brutal Big East should further help out the Cards.

Backcourt: Russ Smith flirted with the idea of going pro but decided to return for his senior season. "Russdiculous" should enter the year as a Wooden Award candidate thanks to his high-scoring potential. Smith can score in a ton of different ways and can make plays on the defensive side as well. Though, Smith has proven throughout his career he can make stupid plays and drive Rick Pitino mad. Hopefully, entering his senior year, he will be more mature. Where Smith will start is a question; he isn't a point guard but Louisville doesn't have a proven PG on their roster. Junior Wayne Blackshear was a huge recruit a couple of years ago but hasn't seen too many minutes yet. Blackshear has good size (6-5) and can help in a lot of different ways. Junior Kevin Ware became famous after a scary broken leg in last year's tournament and it is tough to imagine him playing much this year. Though if he does, he provides hustle and defense. Freshman Terry Rozier will get the chance to start at point guard with Siva gone. Rozier is extremely athletic and can beat defenders in a lot of different ways. JUCO transfer Chris Jones will bring experience and smarts and is a less-risky option than Rozier. Four-star commit Anton Gill should get minutes at shooting guard and is extremely dangerous in transition and has the ability to make highlight plays.

Frontcourt: Luke Hancock, a former George Mason transfer, had a dream NCAA tournament and has the potential to have a huge 2013-2014. Hancock brings maturity on the wing and is an extremely dangerous shooter. Hancock brings size at 6-6 and can play a number of different positions including small forward and shooting guard. Sophomore Montrezl Harrell, the top recruit entering 2012, showed flashes of greatness last year. Harrell has great moves in the low post and can stretch the floor at times. Harrell has good rebounding skills and has proven to be a quality defender at times. Junior Chane Behanan is a little bit undersized and it isn't known what position he will fill in at but has the jumping ability and potential to be a monster this year. Behanan isn't too polished of a shooter but can make some shots. Behanan helps on the glass and has a knack for getting contact and making shots at the line. Senior forward Stephen Van Treese gives the Cardinals much needed size and maturity. His career so far his been filled with injuries and offensive struggles but looks ready to make an impact this year. Van Treese is a proven defender and uses his big frame to pull down rebounds. The addition of forward Akoy Agau, a talent from Omaha, Nebraska gives Pitino yet another high-potential forward. Agau is raw on offense but is athletic and also brings size and strength in the paint.

Recruiting Rundown (according to ESPN.com)
5 Star Prospect Terry Rozier, PG from Shaker Heights, Ohio
4 Star Prospect Anton Gill, SG Raleigh, North Carolina
4 Star Prospect Akoy Agau, PF from Omaha, Nebraska
JUCO transfer Chris Jones, PG from Northwest Florida State College

PROJECTED LINEUP
PG Terry Rozier, Freshman
SG Russ Smith, Senior
SF Luke Hancock, Senior
F Chane Behanan, Junior
F Montrezl Harrell, Sophomore
Sixth Wayne Blackshear, Junior

If Smith proves to be smarter and continues to be a dominant scorer and Rozier becomes the second-coming of Peyton Siva at point guard a repeat is a real possibility. Though size in the frontcourt; Behanan is just 6-6 and Harrell is just 6-7 could be an issue even in the weaker American. This year won't be easy; it never is, but the Cardinals once more have the talent to rule the college basketball landscape.

College Basketball Preview: 2. Michigan State Spartans

2. Michigan State Spartans

As usual, the Spartans dominated through much of the Big Ten and rolled into the NCAA tournament with a quality seed. Michigan State once more made the Sweet 16 before a tough loss to a good Duke team. Massive center Derrick Nix is gone but nearly everyone else returns from that Sweet 16 squad. Tom Izzo has one of his best teams here in East Lansing and the expectations are a national championship.

Backcourt: Senior point guard Keith Appling is back to lead the Spartans' offense. Appling has proven that he can be a reliable scorer and can score anywhere on the court. Appling is also a good ball handler who can finish in traffic or in space. Sophomore Gary Harris had an impressive freshman year and could even improve in 2013-14. Harris proved to be valuable shooter who plays with smarts well beyond his years. Harris also has good size (6-4) and has the versatility to play a number of different roles this season. Junior Branden Dawson can also play at a number of different positions. Dawson has great size (6-6) but can still handle the ball well for his size. If Dawson does stay healthy and improves his perimeter shot he could have a big year. Junior Travis Trice is also healthy and brings a lot of leadership. Where he will see minutes is a question; Trice isn't a true point guard but is too small to spend a lot of time at shooting guard. Trice is a sharpshooter who plays hard and is a good defender. The addition of Chicago product Alvin Ellis should give Michigan State a lot of athleticism and great IQ on the perimeter. Sophomore Denzel Valentine is a big threat who should improve in '13-'14. Valentine uses his size to finish through contact and rebound his position well.

Frontcourt: The loss of Derrick Nix will hurt because he gave Michigan State, a shot-blocking big man with loads of experience. Senior Adreian Payne who plays big and do a lot of different things. Payne is an average scorer but it looks like he could improve this year. Payne is big and mobile and is an extremely good rebounder. He doesn't have All-American talent but he is a very serviceable center who is very productive. Junior Russell Byrd will likely spend time at small forward. Byrd is athletic and can make a lot of different plays but health may be an issue for him. Byrd isn't an elite scorer yet; but he has the size and playmaking potential to be a huge year. Junior Alex Gauna will fight for minutes at the power forward spot and has the size and rebounding ability to have a strong year. Gauna isn't too much of a scorer yet as well, but he the ability to score when given the chance and is quite the rebounder. Sophomore Matt Costello, who was pretty quiet in his first year, could have a breakout sophomore season. Costello is good-sized forward who has proven he is a strong rebounder and good defender. He has to improve his touch around the rim and isn't very polished yet but has room to improve in big ways. Sophomore forward Kenny Kaminski is also a polished rebounder and gives Izzo hustle off the bench. With Nix gone and Payne the clear cut starter at center, the backup will likely be three-star center Gavin Schilling, another Chicago talent. Depth could prove to an issue for the Spartans too, especially if Gauna or Byrd continue to struggle with injuries.

