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.
Read more#23 Purdue Preview 2017-18
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?
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