ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings
15. Xavier
It's been nine years since the Musketeers opened the season in the preseason Top 25. Back then it was because of a guy by the name of David West. He went on to become the player of the year. Can history repeat? It's not out of the question. In Tu Holloway, Xavier has another legitimate player of the year candidate, a dynamo guard who led his team in scoring and his league in assists a season ago. But the Musketeers are more than just Holloway. Big man Kenny Frease and guard Mark Lyons are both back. Chris Mack also gets to add 3-point threat Brad Redford, who missed last season with a torn ACL, and Justin Martin, a highly touted recruit who had to sit out as a partial qualifier last year. Xavier long has made its mark in the NCAA tournament and could be a hot pick this season for a deep dash through March. -- Dana O'Neil
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