The 2024–2025 NCAA basketball season has five standout teams, each with amazing promise. These teams are most likely going to qualify for the playoffs, but the ball is still in the air on which one will be the division winner. 

1. Kansas Jayhawks

• Top Players:
  • Hunter Dickinson (Center): A dominant force on both ends, the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year.
  • Dajuan Harris Jr. (Guard): A skilled playmaker and defensive anchor.
  • KJ Adams Jr. (Forward): A versatile scorer and rebounder.
• Highlights: Kansas is ranked preseason #2 nationally, mixing experienced leadership with exciting rookies. Coach Bill Self’s team is deep and poised for a national title run​

2. UConn Huskies

• Top Players:
  • Alex Karaban (Forward): A returning key contributor from their championship run averaging 16.3 points
  • Tarris Reed (Center): An elite rim protector and rebounder with a 74% FG%
• Highlights: After back-to-back titles, UConn seeks a historic three-peat. Despite losing many key players, coach Dan Hurley has recruited top talent, to hopefully rebuild the team. 

3. Duke Blue Devils

• Top Players:
  • Cooper Flagg (Freshman Guard): A highly valuable recruit adding depth to their backcourt at 6’9. 
  • Kon Knueppel (Freshman Guard): A Great player who is similar to Flagg, a similarity which helps with fostering a team spirit.
  • Tyrese Proctor (Guard): A dynamic playmaker and scorer who gets the ball moving.
• Highlights: Duke’s roster contains a mix of experienced players and elite freshmen. Coach Jon Scheyer’s squad is built to contend in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and beyond​.

4. Purdue Boilermakers

• Top Players:
  • Trey Kaufman-Renn(Forward): The 6’8 junior has shown out this season with incredible scoring techniques and a passion for the sport.
  • Fletcher Loyer (Guard): A sharpshooter who complements Renn’s shooting game.
  • Braden Smith (Guard): A versatile and efficient floor general.
• Highlights: Purdue aims to bounce back from last season’s early NCAA Tournament elimination leading the charge for a deep tournament run​ 

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

• Top Players:
  • Mark Sears (Guard): A veteran scorer and leader with incredible playmaking. 
• Grant Nelson (Forward): Another veteran player who is having a great year with his size and movement.
• Highlights: Known for their fast offense, Alabama will try to pair scoring with improved defensive consistency​