Illinois crashes top 10 in preseason AP college hoops poll
The AP released its first college basketball poll of the season. Here’s a rundown of the top 25 teams heading into the season, which starts Nov. 25:
Last Year’s Final Ranking: NR
Points: 160
Outlook: Coach Juwan Howard enters his sophomore year; senior Isaiah Livers anchors a roster with plenty of experience.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: NR
Points: 190
Outlook: Seven Big Ten teams are on the initial AP Top 25 poll. Rutgers is no longer the doormat of the Big 10.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 19
Points: 270
Outlook: You haven’t forgotten about former Belleville West star E.J. Liddell have you? Is this his breakout year?
Last Year’s Final Ranking: NR
Points: 336
Outlook: Chris Smith, Tyger Campbell and Jamie Jaquez are on the roster, as is Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 4
Points: 351
Outlook: Sure, the Seminoles lost a bit off last year’s roster. But they have an elite freshman, 6-9 Scottie Barnes, in the spotlight.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 13
Points: 375
Outlook: Transfers Amauri Hardy (UNLV) and Eugene Omoruyi (Rutgers) should make an immediate impact.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: NR
Points: 380
Outlook: Shaka Smart brings back all five starters from last season; forward Greg Brown should also turn some heads in Austin.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: NR
Points: 402
Outlook: Coach Bobby Hurley has former Thornton star Alonzo Verge on the roster. Chicagoans: it’ll be worth watching him on some of those late nights starts.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 22
Points: 438
Outlook: Caleb Mills is surrounded by plenty of talent. Coach Kelvin Sampson’s roster has loads of talent on the perimeter.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: NR
Points: 465
Outlook: The best news is that last season is far, far in the rearview mirror. 6-10 Garrison Brooks will help guide the Tar Heel resurgence.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 24
Points: 651
Outlook: Big men Oscar Tshiebwe and Derek Culver combine to make an imposing presence around the rim.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: NR
Points: 790
Outlook: Coach Chris Beard welcomes five-star guard Nimari Burnett to the roster.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 9
Points: 820
Outlook: Four Big Ten teams among the top 13? You read it correctly. Best name on the team? The electrifying Rocket Watts.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: NR
Points: 919
Outlook: The Vols make the biggest jump from the ‘Not Ranked’ category; they bring back four starters including John Fulkerson.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 7
Points: 922
Outlook: Guard Marcus Zegarowski should keep the Bluejays rolling once again.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 8
Points: 1,038
Outlook: Wake Forest transfer Olivier Sarr gives the Wildcats an immediate boost. Freshman-heavy team includes phenom B.J. Boston.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 11
Points: 1,073
Outlook: Keep an eye out for local talent D.J. Steward (Whitney Young), who figures to see ample playing time as the year goes on.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 21
Points: 1,105
Outlook: Former Morgan Park phenom Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn look to take the Illini deep in the NCAA Tournament. Circle the date – Dec. 8. Illini take on Duke in Big 10-ACC Challenge.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 17
Points: 1,150
Outlook: Nate Reuvers and Micah Potter will keep the Badgers on target for another Big 10 regular season title.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 1
Points: 1,221
Outlook: Some new blood, notably Tyon Grant-Foster and Bryce Thompson, figure to turn some heads in Lawrence this season.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 25
Points: 1,273
Outlook: All eyes on Luka Garza, who averaged nearly 24 points per game last season. Is this the Hawkeyes year?
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 16
Points: 1,364 (1)
Outlook: The ACC-favorite Cavaliers boast the roster addition of Sam Hauser, who transferred in from Marquette.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 10
Points: 1,501 (11)
Outlook: Point guard Collin Gillespie returns to a roster poised on winning another Big East regular season tile—and then some.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 5
Points: 1,540 (24)
Outlook: Davion Mitchell, Jared Butler and MaCio Teague should give the opposition fits all season.
Last Year’s Final Ranking: 2
Points: 1,541 (28)
Outlook: Coach Mark Few has a deep roster to make a Final Four run. Newcomer guard Jalen Suggs only adds to the talent in Spokane.
