1. Duke
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Last year: 32-4
Tournament result: Lost to Kentucky in South final
Player to watch: Elton Brand
Skinny: The Blue Devils have the best shot to win it all since going to the final in '94.
2. Connecticut
Conference: Big East
Last year: 32-5
Tournament result: Lost to North Carolina in East final
Player to watch: Richard Hamilton
Skinny: The Huskies are rich in guards, but need to beef up frontcourt to win their first title.
3. Stanford
Conference: Pac-10
Last year: 30-5
Tournament result: Lost to Kentucky in NCAA semifinals
Player to watch: Arthur Lee
Skinny: Five returning starters could help Cardinal rule come March.
4. UCLA
Conference: Pac-10
Last year: 24-9
Tournament result: Lost to Kentucky in South semifinals
Player to watch: Baron Davis
Skinny: Baby Bruins will be all grown up by the time the tournament starts.
5. Temple
Conference: Atlantic 10
Last year: 21-9
L Tournament result: Lost to West Virginia in West first round
Player to watch: Lamont Barnes
Skinny: John Chaney finally has talent to match his team's work ethic.
6. Maryland
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Last year: 21-11
Tournament result: Lost to Arizona in West semifinals
Player to watch: Steve Francis
Skinny: New faces could put the Terps over the top in quest for first Final Four.
7. Kansas
Conference: Big 12
Last year: 35-4
Tournament result: Lost to Rhode Island in Midwest second round
Player to watch: Lester Earl
Skinny: With lower profile, Jayhawks might do better than in recent years.
8. Kentucky
Conference: Southeastern
Last year: 35-4
Tournament result: Beat Utah for national title
Player to watch: Scott Padgett
Skinny: Repeating is always difficult and Wildcats have much to replace.
9. Utah
Conference: Western Athletic
Last year: 30-4
Tournament result: Lost to Kentucky in NCAA title game
Player to watch: Andre Miller
Skinny: If point guard Miller is at the top of his game, so might the Utes.
Conference: Big Ten
Last year: 22-8
L Tournament result: Lost to North Carolina in East semifinals
Player to watch: Mateen Cleaves
Skinny: Spartans want to prove they have more than point guard Cleaves.
11. Rhode Island
Conference: Atlantic 10
Last year: 25-9
Tournament result: Lost to Stanford in Midwest final
Player to watch: Lamar Odom
Skinny: With power shifted to the frontcourt, the Rams could be tough.
12. Cincinnati
Conference: Conference USA
Last year: 27-6
Tournament result: Lost to West Virginia in West second round
Player to watch: Pete Mickeal
Skinny: Bearcats will be deep, but can they stay distraction-free?
13. North Carolina
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Last year: 34-4
Tournament result: Lost to Utah in NCAA semifinals
Player to watch: Ed Cota
Skinny: Despite inexperience, never count out Tar Heels and Bill Guthridge.
14. Tennessee
Conference: Southeastern
Last year: 20-9
Tournament result: Lost to Illinois State in West first round
Player to watch: Tony Harris
Skinny: The Vols are finally ready to give fans something other than the women to root for in March.
15. Xavier
Conference: Atlantic 10
Last year: 22-8
Tournament result: Lost to Washington in East first round
Player to watch: Gary Lumpkin
Skinny: Senior backcourt needs to lead the Musketeers.
16. Washington
Conference: Pac-10
Last year: 20-10
Tournament result: Lost to Connecticut in East semifinals
Player to watch: Todd MacCulloch
Skinny: The Other Huskies are looking to build on last year's Sweet 16.
17. Purdue
Conference: Big Ten
Last year: 28-8
Tournament result: Lost to Stanford in Midwest semifinals
Player to watch: Carson Cunningham
Skinny: The Boilermakers still need more muscle to survive in tournament.
18. Oklahoma State
Conference: Big 12
Last year: 22-7
Tournament result: Lost to Duke in South second round
Player to watch: Adrian Peterson
L Skinny: Fast Eddie Sutton has not slowed down in Stillwater.
19. Arizona
Conference: Pac-10
Last year: 30-5
Tournament result: Lost to Utah in West final
Player to watch: Jason Terry
Skinny: Wildcats must replace more than 70 points a game.
20. Coll. of Charleston
Conference: Southern
Last year: 24-6
Tournament result: Lost to Stanford in Midwest first round
Player to watch: Sedric Webber
Skinny: New league with similar results.
21. Arkansas
Conference: Southeastern
Last year: 24-9
Tournament result: Lost to Utah in West second round
Player to watch: Pat Bradley
Skinny: The short-lived dynasty is a distant memory, but Hogs will be there.
22. Syracuse
Conference: Big East
Last year: 26-9
Tournament result: Lost to Duke in South semifinals
Player to watch: Ryan Blackwell
Skinny: The second-best the Big East has to offer behind Connecticut.
