NC State popping up in 2015-16 preseason college basketball polls

No need to let the confetti settle in Indianapolis before looking ahead to the next college basketball season, is there? Oh, there probably is? Ah well, the heck with it. A bunch of outlets published top 25s for 2015-16 just hours after Duke rallied to beat Wisconsin for the 2015 title, so let's have a look.

ESPN's Eamonn Brennan has Kentucky at No. 1, followed by UVA at No. 2 and UNC at No. 3. He also has NC State at No. 17. Elsewhere, CBS Sports has State at No. 16, with UVA at No. 1. Rob Dauster of College Basketball Talk has NC State at No. 12. Over at the mothership, Mike Rutherford pegs NC State for 10th. Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy ranks the Pack ninth.

Yep, it's starting right now, y'all. This is going to be a theme. The expectations are a-comin'. That may make some people a little nervous what with the recent history of this program when it comes to pre-season buzz. But I'm here to tell you there's nothing to worry about. Quit worrying over there, Mr. Worrysweats.

Together we will embrace these expectations, and we will let them into our hearts, and we'll take them wherever we go, not as burdens but as trusted companions. And there will be great passes and huge dunks and incredible jumpers and blocked shots and Cat doing what Cat do and winning. That's just how it's gonna be, so you might as well get in on the ground floor.

On that note, I should point out that Brennan has the Pack ranked lower than any of these other guys, which officially makes him a hater. WHY YOU HATIN' ON THE PACK, EAMONN.