https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketbal...predictions-2018-19-college-basketball-season
4. Loyola-Chicago hovers around the top 25 all season
The Ramblers have plenty coming back and should run through the Missouri Valley once again
5. Duke finishes lower in the final AP Poll than the first AP Poll
The talent in Durham is obvious, but it’s unclear how the pieces will fit. The Blue Devils also haven’t played good man-to-man defense since 2015.
6. Same with Tennessee
Tennessee could open as a top five team, and the Volunteers will be really good. But part of that ranking is based on what we don’t know about other teams. Tennessee might have the highest floor in the country, but its ceiling is limited.
11. This will be Kentucky’s best team since its 2012 title squad
The Wildcats are absolutely loaded up and down the roster, and finally have some experience in Reid Travis.
34. The SEC will challenge the ACC as the best conference in the country
The SEC has so much depth. Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn, Mississippi State and LSU all look formidable going into the season, and there are plenty more.
44. Ben Howland reaches his first NCAA tournament at Mississippi State
The Bulldogs clearly have the talent. Time to go do something with it.
50. John Calipari wins his second national championship
Kentucky has its usual gem of a recruiting class, but pairs it with Travis and solid returning sophomores.
58. Memphis becomes nationally relevant again
The Tigers may not win a bunch of games in 2018-19, but Penny Hardaway will generate excitement in Memphis. They should be good in 2019-20.
60. Tennessee has the best defense in America
The offense is fine but not great, hence the previous prediction. But the Vols return almost everyone from the No. 6 defense in the country.
4. Loyola-Chicago hovers around the top 25 all season
The Ramblers have plenty coming back and should run through the Missouri Valley once again
5. Duke finishes lower in the final AP Poll than the first AP Poll
The talent in Durham is obvious, but it’s unclear how the pieces will fit. The Blue Devils also haven’t played good man-to-man defense since 2015.
6. Same with Tennessee
Tennessee could open as a top five team, and the Volunteers will be really good. But part of that ranking is based on what we don’t know about other teams. Tennessee might have the highest floor in the country, but its ceiling is limited.
11. This will be Kentucky’s best team since its 2012 title squad
The Wildcats are absolutely loaded up and down the roster, and finally have some experience in Reid Travis.
34. The SEC will challenge the ACC as the best conference in the country
The SEC has so much depth. Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn, Mississippi State and LSU all look formidable going into the season, and there are plenty more.
44. Ben Howland reaches his first NCAA tournament at Mississippi State
The Bulldogs clearly have the talent. Time to go do something with it.
50. John Calipari wins his second national championship
Kentucky has its usual gem of a recruiting class, but pairs it with Travis and solid returning sophomores.
58. Memphis becomes nationally relevant again
The Tigers may not win a bunch of games in 2018-19, but Penny Hardaway will generate excitement in Memphis. They should be good in 2019-20.
60. Tennessee has the best defense in America
The offense is fine but not great, hence the previous prediction. But the Vols return almost everyone from the No. 6 defense in the country.
