Yes, I know the college basketball season just ended but it is still the perfect time to reveal my insanely early 2015-16 Top 25 college basketball rankings.  There are still a ton of x-factors as guys are deciding on whether or not they are going to enter the NBA Draft, players are transferring, and seven McDonald’s All-Americans have yet to make their college decision so consider these rankings a rough draft and expect an update in a couple of weeks.
Here is a list of which players have already announced they are transferring and where. Here’s a list of underclassman who have declared for the draft.
Leave a comment below if you think a team is too high, too low, not getting enough respect, or otherwise have an issue with something.
(Click here to see how my 2014-15 way too early preseason college basketball rankings turned out.)
1. KENTUCKY WILDCATS
There are so many variables with who returns and who leaves for the NBA (I took a best-case scenario with my projected lineup below), as well as which undeclared McDonald’s All-Americans end up choosing Kentucky. However it plays out, John Calipari will once again have a loaded lineup. After their remarkable run this season, it’s hard to put anybody but Kentucky at the top line.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Dakari Johnson (Jr)
PF: Skal Labissiere (Fr)/Marcus Lee (Jr)
F: Alex Poythress (Sr)/Derek Willis (Jr)
SG: Devin Booker (So)/Charles Matthews (Fr)
PG: Tyler Ulis (So)/Isaiah Briscoe (Fr)/Dominique Hawkins (Jr)
Gone: F/C-Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C-Karl-Anthony Towns, SG-Aaron Harrison, PG-Andrew Harrison, F-Trey Lyles
2. VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
Assuming Justin Anderson leaves for the NBA, Virginia loses two key players but returns everyone else including their experienced backcourt of Malcolm Brogdon and Landon Perrantes. Tony Bennett has built a culture at UVA that begins on the defensive end and that will keep the Cavs among the best teams in country. If Anderson returns, Virginia could vault to the top spot.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Mike Tobey (Sr)/Jack Salt (rs-Fr)/Jared Reuter (Fr)
F: Anthony Gill (Sr)/Isaiah Wilkins (So)
SF: Marial Shayok (So)/Evan Nolte (Sr)
SG: Malcolm Brogdon (Sr)/Devon Hall (So)
PG: Landon Perrantes (Jr)/Darius Thompson (So)
Gone: SF-Justin Anderson, PF-Darion Atkins, SG-B.J. Stith (transfer-Old Dominion)
3. KANSAS JAYHAWKS
Kelly Oubre has already declared for the NBA draft and Cliff Alexander is likely to follow suit, but Bill Self should return everyone else from his Big 12 title team. The Jayhawks already have one McDonald’s All-American joining the team in Carlton Bragg and are still in contention for a couple of the top undeclared players. Regardless, KU is the class of the conference until somebody dethrones them.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Carlton Bragg (Fr)/Landen Lucas (Jr)/Hunter Mickelson (Sr)
PF: Perry Ellis (Sr)/Jamari Traylor (Sr)
SF: Sviatoslav Mykhailuk (So)
SG: Wayne Selden (Jr)/Brannen Greene (Jr)
PG: Frank Mason (Jr)/Devonte’ Graham (So)
Gone: SF-Kelly Oubre, PF-Cliff Alexander
4. NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS
If Marcus Paige is back on Tobacco Road for his senior season, UNC returns all ten of their rotation players from this past season. With the continued development of their younger guys like Justin Jackson and Kennedy Meeks, the Tar Heels will boast a loaded roster.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Kennedy Meeks (Jr)/Joel James (Sr)
PF: Brice Johnson (Sr)/Isaiah Hicks (Jr)/Luke Maye (Fr)
SF: J.P. Tokoto (Sr)
SG: Justin Jackson (So)/Theo Pinson (So)
PG: Marcus Paige (Sr)/Nate Britt (Jr)/Joel Berry (So)
