Conference Rankings

With a dotted line, I've separated them teams into different tiers of which I see them finishing. For example, if there's a line above #3 and below #6, I could see the 6th place team finishing anywhere from 3rd to 6th because those teams are on a pretty equal playing field.

ACC
1. UNC - It's unanimous; UNC is primed to be a top 3 team in the nation.
2. Duke - They lost Redick, Shelden Williams, and Dockery to graduation. But this is Duke; their scars heal like Wolverine's.
3. Boston College - Losing Craig Smith won't hurt BC as bad as some people think. They can grab some monsterous wins.
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4. Georgia Tech - 4th place talent, but they could place between 3rd and 7th in the conference.
5. Florida State - Al Thornton can pick up the slack of fat-man Alexander Johnson in the paint and become a first team all-ACC'er.
6. Virginia - Strong backcourt but shaky frontcourt.
7. Maryland - Not sure what to think of this team. We'll see how they manage without crucial players Chris McCray and Caner-Medley, and see if DJ Strawberry stops playing like a fruit.
8. Virginia Tech - A bunch of decent players who should mount up and soar to greater heights!
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9. Wake Forest - Last years awful team lost its 2 best players, but I have faith in their Top 10 recruiting class.
10. Clemson - They might take down some big names, and be taken out by no-names.
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11. Miami (FL) - Depleted backcourt, lucky they're not last
12. NC State - With about a 4 player roster and a new coach, this mangled and inexperienced team will struggle violently.

Atlantic 10
1. Xavier - Experience and new big-impact players make Xavier the team to beat in the A-10 this year.
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2. Charlotte - With the loss of Curtis Withers, size and rebounding becomes a question for the 49ers. But with their sensational backcourt, they can be a major player if they only get a couple big guys to step it up
3. St Louis - There's no reason that the Billikens should take a step back this year; I think their stock is about steady.
4. UMASS - I originally had this team pegged as my ultra-sleeper. As more and more previews came out, I found I wasn't alone. Now I've turned on them. They'll take a step forward, sure, but this team is experienced only in mediocrity and they won't content for the best record in the A-10. However, they could make a run in the A-10 tourney...
5. George Washington - They lost a lot, yet somehow I feel bad ranking them this low. They could very well be a tourney team when all is said and done.
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6. Fordham - This is a good team that could take the league by surprise.
7. Dayton - They're tough inside, but they won't make a huge impact anywhere else.
8. St Joseph's - Another building year before the Hawks once again become the face of the A-10
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9. Temple - One less Mardy Collins and John Chaney = stuggles for Temple.
10. LaSalle - Their Batman and Robin have graduated. Now they will get crushed by the Joker's of the league.
11. Rhode Island - It's beyond my feeble mind how these last 4 teams will finish.
12. Duquesne - I'm not following the recovery of their players too closely, but they have a couple major impact players that could tear it up in the near future.
13. St Bonaventure - They were bad last year, and I don't see much of a turnaround
14. Richmond - They could be anywhere from 10-14.

BIG EAST
1. Georgetown - I think they'll run away with this conference. They boast one of the best frontcourts around, and they're ready to make an impact on this season
2. Pittsburgh - I'm not buying into all the Pittsburgh hype so much; I think they'll fight with Syracuse for this spot.
3. Syracuse - Without G-Mac, E-Dorf (or Eric Devendorf) has the green light to show off his excellent shot. Demetris Nichols and Darryl Watkins will step up in the frontcourt.
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4. UCONN - I can see why some are dropping UCONN to 6th and 7th, but this is still UCONN. AJ Price may be the best point guard in the nation, and their all-star recruiting class can step in.
5. Villanova - A weakened backcourt is going to slow down Villanova, but they're still a force to be reckoned with.
6. Marquette - People are getting carried away with Dominic James mania. They're going to need their shooters to step up for them to make an impact.
7. Louisville - It hurts to drop them this far, but after last year they just failed to live up to expectations, and their big time scorer is gone.
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8. St. John's - This defensive minded squad will be a minor surprise in the Big East this year.
9. DePaul - They need to stay consistent this year
10. Cincinnati - If the junior college players can step up, this scrappy team can compete for a tournament spot.
11. Providence - After a lot of thought, I've decided that Providence has the experience for a sleeper team, but doesn't really have Big East talent all around.
12. Notre Dame - The ghost of Chris Quinn haunts the Irish.
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13. West Virginia - Coming off a good NCAA tourney run, I don't think West Virginia will be ready for another one in a while.
14. Rutgers - The ghost of Quincy Douby leaves Rutgers hopeless...
15. Seton Hall - A few years away from doing anything...
16. South Florida - Recruits need to realize that this is a Big East school too.

