NCAA Basketball: Preseason Top 25 teams for 2018-19

17. LSU Tigers 18-15 (8-10)

2017-18 postseason results: NIT Second Round

Key losses: Duop Reath (12.5 ppg) – Aaron Epps (9.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg)

Key returnees: SO Tremont Waters (15.9 ppg and 6.0 apg – both led the team) – JR Skylar Mays (11.3 ppg)

Key incoming players: SO Kavell Bigby-Williams (3.0 ppg at Oregon) – FR Nazreon Reid (No. 18 ranked recruit) – FR Ja’Vonte Smart (No. 30 ranked recruit) – FR Emmitt Williams (No. 24 ranked recruit) – FR Darius Days (No. 54 ranked recruit)

Because of how good the SEC was overall, the overacheiveing Tigers flew under the radar for a surprising NIT appearance. From an overall talent perspective, LSU might have been the worst, yet still maintain competitiveness in the strong conference.

What Tremont Waters did was especially impressive, playing as well as the Kentucky freshmen. He hasn’t declared for the draft, and doesn’t appear likely to do so. And for next season, he could be the veteran on the Tigers starting lineup.

Will Wade has brought in a top five recruiting class, led by five-star Naz Reid. The power forward will be a starter from day one, and can easily be a one and done player.

This might be a high-ranking, but I trust Wade and Waters to incorporate the new athletes to be one of the best in the SEC.