Lineup

COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW

36 Inside the Rankings

According to SI's exclusive projection system, juggernauts are out—and mid-majors are in

By Luke Winn

40 Scouting Reports

SI's statistical model provides scoring and efficiency projections for the Top 20 teams

64 Women's Preview

Four potent teams stand in the way of top-ranked Connecticut's fourth straight championship

74 Players of the Year

A scientific look at the candidates

Compiled by Luke Winn, Dan Hanner and Chris Johnson

80 Fred VanVleet

The Wichita State star hopes to change his hometown's narrative

By Luke Winn

WORLD SERIES

24 Crowning Glory

The rally-happy Royals ended their 30-year championship drought

By Tom Verducci

DEPARTMENTS

2 SI Now

4 Leading Off

10 Inbox

12 Scorecard

18 Faces in the Crowd

21 Just My Type

Dan Patrick: Mark Wahlberg's Patriots act

88 Point After

Tim Layden: A flawless finish for American Pharoah

ON THE COVER: Erick W. Rasco for Sports Illustrated

PHOTO

PHOTOGRAPH BY James Crisp/AP

FOUR CAST? If his surgically repaired left knee holds up, senior forward Alex Poythress is likely to help lead Kentucky to its third straight Final Four.