United States of School Basketball: Predicting one of the best crew in every state for the 2023-24 season

Reward the hoops gods, the season is lower than every week out. We’re virtually to precise video games, folks!

As we pack up the automobile and put together to embark on a five-month journey alongside the highway to the Ultimate 4, we will not get to the place we have to go with no dependable atlas of faculty basketball. As is customized right here at CBS Sports activities, I’ve supplied a preseason map of the highest groups from each state with a Division I program. (Which means everybody besides Alaska is included. Shouts to D-II Seawolves of Alaska Anchorage.)

This mission is a projection of the colleges I count on to be one of the best inside the borders of their respective territories throughout the basketball realm from now till March. Some states have shut chases between two or three faculties, whereas a lot tracts of land have a clear-cut decide for No. 1 of their area. 

Mainly, in case your college has its emblem on its state, it is a great piece of bragging materials to shove in your rivals’ faces. So savor it and share it extensively. The logos you see throughout this nice, basketball-adoring nation line up with the place I tiered groups in my preseason High 100 And 1 rankings.

Listed below are the 50 flags of fifty faculties (Washington, D.C. included) firmly planted into their dwelling soil as we set to embark upon the 2023-24 males’s school basketball season.

Outlook: Whereas UAB is wanting like a top-four crew within the American Athletic Convention, the Crimson Tide ought to nonetheless have a bit of little bit of house in entrance of the Blazers on this state. Alabama needed to dip into the portal to try to preserve this crew in rivalry within the SEC (that is very a lot TBD), but it surely’s prone to finish the season as the highest crew within the Yellowhammer State. A reputation of intrigue with the Crimson Tide is Hofstra switch Aaron Estrada, who may very well be the highest newcomer to the league — if teammate Grant Nelson does not one-up him. 

Outlook: Not a lot competitors right here. Arizona State is coming off an NCAA Event look, however the Solar Devils aren’t projected by any mainstream publishing outlet nor predictive metric to return to the Huge Dance. Tommy Lloyd’s Wildcats, meantime, are shaping up as the favourite within the Pac-12. The Wildcats hope Caleb Love can rework his profession, but it surely’s huge man Oumar Ballo who needs to be the No. 1 cause why Arizona simply strides to a 3rd straight NCAA journey below the 48-year-old Lloyd. Within the WAC, I like Grand Canyon to take that league and be a top-100 crew. 

Arkansas: Arkansas Razorbacks

Outlook: If the Hogs ever fail to take the preseason emblem on their state, simply shut this system down. Arkansas’ solely in-state competitors is Arkansas State, Central Arkansas, Little Rock and Arkansas Pine Bluff. The Razorbacks are on one other stage. Eric Musselman’s crew is forty seventh in my preseason rankings (I need to see how this new group molds) however is top-25 in a wide range of human and pc polls. Musselman is among the many finest coaches within the recreation. The hype round Fayetteville obtained hiked up over the weekend with Arkansas’ dwelling exhibition OT win towards Purdue. 

California: USC Trojans

Outlook: UCLA is because of take a dip after shedding great gamers comparable to Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyger Campbell and David Singleton. Adem Bona is again, however Mick Cronin’s crew does not match up (on paper) coming into the season with Andy Enfield’s Trojans. Southern Cal is within the proud place to have the top-ranked incoming freshman, combo guard Isaiah Collier. With Collier and Boogie Ellis teaming up within the backcourt, USC ought to vie with Arizona as the highest crew within the Pac-12. Hoops is wholesome in Cali: Saint Mary’s may very well be top-15 good and San Diego State is ranked once more after coming off its finest NCAA Event run ever (nationwide championship recreation loss to UConn).

Colorado: Colorado Buffaloes

Outlook: Congrats to the Buffs for taking this territory again after Colorado State had its emblem plastered on the map a pair instances in current seasons. Although CSU nonetheless has an elite expertise in senior level guard Isaiah Stevens, Colorado returns Trista Da Silva (potential Pac-12 Participant of the 12 months), KJ Simpson (key backcourt piece) and welcomes in its highest-rated recruit in historical past. His title is Cody Williams, brother of Jalen Williams — who’s presently top-of-the-line second-year gamers within the NBA (Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder). Tad Boyle has one in all his high three groups since he obtained this job in 2010.

