Yes, I know the college basketball season is just ending but it is still the perfect time to reveal my insanely early 2016-17 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 a few 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 2015-16 way too early preseason college basketball rankings turned out.)
1. DUKE BLUE DEVILS
Despite likely losing four starters, Coach K reloads with two of the top recruits in the country, Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum, and another McDonald’s All-American, Frank Jackson. Luke Kennard, Derryck Thornton, and Chase Jeter should see increased roles while Matt Jones will be counted on for leadership.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Harry Giles (Fr)/Sean Obi (Jr)
F: Jayson Tatum (Fr)/Chase Jeter (So)/Javin DeLaurier (Fr)/Antonio Vrankovic (So)
G/F: Luke Kennard (So)/Jack White (Fr)
SG: Matt Jones (Sr)
PG: Derryck Thornton (So)/Frank Jackson (Fr)
Gone: SG-Grayson Allen, SF-Brandon Ingram, PF-Amile Jefferson, C-Marshall Plumlee
2. VILLANOVA WILDCATS
Coming off their trip to the National Championship game, Nova is locked and loaded for next year. Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, and Jalen Brunson return to the starting lineup while roles players like Mikal Bridges, Phil Booth, and Darryl Reynolds are back as well. Freshman Omari Spellman brings some beef inside and Fordham transfer, Eric Paschall should make a major impact.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Omari Spellman (Fr)/Darryl Reynolds (Sr)/Dylan Painter (Fr)
PF: Kris Jenkins (Sr)/Eric Paschall (So)/Tim Delaney (rs-Fr)
SF: Mikal Bridges (Jr)
SG: Josh Hart (Sr)/Phil Booth (Jr)/Donte DiVincenzo (So)
PG: Jalen Brunson (So)
Gone: G-Ryan Arcidiacono, C-Daniel Ochefu
3. KENTUCKY WILDCATS
In a typical John Calipari publicity move, the entire UK roster declared for the draft so there is still a lot to figure out about what their roster will really look like next year (my guess is below.) Regardless of who stays or leaves, the Wildcats bring in another stellar recruiting class that should have them thinking National Title next year
Projected Depth Chart
C: Bam Adebayo (Fr)/Isaac Humphries (So)/Tai Wynyard (Fr)
PF: Wenyen Gabriel (Fr)/Derek Willis (Sr)/Sacha Killeya-Jones (Fr)
SG: Malik Monk (Fr)/Charles Matthews (So)
G: Isaiah Briscoe (So)/ Mychal Mulder (Sr)/Dominique Hawkins (Sr)
PG: De’Aaron Fox (Fr)
Gone: PG-Tyler Ulis, C-Skal Labissiere, SG-Jamal Murray, F-Alex Poythress, PF-Marcus Lee
4. KANSAS JAYHAWKS
With the return of their spectacular guard duo of Devonte’ Graham and Frank Mason, KU will once again be the team to beat in the Big 12. Cheick Diallo has declared for the NBA Draft but should return for his sophomore year so he and Carlton Bragg must step into bigger roles to help replace Perry Ellis.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Landen Lucas (Sr)/Dwight Coleby (Jr)/Udoka Azubuike (Fr)
PF: Carlton Bragg (So)/Cheick Diallo (So)/Mitchell Lightfoot (Fr)
G/F: Sviatoslav Mykhailuk (Jr)
G: Devonte’ Graham (Jr)/LaGerald Vick (So)
PG: Frank Mason (Sr)
Gone: PF-Perry Ellis, SG-Wayne Selden, F/C-Jamari Traylor, C-Hunter Mickelson, G/F-Brannen Greene
5. VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
Tony Bennett keeps the UVA train rolling next year despite losing a terrific senior core. London Perrantes’ experience puts him in charge while Memphis transfer, Austin Nichols is a big addition inside. The Cavs have role players who should be ready to see an increased load and immediate impact freshmen making this team another Final Four contender.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Austin Nichols (Sr)/Jack Salt (So)/Jared Reuter (So)/Jay Huff (Fr)
F: Isaiah Wilkins (Jr)/DeAndre Hunter (Fr)
