College football might be kicking off this weekend but in my mind, there's always time for a little college basketball. Lindy's preview magazine came out today and tabbed UCLA its preseason #1. The Bruins are also the favorite as listed by several Vegas sportsbooks.

What does this mean in real world terms? Absolutely nothing really. Rankings don't get you wins in March. It does however, mean that the Bruins are back big-time, both on the court and in the minds and perceptions of the nation. As much as Ben Howland's defense-firstattitude and emphasis on fundamentals has seemed to bring out critics that call out UCLA as not aesthetically pleasing, nobody can argue with the results.

If not for Florida, UCLA might be working on back-to-back titles by now (and as if you hadn't noticed, Florida had three players drafted in the NBA Draft lottery this past summer and two more were taken in the second round; that squad had a bit of talent on its side). Blue-chip freshman Kevin Love will help solve the Bruins' biggest weakness from the past two season: an interior scoring threat. With Love, Lorenzo Mata, and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute up front, Josh Shipp on the wing, and Darren Collison manning the point, it's easy to see why UCLA has been tabbed the top team in the nation. Look for rising sophomore Russell Westbrook to make a huge leap as well claiming minutes vacated by Arron Afflalo.

Memphis, Georgetown, Kansas, and UNC all return talented rosters as well and will likely be near the top of the polls all season long, but for now the Bruins have laid claim to #1.

PG Darren Collison will lead the Bruins in their quest for title #12.