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Recruit and return: Projections for NCAA tournament's top teams

The outlook for the NCAA tournament's top teams will be determined by their recruiting. Here's what each team has and how they're doing on the recruiting trail.

Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges may leave for the NBA, but Villanova will return numerous key players and has a top-notch recruiting class coming in. Read more.

Eliminated from the tournament

With a strong group of returning starters led by Zavier Simpson and the addition of a deep recruiting class, the future looks bright for Michigan. Read more.

In addition to key transfer Dedric Lawson and his brother K.J., the Jayhawks have enough incoming talent to win a national title in 2019. Read more.

It's unrealistic to expect Loyola-Chicago to get back to the Final Four, but the Ramblers' returning personnel will make them tourney contenders again. Read more.

Duke brings in another loaded class next season, with more one-and-done lottery picks such as R.J. Barrett and Zion Williamson. Read more.

While the Red Raiders will lose four key seniors, they should have enough firepower to be a contender in the Big 12 next season. Read more.

The Seminoles will have more than enough experience to replace key players next season, but that may come at the cost of depth. Read more.

If Dean Wade and Barry Brown are back for the 2018-19 season at Kansas State, the stage would be set for a big season. Read more.

Syracuse will be an intriguing team next season, adding top freshmen while building depth, and should be trending up. Read more.

Matt Painter faces a tall order in losing four key seniors, but the return of leading scorer Carsen Edwards should soften the blow. Read more.

The Mountaineers lose stalwarts Jevon Carter and Daxter Miles Jr. but have plenty of depth and talent to make a return trip to the NCAA tournament. Read more.

Clemson made a big leap forward in 2017-18 and return much of that nucleus for next season. But can the Tigers legitimately compete for an ACC title? Read more.

The faces will change, but Gonzaga should continue to roll next season. Read more.

As usual, Kentucky faces turnover questions next season, but this time it's without the loaded recruiting class. Read more.

To engineer another tournament run, Texas A&M will need to answer several big questions, specifically which players will be back for another season. Read more.

Graduations and coach Chris Mack's future (he'll be a candidate for other openings) could mean a huge step back for Xavier. Read more.

Auburn's roster could all return for next season, but coach Bruce Pearl's tenuous future hangs over the Tigers. Read more.

Cincinnati is built to be near the top of American Athletic Conference again next season, despite losing two key frontcourt players. Read more.

Luke Maye will be the centerpiece next season with a mix of veterans and freshmen for North Carolina, which loses a pair of experienced starters. Read more.

Michigan State won a Big Ten title this season, and there's no reason to think the Spartans shouldn't be in the conversation for another one next year. Read more.

The Bulldogs lose their top weapons up front, but the entire backcourt returns. And there's an added dimension on the wing. Read more.

Houston will need to rebuild with JC players after the Cougars' breakout season. Read more.

Expect bigger things for Ohio State after Chris Holtmann's first season. Read more.

Tennessee should be near the top of the standings again. Read more.

Florida will lose a few key pieces but could be better next season. Read more.

With or without coach Dan Hurley, Rhode Island likely will be in rebuilding mode for the 2018-19 season. Read more.

After making the tourney for the first time in six years, Alabama looks like a squad that could make it two in a row. Read more.

Missouri will face a reboot following the presumed departure of Michael Porter Jr. Read more.

After finally returning to the NCAA tournament, TCU is on the right track. Read more.

Can new talent help Virginia bounce back from a stunning upset? Read more.

Khyri Thomas' NBA decision will determine Creighton's NCAA tournament chances next season. Read more.

Texas will bring in another talented recruiting class but will need to do more with it next season. Read more.

Arkansas' future hinges on the decision Daniel Gafford makes. Read more.

Wichita State loses a ton from this year's team, and it could take some time to get the newcomers acclimated. Read more.

Providence will lose three starters from this year's team but shouldn't see much of a drop-off. Read more.

Next season could be a turning point for Arizona after losing all of its starters. Read more.

Kevin Keatts' priority for Year 2 at NC State is replacing his bigs. Read more.

Virginia Tech will have more talent and depth next season. Read more.

Reloading after big-name departures will be key for Miami. Read more.

After a tumble to end the season, Oklahoma must replace Trae Young. Read more.

Arizona State will bring in one of its best-ever recruiting classes. Read more.

UCLA has a loaded recruiting class.Read more.

Missed the tournament

After a controversial year, Louisville will seek consistency next season. Read more.

A solid recruiting class might not prevent a down year for USC. Read more.

Landing recruit Romeo Langford could mean a better Year 2 for Archie Miller and Indiana. Read more.

After a disappointing year, Maryland could be loaded and deep next season. Read more.

Notre Dame will go young next season after high-profile departures. Read more.

With a solid group of returners, the future is bright for Penn State. Read more.

After improving in Big Ten play, Nebraska is poised for a breakthrough. Read more.

Saint Mary's moves on from the Jock Landale era. Read more.