G/F: Darius Thompson (So)/Marial Shayok (Jr)
SG: Devon Hall (Jr)/Kyle Guy (Fr)
PG: London Perrantes (Sr)/Ty Jerome (Fr)
Gone: SG-Malcolm Brogdon, PF-Anthony Gill, C-Mike Tobey, F-Evan Nolte
6. OREGON DUCKS
Dana Altman just knows how to coach up his teams and with four starters returning from their Elite 8 team, it should be more of the same in 2016-17.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Chris Boucher (Sr)/Michael Cage Jr. (Fr)
PF: Jordan Bell (Jr)/Roman Sorkin (So)
SF: Dillon Brooks (Jr)/Keith Smith (Fr)
G: Tyler Dorsey (So)/Kendall Small (So)
PG: Casey Benson (Jr)/Peyton Pritchard (Fr)
Gone: F-Elgin Cook, SF-Dwayne Benjamin, PG-Dylan Ennis
7. ARIZONA WILDCATS
Zona is likely to trot four new starters onto the floor next year but that should not deter them from once again being among the elite of the Pac-12. Sean Miller brings in two top twenty recruits, Rawle Alkins and Kobi Simmons, while unsigned McDonald’s All-Americans Josh Jackson and Terrence Ferguson have the Cats in their final three. Ray Smith returns after missing all of last season with a torn ACL while Alonzo Trier should continue to blossom next year.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Dusan Ristic (Jr)/Chance Comanche (So)
F: Ray Smith (Fr)/Lauri Markkanen (Fr)
G/F: Rawle Alkins (Fr)/Elliott Pitts (Sr)
SG: Alonzo Trier (So)/Kadeem Allen (Sr)
PG: Kobi Simmons (Fr)/Parker Jackson-Cartwright (Jr)
Gone: C-Kaleb Tarczewski, PF-Ryan Anderson, SG-Gabe York, F-Mark Tollefson, PG-Justin Simon (transfer)
8. MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
The Spartans lose three major contributors including do it all superstar, Denzel Valentine but Tom Izzo welcomes one of the top recruiting classes in the country which may not be done. If Deyonta Davis decides to stay for his sophomore year, the Spartans have the talent to make a deep run in March.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Deyonta Davis (So)/Gavin Schilling (Sr)/Nick Ward (Fr)
F: Miles Bridges (Fr)
G/F: Matt McQuaid (So)/Josh Langford (Fr)
SG: Eron Harris (Sr)/Alvin Ellis (Sr)/Kyle Aherns (So)
PG: Lourawis Nairn (Jr)/Cassius Winston (Fr)
Gone: SG-Denzel Valentine, C-Matt Costello, SG-Bryn Forbes, F-Corey Wallenman, F-Marvin Clark (transfer), F-Javon Bess (transfer)
9. XAVIER MUSKETEERS
X loses two role players but return a solid core assuming both Trevon Blueitt and Jalen Reynolds are only testing the NBA Draft waters and end up returning to school. Edmond Sumner should be even better next year once again surrounded by talented shooters. Norfolk State transfer RaShid Gaston also adds more physicality inside.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Jalen Reynolds (Sr)/RaShid Gaston (Sr)/Sean O’Mara (Jr)
F: Trevon Bluiett (Jr)/Kaiser Gates (So)/Makinde London (So)/Tyrique Jones (Fr)/Eddie Ekiyor (Fr)
SG: J.P. Macura (Jr)
G: Myles Davis (Sr)/Quentin Goodin (Fr)
PG: Edmond Sumner (So)/Larry Austin (Jr)
Gone: C-James Farr, SG-Remy Abell
10. NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS
With Marcus Paige and Brice Johnson graduating, expect to see a more balanced attack next year from UNC.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Kennedy Meeks (Sr)/Tony Bradley (Fr)
PF: Isaiah Hicks (Sr)/Luke Maye (So)
SF: Justin Jackson (Jr)
SG: Theo Pinson (Jr)/Kenny Williams (So)/Brandon Robinson (Fr)
PG: Joel Berry (Jr)/Nate Britt (Sr)/Seventh Woods (Fr)
Gone: PF-Brice Johnson, PG-Marcus Paige, C-Joel James
11. WISCONSIN BADGERS
Everybody returns for Wisconsin who should be in a good position to make their fourth straight Sweet 16.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Ethan Happ (So)/Charlie Thomas (So)
PF: Vitto Brown (Sr)/Alex Illikainen (So)/Andy van Vliet (Fr?)
