NCAA Top 25 for 2007-08
Posted by Andrew on October 28, 2007
TMB first released the early NCAA Basketball Top 25 for 2007-08 in April, following the NCAA Tournament, and then again over the summer when we found out which players were leaving early for the NBA Draft. Now that the regular season is only weeks away, let’s take one last look at the Pre-season Top 25 for the 2007-08 season. We’ll continue to update our Top 25 each week throughout the season.
Let’s get it started…
#1) North Carolina Tar Heels (31-7) –
Outlook: The reigning ACC champs have a wealth of talent returning, including Player of the Year candidate Tyler Hansbrough. The Tar Heels are also in great shape in the backcourt with both starting guards - Tywon Lawson and Wayne Ellington - returning, and with the solid nucleus they have this season, the group that went it to the Elite Eight in March should be looking to go even further this time around.
#2) UCLA Bruins (30-6) –
Outlook: After consecutive trips to the Final Four, the Bruins lose Pac-10 Player of the Year Aaron Afflalo, but return every other major contributor, including All-American guard Darren Collison, and they bring in the National High School Player of the Year in Kevin Love. With that amount of talent and experience, the Bruins should be thinking National Championship this time.
#3) Memphis Tigers (33-4) –
Outlook: Memphis returns one of the most athletic teams in the nation, including four starters in Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey, Robert Dozier, and Antonio Anderson. Douglas-Roberts is the early favorite for Conference-USA Player of the Year honors and the addition of the top point guard recruit in the nation, Derrick Rose, doesn’t hurt either.
#4) Georgetown Hoyas (30-7) –
Outlook: Last season the Hoyas made it to their first Final Four appearance in over twenty years, and with the return of four starters, including Jonathan Wallace and Roy Hibbert, they have a great shot to get back there this season. All-American big man Roy Hibbert should be a serious force as he returns for his seniors season. Toss in the additions of McDonalds All-Americans Austin Freeman and Chris Wright, and the Hoyas should be the team to beat in the Big East.
#5) Kansas Jayhawks (33-5) –
Outlook: Kansas, coming off an Elite Eight season, and with four starters and eight rotational players returning, Kansas should have as much talent returning as anybody in the nation. All-American forward Brandon Rush could be a Conference Player of the Year candidate this season, and Russell Robinson, Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, and Sherron Collins also return. Throw in McDonalds All-American big man Cole Aldrich and Kansas is a serious contender to win it all.
#6) Tennessee Volunteers (24-11) –
Outlook: To the delight of rocky top fans everywhere, nearly every significant player from last seasons Sweet Sixteen team returns, including All-American guard Chris Lofton. Forward Duke Crews was suspended by the team indefinitely, but the arrival of transfers JP Prince and Tyler Smith should more than cover his production. This team should be a force in the Southeastern Conference, and expect the Volunteers to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
#7) Louisville Cardinals (24-10) –
Outlook: This is one team that could rival Kansas as the deepest team in America, as they return everybody from last year’s team that looked fantastic at times towards the end of last season. Forward Terrence Williams is one of the most underrated players in the country, and guard Edgar Sosa played brilliantly at times last year. Juan Palacios, David Padgett, Earl Clark, and Derrick Caracter also return.
# 
Indiana Hoosiers (21-11) –
Outlook: In year two of the Kelvin Sampson era, the Hoosiers should be much improved and should be a major force in the Big Ten. Forward DJ White returns his senior season, and the addition of arguably the top Indiana recruit in the last decade (Eric Gordon) should only add to the excitement in Bloomington. Armon Bassett, AJ Ratliff, and Lance Stemler all return, and freshman Eli Holman will be a nice addition in the middle. White and Gordon should be the top inside-outside threat in the Big Ten by the middle of the season.
#9) Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-11) –
Outlook: The Bulldogs only real loss is Conference co-Player of the Year, Derek Raivio, who will certainly be missed, but they have more than enough talent returning to get fans excited. Matt Bouldin, Jeremy Pargo, and Micah Downs all return. This years recruiting class was also Gonzaga’s best ever, headlined by talented forward Austin Daye. The return of Conference Player of the Year candidate, Josh Heytvelt, from suspension, should only add to the talent that will be on the floor for Gonzaga this year.
