College Basketball ’20-21 Preseason Top 25

  • Post category:Basketball

-Originally published 2020-

The Big 10 and Big 12 should be the most competitive of the power conferences. The Big Ten fields Michigan State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa hoping to make Final Four runs while Ohio State, Michigan, Rutgers, Indiana, and Maryland all have a shot at the NCAA tournament. Over half of the Big 12 should make the tourney with Baylor and Kansas pushing for a Championship. With North Carolina hopefully returning to form after a losing record last season, the ACC will roll out UNC, Duke, and Virginia at the top of the conference per usual. The SEC and the Pac-12 haven’t been deep basketball conferences recently nor have they fielded real Championship contenders and that trend continues.

Jay Wright and his Villanova Wildcats are overwhelming favorites to take the Big East, arguably the 6th Power-5 conference in the College Basketball. The Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) is always criminally underrated and fielded a potential Final Four team last season in Dayton, led by current NY Knicks rookie Obi Toppin. Home to other heavy hitters Davidson, Richmond, Rhode Island, Saint Louis, and VCU the top of the A-10 every season can compete will all but the top team or two of every Power conference.

Gonzaga is rightfully criticized for playing in the West Coast Conference but is my favorite to win the Championship this season. The meaningful non-conference schedule includes Kansas, Auburn, West Virginia, Baylor, and Iowa assuming no games get cancelled.  The conference scheduled potentially includes two meetings with BYU and Saint Mary’s in conference play that could be helpful if both teams are decent. Winning even half of these matchups and cleaning up the rest of the schedule will still give the Bulldogs a high seed come tournament time. I beat they have a couple slip-up but finish with no fewer than two losses and a #1 seed.

Preseason Top 25

  1. Gonzaga
  2. Baylor
  3. Villanova
  4. Virginia
  5. Kansas
  6. Michigan State
  7. Duke
  8. Illinois
  9. Kentucky
  10. Iowa
  1. Tennessee
  2. North Carolina
  3. Creighton
  4. Wisconsin
  5. West Virginia
  6. Houston
  7. Arizona State
  8. Oregon
  9. Texas
  10. Florida State
  11. Texas Tech
  12. Ohio State
  13. UCLA
  14. LSU
  15. Richmond
  1. Rutgers
  2. San Diego State
  3. Stanford
  4. Boise State
  5. BYU
  6. Arizona
  7. Saint Louis
  8. Louisville
  9. Oklahoma State
  10. Indiana
  11. Alabama
  12. Michigan
  13. Seton Hall
  14. Florida
  15. Utah State

1) Gonzaga
Last Season: #2 31-2 (15-1)
Joel Ayayi (10.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and Corey Kispert (13.9 ppg, 4 rpg) pulled out of the NBA draft and returned to the Bulldogs which was a huge bump. 5 star guard Jalen Sugs is the highest ranked recruit Gonzaga has ever had. Drew Timme the 6’10 forward (9.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg) should move into a starting role. Oumar Ballo is a 6’10 center and Julian Strawther is a 6’7 guard and both played in the World Cup. Aaron Cook is transferring in from Southern Illinois (15 ppg) as well. This team lost three starters but returns big time contributors and has guys read to step up. An easy conference schedule that’ll allow them a higher seed and an easy path to the sweet 16 before seeing any real competition doesn’t hurt.

2) Baylor
Last Season: #5 26-4 (15-3)
 The Big 12 loaded but Baylor returns its top 3 scores on a team that was robbed of a potential Final Four run last season. Jared Butler (16 ppg, 3.2 rpg) is the best guard and possibly the best player in the conference. Guards MaCio Teague (13 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and Davion Mitchell (9.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg) are studs. The Bears welcome a fleet of four-star recruits in L.J. Cryer, Zach Loveday, and Dain Dainja. They’ll add a couple of transfers and other contributors like All-Defensive team selection Mark Vital to the rotation and this will be a Final Four worthy group again. They were 7th in scoring defense last season (60.1 ppg) and will be tough again.

