... And three teams that could crash the top-8 party

Providence

Ed Cooley has one of the best players in the nation in Kris Dunn, lots of promising youth and an addictive style of play. If the pieces can come together quickly, the Friars could shine.

Texas

Welcome to the Big 12, Shaka Smart. Life will be a bit tougher away from the Atlantic 10, but the new coach inherits a talented team that might just be lacking his directing hand. "Havoc" in Austin? We'll see.

North Carolina State

Cat Barber, one of the country's best-named players, headlines a squad that also has great size up front. If the Wolfpack can stay healthy, who knows what it can do?