SF: Nigel Hayes (Jr)/Khalil Iverson (So)
SG: Zak Showalter (Sr)/Brevin Pritzl (rs-Fr)/T.J. Schlundt (So)
PG: Bronson Koenig (Sr)/Jordan Hill (Jr)
Gone: nobody
12. INDIANA HOOSIERS
Thomas Bryant and Troy Williams have yet to announce what their future holds, but assuming both are back at IU next year, the Hoosiers should be near the top of the Big Ten. Replacing Yogi Ferrell will not be easy but getting James Blackmon healthy should help.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Thomas Bryant (So)/De’Ron Davis (Fr)
PF: Colin Hartman (Sr)/Juwan Morgan (So)
SF: Troy Williams (Sr)/OG Anunoby (So)
SG: James Blackmon (Jr)/Curtis Jones (Fr)/Grant Gelon (Fr)
PG: Robert Johnson (Jr)/Devonte Green (Fr)
Gone: PG-Yogi Ferrell, C-Max Bielfeldt, SG-Nick Zeisloft
13. SETON HALL PIRATES
Isaiah Whitehead is testing the NBA Draft waters so the Hall’s projection for next year depends on whether or not he returns. If he is back, the Pirates only loses one major contributor while adding Kansas State transfer, Jevon Thomas and sharpshooting freshman, Myles Powell.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Angel Delgado (Jr)/Rashed Anthony (Jr)
PF: Desi Rodriguez (Jr)/Michael Nzei (Jr)/Myles Carter (So)
SF: Ismael Sanogo (Jr)/Veer Singh (So)
SG: Khadeen Carrington (Jr)/Myles Powell (Fr)/Dalton Soffer (So)
PG: Isaiah Whitehead (Jr)/Jevon Thomas (Jr)
Gone: PF-Braeden Anderson, SG-Derrick Gordon
14. UCLA BRUINS
Coming off an incredibly disappointing season, the Bruins return everyone but Tony Parker. They also add the incredibly versatile Lonzo Ball who should be one of the biggest impact freshmen in the country next year. UCLA should be LOADED at guard next year.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Thomas Welsh (So)/Ikenna Okwarabizie (Jr)/Jonah Bolden (So)/Ike Anigbogu (Fr)
PF: T.J. Leaf (Fr)/Gyorgy Goloman (Jr)/Alex Olesinski (So)
G/F: Isaac Hamilton (Jr)/Noah Allen (Sr)/Kobe Paras (Fr)
G: Bryce Alford (Jr)/Prince Ali (So)
PG: Lonzo Ball (Fr)/Aaron Holiday (So)
Gone: F/C-Tony Parker
15. SYRACUSE ORANGE
Cuse loses two extremely valuable seniors and Malachi Richardson could end up bolting for the NBA with how well he played in the Orange’s Elite 8 game. Assuming Richardson does return, Syracuse has a talented team that includes top 50 recruits Tyus Battle and Michael Moyer along with Providence transfer Paschal Chukwu. The point guard position is an x-factor.
