Brice Johnson of North Carolina, The Post’s early pick for next season’s No. 1.Getty ImagesDuke’s NCAA title-game triumph over Wisconsin has not been in the books for even 24 hours, but what better time to look ahead to the top 10 teams going into the 2015-16 season:
1. North Carolina
The only thing standing in the way of next year being a special season in Chapel Hill are NCAA sanctions for the academic fraud scandal. Otherwise, deep and talented North Carolina is a title contender and Final Four favorite.
2. Virginia
Painful March memories serve as motivation for this senior-laden team that has virtually everyone back — notably bruising forward Anthony Gill and guards Malcolm Brogdon, London Perrantes and potentially Justin Anderson, if the latter doesn’t make the jump to the NBA.
Marcus Lee, Devin Booker and Tyler Ulis (left to right) could be part of Kentucky’s next title run, though Booker is a candidate to go pro.Getty Images3. Kentucky
Next year’s backcourt will be as stacked as this year’s frontcourt, led by returning point guard Tyler Ulis, high-level recruits Isaiah Briscoe and Charles Matthews, and potentially Malik Newman, the top-ranked high school guard in the country.
4. Maryland
Melo Trimble’s return, the addition of Georgia Tech transfer Robert Carter and top-10 recruit Diamond Stone has the folks in College Park thinking Final Four in 2016.
5. Oklahoma
The dynamic backcourt of Isaiah Cousins, Buddy Hield and Jordan Woodard returns to snap Kansas’ 11-year reign atop the Big 12 as regular-season champions.
Iowa State star Georges NiangGetty Images6. Iowa State
The Cyclones return every significant contributor outside Bryce Dejean-Jones and add two potentially impactful transfers in Hallice Cook (Oregon State) and Deonte Burton (Marquette). Point guard Monte Morris will be one of country’s best floor generals next winter.
7. Villanova
Despite another disappointing March, the Wildcats are poised to continue to own the Big East, fueled by the addition of McDonald’s All-American Jalen Brunson and returning core of Daniel Ochefu, Josh Hart and Ryan Arcidiacono.
8. Michigan State
Seniors Branden Dawson and Travis Trice graduate, but the Spartans reload in a major way, with high-scoring West Virginia transfer Eron Harris, McDonald’s All-American Deyonta Davis and four-star guard Matt McQuaid.
9. Duke
This is a top-five team if Tyus Jones stays in school. It is loaded even without the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, as freshman Grayson Allen becomes a star, junior forward Amile Jefferson develops as an offensive threat and top-25 recruits Chase Jeter and Luke Kennard quickly adjust to the college game.
10. Arizona
The Wildcats move into the top three if Stanley Johnson returns, which is a long shot. Even without the ultra-skilled guard, Arizona welcomes the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class that includes five-star recruits Ray Smith, Allonzo Trier and Justin Simon.
