“Kentucky is going to win it all. This story could end right here, and it would not make any difference,” Jacob McKay, 2015 graduate, said last year.

Again, Kentucky may very well cut down the net in April 2016. Coach John Calipari’s Wildcats are loaded with the most sought after high school recruits, as always. They have elite talent returning to the team; talent that experienced the Final Four loss last season, which could potentially light a fire under veterans like Tyler Ulis. Ulis will be expected to lead the squad in the early season.

Kentucky is not the only team that will contend for the national title. The ever-present Duke Blue Devils could potentially make a run for a championship. Coach Mike Krzyzewski is always capable of leading his men to success in March.

Maryland is a team that is on the rise. They could be a dark horse contender for the national title. The Terrapins have arguably the best backcourt in the country with former Duke guard Rasheed Sulaimon as well as Melo Trimble.

North Carolina has a lot of talent returning to the team. Marcus Paige and a productive Kennedy Meeks make the Tar Heels attractive; however, they will face tough opponents throughout December in Texas, UCLA and Maryland, which will show the team’s true identity.

A much too early Final Four prediction could look as follows: Kentucky is a lock. Duke will continue to improve. Maryland will stay trendy and North Carolina ..poses questions but could slide in as fourth Final Four team.