TOP 10

This season just ended, but it's never too early to start thinking about which teams will be at the top of the polls in the fall

1. VIRGINIA

The Cavs lose just one key senior while bringing back an experienced lineup that features 6'6" swingman Justin Anderson (left), a national player of the year candidate.

2. NORTH CAROLINA

The Tar Heels dodged a bullet when 6'8" freshman Justin Jackson decided to stay. Signing high school forwards Brandon Ingram or Jaylen Brown could push UNC to No. 1.

3. KENTUCKY

Another elite recruiting class arrives, but the Cats will probably start a lineup light on freshmen, headlined by sophomore guards Tyler Ulis and Devin Booker.

4. KANSAS

Unlike in recent years, the Jayhawks have most of their rotation coming back. Look for 6'8" sophomore guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk to make a huge improvement.

5. MARYLAND

The Terps got two great pieces of news recently: Sophomore point guard Melo Trimble is coming back, and 6'10" freshman stud Diamond Stone is signing up.

6. IOWA STATE

The Cyclones have four of their top six scorers returning, plus Fred Hoiberg adds his usual batch of transfers led by Deonte Burton, a 6'4" junior from Marquette.

7. DUKE

Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow are likely NBA-bound, but if Tyus Jones returns, he'll join two elite freshmen in 6'10" forward Chase Jeter and 6'5" guard Luke Kennard.

8. MICHIGAN STATE

Senior guard Denzel Valentine, who could be a preseason All-America, will play alongside West Virginia transfer Eron Harris, a 6'3" junior.

9. INDIANA

Freshman Thomas Bryant, a 6'10" power forward from Rochester, N.Y., will fill the interior void and allow the Big Ten's best perimeter corps to flourish.

10. OKLAHOMA

If 6'4" guard Buddy Hield, the Big 12's player of the year, returns for his senior season, the Sooners will again challenge for the conference crown.

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