This is the time of year when FOX Sports releases its college basketball preseason rankings.
To give some much-needed perspective, let’s take a look at last year’s preseason survey before I reveal my predictions for the 2023–24 campaign. For the first time since 2010, the team that was ranked first in the preseason poll the previous year, North Carolina, did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. In the meantime, Alabama, the tournament’s top overall seed, was not included in the top 15 of the preseason AP poll. Purdue wasn’t even ranked coming into the previous season, with Zach Edey leading the way.
There was only one preseason ranking among the four teams that made up the Final Four: UConn, San Diego State, Florida Atlantic University, and Miami. The Aztecs came in at number 19.
That being said, it is impossible to dispute the FOX College Hoops Top 25 rankings, which are as follows. I’m kidding. Please feel free to tweet us at @John_Fanta and @CBBONFOX with your suggestions for changes.
With around 2,000 transfers coming through the gate each year, college basketball’s crazy offseason environment has made things relatively open. Having said that, I can declare with confidence that there are two teams that are unquestionably the best in the country.
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in second round to Arkansas
1. Kansas
Bill Self is equipped with a dynamic Swiss Army knife wing, a 4-man backcourt, and his point guard. The Jayhawks were able to establish themselves as the best team in college basketball after he brought in former All-American Hunter Dickinson. Acquiring Nicolas Timberlake, a sixth-year senior from Towson, was a significant addition for perimeter shooting. We give Kansas a tiny edge for the top slot because that duo will play under Hall of Fame coach Bill Self in addition to Dujuan Harris, Kevin McCullar, and KJ Adams. It’s concerning for the other teams that Self can create his offence around a 7-foot-2, 22-year-old player who averaged 17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game the previous season f college basketball.
2. Duke
Last year: 27-9
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in second round to Tennessee
One thing we don’t always discuss with the Blue Devils, but there are a lot of positive aspects about Jon Scheyer’s team: roster continuity. If he had stayed, Kyle Filipowski would have been selected in the top 20 of the NBA Draught. Rather, the 7-footer, who played with talented guard Tyrese Proctor, Mark Mitchell, and leader Jeremy Roach in Durham last season, is back. He averaged 15.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Oh, and Scheyer welcomes guard Jared McCain and forward TJ Power to the nation’s top recruiting class as he begins his second year of play. Duke needs to get better at 3-point shooting. At little over 33% from beyond the arc and 6.8 triples made per game, the Blue Devils finished 10th in the ACC the previous season. If they can get better One thing we don’t always discuss with the Blue Devils, but there are a lot of positive aspects about Jon
3. Purdue
Last year: 29-6
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in first round to FDU
There’s a reason the NCAA Tournament is the most exciting postseason competition, and the Boilermakers have been the target of a lot of criticism because of their March madness. Nevertheless, Zach Edey, the current national player of the year, is still playing for Purdue, and he’s virtually unstoppable. In the backcourt, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer should develop naturally, while transfer Lance Jones is expected to be a valuable veteran addition. Like Virginia did in 2019, I’m thinking Matt Painter and his team will find redemption in March.
4. Michigan State
Last year: 21-13
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in Sweet 16 to Kansas State
Yes, the Big Ten is as good as any to win the conference’s first national championship since 2000, and it features two of my top four teams. With Tyson Walker, a closer who has developed into one of the best guards in college basketball, Tom Izzo has more than 80% of his scoring from the previous campaign back. Between A.J. Hoggard and Jaden Akins, as well as four-star rookie Jeremy Fears and sophomore Tre Hollman, who is expected to improve, the Spartans have a wealth of skill in the backcourt. The large Michigan State’s centre position is crucial. When Izzo put Mady Sissoko, Jaxon Kohler, and Carson Cooper together at that location last year, it was the question mark. If Malik Hall remains healthy for the entire season, he has the option to play a smaller role this year. This season, though, five-star rookie Xavier Booker is the X-factor. Can the big man, who is 6-10, step in and start right away? This team has no weaknesses if that occurs.
5. Marquette
Last year: 29-7
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in second round to Michigan State
One of the top backcourts in college basketball will be comprised of Tyler Kolek, Kam Jones, and Stevie Mitchell. Junior forward David Joplin will be able to replace Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the NBA Draught this past June. The defending Big East regular season and tournament champion Golden Eagles are loaded with a mobile centre in Oso Ighodaro back to spearhead Shaka Smart’s potent pick-and-roll offence and several intriguing choices to add depth. Milwaukee has a title challenger for Smart.
