DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A return to Martinsville Speedway in Virginia and a debut at Iowa Speedway headlines the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule for next season.

Martinsville Speedway returns to the calendar for the first time since 2010, with the series visiting the Virginia speed plant on May 8 as part of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekend.

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will debut at Iowa Speedway on July 31. The event is the furthest west the tour will race in 2020.

Also returning to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule next year is Jennerstown Speedway in Pennsylvania on May 23. The track has held 14 tour races over the years, with the late Ted Christopher being the last to visit victory lane in 2006.

The Whelen Modified Tour will open the season with a return trip to Virginia’s South Boston Speedway on Saturday, March 21. Connecticut will serve as the traditional opening of racing in New England with the 46th Annual Icebreaker weekend at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on Sunday, April 5, followed by the NAPA Spring Sizzler weekend at Stafford Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 26.

The season will conclude with the 48th annual NAPA Fall Final weekend at Stafford on Sunday, Sept. 27, and the 58th annual Sunoco World Series of Speedway Racing at Thompson on Sunday, Oct. 11.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway will again feature a 100-lap showcase on Saturday, July 18. The Whelen Modified Tour will also return with the 200-lap main event for the track’s Full Throttle Fall Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 12.

“The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is coming off an exciting year in which we saw Doug Coby continue his historic championship run and we saw the level of competition and number of competitors increase,” said Brandon Thompson, NASCAR managing director, touring series. “We are excited about the mix of high-profile national series tracks that will showcase the great racing on the Modified tour, and the strong short tracks that have been the backbone of Modified racing.”

Two tracks that appeared on the 2019 calendar are absent next year – Myrtle Beach Speedway in South Carolina and Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway.

2020 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Schedule

March 21 – South Boston Speedway – South Boston, Va.

April 5 – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park – Thompson, Conn.

April 26 – Stafford Motor Speedway – Stafford Springs, Conn.

May 8 – Martinsville Speedway – Martinsville, Va.

May 23 – Jennerstown Speedway – Jennerstown, Pa.

June 6 – Seekonk Speedway – Seekonk, Mass.

June 20 – Riverhead Raceway – Riverhead, N.Y.

July 11 – Wall Stadium Speedway – Wall, N.J.

July 18 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway – Loudon, N.H.

July 31 – Iowa Speedway – Newton, Iowa

Aug. 7 – Stafford Motor Speedway – Stafford Springs, Conn.

Aug. 19 – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park – Thompson, Conn.

Sept. 5 – Oswego Speedway – Oswego, N.Y.

Sept. 12 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway – Loudon, N.H.

Sept. 19 – Riverhead Raceway – Riverhead, N.Y.

Sept. 27 – Stafford Motor Speedway – Stafford Springs, Conn.

Oct. 11 – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park – Thompson, Conn.

PLACERVILLE, Calif. – Two weeks remain until the start of the inaugural Elk Grove Ford Hangtown 100 and the lineup is stacked with a multitude of talents from various disciplines throughout the racing world.

All are gunning for the top prize at California’s Placerville Speedway which features over $130,000 in total prize money for the co-sanctioned USAC NOS Energy Drink National and Western States Midget event on Nov. 19-20.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup star and versatile dirt track pilot Kyle Larson will debut his own No. 1K for the first time in USAC National competition.  The 2011 USAC National Midget Rookie of the Year captured a non-sanctioned midget victory in the car at Placerville in September.

Larson is joined by a host of others who are planning to make rare outdoor midget starts at the event, including 2017 Indiana Midget Week champ Shane Golobic, 2016 USAC National Midget Rookie of the year Carson Macedo, 11-time USAC National Midget winner Brad Sweet, two-time All Star Circuit of Champions titlist Aaron Reutzel and Gio Scelzi, all of whom have been winners on the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series circuit this year.

What makes the event unique is that the talented bunch listed above gets the opportunity to face off against competitors who’ve been in the seat of a midget all year, including USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget point leader Tyler Courtney, plus series winners Kevin Thomas Jr., Chris Windom, Zeb Wise and Jason McDougal and against past series champs Spencer Bayston, Tanner Thorson, Jerry Coons Jr. and Dave Darland.

The bucket of talent infused throughout the field continues to overflow with 2019 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car winners Kyle Cummins, Thomas Meseraull and Brady Bacon, as well as top international midget racing stars Michael Pickens and Kaidon Brown.

The USAC Western States Midget contingent is prepared to defend its home turf with the likes of series point leader Robert Dalby, 2018 champion Michael Faccinto, recent Ventura winner Chase Johnson, and regional USAC Sprint champs Jake Swanson and Ryan Bernal.

Tuesday’s PureCrop1 main event on Nov. 19 will be 30-laps and $5,000-to-win and features the top-12 cars in combined points inverted. Following the action on opening night there will be a post-race party on the fairgrounds with food, drinks, a live band and a lot of fun to be had.

