NCAA basketball rankings: Gonzaga, Villanova, Virginia headline Top 25

15. Creighton

Honestly, putting Creighton ahead of Kentucky just feels weird. This is a weird year. Ty-Shon Alexander was a huge loss for the Blue Jays, but they can overcome it. They are returning the other four starters. Modestas Kancleris could be a really interesting prospect out of Lithuania. Alex O’Connell transferred from Duke. However unless the NCAA changes their transfer rules, which is something that is on the table, he will have to sit out this year.

14. North Carolina

North Carolina had one of the worst seasons they’ve had in a long time. The last time the Tarheels were under .500, it was 2002. North Carolina could not wait until this season ended. Now, they can look forward. They are moving forward with three five-star recruits in Day’Ron Sharpe, Walker Kessler and Caleb Love. They have a lot of returns as well, so there’s going to be a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.

13. Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the most intriguing teams in the nation. They return most of their starting lineup and add two five-star recruits in Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson. That pushed them to have a top-five recruiting class. The Volunteers had issues with offense last season, but the new recruits should make up for that in a big way. That’s how they jump ahead of Kentucky for the SEC lead, and they could put together a very special season.

12. Texas Tech

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are returning three of their top four scorers. Now, they are adding Marcus Santos-Silva as a graduate transfer from VCU. He plays a ton down low and could give Texas Tech an advantage in that situation. Chris Beard has taken Texas Tech basketball to new heights, which is a strange thing to say about a former Bob Knight team. They could very well compete as one of the top teams in the Big 12, which could turn out to be the most competitive conference in the NCAA at the top.

11. Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers were riding an eight-game winning streak going into the Big Ten Tournament. They might have taken a real run at a title this season if they were able to ride that momentum. Then, the only player they are really losing from this team is Brevin Pritzl. Unlike a lot of players on this list, their recruiting class isn’t expected to make a major impact this season. The Badgers will go into the season as one of the most experienced teams in the NCAA, and in a season with an unusual dynamic like this one, experience matters.