NCAA Basketball: 2018-19 preseason top-25 power rankings
10 others to watch
(Reminder: Not everyone I considered for my top-25 is shown/discussed here. There are simply too many teams I considered to write about for this piece. This section includes 10 that I am especially intrigued by this season that are not in my preseason top-25.)
Alabama Crimson Tide: Even though the Crimson Tide had to say goodbye to Collin Sexton this offseason, the team should still be in good shape to post a solid season. Head coach Avery Johnson is bringing in a strong recruiting class to join a talented group of returning players. Watch for Texas transfer Tevin Mack to play a major role offensively for a team that should be near the nation’s best defensively.
Butler Bulldogs: One of the best two-way guards in the nation, Kamar Baldwin is going to be “the guy” for Butler this season and he could post 20 points per game while locking down opposing guards. Add in the returns of several rotation players from last year and the arrival of Duke transfer Jordan Tucker and this could be a dangerous team. Butler is always in the NCAA Tournament conversation and this season should be no different.
Clemson Tigers: Clemson was one of the more surprising top-25 teams in the nation last season and they return a fair amount of talent. The Tigers were one of the hardest teams to leave out of this top-25 as they look poised to be in for a big season. Senior Marcquise Reed will be the go-to player for Clemson this year.
Iowa State Cyclones: Despite a down season compared to recent expectations last season, Iowa State should be back on the rise this year. Star guard Lindell Wigginton is returning as well as big man Cameron Lard. Head coach Steve Prohm also has a solid recruiting class coming in that can immediately impact the team. The addition of Virginia transfer Marial Shayok should not be overlooked, either.
Loyola-Chicago Ramblers: After a surprising run to the Final Four last season, Loyola-Chicago brings back its fair share of talent. Most notably, the Missouri Valley Player of the Year, Clayton Custer, is back for another season as are many of his co-stars. The Ramblers should be one of the best mid-major teams in the country and are worthy of consideration for the top-25.
light. Related Story. 25 preseason National Player of the Year contenders
Nebraska Cornhuskers: Nebraska missed the NCAA Tournament last season despite going 13-5 in the Big Ten. With the conference expected to be stronger this year, the Cornhuskers should not be as unfortunate this time around. Head coach Tim Miles brings back four incredibly valuable and experienced players even though their depth remains a question mark.
Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue lost just about every major contributor from last year but still returns arguably the best player in the country. Carsen Edwards is simply that special. There are a lot of unproven pieces around him but he will at the very least be able to will the Boilermakers into the NCAA Tournament conversation.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Texas Tech may have lost a fair amount of talent this offseason, including Keenan Evans and Zhaire Smith, but the program still brings back some major contributors. Head coach Chris Beard has proven that he is one of the best in the business and he has a strong leader coming back in Jarrett Culver. Do not expect the Red Raiders to fall too far.
UCF Knights: My preseason favorite to win the American this year, UCF might not get a ton of buzz nationally. But, when healthy, there are few teams better. B.J. Taylor is an offensive star and Tacko Fall can be the anchor to an elite defense. Can the team stay healthy? If yes, they will creep into the top-25 before long.
UCLA Bruins: UCLA was a sure-fire preseason top-25 prior to suffering some key losses due to injury/conditions this offseason. The Bruins still belong in consideration for this list due to a high talent level but depth may start to be an issue due to these losses. Jaylen Hands will be a major reason for success this season.