BIG 10
1. Ohio State - I'm buying into all the Greg Oden hype. Also, I'm buying into the rest of Ohio State to hold down the fort until Oden debuts.
2. Wisconsin - A lot of talent, but they didn't prove much last year. The most disappointing of a season I can see them having is being 2nd in the weakened Big 10, though.
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3. Michigan - They have the athleticism and reason not to be the NIT team of years past. They could make a big splash this year.
4. Illinois - "In transition", although they are returning a load of talent. The loss of Dee Brown and James Augustine are rough, but outside than that, we have a well rounded team that could be the surprise of the Big 10.
5. Indiana - They're a wild card. D.J. White could disappoint if he doesn't immediately fill Killingsworth's shoes. They could finish anywhere from 3rd (which I doubt) to 7th, or even 8th behind hungry teams like Purdue and Penn State.
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6. Penn State - They're on their way up; while other teams rebuild, these guys are returning serious talent, including F Geary Claxton.
7. Michigan State - Izzo's most challenging coaching job yet. Minus their Big 3 and Matt Trannon from a mediocre MSU squad last year, it all depends on how fast the young guys are willing to step it up.
8. Iowa - They'll build around guard Adam Haluska, who's really all that remains from that surprising Iowa squad from a year ago.
9. Purdue - After being in shambles due to injuries last year, those guys are back. I can't rate them too high though, because they've proven nothing. This was a lousy team last year, and they're relying on 2 players to carry the responsibility
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10. Northwestern - A step back from the decent team that coach Bill Carmody was able to assemble.
11. Minnesota- Way too young, not ready to make any kind of noise except cries of despair and torture.

BIG 12
1. Kansas - They're so deep, talented, and athletic. After getting knocked out in the first round for the past 2 years, they are determined to step it up when March comes. Truly one of basketball's elite teams
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2. Texas A&M - A 12 seed who surprised last March, this year the expectations are high.
3. Texas - A championship team that got depleted by the NBA. Now they rely on freshman Kevin Durant to carry the load, as this young team has great talent but zero experience.
4. Oklahoma State - These rankings are based on how I think they'll do in the regular season. This team will face some inconsistencies, but come on strong at the end and be a team that can do some serious damage in the NCAA tournament.
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5. Kansas State - Bob Huggins. Cartier Martin. A guy with a long neck. These elements are what Kansas State has to work with this season.
6. Texas Tech - I liked this team a lot as a sleeper till they got rid of their star G Jarrius Jackson. I still like them, though, especially with the possibility that Jackson will return in time for conference play.
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7. Baylor - They'll be consistently good this year, and if a big named school has an off night, the Bears will pounce on the opportunity for a win.
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8. Oklahoma - A disappointing team last year is destroyed. If a young team from my bottom four develops really quickly, then Oklahoma could very well fall into their lower spot.
9. Missouri - I like Mike Anderson's philosophy, this will be a scrappy group of players who can steal some wins purely on effort.
10. Colorado - Richard Roby is their core, and outside of that core there is no one with any experience. If these players step up, Colorado will turn some heads. If not, they'll fall to 12th in a heartbeat.
11. Iowa State - They sucked last year, and their star guards are gone. Another young team that no one really knows what to think of.
12. Nebraska - I just don't like the looks of this young team. In 3 years they might make a small splash in the Big 12.

Missouri Valley Conference (MVC)
1. Creighton - Nate Funk, after sitting out for last year's NIT season, is now the face of Creighton. I see them taking this conference's regular season crown with relative ease.
2. Southern Illinois - This team will be dangerous in the tournament. Returning their top 9 scores (top NINE freaking scorers) from last year's 11 seed team, I see them making a Sweet 16 run.
3. Wichita State - A shocker (lolz) from last year, this team can do damage again this year. Third is about right for them, though, after losing a couple key players to graduation.
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4. Missouri State - A screwjob; that's what it was when MO State's top 20 RPI couldn't get them into the NCAAs. This year it might be the same story; they won't take the conference, but they'll compete. Will that be enough though?
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5. Evansville - Absolutely underrated team. All 5 starters return from an improving squad, who's very well rounded and should surprise in the MVC.
6. Northern Iowa - They graduate their best player from a disappointing 05-06 club. I see them falling to the bottom half of the conference this year.
7. Drake - Bad luck last year with many losses by tiny margains. Now they're more experienced and ready to make a serious impact.
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8. Bradley - 8th looks ugly for last years Sweet 16 team, but the bottom half of the conference is pretty close-knit and they could finish anywhere from 5-10.
9. Illinois State - They're depending on a good recruiting class to put them over the edge.
10. Indiana State - They lost their one big scorer. This team will suffer.

PAC-10
1. Arizona - Lute's ready to take back the PAC, and he's got plenty of talent to do it. I'm expecting big years from Mustafa Shakur and Ivan Radenovic to complement Marcus Williams, to vault the Wildcats back into powerhouse status.
2. UCLA - Jordan Farmar doesn't replace himself. He was this team's MVP, and without him they might have a tough time.
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3. Oregon - Oregon has too much talent to have a losing record. With coach Ernie Kent in danger of losing his job, he'll need breakout seasons from his players. They can hang with anyone in the conference if they don't get al the bad breaks and miserable luck of seasons past.
4. USC - It hurts me to rank them this low, because I really like their talent. They'll have the ability to score like crazy, especially when Gabe Pruitt returns in December. They'll compete for the 3rd spot, and if Oregon fails to live up to my hype then USC will be the ones to fill in.
5. Washington - They return enough to be a solid Pac-10 team, and are hoping Spencer Hawes makes an instant impact. The young guy could feel a lot of pressure from the expectations of him having to step right in and lead them.
6. California - Even without Leon Powe, I like the looks of this team. Ayinde Ubaka will emerge as a star, and DeVon Hardin can fill Powe's spot well. They could compete for higher spots, and I don't see them finishing any lower than this.
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7. Stanford - Returning nobody that averaged more than 5 ppg from a half-decent Stanford team of last year, they'll be looking toward 2008.
8. Arizona State - I like their chances in coming years, and even right now they could surprise a few teams.
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9. Oregon State - The Beavers have a sweet sweet shooter in Sasa Cuic, and a solid returning frontcourt.
10. Washington State - New coach, loss of everyone over 10 ppg = Failing season for the Cougars.

