1.
Kansas
(27-8)
Points: 770 (27 first-place
votes). Final 2008-09 ranking: 10.
Outlook: Jayhawks should make a serious run at their second national title in three years, with the return of C Cole Aldrich and Gs Sherron Collins and Tyshawn Taylor, who is recovering from a thumb injury. The additions of freshman Gs Xavier Henry and C.J. Henry should make them even more potent. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Hofstra.
Outlook: Jayhawks should make a serious run at their second national title in three years, with the return of C Cole Aldrich and Gs Sherron Collins and Tyshawn Taylor, who is recovering from a thumb injury. The additions of freshman Gs Xavier Henry and C.J. Henry should make them even more potent. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Hofstra.
2.
Michigan
State (31-7)
Points: 732 (3). Final
2008-09 ranking: 2.
Outlook: After a national runner-up finish last season, the Spartans lost post player Goran Suton, but Big Ten player of the year Kalin Lucas returns to the backcourt along with Chris Allen and Durrell Summers. Returning up front are Fs Raymar Morgan and Delvon Roe. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Florida Gulf Coast.
Outlook: After a national runner-up finish last season, the Spartans lost post player Goran Suton, but Big Ten player of the year Kalin Lucas returns to the backcourt along with Chris Allen and Durrell Summers. Returning up front are Fs Raymar Morgan and Delvon Roe. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Florida Gulf Coast.
3.
Texas
(23-12)
Points: 676. Final 2008-09
ranking: 23.
Outlook: Longhorns figure to be right there with Kansas in the Big 12 and should contend nationally with the return of wing Damion James, C Dexter Pittman, G Justin Mason and F Gary Johnson. Freshman wing Jordan Hamilton is one to watch, and Florida transfer Jai Lucas should be a valuable backcourt addition when he becomes eligible in December. Opens: Nov. 15 vs. UC-Irvine in CBE Classic (ESPNU, 2).
Outlook: Longhorns figure to be right there with Kansas in the Big 12 and should contend nationally with the return of wing Damion James, C Dexter Pittman, G Justin Mason and F Gary Johnson. Freshman wing Jordan Hamilton is one to watch, and Florida transfer Jai Lucas should be a valuable backcourt addition when he becomes eligible in December. Opens: Nov. 15 vs. UC-Irvine in CBE Classic (ESPNU, 2).
4.
North
Carolina (34-4)
Points: 653 (1). Final
2008-09 ranking: 1.
Outlook: Defending national champ doesn't look much like last season's team. Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and Danny Green gone, but Fs Deon Thomson, Ed Davis and Tyler Zeller are back. The backcourt has some question marks, but the Heels should again be among the ACC's best. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Florida International in 2K Sports Classic (ESPNU, 7).
Outlook: Defending national champ doesn't look much like last season's team. Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and Danny Green gone, but Fs Deon Thomson, Ed Davis and Tyler Zeller are back. The backcourt has some question marks, but the Heels should again be among the ACC's best. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Florida International in 2K Sports Classic (ESPNU, 7).
5.
Kentucky
(22-14)
Points: 635. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Coach John Calipari's arrival in Lexington has already paid dividends with a standout recruiting class, led by backcourt prodigy John Wall and post player DeMarcus Cousins, although Wall's eligibility for the start of the season is in question. F Patrick Patterson is back to pace the veterans. There should be no NIT talk around the Bluegrass State this season. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Morehead State (ESPNU, 6:30).
Outlook: Coach John Calipari's arrival in Lexington has already paid dividends with a standout recruiting class, led by backcourt prodigy John Wall and post player DeMarcus Cousins, although Wall's eligibility for the start of the season is in question. F Patrick Patterson is back to pace the veterans. There should be no NIT talk around the Bluegrass State this season. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Morehead State (ESPNU, 6:30).
6.
Villanova
(30-8)
Points: 620. Final 2008-09
ranking: 4.
Outlook: After an apperance in the Final Four, this could be the best team in the Big East, as the Wildcats return veteran Gs Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes. Frontcourt stalwart Dante Cunningham is gone, but coach Jay Wright is bringing in a top-notch recrutiting class that includes 6-10 Mouphtaou Yarou. Thre's enough talent here for another deep tournament trip. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Fairleigh Dickinson.
