College hoops is right around the corner, just in time to save Auburn fans from this dreadful season.
The AP Poll was released today and everyone knows the October preseason poll indicates so much about the teams that win in March. All jokes aside, this season features some fresh blood near the top, blue bloods looking for another banner, and a senior-laden Auburn team ready to compete for it all.
The preview magazines are out in full swing, so here is everything you need to know about the 2024-2025 College Basketball season.
Huckaby’s Top 25 Poll
- Kansas Jayhawks
- Gonzaga Bulldogs
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Houston Cougars
- Baylor Bears
- UConn Huskies
- Auburn Tigers
- Iowa State Cyclones
- Duke Blue Devils
- North Carolina Tar Heels
- Texas A&M Aggies
- Arizona Wildcats
- Arkansas Razorbacks
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Tennessee Volunteers
- Purdue Boilermakers
- Marquette Golden Eagles
- Creighton Bluejays
- Florida Gators
- UCLA Bruins
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Grand Canyon Antelopes
- Dayton Flyers
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Illinois Fighting Illini
#1 Kansas Jayhawks
A season ago this team struggled mightily with depth. In a league as competitive as the Big 12 you cannot have a six man rotation and expect to go very far. Bill Self addressed this issue almost to a fault, he now has a loaded backcourt. Transfer guards, AJ Storr (Wisconsin), and Rylan Griffen (Alabama), can give you twenty on any given night. Both possess elite shooting ability, the jury is out on whether Griffen can consistently attack the hole. The Jayhawks also add Summit League player of the year, Zeke Mayo who lit it up at South Dakota State. Pair him and Storr with returning starters, Dajuan Harris Jr., K.J. Adams Jr., and Hunter Dickinson, the starting five alone is the best in the nation. Mix in a bench of Rylan Griffen, David Coit, Flory Bidunga, Shakeel Moore, and Rakeese Passmore, and that provides Self the best roster in College Basketball.
#2 Gonzaga Bulldogs
If there is one word for Mark Few’s team this season it would be experience. Evan Miya projects 81% of their minutes will be played by returning players, continuity is huge in college basketball especially in the transfer portal era. The issue last season looked to be a high profile wing, with the loss of Steele Venters to a torn ACL in November that was to be expected. It’s hard to gauge how a player will return off an injury that severe so the Zags added both Khalif Battle (Arkansas) and Michael Ajayi (Pepperdine). College basketball analysts Ryan Hammer has noted that a reason this team played at such a slow pace last season was their lack of ball handling. Ryan Nembhard has the load lifted this season with the addition of Emmanuel Innocenti. The front-court defense should be solid, the back-court defense is slightly troubling but they should have no problem cruising to thirty wins and remaining top five all season.
#3 Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama was a final four team a season ago and seemingly won the offseason as well. Adding big man Cliff Omoruyi, wing Chris Youngblood, and Guards Aden Holloway, and Houston Mallette made up the seventh ranked portal class. Freshman, Derrion Reid, Aiden Sherrell, Nasir Cunningham, and Labaron Philon made up the second ranked freshman class in the nation. Adding all that on top of one of the best teams from a season ago with one of the best returning players in the country in Mark Sears is, well phenomenal. The issue with this team is defense, Cliff adds a really strong defensive presence in the post as a lifeline to one of the worst defenses in their conference a season ago. They will be improved on that end of the floor but it can’t be one guy, the concern still remains in the backcourt and on the wings, especially against physical opponents. Expect the guard rotation to feature Labaron Philon to aid with that, expect him to take the minutes Holloway presumed he was getting.
#4 Houston Cougars
Losing Jamal Shead hurts, no way around it. Kelvin Sampson thinks he has a band-aid in the form of Oklahoma transfer guard, Milos Uzan. Inter-conference transfers are always interesting, good experience but the drop off is still present. Look for the Cougars to lean more on both J’Wan Roberts and L.J. Cryer to carry the load offensively. Ja’vier Francis is a nice depth piece to have in the front court, efficient inside of 10 feet. Could possibly see an expanded role for guard Ramon Walker Jr. as well. Sampson’s teams always guard extremely well, but will they have the same flow offensively without their floor general this season?
