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Tito Maddox turning up ineligible this week due to Fresno State determining that he had waaaaay too much contact with an agent, puts a dent in the Bulldogs' season before it starts.
We can't help but drop Jerry Tarkanian's ballclub from the lofty No. 8 spot we had Fresno at previously ... and even the No. 21 spot might be too high now.
But with the Shark and center Melvin Ely and other formidable talent, Fresno State remains the team to beat in the WAC even without the flashy point guard.
| Rk. |
Team |
Comment |
| 1 |
Duke |
Four starters back give Devils a real shot at a double. |
| 2 |
Kentucky |
Even with Parker (temporarily) down, Cats are the deepest team in the nation. |
| 3 |
Maryland |
Dixon and Baxter look for a return trip to the Final Four. |
| 4 |
Florida |
Gators are loaded, a blend of youth and experience. |
| 5 |
UCLA |
Combination of athletes, shooter and grit; can a frosh lead them? |
| 6 |
Illinois |
Cook, Williams are formidable inside-outside duo. |
| 7 |
Missouri |
Kareem Rush might be the most unstoppable player in the nation. |
| 8 |
Iowa |
Steve Alford has a Big Ten contender on his hands. |
| 9 |
Kansas |
Drew Gooden, great supporting cast keep Jayhawks in the hunt. |
| 10 |
St. Joseph's |
O'Connor-Nelson form one of nation's best backcourts. |
| 11 |
Virginia |
Return of Majestic Mapp and arrival of frontcourt makes Cavs dangerous. |
| 12 |
Oklahoma State |
Super guard Mo Baker leads veteran group of Pokes. |
| 13 |
Stanford |
Collins twins are gone, but Cardinal remain dangerous. |
| 14 |
Boston College |
They won't sneak up on anyone this year, but Eagles should still soar. |
| 15 |
Michigan State |
Young backcourt of Taylor, Torbert will need to deliver. |
| 16 |
Georgetown |
Four starters back for surging, re-energized program. |
| 17 |
Temple |
Never count out an experienced John Chaney team. |
| 18 |
Gonzaga |
Dan Dickau one of four starters back for another Sweet 16 push. |
| 19 |
Memphis |
Super recruits DaJuan Wagner, Chris Massey bolster NIT Final Four club. |
| 20 |
Arizona |
Experienced Jason Gardner should help along talented frosh. |
| 21 |
Fresno State |
Ely, Jefferies and crew look to send Tark out on top -- even without ineligible Maddox. |
| 22 |
Utah |
Five starters and a hungry Rick Majerus return. |
| 23 |
Syracuse |
Boehiem building a solid team, ready for title run in 2002-03. |
| 24 |
Indiana |
Time for Jefferies, Davis to put stamp on the program. |
| 25 |
Kent State |
A rookie coach, but talented, veteran team look for another trip to NCAAs. |
Others to watch: Alabama, Arkansas, Butler, California, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Georgia Tech, Indiana State, Iowa State, Marshall, Mississippi, Mississippi State, New Mexico, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Southern California, Tennessee, Texas, Tulsa, Western Kentucky, Xavier.
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