ESPN Way-To-Early Top 25

Every year, ESPN releases its way-to-early top 25. 

Last year, we know North Carolina was ranked first after bringing back four starters from an amazing title run. After adding Pete Nance, there was no doubt who was going to be the highest-ranked team. This year, ESPN currently has North Carolina as the number 15 team. Due to last year’s shortcomings, as well as a roster overhaul, this is a fair spot. Only two starters return, and there are more new faces than returning players. This Tar Heel team will not have the same expectations and hype as last year, and can use that as motivation, as well as playing without the same pressure.

ESPN’s Starting Five

PG: Elliot Cadeau

SG: RJ Davis

SF: Cormac Ryan

PF: Harrison Ingram

C: Armando Bacot

The starting lineup that ESPN expects is what most others do as well. Outside of Elliot Cadeau, that is an experienced team with a solid rotation to back them up. It is also a lineup that passes the ball well. Not the tallest lineup; this team will be smaller than North Carolina fans are used to. Although it lacks in size, it exceeds elsewhere. This team can switch matchups on defense and will likely shoot better than teams in the last three years.

Other Notable Rankings

Kansas: 1

Duke: 2

Tennessee: 6

Arizona: 11

Miami: 17

Listed above are two ACC teams. Duke returns four starters and brings in multiple 5-stars. Miami brings back multiple players from last year’s Elite 8 run, as well as Florida State transfer Matthew Cleveland. UNC will face Tennessee in the ACC/SEC challenge. They have an experienced squad. Caleb Love and Arizona come in at 11. Kansas reloaded with transfers Hunter Dickinson and Nick Timberlake.

A ranking of 15 would be a nice spot for a Tar Heel team learning to mesh. With so many new faces, chemistry will be key heading into next season.