Perennial power Kansas reloads after losing all-time program great Frank Mason. Bill Self hunts for his 14th straight Big 12 regular season title, while Devonte' Graham assumes alpha dog status and looks to lead his squad to the Final Four.
Read more#4 Michigan State Preview 2017-18
Sparty is one of the favorites to win this year's National Championship per Vegas. Tom Izzo looks to lead his ridiculously deep and talented squad to the Promised Land, while Miles Bridges fights to stake his claim as the best player in the country.
Read more#5 Villanova Preview 2017-18
Despite an early NCAA tournament exit last year, Villanova will once again be the hunted in the Big East this season. With bonafide big man Omari Spellman now eligible, and preseason POTY candidate Jalen Brunson back in the mix, can Jay Wright and the Wildcats claim their 5th straight league title?
Read more#6 Wichita State Preview 2017-18
After coming up just three points shy of knocking off Kentucky in last year's NCAA tournament, Gregg Marshall will seamlessly hit the reset button with almost everyone slated to return. With the Shockers about to embark on their first full season in the AAC, expectations have never been higher in Wichita.
Read more#7 USC Preview 2017-18
Andy Enfield looks to take the Trojans one step further in March behind a roster that is oozing with both talent and experience. With many projecting USC as a top-10 team this year, it's safe to say Enfield has officially resurrected hoops in south Los Angeles.
Read more#8 Kentucky Preview 2017-18
The Bluegrass Cats will have an insanely young group featuring 8 freshmen and 2 sophomores, but the roster's limitless athleticism means John Calipari has Kentucky right back in the country's elite.
Read more#9 Florida Preview 2017-18
Florida brings a formidable combination of returning talent, touted freshmen, and productive transfers to the table, all under the careful direction of rising coaching star Mike White. Can the Gators unseat the Blue Blood Empire from Kentucky at the top of the SEC?
Read more#10 Louisville Preview 2017-18
Anchored by what should be another top-10 defense in the country, Louisville should be right back in ACC and national title contention. With the NCAA finally having doled out (soft) punishment for the program's escort scandal, will the Cards take advantage of their postseason eligibility this year?
Read more#11 West Virginia Preview 2017-18
West Virginia looks to harass their way to the top of the standings in another tough Big 12 conference. Jevon Carter returns to "defend" his DPOY crown, while Esa Ahmad looks to blossom into one of the best all-around players in the conference. Quiver in fear ye of little ball security.
Read more#12 Cincinnati Preview 2017-18
The Bearcats have been a model of consistency in the AAC, finishing in the top-3 of the conference standings in each of the past four seasons. While the loss of senior leader Troy Caupain will be tough to replace, Mick Cronin found a diamond in the rough in Sacred Heart transfer Cane Broom, who will have big shoes to fill in 2017-18.
Read more#13 Xavier Preview 2017-18
Fresh off a roller coaster season which brought the Musketeers to the brink of a Final Four appearance, Trevon Bluiett aims to lead the X-Men to the promise land [of San Antonio] in his last season in Xavier uniform.
Read more#14 Miami (FL) Preview 2017-18
Despite prized recruit Lonnie Walker's torn meniscus in the offseason, Jim Larranaga's Hurricanes have some potent offensive firepower down in Miami. Can Bruce Brown lead them to ACC title contention?
Read more#15 North Carolina Preview 2017-18
The reigning national champions have a loaded backcourt, but graduation and the NBA hit the frontcourt hard. Can Roy Williams play his preferred 2-big style with this roster? Or will he need to adjust to his personnel to optimize this team's potential?
Read more#16 Minnesota Preview 2017-18
Minnesota looks to build on a surprising bounce back season that saw the Gophers up their win total three times over. All-League guard Nate Mason returns to lead the charge, as burgeoning talents Jordan Murphy and Amir Coffey look to make names for themselves in the Big Ten.
Read more#17 Seton Hall Preview 2017-18
After being ousted in the first round of the NCAA tournament in each of the past two seasons, Seton Hall hopes that a third time turns out to be a charm in 2018. Led by three seniors - Angel Delgado, Desi Rodriguez and Khadeen Carrington - the Pirates' experienced talent make them poised for a deep run in March.
Read more#18 Texas A&M Preview 2017-18
After a tumultuous season that ended in disappointment, Texas A&M returns a roster full of talent and adds some crucial pieces that could vault the Aggies up the SEC and national standings. We're obviously buying into the hype here at 3MW - time to find out why.
Read more#19 Saint Mary's Preview 2017-18
St. Mary's returns key pieces at every position, headlined by their steady force down low in big Jock Landale. With Gonzaga projected to take a minor step back this season, this might be the year the Gaels reassert themselves as the class of the WCC.
Read more#20 Gonzaga Preview 2017-18
Gonzaga wore the burden of mid-majors everywhere last season as they came just a few points shy of college basketball's mountaintop. With the crushing championship defeat behind them, it's time for Mark Few to do what he's done time and time again in Spokane - reboot and reload.
Read more#21 Notre Dame Preview 2017-18
The Irish have some significant losses, but pillars at point guard and in the post give them a foundation on which to build another successful campaign. Mike Brey's efficient offense and tie-less suits should have Notre Dame battling the ACC powers once again - will the D keep up?
Read more#22 UCLA Preview 2017-18
With "Lonzo-mania" moving across town to the Staples Center, a new crop of young talent is set to take the stage for the Bruins. Even with a laundry list of offensive weapons leaving Westwood this summer, UCLA should take only a minor step back in 2017-18, especially if Aaron Holiday proves he's ready for the spotlight.
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