23. Wake Forest
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Last year: 16-14
Tournament result: Lost to Vanderbilt in NIT second round
Player to watch: Robert O'Kelley
Skinny: Last year's NCAA tournament snub can turn into this year's motivation.
24. New Mexico
Conference: Western Athletic
Last year: 24-8
Tournament result: Lost to Syracuse in South second round
Player to watch: Kenny Thomas
Skinny: Lobos might not have the team they've had the last three years, but Thomas is still a force.
25. Georgia
Conference: Southeastern
Last year: 20-15
Tournament result: Lost to Penn State in NIT semifinals
Player to watch: G.G. Smith
Skinny: Dawgs will need better shooting from Ray Harrison to get back to Sweet 16.
26. Indiana
Conference: Big Ten
Last year: 20-12
Tournament result: Lost to Connecticut in East second round
Player to watch: A.J. Guyton
Skinny: The man with three titles won't get a fourth, but will get his team in for a 14th straight year.
27. St. John's
Conference: Big East
Last year: 22-10
Tournament result: Lost to Detroit in Midwest first round
Player to watch: Erick Barkley
Skinny: Even without Felipe Lopez and Zendon Hamilton, cupboard isn't bare for Mike Jarvis.
28. Minnesota
Conference: Big Ten
Last year: 20-15
Tournament result: Defeated Penn State in NIT final
Player to watch: Joel Przybilla
Skinny: The Gophers probably won't last more than a round in NCAAs.
29. Massachusetts
Conference: Atlantic 10
Last year: 21-11
Tournament result: Lost to Saint Louis in South first round
Player to watch: Lari Ketner
Skinny: Coach Bruiser Flint has to win some games in March to erase any question marks.
30. Oklahoma
Conference: Big 12
Last year: 22-11
Tournament result: Lost to Indiana in East first round
Player to watch: Ryan Humphrey
Skinny: More of a share-the-points philosophy than in recent years.
31. Ala.-Birmingham
Conference: Conference USA
Last year: 21-12
Tournament result: Lost to Minnesota in NIT second round
Player to watch: Eric Holmes
Skinny: Shooter Damon Cobb needs to improve defense.
32. UNLV
Conference: Western Athletic
Last year: 20-13
Tournament result: Lost to Princeton in East first round
Player to watch: Shawn Marion
Skinny: The Runnin' Rebels have returned to prominence under Billy Bayno.
33. Miami of Ohio
Conference: Mid-American
Last year: 17-12
Tournament result: Did not go to postseason tournament
Player to watch: Wally Szczerbiak
Skinny: A year after heart attack, Charlie Coles will coach in NCAAs.
34. Tulsa
Conference: Western Athletic
Last year: 19-12
Tournament result: Did not go to postseason tournament
Player to watch: Michael Ruffin
Skinny: Ruffin is one of the best unknown players in the country.
35. South Carolina
Conference: Southeastern
Last year: 23-8
Tournament result: Lost to Richmond in East first round
Player to watch: BJ McKie
Skinny: After being upset in first round last two years, Gamecocks will be glad to get there.
Conference: Atlantic 10
Last year: 24-9
Tournament result: Lost to Okla. State in South first round
Player to watch: Shawnta Rogers
Skinny: Colonials will be smaller without Alexander Koul, but better.
37. Auburn
Conference: Southeastern
Last year: 16-14
Tournament result: Lost to Marquette in NIT second round
Player to watch: Mamadou N'diaye
Skinny: With full allotment of scholarships, Tigers will make first trip under Cliff Ellis.
38. Memphis
Conference: Conference USA
Last year: 17-12
Tournament result: Lost to Fresno State in NIT second round
Player to watch: Jimmie Hunter
Skinny: The Tigers need to stay healthy, especially in the backcourt.
39. Texas Christian
Conference: Western Athletic
Last year: 27-6
Tournament result: Lost to Florida State in Midwest first round
Player to watch: Lee Nailon
Skinny: Billy Tubbs' Horned Frogs must learn defense.
40. Clemson
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Last year: 18-14
Tournament result: Lost to Western Michigan in Midwest first round
Player to watch: Terrell "Boogie" McIntyre
L Skinny: A lot of Boogie nights are still left at Littlejohn.
41. California
Conference: Pac-10
Last year: 12-15
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Geno Carlisle
Skinny: Bears should benefit from overall strength of Pac-10.
42. Dayton
Conference: Atlantic 10
Last year: 21-12
Tournament result: Lost to Penn State in NIT second round
Player to watch: Tony Stanley
Skinny: Stronger nonconference schedule should help the Flyers get in.
43. Saint Louis
Conference: Conference USA
Last year: 22-11
Tournament result: Lost to Kentucky in South second round
Player to watch: Matt Baniak
Skinny: Even the departure of Larry Hughes shouldn't hold back Billikens.
44. Texas
Conference: Big 12
Last year: 14-17
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Kris Klack
Skinny: A killer early schedule will either be a blessing or a curse for new coach Rick Barnes.
