I’m going to hold off on coming up with a preseason Top 25 until the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA Draft passes April 25. That way we’ll have a much better idea of what the teams will look like. But in the meantime, if you can’t wait until the end of the month there are plenty of other big-time national writers who have put their lists out – for the sole reason that their editors made them do it. After all, nothing gets page views like lists. So here’s a sampling of what the “experts” were thinking right after last week’s national championship game.
1. Duke, 2. Michigan State, 3. Butler, 4. Kansas State, 5. Purdue
1. Duke, 2. Michigan State, 3. Butler, 4. Purdue, 5. Ohio State
1. Michigan State, 2. Duke, 3. Butler, 4. Purdue, 5. Villanova
1. Duke, 2. Ohio State, 3. Michigan State, 4. Purdue, 5. Butler
1. Purdue, 2. Duke, 3. Butler, 4. Michigan State, 5. Pitt
1. Michigan State, 2. Duke, 3. Butler, 4. Purdue, 5. Pitt
1. Duke, 2. Butler, 3. Purdue, 4. Michigan State, 5. Georgetown
So there seems to be a consensus among the masses. Duke, Butler, Michigan State and Purdue, generally in that order. And no Kentucky to be found. Kind of tough when it seems like your entire team leaves for the NBA, but no one will cry for John Calipari anytime soon.
Duke’s No. 1 preseason status will depend heavily on whether Kyle Singler comes back to school. Purdue could creep up should Robbie Hummel’s rehab from a torn ACL roll on without any setbacks. And the darlings of March, Butler, will hold their breath to see what Gordon Hayward decides to do. He’d be a first round pick this June. But does he want to improve his draft status and shoot for another deep run in the tournament?
So check back in a few weeks and we’ll run down next season’s top 25 a good seven months before the first tip. And know that we’re doing this out of the goodness of our heart. No editor pressure. Promise.
