Welcome to the 2023-24 CBB Review college basketball pre-season roundtable. We’ve assembled a group of a dozen writers for their thoughts on the season ahead.
On the forum, we have Dan Siegel (DS), James Stowell (JS), Drew VonScio (DV), Ariel Puterman (AP), Kyle Nachsheim (KN), Mat Mlodzinski (MM), Pat Scanlon (PS), Andrew Watson (AW), Tyus Sansbury (TS), Sam Bass (SB), Jason Draven (JD), and George Bagwell (GB). Questions have been curated by George Bagwell.
First question: what is the most underrated team in the Power Five coming into the season?
DS: I think people are not acknowledging UCF’s upside enough. So many reasons it could come crashing down on their face, but the amount of talent that roster has should draw more attention.
JS: I believe the most underrated team in the Power 5 is Seton Hall, one of the teams that others, myself included, argued that should’ve been a part of the tournament as opposed to teams with a worse record such as Texas Tech and Nebraska.
DV: I think the most underrated Power 5 team coming into this season is Indiana. The Hoosiers have one of the best transfer groups in college basketball headlined by Myles Rice and Oumar Ballo. The team might look like the Island of Misfit Toys right now, but Mike Woodson has a roster that can compete even in the expanded Big Ten.
AP: This Oregon team is really growing on me. Jackson Shelstad is obviously incredible, and I love the addition of TJ Bamba. People forget they have Mookie Cook as well, a former top 5 recruit. With the Big Ten being so even this year, don’t be surprised if Oregon is top two at season’s end.
KN: Butler returns their top two starters from a team that lost seven conference games, including a four point defeat to Xavier in the Big East Conference Tournament, by 10 points or less. A couple possessions go differently and Thad Matta could have been leading his team to the NCAA Tournament. Pierre Brooks (14.8 PPG) and Jahmyl Telfort (13.9 PPG) will look to lead the Bulldogs, ranked #99 by CBB Review, with a young roster and several transfers looking to prove themselves.
MM: I’m all in on Oregon this season. Dana Altman continues to recruit talent to Eugene, and this year, his depth is incredible. Eight players who averaged at least 7 PPG at the Power 5 level last season plus former Toledo star Ra’Heim Moss. With Jackson Shelstad leading the show, the Ducks could be a dark horse to win the Big Ten.
PS: Sean Miller’s Xavier squad dealt with heavy injuries last year off of their Sweet 16 run in 2023. Quincy Olivari and company made things semi-interesting for the X-Men last year, but faltered with tough losses through the season. Now, with Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter set to return from injury, alongside Dayvion McKnight and a bevy of high-scoring mid-major transfers, look for the Musketeers to be dancing their way back into March Madness and a top-five seed in the Big East.
AW: The most underrated team is Clemson. After a historic run to the Elite 8 last year, the Tigers return Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin who played a key role. They also picked up strong newcomers. I think Brad Brownell and Clemson have every opportunity to make some noise.
TS: Rutgers may be the most underrated team. The team has eight freshmen, so they’re essentially fresh meat. Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper are two great players with first-round potential. Dylan Harper is a five-star recruit and Rutgers highest ranked recruit ever. His running partner, Ace Bailey, is a consensus five-star prospect, and was the highest-ranked player out of Georgia. Rutgers had the second-ranked recruiting class. This young team can make some noise.
SB: It’s got to be Maryland for me. Kevin Willard is a fantastic coach, but the Terps only lost three guys from last year’s team. They also bring in the 12th-rated recruit, as well as some quality transfers who Willard can plug into the starting lineup right away. We have them just inside the top 50, but I can see them cracking the top 25 and staying there.
