NCAA Basketball: 5 takeaways from AP Preseason Top-25 for 2020-21

Traditional heavyweights in the top-25

While at the detriment of not having mid-majors around, there are some familiar faces ranked in the top-25. The most notable name in the top-10 that relatively new is Illinois, who went from likely unranked and irrelvalant to a Final Four contender once both Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn decided to come back for another year.

Over a decade ago, they were a national title threat but have been down for a while. This is a great chance for the Illini to get back to glory, both Big Ten and nationally.

There are other big names back in the top-25 as well. UCLA looks to be a real threat to win the Pac-12 after returning just about everyone, while North Carolina, as expected, is at No. 14 after having one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent years. The Texas Longhorns are ranked at No. 19 and have arguably their best roster since Coach Shaka Smart arrived at campus.

With the NBA not playing until December 22, NCAA Basketball will have a month to themselves when it comes to hoop fans. Whether its fair not, the big names being nationally relevant is good for the sport. They bring in the ratings and viewership, as well as their own fan bases. Without fans at the games for a while, television will be all the more important.

With these teams not in play, along with the usual suspects, we’re going to have some great matchups to watch in the non-conference. Stay tuned to how great it actually it.