The Melo Backpedal

Now that the college basketball season has been completed and the late signing period for high school recruits has started, we figured we’d hit you with our early Top 25 for 2008-09. We’ll check back on this list once all of the early declarations have for the NBA Draft have been made, but in the meantime, sit back and take a look at which teams are likely to make a splash next season.

#1] North Carolina Tar Heels [36-3 in 2007-08]
If things go as planned, the Tar heels will be returning every major contributor from last season, including the Player of the Year in Tyler Hansbrough. Even if they do lose Ty Lawson, the addition of three McDonald’s All-Americans should help to soften the blow. If Hansbrough leaves, which seems unlikely at this point, expect this ranking to go down.

#2] Texas Longhorns [31-7 in 2007-08]
The Longhorns are another team that could have everybody returning, including first-team All-American point guard D.J. Augustine. If he leaves, the ranking goes down quite a bit, but this is a team should still be able to contend without him, as the combination of junior Justin Mason and star freshmen J’Covan Brown should be able to handle the point guard duties. Definite national title contender if Augustine returns.

#3] Oklahoma Sooners [23-12 in 2007-08]
The Sooners wouldn’t even be in the Top 25 if it weren’t for the return of rising sophomore Blake Griffin, who should arguably be one of the top five players in the country next season. Several other quality contributors also return, and the addition of McDonalds All-American guard Willie Warren will also be a nice boost to the backcourt.

#4] Memphis Tigers [38-2 in 2007-08]
The departure of freshman sensation Derrick Rose and possible departure of conference Player of the Year Chris Douglas-Roberts and senior Joey Dorsey will certainly hurt, but the Tigers have enough returning to contend next season. Robert Dozier, Antonio Anderson and Shawn Taggert all return, and the Tigers also welcome big time recruit Angel Garcia and a kid named Tyreke Evans, whose arguably the most talented incoming freshman in the nation.

#5] UCLA Bruins [35-4 in 2007-08]
The amazing this is the Bruins could still be back in the top five even though they’ll inevitably lose one or two of a trio including Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Darren Collison. Though none has yet to declare for the draft, its likely that Love and Westbrook will be Lottery picks. Collison would be wise to stay, as he could boost his stock for next sumer with the addition of star recruits Jrue Holiday, Malcom Lee, and Drew Gordon — best recruiting class in the nation.

#6] Pittsburgh Panthers [27-10 in 2007-08]
Despite their collapse in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, we’re not the only observers who like Pitt’s team going into next season. What’s not to like? Sam Young, Dejuan Blair and Levance Fields all return to the starting lineupand the arrival of a couple solid recruits helps bolster the bench that also returns several contributors.

#7] Tennessee Volunteers [31-5 in 2007-08]
Despite the Loss of Chris Lofton and JuJuan Smith, the Vols should be a team to watch if Tyler Smith returns for his junior season. The team has size and versatility and should be atop the SEC standings all season. The arrival of 4-star recruit, Renaldo Woolridge, Orlando’s son, and the late addition of McDonalds All-American wing man Scotty Hopson should be a major help.

#8] Florida Gators [24-12 in 2007-08]
In anybody is going to compete with the Vols for the SEC crown, expect it to be Billy Donovan’s boys. Sure, the potential loss of big man Marreese Speights will hurt, but the return everybody else, including rising sophomore Nick Calathes, is reason for celebration. The addition of star recruit Eloy Vargas, and the slightly possible return of Spieghts makes this team look like a serious player right now.

#9] Ohio State Buckeyes [24-13 in 2007-08]
Assuming Kosta Koufos returns (fingers crossed), the Buckeyes have a chance to be one of the more intriguing teams in the country, boasting two 7’1” former McDonalds All-American’s on their roster. The return of Davis Lighty and Evan Turner on the perimeter would compliment Koufos and incoming freshman B.J. Mullens down low. William Bedford, another incoming McDonalds All-American, will give the Buckeyes another shooter to spread the floor. Fun to watch.

#10] Duke Blue Devils [28-6 in 2007-08]
The loss of captain DeMarcus Nelson shouldn’t be a major one, as this guard-loaded squad should be able to redeem itself after a disappointing run in the last two NCAA Tournaments. The majority of last seasons team resturns, including rising sophomore forward Kyle Singler, and incoming McDonalds All-American guard Elliot Williams could add even more depth to an already solid backcourt.

#11] Connecticut Huskies [24-9 in 2007-08]
Reserve guard Doug Wiggins is out, and perhaps big man Hasheem Thabeet will be playing pro ball, but the Huskies should return enough talent to have a solid season. All-Conference performers Jeff Adrien and A.J. Price return, though Price will be rehabbing a surgically repaired knee. Lightning quick McDonalds All-American guard Kemba Walker, should be able to fill in for Price if he’s not ready to go right out of the gates.

#12] Michigan State Spartans [27-9 in 2007-08]
The Spartans lose four-year starter Drew Neitzel in the backcourt, but should have plenty of talent returning next season. The return of Raymar Morgan and Goran Suton inside and Kalin Lucas, Travis Walton, Chris Allen, and Durrell Summers on the perimeter. Also look for incoming freshman forward to be a major impact player right away.

#13]Notre Dame Fighting Irish [25-8 in 2007-08]
The Irish are another tea in the Big East that may have lost a little, but returns enough key players to make a serious run in ’09. The return of conference Player of the Year, Luke Harangody will be huge, but keeping the backcourt of Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson may prove to be just as vital. I believe every team needs a guy like Zach Hillesland, and Ryan Ayers is an extremely underrated wing player.

