Top College Basketball Storylines to Watch in the Next 10 Days

As college basketball season approaches, several key storylines are emerging. In just ten days, the 2025-2026 season will tip off, and fans are eager for the action. The excitement builds as teams prepare for critical exhibition games, including a notable matchup between Kentucky and top-ranked Purdue on October 24 at Rupp Arena.

Key Storylines for the Upcoming College Basketball Season

In honor of the upcoming season, here are significant narratives to watch over the next ten days:

• Evan Miya’s Season Simulations: Miya simulated the upcoming season over 10,000 times. Notably, six teams, including Duke and Purdue, had the highest potential for a No. 1 finish.
• Coaches on the Move: Several coaches are positioned for potential promotions. Watch for Chris Gerlufsen (San Francisco) and John Groce (Akron) as they aim for NCAA Tournament berths.
• Mid-Major Players Making Headlines: Notable talents like Robbie Avila (Saint Louis) and Mason Falslev (Utah State) are expected to shine and potentially elevate their teams to new heights.
• Matt Norlander’s Rankings: Kentucky ranks third in Norlander’s preseason poll, closely followed by Kansas at seventh. The rankings reflect strong performances in recent exhibitions.
• Impressive Freshmen: Freshmen Cameron Boozer (Duke) and AJ Dybantsa (BYU) have already started strong. They are projected to make significant impacts this season.

Coaches to Watch

Several coaches could move to higher-profile positions if they succeed this season:

• Chris Gerlufsen (San Francisco): With a strong season, he could attract attention similar to previous coaches from the program.
• John Groce (Akron): After guiding Akron to two consecutive NCAA Tournaments, Groce is a candidate for major conference opportunities.
• Todd Phillips (Utah Valley): Expected to lead his team to the NCAA Tournament, Phillips could be the next coach to make a leap.

Mid-Major Stars to Follow

Keep an eye on these standout players in the mid-major landscape:

• Robbie Avila (Saint Louis): A previously established star, Avila averaged 17.3 points last season and looks to continue his ascent.
• Mason Falslev (Utah State): Key to a top offensive team, Falslev averaged 15.0 points, showcasing his versatile skill set.
• Javohn Garcia (McNeese): After winning Southland Player of the Year, Garcia’s performance will be vital for his team’s success.

Top Rankings and Expectations

As the season nears, expect plenty of surprises. The preseason rankings reflect a competitive landscape:

In summary, with just ten days until the season begins, college basketball fans are primed for an exhilarating year. Key players, coaches, and teams will shape the narrative as the action unfolds.