The college basketball season is officially underway across the United States, bringing fresh excitement, new storylines, and plenty of anticipation for both men’s and women’s teams. As fans and analysts gear up for the months ahead, questions abound: Can the Florida men pull off a rare repeat championship? Who will rise to fill the void left by Paige Bueckers on the women’s side? Our panel of writers has shared their insights on teams and players to watch, predicting breakout stars, potential champions, and intriguing narratives for the 2024–25 season.
**Men’s College Basketball: New Contenders and Established Powers**
One of the most captivating storylines this season revolves around the University of St. Thomas men’s basketball team. After making an unprecedented leap from Division III to Division I, the Tommies are eligible for the NCAA Tournament for the first time and are already Summit League favorites. Their new $175 million arena has significantly boosted their recruiting appeal, positioning them to become a powerhouse in the Midwest akin to Gonzaga’s rise on the West Coast. Bryan Armen Graham highlights the Tommies as a team with the potential to make a deep March run and reshape mid-major basketball narratives.
Meanwhile, the men’s programs at traditional basketball powerhouses are facing their own challenges and opportunities. Duke University’s men’s team is looking to replicate past success, even as freshmen take on prominent roles. With the prevalence of the transfer portal and increasingly experienced rosters across the country, the question is whether five-star freshman Cameron Boozer can spearhead Duke’s march to the Final Four as Cooper Flagg did previously. Nicholas Levine points out that the balance between youth and experience will be critical for Duke’s ambitions.
Kansas boasts an exciting young talent in Darryn Peterson, a 6-foot-6 freshman guard whose blend of NBA-ready size, athleticism, and scoring ability make him one of the most complete prospects in recent years. Peterson’s ability to score at all three levels and lead the team could make him a key factor in Kansas’ success. Similarly, Braden Smith of Purdue is another player to watch closely. The Big Ten preseason player of the year, Smith demonstrated exceptional playmaking last season—averaging over eight assists per game—and with an even more talented supporting cast, he looks poised to command the Boilermakers’ offense throughout the year.
Other notable men’s teams include San Diego State, which returns much of last year’s NCAA Tournament roster. With potential NBA prospects like Miles Byrd and Magoon Gwath, as well as the return of Reese Waters after injury, the Aztecs are expected to be a formidable opponent come March. BYU, competing in the highly competitive Big 12, also deserves a spotlight, especially with the arrival of AJ Dybantsa, a future lottery pick and the nation’s most talented freshman. Whether the young Dybantsa can consistently lead the Cougars through a rugged schedule remains to be seen.
Rick Pitino’s St. John’s team is an intriguing case. After experimenting with different point guards, the Red Storm settled on Stanford transfer Oziyah Sellers, who is a strong off-ball shooter but lacks significant playmaking experience. This could lead to early struggles, especially given their challenging non-conference schedule, but Pitino’s coaching prowess and the team’s talent may still deliver surprises.
**Women’s College Basketball: New Stars and Title Contenders**
The women’s side faces the significant question of who will fill the star role left vacant by UConn’s Paige Bueckers. UConn remains a dominant force, however, with Sarah Strong emerging as a poised, powerful sophomore, ready to take the reins. Strong’s evolution from prodigy to potential Storrs legend makes her a favorite to lead the Huskies to their 13th national championship under coach Geno Auriemma. Alongside Strong, Azzi Fudd has matured into a fully pro-ready player, and the addition of Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams provides further depth and balance. This mix of size, shooting, and experience puts UConn in prime position to reclaim the throne.
UCLA’s Lauren Betts is another player who could have a huge impact. The 6-foot-7 frontcourt anchor averaged nearly a double-double last season and was instrumental in UCLA’s first-ever Final Four run. Betts combines elite footwork, rim protection, and emerging mid-range and passing skills, making her a dominant force on both ends of the court