Tony Top 66

1. Florida - 1st SEC
2. Kansas - 1st Big 12
3. Georgetown - 1st Big East
4. UNC - 1st ACC
5. LSU - 2nd SEC
6. Ohio State - 1st Big 10
7. Arizona - 1st Pac 10
8. Wisconsin - 2nd Big 10
9. Syracuse - 2nd Big East
10. UCLA - 2nd Pac-10
11. Memphis - 1st C-USA
12. Texas - 2nd Big 12
13. Texas A&M - 3rd Big 12
14. Boston College - 2nd ACC
15. UCONN - 3rd Big East
16. Nevada - 1st WAC
17. Oklahoma State - 4th Big 12
18. Duke - 3rd ACC
19. Pittsburgh - 4th Big East
20. Tennessee - 3rd SEC
21. Penn State - 3rd Big 10
22. Xavier - 1st A-10
23. Villanova - 5th Big East
24. Alabama - 4th SEC
25. Gonzaga - 1st WCC
26. Marquette - 6th big East
27. Louisville - 7th Big East
28. Washington - 3rd Pac-10
29. Kentucky - 5th SEC
30. So Illinois - 1st MVC
31. Illinois - 4th Big 10
32. Creighton - 2nd MVC
33. Hofstra - 1st CAA
34. Georgia Tech - 4th ACC
35. Wichita State - 3rd MVC
36. Michigan State - 5th Big 10
37. Indiana - 6th Big 10
38. Mississippi St - 6th SEC
39. USC - 4th Pac-10
40. Michigan - 7th Big 10
41. San Diego State - 1st MWC
42. Kansas State - 5th Big 12
43. Virginia - 5th ACC
44. Rice - 2nd C-Usa
45. Akron - 1st MAC
46. Georgia - 7th SEC
47. Florida State - 6th ACC
48. Arkansas - 8th SEC
49. Oregon - 5th Pac-10
50. Texas Tech - 6th Big 12
51. California - 6th Pac 10
52. Maryland - 7th ACC
53. Air Force - 2nd MWC
54. Old Dominion - 2nd CAA
55. Oklahoma - 7th Big 12
56. Houston - 3rd C-Usa
57. UMASS - 2nd A-10
58. Fresno State - 2nd WAC
59. Charlotte - 3rd A-10
60. Western Michigan - 2nd MAC
61. DePaul - 8th Big East
62. Baylor - 8th Big 12
63. St John's - 9th Big East
64. St Louis - 4th A-10
65. Bucknell - 1st Patriot
66. George Washington - 5th A-10

Journalist's Word - With all of these bright teams, we are sure to have another great and exciting season of College Basketball.

Thank you and enjoy the season!
Tony Heyser

Pre-season Top 130

As if enough teams to fill up one NCAA tournament bracket wasn't enough, Matt Hamilton has DOUBLED the top 65 into a top 130, while also making some crucial changes around the top (and throwing in 9 other teams). This will be Matt's largest and maybe last pre-season ranking, and rankings will come weekly on Fridays after the start of the regular season.

