The college basketball landscape is shifting as preseason rankings roll out, and some of the sport’s biggest names are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory. With powerhouse programs rising and storied coaches facing new challenges, anticipation is building for a season that promises surprises at every turn.
Powerhouses Rise: Purdue and Houston Set the Pace
Purdue and Houston have emerged as the consensus favorites heading into the new season, thanks to strong returning cores and high-profile additions.
“I have Purdue as my preseason number one team in college basketball because Braden Smith is back, because Trey Kaufman-Renn is back—two seniors, four-year starters coming back that were All-Americans last year, plus Fletcher Loyer,” one analyst emphasized, highlighting the Boilermakers’ depth and experience.
The addition of Oscar Cluff and the development of young wings such as Jakari Harris and CJ Cox further bolsters Matt Painter’s squad, making them a formidable force.
Houston, under Kelvin Sampson, is not far behind, ranked #4 in the Associated Press preseason poll and earning its third straight AP Preseason Top-10 ranking under Sampson’s leadership.
“I would have Houston number two, Milos Yuzanne coming back to school—all the reasons we discussed earlier,” the analyst noted, underscoring the Cougars’ consistency and talent pipeline. The team’s school-record 86th consecutive poll appearance signals a program built for sustained excellence.
The battle for the third spot remains fiercely contested, with teams like Florida, UConn, and Louisville all in the mix. “You can make the argument for about nine different teams to be the number three team in college basketball,” the analyst observed, reflecting the parity and unpredictability that define this year’s preseason rankings.
Pitino’s St. John’s: From Hype to Humbling Reality
While Purdue and Houston climb, Rick Pitino’s St. John’s squad finds itself on the edge of the rankings, a stark contrast to preseason expectations. Despite receiving 91 votes in the AP Preseason Top 25—second-most among teams outside the top 25—the Red Storm have not cracked the main list, signaling a precarious position for the Hall of Fame coach’s team.
For Pitino, the challenge is clear. “This team is doing what it takes to win. I hope they develop into the team we had by the end of last year because currently, transition and man-to-man defense are significant weaknesses,” Pitino admitted following an uneven performance against Quinnipiac.
The Red Storm’s offensive efficiency ranks 22nd, and their defense is 14th, but their lack of a Top 25 ranking reflects skepticism about their ability to contend with the elite.
The upcoming schedule offers little respite, with high-stakes games looming and pressure mounting. Pitino, who last coached a ranked team in 2016-17, remains focused: “You don’t focus on the coach at the other end. I’ll coach against my son, but the focus is on our team winning.”
The journey back to prominence will demand more than reputation—it will require results on the court.
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As preseason rankings set the stage, Purdue and Houston look poised for dominance, while Pitino’s St. John’s faces an uphill climb. With the season fast approaching, the only certainty is that the battle for supremacy will be as intense as ever.
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