No team scares me looking at it now for next year. Not saying we can't lose to many of them, but there isn't that fear of a loaded squad that I truly had of Kentucky this year. Not only because they were really good, but matchups for this year's Duke team, to me, were terrible. Looking at next year, that fear isn't there currently with any squad and that makes me happy.
I love the individual abilities that K has put together for next year. Each guy, on their own brings something that in my mind, when paired up with the rest should produce an amazing team that should compete for #6. That said, it takes that little bit of magic and a whole boat load of chemistry for a team to win it all each year.
A lot also to me rests on Thornton to be really, really, really good. Never underestimate that fact that almost all past champions of late have had great/elite PG play. You can win it without, but a PG, along with good defense, seem to be two of the variables that remain most constant in recent teams cutting down the nets. Thornton's play and health, especially without another true PG on the team, will be key to Duke making the run for #6.
Preseason - 5-7 range.
Midseason - Reaching #1 at some point.
End of year - Top 5 for sure, locking up #1 seed, and like this year even without possibly winning ACC reg or tournament title.
Tourney - Give K a 1 seed and buckle up. Good shot at F4 with matchups going our way and as good as chance as any of another championship.
