Welcome to another edition of College Basketball Weekly, where we dive into the most intriguing rebuilds this season. With the ever-changing landscape of college hoops, marked by the transfer portal and NIL deals, programs are reshaping at an unprecedented rate. Let’s take a look at some of the teams undergoing major overhauls and how they’re faring.
Notable Results: Since last Sunday, we’ve seen some wild results across college basketball:
- Arkansas 89 vs. (14) Michigan 87
- (20) Wisconsin 80 @ Illinois 86
- (3) Iowa State 89 @ Iowa 80
- Louisville 85 @ (5) Kentucky 93
- (17) Texas A&M 70 vs. (11) Purdue 66
- Xavier 65 @ (22) Cincinnati 68
- (24) UCLA 57 @ Arizona 54
- (1) Tennessee 66 @ Illinois 64
- (6) Marquette 63 @ Dayton 71
- (8) Gonzaga 71 vs. (18) UConn 77
Quick Blurbs:
- UConn Bounces Back: After struggling in early-season games, UConn has found its groove, reclaiming the No. 4 spot in the nation. Recent victories over Baylor, Gonzaga, and Texas show they’re ready for a deep tournament run.
- Dayton’s Rise: The Flyers continue to impress with a strong season, highlighted by wins over Northwestern and Marquette. Dayton is now firmly in the discussion as one of the top mid-major teams this year.
- SEC Dominance: Kentucky took down Louisville in a thrilling Battle of the Bluegrass, and Tennessee maintained its undefeated streak with a buzzer-beater win over Illinois. Meanwhile, Texas A&M secured a significant win over Purdue.
The Overhaul Check-In: A Look at the Rebuilds
This season has seen a number of power-conference teams revamp their rosters and coaching staff. With the shifting landscape, here’s how some of the biggest rebuilds are shaping up:
Kentucky:
The Wildcats are a completely different team under new head coach Mark Pope, who arrived with a fresh perspective and roster. After losing key players and adding transfers, Kentucky has emerged as a contender with a newfound identity. Pope’s leadership is starting to show in wins over Duke and Gonzaga, but the team’s biggest challenge will be maintaining consistency.
Louisville:
Pat Kelsey inherited a Louisville squad plagued by injuries and roster turnover. Despite the setbacks, Kelsey’s defensive schemes and reliance on the three-point shot have helped the Cards remain competitive. Making the tournament in his first year would be a monumental achievement, but with a challenging schedule ahead, it remains to be seen if Louisville can continue to defy the odds.
Vanderbilt:
Mark Byington’s early success with a revamped Vanderbilt team has been impressive. The Commodores are 4-0 against power conference teams, with a single loss to undefeated Drake. With continued success in SEC play, Vandy has the potential to make a return to the NCAA Tournament.
West Virginia:
Under Darian DeVries, West Virginia has brought in two standout players—Tucker DeVries and Javon Small. The duo has given the Mountaineers a much-needed 1-2 punch, with a mix of shooting and offensive balance. If they can improve their defense and rebound, West Virginia could make a run in March.
DePaul:
One of the most surprising programs this season, DePaul has become a shooting powerhouse. Their quick start and hot shooting from beyond the arc have made them a fun team to watch, and their progress from last season’s dismal record has been nothing short of impressive.
USC:
USC’s season has been unpredictable with a brand-new roster. While they’ve had some disappointing losses, the Trojans’ surprising wins show that they’re capable of competing at a high level. Under a new coaching regime, this team is still figuring things out but remains a wildcard in the Pac-12.
Games to Watch This Week:
While the semester finals and holiday season slow things down, there are still some intriguing matchups to look forward to:
- Tues: North Carolina @ (9) Florida
- Wed: (13) Oklahoma @ (14) Michigan
- Fri: (22) Cincinnati @ Dayton
- Sat: (25) Mississippi State @ Memphis
- Sat: (24) UCLA @ North Carolina
- Sat: (11) Purdue @ (2) Auburn
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track the progress of these rebuilds and the season’s biggest stories.
