Despite the complete changing of the guard this offseason, Dick Vitale believes Kentucky is one of the top 16 teams in the country. The former coach and broadcasting legend released his Preseason Sweet 16 today and Mark Pope’s first Kentucky squad comes in at No. 15. As Dickie V. reminds us, if the Cats do make the Sweet 16, it will be for the first time in six years.

“With no Sweet 16 appearances since 2019, the Wildcats are looking to make a huge jump with new coach Mark Pope,” Dickie V. wrote. “With nine transfers and three freshmen, the Wildcats need time to mesh and gain confidence but should be primed come March.”

Kentucky is the only team in Vitale’s Sweet 16 with zero returning players. Even Arkansas, which comes in at No. 13, has one returning player in Trevon Brazile, along with three Kentucky transfers (DJ Wagner, Adou Thiero, Zvonimir Ivisic) and three of John Calipari’s UK former signees (Boogie Fland, Karter Knox, Billy Richmond). Time will tell, but the fact that in a matter of months, Mark Pope put together a squad that Vitale and a few other national writers believe is worthy of a top-15 ranking is impressive. Having transfers like Jaxson Robinson, Otega Oweh, Andrew Carr, and Koby Brea certainly helps.

As mentioned, John Calipari’s first Arkansas squad is No. 13 on the list. Kansas is No. 1, followed by Alabama and defending national champion UConn. The Crimson Tide and the Razorbacks are two of six teams Kentucky will face this season in the rankings: Alabama (No. 2), Gonzaga (No. 8), Duke (No. 9), Auburn (No. 10), Arkansas (No. 13), Texas A&M (No. 14). Rick Pitino and Mark Pope couldn’t find a way to get St. John’s on this year’s schedule, but the Red Storm are right behind the Cats at No. 16.

Kentucky opens the season vs. Wright State on Nov. 4, which is — pulls up calculator — 116 days from now. Until then, we’ll have to settle for practice reports and footage on social media. The video that dropped earlier this week is pretty sweet. I’m a big fan of all those threes.