Kansas Jayhawks
Last Year’s Result: 26-10, NCAA 2nd Round
Head Coach: Bill Self
Marquee Player: Devon Dotson
Game To Watch: vs. Duke — Nov. 5
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With two potential All-Americans — Devon Dotson (PG) and Udoka Azubuike (C) — in the starting lineup, the Kansas Jayhawks have the star-power requisite to win a National Championship. Even with the dark cloud that is potential NCAA violations closing in on the program in a hurry, the Jayhawks will be the most talented team on the court almost every night. If Ochai Agbaji and Silvio De Sousa live up to their potential, look out.
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Washington Huskies
Last Year’s Result: 27-9, NCAA 2nd Round
Head Coach: Mike Hopkins
Marquee Player: Isaiah Stewart
Game To Watch: vs. Oregon — Jan. 18
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Despite bringing top-flight talent to Seattle the past few years, Washington has failed to make a huge impact nationally. This year, the Huskies have an opportunity to finally make a splash. Pairing stud freshmen Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels with two seven-footers in the frontcourt, Washington could be a load to handle in the paint.
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Virginia Cavaliers
Last Year’s Result: 35-3, National Champions
Head Coach: Tony Bennett
Marquee Player: Mamadi Diakite
Game To Watch: @ North Carolina — Dec. 15
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Do we expect the Cavaliers to be as good as the team that won it all last season? No — but that doesn’t mean they can’t make another run at cutting down the nets. Mamadi Diakite and Kihei Clark remain in the fold and figure to play significant roles for the Cavs yet again. Despite losing its stars, Virginia is still oozing with talent. It also helps to have one of the best coaches in America leading the troops — and Virginia has just that in Tony Bennett.
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Cincinnati Bearcats
Last Year’s Result: 28-7, NCAA 1st Round
Head Coach: John Brannen
Marquee Player: Jarron Cumberland
Game To Watch: @ Memphis — Jan. 16
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It may be strange to see Cincinnati on this list, especially when you consider longtime coach Mick Cronin is now in Westwood with the UCLA Bruins. While adjusting to a new coach (John Brannen) may take time, the Bearcats should be just fine in the long run. Jarron Cumberland, who averaged close to 20 points per game last year, is one of the most underrated players in the country. Even without Cronin, nobody will enjoy tussling with the Bearcats.
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Maryland Terrapins
Last Year’s Result: 23-11, NCAA 2nd Round
Head Coach: Mark Turgeon
Marquee Player: Anthony Cowan Jr.
Game To Watch: @ Michigan State — Feb. 15
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Maryland has steadily improved in recent years, but 2019-20 may be the year the Terps breakthrough and reach new heights. Anthony Cowan remains one of the most intriguing players in Division 1 — Cowan is beyond talented but hasn’t yet lived up to his potential. If everything comes together, the Terps could possibly challenge Michigan State for the Big Ten title…yes, it is still incredibly strange to write about Maryland being in the Big Ten.
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Utah State Aggies
Last Year’s Result: 28-7, NCAA 1st Round
Head Coach: Craig Smith
Marquee Player: Sam Merrill
Game To Watch: vs. Florida — Dec. 21
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Unless you live in Utah or watch basketball games that take place west of the Mississippi, you have no idea who Sam Merrill is — and that is unfortunate. Merrill was sensational a year ago, shooting over 90 percent from the line, 52.9 FG% and a tick under 37 percent from three. And while Merrill deserves the attention, he is not the lone reason to like the Aggies. Neemias Queta (a 7-footer from Portugal) averaged 11.8 PPG and 8.9 rebounds as a freshman. Utah State will be a problem come March.
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LSU Tigers
Last Year’s Result: 28-7, NCAA Sweet 16
Head Coach: Will Wade
Marquee Player: Skylar Mays
Game To Watch: vs. Florida — Jan. 21
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Point guard Tremont Waters’ departure will hurt the Tigers in the early going, but we have enough faith in Will Wade’s coaching ability to believe LSU will be a player in 2019-20. Led by Skylar Mays, Javonte Smart and five-star prospect Trendon Watford, LSU should be able to compete with the likes of Kentucky and Florida in the SEC. And if the Tigers can hang with those two squads, they can play with anyone in the nation.
