AP Top 25 Week 10

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October 29, 2023

It was a wild weekend in college football! There was major upsets and underwhelming performances. It’s also homecoming season, so let’s see how the AP Top 25 poll played out.

AP Top 25

1. Georgia: 8-0

2. Michigan: 8-0

3. Ohio St.: 8-0

4. Florida St.: 8-0

5. Washington: 8-0

6. Oregon: 7-1

7. Texas: 7-1

8. Alabama: 7-1

9. Penn St.: 7-1

10. Oklahoma: 7-1

11. Mississippi: 7-1

12. Notre Dame: 7-2

13. LSU: 6-2

14. Missouri: 7-1

15. Louisville: 7-1

16. Oregon St.: 6-2

17. Air Force: 8-0

18. Utah: 6-2

19. Tennessee: 6-2

20. UCLA: 6-2

21. Tulane: 7-1

22. Kansas: 6-2

23. James Madison: 8-0

24. Southern Cal: 7-2

25. Kansas St.: 6-2

Lillard, Antetokounmpo Shine in Season Debut

By

Kellan Quinn

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October 29, 2023

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usatsi_21555121_168397759_lowres — Photo Cred: SI

A hard-fought game by Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers was not enough to stop the newly-minted dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo from taking a 118-117 win on Thursday, October 26th. The two stars combined for 62 points, with Lillard pouring in 39 and Giannis adding 22. Lillard’s scoring outburst would also net him the record for most points scored for a player making their Bucks debut, passing Terry Cummings’ 34-point performance in 1984.

Photo Cred: Sporting News

Lillard wouldn’t be the only Bucks player setting records that night, as Antetokounmpo also surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the franchise’s leader in baskets made. On the 76ers’ side, Tyrese Maxey led the way scoring-wise with 31 points, and Kelly Oubre and Joel Embiid had 27 and 24 respectively. Although down by nearly 20 in the first half, the Sixers clawed back throughout the second and pulled ahead in the fourth quarter after a 14-0 run. Without perennial MVP candidate James Harden, however, the combined power of Lillard and Giannis in crunch time proved too much to overcome.

Photo Cred: AP News

Dame Time was on full display in the waning minutes of the game. Lillard single-handedly engineered an 11-point run, in which he scored every one of the Bucks’ points, before finally sinking two free throws with 11 seconds remaining to put the game out of reach. Lillard was perfect all night from the line, going 17-for-17.

Summing up the new star presence in Milwaukee, Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said, “You just got a sense during the game he wasn’t going to let us lose”. Also speaking on Lillard’s performance, Giannis Antetokounmpo said, “He had the hot hand. You’ve just got to keep on feeding him”.

SMU Shows They Are Ready for Their Power Five Move

By

Jesus Gomez

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October 29, 2023

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1570377580-SMUTulsa_AL026 — Photo Cred: Dallas Morning

The SMU Mustangs set the tone for Saturday’s noon game against Tulsa right from the start, with quarterback Preston Stone connecting on a 74-yard touchdown to Romello Brinson on just the second play. The following offensive onslaught saw the Mustangs finish the first half with 52 points. Stone had been making remarkable throws all season, and today was no different. He showcased his talent with another spectacular throw to Keyshawn Smith.

Photo Cred: SMU

This game wasn’t just all about the Southern Methodist offense, though. The defense, which has self-titled itself as “Club Takeaway,” made their presence felt when Jaylon Davis-Robinson intercepted a Tulsa pass in the second quarter. A 62-yard touchdown connection between Stone and RJ Maryland immediately followed Davis-Robinson’s pick. The Mustangs used their tight ends cleverly, exploiting the sidelines for significant gains. This strategy was evident when Stone completed a 42-yard pass to tight end Adam Moore.

A would-be touchdown by Rodrick Daniels Jr. was nullified due to an illegal motion penalty. Regardless, SMU’s Moochie Dixon countered immediately by finding the end zone on the subsequent play. This touchdown brought the Mustangs’ score to 52 in the first half alone, with nine different receivers making catches. Stone wrapped up his day in remarkable fashion, logging three touchdowns for 371 yards. He got those all in the first half before being replaced by Kevin Jennings. Jennings showed a different offensive approach in the second half, leading a methodical drive spanning almost six minutes across 12 plays that culminated in a rushing touchdown.

