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Using a grinding defense, the South Florida Bulls made a run in the NCAA Tournament last season. That performance earned the team some respect, as the Bulls were picked to finish No. 8 in the preseason coaches poll, ahead of perennial contenders Connecticut and Villanova.
The coaches seem to agree that Stan Heath has South Florida out of the Big East basement after the job he did last season.
The unanimous top team in the poll was Louisville, who received all 15 first place votes. The Cardinals were followed by Syracuse and Notre Dame.
The full poll can be seen below:
1. Louisville 15 (15 1st-place votes)
2. Syracuse 33
3. Notre Dame 49
4. Cincinnati 63
5. Pittsburgh 78
6. Georgetown 97
7. Marquette 109
8. South Florida 123
9. Connecticut 159
10. St. John's 163
11. Rutgers 167
12. Villanova 171
13. Providence 176
14. Seton Hall 188
15. DePaul 209