3) Villanova
Last Season: #11 24-7 (13-5) Caleb Daniels, former Tulane guard, put up big numbers with the Green Wave (16.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.3) and transfers into a team with stud point guard Collin Gillespie (15.1 ppg, 4.5 apg) and three other double-digit scorers. Justin Moore (11.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Jermaine Samuels (10.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (10.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg) will return and be complemented by a couple McDonalds All-Americans to form one of the more formidable rosters in the country.

4) Virginia
Last Season: #16 23-7 (15-5)
Kihel Clark was the backup point guard as a freshman when the Cavaliers won the national championship two years ago and now he’s one of the best guards in the country (10.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 6.0 apg). The Cavs with rely on transfer Sam Hauser (12.7 ppg,  6 rbg  44.5 3%)  and freshman Jabri Abduri-Rahim for scoring as they try to field the 1st scoring defense (52.4 ppg) again. 7’1 senor F Jay Huff (8.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Tomas Woldetensae (6.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg) are returning starters.

5) Kansas
Last Season: #1 28-3(17-1)
The Jays will again have an opportunity to compete for a title after getting robbed last season. Marcus Garrett will be one of the best defensive players in the country after averaging 1.8 steals and 4.5 deflections per game last season. Offensively he averaged 9.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game with a assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.7. David MaCcormack (6.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Ochai Agbaji (10ppg, 4.2 rpg) are returning starters. This team will have to find out who is going to replace Devon Dotson (18.1 ppg) and Udka Azubuike (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).

6) Michigan State
Last Season: #9 22-9 (14-6)
Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman are gone and so are over 30 ppg, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and a whole lot of leadership. Rocket Watts (9 ppg) should be allowed to take off. Joshua Langford (15 ppg) is back after 2 years of injury and Aaron Henry returned from testing the NBA waters (10 ppg, 4.6 rpg). Forward Joey Hauser (9.7 ppg 5.3 rpg) from Marquette sat out last season but will be eligible this season. String bean 6’11 Marcus Bingham Jr, Malik Hall, and Julius Marble will man the front court. Izzo is known for developing his bigs and all three have potential.

7) Duke
Last Season: 25-6 (15-5)  
5 star 6’8 forward Jalen Johnson was a huge get for the Blue Devils. He’ll be the focus of the offense. A couple more bigs, 6’8 Jaemyn Brakefiled  and 7’0 Mark Williams  and a pair of guards in DJ Steward and Jeremy Roach rounded out possibly the #1 recruiting class in the nation. Coach K also grabbed 6’10 Patrick Tape (11.3 ppg, 5.9 reb, 66.7 fg%) a transfer from Columbia. Sophomores Wendell More Jr (7.4 pgg, 4.2 rpg) and Matthew Hurt (9.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg) are key returnees. This will be a team driven by freshman phenomes.

8) Illinois
Last Season: #21 21-10 (13-7)
 Ayo Dosunmu (16.6 ppg, 3.3 apg) and big man Kofi Cockburn (13.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg) are an elite duo for one of the most intriguing teams in nation. Illinois has exploded the past few years into an efficient contender. Trent Frazier (9.1 ppg), Jacob Grandison (13.9 ppg, 5 rpg) and transfer Austin Hutcherson (20 ppg, 5.6 rpg – Div. III) will all be key to the team’s success. They were 11th in rebounding margin (7.5) last year and have greatly improved defensively.

9)  Kentucky
Last Season: #8 25-6 (15-3)
B.J. Boston is the next stud one-and-done to come through Lexington. He’s a 6-6 guard for California and an explosive scorer. Terrence Clarke is a 6-7 guard and a 5-star recruit. Four stars Isaiah Jackson, Devin Askew, Cam’Ron Fletcher, and Lance Ware round out another excellent freshmen class. Two transfers will mingle. Guard Davion Mintz from Creighton (9.7 ppg) and center Olivier Sarr (13 ppg, 9.7 rpg) from Wake Forest.

10) Iowa
Last Season: #25 20-11 (11-9)
Center Luka Garza stunned everyone when he gave up the NBA to come back for his senior season. The 6’11, 260 pound force of nature averaged 23.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Three other starters return and several freshmen will be added to the mix. The Hawkeyes were 1st in the Big 10 in scoring last season at 77.7 ppg and 29th nationally, but the defense gave up 72.3 ppg, 13th in the Big 10 and 257th nationally. That needs to improve.

