Dazzling Dozen for 2015-16
Now that Mike Krzyzewski and Geno Auriemma are on top of the basketball world, it is time to look ahead to next season. It is a little premature to do this since a number of players will declare for the NBA draft, others will transfer, and there will be eligibility issues and injuries.
So this Dazzling Dozen is subject to change as we get closer to the 2015-16 season. Here we go.
Vitale's Dazzling Dozen for 2015-2016
The Tar Heels have all five starters scheduled to return. Remember, they barely lost to eventual finalist Wisconsin in the Big Dance. Marcus Paige will have a super year and Justin Jackson showed improvement as the past season progressed. Roy Williams has size up front with Brice Johnson, Kennedy Meeks & Co.
The names will change, but the results will stay positive for Big Blue Nation. The Harrisons have already declared for the draft and the mass exodus should continue. Having newcomers like Isaiah Briscoe will help ease the pain of many departures.
This ranking will depend on whether Justin Anderson goes pro. Malcolm Brogdon may also consider leaving Charlottesville, but as a projected second-round pick going for a master's degree, he should stay in school and give Tony Bennett a contender.
The addition of diaper dandy Diamond Stone makes a huge impact. Melo Trimble opted to return and should challenge for All-Solid Gold status. Jake Layman will also be back as Mark Turgeon likely has the Big Ten favorite.
This could change if Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson go to the NBA. T. J. McConnell is gone, Brandon Ashley already declared for the draft. Sean Miller still has the best team in the west.
Georges Niang's decision to return to Ames made coach Fred Hoiberg happy. Transfers Deonte Burton and Hallice Cooke will make a difference.
If Tyus Jones decides to stay, the ranking will be higher. I am assuming Jahlil Okafor is one and done. We saw a star being born in Grayson Allen during the finals.
Travis Trice and Branden Dawson are gone, but Eron Harris, a transfer from West Virginia, will have an immediate impact. Tom Izzo will have another solid squad.
I believe Perry Ellis will return to Lawrence. Bill Self has solid guard play and a desire to bounce back from the NCAA loss to Wichita State.
Jay Wright loses some talent but adds a newcomer to remember, Jalen Brunson.
11. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Mark Few will miss Kevin Pangos, Gary Bell Jr. and Byron Wesley. Kyle Wiltjer will be super, carrying the Zags to big things.
12. Oklahoma Sooners
If Buddy Hield returns, the Sooners will be a dazzling dozen member. If he goes, OU drops down a bit.