Connecticut: UConn Huskies

Outlook: The reigning champs do have one in-state crew that’s top-100 high quality (Yale). However clearly nobody is in Connecticut’s vary, nor ought to they be as long as UConn is working on the stage it ought to. The Huskies will purpose to repeat because of the return of sophomore Donovan Clingan within the center, senior Tristen Newton working the offense, sophomore Alex Karaban contributing a bit of little bit of every little thing and freshman Stephon Fortress changing among the scoring of Jordan Hawkins and playmaking of Andre Jackson Jr. The Huskies had been picked third within the Huge East, in order that they’re a lot motivated even with that newly polished NCAA {hardware}. 

Delaware: Delaware Blue Hens

State of the state: At all times a two-team race within the state with the bottom highest level. Delaware virtually at all times beats out Delaware State, and that is the case once more in 2023. UDel was picked fifth within the CAA preseason ballot. The Blue Hens have a possible top-five participant within the convention in ahead Jyáre Davis. Delaware State is projected fourth within the MEAC at KenPom.

Florida: FAU Owls

Outlook: Now here is a enjoyable change. For the primary time within the near-decade I have been charting these preseason maps, the state of Florida isn’t coated by a Miami U, a Florida Gator or an FSU Seminole. After a 35-win season and with virtually the entire crew again, FAU is rightfully positioned atop all different Sunshine State packages heading into 2023-24. I’ve ranked FAU fifteenth, which is definitely decrease than you may discover it at Gary Parrish’s High 25 And 1 (No. 4) and within the preseason AP High 25 (No. 10). If FAU stumbles, it is prone to be caught by one other crew coming off a Ultimate 4. Miami. The Hurricanes seem like a top-20 crew and may push to win the ACC. Within the SEC, the Gators are aiming to clear the at-large bar for the tourney.

Outlook: Issues are chummy in Athens in the meanwhile. Whereas touchdown five-star 2024 prospect Asa Newell was an awesome get, phrase has it that the streets round campus are positively abuzz after I ranked Mike White’s crew forty fourth nationally. Reality is, even when Georgia is not top-50 high quality, it’ll most likely comfortably outpace Georgia Tech in its first 12 months below Damon Stoudamire, to not point out the mid-major packages, none of that are picked to win their respective leagues. 

Hawaii: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Outlook: The Rainbow Warriors are the one Division I crew in paradise, and their area/campus will tackle extra consideration than ever this November. Because of the devastating wildfires that eradicated virtually all of Lahaina on the island of Maui, the College of Hawaii will host the fortieth version of the Maui Invitational in O’ahu. (Hawaii is not going to be enjoying in it, however conventional D-II Maui Invitational host Chaminade will.) As for UH, Eran Ganot’s crew figures to be someplace within the 3/4/5 vary within the Huge West.

Outlook: The Broncos are by no means doubtful in a three-team Potato State race, at all times outrunning the likes of Idaho and Idaho State. Leon Rice’s crew may very well be adequate to crack into the AP rankings for every week or three this season, however even when that does not occur, Boise State has the roster to work for an at-large bid and figures to be a top-three squadron within the Mountain West. 

Outlook: Brad Underwood’s crew simply clears forward of the 2023-24 marketing campaign. Whereas hopes are reasonably excessive at locations like Northwestern, Loyola Chicago and Bradley, none of these faculties can match the firepower of Illinois, which boasts CBS Sports activities preseason All-American Terrence Shannon Jr. and ever-valuable stretch 4/5 Coleman Hawkins. I’ve Illinois ranked within the high 20 and third within the Huge Ten behind Purdue and Maryland. 

Outlook: If I needed to make a map of 1 emblem to cowl the nation, a giant Purdue P would lord over this 12 months’s panorama. The Boilermakers are my No. 1 going into the season because of returning the common preseason decide for nationwide participant of the 12 months, Zach Edey. Purdue is not even in shouting distance of Indiana, Butler and Notre Dame this season, however its relative standing to these packages is not going to be the way it’s judged. For Matt Painter and his crew, this needs to be a dominant common season that concludes, minimally, with three NCAA Event victories. On the mid-major stage, Indiana State is the darkish horse selection within the MVC.

Iowa: Iowa State Cyclones

Outlook: As of now, it is no lock that the state of Iowa could have a top-25 crew this season. However it’ll have Iowa State and Drake each pushing for NCAA Event inclusion. And if not Drake, Northern Iowa may usurp the Bulldogs within the MVC. The Cyclones have some intriguing freshman expertise becoming a member of a rugged program that is collected quite a lot of notable wins the previous two seasons below T.J. Otzelberger. It appears a protected guess that ISU outperforms Iowa in 2023-24, but when the Hawkeyes flip in one other top-six season within the Huge Ten that may come as no shock.

