Way-too-early Top 25 for the 2024-25 NCAA men’s basketball season

As we’ll see with a number of groups on this record, their prospects for fulfillment rely on who returns. Within the case of the Aggies, other than second-leading scorer Tyrece Radford, all their key contributors from final season’s 21-win squad are eligible to return, that means star guard Wade Taylor IV (19.1 factors per recreation, 4.0 assists per recreation) could possibly be round and enter the season as the favourite for SEC Participant of the Yr. Texas A&M ought to have some momentum after it received 5 of six getting into the NCAA Event and practically upset No. 1 seed Houston within the second spherical.

There’s clearly a lot uncertainty at Kentucky within the wake of John Calipari’s defection to Arkansas. Nevertheless, the Wildcats are slated to have one other elite freshman class (assuming McDonald’s All-People Jayden Quaintance and Johnuel “Boogie” Fland honor their commitments), and may gain advantage from the switch portal below new coach Mark Pope. There isn’t any program within the nation in a state of flux greater than Kentucky, nevertheless it’s a brand new period for the basketball program that is not price writing off simply but. 

The Tigers’ run to the regional finals was one of many greatest surprises of the NCAA Event in 2024. And an identical run could possibly be in retailer if stars P.J. Corridor and Chase Hunter return, although it appears Hunter has the higher probability among the many two of doing so. That mentioned, gritty 6-foot-8 Ian Schieffelin (10.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.2 apg) is slated to be again, and the Tigers may work the switch portal to their profit after that 2024 NCAA Event run. 

There’s fairly the thrill when its involves Rutgers’ promise for the 2024-25 marketing campaign, largely as a result of the Scarlet Knights are set to showcase the McDonald’s All-American duo of athletic 6-foot-8 small ahead Ace Bailey and New Jersey level guard Dylan Harper. Japanese Michigan switch Tyson Acuff (21.7 factors per recreation) also needs to assist enhance a Rutgers squad that ranked final within the Large Ten averaging simply 65.4 factors for coach Steve Pikiell in 2023-24. In the meantime, we all know the Knights will once more play protection at a excessive stage.

It is actually anyone’s guess as to how UCLA will fare throughout its first season within the expanded Large Ten. What we really feel snug stating is that the Bruins needs to be higher than final season’s disappointing 16-17 effort, beginning with the truth that transfers Skyy Clark (Louisville) and Kobe Johnson (USC) ought to immediately enhance the caliber of Mick Cronin’s subsequent group. Add that pair to key returners Dylan Andrews (12.9 ppg, 3.7 apg) and Sebastian Mack (12.1 ppg), and UCLA ought to make its presence felt amid these new league environment.

BYU’s first season within the Large 12 was a shock success, going 10-8 within the league and beating the likes of Baylor, Iowa State and at Kansas. Nevertheless, Mark Pope is headed to alma mater Kentucky as its new coach, and uncertainty now surrounds this system when it comes to constructing on final season’s success. Fousseyni Traore (10.9 ppg), Trevin Knell (10.6 ppg) and Dallin Corridor (9.0 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.5 rpg) play properly collectively, and four-star recruit Collin Chandler’s return from his mission provides a possible all-around risk for the Cougars, assuming they’ll all be again.

Going again to the Large Ten, the Badgers misplaced main scorer AJ Storr to the switch portal. Nevertheless, 7-footer Steven Crowl (11.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 apg) and Max Klesmit — who averaged 14 factors within the ultimate 4 video games of final season — are set to return from a 22-win group that averaged 74.7 factors and shot 46.1 p.c. The expectation is that guard Chucky Hepburn may also be round trying to bounce again from a subpar junior season the place his offensive manufacturing slipped. It is by no means sensible to low cost the Badgers, and with no dominant staff within the Large Ten — no less than on paper — they’ve an opportunity to make noise.  

The reigning regular-season and West Coast Convention match champion Gaels have received no less than 26 video games in three consecutive seasons. And, with Aidan Mahaney (13.9 ppg), Augustas Marciulionis (12.4 ppg, 5.3 apg) and Mitchell Saxen (11.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg) primed to return, it is doable Saint Mary’s can proceed that streak as one of many prime groups out West. Now, whether or not the Gaels can repeat their convention titles — that continues to be to be seen. 

Lots hinges on whether or not Bluejays stars Ryan Kalkbrenner (17.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and Trey Alexander (17.6 ppg, 5.7 ppg, 4.7 apg) are again within the combine. In that case, Creighton is a possible preseason top-10 selection coming off its Candy 16 season. With out, it stays to be seen what magic coach Greg McDermott can conjure up. He ought to have guard Steven Ashworth (11.1 ppg, 4.2 apg) to rely on both approach, to not point out a stellar freshman class that options Minnesota ahead Jackson McAndrew, the highest-rated recruit in program historical past. 

