The 2024-25 college basketball preview is here!
As the season kicks off on Monday, fans can expect an exciting array of storylines from across the nation. UConn aims for a historic three-peat, while Duke’s Cooper Flagg is set to capture attention. Kansas is on a quest for redemption, and on the women’s side, stars like Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins are poised to make headlines. This season promises to be thrilling.
FOX Sports will begin its coverage of the men’s college basketball season at 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday with “Big East Opening Night Tip-Off.” The event will feature live look-ins at eight non-conference games on FS1. Rick Pitino’s St. John’s will host Fordham at Carnesecca Arena, while No. 22 UCLA, led by Dylan Andrews, will take on Rider.
Opening night promises more excitement, including a top-10 clash between No. 6 Gonzaga and No. 8 Baylor from Spokane, Washington, at 11:30 p.m. ET, and No. 19 Texas facing Ohio State in Las Vegas at 10 p.m. ET.
For women’s basketball, JuJu Watkins and No. 3 USC will compete against No. 20 Ole Miss in Paris at noon ET, followed by No. 5 UCLA against No. 17 Louisville at 2:30 p.m. ET. The defending champions, No. 1 South Carolina, will kick off their title defense against Michigan in Las Vegas at 7:30 p.m. ET.
To prepare for the road to March Madness, here’s a list of 50 standout players and coaches to keep an eye on this season.
Top 25 players to watch:
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, stands out as one of the most intriguing prospects in recent college basketball history. His defensive skills are exceptional, and he possesses a fierce offensive game at the rim. If he continues to refine his perimeter shooting, he could be a top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
2. Paige Bueckers, UConn
Bueckers averaged impressive statistics last season, with 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. After enduring injuries, she aims to secure the national championship that has eluded her. This season could be pivotal for the Huskies and Bueckers’ legacy.
3. Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
Dickinson, a 7-foot-2 center, is a seasoned veteran returning for his fifth season. He has consistently averaged impressive points and rebounds over the years. With Kansas ranked No. 1 in preseason polls, fans are eager to see if he can lead the team to the Final Four.
4. JuJu Watkins, USC
Watkins, the reigning national freshman of the year, shattered the NCAA freshman scoring record with 920 points in her debut season. Averaging 27.1 points per game, she is a scoring machine. Her matchup against Bueckers on December 21 will be a must-watch.
5. Mark Sears, Alabama
Sears, a fifth-year senior, was instrumental in leading Alabama to its first Final Four last season. He averaged 21.5 points per game and showcased his scoring ability. Expect him to continue his dynamic play this season.
6. RJ Davis, North Carolina
Davis returns for his fifth year after a strong performance last season, averaging over 21 points per game. His experience and scoring ability are crucial for the Tar Heels as they aim for success.
7. Alex Karaban, UConn
Karaban is the key returning player for the reigning national champions, averaging 13.0 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. His growth will be essential for UConn’s success this year.
8. Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Hidalgo made a significant impact as a freshman, averaging 22.6 points and leading the nation in steals. Her performance earned her unanimous preseason AP first-team All-American honors.
9. Braden Smith, Purdue
10. Caleb Love, Arizona
Love’s ability to control the pace of the game and score makes him a key player to watch. After a Sweet 16 exit last season, he aims to lead Arizona to greater heights.
11. Johni Broome, Auburn
Broome, a 6-foot-10 senior, averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds last season. His presence in the paint is vital for Auburn’s success.
12. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
Kalkbrenner, the Big East Preseason Player of the Year, averaged 17.3 points and was a top shot-blocker last year. His defensive prowess is key for Creighton’s success.
13. Johnell Davis, Arkansas
Davis aims to replicate his success from leading Florida Atlantic to a Final Four as he joins Arkansas under Coach John Calipari.
14. Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Harper and Bailey are two top freshmen who will bring excitement to the Scarlet Knights. Their combined talent will elevate the team’s performance this season.
15. Myles Rice, Indiana
Rice, a transfer from Washington State, averaged 14.8 points last season and is expected to play a pivotal role for Indiana this year.
16. Kiki Rice, UCLA
17. Madison Booker, Texas
18. Kon Knueppel, Duke
Knueppel, a 6-foot-7 wing, has the potential to make a significant impact for Duke this season, similar to Reed Sheppard’s influence at Kentucky last year.
19. Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
Johnson, a preseason co-player of the year in the SEC, is expected to take over after Angel Reese’s departure. Her scoring ability will be crucial for LSU.
20. Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M
Taylor is one of the top scorers returning for his fifth season, averaging 19.1 points last year. His explosive scoring will be essential for Texas A&M.
21. Kam Jones, Marquette
Jones is poised to have a breakout season, potentially averaging around 20 points per game as he takes on a leading role for the Golden Eagles.
22. Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Lipsey is a mature floor general who averaged 12.4 points and 4.9 assists last season. His leadership will be key for Iowa State’s success.
23. Kadary Richmond, St. John’s
Richmond, now at St. John’s, aims for a strong season after averaging 15.7 points and 5.1 assists last year. He seeks to help the Johnnies end their NCAA Tournament drought.
24. Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
Sallis, a senior guard, averaged over 18 points last season and aims to lead Wake Forest back to the NCAA Tournament.
25. Bryce Hopkins, Providence
Hopkins looks to bounce back from an ACL injury and regain his form. His health will be crucial for Providence’s success this season.
Top 25 coaches to watch:
1. Dan Hurley, UConn
Hurley is a prominent figure in college basketball, aiming to join the ranks of legendary coaches by pursuing a third consecutive national championship. His leadership will be critical for UConn’s success.
2. Dawn Staley, South Carolina
Staley’s Gamecocks are the defending champions and are the top-ranked team heading into the season. Her coaching has led to impressive success, including four consecutive Final Four appearances.
3. Jon Scheyer, Duke
Scheyer has shown growth in his coaching career, with each season yielding deeper tournament runs. This year, he has a talented roster, including Flagg and Knueppel.
4. Geno Auriemma, UConn
Auriemma is closing in on becoming the all-time winningest coach in Division I history. His experience and success will be pivotal as he leads the Huskies this season.
5. John Calipari, Arkansas
Calipari’s move to Arkansas has raised eyebrows, and he aims to revitalize his career after recent challenges at Kentucky. His coaching will be under scrutiny this season.
6. Mark Pope, Kentucky
Pope’s connection to Kentucky basketball is strong, and this season will be a test of his ability to lead a storied program. Fans are hopeful for a successful campaign.
7. Bill Self, Kansas
Self’s experience is crucial as he leads Kansas after a disappointing last season. His ability to navigate the transfer portal will be vital for the team’s success.
8. Kim Mulkey, LSU
9. Mike Woodson, Indiana
Woodson has brought in a strong transfer class and aims to lead Indiana to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2016. This season is pivotal for the program.
10. Tom Izzo, Michigan State
Izzo enters his 30th year as head coach and aims to extend his NCAA Tournament streak. His leadership will be critical for Michigan State’s success this season.
11. Mark Few, Gonzaga
Few’s consistent success has made Gonzaga a powerhouse. He relies on key players to maintain the team’s winning tradition.
12. Nate Oats, Alabama
13. Kelvin Sampson, Houston
Sampson’s record speaks for itself, and he aims to keep Houston competitive in a new conference. His coaching will be crucial as the team adapts.
14. Hubert Davis, North Carolina
Davis faces the challenge of replacing key players after a successful season. His ability to develop new talent will be essential for the Tar Heels.
15. Rick Pitino, St. John’s
Pitino is looking to revitalize St. John’s after years of struggles. His experience and coaching acumen will be crucial for the team’s success.
16. Scott Drew, Baylor
Drew has built Baylor into a formidable program, and his leadership will be vital as they strive for another successful season.
17. Pat Kelsey, Louisville
Kelsey aims to bring Louisville back to prominence after a challenging period. His coaching will be critical for the Cardinals this season.
18. Dusty May, Michigan
May’s experience will be vital as he seeks to revitalize Michigan’s program. His recruiting efforts will play a key role in the team’s success.
19. Sean Miller, Xavier
20. Wes Miller, Cincinnati
Wes Miller is under pressure to secure an NCAA Tournament berth this season. His ability to blend experience and talent will be crucial for Cincinnati’s success.
21. T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State
Otzelberger has proven to be a successful coach at Iowa State, and with a strong returning roster, he aims for another successful season.
22. Bruce Pearl, Auburn
Pearl’s consistent success has made him a staple in college basketball. He aims to lead Auburn back to the NCAA Tournament this season.
23. Penny Hardaway, Memphis
Hardaway’s tenure at Memphis has been filled with ups and downs. This season, he hopes to solidify his program’s standing in the NCAA landscape.
24. Lindsay Gottlieb, USC
25. Kyle Neptune, Villanova
Neptune’s leadership will be crucial as Villanova seeks to return to the NCAA Tournament after missing out in recent seasons. His coaching will be under scrutiny this year.
