No. 7 Virginia | No. 9 Arizona | Full List
No. 8: XAVIER MUSKETEERS
Last season: 28-6, 14-4 Big East
The Musketeers won't be able to sneak up on people as they did last season. Coach Chris Mack brings back leading scorer Trevon Bluiett and the starting backcourt of Edmond Sumner and Myles Davis (he is currently suspended indefinitely). Look for Norfolk State transfer RaShid Gaston to step in and ease the loss of James Farr and Jalen Reynolds up front. Xavier should challenge Villanova for Big East supremacy. -- Jeff Goodman
Best case: Elite Eight. The Musketeers won 28 games last season, but stunningly lost in the NCAA tournament to Wisconsin via a last-second bomb by Bronson Koenig. With the loss of Jalen Reynolds and the suspension of Miles Davis, Xavier is down a couple of mainstays from last season. Still, this is a tough-minded team that has everything, especially good guards. Trevon Bluiett and Edmund Sumner are a top-flight backcourt, and Xavier still has size and a gang-rebounding mentality.
Worst case: Early exit. Depending upon the draw, Xavier could be in the same position as last postseason, playing a Power 5 team that struggled to be rated higher but is still really capable. With good size but not much scoring up front, Xavier will rely upon its guards. Guards win, but not without good big guys.
