Way Too Early Top 25 Basketball Rankings
Contents
It’s never too early to start thinking about college Basketball season Here are the Way Too Early Top 25 Basketball Rankings for the 2019-2020 Season
1. Duke
2. Kentucky
3. Kansas
4. Gonzaga
5. Florida
6. Villanova
7. Virginia
8. North Carolina
9. Texas Tech
10. Michigan State
11. Auburn
12. Tennessee
13. Nevada
14. Marquette
15. Purdue
16. Mississippi State
17. Kansas State
18. Houston
19. Wisconsin
20 LSU
21 Syracuse
22 Michigan
23 Oklahoma
24 Washington
25 Nebraska
1. Duke
2. Kentucky
3. Gonzaga
4. Virginia
5. North Carolina
6. Tennessee
7. Marquette
8. Michigan State
9. Nevada
10. Kansas
11. Auburn
12. Virginia Tech
13. Florida State
14. UNC-Greensboro
15. Buffalo
1. Duke
2. Gonzaga
3. Virginia
4. Kentucky
5. North Carolina
6. Tennessee
7. Nevada
8. Michigan State
9. Auburn
10. Kansas
11. Syracuse
12 Marquette
13 Florida State
14 LSU
15 Oregon
16 Virginia Tech
17 Miss St
18 Buffalo
19 Connecticutt
20 Purdue
1. Kentucky Wildcats
2. Duke Blue Devils
3. Kansas Jayhawks
4. Gonzaga Bulldogs
5. Virginia Cavaliers
6. Villanova Wildcats
7. Tennessee Volunteers
8. North Carolina Tar Heels
9. Nevada Wolf Pack
10. Auburn Tigers
Way Too Early Top 25 basketball rankings for the 2019-2020 Season
1. Kentucky Wildcats
2. Duke blue Devils
3. Kansas Jayhawks
4. Gonzaga Bulldogs
5. Villanova Wildcats
6. Wisconsin Badgers
7. Arizona Wildcats
8. Louisville Cardinals
9. Virginia Cavaliers
10. Florida Gators
11. UCLA Bruins
12. West Virginia Mountaineers
13. North Carolina Tar Heels
14 Saint Mary’s Gaels
15 Butler Bulldogs
16 Purdue Boilermakers
17 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
18 Syracuse Orange
19 Oregon Ducks
20 Michigan State Spartans
21 Texas Longhorns
22 Xavier Musketeers
24 Northwestern Wildcats
1. Duke
2. Michigan State
3. Kentucky
4. Kansas
5. Marquette
6. Nevada
7. North Carolina
8. Florida State
9. Gonzaga
10. Virginia Tech
11. Auburn
12. LSU
13. Syracuse
14 Buffalo
15 Ohio State
16 West Virginia
1. Duke
2. Kentucky
3. Gonzaga
4. Virginia
5. Tennessee
6. Nevada
7. North Carolina
8. Auburn
9. Michigan State
10. Kansas
11. Syracuse
12. Marquette
13 Xavier
14 Florida State
15 Oregon
16 Iowa State
17 Houston
18 Mississippi State
19 Villanova
20 Purdue
21 LSU
22 Oklahoma
23 Washington
24 UCF
25 Buffalo
###1. Duke
The Blue Devils have the clear-cut No. 1 recruiting class as five-Star Prospects R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish headline a star-studded group that also includes four-star point guard Tre Jones. Mike Krzyzewski also has a solid returning core led by junior forwards Marvin Bagley III and Wendell Carter Jr., as well as sophomores Gary Trent Jr. and Alex O’Connell.
###2. Kentucky
John Calipari brings in yet another strong Recruiting Class as the Wildcats’ six-man haul is headlined by five-star center EJ Montgomery and five-star Power Forward Keldon Johnson. Kentucky also has a solid group of returnees led by junior forward PJ Washington, sophomore guard Quade Green and sophomore forward Nick Richards.
###3. Gonzaga
The Bulldogs are coming off a 32-5 season in which they won the West Coast Conference regular season and tournament titles before falling to Florida State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament Mark Few has a strong nucleus returning led by seniors Josh Perkins, Killian Tillie and Corey Kispert as well as junior Rui Hachimura. Gonzaga’s recruiting class is headlined by five-star small forward Filip Petrusev.
###4. Nevada
The Wolf Pack are coming off a 29-8 season in which they won the Mountain West regular season and tournament titles before falling to Loyola Chicago in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament Eric Musselman has a strong nucleus returning led by seniors Jordan Caroline, Caleb Martin and Cody Martin as well as junior Kendall Stephens. Nevada’s recruiting class is headlined by four-star small forward Kaleb Bishop.
