.Andy Katz has revealed his top 10 Ultimate 4 dark horses for the 2024-25 guys’s university basketball period. Below’s a breakdown of the groups that can make unusual runs in March Madness. These staffs were positioned outside Katz’s leading 10 from his preseason Power 37.1.
Indiana.Indiana goes into the season along with high expectations after a transformative offseason under coach Mike Woodson. The Hoosiers reloaded along with elite skill, including Arizona transactions Oumar Ballo and standout guards Myles Rice (Washington State) and Kanaan Carlyle (Stanford). Coming back players Malik Reneau, Mackenzie Mgbako and Trey Galloway offer Indiana one of the Big Ten’s very most flexible lineups.
After finishing 19-14 last time and missing the NCAA tournament, the Hoosiers are actually positioned for a turnaround.2. Arkansas.The Razorbacks are set to rebound after a difficult 2023-24 time where Arkansas finished 16-17 total and also battled in SEC play (6-12). Along with John Calipari now leading the program, Arkansas has actually retooled its own roster and might become a Final 4 danger along with the add-on of moves like Johnell Davis (Fla Atlantic) and Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee), among others.” A group that participates in really fast, it discusses the round, as well as is actually rough.” John Calipari provide @TheAndyKatz what he anticipates the identification of his Arkansas squad to become heading in to the 2024-25 time pic.twitter.com/pFIzFcU0Zy.– NCAA March Insanity (@MarchMadnessMBB) Oct 15, 2024.3.
Kentucky.Kentucky enters the time under brand new instructor Mark Pope, a previous Wildcat gamer (1994-96) who simply final time coached BYU to a 23-win time. Along with a primarily reconstructed lineup, Kentucky’s projected beginning five components Lamont House boy (San Diego State move) along with markers like Koby Brea (Dayton transactions) as well as Jaxson Robinson (BYU transactions), while big males Andrew Carr (Wake Rainforest) and Amari Williams (Drexel) anchor.ADDITIONAL RANKS: Katz’s preseason Power 37 choices for 2024-25.4. Rutgers.Rutgers basketball heads in to the project along with higher expectations as well as a piled roster including McDonald’s All-Americans Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey.
Under head coach Steve Pikiell, the Scarlet Knights will certainly browse an extended Major Ten, hosting brand new association opponents like UCLA as well as USC. Rutgers ended up 15-17 last season yet is actually trying for a comeback year with a top-tier recruiting training class and also important returners.5. Creighton.Creighton topped last season with a Sweet 16 look and a 25-10 file.
Baylor Scheierman and Trey Alexander are actually gone, but the Bluejays must be tough once more with Ryan Kalkbrenner (17.3 points every game) back along with protection Steven Ashworth. Creighton also introduces moves Pop Isaacs (Texas Specialist) and also Jamiya Neal (Arizona State) for feasible an additional March Madness run.6. Arizona.Arizona enters along with an accomplished roster under trainer Tommy Lloyd.
Regardless of a Pleasant 16 leave last year, the Wildcats have shown consistency through gaining 33, 28 and also 27 activities along with Lloyd accountable. With a balanced mix of professional players like Caleb Love functioning alongside Jaden Bradley and transfer Trey Townsend (Oakland), the Wildcats will certainly complete in the Big 12.7. Illinois.Illinois possessed a successful 2023-24 that a run to the Elite Eight along with a 29-9 record and also a Big 10 Tournament headline.
Coach Brad Undergrowth will certainly possess a new-look roster featuring moves such as Ben Humrichous (Evansville) as well as Kylan Boswell (Arizona) plus a skilled freshman training class.8. Ohio Condition.Along with a spruced up lineup under train Jake Diebler, the Buckeyes will certainly bank on seasoned leadership coming from Bruce Thornton and crucial transfers like Meechie Johnson (South Carolina) and also Sean Stewart (Battle Each Other). Final period’s 22-14 coating, consisting of a strong NIT operate, gives Ohio Condition a sound groundwork.
With a solid mix of knowledgeable players and talented novices, Ohio State might startle in the conference.KEEP AN EYE OUT: These players are actually positioned for an escapement period.9. Florida.Florida looks keyed to surprise in the SEC this season. After going 24-12 as well as arriving at the SEC competition ultimate, trainer Todd Golden comes back principals Walter Clayton Jr.
as well as Last Will And Testament Richard alongside Alex Condon as well as Thomas Haugh. The Gators likewise incorporated effect moves like Alijah Martin (Florida Atlantic) as well as Rueben Chinyelu (Washington State). Along with a mixture of coming back talent and also brand new skins, Fla’s roster intensity is actually solid.10.
Cincinnati.Cincinnati is coming off a 22-15 time that ended in the NIT quarterfinals. Train Wes Miller and the Bearcats profit important players like Dan Skillings Jr. as well as Simas Lukosius while including moves Dillon Mitchell (Texas) and Arrinten Page (USC).
The Bearcats’ intensity and also equilibrium make them a prospective sleeper in the Major 12, but they’ll deal with a difficult timetable.