The 25 hour tip-off marathon has come and gone, and most teams have played at least a couple of games now, so it's time to look at the 2011-12 NCAA Division I Basketball season. On April 4th, the Connecticut Huskies won the 2011 Tournament to become National Champions. Can they repeat, or will another team take the crown come the end of March Madness in New Orleans?
The Contenders
North Carolina Tarheels (AP #1, ESPN #1)
After reaching the Elite Eight stage at last year's tournament, the Tarheels have returned three starters for this season, as well as recruiting the #4 prospect in the country in James McAdoo. With Tyler Zeller and Dexter Strickland both returning as well as Harrison Barnes looking forward to his sophmore season after an excellent freshman year, the Tarheels are looking strong. When ACC competition kicks of in January, we'll find out just how good they are.
Prediction: Elite Eight
Kentucky Wildcats (AP #2, ESPN #2)
The Wildcats have lost Enes Kanter to the NBA Draft without playing a game for the school, but have returned several key players from last year's Final Four team. Add in some extremely highly regarded recruits including the top ranked Point Guard in the country in Marquis Teague, the Wildcats starting lineup looks one of the strongest in the country. With depth in their roster, and the ability to deredshirt at least 2 potential starters, the Wildcats should make a run at the championship, especially in an uninspired looking SEC.
Prediction: National Champions
Ohio State Buckeyes (AP #3, ESPN #3)
The Buckeyes have had to rebuild their entire team this year after losing several key players, but with Jared Sullinger returning for his sophmore year and several of last year's backups now starters, their team looks to be even stronger than the one that got to the Sweet Sixteen in March. Head Coach Thad Matta has recruited well, and the roster looks deep as well as talented. The Buckeyes have a history of choking when it comes to March Madness though, and it remains to be seen whether the Big Ten favourites can do what they should be capable of.
Prediction: Sweet Sixteen
Connecticut Huskies (AP #4, ESPN #4)
The 2011 champions came from nowhere to win the title, with eventual #9 NBA Draft pick Kemba Walker leading the way. With Walker now gone, as well as Kyle Bailey and Donnell Beverly, the Huskies are severely weakened. Coach Jim Calhoun will also serve a three game suspension for recruiting violations when Big East play begins in January. The Huskies were outsiders last year and shocked the tournament. This year, the shock will be if they can do it again.
Prediction: Last 32
Syracuse Orange (AP #5, ESPN #5)
The Orange have lost only one starter in the close season, and have recrited well, with center Rakeem Christmas set to be a star. With one of the biggest rosters in the country, led by the talismanic Scoop Jardine, the Orange will be looking to avoid another tournament upset like they suffered at the hands of Marquette in the third round back in March. The team have enough strength in depth to make a good run this year, but I'd be surprised to see them win.
Prediction: Final Four
Duke Blue Devils (AP #6, ESPN #6)
The Blue Devils were surprisingly beaten by Arizona at the Sweet Sixteen stage last season, and have lost three key players in Kyrie Irving (the overall #1 pick in the NBA Draft), Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. With that said, the Blue Devils have returned Seth Curry and the Plumlee brothers and have a very good backbone to their side. Recruiting from Mike Krzyzewski has seen the #1 prospect in the country, Austin Rivers sign up, as well as the third Plumlee brother, Marshall. While Duke and North Carolina will squabble over the ACC, I see Duke being right up there come April.
Prediction: Runners up
The Outside Bets
Xavier Musketeers (AP #14, ESPN #15)
It was Connecticut last year, and it could be Xavier this time around. They may play in the unfashionable Atlantic 10 Conference, but their squad is strong, and they have a good third year coach in Chris Mack. Expect to see the Musketeers in late March.
Prediction: Elite Eight
Kansas Jayhawks (AP #13, ESPN #13)
The Jayhawks have lost almost their entire team from last year, including the Morris twins, who many say carried their roster. Coach Bill Self has recruited some good prospects, and will rely on Tyshawn Taylor to lift his team. Don't expect miracles, but expect a good showing.
Prediction: Elite Eight
Arizona Wildcats (AP #16, ESPN #16)
Derrick Williams is now in the NBA, but the Wildcats should be good to match their Elite Eight performance from last year. The squad is strong, the fans are passionate, and coach Sean Miller has what it takes to guide a team. The Wildcats are my prediction for the Final Four surprise package.
Prediction: Final Four
The No-Hopers
Louisville Cardinals (AP #9, ESPN #8)
The Big East is once again looking like the most competitive conference overall, and I just don't see the Cardinals having enough to do well in conference play, despite their lofty preseason ranking. Expect a quarter final in the Big East Tournament, and an early exit from March Madness after an at-large bid.
Prediction: Second Round (Last 64)
Florida Gators (AP #8, ESPN #10)
Despite the SEC not looking particularly strong in basketball this season, I have a feeling that the Gators will struggle. They've already lost a game this year (albeit to Ohio State), and although I expect an at-large tournament bid, the Gators will be another big team who fall at the first hurdle.
Prediction: Second Round (Last 64)
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