Wednesday night’s Royal Truck Body A-main on Nov. 20 will be 100-laps around the famed red clay oval with the winner picking up a $20,000 payday. The overall points champion for the two nights will pocket a $12,000 bonus.

Hangtown 100 Entry List (As of Nov. 5)

1 Karsyn Elledge/Mooresville, NC (Tucker/Boat Motorsports)
1G Kyle Cummins/Princeton, IN (Jack Yeley)
1K Kyle Larson/Elk Grove, CA (Kyle Larson Open Wheel)
1NZ Michael Pickens/Auckland, NZ (RMS)
4D Robert Dalby/Anaheim, CA (Robert Dalby)
5 Kevin Thomas, Jr./Cullman, AL (Petry Motorsports)
7BC Tyler Courtney/Indianapolis, IN (Clauson Marshall Racing)
7x Thomas Meseraull/San Jose, CA (RMS)
8 Randi Pankratz/Atascadero, CA (Randi Pankratz)
11E Cory Elliott/Bakersfield, CA (Cory Elliott)
15 TBA/TBA (Petry Motorsports)
17BC Chris Windom/Canton, IL (Clauson Marshall Racing)
17w Shane Golobic/Fremont, CA (Matt Wood Racing)
19 Spencer Bayston/Lebanon, IN (Brodie Hayward)
19T Tanner Thorson/Minden, NV (Brodie Hayward)
19w Jake Morgan/Fair Oaks, CA (Sala Racing)
20 C.J. Sarna/Palm Desert, CA (C.J. Sarna)
21 Carson Macedo/Lemoore, CA (Tarlton Motorsports)
25 Jerry Coons, Jr./Tucson, AZ (Petry Motorsports)
25x Chase Johnson/Penngrove, CA (Tom Malloy)
27B Jake Bubak/Arvada, CO (Patrick Bourke)
27w Colby Copeland/Roseville, CA (Matt Wood)
39BC Zeb Wise/Angola, IN (Clauson Marshall Racing)
47BC Andrew Layser/Collegeville, PA (Clauson Marshall Racing)
47m Michael Faccinto/Hanford, CA (Del Morris)
57 Maria Cofer/Macdoel, CA (Maria Cofer)
67z Brad Sweet/Grass Valley, CA (Willie Kahne)
68 Jonathan Beason/Broken Arrow, OK (Six8 Motorsports)
71R Dave Darland/Lincoln, IN (Del Morris)
71x TBD
73 Dylan Ito/Ventura, CA (Keith Ford)
73K Jake Swanson/Anaheim, CA (Keith Ford)
76E Brady Bacon/Broken Arrow, OK (FMR Racing)
76m Jason McDougal/Broken Arrow, OK (FMR Racing)
77w Ryan Bernal/Hollister, CA (Matt Wood Racing)
81 Dillon Welch/Carmel, IN (Tucker/Boat Motorsports)
84 Gio Scelzi/Fresno, CA (Tucker/Boat Motorsports)
87 Aaron Reutzel/Clute, TX (Tucker/Boat Motorsports)
97w Kaidon Brown/Sydney, AU (Matt Wood)
99 Colton Heath/Marysville, WA (Carla & Gaylon Stewart)
99 Robert Carson/Concord, CA (Howard & Karen Segur)
TBA TBA/TBA (Clauson Marshall Racing)
TBA TBA/TBA (Matt Wood Racing)

TORONTO -- Maple Leafs captain John Tavares is set to return to the lineup Tuesday night after missing seven games with a broken finger.

The star center says he has made "really good progress" and is looking forward to the game against the Los Angeles Kings.

Tavares was hurt Oct. 16 after a shot by Toronto defenseman Morgan Rielly hit his hand during a 4-3 loss at Washington. The Maple Leafs were 3-2-2 without Tavares, including Saturday's 4-3 shootout victory in Philadelphia. He had three goals and four assists in eight games this season before the injury.

Tavares signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with Toronto in free agency two summers ago. He had 47 goals and 88 points in his first season with the team.

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has been stripped of his captaincy and left out of the Gunners' Europa League game against Portugal's Vitoria, manager Unai Emery has confirmed. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will skipper the club in his place.

"I had a meeting with him and told him he is no longer in the captain's group," the Mirror website quoted the Spaniard as telling reporters on Tuesday.

Aubameyang takes over the permanent role, although he was also not in the 18-man travelling squad for the match in Guimaraes and Hector Bellerin is likely to stand in instead.

"He [Xhaka] accepted my decision. We need to carry on and focus on tomorrow's match. I needed to take a decision and now it's closed," said Emery.

The decision comes amid a swarm of controversy stemming from Xhaka's angry reaction to being booed by fans after being substituted in the Gunners' draw with Crystal Palace last month.

Xhaka taunted home fans and removed his shirt when storming off the pitch after he was substituted and appeared to swear at his team's own supporters, as well as waving his arms taunting supporters to jeer louder and cupping his ear.

