ESPN.com Preseason Power Rankings - College Basketball

2. Louisville

Take Peyton Siva, Chane Behanan, Russ Smith, Gorgui Dieng and Wayne Blackshear, add George Mason transfer Luke Hancock and freshman Montrezl Harrell, then sprinkle in a Hall of Fame coach and you have the recipe for high expectations in Louisville. The Cardinals are flat-out loaded, which is why they aren't just ranked; they're favored for a repeat trip to the Final Four. Louisville made its name on defense a year ago and there's no reason to expect that to change this season, not with Rick Pitino's daily sermon on the subject as reminder. What has to change, though, is the offense. The Cards struggled mightily to score last season, and while "defense might win championships," putting the ball in the basket with some regularity helps.
-- Dana O'Neil

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