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Early top 25 for 2017-18 college basketball: Post-early entry deadline

By Chris Stone

March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) dunks to score a basket against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) dunks to score a basket against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American guard Collin Sexton (10) dribbles the ball against McDonalds High School All-American guard Gary Trent Jr. (2) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American guard Collin Sexton (10) dribbles the ball against McDonalds High School All-American guard Gary Trent Jr. (2) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Alabama Crimson Tide

Notable departures: Brandon Austin, Corban Collins, Shannon Hale, Nick King, Bola Olaniyan, Jimmy Taylor
Notable returnees: Ar’Mond Davis, Donta Hall, Dazon Ingram, Avery Johnson Jr., Braxton Key, Riley Norris
Notable newcomers: Daniel Giddens, Herb Jones, John Petty, Alex Reese, Collin Sexton, Galin Smith

The Alabama Crimson Tide earned this ranking on the back of a special combination of returning talent and incoming recruits. The Tide return their three leadings scorers from last season — Braxton Key, Dazon Ingram and Riley Norris — while head coach Avery Johnson will also welcome a top 10 recruiting class to campus.

The highlight of that group is 5-star point guard Collin Sexton. The 6-foot-2 incoming freshman is arguably the top point guard in the 2017 class because of his ability to score in a variety of ways. Sexton is built for penetrating defenses and attacking the basket or passing out to teammates on the perimeter. He’ll bring a much needed scoring punch to a team that ranked 153rd in offensive efficiency last season. Sexton will be joined by two 4-star recruits, John Petty and Alex Reese, who should be able to contribute at least in a small role right away.

Ohio State transfer Daniel Giddens will also join the team this fall. The 6-foot-10 big man didn’t do much in 18 minutes per game as a freshman in Columbus, but he did average 3.3 blocks per 40 minutes, which should help Alabama retain some of the interior presence that made it a top 10 defense a year ago.