The anticipation for the 2025-2026 college basketball season is building as teams sharpen their strategies. With only ten days until the season tip-off, it’s an exciting time for fans and players alike. The University of Kentucky recently held their Blue-White Scrimmage and is preparing for an exhibition game against #1 Purdue at Rupp Arena on October 24th.
Top 5 Storylines to Watch 10 Days Before College Basketball Season
As the countdown to the season begins, several captivating storylines are emerging. In the coming days, El-Balad will unveil five storylines every five days, adding up to 25 key narratives by the season opener on November 3rd.
1. Evan Miya’s Simulations Highlight Contenders
Data analyst Evan Miya simulated the upcoming season 10,000 times, revealing crucial insights:
- Only six teams, including Duke, Florida, Houston, Michigan, Purdue, and UConn, display the potential to finish #1.
- Kentucky’s projected finish ranges from 2nd to 46th, with a median position of 15th.
- Florida, Purdue, and UConn exhibit minimal variance in expected performance.
2. Coaches on the Move
Coaching shifts are poised to reshape numerous programs. Here are five coaches to watch:
- Chris Gerlufsen (San Francisco): A successful season could propel him to a high-profile position.
- John Groce (Akron): After leading Akron to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, he aims for a return to a major conference.
- Todd Phillips (Utah Valley): With a talented roster, he is favored to clinch a NCAA Tournament berth.
- Leon Rice (Boise State): A return to the NCAA Tournament could land him opportunities in higher-tier programs.
- Takayo Siddle (UNC Wilmington): After reaching the NCAA Tournament, another strong season could elevate his career.
3. Standout Mid-Major Players
Several players in mid-major conferences are generating buzz ahead of the season:
- Robbie Avila (Saint Louis): The senior center averaged 17.3 points and earned All-A10 honors last season.
- Miles Byrd (San Diego State): His performance as a junior positions him for potential NBA Draft consideration.
- Mason Falslev (Utah State): Falslev’s versatility makes him a key player as Utah State aims for success.
- Javohn Garcia (McNeese): The Southland Player of the Year is critical for McNeese’s hopes in the upcoming season.
- Chase Walker (Illinois State): A vital part of Illinois State’s pursuit in the Missouri Valley Conference.
4. Preseason Rankings and Predictions
Insights from college basketball analyst Matt Norlander are shaping early expectations:
- Kentucky is ranked #3, reflecting strong optimism post-exhibition.
- Kansas, at #7, continues to impress with its young talent.
- Florida’s ranking at #11 raises eyebrows after concerns about roster adjustments.
- AJ Dybantsa’s unique talent at BYU is positioning the team as a potential surprise this season.
5. Freshman Phenoms Shine
This season, expectations are high for several freshmen:
- Cameron Boozer (Duke): Dominated in his first exhibition, showcasing his elite skills.
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU): Made a significant impact in his debut, proving he is a player to watch.
- Darryn Peterson (Kansas): Stood out with a stellar performance against Louisville.
With the college basketball season just days away, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and emerging stars. El-Balad will continue to provide comprehensive coverage as the storylines unfold.
