Shannon Ryan’s NCAA men’s college basketball preseason rankings

Shannon Ryan’s NCAA men’s basketball preseason rankings and comments:

1. Duke (35-5, NCAA champion): Kyle Singler plus Nolan Smith can equal a second championship.

2. Michigan State (28-9, Final Four): Healthy PG Kalin Lucas leads class that boldly predicts a title.

3. Kansas State (29-8, Elite Eight): With Jacob Pullen back, Coach Frank Martin should cheer up.

4. Pittsburgh (25-9, NCAA second round): Can’t name a Panther? You’ll know the starting five by March.

5. Ohio State (29-8, Sweet 16): Jared Sullinger: Just another terrific freshman in Columbus.

6. Villanova (25-8, second round): Jay Wright has a special backcourt with Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes.

7. Kansas (33-3, second round): Marcus Morris, Jayhawks among elite, especially if Josh Selby is eligible.

8. North Carolina (20-17, NIT): Tar Heels need to redeem themselves. Top recruit Harrison Barnes can revive them.

9. Florida (21-13, first round): Chandler Parsons is ready for break-out season.

10. Syracuse (30-5, Sweet 16): Freshman 7-footer Fab Melo has a sweet game to go with a cool name.

11. Kentucky (35-3, Elite Eight): You will find more turnover only in Congress. If Enes Kanter becomes eligible, watch out.

12. Gonzaga (27-7, second round): The Bulldogs can count on international big men Elias Harris, Kelly Olynyk and Robert Sacre.

13. Missouri (23-11, second round): This might be year for Coach Mike Anderson with the return of guard Kim English.

14. Illinois (21-15, NIT): Can Illini live up to high expectations after crumbling last season?

15. Memphis (24-10, NIT): Everyone get those jokes about Josh Pastner’s boyish looks out of the system? Good. Focus on the Tigers’ impressive young talent.

16. Baylor (28-8, Elite Eight): LaceDarius Dunn will be a prolific scorer if he returns from legal troubles.

17. Butler (33-5, runner-up): Gordon Hayward left early, but three starters have Final Four experience.

18. Georgetown (23-11, first round): Backcourt of Chris Wright and Austin Freeman may be Big East Conference’s best.

19. Washington (26-10, Sweet 16): Quincy Pondexter is gone, but Huskies still strong at guard.

20. Temple (29-6, first round): Owls hope to challenge Villanova as Philadelphia’s current premier team.

21. Purdue (29-6, Sweet 16): Robbie Hummel’s injury dropped the Boilermakers out of top four.

22. San Diego State (25-9, first round): Kawhi Leonard and Malcolm Thomas make up a top front court.

23. Minnesota (21-14, first round): Al Nolen and Trevor Mbakwe will help return Gophers to NCAA tournament.

24. Brigham Young (30-6, second round): Jimmer “Lights Out” Fredette (22 ppg) is among the best.

25. Wisconsin (24-9, second round): Expect big things from forward Jon Leuer (21.5 ppg in tournament).

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