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Brian Dunleavy's top 10 NCAA college basketball (CBB) rankings, from a fantasy basketball perspective, as of 04/03/18. His fantasy CBB rankings are updated weekly.
We don't claim to get it right every time. In fact, we're usually our own worst critics.
So, while we took it on the chin in the lead-up to the NCAA Tournament for putting down the SEC--a position for which we received some vindication as March Madness played out--we also note that we were wrong on Michigan and Virginia. And, we admit, our bracket was a bloodbath.
Now that the dust has settled, though, we feel confident that you will not find too much fault with our final rankings for the 2017-18 season, which feature a look toward the NBA Draft and players who could impact your own fantasy rosters next year. Here are the end-of-season RotoBaller college hoops rankings as of April 3, 2018 (won-loss records in parentheses).
NCAA College Basketball (CBB) Rankings
1. Villanova, (36-4)
If it seems like we write about the Wildcats in this spot every season, there's a reason for that... at least recently. 'Nova's leading scorer may be Jalen Brunson (19.5 PPG), and Brunson may have an NBA pedigree (thanks to his dad, Rick), but most experts believe Mikal Bridges (17.5 PPG) will go first in the draft, thanks to his longer frame (6-6, 210).
2. Michigan, (33-8)
To be fair, we said the Wolverines needed Moe Wagner to have a big tournament to go deep, and that's exactly what they got from the big man. Wagner (14 PPG/7.0 RPG) has good size (6-11, 245) and a high basketball IQ. The Berlin native is projected as a late first-round pick, but his stock likely rose over the past month.
3. Kansas, (31-8)
It's hard to call the Jayhawks' run to the Final Four a surprise--this is a storied program, after all--but they were on the outside of the Top 10 for most of the season. Scouts don't see a consensus first rounder on Bill Self's roster, although at 6-8 Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (14.6 PPG/3.9 RPG) has been getting some buzz of late.
4. Duke, (29-8)
Speaking of surprises (not!), Marvin Bagley III (21.0 PPG/11.1 RPG) will be a one and done at Duke, as he declared for the draft soon after the Blue Devils were knocked out of the Elite Eight. NBA teams have gotten into trouble in recent years taking big men early, due to injuries, but scouts have Bagley going as high as second overall.
5. Michigan State, (30-5)
So which Spartan will go first--Jaren Jackson, Jr. (10.9 PPG/5.8 RPG) or Miles Bridges (17.1 PPG/7.0 RPG)? Both have good size and skills, and both could slot into multiple positions at the next level. Well, $40 says it Bridges. Yes, we're only saying that for the joke.
6. Xavier, (29-6)
The Musketeer some opposing fans love to hate, J.P. Macura (12.9 PPG/4.5 RPG/2.9 APG), could go in the second round--or not at all. Scouts question whether the senior is athletic enough to play in the NBA, though his guile and energy might make up for his lack of quickness.
7. Gonzaga, (32-5)
The Zags' sophomore small forward Rui Hachimura (11.6 PPG/4.7 RPG) may have the highest NBA upside of any player on the roster, but he likely needs more seasoning in Spokane before he can consider going pro.
8. Cincinnati, (31-5)
The Bearcats were never a pretty team this season, but they sure won enough. Guard Jacob Evans (13.0 PPG/4.7 RPG/3.1 APG/1.3 SPG) is projected as a late second-rounder.
9. Arizona, (27-8)
Wildcats coach Sean Miller won't be winning any Man of the Year honors anytime soon, but that isn't our domain. What he is is a proven developer of NBA talent. And 7-1, 250-lb. freshman Deandre Ayton (20.1 PPG/11.6 RPG) is an NBA talent--even he made a lot of headlines for all the wrong reasons this season. He could go first overall.
10. Wichita State, (25-8)
Okay, yeah, we're mostly rewarding the Shockers for their outstanding regular season, but we also believe point guard Landry Shamet (14.9 PPG/3.2 RPG/5.2 APG) could have an impact at the next level. He's projected as a late first-rounder.
