No. 1 Duke | No. 2 Kansas | Full List
No. 1: DUKE BLUE DEVILS
Last Season: 25-11, 11-7 ACC
The Blue Devils are the clear-cut preseason favorite because of talent as well as the blend of youth and experience. When Grayson Allen decided to return to Durham for his junior campaign, that cemented Duke as No. 1. Amile Jefferson is back and healthy -- and Coach K brought in arguably the top freshman class -- which includes Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum and Frank Jackson. The key will be point guard play (whether Jackson can adjust to being more of a facilitator) and the health of Giles, who has battled numerous knee injuries. -- Jeff Goodman
Best Case: ACC champions, national champions and a historic season. Mike Krzyzewski has the best blend of young NBA lottery talent and experience returnees in the country. Duke can win every game it plays, and a season like Kentucky had in 2015 is not out of the question, even in the ACC gauntlet Duke must run. Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum, Grayson Allen and Marques Bolden are all first-round picks, and there is more NBA talent behind them. Duke has size, defensive versatility, shooting and crazy depth. Practices will be beyond competitive, with the feel of NBA-caliber workouts. The "U-word" (undefeated) can be uttered this season in Durham.
Worst Case: There isn't one, really. Injuries and lack of leadership and consistency at the point guard position can lead to some bumpy periods for Duke, but this is a Final Four team even without Coach K's traditional point guard leader. There are several players that can play the point, but not a true point guard on the roster. Last year, Duke was not a great defensive team. This year, it will be.