ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings - College Basketball

3. Kentucky

No surprise: The Wildcats are rich with talent again. They could have another intimidating front line with a shot-blocker in Nerlens Noel, a lanky but disruptive force in Willie Cauley-Stein, a powerful forward in Alex Poythress and a quick guard in Archie Goodwin. The problem for Kentucky is that this team lacks experience, proven leadership and an NBA-level point guard. The pressure is on Ryan Harrow to produce for the Cats while also being a reliable on-the-ball defender. Kentucky is flawed, more so than the previous three John Calipari teams at UK. The potential exists for another dramatic March, but it won't come without some hurdles and growing pains from November to January. The SEC regular-season title is hardly a lock, but no one will remember that if the Big Blue can find its way to Atlanta in April. -- Andy Katz

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