St. John's Rises as Top Contender Amid Major College Basketball Roster Shake-ups

August 28, 2025
St. John's Rises as Top Contender Amid Major College Basketball Roster Shake-ups
  • The college basketball offseason has been marked by significant roster changes, with some programs strengthening their squads while others face setbacks and controversies.

  • The NCAA tournament expansion was blocked, maintaining the current 68-team format for at least another season, representing a setback for those advocating for expansion.

  • Memphis is viewed as a loser this offseason due to NCAA sanctions, a player arrest, and rejection from the Big 12, which overshadow its on-court prospects.

  • Florida has reloaded its roster with a top-10 transfer class and two four-star recruits, positioning itself as a potential title contender with high expectations for the upcoming season.

  • Kentucky and Louisville are seen as winners in the Bluegrass State, with Kentucky aiming to improve after last season's 24 wins and Louisville making a remarkable jump from 8-24 to 27-8 under Pat Kelsey, both bolstered by strong incoming classes.

  • The Big Ten remains highly optimistic, with projections indicating four teams in the top 10 and nine in the top 30, including Michigan, Purdue, Illinois, and Michigan State, highlighting a deep and competitive league.

  • Duke has solidified its position in the ACC with the No. 1 recruiting class, aiming for preseason No. 1, and is pulling ahead of North Carolina and NC State, which face challenges in matching its recruiting momentum.

  • Houston continues to dominate the Big 12, returning key players and adding top recruits like Chris Cenac Jr., making it the favorite to win the conference again, while other league teams are seen as secondary contenders.

  • St. John's, led by Rick Pitino, is emerging as a top contender thanks to a top-ranked transfer class featuring three top-25 recruits and the return of key players, setting sights on over 30 wins next season.

  • Kevin Willard's tumultuous offseason, marked by his departure from Maryland and a difficult transition to Villanova, is viewed as a negative development for his and the Wildcats' rebuilding efforts.

Summary based on 1 source


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