ESPN releases updated way-too-early college basketball preseason top 25

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•05/03/22•

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College basketball is going to have a ton of talent coming back for another year, making the 2022-2023 season an exciting one, at least on paper. Add in the factor of the transfer portal being as chaotic as ever and conferences are going to be competitive from top to bottom.

ESPN released their way-too-early top 25 ahead of the season, with the North Carolina Tar Heels taking the top spot. A lot of the squad from the national championship appearance will be returning, with center Armando Bacot being the biggest name. It’s going to be a tough task for second-year head coach Hubert Davis, as expectations will be sky-high in Chapel Hill.

A team making a huge jump is the Creighton Bluejays, vaulting to No. 5 after being ranked No. 9. The addition of South Dakota State guard Baylor Scheierman is huge for the program as they are considered early favorites in the Big East.

ESPN’s way-too-early top 25 for college basketball

  1. North Carolina Tar Heels
  2. Houston Cougars
  3. Kentucky Wildcats
  4. UCLA Bruins
  5. Creighton Bluejays
  6. Arkansas Razorbacks
  7. Duke Blue Devils
  8. Kansas Jayhawks
  9. Baylor Bears
  10. Villanova Wildcats
  11. Auburn Tigers
  12. Texas Longhorns
  13. TCU Horned Frogs
  14. Michigan Wolverines
  15. Indiana Hoosiers
  16. Gonzaga Bulldogs
  17. Arizona Wildcats
  18. Alabama Crimson Tide
  19. Tennessee Volunteers
  20. Dayton Flyers
  21. Virginia Cavaliers
  22. Miami Hurricanes
  23. Saint Louis Billikens
  24. UConn Huskies
  25. Xavier Musketeers

Overall, the SEC has five programs listed in the top 25, with two coming within the top 10. Kentucky and Arkansas are going to battle for the conference title next season thanks to the loaded squads their respective head coaches have built. Eric Musselman has brought the Razorbacks to consecutive Elite Eights but their goal will be to take it one step forward and make an appearance in Houston.

The Big 12 is well represented as well, with TCU being a consensus top team in college basketball next year. Eddie Lampkin returning will have a huge impact on how the conference plays out, although Baylor and Kansas are still considered to be at the top.