Kansas is the favorite to win this year's title

No. 1: Kansas

The Jayhawks will enter the 2009-10 season as the favorites to win their second national title in three years thanks to the return of Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins. Both are All-America and National Player of the Year candidates who will be the clear-cut leaders of a team that returns all five starters from a squad that lost to Michigan State in last year’s Sweet 16. more

Kansas is the favorite to win this year's title

Athlon's Preseason Top 25

Athlon counts down the men's college basketball preseason Top 25.

2009 College Hoops Mags

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Inside The Paint Podcast

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Kalin Lucas leads the Spartans again in 2009-10

2009 Michigan State Spartans Hoops Preview

The Spartans return the Big Ten Player of the Year in point guard Kalin Lucas, and they possess plenty of high-end talent and potential. However, Michigan State will be short on Tom Izzo-brand intangibles in the frontcourt, which could make it difficult for the Spartans to reach their ultimate goal in 2010.

Texas has more depth than any team in the nation

2009 Texas Longhorns Hoops Preview

The Longhorns have more versatility and depth than at any time since Rick Barnes’ team went to the Final Four in 2003 led by point guard T.J. Ford. This year’s version of Ford may well be incoming freshman Avery Bradley, a player whose stock has skyrocketed since the 6'3" guard committed to the Longhorns in September 2008.

The table is set for Purdue to take the next step

2009 Purdue Boilermakers Hoops Preview

Finally, it’s Purdue that has the experience. After being ousted in the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons by battle-tested, veteran teams — Xavier in 2008, UConn in ’09 — the Boilermakers finally are loaded with upperclassmen who have experience playing in the postseason.

North Carolina is back to defend its national championship

2009 North Carolina Tar Heels Hoops Preview

The Tar Heels enter 2009-10 without their top four scorers from a year ago, but in many ways, this season will represent business as usual in Chapel Hill. Five McDonald’s All-Americans left town, but four more have showed up to take their place. Plus, Roy Williams has experience retooling after a national championship season.

John Calipari looks to take Kentucky back to the top

2009 Kentucky Wildcats Hoops Preview

John Calipari was hired April 1 and even at that late date managed to assemble the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class — including the nation’s top point guard, John Wall. Calipari will place his talented new pieces around junior forward Patrick Patterson to construct a team that will be short on experience but long on talent.