List of edits made on November 3rd

1. Kansas - 1st Big 12
2. Florida - 1st SEC
3. UNC - 1st ACC
4. Arizona - 1st Pac-10
5. Ohio St - 1st Big 10
6. Georgetown - 1st Big East
7. Duke - 2nd ACC
8. LSU - 2nd SEC
9. Pittsburgh - 2nd Big East
10. UCLA - 2nd Pac-10
11. Boston College - 3rd ACC
12. Wisconsin - 2nd Big 10
13. Syracuse - 3rd Big East
14. Alabama - 3rd SEC
15. Texas A&M - 2nd Big 12
16. Memphis - 1st C-USA
17. UCONN - 4th Big East
18. Nevada - 1st WAC
19. Oklahoma St - 3th Big 12
20. Creighton - 1st MVC
21. Marquette - 6th Big East
22. Texas - 4rd Big 12
23. Georgia Tech- 4th ACC
24. USC - 3rd Pac-10
25. Kentucky - 4th SEC
26. Villanova - 5th Big East
27. So. Illinois - 2nd MVC
28. Xavier - 1st A-10
29. Michigan - 3rd Big 10
30. San Diego St - 1st MWC
31. Illinois - 4th Big 10
32. Washington - 4th Pac-10
33. Tennessee - 5th SEC
34. Oregon - 5th Pac-10
35. Texas Tech - 5th Big 12
36. Wichita State - 3rd MVC
37. Hofstra - 1st CAA
38. Gonzaga - 1st WCC
39. Louisville - 7th Big East
40. Maryland - 5th ACC
41. Indiana - 5th Big 10
42. Florida St - 6th ACC
43. Kansas St - 6th Big 12
44. Virginia - 7th ACC
45. Akron - 1st MAC
46. Charlotte - 2nd A-10
47. Air Force - 2nd MWC
48. UMASS - 3rd A-10
49. California - 6th Pac-10
50. Houston - 2nd C-USA
51. Penn State - 6th Big 10
52. Winthrop - 1st Big South
53. St Louis - 4th A-10
54. Missouri State - 4th MVC
55. Virginia Tech- 8th ACC
56. Fresno State - 2nd WAC
57. Baylor - 7th Big 12
58. St John's - 8th Big East
59. BYU - 3rd MWC
60. DePaul - 9th Big East
61. Michigan St - 7th Big 10
62. Old Dominion - 2nd CAA
63. Oklahoma - 8th Big 12
64. Mississippi St - 6th SEC
65. New Mexico St - 3rd WAC
66. George Washington - 5th A-10
67. Cincinnati - 10th Big East
68. Bucknell - 1st Patriot
69. George Mason - 3rd CAA
70. Marist - 1st MAAC
71. Stanford - 7th Pac-10
72. Rice - 3rd C-USA
73. Toledo - 2nd MAC
74. Vanderbilt - 7th SEC
75. Arkansas - 8th SEC
76. New Mexico - 4th MWC
77. Ohio - 3rd MAC
78. Providence - 11th Big East
79. Iowa - 8th Big 10
80. Clemson - 9th ACC
81. Arizona State - 8th Pac-10
82. UAB - 4th C-USA
83. Purdue - 9th Big 10
84. Utah State - 4th WAC
85. Missouri - 9th Big 12
86. Georgia - 9th SEC
87. Utah - 5th MWC
88. Notre Dame - 12th Big East
89. Long Beach State - 1st Big West
90. South Carolina - 10th SEC
91. Wake Forest - 10th ACC
92. Loyola Maramount - 2nd WCC
93. Pennsylvania - 1st Ivy
94. Northern Illinois - 4th MAC
95. Loyola Chicago - 1st Horizon
96. Northern Iowa - 5th MVC
97. UNLV - 6th MWC
98. St Mary's - 3rd WCC
99. West Virginia - 13th Big East
100. UNC-Wilmington - 4th CAA
101. Fordham - 6th A-10
102. Hawaii - 5th WAC
103. Northern Arizona - 1st Big Sky
104. Cal St Fullerton - 2nd Big West
105. Colorado - 10th Big 12
106. Eastern Washington - 2nd Big Sky
107. IUPUI - 1st Mid-Con
108. San Francisco - 4th WCC
109. Auburn - 11th SEC
110. Drexel - 5th CAA
111. Evansville - 6th MVC
112. Western Kentucky - 1st Sun Belt
113. Dayton - 7th A-10
114. Rutgers - 14th Big East
115. Vermont - 1st America East
     
116. Iowa State - 11th Big 12
117. Virginia Commonwealth - 6th CAA
118. Drake - 7th MVC
119. Tulsa - 5th C-USA
120. Oral Roberts - 2nd Mid-Con
121. Miami Ohio - 5th MAC
122. Northwestern - 10th Big 10
123. Western Michigan - 6th MAC
124. Colorado State - 7th MWC
125. Bradley - 8th MVC
126. College of Charleston - 1st Southern
127. Kent State - 7th MAC
128. Butler - 2nd Horizon
129. Albany - 2nd America East
130. UTEP - 6th C-USA
131. St. Joe's - 8th A-10
132. Sam Houston State - 1st Southland
133. Murray State - 1st OVC
134. Temple - 9th A-10
135. Boise State - 6th WAC
136. Montana - 3rd Big Sky
137. Holy Cross - 2nd Patriot
138. Oregon State - 9th Pac-10
139. Miami FL - 11th ACC
140. Pacific - 3rd Big West

Conference Rankings

ACC
1. UNC - It's unanimous; UNC is primed to be a top 3 team in the nation.
2. Duke - They lost Redick, Shelden Williams, and Dockery to graduation. But this is Duke; their scars heal like Wolverine's.
3. Boston College - Losing Craig Smith won't hurt BC as bad as some people think. They can grab some monsterous wins.
4. Georgia Tech - 4th place talent, but they could place between 3rd and 7th in the conference.
5. Florida State - Al Thornton can pick up the slack of fat-man Alexander Johnson in the paint and become a first team all-ACC'er.
6. Virginia - Strong backcourt but shaky frontcourt.
7. Maryland - Not sure what to think of this team. We'll see how they manage without crucial players Chris McCray and Caner-Medley, and see if DJ Strawberry stops playing like a fruit.
8. Virginia Tech - A bunch of decent players who should mount up and soar to greater heights!
9. Wake Forest - Last years awful team lost its 2 best players, but I have faith in their Top 10 recruiting class.
10. Clemson - They might take down some big names, and be taken out by no-names.
11. Miami (FL) - Depleted backcourt, lucky they're not last
12. NC State - With about a 4 player roster and a new coach, this mangled and inexperienced team will struggle violently.

