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KU ranked third in poll: KU is ranked No. 3 in the country in Bleacherreport.com’s updated preseason basketball poll as announced Wednesday. Kentucky is No. 1 and Wisconsin No. 2.
Of KU, Bleacher Report’s Jason King writes: “The Jayhawks lost the No. 1 and No. 3 overall draft picks (Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid) along with their starting point guard (Naadir Tharpe). And they could actually be better. Forward Perry Ellis and wing Wayne Selden both return along with rotation players Frank Mason and Jamari Traylor. Creating even more offseason buzz, however, is the arrival of four newcomers who could play huge factors in Kansas’ success.
“Power forward Cliff Alexander and wing Kelly Oubre are both projected as lottery picks in next summer’s NBA draft. Point guard Devonte’ Graham will compete with Mason for starting point guard duties. And Ukrainian forward Svi Mykhailiuk has been tabbed as the best foreign-born player since Ricky Rubio. If KU’s newcomers adapt, the Jayhawks should win their 11th straight Big 12 title and compete for a berth in the Final Four.”
From the Big 12, Texas is ranked No. 11, Iowa State 13, Oklahoma 15 and Kansas State 18. Former KU coach Roy Williams’ North Carolina team is No. 5. Former KU coach Larry Brown’s SMU team is No. 16. Wichita State is No. 8.
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