College Basketball Preview 2014-2015: 4. Arizona Wildcats

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

4. Arizona Wildcats (33-5 in 2013-2014, lost Elite Eight) 
Projected Lineup:

G T.J. McConnell -- Senior
G/F Stanley Johnson -- Freshman
F Rondae Hollis-Jefferson -- Sophomore
F Brandon Ashley -- Junior
C Kaleb Tarczewski -- Junior
Sixth Gabe York -- Junior

Coach Sean Miller continues to do great things at Arizona, which was floundering when he arrived after a very successful stint with Xavier. Miller's Wildcats once more reached the Elite Eight but couldn't get past Wisconsin on their quest to a Final Four, after dominating the Pac-12 all year and spotting at No. 1 for weeks on end. While 'Zona will miss high-flying forward Aaron Gordon and stud guard Nick Johnson, a ton is back at other key spots to ensure Miller has yet another top-flight team in the Pac-12. With the most experienced team he has ever had in Tucson, the ceiling is incredible high for the Wildcats.

T.J. McConnell

BACKCOURT: T.J. McConnell won't put up big numbers no matter where he goes, but there wasn't a lot of point guards better than him last season. A transfer from Duquesne, McConnell impressed with his excellent court vision, fluid play and leadership ability. The senior averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 assists per game last season, numbers that could increase with the departure of his backcourt mate Johnson. While Nick is gone, true freshman Stanley Johnson is ready to make serious noise for the Wildcats on the wing. A five-star recruit and No. 1 small forward in the 2014 Class, Johnson impresses with superb athleticism and his excellent length. The stud from powerhouse Mater Dei High in California still has to find consistency in both his shot and defensive ability but there is no denying that the raw tools are certainly there for him. Working with an experienced guard like McConnell will definitely help him grow into a more complete player and impress NBA scouts along the way. He could play a similar role to Aaron Gordon last year; didn't put up crazy numbers but made a lot of highlight reel dunks and put backs and was always around the ball, making an impact. Junior guard Gabe York will fight for minutes as well in the backcourt, whether it be at point or at the shooting guard position. York was a solid all-around weapon off the bench last year for Arizona, putting up 6.7 PPG, while also 2.2 rebounds per game. Though, the improving guard must find more efficiency; he shot 37 percent from the field in 2013-2014 and also 67 percent at the line, a relatively low mark for a guard. Still York is more of a dangerous scorer than McConnell, though he lacks the smarts and passing acumen necessary to overtake McConnell at point. A player that could also challenge for minutes at point is another true freshman from California, Parker Jackson-Cartwright. The four-star talent is extremely raw but he is crazy quick and a valuable asset in transition. Just 5'8", Jackson-Cartwright can squeeze into tight areas and make some dazzling plays, though his shot is a relative concern. Little used a year ago, sophomore Elliott Pitts could be competing for a larger role in the 'Zona offense after seeing eight minutes of action per game in 2013-2014. Not necessarily very dangerous offensively, Pitts will work hard as a defensive player and find minutes because of his grit and determination. His size, at 6'5", also enables him to work down in the paint more than most shooting guards.

