ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings
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Perfect Storm
With the NBA mired in a lockout, more eyes than ever will be focused on college basketball when play begins next week. The timing couldn't be better, as the 2011-12 season is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory.
North Carolina, which could have as many as five first-round draft picks, is the favorite. But there may not be much separation between the Heels and the trio of Kentucky, Ohio State and UConn.
Several star underclassmen bypassed the NBA draft to return to school and this promises to be an outstanding freshman class. So it's easy to see why the buzz about this season continues to grow. Will it fulfill expectations? We're about to find out.
-- Jason King, ESPN.com writer
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ESPN Video
- 00:43
High schooler with Down syndrome sinks 3-pointer
Leslie County (Ky.) High School's Ethan Wolfe, who has Down syndrome, checks into the game and knocks down a 3-pointer.
- 02:04
Hurts surprises family with donation toward a new home
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts surprises a family, whose child is battling cancer, with a $30,000 donation to go toward a new home.
- 01:25
Ron Rivera rings the bell after final day of cancer treatment
Washington coach Ron Rivera receives an ovation as he walks down the hospital hallway to ring the bell after his final day of cancer treatment.
