April 10, 2006

It may seem a little early to look ahead to next season, but I can guarantee you that coaches that did not make the big dance are telling their players to prepare for a run next season.

Here are six teams that did not compete in the field of 65 but have a great chance to get there in 2007:

Louisville. Don't expect Rick Pitino to be down for long. He has a nice recruiting class coming in, plus 6-6 Terrence Williams has the potential to be a super soph. The key is the return of a healthy David Padgett up front.

Stanford. The addition of the seven-foot Lopez twins up front will help Trent Johnson's squad come back to earn an NCAA berth.

Georgia Tech. Anthony Morrow and company will get a major lift from a pair of diaper dandies. Thaddeus Young and Javaris Crittenton. Paul Hewitt will rebuild a winner quickly.

Michigan. Can Tommy Amaker lead the Wolverines to their first NCAA trip since 1998? Courtney Sims hopes to help that dream become a reality.

Florida State. If Al Thornton and Alexander Johnson return, the Seminoles will be super up front. The addition of transfer Toney Douglas from Auburn will give instant offense to Leonard Hamilton's club as it shoots for its first NCAA trip since 1998.

Kansas State. Bob Huggins made it to the NCAA tournament 14 straight times with Cincinnati. He will bring in some talent right away as the fans in Manhattan celebrate big things in the future.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.