The first preseason coaches’ poll was released on Thursday and the University of North Carolina Tarheels took the top spot, only one vote shy of being a unanimous No. 1. The Tarheels return with all five of their starters, including Harrison Barnes who was voted the ACC preseason player of the year.
The University of Kentucky that is returning with three starters from the team that knocked UNC out of the tournament last season in the Elite Eight round, took the No. 2 spot. The three returning starters and a talented freshman class have earned the highest preseason ranking for their school since the 1995-1996 start in the top spot.
Ohio State, ranked No. 3, will play its inaugural season in the realigned Big 10. The Buckeyes will have forward Jared Sullinger back after the sophomore decided to forgo the NBA draft, a smart move considering the current lockout.
Defending champion Connecticut (4), and Syracuse rounded out the top five. Perennial college basketball powerhouse Duke comes into the season ranked No. 6. Butler, who has gone to the National Championship game the past two seasons was left off the preseason poll.
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