After what was undoubtedly one of the most exciting NCAA tournaments in a long time, I couldn’t help but get excited for next season. Butler University made an improbable Cinderella run into legitimate title contention before falling to Duke University.
The Finals had everything that sports fans have come to expect from March Madness, a perennial favorite pinned up against a feel-good story. The triumph of the favored Blue Devils over the hopeful Bulldogs left the sports world sad to have baseball season around the corner.
With the recent news of five Kentucky underclassmen declaring early for the 2010 NBA draft and Duke’s Kyle Singler deciding to remain at school for his senior campaign, it is now time to start eyeing next year’s top teams. Although it is still early and not all players have made their final decision on whether they are going pro or not, this is an early look at next year’s top 10.
1. Duke Blue Devils
The national champs are losing three seniors, all starters, but the Blue Devils are not too worried. Singler’s decision takes a load off the Cameron Crazies but besides him, the group shows strong promise. Add in Nolan Smith, who tallied a career high 29 points in the Elite Eight, and you have what might be considered the most dynamic duo going into next year. Along with that, Coach K has brought in Stephen Curry’s younger brother, Liberty transfer Seth, and top point guard recruit Kyrie Irving. Look for another deep run for the Devils.
2. Purdue Boilermakers
The Boilermakers are going to have drive next year. A team full of seniors, the season went downhill for Matt Painter’s squad after All-Big Ten player Robbie Hummel went down with an ACL tear. Assuming a full recover from Hummel, you put him together with seniors Jajuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore. After falling to the Blue Devils in the Sweet Sixteen look for Purdue to rule the Big Ten on their way to a deep NCAA run.
3. Butler Bulldogs
The Bulldogs already have the vote of Coach K as next year’s favorite. Coach Brad Stevens just signed a seven-year contract that will keep the young star in Indianapolis. Staying with him will be star Gordon Hayward and big man Matt Howard. Add in a deep supporting class led by defensive presence Shelvin Mack and the Horizon League champs will quickly escalate to national power prestige.
4. Baylor Bears
Baylor should consider itself lucky. Big man Ekpe Udoh will declare for the draft but superstar scorer LaceDarius Dunn will be back to help run the offense. Replacing Udoh will be top big man recruit Perry Jones. Jones will add to the length the Bears have in the frontcourt with Quincy Acy, Josh Lomers and Anthony Jones. Tweety Carter will be missed at the point guard spot but recruit Stargell Love will be asked to take those duties. Don’t be surprised to see Baylor ahead of traditional powerhouses in the Big 12 next year.
5. Michigan State Spartans
A top notch recruiting class had Tom Izzo looking forward to what could be a third straight Final Four appearance for the Spartans. Raymar Morgan graduates and Kalin Lucas will be finishing up his recovery of a torn Achilles at the start of his senior year, but Draymond Green emerged as a star at the end of this season. Expect the big fella to team up with recruit Adreian Payne in the frontcourt while incoming freshman Keith Appling learns from Lucas.