Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Cats Take #1 Ranking

The Kentucky Wildcats have taken the number ranking in the newly released Preseason Top 25 by Athlon Sports’.

"1 Kentucky: The Wildcats might not challenge 40–0 again, but Tyler Ulis, Skal Labissiere and Jamal Murray should contend for the Final Four.2 Duke: Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow and Tyus Jones are gone, but landing Brandon Ingram and Derryck Thornton means Coach K can contend for a sixth national title.3 North Carolina: The Tar Heels have a group of veterans that might be Roy Williams’ last great team for a while.4 Maryland: Maryland added freshman Diamond Stone and transfer Robert Carter Jr. to its returning core for what will be the Terps’ best squad since the 2002 championship.5 Virginia: The Cavs’ early exits from the NCAA Tournament have dulled back-to-back 30-win seasons, but Virginia is built to contend again.6 Kansas: The Jayhawks are gearing up for a 12th consecutive Big 12 title, but they’re still awaiting word on five-star freshman Cheick Diallo.7 Iowa State: New coach Steve Prohm inherits a great situation with Georges Niang, Monte Morris and — you guessed it — some talented transfers.8 Arizona: The Wildcats face questions after losing their top four scorers from last season. Sean Miller, though, has a plan.9 Oklahoma: The backcourt duo of Buddy Hield and Jordan Woodard will be one of the best in the nation.10 Villanova: The Wildcats have to avoid stalling in the NCAA Tournament, but adding freshman Jalen Brunson to the mix means Nova will be dangerous all year again.11 Gonzaga: Kyle Wiltjer is a national player of the year candidate, but the Zags have a big hole at point guard without Kevin Pangos.12 Michigan State: Last year’s Final Four was a tease. This team, with high-scoring West Virginia transfer Eron Harris, could be the Big Ten favorite.13 Cal: Adding freshmen Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb to the existing group of veterans means Cuonzo Martin has a Pac-12 contender on his hands.14 Wichita State: Gregg Marshall resisted the urge to go to Alabama in the offseason. He’ll have one last go-round with Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker.15 Vanderbilt: The Commodores made a push late last season. They return everyone of note from that team, including SEC Player of the Year contender Damian Jones.16 Purdue: The front line of A.J. Hammons, freshman Caleb Swanigan and Isaac Haas will be imposing. Boilers will rely on a transfer from UT Arlington to play point.17 Indiana: The Hoosiers’ lack of a big man hurt them last year. They went out and got a big man, freshman center Thomas Bryant.18 UConn: The addition of Sterling Gibbs from Seton Hall among other newcomers should get the Huskies back into the NCAA Tournament.19 Wisconsin: After back-to-back Final Fours, Wisconsin will take a dip. But this is a Bo Ryan team, so the dip won’t be very far.20 Butler: The Bulldogs started last season with a handful of questions. Butler has its coach in place and a handful of veterans ready to contend for the Big East championship.21 Oregon: The Ducks lose prolific scorer Joseph Young, but Dana Altman always finds a way.22 Michigan: After last year’s debacle, Michigan ready for healthy seasons from Caris LeVert and Derrick Walton … and a return to form.23 Louisville: Landing transfers Trey Lewis (Cleveland State) and Damion Lee (Drexel) turn a rebuilding team into a contender.24 SMU: The Mustangs still have a ton talent, provided they can avoid any NCAA entanglements.25 Texas A&M: The Aggies return Danuel House, Alex Caruso and Jalen Jones from last year’s bubble team. Billy Kennedy should have the depth to get back into the Tourney.Also considered: Baylor, Dayton, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, San Diego State, UCLA"

I’d be lying if I said I expected 3 SEC teams in the Top 25. However, leaving out LSU seems crazy, personally, I’d have them in before Vanderbilt and Texas A&M. San Diego State seems like a surprise, too, but as usual, they’ll creep into the Top 25 in no time.

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