*Obviously, Marquette is missing from this list because I am going to get something out on them individually later today.
1. Kentucky Wildcats
Key Players: Where to start here? The Harrison Twins are both 6'6 playing guard, Julius Randle is a player some people feel like could compete with Andrew Wiggins for the top pick and Player of the Year. James Young is a wild card but could become a stud freshman as well. I am very interested to see the development of Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein in their second year.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at North Carolina (12/14 4:15 pm CBS) - These two teams get together every year for a non-conference battle. North Carolina is much improved from last season and they figure to give Kentucky a game in this one. This will also be the first true road game for the Kentucky freshman. Interested to see how they respond to Chapel Hill.
The Narrative: Everyone believes Kentucky has a chance to be 40-0 this season. People pushed this before with the Wildcats, and they have the talent to do it honestly. Looking at their non-conference schedule plus the occasional slip-up, I cannot just not see it happening. Going undefeated is too hard in today's college basketball. I hope they push it out to February just for the hell of it.
2.) Michigan State Spartans
Key Players: Gary Harris is a guy everyone is excited for in the Big Ten and in the nation. The talented sophomore shot 41 percent from three and scored nearly 13 points. Harris' development is fascinating to watch this season as he could be right there as a top five pick. They also bring back Adreian Payne, Keith Appling and Brandon Dawson.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Kentucky (11/12 6:30 pm ESPN) - It will be the earliest 1 versus 2 matchup in the history of college basketball when these two teams meet next Tuesday night. Call me crazy, but I think this favors Michigan State in a major way. Appling, Payne and Harris all have experience in big-time college basketball games and none of Kentucky's freshman do... yet. I could see Michigan State winning this one but losing in March if they met again.
The Narrative - Every year the Big Ten is a complete dog fight and sometimes the winner of the conference is dependent on who is on your schedule. Michigan State has to play Ohio State, Michigan and Indiana twice this season. They avoid heading to the Kohl Center but that's the lone bright spot with their conference schedule.
3.) Louisville Cardinals
Key Players: HOW IS RUSS SMITH STILL IN SCHOOL?! That's a shocker. Luke Hancock and Kevin Ware are coming back from injuries yet they should be at pique levels when March rolls around. Montrezl Harrell is a sophomore who could make a major leap this season. Harrell averaged only five points a game in about 16 minutes, but he could develop into a nice player.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Kentucky (12/28 3:00 pm CBS) - This is slowly becoming the best rivalry in college basketball. Yes, Duke-North Carolina will always have the history but these two teams have been in the top five regularly in the last couple years. This was in Lexington and the cherry on top of a tough non-conference schedule.
The Narrative: Peyton Siva started at point guard for basically four years that felt like seven, and he now needs a replacement. Chris Jones is highly-touted JUCO player coming in for Siva, and there is a ton of hype about him. Jones will probably be able to replace Siva, but it is always hard for a junior college player to gain the point guard respect right out the gate. Terry Rozier is not bad option to have either for Louisville.
4.) Duke Blue Devils
Key Players: Jabari Parker is the player to watch given he was Andrew Wiggins before Wiggins exploded on the radar. Rodney Hood returns from injury and he could be a difference maker for Duke this year. They also return Rasheed Sulaimon and Amile Jefferson. Do not sleep on Marshall Plumlee as there is precedence with his brothers.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Kansas (11/12 8:30 pm ESPN) - Imagine if Parker outplays Wiggins in this one. I mean do people start changing the narrative about the 2014 NBA Draft. I am also convinced Parker will be coming back for another year, but that's just an opinion. Yet I feel like if we do not get Parker vs. Wiggins twice this year, we have been deprived.
The Narrative: I am interested to see how Duke does with the new ACC. Duke has the biggest homecourt advantage in the conference, but they have been susceptible on the road in years past. They have to go to Notre Dame, Syracuse and Pittsburgh which are all three tough places to play for anyone.
