Now is the pre-season/off-season for many college basketball programs as new recruits get acclimated to the college scene. 8BallaHoopsinsider has been following many teams and wants to give insight on who we feel will be the top teams to watch this season.

1. Duke has had alot of buzz this off-season as they pulled in another stellar recruiting class and landed the top 3 players in the 2018 class. I feel this Duke squad has potential to be very good, but many want to see if this year's Blue Devils will play defense. 
2. Kansas is a team we feel will start the season off at #1 in the nation based on returning talent and a loaded incoming freshman class. If Kansas' talented freshman backcourt can step in and lead this deeply talented team, we see them making yet another solid NCAA run.
3. Kentucky does what they always do—reload. Kentucky's John Calipari year after year goes after top level talent that he feels can one day play in the NBA. This team will be led by talented freshman guard Ashton Hagans—a kid who 8BallaHoopsinsider has covered and feels may be a future lottery pick.
4. UNC was far removed from a national title a few seasons ago. They now welcome a talented freshman class highlighted by stud forward Nassir Little and guard Coby White. If Luke Maye and company can get the young guys to gel fast with the experienced returning players, look for UNC to be back in the mix of things.
5. Villanova, the defending champions, have stocked up again and will make a run to try and repeat as champs. 'Nova—known last year for their stellar defense and shooting—will look both to many new faces and old ones to step up and lead the charge.

8BallaHoopsinsider will have much more college coverage as the year goes on and highlight more teams. Here are some Dark Horse teams to keep a eye on:

• Florida
• Texas
• LSU
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Xavier
• West Virginia
• Ohio State