College basketball is almost back! On Thursday, USA Today released their preseason Coaches Poll and, as expected, the Big Ten is well represented. Highlighted by No. 3 Maryland, a total of eight teams received votes, including five in the Top 25.
The Fighting Illini weren't mentioned at all, but that was absolutely expected given what took place during this disastrous offseason. But let's not forget that this is a preseason poll. If Illinois can get healthy and take care of business during the first month of the season, they'll surely get a few votes thrown their way.
Preseason Coaches Poll
| TEAM | RECORD | POINTS | |
| 1 | Kentucky (11) | 38-1 | 749 |
| 1 | North Carolina (12) | 26-12 | 749 |
| 3 | Maryland (5) | 28-7 | 723 |
| 4 | Duke (3) | 35-4 | 686 |
| 5 | Kansas (1) | 27-9 | 675 |
| 6 | Virginia | 30-4 | 667 |
| 7 | Iowa St. |