I know that this season ended less than 48 hours ago, but it's never too early to look ahead to next year. I've ranked the top teams for next year, based on some assumptions on who will declare and who won't, and these are certain to change before the season starts as there are still top recruits who are undecided. But for now:
1. Indiana: This is based on Cody Zeller staying, which is most likely. The Hoosiers will be returning their top 5 scorers from a very good team this year including Christian Watford, who has already ensured his place in Indiana lore with his buzzer beater against Kentucky this year. Tom Crean, also brings in a class that features three top 50 recruits, headlined by #16 Hanner Parea.
2. Lousiville: Pitino's squad will have plenty of buzz around it after this years suprise Final Four run. They graduate Kyle Kuric and Chris Smith, but they will benefit from having Wayne Blackshear for the entire year as well as getting Mike Marra and Rakeem Buckles back from season ending injuries. Peyton Siva, who seems like he's been around forever should also be a frontrunner for Big East Player of the Year.
3. Michigan: The Wolverines return all key components beside Steve Novak, from a team that won a share of the Big 12 regular season title. Throw in big man recruit Mitch McGrary,and a returning backcourt of Tim Hardaway Jr. and the explosive Trey Burke, and Michigan will be exciting to watch. The Wolverines also add Nik Stauskas, from St. Marks, who has unlimited range.
Check out the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAJl7Tgk97I
4. Florida: The losses of all time assists leader, Erving Walker, and likely lottery pick, Bradley Beal will hurt but they have plenty of guard firepower to replensih with. All SEC guard Kenny Boynton will be back for his senior year, and Mike Rosario and Scottie Wilbekin are more than capable of picking up the rest of the load. Also Patric Young has said he's coming back and he should become the dominant post presecene many expected him to be this year. The Gators should battle Kentucky for the conference title in what looks to be a down year for the SEC.
5. Duke: They only graduate one senior as well as losing Rivers to the draft, but after a dissappointing campaign from the frosh not too many are upset to seem him go. They return talent a plenty in the backcourt with Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins, and Quinn Cook all returning along with #14 recruit SG Rasheed Sulaimon being added to the mix. They also bring back alot of size with Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kelly, and with Coach K at the helm the Dukies can never be counted out.
6. Syracuse: A squad that's losing a lot of players with Kris Joseph, and Scoop Jardine graduating and Fab Melo and Dion Waters declaring. But, don't expect a drop off from the Orange with Brandon Triche running the point and Carter-Williams and Rakeem Christmas getting the chance to shine, and the addition of DaJaun Coleman should be huge. The Orange will be at top of the Big East.
7. North Carolina State: This high ranking is based on C.J Leslie returning, but Mark Gottfried's is loaded with talent whether or not he stays. Lorenzo Brown really proved himself as a distrubtor this year, and Richard Howell will be back to bang down low. Throw in the nations #7 recruit class, and the Wolf Pack will be looking to build upon this years Sweet Sixteen run.
8. Kentucky: The roster looks to be decimated, with Davis, MKG, Jones, and Lamb all leaving for the draft with Darius Miller, the 'Cats glue guy gone as well. Not to say Marquis Teague may also declare, but if he stays he will form one of the nations most exciting backcourts with Ryan Harrow, who is now eligible after sitting a year after transferring from NC State. Throw in Kyle Wilitjer, who barely saw the floor this year, and big name recruits such as Willie Cauley and Archie Goodwin, and Kentucky will certainly still boast talent. And imagine if they land Nerlens Noel or Shabazz?
9. Michigan State: One thing I've learned from watching college hoops over the last few years is, never count Tom Izzo out. The Spartans are losing do-it-all superstar Draymond Green, but they bring back big bodies Adrien Payne and Derrick Nix. Throw in Keith Appling, who made big strides running this point this year and 4 Top 100 recruits, and I'm certain MSU will be relevant come next March.
10. Memphis: Losing Will Barton hurts, but don't sleep on the Tigers who still take home the C-USA title easily. Having Adonis Thomas available for a full season, will reap big benefits for Memphis as the uber athletic forward possesses lottery talent. And Shaq Goodwin the #26 recruit will give Josh Pastner the size his squad lacked this year.
Honorable Mention: Baylor, SDSU, Arizona, ND, OSU
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