5.) Kansas JayhawksKey Players: Andrew Wiggins is the player to watch all year. I think I am already set for almost all Kansas games this year. I feel like this is what it could be like if LeBron James had to play a year in college. I really do not think we are going to have another Harrison Barnes situation where Wiggins fails to live up potential and ends up staying another year. Joel Embiid and Wayne Selden Jr. are both really talented freshman too.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Florida (12/10 6:00 pm ESPN) - This will be the first true road game for young Wiggins and this Kansas team. Florida is a pretty good team on paper and the O-Zone is a tough place to play. The microscope will be on him all year and I assume this game will be no different.
The Narrative: What's interesting about Bill Self is he really does not go with 'One-and-done' players. Xavier Henry did okay, Josh Selby failed to impress and Ben McLemore struggled down the stretch. I have no idea if this is Self's system or the players. I think we will have a better idea in March. Just a friendly reminder, Kevin Durant did not make it to the Sweet 16.
6.) Arizona Wildcats
Key Players: Everyone wants to talk about Aaron Gordon because he is a big-time dunker and could be a game-changer yet do people realize how many good recruits they brought back for another year? Gabe York, Kaleb Tarczewski (My cousin Darren calls him Big Zeus which is a great nickname. He also says Big Zeus has stone hands which is not good), and Brandon Ashley all come back to this year plus Nick Johnson is not a bad guard. They have some true talent.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Michigan (12/14 11:00 am CBS) - Pretty awesome day of hoops considering UK-UNC play later that day but this should be a dandy as well. I wish it were at a later time because these young Wildcats have to go play at 10 am Mountain time which might not work out well for college kids. I rarely did anything productive before 10 am on Saturdays but that's because I drank vodka sours all night and pounded two tons of Buzzy's food.
The Narrative: I really like this team. I do not know what narrative is yet I am getting on board for the bandwagon. I think this is a really good team. They add Gordon and all of their highly-touted 2012 freshman class get another year under Sean Miller whose an underrated coach to the highest degree. I like Arizona and I do not care who knows it.
7.) Michigan Wolverines
Key Players: Minus Tim Hardaway Jr and Trey Burke, many pieces of the team who were the National Runners-up are back. Mitch McGary is a player I personally think will be in the running for National Player of the Year. Nik Stauskas put on all sorts of muscle and makes me think he can be more than just a 3-point shooter. It also makes me think he will become the Tiger Beat college basketball player (Am I too young to drop a Tiger Beat reference or we cool?) I also could see massive year from Glen Robinson III.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Duke (12/3 8:15 pm ESPN) - Two teams that have a history with each other given the whole Fab Five stuff getting renewed in the past couple years with the ESPN 30 for 30. Jalen Rose will be heavily involved leading up to this one, but when we cut through the bullshit, this will be a really good basketball game.
The Narrative: There are a ton of familiar names to get excited about from Michigan and I like this team again this year yet who holds them together at point guard? Trey Burke did so much for this year and they really need to find someone to replace him. Derrick Walton Jr is a highly-touted freshman that people are expecting to be the man, but we have seen freshman not pan out like we think they will every year.
8.) Oklahoma State Cowboys
Key Players: I love Marcus Smart wanted to come back because they lost their first game in the NCAA Tournament and wanted to make a run at the NCAA National Championship. Smart is a hell of a player and he could have easily been involved in an NBA team this year yet he came back to do it again in Stillwater. Wonder if Thayer Evans started looking into his documents... Markel Brown and LeBryan Nash are both really good players as well to complement Smart.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs Memphis (11/19 7:00 pm ESPN) - There is not much here for Oklahoma State in the non-conference. They play a pretty cupcake schedule minus a neutral court game against Colorado and Memphis at home. That's about it. I can never know whether this is a good or bad thing for the team.
The Narrative: Obviously, they want to beat Kansas and the two games with these two teams are must-see. If Oklahoma State were to struggle this year, does Travis Ford start feeling a little heat? This is one of the more hyped Oklahoma State teams in quite some time and if Smart and company fails to deliver, questions get raised about Ford, right? I honestly do not think this would happen, but it is worth noting.
