The college basketball season is just getting underway and we don't know if we've ever been this excited for the season to start. Maybe we're over-anticipating the great things that will go down this year ... but we doubt it. To kick it off on the right foot, here is "Inside College Basketball's" Preseason Top 10 and First Team All-American lineup:
10. Duke Blue Devils: Yeah, they lost Luol Deng and Chris Duhon to the pros, and most people hate them ("Inside College Basketball" included), but they're the best at getting top players out of high school. Aside from the two or three sensational freshmen they have coming in this year, they return outside sniper J.J. Redick, veteran Daniel Ewing, Sean Dockery, who ran the point behind Duhon last year, and big men Shelden Williams and Shavlik Randolph. Don't count them out ... ever.
9. Michigan State Spartans: This team is the best at underachieving. The Spartans manage to get some of the top talent out of high school, but they never seem to do anything with it. Nevertheless, they return sharp shooter Chris Hill, Maurice Ager, Kelvin Torbert, and All-American Paul Davis, and bring in big time freshman guard Drew Neitzel. Hopefully, coach Tom Izzo will be able to make the team click the right way this year.
8. Illinois Fighting Illini: With the return of all of their key players, including sensational point man Dee Brown, the Illini should be a force this year. They also return guard Deron Williams, Roger Powell, who withdrew his name from the NBA draft, and Luther Head.
7. Syracuse Orangemen: Yeah, they don't have Melo anymore. So what? They have one of the best (if not the best) big man in the country in Hakim Warrick, who returns for his senior year. Also, Gerry "White Chocolate" McNamara is back, making the duo one of the most potent in the country. The Orange also return Josh Pace, troublemaker Billy Edelin, and big man Craig Forth, who has improved tremendously during the offseason.
6. Arizona Wildcats: Even though the Cats had dismal team chemistry last year and ended up losing Andre Iguodala to the NBA, Lute Olson should have his club back on track. 'Zona returns point man Mustafa Shakur, Salim Stoudamire, Hassan Adams, and big man Channing Frye. In addition, they picked up a freshman named Jesus Verdejo. How can you not be successful with a guy named Jesus?
5. Oklahoma State Cowboys: Remember these guys from last year? They came out of nowhere and destroyed every team in their path ... until they lost in the Final Four. Anyway, the Cowboys come back strong this year with the return of all of their key players minus Tony Allen. Key returnees include bruiser Joey Graham, John Lucas, three-point specialist Daniel Bobik, and Ivan McFarlin. Seven seniors on this squad will lead them far.
4. North Carolina Tar Heels: There's one word to describe Roy Williams' team this year: Deep. Stars on this year's squad include Rashad McCants, Sean May, and speedy gonzalez-esque point man Raymond Felton. Their role players are almost as good: Melvin Scott, Jackie Manuel, Jawad Williams, and David Noel. And UNC picked up high school superstar Marvin Williams, who could have easily gone pro.
3. Kansas Jayhawks: The Jayhawks kept most of their key players in Kansas for this year. Look for seniors Keith Langford, Aaron Miles, and Wayne Simien to light it up. Sophomore J.R. Giddens should also contribute some serious points. The Jayhawks also picked up some great high school ballers: look for the six freshmen to make some noise with coach Bill Self leading the way.
2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Tech, like UNC, has its key guys back for another go at it this year, after succumbing to UConn in last year's final. The backcourt of B.J. Elder and Jarrett Jack may be the best in the country. Big man Luke Schenscher was a weapon last year and should be again this year. Will Bynum's breakout in last year's tournament will hopefully continue into this season for the Jackets. And high-rising, slam-bamma-jamma, man-with-the-highest-vertical-ever Isma'il Muhammad is back to lay down the smack. Don't be surprised if Tech goes back to the Final Four.
1. Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Just like all of the top teams, Wake didn't lose many of its key players. In fact, they lost none. And they return a starting lineup of sophomore sensation Chris Paul at the point, Justin Gray, Jamaal Levy, a monster under the boards in Eric Williams, and either Taron Downey, a threat from outside, or Vytus Danielus, a seasoned international veteran. Coach Skip Prosser will also get some quality minutes out of Trent Strickland and Kyle Visser, as well as incoming freshman Cameron Stanley. Prediction: Wake will stay at the top for most of the season, including the end, which is when it all really counts.
Preseason First Team All-Americans
Look out for these guys to make some serious noise in the 2004-'05 season:
Chris Paul, Wake Forest - He is everybody's pick for point guard of the year.
Julius Hodge, North Carolina State - This guy can play the 2, the 3, or the 4.
Ryan Gomes, Providence - Gomes was a first team All-American last year.
Hakim Warrick, Syracuse - He already won most improved player; now it's time for the big time.
Lawrence Roberts, Mississippi State - Roberts withdrew from the NBA to return to the Bulldogs, after being a first team All-American last year.
