KenPom released the preseason rankings.
1. Gonzaga
2. Michigan
3. Kansas
4. Baylor
5. Illinois
6. Purdue
7. UCLA
8. Ohio State
9. Villanova
10. Duke
The Champions classic opens up the college basketball season on November 9th. Duke vs Kentucky and Michigan State vs Kansas.
Last year, we saw the B1G have the greatest regular season in the history of the sport according to KenPom. In what can probably be chalked up to some lingering Covid weirdness, the tournament was a different story. Baylor and Gonzaga, the preseason #1 and #2, met in the championship game as Baylor ran Gonzaga off the court and reminded them they are still just the little mid major that could(nt).
Many of the all time greats really only need one name to be instantly recognized: Michael, Bird, Magic, Lebron, Kobe, Trae, Shaq, Wilt. This year, Gonzaga welcomes the arrival of the player who potentially could finally put them over the top:
CHET.
Penny Hardaway has loaded up with two elite reclassification 5 stars
All American centers Drew Timme(Gonzaga), Hunter Dickinson(Michigan), and Kofi Cockburn(Illinois) have all returned.
Jonny Juzang returns for UCLA, as does essentially the entire team from last season's surprise final four run.
UNC replaced a legend in Roy Williams and Duke is trotting out K for one last ride with stud freshman Paolo Banchero leading the way.
The sport is loaded with as much talent as weve seen in years. A large number of teams are true contenders to title this year in what looks like a wide open year. It's going to be a great season.