The throne was not abdicated, after all.
Dan Hurley declined the Lakers’ offer on Monday and will continue at Connecticut to pursue his third consecutive NCAA championship.
Which programs are best suited to derail the Huskies?
Alabama and Iowa State both have a large number of returning students.
Kansas and Indiana gorged on the transfer portals.
Gonzaga and Baylor are lurking.
Alabama and Iowa State both have a large number of returning students.
Kansas and Indiana gorged on the transfer portals.
Gonzaga and Baylor are lurking.
There is no clear favorite, as there is no 2025 version of what UConn was in 2024.
However, the small list of teams capable of winning the national championship is remarkably extensive, as a slew of quality players declined the NBA Draft in favor of another season in college — and more NIL money.
The projection below has been revised from the original, which was released before Eric Musselman left Arkansas for USC, John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas, and all of the other mayhem occurred.
Alabama and Iowa State each have a substantial amount of returning students.
Kansas and Indiana gorged on transfer gates.
Gonzaga and Baylor are lurking.
There is no clear favorite since UConn is not the same in 2025 as it was in 2024.
However, the limited list of teams capable of winning the national championship is surprisingly long, since a spate of talented players passed on the NBA Draft in favor of another season in college — and more NIL money.
The projection below has been updated from the original, which was posted before Eric Musselman left Arkansas for USC, John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas, and all of the other chaos ensued.
Also considered: Boise State, Brigham Young, Clemson, Colorado State, Grand Canyon, Illinois, Indiana State, James Madison, Kentucky, Marquette, Maryland, McNeese State, Michigan State, N.C. State, Nebraska, Oakland, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, South Carolina, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, UCLA, Villanova and Xavier.
1. Alabama. A second consecutive Final Four appearance moved within reach when star guard Marc Sears withdrew from the NBA Draft. He joins a stout returning core and an impressive group of transfers to give the Crimson Tide more than enough depth and playmaking. Basketball school. Previous: 4
2. Gonzaga. A retooled roster that found its groove in the stretch run should continue the ascent with the return of guards Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman, plus big man Graham Ike. Add transfers Michael Ajayi (from Pepperdine) and Khalif Battle (Arkansas), who scored 34 points against Kentucky in a late-season loss, and the Zags will be back on the national stage. Previous: 6
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