Projected Depth Chart
C: DaJuan Coleman (Sr)/Paschal Chukwu (So)/Chinoso Obokoh (Sr)
PF: Tyler Lydon (So)/Michael Moyer (Fr)
SF: Tyler Roberson (Sr)
SG: Malachi Richardson (So)/Tyus Battle (Fr)
PG: Franklin Howard (So)/Kaleb Joseph (Jr)
Gone: G/F-Michael Gbinije, SG-Trevor Cooney
16. DAYTON FLYERS
With four starters returning and the addition of Bradley transfer Josh Cunningham, the Flyers should be the cream of the A-10 crop and once again a regular in the top 25.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Steve McElvene (So)/Sam Miller (So)/Xeyrius Williams (So)
F: Kendall Pollard (Sr)/Josh Cunningham (So)/Ryan Mikesell (So)
G/F: Charles Cooke (Sr)/Trey Sanders (Fr)
G: Kyle Davis (Sr)/Darrell Davis (Jr)
PG: Scoochie Smith (Sr)/John Crosby (So)
Gone: PF-Dyshawn Pierre, F-Bobby Wehrli
18. IOWA STATE CYCLONES
The ‘Clones lose their skilled starting froncourt but return starting guards Monte Morris and Matt Thomas. Former Arkansas wing, Nick Weiler-Babb continues the ISU transfer tradition while Steve Prohm adds five new faces including a pair of JUCO transfers.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Cameron Lard (Fr)/Emmanuel Malou (JUCO)
F: Deonte Burton (Sr)/Solomon Young (Fr)/Simeon Carter (So)
G/F: Nick Weiler-Babb (Jr)/Jakolby Long (Fr)
SG: Matt Thomas (Sr)/Donovan Jackson (JUCO)
PG: Monte Morris (Sr)/Hallice Cooke (Jr)
Gone: PF-Georges Niang, C-Jameel McKay, SG-Naz Mitrou-Long, F-Abdel Nader
18. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Michigan returns six of their top seven scores, only losing Caris LeVert who missed half of the year due to injury. They should be a deep and balanced team.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Marc Donnal (Sr)/Moritz Wagner (So)/Jon Teske (Fr)/Austin Davis (Fr)
G/F: Zack Irvin (Sr)/Kameron Chatman (Jr)/D.J Wilson (So)
SG: Duncan Robinson (Jr)/Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman (Jr)
SG: Aubrey Dawkins (Jr)/Ibi Watson (Fr)
PG: Derrick Walton (Sr)/Xavier Simpson (Fr)
Gone: SG-Caris LeVert, PG-Spike Albrecht (transfer), C-Ricky Doyle (transfer)
19. WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
Devin Williams’ decision to turn pro was surprising and hurts the Mountaineers a bit but Bob Huggins still has a deep team returning. With their pressure-filled style of play, West Virginia should be a Top 25 squad.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Nathan Adrian (Sr)/Brandon Watkins (Sr)/Segaba Konate (Fr)
F: Elijah Macon (Jr)/Esa Ahmad (So)/Maciej Bender (Fr)/Lamont West (rsFr?)
SG: Daxter Miles (Jr)/Chase Harler (Fr)
G: Tarik Phillip (Sr)/Teyvon Myers (Sr)
PG: Jevon Carter (Jr)/James Bolden (rsFr?)/Brandon Knapper (Fr)
Gone: PF-Devin Williams, G-Jaysean Paige, F-Jonathan Holton
20. GONZAGA BULLDOGS
The Zags lose a ton inside but add two key transfers in Nigel Williams-Goss and Jonathan Williams III. Their guard play should be solid but the question mark is who mans the middle?
