It was always an unlikely scenario, I acknowledge. But Michigan could've theoretically returned every player from a roster that won 30 games last season and finished sixth at KenPom. With that kind of talent and experience, and John Beilein on the sideline, I would've probably made the Wolverines the No. 1 team in the 2019-20 CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 preseason college basketball rankings.
Things didn't break that way, though.
Instead, Michigan's top three scorers — Ignas Brazdeikis, Charles Matthews and Jordan Poole — each entered, and made it clear they intend to remain in, the 2019 NBA Draft. And then, on Monday, the program took a real blow when to be the coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a result, I've removed the Wolverines from the Top 25 And 1. They've been replaced by Utah State — which is expected to return the top four scorers from a 28-win team.
As always, I've updated these rankings to reflect where 247Sports Crystal Ball Predictions currently have any relevant uncommitted Class of 2019 prospects projected to enroll. That's why 5-star forward Jaden McDaniels is now on Kentucky's projected roster, why 5-star guard RJ Hampton is now on Kansas' projected roster, and why 5-star forward Precious Achiuwa is now on Memphis' projected roster. If and when those Crystal Ball Predictions change, these rankings will change again. Then I'll simply rinse and repeat, as much as necessary, until the season begins in November.
Top 25 And 1
| 1 |  |
| Coach: Tom Izzo 2018-19 record: 32-7 Notable players definitely gone: Nick Ward, Matt McQuaid, Kenny Goins Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Cassius Winston, Joshua Langford, Xavier Tillman, Aaron Henry, Kyle Ahrens, Gabe Brown, Foster Loyer, Thomas Kithier, Marcus Bingham Expected additions: Malik Hall, Rocket Watts, Julius Marble | |
| 2 |  |
| Coach: Mike Krzyzewski 2018-19 record: 32-6 Notable players definitely gone: Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Tre Jones, Marques Bolden, Alex O'Connell, Jack White, Javin DeLaurier, Jordan Goldwire, Joey Baker Expected additions: Vernon Carey, Wendell Moore, Matthew Hurt, Cassius Stanley | |
| 3 |  |
| Coach: John Calipari 2018-19 record: 30-7 Notable players definitely gone: Reid Travis, PJ Washington, Tyler Herro, Keldon Johnson, Jemarl Baker Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley, Nick Richards, EJ Montgomery Expected additions: Jaden McDaniels, Nate Sestina, Kahlil Whitney, Tyrese Maxey, Johnny Juzang, Keion Brooks, Dontaie Allen, Brennan Canada | |
| 4 |  |
| Coach: Chris Mack 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players definitely gone: Christen Cunningham, Khwan Fore, V.J. King Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Jordan Nwora, Dwayne Sutton, Steven Enoch, Malik Williams, Ryan McMahon, Darius Perry Expected additions: Lamarr Kimble, Samuell Williamson, Aidan Igheion, David Johnson, Josh Nickelberry, Jaelyn Withers, Quinn Slazinski | |
| 5 |  |
Coach: Bill Self 2018-19 record: 26-10 Notable players definitely gone: Dedric Lawson, Lagerald Vick, KJ Lawson, Charlie Moore, Quintin Grimes Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson, Ochai Agbaji, Marcus Garrett, David McCormack, Mitch Lightfoot Expected additions: RJ Hampton, Isaac McBride, Christian Braun, Tristan Enaruna | |
| 6 |  |
| Coach: Penny Hardaway 2018-19 record: 22-14 Notable players definitely gone: Jeremiah Martin, Kyvon Davenport, Kareem Brewton, Raynere Thornton, Mike Parks, Antwann Jones Other expected departures: Victor Enoh, David Wingett Notable players expected to return: Tyler Harris, Isaiah Maurice, Alex Lomax Expected additions: James Wiseman, Precious Achiuwa, Boogie Ellis, D.J. Jeffries, Lester Quinones, Malcolm Dandridge, Damion Baugh, Lance Thomas, Ryan Boyce, Rayjon Tucker | |
| 7 |  |
| Coach: Mark Turgeon 2018-19 record: 23-11 Notable players definitely gone: Bruno Fernando, Ivan Bender Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Anthony Cowan, Jalen Smith, Darryl Morsell, Aaron Wiggins, Serrel Smith, Eric Ayala, Ricky Lindo Expected additions: Makhi Mitchel, Makhel Mitchell, Donta Scott, Chol Marial, Hakim Hart | |
| 8 |  |
| Coach: Roy Williams 2018-19 record: 29-7 Notable players definitely gone: Coby White, Cameron Johnson, Luke Maye, Kenny Williams, Nassir Little, Seventh Woods Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Garrison Brooks, Sterling Manley, Brandon Robinson, Leaky Black Expected additions: Cole Anthony, Armando Bacot, Anthony Harris, Jeremiah Francis, Christian Keeling, Justin Pierce | |