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Louisville Cardinals
Last Year’s Result: 20-14, NCAA 1st Round
Head Coach: Chris Mack
Marquee Player: Jordan Nwora
Game To Watch: @ Duke — Jan. 18
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From one-and-done to National Champs? Virginia accomplished the feat last year, so what’s to say Louisville cannot double down on the trend? Led by ACC Preseason Player of the Year Jordan Nwora and transfer Lamarr Kimble, Louisville has a competent one-two punch that can take over games. Well-coached, athletic and possessing the star often needed to win in March, Louisville is primed for a big year.
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Ohio State Buckeyes
Last Year’s Result: 20-15, NCAA 2nd Round
Head Coach: Chris Holtmann
Marquee Player: Kaleb Wesson
Game To Watch: @ Michigan State — Mar. 8
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Experience often wins championships. If you’re a Buckeye fan, you are likely aware your team has experience in spades. Boasting one of the most defensively apt teams in the nation, the Buckeyes will be pests all year. They may not have the talent of a Michigan State or Maryland, but Kaleb Wesson is a beast. Throw in Luther Muhammad and D.J. Carton, and Ohio State appears to be a potential dark horse to make a run at glory.
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Memphis Tigers
Last Year’s Result: 22-14, NIT 2nd Round
Head Coach: Penny Hardaway
Marquee Player: James Wiseman
Game To Watch: vs. Oregon — Nov. 12
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For the first time since Derrick Rose roamed the hardwood for the Tigers, Memphis is entering a season with big expectations and a ton of pressure. Coach Penny Hardaway has proved to be capable of bringing in talent — as evidenced by the No. 1 recruiting class in ’19 — but it remains to be seen how capable he is as a coach. James Wiseman, the potential No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA Draft, is a monster. Montverde product Precious Achiuwa is another freshman destined for the NBA. The talent is there, now it’s up to Penny to make all the pieces fit.
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Purdue Boilermakers
Last Year’s Result: 26-10, NCAA Elite 8
Head Coach: Matt Painter
Marquee Player: Matt Haarms
Game To Watch: vs. Virginia — Dec. 4
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Purdue’s improbable run to the Elite 8 captivated the nation last March. Unfortunately for the Boilermakers, star guard Carsen Edwards now suits up for the Boston Celtics. Still, Purdue boasts an impressive trio in Matt Haarms, Nojel Eastern and Trevion Williams. Without Edwards, Purdue’s external expectations will be rather low — and for a team that doesn’t lack confidence or talent, that could be a blessing in disguise.
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North Carolina Tar Heels
Last Year’s Result: 29-7, NCAA Sweet 16
Head Coach: Roy Williams
Marquee Player: Cole Anthony
Game To Watch: @ Gonzaga — Dec. 18
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Can uber-prospect Cole Anthony carry the Tar Heels to another net-cutting ceremony? Fans of Chapel Hill’s favorite sons sure seem to think so. This version of the Tar Heels is certainly not the most talented group of the Roy Williams era, but Anthony may just be the best player that has joined the university in quite some time. With just one returning starter (Garrison Brooks), Anthony will be asked to do a ton for Carolina. If he lives up to the hype, it may be enough to get the job done.
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Xavier Musketeers
Last Year’s Result: 19-16, NIT 2nd Round
Head Coach: Travis Steele
Marquee Player: Naji Marshall
Game To Watch: @ Villanova — Dec. 30
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We won’t sugarcoat it, a lot has to go right for the Musketeers to contend for a natty. Nonetheless, it could be far worse than to start said journey with Naji Marshall, Paul Scruggs and Ohio State-transfer Jason Carter leading the charge. Marshall, not unlike Utah State’s star, is largely anonymous nationally. That will change this year.
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Texas Tech Red Raiders
Last Year’s Result: 31-7, NCAA National Championship Runner-Up
Head Coach: Chris Beard
Marquee Player: Davide Moretti
Game To Watch: vs. Louisville — Dec. 10
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Texas Tech is faced with two huge questions entering the new season: 1) Who will step up in place of Jarrett Culver, and 2) How long will the hangover last?
One player may not be able to fill Culver’s shoes, but the combo of sharpshooter Davide Moretti, transfer Chris Clarke, newcomer Jahmi’us Randle and sophomore Kyler Edwards may suffice. If Tech can match its defensive intensity from last year, the Red Raiders could find themselves back in the thick of things in 2020.
