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We’re only two weeks removed from Kansas cutting down the nets and college basketball fans are already making projections for the next season. Naturally, ESPN’s Dick Vitale wants in on the action.
In a feature for ESPN, Dickie V revealed his “Elite Eight” teams for the 2022-23 college basketball preseason. He acknowledged that it may be too early to make accurate predictions due to the transfer portal and looming NBA draft decisions.
At the head of the pack he has North Carolina, who were one half away from winning a national title in Hubert Davis’ first year at the helm. Vitale pointed out that with all of the stars they have returning for next season plus their superb recruiting, they’ll be in the mix for the title.
Rounding out the top four are a trio of teams that are often in the conversation: Houston, Kentucky and Arkansas. The last four he has on his list are Gonzaga, Duke, Kansas and Creighton.
Here are Dick Vitale’s top teams heading into the 2022-23 season:
- North Carolina
- Houston
- Kentucky
- Arkansas
- Gonzaga
- Duke
- Kansas
- Creighton
Perhaps the most head-scratching pick is Kansas at seventh, but Vitale pointed out that despite winning the national title, the Jayhawks are losing a lot of players who played a huge role in winning it.
Meanwhile, the Duke Blue Devils are entering an entirely new era of basketball with Jon Scheyer taking over for Coach K. However, he’s well-equipped for the top thanks to an all-world recruiting class.
Do you like Dick Vitale’s top eight teams for the 2022-23 season?