Atlantic 10
1. Xavier - Experience and new big-impact players make Xavier the team to beat in the A-10 this year.
2. Charlotte - With the loss of Curtis Withers, size and rebounding becomes a question for the 49ers. But with their sensational backcourt, they can be a major player if they only get a couple big guys to step it up
3. St Louis - There's no reason that the Billikens should take a step back this year; I think their stock is about steady.
4. UMASS - I originally had this team pegged as my ultra-sleeper. As more and more previews came out, I found I wasn't alone. Now I've turned on them. They'll take a step forward, sure, but this team is experienced only in mediocrity and they won't content for the best record in the A-10. However, they could make a run in the A-10 tourney...
5. George Washington - They lost a lot, yet somehow I feel bad ranking them this low. They could very well be a tourney team when all is said and done.
6. Fordham - This is a good team that could take the league by surprise.
7. Dayton - They're tough inside, but they won't make a huge impact anywhere else.
8. St Joseph's - Another building year before the Hawks once again become the face of the A-10
9. Duquesne - I'm not following the recovery of their players too closely, but they have a couple major impact players that could tear it up in the near future.
10. Temple - One less Mardy Collins and John Chaney = stuggles for Temple.
11. Rhode Island - It's beyond my feeble mind how these last 4 teams will finish.
12. LaSalle - Their Batman and Robin have graduated. Now they will get crushed by the Joker's of the league.
13. St Bonaventure - They were bad last year, and I don't see much of a turnaround
14. Richmond - They could be anywhere from 10-14.

BIG EAST
1. Georgetown - I think they'll run away with this conference. They boast one of the best frontcourts around, and they're ready to make an impact on this season
2. Pittsburgh - I'm not buying into all the Pittsburgh hype so much; I think they'll fight with Syracuse for this spot.
3. Syracuse - Without G-Mac, E-Dorf (or Eric Devendorf) has the green light to show off his excellent shot. Demetris Nichols and Darryl Watkins will step up in the frontcourt.
4. UCONN - I can see why some are dropping UCONN to 6th and 7th, but this is still UCONN. AJ Price may be the best point guard in the nation, and their all-star recruiting class can step in.
5. Villanova - A weakened backcourt is going to slow down Villanova, but they're still a force to be reckoned with.
6. Marquette - People are getting carried away with Dominic James mania. They're going to need their shooters to step up for them to make an impact.
7. Louisville - It hurts to drop them this far, but after last year they just failed to live up to expectations, and their big time scorer is gone.
8. St. John's - This defensive minded squad will be a minor surprise in the Big East this year.
9. DePaul - They need to stay consistent this year
10. Cincinnati - If the junior college players can step up, this scrappy team can compete for a tournament spot.
11. Providence - After a lot of thought, I've decided that Providence has the experience for a sleeper team, but doesn't really have Big East talent all around.
12. Notre Dame - The ghost of Chris Quinn haunts the Irish.
13. West Virginia - Coming off a good NCAA tourney run, I don't think West Virginia will be ready for another one in a while.
14. Rutgers - The ghost of Quincy Douby leaves Rutgers hopeless...
15. Seton Hall - A few years away from doing anything...
16. South Florida - Recruits need to realize that this is a Big East school too.

BIG 10
1. Ohio State - I'm buying into all the Greg Oden hype. Also, I'm buying into the rest of Ohio State to hold down the fort until Oden debuts.
2. Wisconsin - A lot of talent, but they didn't prove much last year. The most disappointing of a season I can see them having is being 2nd in the weakened Big 10, though.
3. Michigan - They have the athleticism and reason not to be the NIT team of years past. They could make a big splash this year.
4. Illinois - "In transition", although they are returning a load of talent. The loss of Dee Brown and James Augustine are rough, but outside than that, we have a well rounded team that could be the surprise of the Big 10.
5. Indiana - They're a wild card. D.J. White could disappoint if he doesn't immediately fill Killingsworth's shoes. They could finish anywhere from 3rd (which I doubt) to 7th, or even 8th behind hungry teams like Purdue and Penn State.
6. Penn State - They're on their way up; while other teams rebuild, these guys are returning serious talent, including F Geary Claxton.
7. Michigan State - Izzo's most challenging coaching job yet. Minus their Big 3 and Matt Trannon from a mediocre MSU squad last year, it all depends on how fast the young guys are willing to step it up.
8. Iowa - They'll build around guard Adam Haluska, who's really all that remains from that surprising Iowa squad from a year ago.
9. Purdue - After being in shambles due to injuries last year, those guys are back. I can't rate them too high though, because they've proven nothing. This was a lousy team last year, and they're relying on 2 players to carry the responsibility
10. Northwestern - A step back from the decent team that coach Bill Carmody was able to assemble.
11. Minnesota- Way too young, not ready to make any kind of noise except cries of despair and torture.