#5 Baylor Bears
Baylor’s backcourt is extraordinary, adding Jeremy Roach from Duke, V.J. Edgecomb (3rd ranked player in the class) from high school, to returning guards, Jayden Nunn, and Langston Love. The problem is this team is lacking depth on the inside, Miami transfer, Norchad Omier is quite the ball player. However he is alone down there other than Josh Ojianwuna, who is less then ideal to play for an extended period of time. Scott Drew needs to preach staying out of foul trouble for his front court, they need everyone in every game.
#6 UConn Huskies
Is the three-peat incoming? It’s certainly possible, returning forward Alex Karaban is massive, look for an All-American season from that young man. Alex alongside Samson Johnson and top ten high school addition Liam McNeely makes up the best front court in the Big East. Hurley landing Aidan Mahaney, the volume scorer from St. Mary’s is huge, especially with the questions surrounding Hassan Diarra. Hassan was the Big East 6th man of the year a season ago, he started just four games in the last two seasons and the question of whether he can make the jump to a starting role is a big one, in determining if the three peat is within reach.
#7 Auburn Tigers
Bruce Pearl faced glaring holes at the point guard position not only last season, but since the departure of Sharife Cooper. Aden Holloway and Tre Donaldson saw the writing on the wall and transferred out of the program. High school star Tahaad Pettiford and Furman legend J.P. Pegues filled their spots. This team returns everyone else that played big minutes except forward Jaylin Williams. That is a tough loss to bear, Williams was one of the best scoring power forwards in the nation a year ago. Auburn is turning towards freakishly athletic Chaney Johnson to fill that void. While he won’t be at Jaylin’s level , Chaney has shown massive upside. A silky smooth touch around the rim paired with a solid jump shot from anywhere inside 18 feet and a knack for defending the 2-4 positions. At point guard, J.P. is the go to guy this season. Known for his iconic game winner against Virginia in the tournament, he has a strong outside jumper and can get to the rim well for his size. Strong ball handler and can run Pearl’s flex offense very well. Johni Broome’s decision to return gives the other 9 seniors on this roster a chance to go for it all. A very experienced team paired with the best big man in the nation. The Tigers are looking for revenge after getting punched in the mouth first round a year ago.
#8 Iowa State Cyclones
T.J. Otzelberger’s program is must see tv this winter. The Cyclones had the highest rated defense in the country a year ago, and it had everything to do with Otzelberger’s “No Middle Defense.” It’s the same scheme Scott Drew used to win a national title with Baylor in 2021 and the same one Chris Beard got Texas Tech to the national championship with in 2019. Guard Taamin Lipsey is the engine to this scheme, the best on ball defender in the nation graded out very well last season, (2.7 SPG 4th in Nation, and 5% STL % 5th in Nation. Hat-Tip Ryan Hammer). All of that elite defense turns into easy transition points on top of one of the better offenses in the Big 12 as is.
#9 Duke Blue Devils
This season is put-up or shut-up time for Jon Scheyer. He landed generational high school talent Cooper Flagg, the most hyped high school prospect since Zion and for good reason. Standing at 6 foot 9 inches, Flagg has a fluid form and effortless touch around the cup. Solid defender for his frame as well, though there is concern if he is to get matched up against heavier set players that can also stretch the floor. Returning guards Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster have big shoes to fill with the departure of both Jared McCain to the NBA and Jeremy Roach to Baylor. Khaman Maluach has to step up and play like the five star center he is, Maliq Brown was a good player at Syracuse but he needs the production from Khaman to be there alongside him.
#10 North Carolina Tar Heels
The difference between rivals Duke and North Carolina is incredibly thin. Duke gained the edge due to their size. Carolina returns the best guard in the country in R.J. Davis who will have a case for National Player of the year. Elliot Cadeau was underwhelming his freshman season but should be improved with a year under his belt. Wings aren’t an issue with the high school addition of Ian Jackson and adding a strong scorer in Cade Tyson from Belmont. The interior and the center position as a whole is the Achilles heal of the Tar Heels. After a public failed recruitment of Cliff Oyomuri, Hubert Davis settled on Ven-Allen Luben, who is a good scorer, but stands at just 6 foot 8 inches. They have slightly bigger options but none of them have shown any consistency.
