As the 2024-25 NCAA men’s basketball season approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be an electrifying campaign filled with intriguing storylines and captivating matchups. ESPN’s esteemed panel of analysts, including Myron Medcalf, Jeff Borzello, Joe Lunardi, and Neil Paine, have weighed in with their preseason predictions, shedding light on the teams and players poised to leave an indelible mark on the hardwood.
The Cooper Flagg Era Begins at Duke
All eyes will be on Durham, North Carolina, as the Duke Blue Devils welcome Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-9 phenom widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Flagg’s arrival has generated a level of buzz not seen since Zion Williamson’s lone season with the Blue Devils in 2018-19. With celebrities likely to flock to Cameron Indoor Stadium to witness Flagg’s prowess firsthand, Duke is poised to be the epicenter of the college basketball universe.
UConn’s Quest for a Three-Peat
Fresh off back-to-back national championships, the UConn Huskies enter the 2024-25 season with their sights set on a historic three-peat. Coach Dan Hurley’s squad will have to navigate the challenges of roster turnover, but with the return of key contributor Alex Karaban, the Huskies have the talent and pedigree to make another deep tournament run.
Calipari Starts Fresh at Arkansas
In a stunning offseason move, John Calipari traded his Kentucky blue for Arkansas red, taking the reins of the Razorbacks program. With a top-10 recruiting class headlined by point guard Boogie Fland and a bevy of talented transfers, Calipari aims to prove he can win without the Big Blue Nation behind him. The SEC will be a gauntlet, but Arkansas has the potential to make noise in March.
We’re fascinated to see what Arkansas does in John Calipari’s first season. In true Coach Cal fashion, the Razorbacks had a top-10 recruiting class, headlined by dynamic PG Boogie Fland.
– Neil Paine, ESPN Analyst
Sleepers and Cinderellas
While bluebloods like Kansas, Duke, and UConn garner much of the preseason attention, several lesser-known programs are poised to make their mark. Keep an eye on these potential sleepers and Cinderellas:
- Dayton Flyers: With a loyal fanbase and a Final Four-caliber roster, the Flyers could be a March darling.
- Grambling Tigers: After earning their first NCAA tournament win last season, the Tigers are hungry for more.
- Saint Mary’s Gaels: Consistently overshadowed by Gonzaga in the WCC, the Gaels are poised to make a deep run.
Bold Predictions and Picks
ESPN’s panel of experts didn’t shy away from making bold predictions and picks for the 2024-25 season. Here’s a snapshot of their projections:
| Category | Consensus Pick |
| National Champion | Kansas Jayhawks |
| Player of the Year | RJ Davis, North Carolina |
| Newcomer of the Year | Cooper Flagg, Duke |
| Coach of the Year | No consensus |
A Season to Remember
As the 2024-25 NCAA men’s basketball season tips off, fans across the nation are eagerly awaiting the drama, the upsets, and the unforgettable moments that define college hoops. With star-studded freshmen, high-profile coaching changes, and the potential for historic achievements, this campaign has all the ingredients to be one for the ages. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride on the road to the Final Four in San Antonio.