FRONTCOURT:  After a solid freshman campaign last year, big things are expected from sophomore Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in 2014-2015. The athletic wing has NBA scouts excited with his long, strong frame, touch around the basket and improvement in the mid range game. Hollis-Jefferson shot an impressive 49% from the field last year and he has all the talent to replicate that number. His strength allows him to bully around smaller defenders down low and make plays around the rim and his speed and quick release gets him easy buckets. After averaging nearly six boards per game last year, along with nine points, he could grow into a double-double machine for Miller. Also ready to put up huge numbers this year is rapidly improving junior Kaleb Tarczewski, who will man the center position. The massive seven-footer signs of becoming absolutely dominant last year (averaged 9.9 points and 6.3 boards per game) and he has the chance to get even better. Tarczewski's length allows him to block shots, though he isn't strong enough to become an absolute lockdown layer on the block just yet. Tarczewski's offensive game has evolved into a pretty scary one that includes a fabulous mid range game and impressive versatility. Tarczewski uses his wide, long frame and quickness to get off shots against defenders. Plus, his improvement at the stripe was huge for Arizona last year, as he improved from a 63% free throw percentage to 75 percent in just a year. If he can continue taking those leaps, he is a legit Pac-12 Player of the Year candidate. Also coming back is junior Brandon Ashley, who was putting together a marvelous 2014 before a foot injury knocked him out for the second half. When healthy, Ashley is among the most forwards in the nation. He averaged 11.5 points per game, a number that could improve this season. While not the biggest forward in the world at 6'8" (though certainly small from far) Ashley can do a lot of damage down low but can also step out and stretch a defense. Great college basketball teams need a stretch four that can open up offensive lanes and Ashley was Arizona's guy, a big reason why they missed him so much. If he can come back healthy, he could also transform into a more complete weapon and a conference POY threat. Originally from New Orleans, power forward Craig Victor played his high school ball at Findlay Prep, a powerhouse program over in Las Vegas. Victor proved to be quite the weapon in high school and he will only grow under Miller. A stronger back-to-the-basket option than Ashley, Miller could look for Victor to see some major action immediately. While not eligible this season, Boston College transfer Ryan Anderson has one year remaining and he could become a huge contributor for 'Zona in 2015-2016.

RECRUITING RUNDOWN:
Stanley Johnson, No. 1 SF in 2014 Class, Fullerton, California
Craig Victor, No. 9 PF in 2014 Class, New Orleans, Louisiana
Parker Jackson-Cartwright, No. 11 PG in 2014 Class, Los Angeles, California
Dusan Rustic, No. 15 C in 2014 Class, Bel Aire, Kansas

Even without Gordon, who is now making plays in Orlando, Sean Miller's frontcourt is absolutely stocked with prime talent, especially if Ashley plays the way he did before his injury. With McConnell leading the way at point and Hollis-Jefferson likely making huge strides, this offense will be potent. The Pac-12 is not a breeze anymore, but the Wildcats are by far and away the best team in the conference once more. The goal this year for Miller won't just be an Elite Eight appearance or something less than that; this team has Final Four talent, and if all the pieces land just right, they have National Championship talent.

College Basketball Preview 2014-2015: 3. Duke Blue Devils

Rasheed Sulaimon

3. Duke Blue Devils (26-9 in 2013-2014, lost in second round to Mercer)

Projected Lineup:
PG Quinn Cook -- Senior
G Rasheed Sulaimon -- Junior
F Semi Ojeleye -- Sophomore
F Amile Jefferson -- Junior
F/C Jahlil Okafor -- Freshman
Sixth Tyus Jones -- Freshman

It was a typical year in Durham, North Carolina, last year for Duke. Even without frontcourt stalwarts Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly, the Blue Devils rolled through the extremely competitive ACC with a fresh, new shiny toy, true freshman Jabari Parker. While Parker and the rest of the Blue Devils were unable to do much in the tournament, being stunned in the first round by 14-seeded Mercer, it was still a pretty successful season for Coach K. While Parker decided to turn pro (and go No. 2 to Milwaukee) Krzyzewski's newest recruiting class has expectations very high in Durham, as usual. With a number of strong returnees meeting up with one of the nation's top classes, Duke has all the pieces to win the ACC and actually do something in March this time around.

