The season of college hoops is almost at our fingertips, and this one is looking to be one filled with an abundance of talent.
From guards with expansive skill sets to big rim protectors all around the country. There’s a plethora of former high school phenoms looking to make a name for themselves in the college spotlight.
Guys like AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Koa Peat (Arizona), the Boozer twins Cameron and Cayden (Duke), and my personal favorite player to watch the entire college season—Darryn Petersen (Kansas). All of these young, highly touted players are expected to make big splashes across the country. Time will tell if they live up to the hype.
Now, although the prospect of new talent is exciting s, there are still established teams out there that are looking to build on their successes from last year. Teams like UCLA, Michigan, Louisville, and even Kansas State made moves to increase their chances of winning the dance. Let’s take a look at my personal top 25 teams going into the season.
- Houston Cougars
If you have read my previous pieces, Houston has had a really special place in my heart ever since last season. Coach Sampson coaches in a way that makes you indulge more in the team and makes the Cougars easy to root for.
Houston remains at my number one spot despite being last year’s runners-up, as I believe that they are going to come out swinging these first few weeks.
They will solidify themselves as a defensive team like Coach Kelvin Sampson has always preached and maintain their signature fast-paced offense. I expect Emanuel Sharp to lead this team, as L.J. Cryer is now in the NBA. Emanuel Sharp has a lot of leadership potential as well as a big skill set when it comes to the guard position.
- Florida Gators
Florida has a lot to look forward to this year since winning it all last season. The newest addition to the guard, Xavian Lee, will bring crucial perimeter shooting and playmaking ability that was absent since the departure of Walter Clayton Jr., who is now playing for the Utah Jazz.
Although Xavian Lee has big shoes to fill. I think he will be fine considering that he will be under the guidance of one of the league’s brightest young coaching talents in Todd Golden. Golden was pivotal to the growth of Walter Clayton Jr. — Florida’s best player last year. I expect Xavian Lee to be one of the leaders of this Gator team, considering their big Alex Condon will most likely take the leadership role this year.
- Duke Blue Devils
A lot of people may question touting Duke so highly, but I believe when you have a talent such as the Boozer twins, you really can’t rank them any lower. Yes, the team still has some unproven players that are stepping up to starting roles ,but I believe that with Cameron Boozer you will have a strong chance of winning any basketball game against any team in the country.
Boozer already debuted with an absolutely dominant performance in an exhibition game against UCF, posting an efficient 33 points, shooting 12 for 19 from the field and 4 for 7 from beyond the arc. If he can continue to have these types of performances, Duke will be a team to look out for to take over that number one spot in my rankings.
- St. John’s Red Storm
St. John’s has been a school to watch in the offseason of college basketball. Coach Rick Pitino wants to solidify his basketball program as one of the top in the nation, and I believe that he is already taking the right strides.
Notably, big-time transfer Ian Jackson decided to move his talents from UNC to Pitino and his squad. Ever since high school, he has shown he is an athletic guard with electric finishing ability. He will continue to do that at St. John’s and will most likely look to improve his three-ball, trying to mimic an RJ Luis Jr. role. I believe that this team will make the necessary improvements to become a premier threat in the Big East.
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
This might be another controversial pick for some, but again, this team was a favorite of mine. They play such a gritty brand of basketball that I just love seeing.
JT Toppin is going to be absolutely crucial to this team’s success. He was their key player last year. and this year he will most likely continue to be that. There is a lot of size on the team and their newest addition, LeJuan Watts from Washington State, just adds onto the athleticism of the team and also their signature aggressiveness. Texas Tech will be a tough matchup against any team in the country.
- Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue is a team that I look at as more complete in comparison to the rest of the rankings. The team has Braden Smith leading them, with forward Trey Kaufmann-Renn being a player that, in my eyes, can play and defend every position. Kaufmann-Renn will definitely be a lottery pick when it is all set and done.
NBA teams are in need of a player like Trey Kaufman-Renn, so be ready to witness Kaufman-Renn’s best year in college hoops so far. Braden Smith has the chance to break the all-time assist record in NCAA history, and with a big stretch like Kaufman-Renn catching lobs and working the paint, it will be likely that the feat is accomplished.
- Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky has always been one of those teams that you can never count out. This year, Coach Mark Pope has completely restored the Wildcats’ roster through his transfer moves. Specifically, the move that’s going to bring a new identity to this team is Jaland Lowe from Pitt. Lowe gives Kentucky a true floor general, someone who can create shots for others, control the tempo, and keep the offense flowing, which has been a point of struggle for the Wildcats offense.
Lowe’s playmaking and poise are exactly what Kentucky needs after struggling with consistency last season. I expect him to mesh quickly with the team’s young scorers and keep that high-energy style. With Pope emphasizing spacing and fast-paced transition basketball, Lowe’s ability to read defenses and push the ball will make Kentucky a real threat to reclaim their dominance in the SEC this season.
- Michigan Wolverines
Michigan is in a bit of a redemption era right now, and I honestly think this could be a turning point season for them. After a couple of tough years under Juwan Howard, the new direction under Dusty May feels like a breath of fresh air.
The Wolverines have reloaded with a roster that finally looks balanced on both ends of the court. One of the biggest pickups was Roddy Gayle Jr. transferring in from Ohio State. He brings that toughness and energy that Michigan fans have been craving in a guard, while also being able to defend, score, and lead by example. Pair that with young talent like Durral Brooks and the system Dusty May runs with lots of movement and unselfish ball flow and Michigan might quietly surprise a lot of people this season.
- BYU Cougars
BYU is really one of those teams that has really become more relevant because it got one of the top prospects from high school to commit to their school. The biggest story for me this season is the arrival of AJ Dybantsa, one of the most hyped high school prospects this past year, and Xavion Staton, a physical, high-motor forward who brings a strong inside presence.
Dybantsa is a generational athlete; he’s got NBA-level explosiveness combined with veteran-like patience and ball knowledge. Having all that in his arsenal will make him a matchup nightmare in the Big 12. Staton complements him perfectly; he’s that glue guy every great team needs who rebounds, defends, and hustles. This BYU squad will definitely be one to watch out for if it starts to make noise later in the season.
- UCONN Huskies
UConn remains college basketball’s elite. With Coach Dan Hurley reloading instead of rebuilding, and the addition of sharpshooter Aidan Mahaney from Saint Mary’s, the Huskies are locked in.
Combine that with their returning core and defense, and this team is primed for another deep March run. They will continue to build on what they have already found success in and honestly, with Hurley at the head of the pack leading them, I will always believe a team will have a chance under his brilliant defensive and offensive mind.
Here are the rest of my rankings…
- Louisville
- Arizona
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- UCLA
- Illinois
- Tennessee
- Iowa State
- Auburn
- Kansas
- Michigan State
- Creighton
- Gonzaga
- NC State
- USC