Missouri Valley Conference (MVC)
1. Creighton - Nate Funk, after sitting out for last year's NIT season, is now the face of Creighton. I see them taking this conference's regular season crown with relative ease.
2. Southern Illinois - This team will be dangerous in the tournament. Returning their top 9 scores (top NINE freaking scorers) from last year's 11 seed team, I see them making a Sweet 16 run.
3. Wichita State - A shocker (lolz) from last year, this team can do damage again this year. Third is about right for them, though, after losing a couple key players to graduation.
4. Missouri State - A screwjob; that's what it was when MO State's top 20 RPI couldn't get them into the NCAAs. This year it might be the same story; they won't take the conference, but they'll compete. Will that be enough though?
5. Evansville - Absolutely underrated team. All 5 starters return from an improving squad, who's very well rounded and should surprise in the MVC.
6. Northern Iowa - They graduate their best player from a disappointing 05-06 club. I see them falling to the bottom half of the conference this year.
7. Drake - Bad luck last year with many losses by tiny margains. Now they're more experienced and ready to make a serious impact.
8. Illinois State - They're depending on a good recruiting class to put them over the edge.
9. Bradley - 9 looks ugly for last years Sweet 16 team, but the bottom half of the conference is pretty close-knit and they could finish anywhere from 5-10.
10. Indiana State - They lost their one big scorer. This team will suffer.

PAC-10
1. Arizona - Lute's ready to take back the PAC, and he's got plenty of talent to do it. I'm expecting big years from Mustafa Shakur and Ivan Radenovic to complement Marcus Williams, to vault the Wildcats back into powerhouse status.
2. UCLA - Jordan Farmar doesn't replace himself. He was this team's MVP, and without him they might have a tough time.
3. Oregon - Oregon has too much talent to have a losing record. With coach Ernie Kent in danger of losing his job, he'll need breakout seasons from his players. They can hang with anyone in the conference if they don't get al the bad breaks and miserable luck of seasons past.
4. USC - It hurts me to rank them this low, because I really like their talent. They'll have the ability to score like crazy, especially when Gabe Pruitt returns in December. They'll compete for the 3rd spot, and if Oregon fails to live up to my hype then USC will be the ones to fill in.
5. Washington - They return enough to be a solid Pac-10 team, and are hoping Spencer Hawes makes an instant impact. The young guy could feel a lot of pressure from the expectations of him having to step right in and lead them.
6. California - Even without Leon Powe, I like the looks of this team. Ayinde Ubaka will emerge as a star, and DeVon Hardin can fill Powe's spot well. They could compete for higher spots, and I don't see them finishing any lower than this.
7. Stanford - Returning nobody that averaged more than 5 ppg from a half-decent Stanford team of last year, they'll be looking toward 2008.
8. Arizona State - I like their chances in coming years, and even right now they could surprise a few teams.
9. Oregon State - The Beavers have a sweet sweet shooter in Sasa Cuic, and a solid returning frontcourt.
10. Washington State - New coach, loss of everyone over 10 ppg = Failing season for the Cougars.

MATT HAMILTON PRESEASON TOP 65
last updated October 14

1. Kansas - 1st Big 12
2. Florida - 1st SEC
3. UNC - 1st ACC
4. Arizona - 1st Pac 10
5. LSU - 2nd SEC
6. Georgetown - 1st Big East
7. Ohio State - 1st Big 10
8. Alabama - 3rd SEC
9. Duke - 2nd ACC
10. UCLA - 2nd Pac 10
11. Wisconsin - 2nd Big 10
12. Boston College - 3rd ACC
13. Pittsburgh - 2nd Big East
14. Syracuse - 3rd Big East
15. Texas A&M - 2nd Big 12
16. Nevada - 1st WAC
17. UCONN - 4th Big East
18. Oklahoma St. - 3rd Big 12
19. Villanova - 5th Big East
20. Texas - 4th Big 12
21. Creighton - 1st MVC
22. Memphis - 1st C-USA
23. USC - 3rd Pac 10
24. So. Illinois - 2nd MVC
25. Marquette - 6th Big East
26. Washington - 4th PAC 10
27. Kentucky - 4th SEC
28. Michigan - 3rd Big 10
29. Georgia Tech - 4th ACC
30. Tennessee - 5th SEC
31. Hofstra - 1st CAA
32. Wichita St - 3rd MVC
33. Louisville - 7th Big East
34. Texas Tech- 5th Big 12
35. Florida State - 5th ACC
36. Gonzaga - 1st WCC
37. Illinois - 4th Big 10
38. Xavier - 1st A-10
39. San Diego State - 1st MWC
40. Virginia - 6th ACC
41. Indiana - 5th Big 10
42. Kansas State - 6th Big 12
43. Akron - 1st MAC
44. Oregon - 5th Pac 10
45. Fresno St - 2nd WAC
46. Charlotte - 2nd A-10
47. Arkansas - 7th SEC
48. Houston - 2nd C-USA
49. Oklahoma - 7th Big 12
50. Penn St - 6th Big 10
51. Baylor - 8th Big 12
52. Maryland - 7th ACC
53. Michigan St. - 7th Big 10
54. St John's - 8th Big East
55. St Louis - 3rd A-10
56. New Mexico St - 3rd WAC
57. DePaul - 9th Big East
58. Missouri State - 4th MVC
59. UMASS - 4th A-10
60. Old Dominion - 2nd CAA
61. Providence - 10th Big East
62. Virginia Tech - 8th ACC
63. California - 6th Pac 10
64. Air Force - 2nd MWC
65. George Washington - 5th A-10

October 7 - Matt Hamilton's Top 50 and more...