Photo Cred: Underdog Dynasty

The second half also saw a more emphasized running game. Camar Wheaton highlighted this shift with two carries for 52 yards, one of which resulted in a touchdown that further extended the Mustangs’ lead. SMU deployed three quarterbacks during this conference game, underscoring their depth and versatility. This explosive performance marks the season’s third game in which the Mustangs have exceeded 50 points. Their defense, living up to their “Club Takeaway” moniker, had two takeaways against Tulsa. Southern Methodist finished the game with a 69-10 victory over Tulsa, improving their season record to 6-2 and maintaining their undefeated status in the conference.

2023 FWAA/NFF Super 16 Poll (Week 9)

College

By

Joshua Vargo

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October 29, 2023

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ead25b51-6252-4b8a-b307-6b7f7474e9d3 — Photo Cred: FWAA

Top Freshman Entering the 2023-2024 College Basketball Season

By

Stephen Patrick

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October 28, 2023

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USC Guard Isaiah Collier

Photo Cred: SI

The upcoming USC basketball season is generating significant excitement as Coach Andy Enfield leads a team brimming with talent. While the addition of Bronny James brings star power, it’s Isaiah Collier who shines as the nation’s top-rated player, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. By the summer of 2024, Collier might be the first college player selected in the NBA Draft.

Kentucky Guard Justin Edwards

Photo Cred: 247Sports

In Lexington, Coach John Calipari has curated an impressive recruiting class, but it’s Justin Edwards who’s captivating the spotlight. With Kentucky entrusting significant minutes to their incoming freshmen this season, the need for standout performances in the NCAA Tournament is palpable. Edwards should be a reliable, go-to player for Calipari as the season progresses.

UConn Guard Stephon Castle

Photo Cred: On3.com

Stephon Castle adds a powerful weapon to UConn’s arsenal as they seek to defend their national championship under the guidance of Coach Bobby Hurley. Despite preseason underestimation of the Huskies in the Big East, Castle’s presence enhances their bid for back-to-back titles. UConn’s blend of experience and youthful talent will be instrumental in their quest to maintain their status in the college basketball landscape.

Baylor Guard Ja’Kobe Walter

Photo Cred: SI

Coach Scott Drew has consistently produced strong results in the Big 12, and his knack for recruiting top freshmen remains undiminished. Ja’Kobe Walter, hailing from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is poised to be the next standout. Should Drew’s squad vie for another conference championship, Walter is sure to play a pivotal role.

UCLA Center Aday Mara

Photo Cred: LA Times

Hailing from Spain, Mara is embarking on his college basketball journey under the tutelage of Coach Mick Cronin at UCLA. With a towering 7’3″ frame and a reputation as a “very skilled” player, Mara’s arrival has piqued the curiosity of basketball enthusiasts. UCLA hopes prospects of a deep run in March.

2023-2024 Mountain West College Basketball Outlook

By

Stephen Patrick

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October 28, 2023

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The Mountain West commands attention for its intense competitiveness. During the 2022-2023 season, San Diego State, Utah State, Boise State, and Nevada demonstrated their strength during March Madness. San Diego State notably reached the national championship game.

Photo Cred: East Village Times

The resurgence of Colorado State and the anticipated performance of New Mexico’s backcourt ensure the Mountain West remains as captivating. San Diego State, boasting three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, aims to uphold its winning tradition. Despite the likelihood that the upcoming season’s roster may not match the 2022-2023 team (which reached the national championship game), the return of Darrion Trammell and Lamont Butler in the backcourt.

Photo Cred: Mountain West Connection

Boise State has a seasoned presence inside and outside in Max Rice and Tyson Degenhart. They seek to challenge the Aztecs. New Mexico boasts one of the most potent mid-major backcourts in the nation, featuring Jaelen House, Jamal Mashburn Jr., and Jemarl Baker Jr. Transfer Nelly Junior Joseph from Iona further bolsters their presence in the paint.