JD: UCF – I agree with Dan this team retained its starting guards. Darius Johnson and Sellers, both players, averaged 15+ points per game. This team added one of the top freshmen from last year who was dealing with legal issues in Mikey Williams. This team also added one of the best shooters in Jordan Ivy-Curry, who has been on struggling teams with little playing time, providing an offensive spark. Keyshawn Hall is similar, coming from Georgetown and being one of the team’s top scorers. The team also potentially has a solid asset from the JUCO circuit in Dior Johnson. He averaged 29.7 points per game, 5.4 assists per game, and 5.9 rebounds per game. Johnny Dawkins is the big man Whisper and added some height that could cause issues in the post.
GB: I’ve got to go with Georgia. I’m a big believer in Mike White, just as I am with sophomore guard Silas Demary Jr. and freshman forward Asa Newell. Newell is good enough to be the best player on a good team, and he will see his name on an All-SEC team by the end of the season.
On the flip side, what team is currently overrated by the media?
DS: I’m not sure I quite understand the UCLA hype. Will their offense improve so much that they are now a top 25 team?
JS: Rutgers to me is the most overrated team right now. The AP Top 25 Ranking has them making it in at 25. They previously went 15-17 overall and 7-13 in conference play and it seems the media believes their two freshman stars in Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper will bring them success. They had a top 40 defense last year, but their offense still needs to prove they can win games before they can be in the top 25.
DV: I don’t know why Duke is going into the season ranked as a Top 10 team. We’ve yet to see this group operate without Kyle Filipowski, and Tyrese Proctor can only do so much.
AP: Doubting Brian Dutcher is a really bad idea, but this roster is really underwhelming for SDSU. They don’t have an elite scorer, and the depth is really lackluster. The defense will of course be good, but it’s hard to buy into this lineup on paper.
KN: Arkansas, with a new coach and a brand-new roster, is being viewed as the best team in the conference. John Calipari hasn’t led a team to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 2019, even with NBA-level talent.
MM: Life without Zach Edey is going to hit Purdue HARD. I get Braden Smith is one of the top guards in the Big Ten but I’m not sure who will be scoring the basketball for the Boilermakers this season. I see them being a bubble team, not a borderline top 10 team.
PS: Ole Miss is a preseason Top 25 team going into 2024-25. But why? They messed around in the bubble last season, but lost six of their last seven. So what’s changing? Solid role pieces in Seton Hall’s Dre Davis and Virginia Tech’s Sean Pedulla join the squad, alongside some high-scoring mid-major talent from UNC-Greensboro and Belmont. But the team will ride or die with Super Senior Matthew Murrell, who scored 16 points a game this year. Chris Beard’s team is getting some preseason love, but they’ve got to earn it.
AW: I think Tennessee is the most overrated. Yes, they return Zakai Ziegler and some key role players, but the loss of Dalton Knecht will force Rick Barnes to find another closer. The preseason AP Top-25 has the Volunteers ranked 12th and will have early opportunities to prove they can live up to the hype this season.
TS: Most overrated team is UConn. Number 3 ranking after losing Donavon Clingan and Stephan Castle. Players that had an immense impact on the success of those national championship teams. Uconn has six returning players, but how will each player handle bigger roles? Being ranked third in the country is respectful after winning a championship, but it’s not just realistic for this ball club. Dan Hurley is arguably the best coach in college basketball but good coaching will not save them.
SB: I’m a bit concerned with Creighton. Losing two of their top three scorers can take a real dent, and more importantly, everyone will be especially keyed in on Ryan Kalkbrenner. His numbers could take a hit with some doubles, and I still expect him to be excellent, but is it ‘carry a team by himself’ good?
JD: After being streaky last year, North Carolina lost Harrison Ingram, Cormac Ryan, and Armando Bacot. They brought in some talent, but seeing how these transfers and freshmen work together will be interesting. This team was able to pull off a regular-season conference championship with these returning players. It may be a stretch to see how it changes and the other teams that have added talent to be ranked in the top 25 this year.
GB: Y’all, Mississippi’s defense might be historically bad. I said this in the SEC preview, but imagine Alabama but the offense is just average and the defense is a slice of swiss cheese. That’s Mississippi. They had real issues with defense last year and then proceeded to not address it at all in the offseason. This isn’t a team that can survive the SEC gauntlet.
