Glaken
1
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=603 border=0 x:str><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 18.75pt" height=25><TD class=xl23 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 18.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=25>The cream of the crop, they should rise to the topBy Andy Katz</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 18.75pt" height=25><TD class=xl23 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 18.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=25>ESPN.com</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>We took a quick peek in April, but now that we've discussed each conference's issues in Summer Sessions, it's time to take another look at who we think will be the elite teams in the 2005-06 season.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>Below, we present 10 teams we expect to compete for places in the Final Four:</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>10. Memphis</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Credentials: PG Darius Washington. SF Rodney Carney. PF Joey Dorsey. A stellar recruiting class led by Shawne Williams, Robert Dozier, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Kareem Cooper. No Sean Banks as a distraction. A weak Conference USA to dominate.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Reason: The Tigers struggled to find their groove early last season, but that shouldn't be an issue this year with Washington more in control, Carney ready to become a leader and a consistent presence from Dorsey and the newcomers. Playing in a watered-down C-USA will help raise Memphis' profile, assuming the Tigers dominate.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 31.5pt" height=42><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 31.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=42>Red flag: The Tigers have had hype before, so this could be a little of the "boy who cried wolf," but if Memphis can get its act together early, the Tigers could hang around the top 10 all season.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>9. Louisville</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Credentials: Rick Pitino. SG Taquan Dean. PF Juan Diego Palacios. SF David Padgett. The return of injured PF Brian Johnson. A deep recruiting class, even without centers Amir Johnson (NBA) and Clarence Holloway (ineligible). A Final Four berth last April.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Reason: The Cardinals have a potential impact player in small forward Terrence Williams and they're essentially getting two new studs in Padgett and Johnson, who could have been a major factor had he been healthy in the Final Four run last season. The Cardinals are the most ready of the five former Conference USA teams that bounced to the Big East.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Red flag: Losing Francisco Garcia hurts, but the toughness factor of the departing Ellis Myles, Otis George and Larry O'Bannon may be just as hard to replace. Finding the tough guys on this team, the ones who will set the hard screens and take the charge, will be key early in the season.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>8. Gonzaga</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Credentials: The Zags have one of the top small forwards (Adam Morrison); potentially one of the top forwards in the West (J.P. Batista); an underrated point guard (Derek Raivio); and a deep stable of wings and forwards (SG Erroll Knight, SG Nathan Doudney, PG Pierre Marie Altidor-Cespedes, SG David Pendergraft, PF Sean Mallon and newcomer PG Jeremy Pargo).</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 78.75pt" height=105><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 78.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=105>Reason: The Zags will miss Ronny Turiaf's leadership, but the rest of the team is essentially back from last season's second-round NCAA squad. Gonzaga will win plenty of games and have a slew of challenges, beginning with the EA Sports Maui Invitational. Gonzaga has a lottery pick in Morrison to carry it deep into March. The Zags will have the hype again, but won't have the WCC challenge from a team as talented as last year's Saint Mary's to get them as prepared.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Red flag: The Zags may have solved some defensive athleticism concerns with the addition of Pargo, but they still have issues defensively that must be addressed for them to advance deeper into March.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>7. Arizona</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 78.75pt" height=105><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 78.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=105>Credentials: One of the most athletic players in the country (Hassan Adams); one of the rising stars (SG Jawann McClellan); one of the tougher shooting forwards (Ivan Radenovic); depth and another big-time recruiting class (PG J.P. Prince, SG Marcus Williams and SF Fendi Onobun); and the silver fox (Lute Olson) ready to lead the Wildcats on another deep NCAA run.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 78.75pt" height=105><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 78.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=105>Reason: The easy thing would be to dump on Arizona, since it lost its best shooter (Salim Stoudamire) and center (Channing Frye). But take a closer look at the depth with combo guard Chris Rodgers, PG Mustafa Shakur, SG Jesus Verdejo, PF Isaiah Fox, PF Mohamed Tangara, SG Daniel Dillon and C Kirk Walters, and it's hard to see how this team won't have plenty of options.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Red flag: We love outspoken associate head coach Jim Rosborough, who put it plainly: If Walters gives the Cats 12 points and eight rebounds, they have a shot for the Final Four. Guess that means it's on Kirk.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>6. Oklahoma</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Credentials: Possible Big 12 Player of the Year candidate (PF Taj Gray); a rock of a PF (Kevin Bookout); a rising star at PG (Terrell Everett); one of the nation's most demanding coaches (Kelvin Sampson) and an impact recruiting class (SG Austin Johnson, PF Taylor Griffin and SG Michael Neal).</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 78.75pt" height=105><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 78.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=105>Reason: Sampson is confident in his squad. He has reasons. He's not sweating losing guards Drew Lavender and Lawrence McKenzie with the emergence of Everett and the arrival of his incoming class. He's banking on Gray being the Big 12 Player of the Year and notching the imposing numbers that go with that. He also has one of the hardest-working power forwards in Bookout.