| 9 |  |
| Coach: Tony Bennett 2018-19 record: 35-3 Notable players definitely gone: De'Andre Hunter, Ty Jerome, Kyle Guy, Jack Salt Other expected departures: Marco Anthony Notable players expected to return: Mamadi Diakite, Braxton Key, Jay Huff, Kihei Clark Expected additions: Kadin Shedrick, Casey Morsell, Justin McKoy, Tomas Woldetensae | |
| 10 |  |
Coach: Mark Few 2018-19 record: 33-4 Notable players definitely gone: Brandon Clarke, Rui Hachimura, Zach Norvell, Josh Perkins, Geno Crandall, Jeremy Jones Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Corey Kispert, Killian Tillie, Filip Petrusev, Joel Ayayi Expected additions: Admon Gilder, Drew Timme, Anton Watson, Pavel Zakharov, Oumar Ballo, Martynas Arlauskas, Brock Ravet | |
| 11 |  |
| Coach: Kevin Willard 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players definitely gone: Michael Nzei Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Darnell Brodie, Myles Powell, Myles Cale, Romaro Gill, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quincy McKnight, Anthony Nelson, Taurean Thompson Expected additions: Ikey Obiagu, Tyrese Samuel, Dashawn Davis | |
| 12 |  |
| Coach: Jay Wright 2018-19 record: 26-10 Notable players definitely gone: Phil Booth, Eric Paschall, Joe Cremo, Jahvon Quinerly Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Collin Gillispie, Saddiq Bey, Jermaine Samuels, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Cole Swider, Brandon Slater, Tim Delaney Expected additions: Bryan Antoine, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Justin Moore, Eric Dixon | |
| 13 |  |
| Coach: Dana Altman 2018-19 record: 25-13 Notable players definitely gone: Bol Bol, Louis King, Paul White, Victor Bailey, Ehab Amin Other expected departures: Miles Norris Notable players expected to return: Payton Pritchard, Kenny Wooten, Will Richardson, Francis Okoro Expected additions: CJ Walker, Isaac Johnson, Chandler Lawson, Chris Duarte | |
| 14 |  |
| Coach: Sean Miller 2018-19 record: 17-15 Notable players definitely gone: Justin Coleman, Ryan Luther Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Brandon Randolph, Brandon Williams, Chase Jeter, Dylan Smith, Ira Lee, Devonaire Doutrive, Alex Barcello Expected additions: Max Hazzard, Nico Mannion, Josh Green, Zeke Nnaji, Terry Armstrong, Christian Koloko, Stone Gettings | |
| 15 |  |
| Coach: Bruce Pearl 2018-19 record: 30-10 Notable players definitely gone: Bryce Brown, Jared Harper, Malik Dunbar, Horace Spencer, Chuma Okeke, Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Samir Doughty, Austin Wiley, Anfernee McLemore, J'Von McCormick, Danjel Purifoy Expected additions: Isaac Okoro, Tyrell Jones, Jaylin Williams, Babatunde Akingbola, Allen Flanigan, Jamal Johnson | |
| 16 |  |
Coach: Fran McCaffery 2018-19 record: 23-12 Notable players definitely gone: Nicolas Baer, Isaiah Moss, Maishe Dailey Other expected departures: Tyler Cook Notable players expected to return: Jordan Bohannon, Luka Garza, Ryan Kriener, Connor McCaffery, Joe Wieskamp, Jack Nunge, Cordell Pemsl Expected additions: Patrick McCaffery, Joe Toussaint | |
| 17 |  |
| Coach: Kelvin Sampson 2018-19 record: 33-4 Notable players definitely gone: Corey Davis, Breaon Brady, Galen Robinson Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Dejon Jarreau, Cedrick Alley, Armoni Brooks, Brison Gresham, Fabian White, Chris Harris, Nate Hinton Expected additions: Caleb Mills, Justin Gorham | |
| 18 |  |
| Coach: Matt Painter 2018-19 record: 25-8 Notable players definitely gone: Carsen Edwards, Ryan Cline, Grady Eifert Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Nojel Eastern, Eric Hunter Jr., Aaron Wheeler, Matt Haarms, Trevion Williams, Evan Boudreaux, Sasha Stefanovic Expected additions: Brandon Newman, Isaiah Thompson, Mason Gillis, Jahaad Proctor | |
| 19 |  |
| Coach: Mike Rhoades 2018-19 record: 25-8 Notable players definitely gone: Michael Gilmore, Sean Mobley Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Marcus Evans, Isaac Vann, Deriante Jenkins, Marcus Santos-Silva, Vince Williams, Mike'L Simms, P.J. Byrd, Malik Crowfield Expected additions: Jarren McAlister, Tre Clarke | |
| 20 |  |
| Coach: Rick Barnes 2018-19 record: 31-6 Notable players definitely gone: Admiral Schofield, Kyle Alexander Other expected departures: Grant Williams, Jordan Bone, Derrick Walker Notable players expected to return: Lamonte Turner, Jordan Bowden, John Fulkerson, Yves Pons, Jalen Johnson Expected additions: Josiah-Jordan James, Drew Pember, Davonte Gaines | |