Outlook: After an apperance in the Final Four, this could be the best team in the Big East, as the Wildcats return veteran Gs Scottie Reynolds, Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes. Frontcourt stalwart Dante Cunningham is gone, but coach Jay Wright is bringing in a top-notch recrutiting class that includes 6-10 Mouphtaou Yarou. Thre's enough talent here for another deep tournament trip. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Fairleigh Dickinson.
7.
Purdue
(27-10)
Points: 586. Final 2008-09
ranking: 14.
Outlook: This could be the Boilermakers' year to rule the Big Ten behind F Robbie Hummel, Gs E'Twaun Moore and Chris Kramer and C JaJuan Johnson. This is a veteran team with a deep bench and could be primed for a deep postseason run. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Cal State-Northridge.
Outlook: This could be the Boilermakers' year to rule the Big Ten behind F Robbie Hummel, Gs E'Twaun Moore and Chris Kramer and C JaJuan Johnson. This is a veteran team with a deep bench and could be primed for a deep postseason run. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Cal State-Northridge.
8.
Duke
(30-7)
Points: 528. Final 2008-09
ranking: 11.
Outlook: Blue Devils haven't had a great deal of postseason success recently and must replace Gs Gerald Henderson and Elliot Williams. Guards Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith return with Fs Kyle Singler and Lance Thomas and C Brian Zoubek. This team should be solid in the ACC, but do the Devils have enough to make some real noise in March? Opens: Nov. 13 vs. North Carolina-Greensboro.
Outlook: Blue Devils haven't had a great deal of postseason success recently and must replace Gs Gerald Henderson and Elliot Williams. Guards Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith return with Fs Kyle Singler and Lance Thomas and C Brian Zoubek. This team should be solid in the ACC, but do the Devils have enough to make some real noise in March? Opens: Nov. 13 vs. North Carolina-Greensboro.
9.
West
Virginia (23-12)
Points: 501. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Bob Huggins continues to recruit well, and the Mountaineers could be poised to take a big jump in the Big East. Forwards Da'Sean Butler, Devin Ebanks and Wellington Smith provide strength up front. Truck Bryant and Joe Mazzulla lend experience to the backcourt. Opens: Nov. 15 vs. Loyola (Md.).
Outlook: Bob Huggins continues to recruit well, and the Mountaineers could be poised to take a big jump in the Big East. Forwards Da'Sean Butler, Devin Ebanks and Wellington Smith provide strength up front. Truck Bryant and Joe Mazzulla lend experience to the backcourt. Opens: Nov. 15 vs. Loyola (Md.).
10.
Butler
(26-6)
Points: 408. Final 2008-09
ranking: 25.
Outlook: Bulldogs have loads of talent back and could be poised to make noise nationally. Gordon Hayward and Matt Howard pace the frontcourt with Shelvin Mack and Willie Veasley providing a veteran backcourt punch. Bulldogs' non-league games include Minnesota, Georgetown, Ohio State and Xavier. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Davidson.
Outlook: Bulldogs have loads of talent back and could be poised to make noise nationally. Gordon Hayward and Matt Howard pace the frontcourt with Shelvin Mack and Willie Veasley providing a veteran backcourt punch. Bulldogs' non-league games include Minnesota, Georgetown, Ohio State and Xavier. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Davidson.
11.
Tennessee
(21-13)
Points: 406. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: After a subpar record and an early NCAA tournament ouster, the Volunteers hope to bounce back behind F Tyler Smith, Gs J.P. Prince, Scotty Hopson and Bobby Maze and C Wayne Chism. There's a lot of experience, and the Vols should at least challenge for SEC supremacy. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Austin Peay.
Outlook: After a subpar record and an early NCAA tournament ouster, the Volunteers hope to bounce back behind F Tyler Smith, Gs J.P. Prince, Scotty Hopson and Bobby Maze and C Wayne Chism. There's a lot of experience, and the Vols should at least challenge for SEC supremacy. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Austin Peay.
12.
California
(22-11)
Points: 370. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Golden Bears looking to rise in Pacific-10, and they can be tough to handle when they're hitting from three-point range behind Gs Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher and F Theo Robertson. Jamal Boykin paces the post players. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Murray State in 2K Sports Classic (ESPNU, 11).
Outlook: Golden Bears looking to rise in Pacific-10, and they can be tough to handle when they're hitting from three-point range behind Gs Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher and F Theo Robertson. Jamal Boykin paces the post players. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Murray State in 2K Sports Classic (ESPNU, 11).
13.
Washington
(26-9)
Points: 364. Final 2008-09
ranking: 16.
