The men’s college basketball has begun after a long wait since the first weekend of April. Among the things to expect in the season includes UConn’s quest for a three-peat, the results of a summer coaching carousel, as well as varying talent levels from returning and incoming players. UConn faces the challenge of winning a third straight title after losing several key players to the NBA, a feat that remains possible under the leadership of coach, Dan Hurley. The unexpected firing of SMU’s Rob Lanier during the summer led to several coaching role changes including departures of Andy Enfield and Eric Musselman from USC and Arkansas respectively.
Reigning college basketball player, Zach Edey may be gone to NBA, but the season is also full of other exciting, experienced players. Among them are UConn’s Alex Karaban, Arizona guard Caleb Love and Purdue guard Braden Smith who are expected to maintain strong performances. This season also welcomes Cooper Flagg, the most hyped high school prospect in years who comes in as the number one freshman recruit. Despite several changes, the sport carries significant experience with players expected to stick around for long.
In an impressive recruitment move, the Rutgers has signed up two of the nation’s top three recruits, something only previously achieved by Duke. To supplement the new energies in the teams, the transfer portal cycle led to former teammates, Jeremy Roach and Norchad Omier joining Baylor, among other notable player movements. Over two decades have passed since a Big Ten team won a title with Purdue, Indiana, and UCLA failing to make the top ten this season.
Meanwhile, the Big East’s nearly decade-long record for the single-season NCAA Tournament bids may be surpassed this season, with the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 all showing promise. Despite NCAA’s proposed tournament expansion, any major appetite might not be fulfilled soon despite SEC’s Greg Sankey and the ACC’s Jim Phillips showing interest in its exploration. Final Four predictions for the season confine the potential national champions to Gonzaga, Alabama, UConn, Kansas and Houston. Kicking off the season are 10 opening-week match-ups from ten different ranked teams.