#11 Texas A&M Aggies
Buzz Williams is an interesting coach, his teams often come out flat footed to start the season, then play their best ball towards the end of season. Will that be the case again this season? Veteran guard Wade Taylor IV is one of the best in the SEC and is needing a step up from fellow guard Manny Obaseki. Buzz adding Zhuric Phelps is big for a team that lacked an explosive wing a year ago. Phelps led a very strong SMU team a year ago and is ready to step into Power Four basketball. Pharrel Payne is transitioning into the SEC coming from Minnesota where he averaged ten points a night at the center position. Buzz has a top half SEC team on paper but will they execute like one before February?
#12 Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats would’ve have been a top five team if their anchor Oumar Ballo didn’t transfer out to Mike Woodson’s Hoosiers. Jaden Bradley and Caleb Love make up one of the best shooting backcourts in the country. The Trey Townsend addition from Oakland also really gives this team another threat from beyond the arc. KJ Lewis is a solid wing that can give you the occasional ten point game when needed. Motiejus Krivas is expected to start at center and has good size at 7 foot two inches but lacks that explosiveness and the physically Ballo had. The real question is can the Wildcats shake their tournament woes they’ve faced over the last few seasons?
#13 Arkansas Razorbacks
The John Calipari era is here in Fayetteville and it is taking off quickly. He absolutely lit it up in the transfer portal after his infamous “I met with the team, there is no team.” quote. Landing Johnell Davis from FAU after Dusty May took the Michigan job really gives this team a much needed jolt. He also brought D.J Wagner over with him from Kentucky that fills out a solid back court. Stealing Jonas Aidoo from Tennessee is a big win in order for the Razorbacks to hold their own against guys like Broome, Omoruyi, and others in the SEC. Karter Knox a top 30 recruit should bring an offensive weapon on the wing to give the guards a lot of driving lanes, which Johnell Davis thrives in.
#14 Indiana Hoosiers
After a long offseason for Coach Mike Woodson involving rumors of him losing his job, has turned him into the best portal recruiter of the offseason. Getting Oumar Ballo to protect the paint gives them a big edge in a Zach Edey-less Big Ten. Myles Rice from Washington State was big, one of the most coveted guards in the portal. Kanaan Carlyle from Stanford is also another slashing guard that can get to the hole. Returning forwards Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mgbako are solid scorers but how do they fit/play next to a guy like Ballo? Three point shooting is a glaring weakness on this team, similarly to the Jabari Smith led Auburn team, lot of athletic talent but can they keep up with teams that can shoot it?
#15 Tennessee Volunteers
Dalton Knecht took the country by storm last season, the SEC player of the year looked unguarded at times with a lethal shooting stroke. With his departure to the NBA where will Rick Barnes replace his scoring? Chaz Lanier (North Florida) and Darlinstone Dubar (Hofstra) are two early candidates. Chaz fits the Knecht role more so then Dubar does, a knockdown three point shooter off the dribble and can get to the rim and finish well. Zakai Zeigler is one of the most experienced guards in the country and could look like a lower volume Jamal Shead this season. Time will tell if Felix Okpara (Ohio State) is a viable replacement for Jonas Aidoo.
#16 Purdue Boilermakers
After a remarkable runner up season from Zach Edey and Matt Painter, Purdue looks to reload and attempt to not fall back too hard. Obviously there is no replacement for Zach Edey his size, rebounding, and production on both ends was in its own hemisphere along with Donovan Clingan and Johni Broome last season. 7 foot, four star freshman Daniel Jacobson is who I expect to take that responsibility this season. His game intrigues me quite a bit, at just 210 pounds he’s nimble and has a decent looking shot. Pair him with retuning guards Braden Smith, and Fletcher Loyer should be able to aid in his development rather nicely.
#17 Marquette Golden Eagles
Shaka Smart is hurting at the point guard position. Tyler Kolek left for the NBA and Sean Jones the backup is still recovering from a torn ACL in January. He has options such as moving Kam Jones to the one, but you’d hate to limit his big time scoring to the one spot he’s shown playmaking skills but you’d really like his shooting to be his primary focus if possible. David Joplin at the four is a complimentary guy to whoever is in the backcourt, versatile enough to force the defense into some tough reads.