Going to the individual level, what player is going to have a breakout year this season?
DS: I like Tru Washington for New Mexico. Went on a heater in the non-con in his freshman season, then sat behind some stars. Now he has the opportunity to be the second option behind Donovan Dent.
JS: Aidan Mahaney to me is a breakout player candidate. One of the best players on St. Mary’s roster the last two seasons and he joins a backcourt looking for more experienced players in Storrs.
DV: It might be a biased response, but I’ve got to go with Jaland Lowe. He’ll run the Panthers offense with Bub Carrington out of the picture. Even last season, we saw his ability to distribute the ball. That will get even better this year along with his scoring ability.
AP: Egor Demin. Even though he’s a projected lottery pick, many people don’t know the name, but they’ll know soon enough. He’s a 6-9 point guard who can pass and rebound at a high rate. BYU has a lot of guys who will compliment Demin’s skills well, so don’t be surprised if he’s one of the best players in the country next year, pending eligibility.
KN: After covering this player a few times last season, I firmly believe that Hunter Sallis of Wake Forest will improve on his 18 PPG and 2.5 APG from last season. Steve Forbes has just scratched the surface on bringing out the best of Hunter’s skillset.
MM: I think year two of Elliott Cadeau could be special. He was solid as a freshman, but another year beside RJ Davis and the offseason between his freshman and sophomore seasons could be pivotal in his growth as a player.
PS: St. John’s has been waiting for a player like Kadary Richmond to come to Queens under Rick Pitino (sorry Joel Soriano). And for a player to transfer from Seton Hall of all places? Richmond is either out of his mind, or committed to work under one of the all-time great coaches. After averaging 15 points and five assists last season while leading the Pirates to an NIT Championship, Richmond is looking for more across the Hudson River. The Johnnies will go as far as he takes them (to a first round bye in the Big East Tournament).
AW: Skyy Clark is onto his third school in as many years. Last season he averaged 13.2 points for a Louisville team that only won eight games. Now Clark is back in his hometown of Los Angeles with UCLA. The Bruins are ranked 22nd in the preseason AP poll and Clark will play a large role if the team finds success.
TS: UNC Freshman Ian Jackson is poised for a big year. Jackson is good at finishing in transition. He has no problem getting downhill and attacking the basket using his athleticism. Jackson is a willing shooter and has good instinct on the floor.
SB: Staying in my line of expertise, I would anticipate Isaac McKneely exploding this year. Now a junior, he has been given the keys to the offense. And although Virginia isn’t known for offensive explosions, maybe a new face at the head of the ship can switch that up a little for IMac.
JD: Chris Youngblood joined the Alabama Crimson Tide and will see more of the spotlight in a more prominent conference. He was the leading scorer for his team last year at USF and is now surrounded by more talent. A coaching change and new scenery allow him to shine.
GB: Arden Conyers from South Carolina. Sure, that’s a homer pick, but he’s going to be very good after a redshirt year last season. If I can’t pick a South Carolina player, (I don’t know why I ask that, I’m the one that came up with the question) I’ll go with Tyrell Ward on LSU. He finished the 2023-24 season on a tear, and he’s only going to get better as a junior for a sneaky good Tigers squad.
What’s the best team nickname out of the 364 D-1 basketball programs?
DS: Three things that make a good nickname: uniqueness, relevance to the school/area, flows off the tongue well. Nothing beats the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns to me.
JS: The Akron Zips have the best name. Ironically, it was a student-voted name, their mascot is a kangaroo.
DV: The best nickname is the Campbell Fighting Camels. It’s one of the more goofy nicknames, and the campus has fully bought into it.
AP: I’ll agree with Dan on this one. Also love the Roos.
KN: I have only one answer for this question. Otherwise, my bachelor’s degree might be repossessed. The Chanticleers out of Coastal Carolina is, in my opinion, the best nickname. Removing my alma mater bias, I would have to choose the Sycamores from Indiana State.
