Preseason Top 15

It's that time of year again when the NCAA Basketball Season starts and every so called "Expert" gives you their predictions of the Final Four. This year I continue to hear Duke, when haven't they been predicted to be in the Final Four? They will be solid but a lot of pressure is on top recruit Kyrie Irving (yes he is good) and Seth Curry. I continue to hear a lot of Michigan State, sure Izzo is a great coach but are they healthy? After that I hear a lot of Kansas State, Ohio State, Pittsburgh and Villanova. Then there is a few people who pick Kansas? They must know something about Josh Selby and his eligibility, without him they are a Sweet 16 team at best. Selby is a game changer and he will be missed at Allen Fieldhouse if he is ruled ineligible by the clearinghouse.

Let's start with the Top 10 tonight and I'll go through 25 in the coming days.

#1 Duke - Yes, you'll find out I hate Duke. Even with the loss of Jon Scheyer, which I feel could really hurt them, they are still the defending champs and they are still ultra talented. Singler is a very good player and Irving and Curry should be as advertised.

#2 Michigan State - Yes I have called out others for this ranking, but you really can't put anyone else here. Izzo gets the most out of his players and is always tough in March. If Lucas is healthy they could easily be the favorite to win the title, saying that it would not shock me to see them not win the loaded Big Ten.

#3 Kansas State - Watch out Bill Self, you're not the top coach in Kansas anymore (actually calling you a coach is a stretch). In just three seasons as head coach at Kansas State, Frank Martin has won 72 games, the same number that Bill Self won in his first three seasons in Lawrence. Kansas State brings back All American, and potential Player of the Year candidate, Jacob Pullen who looks to lead the Wildcats to Houston.

#4 the Ohio State University - Losing Turner hurts, there is no question about that, but Thad Matta has brought in Preseason Freshman of the Year in the Big Ten, Jared Sullinger. Watch out, this kid is good. couple him with Senior guards, David Lighty and Jon Diebler as well as returning starters Dallas Lauderdale and William Buford and you have a potential title contender.

#5 North Carolina - Yes, I hate the Tar Heels but Freshman Phenom Harrison Barnes is just that good. The Heels might start out slow but watch out for them in March. As the team continues to grow and learn to play together they could easily contend for a title come March.

#6  Villanova - It's a tough call in the Big East, 'Nova and Pitt are so close. I'll take the Wildcats and their trio of Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes and Maalik Wayns in the backcourt. Expect the Wildcats to extend their streak to seven straight 20 win seasons and NCAA Tournament births.

#7 Pittsburgh - 'Nova and Pitt are so close in my mind, either could end up winning the Big East. Pitt returns 4 starters from a team taht won 25 games last year, which is a good recipe for success. Add in the fact that the Panthers are 132-11 at home at The Pete and you can understand why the fans expectations are high and nothing but an appearance in Houston will satisfy them.

#8  Kansas - Disclaimer: If Josh Selby is ineligible drop the Jayhawks back 10 spots. Bill Self returns two starters from a team that, well he'd likely not want to discuss what happened last March. Expect Tyshawn Taylor and the Morris twins to have good years, but without Selby, likely Bill Self's best recruit ever, the Jayhawks are not an elite team.

#9 Purdue - Even with the loss of Robbie Hummel this team is still good. E'Twaun Moore, Lewis Jackson and one of the most electric players in the Big Ten JaJuan Johson return for the Boilermakers and coach Matt Painter. The Boilers may not be a preseason title contender without Hummel, but I still expect them to push for a Big Ten Title.

#10 Syracuse - The Orange may have lost a lot of talent (Wes Johnson) but don't underestimate Jim Boeheim's squad. The team returns two starters from last year's 30 win squad and brings in two fab freshmen, Fab Melo and Dion Waiters. The Orange might struggle early but expect them to be among the nations best teams by March.

#11  Illinois - This team has a lot to prove after failing to make the Dance last year. This team brings back all 5 starters from last year and freshman Jereme Richmond has the talent to be special. The team rests on the maturity of Demetri McCamey, he's talked the talk this summer, now he needs to walk the walk. This team has potential, but can they put it all together?

#12 Washington - The Pac10 Champs from a year ago looked very good in March and returns 4 starters, watch for Isaiah Thomas, Abdul Gaddy and Venoy Overton to lead this team this year. I love Thomas and expect him to lead the Huskies to the Pac10 title and at least a few wins in march.

#13 Kentucky - Disclaimer: Kentucky is a fringe top 25 team without key freshman Enes Kanter, and with him they could easily be a few spots higher. John Calipari has another top Freshmen PG in Knight and should have another solid team in March.

#14 Missouri - Things change a lot for the Mizzou Tigers if Top recruit Tony Mitchell becomes eligible in the second semester, with him I might even consider them a Top 10 team. Without him they are a sold team with a chance for a few wins in March.

#15 - Gonzaga - This team could contend for a Final Four, losing Matt Bouldin hurts but the team returns a great one - two punch in Elias Harris and Steven Gray. Expect Mark Few and Gonzaga to win their 11th straight Conference Title and position themselves for a productive March.