The conference sent four teams to the NCAA Tournament for two consecutive seasons. The resurgence of Colorado State, positioning itself at the top of the standings, has the potential to elevate the league’s overall competitiveness. However, it’s important to note that the league’s fortunes may influenced by the performances of Coach Tim Miles at San Jose State and Jeff Linder at Wyoming. As always, the Mountain West promises an enthralling and fiercely competitive college basketball season for enthusiasts.

More Mid-Majors to Watch Out For

College

By

Sam Kurker

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October 27, 2023

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Matt Slocum / Associated Press — Photo Cred: Matt Slocum/Associated Press

College of Charleston, Coastal Athletic Association:

Pat Kelsey’s squad will see the return of two of its top three scorers. Ante Brzovic, a 6-foot-10 junior, had an impressive season last year. He averaged 11.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in just 19.1 minutes, which earned him third-team All-CAA honors. Reyne Smith, a 6-foot-2 guard, made a significant impact in his first year as a freshman. He continued to shine last year, as he averaged 10.8 points with 2.2 made three-pointers. The Cougars have also bolstered their roster through the transfer portal, adding grad transfer Bryce Butler. He is a 6-foot-5 guard who was a D2 All-American at West Liberty, where he averaged 22.4 points and shooting 43.3% from three last season.

Photo Cred: WCBD

Butler boasts an impressive 107-16 record in his four college seasons, including a run to the D2 National Championship game. Additionally, grad transfer Frankie Policelli, a 6-foot-7 forward from Stony Brook, joins the team. He averaged 13.7 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc on 5.3 attempts per game last season. Keep an eye on the quick acclimatization of freshmen James Scott and Mayar Wol, both of whom possess great length and agility. Also, pay attention to the development of junior forward Ben Burnham as he takes further steps in his collegiate career.

Drake, Missouri Valley Conference:

Tucker DeVries will continue to be the focal point of this team for the third consecutive season. The son of head coach Darian DeVries, Tucker is the reigning MVC Player of the Year, having averaged 18.3 points and played a pivotal role in securing the conference championship. The Bulldogs also welcome back Darnell Brodie, a 6-foot-10 center and the team’s leading rebounder and shot-blocker. Drake has been quite active in the transfer portal, adding double-digit scoring guards Kyron Gibson from UT-Arlington and Atin Wright from Cal State Northridge, as well as 6-foot-7 forward Carlos Rosario from Washington State. However, one transfer to keep a close watch on is Ethan Roberts, a 6-foot-5 wing who was the Patriot League Rookie of the Year last season. He averaged 12.4 points with a 40.7% three-point shooting rate.

Photo Cred: The Des Moines Register

New Mexico, Mountain West Conference:

Richard Pitino’s team returns its top two scorers, Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House. Mashburn, whose father is former NBA player Jamal Mashburn, led the MWC in scoring last season, averaging 19.1 points and shooting 38.2% from beyond the arc. House, son of former NBA guard Eddie House, not only contributed 16.9 points but also earned first-team MWC All-Defense honors. The Lobos have added firepower from the transfer portal, including Jemarl Baker, a former Kentucky guard who averaged 12.5 points and 2.9 assists at Fresno State last season.

Photo Cred: Mountain West Connection

They’ve also acquired first-team All-Southland grad transfer Isaac Mushila. Mushila is a 6-foot-5 forward who averaged 14.5 points and 9.9 rebounds at Texas A&M Corpus Christi last season. Dayton transfer Mustapha Amzil, a 6-foot-8 forward, brings his sharp shooting touch to the team. Nelly Junior Joseph, a two-time first-team All-MAAC performer, is set to anchor the middle for the Lobos with his averages of 14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks at Iona last season. With experience, offensive creators, and strong rebounders on their roster, the Lobos look promising on paper.

