2. Xavier Henry is the Jayhawks' top freshman and Philadelphia natives Marcus and Markieff Morris lead the sophomore class as KU hunts for its second title in 3 years. "That team [2008] didn't rely on newcomers," coach Bill Self said. "This team will have to rely on some newcomers. There are some unproven pieces."
3. Speaking of unknown commodities, North Carolina lost four starters, yet is still ranked sixth in the Associated Press' preseason poll. John Henson, a 6-10 freshman forward, is a fascinating talent.
4. Duke's strength is up front, which is atypical of most of Mike Krzyzewski's teams. In addition to Lance Thomas and Haddonfield High's Brian Zoubek, the Blue Devils also will use McDonald's All-Americans Mason Plumee and Ryan Kelly. If the Blue Devils jell, they will be dangerous. Small forward Kyle Singler is the ACC preseason player of the year.
5. If Duke doesn't make it to Indianapolis, it will be the sixth season in a row the Blue Devils have missed the Final Four, and it would establish the longest drought since Mike Krzyzewski took over in Durham in 1980.
6. New Seattle coach Cameron Dollar, the former top assistant at Washington, has a unique No. 1 guy on the bench: his father, Donald, a high school coaching legend in Georgia. The Redhawks are entering year 2 of a 5-year transition process from Division II to Division I.
7. Bob Huggins has beefed up the West Virginia frontcourt and might be able to give the football team a good game. "You look at, for instance, Pitt a year ago with their front line," the coach said. "We're going to be like that now." Pennsbury's Dalton Pepper, a thick, 6-5, 225-pound shooting guard, will come off the bench.
