NCAA basketball tips off this weekend, and several programs have a lot to be excited about. The league lost several bright stars to the NBA, but some of the younger players from programs like North Carolina, Duke and Ohio State will look to make a name for themselves while taking advantage of a fairly wide open league. Here's Courtside's look at the top five championship contenders for this year's college basketball season.
1. Florida
The defending national champions have all their starters returning from last year's team, so the title is essentially theirs to lose. Center Joakim Noah was named NCAA tournament MVP last season and has a chance to become national player of the year this season. However, Noah still needs to score more consistently to give the Gators a distinct advantage in the paint in crucial matchups. Noah will have plenty of support with fellow stars 6'9"" forward Corey Brewer and 6'10"" forward Al Horford. These three players give the Gators unique frontcourt athleticism that is bound to cause problems for opposing defenses.
2. North Carolina
The Tarheels are extremely talented, but also inexperienced with two freshmen and two sophomore starters. Center Tyler Hansbrough won freshman of the year honors last season and has shown incredible scoring and rebounding ability in the post. Freshman point guard Ty Lawson will take the ball-handling duties, but he could move to shooting guard if head coach Roy Williams feels more comfortable with sophomore Bobby Frasor at the point.
Many critics are concerned with leadership and chemistry issues that North Carolina could face throughout the year, but if it can pool its talent together, UNC should have a legitimate chance to win it all.
3. Pittsburgh
The Panthers have shown consistency by elevating their program while retaining experienced players. The team lost its premiere guard last year in Carl Krauser, but kept center Aaron Gray from declaring for the NBA draft. Gray averaged a double-double last season and showed better strength and defense as the season wore on. Point guard Ronald Ramon is considered one of the Big East's best shooters, and Pittsburgh will need his touch to replace Krasuer in big-game situations.
The Panthers also play a three- guard lineup, which means there will be even more pressure on Gray and senior power forward Levon Kendall to rebound more consistently.
4. Louisiana State
The LSU Tigers showed excellent athleticism in last year's NCAA tournament, and coach John Brady's system gave them plenty of opportunities. Center Glen ‘Big Baby' Davis was conference player of the year last season and has shown incredible athleticism at center for a man of his size and strength.
LSU lost key players in both forward Tyrus Thomas and guard Darrel Mitchell, but their replacements have shown great potential and should keep the system intact. The year's question mark is junior guard Tack Minor: He was redshirted last season for academic reasons but has shown tremendous potential.
5. Ohio State
The Buckeyes were fortunate to snag freshman center Greg Oden, who is destined for one of the most anticipated college basketball debuts in years.
Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, a wrist injury has likely pushed that debut back to January. Still, scouts have been raving about two other newcomers: freshmen Mike Conley and Daequan Cook, who complete an explosive, four-guard lineup.
For now, the Buckeyes will have to rely on junior center Matt Terwilliger and senior forward Ivan Harris to play to the best of their abilities with matchups against No. 1 Florida and No. 2 North Carolina within the first two months of the season.