San Francisco, West Coast Conference:

The Dons may have lost their top three scorers from last season, but they retain five of their top eight contributors. Notably, four of these five players stand at 6-foot-8 or taller, with two even reaching 7-foot-1. Coach Chris Gerlufsen is set to field a lineup with considerable size. The team has also made significant acquisitions from the transfer portal, including former top-100 ranked players in guard Malik Thomas from USC and wing Mike Sharavjamts from Dayton. Marcus Williams, a 6-foot-2 guard who shot 40.8% from three while averaging 25.5 minutes last season, leads the team in assists. Two more promising transfers are 6-foot-8 Stefan Todorovic, known for his sharpshooting ability at SMU, and Jonathan Mogbo, a 6-foot-8 forward who averaged eight points, seven rebounds, and 1.1 blocks at Missouri State last season. On paper, the Dons possess a lineup with size, length, shooting capabilities, and impressive depth.

Photo Cred: University of San Francisco Athletics

UC Santa Barbara, Big West:

Joe Pasternack’s team welcomes back three of its top five scorers, including the reigning Big West Player of the Year. That player is 6-foot-4 guard Ajay Mitchell, who averaged 16.3 points and 5.1 assists last season. The Gauchos have also added former top-25 recruit Yohan Traore from Auburn, a 6-foot-10 post player with impressive skills and mobility for his size. Additionally, Josh Pierre-Louis, a 6-foot-4 guard who excelled in points, steals, and assists last season, returns, as does Cole Anderson, the team’s leading three-point shooter with a 41.5% success rate on 3.7 attempts per game. The team has further bolstered its lineup with the addition of 7-foot-0 JUCO transfer Mezziah Oakman and Creighton transfer Ben Shtolzberg. With this combination of returning talent and intriguing newcomers, UC Santa Barbara appears poised for a strong season.

Photo Cred: X.com

The Best College Basketball Coaches

By

Stephen Patrick

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October 27, 2023

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Alabama v Maryland — Photo Cred: Jack Dempsey/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Tony Bennett (Virginia)

Tony Bennett of Virginia’s basketball team certainly boasts an impressive basketball career. His accomplishments include one NCAA Championship, one Final Four appearance, six Conference Championships, and the honor of being named two-time AP and Naismith Coach of the Year. He was also recognized as Conference Coach of the Year six times. Bennett, who was Wisconsin Green Bay’s all-time leading scorer during his playing days, is known for his exceptional three-point shooting accuracy. He even had a stint playing for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. As a head coach, Bennett has 17 years of experience, amassing 410 career wins with a remarkable career win percentage of 72.3%. In ACC play, he holds a strong record of 176-75, which is a 70.1% win rate.

Photo Cred: UVA Today – The University of Virginia

John Calipari (Kentucky)

John Calipari, with a coaching career rooted in Kentucky, is celebrated for his significant achievements in the world of basketball. His resume includes one NCAA Championship, six Final Four appearances, 16 Regular Season Titles, and the honor of being named three-time Naismith and National Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year. He was also recognized as the AP Coach of the Year once and as Conference Coach of the Year 10 times. With 31 years of head coaching experience, Calipari has accumulated 790 career wins and boasts a career win percentage of 75.9%. Notably, his tenure at Kentucky has been marked by a record of 387-113, showcasing an impressive 77.4% win rate.

Mick Cronin (UCLA)

Mick Cronin, representing UCLA, has carved out a distinguished coaching career in basketball. His resume includes one Final Four appearance, four regular season conference titles, and four-time recognition as Conference Coach of the Year. Over his 20 years as a head coach, Cronin has accumulated 462 career wins, maintaining a career win percentage of 69.2%. During his time at UCLA, he holds an exceptional record of 99-36, achieving a 73.3% win rate.

Scott Drew (Baylor)

Scott Drew, who has spent the majority of his coaching career at Baylor, has some remarkable basketball accomplishments. His resume includes one NCAA Championship, one Final Four appearance, two Big 12 Titles, and the honor of being named Big 12 Coach of the Year three times. With 21 years as a head coach, Drew has amassed 422 career wins, keeping up a career win percentage of 64.5%.

