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College Basketball AP Top 25 Poll Released: 5 Takeaways

By Connor Learn

March 23, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski speaks to media during practice the day before the semifinals of the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
March 23, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski speaks to media during practice the day before the semifinals of the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 14, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Members of the Kentucky Wildcats women
Oct 14, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Members of the Kentucky Wildcats women /

2. Duke and Kentucky are as loaded as ever

Duke and Kentucky have perennially been bringing in good recruiting classes in recent years, and this year is no different. Kentucky brought in five five-star recruits, while Duke added four five-star recruits and one four-star recruit. It’s conceivable that as many as 12 players on Kentucky and Duke could play their way into first round pick status during this next year. The amount of talent on these teams is staggering.

Duke may take their lumps as they count on so many freshmen, but they simply have too much talent to not be ranked first. Grayson Allen averaged 21.6 points per game a year ago and is a National Player of the Year contender as a junior.  McDonald’s All-American MVP Frank Jackson takes over at point, and possible future top-five pick Jayson Tatum will help create from the wing as well.

Luke Kennard averaged 11.8 points and 8.8 rebounds as a freshman and could be poised to improve on those numbers.  6’10″ freshman Harry Giles has drawn comparisons to Kevin Garnett and may take time to come back from a knee injury… which could be okay because of the presence of freshman five-star center Marques Bolden.

Matt Jones, Chase Jeter, and Amile Jefferson are all players with experience who should provide quality minutes for the Blue Devils game in and game out. Star power, experience, youth and depth—Duke has everything this year.

Kentucky may not have the standout scorers that they have had in years past, but this could be John Calipari’s best defensive squad. The five-star recruits could all end up starting. De’Aaron Fox is a well-rounded point guard who can create his own shot and he will be joined in the backcourt by Malik Monk, a great athlete who should terrorize opposing ball handlers.

Isaiah Briscoe returned for a second season in Kentucky, and will likely play a lot of backcourt minutes as well. The freshman triad of Weynen Gabriel, Sacha Killeya-Jones, and Bam Adebayo, as well as Senior Derek Willis will take most minutes in the front court.

Adebayo in particular should develop buzz, as he will likely play like a man amongst boys and provide a rim presence on both ends as a freshman. It remains unclear just how all of the pieces on Kentucky’s roster will fit together, but John Calipari should find  a good way to use the talented bunch.