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Top 25 Countdown: Others Receiving Votes

UCLA v Arizona State

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 14: Jahii Carson #1 of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts in the second half while taking on the UCLA Bruins during the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 14, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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All month long, CBT will be rolling out our 2013-2014 season preview. Check back throughout the day, as we’ll be posting three or four preview items every day.

To browse through the preview posts we’ve already published, click here. The rest of our Top 25 Countdown can be found here. For a schedule of our previews for the month, click here.

Listed alphabetically.

Arizona State:

  • Last Season: 22-13, 9-9 Pac-12 (t-6th); Lost in NIT 2nd round
  • Key Losses: Carrick Felix, Evan Gordon, Chris Colvin
  • Key Returnees: Jahii Carson (18.5 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.7 rpg), Jordan Bachynski (9.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.4 bpg), Jonathan Gilling (9.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.8 apg)
  • Key Newcomers: Jermaine Marshall, Egor Koulechov, Chance Murray, Shaquielle McKissic, Sai Tummala
  • Outlook: The big news for Herb Sendek’s club this offseason: Jahii Carson returned to school. Arguably the most exciting player in the country, Carson is the engine that makes the Sun Devils go. He’s an all-american candidate. Adding Penn State transfer Jermaine Marshall should help offset some of the perimeter punch that was lost with Carrick Felix and Evan Gordon departing, and Jordan Bachynski’s return provides a defensive menace around the rim. Missing the NCAA tournament (again) would be a major disappointment.

Baylor:

  • Last Season: 23-14, 9-9 Big 12 (6th); Won the NIT
  • Key Losses: Pierre Jackson, AJ Walton, Deuce Bello, LJ Rose
  • Key Returnees: Isaiah Austin (13.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.7 bpg), Cory Jefferson (13.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.9 bpg), Brady Heslip (8.6 ppg, 38.6% 3PT)
  • Key Newcomers: Kenny Chery, Ishmail Wainwright, Allerik Freeman, Johnathan Motley, Royce O’Neale*
  • Outlook: The good news is that the Bears have one of the best front lines in the country, as Isaiah Austin and Cory Jefferson are as long and athletic as any duo in the country. They averaged a combined 26.3 points, 16.3 boards and 3.6 blocks last season. The issue, however, is that a lot of that scoring came off the creativity of now-graduate Pierre Jackson. Can JuCo transfer Kenny Chery fill that role? Scoring guard Allerik Freeman and versatile wing Ishmael Wainwright can contribute as well. One interesting storyline will be Denver transfer Royce O’Neale’s pending eligibility.

Boise State:

  • Last Season: 21-11, 9-7 MWC (t-4th); Lost in the NCAA First Four
  • Key Losses: Kenny Buckner
  • Key Returnees: Anthony Drmic (17.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 39.2% 3PT), Derrick Marks (16.3 ppg, 3.9 apg, 42.3% 3PT), Jeff Elorriaga (10.3 ppg, 44.7% 3PT), Ryan Watkins (8.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg)
  • Key Newcomers: Darnell Taylor, Dezmyn Trent, James Webb
  • Outlook: The Broncos were supposed to be “a year away” last season, and yet they managed to put together a campaign strong enough to earn a trip to the NCAA tournament. This year, Leon Rice’s club will have one of the best perimeter attacks out west. Derrick Marks is one of the most explosive scorers in the country, and he’s the team’s second-leading returning scorer, trailing Anthony Drmic. Jeff Elorriaga is almost automatic from three when he gets his feet set, and Mikey Thompson and Igor Hadziomerovic provide a nice pop off the bench. The key? Finding some help for Ryan Watkins in the paint.

Cal:

  • Last Season: 21-12, 12-6 Pac-12 (t-2nd); Lost in the NCAA Round of 32
  • Key Losses: Allen Crabbe
  • Key Returnees: Justin Cobbs (15.1 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.5 rpg), Ty Wallace (7.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Richard Solomon (8.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg)
  • Key Newcomers: Jabari Bird, Jordan Matthews, Kameron Rooks, Sam Singer, Roger Moute a Bidas
  • Outlook: Cal loses a lot with Allen Crabbe headed to the pros, but Justin Cobbs should anchor a perimeter attack that will rival any in the Pac-12. Ty Wallace is in line for a breakout sophomore season, Ricky Kreklow is finally healthy and Jabari Bird and Jordan Matthews anchor a solid incoming class. The key will be in the front court. Can Richard Solomon find a way to maximize his talent? Can David Kravish make the jump to the next level? Cal is a tournament team that is a sleeper to make a run at the Pac-12 title.