Mark Few (Gonzaga)

Mark Few, who has solely coached at Gonzaga, is renowned for his basketball contributions. His resume includes one Final Four appearance, one AP Coach of the Year award, two Naismith Coach of the Year awards, and an amazing 22 WCC Conference Titles. Over his 24 years as a head coach, Few has secured 689 wins and an outstanding career win percentage of 83.6%. Impressively, his career WCC record stands at 333-34, showcasing a stunning 90.7% win rate.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Dan Hurley (UConn)

Dan Hurley, a 13-year veteran, has made significant contributions to college basketball over his career. His resume includes one NCAA Championship, one Final Four appearance, one regular season conference title, and recognition as Conference Coach of the Year. In his senior year as a player at Seton Hall, Hurley averaged 14.3 points and 5.2 assists. As a head coach, he has secured 255 career wins, maintaining a career win percentage of 61.4%.

Tom Izzo (Michigan State)

Tom Izzo, a fixture at Michigan State, has had an illustrious career so far. His resume includes one National Championship, eight Final Four appearances, 10 Big 10 Regular Season Titles, and two National Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year awards. Izzo was further acknowledged as a basketball great with his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Over his 28 years as a head coach, Izzo has achieved 686 career wins, upholding a career win percentage of 71.2%. His Big Ten record stands at 333-160, a 67.5% win rate.

Photo Cred: Sports Illustrated

Rick Pitino (St. John’s)

Rick Pitino, a college basketball veteran, has a spectacular resume that includes two National Championships, seven Final Four appearances, eight Conference Titles, and recognition as Conference Coach of the Year five times. He has also been honored with the John Wooden and National Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year awards. With 35 years as a head coach, Pitino has accumulated 711 career wins, exhibiting a career win percentage of 71%.

Kelvin Sampson (Houston)

Kelvin Sampson has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. His formidable resume includes two Final Four appearances, seven Conference Championships, and the honor of being named AP and National Association of Basketball Coaches Coach of the Year once. He has also been recognized as Conference Coach of the Year eight times. With 34 years as a head coach, Sampson has secured 731 career wins, consolidating a career win percentage of 67.9%. Notably, his time at Houston has been marked by a strong record of 232-74, showcasing a remarkable 75.6% win rate.

Bill Self (Kansas)

Bill Self, who once played at Oklahoma State, has built an outstanding career in the college basketball scene. His resume includes two National Championships, four Final Four appearances, 17 Big 12 Regular Season Titles, and the honor of being named AP Coach of the Year twice. Self also earned recognition as Big 12 Coach of the Year six times. During his senior year at Oklahoma State, he averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 assists, and shot 47.6% from the field. With 30 years as a head coach, Self has accumulated 787 career wins, maintaining a career win percentage of 76.9%. His record at Kansas in Big 12 play stands at 276-68, which is an 80.2% win rate.

Photo Cred: NBC News

NBA Award Predictions

By

Troy Finnegan

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October 27, 2023

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The-NBA-is-looking-at-November-18-as-the-new — Photo Cred: Swords Today

The NBA is officially back, and that means it’s prediction time. To get ready for the grind of the season, I’m going to go through my predictions for all of the major awards, from MVP to Coach of the Year.

MVP: Nikola Jokic

Photo Cred: WYMT

The Nuggets, health permitting, should be the best team in the West again. They are returning their entire starting five from last year’s championship team. Jokic is the engine of it all, doing whatever Denver needs on any given night. Need 40 points? He can do that. Jokic will set them up time and time again with his unmatched passing ability. He does all this while being a monster on the glass as one of the league’s top rebounders.

I also think there could be some overcorrection from voters after last year’s race, where the narratives against Jokic got a little out of hand and strayed from basketball reasons. If the Nuggets are atop the West again, Jokic will be the driving force as to why.

Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley

Photo Cred: SI

After finishing third in the DPOY race a season ago, everything lines up for Mobley to take another leap and take the award home in his third season. The young Cavs star is a space-eating monster on that end, able to switch out onto guards on the perimeter and deter drives from the weak side.