11) Tennessee
Last Season: 17-14 (9-9)The Vols return almost the entire roster including four starters. John Fulkerson (13.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg) shot 61% inside the ark. Yves Pons (10.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg) was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. E.J. Anosike transferring in from Sacred Heart was 2nd in the nation with 138 offensive rebounds last season. 5-star recruits Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson should help push the team to a better finish than a disappointing 2019-2020 season.

12) North Carolina
Last Season: 14-19 (6-14)
The Tarheels had an awful season last year leaning on freshman Cole Anthony.  He’s gone and in his place is a pair of freshman guards R.J. Davis and Caleb Love. Forward Garrison Brooks returns as the ACC’s 2nd leading rebounder (16.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and Armando Bacot is the 3rd (9.6 ppg 8.3 rpg).A top-5 recruiting class with addition of Da’Ron Sharpe, Waler Kessler and guards Donovan Johnson Kerwin Walont along with a few upper classman and the ability to crash the boards will push the Heels in the right direction again.

13) Creighton
Last Season: #7 24-7 (13-5)Mitch Ballock had the 5th best assist-to-turnover ratio in the nation (3.39) and is the Big East’s top returning leader in 3-point % (43.5%) Marcus Zegarowski is 2nd (42.4%) and the league’s leading returning scorer at 16.1 ppg and 2nd in assists (5 apg). Damien Jefferson (9.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Christian Bishop (8.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg are returning starters. 6’11 Centers Ryan Kalkbrenner and Jacob Epperson, returning form injury, will protect the paint. This should be an exciting group of shooters to watch in the Big East.

14) Wisconsin
Last Season: #17 21-10 (14-6)
6’11 forward Nate Reuvers (13.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg) is one of the best players in the Big 10. Guards D’Mitrick Trice (9.8 ppg, 4.2 apg) and Brad Davison (9.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and forward Aleem Ford (8.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg) all return. Several freshmen should play including four stars Johnathan Davis and Lorne Bowman II. The Badgers were 1st in the Big 10 and 13th nationally in scoring defense (62.2 ppg). They were also 1st in the conference in free throw percentage (76.4) and 2nd in 3-point percentage (35.2).

15) West Virginia
Last Season: #24 21-10 (9-9)
West Virginia had one of the youngest rosters in the nation last season. Derek Culver (10.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg) and Oscar Tshiebwe (11.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg) are key returning starters. Jordan McCabe and Emmitt Matthews Jr were starters as well but were huge contriguters. The Mountaineers were 5th in the nation in robounding margin (8.1) and 15th in scoring defense (62.4 ppg). They were one of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the league. If this team can develop they’ll be a handful every night.

16) Houston
Last Season: #22 23-8 (13-5)
Last year Caleb Mills lead Houston in scoring as a freshman last year (13.2ppg, 36.5 3%) and guards Marcus Sasser (8.1ppg, 35.2 3%), DeJon Jarreau (9 ppg, 4.3 rbs) and Quentin Grimas (12.1 ppg, 3.7 rbs) return. Big forward Fabian White Jr torn his ACL and is out for the season and that hurts Houston tremendously. 6’8 Brison Gresham, Reggie Chaney and 6’10 freshman Center Klyron Powell will man the front count. The Cougars should command the AAC.

17) Arizona State
Last Season: 20-11 (11-7)
Top scorers Remy Martin (19.1 ppg, 4.1 apg) and Alonzo Verge Jr (14.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg) return and 5 star Joshua Christopher. Make a lethal guard combo. Transfer Holland Woods (17.7) from Portland State will be added to the mix. The front court and who will be grabbing the rebounds is an issue. The Sun Devils will have some big scoring nights.