6. Creighton
Last year: 24-13
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in Elite Eight to San Diego State
Ryan Kalkbrenner, Trey Alexander, and Baylor Scheierman are the three highest scorers from the previous season that Greg McDermott brings back. The Bluejays had an amazing run to make their first Elite Eight appearance since 1941. Despite losing Arthur Kaluma (Kansas State) and Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga) to the portal, I think this roster will fit together better this season for Creighton. There were times during the previous season when Jays players had to earn their place. This team should be selfless this season with Utah State’s 23-year-old point guard Steven Ashworth leading the charge. Mason Miller, the two-time NBA champion Mike Miller’s son, is expected to start at power forward. With Kalkbrenner positioned in the middle, Creighton will once more be among the nation’s best defensive teams.
7. Houston
Last year: 33-4
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in Sweet 16 to Miami
Many people are talking about how the Houston Cougars will experience a very different atmosphere in the Big 12 than they did in the American Athletic Conference after moving to Houston. However, here’s the rub: Kelvin Sampson’s club, which has always been among, if not the hardest to play for in college basketball, is now what the rest of the Big 12 must put up with. Sampson welcomes back guard Jamal Shead, a veteran, while Damian Dunn, a transfer from Temple, and LJ Cryer, a transfer from Baylor, are two nice additions who both averaged over 15 points per game last season. In his second year, how big of a jump will 6-6 wing Terrance Arceneaux make? In the event that Sampson’s perimeter offence meshes well, defence is never a question at Houston – it’s a given.
8. UConn
Last year: 31-8
Postseason: Won National Championship
For the first time since Florida did so in 2006 and 2007 under Billy Donovan, the Connecticut Huskies have a chance to repeat as national champions. However, the reason UConn is not ranked higher is because I have to take into account what they lost. Two NBA Draught selections, Jordan Hawkins and Andre Jackson Jr., and all-time UConn great Adama Sanogo, who won Final Four Most Outstanding Player, were among the group. Although Donovan Clingan seems ready to assume the starting 5 role, he is currently sidelined with a foot ailment. Big men are still susceptible to foot ailments, even if he shouldn’t miss much time. Alex Karaban is a reliable power forward and point guard Tristen Newton is back, while Rutgers transfer Cam Spencer will add shooting. The fascinating storyline: Five-star freshman Stephon Castle enters and is expected to be a one-and-done player. He should be the Big East Preseason Freshman of the Year.
9. Arkansas
Last year: 22-14
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in Sweet 16 to UConn
There is no way Eric Musselman will lose in the transfer portal. From Khalif Battle (Temple) to Keyon Menifield (Washington) to El Ellis (Louisville) to Tramon Mark (Houston), it’s impressive how many fascinating and high-caliber players the Razorbacks were able to sign once again. While dynamic forward Trevon Brazile returns from an injury and four-star big man Baye Fall is anticipated to play a major role as a rookie, Devo Davis is back to provide seasoned guard play. The Hogs aren’t going to slow down, and although it’s unclear how all the transfers will work together, Musselman has a plenty of alternatives and knows how to perform at the highest level right time. Before 2021, the Razorbacks had not reached the Sweet 16 since 1996. They’ve now done that three years in a row. I’m more bullish on Arkansas than others, but recent history suggests they’ll be a factor again deep into March as they figure one another out.
10. Miami
Last year: 29-8
Postseason: Reached Final Four, lost to UConn
This past year, the Hurricanes made it to the Final Four and the Elite Eights consecutively. There are no indications that the team led by Jim Larrañaga is losing ground. He still has Norchad Omier to provide production at the centre position, Wooga Poplar, a 6-foot-5 guard who excels at both ends of the court, and Nigel Pack to handle the backcourt. The 6-7 forward Matthew Cleveland, a transfer from Florida State, who averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds the previous season, was also added by the Hurricanes. He ought to provide the Canes’ offence a layer of toughness and a new twist in their matchup.
11. Florida Atlantic
Last year: 35-4
Postseason: Reached Final Four, lost to San Diego State
It’s simply unbelievable that Dusty May kept his roster totally intact in the transfer portal era after the Owls did the unprecedented and reached the Final Four. This year, the Owls will certainly have a target on their backs, and credit to May for putting together a schedule with several marquee games.
This season, the Owls will also be playing in the American Athletic Conference, where they will face Memphis at the top of the league. Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin, the co-AAC Preseason Players of the Year, should continue where they left off, while junior Nicholas Boyd should make even more progress. The FAU pitbulls have returned.
