The UConn men’s basketball program has moved back into the arena of perennial respect.
Despite losing Shabazz Napier, DeAndre Daniels and Niels Giffey from the team that marched through the NCA tournament last season and wnn the national championship, the Huskies are back and picked to be a Sweet 16 tam in 2014-15. The Huskies were picked No. 15 in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll released Thursday.
That’s a reflection of Kevin Ollie’s coaching ability, players such as point guard Ryan Boatright returning to mix with several talented newcomers, and an incoming class that has a ton of potential. We’ve been writing for months that UConn should start the season somewhere in the 15-20 range. The USA Today Sports Board of Coaches agreed.
Kentucky was the obvious No. 1 selection. Coach John Calipari had another top recruiting season and will have a roster that features two squads of NBA-level talent, according to most observers. Arizona, Duke, Wisconsin and Kansas round out the top 5. North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Louisville and Texas fell in from 6-10.
Wichita State, Villanova, Gonzaga, Iowa State, UConn, VCU, San Diego State, Michigan State, Oklahoma and Ohio State were picked 11-20. Nebraska, SMU, Michigan, Syracuse and Iowa complete the preseason poll.
UConn will hold First Night festivities in Storrs Friday night. For full details click here.
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