The ocean of talent is distributed among 353 teams in NCAA Division I basketball. There are 32 conferences splitting 11 teams each to decide the best of them all. Each plays to win their respective conference and the conference tournament. The Kansas Jayhawks will be defending the title as we are closing in on the start of the new season. They beat the no. 8 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in the final.
It is not far away that the rosters for the 2022–23 season of men’s college basketball will be set for the new season as the NBA withdrawal deadline has passed, and most of this year’s coaching carousel and transfer cycle has ended.
The season will start in the second week of November 2022. Most teams play 24 games per season depending on their division. There have been several golden runs in the history of NCAA basketball. This year after evaluating teams, the following are the top teams at the moment.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The runners-up of the last season seem strong, especially after including Pete Nance. They are ranked at the top and have a good chance of crossing the finish line this season. The Tar Heels have jumped rankings since their drafts and transfers.
With Nance joining the team, Davis can rest Armando Bacot as he averaged 35 minutes per game last season. The duo of Nance and Bacot at the front court can be dominating while the backcourt pairing of RJ Davis and Caleb Love makes the team formidable. In addition, the Heels will have the services of a senior defensive player, Leaky Black. All five combined make the best team at the moment in NCAA basketball.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
For the last two years, the Bulldogs were short of winning the championship. However, this season, they might just get their hands on the trophy. Drew Timme, Julian Strawther, and Rasir Bolton will stay for one more year. This puts the Bulldogs right at the top with the Heels for the title run.
Timme displayed incredible shooting ability at the NBA combine, and if he can translate that effort in the NCAA season, he can be the game changer. In addition, Nolan Hickman and Malachi Smith strengthened the squad. The combination looks lethal on paper. If they can convert their potential into performances, the Bulldogs will be unstoppable.
Houston Cougars
Kelvin Sampson has all the positions covered this season. Marcus Sasser is back after his injury, and with Tramon Mark, the duo on the offence will be deadly. Their point guard Jamal Shead and forward Jarace Walker will complement the team combination. Last season, the Cougars suffered because of injuries. However, this time around, things are looking good, and they can be a contender for the title.
Kentucky Wildcats
Oscar Tshiebwe returns to the Wildcats. Besides, other recruits are crucial as well. Cason Wallace, Chris Livingston, and the transfer of Antonio Reeves from Illinois add value to the pool. The experience and speed of Sahvir Wheeler will be vital, but his shooting point is still a concern. Nevertheless, the team will play around him, and the Wildcats can fancy a chance of finishing in the top four or may qualify for the finals.
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks may have the top NBA prospect for the next season in the likes of Nick Smith. Those following online sportsbooks will be betting on Smith to showcase his abilities. Along with him, Anthony Black and Jordan Walsh will be crucial. Eric Musselman and Trevon Brazile in the frontcourt will be interesting. Overall, it is a solid team with all positions covered.