#10) Michigan State Spartans (23-12)–
Outlook: Led by All-American guard Drew Neitzel, the Spartans are back in a big way, and should give Indiana all they can handle for the Big Ten title. Travis Walton, Ramar Morgan, Goran Suton, and Marquise Gray also return. Toss in a top flight recruiting class headlined by Chris Allen, Kalin Lucas, and Durrell Summers, and the Spartans should make some serious noise.
#11) Washington State Cougars (26- –
Outlook:The Cougars are quickly becoming a Pac-10 powerhouse, and they return an experienced cast of players, including guards Derrick Low and Kyle Weaver, and forwards Daven Harmeling and Robbie Cowgill. Expect Washington State to be right in the mix at the end of the season if they can remain healthy.
#12) Duke Blue Devils (22-11) –
Outlook: Duke will try to prove that last year was a fluke as they return a solid group that includes guards DeMarcus Nelson, Greg Paulus, and Jon Scheyer. Gerald Henderson, and Lance Thomas were McDonalds All-Americans in 2006, and should be much improved as sophomores. Duke should also get immediate help from a stellar recruiting class, headlined by Kyle Singler.
#13) Texas A&M Aggies (27-7) –
Outlook: The loss of point guard Acie Law, Antanas Kavaliauskas, and head coach Billy Gillispie will certainly hurt the Aggies, but former Wichita State coach Mark Turgeon takes over a team that went to the Sweet Sixteen last season, led by Joseph Jones, Dominique Kirk, Josh Carter, and Donald Sloan. Also, look out for one of the nation’s top recruits in big man DeAndre Jordan, who should be a force in the Big 12.
#14) Marquette Golden Eagles (24-10) –
Outlook: The Golden Eagles are in position to make some serious noise in the crowded Big East behind Conference standouts Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and Wes Matthews, Jr. forming the best three-guard tandem in the nation. Look for James to contend for Big East Player of the Year honors.
#15) Texas Longhorns (25-10) –
Outlook: Freshman sensation and National Player of the Year Kevin Durant took his game to the NBA, but Texas should be still be in good hands with DJ Augustin, who has been named Big 12 Pre-season Player of the Year by league coaches . The Horns also return AJ Abrams and Damion James, Justin Mason, Damion James and Connor Atchley. Recruits Clint Chapman and Gary Johnson should add to the front court depth the Longhorns lacked in 2007.
#16) North Carolina State Wolfpack (20-16) –
Outlook: Ever since that unbelievable run in last seasons ACC tournament, the Wolfpack are starting to find their way back to the top in the ACC, and that should continue with a core that includes Brandon Costner, Gavin Grant, Ben McCauley, and Courtney Fells. Freshman big man JJ Hickson, arguably the schools top recruit since Julius Hodge, should play a major role as well.
#17) Syracuse Orange (24-11) –
Outlook: Despite losing starter Andy Rautins to an ACL injury and the entire frontcourt to graduation, Syracuse returns standouts Paul Harris and Eric Devendorf, while adding one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, headlined by All-Americans Jonny Flynn and Donte Greene. Both have a chance to be special players and should contribute immediately for the Orange.
#1 Oregon Ducks (29- -
Outlook: Following an exciting trip to Elite Eight, the Ducks return nearly everybody except captain Aaron Brooks, who’s now playing in the NBA. That group includes starters Tajuan Porter, Malik Hairston, Bryce Taylor, and Maarty Leunen. Look for the Ducks to use their experience in last seasons NCAA Tournament to their advantage.
#19) Pittsburgh Panthers (29- –
Outlook: Starters Levan Kendall and Aaron Gray will be missed, but guards Levance Fields, Ronald Romon, and Tyrell Biggs all return, along with forwards Sam Young and Mike Cook. Standout freshman DeJuan Blair should man the middle for years to come, and expect Pittsburgh to be in the mix for the Big East crown at seasons end.
#20) Kentucky Wildcats (22-12) -
Outlook: New Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie steps into the Sea of Blue, and will count on a tandem of guards Ramel Bradley, Joe Crawford, Derrick Jasper, and Jodie Meeks to do most of the damage. Sensational freshman forward Patrick Patterson should be a big time contributor right out of the gates and could be the top newcomer in the Southeastern Conference.
