A roster led by one of the nation's best centers and a supporting cast of lights-out shooters has made Vanderbilt a popular pick when it comes to dark-horse Final Four candidates for 2016. On Thursday, the NCAA's coaches lent their support behind the Commodore movement as well; they made Vandy their #20 team in the nation.
Vanderbilt received 153 points in the first poll of the year, good enough for a top 20 ranking as the hardwood season approaches. The 'Dores will return nearly every major player from a 21-14 team that won seven of their final nine games en route to the NIT quarterfinals.