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Xhaka was absent from Arsenal's shootout loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, with Bellerin wearing the captain's armband as the Gunners exited the competition in the round of 16. And he was not in the squad for the team's 1-1 Premier League draw against Wolves on Saturday.

Immediately following the incident against Palace, Emery said Xhaka was devastated about the row and hailed his commitment to the club in training and in games.

The Switzerland international said his actions were caused in part by what he perceived to be harsh treatment from the club's fans on social media and during matches and that it boiled over that day at the Emirates.

In a post on his Instagram account, Xhaka wrote: "The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply. I love this club and will always give 100% on and off the pitch.

"My feeling of not being understood by fans, and repeated abusive comments at matches and in social media over the last weeks and months have hurt me deeply.

"People have said things like 'We will break your legs,' 'Kill your wife' and 'Wish that your daughter gets cancer.' That has stirred me up and I reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium on Sunday."

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

Liverpool survived a minor blip to beat Genk 2-1 at Anfield and go top of Group E in the UEFA Champions League.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain goal in the 53rd minute.

Positives

With a Premier League showdown against Manchester City just five days away, Liverpool were able to get the win without having to rely on the likes of

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Negatives

Jurgen Klopp's defence has been anything but tight this season and Genk took advantage of some static defending to head themselves level from a first-half corner, and Manchester City will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a back line that looks edgy at set pieces.

Hampshire have pulled off a coup for the 2020 County Championship season after signing Nathan Lyon on a red-ball contract that, international commitments pending, ought to keep him at the club for the entirety of the campaign.

Lyon, who toured with Australia this summer as part of their World Cup and Ashes squads, is arguably the finest offspinner to have represented his country, and certainly the most prolific, having claimed 363 Test wickets in 91 appearances - second among all Australian spinners only to the great Shane Warne.

His 20 wickets in this summer's Ashes included nine wickets in a matchwinning display in the first Test at Edgbaston (his 6 for 49 sealed victory in the second innings), and in the course of a 2-2 series that ensured that Australia retained the Ashes, he went past Dennis Lillee's tally of 355 Test wickets to sit behind only Warne and Glenn McGrath in Australia's all-time list.

"I very much look forward to playing with Hampshire in next year's County Championship," said Lyon. "It is a fabulous opportunity to be involved with a leading county who have had a long and successful relationship with Australian cricketers."

One of those Australians, of course, is none other than Warne, who was Hampshire's captain in the early 2000s and who still has a stand named after him at the ground.

"I love playing cricket in England and no doubt will enjoy the 2020 summer with the Hampshire players, coaches, members and supporters," Lyon added. "We will all be focused on winning the County Championship in 2020 - I can't wait."

Lyon will play at Hampshire under the captaincy of James Vince - whom he faced on the England tour of Australia in 2017-18 - and will form part of an incisive attack led by Fidel Edwards and Kyle Abbott, the former South African quick whose 17 wickets at the Ageas Bowl in September did so much to derail Somerset's bid for their maiden Championship title.

He will slot into a Hampshire squad that already features four home-grown spinners, among them Liam Dawson, who was an unused member of England's victorious World Cup squad, and Mason Crane, the legspinner who made his Test debut against Australia at Sydney in January 2018. Lyon has had one previous stint in county cricket, when he turned out for Worcestershire for four matches in 2017.

Hampshire Director of Cricket, Giles White said: "Nathan is a really high-class spinner and we identified him in the summer as someone who would be a great addition to our Championship side. He has a real appetite for county cricket and is keen to be a part of what we're trying to do here, so we're delighted to secure his signature and we can't wait to have him on board next summer."

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Blood boiling, Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos strongly denied his team has any interest in relocating to London, addressing a report broaching the possibility Tuesday.

"It's total f---ing bulls---," Spanos said. "We're not going to London. We're not going anywhere. We're playing in Los Angeles. This is our home, and this is where we are planning to be for a long f---ing time. Period."

Spanos was responding to a story Monday by The Athletic, which reported the Chargers and the NFL could look at moving the team to London, partly because of concerns over the Los Angeles market.

Since the Chargers relocated from San Diego to Los Angeles three years ago, the team has experienced an uphill climb in building a fan base, with opposing fans regularly taking over the team's temporary home at Dignity Health Sports Complex, a 27,000-seat soccer stadium that serves as the home of Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy.

However, the Chargers believe they will have more success earning new fans in Los Angeles once the team moves into its new home of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, starting next year.

Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, when asked if he had talked with his players about the relocation story, said his focus is on Thursday's game on the road against the Oakland Raiders.

"I just found out about the story last night," Lynn said. "I don't think there's anything to it -- well, I know there's not anything to it. We're not going to let it be a distraction for us. We've got a job to do Thursday night, and that's what we're getting prepared for."

Quarterback Philip Rivers, who has continued to commute from San Diego to Orange County since the team's move to Los Angeles, declined to comment before practice.

