Kansas basketball: How the past ten Preseason No. 1 teams have fared

By Kyle Jones | Oct 26, 2023

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 08: Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after being called for a foul against the Boston College Eagles during the second half of their game in the second round of the ACC Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 08, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) handles the ball against Troy Trojans forward DeVon Walker (25) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2016 Preseason No. 1: Duke

Final Record: 28-9
NCAA Tournament Result: No. 2 Seed – Lost in Second Round

This was the prime era of Duke’s recruiting dominance, and it is made clear by these two classes. They also brought in four top-15 recruits in 2016, with the second and third ranked players (Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum) being the highlights.

Just like the 2017 team, they showed their lack of experience throughout the season. An 11-7 conference record was good for just fifth place in a loaded ACC. That lack of experience cost them even more in the NCAA Tournament, as South Carolina senior Sindarius Thornwell was too much for them to handle in the second round.

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