Mobley blocked just 1.5 shots per game last season. I expect this to increase as he continues to earn the trust to anchor his own lineups, along with the minutes he plays next to Jarrett Allen. The advanced metrics, on the other hand, loved the Cleveland big man. Mobley led the league in defensive win shares by a wide margin with 4.8. On a Cavs team where the guards should be average at best on defense once again, he will need to anchor this unit again, giving him a great shot at his first DPOY honor.

Most Improved Player: Tyrese Maxey

Photo Cred: NBA.com

With a James Harden trade imminent, the Sixers seem ready to hand the keys of the offense over to the electric Tyrese Maxey. The former Kentucky star already took a leap last season, eclipsing the 20 point per game mark for the first time. He also shot a blistering 43% from three on over six attempts a night. He put up these numbers despite playing off the ball a lot while Harden ran the point. With Harden seemingly out of the fold, Maxey could see the ball in his hands a lot more, giving him the chance to jump to stardom.

In the Sixers’ opener against Milwaukee, Maxey dropped 31 points with eight assists in a loss. If Maxey can keep up even a semblance of that production, he will be in the mix for Most Improved Player.

Sixth Man of the Year: Immanuel Quickley

Photo Cred: New York Daily News

Quickley has come along nicely as a bench piece for the Knicks and evolved into a consistent spark plug for Tom Thibodeau and company last season. He finished second in the race for this award a year ago, losing a tight race to Malcolm Brogdon.

His ability to come in off the bench and play with pace is a changeup for a Knicks squad that likes to play in the half-court when the starters are out there. Quickley can play both on and off the ball with his shooting ability, allowing him to slot in with or without Jalen Brunson on the court, and his ability to get a bucket makes him an asset for New York. On opening night, he started out with a bang, dropping an efficient 24 points off the bench in New York’s loss to the Celtics.

Rookie of the Year: Chet Holmgren

Photo Cred: NBA.com

Victor Wembanyama is the popular pick for this award, but I have concerns. He will be an excellent player, no doubt, but the potential of the Spurs limiting his workload and his minutes being cut by foul trouble as he learns the NBA game are potential problems.

Holmgren is ready to thrust his name back into the spotlight after missing all last season with a foot injury suffered in the offseason. The former Gonzaga standout has the potential to be a monster on both ends for a Thunder team that could’ve used a player with his size and skill last season. Standing at 7’0”, his length is a deterrent on the defensive end, blocking shots from all over the floor. Holmgren’s timing at the rim and coming over from the weak side are great, and he could help OKC take a step on defense this season.

On offense, he will get his chances on the offensive glass and in the post due to his height. Holmgren flashed a smooth jump shot in college that should allow him to score in the mid-post over smaller defenders and pop out to the three-point line. Combine all that with the fact that he will be contributing to a team in the playoff picture, and I think Holmgren has a great shot at this award.

Clutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Photo Cred: SI

This award is a crapshoot, but I’ll go with Shai as my pick. The Thunder should be in the playoff mix, and Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best scorers in the league. He’s shown his mettle in crunch time over and over again last season. Shai has one of the deepest bags in the league, playing with great pace with the ball in his hands and getting into the lane at will. If you overcommit to the drive, he won’t hesitate to hit you with a lethal step-back. His plethora of ways to score allowed him to rack up over 31 points per game last season, a number that he matched in OKC’s opening night win in Chicago.

Coach of the Year: Jamahl Mosley

A bit of an out of the blue pick, the head man of the Orlando Magic should be a Coach of the Year dark horse if the Magic are ready to take the next step into playoff contention, and I think they are. Paolo Banchero had an amazing as a rookie and should take another step towards superstardom in year two. Franz Wagner remains one of the most underrated players in basketball, and he will be back alongside Banchero on the wing. Wendell Carter Jr. rounds out the front court as a rock-solid two-way center.

The guard room is the bigger question for the Magic, but they have a lot of bodies and plenty of untapped potential. Markelle Fultz is a veteran now but has found a home in Orlando after the roller coaster at the beginning of his career. Cole Anthony is a spark plug off the bench for this backcourt and can carry them with his scoring. The wild card here is Jalen Suggs, who has struggled in his first few seasons but still has plenty of potential that he can put on display in his third season.

