Oct. 2, 2012

Bloomington, Indiana - Indiana's Men's basketball team has been named the number one NCAAB team within SN's Pre-season Top 25, presented by Gillette Odor Shield.

Indiana has the most promising player in college basketball, tons of returning talent and a coach with a Final Four on his resume--making the Hoosiers an attractive choice as a pre-season No. 1. An opposing coach even stated, "They're a well-coached, well-rounded team. Obviously, (Cody) Zeller is a big anchor in the interior. They've got excellent shooting in spots, and they have size and athleticism."

IU also returns starters senior Christian Watford (12.6 ppg., 5.8 rebs., senior Jordan Hulls (11.7 ppg, 3.3 assists) junior Victor Oladipo (10.8 ppg., 5.3 rebs.) and junior Will Sheehey (8.6 ppg., 3.1 rebs.) and key reserves senior Derek Elston (4.2 ppg.) and Remy Abell (3.0 ppg.). They were 27-9 last year.

Sporting News' College Basketball awards are decided on by the Sporting News editorial staff in consultation with coaches and scouts around the country.

2012 SPORTING NEWS PRESEASON TOP 25

1. Indiana
2. Louisville
3. Ohio State
4. Kentucky
5. Michigan
6. Duke
7. Syracuse
8. Arizona
9. N.C. State
10. Missouri
11. UCLA
12. Kansas
13. North Carolina
14. Creighton
15. Memphis
16. Florida
17. Wisconsin
18. Cincinnati
19. San Diego State
20. UNLV
21. Gonzaga
22. Michigan State
23. Murray State
24. Notre Dame
25. VCU