The Sporting News 2011-2012 Preseason Top 25

[Da Coach]

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2011-04-05/top-25-teams-for-2012

It is a little early to start with Top 25 lists, since much of this could change depending on which players decide to enter or stay in the NBA draft. But at least the MVC gets a little publicity and respect with Wichita State at #16

1. North Carolina
2. Kentucky
3. Arizona
4. Duke
5. Texas
6. Ohio State
7. Syracuse
8. Memphis
9. UCLA
10. Michigan
11. Pittsburgh
12. Louisville
13. Gonzaga
14. Butler
15. Connecticut
16. Wichita State
17. Alabama
18. Cincinnati
19. Xavier
20. Marquette
21. Texas A&M
22. Washington
23. Illinois
24. Wisconsin
25. Villanova

[Canton BU fan]

and still no mid majors in the top 10. What a shock.

[BradleyBrave]

Illinois is #23 despite losing 4 seniors and Jereme Richmond? Ok.

Nice to see some MVC respect!

Braves must have came in at #26 again...

[LittleBrave]

Illinois is #23 despite losing 4 seniors and Jereme Richmond? Ok.

Nice to see some MVC respect!

Maybe TOO much respect!
Both Illinois at #23 and Wichita at #16 are both laughers to me. And Michigan at #10? Guess that's because they came on strong at the end of last season, and almost upset Duke in the tourney.

So since Wichita will likely not even be picked to win the Valley, why isn't another Valley team ranked 12th or 13th?

Seems like they didn't do much research on what teams return next season. I expect it to be very difficult for Wichita to be as successful as last year, and they didn't even make the NCAA tourney.

[tornado]

So since Wichita will likely not even be picked to win the Valley, why isn't another Valley team ranked 12th or 13th?

you don't think Wichita will be considered next year's favorite??

[LittleBrave]

you don't think Wichita will be considered next year's favorite??

I guess that's just how I would vote, with the loss of 4 guys who made big contributions last season.
I see either Indy St., CU, or Wichita taking the 1,2,3 spots (in no particular order) While I don't see the Sycs taking the title next season, it wouldn't surprise me if they were the pre-season favorite, and they return most of their roster, only losing Kelly & Carter (guys worth noting).
#1, #2, #3 should be very close.

[FlyingSpaghettiMonster]

and still no mid majors in the top 10. What a shock.

What mid-major would you put in the top 10?

[45otseoj]

Do you consider CUSA a mid-major conference?

Memphis is in the top 10

[tornado]

The Sporting News ranks Indian Hills CC in Ottumwa, Iowa as the #1 ranked juco in the preseason rankings..


Here is their current roster - two recognizable names are Dayton transfer Brandon Spearman & UTEP transfer Michael Haynes:

http://www.indianhills.edu/athletics/docs/basketball_roster.pdf