What Teams Look Strong Coming Into March
UConn rode Kemba Walker to 11 straight season-ending wins and a National Championship last year, but his departure may not mean the end of the Huskies’ reign. Top recruit Andre Drummond, a 6’11 center who many feel could be a top overall pick in the NBA Draft, has committed to UConn for the 11-12 season, and will join Jeremy Lamb, Shabbaz Napier, and Alex Oriakhi to defend the title next spring.
Harrison Barnes will lead a stacked North Carolina team into the season as the consensus top-ranked team. Barnes, Tyler Zeller, and John Henson give the Tar Heels a combination of size and athleticism that will be a huge challenge for any opponent.
Ohio State returns three starters, including dominating center Jared Sullinger, from a team that hung around the top five all last season. The Buckeyes appear poised to roll through a weak Big Ten conference. Duke should retain its customary spot in the top ten with top freshman Austin Rivers coming into the mix.
Two more that should be able to run with the best based on pure talent will be Kentucky and Baylor. Each team features multiple future lottery picks, all of whom are long and athletic.