8.) Syracuse Orange
Key Players: Even with Michael Carter-Williams' departure, Syracuse brings a lot back with C.J. Fair and Baye Moussa Kata returning for their senior years. Fair could be a first-round draft pick next season if his play is consistent this year. Tyler Ennis is the freshman to watch among Syracuse's five new players this season. He was the fifth-ranked point guard according to ESPN and could replace Michael Carter-Williams nicely.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Indiana (12/3 6:15 pm ESPN) - The best part of Syracuse going to ACC means Jim Boeheim will actually have to leave New York before January starts and that's amazing. For those who do not know the Orange coach, he tends to play a very cake schedule leading up to conference play and now he is forced to travel outside the state. As for this game, Indiana could be a lot better than folks are talking about right now.
The Narrative: Much like Duke, my interest comes from new conference members. Syracuse travels to Cameron Indoor and College Park but no trip to Chapel Hill yet. They play many of their tough opponents at home this year. I could see Syracuse making some noise in the ACC because their 2-3 zone takes so time getting a good book on and a tough home atmosphere. Do not be surprised if Syracuse wins the ACC this year.
10.) Florida Gators
Key Players: Holy transfers batman. Dorian Finney-Smith comes over from Virginia Tech. Eli Carter joins the team after two years at Rutgers. Damontre Harris comes from South Carolina. Carter has a chance to shine in the Florida system when he heals from injury. Scottie Wilbekin seems to be in the good graces again of Billy Donovan and if he stays out of trouble, Wilbekin can be a top notch player for Florida being a general on the court.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Wisconsin (11/12 8:00 ESPN2) - Florida is batting through some injuries and they do not have many cohesive units (We will get there shortly) meaning this screams Wisconsin will use Kohl Center to their advantage. It is a tough place to play where many times have lost. I expect a much better game than what we saw last year in Gainesville.
The Narrative: How does this team gel with all their transfers? I mean they have a core unit of Wilbekin, Patric Young and Casey Prather yet with all of their transfers, it might take some time for this team to mold together. I would not be shocked if they start of a little slower than usual and come on strong as the month of March approaches.
11.) Ohio State Buckeyes
Key Players: AARON CRAFT IS STILL IN COLUMBUS. I have no idea how this is possible, but Craft still has eligibility. I look forward to Craft being an adult gym rat and a head coach of a high school basketball team in 10 years. Besides Craft, they have a loaded roaster with Lenzelle Smith Jr. back for his senior year, Sam Thompson, the high flyer and Amir Williams who could have a major year for Ohio State.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Marquette (11/16 12:00 pm FOX) - This should be a fun game for both teams. They were set to play each other on a ship last year before getting cancelled and being the laughing stock of college basketball for a night. Marquette brings a decent amount back and it should be rocking in the Bradley Center next Saturday.
The Narrative: Why are people sleeping on this team? All of the talk have been about Michigan State and Michigan yet Ohio State brings back a great deal from a team who lost in the Elite Eight. There is no reason to think this team will be right there at the end of the year when it comes to the Big Ten crown. Even though I give Craft some shit here, I really like the make-up of his squad.
12.) North Carolina Tar Heels
Key Players: Love James Michael McAdoo came back for another year with Tar Heels. He showed some real bright spots last season in an inconsistent way but a special way. McAdoo could be a guy whom vaults his draft status with a good season with North Carolina. They will be without Leslie McDonald and P.J. Hairston to begin the year, and that will play a large part early on in the season. Marcus Paige is another player I would keep an eye on this year.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Michigan State (12/4 8:00 pm ESPN) - Who knows the status of McDonald and Hairston but I am going to assume they will not be back for this one. If they are not, it could get real ugly for Carolina. These two teams meet occasionally in the non-conference and usually produce good games yet it could be a bad day for the Heels.
The Narrative: Who really knows what's going to happen with McDonald and Hairston. They are both under investigations in separate scenarios and no one really knows when NCAA will bring the hammer on these two men. Now, they could get cleared and be ready for ACC which would be a massive boost for this team yet the jury is still out about this team until we know about McDonald and Hairston.