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Red flag: The Sooners may have to get to Indy as a No. 2 or 3 seed if they don't overtake Texas in the Big 12, making their path a bit tougher. McKenzie was their top 3-point shooter last season, so perimeter shooting could be an issue .</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>5. Connecticut</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Credentials: One of the nation's top talents (Rudy Gay); one of the top point guards (Marcus Williams, if he's eligible); one of the top forwards (Josh Boone); one of the top coaches (Jim Calhoun); depth and experience on the perimeter (Denham Brown and Rashad Anderson); one of the toughest home-court advantages (Hartford and Gampel).</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Reason: Losing Andrew Bynum to the draft before he got to Connecticut hurt the Huskies' inside depth, so UConn will need Hilton Armstrong and Ed Nelson to provide significant contributions. Still, the Huskies are loaded. We could be looking at another Connecticut-Duke matchup in the Final Four.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Red flag: The Huskies were dropped from No. 1B status because of their point guards' legal troubles. Now that Williams and backup A.J. Price have been suspended after their arrests for larceny, the Huskies could be in serious trouble. If both are gone, unheralded newcomers Robert Garrison and Craig Austrie would be managing the point. Yikes.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>4. Michigan State</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Credentials: Experience from the Final Four in the return of PF Paul Davis, SG Maurice Ager, SG Shannon Brown, PG Drew Neitzel and C Drew Naymick; one of the most intense and top coaches (Tom Izzo); an underappreciated newcomer class (SG Maurice Joseph and PG Travis Walton).</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 78.75pt" height=105><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 78.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=105>Reason: The Spartans lost a lot of experience in Chris Hill, Kelvin Torbert and Alan Anderson, but the returnees can make up for their absences. If the returning Spartans play up to potential, they have a shot to get to Indy for their second straight Final Four. The growing pains for Neitzel at the point are gone. Izzo could have chased an NBA gig but stayed home to see this group through for another shot at a title.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Red flag: Three-point shooting. Ager shot 40.2 percent last season and Brown shot 33 percent. That's about it for semi-positive 3-point stats among returnees. This team will grind out W's, but then Spartans will likely have to make a few treys at key moments to win the title.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>3. Villanova</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Credentials: How about returning the top nine scorers from last season? The Wildcats gave national champ North Carolina a serious sweat in the Sweet 16. Handling the perimeter punch of Allan Ray, Randy Foye, Mike Nardi and Kyle Lowry, along with Curtis Sumpter's face-up game, is a dizzying experience for the opposing defense.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Reason: Villanova went from a preseason bubble team to a Sweet 16 appearance last season. Now the hype is all over the Main Line and the 'Cats are ready, willing and able to handle the heat. Jay Wright is relishing how tasty this season might become with testing games against Texas and Oklahoma before entering the rugged Big East.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Red flag: It's hard to think about Villanova without worrying about injuries. The Wildcats have been riddled with them over the past few seasons. Sumpter (knee) and PF Jason Fraser (both knees and a wrist) must be healthy for the Wildcats to get to Indy.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>2. Texas</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Credentials: Nation's best point guard (Daniel Gibson); return of SF P.J. Tucker (academics); healthy C LaMarcus Aldridge (hip injury limited to 16 games); experienced PF Brad Buckman; underrated coach (Rick Barnes).</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Reason: Barnes was quick to point out that he's getting back two stars who missed significant time last year. Having those two to work with Gibson could carry the Longhorns to the Final Four, much as T.J. Ford did in 2003.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 78.75pt" height=105><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 78.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=105>Red flag: Shooting. The Horns will miss Kenny Taylor and Sydmill Harris. They'll rely on Buckman, Gibson and newcomers such as J.D. Lewis, A.J. Abrams and Craig Winder. This is where C.J. Miles, who opted for the NBA (Utah Jazz) could have come in handy. We're putting a lot of stock in the return of Aldridge and Tucker and the strength of Gibson, but we'll take our chances.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21>1. Duke</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 63pt" height=84><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 63pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=84>Credentials: Nation's best shooter (J.J. Redick); one of the top forwards (Shelden Williams); one of the best coaches (Mike Krzyzewski); one of the top newcomer classes (PF Josh McRoberts, PG Greg Paulus, PF Jamal Boykin, C Eric Boateng, SG Martynas Pocius); one of the top home courts (Cameron).</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 47.25pt" height=63><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 47.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=63>Reason: It's going to be hard to match this talent. The Blue Devils leap to the top since our early April look because they didn't lose anyone to the NBA draft. Losing in the Sweet 16 to Michigan State adds incentive. Redick and Williams came back to win a title, nothing less.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 15.75pt" height=21><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 15.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=21></TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 31.5pt" height=42><TD class=xl22 style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #e0dfe3; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #e0dfe3; WIDTH: 452pt; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #e0dfe3; HEIGHT: 31.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #e0dfe3" width=603 height=42>Red flag: Settling on a point guard will be critical, with Paulus pushing Sean Dockery. Once that is settled, the Blue Devils look Indy-bound.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>