| 21 |  |
| Coach: Chris Beard 2018-19 record: 31-7 Notable players definitely gone: Jarrett Culver, Matt Mooney, Tariq Owens, Brandone Francis, Norense Odiase, Khavon Moore Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Davide Moretti, Kyler Edwards, Deshawn Corprew, Andrei Savrasov Expected additions: Chris Clarke, T.J. Holyfield, Jahmius Ramsey, Khalid Thomas, Kevin McCullar, Russel Tchewa, Terrence Shannon, Clarence Nadolny | |
| 22 |  |
| Coach: Scott Drew 2018-19 record: 20-14 Notable players definitely gone: Makai Mason, King McClure Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Devonte Bandoo, Jared Butler, Tristan Clark, Freddie Gillespie, Mario Kegler, Matthew Mayer, Flo Thamba, Mark Vital Expected additions: Davion Mitchell, Macio Teague, Jordan Turner | |
| 23 |  |
| Coach: Greg McDermott 2018-19 record: 20-15 Notable players definitely gone: Kaleb Joseph, Connor Cashaw, Samson Froling Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Martin Krampelj, Ty-Shon Alexander, Mitch Ballock, Marcus Zegarowski, Davion Mintz, Damien Jefferson, Christian Bishop Expected additions: Tristan Enaruna, Sedrick Hammonds | |
| 24 |  |
| Coach: Chris Holtmann 2018-19 record: 20-15 Notable players definitely gone: CJ Jackson, Keyshawn Woods Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Kaleb Wesson, Andre Wesson, Luther Muhammad, Duane Washington, Kyle Young, Justin Aherns, Musa Jallow, Jaedon LeDee Expected additions: DJ Carton, Alonzo Gaffney, EJ Liddel, Ibrahima Diallo, CJ Walker | |
| 25 |  |
| Coach: Bob McKillop 2018-19 record: 24-10 Notable players definitely gone: Nathan Ekwu Other expected departures: Dusan Kovacevic Notable players expected to return: Kellan Grady, Jon Axel Gudmundson, Luka Brajkovic, Luke Frampton, Kishawn Pritchett, Carter Collins, David Czerapowics, Bates Jones Expected additions: N/A | |
| 26 |  |
2018-19 record: 28-7 Notable players definitely gone: Quinn Taylor, Dwayne Brown Other expected departures: N/A Notable players expected to return: Sam Merrill, Neemias Queta, Diogo Brito, Brock Miller, Abel Porter, Justin Bean Expected additions: Alphonso Anderson, Liam McChesney, Sean Bairstow, Cade Potter, Jakub Karwowski | |
Top 25 And 1 analysis
Biggest Movers
1
Utah State
2
Auburn
Rk | Teams | Chg | Rcrd | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | Cassius Winston's decision to return to Michigan State for his senior season was enough to keep Tom Izzo's team No. 1 in the Top 25 And 1. The Spartans are returning three of the top four scorers from a 32-win team that won the Big Ten regular-season title and Big Ten Tournament title before advancing to the Final Four. | -- | 10-2 |
| 2 | | The Blue Devils are enrolling a top-three recruiting class for the six consecutive season - one that's highlighted by 5-star prospects Vernon Carey and Matthew Hurt. The return of Tre Jones will give Mike Krzyzewski the type of experience in the backcourt most great teams possess. | -- | 10-2 |
| 3 | | The return of Ashtan Hagans for his sophomore year is massive for Kentucky. He'll combine with the nation's top-ranked recruiting class to create what should be the SEC's best team. | -- | 10-2 |
| 4 | | Jordan Nwora has declared for the NBA Draft but left open the option of returning to Louisville. If he does, he'll be the leading returning scorer for a program set to enroll a top-10 recruiting class - not to mention graduate transfer Lamarr Kimble, who averaged 15.6 points per game at Saint Joseph's this season. | -- | 7-5 |
| 5 | | This ranking is contingent on the Jayhawks securing a commitment from 5-star guard RJ Hampton. If they do, they'll be the clear favorite in the Big 12 once again. | -- | 9-2 |
| 6 | | Penny Hardaway is on the verge of securing arguably the best recruiting class in school history. If Memphis lands 5-star forward Precious Achiuwa, as is expected, he'll join 5-star center James Wiseman in the frontcourt and give the Tigers two projected top-10 picks in the 2020 NBA Draft. | -- | 9-3 |
| 7 | | The early loss of Bruno Fernando should mostly be offset by the return of Jalen Smith and addition of former 5-star prospect Chol Marial. The Terrapins will be talented, experienced and a real threat to Michigan State at the top of the Big Ten. | -- | 10-2 |
| 8 | | The loss of Coby White after one season stings a little considering he didn't project as a one-and-done prospect coming out of high school. But the enrollment of 5-star guard Cole Anthony should fill any hole UNC might otherwise have in the backcourt. | -- | 7-5 |