18) Oregon
Last Season: #13 24-7 (13-5)Oregon lost four starters but returns Chris Duarte (12. Ppg, 3.9 rpg), lots of experience, and tons of transfers. N’Faly Dante is 6’11 and has over a 7’5 wing span (5.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg). Chandler Lawson is an excellent shooter at over 51% from the field (4.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg). Amauri Hardy was 3rd team All Mountain West last season averaging 14.5 ppg and transferred to finish up his eligibility with the Ducks. LJ Figueroa transferred in from St Johns (14.5 ppg), Eric Williams Jr (14.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg) transfers from Duquesne, and MAAC Freshman of the year Aaron Estrada arrives as well. The Ducks will be dangerous if all the pieces come together.

19) Texas
Last Season: 19-12(9-9)
Texas hasn’t been great recently, even when ranked in the preseason top-25 almost every year. This season they return…..the entire roster. Everyone is back and that has to count for someone. Guards Matt Coleman III (12.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.4 spg) and Courtney Ramey (10.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg) are key. Top 10 recruit Greg Brown is a 6’9 forward and the only freshman. Shaka Smart hasn’t been very successful in Austin and he’ll have to show positive improvement soon or he’ll be out.  A cohesive unit will help. In his five seasons at Texas Smart has sent Jarrett Allen, Mo Bamba, and Jaxson Hayes to the NBA.  6’11 sophomore Kai Jones only logged 16 minutes per game last season but could be next on that list along with Brown the true freshmen.

20) Florida State
Last Season: #4 26-5 (16-4)The hardnosed Seminoles are known for their defense, and their seven footers. This year we have 7’0 freshman Quincy Ballard (14 ppg, 11 reb, 6 bks as senior, 7’1 Balsa Koprivica (4.7 ppg, 2.4 reb) and 7’2 Tanor Ngom (16.7 ppg, 11.5 reb-Ryerson Uni/Canada). Sottie Barnes is a 6’9 freshman who’ll be playing in the NBA next year. Sardaar Guard transfers Sardarr Calhoun (18.9 ppg-Jr colleg) and M.J. Walker (10.6 ppg, 36.1 3%) will be counted on to make an impact.

21) Texas Tech
Last Season: 18-13 (9-9)
Coach Chris Beard is back at it two years after a magical run to the National Championship. Terrance Shannon Jr (9.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Kyler Edwards (11.4 ppg, 4 rpg) are the only returning starters. A handful of freshman and several transfers will make their way on the squad. Vladislav Goldin a 7’1 center out of Russia should be interesting to watch.

22) Ohio State
Last Season: #19 21-10 (11-9)
OSU saw a handful of players exit after a solid run to end the season last year. A could transferred out and Kaleb Wesson went pro. Reloading with transfers Jimmy Sotos form Bucknell (11.5 ppg, 3.9 apg) and Seth Towns (16 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 42% 3p%) will help. Guards Duane Washington (11.5 ppg) and CJ Walker (8.7 ppg, 3.5 apg) should nail down the backcourt. Contributors Justice Sueing (14.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg), and Kyle Young (7.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg) return.

23) UCLA
Last Season: 19-12 (12-6)Four starters return for the Bruins that made a late push last season. They started 1-6 and ended on a 11-3 run in the Pac-12 put them on the bubble for the NCAA tournament. Jalen Hill (9 ppg, 6.9 rpg) was honorable mention All-Pac-12. Chris Smith was first team All-Pac-12 (13.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg). Mick Cronin will be going into his 2nd year at UCLA after leaving Cincinnati and his calling card is defense. Expect him to get the team to come around this season.

24) LSU
Last Season: 21-10 (12-6)Trendon Watford (13.6 ppg, 7.2 rebounds), Javonte Smart (12.5 ppg), Darius Days (11.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg) all returned from draft considerations. The Tigers were 1st in the conference in shooting percentage at 47.1% (23rd nationally) and 2nd in turnover margin at 6.3 (24th nationally) last season.

25) Richmond
Last Season: 24-7 (14-4)
The Spider men return a senor starting lineup of Jacob Gilyard (12.7 ppg, 5.7 apg), Blake Francis (17.7 ppg), Nathan Caye (8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Nick Sherod (12.7 pgg, 5.4 rpg), and Grant Golden (13.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg). Add in Isaiah Wilson and Djimon Bailey, a couple of top recruits at guard and transfer Connor Crabtree (7.1 ppg) from Tulane and Richmond has the best team in the super competitive Atlantic-10.

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