Auburn might be ranked increased if Johni Broome decides to return. Nonetheless, the Tigers have some expertise again from final season’s 27-8 staff that received the SEC match, led by the versatile Chad Baker-Macara (10.0 ppg) and Denver Jones (9.1 ppg), to not point out a possible star in promising recruit Tahaad Pettiford, who is anticipated to make an instantaneous impression. It needs to be an intriguing season within the SEC, and Bruce Pearl’s Tigers anticipate to be in the midst of the drama.

The Hurricanes went from a nationwide semifinalist in 2022-23 to a 15-17 report final season and in addition misplaced double-double machine in Norchad Omier to the NBA Draft. Nevertheless, the return of Nijel Pack (13.3 ppg) following a season affected by harm, is big for Miami`. So is the addition of Virginia Tech switch Lynn Kidd (13.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and Brandon Johnson, who averaged 14 factors and eight.6 rebounds at East Carolina final season. The Hurricanes could possibly be a real power if guards Matthew Cleveland and Wooga Poplar additionally return.

Florida’s run to the championship recreation of the SEC match made up for a stilted total season in Gainesville. Now, dropping to Colorado in a wild first-round NCAA Event contest ended the season on a bitter be aware, however there may be a lot to construct on. Main the way in which in 2024-25 needs to be thrilling guard Walter Clayton Jr., the Iona switch who averaged 17.6 factors and shot 36.5 p.c from 3-point vary throughout his first run with the Gators. He may be a contender for SEC Participant of the Yr. In the meantime, Will Richard (11.4 ppg) is also in retailer for a fair higher marketing campaign.

Arizona has a number of gamers within the switch portal and simply misplaced guard Kylan Boswell to Illinois. Nevertheless, Tommy Lloyd has achieved a outstanding job in three seasons guiding the Wildcats to an 88-20 report. So, no matter who’s coming again for Arizona (guard Jaden Bradley might be one to look at, together with prized recruit Carter Bryant), anticipate the Wildcats to see extra success below Lloyd. Even inside the confines of their new house within the Large 12 Convention.

Dropping Dalton Knecht and defensive stud Jonas Aidoo leaves Tennessee’s stage for potential 2024-25 success unknown. Nevertheless, Zakai Zeigler (11.1 ppg, 6.1 apg) is among the most fun gamers within the nation, and could possibly be the perfect within the SEC. Guard Jahmai Mashack may also be prepared to interrupt out for the Volunteers, who will want no less than a pair others from the present roster (Cameron Carr or Jordan Gainey) to step up their recreation. Then once more, there’s all the time the switch portal. 

North Carolina’s 2024-25 potential actually hinges on the collegiate futures of star RJ Davis (21.2 ppg) and stud ahead Harrison Ingram (12.2 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.5 bpg). Regardless, subsequent season additionally presents a chance for prized 2023-24 recruit Elliot Cadeau to raise his recreation after averaging 7.3 factors and 4.1 assists in a supporting function final season. In the meantime, the presence of McDonald’s All-American guards Ian Jackson and Drake Powell nonetheless go away the Tar Heels as contenders to repeat as ACC regular-season champs.

It is lastly time for Purdue to maneuver on from two-time nationwide participant of the yr Zach Edey. Nevertheless, the experience was fairly particular, ending with this system’s first nationwide championship recreation look since 1969. Nevertheless, it isn’t sensible to put in writing the Boilermakers off for 2024-25. The backcourt of Braden Smith (12.2 ppg, 7.5 apg, 5.8 rpg) and Fletcher Loyer (10.3 ppg) is among the many finest within the nation, whereas Camden Heide and Trey Kaufman-Renn could possibly be prepared for greater roles on a staff that appears able to succeeding with out a longtime celebrity.

We’re not doubting Marquette has the potential to be one of many prime groups within the Large East as soon as once more in 2024-25, however what about on a nationwide scale? Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro are gone, however the return of main scorer Kam Jones (17.2 ppg, 40.6 p.c 3-point capturing) is a serious growth for coach Shaka Good. Jones is anticipated to be joined by fellow starters David Joplin (10.8 ppg) and Stevie Mitchell (8.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg), each able to upping their offensive manufacturing. 

