The 2006-2007 NCAA basketball season is nearly underway, with non-conference play beginning this week. In order to get you prepared for the action, Inside Men's College Basketball has thrown together a list of the teams, players and games to watch, along with some predictions for the imminent season.
Inside's Top 10:
1. Florida: The Gators return all five starters to defend their crown, and it will certainly be theirs to lose. They will be tested by their conference schedule, in addition to non-league match-ups with Kansas and Ohio State. Everyone is gunning for them, and although they are beatable, the Gators are well-prepared for the challenge of repeating its title.
2. North Carolina: The Tar Heels have a plethora of returning talent, led by super-sophomore Tyler Hansbrough as well as a stellar recruiting class. They should dominate a weaker ACC. If they can integrate the new players successfully, they will be a favorite in March.
3. Kansas: The Jayhawks are also facing the "problem" of too much talent, and a struggle to make it work. They have taken a hit with the suspension of C.J. Giles and an injury to Sasha Kaun, but with arguably the best group of guards in the nation, they'll be just fine.
4. Pittsburgh: Whether the Panthers actually deserve this spot remains to be seen. The talent is there, led by center Aaron Gray, but the team seems slightly overrated right now and may miss point guard Carl Krauser. Pitt could have a similar situation on its hands as Syracuse, which lost Gerry McNamara, did last season.
5. Ohio State: Catch Greg Oden while you can. This will likely be his only season in Columbus before he goes to the NBA. Oden is the most touted prospect to enter the college ranks in years and probably wouldn't be here if not for the age limitations on the NBA Draft. The Buckeyes will go as far as Oden and Jamar Butler can take them.
Rounding out Inside's Top 10 are LSU, UCLA, Arizona, Texas A&M and Syracuse.
The Sleeper: Syracuse. They returned a talented core, added a star recruit in Paul Harris, and are playing in a weaker conference. Whether McNamara's absence will be a hard hit or a blessing in disguise remains the question.
Players to Watch:
Greg Oden, Ohio State: It will be a treat to see him before he bolts to the pros. Make sure you do.
Josh McRoberts, Duke: With the departure of J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams, this is his team. It will be interesting to see if the sophomore can step up to the challenge.
Glen Davis, LSU: "Big Baby," as he is affectionately called, shed 40 pounds in the offseason and is in the best shape of his college career. Without Tyrus Thomas around, and with NBA aspirations lingering, he will have to be at his best all year.
Curtis Sumpter, Villanova: Here's hoping the talented forward has fully recovered from the two ACL tears that have sidelined him for the better part of the last season and a half.
Games to Watch:
Kansas at Florida, Nov. 25: It will be the Gators' first serious challenge in the new season and a way for the Jayhawks to measure themselves against the nation's elite.
Ohio State at North Carolina, Nov. 29: Greg Oden arrives in primetime.
Pittsburgh at Syracuse, Jan. 4: The first game in Big East play for both teams will either validate Pitt's status as one of the nation's elite teams or show up all the experts who overlooked the Orange.
Duke vs. North Carolina, Feb. 7 and Mar. 4: Because when these two squads match up, it's always an event.
National Player of the Year: Hansbrough. His advantage lies in the fact that he plays in a weaker conference than his peers and should be able to dominate most of his opponents. His numbers will ultimately get him the nod. Honorable mention: Joakim Noah and Al Horford of Florida. Also on the list are Oden and Davis.
National Champion: Florida. Why not? The odds are certainly against the Gators, with repeat titles all but impossible to deliver historically, but this group has as good a shot as any since Duke's back-to-back crowns. It won't be easy, but the Gators can get it done.
