Uncertainty opens the door for wild speculation. Herewith, an early, early -- did I say early yet? -- top 10 for '05-06 with a classic feel.

1. Duke

Incoming freshman Josh McRoberts, the McDonald's All-America Game MVP, will bunk with Syracuse, N.Y., point guard Greg Paulus, and Coach K couldn't fill his holes any more effectively. McRoberts, a polished post player, can slide in alongside Shelden Williams in the frontcourt (likely sending Shav Randolph to the bench). Paulus can either start at the point or provide a talented-backup option behind Sean Dockery. With two All-Americas back (J.J. Redick and Williams), and only one starter lost (Daniel Ewing), the Blue Devils' case for No. 1 is compelling.

2. UNC

The real question is not where should the Heels be ranked, but rather, which Heels are we ranking? See the above prognosis on the Carolina wipeout. In the event that the exodus is seven deep (everyone, including Marvin Williams, May and Felton leave), then Roy's boys don't make this list. If May and Felton stay -- and star recruit Tyler Hansbrough fills one of the vacated forward spots -- then Carolina is No. 1 or 2, and gunning for another Final Four.

3. Kentucky

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The Wildcats lose one starter in Chuck Hayes who was the team's most vital ingredient. UK will be backcourt-dominated in '05-06, with Rajon Rondo, Patrick Sparks and Kelenna Azubuike as a formidable 1-2-3 combo. Azubuike had an inauspicious ending to his junior season, as he dribbled out the clock -- without getting off a shot -- in overtime against Michigan State. As for Sparks, who hit the toe-to-the-line 3 to send that Elite Eight game to OT, you get the feeling that his legend is not over in Lexington.

4. Villanova

In the Wildcats' locker room following their near-upset of UNC (the traveling call still stings), Randy Foye sat on a stool, his blue jersey discarded in front of him on the floor. He didn't look devastated; he looked driven. Next season had to be on his mind, and for good reason: Everyone -- every starter, plus electric guard Kyle Lowry -- is back for '05-06. With Foye, Allan Ray, Mike Nardi and Lowry, 'Nova will have the best backcourt in the nation. I'll admit I didn't get a real taste of these 'Cats until the tournament, but they were impressive. The Big East is bulking up with new blood next season, but one of its old standards -- Villanova -- is best suited to make a Final Four run.

5. Texas

The Longhorns still made the tourney, despite the chaos in Austin -- Mike Williams' delay in joining the team, P.J. Tucker's ineligibility and LaMarcus Aldridge's injury -- and that's a testament to the leadership skills of young point guard Daniel Gibson. Rick Barnes' '05-06 squad looked too good for him to consider bolting for Virginia; with Oklahoma State stuck in massive rebuilding (and likely to lose out on super-recruit Gerald Green), and Kansas also in transition, the Big 12 race has a football feel, with the 'Horns and Sooners as the early favorites.