The 2024-25 College Basketball Season: A New Era Begins with the AP Top 25 Poll
The anticipation for the 2024-25 college basketball season is palpable, and the release of the AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll on Monday has only heightened the excitement. With the Kansas Jayhawks earning the coveted No. 1 spot for the second consecutive year, fans and analysts alike are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling season. Kansas secured 30 of the 60 possible first-place votes, showcasing their dominance and the high expectations surrounding the program. Following closely behind are Alabama and UConn, both of which received significant media support, hinting at a competitive landscape this season.
Kansas: The Reigning Kings
Kansas has a storied history in college basketball, and under the leadership of head coach Bill Self, they have consistently been a powerhouse. This marks the fifth time Kansas has been named the preseason No. 1 team since Self took the reins over two decades ago. However, last season’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament—losing in the first weekend for the second consecutive year—has left a lingering question: can they live up to the hype this time around? With a roster that blends experience and fresh talent, the Jayhawks are poised to make a deep run, but they will face stiff competition in the Big 12.
A Shifting Landscape in the Big 12
The Big 12 is undergoing a transformation, with new teams joining the conference from the Pac-12, including Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. This influx of talent will undoubtedly shake up the dynamics of the league. Meanwhile, Texas and Oklahoma have departed for the SEC, leaving Kansas to navigate a new competitive landscape. The Jayhawks will need to adapt quickly to maintain their status as the top team in the conference.
The Big Ten’s New Look
The Big Ten is also experiencing significant changes with the addition of West Coast teams like Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington. This expansion not only diversifies the conference but also raises the level of competition. UCLA, ranked No. 7 in the AP poll, is considered an underrated team heading into the season. With a solid returning roster and a strong recruiting class, the Bruins are expected to contend for the Big Ten title and make a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Overrated: Texas at No. 19
Despite being ranked No. 19 in the AP poll, Texas is viewed by some as overrated. The SEC boasts nine teams in the preseason Top 25, with Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Arkansas all ranked ahead of the Longhorns. Analysts argue that teams like Florida, Kentucky, and Ole Miss could easily surpass Texas, which was picked to finish eighth in the SEC expert predictions. While the Longhorns have added talent through the transfer portal, including standout recruits like Jordan Pope and Tramon Mark, they face a challenging schedule that will test their mettle early in the season.
Underrated: Duke at No. 7
Duke’s ranking at No. 7 in the AP poll may seem fair on the surface, but many believe they deserve a higher spot. The Blue Devils are led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, who has the potential to be the best player in college basketball by season’s end. Alongside him, Tyrese Proctor’s decision to return for another season adds stability to the roster. With a strong supporting cast and a challenging schedule that includes matchups against Kansas and Arizona, Duke has the opportunity to prove their worth early on.
The Boom or Bust Potential of Rutgers
Ranked No. 25, Rutgers enters the season with one of the most intriguing rosters in college basketball. The Scarlet Knights are banking on freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper to deliver on their high expectations. After a disappointing season last year, Rutgers is looking to bounce back, but the competition in the Big Ten has only intensified with the arrival of new teams. The pressure is on for these young recruits to perform and help the program secure its third NCAA Tournament appearance this century.
UCLA: A Strong Contender
Despite being ranked No. 22, UCLA is generating buzz as a potential Big Ten champion. Coach Mick Cronin has effectively rebuilt the roster, retaining key players like leading scorer Dylan Andrews and adding talent from the transfer portal. With a renewed focus and determination after missing the NCAA Tournament last season, the Bruins are poised to make a significant impact in their new conference.
Arkansas: A New Era Under Calipari
Arkansas, ranked No. 16, is entering a new chapter with John Calipari at the helm. The former Kentucky coach has revamped the Razorbacks’ roster through the transfer portal, bringing in standout players like Johnell Davis from Florida Atlantic. Calipari’s ability to construct a competitive team quickly will be put to the test, but expectations are high for Arkansas to rise in the rankings as the season progresses.
As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, the landscape is set for an exhilarating journey filled with surprises, rivalries, and the quest for glory. With the AP Top 25 poll as a starting point, fans can only speculate how the season will unfold, but one thing is certain: the excitement is just beginning.