Outlook: Credit score to Kansas State for making this one fascinating final season. And nonetheless: Kansas had the higher seed (No. 1 to three) and beat Ok-State within the Huge 12. Jerome Tang has shortly constructed one thing good in Manhattan, however Invoice Self and the Jayhawks are a tier above. Kansas is the No. 1 crew within the preseason AP High 25, the fourth time at school historical past that is been the case. The three earlier instances (2004, 2008, 2018), Kansas did not advance previous the Candy 16. 

Kentucky: Kentucky Wildcats

Outlook: John Calipari is below extra stress now than at any level in his school teaching profession, however at the very least he is far and away the No. 1 crew in his state. Louisville continues to be down dangerous (shedding to a D-II college in an exhibition on Monday is outrageous), making issues so much much less dramatic in one of many strongest rivalries in school hoops. Kentucky has the top-ranked freshman class coming in to assist returning star Antonio Reeves. An enormous 12 months forward for Calipari and this crew. Inconsistency is not going to be tolerated. Kentucky is without doubt one of the most intriguing and pressing tales of November.

Louisiana: LSU Tigers

Outlook: The Bayou Bengals aren’t receiving an overload of consideration, and that is truthful. Matt McMahon is diligently making an attempt to construct out a program in his picture in a aggressive SEC. There is a dozen groups within the deep south state of Louisiana, and solely one in all them may theoretically outflank LSU this season. Tulane is usually a top-four crew within the American. Ron Hunter’s doing yeoman’s work at a tricky program. However I like LSU to take a soar and end within the high 80 after touchdown 151st at KenPom a season in the past.  

Outlook: The one D-I program within the easternmost state within the nation. Maine, which alas couldn’t land one of the best basketball participant in its state’s historical past (Cooper Flagg), is nonetheless shifting in the appropriate path as a program after successful 13 video games in Chris Markwood’s first season. It was probably the most victories in a season for the Black Bears since they went 15-15 in 2010-11.

Outlook: The Terps determine to be legit. Kevin Willard has by far one of the best crew in his state (correctly). That is owed largely to Jahmir Younger, Julian Reese and Donta Scott coming again to make sure Maryland has an NCAA Event-level crew for the fifth time in six years. I’ve the Terps ranked twenty third within the sport and would not be stunned if they’ll work into the top-15 dialog within the first month of the season.

Outlook: Nonetheless ready on the Codfish State to up its collective school hoop recreation, as Boston School is barely out forward of Harvard, UMass, Merrimack and the like. Nonetheless, not a projected NCAA Event crew within the bunch. BC is in its third season below Earl Grant and has an opportunity to emerge as a spoiler within the ACC.

Michigan: Michigan State Spartans

Outlook: There’s been a yo-yo in recent times between Michigan and Michigan State. This 12 months, it is not all that shut. Sparty is unequivocally set as much as be the higher crew. Actually, Michigan State is forecasted as a Ultimate 4 contender, whereas Michigan would shock fairly just a few if it made the NCAAs in Juwan Howard’s fifth 12 months. Tom Izzo’s Spartans are led by Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard within the backcourt; MSU could have 4 of its high six gamers within the rotation with 4 years or extra of faculty expertise — the primary time that is ever occurred on an Izzo-coached crew.

Outlook: It is solely been up to now couple of years that Minnesota had in-state competitors, however we’ll possible see the solar envelop the earth earlier than St. Thomas can proclaim bragging rights within the Land of 10,000 Lakes. (Publish-publishing mea culpa, for St. Thomas completed AHEAD of Minny final season at KenPom!) For Ben Johnson’s Golden Gophers, the purpose this season is to get into the NIT and away from the underside of the Huge Ten standings. 

Mississippi: Mississippi State

Outlook: The Bulldogs are coming off an NCAA Event look of their first season below Chris Jans. The crew can be higher within the second half of the season than the primary as a result of delayed look of all-SEC huge Tolu Smith, who’s sidelined for the primary two months of the season with a foot harm. The Bulldogs may show to have an in depth chase with Mississippi, which has expertise and may very well be the hardest goal to pin down within the SEC below new coach Chris Beard. 

