Purdue looks to reclaim their Big Ten title without Caleb Swanigan, the most dominant college player in the country last season. Carsen Edwards is poised to take over as the lead dog, while Vince Edwards and Isaac Haas bring consistency and intimidating size, respectively.
Read more#24 Northwestern Preview 2017-18
America's favorite underdog story last season has evolved into a Big Ten contender in 2017-18. How far will All-League point guard Bryant McIntosh and nationally celebrated head coach Chris Collins take the Cats?
Read more#25 Virginia Tech Preview 2017-18
After some offseason drama, Buzz Williams has returned to Blacksburg for another season, and he has another classic Buzz team - a lot of guards and wings, very little size. The return of Chris Clarke and Kerry Blackshear from injuries will be a major factor in the Hokies' paint production and overall success.
Read more#26 Alabama Preview 2017-18
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#28 Michigan Preview 2017-18
Michigan looks to re-tool after losing roster cornerstones Derrick Walton, Zak Irvin, and D.J. Wilson. Incoming transfers, new recruits, and an ever-improving center have Wolverine fans bullish on the upcoming season.
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#30 Baylor Preview 2017-18
Baylor took the nation by storm last season, rattling off impressive non-conference win after impressive non-conference win. With Johnathan Motley gone, can Manu Lecomte and Company produce enough firepower to vault the Bears into the Big 12 elite?
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#32 TCU Preview 2017-18
TCU, the 2017 NIT champs, prepare to wreak havoc on the Big 12 this season. All five starters return for Jamie Dixon, as the Frogs eye their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998.
Read more#33 Oklahoma Preview 2017-18
Lon Kruger looks to lead his Sooners back to another NCAA Tournament after breaking his four-year streak a season ago. Oklahoma was one of the nation's youngest teams last year and the now-battle tested vets look ready to contend in the blood bath that is the Big 12.
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#38 Maryland Preview 2017-18
No Trimble? No problem! The Terps bring back a Smorgasbord of talent and feature a roster deep enough to make a serious run at the Big Ten title.
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 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 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...
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