NCAA Basketball: 10 sleeper teams to watch heading into 2023-24 season

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 25: Sweet 16/Elite March Madness logo on the floor before the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 game between the Providence Friars and the Kansas Jayhawks at the United Center Center on March 25, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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Jamal Mashburn Jr. (5) and Jaelen House (10). Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

New Mexico Lobos

Last season, Richard Pitinio’s Lobos jumped out to a 14-0 start and jumped as high as #18 in the Associated Press Top 25.

Although the Lobos stumbled down the final stretch of the season, they still managed to snag a two-seed in the NIT and eclipse a 22-win total — a nine-win difference from their previous season.

Despite losing Morris Udeze, returning for New Mexico includes arguably the Mountain West’s most talented and experienced backcourt in Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Jaelen House. Both guards averaged more than 16 points per game with over 30 minutes played last season while House earned All-Defense Honors and Mashburn Jr. earned first-team all-conference in 2023, respectively.

The Lobos also added Kentucky/Arizona/Fresno State transfer Jemarl Baker (who started his collegiate career in 2017), highly efficient First-Team All-MAAC Iona transfer Nelly Junior Joseph and Dayton transfer Mustapha Amzil.

Additionally, Sophomore guard Donovan Dent is primed for a potential breakout year, according to Jon Rothstein via Twitter:

Under-The-Radar Breakout Guy:

New Mexico's Donovan Dent.

Averaged 9.3 PPG last season in games where he logged 25 minutes or more.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 30, 2023

Guard play goes a long way in college basketball. Experience guard play goes even further. Richard Pitino and the New Mexico Lobos look well-equipped to make substantial noise in the Mountain West in 2023-2024.

Next. Duquesne Dukes. dark

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