With 2025 just beginning, here are teams with less media attention that have put up strong resumes so far. Don’t lose track of these teams!
Utah State:
Has a strength of record (SOR) that ranks 12th in the nation. This blows most other mid-majors out of the water. They are also undefeated in quad 1 games. This team has proved they can come out on top in close games. Outlasting San Diego St, St. Marys, and Nevada which were all road games. Their biggest competition will come against San Diego St If they take care of business in the mountain west expect to see them firmly in the field.
Memphis:
Recently dominated FAU 90-62. This team had steadily remained around 30 in the net. Wins against Uconn and Michigan State should not be forgotten as the season progresses. They are out of Q1 opportunities for the remainder of conference play. PJ Haggerty leads Memphis with 22 a game and has scored in double figures in every game.
San Diego St:
Sitting at 9-3 and only lossing Quad 1 opportunities, this team is relevent for a mid-major due to their tourney success and a final 4 run in 2023. Their SOS is 11th, however they can still be over looked for east coasters who probaby watch more Power conference games in 2 weeks than mountain west games the entire year. Keep an eye out for the mountain west.
These elite players are who you need to follow. Fun to watch, Athletic, NBA level talents:
Keshon Gilbert – Iowa St:
This guard reminds me of Ja Morant. His ball handling, passing and a very impressive first step when driving keeps the defense off-balanced. He leads the number 3 ranked team in the nation in points and assists with his most statistically impressive game being a 24-point, 7 assist outing with just 1 turnover against Marquette December 4th which is their best win.
Cooper Flagg – Duke:
Probably the most obvious pick out of these here is the youngster in Durham. There will be a lot of media and national televsion attention because its Duke. Duke is a projected number 1 seed in a down ACC. With more high level stars being in other conferences outside of the ACC, (SEC, BIG 12, BIG 10) he stands out as the conferences best talent. His stats thus far speak for themselves: 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists a game.
Kasparas Jakucionis – Illinois:
The freshman guard from Lithuania has a great feel for the game. he’s patient and he always makes the right play. His turnovers are due to the fact that he is so ball dominant. He leads the team at 16.3 ppg, shoots 43% from deep, and leads the team in assists at 5 apg. His best game was at Northwestern when he dropped 20 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. He has filled the stat sheet in all categories consitently game after game. He is a projected first round pick. The best player on an illinois team that just blewout Oregon at Oregon and is trending in the right direction deserves national attention in the college basketball world.