Missouri: Missouri Tigers

Outlook: Saint Louis and even Missouri State have taken the Present Me State’s emblem in school hoops a number of instances over the previous eight seasons right here at CBS, however Dennis Gates has issues again to regular for Mizzou. The Tigers made the NCAAs and received a Huge Dance recreation as a 7-seed in Gates’ first season, which was an enormous step of progress. Some questions linger about how good the roster can be this season, however Mizzou is comfortably out in entrance towards all different packages within the state. Gates is a rising star within the occupation. 

Montana: Montana Grizzlies

Outlook: A 12 months in the past, the Bobcats of Bozeman and Montana State earned the emblem — and that was the appropriate name. Montana State completed forward of Montana and made the NCAA Event. That prompted MSU coach Danny Sprinkle to take the Utah State job, that means the Griz have received again Huge Sky territory. Travis DeCuire’s crew was picked second within the preseason Huge Sky coaches ballot; Montana State was seventh. On a private observe as somebody who lives on the East Coast, Montana has fascinated me from afar for a very long time and I hope to go to (and ski there!) sometime. 

Nebraska: Creighton Bluejays

Outlook: Creighton has bested Nebraska virtually each season because it joined the Huge East 10 years in the past. That would be the case once more this season, as Creighton’s beginning 5 figures to be among the many 10 finest within the nation. Nebraska has fairly the watchable scorer in Keisei Tominaga, however the Cornhuskers lack the firepower that Creighton will boast. The Bluejays enter the season No. 7 within the AP ballot, marking the second straight 12 months the crew set a program file with its highest preseason rating. 

Nevada: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

Outlook: We do not have an overload of shut calls within the 50 states this season, however this one is a good race. I’m leaning UNLV, however Nevada is true on it shoulder. Formally, within the Mountain West preseason ballot, Nevada was picked fourth and UNLV sixth. As you recognize, preseason polls are usually not dependable indicators of future outcomes. (Certainly MY picks are!) The Runnin’ Rebels hope Oklahoma switch Jalen Hill turns into one of many 5 finest gamers within the convention. For Nevada, combo guard Jarod Lucas will steer the ship on a possible NCAA tourney crew.

Outlook: The state of New Hampshire infrequently affords up notable nationwide school hoops tales, however the Dartmouth males’s basketball crew did that this offseason when it petitioned to unionize. If profitable, that case may have ripple results in school sports activities within the years to return. From an on-court lens, Dartmouth figures to be higher than UNH as a result of the Huge Inexperienced returns 4 of its high 5 scorers. 

Outlook: A 12 months from now we may very well be speaking about Rutgers having one of many premier freshman lessons within the nation and probably being a preseason high 25 crew. However that may wait. For now, that is nonetheless the strongest crew within the Backyard State. Princeton misplaced too many items from a crew that made a Cinderella run to the Candy 16, and Seton Corridor figures to be within the backside half of the Huge East. A shoutout to Fairleigh Dickinson after it made historical past as properly — agreeing to play fellow Cindy Saint Peter’s is superior — however Rutgers and Cliff Omoruyi ought to emerge as New Jersey’s finest.

Outlook: New Mexico State is present process a program re-wipe after final season’s crew had its season lower brief due to a litany of off-the-court points. That type of motion is extreme and virtually by no means occurs. New Mexico, then again, has a top-three crew within the Mountain West because of the return of Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen Home. These two needs to be First Staff All-MW gamers come March. The Lobos ought to have their finest season in a decade. The followers are been so thirsty for this.

Outlook: What a joyous web site for sore eyes that is for St. John’s followers. This system has had perhaps two seasons up to now dozen years when it may declare high standing. With teaching adjustments at Syracuse and Iona, plus some wait-and-see with St. Bonaventure, Rick Pitino’s new crew in Queens holds the strongest place within the Empire State. The Pink Storm had been picked fifth within the preseason Huge East ballot. If it meets that expectation, it ought to make the NCAA Event for under the third time since 2011.

North Carolina: Duke Blue Devils

Outlook: The Tar Heels of Carolina had this one a 12 months in the past within the preseason, however that proved to be a significant miss. Everybody whiffed on UNC. Duke was one of the best crew within the area a 12 months in the past and has the roster to be tops within the Tarheel State as soon as once more. Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils have 4 gamers within the high 77 of our record of one of the best hoopers within the sport. Issues are about to get actually actual in Durham. UNC figures to be higher than final season, but it surely has a lot to show in Hubert Davis’ third season. That is going to be one to trace from Sport 1. I might go Duke, then UNC, then Wake Forest for top-three in North Carolina in 2023-24.

