One of the many SEC teams rising with a strong group of newcomers (led my 3MW favorite Collin Sexton), the Crimson Tide look to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012 (and second since 2006). Avery Johnson's squad has the talent, but will it be derailed by youth?
Read more#27 Oregon Preview 2017-18
After coming up one game shy of the Final Four two years ago, Oregon finally took that next step to reach college basketball's biggest stage last season. Despite a massive roster overhaul, Dana Altman has quickly replenished the talent pool with a blue-chip recruit in Troy Brown and two gems via the transfer wire in Elijah Brown and MiKyle McIntosh.
Read more#29 Providence Preview 2017-18
After a crushing 2nd half collapse in last year's First Four showdown against USC, the Friars are chomping at the bit to avenge their recent postseason shortcomings. Ed Cooley will now fuse together a top-20 recruiting class with the formidable core from last year's roster, making Providence a deep sleeper to contend for the Big East crown.
Read more#31 Virginia Preview 2017-18
Another decorated senior guard is gone from UVA (fare thee well, London), and Tony Bennett's squad surprisingly had a few players transfer as well. But the team's outrageous defense and a strong youth movement should keep the Cavs competitive in the ACC.
Read more#34 Rhode Island Preview 2017-18
If not for two devastating daggers from Tyler Dorsey in URI's 2nd round matchup with Oregon, there's no telling where Rhody's late-season magic would've ended last year. Now, with a loaded backcourt returning this season, can Dan Hurley lead the Rams back to the Sweet-16 for the first time since 1998?
Read more#35 Vanderbilt Preview 2017-18
Bryce Drew's squad rode a late-season tear (and strange dominance over Florida) to overcome a 12-13 start to the season and become the first at-large team with 15 losses. With 5 of the team's top 7 players back and Drew finding his SEC sea legs (SE-SEA legs), will the Commodores start stronger this year?
Read more#36 SMU Preview 2017-18
Now in his 2nd season at the helm, Tim Jankovich looks to maintain last year's momentum with an injection of new talent via the transfer wire, along with a hyper-talented playmaker in Shake Milton back to lead the "Pony Show" in Dallas.
Read more#37 Butler Preview 2017-18
A new coach, along with a handful of fresh new faces will test just how strongly fortified "the Butler Way" persists in the Bulldogs this year. Can senior Kelan Martin lead a young nucleus back to the Big Dance for a fourth straight season? Or will LaVall Jordan's inaugural campaign as head coach be remembered as a rebuilding stepping stone for a new era of Butler basketball?
Read more#39 Creighton Preview 2017-18
Without their primary point guard/maestro, Mo Watson, and paint protector, Justin Patton, no longer in the fold, the Jays have some major shoes to fill in 2017-18. Can a talented incoming freshman class, coupled with the return of two all-conference performers in Marcus Foster and Khryi Thomas keep Creighton in the thick of the Big East standings?
Read more#40 Missouri Preview 2017-18
Raised from the dregs of college basketball by Cuonzo Martin (ok, and the Porter family) after three horrendous years under Kim Anderson, Mizzou looks to regain its footing as a Tournament-caliber program. Will #1 stud MPJ lead them back to the Big Dance? Or will the Tiger rebuild take more than one quick infusion of newcomers?
Read moreExtended NBA Draft Board + Thoughts
Here they are, the rest of Jim's NBA Draft rankings! Which players will make him look smart or stupid in the future? Can't wait to find out...
Read more3MW Offseason Top 25: Post-Draft Decisions
Now that rosters are looking far more settled, how do the 3 Men of Weave see the Top 25?
Read moreLottery Ranks & Thoughts - NBA Draft Big Board
Finally, the NBA Draft order is final. How does one member of the 3MW see the rankings at the top of the draft?
Read moreCoaching Hire Rankings - The Definitive List (of 16)
This offseason has been a busy one for the coaching carousel. We look at 16 of the most prominent coaching moves in the country, and rank the hires based on very scientific criteria.
Read moreCollege Basketball Offseason Survival Guide
After two amazing semifinals and a clunker of a title game, we've come to it at last: the long, dark, college basketball offseason. How can we cope? Where should we turn to satiate our appetites for collegiate hoops??
Read moreChampionship Game 2016-17 Preview
There's no shortage of storylines for Monday night's national championship showdown between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Gonzaga Bulldogs. Will the Tar Heels find redemption from last year's heartbreaker against Villanova? Or will Mark Few and the Zags break down the barrier many thought would never be breached...
Read moreFinal Four 2016-17 Preview: Game 1
With the lights shining brightest in the desert, will the Zags continue to show out for "mid-majors" everywhere? Or will South Carolina continue their amazing 7-seed run?
Read moreElite 8 2016-17 Preview: Midwest Regional
After beginning the season ranked in the top-5 of the AP Poll, Kansas and Oregon now find themselves just one step away from a trip to Phoenix. With two premier coaches and a plethora of talent set to face off tonight in Kansas City, the Midwest Regional Final has all the makings of an instant classic.
Read moreElite 8 2016-17 Preview: West Region
Two of the country's best coaches clash with a chance at their first ever Final Four - oh yeah, it'd be each school's first F4 appearance in history, as well. The red-hot Musketeers face off against the resilient Zags in what should be a great Saturday evening opener.
Read moreSweet 16 2016-17 Preview: East Region
Both Villanova and Duke are sitting on their couches, contemplating their NBA decisions and/or their mortality, leaving several upstarts with a shocking shot at the Final Four...
Read more