45. Penn State
Conference: Big Ten
Last year: 19-13
Tournament result: Lost to Minnesota in NIT title game
Player to watch: Calvin Booth
Skinny: NIT-tany Lions should be NCAA Lions this season.
46. SW Missouri State
Conference: Missouri Valley
Last year: 16-16
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Danny Moore
Skinny: After knocking at door in recent years, Steve Alford's team should get in.
47. St. Mary's
Conference: West Coast
Last year: 12-15
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Brad Millard
Skinny: The Big Continent's return should boost Gaels.
48. Detroit
Conference: Midwestern Collegiate
Last year: 25-6
Tournament result: Lost to Purdue in Midwest second round
Player to watch: Jermaine Jackson
Skinny: Win over St. John's in last year's tournament will be boost to Dickie V's former team.
49. Iona
Conference: Metro Atlantic
Last year: 27-6
Tournament result: Lost to Syracuse in South first round
Player to watch: Kashif Hameed
Skinny: Jeff Ruland's return should be a triumphant one.
50. UNC-Wilmington
Conference: Colonial Athletic
Last year: 20-11
Tournament result: Lost to Wake Forest in NIT first round
Player to watch: Stan Simmons
Skinny: After going to first NIT, Seahawks should be invited to a bigger dance this year.
51. New Mexico State
Conference: Big West
Last year: 18-12
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Charles Gosa
Skinny: Lou Henson lost three starters, but signed eight players.
52. Hofstra
Conference: America East
Last year: 19-12
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Craig Claxton
Skinny: Return of starting lineup should bring first NCAA bid in 22 years.
53. Murray State
Conference: Ohio Valley
Last year: 29-4
Tournament result: Lost to Rhode Island in Midwest first round
Player to watch: Marvin Gay
Skinny: The Racers lost two star guards, but should win fourth straight in Ohio Valley.
54. Arkansas State
Conference: Sun Belt
Last year: 20-9
Tournament result: Did not go to postseason tournament
Player to watch: Chico Fletcher
Skinny: Fletcher runs the show for the Indians with 8.3 assists a game.
55. Northern Arizona
Conference: Big Sky
Last year: 21-8
Tournament result: Lost to Cincinnati in West first round
Player to watch: Casey Frank
Skinny: Lumberjacks have led country in three-point shooting for two straight years.
56. Valparaiso
Conference: Mid-Continent
Last year: 23-10
Tournament result: Lost to Rhode Island in Midwest semifinals
Player to watch: Zoran Viskovic
Skinny: These Cinderellas are missing a Drew, but still could be dancing in March.
57. Mount St. Mary's
Conference: Northeast
Last year: 13-15
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Melvin Whitaker
Skinny: Could this be Jim Phelan's last hurrah?
58. Georgia State
Conference: Trans-America
Last year: 16-12
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Kevin Morris
Skinny: With College of Charleston gone, Lefty will make his move on the TAAC.
59. Princeton
Conference: Ivy
Last year: 27-2
Tournament result: Lost to Michigan State in Midwest second round
Player to watch: Gabe Lewullis
Skinny: Despite loss of three starters, Tigers will rule Ivy.
60. Coppin State
Conference: Mid-Eastern
Last year: 21-8
Tournament result: Did not go to postseason tournament
Player to watch: Fred Warrick
Skinny: Four starters are gone, but Fang Mitchell retools rather -- than rebuilds.
61. Texas Southern
Conference: Southwestern Athletic
Last year: 15-16
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Leeland Redmond
Skinny: After winning league but losing SWAC tournament, Tigers are on a mission.
62. Navy
Conference: Patriot
Last year: 19-11
Tournament result: Lost to North Carolina in East first round
Player to watch: Reggie Skipworth
Skinny: Mids going after third straight trip.
63. Southwest Texas
Conference: Southland
Last year: 17-11
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Donte Mathis
Skinny: Mathis scored in double figures every game last season.
64. UNC-Asheville
Conference: Big South
Last year: 19-9
Tournament result: Did not go to a postseason tournament
Player to watch: Kevin Martin
Skinny: After buzzer-beating loss to Radford, Bulldogs will bite back.
Tournament schedule
East: 1st, 2nd rounds - March 12 & 14, at Boston and Charlotte, N.C.; Regionals - March 19 & 21, at Syracuse, N.Y.
South: 1st, 2nd rounds - March 11 & 13, at Orlando, Fla., and Indianapolis; Regionals - March 18 & 20, Knoxville, Tenn.
Midwest: 1st, 2nd rounds - March 12 & 14, at Milwaukee and New Orleans; Regionals - March 19 & 21, at St. Louis.
West: 1st, 2nd rounds - March 11 & 13, at Seattle and Denver; Regionals - March 18 & 20, at Phoenix.
Final Four: Semifinals - March 27, Final - March 29, at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Pub Date: 11/13/98