No. 3 Kentucky | No. 5 Virginia | Full List
No. 4: KANSAS JAYHAWKS
Last Season: 27-9, 13-5 Big 12
It's hard to classify a season that ended in yet another Big 12 title (the 11th in a row for the Jayhawks) and NCAA tournament berth as a disappointment, but somehow, 2014-15 left folks wanting more out of KU -- mostly because there was so much to offer.
Yet from the beatdown handed out by Kentucky in the second game through the end-of-the-season loss to Wichita State, it never quite felt like the Jayhawks got it together. Injuries certainly had something to do with that, as did Cliff Alexander's fizzle due to NCAA issues. Still, there could have been more.
Which makes this season all the more interesting. There isn't that much chatter about Kansas, despite a roster that returns Perry Ellis, Frank Mason III, Wayne Selden Jr., Jamari Traylor and Devonte' Graham and adds three ESPN 100 recruits.
Maybe that's a good thing. Kansas won't sneak up on anybody, but after sliding down the expectation ladder a year ago, the Jayhawks could very well make amends this season. -- Dana O'Neil
Best Case: Kansas is legit, and this year's Jayhawks will win the Big 12 and have a great chance to reach the Final Four again under Bill Self. Like North Carolina, the Jayhawks have depth, size and experience coming back, and some new blood that will fit in nicely and even lead the way. The Jayhawks return their top three scorers from last season, including Ellis, a senior who is the leading candidate for Big 12 Player of the Year. He had the top usage percentage on the team, Mason had the most win shares, and Selden made the most 3-pointers. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and Carlton Bragg are future pros, but Selden could be the key performer. If he takes over a consistent, primary scoring role, Kansas can cut the nets down.
Worst Case: Kansas wins the Big 12 again. What? Are you kidding? Kansas has won 11 straight Big 12 titles. Which team is knocking the Jayhawks off of the top spot? The answer is . . . nobody in the Big 12. Kansas may not cut the nets down for a national title, but there will be another Big 12 banner in Allen Fieldhouse. Ask yourself, what makes this the year that the Big 12 will fight back?
"They have talented perimeter guys and a lot of depth in the frontcourt. They are the one team in the Big 12 that can bring waves of big guys. They can overwhelm you athletically in the paint and on the glass. With their personnel and track record, they are definitely the front-runner to win their 12th straight league title."
No. 3 Kentucky | No. 5 Virginia | Full List