"I don't see any reason to comment on it, to be honest with you," Rivers said.

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck has agreed to a new seven-year contract through the 2026 season, the school announced Tuesday.

Fleck's new deal, which is 65 percent guaranteed, starts at $4.6 million in 2020 -- an increase of $1 million -- with a $10 million buyout if he leaves after this season. The buyout drops to $4.5 million next season and to $3 million in 2021 and 2022.

The school's board of regents still must approve the new agreement.

Fleck is 20-13 in three-plus seasons at Minnesota, which is 8-0 for the first time since 1941 and 5-0 in Big Ten play for the first time since 1961. The 38-year-old Fleck had been mentioned as a candidate for Florida State's coaching vacancy and a potential candidate if USC makes a coaching change.

Fleck initially signed a five-year, $18 million contract with Minnesota in January 2017. He received two subsequent extensions and salary increases, and he was signed through the 2023 season at a salary of $3.6 million for this year. That deal required Fleck to pay $1 million to Minnesota for every remaining season on his contract if he left for another head-coaching position.

His new agreement is expected to include a notable increase for the coaching staff salary pool.

"It is a tremendous honor to lead this team and represent the University of Minnesota and this great state," Fleck said in a statement. "Our family absolutely loves Minnesota, and we are excited to continue to call this state home. We are building a championship culture -- one that our fans can be proud of -- through the academic, athletic, social and spiritual development of our student athletes."

Fleck on Oct. 26 became the second-youngest FBS coach to reach 50 career wins. He went 30-22 at Western Michigan and guided the Broncos to the Cotton Bowl in the 2016 season.

Minnesota hosts Penn State on Saturday in a matchup of 8-0 teams.

What is one to do after The Year of Zion? The spectacular Duke freshman captured the imagination of the country with his play and unique build and explosiveness. There has never been a player like Zion Williamson in college basketball, and ratings and interest proved it. This season, there isn't the single player who can capture the attention of the nation in that way. But that's OK. In fact, it's great. Why? Because it is different, and college basketball serves up something deliciously different every single season. This season will be no exception.

The 2019-20 season reminds of the 2010-11 season in which Kemba Walker seized control of the headlines and UConn won the national championship, seemingly out of nowhere. This season, when there are favorites and usual suspects to populate the top 10, the one thing we know is, we just don't know. Isn't that true every season, you say? No. Not even close. In 2014-15, we knew Kentucky had a legit shot to go unbeaten, Wisconsin was a Final Four team and Duke would be in the Final Four absent a bus accident on the way to the arena. This season, there are no such teams ... yet. A great player will emerge, and some outstanding teams will separate and give the look of a title contender. Yet, there is this strong feeling that if you are healthy with fresh legs and free minds, a number of teams can do something special in March.

Until we see some November and December games, the unwashed masses just don't know. Fortunately for you, The Bilastrator does know. The Bilas Index is the most comprehensive collection of basketball judgment on this, or any, planet. For the first time ever, The Bilastrator brings you The Bilas Index before a single ball is bounced in a regular-season game. As always, you're welcome.

1. Michigan State Spartans

Hard to believe that Tom Izzo has never snagged a preseason No. 1 ranking, despite the fact that his program is a true "blue blood." Izzo has the nation's best point guard in Cassius Winston and an emerging star in Aaron Henry. The keys will be at the 4 position -- where the Spartans need consistent production -- and avoiding turnovers. For some odd reason, the only thing one could criticize in Michigan State is consistent turnover issues. Still, the Spartans hang banners, and 2020 could bring another banner year, much like 2000.

2. Kansas Jayhawks

Bill Self says the recent NCAA notice of allegations will focus him and his team like nothing else could. Well, that is bad news for Jayhawks opponents. Self's team has size, length and depth. Devon Dotson is among the best point guards, Udoka Azubuike is a load in the paint, and Ochai Agbaji can be a star. Kansas will start a new streak in the Big 12, and don't be surprised if Mark Emmert is handing Bill Self the trophy in Atlanta, before being moved aside for the photo.

3. Florida Gators

Mike White has his best team, and he has been within a whisker of the Final Four. The arrival of Virginia Tech transfer Kerry Blackshear Jr. can be the difference between good and great. Blackshear can challenge for SEC player of the year, and White will use him like the queen on a chess board. The Gators are legit.

4. Kentucky Wildcats

John Calipari has returning talent, which is not always the case in Lexington. With Ashton Hagans, Nick Richards, EJ Montgomery and Immanuel Quickley, Cal has players who can lead the way, so the team is not "coach directed." A difference-maker is Tyrese Maxey, who can do it all as a rookie. Will Kentucky shoot it better this season? If so, Atlanta is the destination.

5. Maryland Terrapins

The Terps were a bucket away from beating LSU in last season's NCAA tournament, and they return a load of talent. Mark Turgeon has a sophomore class that is truly outstanding and will be remembered in College Park for a long time. Anthony Cowan Jr. is among the best point guards in the country, and Jalen Smith can be a lottery selection. Keep your eyes focused on Aaron Wiggins. He is special.

6. Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals return talent and toughness, and they have a star in Jordan Nwora, one of only two All-ACC performers from last season. The key will be the point guard position and whether Steven Enoch and Malik Williams take significant jumps. Louisville can be the ACC's best team.

7. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Mark Few doesn't have the usual cast of returnees, but he does have a ton of talent and skill. Killian Tillie is an NBA talent who needs to stay healthy, Admon Gilder is a scorer who was very good at Texas A&M and Corey Kispert has the chance to be another Zags star. The Zags beat Michigan State in a closed scrimmage, which should not shock anyone. Gonzaga can compete with anyone, anytime, anywhere.

8. North Carolina Tar Heels

This will be a different version of the Tar Heels under Roy Williams. There are two grad transfers in Justin Pierce and Christian Keeling and arguably the best high school player in last year's class in Cole Anthony. Anthony will not make people forget about Coby White, but they won't cry about losing White after they see Anthony. He could very well be the ACC player of the year. He is that good. Garrison Brooks is greatly improved, and Armando Bacot gives Williams the rim protector he lacked last season.

9. Duke Blue Devils

Coach K has another excellent recruiting class but without the superstar firepower of the past few seasons. In other words, he has first-rounders but perhaps not top-5 or lottery picks. Vernon Carey Jr. is the best player and a beast in the post and on the glass, but Tre Jones needs to lead the way. This should be a versatile, deep and determined pressure-defensive team. Will Duke shoot the ball better than last season? If the answer is no, there will be growing pains this season.

10. Villanova Wildcats

The Wildcats were the most prolific 3-point shooting team in Villanova history last season, and don't expect this Jay Wright group to shoot fewer 3s. In fact, expect the Wildcats to shoot more. Villanova lost a lot, but it still has some excellent talent that is used to winning. It will take some time for the talented freshmen to learn the Nova Way, and they will. Villanova will be Top 25 all season but top 10 by the end.

11. Virginia Cavaliers

Tony Bennett lost his top three scorers to the NBA draft, which should set back the Cavaliers this season ... to No. 11. While the offensive firepower will not equal last season's title team, the Cavaliers still will defend at an elite level and control the tempo of games. That will lead to 25 or more wins and another legitimate shot at an ACC title. Virginia is a big-time program.

12. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Few thought the Red Raiders could match their success from two seasons ago, yet they exceeded it with a championship game appearance. Who wants to bet against Texas Tech this season? Chris Beard doesn't settle, and he recruits believers. Davide Moretti was one of the most improved guards in the Big 12 last season. Just how good was Moretti last season? He was the fifth player in Big 12 history to shoot at least 45% on 3-point field goals and 90% on free throws in a season in which he played at least 25 minutes per game. No player in league history has had two such seasons. Chris Clarke is getting a second chance in Lubbock, and Jahmi'us Ramsey has the opportunity to be among the nation's best freshmen. Texas Tech lost a lot, but it still will be very good.

13. Memphis Tigers

Second-year coach Penny Hardaway landed the No. 1 signing class in the country, headlined by James Wiseman. The class includes three other ESPN 100 prospects. The Tigers have missed the NCAA tournament in five straight seasons after making it in 10 of the prior 12 seasons. Hardaway is not shying away from expectations, and his players are responding. There will be growing pains due to youth but tremendous upside. The first test is Oregon in Portland in early November.

14. Purdue Boilermakers

Carsen Edwards and Ryan Cline combined to take 49% of Purdue's FG attempts a season ago. With both gone, the spotlight shifts to team depth: Matt Haarms, Nojel Eastern, Aaron Wheeler, Trevion Williams and High Point transfer Jahaad Proctor will all need to take a step forward. Both Eastern and Williams can be breakout stars in the Big Ten this season.

15. Davidson Wildcats

The Wildcats have the highest-ranked team in the Bilas Index that will have two available players -- Jon Axel Gudmundsson and Kellan Grady -- who averaged 15 points per game a season ago. Davidson might have the best backcourt in the country this season, and Bob McKillop's teams are usually pretty good when his guards are good.

16. Arizona Wildcats

Nico Mannion, Josh Green and the star-studded freshman class will get most of the attention. A potential wild card among the newcomers: Max Hazzard, who led UC Irvine in scoring last season en route to an NCAA tournament upset over Kansas State. Arizona struggled last season due to a lack of talent. That won't be the case this season.

17. VCU Rams

The Rams were the only team in the country a year ago that ranked in the top 15 in opponent turnovers per game (14th) and opponent field goal percentage (6th). They were an elite defensive unit, holding opponents to the third-lowest effective FG% in the nation, behind only Houston and Texas Tech. This team has experience and toughness.