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Eric Francis

Creighton:

  • Last Season: 28-8, 13-5 MVC (1st); Lost in the NCAA Round of 32
  • Key Losses: Gregory Echenique
  • Key Returnees: Doug McDermott (23.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 49.0% 3PT), Grant Gibbs (8.5 ppg, 5.8 apg, 4.1 rpg), Ethan Wragge (7.7 ppg, 44.6% 3PT)
  • Key Newcomers: Zach Hanson, Darian Harris, Toby Hegner, James Milliken, Devin Brooks
  • Outlook: The big news for Creighton is that they got their two-time first-team All-American, Doug McDermott, back for their inaugural season in the Big East. The better news was that playmaker Grant Gibbs was granted a sixth season of eligibility, anchoring a back court that has played together for a couple of years. Losing Gregory Echenique will hurt, however, as he had the kind of size and strength to battle with anyone in the post. The Bluejays need an interior presence. Who steps up?

Harvard:

  • Last Season: 20-10, 11-3 Ivy (1st); Lost in the NCAA Round of 32
  • Key Losses: Christian Webster
  • Key Returnees: Wesley Saunders (16.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.5 apg), Siyani Chambers (12.4 ppg, 5.7 apg), Laurent Rivard (10.4 ppg), Kyle Casey (11.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg in ’11-'12), Brandyn Curry (7.9 ppg, 4.9 apg in ’11-'12)
  • Key Newcomers: Zena Edosomwan, Hunter Myers, Matt Fraschilla
  • Outlook: The Crimson will be as talented as any Ivy League team in the history of the conference. They lose one player from a team that won the conference outright and knocked off New Mexico in the Round of 64 while adding a top 100 big man in Zena Edosomwan. and bringing back two all-Ivy caliber seniors in Kyle Casey and Brandyn Curry. Siyani Chambers was one of the most under-appreciated point guards in the country, and Wesley Saunders is a stud. Keep an eye on this group.

Iowa:

  • Last Season: 25-13, 9-9 Big Ten (5th); Lost in the NIT title game
  • Key Losses: Eric May
  • Key Returnees: Roy Devyn Marble (15.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg), Aaron White (12.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Mike Gesell (8.7 ppg, 2.6 apg),
  • Key Newcomers: Jarrod Uthoff, Peter Jok
  • Outlook: This is the year for Fran McCaffery’s club. The Big Ten is a bit down compared to where it was a season ago, and the Hawkeyes have a nice blend of talent, youth and experience. Roy Devyn Marble and Aaron White provide a solid core while sophomores Mike Gesell and Adam Woodbury should take the next step this season. Keep an eye on Wisconsin transfer Jarrod Uthoff, who has sat out the last two seasons as a redshirt and a transfer. Expect Iowa to pull off a couple big wins at home and to get into the NCAA tournament.

La Salle:

  • Last Season: 24-10, 11-5 Atlantic 10 (t-3rd); Lost in the Sweet 16
  • Key Losses: Ramon Galloway
  • Key Returnees: Tyreek Duren (14.2 ppg, 3.3 apg), Tyrone Garland (13.1 ppg, 2.0 apg), Jerell Wright (10.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg)
  • Key Newcomers: Tony Washington, Amar Stukes, Khalid Lewis
  • Outlook: Losing Ramon Galloway hurts, here’s no way around that fact, but Dr. John Giannini still has enough talent that a return to the NCAA tournament isn’t out of the question. Tyreek Duren has spent his career being underappreciated, while Tyrone “Southwest Philly Floater” Garland should see a bump in production with more shots and minutes available. Sam Mills and Jerell Wright also return, and keep an eye on Delaware transfer Khalid Lewis in the back court.

LSU:

  • Last Season: 19-12, 9-9 SEC (t-8th)
  • Key Losses: Charles Carmouche
  • Key Returnees: Johnny O’Bryant III (13.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg), Anthony Hickey (11.2 ppg, 3.8 apg, 2.9 spg), Shavon Coleman (10.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Andre Stringer (10.4 ppg)
  • Key Newcomers: Jarell Martin, Jordan Mickey, Tim Quarterman, John Odo, Brian Bridgewater, Darcy Malone
  • Outlook: Is this the year that the Tigers finally make that return trip to the NCAA tournament? They lose one player off of a team that won 19 games while bringing in a loaded recruiting class. Johnny O’Bryant should anchor a young-but-talented front line, while Anthony Hickey is once again back to terrorize opposing point guards. Quality depth -- are freshman Jarell Martin, Jordan Mickey and Tim Quarterman ready to contribute immediately? -- could determine the Tiger’s tournament chances.

