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

1. Corona del Sol (Tempe)
2013-14 record: 34-1
Head coach: Sam Duane Jr.

As if seniors Dane Kuiper, Cassius Peat and sophomore Alex Barcello weren't enough, the Aztecs will also have Marvin Bagley III, who is considered among the top freshmen in the nation. It will make it hard to supplant Corona del Sol, which has won three straight Division I titles, as the state's top team.

View last season's Arizona boys basketball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Gilbert Christian
2013-14 record: 21-11
Head coach: Kurt Keener

If it all comes together – with a new coach, two transfers and a highly anticipated freshman point guard – the Knights could be very dangerous and a Division II power. Keener has won nine Michigan state titles, Mitch Lightfoot has transferred in from Ironwood Ridge and Detroit transfer Bakari Evelyn led Southfield Christian to a title. Add in highly touted Jaden Lee and that is a lot of new faces and personalities to meld into one team.

View last season's Arizona boys basketball playoff brackets

3. Chaparral (Scottsdale)
2013-14 record: 20-8
Head coach: Dan Peterson

The Firebirds return five of last year's top six scorers including senior Kenzo Nudo, who is headed to Grand Canyon University. Senior strong forward Ryan Bayster gives the Firebirds a nice one-two punch as they expect to get past last year's D-I quarterfinal appearance.

View last season's Arizona boys basketball stat leaders

4. Shadow Mountain (Phoenix)
2013-14 record: 29-3
Head coach: Mike Warren

The Matadors bring back a trio of juniors expected to win their second of three overall titles after Shadow Mountain dominated within its division last season. Carlos Johnson, Michael Bibby and JJ Rhymes averaged a combined 58 points. Warren takes over for Jerry Conner, but the team feeds off assistant Mike Bibby Sr., and all-Ohio transfer Craig Randall will give the Matadors another big-time scorer.

View the MaxPreps Arizona boys basketball pro photo galleries

5. Desert Vista (Phoenix)
2013-14 record: 16-12
Head coach: Tony Darden

Darden takes over the program that has the most talent its had since making the state semifinals three seasons ago. Seniors Quincy Taylor and Brandon Clarke (San Jose State) and sophomore Caleb Simmons are the headliners, but the rotation should go pretty deep this season.

Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothills News staff writer, is an 20-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.