As college basketball is approaching, anticipation is building among the fans and the analysts. With a new season comes new freshman talent, breakout seasons, and unforgettable moments on the hardwood.
From the blue bloods to the rising programs, I can confidently say this season is going to be one for the record books.
To tip things off, here are ten teams that will ramp up this season and have a chance at taking home the national title.
- Purdue
This team is the definition of “stacked”. The Boilermakers come into the season No.1 in the AP Poll to start the season and 3rd in the KenPom rankings. This team is bringing back the star duo of Star Guard Braden Smith and dominant forward Trey Kaufman-Renn. We saw their potential and know what they’re capable of. Transfers Oscar Cluff, and returning guard Fletcher Loyer can also put up big numbers for the team. They continue to have consistent success, and Matt Painter’s Boilermakers aren’t going to stop here.
Projected Record: 29-2
Upsets: N/A (No. 1)
- Florida
The question everybody is asking about the Gators is, can they go back-to-back? Todd Golden’s team is coming off a national championship and a generational run. This team does have some key departures, including Walter Clayton Jr, Alijah Martin and Will Richard, but they have brought in some new talents, led by Arkansas transfer Boogie Fland. Walter Clayton Jr. is simply irreplaceable, but Boogie is going to help this team at the point tremendously. Watch the Gators as they try to swim their way to another title.
Projected Record: 26-5
Upsets: N/A
- Kentucky
As Mark Pope starts off his second season with the Cats, he has some major talent and depth on his roster. At the point of the team, Otega Oweh has been named SEC Preseason Player of the Year. Freshman phenoms Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno bring great young talent to the program. Star transfers Jaland Lowe and Jayden Quatience make this team a title contender. If this team can mesh and work together, they could pick up number nine and get Pope a championship.
Projected Record: 31-0
Upsets: Florida, St Johns
- Louisville
Let’s just start off by saying Pat Kelsey has created a dream team. Louisville’s backcourt is one of the best in the country. This team has many key additions, including Mikel Brown Jr, Issac McKneely, Ryan Conwell, and Aly Khalifia. They have restocked and are a force to be reckoned with, not only in the ACC but the NCAA as a whole. Notable games are early on the schedule as they tip off with Kentucky on Nov. 11th and Cincinnati on Nov. 21st, and the ACC/SEC Challenge on Dec. 3rd. The Cardinals are back in business.
Projected Record: 24-7
Upsets: Duke
- BYU
BYU and Kevin Young are coming off a 26-win season and a run to the Sweet 16 last season. The Cougars come into the season with very high expectations, as this is the highest they have ever been ranked in the preseason AP Poll and just the seventh time in program history. Let’s look at the roster. This team will be led and run by the superstar freshman of AJ Dybantsa. The all-American dropped 30 in the early preseason game against the Nebraska Huskers. He is the highest recruit in program history and has the potential to take this team far. The Cougs also bring back various talents, including Richie Saunders and big man Keba Keita. They did lose to Nebraska, but Young was heavily experimenting with young players and lineups, so don’t get down on them yet. Big things are coming for Brigham Young University.
Projected Record: 28-3
Upsets: UCONN, Houston
- NC State
Most might ask, why NC State? The simple answer is Will Wade; it’s a new start for the ACC program. He has brought in four of the top 150 transfers. Not only is he bringing in top-notch players, but the are six seniors and two juniors who all have plenty of experience in both the NCAA tournament and conference tournaments. The Wolfpack are projected to finish fourth in the ACC preseason poll, which is their highest preseason ranking since the 2012-2013 season. My expectations are high for Will Wade. This team is my sleeper team for this season. They might not have DJ Burns, but there is talent all around for the Wolfpack.
Projected Record: 25-6
Upsets: Auburn, Kansas
- Crieghton
Most are worried about the Blue Jays as they navigate the departure of five-year starter Ryan Kalkbrenner, but I’m almost certain Greg McDermott has got the team ready to ruffle some feathers. This roster features nine newcomers, including transfers Nik Graves and Josh Dix. With Graves, Dix, and other notable players, the Jays can be dominant from beyond the arc. With McDermott’s consistency, look for this team to challenge UCONN and St John’s at the top of the Big East.
Projected Record: 26-5
Upsets: St John’s (x2)
- Oregon
Dana Altman is entering his 16th season with the Ducks. The were many rumors about his retirement, but he’s back to try again. I watched the Ducks extensively last season, and I think they could be a lot better. Good news for them: the duo of Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle is back. They also have multiple notable transfers to back up the duo. Watch for the Ducks to make a run. The Big 10 is stacked, but I think the Ducks will have some major upsets and surprise many people. Personally, I have Oregon with upsets of UCLA and Gonzaga.
Projected Record: 24-7
Upsets: UCLA, Gonzaga, Purdue, Michigan
- North Carolina
All I see as I’m scrolling on social media looking at fan takes on college basketball is “North Carolina is only in the top 25 because of their name,” or “The Tar Heels are overrated,” and even “UNC is going to be one of the worst in the ACC.” But I completely disagree. Hubert Davis has a new lineup to work with. He has a 5-star freshman, Caleb Wilson, transfers Henri Versar, Jarin Stevenson and Kyan Evans. This is a versatile and deep lineup that can do damage. I say they have a hard-fought upset against Tom Izzo’s Spartans.
Projected Record: 27-4
Upsets: Duke, Michigan State
- Illinois
Illinois comes into the season 17th in the Preseason AP Poll and is projected to be a top team in the Big Ten. The Fighting Illini are expected to contend with a roster featuring a blend of returning talent, international players, and high-profile transfers. Size and shooting are big contributors to the success of this team. I have very high hopes for this ball club. The Ivisic brothers are going to ball out, and Kylan Boswell is going to have a breakout season. All I’m saying in this team is going to surprise America and many basketball fans.
Projected Record: 29-2
Upsets: Alabama, Texas Tech, Michigan, UCLA
My Preseason Top 25 Rankings
- Purdue
- Kentucky
- Houston
- BYU
- Florida
- UCONN
- Duke
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Louisville
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Texas Tech
- Auburn
- St Johns
- UCLA
- Alabama
- Gonzaga
- Kansas
- Creighton
- Wisconsin
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Michigan
- NC State
On the bubble: Tennessee, Texas, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Indiana
Players to Watch
Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn)
Labaron Philon (Alabama)
Isaiah Evans (Duke)
Otega Oweh (Kentucky)
Kylan Boswell (Illinois)
Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois)
Richie Saunders (BYU)
Bruce Thornton (Ohio State)
Josh Hubbard (Mississippi State)
DJ Wagner (Arkansas)
Karter Knox (Arkansas)
Top Transfers
Yaxel Lendnborg (Michigan)
Ryan Conwell and Issac McKneely (Louisville)
Jaland Lowe and Denzel Aberdeen (Kentucky)
Bryce Hopkins (St. Johns)
Ja’kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)
PJ Haggerty (Kansas St)
Freshman Phenoms
AJ Bybansta (BYU)
Cam Boozer (Duke)
Nate Ament (Tennessee)
Exciting Early Season Matchups
Arizona vs Florida, Nov.3rd
Kentucky vs Louisville, Nov.11th
Purdue vs Alabama, Nov.13th
BYU vs UCONN, Nov. 15th
Houston vs Auburn, Nov.16th
Duke vs Arkansas, Nov.27th
We are just around the corner from opening day. The season tips off on November 3rd, with a great slate of games. I anticipate this season to be one of the best in a while. The season begins with strong non-conference matchups, a showcase of this insane transfer class and extreme coaching changes. Mark my words: this season will be one for the record books. Get ready because tip-off is just days away.