AP Photo/Ed Reinke

In a short time, John Calipari has put the pieces in place to make Kentucky a national contender again.

10 Things To Know From The Offseason

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

1. Spring Cleaning: What John Calipari did once he landed the Kentucky job with his spring recruiting haul might be unmatched. He pulled together perhaps the best spring batch of recruits ever assembled. Getting John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Darnell Dodson and Eric Bledsoe in the late period just doesn't happen. Of course, Calipari had connections to them while head coach at Memphis, but to orchestrate an entirely new team is quite remarkable.

2. Return Of The Pat: Even with the No. 1 recruiting class, Kentucky still needed to keep at least one of its two key players -- Patrick Patterson or Jodie Meeks -- from last season. Getting Patterson to put off the NBA draft for at least one more year was more important because of his ability to dominate in the post. Meeks, despite his prolific scoring, was still more replaceable than Patterson. The Wildcats needed an anchor to board and finish and the rising junior can deliver on both counts.

3. Memphis Vacation: The fact that the NCAA vacated Memphis' Final Four appearance and NCAA-record 38 wins doesn't concern Kentucky directly, but it still has an effect on UK coach John Calipari. He won't let it bother him but the stain is still there as the appeals process unfolds during the season. That means there will continue to be chatter about Calipari's past, even if he isn't directly named, while he embarks on what could be a special season in Lexington.

4. Fearsome Frontcourt: Renardo Sidney was cleared to be admitted academically to Mississippi State (center John Riek was also cleared to play, even though he will have to miss the first nine games). But the case of Sidney's amateur status could drag on for quite some time. The Bulldogs are the favorite to win the SEC West with or without Sidney. But he clearly makes them better with his ability to rebound and ease the burden on Jarvis Varnado, who returned from the NBA draft pool and contributed on the defensive end at the World University Games. He then opted to be a nonscholarship player for the Bulldogs so they could fill the 13 scholarships.

5. Favorable Decision: This was the one conference which benefited the most from players returning to school with Patterson (UK), Tyler Smith (Tennessee), Tasmin Mitchell (LSU), Michael Washington (Arkansas) and Dominique Archie and Devan Downey (South Carolina) all forgoing the draft.

The rep of the league was down, as it would have had only two teams going to the NCAAs last season had Mississippi State not won the conference tournament. But all that should change this season. There is top-seed potential again in Kentucky, and at least four others in the SEC East that could make the tournament and possibly four more from the SEC West. Of course, nine schools will almost certainly not make the Dance, but getting quality players back means the SEC has star power at nearly every school.

6. Euro Trip: Florida's Nick Calathes' Greek passport meant he had the opportunity to be a European player and he opted for a lucrative deal overseas instead of taking chances to see what would happen in the NBA draft. Had Calathes returned, the Gators would be a lock for the Top 25 and a threat to win the SEC East. Instead, the burden of playing the point will fall to returning guard Erving Walker and incoming freshman Kenny Boynton Jr. The versatility of Calathes as a player with point-forward skills will be missed. The Gators will go with more of a traditional smaller lead guard. That doesn't mean they'll fall short of the NCAAs, but the chore got tougher.

7. It's On Me, Guys: Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings wanted to ensure his team had a quality experience during an offseason trip to Australia. He didn't want the Commodores to miss out on the bonding that would occur, the games that would be played and the promise he made to take the squad on a foreign trip. Once the school couldn't find the funds, Stallings stepped up and paid the estimated $100,000 out of his overall salary (bonuses). The move was one of the more genuine ones made in a college hoops offseason that's been dominated by NCAA rule-breaking and poor and unethical behavior by coaches.

8. Gold Standard: Terrico White of Ole Miss converted a pair of key 3s during the medal round for the American under-19 team at the world championships en route to the gold medal in New Zealand. White was a replacement guard once Chris Warren went down in early December with an ACL injury. But no one is going to take White's spot now. He's one of the more electrifying lead guards in the league. He flirted with declaring for the NBA draft, but decided against it hours before the deadline. Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy couldn't be more pleased with his potential and hopes White unveils it this season.

9. Thanks, But No Thanks: Tennessee has plenty of guards and talent hasn't been a major issue, so Josh Selby's decommitment wasn't a huge blow. But the national publicity over it brought the issue to the forefront. Players have decommitted for years, but the manner in which this was made so public after an appearance at an earlier summer evaluation event turned it into a major discussion point for coaches. The decommitment took some of the attention away from the accomplishment of Bruce Pearl winning gold for the U.S. at the Maccabiah Games in Israel. Pearl said winning the event was a highlight in his career, especially considering the Americans had to beat the host Israelis.

10. Summer School: New Georgia coach Mark Fox needed some good news this summer, especially as he prepares to navigate a loaded SEC East this season. Seeing Trey Thompkins flourish on the U.S. under-19 gold-medal team should give him plenty of confidence in feeding the rising soph early and often in Athens. Thompkins gives everyone a reason to watch the Bulldogs.