#14] Southern Cal Trojans [21-12 in 2007-08]
The O.J. Mayo era is now over at Southern Cal, but the talent returning, including Davon Jefferson and Taj Gibson, will be enough to keep the Trojans afloat. Toss in a few key role players and incoming McDonalds All-American wing Demar DeRozan, and the team may even be better this upcoming season.

#15] Georgetown Hoyas [28-6 in 2007-08]
This fall from grace isn’t just because of the loss of standout big man Roy Hibbert, but because of another four-year starter, Jonathan Wallace. He started more games than anyone in Georgetown’s illustrious history, and his leadership and production will certainly be missed. The good news is several quality contributors return and a solid recruiting class comes in, but the question remains: which of them will step us as a leader?

#16] Purdue Boilermakers [25-9 in 2007-08]
Here’s a team that has a serious chance at a Big Ten title next season. All the key players return, including standouts Robbie Hummell and E’Twuan Moore, who were only freshmen this season, and there looks to be even more depth than their was last season. The bench looks absolutely loaded.

#17] Kansas Jayhwaks [37-3 in 2007-08]
The returning national champions usually take a hit following a championship season, and that’s no exception here. Usually early draft deflections leave a championship team in ruins, but the Jayhawks could actually be quite good next season. Mario Cahlmers and Sherron Collins are expected back, along with Cole Aldrich, who should flashes during the Final Four. If Brandon Rush and/or Darrell Arthur should decide to return, this ranking goes even higher.

#18] Arizona State Sun Devils [21-13 in 2007-08]
The Sun Devils should have been in the NCAA tournament this season, in our humble opinion. They return most of the significant pieces, notably standout freshman James Harden and senior Jeff Pendergraph. Coach Herb Sendek has done an outstanding job blending his system with an athletic bunch that made the Sun Devils one of the best in the Pac-10.

#19] Villanova Wildcats [22-13 in 2007-08]
Not landing hometown recruit Tyreke Evans hurts, but this is a team that returns its entire roation from last seasons Sweet Sixteen team. Scottie Reynolds and Corey Fisher form one of the better backcourts in the Big East, and with the experience and chemistry this team developed last season, its easy to see them going far again this season.

#20] Gonzaga Bulldogs [25-8 in 2007-08]
If conference Player of the Year Jeremy Pargo stays in the Draft, Gonzaga will likely fall completely out of the Top 25. However, he’s only testing the waters and should be back for his senior season, which means Gonzaga has a chance to be very good if things go as planned. Watch out for sophomore Austin Daye as a serious breakout performer.

#21] Miami Hurricanes [23-11 in 2007-08]
The Hurricanes were one of the most improved teams in the country this past season, and they expect to return most of the major players from that team. The Canes return big-time scorers in Jack McClinton, James Dews and the inside presence of Dwayne Collins, and add standout freshman Dequan Jones.

#22] Louisville Cardinals [29-9 in 2007-08]
The good news is the entire backcourt is returning. However, losing David Padgett, Earl Clark, Derrick Character, and Juan Palacios will leave the once-impressive frontcourt extremely thin next season. Even the arrival of 5-Star big man Samardo Samuels won’t be able to soften the blow in that department.

#23] Baylor Bears [21-11 in 2007-08]
The Bears return most of the major players from a loaded squad, including Curtis Jerrells, Henry Dugat, Keith Rogers, and LaceDarius Dunn, and should be a year older, wiser, and more experienced. The much-needed postseason experience will do them some good, as will their terrific backcourt depth. Look for incoming freshman Anthony Jones to be an impact player right out of the gates.

#24] Wake Forest Demon Deacons [ 17-13 in 2007-08]
The Demon Deacons may be a surprise here, but they have every major contributor returning, including emerging stars Jeff Teague and James Johnson. They also have a downright scary incoming recruiting class, led by Al Aminu, Tony Woods, and Ty Walker — easily one of the best classes in the nation.

#25] Syracuse Orange [21-14 in 2007-08]
The likely loss of star freshman forward Donte Greene will certainly hurt, but this team looks like it could be a lot better than last years team. They return everybody else from their seven-man rotation, including point guard Jonny Flynn and Paul Harris, and welcome back two former starters, Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins, for injuries. Add in a very solid recruiting class that features forward Mookie Jones, and the Orange should be back to their winning ways.

Just missing the cut …

Texas A&M Aggies — The Aggies will certainly miss the services of several key contributors, Joseph Jones and DeAndre Jordan included, but with Donald Sloan and Josh Carter, among others, they have plenty of talent and experience returning. Freshman forward David Loubeau could also be an immediate difference maker.

Oregon Ducks — The Ducks have several nice contributors returning, and the freshman class, led by McDonalds All-American Michael Dunigan, is very solid. However, seniors like Bryce Taylor, Malik Hairston and Maarty Leunen will be sorely missed. That experience can’t be made up overnight.

Stanford Cardinal — The return of guys like Lawrence Hill and Anthony Goods will keep the Cardinal competitive, but the loss of the Lopez brothers leaves the team without some much-needed size next season. That’s likely to really hurt down the stretch.

Clemson Tigers — The frontcourt losses doesn’t help their cause, but the talent returning and the solid recruiting class make this team a solid contender for sleeper status.

Davidson Wildcats — We were one of the few who tossed Davidson in our pre-season Top 25 last season, but the loss of several starters and the fact that teams won’t be sleeping on them means Davidson is probably going to have a tough time repeating the success of yesteryear.

Kentucky Wildcats — The loss of seniors Ramel Bradley and Joe Crawford, arguably the teams top two players last season, will certainly hurt. Furthermore, the injuries Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks are rehabbing from means its still too early to tell if this team will be elite next season. The talent is there, however.