The 2012-13 college basketball season should be intriguing. How intriguing? Let me count the ways this week. First up, the 25 most intriguing players:





1. Cody Zeller, Indiana center: The third and final Zeller to man the middle for a high-major program has a chance to lead the Hoosiers back to where they once belonged. Namely, the Final Four (haven't been since 2002) or maybe even the national title (haven't won one since 1987).

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2. Nerlens Noel, Kentucky center: It's a big burden, being labeled The Next Anthony Davis. The nation's No. 1 recruit in the class of 2012 doesn't have Davis' all-around polish or skill, but he can block shots like a beast and will be key to the Wildcats' title defense.

3. Peyton Siva, Louisville point guard: Charismatic little man is the team's bellwether. When he struggles (like much of last season), the Cardinals are fairly ordinary. When he's playing well (like last March), the Cardinals are almost impossible to beat. If Siva is locked in for the entirety of his senior year, it will end in Atlanta in April.

4. Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA guard: The intrigue here is whether the most talented freshman in America will ever suit up as a Bruin. The NCAA investigation into his pre-college amateur status is ongoing, with UCLA fans waiting and wondering when he can be added to the program's hoped-for comeback season.

5. C.J. Leslie, North Carolina State forward: He's the hub of the Wolfpack's high-post offense and the guy who will be most responsible for bringing to fruition the program's decades-long quest to supplant North Carolina and Duke as king of Tobacco Road.







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6. Doug McDermott, Creighton forward: Might be the nation's most skilled player, a 23-point scorer and coach's son who has a chance for a Jimmer Season – carrying a mid-major into the top 10 and into the national title discussion.

7. Ben McLemore, Kansas guard: Academically ineligible last season, McLemore should immediately step into a starring role as the Jayhawks try to replicate last year's overachieving run to a Big 12 title and the national championship game.

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Story continues