Gone: PF-Jackson Simmons, PF-Desmond Hubert
5. VILLANOVA WILDCATS
Villanova has carried the Big East flag for the past two seasons and that won’t change next year. Even though Jay Wright loses three starters, he has capable replacements in Big East Sixth Man of the Year Josh Hart and McDonald’s All-American Jalen Brunson.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Daniel Ochefu (Sr)
PF: Kris Jenkins (Jr)/Darryl Reynolds (Jr)/Tim Delaney (Fr)
SF: Josh Hart (Jr)/Mikal Bridges (rsFr)
G: Ryan Arcidiacono (Sr)/Phil Booth (So)/Donte DiVincenzo (Fr)
PG: Jalen Brunson (Fr)
Gone: PF-Jayvaughn Pinkston, G/F-Darrun Hilliard, G-Dylan Ennis (Sr)
6. IOWA STATE CYCLONES
With Georges Niang announcing that he will come back for his senior year, Fred Hoiberg returns six of their top eight scorers while also welcoming a pair of transfers who will add quality depth to the lineup.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Jameel McKay (Sr)Georgios Tsalmpouris (So)
PF: Georges Niang (Sr)
SF: Abdel Nader (Sr)/Deonte Burton (Jr-eligible second semster)
SG: Naz Long (Sr)/Matt Thomas (Jr)
PG: Monte Morris (Jr)/Hallice Cooke (So)
Gone: F-Dustin Hogue, G/F-Bryce Dejean-Jones, PF-Daniel Edozie, PG-Clayton Custer (transfer)
7. MARYLAND TERRAPINS
Melo Trimble’s decision to return to school, combined with the recent commitment of top ten recruit Diamond Stone, the Terps are now at the top of what should be an extremely competitive Big Ten Conference. Mark Turgeon also gets Georgia Tech transfer, Robert Carter eligible and returns the versatile Jake Layman along with some developing sophomores-to-be.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Diamond Stone (Fr)/Damonte Dodd (Jr)/Michal Cekovsky (So)
PF: Robert Carter (Jr)
SF: Jake Layman (Sr)/Dion Wiley (So)
SG: Jared Nickens (So)
PG: Melo Trimble (So)/Jaylen Brantley (Jr)
Gone: SG-Dez Wells, PF-Jon Graham, F-Evan Smotrycz, G-Richaud Pack
For the full Maryland Terrapins season preview go here
8. MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
Michigan State should be right behind Maryland in the likely tightly contested Big Ten race. Tom Izzo loses two valuable starters, but he does get West Virginia transfer Eron Harris eligible and a McDonald’s All-American in Deyonta Davis. As we learned again in this tournament, never count out Sparty and that will certainly be the case next season.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Gavin Schilling (Jr)/Matt Costello (Sr)
PF: Deyonta Davis (Fr)/Marvin Clark (So)
SF: Denzel Valentine (Sr)/Javon Bess (So)
SG: Eron Harris (Jr)/Bryn Forbes(Sr)/Alvin Ellis (Jr)/Matt McQuaid (Fr)/Kyle Aherns (Fr)
PG: Lourawis Nairn (So)/Bryn Forbes(Sr)
Gone: SF-Branden Dawson, PG-Travis Trice
Go here for the 2015-16 Michigan State season preview
9. OKLAHOMA SOONERS
OU’s pre-season ranking depends on Buddy Hield’s NBA Draft decision. If Hield returns, the Sooners bring back four starters and would have top ten potential. If Hield leaves Norman, Oklahoma is a borderline top 25 team.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Ryan Spangler (Sr)/Akolda Manyang (Jr)/Jamuni McNeace (rs-Fr)
PF: Khadeem Lattin (So)/Dante Buford (rs-Fr)/C.J. Cole (Jr)/Richard Odomes (Fr)
SG: Buddy Hield (Sr)/Christian James (Fr)
G: Isaiah Cousins (Sr)/Bola Alade (Fr)
PG: Jordan Woodard (Jr)/Dinjiyl Walker (Sr)
Gone: PF-TaShawn Thomas, F-D.J. Bennett, SG-Frank Booker (transfer)
10. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Injuries ravaged the Wolverines this past season as they missed out on the NCAA Tournament. With pretty much everybody back and Caris LeVert and Derrick Walton returning from injury, John Beilein has a deep, talented roster. If LeVert leaves for the NBA, Michigan would drop closer to the late teens.
