2012/13 Preseason NCAA Top 25: #4 Kentucky Wildcats
Fall is here, and school is back in session, which means the good times are almost here - the start of college basketball season! To get you ready for this upcoming season, The Hoops Manifesto presents to you its preseason top 25 team rankings, based on the input from our esteemed voting panel. Next up #4 Kentucky Wildcats
Big thanks to our voting panel: Jeff Fox (@HoopsManifesto) from The Hoops Manifesto, Perry Missner (@PerryMissner) from RotoWire, Ray Bala (@CanBallReport) who writes The Can Ball Report on Raptors HQ, Adam Francis (@RaptorsHQ) from Raptors HQ, Ian (@SoxAndDawgs) from SOX & Dawgs, and Alex Gallant (@SeaTownSports) from SeaTown Sports.
#4 - Kentucky Wildcats
2011/12: 38-2, won NCAA National Championship
Key Returning Players:
None
Top Newcomers:
Nerlens Noel - Center - #2 ranked recruit (Rivals.com)
Alex Poythress - Power Forward - #8 ranked recruit (Rivals.com)
Archie Goodwin - Shooting Guard - #14 ranked recruit (Rivals.com)
Willie Cauley - Center - #40 ranked recruit (Rivals.com)
Ryan Harrow - Point Guard - Sophomore (transfer from North Carolina State)
2010/11 - 9.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3.3 apg
Top NBA Prospect:
Nerlens Noel - projected #2 overall pick in 2013 draft
Outlook:
The more things change, the more they stay the same at Kentucky. Another year, another wholesale change of talent. The only holdover who played any signifcance in Kentucky's championship season last year is sophomore Kyle Wiltjer (and he only averaged 11.6 mpg). But, once again, John Calipari has brought in the best freshman class in the land, led by potential #1 overall draft pick Nerlens Noel, who some are saying is a better shot blocker than Anthony Davis (blasphemy). However, for a change, the Wildcats won't be having a new addition running the point for them.... sort of. NC State transfer Ryan Harrow practised with the Wildcats all last season while he redshirted, so technically he will be another new point guard for Calipari, while at the same time providing a veteran presence and familiar face on the floor (not to mention immense skill - he is projected to be a first round pick next June also). Calipari and the 'Cats cutting down the nets again next spring certainly isn't out of the question.
Preseason Top 25
#5 - Michigan Wolverines
#6 - UCLA Bruins
#7 - Kansas Jayhawks
#8 - Ohio State Buckeyes
#9 - North Carolina Tar Heels
#10 - Duke Blue Devils
#11 - Missouri Tigers
#12 - Gonzaga Bulldogs
#13 - Syracuse Orange
#14 - UNLV Runnin' Rebels
#15 - Arizona Wildcats
#16 - Wisconsin Badgers
#17 - Baylor Bears
#18 - Creighton Bluejays
#19 - Florida Gators
#20 - Kansas State Wildcats
#21 - San Diego State Aztecs
#22 - Saint Louis Billikens
#23 - Memphis Tigers
#24 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
#25 - Texas Wildcats
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1 Like
I think the Wildcats, like most defending champions, are being somewhat overrated. What made last year's Kentucky team a bit better than Calipari's other recent teams were two things: the return of three big contributors (Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, Darius Miller) and a freshman emphasis on defense (Anthony Davis, MKG). I think Noel will be good, but nowhere near as a good as The Brow. All in all, probably a Sweet 16 team that will fight with Missouri (who I think will win the SEC), Tennessee, and Florida for SEC bragging rights.
@Perry Missner You definitely can't overlook the impact the "veterans" played on last year's title team. They don't really have that on this year's team.