12. San Diego State
Last year: 23-9
Postseason: Reached national championship game, lost to UConn
Permit me to get off on this rant. In his four seasons leading the Aztecs, Brian Dutcher has a 108-23 record. That year wasn’t an anomaly. It was a wonderful experience that embodied all that was admirable about the San Diego State programme coming together. Reese Dixon-Waters, a transfer from USC, will assist the Aztecs on the perimeter. Lamont Butler, Darrion Trammell, and Jaedon LeDee, three of their top four scorers, are back in the lineup. They might be the greatest team in the West.
13. Gonzaga
Last year: 31-6
Postseason: Reached Sweet 16, lost to UConn
The main area of concern surrounding Mark Few’s play last season was his point guard play, which ultimately resulted in the Zags losing to Drew Timme in his final collegiate basketball game in the Sweet 16. This offseason, Few made sure to address that problem by bringing in Ryan Nembhard, a skilled point guard who helped lead the Bluejays to the Elite Eight the previous season and a transfer from Creighton. Ryan Nembhard, the younger brother of former Gonzaga star Andrew Nembhard, will infuse his unique style into the programme while preserving offensive effectiveness. The main element Graham Ike, a transfer from Wyoming, was the preseason Mountain West Player of the Year the previous season before he got injured. Will he perform similarly this time around?
14. Villanova
Last year: 17-17
Postseason: NIT
It was the first time in eleven years that the Wildcats did not make it to the NCAA Tournament. After adjustments were made, there was a vigorous effort made to acquire elite players through the transfer site. Hakim Hart (Maryland), Lance Ware (Kentucky), Tyler Burton (Richmond), and TJ Bamba (Washington State) were all enticed by Kyle Neptune and a revamped staff. Returning for a sixth season, Big East Player of the Year contender Justin Moore gives this Villanova squad the ability to defeat any club. This club can be in the top 10 if Mark Armstrong can improve as a sophomore point guard and Eric Dixon leads the frontcourt.
15. Tennessee
Last year: 25-11
Postseason: Reached Sweet 16, lost to Florida Atlantic
I don’t rank the Volunteers in the top 10 because of a critical injury and inconsistent play on the offensive end of the court, despite what many other outlets are saying. When precisely will Zakai Zeigler, a talented two-way junior guard, recover from his ruptured ACL? Although Dalton Knecht, a transfer from Northern Colorado, averaged over 20 points per game last season and I really like Santiago Vescovi’s game, it’s difficult to trust the Vols in the scoring department. Another reason they aren’t in my top 10 is that they lost transfer Chris Ledlum to St. John’s.
16. Texas A&M
Last year: 25-10
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in first round to Penn State
College Station is home to a team that is vying for the Southeastern Conference championship. How come? roster persistence. Five of Buzz Williams’ top six scorers from the previous campaign are back, and Tyrece Radford and Wade Taylor IV together rank among the greatest backcourts in college basketball.
17. Arizona
Last year: 28-7
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in first round to Princeton
We don’t really discuss how Arizona’s season ended because FDU defeated Purdue. The Wildcats, who are 61-11 in their first two seasons under head coach Tommy Lloyd, must be inspired by that. What’s great about Arizona is as follows: deep backcourt. Caleb Love, a transfer from North Carolina, was the talk of the offseason, but the Cats only need him to fit in—they don’t need him to be the leader. Kylan Boswell ought to make a big step forward as a sophomore, and Jaden Bradley, an Alabama transfer, ought to increase his output following a little role in Tuscaloosa as a freshman. While Pelle Larsson and Oumar Ballo are still available, I also think Keshad Johnson from San Diego State makes a great addition.
18. Saint Mary’s
Last year: 27-8
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in second round to UConn
This season, the Gaels have all but two of their players back, and it’s incredible to consider that point guard Aidan Mahaney is only a sophomore. Randy Bennett has some excellent pieces in place with combo wing Alex Ducas and Mahaney, who both shot the three at a rate of over 40% last year, and a powerful big man in Mitchell Saxen to lead the frontcourt efforts. Frankly, 18 might be a low point for this team. They play with such efficiency; experience wins.
