Skip to main content

College Basketball 2024: Top Storylines, Surprises, and Teams to Watch This Season

 College Basketball Shines During College Football Season: The Biggest Highlights You’ve Missed

As college football wraps up and the final whistle blows, it’s time to turn our attention to the hardwood. With the madness of March inching closer, the 2023-24 NCAA men’s basketball season is heating up like never before. Here’s a quick dive into the top storylines that you might have missed while cheering for your favorite football teams.



The End of an Era for College Football and the Beginning of Basketball Fever

On Monday night, Ohio State claimed the 2024 College Football Playoff trophy in a confetti-filled celebration at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the college football season officially in the rearview mirror, it’s basketball’s time to shine.

The first half of the college basketball season has been nothing short of thrilling. From nail-biting finishes to the emergence of freshman sensations, here are the highlights you need to know as we inch closer to Selection Sunday, now just eight weeks away.

Which Team Rules the Court? Auburn Takes the Spotlight

If there’s one team that’s making headlines, it’s Auburn. With an impressive record of 17-1, the Tigers have cemented their position as the No. 1 team in Division I basketball. But numbers alone don’t do justice to their dominance. Auburn emerged victorious at the ultra-competitive Maui Invitational and boasts a 10-1 record against Quad 1 opponents — no other team has more than seven wins in this category. Their only loss came in a closely contested game against Duke.

Despite injuries to key players like center Johni Broome, the Tigers have maintained a remarkable 10-game winning streak. At this rate, Auburn is a strong contender for the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament.

SEC: Where Basketball Also Means Business

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) isn’t just a football powerhouse — it’s dominating basketball too. Before conference play began, SEC teams had a combined record of 185-23. As the season progresses, the SEC continues to shine with 13 teams in the top 50 of the NET rankings and five in the top 10 of the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll.

The level of competition is so high that even teams with losing SEC records are likely to make the tournament. Could the SEC send a record number of teams to March Madness? Only time will tell.

The Cooper Flagg Phenomenon: A Freshman to Watch

Meet Cooper Flagg, the 6’9” sensation from Maine. Dubbed the most hyped freshman since Zion Williamson, Flagg is already proving his worth at Duke. Averaging 23.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over his last eight games, he’s become the heart and soul of the Blue Devils.

Flagg’s standout performance came against Notre Dame, where he scored an ACC-freshman-record 42 points. Add to that his jaw-dropping dunk over a seven-footer from Pitt, and you’ve got a viral moment that has fans buzzing. If his form continues, Flagg could lead Duke to a national title before heading to the NBA.



Can UConn Secure a Historic Three-Peat?

The Huskies have been the team to beat in recent years, claiming back-to-back national titles with ease. However, this season has been a mixed bag for Dan Hurley’s squad, with a 13-5 record and losses in two of their last three games.

While they’ve lost key players to the NBA, rising stars like Alex Karaban and freshman Liam McNeeley keep the hope alive. UConn’s current struggles may remind fans of their 2021-22 season, where they surged late to claim the championship. Can they repeat history? Stay tuned.

Big 12 Brings the Drama

The Big 12 continues to be a hotbed of basketball excitement. Iowa State has emerged as a dominant force, recently routing Kansas by 17 points. Meanwhile, Arizona, a new addition to the conference, has been on fire over the past month, despite early struggles.

With perennial powerhouses like Houston and Kansas keeping the competition intense, the Big 12 is once again a league to watch. Whether it’s late-night thrillers or buzzer-beaters, this conference never disappoints.

How Are Teams Faring in New Conferences?

Conference reshuffling has brought challenges for many teams. Among the Power Four newcomers, only Oregon and Arizona have managed to thrive. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses like UCLA and Texas are finding life tougher in their new leagues. While it’s been a rocky road for many, there’s still plenty of time for these teams to make a statement.

Veteran Coaches Steal the Show

It’s been a banner year for seasoned coaches like Tom Izzo, Rick Pitino, and Dana Altman. Izzo has Michigan State off to a stellar 16-2 start, while Pitino has revitalized St. John’s with a 16-3 record. Altman’s Oregon team has been equally impressive, with seven Quad 1 wins and an undefeated non-conference record.

These coaching legends prove that experience matters, especially as March approaches.

Biggest Disappointments of the Season

Not every team has lived up to the hype. Arkansas, under John Calipari, has been a major letdown, starting 0-5 in SEC play. Likewise, North Carolina’s struggles against quality opponents (1-6 in Quad 1 games) have left fans disappointed. Other underperforming teams include Gonzaga, Baylor, and Indiana, whose high hopes have yet to translate into consistent success.

Why This Season Matters to Indian Basketball Fans

For Indian fans who’ve recently embraced basketball, this season offers a great entry point. From underdog stories to jaw-dropping plays, college basketball has something for everyone. With rising stars like Cooper Flagg and intense rivalries, it’s the perfect time to dive into the action.

