Just like every championship to a sports fan, the enormity of the stage is exciting, and watching one team be crowned the nation’s best is joyful. But the fact remains, after that championship is over, the sport hibernates for months and months.

Luckily enough, I was able to attend Monday’s National Championship, and while it wasn’t the greatest game, I lived my dream. With the utmost envy, I watched Florida’s fans monitor the clock as it ticked down closer and closer to what appeared inevitable: its school’s first men’s basketball championship. Although it brought back nightmares from last year, I couldn’t help but stay through the entire championship presentation, keeping an eye on the celebration of the players and fans. A championship is sweet, and after watching the Gators mow through this tournament, I feel they are certainly deserving.

But the prospects of Midnight Madness are already creeping into my head. I’m looking to make it three in a row and head to next year’s Final Four in Hot-lanta. I already got the word that the cogs are in motion to do it correctly. So who will I be watching next year?

It’s kind of humorous that just a day after the season ended you can make a list for next year’s top teams; but the championship celebration lasted so long that I figure Florida has had enough time in the sun. It’s time to start searching for the next champion, because without “next year,” sports wouldn’t be the same.

Out of the top five teams for next year, some fell short this year, one didn’t and the other teams went into 2005 dreaming of the 06′ recruits. Either way, they all end up in the same position when jockeying to Atlanta.

5. UCLA – If anything could get a team ready for the next year, it’s getting so close, and then getting rocked. The Bruins ended the season Gatorbait, but they return the entire backcourt of Farmer and Afflalo. That alone would bring them into the top 10, but with their stellar freshmen becoming sophomores, and Ben Howland drawing up the X’s and O’s, this team once again will be primed for a serious tournament run.

4. Kansas – I don’t guarantee that the Jayhawks won’t get knocked out of the tournament on the first day, but on paper they will look great. Nothing could be more troubling than a Kansas team propelled through the schedule riding Illinois recruits, but if we start preparing now it will make next season a lot easier. Julian Wright and Brandon Rush are stars, and with the development of Mario Chalmers in the backcourt, the returning players are stocked and ready. The arrival of the acclaimed Sherron Collins and likely big man Darrel Arthur, give Billy Self his best shot at proving he can beat mid-majors.

3. Ohio State – The Buckeyes have a complete team rollover; gone are the Dials, Sylvester and Sullinger of years past. The athletes coming in are expected to be an upgrade. Everyone knows that center Greg Oden is the next coming, a combination of Godzilla and Michael the Archangel; but seriously, he is the best defensive center – maybe including the NBA – and if Matta can develop his offense past the dunk, he will live up to the hype. The class is rounded out by three other five star recruits: Mike Conley Jr., David Lighty and Daequan Cook. They might not get the publicity of Oden, but all three would be the star of just about any other class.

2. North Carolina – I was quoted earlier in the season as saying North Carolina would be terrible this year. I was very, very wrong. The Tarheels were good, and next year will return four starters. Two of whom will be moved directly to the bench because of freshmen. The Tarheels actually got the best class in the nation, even better than Ohio State’s. Brandon Wright would be lottery, Wayne Ellington was ranked above Greg Oden in some lists and Tywon Lawson is Reggie Bush on the hardwood. To all the teams that looked forward to taking revenge on Carolina, it didn’t work out. And next year is back to the regular routine.

1. Florida – Do I really have to say anything? The Gators just made mince meat out of the entire tournament field. They were led by four sophomores and a junior! For now, their certain lottery picks swear they are returning for a repeat. Simply put, if they do find their way back to Gainesville, they have my vote.

Ian Gold is a senior in Communications. He can be reached at [email protected].