NCAA Basketball: Preseason Top 25 teams for 2018-19
Teams under consideration
30. Montana Grizzlies 26-8 (16-2)
The Big Sky was one of the best mid-major leagues this season, but Montana made easy work of it. With all but one player on the roster returning, including a pair of high scoring guards, the Grizzlies could see themselves in the rankings with a good non-conference.
29. Washington Huskies 21-13 (10-8)
Assuming star freshman Jaylen Nowell returns, Washington brings back their entire roster for second-year head coach Mike Hopkins to improve on. The defense went from dreadful to bad this year, but they have to get better for a top-four finish in the Pac-12.
28. Alabama Crimson Tide 20-16 (8-10)
Collin Sexton is probably gone, but everyone else remains. This could be a scenario where the guys play better with the ball moving around a lot more, rather than sticking with him.
27. Clemson Tigers 25-10 (11-7)
After a breakout year for Brad Brownell and the program, Clemson still returns three of their top four scorers for next season. Their top-notch defense should return with them as well.
26. UCLA Bruins 21-12 (11-7)
Had Aaron Holiday returned, this would have been a top-15 team. However, with the talent still there as well as the incoming recruiting class, this team still could be that good when it’s all said and done. But with no clear leader on the team, rough patches will happen early on.