MM: Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles. They turned a boring name into a fun, unique one. The PA announcer also has the chance to really get on opposing teams’ nerves.
PS: The best team nickname lies in the desert. The Arizona State Sun Devils. When you can stray from the norm of mascots, have some local flair, and strike some fear in the opponent, you’re doing things right. Sporks up in Tempe (even if the mascot is the only thing going for them right now).
AW: In reference to Orville and Wilbur Wright, the creators of the Wright Flyer, the Dayton Flyers have the best nickname in college basketball.
TS: South Carolina Gamecocks takes the crown. The originality scores points with me. It’s easy to remember which makes it catchy.
SB: I have to give it to the Governors at Austin Peay. Just seems like the least intimidating nickname to give an athletics department, and you won’t find it anywhere else.
JD: The most fantastic logo and the best name remains the UAB Blazers.
GB: Y’all, I’m going to go with the Stetson Hatters. I know the lore behind it, (John B. Stetson invented the Stetson hat) but it’s just such an obscure profession to choose. I love it.
UConn or the field, who takes the crown in April?
DS: As a stats guy, I gotta go with the field, right? I feel like I have just made a mistake.
JS: I have UConn going for three. Most of last year’s roster is back for more and Hurley is chasing history.
DV: I give all the credit in the world to Dan Hurley and UConn, but I just can’t see a three-peat. It’s just way too difficult to do.
AP: I’ll take the field. This lineup is significantly less talented than the previous 2, and while they should still be a contender, I believe that there are a lot more teams capable of cutting down the nets.
KN: As much as I want to take UConn, no team outside of the UCLA teams of the 1970s has won more than two in a row. Duke lost in the 1993 second round and Florida failed to make the 2008 tournament. If any team can buck that trend, it’s UConn, but I’m taking the field.
MM: UConn. (Can’t give Dan Hurley any more bulletin board material.)
PS: No team has won three straight championships since UCLA won seven straight from 1967 to 1973. None in the 64+ team playoff era. It’s impossible to do. With UConn not returning Castle, Newton, or Clingan, the transfers can’t bring in what the Huskies are losing out on. Dan Hurley will have the Huskies primed to contend, but they won’t be able to do enough for the threepeat.
AW: UConn will be close to getting the ever-elusive three-peat. But I think the run stops this year, give me the field.
TS: The field takes the crown. Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan aren’t walking through that door again. UConn’s chances of a three-peat are out the door.
SB: Give it to the field. Hurley and UConn are the favorites obviously but I’ll play it smart and trust the odds.
JD: The field – the chance for UConn to make history- will put an even bigger target on their back as they try for college basketball history.
GB: Give me the field. UConn has to beat six teams in succession, while the other 363 teams just need to beat one- the Huskies. I like my odds.
Who is one college basketball player you will defend to the death?
DS: Kihei Clark. Sometimes, your legacy is more important than how good you actually were. I don’t care about the Furman game, or his physical limitations over the years, Kihei made the most important play in UVA basketball history, and the National Championship doesn’t happen without him.
JS: Layden Blocker. One of the best transfers from this year and possibly the best one out of DePaul’s class. Arkansas is going to regret letting him leave.
DV: J.J. Starling because he always finds a way to show up on the court and make a difference. He’s playing for his hometown team, and he’s a great person to just be around.
AP: Jamal Shead was my guy, but that he’s gone, Elmarko Jackson becomes that guy for me. Get ready for the breakout next season.
KN: Even as a Duke fan growing up, I definitely appreciated Eric Montross and his style of play. He helped keep the Tar Heels in the national spotlight in Dean Smith’s final seasons.
MM: Kadary Richmond. One of the most unique skill sets in the country. And on a personal note, I understand the move to St. John’s. Boos may come when the Red Storm visits Seton Hall, but you gotta do what’s best for yourself.