Coach Scott Drew is dedicated to the Baylor program, and that is excellent news for everyone related. Rumored to be a candidate for the Kentucky job, Drew is aware of a superb factor when he sees it. I`t’s proper in entrance of him at Baylor, the place Langston Love (11 ppg) and Jayden Nunn (10.5 ppg) have the potential to be offensive threats. In the meantime, freshmen V.J. Edgecombe and Robert Wright III are anticipated to be rapid contributors for a Bears squad that expects to be a contender within the uber-talented Large 12.

Even when stars Mark Sears and Grant Nelson bypass their COVID seasons, issues nonetheless look vibrant for the Crimson Tide. There is a Ultimate 4 journey to construct from, coach Nate Oates is staying put and the squad could possibly be formed through one other profitable run via the switch portal. That mentioned, keep watch over guard Rylan Griffen (11.2 ppg, 39.2 3-point share), who appears prepared take his recreation to the following stage, and rising sophomore Jarin Stevenson, whose 19 factors and 5 3s in opposition to Clemson within the regional ultimate turned loads of heads.

If it isn’t too early for a High 25, then we will absolutely speak about a UConn three-peat. The Huskies proved in 2023-24 that they may repeat as nationwide champions with a revamped roster and new key contributors. It is fairly doable they could have to observe that components subsequent season. UConn is anticipated to lose a big quantity of expertise, which additionally opens the door for the likes of Samson Johnson (5.4 ppg), Solomon Ball and Jaylin Stewart. Dan Hurley simply may be the perfect males’s coach in America.

In a rarity, the Zags did not carry house any staff West Coast Convention {hardware} in 2023-24, nevertheless, they did attain the Candy 16 for a ninth-straight season. And, they return a superb chunk of that 27-win squad — which discovered its type on the proper time. Graham Ike (16.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg) leads the way in which, however Ryan Nembhard (12.6 ppg, 6.9 apg, 4.0 rpg), Nolan Hickman (14.0 ppg), Ben Gregg and Braden Huff are additionally able to pacing the Bulldogs on any given night time. Be careful for Pepperdine switch Michael Ajayi (17.2 ppg).

The Jayhawks are coming off the worst full season below coach Invoice Self since he took over the storied program in 2003-04, ending 23-11 and getting routed by Gonzaga within the second spherical of the NCAA Event. Nevertheless, that may solely gas this system to greatness in 2024-25. KJ Adams Jr. (12.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.1 apg) and Dajuan Harris Jr. (8.5 ppg, 6.5 apg) are two of the Large 12’s finest gamers, and the additions of offensive-minded transfers Riley Kugel (Florida) and Zeke Mayo (South Dakota State) ought to have Kansas within the hunt for one more league title. In fact, the Jayhawks will herald one other sound recruiting class, too.

If school hoops followers weren’t conscious of coach T.J. Otzelberger and the Cyclones after this season, they need to be getting into this season. Iowa State is coming off a 29-8 marketing campaign, the place it received the Large 12 match, earned a No. 2 NCAA Event seed and reached the Candy 16. The versatile Tamin Lipsey (12.4 ppg, 4.9 apg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 spg) and main scorer Keshon Gilbert (13.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.2 apg) are again. So too is 3-point risk Milan Momcilovic (10.9 ppg, 36 p.c 3-point capturing). Northern Iowa switch Nate Heise (13.5 ppg) additionally provides much more offensive prowess to a squad that may nonetheless get by on its stifling protection.

Houston’s 32-5 season was soured by a Candy 16 loss to Duke in 2024. Nevertheless, the early days of the offseason have been excellent to the Cougars. LJ Cryer (15.5 ppg), Emanuel Sharp (12.6 ppg), J’Wan Roberts (9.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and Ja’Vier Francis (6.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg) are all slated to return. In the meantime, the addition of former Oklahoma level guard Milos Uzan (9.0 ppg, 4.4 apg) offers Houston a longtime ground chief who’s able to elevating his recreation whereas surrounded by an elite assortment of expertise. 

After going 27-9 in every of coach Jon Scheyer’s first two seasons, the Blue Devils could possibly be in retailer for one thing particular in 2024-25, which is able to mark the tenth anniversary of Duke’s most up-to-date nationwide championship. Tyrese Proctor (10.5 ppg) will return, becoming a member of Caleb Foster because the staff’s key returnees. Nevertheless, the energy of the 2024-25 Blue Devils could possibly be a pair of elite recruits in 6-9 Cooper Flagg, thought to be the No. 1 prospect for the upcoming season, and 7-2 Khaman Maluach, who’s already being pegged as a top-five choose within the 2025 NBA Draft.