Outlook: The Bison of North Dakota State and the Combating Hawks of North Dakota are the one D-I packages within the Flickertail State. Each groups are below the Summit League roof. Dave Richman is in his tenth season at NDSU and figures to have a top-three squad (as regular) within the convention. North Dakota is but to complete above. 500 in league play since becoming a member of the Summit in 2018.

Ohio: Dayton Flyers

Outlook: It certain looks like Dayton is about up for its finest season for the reason that great what-could-have-been 2019-20 season with Obi Toppin as nationwide participant of the 12 months. Anthony Grant has a mid-major stud in DaRon Holmes II, plus a enjoyable playmaker Malachi Smith. I like Dayton to narrowly beat out Ohio State, which needs to be good once more after a horrible 2022-23. Elsewhere within the state, Xavier has so much to work by means of, however Akron (MAC) and Wright State (Horizon League) are projected to win their conferences. We’ll set the over/below of NCAA Event bids to groups from Ohio at 3.5.

Outlook: It is unclear if the Pokes could have the facility and pizzazz to emerge as an NCAA Event crew within the Huge 12, however they get the slim edge over Oklahoma. The Sooners even have some issues to determine. For OSU, Bryce Thompson should emerge as an alpha scorer. At Oklahoma, Milos Uzan has a chance to be probably the most beneficial sophomore guards within the sport. This appears like one of many closest races on my record. 

Outlook: This one’s not shut. Oregon ought to have a roster that outflanks Oregon State, to not point out little brothers Portland and Portland State. It could take some time to understand how good the Geese can be. They are not assured to play a projected NCAA Event crew within the nonconference portion of the schedule. Profitable 12 or extra league video games may very well be necessary as a way to get into at-large consideration. 

Pennsylvania: Villanova Wildcats

Outlook: There is a non-zero probability Kyle Neptune’s offseason haul within the switch portal places Villanova again into the top-15 dialog. The Wildcats had been a letdown in Neptune’s first 12 months, so so much is on the road now when it comes to this system’s fame within the post-Jay Wright period. Nova has no shut second within the Quaker State. The No. 2 crew this season, per my high 101 rankings, is Pitt. The No. 3 crew is nearly by no means thought-about this excessive in its personal state: Duquesne needs to be a high quality A-10 outfit. 

Rhode Island: Windfall Friars

Outlook: With URI nonetheless on the lookout for some footing in Archie Miller’s second season, Bryant probably making a training change and Brown trying to be top-four within the Ivy League, it appears apparent that Windfall will but once more be the highest crew within the smallest state. Kim English takes over for Ed Cooley and has a possible All-American wing, Bryce Hopkins. The Friars’ fan base is anticipating PC to be within the bubble-team convo, at minimal, by the tip of February. 

South Carolina: Clemson Tigers

Outlook: Traditionally, Clemson-or-South Carolina is up for annual debate in males’s school basketball. However for the previous few years, the Tigers have owned this a part of the hoop-country map. P.J. Corridor can be top-of-the-line huge males within the ACC and will get Brad Brownell’s Tigers to the Huge Dance for the third time in eight seasons. South Carolina is predicted to be within the backside three of the SEC. Furman (SoCon) may make back-to-back NCAA journeys after a 43-year drought. Charleston may once more be a mid-major menace a 12 months after successful 31 instances a 12 months in the past.

Outlook: Eric Henderson has confirmed to be the appropriate coach for an underrated mid-major job. South Dakota State has completed first or second in his 4 seasons. The Jackrabbits look to be extra well-rounded than their in-state brethren, the Coyotes of South Dakota. Each are within the Summit League, which was received by Oral Roberts final season. 

Tennessee: Tennessee Volunteers

Outlook: Rick Barnes is 175-92 in eight seasons in Knoxville. He is completed fourth or higher 5 instances within the SEC. It should virtually positively be six come mid-March. Tennessee is definitely one of the best crew in its state this season. The Vols have preseason All-SEC honoree Santiago Vescovi and can deliver again Zakai Zeigler to play the purpose — however the crew is way deeper than that. In a crowded SEC, the Volunteers have an opportunity to take the league. No. 2 on this state figures to be Memphis, then Vanderbilt. 