19. Maryland
Last year: 22-13
Postseason: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in second round to Alabama
Head coach Kevin Willard stated during his first season at Maryland that he thought the Terrapins had to struggle to keep up with the Big Ten’s calibre of competition. In a tough, competitive league, his squad placed in the top six after winning 22 games. The team this year seems like it belongs more in the conference, according to the head coach in his second year. Point guard Jahmir Young is a top player. Julian Reese’s motor is limitless. Perhaps the most underappreciated player in the conference is Donta Scott. There is a lot of promise for the freshmen class. College Park is a very positive place.
20. St. John’s
Last year: 18-15
Postseason: N/A
Kevin Pitino. Switching programmes. One of the most interesting narratives in collegiate basketball is that of St. John’s basketball. The depth Pitino has already developed is the most notable aspect of his work in Queens thus far. The alternatives appear endless, ranging from the incumbent Ivy League Player of the Year, Jordan Dingle, to Daniss Jenkins, a transfer who came from Iona and followed Pitino, to Simeon Wilcher, the program’s highest-rated freshman in ten years. Joel Soriano, an All-Big East selection, may not even be the team’s most important frontcourt player on the interior. Be on the lookout for Kansas transfer Zuby Eljofor, and Chris Ledlum, who is a fantastic rebounder. During preseason drills, he has been drawing attention. Write down this date: November 13, Monday when St. John’s hosts Michigan. A sellout is expected, and that could be a revealing day for a program that’s been dormant for decades
21. Texas
Last year: 29-9
Postseason Results: Reached Elite Eight, lost to Miami
Max Abmas, a transfer from Oral Roberts, is now the highest scorer in college basketball going into Rodney Terry’s first full season as head coach (2,561 points). Given how well-suited Tyrese Hunter and Abmas are, it will be interesting to watch how they work together. After attempting a sophomore leap and testing the draught waters, Dillon Mitchell has returned. Texas’ ceiling for this year will depend on how well those three work together.
22. North Carolina
Last year: 20-13
Postseason results: N/A
The Tar Heels begin in my top 25, but because they need to achieve a higher ranking, they are ranked No. 23. That will be accomplished, in my opinion, because of the way Hubert Davis developed RJ Davis and Armando Bacot. While Stanford transfer Harrison Ingram poses matchup problems, Notre Dame transfer Cormac Ryan has been a terrific glue guy, according to all sources. My main concern is: How good will Elliot Cadeau, a rookie point guard for UNC, be?
23. Baylor
Last year: 23-11
Postseason Results: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in second round to Creighton
The Bears are ranked in my top 25 because Scott Drew has a talented team with plenty of upside, and he has shown time and time again that he can maximise that upside. Ja’Kobe Walter, a five-star guard, is one of Baylor’s top freshman in the nation. It would be fascinating to see how he and Toledo transfer RayJ Dennis get along on the perimeter, especially since they are both new to the team. I appreciate that Langston Love, Jalen Bridges, and Jonathan Tchamwa-Tchatchoua are all back, maintaining roster consistency.
24. USC
Last year: 22-11
Postseason Results: Reached NCAA Tournament, Lost in first round to Michigan State
Some rank the Trojans higher than others, but given the number of new players on this team, let’s wait and see how things work out. It’s crucial that Boogie Ellis is back for his sixth season playing for Andy Enfield; he should be a strong contender for Pac-12 Player of the Year. How good will USC’s top-ranked recruit, Isaiah Collier, be? Big man Josh Morgan is returning, and Dennis’s 6’6″ son DJ Rodman, a transfer, should also be helpful. Is Bronny James coming this season? After his cardiac arrest experience over the summer, it’s difficult to predict what the 6-3 freshman will even show us this season. There is a lot of depth on this Trojans squad, but they begin outside of the top 20 because there are some things for them to figure out and there’s some youth that they are counting on to produce.
25. Illinois
Last year: 20-13
Postseason Results: Reached NCAA Tournament, lost in first round to Arkansas
Why did the Illini claim my final spot in the top 25? Because at the end of the day, Terrence Shannon Jr. is as good as any guard in the Big Ten, frontcourt weapons Coleman Hawkins and Dain Dainja are back, and Brad Underwood ushered in quality transfers that are mature and should impact winning. Underwood raved about Southern Illinois transfer Marcus Domask on Tuesday at Big Ten media day, pointing out that the sharpshooter has scored 1,615 career points. He also said Quincy Guerrier is a fifth-year senior who understands the game because he’s already been coached by Dana Altman at Oregon and Jim Boeheim at Syracuse. If Ty Rodgers steps into the point guard role and is adequate, the Illini will be better than No. 25.
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