BACKCOURT: While Coach K managed to reel in the nation's second overall point guard in the 2014 recruiting cycle, Tyus Jones, senior Quinn Cook will likely begin the year as the Blue Devils' starter. Cook was a solid contributor to the Duke effort last tear, averaging 9.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game last season for the Blue Devils. A great ball-handler already, Cook has improved his explosiveness and speed all over the court, meaning he will be much more dangerous in transition opportunities. Joining Cook as the starter in the backcourt will be another veteran in junior Rasheed Sulaimon, who has shown serious flashes of brilliance in his time in Durham. Known for his sharpshooting ability, Sulaimon can use his strong, 6'5", nearly 200 pound frame to get into the paint against smaller shooting guards. While inconsistency has plagued him over the course of his first two seasons with Duke, expect Sulaimon to grow into a more complete player this year and a much more potent offensive weapon for Krzyzewski. A pair of true freshman, Jones and bouncy Grayson Allen, will compete for minutes from the get-go. Jones, a product from Minnesota, has impressed with his excellent court vision, beautiful passes and knowledge of the game. While he may not start this season, he will surely find a way to make an impact. Allen is still pretty raw, but he will wow people right away with his crazy athleticism. His crazy bounce makes him a candidate to be highlight reel mainstay, but his shot has improved wildly over the course of his high school career and he isn't one dimensional. Also competing for action in the crowded Blue Devils' backcourt is going to be sophomore Matt Jones, who didn't see too much action his first season with Duke. A strong, aggressive player, Jones has the chance to really make an impact as a finisher in the paint and as an effective defender. Youth is still everywhere in this backcourt, which means veterans Cook and Suliamon will have to be smart, confident leaders. If they are, this backcourt could be among the best inside the ACC and the entire nation.

Amile Jefferson

FRONTCOURT: The Blue Devils will also certainly miss Parker, a versatile forward who could do it all for them. He was a forward who could shoot anywhere on the court, rebound, defend and bully in the low post. Without him, Duke will most likely need junior Amile Jefferson to improve in major ways. Jefferson has been extremely efficient his first two years in college, averaging 5.3 points and five rebounds per game, while also shooting over sixty percent from the field. He still needs to become stronger and he won't have the versatility of Parker, but he can really grow. Joining him in the frontcourt will be rising sophomore Semi Ojeyele, who showed flashes of being a star last season. Ojeyele is so tough to guard, bullying smaller defenders with his 6'8", NBA body while shedding slower defenders with his quickness and athleticism. He only appeared in 17 games last year, but in those 17, Duke won every single game. He will be a leading candidate, along with true freshman Justise Winslow, to take over where Mississippi State transfer and first-round draft pick Rodney Hood left off. Winslow was an impressive pickup from Houston who has the chance to grow into quite a dangerous offensive player. A tremendous athlete with great size and strength, Winslow can score in a variety of different ways. His shot still has to improve for him to grow into that dangerous offensive player, but the raw tools are certainly there. Help will also arrive in the form of the nation's No. 1 recruit, Jahlil Okafor from Whitney Young High in Chicago. Okafor is a popular National Player of the Year pick, because he has all the talent to grow into a dominant player in college basketball, like his cousin, Emeka, who turned into a dominant player at UConn about a decade ago. Okafor is a powerful 6'11" center who is so good at carving out space in the paint and finishing around the rim. His strength and huge frame will allow him to grow into a double-double machine from the beginning for Duke. Krzyzewski and Duke fans are wondering if this is the year junior big man Marshall Plumlee finally takes the leap to compare to the production of his two brothers, Mason and Miles, two NBA draft picks. A seven-footer with the potential to really grow into a pretty dominant forward, Plumlee's career has been interrupted by nagging foot injuries. If he can stay healthy this year he could grow into a relative productive two-way player, though it is likely he will never grow into a player to compare to his older brothers. The future is bright with Rice transfer Sean Obi (who has been ruled ineligible for 2014-2015) becoming the fifth Duke transfer for the program under Coach K. The sophomore averaged 11.4 points per game for Rice as a freshman and he could really grow into a great player practicing with Duke, like Rodney Hood certainly did.

RECRUITING RUNDOWN:
Jahlil Okafor, No. 1 C in 2014 Class, Chicago, Illinois
Tyus Jones, No. 1 PG in 2014 Class, Apple Valley, Minnesota
Justise Winslow, No. 5 SF in 2014 Class, Houston, Texas
Grayson Allen, No. 6 SG in 2014 Class, Jacksonville, Florida
(ratings, locations all according to ESPN)

While there may be some growing pains for Duke and Krzyzewski, there is no denying how talented this Duke team is this year. They are extremely deep in both the frontcourt and backcourt and they do have some valuable experience returning. If Okafor can grow into a dominant big man, and someone can replace the wing scoring of both Hood and Parker, this Duke team has all the pieces they need to win what will be an unforgiving ACC. In fact, if those things do happen, an ACC Championship will be a pretty small ceiling for this Duke squad, a Final Four will be a legit possibility.

