At this time of year, we here at Rotoballer College Sports Headquarters like to think back to some of our favorite athletes, guys like Donovan McNabb (Syracuse) and Charlie Ward (Florida State), who successfully played the two biggest college sports at the highest level.

Both would also go on to earn money for their athletic prowess, legally, by playing in the NFL and NBA, respectively, but neither became fantasy "studs." McNabb may have had a higher fantasy value than "real-world" value--just ask Philadelphia Eagles fans--but that's not saying much. And Ward was known more for the intangibles he provided for those New York Knicks teams in the late 1990s.

Indeed, in this era of sports specializing, major basketball programs are far better at grooming NBA-caliber stars, even if that may not be the best thing for the schools they represent. With the season starting on November 11, here are our preseason CBB rankings (2015-16 won-loss records in parentheses).

 

NCAA College Basketball (CBB) Rankings

1. Kentucky, (27-9)

Most pollsters like Duke as the nation's top team, but from a fantasy perspective we love how John Calipari prepares players for the next level. As usual, he's got a roster full of freshmen and sophomores who are focused on the NBA. De'Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, both guards, are two to watch.

2. Kansas, (33-5)

We admittedly stuck with the Jayhawks a bit too long last year, but coach Bill Self is an ace recruiter. We really like the athleticism of swingman Josh Jackson. At 6-8, 207, he needs a bit more muscle, but he's just a freshman.

3. North Carolina, 33-7

Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige are gone, but the Heels return forward Justin Jackson and guard Joel Berry II. Both averaged more than 12 PPG for Roy Williams' team last season.

4. Duke, (25-11)

Okay, Dukies, we haven't forgotten you. We're not just ranking the Blue Devils here because we're scared of the Cameron Crazies, though. We really like freshman forward (noticing a trend?) Jayson Tatum and junior guard Grayson Allen (21.6 PPG last season), and we're not alone.

5. Villanova, (35-5)

We were late to the party with 'Nova last season and still haven't heard the end of it. Senior guard--wait... an upper classman?--Josh Hart (15.6 PPG last season) is back for another go-around.

6. Oregon, (31-7)

Junior forward Dillon Brooks is also back to lead the Ducks. The guy just fills the stat sheet (16.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.1 APG in 2015-16) and he's got a good NBA body.

7. Virginia, (29-8)

Senior guard London Perrantes (11.0 PPG) is the Cavaliers' top returning scorer, but Tony Bennett has built something in Charlottesville. The 'Hoovs may not produce NBA talent like UK, UNC and Duke, but they have an elite college program.

8. Louisville, (23-8)

With the recent history of the Cardinals' program under coach Rick Pitino, it pains us to put them in our rankings. But, the fact is, as measured by wins and losses, Pitino remains among the elite college coaches. Expect sophomore forward Deng Adel to emerge as a star this year, and for UL to have a big season without the specter of an NCAA investigation hanging over their heads.

9. Indiana, (27-8)

Yogi Ferrell may be gone, and in the D-League, but James Blackmon, Jr. (15.6 PPG in 2015-16) returns to lead a Hoosiers team on the upswing. Tom Crean's team could be a factor in March.

10. Arizona, 23-6

We liked the Wildcats last year and we still like them this time around, even with leading scorer Ryan Anderson gone. Sophomore guard Allonzo Trier (14.8 PPG in 2015-16) looks set to have a breakout season.

 

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