###5. Kansas
The Jayhawks are coming off a 31-8 season in which they won the Big 12 Regular Season title before falling to Villanova in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament Bill Self has a strong nucleus returning led by seniors Udoka Azubuike Lagerald Vick and Dedric Lawson, as well as junior Marcus Garrett. Kansas’ recruiting class is headlined by five-star point guard Devon Dotson and four-star shooting guard Quentin Grimes
Duke
Duke is the reigning National Champion so it’s no surprise that they find themselves at the top of Way Too Early Top 25 Basketball Rankings The Blue Devils have a lot of talent returning, including freshman phenom Zion Williamson They also have one of the best recruiting classes in recent memory, which should help them compete for a title once again.
Kentucky
1. Kentucky
The Wildcats held on to beat Louisville in a huge rivalry game, and then won at Tennessee to affirm their spot atop the SEC. They are undefeated, and although they have not yet beaten a team ranked in the Top 25, they have several chances to do so in the coming weeks. Their size and length give them an advantage on both ends of the court, and they have shown the ability to close out tight games. They are the clear-cut favorite to win the SEC and will be a tough out come March Madness
2. Duke
The Blue Devils had a bit of a scare against St. John’s at Madison Square Garden but ultimately prevailed. They have four losses, but all have come against quality opponents. Duke has one of the best players in the country in freshman Zion Williamson who is must-see TV every time he steps on the court. They also have an experienced group of upperclassmen who have been through the wars and know how to win in big moments. This team has all the makings of a Final Four squad.
3. Gonzaga
The Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the season last week at home against Tennessee, but they rebounded with a win over rival Saint Mary’s. They remain one of the most balanced teams in the country, with five players averaging double figures in scoring. Their experience and depth will be key as they try to make another deep run in March Madness
4. Virginia
The Cavaliers had a commandeering victory over Louisville last week and followed it up with an overtime win against Syracuse. They are one of the best Defensive Teams in the country, and they also take care of business on the other end of the court, as they rank second nationally in scoring margin (+17.6). Virginia looks like a team that could make a run at a national title this season.
5
Gonzaga
1. Gonzaga
2. Duke
3. Kentucky
4. Virginia
5. Tennessee
6. Nevada
7. North Carolina
8. Kansas
9. Auburn
10. Michigan State
Virginia
While it’s still too early to make any major decisions about the college basketball season, it’s never too early to start thinking about who the top teams in the country are going to be. With that in mind, here are way-too-early top 25 rankings for the upcoming season
1. Virginia
After winning the National Championship last year, Virginia is unsurprisingly the early favorite to win it all again next year. The Cavaliers will be led by National Player of the Year candidate Kyle Guy, who averaged 15.2 points per game last season. Virginia will also have a solid supporting cast, with fellow starters Devon Hall and De’Andre Hunter both returning. The Cavaliers will have a target on their back all season long but they have the talent and experience to make a run at another title.
2. Duke
Duke is coming off a disappointing loss to Kansas in the Elite Eight, but they’re poised to be one of the top teams in the country next season. The Blue Devils will be led by freshman sensation Zion Williamson who is already being tabbed as a possible number one overall pick in next year’s NBA draft Duke will also have another talented freshman class, which includes point guard Tre Jones and small forward R.J. Barrett. The Blue Devils will have high expectations once again, but they have the talent to meet those expectations.
3. Kentucky
Kentucky is coming off a disappointing loss to Auburn in the Sweet Sixteen but they’re reloading with another talented freshman class. The Wildcats will be led by point guard Ashton Hagans and Small Forward Keldon Johnson. Kentucky will also have a pair of five-star recruits in center EJ Montgomery and power forward Reid Travis joining the team. The Wildcats always seem to find a way to compete for a title, and next year should be no different.
Michigan State
In his Way Too Early Top 25 for the 2019-20 college basketball season, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello has the Michigan State Spartans ranked as the No. 1 team in the country.
“Tom Izzo’s team will have a chance to prove it deserves this spot from Day 1, as Michigan State opens the season against Kentucky in New York,” Borzello wrote.
The Spartans are coming off a 30-6 campaign that saw them win a share of the Big Ten regular-season title and advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament Michigan State will have to replace star forward Nick Ward who averaged 12.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season, but returns most of its core from a squad that was one of the best defensive teams in the country.
At No. 2 in Borzello’s rankings is Kentucky, which will be looking to build on a 28-11 season that saw the Wildcats reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament Kentucky will have to replace leading scorer Kevin Knox, but has a strong group of returners and newcomers that should make John Calipari’s squad one of the best in the country once again.
Tennessee
1. Tennessee
Record: 15-1 overall, 3-0 in SEC
Last week: Defeated No. 7 Kentucky 92-85
This week: at Mississippi State (Wednesday), at Auburn (Saturday)
Remaining regular season schedule: at Missouri, vs. Florida, vs. Kentucky, vs. Arkansas, vs. LSU, at Alabama, at Vanderbilt
Notes: For the second year in a row, the Volunteers have started SEC play with three consecutive wins over ranked opponents. That includes this week’s impressive 92-85 victory over Kentucky in Knoxville. The win vaulted Tennessee back into the top spot in our latest rankings and should give the Volunteers plenty of confidence heading into a dangerous two-game road trip this week.
