To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Kentucky and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five:
G: Tyler Ulis
G: Devin Booker
F: Marcus Lee
Who is lost: Kentucky could lose at least five players early to the NBA draft, beginning with its starting backcourt of Andrew and Aaron Harrison. Super-skilled forward Trey Lyles may also test the NBA waters from the second platoon, and Willie Cauley-Stein and Karl-Anthony Towns are likely lottery picks if they decide to make the jump.
Who is added: The nation's No. 1 recruiting class is once again headed to Lexington, Kentucky. Coach John Calipari has reeled in the No. 1 center and No. 1 point guard in the Class of 2015, starting with big man Skal Labissiere (No. 3 overall), who is an extra-long, skilled rebounder and shot-blocker with off-the-charts upside. Isaiah Briscoe (No. 13 overall) is a strong, physical perimeter playmaker who can facilitate and can score in a variety of ways, and he has the ability to take over a game while playing on or off the ball. Four-star shooting guard Charles Matthews (No. 42 overall) has excellent size and versatility on the wing and is an efficient scorer from midrange. He's capable of defending multiple positions and will provide perimeter glue on both ends of the floor.
What it means for next season: Not much will change for the Wildcats. They will once again be talented and deep at every position. The second platoon moves to the starting lineup, and the talk of winning a national championship will start again in Lexington. Calipari will have to mold and shape the talent into a team, and the chemistry will have to develop quickly, but that has been the norm for the Wildcats since Calipari arrived.
Trending: Up. The Wildcats' well-oiled basketball machine will just add some shiny new parts in the form of another great recruiting class. And with the expected return of Poythress to the lineup (returning from injury), expect Kentucky to be dangerous right from the start and once again a top-five preseason team.