Sept. 3
When I originally projected Kentucky's season, with the Wildcats' anticipated roster, I felt they were capable of making the Final Four. But several key players are no longer with the team. The latest personnel loss is big man Jason Parker, a tremendous low-post presence, who has been thrown off the team for violating athletic department policy.

	Jason Parker will take no more shots for Kentucky.

There have been other offseason personnel changes for Kentucky: Marvin Stone transferred to Louisville, Rashaad Carruth transferred to Oklahoma, and Cliff Hawkins has been suspended for the first semester due to academics. Who knows whether Hawkins will be back in January ... only time will tell.

I had Kentucky ranked at No. 4 in my preseason Dazzling Dozen. Now, with the loss of Parker, I've revised my list and moved the Wildcats down to No. 12.

The teams that were ranked after Kentucky all simply move up one spot. Below is my revised preseason Dazzling Dozen (to compare, check out my previous Dazzling Dozen):

1. Arizona
The Wildcats have veterans galore, and that experience will be a plus. Arizona has inside-outside talent and the complete package. Maestro man Jason Gardner and Luke Walton provide a dynamite 1-2 punch. Rick Anderson is also slated to return. Star recruit Hassan Adams should have an immediate impact.

2. Kansas
The Jayhawks lose Drew Gooden's inside power and Jeff Boschee's jump shot, but big man Nick Collison and point guard Kirk Hinrich are back. Williams still has a team that can win it all. Aaron Miles, Wayne Simien and Keith Langford will be even better as super sophs.

3. Oklahoma
Coach Kelvin Sampson's club will reload. This unit has great defensive ability and intense rebounding skills. Returning stars Hollis Price and Ebi Ere, plus a solid recruiting class, make this team dangerous.

4. Pittsburgh
Coach Ben Howland is smiling, as his Panthers return all five starters. With Brandin Knight at the controls, it should be a big year for Pittsburgh.

5. Florida
The news of Brett Nelson's return had to put a smile on coach Billy Donovan's face. The Gators have a solid recruiting class coming in, so Florida will contend again in the SEC.

6. Texas
The Longhorns have a talented orchestra leader in T.J. Ford, who should be even better as a super soph. Coach Rick Barnes has a talented cast returning in addition to Ford.

7. Duke
It's bye-bye for Dunleavy, Jay Williams and Carlos Boozer, but don't write off the Dukies yet. It's hello to Shavlik Randolph and a host of diaper dandies. Remember, the return of Chris Duhon, Dahntay Jones and Daniel Ewing gives Duke a wealth of winning experience.

8. Connecticut
Obviously, losing Caron Butler is tough, but the Huskies still have a lot of talent. Coach Jim Calhoun welcomes back super sophs Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon. The Huskies should be a top-flight contender in the Big East.

9. Georgia
Coach Jim Harrick welcomes Jarvis Hayes back to the lineup, and he'll key a talented and tough Bulldogs squad.

10. UCLA
Coach Steve Lavin is expecting Jason Kapono's return. The Bruins had a young nucleus step up late last season, and more positives will be expected from the likes of Dijon Thompson next season.

11. Alabama
The Tide faded late last season. Remember, this club won the SEC West regular-season title. Maurice Williams should be even stronger as a sophomore. Erwin Dudley was an underrated force on the interior. I can't wait to see Alabama and Ohio State battle in the Tip-Off Classic in Springfield -- that's an interesting early test.

12. Kentucky
The loss of big man Jason Parker, who was thrown off the team for violating athletic department policy, hurts the Wildcats big-time. But having guard Keith Bogans back for a final season is a plus. Look for him to have a big senior campaign.