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Oregon Ducks
Last Year’s Result: 25-13, NCAA Sweet 16
Head Coach: Dana Altman
Marquee Player: Payton Pritchard
Game To Watch: @ Arizona — Feb. 22
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Lost in the shuffle of Virginia’s run to the title last March, the Ducks arguably should have upended the eventual champs and advanced to the Elite 8. Dana Altman has a nice mix of veteran leadership (Payton Pritchard) and talented youngsters (C.J. Walker, N’Faly Dante). Oregon may be the Pac-12’s best chance at cutting down the nets at the end of the day.
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Duke Blue Devils
Last Year’s Result: 32-6, NCAA Elite 8
Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski
Marquee Player: Tre Jones
Game To Watch: @ Michigan State — Dec. 3
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Duke fans must feel a little underwhelmed heading into the 2019-20 campaign. Gone are Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish. After that group failed to win it all, expectations are understandably a little lower this year. Led by returning point guard Tre Jones and impact freshman Cassius Stanley, Duke is still amongst the most talented teams in the country. Though they may not be the favorite, the Blue Devils still have plenty of fire power to get the job done.
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Arizona Wildcats
Last Year’s Result: 17-15
Head Coach: Sean Miller
Marquee Player: Nico Mannion
Game To Watch: vs. Gonzaga — Dec. 14
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Joining Kansas among the high-profiled basketball factories waiting for NCAA punishment, Arizona is hoping to make the most out of the year before potential sanctions come down on the program. The Wildcats will be led by two tantalizing freshmen in Josh Green and Nico Mannion. In particular, Mannion could take the nation by storm. If Zona can avoid the distractions, it could be the best team in the Pac-12.
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Saint Mary’s Gaels
Last Year’s Result: 22-12, NCAA 1st Round
Head Coach: Randy Bennett
Marquee Player: Jordan Ford
Game To Watch: vs. Gonzaga — Feb. 8
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Often overshadowed by the West Coast Conference powerhouse that is Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s is no slouch. The Gaels are paced by their elusive point guard Jordan Ford and a 7-foot-3 Goliath named Aaron Menzies. Playing in the WCC hides Saint Mary’s from the public eye for the entire season — save games against Gonzaga — but don’t be surprised to see the Gaels make a deep run in March.
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Villanova Wildcats
Last Year’s Result: 26-10, NCAA 2nd Round
Head Coach: Jay Wright
Marquee Player: Collin Gillespie
Game To Watch: vs. Kansas — Dec. 21
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Buoyed by highly-talented returners, a top-flight head coach and a top-5 recruiting class, the Villanova Wildcats will once again be a problem. Jay Wright will have to figure out the proper rotations and help guide a young squad, but having the likes of Collin Gillespie, Saddiq Bey and freshmen Bryan Antoine and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is a nice place to start. With Wright’s experience, this is a team everyone will hope to avoid come March.
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Michigan State Spartans
Last Year’s Result: 32-7, NCAA Final Four
Head Coach: Tom Izzo
Marquee Player: Cassius Winston
Game To Watch: vs. Duke — Dec. 3
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The No. 1 team entering the season, the Michigan State Spartans have all the ingredients to become a champion. Led by legendary coach Tom Izzo, Sparty returns National Player of the Year front-runner Cassius Winston to lead the charge. Combined with talents like Aaron Henry, Xavier Tillman and (hopefully) Josh Langford towards the end of the season, Winston should have all the help he needs to be the last man standing.
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Gonzaga Bulldogs
Last Year’s Result: 33-4, NCAA Elite 8
Head Coach: Mark Few
Marquee Player: Killian Tillie
Game To Watch: vs. North Carolina — Dec. 18
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Still chasing the elusive National Championship, Gonzaga enters the new year with another great chance at going all the way. The loss of lottery pick Rui Hachimura will not be easy to overcome, but Mark Few has proved to be one of the most adept coaches in the country at restocking his team with talent. A healthy Killian Tillie will be a handful for opposing teams. Aside from Tillie, Corey Kispert and freshman Drew Timme offer tons of promise. The Zags will be heard from in March.