Maryland:

  • Last Season: 25-13, 8-10 ACC (t-3rd); Lost in the NIT semifinals
  • Key Losses: Alex Len, Logan Aronhalt, Pe’Shon Howard
  • Key Returnees: Dez Wells (13.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.0 apg), Nick Faust (9.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg), Seth Allen (7.8 ppg, 2.3 apg)
  • Key Newcomers: Damonte Dodd, Roddy Peters, Evan Smotrycz
  • Outlook: Losing Alex Len to the NBA took Maryland out of any real contention for a run at an ACC title in their final season in the league, but there are enough pieces here for Mark Turgeon to get his group into the NCAA tournament. The Terps will have plenty of perimeter options with Dez Wells, Nick Faust and Seth Allen returning, and with Roddy Peters joining the mix, Maryland might actually have a real point guard on the roster. Evan Smotrycz and Jake Layman will spread the floor with Shaq Cleare and Charles Mitchell taking up space inside.

Missouri:

  • Last Season: 23-11, 11-7 SEC (t-5th); Lost in the NCAA Round of 64
  • Key Losses: Laurence Bowers, Phil Pressey, Alex Oriakhi, Keion Bell
  • Key Returnees: Jabari Brown (13.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Earnest Ross (10.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg)
  • Key Newcomers: Jordan Clarkson, Wes Clark, Johnathan Williams III, Shane Rector, Torren Jones, Keanau Post
  • Outlook: The Tigers lose quite a bit off of last year’s team, but there is reason to be hopeful in Columbia. Jabari Brown and Earnest Ross both return, and Frank Haith landed a talented recruiting class, headlined by Johnathan Williams III and Wes Clark. But the guy to watch will be Tulsa transfer Jordan Clarkson. The Tigers think he is the real deal, a talent that could make the all-SEC first team. Youth at the point and in the paint is a tough thing to overcome, but that trio on the wing could be enough to earn a tournament berth in a weak SEC.

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Oregon:

  • Last Season: 28-9, 12-6 Pac-12 (t-2nd); Lost in the Sweet 16
  • Key Losses: EJ Singler, Tony Woods, Arsalan Kazemi, Carlos Emory
  • Key Returnees: Dominic Artis (8.5 ppg, 3.2 apg), Damyean Dotson (11.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Ben Carter (2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg)
  • Key Newcomers: Mike Moser, Jordan Bell, Jason Calliste, Elgin Cook, AJ Lapray, Richard Amardi, Joseph Young*
  • Outlook: Dana Altman has become a master of the transfer market, this year landing Mike Moser and Jason Calliste as graduate transfers eligible immediately to bolster his roster. If Houston transfer Joseph Young gets a waiver from the NCAA as well, the Ducks will have one potent perimeter attack, as Dominic Artis and Damyean Dotson return as well. But who steps up in the front court to replace Arsalan Kazemi and Carlos Emory? Waverly Austin, Ben Carter and Richard Amardi should all get a shot at major minutes.

Saint Louis:

  • Last Season: 28-7, 13-3 Atlantic 10 (1st); Lost in the Round of 32
  • Key Losses: Kwamain Mitchell, Cody Ellis, Cody Remekun
  • Key Returnees: Dwayne Evans (14.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Mike McCall Jr (9.3 ppg, 40.2% 3PT), Jordair Jett (9.0 ppg, 3.2 apg)
  • Key Newcomers: Tanner Lancona, Mike Crawford, Reggie Agbeko
  • Outlook: The Billikens will be an interesting group to watch in the Atlantic 10 next season. They lost some talent with Kwamain Mitchell and Cody Ellis graduating, but Dwayne Evans could end up winning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, Jordair Jett is one of the league’s more underrated players and the Billikens run a system where parts can be replaceable. They may not be getting a top four seed this year, but a trip to the tournament should be expected.

