MaxPreps 2014-15 Connecticut preseason boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Sacred Heart (Waterbury)
Head coach: Jon Carroll
2013-14 record: 24-3

Wow, this team. The Hearts seem to be everyone's preseason No. 1 as they return all five starters from last year's CIAC Class S championship team. Senior forward Malik Petteway (6-foot-7) was a double-double monster last season, and 6-5 junior guard Mustapha Heron has already committed to Pittsburgh. Junior guards Charles Fisher and Isaiah Roscoe, and 6-7 sophomore forward Tyrn Flowers also return. Get the picture?

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2. Weaver (Hartford)
Head coach: Reggie Hatchett
2013-14 record: 16-9

The Beavers have lost in a state final the previous two seasons. This is the year they may finally kick that door in as they're loaded with experienced talent. Junior point guard KeAndre Fair averaged 15 points last year and is a two-time All-State pick. Sophomore shooting guard Chaylyn Martin (14 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 spg) made All-State last season. Fellow sophomore Jaecee Martin led the team in assists (7) and steals (4). Junior power forward Willie James returns, too, and gives Weaver interior muscle.

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3. Career Magnet (New Haven)
Head coach: Larry Kelley
2013-14 record: 22-5

The Panthers fell four points short in last season's Class L final. They'll make a run at the title again as smart folks around Connecticut have mentioned them among the state's best. Senior Tyrell Eaddy and junior Tyreek Perkins both start their third season at guard. Senior center-forward Justin Campbell (6-5) is also back for Career. It graduated nine seniors and will have to rely on some younger players, but Kelley said the team has quickness and will play strong man-to-man defense.

"By the middle of the year, I definitely think we'll be able to play 10 guys," Kelley said.

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4. Westhill (Stamford)
Head coach: Howard White
2013-14 record: 17-5

It seems strange endorsing a Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference team that hasn't won the league title since 1989, but these Vikings have the firepower to back up this ranking. Seniors Jeremiah Livingston (shooting guard), C.J. Donaldson (point guard), Brandon Thomas (center) and junior Tyrell Alexander (power forward) all started last season, and White said that they have the depth to go 10-deep. Westhill was also the only team that beat Class LL champion Bridgeport Central, the state's No. 1 team.

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5. Bridgeport Central
Head coach: Barry McLeod
2013-14 record: 27-1

The bad news is that the Hilltoppers graduated nine seniors and had two others relocate from last year's state championship team. The good news is that Central is always a threat and should never be underestimated. It returns two starters — guards Marcus Blackwell and Dondre Daniels.

"Blackwell is a one-in-a-million kid," McLeod said. "He's everything you want in a kid. I know people use the word ‘leader' too much, but he's a leader on the court and in the hallway. … He's just fantastic. Daniels is pretty much the same. He's a good student, has gotten stronger and is a good shooter."