10 Key Players

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

• Eric Bledsoe, Kentucky: The focus is on John Wall and with good reason. But how Bledsoe handles his role will be a major factor in the success of the Wildcats. He would be a starting lead guard on most teams, but will have to share the role and at times back up Wall when John Calipari goes with one lead guard. Calipari implored Wall and Bledsoe to play together throughout the summer to experiment with that lineup. The more Bledsoe can adapt to sharing, the better off the Wildcats will be going forward.

• Dee Bost, Mississippi State: Coach Rick Stansbury doesn't hesitate talking up Bost. He touted him over the summer as one of the top guards in the SEC. The freshman averaged 10.9 points, 4.3 assists and 2.8 turnovers a game last season. He made 71.8 percent of his free throws. If those numbers can be duplicated on a more experienced and talented team, the Bulldogs should be primed for a potential SEC West title.

• Chris Warren, Ole Miss: Warren was one of the top freshmen in the SEC in 2008 and expected to have a banner sophomore season -- until an early-season ACL injury shelved him for the rest of the campaign. He was averaging 19.6 points before he went down. The question is whether Warren still has that ability to get by someone to the hoop. If he can, the Rebels should be a force in the West. They'll have the top backcourt on that side of the league.

• Courtney Fortson, Arkansas: Fortson was one of the more enigmatic freshmen last season. When he was on, he was on. When he was off, it was a train wreck all around. Fortson's talent isn't a question. How much he's committed to listening is the issue for the Arkansas coaching staff. Fortson has the potential to be an All-SEC player if he focuses on his game.

• Jermaine Beal, Vanderbilt: The Commodores have one of the more experienced teams in the league. A lot of that has to do with the play of Beal on the perimeter. He saw his scoring jump from seven to 12 points last season, but he must watch his assist-to-turnover ratio. It went from 158-51 as a sophomore to 99-49 as a junior. If he manages possessions better, the Dores can be a threat in the SEC East.

• Scotty Hopson, Tennessee: Hopson was a highly touted recruit who just needed to get into a groove with the Vols. He went through the usual growing pains of being a college freshman. But the school reports he has added 15 pounds of muscle and is showing more balance in his game while playing this summer. He has also lowered the arc on his 3-point shot and made himself into one of the better offensive threats for the Vols.

• Bo Spencer, LSU: Spencer averaged 11.4 points a game last season, but he didn't have to do much more than that with Marcus Thornton tossing up 21.1 points a game. But with Thornton gone the onus is on Spencer to produce even more. If he continues to be a scoring guard and plays well as a one-two punch with Tasmin Mitchell then the Tigers should be a pest in the SEC West.

• Vernon Macklin, Florida: Macklin was a hyped newcomer for Georgetown but he never could find his footing with a glut of forwards. His transfer to Florida couldn't have come at a better time. The Gators need Macklin to be a force. He has the experience and the knowledge of the game to help a team that needs leadership. But coach Billy Donovan isn't putting too much on his shoulders. He has already said he isn't banking on Macklin being a double-double performer.

• JaMychal Green, Alabama: Green was a double-digit scorer (10.3 ppg) as a freshman. He, like every other Tide player, had to deal with a tumultuous season as Mark Gottfried was forced out during the SEC season. Phillip Pearson did a solid job as an interim coach and now new coach Anthony Grant has taken over. Green is the type of anchor inside Grant needs to flourish. He has the skill set to be a 15-and-10 type performer. If Green can deliver early and often, the Tide could surprise.

• Lakeem Jackson, South Carolina: The Gamecocks need an infusion of scoring out of their freshman class. They may get it with Jackson, a 6-4 small forward out of Charlotte, N.C. He was billed by our Scouts Inc. crew as a strong, physical wing who is an attacker. If he's as aggressive as the report states, the Gamecocks should have that third option they need on a more consistent basis.

10 Freshmen We Can't Wait To See

By Reggie Rankin
Scouts Inc.

• Tony Mitchell, Alabama: Mitchell has great size and bounce. He finishes above the rim on the break and is at his best when using his length and slashing to the rim. Mitchell provides first-year Tide coach Anthony Grant with an athletic wing who can make plays on both ends of the floor.

• Marshawn Powell, Arkansas: This versatile forward can score inside and out. Powell uses his strength and energy to provide consistent production. Powell has range to the arc with time and space and can score through contact with ease. He is a good area rebounder on both ends as well.

• John Wall, Kentucky: Wall was the talk of the late signing period. This super athletic guard has great size with matching speed and quickness with the ball. He is an above-the-rim finisher in transition and can get into the lane at will, where he can put the ball on the money to open teammates with flair. It will be interesting to see if he can handle the heat of being the point guard of the Big Blue.

• Ty Armstrong, Auburn: Jeff Lebo will love Armstrong's energy. He runs the floor like a deer and is a tireless rebounder and very good shot blocker. His back-to-the-basket post moves are still under construction, although he has shown good touch on his jump hook.

