Written by David Regimbal

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College basketball’s 2011-12 preseason coaches poll was released this afternoon with the Ohio State Buckeyes checking in at No. 3 behind first place North Carolina and second place Kentucky.

The Buckeyes return just two starters from last year’s team that went 34-3 (Jared Sullinger and William Buford), but the return of key bench players like Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas are expected to fill the holes left by departed seniors David Lighty and Jon Diebler. One of the countries best recruiting classes last year, highlighted by center Amir Williams and point guard Shannon Scott, are expected to play early and often for a dangerous Ohio State squad looking to win their third Big Ten Championship in a row.

The defending National Champion UConn Huskies are No. 4 and Syracuse is No. 5. Duke, Vanderbilt, Louisville, Memphis and Florida round out the top 10.

The complete rankings can be viewed here.