#18 Creighton Bluejays
Creighton is a team that offensively is very up in the air. Greg McDermott lost nearly fourty points a night with the departures of Baylor Scheiereman and Trey Alexander. He’s turning to Pop Isaacs (Texas Tech) and Jamiya Neal (Arizona State) to help fill that gap. Pop was an all Big 12 selection and Neal gives the Bluejays that size mismatch opportunity on the wing. They both struggled from beyond the arc and will need to improve to avoid defenses packing the paint on their drives.
#19 Florida Gators
Walter Clayton is the man for Todd Golden’s squad once again. After being one of the best scorers in the nation a year ago he looks to FAU transfer Alijah Martin to help carry the load. The Gator’s staff is hoping he can return to form from two years ago when he helped the Owls make the final four. They also need forward Will Richard to take another step up if Florida wants to seriously compete in a loaded SEC.
#20 UCLA Bruins
Mick Cronin has had a few eyebrows raised after his sub .500 campaign a year ago. He added 6 transfers and 2 major high school recruits, anytime you have that level of attrition competition is bound to ensue. Any projected rotation won’t be correct for long, expect early season growing pains but a solid rotation once Big Ten action comes around.
#21 Rutgers Scarlett Knights
Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. All that needs to be said.
#22 Grand Canyon Antelopes
Bryce Drew coached his guys to a 30-5 record last season and are on pace for a similar performance again this year. Tyon Grant-Foster is back and with it he brings assuming an unchallenged WAC title and another automatic bid. Some key contributors like, Ray Harrison, Lok Wur, Collin Moore, and Duke Brennan are all coming back with him.
#23 Dayton Flyers
The conversation around Dayton is interesting. Are the best team in the A10 and if they aren’t does that raise the question of whether it should be a multi-bid league? The answers to both of those questions is likely yes. Nate Santos, Enoch Cheeks, Javon Bennet, and Posh Alexander are all solid players. Hard to beat that collection of shooting, slashing, and defense in a veteran group.
#24 Kentucky Wildcats
Mark Pope has the job of a lifetime in front of him. Returning to the school you helped win a national championship with is one thing, when you were nowhere near the first choice for the job, and half the fanbase already wants you fired on top of all that, is another. Overall his roster construction was solid for what it’s worth, missed out on holding onto Reed Sheppard but that was to be expected. Jaxson Robinson is probably the feature guy simply because he’s the only player coming from BYU with Pope and no player on this roster was on it last season. Otega Oweh and Andrew Carr will also be impact players for the Wildcats this season.
#25 Illinois Fighting Illini
Rounding out the top 25 we have Illinois. Losing Coleman Hawkins really hurts especially with a down year in the Big Ten. They have enough to make a push for the league with Ivisic and Booth being able to control the boards when needed. Also really favor their backcourt of Boswell and Rodgers, lookout for Brad Underwood to work some magic with this team.
Huckaby’s Player of the Year Watchlist
- Johni Broome, Auburn
- R.J. Davis, North Carolina
- Mark Sears, Alabama
- Cooper Flagg, Kentucky
- Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
The obvious candidates are occasionally the right ones. Both Sears and Davis are microwave scorers on top ten teams. Both can get downhill and knock down threes proficiently, Sears has a slight edge shooting while Davis is a stronger finisher. Broome and Dickinson are similar as well, both number ones on top ten teams that dominate with their size. Broome is a better player than Dickinson, although the weapons Dickinson has to work with look better than those of Johni. Cooper Flagg is a dark horse, freshman sparsely win this award but if he performs the way they expect him to it’s certainly possible.
Huckaby’s Coach of the Year Watchlist
- Todd Golden, Florida
- Mick Cronin, UCLA
- Mike Woodson, Indiana
- T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State
- Hubert Davis, North Carolina
There are few coaches in the sport better than Todd Golden right now. The job he’s done at Florida is remarkable and will continue to be so this year. Mick Cronin and Mike Woodson both are needing a bounce back year, hit the portal hard and both benefit from a weaker Big Ten this year. T.J. Otzelberger has the pieces to win not just the Big 12 but the National Championship with this roster. Hubert Davis is so close to getting it done at North Carolina, if he can coach around his team’s weak-points and get it done this season, would be hard to argue the case for anyone else.
Buckle up college hoops fans, the season is almost here and it’s set to be a good one.
You can listen to this conversation and more on the The War Rapport’s YouTube channel.
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