18. Utah State Aggies

Sam Merrill is the leading returning scorer in the Mountain West and one of two returning first-team all-conference selections. Sophomore Neemias Queta will be another key, as he anchors the Aggies' interior defense. Last season, he set school records in blocks (84) and blocks per game (2.4).

19. Baylor Bears

Tristan Clark's return from injury will be enormous for Baylor. In 14 games last season, he averaged 14.6 PPG on a Division I-best 73.7 FG percentage (minimum of five FGs per game and 10 games played).

20. Houston Cougars

Houston held its opponents to 36.8% shooting and 27.9% on 3-point attempts last season, becoming the only team in the past 20 seasons to have the best FG% defense and 3-point FG% defense in Division I in the same season. Kelvin Sampson needs guys to get buckets after all that Houston lost. Kansas transfer Quentin Grimes will be a huge boost there.

21. Ohio State Buckeyes

Kaleb Wesson is one of the few guys in the Big Ten who could challenge Cassius Winston for conference player of the year. Wesson went from four made 3-pointers his freshman season to 26 3s a season ago. His continued ability to be a threat both on the block and behind the arc make him one of the toughest matchups in the league.

22. Providence Friars

Alpha Diallo, a 6-foot-7 guard, was second in the Big East in rebounds per game (8.1), fourth in steals per game (1.65) and ninth in scoring (16 PPG) last season. He might be the biggest threat to Markus Howard and Myles Powell for conference player of the year honors.

23. Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati is one of just three programs that has been in the top 15 in opponent PPG each of the past five seasons, along with Virginia and Old Dominion. Will John Brannen bring the same sort of defensive identity? Or is that identity going to Westwood with the departed Mick Cronin?

24. Colorado Buffaloes

The Buffs can challenge for the Pac-12 title; Tyler Bey's 17 double-doubles led the Pac-12 last season, and he is back. McKinley Wright IV does it all; he was the only Pac-12 player with 400 points, 150 rebounds and 150 assists a season ago.

25. Seton Hall Pirates

For Myles Powell, the Seton Hall program scoring record is within reach (2,494 points by Terry Dehere). Powell enters the season with 1,663 career points, and he likely would have to average around 24 PPG to get there.

26. Harvard Crimson

Seth Towns, the 2017-18 Ivy League player of the year, missed all of last season. Along with Towns, Tommy Amaker returns his top nine scorers from last season, including All-Ivy first-team selection Bryce Aiken and Ivy League rookie of the year Noah Kirkwood. This can be Amaker's best team at Harvard, which is saying something. Amaker has changed the Ivy League and raised the level of play.

27. Saint Mary's Gaels

Jordan Ford scored 716 points last season, third most in a season in school history (behind Jock Landale in 2017-18 and Omar Samhan in 2009-10). His return means Saint Mary's is good enough to challenge for its first regular-season West Coast Conference crown since splitting it with Gonzaga in 2015-16.

28. Oregon Ducks

Dana Altman directed the Ducks to their third Sweet 16 in the past four seasons, and they will be led this season by senior Payton Pritchard. He has started 109 consecutive games and is one of three players in program history with 1,000 career points, 400 career rebounds and 400 career assists (Ron Lee and Luke Jackson). Oregon, which will welcome in several new faces, was 12th in Division I scoring defense last season, allowing 62.2 PPG after being 175th in 2017-18.

29. Dayton Flyers

Obi Toppin is the player to watch for the Flyers, both because he is their best NBA prospect and because it's difficult to look away when he plays. Toppin plays way above the rim; his 66.6% shooting in 2018-19 was the best in a season in A-10 history (minimum of five FGs per game).

30. Texas Longhorns

The team with the second-longest active win streak in Division I is ... the Texas Longhorns, after they stormed their way to an NIT title. Bringing in Luke Yaklich, who served as defensive coordinator at Michigan for two seasons and had the Wolverines in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense over both campaigns, is a significant add to Shaka Smart's staff.

31. Xavier Musketeers

The Musketeers return four players who averaged double-digit scoring last season (Naji Marshall, Paul Scruggs, Tyrique Jones and Quentin Goodin). They won only 19 games a season ago. The last time Xavier went consecutive seasons without winning 20 games was 1980-81 and 1981-82.

32. West Virginia Mountaineers

Over the past 15 seasons, four Big 12 freshmen have averaged a double-double in conference play. The first three were Kevin Durant (2006-07), Michael Beasley (2007-08), Mo Bamba (2017-18), and the fourth was West Virginia's Derek Culver last season. Expect Culver to take the next step toward being a star.

33. Tennessee Volunteers

Expect the Vols to be good again. Rick Barnes has increased the program's win total in each of the four seasons at the helm. Tennessee tied a school record with 31 wins last season and spent the entire 2018-19 campaign ranked in the top 10. Barnes will need to replace the SEC's leading scorer from last season in Grant Williams (19 PPG) and Admiral Schofield (16.4 PPG), who was fifth in league scoring. Lamonte Turner will get more shots and blossom into one of the SEC's best players.

34. Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers won 14 conference games for just the third time in school history. Greg Gard will have to fill the shoes of three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection Ethan Happ.

35. Washington Huskies

All eyes will be on freshmen Isaiah Stewart (No. 3 in ESPN 100) and Jaden McDaniels (No. 7 in ESPN 100). They are two of the three top-10 recruits to play at Washington in the ESPN 100 era (since 2007). The other was Markelle Fultz (No. 7 in 2016). Kentucky transfer Quade Green is eligible immediately, which is a huge boost.

36. Auburn Tigers

The Tigers made their first Final Four appearance in program history last season. Bruce Pearl's squad set an SEC record with 454 3-pointers, a mark that trails only the 2017-18 Villanova team (464) in NCAA history. The backcourt will not match last season's, but Austin Wiley should have a breakout season, and freshman Isaac Okoro should be a difference-maker.

37. Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State won the Big 12 tournament for the second time in the past three seasons. The Cyclones will need to replace their leading scorer Marial Shayok, who was second in the Big 12 with 16 20-point games (Kansas' Dedric Lawson had 18). Tyrese Haliburton is the breakout star, and he just needs to add scoring to his efficient floor game.

38. Georgetown Hoyas

The Hoyas have missed the NCAA tournament in four straight seasons. The program has not missed it in five straight since 1969-74. Georgetown will crack the tournament field with this team. The backcourt of James Akinjo and Mac McClung will take steps forward, and Omer Yurtseven will be effective as a pick-and-roll big man in Patrick Ewing's offense.

39. Alabama Crimson Tide

First-year coach Nate Oats brings consecutive 25-win seasons and consecutive NCAA tournament appearances with him from Buffalo. Previous head coaches Avery Johnson and Anthony Grant were not able to accomplish either in their time in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide have talent, led by point guard Kira Lewis Jr. and shooter John Petty.

40. NC State Wolfpack

The Wolfpack's 24 wins last season tied the most for the program since they won 26 games in 1982-83, when they captured the national title under Jim Valvano. Since hiring Kevin Keatts two seasons ago, NC State has led the ACC in turnovers forced for consecutive seasons. Markell Johnson will lead the way as one of the best point guards in the ACC this season.

41. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Irish return 85% of their scoring from last season, which is most in the ACC. They were winless versus ranked opponents last season (0-8), their first such winless season under Mike Brey and first for the program since 1998-99, when they went 0-6. John Mooney returns as the top scorer and rebounder, and Rex Pflueger is back after a knee injury that cost him the entire season. Notre Dame was young last season, and this group is more like Mike Brey likes it ... older.

42. LSU Tigers

The Tigers will rise up as the players age and jell. Last season's 28 wins were the most for the program since it won 28 in 1999-00, and the Sweet 16 appearance was its deepest tournament run since going to the Final Four in 2006. LSU has an excellent backcourt in Javonte Smart and Skylar Mays. The difference-maker is Trendon Watford, a super-talented freshman big man.

43. Michigan Wolverines

Zavier Simpson is one of the best passers in Michigan history; in fact, his eight 10-assist games last season were a single-season program record. With the losses of Jordan Poole, Ignas Brazdeikis and Charles Matthews, those assist opportunities will be tougher to come by.

44. Florida State Seminoles

Florida State is coming off a season in which it set program records for wins (29) and ACC wins (13). Leonard Hamilton will have to replace his two top scorers in Mfiondu Kabengele (13.2 PPG) and Terance Mann (11.4 PPG). Kabengele and Mann were two of seven players in the ACC with at least 400 points and 200 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field last season. Raiquan Gray needs to have a breakout season for the Seminoles.

45. Kansas State Wildcats

Bruce Weber has led the Wildcats to consecutive 25-win campaigns over the past two seasons for the first time in school history. Weber brings back Cartier Diarra and Xavier Sneed to lead the way.

46. New Mexico State Aggies

After setting a program record for wins in his first season with 28, Chris Jans followed it up last season with a 30-win campaign. The Aggies have won the WAC tournament seven of the past eight seasons.

47. Marquette Golden Eagles

This team was headed for a top-15 ranking, before Sam Hauser and Joey Hauser bolted for the door. Markus Howard returns, and he is the top major conference scorer coming back. Howard's four career 40-point games are already the most in Big East history. What can he do for an encore? Perhaps set the single-season mark for such games. His three 40-point games last season were tied with Eric Murdock (1990-91 for Providence) for the most in a single season in league history.

48. Pittsburgh Panthers

Last season's leading scorer, Xavier Johnson (15.5 PPG), will lead a group of eight returners. The Panthers have lost 24 consecutive road games, the longest streak in school history. That streak ends this season. Pittsburgh is turning a corner under Jeff Capel.

49. USC Trojans

Isaiah Mobley, No. 16 in 2019 ESPN 100, is the highest-ranked recruit to pledge to Southern California since DeMar DeRozan (No. 8) in 2008. Andy Enfield has led USC to a losing record in three of his six seasons at the helm.