13.) Memphis Tigers
Key Players: MEMPHIS BACK?!?! Joe Jackson has improved his point total in every year with the Tigers. Jackson would figure to project about 15 points a game this season. He also brought his assist total up by a full point which is huge as a point guard. Shaq Goodwin did not have the best freshman year but he had a ton of hype about him coming out of high school so he could develop nicely for Memphis. Also do not sleep on Austin Nichols making an impact for this team.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Florida (12/17 7:00 ESPN) - This will be in New York City for the Jimmy V Classic but it should be fun to see Wilbiken and Jackson go at it plus how will Florida handle the size of Memphis. This is Memphis' one of two tough non-conference games. Pretty easy schedule to start the year.
The Narrative: This is a do or die season for Josh Pastner. Memphis is in a league that features UConn, Louisville (For one year) and Cincinnati versus what they have faced in years past. If they start winning games and maybe make a push at the AAC crown, the heat goes away from Pastner. If he struggles in conference play, I think Memphis might be looking for a new coach come next spring.
14.) VCU Rams
Key Players: VCU brings back their two top scorers with Treveon Graham and Juvonte Reddic. Graham shot 36 percent from three last season and Reddic did the dirty work inside averaging almost nine rebounds a game as well. VCU will always bring the havoc and the noise. This team always finds a way to be a contender by March but I feel like even with their two top players back, this might be a little high for preseason.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Northern Iowa (12/14 11:00 AM ESPNU) - This should be a fun game as these are not two teams who face other fringe mid-majors (We need a new name for the VCU's of the world) early in the season. It could be a classic size versus speed in this one. Havoc in Cedar Rapids should be pretty fun..
The Narrative: Could this be the last year of Shaka? We saw Brad Stevens leave Butler for Boston and maybe this is will be the last year Smart is the head coach of the Rams. Smart will be very, very high on people's list who have some big time money if there were some openings (Texas, hello.). Smart seems like a loyal dude and he has shown it yet there are some jobs that are hard to pass up.
15.) Gonzaga Bulldogs
Key Players: Not many people leave Spokane early, but Kelly Olynk broke away from the fray heading to the league. They also lost Elias Harris, their second leading scorer. It is Kevin Pangos' team now and he had a little bit of a sophomore slump last season. Still shot over 40 percent from three but his scoring was down. Pangos will need to do more than just a 3-point shooter.
Non-Con Must-Watch: at Memphis (2/8 8:00 ESPN) - Gonzaga plays absolutely no one in the non-conference. Sure, Washington State is there, same goes for Kansas State yet nothing really stands out to me besides a road trip to Memphis in February. In some years, Memphis would need this game to make an impression, but this year it will be the Zags as they have a weaker conference than the Tigers.
The Narrative: You know how with preseason rankings, there are some teams just here on merit? This is Gonzaga. They did not bring in any notable recruits. I am not sold on Pangos being the star player of this team. They will probably still win West Coast Conference with ease, but they will not come close toe emulating what they did last season.
16.) Witchia State Shockers
Key Players: The surprising Shockers of last year who went to the Final Four bring back Cleanthony Early, their top scorer from last year. Early is a solid player and does some great things around the rim. He is a bear to deal with and will be a sneaky good NBA player in the coming years. Ron Baker is the player to watch as he did some big things in only 18 games last season as a freshman averaging roughly nine points a game.
Non-Con Must-Watch: CBE Classic - They play DePaul on Monday and then could play Texas on Tuesday. This might not be saying much as the Longhorns are not expected to be a great team this season yet it could be a nice win for Witchia State by March to have a win against a couple wins against a power conference.
The Narrative: I am curious to see what the NCAA Tournament Committee thinks about Missouri Valley Conference with Creighton not being there anymore. They still have Drake, Northern Iowa, etc but Creighton was a huge cornerstone of this conference for multiple years. If the Shockers blaze the earth, I really do not think it will matter as it has not with Gonzaga.
