NCAA, Duke, Miami
The University of North Carolina (1): They are so good that if they don't win the NCAA basketball national title people are saying it will tarnish Roy Williams' career there. THE MAN JUST WON A NATIONAL NCAA BASKETBALL TITLE IN 2005! Hansbrough is coming back with Ty Lawson, Deon Thompson, Wayne Ellington, and Marcus Ginyard. That's all five of the starters from last year's Final Four team. They are going to be REALLY good again. Did we really expect anything less?
Duke (8): With UNC getting all of the hype pre-season Duke may be feeling like the awkward step-brother. Just down tobacco road, Duke is very good. They have been hurt the past few years by their lack of talent in the big man department.
Their recruiting class this year includes two very talented young big men that will allow the Blue Devils more freedom around the outside. On top of that they will be taking some pressure off of Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek (especially with Zoubek's history of foot problems). They look strong this year and will make a run at the NCAA tournament Final Four.
Miami (17): Miami is coming back off of a promising season last year. They obtained their first NCAA tournament bid in six years and won their first round game. They only lost the second game to NCAA powerhouse Texas by three points. They have four of five starters returning as well as their sixth man from last year. They have the ACC's best three-point shooter, Jack McClinton, in the backcourt along with Lance Hurdle to handle the ball. They have some strong options in the front court as well so they are a force to be reckoned with this season. They may prove to be one of the best NCAA basketball teams in the nation.
Wake Forest (21): Wake is loaded with talent. They have all five of their starters and all but one of their bench players returning this year. That's five starters and the bench of a team that beat Duke last year. They are all a year older and a year better. Plus, they have an extremely talented recruiting class. They have three big men who will be clamoring to prove themselves and get starts. The Deacons should be able to get to the NCAA tournament this year and will likely make a splash.