A couple days ago, ESPN came out with a “way too early” version of the Top 10 teams in the Nation for the 2018-2019 Season, starting in October. While many of the same teams will be on this list, this is our own rendition of the list, with interchanging teams and positions. This list will also be reduced to the Top 7.  The rankings will be based on the returning talent and the grade of the incoming Freshman class. So, without further ado, let’s get into the list.

1. Duke Blue Devils. Duke has its most exciting incoming freshman class in school history coming in to the 2018-19 season, with the top 3 recruits in the entire country, Guard R.J. Barrett, Forward Zion Williamson, and Guard Cam Reddish have all committed to go to Duke. In addition, Duke is also bringing in top freshman guard Tre Jones, who draws comparisons to former Duke guards such as current NBA guard Tyus Jones and NCAA Tournament Star Nolan Smith. Gary Trent, Jr, a rising sophomore, will be likely returning to the starting lineup after a successful season last year. Trent will declare for the NBA draft, but without intent to sign an agent, meaning he will be able to return to Duke if he is not drafted.  The Blue Devils will also be coached by arguably the best coach in the country, in legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils will look to capture a 6th championship with a new crop of talent.
2.  Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas is always a team full of talent, and through its history it has been powered by talented guards. This upcoming season, however, the Jayhawks will have one of the best frontcourts they’ve had in their history, with rising junior star Udoka Azubuike returning, and Memphis forward Dedric Lawson transferring. Quentin Grimes, a five star guard, will also be a huge part of the team this year as he was a 20 player in the country. Kansas’ bench will also be one of the best in the country with forwards Billy Preston and Silvio De Sousa, as well as guard Marcus Garrett. The Jayhawks’ coach, Bill Self, is one of the best and knows how to handle a boatload of talent, like he did when Kansas won the National Championship in 2008. The Jayhawks will certainly be a force to be reckoned with this year.
3. Kentucky Wildcats. While many of Kentucky’s key players from last season are on their way to the NBA, John Calipari keeps finding a way to keep this team at the top of the National rankings. P.J. Washington, Kentucky’s leading rebounder (5.7) will be returning, and Kentucky will also be bringing in 5-star Center E.J. Montgomery. There are also rumors saying  Reid Travis, a Pac 12 All-First Team last season, will transfer to Kentucky. The excitement is also coming from Kentucky’s top two freshmen, Immanuel Quickley and Keldon Johnson, both Top 15 prospects. The Wildcats are also getting the #4 Shooting guard in the class, Tyler Herro, who decommitted from Wisconsin and committed to Kentucky.
4. Gonzaga Bulldogs. Gonzaga is always a team that racks up wins with veteran players as their main focus. In 2017, they made it to the title game with a roster lead by upperclassmen. Two of Gonzaga’s key players from their team last year, forwards Killian Tillie and Rui Hachimura, are returning back this upcoming season. Zach Norvell Jr. was great in the tournament last year and will also be returning. Brandon Clarke, a transfer from San Jose State who had to sit out last year because of NCAA transfer rules, averaged 17.6 points a game two seasons ago at SJSU. Gonzaga’s
5. Villanova Wildcats. The Defending National Champions are looking to repeat with Jay Wright at the helm once again, as they will have many key parts returning to the team, despite the departures of their  two best players, Mikal Bridges and Wooden Player of the Year Jalen Brunson. The WIldcats will have NCAA Championship Game Hero and last year’s sixth man of the year Donte DiVincenzo, as well as Seniors Eric Paschall and Phil Booth. Last year’s starting Center Omari Spellman will also be returning. The player to watch will be incoming freshman Jahvon Quinerly, who was part of the FBI’s investigation against high school players accepting gifts from programs to play, and was put into the FBI’s probe of players. Quinerly is a controversial recruit for Villanova, but he is certainly talented and will flourish under Jay Wright’s 3 point dominated offense.
6. Oregon Ducks. Oregon is listed this high solely because of their insane recruiting class, ranked #3 in the country, including two 5-star prospects, Louis King and Bol Bol. The Ducks are bringing in these two and are looking to become a power out west on the backs of the two freshmen. Plus, some of the players that helped Oregon reach the Final Four in 2017 are returning and will provide veteran leadership.  More incoming freshman include guards Payton Pritchard and Will Richardson. Sophomore Kenny Wooten will be the starting center and he had a solid season last tear. The Ducks are loaded with young talent and will look to take the Pac-12 by storm.
7. North Carolina Tar Heels. UNC’s ACC Title last year was cool, but their season was ultimately a disappointment after getting knocked out in the second round by Texas A&M. Two seniors who were on the 2017 Championship Team, Joel Berry and Theo Pinson, will be departing, but this recruiting class is absolutely loaded. They are getting the #6 player in the country, Nassir Little, the #21 player in the country, Coby White, and the #49 player, Rechon Black. Luke Maye and Seventh Woods are also returning for this next season. Roy williams will have a lot of talent on his hands for UNC.