Fresh off a trip to the national title game, Chris Beard and Texas Tech have largely earned the “stick them in the top 15 and don’t ask questions” reputation in the preseason. Still, this roster has plenty of turnover, so newcomers will need to rise into key roles…
Read more#11 Villanova 2019-20 Preview
You know you got it rolling when a conference championship is labeled as a *down year*. Jay Wright has officially elevated Nova to first class status as he sets out to rule the Big East yet again behind a star-studded crop of freshmen.
Read more#12 Maryland 2019-20 Preview
Maryland has the talent to win the Big Ten and earn a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Can Mark Turgeon finally live up to lofty expectations?
Read more#13 Ohio State 2019-20 Preview
Elite coach (check)… Depth (check)… Experience (check)… Talent (check)… Don’t look now, but Ohio State is looking more and more like a Final Four contender…
Read more#14 Baylor 2019-20 Preview
It was a tale of two seasons for the Bears last year, but with an outstanding and deep frontcourt returning plus a potential star guard in Jared Butler, we’re betting on the “good” version of Scott Drew’s team showing up consistently in 2019-20…
Read more#15 Xavier 2019-20 Preview
The Travis Steele era got off to a rocky start, but a sizzling hot finish has the X-Men eyeing a banner year in Cincinnati. Can the Muskies parlay last year’s momentum into a Big East championship run in 2020?
Read more#16 LSU 2019-20 Preview
The Tigers have emerged largely unscathed from the NCAA’s concern around the program, and with plenty of talent back this year, LSU has high hopes of making back-to-back Sweet 16s, so long as the defense holds up…
Read more#17 Arizona 2019-20 Preview
After missing the NCAA Tournament for just the third time in nearly 40 years, it’s time for Sean Miller and the Wildcats to turn the page. Can hometown hero and point guard prodigy Nico Mannion be the savior Arizona needs to return to glory in 2020?
Read more#18 Seton Hall 2019-20 Preview
Myles Powell’s evolution into a human flamethrower helped Kevin Willard notch his fourth straight trip to the dance… With everyone of importance back in the saddle for 2020, the Pirates won’t be sneaking up on anyone as they look to break through for a second weekend run in the NCAA Tournament.
Read more#19 Creighton 2019-20 Preview
2019 was a roller coaster ride for Creighton, but a 5-game win streak to close out the year helped the Jays salvage a respectable season. Can a burgeoning group of guards bring stability to the backcourt and make some noise in the Big East title chase?
Read more#20 Memphis 2019-20 Preview
Penny Hardaway has officially arrived in Memphis. The Tigers and their #1 recruiting class are going to live on ESPN this year, so you might as well get to know them today…
Read more#21 Saint Mary's 2019-20 Preview
After Gonzaga laid waste to the WCC during the regular season, the Gaels got the last laugh when they stunned the Zags in the WCC championship game. With a burgeoning superstar in Jordan Ford back to lead the charge, can Saint Mary’s outlast the arch nemesis for an outright conference crown?
Read more#23 Oregon 2019-20 Preview
Virginia was the only team that shot down the high flying Ducks during the month of March last season, as Oregon got white hot in a hurry when the stakes were highest. Can Payton Pritchard and co. parlay that momentum into another deep run in 2020?
Read more#24 Utah State 2019-20 Preview
Utah State swept the Mountain West All-Conference awards, bringing the Coach of the Year (Craig Smith), Player of the Year (Sam Merrill) and Defensive Player of the Year (Neemias Queta) hardware back to Logan. With that terrific triad still in place, can the Aggies seize their first outright conference crown since 2011?
Read more#28 Texas 2019-20 Preview
Ladies and gentlemen, your reigning National (Invitational Tournament) Champions! Texas has struggled to find consistency under Shaka Smart, but the addition of Luke Yaklich to help coordinate the defense and the growth of the Longhorns’ young guards are encouraging signs entering 2019-20…
Read more#29 Mississippi 2019-20 Preview
The Runnin’ Rebels returned to the Big Dance in Kermit Davis’s debit, but their stay was extremely short-lived. Can a potent backcourt and two key JUCO additions push Mississippi into Round 2 and beyond this year?
Read more#30 Alabama 2019-20 Preview
With semi-sincere apologies to Avery Johnson, we cannot wait to see what Nate Oats does with SEC resources in Tuscaloosa. Are there enough pieces in place for him to compete in a tough league in his first year?
Read more#31 Providence 2019-20 Preview
The Friars were fixtures in the NCAA tournament for five years running until unexpected turbulence snapped that streak last season. Can Ed Cooley, aka ‘Mr. Consistent’, and his prized grad transfer point guard, Luwane Pipkins, steer Providence back on track?
Read more#32 Marquette 2019-20 Preview
Getting boat ‘raced’ by Murray State was a sour way to end an otherwise banner year in the Steve Wojciechowski era. And with the Hauser brothers unexpectedly bolting for greener pastures this summer, can Markus Howard and his superhero cape keep the Golden Eagles in Big East title contention?
Read more#34 Houston 2019-20 Preview
Houston loses its entire starting backcourt trio, but Kelvin Sampson’s defensive teachings remain, along with some talented pieces. Can Houston defend its American crown?
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