#. Team - Projected record

1. Kansas - 30-1
2. Florida - 28-3
3. UNC - 27-4
4. Arizona
5. LSU
6. Ohio St - 24-5
7. Georgetown
8. Alabama
9. Duke - 24-6
10. UCLA
11. Texas A&M
12. Wisconsin
13. Pittsburgh
14. Oklahoma St - 22-9
15. Boston College
16. UCONN
17. Syracuse
18. Nevada
19. Texas
20. Tennessee
21. Memphis
22. Washington
23. Louisville
24. Creighton
25. Villanova
26. Michigan
27. Florida St
28. So Illinois
29. USC
30. Gonzaga
31. Georgia Tech
32. Hofstra
33. Marquette
34. Kentucky
35. Wichita St
36. Kansas St
37. Virginia
38. Indiana
39. Texas tech - 19-10
40. Oregon
41. Michigan St - 17-13
42. Xavier
43. San Diego St
44. Fresno St
45. Illinois
46. Charlotte
47. Arkansas
48. Houston
49. Providence
50. Oklahoma

Next 10 - UMAS, Maryland, George Washington, Virginia Tech, New Mexico St, Akron, Old DOminion, Baylor, St John's, BYU

..back to index

TONY HEYSER'S PREDICTIONS

1. Kansas
2. Florida
3. LSU
4. North Carolina
5. UCLA
6. Texas A&M
7. Wisconsin
8. Duke
9. Ohio State
10. Alabama
11. Oklahoma St.
12. Arizona
13. Washington
14. Louisville
15. Pittsburgh
16. Tennessee
17. Georgetown
18. Texas Tech
19. So. Illinois
20. Syracuse
21. Nevada
22. Gonzaga
23. Texas
24. Georgia Tech
25. Boston College
26. Michigan State
27. Kentucky
28. Florida State
29. Xavier
30. Memphis
31. UCONN
32. Michigan
33. Villanova
34. Indiana
35. Marquette
36. Creighton
37. Illinois
38. South Carolina
39. Hofstra
40. Bucknell
41. Kansas St
42. San Diego St
43. Maryland
44. Charlotte
45. Oregon
46. Baylor
47. Arkansas
48. UMASS
49. USC
50. Notre Dame

PRE-SEASON TOP 128 TEAMS in college basketball...

1. Kansas - 1st in Big 12
2. Ohio State - 1st in Big 10
3. UNC - 1st in ACC
4. Florida - 1st in SEC
5. UCLA - 1st in PAC 10
6. LSU - 2nd in SEC
7. Duke - 2nd in ACC
8. Texas A&M - 2nd in Big 12
9. Georgetown - 1st in Big East
10. Arizona - 2nd in PAC 10
11. Wisconsin - 2nd in Big 10
12. Alabama - 3rd in SEC
13. Tennessee - 4th in SEC
14. Pittsburgh - 2nd in Big East
15. Oklahoma St - 3rd in Big 12
16. Louisville - 3rd in Big East
17. UCONN - 4th in Big East
18. Texas - 4th in Big 12
19. Villanova - 5th in Big East
20. Boston Coll. - 3rd in ACC
21. Nevada - 1st in WAC
22. Syracuse - 6th in Big East
23. So. Illinois - 1st in MVC
24. Georgia Tech - 4th in ACC
25. Michigan - 3rd in Big 10
26. Maryland - 5th in ACC
27. Indiana - 4th in Big 10
28. USC -3rd in PAC 10
29. Memphis - 1st in C-USA
30. Washington - 4th in PAC 10
31. Florida St - 6th in ACC
32. Kentucky - 5th in SEC
33. Texas Tech - 5th in Big 12
34. Charlotte - 1st in Atlantic 10
35. Oregon - 5th in PAC 10
36. Kansas St - 6th in Big 12
37. Michigan St - 5th in Big 10
38. San Diego St - 1st in MWC
39. Marquette - 7th in Big East
40. Creighton - 2nd in MVC
41. Virginia - 7th in ACC
42. Fresno St - 2nd in WAC
43. Illinois - 6th in Big 10
44. Hofstra - 1st in CAA
45. Gonzaga - 1st in WCC
46. Houston - 2nd in C-USA
47. Virginia Tech - 8th in ACC
48. Notre Dame - 8th in Big East
49. Xavier - 2nd in A-10
50. Stanford - 6th in PAC 10
51. akron - 1st in MAC
52. Iowa - 7th in Big 10
53. UMASS - 3rd in A-10
54. Cal St Fullerton - 1st in Big West
55. UAB - 3rd in C-USA
56. Wichita St - 3rd in MVC
57. California - 7th in PAC 10
58. Baylor - 7th in Big 12
59. Providence - 9th in Big East
60. Old Dominion - 2nd in CAA
61. Oklahoma - 8th in Big 12
62. Arkansas - 6th in SEC
63. Arizona St - 8th in PAC 10
64. George Mason - 3rd in CAA
65. Bucknell - 1st in Patriot League
66. West Virginia - 10th in Big East
67. Ohio - 2nd in MAC
68. South Carolina - 7th in SEC
69. Loyola Chicago - 1st in Horizon
70. George Washington - 4th in A-10
71. Vanderbilt - 8th in SEC
72. Colorado - 9th in Big 12
73. St John's - 11th in Big East
74. Rice - 4th in C-USA
75. Air Force - 2nd in MWC
76. New Mexico St - 3rd in WAC
77. Miami OH - 3rd in MAC
78. Nebraska - 10th in Big 12
79. St Louis - 5th in A-10
80. Georgia - 9th in SEC
81. Winthrop - 1st in Big South
82. DePaul - 12th in Big East
83. Mississippi St - 10th in SEC
84. San Francisco - 2nd in WCC
85. UNC Wilmington - 4th in CAA
86. Missouri - 13th in Big 12
87. Toledo - 4th in MAC
88. Murray St - 1st in OVC
89. Rutgers - 13th in Big East
90. W Kentucky - 1st in Sun Belt
91. Butler - 2nd in Horizon
92. Manhattan - 1st in MAAC
93. IUPUI - 1st in Mid-Con
94. Utah - 3rd in MWC
95. Northwestern - 8th in Big 10
96. Louisiana Tech - 4th in WAC
97. Clemson - 9th in ACC
98. Long Beach St - 2nd in Big West
99. Evansville - 4th in MVC
100. NC State - 10th in ACC
101. Northern Iowa - 5th in MVC
102. Penn - 1st in Ivy
103. E Washington - 1st in Big Sky
104. Seton Hall - 14th in Big East
105. St. Joseph's - 6th in A-10
106. Tulsa - 5th in C-USA
107. Loyola Maramount - 3rd in WCC
108. Cincinnati - 15th in Big East
109. Fordham - 7th in A-10
110. Auburn - 11th in SEC
111. Belmont - 1st in Atlantic Sun
112. Missouri State - 6th in MVC
113. Penn St - 9th in Big 10
114. Drexel - 5th in CAA
115. Wake Forest - 11th in ACC
116. VA Commonwealth - 6th in CAA
117. UW-Green Bay - 3rd in Horizon League
118. St. Mary's - 4th in WCC
119. Marist - 2nd in MAAC
120. Purdue - 10th in Big 10
121. Coll of Charleston - 1st in Southern
122. Albany - 1st in America East
123. Montana - 2nd in Big Sky
124. Western Michigan - 5th in MAC
125. Washington State - 9th in PAC 10
126. Miami - 12th in ACC
127. Pacific - 3rd in Big West
128. Iowa State - 12th in Big 12

