Game Time

Ah, college basketball. This is my favorite time of year because I know the season is just about to get started. That said, the preseason polls were released today and here's my take on the top ten:

10. Florida (2010-11 Record: 26-7, 13-3 SEC)

The Gators are a little of a surprise for me, being ranked this high. We haven't heard a lot out of them in this regard in a few years so it'll be interesting to see how they handle this high ranking. The Gators have a tough road ahead as their non-conference schedule includes trips to play at Ohio State and Syracuse who are both ranked in the preseason top ten. Not to mention having to play against #2 Kentucky twice. It'll be tough for a Gator team minus Chandler Parsons but it'll be interesting to see what happens. 

9. Memphis (2010-11 Record: 25-9, 10-6 C-USA)

The Tigers have a pretty interesting schedule as well, including trips to play #8 Louisville and an always tough Georgetown. Their schedule also features a home match up against #15 Xavier as well as an early season neutral court match up against #18 Michigan. If the Tigers want to be a top level team, they will need returning players Will Barton and Joe Jackson to step up their scoring averages. Barton led the team but only with 12.3 points per game last season and Jackson averaged 9.9. They will need to up their game if they want to compete at the level they're ranked.

8. Louisville (2010-11 Record: 25-9, 12-6 Big East)

Rick Pitino always knows how to build a team up and this team is no different. The Cardinals are ranked 8th in the preseason. With the graduation of their top two scorers (Preston Knowles and Kyle Kuric) they will still need to beef up their scoring game. Their are some pretty interesting games on tap for Louisville, including an early season away game against unranked Butler; as well as home games against #7 Vanderbilt and #9 Memphis. They also have to play against #2 Kentucky at Rupp Arena, which is never an easy task. However, with Peyton Siva, the assist leader last year, as well as other talented players returning; it looks like it'll be another good year for the Cardinals.

7. Vanderbilt (2010-11 Record: 23-10, 9-7 SEC)

Don't let the record fool you, this is a good team. Returning their top two scorers from last season, the Commodores definitely have a chance to compete with Kentucky and Florida for the SEC crown. They do have some pretty good non-conference games as well: playing #15 Xavier at home and traveling to #8 Louisville and #21 Marquette. They will also have to play #2 Kentucky and #10 Florida twice.

Sidenote: NC State will have to play them at home (11/19)

6. Duke (2010-11 Record: 30-4, 13-3 ACC)

After a disappointing loss to Arizona in the NCAA Tournament last season, the Blue Devils are back with a boatload of talent. The roster features a very talented Freshman class that includes highly touted Austin Rivers. And, as if two Plumlees weren't enough, Duke has added yet another: Marshall. If nothing else, they will definitely confuse a lot of people this season. Their most intriguing non-conference match up is a game at #3 Ohio State. Of course, the games against UNC are always special but this year should be very interesting as well as both teams will more than likely be ranked in the top ten by that time.

5. Syracuse (2010-11 Record: 26-7, 12-6 Big East)

In what will be its last season in the Big East before joining the ACC, Syracuse is once again a team to watch. With Kris Joseph, Brandon Triche, and Scoop Jardine all returning this season, it's no wonder the Orange are ranked #5. Their non-conference schedule is highlighted by a game in the Carrier Dome against #10 Florida on December 2. They will have to face an always tough Big East Conference schedule as well.

Sidenote: NCSU will also play Syracuse at home (12/2)

4. Connecticut (2010-11 Record: 26-9, 9-9 Big East)

The defending champs are once again in the hunt for a title this year. The absence of Kemba Walker will be felt but the Huskies return talented players such as Alex Oriakhi and Shabazz Napier, who will need to step up if UCONN wants to have success this year. One thing that may hurt them ranking wise and come Selection Sunday is their non-conference schedule. They do not play a single Top 25-ranked team during non-conference play. This may come back on them but we'll have to wait and see.

3. Ohio State (2010-11 Record: 32-2, 16-2 Big Ten

Although David Lighty is not with the team this season, don't discredit the Buckeyes. They should be a force especially with big man Jared Sullinger returning. They will need a team effort, though, as they have a very early test against #10 Florida as their second game of the season. They also have a road test against #13 Kansas in one of the toughest places to play in college basketball. Other than that, they should breeze through the conference schedule, although the away game against #14 Wisconsin and the home-and-home match up against #18 Michigan should be ones to watch.

2. Kentucky (2010-11 Record: 25-8, 10-6 SEC)

The Wildcats came very close to winning it all last season; however, coach Calipari's team looks stronger than ever this year with returning players Darius Miller and Doron Lamb. Their non-conference schedule is pretty weak other than the fact they play #13 Kansas, #1 North Carolina, and #8 Louisville. The only problem is all these games are at Rupp Arena which is okay but it would look better if at least one game was played away. Despite that, the Wildcats are poised for another banner year.

1. North Carolina (2010-11 Record: 26-7, 14-2 ACC)

I know I'm going to be a little biased but, where do I begin? The Heels return a plethora of talent including Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, Kendall Marshall, Dexter Strickland, Leslie McDonald, and John Henson. Adding a very talented Freshman class of Stilman White, Desmond Hubert, P.J. Hairston, and James Michael McAdoo; I think the NCAA Championship is theirs to lose. Their non-conference schedule features the highly anticipated "Carrier Classic Game" against Michigan State on an aircraft carrier. The Heels will also welcome #14 Wisconsin and Texas to Chapel Hill while facing #2 Kentucky at Rupp Arena. I think it'll probably be another fight to the finish between UNC and Duke for the ACC crown.

There you have it. So, who will be cutting down the nets in New Orleans this year? Well, like I said, I'm a little biased but I think UNC will of course! I called it back when they won in 2009 and I'm doing it again. It should be another great year of college basketball!