#21) Arizona Wildcats (20-11) –
Outlook: While sophomore Marcus Williams left for the NBA, albeit too early, the Wildcats should still have plenty of talent returning to contend, led by All-American forward Chase Budinger. Jawann McClellan and Jordan Hill also return for the Wildcats, and top recruits Jamelle Horne and Jerryd Bayless, should contribute immediately for the Wildcats.
#22) Arkansas Razorbacks (21-14) -
Outlook: New Arkansas coach John Pelphrey has a plethora of talent and experience from one of the best teams in the Southeastern Conference, led by standout Patrick Beverley, along with Sonny Weems, Steven Hill, and Darian Townes.
#23) USC Trojans (25-12) –
Outlook: Trojan coach Tim Floyd returns a solid nucleus including star forward Taj Gibson, Dwight Lewis, and Daniel Hackett. Highly touted recruits OJ Mayo and Devon Jefferson should make an immediate impact, as Mayo should be one of the top freshmen in the country.
#24) Davidson Wildcats (29-5) –
Outlook: The Wildcats, arguably the best mid-major program in the nation, return their top six scorers from this seasons team, including freshman sensation Stephen Curry, who averaged over 20 points per game. Bob McKillop and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job coaching this team to play to its highest potential, and the near upset of Maryland in the first round of the NCAA tournament was an example of the type of success they can continue to have.
#25) Clemson Tigers (25-11) -
Outlook: The Tigers return four starters and eight regulars return for a team that went to the NIT championship game last season, including Trevor Booker, Cliff Hammonds, James Mays, and KC Rivers. Freshman guard Demontez Stitt should be inserted into the starting lineup from day one and should have an immediate impact.
October 29, 2007 at 9:29 pm
I agree with the Heels being #1. The team that I think is ranked to high is Memphis. They play in a piece of crap conference and I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost in the first or second round of the tourney. I also like Gonzaga and they are deserving of the #9 ranking in TMB. I am making a bold prediction! Gonzaga will make it to the Final Four this year!
October 29, 2007 at 10:28 pm
It’s tough to disagree with your comments about the Conference-USA, but I still seem to think Memphis will be good this year. They were very solid last year, return just about everybody, and gain one of the top point guard recruits of the last decade in Derrick Rose. I do question the competition they play in-conference, but I also question the in-conference opponents of Gonzaga. Not too many teams in Gonzaga’s West Coast Conference scare people, yet that doesn’t mean Gonzaga won’t be great this year.
October 30, 2007 at 3:17 pm
But here is the one thing I have always been impressed with Gonzaga and that is their schedule. Yes their conference is weak, but they will play anybody outside their conference. I respect when they play quality programs home or away. They probably could have complained last year how tough their schedule, but you play it to get your team better for the tourney. Usually in most cases Memphis plays a bunch of cream puffs, but finally they got the memo this year. Looking at their non conference schedule is pretty difficult. Georgetown, USC, Arizona, Cincy, Gonzaga etc. That is a legit schedule. I wish other teams like Gtown, UCONN would stop playing the ST Leo’s of the world and play some difficult games before your conference play starts. That’s how you will get better!
October 30, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Teams that play in a power Conference face tough competition during the second half of their schedule, so it’s less important to have a stacked non-Conference schedule. I think teams like Gonzaga need to schedule top competition in their non-Conference schedule to prove that they can hang with the big boys of college basketball.
I agree, however, that all teams should try to schedule legit opponents in their non-Conference schedule, but if your any good, it might hard finding decent teams who are willing to come into your building. Going on the road, like Carolina is doing against Kentucky and Ohio State, is good for college basketball, but may or may not not help your tournament resume at seasons end. I’d be interested in finding out if it does or not.
November 12, 2007 at 8:28 pm
[...] For a look at the Top 25, click here. [...]
November 14, 2007 at 11:29 am
Kentucky, Michigan State and Southern Cal should be banished from the Top 25 for ugly losses during the first week of the season…ugh
November 15, 2007 at 3:26 pm
I wasn’t kidding around when I placed Davidson at #24 in our pre-season rankings. They nearly took down Maryland in the NCAA tournament last March and they returned everybody from that team.
Last night, as most of you saw, they gave the top team in the country all they could handle, and I’m confident we’ll see more good things from them this season.