Matt Hamilton's Field of 65. July 9, '06.

(moves up from last update in BOLD, moves down in italics)

1. Kansas, UNC, Ohio St, LSU
2. Florida, UCLA, Duke, Georgetown
3. Texas, Wisconsin, Arizona, Tennessee
4. Oklahoma St, Louisvile, UCONN, Alabama
5. Boston Coll, Texas A&M, Washington, Syracuse
6. Nevada, Villanova, Geo Tech, Pitt
7. Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, So Illinois
8. Charlotte, Virginia, San Diego St, Indiana
9. Memphis, USC, Florida St, Texas Tech
10. Kansas St, Xavier, Oregon, Illinois
11. Fresno St, Wichita St, Creighton, Hofstra
12. Loyola-Chicago, Akron, Notre Dame, Houston
13. CS-Fullerton, UMASS, New Orleans, Gonzaga
14. Manhattan, Winthrop, Bucknell, E Washington
15. Pennsylvania, Sam Houston St, Albany, Murray St
16. Belmont, Long Island, Coll Charleston, Jackson St, IUPUI

Why LSU filled Florida's #1 spot - People forget that Florida wasn't THAT great in the regular season. I think more than being the best team in the nation, Florida just got a lot of good match-ups. I predict a sweet 16 upset of Florida next year.

I feel like LSU has the rough tools to grab games down the stretch, and Big Baby's new physique will help him be a bigger force overall.

Also, Villanova moved up two spots because I felt like I underrated the Big East in general, plus, even with their big underclassman loss of Kyle Lowry, they have plenty of talent to make up for it.

I'm feeling like the Big 12 will be the best conference in college hoops this coming season. There's no way Kansas will let Oklahoma St or Texas A&M overtake them, but those two schools will be in a rough battle for 2nd or 3rd in the conference. Right now, I don't know what to think of Texas. With the loss of their starting five, will they have enough talent returning? Right now, they cling to the third seed because I don't see any other team on the top 12 level right now.

4th of July - Field of 64 Update
by Matt Hamilton

1. Kansas, UNC, Ohio St, Florida
2. LSU, UCLA, Duke, Georgetown
3. Texas, Wisconsin, Arizona, Tennessee
4. Oklahoma St, Louisvile, UCONN, Texas A&M
5. Boston Coll, Alabama, Washington, Syracuse
6. Nevada, Michigan, Geo Tech, Pitt
7. Kentucky, Maryland, Virgina, So Illinois
8. Charlotte, Villanova, San Diego St, Indiana
9. Memphis, USC, Florida St, Texas Tech
10. Kansas St, Xavier, Notre Dame, Illinois
11. Oregon, Wichita St, Creighton, Hofstra
12. Loyola-Chicago, Akron, Fresno St, Houston
13. CS-Fullerton, UMASS, New Orleans, Gonzaga
14. Manhattan, Winthrop, Bucknell, E Washington
15. Pennsylvania, Sam Houston St, Albany, Murray St
16. Belmont, Long Island, Coll Charleston, Jackson St, IUPUI