Outlook: Frontcourt star Jon Brockman has departed, but the Huskies return enough talent to stay near the top of the Pacific-10. G Isaiah Thomas is back along with wing Quincy Pondexter and F Darnell Gant. G Abdul Gaddy, one of the top recruits in the nation, is expected to make an immediate impact. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Wright State in Athletes in Action Classic.
Outlook: Frontcourt star Jon Brockman has departed, but the Huskies return enough talent to stay near the top of the Pacific-10. G Isaiah Thomas is back along with wing Quincy Pondexter and F Darnell Gant. G Abdul Gaddy, one of the top recruits in the nation, is expected to make an immediate impact. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Wright State in Athletes in Action Classic.
14.
Connecticut
(31-5)
Points: 361. Final 2008-09
ranking: 3.
Outlook: Following appearance in Final Four, the Huskies lost C Hasheem Thabeet, G A.J. Price and F Jeff Adrien. Gs Kemba Walker and Jerome Dyson, who is coming off a serious knee injury, return with F Stanley Robinson. Watch for highly touted F Ater Majok, who becomes eligible in mid-December. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. William & Mary.
Outlook: Following appearance in Final Four, the Huskies lost C Hasheem Thabeet, G A.J. Price and F Jeff Adrien. Gs Kemba Walker and Jerome Dyson, who is coming off a serious knee injury, return with F Stanley Robinson. Watch for highly touted F Ater Majok, who becomes eligible in mid-December. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. William & Mary.
15.
Michigan
(21-14)
Points: 279. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Hasn't taken coach John Beilein long to return program to respectability, and now Wolverines are looking for more. Combination of G Manny Harris and F DeShawn Sims provides a solid inside-outside duo, complemented by Gs Zack Novak, Stu Douglass and Laval Lucas-Perry. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Northern Michigan (Big Ten Network, 7).
Outlook: Hasn't taken coach John Beilein long to return program to respectability, and now Wolverines are looking for more. Combination of G Manny Harris and F DeShawn Sims provides a solid inside-outside duo, complemented by Gs Zack Novak, Stu Douglass and Laval Lucas-Perry. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Northern Michigan (Big Ten Network, 7).
16.
Oklahoma
(30-6)
Points: 244. Final 2008-09
ranking: 7.
Outlook: With All-American Blake Griffin and his brother Taylor gone, the Sooners will look to Gs Willie Warren and Tony Crocker to keep them in contention in a tough Big 12. Two freshmen, F Keith "Tiny" Gallon and G Tommy Mason-Griffin, are expected to make big splashes. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Mount St. Mary's.
Outlook: With All-American Blake Griffin and his brother Taylor gone, the Sooners will look to Gs Willie Warren and Tony Crocker to keep them in contention in a tough Big 12. Two freshmen, F Keith "Tiny" Gallon and G Tommy Mason-Griffin, are expected to make big splashes. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Mount St. Mary's.
17.
Ohio
State (22-11)
Points: 241. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Big man B.J. Mullens has departed, but the Buckeyes have some experience and will lean on wings Evan Turner and David Lighty and Gs William Buford and Jon Diebler to contend in Big Ten. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Alcorn State in 2K Sports Classic (Big Ten Network, 7).
Outlook: Big man B.J. Mullens has departed, but the Buckeyes have some experience and will lean on wings Evan Turner and David Lighty and Gs William Buford and Jon Diebler to contend in Big Ten. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Alcorn State in 2K Sports Classic (Big Ten Network, 7).
18.
Minnesota
(22-11)
Points: 151. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Gophers could make big noise in the Big Ten with tons of veterans returning for coach Tubby Smith, including G Al Nolen, Lawrence Westbrook and Blake Hoffarber, F Damian Johnson and post players Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Tennessee Tech.
Outlook: Gophers could make big noise in the Big Ten with tons of veterans returning for coach Tubby Smith, including G Al Nolen, Lawrence Westbrook and Blake Hoffarber, F Damian Johnson and post players Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Tennessee Tech.
19.
Mississippi
State (23-13)
Points: 149. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: If freshman F Renardo Sidney has his eligibility issues cleared up, Bulldogs could have one of the most formidable frontlines in the nation, with the return of shot-blocking standout Jarvis Varnado and arrival of freshman C John Riek. Barry Stewart and Ravern Johnson return to the backcourt. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Rider.