College Basketball Preview 2014-2015: 2. Wisconsin Badgers

Traevon Jackson

2. Wisconsin Badgers (30-8 in 2013-2014, lost in Final Four)


Projected Lineup:
G Traevon Jackson -- Senior
G Josh Gasser -- Senior
F Sam Dekker -- Junior
F Nigel Hayes -- Sophomore
C Frank Kaminsky -- Senior
Sixth Bronson Koenig -- Sophomore

Bo Ryan's 2013-2014 Wisconsin Badger team did what Bo Ryan's Wisconsin Badger teams do; they played hard defense, rebounded well, were extremely disciplined and passed well. Except, things were slightly different this team around. They were more talented than other teams in Bo Ryan's tenure, helping them reach a Final Four and nearly manage a national championship berth. Now, nearly everybody is back for Ryan and the Badgers, meaning this could well be the most talented team in the history of Wisconsin basketball. With a talented frontcourt, impressive depth and their usual abundance of experienced ball handlers, a championship berth will not elude Wisconsin this season.

BACKCOURT:  The Badgers will only lose one real contributor from last year's backcourt, sharpshooting Ben Brust. While Brust was a great shooter and an experienced leader, Wisconsin has a number of players ready to step up and take over his role. Plus, whoever steps up and fills his void won't see a bunch of minutes right away. Senior Traevon Jackson is a smart, speedy guard who will run the Wisconsin offense. Jackson is gifted with excellent court vision and he is an adept passer, making him the perfect weapon for this team. Fifth-year senior Josh Gasser is also back, and will most likely start at the guard spot alongside Jackson. Gasser has struggled with injuries throughout his collegiate career but he has been really good when healthy. Not necessarily the most athletic guard there is, Gasser relies on his wits and great jumper. Gasser is also a very good defender, whose long arms and body allow him to contend every ball put up. Along with Gasser and Jackson, sophomore combo guard Bronson Koenig is also back, hoping for a big year after a solid freshman campaign. Koenig is also a pretty long, athletic guard who has the chance to see some major minutes. Koenig doesn't have a developed three-point shot yet but he can definitely develop one, and he has the strength to get into the lane and finish in traffic. Two players who received a redshirt a season ago, Jordan Smith and Zak Showalter, will be expected to step up in a big way in 2014-2015. Showalter is perhaps the best pure athlete on the team, who is also gifted with great passing ability and explosiveness. Incoming freshman T.J. Schlundt is going to provide another good shooter who will also play defense.

FRONTCOURT: There were games last season when nobody on the court was at the level of center Frank Kaminsky. The senior center is a legitimate threat for not just Big Ten Player of the Year, but also National Player of the Year. The seven-footer is gifted with excellent all-around versatility. He can pull off and hit a mid range shot, and he can also drain three-pointers at an impressive rate. He still has to grow stronger and more physical inside but he can bang down low if necessary. There isn't a lot of players with his size that can match his speed and versatility, and that's why he has the opportunity to dominate this season. He will be joined in the frontcourt by junior Sam Dekker, who had a strong sophomore season. Entering last season, Dekker was a popular breakout player candidate and he did not disappoint, averaging 12.4 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game. He could be poised for an even bigger junior year, as he has all the makings for one huge season. The forward has a strong, powerful 6'9" frame that can also attack defenses in a variety of ways. He has a fantastic mid range game and he can also make big plays around the rim. The Badgers are also expecting big things from rapidly improving sophomore Nigel Hayes, and for good reason. Hayes also uses a strong frame to get to the rim and finish. He can really battle on the block, and he has excellent touch on the glass. Along with Dekker, Hayes is a superb rebounder. He is great on the offensive glass and his ability to get put back dunks and hustle points should really help Wisconsin. Another experienced forward, Duje Dukan, enters his fifth year in the Wisconsin program after putting up decent numbers last season, in which he averaged 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. His eight minutes per game average should likely increase in 2014-2015. He isn't the type of player that can take over games or anything like that, but he is a hard-worker that can play excellent defense down low. Bo Ryan will also welcome in another freshman in three-star forward Ethan Happ, a young talent from Illinois.