(Wolverines make our 5 non-NCAA Tournament teams who will go dancing next year)
Projected Depth Chart
C: Ricky Doyle (So)/Marc Donnal (Jr)/Moritz Wagner (Fr)
G/F: Zack Irvin (Jr)/Kameron Chatman (So)/D.J Wilson (So)
SG: Caris LeVert (Sr)/Aubrey Dawkins (So)/Austin Hatch (So)
G: Spike Albrecht (Sr)/Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman (So)
PG: Derrick Walton (Jr)
Gone: PF/C-Max Bielfeldt (transfer)
2015-2016 Outlook:
11. ARIZONA WILDCATS
Arizona is in the same situation as Kentucky in that their ranking is very much up in the air. It depends on which players declare for the draft. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Brandon Ashely are already gone and Stanley Johnson should follow suit. Kaleb Tarczewski is the x-factor but realistically, Zona could be losing all five starters. Even if they all leave, Sean Miller has reinforcements on the way in Boston College transfer Ryan Anderson and a top ten recruiting class that could get even stronger if any of the undecided McDonald’s All-Americans decide to play in Tucson.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Dusan Ristic (So)/Chance Comanche (Fr)
PF: Ryan Anderson (Sr)
SF: Ray Smith (Fr)/Elliott Pitts (Jr)
SG: Gabe York (Jr)/Alonzo Trier (Fr)/Kadeem Allen (Sr)
PG: Justin Simon (Fr)/Parker Jackson-Cartwright (So)
Gone: PG-T.J. McConnell, SF-Stanley Johnson, SF-Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, PF-Brandon Ashley, C-Kaleb Tarczewski, C-Matt Korcheck
12. INDIANA HOOSIERS
Assuming Yogi Ferrell and Troy Williams don’t make boneheaded decisions leave school early, the Hoosiers should make a significant leap next season. Their weakness this past year was inside play, but McDonald’s All-American, Thomas Bryant should fill that massive hole in the middle.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Thomas Bryant (Fr)/Hanner Mosquera-Perea (Sr)/Jeremiah April (rs-Fr)/Juwan Morgan (Fr)
F: Troy Williams (Jr)/Devin Davis (So)/Colin Hartman (Jr)/Emmitt Holt (So)/Ogugua Anunoby (Fr)
SG: James Blackmon (So)/Nick Zeisloft (Sr)
G: Robert Johnson (So)
PG: Yogi Ferrell (Sr)
Gone: SG-Stanford Robinson, G/F-Max Hoetzel
13. DUKE BLUE DEVILS
Duke is another team with huge question marks heading into next season. Jahlil Okafor and Justise Winslow will be lottery picks but will Tyus Jones follow his fellow freshman to the next level? If so, the Blue Devils have a huge void at point guard. If not, Coach K has enough talent that includes Rice transfer, Sean Obi and a pair of McDonald’s All-Americans. Duke is also another one of those teams that is a finalist for several of the top undeclared 2015’s in the country.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Sean Obi (So)/Marshall Plumlee (Sr)
PF: Chase Jeter (Fr)/Amile Jefferson (Sr)
G/F: Matt Jones (Jr)
SG: Grayson Allen (So)/Luke Kennard (Fr)
PG: Tyus Jones (So)
Gone: C-Jahlil Okafor, G-Quinn Cook, SF-Justise Winslow, SG-Rasheed Sulaimon (transfer), F-Semi Ojeleye (transfer-SMU)
14. WICHITA STATE SHOCKERS
The Shockers will once again be led by their experienced guard combination of Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker. Kansas transfer Connor Frankamp adds even more backcourt talent and there shouldn’t be much of a drop off for Gregg Marshall.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Shaquille Morris (So)/Bush Wamukota (Sr)/Rauno Nurger (So)
F: Evan Wessel (Sr)/Rashard Kelly (So)/Tevin Glass (Sr)/Markis McDuffie (Fr)/Eric Hamilton (Fr)
SG: Ron Baker (Sr)/Zach Brown (So)/Landry Shamet (Fr)
G: Connor Frankamp (So)//Corey Henderson Jr. (So)/Tyrone Taylor (Fr)
PG: Fred VanVleet (Sr)/Ri’an Holland (So)
Gone: SG-Tekele Cotton, PF-Darius Carter
15. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