18.) UConn Huskies
Key Players: Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright are back for another season making an argument for one of the best backcourts in college basketball. I felt like Boatright does not get enough credit. Everyone knows he's fast, but they do not know he is a competent basketball players. Beside Napier and Boatright, DeAndre Daniels and Omar Calhoun return meaning they have four double-digit scorers from 2012 back on the roster. Rodney Purvis also comes from NC State, and he can be an immediate contributor this team. Inside, Tyler Olander appears to have his shit together too which is very important for this team.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Florida (10/2 6:00 pm ESPN2) - Seemingly, we have put Florida a lot on this watch list. This is because Florida has a loaded non-conference schedule and the Huskies do not really play much other than Maryland tonight in Brooklyn. They also bring their act to Connecticut which makes a difference here. It should be a fun game.
The Narrative: Why are they only ranked 18th? This is a good team on paper. I do not know if it will all come together, but I really like this squad given their combination of inside play and outside shooting. They might have a little reckless shot selection, but if Kevin Ollie can reign that in a little bit, this becomes the second-best team in the AAC. If UConn struggles, I have to believe Ollie's seat will get a little hotter.
19.) Oregon Ducks
Key Players: Oregon lost their top five starters from last year's team and to make matters most, their sixth-leading scorer Dominic Artis is suspended for the first nine games of the season. Jordan Bell is probably their best freshman and I do not know if he is ready to fill the role right away. Johnathan Lloyd is a good player and maybe he can get involved with the Ducks.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Georgetown (11/8 7:00 pm ESPN) - This game tonight is their only tough non-conference game and after that, it falls off a goddamn cliff. They really do not play anyone. Oregon might lose their first game, but they should win the rest of em maybe a tough one against Illinois at home in mid-December.
The Narrative: They are under a shoe 'scandal' as Artis and Ben Carter were popped for nine games for selling Oregon-licensed shoes. This is a big lost in the case of Artis as many expected the young sophomore to be a key difference maker for this team. They will miss the Illinois game and be back for Brigham Young at home on December 21st. Additionally, they will be back for Pac-12 play. I think this team is rated a bit too high, but they might be here come March if that makes sense.
20.) Wisconsin Badgers
Key Players: Josh Gasser comes back from an ACL injury and this is a big lift for Wisconsin. Gasser only had seven points a game in 2011-2012 but he went 45 percent from 3-point. Ben Brust has been the leading scorer for Wisconsin in the last two years, and is back for another year. Sam Dekker is the big prize to the puzzle, but he will be saved for the narrative section of this grand preview that has went far too long.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Marquette (12/7 1:15 pm Big Ten Network) - Marquette will be looking for their third straight win against Wisconsin. I really do not want to say this is a 'must-win' for the Badgers since this is a non-conference game, but in a way, it is a must-win for recruiting purposes. Marquette and Wisconsin do compete at times in recruiting and if Marquette gets another win, they hold a big major state of Wisconsin advantage over them. Wisconsin wins, every thing will be even keel.
The Narrative: Sam Dekker was one of the biggest freshmen recruit to come to Madison since the days of J.P. Gavinski. He did not really get the playing time I think everyone expected because Bo Ryan kind of has a system. Bronson Koenig and Nigel Hayes are both talented freshman. Koenig more than Hayes, but will these guys get the Dekker treatment or will it be different for them? Ryan said he would be changing the swing a bit with the new recruits coming in and we will see if he sticks to his word.
21.) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Key Players: Jack Cooley, Luke Harangoody's love child, graduated yet three of the top four scorers are back for Notre Dame. Jerian Grant led scoring last year and could have another big season for the Irish. I expect more from Pat Connaughton whose a complete assassin from three. Another one who needs to show a little more, Garrick Sherman plus he should be Cooley's replacement.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Ohio State (12/21 6:30 pm ESPN2) - It is weird two Midwest teams will be playing in New York City but so be it. This will be Notre Dame's second straight weekend playing a B1G opponent. Craft v. Grant should be a pretty good matchup if they decide to go that route and Notre Dame's various big men against Williams and others for Ohio State.