50. Georgia Bulldogs

At one point last season, the Bulldogs dropped 13 consecutive conference games, their longest such losing streak in program history. But Tom Crean set a good foundation, and five-star recruit Anthony Edwards will help take the Dawgs to the next level.

51. Wichita State Shockers

The Shockers were 13th in Division I in rebounding last season, and they return their two leading rebounders in center Jaime Echenique and guard Dexter Dennis. They snapped a streak of seven consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, the longest in program history.

52. Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers missed the NCAA tournament for the third straight year and the seventh time in the past 11 seasons. The program has not missed the tournament in four straight seasons since 1969-72. This can be a very effective defensive team, but the Hoosiers need to stay healthy. Injuries were a huge factor last season.

53. South Florida Bulls

The 2019 College Basketball Invitational champions won a school-record 24 games last season and earned their first postseason title since 1990. Alexis Yetna was named AAC freshman of the year and finished with the most rebounds by a freshman in league history (346).

54. Penn State Nittany Lions

Returning a guy like Lamar Stevens is a rare luxury. Stevens has scored more than 600 points in each of the past two seasons; if he does so again this season, he would climb to the top spot on Penn State's all-time scoring list, currently occupied by Talor Battle.

55. Creighton Bluejays

The Bluejays were 13th in Division I in 3-point FG% and fifth in 3-point FGs made last season. They are one of two Division I teams to return two players who each made 95 3s (Ty-Shon Alexander and Mitch Ballock).

56. Syracuse Orange

The Orange return one starter and will need to replace four of their top six scorers. Elijah Hughes and a much-improved Buddy Boeheim will lead the way.

57. UConn Huskies

Dan Hurley's squad is looking to make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2015-16. The Huskies are in the midst of their longest tournament drought since missing it in 10 straight seasons from 1979-80 to 1988-89.

58. East Tennessee State Buccaneers

Steve Forbes enters his fifth season at the helm, and he led the Bucs to a top-three regular-season finish in the Southern Conference in each of the past four seasons. ETSU has four straight 20-win seasons, its longest streak since doing it four straight times from 1988 to 1992. They return their top six scorers from last season.

59. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Danny Manning will lean on nine returners this season, led by last season's leading scorer in Brandon Childress (14.7 PPG), Chaundee Brown and Charlotte transfer Andrien White. Manning has struggled against ranked opponents, with a record of 3-40 while trying to rebuild the Wake program.

60. Butler Bulldogs

Last season was just the third time in the past 15 campaigns that Butler won fewer than 20 games. The Bulldogs return All-Big East second-team selection Kamar Baldwin, who was seventh in the conference in scoring last season (17 PPG).

61. BYU Cougars

First-year coach Mark Pope will look to snap a streak of four straight seasons of missing the NCAA tournament, the longest since 1997-2000. Pope will rely on returning big man Yoeli Childs, who was second in the WCC in scoring last season (21.2 PPG). Childs will have to sit out the first part of the season due to his participation in the NBA draft process, which is yet another example of "student-athlete welfare."

62. Mississippi State Bulldogs

In 2018-19, Ben Howland brought Mississippi State to its first NCAA tournament in the past 10 seasons. Reggie Perry will have a breakout season for the Bulldogs.

63. UCLA Bruins

Mick Cronin had a top-15 defense in each of the past five seasons with Cincinnati. UCLA did not rank inside the top 200 in any season over that span. Will the defensive philosophy translate to Los Angeles?

64. South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina will have to replace first-team All-SEC forward Chris Silva, who was top 10 in the SEC in points, rebounds and blocks per game. Frank Martin enters his eighth season at the helm and has one NCAA tournament appearance to show for it (albeit a Final Four run). He has won more than 17 games only twice.

65. Vermont Catamounts

Anthony Lamb is one of the most versatile and talented players in the country. He is one of two returning players in Division I who averaged 20 points per game on 50% FG shooting while making at least 50 3-pointers last season.

66. Boise State Broncos

Boise State returns its top four scorers from last season, including Derrick Alston, who was named to the five-man All-Mountain West preseason team. The Broncos' 13 wins last season were tied for their fewest since the turn of the century. Leon Rice has done a great job with this program, and the Broncos should be back this season.

67. Illinois Fighting Illini

With Ignas Brazdeikis and Romeo Langford in the NBA, the Illini have the two highest-scoring returners from last season's strong crop of Big Ten freshmen in Ayo Dosunmu (13.8 PPG) and Giorgi Bezhanishvili (12.5 PPG).

68. Liberty Flames

Led by Scottie James, the Flames had the fourth-best 2-point field goal percentage in Division I (.581) and were seventh in effective FG% (.569) last season. With James back, the Flames should again be among the most efficient interior offensive teams in the country. James and Caleb Homesley are two of the better players in the country at any level.