So grab your popcorn, pick your favorite team, and get ready for a season full of surprises, thrills, and unforgettable moments!

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Popular

One Dead and Over a Million Without Power as Storm Éowyn Batters the UK

  One Dead and Over a Million Without Power as Storm Éowyn Batters the UK The UK has been left reeling after the devastating impact of Storm Éowyn, which has claimed one life and left more than a million homes and businesses without power. As communities brace themselves for more turbulent weather, the question on everyone’s lips is: how much worse can it get? A Storm to Remember Storm Éowyn, named after the legendary warrior from Tolkien’s Middle-earth, has certainly lived up to its fierce reputation. Packing winds of up to 90mph, the storm made landfall on the UK’s western coasts late Tuesday night. Torrential rain, widespread flooding, and fallen trees have brought travel chaos, with major roads blocked and trains grinding to a halt. In the picturesque Cornish town of St Ives, winds tore the roof off a historic inn, sending debris flying through narrow cobbled streets. Meanwhile, residents in the Lake District reported rivers bursting their banks, transforming idyllic valleys in...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top 25 NFL Free Agents to Watch in 2025 Free Agency

  Get Ready for the 2025 NFL Season: Top 25 Free Agents You Can’t Ignore! The NFL excitement never stops! As we inch closer to Super Bowl 59, 28 teams are already gearing up for the 2025 season. Yes, the Super Bowl is the ultimate showdown, but fans know there’s another thrilling phase just around the corner: NFL Free Agency ! Mark your calendars! The NFL’s legal tampering period begins on March 10 , with the new league year kicking off at 4 p.m. ET on March 12 . This is the time when teams reshuffle their rosters, snagging big-name free agents who could make or break their championship dreams next year. If you’re a football enthusiast in India who loves keeping up with the latest NFL buzz, this guide is perfect for you. Let’s explore the top 25 free agents for the 2025 season and see how they could impact the league. Top 25 NFL Free Agents for the 2025 Season 1. Tee Higgins (WR, Bengals) Higgins is a star in the making! At just 26, he’s entering his prime as an exceptional X recei...
Post a Comment
Read more

Éowyn: The Strongest Storm in 10 Years, Says Met Office

  Éowyn: The Strongest Storm in 10 Years, Says Met Office Introduction: Brace yourselves, UK! The Met Office has just issued a chilling warning: Storm Éowyn, the strongest storm to hit in the last decade, is heading our way. Whether you’re ready or not, this storm promises to shake up the weather in ways we haven’t seen for years. So, what can we expect from this ferocious weather system, and how can we stay safe while it rages on? Read on to find out! What Is Storm Éowyn? Storm Éowyn is set to be a beast, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain, and possible disruption across many parts of the UK. Named by the Met Office, Éowyn follows the tradition of naming significant storms to help raise awareness. This storm is being closely watched, as it’s expected to bring the fiercest gusts and worst conditions the country has seen in a decade. Where Will Storm Éowyn Hit the Hardest? The storm’s path will take it across the UK, with coastal areas and the northwest seeing the heaviest impacts...
Post a Comment
Read more

Washington Women’s Basketball Team Suffers Most Lopsided Loss of the Season to Iowa

  Washington Women’s Basketball Team Suffers Most Lopsided Loss of the Season to Iowa In an unexpected and heartbreaking turn of events, the Washington women’s basketball team faced their most challenging night of the season, suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Iowa. The game, held in front of a roaring crowd in Iowa City, ended with a final score that left fans stunned and questioning what went wrong. A Night to Forget for Washington Fans From the opening whistle, it was clear that Iowa was on a mission. Fueled by star player Caitlin Clark’s dazzling performance, the Hawkeyes came out of the gate with unmatched intensity. Clark, who is no stranger to delivering jaw-dropping performances, led her team with an impressive double-double, scoring 27 points and dishing out 12 assists. The Washington defense struggled to contain her, and their efforts to mount a comeback fell flat under Iowa’s relentless offensive pressure. Washington, on the other hand, struggled to find their...
Post a Comment
Read more

College Football Season Report Card: Grades for All 134 Teams – Who Scored an A?

  College Football Grades: A Season of Surprises and Disappointments The year has wrapped up, and the scoreboard is now silent. All assignments are done and dusted—whether aced or barely scraped through. And no, there’s no scope for extra credit, folks! As the confetti settles from Ohio State’s national championship win, it’s time to dish out report cards for every Bowl Subdivision team. This annual grading tradition evaluates overall performance against preseason expectations, with extra weight given to performances in marquee matchups, rivalry games, and high-pressure scenarios. Now, a word of caution: these grades are not just about the win-loss record but also about how teams met (or missed) expectations. That’s why the grading curve may surprise you—think Marshall versus Mississippi. Intrigued? Read on! Marshall vs. Mississippi: Same Record, Different Stories While both Marshall and Mississippi ended their seasons with a 10-3 record, their grades are worlds apart. Marshall tak...
Post a Comment
Read more