The Narrative: One of the more underrated things in college basketball is how well Notre Dame plays at home. They are one of the best. I am already circling a Duke loss when they travel to South Bend on January 4th. They will also host North Carolina later in the year as well as Virginia. The Purcell Center could be a rude awakening for some ACC teams.
Key Players: I was really happy to see Kyle Anderson come back to Los Angeles. Anderson projected as a top ten pick before the season started and then he struggled mightily losing his draft status. Sometimes those guys come hard-headed and go to the draft anyways especially when a new coach comes in. Anderson returns as well as Jordan Adams, their second-leading scorer.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Duke (12/19 6:30 pm ESPN) - They head to New York for this one, but it should be a good game to see where this Bruins team is at against high level competition. UCLA definitely has the talent as they had in the last couple of years, yet the Bruins have failed to reach their potential. UCLA will probably not win this one, but at least keep this one close.
The Narrative: Remember Steve Alford succeeded at Missouri State, got the Iowa job. He did not really achieve much at Iowa unless you are talking about playing well in Big Ten conference tournaments. Alford did a great job at New Mexico and gets a bigger job. How will he respond? There is a great deal of talent for Alford there to at least make a couple runs with Ben Howland's talent. The question comes in two or three years.
Key Players: They might have lost a coach and Tony Snell, but they do return four of their top five scorers. Kendall Williams led scorer, not Snell, and gets his chance to be the leader of this team as senior. Williams has a nice skillset, and could be an underrated star in college basketball. Hugh Greenwood is another player to watch increase his seven points a game total.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Kansas (12/14 4:00 pm ESPN2) - This is technically a neutral site, but they are in Kansas City basically making it a road game for them. They also have to face Kansas' Fab Three (Trust me, this will be a thing by the end of the calendar year) against an experienced team. It should be a fun matchup.
The Narrative: This team will not miss a beat with new coach Craig Neal taking over Alford. Neal has been at New Mexico since 2007 and knows the culture. I feel like this is important in a smaller school compared to the bigger school. There should not be any disconnects from Alford to Neal.
Key Players: Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell return from a team that missed the NCAA Tournament by a couple games. They are poised to make a run this year in the new ACC. Harris and Mitchell are a great combination as they average a combined 29 points per game. Justin Anderson, the third leading scorer, returns to this team as well. Virginia looks pretty set.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Wisconsin (12/4 6:00 pm ESPN2) - WHY MUST THESE TWO TEAMS PLAY EACH OTHER AGAIN. WAS LAST YEAR NOT ENOUGH TORTURE FOR YOU SICK HEARTLESS BASTARDS. C'MON.
The Narrative: I am running out of gas here so I will add this is a big year for Tony Bennett. Virginia made it once to the NCAA Tournament since Bennett's takeover, and they got smacked by Florida so he still has some pressure. Additionally, this is one of their best teams in the last decade so expectations are pretty high especially since they struggled on the football field. Fans are seeing this basketball season as their saving grace.
Key Players: Isaiah Austin is one of the multiple sophomores who decided to come back for another year. Austin is a 7-1 averaging 13 points and eight rebounds per game and could do some big things for the Bears this season. Corey Jefferson returns as well for his senior year giving Baylor probably the best inside duo with him and Austin. Brady Heslip is somehow still at school too.
Non-Con Must-Watch: vs. Kentucky (10/6 9:00 pm ESPN) - Baylor shocked the world two years ago beating Kentucky at Rupp Arena. I vaugely remember that game because I was at a bar way too early that day but they get another chance playing them at JerryWorld on a Friday night primetime affair. The inside matchup should be awesome.
The Narrative: Baylor will need to find a way to replace Pierre Jackson. The point guard was one of the best pure scorers in college basketball averaging 19 points a game last season. Heslip needs to do a little more than just shoot a bunch of threes. Kenny Chery, the junior from Canada might get the role, but looking at the roster, this could be a problem for Baylor for the first couple months of the season.
I am exhausted, took me far too long yet I am more in on college basketball than I have in early November in a long time.
Charlie.
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