San Diego State:

  • Last Season: 23-11, 9-7 MWC (t-4th); Lost in the Round of 32
  • Key Losses: Jamaal Franklin, Chase Tapley, James Rahon
  • Key Returnees: Xavier Thames (9.5 ppg, 2.4 apg), JJ O’Brien (7.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Winston Shepard (5.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
  • Key Newcomers: Josh Davis, Dakarai Allen, D’Erryl Williams
  • Outlook: The Aztecs are in for a bit of a rebuilding season, as they lost their most talented player (Jamaal Franklin) and their most important player (Chase Tapley). Bringing in Josh Davis from Tulane should help them sustain the blow, but it will be the development of Winston Shepard as a sophomore and the impact of Dakarai Allen as a freshman that will determine if SDSU can be more than just a “tournament team”.

St. John’s:

  • Last Season: 17-16, 8-10 Big East (11th); Lost in the NIT’s 2nd Round
  • Key Losses: Amir Garrett
  • Key Returnees: D’Angelo Harrison (17.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Phil Greene (10.1 ppg, 2.7 apg), JaKarr Sampson (14.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Chris Obekpa (6.2 rpg, 4.0 bpg)
  • Key Newcomers: Rysheed Jordan, Orlando Sanchez, Max Hooper
  • Outlook: The Johnnies will be the most intriguing team in the Big East next season. They are deep, they are talented, they have athletes up and down their roster. JaKarr Sampson might end up being a lottery pick. D’Angelo Harrison and Rysheed Jordan will be one of the most dynamic back courts in the country. Chris Obepka defends the rim like he’s got skis for arms. Will they put all the pieces together? Can Steve Lavin coach a winning team? He’ll have every chance this season.

Stanford:

  • Last Season: 19-15, 9-9 Pac-12 (t-6th); Lost in the NIT’s 2nd Round
  • Key Losses: Andy Brown
  • Key Returnees: Dwight Powell (14.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg), Chasson Randle (13.6 ppg, 2.6 apg), Josh Huestis (10.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg), Aaron Bright (9.3 ppg, 3.4 apg)
  • Key Newcomers: Malcolm Allen, Marcus Allen, Schuyler Rimmer
  • Outlook: This may be a make-or-break season for Johnny Dawkins. For the third straight season, he’ll have his core of Dwight Powell, Chasson Randle, Josh Huestis and Aaron Bright intact, but does that mean that he’ll end up playing in the NIT for the third straight season?

UNLV:

  • Last Season: 25-10, 10-6 Mountain West (3rd); Lost in the Round of 64
  • Key Losses: Anthony Bennett, Anthony Marshall, Katin Reinhardt, Mike Moser, Justin Hawkins, Quintrell Thomas
  • Key Returnees: Bryce Dejean-Jones (10.3 ppg, 2.3 apg), Khem Birch (7.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.6 bpg)
  • Key Newcomers: Roscoe Smith, Jelan Kendrick, Deville Smith, Jamal Aytes, Christian Wood, Kendall Smith, Kevin Olekaibe
  • Outlook: The Runnin’ Rebels will undergo a major roster overhaul this season. Bryce Dejean-Jones and Khem Birch are the only returnees, but Dave Rice replaces the six rotation players he lost with a loaded class of recruits and transfers. How they come together, however, will be interesting to watch. Roscoe Smith was a top 30 recruit but left UConn. Jelan Kendrick is a McDonald’s all-american that flamed out of two schools in a year and a half. Deville Smith transferred from Mississippi State after one season. Rice has been able to amass talent out in Vegas. Can he finally get them to come together?

Virginia:

  • Last Season: 23-12, 11-7 ACC (t-4th); Lost in the NIT quarterfinals
  • Key Losses: Jontel Evans, Paul Jesperson
  • Key Returnees: Joe Harris (16.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Akil Mitchell (13.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg), Mike Tobey (6.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Justin Anderson (7.6 ppg)
  • Key Newcomers: London Perrantes, Devon Hall
  • Outlook: A couple of ugly losses early in the season cost the Cavs a chance at the NCAA tournament, but Tony Bennett brings the majority of his roster back from a team that was better than their postseason tournament would indicate. Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell might be the best 1-2 punch in the country you’ve never heard of. Mike Tobey is a trendy pick as a breakout star. Justin Anderson is the perfect wing for Bennett’s system. Replacing Jontel Evans’ leadership won’t be easy, but the Cavs are a sleeper ACC title pick.

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