AP Rankings

11/10/24

1. Kansas

2. Alabama

3. Gonzaga

4. UConn

5. Duke

6. Auburn

7. Iowa State

8. North Carolina

9. Tennessee

10. Houston

11. Creighton

12. Indiana

13. Arizona

14. Ohio State

15. Kentucky

16. Baylor

17. Purdue

18. Oregon

19. Florida

20. New Mexico

21. Cincinnati

22. Illinois

23. Rutgers

24. Texas Tech

25. UCF

26. Arkansas

27. Clemson

28. Michigan State

29. Xavier

30. Wake Forest

31. Texas

32. Marquette

33. VCU

34. Ole Miss

35. Mississippi State

36. St. John’s

37. Kansas State

These early-season rankings provide a snapshot of the shifting dynamics in college basketball, with Kansas holding the top spot after a hard-fought win over North Carolina, led by Hunter Dickinson's 20 points. Alabama, though undefeated, has yet to face a true test and will look to prove itself against Purdue, while Gonzaga and UConn showcase more depth and offensive firepower than in previous years. Duke has impressed with freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, while Auburn has made a dramatic leap to No. 6 after wins over Vermont and Houston, demonstrating grit and resilience. Iowa State, with its slow build, awaits a monster matchup against Auburn in the Maui Invitational. Texas, despite an early loss to Ohio State, bounced back with a win over Houston Christian, driven by freshman Tre Johnson's 28 points. Meanwhile, New Mexico and VCU are flying under the radar with impressive early wins, and the SEC continues to show its depth with high-scoring teams like Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Baylor and Purdue, though dealing with injuries and early struggles, remain formidable, especially with players like Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith leading Purdue. The rankings set the stage for an exciting season ahead, with teams like Kansas and Alabama at the top, while others like Auburn and Iowa State rise, and upstart programs like New Mexico and VCU show they could make a run at an NCAA Tournament berth. The upcoming high-profile matchups will further define the landscape, and as the season progresses, more surprises are sure to emerge.

Nick Selden 

11/11/24

Championship Futures 2024-2025 Season

National Championship: Gonzaga

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are poised for an exciting 2024-25 season, with a deep and experienced roster that blends proven upperclassmen with talented newcomers, positioning them as serious contenders for both the West Coast Conference title and a national championship run. Senior guard Ryan Nembhard, who averaged 12.7 points and 7.1 assists last season, will continue to be the team’s primary playmaker, guiding the offense alongside fellow senior Nolan Hickman, a versatile and explosive scorer who contributed 14.0 points per game in 2023-24. In the frontcourt, Ben Gregg brings a gritty, all-around skill set that will anchor the Zags’ defense and rebounding, while transfer Graham Ike, who averaged 16.5 points per game at Wyoming, will provide a powerful scoring option in the post. Michael Ajayi, a dynamic and physical scorer and rebounder from Pepperdine, rounds out the starting five, adding another layer of versatility and toughness to the lineup. Gonzaga’s depth is one of its strongest assets, with veteran transfers like Khalif Battle, a high-scoring guard with a knack for getting buckets, and Steele Venters, a sharp-shooting wing returning from injury, offering additional offensive firepower. Sophomores Dusty Stromer and Braden Huff also add quality minutes off the bench, with Stromer being a well-rounded player capable of stepping into a larger role as the season progresses. With a balanced roster that features a potent mix of offensive explosiveness, defensive grit, and depth, Gonzaga is well-positioned to make a deep run in March Madness. If the team stays healthy, builds chemistry, and continues to develop as the season unfolds, the Bulldogs will be a formidable force in the NCAA tournament and a true championship contender.

ACC Champion: Duke

Duke basketball’s 2024-25 roster is stacked with talent, depth, and versatility, making them one of the strongest teams in the country and a clear favorite to win the ACC. Under Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have assembled a roster that is not only deep in experience but also built to play fast and up-tempo, emphasizing three-point shooting and a high-paced offensive style. Key returnees like Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster provide stability in the backcourt, while freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, touted as a “generational” talent, leads the team’s defensive and offensive schemes with his elite shot-blocking and playmaking ability. Freshman Kon Knueppel, an elite scorer, adds even more firepower to Duke's offense, showcasing his shooting range and scoring versatility, which will be crucial in opening up space for others. Transfers such as Maliq Brown, Mason Gillis, and Sion James bring toughness, leadership, and versatility, giving Scheyer plenty of options at every position. On offense, Duke has improved its efficiency, with higher shooting percentages and better ball movement, while the defense remains among the nation's elite, bolstered by Flagg and Brown's ability to protect the rim and disrupt plays. With the ability to adjust to any style of play and a roster that can lock down on defense, score in a variety of ways, and dominate both ends of the court, Duke is positioned to win the ACC conference title this season. Their combination of veteran leadership and elite young talent gives them the edge over rivals like North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami, making them the team to beat in the league.