PS: Poor shots in big moments and all, Johnell Davis is a star. From Conference USA 6th Man of the Year on Florida Atlantic’s Final Four team, to AAC Co-Player of the Year last year, the Owls would not have made it to those big moments without Davis. Arkansas will have a true go-to scorer in Calipari’s inaugural season with the Razorbacks, in the guard who averaged 18 points per game and shot 41% from deep last season.
AW: Ty Jerome. A fan favorite and he played a huge role in bringing the national championship trophy to Charlottesville. Some say he double-dribbled but in response, I’d call him a national champion.
TS: Caleb Love. He led Arizona to the Sweet 16. Fresh start helped him grow as a player last year. Shot selection can be iffy at times. Also can’t say he’s a pro player. Love is a “vibey” player. If that shot on it’s a fun watch.
SB: Mike Tobey. An early Tony Bennett center, he was told to play with “reckless abandon” on his senior day and racked up 20 boards.
JD: Lamont Butler is one of the few remaining players that you don’t want to be defending you. He has one of the best defensive resumes, which is part of why SDSU has succeeded. Now, he gets to bring that to the larger viewing audience without it being in the NCAA Tournament. He was a 3-time All-Defensive team in the MWC and was the MWC Defensive Player of the Year last year. Now, he is trying to boost his NBA profile and will try to show off on a new team.
GB: All-time, I’ll go with Sean East II. He’s in the G-League now, but he was my favorite college player for a couple years in a row and I loved his free-throw routine, especially as a lefty.
Wrapping it up, call your shot and let us know who the Wooden Award winner will be.
DS: I feel like the safest bet is to go with a big but Hunter Dickinson is the only thought that comes to mind…I don’t see it. By process of elimination, I’ll roll with Mark Sears.
JS: I have RJ Davis winning the award this year. He’s improved in points, 3-point percentage, steals, among other stats every season in Chapel Hill.
DV: I’ve got to go with Caleb Love. He’s shown his ability to dominate in the ACC, the Pac-12, and now gets a chance to do it in the Big 12. Tommy Lloyd has gotten another level out of Love, and he’s one of the best scorers in college basketball. He could easily average 20-22 points per game this season.
AP: Mark Sears is the best player in the country. He won’t win it easily, but when Alabama is a one-seed, they’ll hand him the award.
KN: Mark Sears had a breakout year last season that, under normal circumstances, would have given him the Wooden Award last season. Now that Zack Edey is in the NBA, the fifth-year guard has a great path to that award. He should expect challenges from Hunter Dickinson and RJ Davis.
MM: Ryan Kalkbrenner. Big East bias? Nope, just basketball knowledge.
PS: It’s probably going to be Kansas big man Hunter Dickinson if he stays healthy, but let’s have some fun here: Ryan Kalkbrenner of the Creighton Bluejays. Three straight Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and potential to be the first fourth straight winner of the award since Patrick Ewing in the early ‘80s. A chance to join some elite company somewhere in Middle America. The big man won’t have the players around him like last year’s Sweet 16 team (Baylor Schierman and Trey Alexander are league bound), so less perimeter weapons could lead to more of a focus on Kalkbrenner than the share in year’s past.
AW: I’ve got RJ Davis winning the Wooden Award this year. Davis averaged 21 points for the Tar Heels last season. He’s back for his fifth season in Chapel Hill and is primed to lead UNC once again.
TS: My Wooden Award winner is Cooper Flagg. Flagg has league talent and more than likely will be a top-3 draft pick in 2025. He will make an immediate impact to Duke.
SB: Hard to not say Hunter Dickinson. He’s been in college basketball seemingly forever and is on a juggernaut of a team as well. It’s his award to lose, as long as he’s healthy.
JD: LJ Cryer – Houston’s Coach Kelvin Sampson boosts players and improves them. During his second year in the system, he will have to step up and lead this team without Jamal Shead. If this team wants to win, it will be through Cryer.
GB: Wade Taylor IV. Love a good floor general.