- http://www.espn.com/mens-college-ba...s-top-college-basketball-way-too-early-top-25
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- Myron MedcalfESPN Staff Writer
Those decisions rocked some programs and enhanced others.
But the guessing games of the past two months have ended, and now we can finally address next season in this early edition of our top 25 poll.
There's still time for decisions, moves and transfers that might alter this list. And in a year without a unanimous No. 1, we expect controversy.
Right now, though, we think the 25 schools below deserve to be in this poll. And we're sure that, unless you're an Arizona fan, you'll disagree. Enjoy.
1. Arizona Wildcats
Key losses: Chance Comanche, Kobi Simmons, Lauri Markkanen, Kadeem Allen
Key additions: DeAndre Ayton, Brandon Randolph, Emmanuel Akot
First Way-Too-Early ranking: 11
In a 24-hour span this week, Arizona rose up the preseason rankings when Rawle Alkins withdrew from the NBA draft and Emmanuel Akot (No. 21 in the ESPN 60 for the 2018 class) reclassified into the 2017 class. The class was ranked fourth overall before Akot's move and was already anchored by DeAndre Ayton, the No. 2 incoming prospect in the ESPN 100. Allonzo Trier (17.2 PPG) should earn a spot on most preseason All-American first teams. Dusan Ristic and Parker Jackson-Cartwright give coach Sean Miller a pair of talented vets who will round out a starting rotation unrivaled on the West Coast. Plus, the staff is excited about Brandon Randolph's potential to evolve into a playmaker in his first season. Yes, Miller is still chasing his first trip to the Final Four, but his roster for next season presents a challenge for any opponent in the country, which means his season might end with a spot in San Antonio in 2018.
2. Kansas Jayhawks
Key losses: Frank Mason III, Josh Jackson, Landen Lucas
Key additions: Malik Newman, Billy Preston, Marcus Garrett, Sam Cunliffe
First Way-Too-Early ranking: 9
Svi Mykhailiuk's return allows Kansas to make the case it now owns the nation's best backcourt. Mykhailiuk, Devonte' Graham and Mississippi State transfer Malik Newman, a former top-10 recruit, will merge into a strong unit that can lead Kansas to another Big 12 championship. And Billy Preston is a 6-foot-10, 230-pound power forward who has the skills to compete in the paint the day he arrives. With a healthy Udoka Azubuike, Kansas will have the frontcourt strength to battle any opponent. It's never easy to move forward after losing a Wooden Award winner like Frank Mason or a potential top-three pick like Josh Jackson. But Kansas has an intriguing roster with weapons at every spot on the floor.
3. Michigan State Spartans
Key losses: Eron Harris, Alvin Ellis III
Key additions: Jaren Jackson, Xavier Tillman, Ben Carter
First Way-Too-Early ranking: 12
Miles Bridges (16.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 39 percent from the 3-point line) compiled numbers that would send most sensational freshmen to the NBA draft. But Bridges refused the one-and-done experience to return to a dynamic Michigan State squad that could dominate the Big Ten after a rare finish outside the top four in the conference standings last season. His presence next to five-star recruit Jaren Jackson gives the Spartans a combination of talent that few programs in the country will be able to defend. And it doesn't end there. Nick Ward (13.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG) leads a group that will return four of its top-five scorers from last season. Ben Carter (8.6 PPG in 2015-16 at UNLV) finally gets a chance to contribute after missing last season because of a knee injury. Gavin Schilling and freshman Xavier Tillman will enhance coach Tom Izzo's frontcourt. His squad isn't higher in this poll, because it's not clear if the Spartans addressed their challenges with turnovers (20.5 percent of their possessions, 304th) and free throws (67 percent, 285th).