Men’s Top 25 for 2024-25: Duke, Gonzaga, and Houston Lead the Way
Introduction:
As the college basketball season comes to a close and the national champion is crowned, fans and pundits alike are already looking ahead to the next season. Speculating on the top teams for the upcoming year is always a fun exercise, but with the current transfer portal era, it has become even more challenging. Nevertheless, we have attempted to predict the top 25 teams for the 2024-25 season, taking into account potential roster changes and coaching situations. While these rankings are subject to change as more information becomes available, they provide an early glimpse into what could be an exciting year of college basketball.
Duke: A Deep and Talented Roster
Projected starters: Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster, Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach
Duke starts off our top 25 rankings with a deep and talented roster. While there may be some attrition in the coming days to comply with scholarship limitations, the Blue Devils boast an impressive lineup. Freshmen Flagg and Maluach are projected as top-three picks and are expected to make an immediate impact. The team also has experienced upperclassmen in Roach and Proctor, who have shown their leadership skills in leading Duke to the Elite Eight this year. With a mix of extreme upside freshmen, older backcourt guys, gritty upper-class glue guys, and potential breakout sophomores, Duke has assembled an absurd collection of talent that makes them a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
Gonzaga: Returning Key Players for Success
Projected starters: Ryan Nembhard, Nolan Hickman, Steele Venters, Ben Gregg, Graham Ike
Gonzaga’s strong finish to the previous season has earned them a spot in our top 25 rankings. The team returns nearly everyone from their successful campaign, with the exception of Anton Watson. However, they have already addressed this positional gap by adding Pepperdine forward Michael Ajayi through the transfer portal. Nembhard and Ike are expected to lead the team, with contributions from Venters and Hickman. Gonzaga’s offense was one of the best in the nation, and with the return of key players and the addition of talent like Ajayi, they have a real chance to be title contenders once again.
Houston: Big 12 Favorites in the Making
Projected starters: Portal Player TBD, L.J. Cryer, Emanuel Sharp, J’Wan Roberts, Ja’Vier Francis
Houston enters our top 25 rankings as a potential Big 12 favorite. With a strong roster already in place, the addition of a quality point guard through the transfer portal could solidify their position as contenders for both the conference title and national championship. The team has come close to reaching the Final Four in recent years, and their depth and experience make them a dangerous team. Led by head coach Kelvin Sampson, the Cougars will look to capitalize on their deep roster and overcome their injury struggles to finally make a deep tournament run.
Iowa State: Building on Tournament Success
Projected starters: Tamin Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert, Curtis Jones, Milan Momcilovic, Dishon Jackson
Iowa State is coming off a successful season that saw them win the Big 12 tournament. With the majority of their core returning, they have the potential to be an even better team next year. The Cyclones have already added offensive upgrade at center with Charlotte transfer Dishon Jackson, who averaged double figures in points and rebounds. The team will also benefit from the return of their four leading scorers and a strong recruiting class. With their defensive prowess and the addition of under-the-radar talent from the transfer portal, Iowa State has the pieces in place to make another deep run in the tournament.
Connecticut: A Mix of Experience and Fresh Talent
Projected starters: Hassan Diarra, Solomon Ball, Jaylin Stewart, Alex Karaban, Samson Johnson
Connecticut returns a mix of experienced players and highly-touted freshmen, making them a team to watch in the upcoming season. The team’s success will largely depend on the return of Alex Karaban, who is projected to be a first-team All-Big East player. The Huskies also have a strong returning core and have added key pieces through the transfer portal. With their defensive prowess and the potential for further additions to their roster, Connecticut has the potential to be a top contender in the Big East.
Conclusion:
As we look ahead to the 2024-25 college basketball season, several teams stand out as early favorites. Duke, Gonzaga, and Houston lead the way with deep and talented rosters. Iowa State and Connecticut also have the potential to make waves with their mix of experience and fresh talent. While these rankings are based on early projections and subject to change as more information becomes available, they provide an exciting preview of what’s to come in the world of college basketball.