Busting Brackets
Fansided

NCAA Basketball: “League Pass Rankings” for 2021-22 season

By Brandon Simberg

Memphis Tigers guard Emoni Bates is introduced before their game against the Lane Dragons at FedExForum on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.Jrca9946a
Memphis Tigers guard Emoni Bates is introduced before their game against the Lane Dragons at FedExForum on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021.Jrca9946a /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 9
Next
NCAA Basketball Keve Aluma Virginia Tech Hokies (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
NCAA Basketball Keve Aluma Virginia Tech Hokies (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

I looked outside my window at 5 P.M. today and it was dark, which can only mean one thing; the NCAA basketball season is upon us.

Inspired by ESPN’s Zach Lowe, I wanted to take a look at the teams I’m most excited to watch this season. There is no universal opinion on what makes a basketball team fun. Some people enjoy watching Virginia hold opponents to 20 points in a half.

I prefer up-tempo, modern offenses, with elite guard play, and generally exciting players. The more threes and dunks the merrier. Here are some of the things I was looking for in these rankings:

  • Guard play. To me, guards make college basketball. Your team must have good guards to get me really interested.
  • Superstar/take-over potential. Does your team have a player that can take over games? Some player that makes you stop what you’re doing and tune into their game instantly?
  • Athletes. Points for up-tempo teams, and teams that frequently appear in the Sportscenter top 10.
  • Aesthetics. If you have a cool court or jersey design, I’m more intrigued.
  • Storylines. I want the game to matter, at least a little bit. If I hop on Twitter, can I find other people talking about this game? With that being said, here are the teams I’m most excited to watch.

Honorable Mentions

UW-Milwaukee

What happens when you put a 6’9 lottery pick in the Horizon League? Well, we’re about to find out. Patrick Baldwin is going to be must-see TV as he tries to will the Panthers to their first NCAA Tournament since 2014.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Regardless of the roster, I enjoy a lot of the stuff Mike Young runs as a head coach. Have an off-night and the Hokies can surprise you regardless of who you are. Keve Aluma is one of my favorite unsung players in the ACC this season.

Detroit-Mercy Titans

Speaking of electric scoring guards that can go off, Antoine Davis is that guy. He averages a career 24.9 points per game over three seasons. Now as a senior, he’s a candidate to break even more records.

Home/NCAA Basketball News