Even with the graduation of Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton, the Irish will be a major player in the ACC again. Demetrius Jackson is more than capable of running the show while Zach Auguste and Steve Vasturia made major strides this past season.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Zach Auguste (Sr)/Martinas Geben (So)/Austin Burgett (Sr)
PF: Bonzie Colson Jr. (So)/Austin Torres (So)/Elijah Burns (Fr)
SF: V.J. Beachem (Jr)/Matt Ryan (Fr)
SG: Steve Vasturia (Jr)/Rex Pflueger (Fr)
PG: Demetrius Jackson (Jr)/Matt Farrell (So)
Gone: G-Jerian Grant, F-Pat Connaughton
16. BUTLER BULLDOGS
Butler brings back its top three scorers from this past season and also welcomes in N.C. State transfer, Tyler Lewis who will take over at the point.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Andrew Chrabascz (Jr)/Nate Fowler (Fr)
F: Kelan Martin (So)/Tyler Wideman (So)/Jackson Davis (So)
SF: Roosevelt Jones (Sr)
SG: Kellen Dunham (Sr)/Jordan Gathers (Sr)/Sean McDermott (Fr)
PG: Tyler Lewis (Jr)
Gone: PG-Alex Barlow, PF-Kameron Woods, PG-Jackson Aldridge, G/F-Austin Etherington
2015-2016 Outlook:
17. GONZAGA BULLDOGS
The backcourt has been the staple for Mark Few the past several seasons but that will change next year due to the graduation of Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. The good news for the Zags is that they bring back their bigs. They will boast one of the best frontcourts in college basketball next season.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Przemek Karnowski (Sr)/Domantas Sabonis (So)/Ryan Edwards (Jr)
PF: Kyle Wiltjer (Sr)/Angel Nunez (Sr)
G/F: Kyle Dranginis (Sr)
SG: Eric McClellan (Sr)/Silas Melson (So)
PG: Josh Perkins (So)/Jesse Wade (Fr)/Bryan Alberts (rs-Fr)
Gone: PG-Kevin Pangos, SG-Gary Bell Jr.,G/F-Byron Wesley
2015-2016 Outlook:
18. TEXAS A&M AGGIES
Losing four of five to close out SEC play landed the Aggies on the wrong side of the bubble, but that shouldn’t be the case next year. A&M returns their top three scorers led by versatile wings Danuel House and Jalen Jones, while also adding one of the top five recruiting classes in the country including a pair of talented big men. With the experienced Alex Caruso running the show, Texas A&M should be dancing for the first time in the Billy Kennedy era.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Tyler Davis (Fr)/Elijah Bryant (Fr)/Dylan Johns (Jr)
F: Jalen Jones (Sr)/Antwan Space (Sr)/Tavario Miller (Jr)
SF: D.J. Hogg (Fr)/Davonte Fitzgerald (Jr)
SG: Danuel House (Sr)/Peyton Allen (So)/Admon Gilder (Fr)
PG: Alex Caruso (Sr)/Alex Robinson (So)/Avery Johnson Jr. (So)
Gone: F/C-Kourtney Roberson, SG-Jordan Green
19. TEXAS LONGHORNS
Shaka Smart should resurge the ‘Horns as long as they can embrace the havoc being brought to Austin. Seven of their top nine players return and Texas adds some depth with Maryland transfer Shaw Cleare and a pair of top 100 freshmen. Shaka could bring in another piece or two this off-season, and that would help Texas bounce back from a disappointing ‘14-15 season.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Cameron Ridley (Sr)/Prince Ibeh (Sr)
PF: Connor Lammert (Sr)/Shaq Cleare (Jr)
SG: Demarcus Holland (Jr)/Jordan Barnett (So)/Eric Davis (Fr)
G: Isaiah Taylor (Jr)/Kendal Yancy (Jr)
PG: Javan Felix (Sr)/Kerwin Roach (Fr)
Gone: F-Jonathan Holmes, C-Myles Turner, SG-Damarcus Croaker (transfer-Murray State)
20. WISCONSIN BADGERS
With Sam Dekker likely leaving for the NBA, Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig are the only Badgers returning who saw significant minutes this past season. Look, Bo Ryan’s team will always be near the top of the Big Ten standings and they will certainly make the NCAA Tournament again. Period.
