2008-2009 NCAA Preseason Basketball Rankings: Teams # 1-5

#1 North Carolina - The Tarheels exited the Tournament last year with a sour taste in their mouths by being crushed by the Kansas Jayhawks. Though they did not make the final game last year, they return virtually their entire lineup, including potential All-Americans Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson. Although UNC may not have quite the talent that the 2005 team had (Sean May, Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants, Marvin Williams), they have more McDonald's All-Americans than any other team in the NCAA with eight. Although major talent Marcus Ginyard is not expected to return from injury until conference play, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green should still be most feared duo on the wings in the ACC. Barring a major setback to Hansbrough, expect the Heels to be a number one seed come March and the favorite to win the title.

#2 Louisville - Rick Pitino's team is one of five in the Big East that could easily make it to the Final Four. With this being said, I would give Louisville the best odds to win the toughest conference title in college basketball. The Cards return every body that lost to UNC in the Elite Eight last year in a close game. Incoming freshman Samardo Samuels should be one of the top big men in the Big East, regardless of class. With a very athletic Earl Clark passing a chance at the pros, Loisville arguably can match any team in the nation in pure talent. If Pitino can control and utilize this, don't be surprised if Louisville cuts down the final nets.

#3 Michigan State - Now I'm not ranking the Spartans here because I am one, but because I know how much potential this team has. Although losing Drew Neitzel at shooting guard hurts, a bigger and much more athletic Chris Allen should fill the void very well. Sophomore Kalin Lucas is a big game point guard, and should prove to be one of the top in the Big Ten, if not the nation. A great incoming class should not be overlooked, as they add much needed size and talent up front to help out Raymar Morgan and Goran Suton. Izzo's team is most experts' favorite to win the Big Ten and should be a highly seeded team in the tourney.

# 4 Conecticut - UConn is another Big East team with talent, experience, and a great coach. Jim Calhoun knows how to win championships, and he has the tools to do it this year. If Hasheem Thabeet can keep on improving and look like an NBA caliber player, the Huskies should be very solid down low. Incoming sharp shooter Kemba Walker is mature beyond his ages and should be the man running the offense at the point. Also at the guard slot is Senior A.J. Price, who developed into a game-changer last year. Although they are not quite at talented, as Louisville, Connecticut is a very consistent, well-coached team and if they put things together they could win it all.

# 5 Oklahoma - The Blake Griffin led Sooners should be a unanimous pick to win the Big 12 this year. Griffin is a popular preseason pick for national player of the year, and his supporting cast is above average. Incoming freshman speedster Willie Warren was one of the most highly touted players coming out of high school, and should do just fine in the very physical conference. With not a single big preseason challenge, OU should enter league play undefeated and may finish the year with only a couple of losses. A record like that from a big conference team should be enough to earn Oklahoma at least a number 2 seed.