2. Duke
Record: 15-2 overall, 3-1 in ACC
Last week: Lost to North Carolina 74-73
This week: vs. Georgia Tech (Wednesday), vs. Notre Dame (Saturday)
Remaining Regular Season schedule: out Louisville, at Miami, out Syracuse, out Virginia Tech out North Carolina State out Wake Forest
Notes: The loss to North Carolina was tough for Duke, but it wasn’t enough to drop the Blue Devils out of the top five in our latest rankings. Duke will look to get back on track this week with home games against Georgia Tech and Notre Dame The Blue Devils will then have a chance to make up for their loss to North Carolina when they travel to Chapel Hill on Feb. 20th.
Nevada
ESPN’s Way Too Early Top 25 rankings for the upcoming basketball season have been released, and the Nevada Wolf Pack are ranked #25.
The Wolf Pack went 29-8 last season and won the Mountain West Conference regular season and tournament titles. They lost to Florida in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament
This season, Nevada will be led by sophomore guard Cody Martin, who averaged 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game last season.
Auburn
Auburn is ranked No. 4 in the country in the latest Way Too Early Top 25 Basketball Rankings
The Tigers are coming off a terrific season in which they won the SEC regular season title and made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament
Auburn is loaded with talent once again and should be a contender for the national title.
North Carolina
1. North Carolina The Tar Heels bring back most of the team that went to the Elite Eight last year, including star forward Luke Maye
2. Duke: The Blue Devils have the best freshman class in the country, led by RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson
3. Gonzaga: The Bulldogs are coming off a successful season in which they won the West Coast Conference and made the Sweet Sixteen
4. Kentucky: The Wildcats always have one of the best recruiting classes in the country and this year is no different.
5. Michigan State The Spartans are coming off a disappointing end to their season, but they still have one of the best rosters in the country.
Kansas
Kansas is the favorite to win the 2021 NCAA championship according to oddsmakers. The Jayhawks are listed at +600 to win it all, followed by Gonzaga at +700 and Baylor at +800. Duke, Kentucky, Louisville and Michigan round out the top five, all with odds of +1100 or shorter.
LSU
1. LSU
2. Duke
3. Kentucky
4. Gonzaga
5. Memphis
6. UNC
7. Virginia
8. Michigan State
9. Texas Tech
10. Maryland
11. Kansas
12. Florida
Marquette
Marquette is coming off a disappointing season in which it failed to make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2013. But the Golden Eagles are primed for a bounce-back year thanks to the return of Markus Howard, one of the best scorers in the country. Howard averaged 25 points per game last season and will be joined by fellow guard Sacar Anim, who should help ease the scoring load on Howard. Marquette also has a solid recruiting class coming in, headlined by five-star center Naji Marshall. With Howard leading the way, Marquette should be able to make a return to the NCAA Tournament in 2019.
Florida State
Head Coach Leonard Hamilton
2018-19 Record: 29-8 (12-6 in the ACC)
What is there to like about the Seminoles? They have good size across the board, they’re long and they have a lot of experience. They also have one of the best players in the country in guard Terance Mann.
Mann averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game last season and was outstanding in the NCAA Tournament He had 23 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in a win over Murray State in the Round of 32 and followed that up with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists in a Sweet 16 loss to Michigan. He has a chance to be a first-team All-American this season.
In addition to Mann, the Seminoles will also have point guard Trent Forrest back. Forrest missed the NCAA tournament with an injury but he’s a really good player when he’s healthy. He averaged 10 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game last season while shooting 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range He’ll team up with Mann to form one of the best backcourts in the country this season.
Virginia Tech
The Virginia Tech Hokies men’s basketball team is looking to build off a strong finish to last season. They are currently ranked #25 in the Way Too Early Top 25 Basketball Rankings The Hokies bring back a lot of production from last year, including leading scorer Kerry Blackshear Jr. They will also have a new head coach in Buzz Williams Williams has a track record of success, and he should be able to keep the Hokies competitive in the ACC.
Buffalo
The Buffalo Bulls football program is a college football team that competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The team is a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East division. They play their home games at UB Stadium on the university’s North Campus in Amherst, New York. The Bulls are coached by Lance Leipold.
The Bulls have appeared in four bowl games, winning three of them. They have also won five conference championships most recently in 2008.
Mississippi State
1. Mississippi State
2. Duke
3. Gonzaga
4. Virginia
5. Kentucky
6. Villanova
7. UNC
8. Tennessee
9. Nevada
Iowa State
Iowa State is coming off of a disappointing loss in the NCAA Tournament but they return nearly everyone from last year’s Sweet Sixteen team. They’ll be a top-10 team once again, and should be in contention for a Big 12 title.
Houston
1. Houston (8-0, LW: 1): With their win over