However, there also is no chance Wisconsin three-peats as a Final Four team and competes for a number one seed again come March. (Badgers make our 5 elite teams who take a step back next season list)
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Vitto Brown (Jr)/Ethan Happ (rs-Fr)
PF: Nigel Hayes (So)/Alex Illikainen (Fr)/Charlie Thomas (Fr)
SF: Riley Dearing (So)/Khalil Iverson (Fr)
SG: Zak Showalter (Jr)/Brevin Pritzl (Fr)/T.J. Schlundt (rs-Fr)
PG: Bronson Koenig (Jr)/Jordan Hill (Jr)
Gone: C-Frank Kaminsky, SF-Sam Dekker, PG-Traevon Jackson, SG-Josh Gasser,F-Duje Dukan
21. WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
Depth was the key for Bob Huggins this past season and that will be the case once again next year since the Mountaineers return eight of their ten rotation players. With their physical, aggressive style of play, they will continue to cause headaches for their opponents.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Devin Williams (Jr)/Elijah Macon (So)/Brandon Watkins (Jr)
PF: Jonathan Holton (Sr)/Nathan Adrian (Jr)
G/F: Daxter Miles (So)/Esa Ahmad (Fr)/BillyDee Williams (Sr)
G: Jaysean Paige (Jr)/Tarik Phillip (Jr)
PG: Jevon Carter (So)/James Bolden (Fr)
Gone: PG-Juwan Staten, G-Gary Browne
22. PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
The state of Indiana is well represented with the Boilermakers being the fourth team from the “crossroads of America” in our Top 25. Matt Painter should only lose two players from last season; unless A.J. Hammons declares for the NBA Draft.
Projected Depth Chart
C: A.J. Hammons (Sr)/Isaac Haas (So)
F: Vince Edwards (So)/Basil Smotherman (Jr)/Jacquil Taylor (So)
G/F: Raphael Davis (Sr)
SG: Kendall Stephens (Jr)/Dakota Mathias (So)/Ryan Cline (Fr)
PG: P.J. Thompson (So)/Grant Weatherford (Fr)
Gone: PG-Jon Octeus, G-Bryson Scott (transfer)
23. SMU MUSTANGS
For the second straight year, SMU should be the team to beat in the American. Larry Brown has four of his top five guys returning and welcomes in a pair of transfers who should make immediate impacts.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Markus Kennedy (Sr)
PF: Jordan Tolbert (Sr)/Ben Moore (Jr)/Semi Ojeleye (Jr)
SF: Sterling Brown (Jr)/Jarrey Foster (Fr)
SG: Keith Frazier (Jr)/Ben Emelogu (Jr)
PG: Nic Moore (Sr)/Shake Milton (Fr)/Sedrick Barefield (Fr)
Gone: SG-Ryan Manuel, C-Yanick Moriera, C-Cannen Cunningham, SF-Justin Martin
24. FLORIDA GATORS
After being left out of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008, the Gators should rebound next season even with Michael Frazier’s silly decision to turn pro. For Florida to live up to their potential, guys like Kasey Hill, Chris Walker, and Devin Robinson have to make strides with their game.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Chris Walker (Jr)/Josh Egbunu (So)/Noah Dickerson (Fr)/Kevarrius Hayes (Fr)/Schuyler Rimmer (Jr)
F: Dorrian Finney-Smith (Sr)/Alex Murphy (Jr)/Keith Stone (Fr)
SF: Devin Robinson (So)/Brandone Francis (Fr)/DeVon Walker (Jr)
SG: Eli Carter (Sr)/KeVaughn Allen (Fr)/Zach Hodskins (So)
PG: Kasey Hill (Jr)/Chris Chiozza (So)
Gone: SG-Michael Frazier, C-Jon Horford, PF-Jacob Kurtz
25. LSU TIGERS
Even with the decisions of Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey to turn pro, LSU is a team to watch for next season since they bring in the top recruit in the 2015 class Ben Simmons and McDonald’s All-American Antonio Blakeney. They return their entire backcourt as well so guard play will drive this squad while the talent inside is the question mark.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Elliott Robinson (So)/Darcy Malone (Jr)
F: Ben Simmons (Fr)/Brian Bridgewater (Jr)/Aaron Epps (So)
SG: Antonio Blakeney (Fr)/Keith Hornsby (Sr)
G: Tim Quarterman (Jr)
PG: Jaylen Patterson (So)/Josh Gray (Sr)
Gone: C-John Odo, PF-Jordan Mickey, F-Jarrell Martin
Other Teams Considered: Baylor, Ohio State, Louisville, N.C. State, Utah, VCU, Florida State, UConn, Syracuse, San Diego State, UCLA
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities. David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu to Milwaukee. He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft and the most accurate 2012 NBA Mock Draft on the internet , AND the second most accurate 2013 NBA Mock Draft. (Yup, nearly 3peat champ… #humblebrag.)
You can follow him on Twitter at David_Kmiecik.
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