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Kentucky Wildcats
Last Year’s Result: 30-7, NCAA Elite 8
Head Coach: John Calipari
Marquee Player: Ashton Hagans
Game To Watch: vs. Michigan State — Nov. 5
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To nobody’s surprise, Kentucky is one of the top contenders to win it all. John Calipari’s decision to spurn UCLA assured Kentucky of another decade-plus of contention. Ashton Hagans’ elite ability to defend will be crucial to Kentucky’s success. Differing from recent years, this version of the Wildcats will be amongst the oldest groups Coach Cal has had. Four key members return to the squad, as does Bucknell-transfer Nate Sestina. Oh, and look out for Tyrese Maxey.
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Seton Hall Pirates
Last Year’s Result: 20-14, NCAA 1st Round
Head Coach: Kevin Willard
Marquee Player: Myles Powell
Game To Watch: vs. Michigan State — Nov. 14
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Experience, height and top-notch talent — three things Seton Hall possesses. Let’s start with the experience. The Pirates return four starters from last year’s NCAA Tournament team. Every true contender has elite talent, and Seton Hall is no different. Myles Powell could challenge for the National Player of the Year award if he continues to excel. Armed with a tall, physical and talented lineup, Seton Hall is a solid dark horse to cut the nets.
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Florida Gators
Last Year’s Result: 20-16, NCAA 2nd Round
Head Coach: Mike White
Marquee Player: Kerry Blackshear Jr.
Game To Watch: @ Kentucky — Feb. 22
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Look away, UCLA fans. For the first time since Billy Donovan bolted for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Florida Gators are a real threat to win the National Championship. Virginia Tech-transfer Kerry Blackshear Jr. provides the Gators with a huge boost. His scoring ability is evident, but Blackshear’s experience will also pay dividends. Throw in talented youngsters like Keyontae Johnson, Noah Locke, Tre Mann and Scottie Lewis, and Florida looks like a top-5 team.
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Baylor Bears
Last Year’s Result: 20-14, NCAA 2nd Round
Head Coach: Scott Drew
Marquee Player: Tristan Clark
Game To Watch: @ Kansas — Jan. 11
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If you are going to knock off the Bears, you best be ready for a war. Baylor’s physicality in recent years has become a bit of a calling card for the program. Now, Baylor has the talent to match its approach. Tristan Clark will be back in the fold after missing the final 20 games of last year with a knee injury. Don’t be fooled, Clark is one of the nation’s best players. With Auburn-transfer Davion Mitchell set to see action as well, the Bears will have the ability to challenge Kansas in the Big 12.
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VCU Rams
Last Year’s Result: 25-8, NCAA 1st Round
Head Coach: Mike Rhoades
Marquee Player: Marcus Evans
Game To Watch: vs. LSU — Nov. 13
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Excellent defensively, the VCU Rams will be able to suffocate opposing offenses all season long. The Rams are led by senior guard Marcus Evans. Evans, a prolific scorer during his two years at Rice, should take on a larger role in his second year with the program. VCU’s style won’t be the prettiest, but it works. Expect the Rams to challenge Davidson for the Atlantic 10 crown.
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Davidson Wildcats
Last Year’s Result: 24-10, NIT 1st Round
Head Coach: Bob McKillop
Marquee Player: Kellan Grady
Game To Watch: @ VCU — Feb. 7
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Some pundits are tabbing VCU as the favorite in the Atlantic 10, but should they be? A known program thanks in large part to Steph Curry’s March Madness magic a decade ago, Davidson is seemingly ready to return to the spotlight this season. The Wildcats — in a shocking situation for today’s game — return all five starters from a year ago. Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Jon Axel Gudmundsson and guard Kellan Grady (17.3 ppg) are a very dangerous duo. Davidson’s mix of experience and talent will be tough for most teams to deal with.
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Providence Friars
Last Year’s Result: 18-16, NIT 1st Round
Head Coach: Ed Cooley
Marquee Player: Alpha Diallo
Game To Watch: @ Seton Hall — Jan. 22
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Could we witness a team other than Villanova win the Big East? Well, if you believe in Alpha Diallo, yes. The 6-foot-7 guard hailing from New York is one of the nation’s best players. As a junior, Diallo averaged 16.0 PPG, 8.1 REB and 3.1 AST. Luwane Pipkins, a transfer from UMass, is a very good point guard — giving the Friars one of the better backcourt combos in the country. Providence’s top-seven or so players are arguably the best in the Big East.
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