• Kenny Boynton Jr., Florida: Boynton is a very confident scorer with deep 3-point range. He attacks the rim off the dribble or hits the midrange jumper when he can't get all the way to the rim. Boynton plays with swagger and don't be surprised if he puts up big numbers right away.

• DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky: Cousins can score inside with power and touch and out with shooting range to the arc, where he can hit pick-and-pop or trial jumpers with ease. He rebounds at rim level on both ends and is an excellent passer in or out of the post as well. The keys for Cousins are playing with urgency on a consistent basis and body maintenance.

• Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State: Sidney can pass, dribble and knock down perimeter jumpers like a small forward. He has good touch around the basket but must add to his power game and not settle for jumpers. He is a decent area rebounder but his size and skill put him at an elite level. When motivated, Sidney can have some unstoppable stretches in games.

• Lakeem Jackson, South Carolina: Jackson is in full attack mode as soon as he steps onto the floor. This ambidextrous wing is a power driver who can finish through contact and is a good ball handler and passer. Jackson is also an aggressive rebounder on both ends. His energy and effort should earn him playing time right away.

• Kenny Hall, Tennessee: Hall is an extra long and athletic forward who scores inside with jump hooks and can step out and hit a few 3s as well. He is a rebounding machine because of length and the effort that he uses to pursue the ball. Hall has great upside and could surprise with his production.

• John Jenkins, Vanderbilt: This true shooting guard knocks down 3s and is underrated taking the ball to the basket. Jenkins thinks score on every catch, and with his ability to light up the scoreboard, should be an asset right away in the Vandy spread offense.

10 Nonconference Games We Can't Wait To See

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

• Vanderbilt vs. Cincinnati, Nov. 23 (Maui Invitational): This is one of the better opening-round games of any early-season tournament. The Bearcats offer up the national TV debut of Lance Stephenson and are an upstart Big East team. Vandy needs to get off to a roaring start to prove it can be a player in the SEC East. Advancing deeper in the Maui Invitational would suffice.

• Florida vs. Michigan State, Nov. 27 (Legends Classic): The Gators have struggled to stand out in nonconference play the past two seasons. That's part of the reason Florida has missed the NCAA tournament each year. Getting Michigan State in Atlantic City is a key early opportunity for the Gators to improve the résumé. These type wins do have legs in March.

• North Carolina at Kentucky, Dec. 5: The Carolina game precedes the Louisville showdown by a month and will give the Wildcats even more of a test. UNC's athleticism and length inside will challenge Kentucky's young Cats maybe more than any other game this season.

• South Carolina at Clemson, Dec. 6: While the Gamecocks were a win or two away from the NCAA tournament last season, Clemson continues to be the more consistent program in the state. So not only for in-state perception against their archrivals, but more so for a chance to get into the NCAAs, this is the type of nonconference game the Gamecocks need to win.

• Florida vs. Syracuse, Dec. 10 (SEC-Big East Invitational): A couple of weeks after playing Sparty, the Gators continue the neutral-site trend by playing Syracuse in Tampa. The importance of winning this game will depend on what happens with Michigan State. If Florida can knock off MSU and Syracuse, only a face-plant in the SEC East would prevent a bid to the Dance.

• Mississippi State vs. UCLA, Dec. 12 (Wooden Classic): Under normal circumstances, the Bulldogs shouldn't be expected to go across the country to Anaheim and win this game. But Mississippi State should be the higher-ranked, deeper and tougher-to-score-on team than the Bruins. If the Bulldogs lose against a rebuilding UCLA it might raise more questions about the mental strength of Mississippi State going forward.

• Ole Miss at West Virginia, Dec. 23: The Rebels will have the advantage in guard play on the Mountaineers, but not on the wings. Defending Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks will be a chore for the Rebs. If they can figure that out and win a game like this, Ole Miss will have a notch on its résumé that will have plenty of life in March.

• Louisville at Kentucky, Jan. 2: The drama for this game continues to build with each day, considering the bizarre behavior going on in Louisville, the unknown of the date for the extortion trial of the woman who had the affair with coach Rick Pitino, and the likelihood that Kentucky by Jan. 2 will be either No. 1 or No. 2 in the country. CBS was smart to put this game on an NFL Sunday because it has the potential to have a playoff atmosphere from the opening tip.

• Texas at Arkansas, Jan. 5: The Razorbacks get Texas at Bud Walton Arena for the second year in a row. A season ago, the win was one of the best for the Hogs. Coupled with the victory over Oklahoma, Arkansas looked like it might make a run for an NCAA tourney bid. But Arkansas flopped in the SEC, winning just two games and making the wins over Texas and Oklahoma meaningless. Arkansas gets another shot with a more experienced team to make a win like this matter.

• Kansas at Tennessee, Jan. 10: The Vols will catch Kansas after it has already played top-20 teams Michigan and Cal, not to mention Memphis in St. Louis, UCLA in Westwood, Temple in Philly and upstart La Salle in Kansas City. That could be good news for what might be a worn-down squad. Tennessee could really use an elite win like this as a springboard into the rugged SEC East.