I dont think there is any question about who is gonna be picked first. Kentucky is just too talented, even without Jodie Meeks. But youre right, the East is stacked this year. Vandy, SC, and Tennessee all have a legit shot to contend with Kentucky out in the East. I think in the West it really boils down to us and Ole Miss.
I think the most improved team in the league will be Arkansas. It's hard to win with freshman guards. Fortson and Clarke will be better with a year under their belts. Washington is pretty good bet to average at least the 16 and 10 he put up last year. Welsh is a decent option but will be a small 3 if Fortson and Clarke are the guards. Sanchez fouls too much but if he can learn to stay on the floor he's a good garbage man at the 4. Not sure about Jason Henry's status.
They also have one of the top two home courts in the league. It's a tough place to play even when they are not very good.
I'll go ahead and slot Arkansas in as the #2 team in the West. Possibly UM 3, Bama 4, LSU 5 and Auburn 6.
Losing Huertas and Malcom White will be hard for Ole Miss to overcome even with Terrico White and Chris Warren coming back. Kentucky has alot of talent but they are no sure thing. After all they are freshmen and unpredictable. Losing Meeks will hurt them more than they think. Vandy, UT, and South Carolina will be very solid. Florida does not scare me in the least.
But we are that low because he doesnt think Sidney will ever make it onto the court for MSU.
Florida 5th in the East?!?! My how the mighty have fallen. Constant turnover even kills great programs. All the more reason to recruit players that buy into the system.
Arkansas will be better than last season, but lets face it...they cant be worse.
Florida has fallen off the map. Donovan has been struggling since he lost the dream team. He had a good record last season but his team was very beatable.