Preseason Top 5

Number 1- North Carolina

"Tyler Hansbrough is the fiercest competitor I have ever seen and yes I played against Michael Jordan"-Jay Bilas. Hermanson strongly disagrees with those words, but I have to say that Bilas says it best. There is no doubt that Hansbrough's desire and ferocity are as big as the hype suggests. Last year, that ferocity, along with his talent, led North Carolina to a Final Four appearance where they lost to the national champions. All key players from last year's squad are back including speedy point guard Ty Lawson and smooth swingman Wayne Ellington. Lawson will be leading the signature Carolina fast break, which is effective in wearing down their opponents. Hansbrough will try to build off his 601 points from the charity stripe last year which led the nation. Pending any injuries, Roy Williams should have a second National Title at his alma mater.

Number 2- Louisville

While many writers have been quick to predict Connecticut as the Big East (the strongest Conference) Champs, let me remind you that they lost to San Diego in the first round of the tourney last year. On the other hand, Louisville enjoyed a trip to the Elite Eight where they lost to UNC. Their run included a signature win over Tennessee. The Cardinals are coached by one of the best in the business, Rick Pitino. Pitino's teams are known for their tight D: their opponents shot just 38% from the the field last season. Question marks this year for Louisville will be inside scoring after losing David Padgett. They did land top freshman Samardo Samuels to replace some of that scoring, however. Louisville will not lack guard play as 6 foot 9 ballhandler Earl Clark creates match up problems for any defense. He plays along sharpshooting guard Edgar Sosa. The Cardinals lack inside scoring but their guard play will make-up for it.

Up next, I will be studying for my Bio test so Conneticut, Duke and MSU (no particular Order) will have to wait for the weekend.

Alex Hankin