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NCAA Basketball: 5 preseason unranked teams that could win it all in 2023-24

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: New St. Johns Red Storm head basketball coach Rick Pitino during a press conference, at Madison Square Garden on March 21, 2023 in New York City. Pitino, who recently coach at Iona, became the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four and the first coach to win an NCAA Championship at two different schools. (Photo by Porter BInks )
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: New St. Johns Red Storm head basketball coach Rick Pitino during a press conference, at Madison Square Garden on March 21, 2023 in New York City. Pitino, who recently coach at Iona, became the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four and the first coach to win an NCAA Championship at two different schools. (Photo by Porter BInks ) /
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Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome NCAA Basketball
Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome NCAA Basketball /

Auburn Tigers

The Tigers have been an NCAA Tournament team for 5 of the last 6 years, including a Final Four appearance in 2019. They’ve been good since then but most of the blame for the low ceiling went to the backcourt duo of KD Johnson and Wendell Green Jr., who were inefficient on offense. Since then, Green is gone, replaced by incoming five-star freshman ball-handler, Aden Holloway.

With 20 ppg scoring transfer Denver Jones on the roster, Auburn’s backcourt could be as good as the one that went to the Final Four a few years ago. The key will be on the wings, as they had to replace Allen Flanigan, a double-digit contributor last season.

D-II transfer Chaney Johnson and JUCO All-American and former San Diego State/Duquesne forward Chad Baker-Mazara could make them even tougher on the defensive end. But they also have to provide some offense as well, or else the Tigers will have to run three-guard offenses.

What gives Auburn a chance at exceeding expectations is star big man, Johni Broome. He’s one of the best shot-blockers in NCAA Basketball and led the team in scoring last season. But in order for them to become surprise national contenders, Holloway needs to stand out as a lead guard.

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