SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 22: Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers reacts after drawing a foul during the second half against the Yale Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 22, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
These are the best 8 teams in College Basketball right now:
1. Auburn Tigers
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 25: The Auburn Tigers logo show on a pair of shorts during a Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Iowa State Cyclones at The Lahaina Civic Center on November 25, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Bruce Pearl’s squad played the 2nd toughest Strength of Schedule and won the SEC outright.
2. Duke Blue Devils
DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 18: A detail view of Nike basketballs prior to the game between the Elon Phoenix and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
Historic regular season for the Blue Devils who ran through the ACC with ease. Sion James impact cannot be underestimated and the experienced depth that was added to a generational recruiting class has Duke staring at a title or bust situation.
3. Houston Cougars
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 18: A detailed view of the “Jumpman” logo on a Houston Cougars jersey against the UAB Blazers during the first half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
It feels like the Cougars haven’t gotten any love nationally with Auburn/SEC and Duke stealing all the headlines. This might be Coach Sampson’s best team which is saying something. They are shooting nearly 40% from three on the year to go with a Top 3 defense.
4. Florida Gators
CHARLESTON, SC – NOVEMBER 22: The Florida Gators logo on a pair of shorts during a second round Charleston Classic basketball game against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes at the TD Arena on November 22, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Gators have been tremendous all year and will be a popular pick to make it to San Antonio. They have a dynamic backcourt led by Walter Clayton and a loaded frontcourt that includes Alex Condon who has taken his game to another level late in the year.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 06: The Alabama Crimson Tide logo shown on a chair of shorts during the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Tide play at the highest tempo in the country and feature one of the best guards in the country in Mark Sears. They are one of the most experienced teams in the country and have tremendous depth. The big question is can they get enough stops?
6. St. John’s Red Storm
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 7: The St. John’s Red Storm uniform logo at Carnesecca Arena on November 7, 2022 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
The Red Storm are one of the best stories in college hoops. Does their sub 30% three-point shooting a red flag? Sure, but they play tough defense, own the glass, have supreme individual talent, and a coach in Rick Pitino who knows how to push the right buttons.
7. Tennessee Volunteers
CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: A detailed view of the “T” logo of the Tennessee Volunteers as they line up for the National Anthem before playing the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 29, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 100-92. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
Is anyone surprised that the Vols finished the regular season as the #1 defense in the country? Probably not, but what we didn’t know was good transfers Chaz Lanier and Igor Milicic would be coming in from the Mid-Major ranks to go with star guard Zakai Zeigler.
8. Michigan State Spartans
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – JANUARY 21: A view of the Michigan State Spartans logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 21, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The Spartans finished strong winning seven in a row to claim the outright Big Ten regular season championship. Coach Izzo has arguably done some of his best work with a roster that most believe lacked top end upside. The Spartans play tough defense and have great chemistry.
