NCAA basketball rankings: Gonzaga, Villanova, Virginia headline Top 25
By Nick Villano
20. Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines faced an insane schedule in 2019-20. They played really well against ranked teams at times of Juwan Howard‘s first season, then other times they faltered. It’s what you expect from a team that’s got a first-time head coach running things. They return three starters after losing Zavier Simpson and Jon Teske. They play a pretty tough non-conference schedule (Kentucky, Baylor and Villanova) which could impact this ranking. Isaiah Livers is a key player and makes the Wolverines a lot better. If he can stay healthy, it could make Michigan’s season.
19. Rutgers
It’s been 29 years since Rutgers made the NCAA Tournament, but it seemed like a virtual lock with the team going 20-11 this season. They only lost Shaq Carter and Akwasi Yeboah from the rotation, and it looks like this team will be able to repeat what they did. They also got hometown product Cliff Omoruyi, a four-star recruit. Overall, Steve Pikiell has a really good team in front of him, and they have the ability to avoid 30 years without a tournament appearance.
18. Arizona State
This one is all about Josh Christopher. He’s one of the best transfer recruits, and when he chose Arizona State it took a lot of people by surprise. Now, the Sun Devils have a future NBA player on the roster who can propel them to new heights. While in high school, he was one of two big fish in a little pond, along with Dior Johnson. He’s used to teams putting double teams on him, so he’ll transition nicely to Arizona State. On top of Christopher, the Sun Devils have an experienced core of talented position players.
17. Florida State
Florida State was amazing in 2019-20. They won the ACC for the first time in history, and they look to build off that momentum. However, they are losing a ton of talent. Devin Vassell and Devin Vassell are likely going in the first round of the NBA Draft. Head coach Leonard Hamilton can overcome the loss of star players though. Scottie Barnes is going to be a player to watch from the beginning.
16. Kentucky
Kentucky, as they always do, are losing a ton this offseason. It’s hard to tell what they are going to be after losing their top five scorers, including Immanuel Quickley. They won the SEC once again, and very well could again next season. They have the nation’s top recruiting class. It’s headlined by Terrence Clarke and B.J. Boston, who are projected to be awesome from the get-go. Devin Askew is another promising player with a ton of upside. Still, their entire team will be mostly freshmen.