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The American releases their preseason poll

Kevin Ollie

Connecticut men’s basketball coach Kevin Ollie gestures during a celebration of UConn’s championships in the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments, at a rally at the State Capitol in Hartford, Conn., on Sunday, April 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

AP

The American is hosting their media day today, which means that the conference was obligated to release their preseason poll on Wednesday morning.

In first place? UConn, which is a bit of a surprise.

The Huskies are the reigning national champs and SMU went to the NIT last season, but Kevin Ollie’s club lost Shabazz Napier and Deandre Daniels to the NBA Draft while the Mustangs essentially return everyone. Personally, I would have picked SMU even with Emmanuel Mudiay off in China. I think their front line is overpowering, I think that Nic Moore is underrated and I’m expecting Keith Frazier to prove why he was a McDonald’s All-American this year.

UConn’s not wrong, per se. If SMU is No. 1 in these rankings, than UConn is No. 1a. I’m in wait-and-see mode with the Huskies right now, as I’m not convinced that Ryan Boatright can replace Shabazz Napier and I’m curious to see what the trio of Rodney Purvis, Daniel Hamilton and Omar Calhoun will produce.

Anyway, here’s the full poll. One more quick thought: Keep an eye on Tulsa.

1. UConn (6)
2. SMU (5)
3. Memphis
4. Cincinnati
5. Tulsa
6. Temple
7. Houston
8. South Florida
9. Central Florida
10. East Carolina
11. Tulane