Outlook: If freshman F Renardo Sidney has his eligibility issues cleared up, Bulldogs could have one of the most formidable frontlines in the nation, with the return of shot-blocking standout Jarvis Varnado and arrival of freshman C John Riek. Barry Stewart and Ravern Johnson return to the backcourt. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Rider.
20.
Georgia
Tech (12-19)
Points: 136. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Yellow Jackets are hoping to rise in ACC with the return of Fs Gani Lawal and Zachery Peacock. Look for freshman F Derrick Favors, one of the most highly rated high school players ever to enroll at the school, to have an immediate impact. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Florida A&M.
Outlook: Yellow Jackets are hoping to rise in ACC with the return of Fs Gani Lawal and Zachery Peacock. Look for freshman F Derrick Favors, one of the most highly rated high school players ever to enroll at the school, to have an immediate impact. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Florida A&M.
21.
Georgetown
(16-15)
Points: 134. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Hoyas are coming off a year in which they settled for an NIT bid. Quality depth could be an issue. But they have some veterans to call on as they try to climb in the Big East, including C Greg Monroe, who could be ready for a big year, and veteran Gs Austin Freeman and Chris Wright. Opens: Nov. 13 at Tulane.
Outlook: Hoyas are coming off a year in which they settled for an NIT bid. Quality depth could be an issue. But they have some veterans to call on as they try to climb in the Big East, including C Greg Monroe, who could be ready for a big year, and veteran Gs Austin Freeman and Chris Wright. Opens: Nov. 13 at Tulane.
22.
Dayton
(27-8)
Points: 130. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: After a trip to the second round of the NCAA tournament, the Flyers will once again likely rely on their stingy defense, along with F Chris Wright, one of the Atlantic 10's best, Gs Rob Lowery and Marcus Johnson and F Chris Johnson. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Creighton.
Outlook: After a trip to the second round of the NCAA tournament, the Flyers will once again likely rely on their stingy defense, along with F Chris Wright, one of the Atlantic 10's best, Gs Rob Lowery and Marcus Johnson and F Chris Johnson. Opens: Nov. 14 vs. Creighton.
23.
Louisville
(31-6)
Points: 123. Final 2008-09
ranking: 5.
Outlook: After a Big East title, a trip to the elite eight and a tumultuous offseason for coach Rick Pitino, the Cardinals hope to show they haven't slipped. Strong up front behind Samardo Samuels, the Cards will also look to G Jerry Smith, Edgar Sosa, Preston Knowles and Manhattan transfer Chris Smith to help keep them near the top of the Big East. Opens: Nov. 17 vs. Arkansas in Hall of Fame Showcase at St. Louis (ESPN2, 7:30).
Outlook: After a Big East title, a trip to the elite eight and a tumultuous offseason for coach Rick Pitino, the Cardinals hope to show they haven't slipped. Strong up front behind Samardo Samuels, the Cards will also look to G Jerry Smith, Edgar Sosa, Preston Knowles and Manhattan transfer Chris Smith to help keep them near the top of the Big East. Opens: Nov. 17 vs. Arkansas in Hall of Fame Showcase at St. Louis (ESPN2, 7:30).
24.
Clemson
(23-9)
Points: 114. Final 2008-09
ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: After consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament, the Tigers look to contend in the ACC with the return of Fs Trevor Booker, David Potter and Jerai Grant and Gs Demontez Stitt, Andre Young and Tanner Smith. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Presbyterian.
Outlook: After consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament, the Tigers look to contend in the ACC with the return of Fs Trevor Booker, David Potter and Jerai Grant and Gs Demontez Stitt, Andre Young and Tanner Smith. Opens: Nov. 13 vs. Presbyterian.
25.
Syracuse
(28-10)
Points: 111. Final 2008-09
ranking: 12.
Outlook: Orange will have different look following the departure of several mainstays, including star point guard Jonny Flynn. Wing Andy Rautins is back with F Rick Jackson and C Arinze Onuaku. F Wes Johnson, an Iowa State transfer, is expected to be a big contributor. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Albany in 2K Sports Classic (ESPNU, 9).
Outlook: Orange will have different look following the departure of several mainstays, including star point guard Jonny Flynn. Wing Andy Rautins is back with F Rick Jackson and C Arinze Onuaku. F Wes Johnson, an Iowa State transfer, is expected to be a big contributor. Opens: Nov. 9 vs. Albany in 2K Sports Classic (ESPNU, 9).
