Last November, the 2022–23 collegiate basketball season opened, and there are many reasons to be thrilled. The sport is in great shape, with big-name stars choosing to finish college rather than join the pros.
With Saint Peter’s University surprising the world, Duke and North Carolina facing off in a thrilling Final Four match, and Kansas winning it all, March Madness provided excitement to take throughout the year.
With many NCAA hopefuls not getting in the NBA draft, some elite college players stay in the league, making this event more exciting. As college basketball continues to get on today, here are some reasons why you should follow this event.
High Stakes For Top Seed Race
In college basketball, there isn’t a clear favorite, and the national championship might go to any team. With all of its returning players, North Carolina seems deserving of the top ranking going into the season, but there are also strong arguments for Baylor, Kentucky, Houston, Gonzaga, and other groups who also have high odds on college basketball. This season, several different schools will claim the top spot at various times.
Oscar Tshiebwe For Kentucky Is Back
This year marks the first time a National Player of the Year has returned to their alma mater since Tyler Hasbrough in 2008. With Oscar Tshiebwe running it back with the Wildcats, Kentucky basketball is looking bright again. Given that 6′ 9″ Tshiebwe is returning to Lexington in his senior season, it is a wonderful development for any basketball fan. He had a 17.4-point and 15.1 rebound average per game last season.
Jon Scheyer Will Lead Duke
Since 1980, Duke has had a new team leader for the first time. Not having Mike Krzyzewski on the sidelines to coach the team will be very different. Replacing the legendary “Coach K” is Jon Scheyer. Duke will surely be the center of attention this college basketball season as a new coaching era has come to one of the winningest teams in the NCAA.
The Hoosiers Comeback
With the aim of hanging banners at Assembly Hall, Mike Woodson starts his second season as his alma mater’s head coach. Trayce Jackson-Davis is another outstanding big man who is running it back for his final season. For the first time since 2016, the Hoosiers have all the necessary components to advance to the second week of the college basketball tournament.
Gonzaga Got Drew Timme Back
With the finest mustache in College Basketball, Drew Timme runs it back with Gonzaga. Timme averaged 18.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 59% from the field for his team. Will Gonzaga be back in the Championship game with Drew Timme coming back?
Elite Freshmen For SEC
According to recent NCAA news, around thirteen out of the top thirty-nine first-year students in the ’22 recruiting class standings are from the Southeastern Conference. Arkansas welcomes a good class with Anthony Black, Nick Smith, and Jordan Walsh.
Kentucky has an established core back in Lexington that can be supplemented by Chris Livingston and Cason Wallace. Alabama will have a must-see talent in Brandon Miller, so keep his name in mind. Auburn carries a top-fifteen recruiting class as well. The SEC basketball season will be fantastic, and it will be interesting to watch the freshmen.
New Coach for Villanova in Neptune
When the Hall of Famer Jay Wright revealed in April that he wouldn’t be coaching the Wildcats, it was the most shocking off-season college basketball news. This year, he will still be a commentator, but what will Villanova look like without him on the sidelines? Kyle Neptune, the new coach, must respond to this big question.
Hunter Dickinson Comeback In Ann Arbor
The towering 7′ 1″ player returns for junior season after going undrafted in the NBA. Considering Dickinson has indeed dominated at this level, he’s another big man who will be exciting to watch, just like the other big men we’ve mentioned.
He averaged 8.6 rebounds with 18.6 points per game the previous season. Aside from his stellar play, many people are excited watching Dickinson as he has a large following. With that said, will the nation’s 10th-best recruiting class and Dickinson produce for the Wolverines this season?
Baylor’s Backcourt Is Extremely Solid
LJ Cryer and Adam Flagler are back. Also, Keyonte George, a five-star recruit, will be one of the best freshmen in America as he joins this team. Furthermore, Scott Drew’s outstanding play at the one position makes it possible for Waco to win the national championship for the second time in three years.
Illinois May Win Big Ten Title
The Illinois team under Brad Underwood’s leadership may still be his best despite the absence of Kofi Cockburn. Illinois has significantly more adaptability. For example, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Matthew Mayer were excellent transfers which might bring this team to the spotlight. Moreover, Ty Rodgers and Skyy Clark lead the nation’s seventh-best draft class.
Final Thoughts
As college basketball continues to work out today and runs through March, there are many games to look forward to. While others may look familiar, a lot of surprises happening this season might leave you in awe. NCAA Basketball still has many games to offer, and you should not miss this tournament.