| 9 | | The Cavaliers are losing the top three scorers from their national championship team, all of whom are entering the NBA Draft early. But Tony Bennett still has enough to keep Virginia nationally relevant. | -- | 7-5 |
| 10 | | Zach Norvell's decision to remain in the NBA Draft means Gonzaga is losing the top four scorers from last season's team. That's among the reasons why it was crucial for Mark Few to secure a top-10 recruiting class and enroll a heralded graduate transfer like Admon Gilder. | -- | 9-3 |
| 11 | | Kevin Willard spoke with Virginia Tech about its opening but ultimately remained at Seton Hall. He has a roster good enough to take the Pirates to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight year. | -- | 5-8 |
| 12 | | In a bit of a twist, Villanova will not be the favorite to win the Big East. But the Wildcats, thanks to a top-five recruiting class, should still operate near the top of the sport. | -- | 8-5 |
| 13 | | Louis King's decision to enter and remain in the NBA Draft was a blow to Oregon. But three of the top six scorers are still expected back -- and they'll pair with a top-15 recruiting class that should make the Ducks the Pac-12 favorites. | 1 | 11-1 |
| 14 | | Sean Miller, even with an NCAA cloud hovering over his program, has secured a top-five recruiting class that should return the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament. The addition of grad-transfer Max Hazzard was a nice late development. | 1 | 6-5 |
| 15 | | Chuma Okeke's decision to remain in the 2019 NBA Draft is another early-entry blow to the Tigers. But Auburn is still returning three of the top six scorers from a team that won 30 games and advanced to the Final Four. | 2 | 11-1 |
| 16 | | Tyler Cook is determined to remain in the NBA Draft, which isn't ideal for Iowa. But the Hawkeyes are still returning two of their top four scorers - most notably Luka Garza. | 1 | 9-3 |
| 17 | | Houston reaching a deal on a contract extension for Kelvin Sampson was a massive development for the AAC program. The Cougars will be capable of winning back-to-back league titles. | 1 | 8-3 |
| 18 | | The loss of Carsen Edwards is obviously a big deal. But Matt Painter has proven capable of running a competent program even when he loses key pieces. | 1 | 8-4 |
| 19 | | Every relevant piece from a VCU team that won the Atlantic 10 by two games should be back. That includes four players who averaged double-digits in points this season. | 1 | 10-3 |
| 20 | | If Grant Williams and/or Jordan Bone return, Tennessee will be significantly higher in the Top 25 And 1. But if they both remain in the NBA Draft, as expected, the Vols will have to replace the top three scorers from a team that lost in the Sweet 16. | 1 | 12-0 |
| 21 | | The Red Raiders are expected to lose four of their top five scorers - most notably Jarrett Culver early to the NBA Draft. But, remember, they lost five of their top seven scorers from last season's team, and that didn't stop Chris Beard from getting Texas Tech to this season's national title game. | 1 | 9-2 |
| 22 | | The Bears are losing Makai Mason and King McClure. But they'll get Tristan Clark back and likely make the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in a seven-year span. | 1 | 7-3 |
| 23 | | The Bluejays are returning all five starters from a team that closed the season by winning seven of their final nine games. That should be enough to help Creighton advance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. | 1 | 8-5 |
| 24 | | Five of the top seven scorers from a team that spent part of last season ranked are expected back - including Kaleb Wesson, who averaged 14.6 points and 6.9 rebounds as a sophomore. Those returnees, combined with a top-15 recruiting class, should have Chris Holtmann in the NCAA Tournament for the sixth straight year. | 1 | 8-4 |
| 25 | | The top six scorers from a Davidson team that finished 14-4 in the Atlantic 10 are expected back - including A-10 Player of the Year Jon Axel Gudmundson. As long as Kellan Grady stays healthy, the Wildcats will be good enough to advance in the NCAA Tournament. | 1 | 9-3 |
| 26 | | The top four scorers from a 28-win team are all expected back - most notably Sam Merrill, who averaged 20.9 points per game last season. Barring a surprise or injury, he'll win back-to-back Mountain West Conference Player of the Year awards. | NR | 11-1 |
