Hey basketball fans! You know me, I love talking about the big boys in college basketball, and yes, Kansas looks like a powerhouse for the 2024-25 season. But let’s not forget about the little guys who could make a lot of noise when March Madness rolls around!
We have some mid-tier teams ready to dance their way to the Sweet 16 and beyond when March rolls around. Here are five teams to keep an eye on when the new season begins on Nov. 4:
1. McNeese Jeans
Last year, the Cowboys had a spectacular season under coach Will Wade, going 30-4 and making it to the NCAA Tournament in their first game in more than 20 years. They lost to Gonzaga, but hey, that experience is gold. This year, they have Brandon Murray back from Georgetown and Ole Miss and Quadir Copeland from Syracuse, who finished second in ACC Sixth Man of the Year voting. With a tougher schedule that includes Alabama and Mississippi State, the Cowboys are primed for big wins.
2. St. Louis Billikens
What a move, baby! Saint Louis signed Josh Schertz from Indiana State, and brings with them some serious talent, including Robbie Avila, who was a beast last season at 17.6 points per game. Add in Isaiah Swope (Indiana State), Kobe Johnson (West Virginia), AJ Casey (Miami) and Josiah Dotzler (Creighton), and you have a team ready to take the A-10 by storm. With Gibson Jimerson and Larry Hughes II back, the Billikens look to end a six-year NCAA Tournament drought.
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Robbie Avila's best plays of the season
Take a look at some of Robbie Avila's best plays of the season at Indiana State as he entered the transfer portal on Tuesday.
3. Loyola Marymount Lions
Watch out, West Coast Conference! It's not just Gonzaga and Saint Mary's anymore. The Lions have re-signed with some talented players in Jevon Porter (Pepperdine), Myron Amey Jr. (San Jose State), Jan Vide (UCLA) and Matar Diop (Nebraska). Porter was one of the standout transfers, averaging 16.2 points per game last season, and Amey is an explosive point guard. Freshman Jael Martin brings height and versatility, and the Lions are eager for their first tournament appearance in over 30 years!
4. Grand Canyon Tours
Bryce Drew is making magic in the desert. Coming off a 30-5 season and an upset win over Saint Mary's in the NCAA tournament, the Lopes are looking to go even further. They've brought in JaKobe Coles (TCU), Makaih Williams (UT Arlington) and Dennis Evans (Louisville). Coles is a seasoned veteran and Williams was the WAC Rookie of the Year. With this team, the Sweet 16 is within reach.
5. Loyola Chicago Ramblers
Sister Jean, we love you! The Ramblers are back and coach Drew Valentine has them trending upward with a top-50 recruiting class. Freshmen Seifeldin Hendawy and Daniil Glazkov are turning heads and the portal has been good to them with Justin Moore (Drexel), Kymany Houinsou (Washington State), Jalen DeLoach (Georgia) and Francis Nwaokorie (UC San Diego) joining the ranks. With just one player lost to the transfer portal, the Ramblers are ready to make noise again.
And don't forget about the James Madison Dukes, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, George Mason Patriots, and VCU Rams. These mid-major teams are ready to give it their all. Get your popcorn ready because this season is going to be a great one!
