The deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft passed over the weekend so we now have a true understanding of what the college basketball landscape looks like heading into the 2010-11 season. Here are our initial thoughts on how the poll will look when the season begins.

1. DUKE
09-10 Record: 35-5 (national champions)
Important Returnees: Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith, Andre Dawkins, Miles Plumlee, Mason Plumlee
New Arrivals: Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Josh Hairston, Carrick Felix (JC transfer)

As soon as Kyle Singler announced he was staying the Blue Devils became the unanimous #1 team in the country. The leadership of Scheyer will be missed at the point, but Kyrie Irving is one of the best freshmen point guards in the country. Stephen Curry will be a huge boost to the offense after sitting out last season due to his transfer from Liberty University. Don’t sleep on Nolan Smith who will more than likely be first team All-ACC.

2. MICHIGAN STATE
09-10 Record: 28-9 (Final Four)
Important Returnees: Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Draymond Green, Delvon Roe, Korie Lucious
New Arrivals: Keith Appling, Adreian Payne, Alex Gauna, Russell Byrd

The bottom line is Tom Izzo gets it done on an annual basis. Raymar Morgan is gone, but a whole host of talent returns. The Spartans made the Final Four this past year without their floor general Kalin Lucas who should be back and 100% healthy. Keith Appling and Adreian Payne are two newcomers who should bring extra pop to an already solid squad.

3. PURDUE
09-10 Record: 29-6 (Sweet 16)
Important Returnees: Robbie Hummel, JaJuan Johnson, E’Twaun Moore, Lewis Jackson
New Arrivals: Terone Johnson, Anthony Johnson, Donnie Hale

Hummel, Johnson and Moore return? Oh my!!! Matt Painter has to be ecstatic with his three key players returning and the addition of combo guard Terone Johnson makes the Boilermakers very scary.

4. KANSAS STATE
09-10 Record: 29-8 (Elite Eight)
Important Returnees: Jacob Pullen, Dominique Sutton, Curtis Kelly, Rodney McGruder, Jamar Samuels, Jordan Henriquez-Roberts, Wally Judge
New Arrivals: Freddy Asprilla (Transfer), Shane Southwell

Denis Clemente is gone, but Jacob Pullen and a ton of other players from last year’s team returns. Throw in Freddy Asprilla who will bring the Wildcats a much needed inside presence and you have a team that should make a lot of noise this year.

5. OHIO STATE
09-10 Record: 29-8 (Sweet 16)
Important Returnees: William Buford, Dallas Lauderdale Jon Diebler, David Lighty
New Arrivals: Jared Sullinger, DeShaun Thomas

I know the Buckeyes lost Evan Turner the National Player of the Year, but they return the rest of their starting lineup from last year. Lauderdale, Lighty, Buford and Diebler with the addition of Jared Sullinger will make Ohio State one tough opponent. Thad Matta is used to reloading in quick fashion and Sullinger and DeShaun Thomas are serious studs.

6. VILLANOVA
09-10 Record: 25-8 (second round of NCAA tournament)
Important Returnees: Corey Fisher, Taylor King, Antonio Pena, Corey Stokes, Mouphtaou Yarou, Dominic Cheek, Maalik Wayns
New Arrivals: Jayvaughn Pinkston, James Bell, Markus Kennedy

Yes, the Wildcats lost Scottie Reynolds and Reggie Redding, but they return a solid nucleus of talent. Cheek, Fisher, Stokes and Wayns will handle things in the backcourt and Pena and Yarou should make for a formidable frontcourt. Jay Wright is an excellent coach so look for Nova to be a contender.

7. PITTSBURGH
09-10 Record: 25-9 (second round of the NCAA tournament)
Important Returnees: Ashton Gibbs, Dante Taylor, Gilbert Brown, Brad Wanamaker, Travon Woodall, Gary McGhee, Nasir Robinson
New Arrivals: Isaiah Epps, Cameron Wright, J.J. Moore

Pittsburgh wasn’t supposed to do anything last year, but Jamie Dixon continued to prove why he is one of the best coaches in the nation by leading the team to 25 wins. Gibbs and Wanamaker are a very solid duo in the backcourt and their rugged D will continue to be their forte.

8. FLORIDA
09-10 Record: 21-13 (first round of the NCAA tournament)
Important Returnees: Alex Tyus, Kenny Boynton, Vernon Macklin, Erving Walker, Chandler Parsons, Erik Murphy
New Arrivals: Patric Young, Casey Prather

Billy Donovan and the Gators return almost everyone from a team that achieved an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament last year after missing it the last two years. Florida also has a good recruiting class coming in to help out.

9. WASHINGTON
09-10 Record: 26-10 (Sweet 16)
Important Returnees: Isaiah Thomas, C.J. Wilcox, Abdul Gaddy, Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Venoy Overton, Darnell Gant, Justin Holiday, Scott Suggs, Tyreese Breshers
New Arrivals: Terrence Ross, Terrence Jones

Isaiah Thomas will lead an impressive backcourt and Terrence Jones is a very talented small forward joining the program. Lorenzo Romar’s team should flourish again this year when you consider the PAC 10 will stink again.

10. MISSOURI
09-10 Record: 23-11 (second round of the NCAA tournament)
Important Returnees: Laurence Bowers, Michael Dixon, Kim English, Marcus Denmon, Justin Safford
New Arrivals: Tony Mitchell, Phil Pressey, Matt Pressey (JC transfer)

Kim English, Marcus Denmon and Laurence Bowers understand Mike Anderson’s system and Missouri brings in a very impressive recruiting class this year. This team loves to get up and down the court and have top ten potential.

Teams to watch:
UNC, Baylor, Gonzaga, Virgnia Tech, Syracuse