Recruiting Rundown (according to ESPN.com)
3 Star Prospect Alvin Ellis, SG from Chicago, Illinois
3 Star Prospect Gavin Schilling, C from Chicago Illinois

PROJECTED LINEUP
PG Keith Appling, Senior
SG Gary Harris, Sophomore
SF Branden Dawson, Junior
PF Alex Gauna, Junior
C Adreian Payne, Senior
Sixth Russell Byrd, Junior

Michigan State doesn't have the star power Kentucky does or some other teams have. But, Tom Izzo is a great coach and always gets the best out of his teams. The Spartans will play smart, rebound well and play great defense. Even in the Big Ten, which will be brutal once again this season, Michigan State has the talent and smarts to win the Big Ten and fly into the Final Four.

College Basketball Preview 2013-14: 1. Kentucky Wildcats

1. Kentucky  Wildcats Lost in NIT

Last year's Kentucky squad had their usual load of McDonald's All-Americans but they could never get things together. Ryan Harrow wasn't an impact point guard, Kyle Wiltjer wasn't the difference-maker he was expected to be and the team never gelled. Not to mention Nerlens Noels' year-ending injury. This year, John Calipari brings in possibly the best recruiting class in college basketball history. Power forward Julius Randle should bring immediate scoring at the four spot, the Harrison twins should manage the backcourt and James Young is a quality swingman. Dakari Johnson has the talent to be an impact center from the beginning.

Backcourt: The big issue for Kentucky last year was point guard as Ryan Harrow struggled with inconsistency and turnovers. Archie Goodwin is gone and he never fit in at point guard either. Five-star point guard Andrew Harrison is ready to take over the important role. Harrison is a great ball handler and has proven he has the smarts and floor vision to be a great passer. His twin, Aaron, will likely spend time at shooting guard. Aaron is less of a playmaker than Andrew, but has a more proven shot and is a more dangerous scorer. Both play well together and are extremely competitive. Sure to get minutes behind the Harrison twins will be senior Jarrod Polson who gives the Wildcats experience, something they will definitely lack. Redshirt senior Jon Hood has had a career full of injuries in Lexington but should still be a contributor. He also brings experience and was on the Kentucky team that won a national championship. Junior guard Sam Malone is only going to be used if their are some injuries or if the Harrison twins struggle to adjust to the college game.

Frontcourt: The loss of shot-blocking center Nerlens Noel leaves a big vacancy at the center spot. 2012-2013 sixth man Willie Cauley-Stein should take over the spot. Cauley-Stein isn't as good as a shot-blocker as Noel nor Anthony Davis but is still a good defender. If he develops a mid range game and becomes a better rebounder he could have a magical sophomore year. The No. 1 overall rated power forward, Julius Randle, should make an impact immediately. Randle is a psychical forward who can help as a rebounder but is an extremely dangerous scorer. The lefty has good touch around the basket and can extend the floor.  Dakari Johnson also is coming in and could play the role Cauley-Stein did last role, as backup center. Johnson embraces contact a little more than Cauley-Stein and makes plays in it. He is a better rebounder, but is smaller and can be beat up by taller opponents. It isn't like he is small; he is 6-10 and can play above the rim. Sophomore Alex Poythress is also back after an average 2012-13. Poythress proved he was extremely athletic but he struggled to score at times and just wasn't the impact player Calipari expected him to be. He has the size (6-7) to be a quality starter at either small forward or power forward. Guard-forward James Young should see major minutes at the small forward spot. Young is a lethal shooter and uses his size to his advantage after smaller defenders. Another freshman, Marcus Lee, gives the Wildcats an athlete who can make plays right away. Lee is a great rebounder and has the athleticism to make some highlight plays. The Wildcats will lose Kyle Wiltjer, who will transfer to Gonzaga but he isn't a huge loss.

Recruiting Rundown (according to ESPN.com)
No.3 Prospect, No.1 PF Julius Randle, PF from MicKinney Texas
No. 5 Prospect, No.1 PG Andrew Harrison, PG from Richmond, Texas
No. 7 Prospect, No. 2 C Dakari Johnson, C from Bronx, New York
No. 8 Prospect, No. 3 SF James Young, SF from Rochester, Michigan
No.9 Prospect, No. 1 SG Aaron Harrison, SG from Richmond, Texas
No. 25 Prospect, No.9 PF Marcus Lee, PF from Antioch, California

PROJECTED LINEUP
PG Andrew Harrison, Freshman
SG Aaron Harrison, Freshman
SF James Young, Freshman
PF Julius Randle, Freshman
C Willie Cauley-Stein, Sophomore
Sixth Alex Poythress, Sophomore

Once more, Kentucky has the talent to win a national championship. They have size, shooting and playmaking ability to dominate the college basketball landscape once again. Though, as usual, there is questions whether all of these fantastic freshman can gel together and play to their potential. Leadership and experience may be an issue and the SEC isn't an easy conference, Florida could give them issues. Kentucky is ready for a huge turnaround and might even be able to keep the national championship in the Bluegrass State.