SI.com's 2014-15 College Basketball Season Preview
With college basketball games beginning on Nov. 14, we're rolling out our preview content daily. This year, SI's Luke Winn has teamed up with economist Dan Hanner to use an advanced statistical model to project the top performing players, teams and conferences in college basketball. Check back on this page daily as we update it with our latest content.
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. Top 100 scorers
"It was only four seasons ago that a BYU senior shooting guard was the nation's leading scorer and most talked-about player: Jimmer Fredette. The Cougar who could take that crown this season is far less famous: Tyler Haws, who was the country's sixth-leading scorer in 2013-14, on a team that lost its NCAA tournament opener to Oregon. Three of the players ahead of Haws graduated, one turned pro early and the other, Antoine Mason, transferred from Niagara to Auburn, where we forecast a scoring drop-off due to the increased level of competition. Haws' high-volume shooting tendency, reasonable efficiency and BYU's fast tempo makes him the most likely No. 1." by Dan Hanner & Luke Winn
. Top Scoring freshmen
"Our No. 1 scorer, Jahlil Okafor, is the RSCI's No. 1 overall recruit and also the freshman most likely to be a first team All-America. He's projected to average nearly a double-double with a high rate of efficiency, playing major minutes on a Duke team with plenty of shots available following Jabari Parker's departure to the NBA." by Dan Hanner & Luke Winn
. Top Breakout Scorers
"When Walker became eligible on Jan. 29 after dealing with concerns over his amateur status, the Gators were in the midst of a 30-game winning streak, and it was too late for him to break into the rotation. He's been suspended for the first two regular season games this year for violating team rules, but once he takes the court, we will finally get a chance to see this immensely talented prospect play a significant role, as he's likely to replace Patric Young at the five-spot." by Dan Hanner & Luke Winn
. Top scoring transfers
"Sheldon McClellan (1) played his first two seasons at Texas, where he was quietly one of the country's most efficient freshman scorers in 2011-12. The model projects him to regain that form at Miami, which lost its primary shot-taker from last season, Rion Brown, and needs McClellan and new point guard Angel Rodriguez (10) to carry a significant load." by Dan Hanner & Luke Winn
. AAC
Are the defending national champions a lock for the AAC title in a Louisville-less conference? Or can Larry Brown and SMU finally break through this season? by Lindsay Schnell
. ACC
Historically one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, the ACC gets even more challenging with the arrival of Louisville. Which team takes our top spot: Duke, UNC, Louisville or Virginia? by Martin Rickman
. A-10
Shaka Smart has perhaps his most talented team ever at VCU. Can he win his first coach of the year honors and take the Rams deep into the tournament again? by Dan Greene
. Big Ten
Wisconsin is the clear favorite in the Big Ten with returning stars Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker. But our projected No. 2 team in the conference may surprise you. by Lindsay Schnell
. Big East
Villanova is the popular pick to win the conference this season, and with five of six top scorers returning, why not? See where we rank the Wildcats and the teams chasing them. by Brian Hamilton
. Big 12
Bill Self and Kansas have won at least a share of the past 10 Big 12 titles. Can any team in the conference keep the Jayhawks from an 11th? by Brian Hamilton
. Pac-12
Arizona went to the brink of the Final Four a season ago and may be even more talented this year. But a surprise team may emerge as a challenger. by Chris Johnson.
. SEC
The Kentucky Wildcats are the clear No. 1 and the Florida Gators are the clear No. 2. How will the rest of the conference shake out? by Zac Ellis
. Mountain West
With a player of the year candidate in Winston Shepard and a coach of the year candidate in Steve Fisher, San Diego State looks to cruise in the MWC. by Zac Ellis
. Conference roundup
College basketball wouldn't the same if there weren't small schools toppling giants each season. Which are the players and teams to watch from outside the top nine conferences? by Chris Johnson
