ESPN’s Dick Vitale chooses Kansas as his No. 1 team entering the 2023-24 hoops season

Veteran ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale has ranked Kansas his preseason No. 1 team in the country in his top 25, revealed Friday at ESPN.com.

The Jayhawks beat out runner-up Duke for the top spot in his 2023-24 preseason poll. Purdue checked in at No. 3, followed by Michigan State, UConn, Marquette, Houston, Creighton, Gonzaga and Tennessee to complete the Vitale Top Ten.

Florida Atlantic was ranked 11th, followed by Arizona, Kentucky, Arkansas, North Carolina, Miami, Texas A&M, Villanova, San Diego State, USC, Baylor, Saint Mary’s, Texas, Colorado and St. John’s.

Missouri, Kansas State and Wichita State were not included in Vitale’s preseason rankings.

“Bill Self continues his mastery of college basketball, and with the return of Kevin McCullar Jr., and the addition of Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson, the Jayhawks have one of the most talented rosters,” Vitale wrote at ESPN.com. “Of course, don’t forget about top defenders Dajuan Harris Jr. and K.J. Adams Jr., who will make this team tough to beat night in, night out. Adams’ role will change a bit playing alongside Dickinson, but this breakout star should take a big step forward this season.”

Of Duke, Vitale wrote: “Kyle Filipowski’s return shores up the Blue Devils’ frontcourt. Filipowski stayed out of the last NBA draft and could move into a lottery position next June. The return of Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell, along with Jeremy Roach running the offense, puts Duke as the frontrunner in the ACC. Look for newcomer Jared McCain to step up on the wing.”

Vitale named KU senior Dickinson second-team preseason All-America. His first team consists of Zach Edey, Purdue; Armondo Bacot, North Carolina; Johni Broome, Auburn; Tyler Kolek, Marquette; and Boo Buie, Northwestern.

As far as KU’s team, the Jayhawks went 2-1 in summertime exhibition games on their recent trip to Puerto Rico. The players have returned to their hometowns or hometowns of friends for a short break. The Jayhawks, who were on campus in June and July for summer school classes and workouts, are to return to Lawrence for the start of the 2023-24 school year on Aug. 21.

That includes new addition Johnny Furphy, who has been working out with a pro team in Australia.