http://www.foxsports.com/college-basket ... ams-11101642 SMU (AAC at-large)
No, SMU shouldn’t have missed the NCAA Tournament last year. And yes, the Mustangs got screwed. But even without coach Larry Brown, the Mustangs have more than enough talent to return to the Tournament for a second time in three years. And this time, do some damage.
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Others:
66 Texas A&M Aggies (SEC at-large)
The Aggies’ lost several key pieces off one of the most successful clubs in school history last season. But with center Tyler Davis and sharp-shooter D.J. Hogg back, A&M remains the second-best team in the SEC.
63 USC (Pac-12 at-large)
Andy Enfield’s club was decimated by transfers and early departures to the pros. But with guard Jordan McLaughlin back alongside big man Bennie Boatwright, the Trojans should have more than enough to make a second straight NCAA Tournament.
57 Michigan (Big Ten at-large)
This isn’t a vintage John Beilein team, but with all five starters back off a tourney team last year, the Wolverines will be dancing in March.
55 Marquette (Big East at-large)
Year three of the Steve Wojciechowski should produce the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013. Henry Ellenson may be gone, but there will still be plenty of talent on this roster.
48 Texas (Big 12 at-large)
Texas will be younger than last year, but potentially more fun, with McDonald’s All-Americans Jarrett Allen and Andrew Jones infusing this roster with talent and athleticism.
44 Houston (AAC at-large)
It’s not just Tom Herman’s club that’s the toast of H-Town, but Kelvin Sampson’s too, as the former Oklahoma coach has the Cougs’ poised to make the Big Dance for the first time since 2010. With several key pieces returning that won nine of their final 11 regular season games, the Coogs might just win their first tourney game since the 1980’s as well.
43 Cincinnati (AAC at-large)
The Bearcats have now made six straight NCAA Tournaments under Mick Cronin, and with guard Troy Caupain (13 ppg, 4.8 apg) back, that streak should continue this season.
7 UConn (American champs)
I mentioned it earlier in the week, but Jalen Adams, Alterique Gilbert and Rodney Purvis should combine to form one of the most formidable backcourts in college basketball. Also don’t sleep on the ability of freshman Vance Jackson to replace some of Daniel Hamilton’s production on the wing.