It’s never too early to think about next year. Even Kentucky coach John Calipari is setting future goals. After winning his first career national championship, Calipari now wants an undefeated season before he’s done coaching. So what teams have the inside track on making a possible Final Four run next season?
Kentucky
Let’s start with the national champions. The Wildcats may lose their top six players to the NBA Draft — or graduation in Darius Miller’s case. But Calipari has proven to be the best recruiter in the country. And Kentucky already has one of the top classes that could get even better if either or both of the top two recruits — Nerlens Noel and Shabazz Muhammad — chose to come to Lexington.
Louisville
After winning the Big East tournament and making a run to the Final Four, the Cardinals are not losing much — graduating Chris Smith and Kyle Kuric. Point guard Peyton Siva started controlling games at the end of the season and will enter his senior year with high expectations. Freshman forward Chane Behanan also played well during the Cardinals’ Final Four run, scoring in double digits in each NCAA tournament game.
Michigan
The Wolverines had a disappointing NCAA tournament, losing to Ohio in their first game. But it doesn’t take away from the fact that Michigan shared the Big Ten regular-season title. If Trey Burke returns next year, the Wolverines should have one of the best backcourts in the country with Tim Hardaway Jr.
Notre Dame
No player in the Big East improved as much as Jack Cooley. Despite a slow start, the 6-foot-9, 248-pound forward averaged 12.4 points and 9.0 rebounds this season. Most of Notre Dame’s overachieving squad that finished third in the Big East with a 13-5 conference record will be returning next year.
– Jeffrey Tomik
