2023-24 Division I Men’s College Basketball Season Set to Begin
Preseason Bracket Reveals Top Contenders
The end of Daylight Savings Time marks the start of an exciting season for college basketball fans. The 2023-24 Division I men’s college basketball season is set to kick off on Monday, and anticipation is high as teams prepare to compete for the national championship.
Top Seeds and Teams to Watch
Let’s take a closer look at the top overall national seeds and the teams on the No. 1 line in this preseason bracket:
No. 1 Seed Overall - Kansas (South)
The Kansas Jayhawks are loaded with talent and have their sights set on their fifth national championship. Coach Bill Self has made some impressive additions to the team, including big man Hunter Dickinson from Michigan and sharpshooter Nick Timberlake from Towson. With a strong returning core and the addition of five-star freshman guard Elmarko Jackson, the Jayhawks are poised for success.
No. 2 Overall – Duke (East)
Duke is a popular pick to win it all in Jon Scheyer’s second year as head coach. The Blue Devils boast a talented roster, led by Preseason First Team All-American Kyle Filipkowski. With a strong recruiting class and key returnees like senior guard Jeremy Roach, Duke is expected to be a formidable contender.
No. 3 Overall – Purdue (Midwest)
Purdue is determined to make a deep tournament run and secure their first NCAA Tournament championship. The Boilermakers have a strong lineup, including consensus Player of the Year Zach Edey. Freshmen Myles Colvin and Cam Heide, along with defensive specialist Lance Jones, add athleticism to the team. After recent disappointments in the tournament, Purdue is motivated to prove themselves in March.
No. 4 Overall – Michigan State (West)
Michigan State rounds out the projected top four teams. The return of guards Jaden Akins and A.J. Hoggard has boosted the Spartans’ national championship hopes. Coach Tom Izzo has a talented roster, including top-10 recruit Xavier Booker. With a mix of experience and young talent, Michigan State is poised for success.
Conference Notes
- The Big Ten conference has eight teams represented in this bracket, with Michigan State and Purdue leading the way. The conference is eager to end its long drought without an NCAA Tournament champion since the Spartans’ victory in 2000.
- The SEC boasts nine teams in the bracket, with Tennessee as the 2-seed. Arkansas and Texas A&M are also among the top four seeds.
- The Big East has seven teams in the field, including three among the top 10 overall.
- The Big 12, which recently expanded with the addition of Houston, UCF, Cincinnati, and BYU, also has seven teams in the bracket. This marks a record for the highest percentage of teams from one conference.
FAU’s Quest for Success in a New Conference
One intriguing storyline to watch this season is the performance of FAU. After an impressive run to the Final Four as an 8-seed last season, FAU has moved to the American Athletic Conference from Conference USA. The team faces tough competition, including home-and-home matchups with Memphis. FAU’s success in the new conference will be crucial in securing a favorable NCAA Tournament seed.
No Home Advantage in NCAA Tournament
In the NCAA Tournament, teams are not allowed to play on their home courts or in venues they host. This season, Creighton will not have the advantage of playing in Omaha, their home floor, as they are hosting. However, Gonzaga, located in Spokane, Washington, will have the opportunity to play in the Spokane sub-regional since it is not their home floor and they are not hosting.