Projected Depth Chart
C: Zach Collins (Fr)/Ryan Edwards (Jr)/Jacob Larsen (Fr)
F: Jonathan Williams III (Jr)/Killian Tillie (Fr)/Rui Hachimura (Fr)
SG: Silas Melson (So)/Zach Norvell (Fr)
G: Josh Perkins (Jr)/Bryan Alberts (So)
PG: Nigel Williams-Goss (Jr)
Gone: PF-Kyle Wiltjer, F/C-Domantas Sabonis, C-Przemek Karnowski, SF-Kyle Dranginis, G-Eric McClellan
21. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
The Buckeyes have already been hit by the transfer bug which may affect their depth, but Thad Matta still returns his entire starting five and top six scorers.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Trevor Thompson (Jr)/David Bell (So)/Micah Potter (Fr)
F: Jae’Sean Tate (Jr)/Derek Funderburk (Fr)
SF: Keita Bates-Diop (Jr)
G/F: Marc Loving (Sr)/Kameron Williams (Sr)
PG: JaQuan Lyle (So)
Gone: C-Daniel Giddens (transfer), PG-A.J. Harris (transfer), F-Mickey Mitchell (transfer), SG-Austin Grandstaff (transfer-Oklahoma)
22. LOUISVILLE CARDINALS
The Cards lose their top two scorers and will need their young players and Penn transfer, Tony Hicks to step into bigger roles. If Chinanu Onuaku decides to stay in the NBA Draft, that would be a tough blow for Rick Pitino.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Chinanu Onuaku (Jr)/Mangok Mathiang (Sr)/Anas Mahmoud (Jr)/Matz Stockman (Jr)
F: Raymond Spalding (So)/Deng Adel (So)
F: Jaylen Johnson (Jr)/V.J. King (Fr)
SG: Donovan Mitchell (So)/Tony Hicks (Sr)/David Levitch (Sr)
PG: Quentin Snider (Jr)
Gone: G/F-Damion Lee, SG-Trey Lewis
23. USC TROJANS
Even though USC has already lost a few players to transfer, the Trojans still bring back six of their top seven scorers and add Louisville transfer, Shaqquan Aaron.
Projected Depth Chart
F/C: Nikola Jovanovic (Sr)/Chimezie Metu (So)
PF: Bennie Boatwright (Fr)/Harrison Henderson (Fr)
SF: Shaqquan Aaron (So)
G: Julian Jacobs (Sr)/Elijah Stewart (Jr)/De’Anthony Melton (Fr)
PG: Jordan McLaughlin (Jr)/Jonah Matthews (Fr)
Gone: PF-Strahinja Gavrilovic, SG-Katin Reinhardt (transfer), PF-Darion Clark (transfer), PF/C-Malik Martin (transfer), G/F-Malik Marquetti (transfer)
24. MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES
The Golden Eagles return their entire roster minus likely lottery pick, Henry Ellenson while adding a needed shooter, UNC-Asheville transfer Andrew Rowsey, and pair of top 100 freshman in Markus Howard and Sam Hauser. Coach Wojo is loaded with talent on the perimeter but size is a concern with Luke Fischer being their lone proven post player. Expect to see Marquette frequently use a four-guard look.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Luke Fischer (Sr)/Matt Heldt (So)
G/F: JaJuan Johnson (Sr)/F: Sandy Cohen (Jr)/Wally Ellenson (Sr)/Sacar Anim (So)
G: Haanif Cheatham (So)/Sam Hauser (Fr)
G: Duane Wilson (Jr)/Andrew Rowsey (Jr)
PG: Traci Carter (So)/Markus Howard (Fr)
Gone: PF-Henry Ellenson
25. UCONN HUSKIES
Daniel Hamilton could leave early for the NBA but assuming he returns, UConn is the favorite in the American. Jalen Adams will carry the load at point but freshman Alterique Gilbert should make an immediate impact. VCU transfer Terry Larrier adds versatility at forward.
Projected Depth Chart
C: Amida Brimah (Sr)/Steven Enoch (So)
PF: Kentan Facey (Sr)/Juwan Durham (Fr)/Mamadou Diarra (Fr)
SF:Â Terry Larrier (So)/Vance Jackson (Fr)
SG: Rodney Purvis (Sr)
PG: Jalen Adams (So)/Alterique Gilbert (Fr)
Gone: SF-Daniel Hamilton, PG-Sterling Gibbs, PF-Shonn Miller, C-Phillip Nolan, SG-Omar Calhoun, G-Sam Cassell Jr. (transfer)
Also considered: VCU, St. Mary’s, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Miami FL, Providence, Florida State, Florida, Butler, Texas, Rhode Island
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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