Frank Kaminsky

RECRUITING RUNDOWN:
Ethan Happ, No. 35 PF in 2014 Class, Taylor Ridge, Illinois
T.J. Schlundt, No. 82 SG in 2014 Class, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
(all ratings, locations according to ESPN)

This Wisconsin team will once more be skilled passers, great rebounders and defenders and will play hard. The difference is, this team is stocked with star power that they haven't had in years past. With Kaminsky, Dekker and Hayes leading the way in the frontcourt, and loads of depth in the back, the Badgers may be the most talented team in the entire Big Ten. If they can stay healthy, and not having the early conference play breakdown they had last season, it is reasonable to expect a second straight Final Four berth and possibly beyond.

College Basketball Preview 2014-2015: 1. Kentucky Wildcats

1. Kentucky Wildcats (29-11 in 2013-2014, lost in National Championship Game) 

Willie Cauley-Stein

Projected Lineup:
G Aaron Harrison -- Sophomore
G Andrew Harrison -- Sophomore
F Alex Poythress -- Junior
F Trey Lyles -- Freshman
C Willie Cauley-Stein -- Junior
Sixth Dakari Johnson -- Sophomore

Once more expectations were extremely high in Lexington, Kentucky, to nobody's surprise. The Wildcats were bringing in the nation's top recruiting class (one that included stud prospects Julius Randle, along with the Harrison twins) and also had a number of veterans back (Willie Cauley-Stein, Alex Poythress). While youth and turnovers caused serious problems for Kentucky early, the Wildcats figured it all out at the right time of the season. They would go on a mad tournament run, one that included victories over Wichita State, Louisville and Michigan, who were all Final Four teams in 2013. Well the run was impressive, a tough loss to Connecticut in the national championship motivated a number of Wildcats to return, including the Harrison twins, big men Dakari Johnson and Willie Cauley-Stein, along with forward Marcus Lee, who could be in store for a breakout season. Join that up with another fantastic recruiting class and once more, big things are expected for Kentucky.

BACKCOURT: Few incoming freshmen were as hyped as the Harrison twins were entering 2014. NBA scouts raved about their size, ability to attack the rim, and leadership ability. But, both struggled throughout much of last season. Both of the Harrisons were prone to mistakes, not too surprising for young newcomers granted the reigns of the offense. Though, they managed to figure things out and there was no denying how good they were in the 2014 NCAA Tournament. Aaron, in especially, found his clutch gene and made two huge shots against Wisconsin in the Final Four and Michigan in the Elite Eight. It will be interesting to see how the pair matures this upcoming season. If they can develop a consistent jumper they have the chance to be scary; quick, deceptive ball handlers with the size to get to the rim and finish, reminds me of John Wall. John Calipari landed two stud guards in freshman Tyler Ulis and smart, hard-working shooting guard Devin Booker. Ulis might not see a ton of action this season, but there is loads of potential there. The extremely quick 5'9" ball handler is excellent in transition and moves well side to side. He has the chance to be a great defender; he has very quick hands the athleticism to keep up with some of the nation's top guards. The loss of wing scorer James Young hurts, but Booker could possibly make up for it. Young showed excellent versatility last season, proving to be a dangerous sharpshooter who can also was a great jumper and was around the rim often. While Booker isn't the shooter that Young was he has the chance to grow into one because he has a very quick release and has the long arms to extend over defenders. Depth could be a relative concern in the backcourt, as Calipari will almost certainly lean heavily on sophomore Dominique Hawkins, who has the potential to grow into one of the nation's top defenders. Hawkins saw action in 33 games lasts season and proved to be the team's most consistent defender. Hawkins excels on the defensive side because of his high basketball IQ, and his long arms.