SEC Champion: Florida

Florida men’s basketball is set for a strong 2024-25 season under third-year head coach Todd Golden, thanks to a solid core of returning players and a strong influx of new talent. The Gators will lean heavily on veteran guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, with Clayton stepping into a more prominent role following the departures of Zyon Pullin and Riley Kugel. Golden has also added key transfers, including Alijah Martin, who averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds at FAU, and Rueben Chinyelu, a 6-foot-9 forward from Washington State, who will bolster the frontcourt. The team also adds Sam Alexis, an athletic forward from Chattanooga, further strengthening their depth. While the departures of Tyrese Samuel and other key contributors will be tough to replace, the Gators’ mix of returning experience and promising newcomers provides a balanced roster capable of competing at a high level. With a focus on both ends of the floor, Florida’s shooting ability, depth, and defensive versatility make them a serious threat in the SEC. The leadership of Clayton, combined with the potential emergence of Chinyelu in the frontcourt, gives the Gators the tools to challenge for the SEC title, provided their role players, including guards like Denzel Aberdeen and Thomas Haugh, step up consistently. With a deep and well-rounded roster, Florida has the potential to make a strong run for the SEC championship this season.

BIG 12 Champion: Kansas

Kansas is on a good track to win the Big 12 this season, thanks to a loaded roster that blends proven talent, key transfers, and an exciting incoming freshman class. Anchoring the team is graduate center Hunter Dickinson, one of the nation’s top big men, known for his elite scoring and rebounding in the paint. He'll be supported by graduate guard Dajuan Harris Jr., the steady floor general who provides leadership and playmaking in the backcourt. Kansas’ backcourt also gets a major boost with transfers AJ Storr, who averaged 16.8 points per game at Wisconsin, and Zeke Mayo, the 2024 Summit League Player of the Year from South Dakota State. Storr brings scoring explosiveness and versatility, while Mayo adds all-around playmaking and scoring ability. Additionally, Rylan Griffen, a key contributor on Alabama’s Final Four team, strengthens the perimeter game, having shot nearly 40% from three while averaging 11.2 points per game. With the addition of five-star freshman Flory Bidunga, a dynamic forward who’s expected to contribute immediately, Kansas boasts a deep and talented roster. The combination of veteran experience, elite transfers, and highly-rated newcomers gives the Jayhawks the firepower to navigate the competitive Big 12 and makes them the team to beat this season.

Big 10 Champion: Illinois

Illinois is in an excellent position to contend for the Big Ten title this season, despite the departure of key contributors like Terrence Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask, and Coleman Hawkins. Under head coach Brad Underwood, the Illini have consistently been one of the conference’s top teams, and his ability to reload with impactful transfers and high-caliber newcomers ensures they remain a force in the Big Ten. The backcourt will be led by Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell, who averaged 9.6 points, 3.6 assists, and shot nearly 38% from three last season. His experience and floor leadership will be crucial for Illinois, alongside highly-touted Lithuanian freshman Kasparus Jakucionis, who is expected to make an immediate impact after an impressive stint with Lithuania’s U18 team at EuroBasket. In addition to Boswell and Jakucionis, Illinois bolstered its frontcourt with versatile pieces like 6-foot-9 forward Ben Humrichous, who shot 41.4% from three at Evansville, and Croatian 7-footer Tomislav Ivisic, a strong rim protector and defensive presence in the post. These additions give the Illini a well-rounded roster capable of competing with anyone in the conference. The return of Ty Rodgers, who provides versatility on both ends of the floor, further strengthens the team’s foundation. Rodgers’ ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively will be a key asset for Illinois this season. With a mix of talented transfers, promising freshmen, and returnees with experience, the Illini have the depth and versatility needed to challenge for the Big Ten title. Underwood’s proven track record of developing talent and maximizing his team’s potential makes Illinois a legitimate contender for the conference championship this year.

AAC Champion: Memphis

Memphis has the tools to claim the AAC title in 2024-25, despite a significant roster overhaul that saw the departure of their top five scorers from last season. Head coach Penny Hardaway has addressed this void with a strong transfer portal haul, headlined by PJ Haggerty, who exploded for 21.1 points per game at Tulsa last season. Haggerty’s scoring ability will be crucial for the Tigers, particularly in filling the offensive void left by David Jones. Joining him in the backcourt is Tyrese Hunter, a former McDonald’s All-American with standout performances at both Iowa State and Texas. Hunter’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate could be key in Memphis’ pursuit of the AAC crown. Additionally, Memphis bolstered its frontcourt with Dain Dainja from Illinois, a physical presence who can contribute on both ends of the floor. While the Tigers return only one player with consistent experience in Nick Jourdain, who averaged 6.5 points and 4 rebounds last season, the team’s depth and star power from the transfers provide a high ceiling. With a roster full of talent and versatility, the challenge for Hardaway will be finding the right rotations and lineup combinations. If he can get Haggerty and Hunter playing at a high level while integrating the new pieces effectively, Memphis has the potential to dominate the AAC and make a strong push for the title. The team’s revamped roster and the coaching ability of Hardaway position Memphis as one of the favorites in the conference this season.

Past CBB Picks OTD

11/14/24 

Arizona State +5.5

The Sun Devils have looked strong top open the season, especially against top-tier teams like Gonzaga. Freshman Jayden Quaintance is emerging as a force, especially on defense. This is a solid play to keep it within +5.5

Kansas State -8.5

The Wildcats dominated LSU 75-60 in Baton Rouge last season, outshooting the Tigers & winning the offensive rebound battle 12-5. LSU has struggled this year on the road, and with a red-hot 43.4% from 3 through 2 games, KSU shouldn't have a problem covering -7.5

Oklahoma State -11.5

Oklahoma State has been playing fast and ranked 8th in the country in pace to start the season. With a deeper, more talented roster, they'll use that to dominate against a still-gelling Southern Illinois squad. With more depth and urgency, the Cowboys should easily cover -11.5