Will’s Early Season Top 10

Will Davis, Staff Writer
November 28, 2016

  1. Kentucky – Coach Calipari has brought in another stellar freshman class, bringing in five five-star recruits. The two ultra-athletic guards, Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox, both have good shots in becoming stars with NBA-ready athleticism to attack the rim. They also nabbed three solid big men, Bam Adebayo, Wenyen Gabriel, and Sacha Killeya-Jones. Returning depth from a couple upper class provides Kentucky with what Big Blue Nation is all about. 
  2. Duke – The Cameron Crazies have a lot to go nuts about this year as Coach K was no slouch in recruiting as well. He got four five-star recruits. Number one player in the class, Harry Giles, while he is injured right now, will provide athletic playmaking from a strong 6’10”, 230 pound frame. Jayson Tatum, a silky shooter and finisher will add excellent scoring from the small forward position. The Dukies will return a perceived first round draft pick in last years draft, Grayson Allen. Leadership from him and fellow returnee Luke Kennard will prove to be vital. Expect big things from this team in March.
  3. Indiana – The Hoosiers return big man Thomas Bryant, smooth scoring guard James Blackmon, and ultra athletic guard O.G. Anunoby. They seem to be the main staples in the Hoosier’s game plan. They also brought in skilled guard, Curtis Jones, with a wet jumper that will no doubt come to the surface throughout the year. They also have a big athletic body, De’Ron Davis. He will provide the team with the size and depth they lacked last year. This team is deep and is ready to run with any team in the country.
  4. North Carolina – The Tar Heels return depth this upcoming year with Brice Johnson, Justin Jackson, Joel Berry II, and big body Kennedy Meeks. They seem to be a big team ready to lock opponents up on the boards and the defensive end. Coach Roy Williams is pressuring Justin Jackson to reach max potential. He has shown his ability last season and looks to improve this upcoming season. Joel Berry also adds tough scoring and play-making that will make the team tough come tourney time.
  5. Villanova – The reigning NCAA champions Wildcats confirmed themselves victorious this week with an intense win at Purdue. The Boilermakers are a competitive team which is what proved that Villanova deserves a top five spot. Senior guard, Josh Hart, looks to lead the team and is proving himself to NBA scouts. They are sitting at a strong 5-0 after the first week and a half and seem to be a tough-nosed team who is looking better every game.
  6. Arizona – Coach Miller, as always, pulled in a strong recruiting class with three great freshman: big man, Lauri Markkanen, lengthy guard, Kobi Simmons, and tough scoring guard, Rawle Alkins. All three freshman are averaging double digit scoring averages. The 7’ European, Markkanen, is averaging a team high 8.2 rebounds. Arizona is 8 players deep with guys who can play, the 8th averaging the 3.8 points and as many rebounds, a strong showing from so far.
  7. Kansas – The Jayhawks have four potential All Americans. The ball club is led by their two guards, Frank Mason III and Devonte’ Graham. Mason is averaging 22.3 points right now which at the end of the season would put him right near the top of the whole country. Freshman Josh Jackson, was thought of as the best player in this years freshman class, seems very comfortable in his transition into college. With how he’s playing it looks like the NBA transition will be very easy for Josh as well. Coach Self will look to coach him into a beast which would come as a massive benefit to the end of this season.
  8. Louisville – This team is VERY athletic. They have four people right around five rebounds, with their second best at eight, and team leader, Jaylen Johnson, at 15 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Pitino’s high pressure defense is working well with 10 steals and 10 blocks each per game. The length and depth this team is showing right now will provide match up nightmares this season in the ACC, which the Cards are going to battle for with Duke, Virginia, and Florida State.
  9. Virginia – The Cavaliers have a team with a lot of veteran leadership. Their top four scorers are upperclassman, the next two are freshmen standouts. Top Recruit Kyle Guy, a guard from Indiana is averaging 9 points a game right now. The team doesn’t have one guy to let go, because it seems anyone on the team can get hot in the game. This seems to be working well with their 3-0 record. Coach Tony Bennett wants to have a strong team looking forward to March.
  10. UCLA – Lonzo Ball may go as the number one pick in the NBA draft. The freshman is playing outstanding this year and with the depth of the Bruins, that puts them over a other teams. Oregon and Creighton are also in discussion for the spot. The team has wing scoring, dynamic point guard play, and a strong inside presence. Analysts are sleeping on this team. They can be decent going on into season.