Top Mid-Major College Basketball Programs to Watch

College

By

Sam Kurker

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October 26, 2023

0

TopMids — Photo Credit: Blogging The Bracket

The powerhouse programs from the so-called “Power Five” conferences often steal the spotlight. However, mid-major programs are making waves in the NCAA landscape, and they deserve recognition for their impressive records and determination to achieve greatness. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the five best.

1. Gonzaga: A Dominant Force

Photo Cred: SI

Gonzaga, located in Spokane, Washington, has emerged as a powerhouse in the college basketball world. The Bulldogs have dominated the competition with a remarkable record of 223-24 over the past seven seasons. Although they have yet to claim a national title, the Zags, led by head coach Mark Few, are inching closer to that elusive championship. Gonzaga’s extraordinary success makes a compelling case for it being the best program in the country, not just among non-Power Six teams. The basketball world eagerly anticipates when they will cut down the nets and bring a championship home to Spokane.

2. San Diego State: A Decade of Excellence

Photo Cred: San Diego State

San Diego State’s rise to prominence has been a decade in the making. The Aztecs, based in California, have been a national contender since the arrival of NBA superstar Kawhi Leonard at the beginning of the 2010s. This marked the start of their incredible journey, which included six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Under the guidance of coaches like Steve Fisher and Brian Dutcher, the program continues to thrive, maintaining its presence on the national stage. Their recent deep NCAA Tournament run is just a glimpse of what this program is capable of, and they remain a team to watch in the years to come.

3. Saint Mary’s: The Underrated Contender

Photo Cred: Saint Mary’s

Saint Mary’s, led by head coach Randy Bennett, has quietly emerged as a powerhouse in the West Coast Conference (WCC). While often overshadowed by Gonzaga, the Gaels have been far from irrelevant since the turn of the century. With consistent success, they have firmly established themselves as a force in the WCC. Saint Mary’s is missing a deep NCAA Tournament run, but their dedication and talent make it a matter of when, not if, they will make a breakthrough in March.

4. Dayton: A Tale of Resilience

Photo Cred: Dayton Dailey News

The University of Dayton was on the verge of a historic NCAA Tournament run in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their plans. As the top seed, they had the potential to make serious noise on the national stage. Despite the setback, they remain a regular in the NCAA Tournament, hailing from the Atlantic 10 conference. Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, they boast one of the most promising rosters on our list. Dayton’s resilience and determination make them a program to watch in the years to come.

5. VCU: A Cinderella Story That Continues

Photo Cred: VCU

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) captured the nation’s attention with a remarkable Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2011. Since then, the Rams have maintained their position as a consistent contender, with only three NCAA Tournament misses in 12 seasons and just one losing conference record. As they set their sights on the 2023-24 season, VCU is poised to compete at the top of the Atlantic 10 alongside Dayton, promising many more years of thrilling basketball action.

With dedicated coaches, talented players, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Saint Mary’s, Dayton, and VCU are all on the cusp of achieving greatness on the national stage. Keep an eye on these rising stars!

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USC Guard Isaiah Collier

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UCLA Center Aday Mara

College of Charleston, Coastal Athletic Association:

Drake, Missouri Valley Conference:

New Mexico, Mountain West Conference:

San Francisco, West Coast Conference:

UC Santa Barbara, Big West:

Tony Bennett (Virginia)

John Calipari (Kentucky)

Mick Cronin (UCLA)

Scott Drew (Baylor)

Mark Few (Gonzaga)

Dan Hurley (UConn)

Tom Izzo (Michigan State)

Rick Pitino (St. John’s)

Kelvin Sampson (Houston)

Bill Self (Kansas)

MVP: Nikola Jokic

Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley

Most Improved Player: Tyrese Maxey

Sixth Man of the Year: Immanuel Quickley

Rookie of the Year: Chet Holmgren

Clutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Coach of the Year: Jamahl Mosley

1. Gonzaga: A Dominant Force

2. San Diego State: A Decade of Excellence

3. Saint Mary’s: The Underrated Contender

4. Dayton: A Tale of Resilience

5. VCU: A Cinderella Story That Continues

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