Texas: Baylor Bears

Outlook: Not Houston, not Texas A&M, not Texas. Give me Scott Drew’s Bears to be one of the best crew within the Lonestar State in 2023-24. Baylor introduced in reinforcements, younger and outdated, to present it an opportunity at successful the Huge 12. Freshman Ja’Kobe Walter and senior switch RayJ Dennis may very well be transformative gamers. I am nonetheless excessive on Houston, A&M and Texas, although. I’ve obtained the Aggies larger than anybody: sixth in my high 101 rankings. I put the Cougars top-10 and slotted Texas No. 16 total — and consider all 4 groups have rosters with Ultimate 4 functionality. 

Utah: Utah Utes

Outlook: Craig Smith is in his third season at Utah and has a crew that appears like a enjoyable Pac-12 darkish horse. Heart Branden Carlson goes to be the first issue, although he is obtained a boatload of seniors round him to spice up the Utes’ probabilities. I like Utah to outpace BYU within the Beehive State — and what an superior rivalry these two have. The Cougars at the moment are within the Huge 12 and had been picked thirteenth in that 14-team league. Weber State is the favourite to win the Huge Sky, and Utah State begins anew within the Mountain West with first-year coach Danny Sprinkle.

Outlook: The Catamounts, Vermont’s solely D-I crew, are once more the decide to win the America East. John Becker’s crew is searching for an eighth straight regular-season championship. If it occurs, it is going to be an America East file. Becker has a top-10 successful proportion within the sport up to now 10 years. 

Outlook: Tony Bennett is considered a high five-type coach in school hoops. If he can get Virginia to complete within the high three of the ACC and get the Wahoos into the highest 10 of the AP ballot for a number of weeks this season, Bennett’s fame will solely be bolstered. Whereas not anticipated to be a Ultimate 4 contender, the Cavaliers nonetheless would appear to have the strongest mixture of roster and training within the state of Virginia. The Hokies of Virginia Tech and the Rams of VCU each sit between No. 57-67 in my rankings. Liberty (in Lynchburg, Virginia) strikes as much as CUSA and should properly push to win that league.

Washington: Gonzaga Bulldogs

Outlook: You’ll be able to count on the Washington Huskies to be improved and Seattle U to threaten within the WAC, however nobody is in Gonzaga’s proverbial space code within the Evergreen State. The Bulldogs are ranked fifth in KenPom within the preseason, however the AP ballot has GU at 11 and I’ve obtained it at seventeenth total in my high 101. A significant coup within the backcourt was scoring Ryan Nembhard out of the portal after the purpose guard left Creighton following a candy sophomore season. He’ll must one-up that exhibiting at Creighton as a way to get Gonzaga to a different top-10-ish season. 

Washington, D.C.: Georgetown Hoyas

Outlook: The Hoyas win out within the District as regular, however this may very well be the closest this program ever is to the likes of Howard, American and George Washington. Ed Cooley goes to aim to work some wonders and keep away from ending backside two within the Huge East. Beginning in 2024, the thought is Georgetown is a middle-of-the-pack Huge East program at worst. It is an enormous mission, however Cooley instructed me at Huge East media day he is put all of himself into it and hasn’t had a break day since he obtained to campus.

Outlook: It is an entire new mission and state of affairs in Morgantown after Bob Huggins resigned in June following an arrest on suspicion of DUI. Josh Eilert is the interim head coach for WVU, which has some expertise however quite a lot of obscurity as properly. That stated, WVU continues to be streets forward of Marshall. Guys like Jesse Edwards and Kerr Kriisa (who’s serving a nine-game suspension) ought to shine. No risk of shedding its maintain on its state, even in a season of potential flux. 

Wisconsin: Marquette Golden Eagles

Outlook: The reigning double champs of the Huge East clear the competitors in America’s Dairyland. Shaka Sensible has All-American level guard Tyler Kolek working the present and with most of his teammates again from a 29-win run. MU is the Huge East favourite, whereas Wisconsin additionally returns a majority of its finest gamers and needs to be within the 2024 NCAA tourney after falling brief final season. Fortunately, these two non-con foes proceed to schedule one another each season. They will face off Dec. 2 in Madison.

Outlook: The Cowboys had been one of many letdowns of mid-major basketball final season. In 2021-22, Wyoming went 25-9 and took a uncommon journey to the NCAAs. Final 12 months, Jeff Linder’s crew was hampered and was a brutal 9-22. Anticipate enchancment, however this crew isn’t projected to be within the high half of the Mountain West. Nonetheless, that yellow-on-brown is without doubt one of the stronger colour schemes in school sports activities.